I think April wanted to make up for the rain we haven't gotten this month today.
We had our thrift sale from 7-3:30 today. It was suppose to be 7-4 but the weather was just not on our side.
So we had to get up at our regular weekday time to finish getting things set up at Corey's sister Amy's house in Durand. Not fun. I don't like getting up during the week at 5:00am, let alone on a weekend.
It was cold and rainy the first part of the day, thank goodness Amy decided to buy a canopy last night at Family Dollar otherwise we would have been screwed. Her garage isn't very big, and we had another makeshift canopy made from and moveable clothesline and a roll of plastic. Plus we had tons of clothes (children-adult) in her basement, which we got to from the garage. There would have been no room for us to sit and take money.
The canopy was moving so much from the wind gusting, we had to bring out the twine and fasten the poles to anything within reach. Wow... We used a lot of string to keep the poles in the ground lol
We did pretty well considering the weather and it was a one-day sale. It was a nice steady on-and-off flow of traffic. Corey's so happy because he sold the Bowflex that we've been trying to sell for about a month now. It was hard because it's such an expensive machine (over $3000 when he bought it 5 years ago), but it's barely been used, and not at all in the past 3 years. He didn't get as much as he wanted for it, but it's better than nothing considering it's been just sitting there taking up space.
Of course Mother Nature decided to have it rain while we had the sale, and about 5 minutes after we picked everything up, we saw clear skies coming our way. And now the sun is out. Pooey. We had a beautiful day yesterday and it's suppose to be nice tomorrow. Only rain today. Rar.
We did make enough to make up for the stuff we bought at the thrift sales Thursday night, and we still have some left for the big 100-mile thrift sale next Friday. Can't wait!
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Spoiling Myself
I had a great time visiting with my parents this weekend. Especially my Mom, we always have a fun time. Dad is usually over-laden with his grandchildren, so I have Mom all to myself ;-)
We took lots of pictures and talked and caught up. I believe Mom even sent me into a giggling fit for over ten minutes! Why the giggle-fit? That's for a later date. :-)
Mom's a reader like me, and I love to read. We share books, usually passing them back and forth. The Harry Potter Series? Initiated by my mom. I currently hold possession of all 7 hardcovers. The Twilight Series? Also initiated by my mother. She currently hold possession of all 4 paperbacks.
I recently discovered a new series that I wrote about a couple entries ago: Fablehaven. Great books. I've read the first 2, I have to order the rest as Wal-Mart only carried 1, 2 and 5. That's ok, I will survive. I brought the 2 I had read up with me to Mom and Dad's for Mom to read, and I know she will fully enjoy them as I did.
The rest of the books? They will be downloaded onto my new Kindle when it arrives sometime next week. That's right, I'm finally getting an eReader! It's actually the newest Kindle coming out, I preordered it last night and it's being released tomorrow. Here's the page on Amazon, it's a great deal and I can't wait for it! I also ordered a skin for it, and it's pretty cool. I will save that for displaying when I get the device.
Mom has a Kindle and she said she loves it. It's suppose to be more comfortable than reading a paperback, which is good since I tend to read really thick and heavy books.
It's also going to be a great space-saver, as I am running out of shelf space for my books. I'm actually going to be going through my books and the kids' books and selling some of them this Saturday at our Thrift Sale.
I decided this will be my Mother's Day present to myself. Corey smiled at that, and said I deserve it. I don't know what he's getting me for Mother's Day, as he's not sure yet. The Kindle should arrive between May 3rd and May 7th, so perfect for Mother's Day!
So, I'm spoiling myself. I'm told it's about time for me to buy something for myself that I want. I read a lot, so this is perfect.
We took lots of pictures and talked and caught up. I believe Mom even sent me into a giggling fit for over ten minutes! Why the giggle-fit? That's for a later date. :-)
Mom's a reader like me, and I love to read. We share books, usually passing them back and forth. The Harry Potter Series? Initiated by my mom. I currently hold possession of all 7 hardcovers. The Twilight Series? Also initiated by my mother. She currently hold possession of all 4 paperbacks.
I recently discovered a new series that I wrote about a couple entries ago: Fablehaven. Great books. I've read the first 2, I have to order the rest as Wal-Mart only carried 1, 2 and 5. That's ok, I will survive. I brought the 2 I had read up with me to Mom and Dad's for Mom to read, and I know she will fully enjoy them as I did.
The rest of the books? They will be downloaded onto my new Kindle when it arrives sometime next week. That's right, I'm finally getting an eReader! It's actually the newest Kindle coming out, I preordered it last night and it's being released tomorrow. Here's the page on Amazon, it's a great deal and I can't wait for it! I also ordered a skin for it, and it's pretty cool. I will save that for displaying when I get the device.
Mom has a Kindle and she said she loves it. It's suppose to be more comfortable than reading a paperback, which is good since I tend to read really thick and heavy books.
It's also going to be a great space-saver, as I am running out of shelf space for my books. I'm actually going to be going through my books and the kids' books and selling some of them this Saturday at our Thrift Sale.
I decided this will be my Mother's Day present to myself. Corey smiled at that, and said I deserve it. I don't know what he's getting me for Mother's Day, as he's not sure yet. The Kindle should arrive between May 3rd and May 7th, so perfect for Mother's Day!
So, I'm spoiling myself. I'm told it's about time for me to buy something for myself that I want. I read a lot, so this is perfect.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Quilt
So it was a little early. Like, 2 months early. Oh well, it's done.
Mom and Dad's 20th Anniversary is June 8th, and since my mother has bugged me and bugged me about making her a quilt (not really bugged too much, just wanna be a little dramatic here (-:), I did. I decided to make one for their anniversary, and I finished it last weekend. And, being me, I couldn't wait 2 months to give it to them! It would eat me up as my mother makes subtle hints about making her one. "Hunter green is a wonderful color" "You know I'd love a quilt." "When are you making one for me?" Not so subtle, I know, but that's my Mom :-)
Here's the process!
First, I pick a pattern and, if I want to, change the colors and buy the fabric:
I did decide to change the colors, so I bought them and cut them out:
Then, as patience is not a piece of me, I had to make one of each block to see how they looked:
Then I sewed each block and sewed them together (no pictures taken of the process, I was in my element):
And after the borders were added:
Closeups of the corners:
After the batting and backing was sewed on, I put it in a box and wrapped it up nicely. I didn't have anything besides "Happy Birthday" and "Christmas" wrapping paper, so I used my noggin:
Oops... I forgot to rotate this picture. Oh well, as you can see, I used fabric! And used safety pins instead of tape :-)
Pretty, no? I even added a bow and card:
You know how hard it is to write on fabric with a ball-point pen? The message says: I know it's a few months early, but I couldn't wait to give this to you two. Happy 20th Anniversary Mom & Dad! <3 all 7 of us"
Now, since we were going up there this weekend for Easter, I had to give it to them. Like I said, no patience sometimes. They had to close their eyes when I brought it into the house. This is how it went:
Eyes closed!
Mom knew right away, the little brat :-)
I think Dad was a little excited, huh?
Oo! A printer!
Huh? That's not a printer!
Think they like it?
Mom and Dad's 20th Anniversary is June 8th, and since my mother has bugged me and bugged me about making her a quilt (not really bugged too much, just wanna be a little dramatic here (-:), I did. I decided to make one for their anniversary, and I finished it last weekend. And, being me, I couldn't wait 2 months to give it to them! It would eat me up as my mother makes subtle hints about making her one. "Hunter green is a wonderful color" "You know I'd love a quilt." "When are you making one for me?" Not so subtle, I know, but that's my Mom :-)
Here's the process!
First, I pick a pattern and, if I want to, change the colors and buy the fabric:
After the batting and backing was sewed on, I put it in a box and wrapped it up nicely. I didn't have anything besides "Happy Birthday" and "Christmas" wrapping paper, so I used my noggin:
Now, since we were going up there this weekend for Easter, I had to give it to them. Like I said, no patience sometimes. They had to close their eyes when I brought it into the house. This is how it went:
Eyes closed!
Sunday, April 17, 2011
I like em!
This was the group reaction from my guinea pigs today (Corey, Paige, Brady and Walker) when I had them try the cookies. I was wondering with Brady, as he doesn't like berries very much. And the cookies looked interesting. Here is the recipe for the people who didn't get to the link yet:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar and white sugar until smooth. Then, beat in eggs one at a time and stir in vanilla (FYI: I usually blend the eggs and vanilla with the sugar on low/medium for a minute or two).
Combine the flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon in a small mixing bowl and stir/sift together. Next, gradually stir the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture until just blended. Mix in oats, chocolate chips and dried cranberries.
To assemble the cookies, place 1 tablespoon of cookie dough in hand. Take finger and make an indentation in the middle of cookie dough ball. Next, drop about 1/4 teaspoon of raspberry preserve into indentation. Then fold sides of cookie dough up and around the raspberry preserve (so the raspberry preserve is in the middle of the cookie).
Place cookies on a greased cookie sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.
Now, I did do things a little differently. I didn't use cranberries or the raspberry preserves. Also, I used regular milk chocolate chips instead of the white ones. And, I used 3 cups of blackberries I had thawed and drained from the freezer from our bushes last year. It gave an interesting color!
Haha! I was happy to see this, as purple is my favorite color. But purple cookie dough? Hmmm. I did the proper thing and licked the beaters, and decided they tasted pretty good! No picture of that tho lol
There are 5 cookies missing from the picture, as they were the test cookies :-)
The recipe states it makes 3 1/2 dozen, but I have never made cookies the right size, so I ended up with 31 cookies instead. The cookies that have white on them? The beaters didn't quite mix the juice from the berries all the way, but it tastes the same!
So, we all got a treat while I was making homemade biscuits and sausage gravy for dinner. No pictures of that as well, as I was too busy running back and forth across the kitchen to mix the biscuits and keep the gravy from burning. Turned out pretty good! Nice and heavy dinner, so now I think it's time to head into the living room and chill with the second book of the Fablehaven series! I read the first one in about 3 days, and I just bought the second one today and I've been reading it off and on, so I'm on page 107 already. I highly recommend this book series, I've gotten as engrossed in it as I did the Harry Potter and Twilight series. Just need to find the third and fourth books, as WalMart doesn't have them, they only had the first, second and fifth.
Also, as I finally finished my last sewing project, it will be a break from that for me until I start my next one, and I'm not sure what it will be yet. I've toyed with the idea of taking orders and sewing for some extra money, as I know how to do a few things like quilts (any size), baby blankets, pillows, Christmas stockings, etc... I also know how to do this little Christmas tree that is stuffed with little presents glued to the outside, but I haven't done it in years! Oh well, maybe something to think of for later.
-----------------------------
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar (if you don’t have dark brown sugar, use 1 cup of light brown sugar)
- 1 cup white sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2- 2 1/2 cups oatmeal
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4-1/2 cup seedless raspberry preserves
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar and white sugar until smooth. Then, beat in eggs one at a time and stir in vanilla (FYI: I usually blend the eggs and vanilla with the sugar on low/medium for a minute or two).
Combine the flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon in a small mixing bowl and stir/sift together. Next, gradually stir the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture until just blended. Mix in oats, chocolate chips and dried cranberries.
To assemble the cookies, place 1 tablespoon of cookie dough in hand. Take finger and make an indentation in the middle of cookie dough ball. Next, drop about 1/4 teaspoon of raspberry preserve into indentation. Then fold sides of cookie dough up and around the raspberry preserve (so the raspberry preserve is in the middle of the cookie).
Place cookies on a greased cookie sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.
-----------------------------
Now, I did do things a little differently. I didn't use cranberries or the raspberry preserves. Also, I used regular milk chocolate chips instead of the white ones. And, I used 3 cups of blackberries I had thawed and drained from the freezer from our bushes last year. It gave an interesting color!
Haha! I was happy to see this, as purple is my favorite color. But purple cookie dough? Hmmm. I did the proper thing and licked the beaters, and decided they tasted pretty good! No picture of that tho lol
There are 5 cookies missing from the picture, as they were the test cookies :-)
The recipe states it makes 3 1/2 dozen, but I have never made cookies the right size, so I ended up with 31 cookies instead. The cookies that have white on them? The beaters didn't quite mix the juice from the berries all the way, but it tastes the same!
So, we all got a treat while I was making homemade biscuits and sausage gravy for dinner. No pictures of that as well, as I was too busy running back and forth across the kitchen to mix the biscuits and keep the gravy from burning. Turned out pretty good! Nice and heavy dinner, so now I think it's time to head into the living room and chill with the second book of the Fablehaven series! I read the first one in about 3 days, and I just bought the second one today and I've been reading it off and on, so I'm on page 107 already. I highly recommend this book series, I've gotten as engrossed in it as I did the Harry Potter and Twilight series. Just need to find the third and fourth books, as WalMart doesn't have them, they only had the first, second and fifth.
Also, as I finally finished my last sewing project, it will be a break from that for me until I start my next one, and I'm not sure what it will be yet. I've toyed with the idea of taking orders and sewing for some extra money, as I know how to do a few things like quilts (any size), baby blankets, pillows, Christmas stockings, etc... I also know how to do this little Christmas tree that is stuffed with little presents glued to the outside, but I haven't done it in years! Oh well, maybe something to think of for later.
Baking?
Today has been a good day.
After the previous post stated, realizing that I didn't have a baby shower to go to this afternoon, I spent the past few hours cleaning and putting laundry away. I even went shopping by myself *insert gasp here*, for the second time in a row! Wow, doesn't happen often I tell ya.
I also decided, that since I have a little time before Paige, Brady and Walker come home, and Corey comes home, I need to bake some cookies. I don't bake often, so when I do, I want to make it worth it.
I made peanut butter cookies and snickerdoodle cookies a few weeks ago, and now they are almost all gone. I picked up some quick oats the last shopping trip, so I wanted to make some oatmeal cookies. I brought this up to Corey last night, and he was a little hesitant. He isn't a big fan of oatmeal cookies, so I told him I'd throw some chocolate chips in. He looked happier after that. He got even happier when I said I'd also throw in some blackberries that we have in the freezer from last summers bushes.
The trouble with this: trying to find a recipe to revise to add the blackberries. Hmmm... nothing I have here has a recipe that could be modified by my mind to do well enough. So I searched the internet for one. Found one! It calls for white chocolate chips and raspberry preserves, as well as cranberries, but since no one else besides me likes white chips, and I want to use actual berries, and don't have cranberries on hand, I will be modifying it. The site is right here, and I will post the end results after they bake. Here's crossing my fingers they turn out as well as she has pictured!
After the previous post stated, realizing that I didn't have a baby shower to go to this afternoon, I spent the past few hours cleaning and putting laundry away. I even went shopping by myself *insert gasp here*, for the second time in a row! Wow, doesn't happen often I tell ya.
I also decided, that since I have a little time before Paige, Brady and Walker come home, and Corey comes home, I need to bake some cookies. I don't bake often, so when I do, I want to make it worth it.
I made peanut butter cookies and snickerdoodle cookies a few weeks ago, and now they are almost all gone. I picked up some quick oats the last shopping trip, so I wanted to make some oatmeal cookies. I brought this up to Corey last night, and he was a little hesitant. He isn't a big fan of oatmeal cookies, so I told him I'd throw some chocolate chips in. He looked happier after that. He got even happier when I said I'd also throw in some blackberries that we have in the freezer from last summers bushes.
The trouble with this: trying to find a recipe to revise to add the blackberries. Hmmm... nothing I have here has a recipe that could be modified by my mind to do well enough. So I searched the internet for one. Found one! It calls for white chocolate chips and raspberry preserves, as well as cranberries, but since no one else besides me likes white chips, and I want to use actual berries, and don't have cranberries on hand, I will be modifying it. The site is right here, and I will post the end results after they bake. Here's crossing my fingers they turn out as well as she has pictured!
*Insert head-slap here*
You know you've got a lot going on in your head when your memory is shot.
For the past week, I've been looking forward to going to a baby shower today. Corey's out dry-walling for a friend's dad, so I've had the house to myself during the day for the most part this weekend. Been trying to get as much done before today as I could, cleaning-wise and laundry-wise, so I wouldn't have to get it all done tonight.
I got up and got showered and all dressed up to get ready to head to Hudson at about 10 to stop at Wal-Mart then head to Kayla and Troy's. I decided to check the event posted on Facebook and see if there were directions to their place. Good thing I checked! The baby shower isn't until May 15! So here I sit in good clothes and with my hair done nicely, feeling kinda stupid. Hmmm... Think my memory needs an adjustment?
I still do need to run to Wal-Mart to get a few things, so I guess my nice clothes and hair aren't completely wasted. But still, kinda bummed now. Grr.
At least it's a sunny day out! That's a plus I suppose, since it's suppose to be mostly cloudy and rainy this week. Looks like the nice weather we had last week was a tease from Mother Nature. Oh well, it happens. Gotta go with the flow, right?
For the past week, I've been looking forward to going to a baby shower today. Corey's out dry-walling for a friend's dad, so I've had the house to myself during the day for the most part this weekend. Been trying to get as much done before today as I could, cleaning-wise and laundry-wise, so I wouldn't have to get it all done tonight.
I got up and got showered and all dressed up to get ready to head to Hudson at about 10 to stop at Wal-Mart then head to Kayla and Troy's. I decided to check the event posted on Facebook and see if there were directions to their place. Good thing I checked! The baby shower isn't until May 15! So here I sit in good clothes and with my hair done nicely, feeling kinda stupid. Hmmm... Think my memory needs an adjustment?
I still do need to run to Wal-Mart to get a few things, so I guess my nice clothes and hair aren't completely wasted. But still, kinda bummed now. Grr.
At least it's a sunny day out! That's a plus I suppose, since it's suppose to be mostly cloudy and rainy this week. Looks like the nice weather we had last week was a tease from Mother Nature. Oh well, it happens. Gotta go with the flow, right?
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Hello World, it's me, Nichole
It's been a while since I've actually typed anything out besides Facebook statuses. I decided to follow my mom's suggestion and start a blog. I use to be on Open Diary a lot a few years ago, then I did have another blog for a little while, then I kinda drifted off of them. Got into MySpace then Facebook and haven't been writing since.
I think that's the trouble with Facebook and MySpace and Twitter. People get so use to only typing a few words and that's it. It's so fast it doesn't give time to slow down and think. I never got into Twitter btw, sounded kinda dumb to me. Facebook and MySpace have helped me reconnect with people I haven't seen or talked to in a long time, and has helped me keep more in touch with my relatives that are farther away. But, lately, I've had a thought a time or two about starting to write again. Haven't had much time for it with work and home, or at least that's what I've been telling myself.
But it is true, I work in a fast-paced job and my home-life is hectic. Having 5 kids in one house will do that to you, especially when the schedules are every which way but straight. Corey's kids are here with us one week and with their mom the next. Alexis and Kayla are with us Monday night through Friday morning, then with their dad Friday night through Monday mornings. Except for one weekend a month we get them Monday night through the following Monday morning and then they are with their dad Monday night until Tuesday morning, and the pattern repeats itself. Following? It gets easier to understand as it goes on, but not easier to accept. The summer will be different though, we will have ALL children every other week.
This picture was taken before Christmas of this year, and I love it. Not the best shot of me, but the kids and Corey look great. This is what I live with and for. The children make me smile even when they drive me crazy. Corey is someone who I completely fell for and who would do anything for me. He's a wonderful father and boyfriend. People ask if we're ever going to get married, since we've been together for almost 2 1/2 years now, and all I can say is "Maybe someday, but it's not in the plans right now." Then they look at me funny, like I'm nuts or something. I tell Corey we're living in sin with 5 kids and he laughs. True and funny.
I don't know how often I'll post, it might be once a month, once a week, or once a day, or even somewhere in between. It all depends on the time I have (I know Mom, it only takes a few minutes a day, but sometimes it's hard to find the energy for those few minutes to put words to paper, or keys for that matter.) and the words that form in my head.
Also, I think my dad will like the fact that I'm doing this, as he detests Facebook and MySpace and refuses to look at them. Understandable, since my dad is pretty handy with a computer and URL's and knows more about them that anyone I know.
This blog will be first and foremost for myself and my mind. Anyone who reads it is welcome, and welcome to leave their thoughts. Keep in mind, a warning: it's my life and I will live it how I choose to live it, and constructive criticism is thoughtful, but please, think before you type. I left OD and MySpace exactly for those reasons, unthoughtful people who just love to bring others down. I can't stand those type of people, those who thrive on others misery, it's pathetic.
Also, what I write is IMHO and is not necessarily the thoughts of others. I would also appreciate it if you don't like what I write, don't read me. Then you're only making yourself suffer.
For now, that is all I have to say. Happy reading, and if you read me and comment, and have a blog of your own, I will read and do my best to comment back.
I think that's the trouble with Facebook and MySpace and Twitter. People get so use to only typing a few words and that's it. It's so fast it doesn't give time to slow down and think. I never got into Twitter btw, sounded kinda dumb to me. Facebook and MySpace have helped me reconnect with people I haven't seen or talked to in a long time, and has helped me keep more in touch with my relatives that are farther away. But, lately, I've had a thought a time or two about starting to write again. Haven't had much time for it with work and home, or at least that's what I've been telling myself.
But it is true, I work in a fast-paced job and my home-life is hectic. Having 5 kids in one house will do that to you, especially when the schedules are every which way but straight. Corey's kids are here with us one week and with their mom the next. Alexis and Kayla are with us Monday night through Friday morning, then with their dad Friday night through Monday mornings. Except for one weekend a month we get them Monday night through the following Monday morning and then they are with their dad Monday night until Tuesday morning, and the pattern repeats itself. Following? It gets easier to understand as it goes on, but not easier to accept. The summer will be different though, we will have ALL children every other week.
This picture was taken before Christmas of this year, and I love it. Not the best shot of me, but the kids and Corey look great. This is what I live with and for. The children make me smile even when they drive me crazy. Corey is someone who I completely fell for and who would do anything for me. He's a wonderful father and boyfriend. People ask if we're ever going to get married, since we've been together for almost 2 1/2 years now, and all I can say is "Maybe someday, but it's not in the plans right now." Then they look at me funny, like I'm nuts or something. I tell Corey we're living in sin with 5 kids and he laughs. True and funny.
I don't know how often I'll post, it might be once a month, once a week, or once a day, or even somewhere in between. It all depends on the time I have (I know Mom, it only takes a few minutes a day, but sometimes it's hard to find the energy for those few minutes to put words to paper, or keys for that matter.) and the words that form in my head.
Also, I think my dad will like the fact that I'm doing this, as he detests Facebook and MySpace and refuses to look at them. Understandable, since my dad is pretty handy with a computer and URL's and knows more about them that anyone I know.
This blog will be first and foremost for myself and my mind. Anyone who reads it is welcome, and welcome to leave their thoughts. Keep in mind, a warning: it's my life and I will live it how I choose to live it, and constructive criticism is thoughtful, but please, think before you type. I left OD and MySpace exactly for those reasons, unthoughtful people who just love to bring others down. I can't stand those type of people, those who thrive on others misery, it's pathetic.
Also, what I write is IMHO and is not necessarily the thoughts of others. I would also appreciate it if you don't like what I write, don't read me. Then you're only making yourself suffer.
For now, that is all I have to say. Happy reading, and if you read me and comment, and have a blog of your own, I will read and do my best to comment back.
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