NOT a book review

Goodness... I just looked at my blog and realized like every post for the past almost six months has been a book review...  I really DO more than just read, but who has the time for blogging nowadays? Some do, I know! Just not me, evidently... But I shall try. If there's anyone out there that still reads this. :)

What have I been up to? my #1 job is this little (but growing fast) girl!

She's sooo much fun and learning so much! She loves her books, music, play phones and Baby Signing time. She loves people! So much fun to go to the store because she loves to say "HI!" to everyone we meet... several times! ;) How is it even possible that 17 months has passed already? She is an amazing girl! But yes.... she does keep me quite busy. If she is awake, she is moving. ;)

My second (naptime) job is my business! I love my work as a Lilla Rose Independent Consultant! Mostly I do what I can during naptimes (or occasionally after kiddo is in bed.) I don't have huge requirements to keep my consultant status and if I have a very busy time, my job will be right where I left it. And it's such an amazing product that it sells itself! I did my first vendor event last week with my mom and a young friend (she was our hair model!). We had a lot of fun and got to introduce Lilla Rose to our community. :)

A third thing that is happening is, quite frankly, something that ISN'T. We are still. in. our. apartment. sigh... We ARE very blessed! We live in an older, but VERY well maintained complex with an excellent staff! (Our little one loves going to the office to say hi! And they have known her since she was born!) ;) But apartment living is just that. Apartment living. We have neighbors above us with pets - very sweet neighbors - but it is still close quarters. We're not so much "looking" for a house as we are "waiting" for a house. We are ready in every way to buy our long term home, but our home has yet to open up. I know God is working things out in His perfect timing, but sometimes it's hard to wait - especially when you don't see anything happening... But we keep trusting and praying for His will for our little family.

Ah... what else? VBS planning, helping mom with her recital last week, gearing up to plan my sister's wedding... EEEK!!! my baby sister is engaged!!! So happy for her! ;) And many, other things that just keep happening. I reckon you'd just call it life! :) So yes... I do something besides read books...

Coming up next!

Can you believe it's June already?? It's been a busy month!We have been busily putting the finishing touches on our home study! Our "rough draft" has been submitted and we are getting feedback from the agency before we are officially "in the book" and waiting! That may even happen in the next week or so! Exciting!! :)

 In the mean time, it is once again time for our monthly Finished Object Friday!! Well... come Friday anyway.... Here's a little sneak peek of my project. I've been doing some redecorating for summer around our house. :)

See you Friday!

FOF coming soon!

Thanks, everyone for your input! We will begin the new schedule this month... so that means FOF will be this Friday (the 11th) I'll still call it "Finished Object Friday" but really, I don't mind if you are posting through the weekend... I usually don't have much time for blogging on Fridays myself. ;)

Another question especially for those that commented on my last post: I like Blogger's new "reply" feature in the comments, but are each of you getting a notification when I respond to each comment? (Assuming you are subscribed to comments)

And (because I like having pretty pictures in my posts...) Here is a pretty picture:  ;)

Whirlwind

Not a literal whirlwind, thankfully! I hope we don't get too many of those this spring! (Although I've heard it's a good year for them, we haven't had too many in our area.) It just feels like my life is a whirlwind that just. won't. stop!

April absolutely flew by!! We had a big Easter - with a Kids' Easter program and a big church picnic - so fun!

Hubby and I on Easter Sunday

Then I had a small "spa party" at my house, then came  our church's revival services, and two more birthdays to help celebrate.

Spa Party - lip treatments :)

I also got to play "mommy" for a weekend. Faithie stayed with us while her parents went to a conference. We had a blast - getting dressed up for church, combing hair pretty, shopping for new shoes (and a few outfits) and reading Betsy-Tacy and the Bible before bed. Such a sweet girlie!

Thrifting with Faithie and my Mom

May has already started full blast, with company, helping a friend move and a big Sunday dinner at my house. Oh, my. :)

But it's a fun busy! And I've already got a mental to-do list for today... including some spray painting!

Speaking of projects... I've been thinking that FOF should probably be once a month. I don't like to keep putting it off, but I haven't seemed to be crafting quite as much as I used to, and (as you may have noticed) my posts don't always get up on the designated day. Any thoughts on that? I love sharing projects especially seeing what you all have been up to. I just feel like blogging (obviously) has taken a back burner to all the business of life... That can be good and bad... But I love this platform and sharing thoughts, events, and projects with my group of "blogging buddies!" Some of you I have never even met, but I feel that you are absolutely among my circle of friends, and I don't want to lose that! :)

Off I go to get some of those projects done.... ;)

Finally!!

Ok, now that Blogger is finally back up!! wow. Anyway. Obviously, I didn't get a FOF posted yet, but today is the day!! I am excited to share my finished object, but that will have to come in the morning. :) Hope you all had a wonderful Friday - I'll see you tomorrow for Finished Object Friday Saturday! :)

31 Days to Clean!

My house needs a good cleaning... yet here I sit. :) Maybe what I need is a good book to motivate me, right? Sarah Mae is giving away a free copy of her book, 31 Days to Clean, in exchange for blogging/twittering about it! How cool is that! :)   Thank you, Sarah Mae!! :)

Update!

For those of you who visited my blog earlier today... I now have the finished chair pictures here! :) Thanks for your patience!


Happy Friday! :)

Happy February!!

Yay for a new month! Isn't it always like getting a fresh start? (Kindof like a new year in minature!) :) Ok, I'll quit waxing eloquent....

The real reason for this blog post is because we have a winner!

Way to go, Tammy!

Like usual, I do my drawings the old fashioned way. Mark is so sweet to help me out on the drawings. I think he enjoys the fun almost as much as I do! :)

So, Tammy, email me so I can get your info and pop Sense and Sensibility in the mail to you!
charitree (at) gmail (dot) com

Happy February, everyone!!

Finished Room Thursday + A Giveaway!

Yes! The office is officially de-cluttered (not counting drawers ahem...)



Now, I know this room won't be in a magazine anytime soon. :) It's not someplace that I have really decorated. (Actually, I'm hoping someday to do a complete remodel... replacing the love seat with a rocker and the desk for a baby bed.) But since that isn't right now, it's nice to have a less cluttered place to spend time. :)

Remember what it looked like before?

Whew. I must say, having so much of that stuff put away properly is very freeing. And it really spurs my creativity. and it's energizing! hmm... what's next?

And I must tell you that this makes it all worth it:

(Posted with approval.) :)

And that you all for your encouragement!! As a thank you, I am having a little giveaway!

I have an extra copy of Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen. I bought it to read a while back, and then this version came out. (You may remember me sharing a similar version of Pride and Prejudice.) I am enjoying reading Sense and Sensibility for the first time!

The copy above that I am giving away isn't fancy, but it's a new book. If you would like it, please say so in your comment. I will draw one name of a person that comments in that way, and drop it in the mail to you. :) I will draw the winner on Monday evening.

Sunday Blessing

Another year is dawning!
Dear Father, let it be,
In working or in waiting,
Another year with Thee;
Another year of leaning
Upon Thy loving breast;
Another year of trusting,
Of quiet, happy rest;

Another year of mercies,
Of faithfulness and grace;
Another year of gladness
In the shining of Thy face;
Another year of progress,
Another year of praise;
Another year of proving
Thy presence all the days.

from Another Year Is Dawning
by Frances R. Havergal

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Wow! Another year!! I know you read this everywhere else, but it is still soo hard for me to believe that it is 2010 already... maybe because that is the first time I have written typed it! :) I have been rather absent the last few days, we got back into town last night after ringing the new year in with Mark's family. Fun times!

The next few days are very busy for me, so I won't be doing much blogging then either... but I wanted to let you all know that I am still alive! :) I want to share some of my goals for the new year, once I get them organized! and I will certainly be back for Finished Object Friday!! I am excited to show you my big Finished project, and I can't wait to see some of yours. Maybe they are Christmas presents like mine. :)
Until then,
Happy New Year!!

PS~ Thanks to Angie for the cozy fireplace picture! It is the fireplace at my parent's home - a great place to chat, play games and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate!

PPS~ If you are reading this post in a reader, you may want to pop over to my blog and check out the new wintery design! :)

Last Chance!

Today is the last day for my giveaway!! To enter, leave a comment on the giveaway post. The cut off time for entries is tonight at midnight (central time).

Chari Tree Chat

Yes, progress has been made on the sock. After the sad event last week, I am glad to see the sock coming together in the way it was intended! You know... according to pattern... :)

In other news... I've been re-reading again! It's been a while since I told you about this version of Pride and Prejudice.

This makes at least the third time I've read it. (I really ought to be keeping track!) I just started it (again) this evening. I pick up on more each time. I think Mr. Bennett is one of my favorite characters. I love his sense of humor! Who is your favorite character? Isn't it awesome that we can enjoy a book written 200 years ago? :)

Remember: No FOF this week! We will be picking it up next week, so have those FOs ready! :) (and I've got a few other fun things up my sleeve...) :) Happy Friday!

Blog style for people who aren't that great with code...

... like me!
I am absolutely no expert on blog design. I wanted to start with that statement. I do a little tweaking of my HTML - but usually only with step-by-step instructions. I have been doing my headers recently at Scrapblog.com. I love their cute designs, and I can usually find something to work with. However... I have a problem matching my headers to all the cute backgrounds that I have found on various sites. I rarely find a good match.

Soo... I did a little research and found a way to put in my own background. I made this picture on Scrapblog:(click to enlarge)

I made it pretty subdued, and repeatable. I don't know how to get the column down the middle, so my pattern needs to be able to repeat. (I told you, I'm no expert!!)

I hosted this image on Photobucket.com, and inserted the direct link in my code under the "body section."

Here is what the code looks like:

body {

background:url (The Link to your picture goes here!!);

I got the three column layout by *very carefully* following the instructions here. (There is also a premade template to download at the bottom... WHY didn't I see this when I was getting so frustrated??) :)

Minima has a little black border around the header. I removed this a while back by following Tori's instructions.

Also I resized my header to 880 px wide to match the width of the three column template. For a two column, the size is 660 px. I just use Microsoft Picture Manager.

This isn't a great "tutorial" but hopefully it gives some helpful tips, and basically leads you to where you can find help. :) If you have some more tips, please leave them in the comment section. I don't know about other folks, but I'll take all the help I can get.

Happy (Sort of) coding!
Charity

A little of this and that...

First a little game:

What do these fabrics have in common?

(Answer at the end of the post. If you can't wait that long, click here.)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there! I'm sure you all had a busy weekend like we did! Mine started Thursday evening with this:

(Discovered: the batter - without eggs - is almost as good as the finished cheesecake! Yum!)

I made the cake for my mom for Mother's Day. We celebrated with her Friday evening.

After a yummy dinner at a Mexican restaurant, we came to our house for cheesecake and presents.

On Saturday, Mom, Angie and I went on a walking history tour of our downtown area.

Saturday evening, Mark and I left to go spend time with his family for Mother's Day. Lauren, Mary and I arranged flowers for the Mark's grandmothers. We had fun with the arranging and deliveries.

Here is the table set for Sunday dinner with Mark's Mother's gift and her pretty dishes.

Today, I've been puttering around the house. I don't feel the greatest, a result of a cold (or allergies). Oh, well. I've done some laundry and unpacked, as well as getting a start on supper. Brittany's Chicken and Dumplins. Yum!

So have you guessed the answer to the question? You probably went ahead and clicked the link, huh? That's right! I'm gearing up to opening an Etsy shop! It is off to a slow start, but I'm hoping to have some things listed in a few weeks. After May, I won't be working my regular part time job anymore... a big decision for me as I've worked there for about seven years! Nothing wrong, just time to move on. I will probably be babysitting more as well as some volunteering here and there. I am really excited about the shop, though! I will have several aprons listed and some other things. I'll keep you updated! :)

Happy Monday!!

PS~ Yep, I missed Sunday Blessing this week. I didn't get it up before we left. It will be back next Sunday. :)

Currently...

I'm working on this project:

It is my take on this pattern. I've been wanting to make a stretchy bag for a while. I am loving this pattern because it is on circulars (no seams!) and has been going fairly quick. I think I am going to like the way the handles are designed as well.

Don't forget! This Friday is Finished Object Friday! (My bag won't be finished - I don't think - but I do have something else to share.) :)

See you Friday!
Charity

Finished Object... Wednesday???

Whew......

If you change your blog much, you know it's hard work! (and frustrating, and time consuming!) I don't know about you, but I was getting a little tired of the old look. Unfortunately, I don't change things enough to remember how I did it the last time! :) Anyway, I finally figured some things out. I hope you enjoy the new look. (If you are reading this in a reader, you may want to stop by!) :)

The blog look isn't the only finished object today... I had two visiting little crafters (or two crafty little visitors - however you want to look at it!) :) Kidding really, they are the sweetest girls! and two of my "adopted nieces."

Hard at work:

The finished product: Two purses - one with one handle and one with two!


Faithie is more process over product... or maybe I'm just not as into abstract art. :)

I watched the two eldest for a little while today while their mommy ran a few errands in town. I've been cutting out some things to sew soon and Gracie wanted to play with the scraps. Of course Faithie wants to join in as well. :)


I hope everyone is having a good week!

Blessings!
Chari

Sunday Blessing

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly trust in Jesus’ Name.

His oath, His covenant, His blood,
Support me in the whelming flood.
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my Hope and Stay.

Refrain
On Christ the solid Rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand;
All other ground is sinking sand.

from The Solid Rock
by Edward Mote

What a wonderful reminder... we must place our trust in Christ. Nothing else is stable. I am trying to remember (it's so easy to get caught up in worrying!) that even though the world seems more scary, we are just as secure as we ever were because our security comes from God, not the president, or national security or a bank account. Christ is our solid Rock, and when we are in His care, nothing comes our way that He doesn't allow or use for our good.

In bloggy news... how do you like the Texas longhorn at the top? :) I took this picture on our recent trip! My grandmother is down visiting and we took a fun trip to Brenham, TX and nearby areas. Look forward to seeing more of that soon! Also I've been trying to think of some other blogging ideas. Some fun stuff other than just crafts! :) I have an idea or two. Check back soon for more updates!

Blessings!
Charity

Getting out the word.





Many of you may already be aware of the new law inacted by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission. Starting February 10 of this year, all producers of children's products will be required to have expensive testing done before selling products. This testing would make many small businesses/crafters unable to sell their products: anything from diapers to hairbows, lunch boxes to wooden blocks, dresses to knitted hats. This basically does away with the free market on which our nations economy should be founded, at least in children's products. (I really wish government would keep its nose out of the economy, but maybe that is my uninformed opionion.) Anyway, there are several sites that go into more detail. Here and here are a couple of really good ones with links on how you can make a difference.


Blogging year in review

It is so hard to believe 2008 is almost over. I know it sounds cliche to say it, but they year has certainly flown by. Kelli is hosting a peek through the past year, and I thought it would be fun to join in! The guidelines are to post the first sentence of the first post of each month and a favorite picture from that month. I hope you enjoy mine. (and if you want to figure out the rest of the post, you are welcome to explore my blog in the sidebar!) :)

January

Well, for all of you waiting in suspense for the identity of my top secret Christmas projects, here they are!! :)

February
Yeah, they are done!!! (finished my first pair of socks)


March
As of today, I have been blogging for one year.


April
Certain crafters have a certain identity.



May
I love ivies.


June
And can I yet delay
My little all to give?
To tear my soul from earth away
For Jesus to receive?


July
My Dear Friends,

I venture to communicate this evening in a manner that I am not accustomed to writing and, I dare say, that you are not accustomed to reading.


August
I haven't done a whole lot of crafting this week, so I decided to share an older project with you today.


September
27 years ago, you came into this world with soft brown hair and baby blue eyes. (Guest post from my hubby, for my birthday.)

October
More Bows!! I have discovered how much fun it is to make bows!


November
Vote and Pray!!!


December
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care.

I hope you have enjoyed this blogging year in review. I have enjoyed looking over the events of the past year - some joyful and some sad. The blessing is that God is with us in each event of our lives and He works all things together for our good. Mark and I have been so blessed by God in the past year and we are looking forward to the many blessings in store for 2009!

Blessings!

Just a little more on comments...

Ok, last night I had a most brilliant thought... So I asked you to comment to see if the new layout works for you... RIGHT! So if I doesn't work, I didn't have a way to know about it! (My brilliance amazes me sometimes!) Anyway, so I have now added a poll to the right. If you can't comment, you can now let me know! And thanks to all that have replied to my last post!

So a couple of reasons why I am liking the new layout:

1. It opens easily under the post without extra page loading.

2. The subscribe button... how many of you subscribe to posts? I do on most comments I make. That way I know if someone replies to my comment without continually returning to the blog. I also like how you click it to subscribe, and click it again to unsubscribe.


Well, I hope everyone is having a nice weekend. Mark is getting some things done outside and I am hoping to get some sewing done as well as cleanup etc...

Until later!