~~AFTER ALMOST THREE YEARS, I HAVE FINALLY FINISHED~~

After our son was born, 36 years ago (was it really THAT long ago??!!) I decided to make him a special stocking using a kit from Bucilla. All these years later, I still have it.
I can remember thinking it was a lot of work and worth every minute, every stitch, sequin, bead and thread.

The same can be said for our daughter when she was born. Looking back, lots of love went into creating these beautiful stockings, keeping them all these years and loving them as I do.
I think maybe it's time to finally pass them on to their rightful owners.

While shopping in Hobby Lobby about three years ago, YIKES! I am almost embarrassed to admit that it has taken me this long to complete something so dear for someone I treasure so much, but that is the sad fact. I came across Bucilla pattern stocking kits. Having four grandchildren to love and adore, the idea hit me hard to buy them, make them and pass them on.
I thought, no trouble, I will start with the oldest grandchild and work my way down.
I had no idea it would take me years to finish my first one. I know I have to do much better on the rest, or they will never be finished while my treasures are young.
Allie, who was four at the time was the first stocking I worked on.
This is the pattern I choose for her:

I saw all the sweetness, cupcakes, goodies, pies and cakes and just knew it was her. Little did I know or realize at the time, all the work that would be involved. Being ever the optimist, I really thought, "what a breeze!" WHAAAAT????

This is the placement directions, the actual word directions were too small to share with you. I usually mark the directions with a yellow marker once I have completed the work, so it's very hard to photograph.

This is the finished stocking, full of so much love, and certainly living up to the name sweet.

So many tiny pieces, sequins, beads and handwork. If given the choice, I would certainly do it all over again.
It was worth every minute, hour, day, or should I say year? HA

What little girl wouldn't love candy canes and gingerbread men?

I used a little wooden gingerbread man for Allie's name tag on this stocking. I also placed the year on the back.

Since making this little goodie and purchasing the four, I now have been blessed with a new grandson. Life is so good.
I think I had better get busy, I have lots of sewing to do.

Allie on the left, Jenna and baby Reid. I do have to admit, Reid is now 8 months old. Where or where does my time go??!!

~~~HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL~~~

I would love to take a moment to wish all of my readers, the most peaceful of Thanksgivings. I hope that you will have full tummies, lots of friendship and love in your hearts. Enjoy and be safe.
I am showing you my Simpich collection of a Thanksgiving family. I hope you enjoy.

We have mother with her bounty of fruits and veggies.

Father with his turkey.....

Their young daughter with the Lord's book.

A young son with a beautiful pumpkin, and of course,

America's Native Americans.
These Simpich dolls are vintage, given to me by my mother in law years ago. They are handmade from the very beginning to the very end.
Wishing you the most glorious day filled with love and gratitude.

PLEASE VOTE FOR MY SHOP ON SHABBY LANE SHOPS

If you have a minute, would you please go HERE and vote for my website, thanks so much!! Shabby Lane Shops is once again having their contest and I need your help. I appreciate it very much. THANK YOU!!

~~~Happy Birthday Mom~~~

Happy Birthday mom!!
Today is a very special day for a very special lady, my mother. She is celebrating her birthday today and we are all going to dinner together.
I am a very proud daughter and love you so much. You are the best of the best.
Thank you so much for enriching my life and putting up with me all these years!! HA!

You are as beautiful today as you were back then.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY with a wish for many more.
We love you.

~~~HOLIDAY BAKING~~~Ginger Cookies

Shabby Lane Shops has once again started their Baker's Corner, where you can click on the shops offering fantastic recipes for the holidays. Just go HERE to see what you can be baking this year. Check back often as the recipes change daily and weekly. Here is the recipe I just listed in my shop, Someplace In Thyme. If you like Ginger Cookies, you will love these, they are soft and chewy inside.....perfect for your holiday baking and cookie exchanges too.


CRACKED MOLASSES COOKIES
This recipe was passed down from my husband’s grandmother and has been in the family for 100 years.

¾ cup shortening 1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 cup sugar ½ teaspoon ginger

1 egg ½ teaspoon cloves

¼ cup molasses 2 teaspoons baking soda

2 cups all purpose flour

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Cream the shortening and sugar in mixer bowl until fluffy. Beat in the egg and molasses. Shift the flour, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and baking soda together. Add to the creamed mixture, mixing well. Shape into small balls. Roll in additional sugar to coat. Place on a nonstick cookie sheet. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until light brown. Cool on cookie sheet for several minutes. Remove to wire rack to cool completely. Yield 3 to 4 dozen.

Enjoy and be sure to check my website often for more goodies coming your way.

~~~All Torn Up~~~But Doing Better Now!

What you see below, is the standard baseboard that came with our home. I think it probably measures somewhere around 2 1/2 to 3".....maybe.

The thing I hate most about baseboards is cleaning them. They seem to need a paint job more often than not. But, they also take a beating everyday too.
When I mop or vacuum, I am sure the cord hits and rubs the corners, leaving a mark. Dirt sits on the top and just builds up over time. After awhile, they are just nasty looking.
Mine needed help in every way.
Our choices were to sand and repaint, or replace. Did I hear some one say replace??!! Be still my heart!
This time we decided to go with 6 1/2" boards and I am so happy we did.

But what about the frames around the doors? Shouldn't they match the newer bases? I think so.

The tear down was quite a mess, dust, wood chips and paint everywhere. It was work getting it all out.

Care had to be taken not to chip or crack the tile.

The new boards were put up with a nail gun and all the little holes had to be patched.

Can you see all the tiny holes that have to be patched over with putty? Too many for me to count.

The baseboards are painted and the green walls of the living room and dining room are gone. We replaced the paint color with a golden brown.

I am in love with the design of the wood.
We had replaced all the doors, both inside and out with new moldings. The whole downstairs is complete and after the holidays we will begin the task of doing the upstairs.

This is a little something special I snagged at a decorator's shop going out of business.
More to come.

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

My son's family spent the day out at Schneph's farm doing all the great things one gets to do this time of year when the temperature drops down to living conditions. :)
I am showing you my precious grand daughters in this post, along with a few of my newest grandson, Reid. The above picture is Allie, five years old.
Enjoy!

Jenna who just celebrated her third birthday. What an angel baby.

Grandma loves her girls!

Baby Reid, you are precious. Just look at those blue eyes.....I love you!

Up, Up and Away

No fear here.

Mama and little sister Jenna sitting behind big sister Allie.

I spy baby Reid sitting behind. I wonder if he has any idea he is riding a bee? Naw...

Nothing lites up a grandma's heart, like an angel's smile.

Especially a BIG RED ONE!!

Oh my.

A pictures worth a thousand words. I think Jenna is very happy and having a great time. The goat looks like he is also enjoying himself. He probably is wondering how he can eat Jenna's shirt!!

After all is said and done, nothing beats a pony ride.

A fun filled day full of memories, laughter and certainly, lots of love.

Come On Over~Lets Paint Together

I was going through my box of wooden shapes, when I came across some more of my snowmen.
I can't remember when I bought these, but they are so cute. I wanted to invite you in to paint with me.
You can purchase wooden shapes at any craft store, most of mine are from Hobby Lobby, but JoAnn's and Michael's carry them too.

Some shapes need a little sanding and cleaning up along the edges, so you have to watch for that. These are pretty clean and ready for a couple coats of cottage white paint. I also added some pink for the details of the shoes, scarfs, mittens and hats.
Once you have them painted the way you like, you can either paint some roses on the front, (that is if you have talent, I for one, was not born with that gene, so I use rose decals.)
I use Modge Podge to seal and add German Glass Glitter for a holiday sparkle.

Once the glass glitter has dried, you can begin to add any ribbons, lace, buttons or bobbles you like.
I have a love affair with handmade paper roses and so most of everything I create, has them added in one way or another. If you have wondered where you can find these little beauties, you can go HERE.
I use a hot glue gun to attach the ribbons and the roses, along with the faux pearls.

I added a large faux pearl to the tip of her hat, making her a cottage and shabby pom-pom.
I also enjoy using vintage and new seam binding ribbons. You can find those on ebay under the name of Zipper Stop. Love that company out of New York.

Two are alike, and the one above is a bit different. They are easy to make, would be beautiful on the tree, great as gifts, especially for teachers, and are perfect to decorate packages.
I hope you will give this a try, you will be hooked.
These and more can be found on my website, Someplace In Thyme.