Dreaming of Snowflakes...

Am I the only one, that thinks snowflakes are for the entire winter? My mother-in-law just sent me this picture. And it has me dreaming of a window, decorated with these snowflakes. :)



I grew up in the mountains. And I'm used to months of snow. Now just a random day or two. Oh, if I could just find a snowflake pattern. And this thread. I'd get started right now. There's something very "vintage" about these snowflakes. Something playful. And oh so fun! I wish I had a bunch, to make into a garland.

~Manders

A Christmas Creed

A Christmas Creed

I believe in Jesus Christ,
and in the beauty of the gospel begun in Bethlehem.

I believe in the one whose spirit glorified a little town;
and whose spirit still brings music to persons all over the world,
in towns both large and small.

I believe in the one for whom the crowded inn could find no room,
and I confess that my heart still sometimes wants to exclude Christ from my life today.

I believe in the one who the rulers of the earth ignored,
and the proud could never understand;
whose life was among common people,
whose welcome came from persons of hungry hearts.

I believe in the one who proclaimed the love of God to be invincible:
I believe in the one whose cradle was a mother's arms,
whose modest home in Nazareth had love for its only wealth,
who looked at persons and made them see what God's love saw in them,
who by love brought sinners back to purity,
and lifted human weakness up to meet the strength of God.

I confess my ever-lasting need of God:
The need of forgiveness for our selfishness and greed,
the need of new life for empty souls,
the need of love for hearts grown cold.

I believe in God who gives us the best of himself.
I believe in Jesus,
the son of the living God,
born in Bethlehem this night,
for me and for the world.

Recently, I found this Christmas Creed. I printed it out, and placed it in a beautiful frame. On our mantel. I wanted to share it with you. In hopes, that it might speak to your soul too.

~Manders

If Only...

If only I had thought of this idea. At least a few weeks ago. Or at the very least, seen this picture. It would have made me, and some sweet little girls, very happy!



Yes, 5 days before Christmas, I find this picture. Actually, my sister-in-law sent it to me. I would have loved to make little food for my girls. But I'm just not that good at crocheting...not yet anyone. To make this in 5 days. So I will save this picture. And tackle this at a later day. Maybe for my girls' birthdays. If only, I'd had this a month ago...

~Manders

Illegal Length Mascara

I have to say, I'm a sucker for a new mascara. But a few weeks ago, even I surprised myself. Why? I'd been hearing a lot of stuff, about Maybelline's new mascara. So when my little box showed up, I was over the moon! What did I find inside? This little beauty...



I'm not a big "lengthening mascara," type of girl. No. I'm more about the volume! Give me some big lashes please. :) But when I'm doing makeup for clients, there is sometimes, a need for lengthening mascaras.

Illegal Length is not just your normal mascara. Nope! It has fibers in the formula. Which is supposed to help add length. Hmm. I wondered if this would really work. Or would I have fibers all over my face. I will say this, I was pleasantly surprised.

Not only did I try this mascara, I had my sister try it out too! This is much more "up her alley." She insists that her lashes are short. That I got the good lashes of the family! I don't believe her. I just use, many different mascaras, to get the look. A year or so ago, she was devastated, when Maybelline discontinued their lengthening mascara. No lie!

We both tried Illegal Lengths, for 2 or 3 weeks. And we were very surprised. First of all, those fibers, don't shed. Not one bit! I never have fallout. But they do add so much length! I don't worry about smudging, or raccoon eyes. The formula is pretty wet. Which allows for building up the lashes. Without turning into "spider eyes." I'm not a fan of clumpy looking eyelashes.

The wand is similar to that of the Falsies mascara. Except it's straight, not curved like the one in Falsies. The bristles are all angled in different directions. Which allows the wand to grab at your eyelashes. This is helpful during application. Because you can manipulate your eyelashes. Making them look as though, you've curled them. When you haven't!

Illegal Length is a really great buy for your money. It's a good mascara. Similar to many of the "High end" mascaras, currently going for $25 a tube! This is one of those products, that I didn't have too high of hopes for. But it has completely shocked me! In a GREAT way. I'll keep a tube for myself. For my bottom lashes. And you'll definitely find a tube in my case!

~Manders

Did You Say Hello Kitty???

Just the other day, I ran into Wal-Mart, for a few things. And to my surprise, they had this HUGE display of Hello Kitty items. Abby was so intrigued by them. She kept her eyes glued to that display.

When we got home, and I was making dinner, she came into the kitchen. To tell me all about the Hello Kitty stuff. Describing everything to a T! And she really wanted a hat. The one with the kitty face, and big pink bow. When Billy got home, she told him, exactly what it looked like.

That night, after the kids went to bed, Billy headed back to Wal-Mart. And he couldn't find it. He actually went to the 2 stores nearest us. No luck! So I called my sister, and asked her to keep her eye out, for the hat. In fact, the next day, she went looking for it. Yet again, no luck!

Billy had some business stuff to work on, so he headed to the larger city, near us. And ended up, going to all the Wal-Marts in town. The very next day! Still no luck! I called friends, and family. Nothing! Just my luck. The one thing that Abby wants, and I can't find.

Lola recommended that I try to crochet one. I had honestly never thought of it. So I began my task with Google. And I came up with this picture. Isn't it cute? Most importantly, it has the "Big Pink Bow," that grabbed Abby's attention!



OK, I must have some bad luck. The link was to a listing on Etsy. That's no longer listed! Boo! So I saved the picture. Consulted my dear friend. And I have a plan. Let's just hope, I can get it done before Christmas! :)

~Manders

Love This Glow

It's Fall time. And I always think of glowing candles, in the cool Fall weather. But they can also be so expensive! Well, when you're looking at the ones, that I'm looking at. :) I don't just like a good smelling candle. I like a beautiful candle. When I saw this picture, I immediately, wanted to try and make these.



What do you think? I have so many, gorgeous smelling candles. But they look pretty generic. This idea, can just take them over the top. Best thing, it's pretty much free. Who doesn't have some sticks. And hot glue! Can you tell, what I'll be working on this weekend?

~Manders

Learning

"A bible that's falling apart, usually belongs to someone who isn't." ~Charles Spurgeon




Recently, in Bible Study, this topic, quote, and picture came up. I've been going to Bible Study for years now. And I really enjoy it. I'm lucky enough to live in a small community. And the Bishop, he teaches our bible study.

The thing that I enjoy most, is really learning about, and exploring the Bible. I'm always writing little notes, highlighting, or placing sticky tabs, on my Bible. I remember when I first starting going, I was so unsure of this. Lola always used to tell me, it's OK. Actually, it's a good thing. It helps you understand better.

But I had grown up in a very traditional family. You don't talk or wiggle around in church. You don't write on the Bible. And you don't disrespect the cross. So it took me a while. Until I actually saw the Bishop write on his Bible.

Tonight, it came full circle. I've had this same Bible, for 6 years. It's falling apart. All marked up. Highlighted. Some pages are smudged. The spine is a mess! But my Bible is well used, loved, and read. I know, that this is the way it's supposed to be. I use my Bible every day. And I wouldn't have it any other way!

~Manders

Crochet Bear Hair Clips...Yes Please!

My beautiful baby girl, is all grown up. And adjusting perfectly, to school. I think the easy transition, is because Lauren is going to school with her best friend, Maribel. They're even in the same class! I on the other hand, I'm not adjusting as well.

That means, I'm trying to keep busy. Being that my daughter is in school from 7:15AM-2:15PM, every day! The twins, well they still nap for 2+ hours a day. So I'm going a little crazy. That means, I'm trying to expand my crafting. So I took to my dear friend, Google. :)



Aren't these absolutely adorable? I'm not exactly sure what they're "real use" is. Mostly because, I couldn't find the source. And this picture, is as far as I got. But it got me thinking. Lauren has to wear a uniform to school. But they're allowed to wear cute accessories, shoes, etc. I want to try and make these. And turn them into hair clips!

Don't you think that will be cute? She wears bows, hair clips, or a headband every day. I think these little bears will be perfect! I might have to call Lola. You know, to help me out. I wonder if Lola can figure it out, just with this picture. I sure hope so!

~Manders

Sew Mama Sew Giveaway Day

It's May Giveaway Day! I'm super excited about this. Again, I want to share the gift of crochet with someone. So I've put together a fun package. :)

Some crochet hooks. Yes a whole pack!

10 skeins of yarn. All colors!

And this fun book! I know a lot of people have been wanting it. I just so happen to have an extra copy!

For the rules: The Giveaway ends on May 29th at 11:59PM PST. To enter, just leave a comment with your favorite crochet book, link to your favorite crochet pattern, or a place to buy crochet patterns. That's it! Good luck!

And if you want to enter a few more giveaways, you should head over to Lola's blog, or Mrs. S, Maggie, Cari, or Anna Marie's blog.

~Manders

So Adorable!

While doing a pattern search this morning, I came across this pattern. Isn't it adorable? I think so! I was actually searching for boy hats. But somehow, the filter added this one in. :) I bought it. I figured I could use the pattern for both Lauren and Abby. I just love this look! Now I'm off to find something for my little man. :)

~Manders

Boy Crochet...Needing Some Help

My SIL recently found out she is having a little boy. We're so excited for her and my BIL. I really want to crochet something for them. But I can't find any good boy patterns. Either they are really ugly. Or too girly. Can someone help me out? I don't mind buying the pattern either. I just don't want a girly stitch. Something for a little man to wear. Thanks!

~Manders

Cherry Kisses

I know that these are "Special Edition" candies. But for the last few years, around Valentine's Day, I've seen these in stores. In fact, I usually buy a few bags. I leave one out. And put the rest in the freezer. That way, over the year, I get to enjoy these delicious candies.

But this year, I didn't see a single one! Not one. Has anyone seen them? Or are they forever discontinued? I hope not. Because these are honestly some of the best candies. Yes they are! Not as sweet as the chocolate covered cherries. But sweet enough to really enjoy. Oh, I hope I find some soon!

~Manders

Life Unexpected

Is anyone else upset that Life Unexpected was cancelled? I am. I just need to say it. Because all of my favorite shows keep getting cancelled. What are we supposed to watch? There are women out there that don't like the Bachelor. Or lots of the dumb TV shows that are out there.

You know, I think I liked this show, because it reminded me of the Gilmore Girls. A fun show to watch. Just like I liked Lipstick Jungle, Pushing Daisies, and Eastwick. Oh well. I guess the TV executives forget that some of us just like the "feel good" type of shows. Until I find another good show, I'm going to stick with watching cartoons with my kids.

~Manders

Happy Birthday Maribel

Our family just wanted to wish a very Happy Birthday to Miss Maribel! Today she is 4 years old. And if I haven't mentioned it before, Maribel and Lauren are best friends. Born just 2 days apart. They see each other at least 5 days a week. No lie! Both girls dance together, and love to spend lots of time playing together. Yes, today is a special day. Happy Birthday Miss Maribel! Love and kisses from our family!

~Manders

June Bride and Groom

Lauren just squealed in delight this morning. She woke up extra early. You know, still being on the high from her birthday and all. And she joined us in bed. While I feed the twins, I check my email, read some blogs, and always check Free Crochet and Free Patterns. This is the cute pattern that is available today!

Do I need to even tell you, we downloaded it. I'm no where near this level yet. But hopefully soon, we'll be able to get here. I would just love to make this little set for Lauren. Until then, we have saved the pattern. And showed Barbie and Ken the possibilities, for our future play time.

~Manders