For Sale! For Sale!

I'm selling a few kids. They're pretty cool, fairly clean, and will happily spend all their time on the computer so you can finally accomplish that goal of staying away from it during the daytime hours.

Okay, so maybe they're not for sale. I have become rather attached to them over the years. So if you're in the market for kids, I'm afraid you're out of luck! However, if you're looking for little Christmas ideas, I might have something pretty for you.

The truth is I made a lot of stuff for the boutiques this year, and may have (MAY have) spent a bit of money on them. So I'm putting everything on sale, and basically giving it away at the price it cost to make them. If you see something you like (or think you might like as I was NOT in good picture taking mode today), let me know and I'll work with you.

Please note - these prices are certainly subject to bargaining, though I'm selling them for much lower than the original prices.

Let's start with necklaces. The first is the "Inspire" necklace. 20 inches long on a gold chain. I'm saying $7 for this one.

Next is the longest necklace in my extremely small collection. 36 inches, fairly simple, on a gold chain. I'd like to get $10 for this, but am willing to go A BIT lower.

Next we have a necklace and earring set. The necklace is 23 1/2 inches on a gold chain. The earrings are pictured below. Because it's a set, I'd like $10. $7 for the necklace and $3 for the earrings.

This is a necklace M made. It has a magnetic clasp on the back, with black and blue/silvery beads. We're selling this one for $3 - and the money goes to M.

This next necklace is done with braided hemp cord - a peachy color better displayed in the second picture. I need to do some work on the pendant portion, but that's an easy fix. I forgot to measure this one, sorry. I'm only asking for $5 on this necklace.

Let's move on to hair accesories. I blatantly stole this idea for ribbon scrunchies, and I love it. LOVE IT!!! I glue to ribbons to make sure they don't come undone, and placed a bit of fray check on the ends so they don't...well...fray. I'm selling these at 2 for $3.

They can be done in all sorts of fun colors, which I have tons of ribbon, but don't want to use it unless I can sell it.

I also have these super cute crocheted scrunchies. They come in small and large sizes. I even made them in BYU and UTAH colors just for fun. I'm selling them both - big and small - for $2 a piece.

And now it's time for bracelets :)

All of these bracelets are done with memory wire, which is fantastic because it means easy on/off (because there are no clasps), and will always stay in their original shape. The larger bracelets, shown in the next several pictures, are 2 1/2 inches across, and are really more for preteens/teens, rather than adults. These bracelets I'm putting up for $4.

Some of these I've tried to get a picture of down below, so if you see repeats, that's why.

Here I have two (toward the left) that are doubled, while the one on the right is a single band.









Here's an example of one of the little bracelets I have. Got a pretty good close up pic with this one. These are 2 inches across, and made for little girls. Like toddler age and maybe a bit older. The great thing about these bracelets is the girls honestly can't break them. It's fantastic! I'm selling these for just fifty cents a piece (I only have one pictured).My surprise hit this year has been the bookmarks, or "Book Belts", as a friend so aptly named them. I've pictured them many times on my creativity blog (you can find the link on the right, and then you can click on the bookmarks tab to see more). These are so fantastic because they wrap around the book. So no matter where you take the book, or who gets their grubby paws on it (yes, I'm thinking of those wonderfully helpful children), you'll find it really hard to lose your place with these. I've been selling them for anywhere from $3.50 for the smaller ribbons to $4.50 for the biggest. I'm going to sell them all for $3.50. Trust me when I tell you I'm losing money by doing so, but I don't care. I'm willing to do it if it means I can get them out of the house, lol.

And last, but certainly not least because I LOVE them, are my scarves. Here are some of my crocheted scarves. They measure to appr 90 inches, perfect for wrapping around the neck at least once, still leaving it nice and long. Trust me when I tell you these are far more gorgeous in person than what you see in these pictures. These I'll let go for $10 a piece.

These are my knitted boa scarves. They also measure about 90 inches, but are far more appropriate for girls rather than adults. These are the last three I have on hand: dark blue, a yellow/orange/red/purple combination, and a very light brown. These I'll sell for $5 a piece.

These three are also knitted, but not so boa-like. The first two have an incredible striped effect, which looks as though I did it on purpose, but was simply the way the yarn worked. The third - which can hardly be seen - is a very light blue. Not as long as the others, and might be considered for a girl. These are going for $5.

Those are all my "completed" items. In anticipation of things that never worked out, I have a bunch of extras I'd be willing to put together or sell to you for the price I paid. I'm happy to work these pendants and things into a necklace with cord or braided hemp, or plain hemp, of which I have a few colors. Or I have some silver/gold chains I could use instead.

There are some super cute Christmas/Winter pendants I'd had big hopes for, but will have to either sell off through this or save for next year. Just take a look and if something catches your eye let me know!

Whew - long enough post for you??? As you can see there's loads of things to choose from. If you see something you really want but I won't see you for a while (or you live out of state), feel free to let me know and I'll happily save it for you!

Veteran's Day

It's hard to think about, those young men and women across the ocean, living in conditions far removed from our own comfortable homes. My life is filled with many veteran's, on both sides of my family. I truly honor and respect those who have fought for the freedoms we enjoy, and find them truly remarkable when they willingly fight to provide these same rights and privileges in behalf of other countries.

On this day, take a few minutes out to remember the veteran's in your own family or circle of friends. Visit gravesites if possible. Find some way to honor their memories. If they are still alive, give them a sincere offer of gratitude.

It's the least we can do.

Sunday Inspirations November 8, 2009

This morning as I was preparing some fun things to do with the kids in singing time today, I felt distinctly that I needed to tell them about the scriptures related to the songs we sing.

In both the LDS Hymnbook and the Children's Songbook, at the end of every song there is a scripture verse - sometimes more than one - connecting the music to the Word of God. A hymn is one of the most fantastic ways to bring the Spirit of the Lord in to our meetings, a room, or just into our hearts. It easily drives away any bad or frightening feelings, as it has been called a form of prayer.

"For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads" Doctrine & Covenants 25:12.

Sacred songs and the Word of God go hand in hand. They teach us to do right, they invite the Holy Spirit, they praise our Lord and Savior, and help us to bear our testimony. There is something so beautiful about hearing my children come home from church still singing songs they learned that day.

This month children in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (nicknamed the Mormons) all the world over have been learning about how families can serve one another. A short, sweet, and fun song our own ward (local congregation) has learned is called Quickly I'll Obey. For those of you who are able, click on the title and take some time to listen to the music. The words teach children the principle (and commandment) of obeying their parents.

"When my mother calls me, quickly I'll obey.

I want to do just what is best, each and every day.

When my father calls me, quickly I'll obey.

I want to do just what is best, each and every day.

My Heavenly Father loves me, blesses me each day,

I want to do just what is best, each and every day."

Words by Thelma J. Harrison, 1906-1991

There are two scriptures listed with this song. The first can be found in Colossians 3:20 - "Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord."

The second can be found in the book of Alma 37:35 - "O, remember, my son, and learn wisdom in thy youth; yea, learn in thy youth to keep the commandments of God."

As the children and I went through this song and the related scriptures, we learned it's important to obey our righteous mothers and fathers because it helps prepare us to obey Heavenly Father's commandments as well. So easily taught, so easily learned, and done in a way that will stick with the children.

It's my hope to take each of our new songs and read through the scriptures listed with them, so as to help tie the two together in such a way that the children will keep the tradition going.

Halloween 2009!

Ah, another Halloween gone. I've decided getting ready for Halloween is WAY more fun than the actual experience. There's something magical about putting up super spooky decorations and getting the kids all ready for the big day. Perhaps it's that unsatiable kid lurking inside me who likes to come out and play every now and again.

So, here we are with the final decorations up. We added some more garland and "Beware" tape. Then we stuffed two colorful "Jack-o-Lantern" bags with leaves, and another garland to the tree on the right.

Our one lone tree out near the street needed some spooking up as well. I love the green spider webs.

And here we are on Halloween day!

Miss A looks stunning as a little angel.

But check out those smashing tights!

Here we have B as a Clone Trooper (as opposed to a Storm Trooper, which he made sure to point out). He had a mask that goes with it, but I wasn't thinking straight and didn't think to have him put it on for the picture.

Next we have J as a vampire. His was my most favorite to "make up". He loved the point we did with his hair and the blood down his chin. Veeeeeery scary, right?

And here's Hermione Granger from Harry Potter. M had a lot of braids to make her hair look wavy. I worked for hours crocheting a scarf you can barely see in the picture and which barely lasted a half hour before she wanted to take it off! Still, get a load of those eyes. Aren't they fantastic!

And here is the awesomest couple in the WHOLE WORLD!!! My hubby was so sweet to let me dress him up! We darkened his eyes and cheeks, and I found this hilarious goatee that my hubby honestly LOVED! Okay so it didn't last the whole night, but that was due to lame adhesive. You can't really see them, but he's also wearing fake tattoo sleeves on his arms.

He faked out more than a few ward members at the party that night.

I couldn't decide if I was a frazzled witch, or Mrs. Weasley. So I called myself a frazzled Mrs. Weasley.

I didn't get any pictures at the trunk-or-treat due to being the parent handing out the candy, but afterward there was a dinner and carnival. Here's J doing his best at eating a donut off a string. The kids would start off with no hands. If it went too long they could use a pinky finger to help.

I helped out with the cake walk. Here's M as she walks in a VERY slow circle. Doesn't she look just thrilled?

So there you go! We had a blast, but boy was I done when we at last tucked all the kiddies in bed that night. Here's to another year of the kids trying to decide what they want to be ♥

World's Strongest Kid

First, I promise Halloween pics will be arriving soon.

I wanted to post this YouTube video. It's something my boys came across, and it blows my mind!!! I can't decide if I'm more fascinated, or disturbed, by what this kid can do at just four years old!

Once again, I can't seem to upload YouTube videos to the blog, so I'll just be sending you on over.

I Am In the World Strong Kid! Italia 1

You GOTTA go take a look and tell me what you think.

Sunday Inspirations November 1, 2009

Upon what do you lay your foundations?

This question was posed during our testimony meeting today, catching firm hold of my attention. The brother in question was talking about the building of the Salt Lake Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

To those who may not know much - if anything - about it, ten years to the day after arriving in the Salt Lake valley, the members of our church heard disheartening news: Johnson's army had been sent to settle matters regarding the "Mormon's". Word had gotten out this Church was getting together an army, so government decided to send troops out to see precisely what was going on.

Seven years strenuous work on the Salt Lake Temple suddenly needed to be undone, in fear this precious building would come to the same destructive end as had happened to the two previous temples built (Nauvoo and Kirtland). Giant granite stones were hidden, the building taken down to the ground. To anyone who had just come upon the area, it would look as though a field was ready to plant.

After peace between the Church and government had been established, and the army removed, the members began to dig up the dirt covering the sandstone foundations of the temple. To their utter dismay, over time there had appeared two very large cracks running through the base. Can you imagine, after such hard work and so many years lost, what it must have been like to see this?

Yet they did not long pause in their disheartened state. Brigham Young, then president of the Church, ordered the stones be taken up and replaced - not with more sandstone, but with the same granite as made up the temple walls.

“When the Temple is built I want it to stand through the millennium, in connection with many others that will yet be built.”

That it has. The temple was at last finished. A year later, in 1893, the temple was dedicated to the Lord. It still stands today, as solid now as it first stood over 100 years ago.

This may not have been the case. Had they been allowed to continue with the building of the temple without interruption, what might have happened as the great weight of the granite building pressed on the sandstone? Would there have been people inside, working on the walls or setting up the lighting? Could someone have been seriously hurt?

What if President Young had instead chosen to replace the cracked blocks with more sandstone? Is this something they'd find themselves doing every few years? What damage would have occured to the temple as a result?

After reading and thinking about all of this, let's turn our thoughts to our own lives. What sort of "foundations" do we build our own lives upon? What do we turn to in times of need? As the brother who started my whole train of thinking stated: "When I get home from work one of the first things I do is go to my computer. I want to chill out for a moment and see who's on Facebook, what everyone's been up to that day, see if I have any e-mails. My wife asked me, 'Why do you always go to the computer room? Why don't you come see me?' Valid question. I began to realize I was building my family foundation on the wrong thing."

As have I. It's not an easy thing to admit, the possibility we just might, kinda, sorta, maybe be doing something slightly wrong. Yet even I - perfect Laurie - have been known to choose computer time over kids time. Even I have been known to want to watch some television rather than read to my kids. Or hold family prayer. Or scripture study. Not so perfect, am I.

And this creates a shaky foundation for our family life. When I choose things that encourage my attentions to be focused on less important matters, cracks appear - especially under pressure. If my children don't feel as though they can come to me in times of peace with simple matters, why would they come to me when things get really bad?

Take some time today to think about other ways you might crack under the pressures of the world. Ask yourself, upon what have I built my foundations? Are they upon the rock of the Lord? If not, it's time to start making a few changes. If yes, then trust those foundations will not crack, no matter what pressures may be placed upon them.

Our First WinCo Experience

It's been big news in the Salt Lake Valley - WinCo was coming to town! Granted I'd never heard of the store myself, but everyone seemed to be aglow! "Prices better than Walmart" they exclaimed!

That was hard for me to wrap my mind around, as I've been shopping at Walmart for several years now (yes, traiter that I am). Yet the idea intrigued me. What would this enigmatic WinCo be like?

Turns out, it wasn't the fun family experience we were all hoping for :(

Mistake number one. We decided to try going opening week. I mean, come on. How dumb could we have been?!

Mistake number two. We went on a Friday.

Mistake number three. We went on a Friday NIGHT!

I know, I know, but it's nothing compared to:

Mistake number four. We took the whole family.

Perhaps we should have known what to expect when we had to go in one door and could only come out the other, followed by the part where we're all fighting just to get through the door. The point where I knew we were in trouble occurred not ten yards in.

M had attached herself to my arm, visibly closing into herself as she felt more and more crowded. B and J were having a good time running back and forth between me - who had A in a shopping cart as we attempted to maneuver through the throng - and Daddy - who had made it quite a distance ahead of us! Every ten to fifteen seconds we did a quick head check to make certain no one (meaning the boys) got lost.

The good news is as we wandered through the maze like good little mice WinCo had posted signs big enough to advertise their huge deals. This turned out to be helpful since it was too hard to get close enough to see the actual products.

I did get awfully excited to see all the big bins of candy and granola and flour and candy and spices and candy and cereal. OH, and they have candy :)

Still, by the time we found ourselves approaching the front of the store M had obviously had it. She was miserable. Even the treat we got her didn't seem to brighten the morose look covering her lovely features. As we finally made it to the eternally long lines at the front, my hubby made a run for it with 3 out of 4 kids. Good thing the fourth decided to hang around...I didn't realize we had to bag what we bought. That kid sure turned out useful!

Regardless of the rather frightening introduction to the world of WinCo, I'm willing to give it another try (especially when we finally run out of all the cereal we bought at such great prices!). I'll just go on a weekday. In the morning. And I'll pray first.