So I finally made Mitchell some curtains to go in his Asian inspired room.  I think they turned out pretty cute. I still haven't figured this blog thing out, and how to insert text in the right place, so these photos are kind of random.  But I made the headboard out of an old table top that was brown.  The red mats were dollar store white photo mats that I painted red, and I got the Chinese words printed off the internet.  Pretty cheap project, but I love the final product.  I made the lamp shade from a thrift store shade, and covered it with Asian fabric and real Chinese coins for the tassel.  All in all I think it turned out fun, and I might finish his room by painting one wall sometime.  But not today.

For Halloween, I actually broke my own rule this year, and decorated a week before October!  My little Grayson was dying for October 1st, and he just freaks out with Joy for Halloween decorations.  So here's a photo of my little entryway display, and a little witch I made years ago but can't bring myself to get rid of her.  also for any Utah friends, check out the Crafter's corner in Orem-  so fun!  You go in and pick a craft to make, and for a $5 crafter's fee, you get to use all their materials and make your craft right there!  I made this cute Boo complete with eyeballs and spiders, and the mess stayed there!  Love it.

I'm back!  I'm feeling pretty proud of myself that I actually am posting something.  This is like a craft journal for me, or a project finisher reporter thingy.  :)  Anyway, my mom cam to visit for a couple of weeks, and we made lots of bead watches and bead kits.  So fun!  I also was able to sew another blanket for my friend, and started on the dress I am making for my neighbor girl friend Maddy.  My mom took the sleeves home to Washington to work on, because they are weirdo sleeves!  But the rest I will be able to claim that I actually did.

It has been a LONG day!  But I have made a cute Halloween BOO and started sewing a little girl dress for my little neighbor friend.  Pictures coming soon!

So the theme for today is, keep it simple!!  I mean really simple.  I sewed this little blanket today.  a friend in my ward cut it out, and needed help putting these together to give to newborns in the hospital.  It took about 10 minutes to do.  This is my kind of project!

So I am not a blogger.  I don't know what I'm doing, and I don't really follow other people's blogs!  But I thought it would be fun to start blogging my fun little home improvement projects.  I love to make things, redo things, etc.  I want to have something I am making or working on, and when it is finished I will post pictures and start making something else!  I don't do fancy, expensive anything, I love a good deal, and I love things that are homemade.  So here's a peek at some things I have done so far.

So my friend's baby just passed away yesterday, I have been following their blog and their journey, and it has me thinking I have so much to be Thankful for. I'm not good at blogging, but I feel the need to start somewhere and just record thoughts now and then.
First of all, this last holiday season was just so amazing for our family. After losing two jobs and just having such a terrible financial stress and trial, so many secret acts of kindness made our holiday just so full of love.
We had someone do the 12 days of Christmas for our family, and on each day they would ring the bell and run off, leaving treats, and a piece of a beautiful Nativity. It was just so fun for the kids and for us. someone else the one morning left a brown paper bag tied with a red bow on our porch, and inside was a mason jar filled with coins. It was heavy as a rock, and after counting it found there was over $141 inside. This just brought tears to our eyes to think that someone gave us their savings jar and sacrificed for our family.
On Thanksgiving, another anonymous giver gave our family and entire thanksgiving dinner. Then one Sunday in December, a member of the bishopric came up to us with an envelope and said someone in the ward wanted to give it to us. Inside was $200.
Someone else in the Ward signed our family up for Toys for Tots, and we were able to go pick out a couple of gifts and stuffed animalf for the kids.
As if that wasn't already enough, ward members anonymously bought the boys church pants, pajamas, church shoes, jeans, ties, I can't even tell you the wonderful display under the tree and all the love that went in to taking care of our family. I am completely overwhelmed with gratitude.
After hearing of the Lim's baby passing, I realize that life is short, and everyone has trials. There is always someone having a much greater trial than ours. I am so blessed to have three healthy boys and a husband that loves me so much. I have wonderful parents and in laws who love us, and having the gospel in my life and the knowledge I have that families can be forever is my strength. I am richly blessed.