Showing posts with label Mom. Show all posts

Let Me Tell you About My Mom

Happy Mothers Day to all you Mothers out there!

Let me tell you a little about my Mother.

She is the best mom I could have ever asked for. There were times in my life that I didn't let her know this enough. Growing up as a teenager, to hear her tell it, I was a struggle. Now, days it makes me sick to think of how rebellious I was at times. There are may occasions I wish I would have listened to her more. Being a mother now myself, I know how she must have worried and stressed all the time.

In a Christian home, she raised four children of her own and was a foster Mother of several others. She was so strong and I'm sure we kept her busy. She was our hair dresser, our tailor and chef. Momma did it all. She was tough, kept us straight, gave us plenty of spankings and put the meaning of grounded in the dictionary.

We didn't have cell phones back then. Didn't need one. When she called for us to come home, It was from the screen door. And we heard her from across the neighborhood. If we didn't, someone did and would send for us. Our collie dog stayed with us and would also let us know when mom was calling.

But momma was loving. She gave the best hugs and was the best at fixing boo boos and showing us how to do things on our own. She always gave the best advice and the most simplest advice she gives is when she says "Just pray about it". She always made sure we had nice clothes to wear to church and school. She is a wonderful seamstress and made most of our clothes. It was always exciting to go to the cloth store with her. She would let us pick our own pattern and a fabric.


Now I find myself just like her in a lot of ways. I even think I look like her and that makes me happy. I still call on her when I need an answer to something or little does she know, I sometimes just need to hear her voice. There are times like when I change the bed sheets, I remember how she used to tell me to do top corner to bottom corner. When I fold towels, I do it just the same as she taught me. Even the little things like, putting a paper towel on top of the lettuce when saving it, how to tie a sash or how to tie a knot at the end of my thread by rolling it between my fingers. Something every day makes me think about her. Often I wonder if she misses me when I'm not around like I miss my daughter when shes not around. I bet she does. ha!


My daughter is home this weekend and we have been having fun. We will go to church for a nice service and honer our Moms, then we will come back home to rest and maybe bake something. My daughter always likes to bake. Later we will be taking Mom out to eat to one of her favorite restaurants. 
I plan to celebrate many more Mothers Days with her.

I love her and feel so blessed.

Camper Coin Purse

I can do a lot of things but sewing (with a machine) is not one them. I can do a simple stitch by hand to fix a hole in a piece of clothing, or sew on a button, but it doesn’t go much further than that. I have a sewing machine my mom gave me years ago. It sits in my craft closet looking pretty and makes a great resting spot for my other crafty things.

Well, the other night I decided I wanted to make some more crochet coin purses that I had made in the past. Then a bigger thought came to mind. I have this adorable piece of fabric with tiny little campers, cars and bicycles on it. I thought,"why not try to actually sew a little coin purse? I mean, they look easy enough". 

Ha! Who was kidding? It would have been easy for a seamstress but it was the ultimate task for me. 
First I searched online for a pattern to use. Most instructions just said to "guess at it". So basically that’s what I did. I drew out a pattern in the shape of a coin purse. Then traced it out on the fabric making sure I got one of the camper prints on the front. At least I knew I needed a front and back. Then there was the lining. I cut out two pieces of those with white material.

After about 20 tries, both by hand and by machine, I finally made a little change purse that looks half way decent. I will not fail to mention, I used up the whole half a yard of fabric trying. 
That’s determination!!



I could not for the life of me figure out how to get the lining inside without the stitched seam showing. But I figured it out. I had to leave a little opening in the bottom of the lining so I could turn it all the right way out and all seams hidden. Then I hand stitched up the little opening.


I showed it to my mom. I think she will like what I did. She is a professional seamstress, so I know she probably sees a lot of mistakes in my finished product. I’m pretty sure she could have also showed me a shortcut to making this easier, but it’s too late now.
However, I am pretty proud of myself. 
I put my mind into making it and I did. So, now I can put this thought away and move on to something else. 


I think Ill stick to crocheting.
What do you think?


I've linked up to theses fabulous parties:
Simple Homestead- Blog Hop / Condo Blues / Fiesta Friday / Fluster Buster / DIY Showoff
Create With Joy / SewCanDo / Run Jump scrap Lets Party

Mothers Day Weekend

My mothers day weekend started with a trip to Charlotte Saturday to pick up my daughter. We figured this would save her on gas since her boyfriend will be joining up with us on Sunday and he would take her back with him.

Once we arrived in Charlotte, my daughter buzzed us into her apartment so we could help her with her things. Yes, she stays one night with us and she packs for a week. It’s a girl thing. Once we were in, she had me a dozen mixed donuts sitting on the counter along with dish of bacon. 


She had went to a bacon festival the night before and she knew how much I love bacon. I had all the bacon and a donut eat before we got back home.

Her boyfriend got me some flowers for Mother’s Day which I thought was so sweet. ummm yes, hes beginning to get real sweet with us. Wonder why? Time will tell. But he is absolutely a sweet heart.


We spent Saturday doing some shopping. Not really buying anything. Just looking around. Nick told us to go without him and enjoy our mother/daughter time. Later he took us out to eat Mexican food and then Ice Cream. I was stuffed and tired. 

Sunday I woke up to a sweet card and this beautiful necklace along with a manicure gift card some eye shadows and lipsticks. 


After breakfast we headed off to church to honor God and mothers. It was a wonderful service.

Here is a little funny about church this morning:
They called all the mothers to the front of the church to give us all a little gift. This year we received candy dishes full of candy. Well, they were not exactly candy dishes but rather Margarita glasses. The pastor realized this after the fact and told us all not to get any ideas!  I found this so funny as I have never seen my mom hold a margarita glass until a day in church! Ha ha. It was sweet though.

After church Nick took us to Sweet Frogs yogurt shop then to look at some beach chairs I had been wanting. 
We ended the day with a family dinner for Mom at her favorite Chinese restaurant. 

It was a great weekend!   

Mother’s Day-The Corsage

Happy Mother’s Day to all past, present and future Mothers! Hope your day is filled with love, happy thoughts and memories.

I remember when I was little, Mom would carefully lay out corsages for me and my sister and boutonniere's for my brothers that My Grandmother made. One by one, mom would pin our corsage to our Sunday outfit and to church we went. I hated it. I despised having to wear that big scratchy corsage that smelled like grandmaws basement! I was too young at the time to realize the reason of her making sure we all had a corsage to wear on Mother’s Day. 

The Mother’s Day corsage started in the 1800’s. Everyone wore one on Mother’s day. The corsage did not indicate that your were a mother, but rather that you are wearing something to honor your own mother. The flowers were usually made with an orchid, carnation or rose. The type of flower was not as important as the color. If your mom is living, you wore a red or pink flower. If your mom is deceased, you wore a white one. 

Sadly the tradition of the Mothers Day corsage has stopped. You will rarely see anyone wearing them anymore. I admit, I have not worn one in years. 



So, this Mothers Day, I have decided to make my own corsage to proudly wear over my heart in honor of my Mother (If it’s still alive).
I am who I am today because of her. She worked hard making sure all four of her children had everything we need. She showed us unconditional love but would also show us what a hickory stick was when we did wrong. She made sure we were in church every Sunday and raised us with Christian values that we still hold on too today. My mom is very pretty, smart, strong and always smells good. 
I made my mom laugh and cry. I have rebelled and hurt her feelings many times. I will always hold that guilt but I know she prayed and loved me through it all. That's what moms do. 

As a mom myself, I find and l learn new obstacles with my own daughter that make me think about the challenges and sacrifices my mom went through. Everyday, I am more thankful for the lessons she taught me and how much she has inspired me. Next to God, she is my foundation. 


My daughter is home this weekend to spend Mothers Day with me. We did some shopping, and crafting and took lots of selfies. I feel so blessed.
This afternoon, the whole family will meet for dinner with our mom. It's a mommy kind of day!!!!

I LOVE MY MOM!



Banana Split Bread

Oh my goodness gracious alive! I just re-wrote my Moms banana bread recipe!


While we were out grocery shopping , I wanted to get the stuff to make a banana bread but I was also craving cherries. I asked my daughter if she thought cherries in the banana bread would be any good. She said "Mom, why not get chocolate chips, nuts and cherries and make it a banana split bread?" So , that's what happened. We have created a dangerously delicious dessert. After giving away a few pieces, it is now gone. It lasted, oh say, about 12 hours which we were asleep 8 of those hours.

Banana Split Bread
2 cups self rising flour
1/4 cup butter (1/2 stick-melted)
3/4 cup sugar
1 Tsp vanilla
1 egg
2 ripe bananas
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup chopped nuts
1/2 cup maraschino cherries (cut in halves)
1/2 cup chocolate chips (I used caramel chocolate chips)
*more or less of the last three ingredients is ok
 
Mix Well
Pour into a well greased 4x8 loaf pan
Bake 350 for 50-60 minutes
 
 Pin It
 Just look at that ewey ooey goodness! Its a shame to call it "bread"!
 
 
I've shared this at:

Sweater Mittens

I had this sweater hanging in my closet for months now that I was tired of and, well, truthfully, I had outgrown just a little. I thought about ways I could get some use out of it without giving it to the goodwill.

I thought about making some boot cuffs with the arms of it like the money saving queen did shown HERE , but I thought the sweater would be too thick and my boots are too tight on my legs as it is.

While blog hopping yesterday I came across a really neat Idea at organized31.

I tried making Mittens from the sleeves. I even made a hat from cutting off and sewing up the sweater's hood.

First I cut the sleeves off the sweater making sure the already finished cuff would be my mitten cuffs.

 
Then I slid them on my hands, stretched my thumbs out and cut around my fingers leaving enough room for a seam.
 

Then I sewed them, trimmed them, and sewed them again until they fit. Needless to say, I am in no way a seamstress. I'm lucky to have threaded my machine correctly. Still not sure, but it sewed so I guess it was right and didn't even have to call Mom.



They turned out funny looking but you get the idea. Maybe the next time I do this, I can make them better. I would love to have a chunky pair of mittens.

I've shared this at:

Pecan Cookie Balls

Oh my goodness. Yes, I found another great recipe to try and I love it. I am a sucker for anything that requires powder sugar. They are almost as good as my Moms home-made wedding cookies that she makes every Christmas. I said "Almost".

I wanted to make a trial run on these goodie balls just to see how easy and good they were. I give them an A for easy and an A for tastes.


They are also called Christmas Cookies on the Original recipe and I can see why. I bet Santa will love them. Oh and speaking of Santa and cookies, a great way to leave Santa a note with his cookies and milk this year is to just get a Sharpie and write a message right on the plate. It dries fast so it does not come off on any food or fingers. Don't worry moms, The marker will wash off easily with dish detergent later. However, I would not recommend using your really nice china for this little artsy Idea, even though I'm sure it would wash off of that just as easily.

Now on to the recipe....Note: I freaked out when the recipe called for 1/2 lb. of butter. I wasn't sure how to sink that in my little brain. It sounds like so much...Well, it kinda is but lets just say 2 sticks of butter. That sounds better.

Here goes:

1/2 lb. butter (2- sticks)softened
4 Tbsp. Sugar
2 Cups self-rising flour
2 Cups finely ground pecans
1 tsp. Vanilla

Cream sugar and butter together, then add the remaining ingredients. Make into small balls and place on an ungreased cookie sheet. They do not rise much so make them approximately the size you want.
Bake 375 degree until lightly browned (about 10-12 minutes).

Let them cool a bit, then shake into powder sugar just before serving.

They came out light and fluffy. These cookies are not as sweet as other Christmas cookies but just sweet enough. They will absolutely melt in your mouth.  Enjoy.


This Recipe was featured at: baddgoddess.com for pecan-pe-kahn



Ive shared this at:
sweets-for-saturday at sweet as sugar cookies
sunday-show-off-linky-party at twiggstudios
mealtime-monday-recipe-link-up-party at couponingncooking
creatively-tuesday at the rustic pig
recipes-and-wednesdays at adornedfromabove
made-by-me-60-linky-party-and-features at jaqsstudio
full-plate-thursday at mizhelenscountrycottage
blog-stalking-thursday at thecraftyblogstalker
showcase-your-talent-thursday at whats cooking love
Farm-girl-blog-fest at fresh-eggs-daily

Strawberry Banana Nut Bread

Hope everyone is having a great week. I'm so ready for the weekend! Ive been kinda off my routine of dancing and feel like a blob. To make matters worst, I decided to bake some banana bread. Not just plain banana bread, but strawberry banana nut bread. I gave half the loaf to my dad because he loves sweet stuff and also so me and my husband aren't tempted to eat it all in one day which we have been known to do.


It takes an hour to bake one of these loaves, but that's ok with me because I love the way it makes my house smell. I made it the same way as I would make my momma's banana bread then I added a cup of fresh strawberries to the batter.


I was hoping it would turn a pretty pink, but little did I know, that strawberries will turn brown when mixed in a batter and baked. The strawberries gave it just the right flavor to know they were in there but did not over power the bananas.  It was "delizioso!"

Linked on full-plate-thursday at mizhelens countrycottage , showcase-your-talent-thursday at whats cooking,love? , delightfully-inspiring-thursday-party at delightful order

Not Just Granny's Scarf Anymore!

Ever since I was young, I have had possession of my Mom and Grandmother's silk scarfs. I would play dress up with them, dress my dolls and even wrapped them around my pony tail hair as a teen. I think I have even collected one or two from a grandmother-in-law. For some reason, I never wanted to throw them away.

While cleaning out some drawers the other day, I found some of them. They are withered, wrinkled and frail. I tried to think of some way to make them fashionable for today. So, I went to my craft bag and come up with an idea of adding beads and making a "scarflace" with a couple of them.



I like they way they turned out and I didn't have to distort them in any way.  They will look good with a t-shirt and jeans on a summer day.

Linked on Get your craft on at todays creative blog , nifty-thrifty-tuesday at linda-coastal charm , lil-luna-link-party-74 , whatever-goes-wednesday at somedaycrafts , showcase-your-talent-thursday at whats cooking love? , under-100-linky-party at beyond the picket fence

Jello Pound Cake

My mom would always make jello pound cakes like this. They were my favorite. I used my own pound cake recipe.


Its quiet simple. You just make a pound cake the way you normally do and add dry jello. I think raspberry, or cherry is the best but you can use any flavor. It will turn out with a sweet sticky, gooey tunnel of flavored swirl in the center.

Once I got it mixed , I poured some of the batter into the pan to cover the bottom, then poured a layer of jello. you want to be careful not to let it touch the sides. Its not that big of a deal if it did, but it might cause the cake to stick to the pan in that area.


continue doing layers of  batter and jello. You want it to end with the batter as the last layer. (I had two layers of jello and three layers of batter).  Now you are ready to bake it and all the gooey stuff is inside waiting.


Its always a surprise to see how its swirled when I cut into it. This one was a little light on the jello. I like a lot in my center, but it was still wonderfully delicious!

Linked on sweets-for-saturday at sweet-as-sugar-cookies , monday link party at craftomaniac , nifty-thrifty-tuesday at coastal charm , lil-luna-link-party-73 at lil luna , full-plate-thursday at mizhelens countrycottage , showcase-your-talent-thursday at whats cooking love

Soft Butter Mints

I remember when I was young, my mom would make homemade butter mints for special occasions. I would want to eat them as fast as she would make them. That's been a long time. The other day I got to thinking about them and wanted to make some so I called her up for the recipe.
You can find the Recipe Here.
The are made with a little butter and a whole lot of powdered sugar. I may have over did it because they would stick and so I had to sprinkle powder sugar on the surface.

They were easy to make but I had a lot of trouble getting them to roll out so I could cut them. Very time consuming so this will probably the the last time I make these. Ill just leave it up to mom for now on. Hers just seemed better any way.
I don't think anyone can do better than the Hickory Farms mint melt-a-ways, but hers comes close.

Now, where did I put my diet?

Linked on whatever goes wednesday at somedaycrafts

Hand-made Booties

I have been feeling a little crafty the past couple months. It could be because the weather is getting cold, needing stress relief from the Christmas rush, or because I've been itching to do things since I gave up facebook. But anyhow, I got this crazy idea to crochet baby booties. Yes, baby booties. No idea why but just wanted to try it. I know two or three different crochet stitches that my mom taught me years ago and made a baby blanket once but that's as far Ive been with it. So, I found an old ball of yarn, a cozy chair and began to crochet again.


You see, on my shopping trip the other day, my friend bought her grand baby some of the cutest little booties and this inspired me to try and make a pair. After several you tube videos and web sites, I stumbled across
this cool blog and saw a video, learned a new stitch, and learned to read a crochet pattern.
Before I knew it, I was making a funny looking sock! By watching the video I would forget what row I was on and since i'm left handed I was going backwards, so I made a copy of the pattern and went by that.
and Bingo!...........
Baby booties were made!

I really surprised myself and it was quick and fun. After there photo shoot, I put them in a little box, dated them and put them away. Maybe one day I will have a grand baby myself to give these to. Not anytime soon though. Meanwhile, I'm thinking of making some more just for the fun of it.