Weekend Update

With a four day weekend to enjoy, we had a great time with our babygrand on Saturday and Sunday. Early Saturday we hit a couple of thrifts located a couple of towns over.  I hit the jackpot with a pair of official Frozen shoes.  They are frozen blue with snowflakes on the toe.  A little french heel made them so fancy and irresistible to our girl.  We went out for pizza at her favorite place Saturday evening, made fairy clay, playing all sorts of games and pretending before we brought her home in a snowstorm Sunday afternoon.  I forgot to mention it was bake sale weekend at Church, so there was setting up on Saturday, working the 7:30 am Mass  on Sunday and picking up all the decorations when the Masses ended at 12:30.  No wonder I fell asleep during the first ten minutes of Downton Abbey.  Thank goodness for the DVR!

We wanted to visit these snow sculptures when they were first made last week in Lake Geneva Wisconsin, but were not disappointed when we saw them on Monday.  The Lake looks frozen over, but someone lost their life over the weekend when their snow machine went through the ice. Very tragic but avoidable.

 It was so gloomy that there is no contrast between the snow and the sky.

 I don't know if this was supposed to be the Iron Giant, a cartoon character that all my boys loved growing up, but I loved the heart carved right into him.

 Hearts mean love, our girl always says.

 Amazing to see these were all carved from  blocks of snow.

 Here's a guy with a heart as big and soft as can be. A happy happy birthday that will be celebrated again when we are all together ( including Mike!) later this month.  What could make me happier!

Meanwhile...In the craft department...

 I recently scored this little tabletop ironing board.  I only iron for crafting and only had a flat surface to iron on. I added some poly fleece first, them a double layer of cotton batting.

 Bargain, right?

 Had to buy this, but had a coupon!

Got out the trusty old staple gun, though particle board is not the easiest surface to staple into. I had to pound some of the staples in with a hammer.

 A thrifted sheet made the cover...

 A sheet is yards of fabric for a couple of dollars, when I'm lucky enough to find them.  Pretty easy project.  Can't tell you how often I wished I had one of these ironing boards. Now I do.

Well, on my birthday, while we were up behind the cheddar curtain, as we here in Chicagoland call Wisconsin, we hit the Goodwill.  With a $5 coupon in my hot little hand and a 25% birthday month discount, I went shopping.  How about this wreath?  Loved the white sunflowers, quality flowers with buds and realistic leaves.  Don't know if it will be taken apart or used as is.  A bargain at $3.99.

 We saw similar flowers for $20 each at another shop.

 Then this bunch.  I wanted the peony and bud, but also liked the interesting spiky flower.  Even my floral designing SIL Elizabeth wasn't sure what they are.

 Look how beautifully this bouquet was tied..

 Found two jars I collect and a shawl not pictured.  (In the wash) I am collecting shawls for our family's fall  barn wedding. They will be displayed in a basket with a sign that will say,  Chilly?  Borrow Me.

Last, ten yards of embrodiered ribbon.  With my coupon, and birthday discount I spent about $7.00.  I was giddy at the register.  My dearest, God bless him, gets a kick out of my bargain hunting.

Sixty One feels just like 16, except I have a date ;-)   So grateful to be loved by my family and friends. (when I'm not driving them crazy.)  Glad I still have spirit enough to make my kids roll their eyes at me;-) Grateful for their love and constant support. My biggest (my hubby) and littlest (babygrand) blessings bring me so much joy, and unconditional love and make every day an adventure.  Glad to be healthy enough to walk with determination, a spring in my step and a song in my heart. I am forever grateful for this gift called life!

 "The longer I live the more beautiful life becomes." - Frank Lloyd Wright

Thanks for all your kind comments and enjoy this beautiful day.