a number of things

crafty gifty

 

In my last Casey's order, I decided to try out the unfinished yo-yo's and tops. What fun! We have some serious yo-yo fans in this house, and their maple sleeper has definitely passed the kid test. This got me thinking.  What a great crafty and frugal gift idea a few unfinished toys and an inexpensive paint set would make.

And customizing your own yo-yo... how cool is that!

(Ok, now Jill and a few others, please forget you ever saw this and don't show it to your kids! ;-)) 

  

driveway fairy houses

What to do when the rains stop and mama kicks you out of the house...

...Why make tiny houses with the driveway rocks and the oh-so-perfect mud from the drying up puddles, of course.

With plenty of crepe myrtle blooms for landscaping...

...And a good, stout campfire out front for cooking. :)

   

they're armed

 

Did you make these as a kid?  Ok, maybe I was (am) a bit strange, but I used to love making these clothespin switchblades as a child.  Of course, I was also the kid who asked for real tools for Christmas and who's pocket knife was her prize possession. But enough about me...

 

Did I mention the cabin fever?

  

tic-tac-toe

After a completely rainless June, we have had rain nearly every day in July.  I'm not complaining, mind you, but it does make for just a teeny bit of cabin fever on occasion.

This little tic-tac-toe set has provided us with a surprising number of tic-tac-tournaments and quite a bit of hilarity as mama gets beat (regularly) by her kiddos. These little letters were part of a recent order to Casey's, and the game "board" was stitched from scraps in my stash in about 15 minutes.

Noah is the undisputed tic-tac-toe champion around here.  But I have instructed the other kids to learn his "methods" and report back to me, in the hope that one day I will be able to actually win a game against the 14 year old.

  

wordless Wednesday :: she's standing

 

   

bread & herbs

 

I have this wonderful friend who always serves the most scrumptious bread dipping herbs when we go to their home.  She puts a heaping spoonful of the herb blend in a dish, pours in a good olive oil and we all stand around the kitchen island dipping and talking. Yum.

Well, this is my attempt to replicate Lisa's bread herbs.  I think I have done a decent job, because a few weeks back when they were all at our house, the mixture was devoured (by our cumulative 12 children!) with the usual enthusiasm and speed.

Sorry about the vagueness of the directions, but it's how we do it. Trust me, if this is your kind of thing, you'll get the feel of how you like it (herbs to oil ratio) real quick. :)

Bread Dipping Herbs

• 3 Tbs. Italian seasoning
• 2 tsp dried parsley
• 3/4 tsp onion powder
• 3/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp fresh ground black pepper
• 1/2 - 3/4 tsp salt (to taste)
• 2 Tbs grated Parmesan cheese

Mix well and store in an airtight container.  To serve, scoop out a spoonful and place it in a small shallow dish or saucer.  Pour olive oil on, stir slightly till blended.  Dip in any sort of nice, fresh bread. Enjoy.

    

watercolor journaling

 

If you are looking for a fun answer to the ongoing "Mom, what can I paint?" question, I would like to suggest watercolor journaling. 

    

Such a simple concept, but one so filled with continuous inspiration.

 

We even ordered the DVD, because frankly, I need all the help I can get.  The kids love it and have no problem following the clear instructions and fun demonstrations.

Happy summer painting!

    

wordless wednesday :: mockingbird nest