Lost in a Daze

I think I have a case of 'Vacation-itis'. Doesn't seem to be any other way to describe it. We got back early (2:00 a.m.) this past Saturday (4th) and I've been exhausted every since! Our handicapped daughter has been 'acting up' so that doesn't help. I've got some serious organization to do and I'm gonna be brave and show you my mess. 

Our twins turned 7 on Tuesday and I'm separating them from the room they've shared since they were 1. It still has all of the paintings from 'Winnie the Pooh' on the wall. I miss them being babies! Well.....sort of....

 

I've promised our daughter a fresh coat of pink (lt. Pink) paint on the walls. Our son has inherited the back bedroom that his older brother had. Currently it houses my 'mess'.

Ouf....this is embarrassing!

 I'm not showing the other side of the room! It's actually just a wall of bins that are filled with inventory.
Anyway, the little feller needs the room and the twins are too old to be together anymore. They've got that whole 'Boy/Girl' thing going on and it's more than time.
SO, I'll be organizing and cleaning these spaces all weekend. It'll keep me busy and keep my mind off missing my hubby:(
This is on my table to finish.

I HATE stuffing arms and legs but need to get these dolllies dressed and ready for the holidays.
DON'T FORGET to sign up for my ETSY Giveaway HERE!
I'll have something to share with you soon from the OFG Team, too!
Stay Tuned!
}}Hugs{{
Vicky

ETSY Birthday GIVEAWAY!

I'm having a birthday this month!

Well, not me PERSONALLY but my Etsy shop is; 2 years!

Know what that means?

YEP, it's GIVEAWAY time!!!

What's the prize you ask?

ANYTHING in my ETSY SHOP!! 

You heard me!!

Pick something in my Etsy shop and then come back here and tell me in a comment what you'd like to have and I'll count you for 2 chances!

ANYTHING!

Need a 3rd and 4th chance?

Be a follower and post this on your blog's sidebar, tweet, or tell everyone on your FB!

Let me know if you did this in the SAME comment 'cause I can count! My 1st grade teacher saw to that! 

I'll choose 2 winners using the Random number generator. My ETSY birthday is on the 20th of August and I'll choose the winners on that day!

COME ON!!

What are you waiting for?!

(Open to the Continental US and Canada only, please. Link is also on my right sidebar.)

}}Hugs{{
Vicky

RELAXING and Realizations!

We haven't been going many places and we've been okay with that. Although I did not leave my responsibilities children at home, I've still been able to enjoy myself with a few books to read and some quiet meditation. Okay, so not so quiet with 6 year old twins but hey, I'll take what I can get. I have some great fall designs for table centerpieces and I'm looking forward to putting the plans together.

We'll be travelling tomorrow to Nauvoo to see the Pageant. I've always wanted to go and I think the twins will enjoy it. I'm not sure about these triple digit temps we are having though! 104 yesterday and 105 today? HELLO? My part of Florida is cooler than this! Also might take a trip into Chicago this weekend with my oldest daughter; just the 2 of us. WHATEVER will I do with myself?!!!

Oh, and did I mention how DELISH the corn is here?!!! YUMMMMMMMM!!!

We'll be returning home next weekend. Yes, I've missed my home and surroundings and most especially, the routine of our handicapped daughter. She's adjusted 'well enough'. It's super tough to take 'them' out of their controlled environment which is one reason we don't go anywhere.

I've missed my communication with all of you, my cyber friends! My world is small but made so much more enjoyable because of you! 

Hoping your Summer, vacation, and travels are going well. Cannot believe we're halfway through the year already. The twins will turn 7 soon. Still shaking my head in disbelief over that one!

My best to all of you!

As always,

Stay Tuned!

}}Hugs{{
Vicky

We Made It!

 Greetings one and all from Springfield! We arrived safely after a very long drive! We originally were going to stop at a hotel but the kids fell asleep and we didn't want to wake them only to try and get them back to sleep. We were doing good until 4:00 a.m. with only another 2 hours to drive. We HAD to pull over and rest for awhile. We'd stopped at a few rest areas and even a McD's for a snack, however this time, we needed sleep! We were able to gain about 30 solid minutes which gave my hubby enough energy to get us to his place (I continued to doze!).

Front view of Condo.

Back view!

My swap from Michelle at Simple Pleasures came in. I had her send it to Illinois since I wouldn't see it in Florida for a few weeks. Go to her blog and see what I sent her!

Wonderful 'spoilage' going on here! The twins loved helping me unwrap all of the goodies! Our son thought the Beeswax ornies were cookies! LOVE my Santa Doll! Thank you so much Michelle and thank you Wendy at Ravenwood Whimzies for hostessing this wonderful "Christmas in July" Swap!

I didn't get to finish this before I left on our travels. It will be full of blue bonnets from Texas and another red flower that I can't remember the name of. A friend of mine sent me this photo so I could practice honing my skills. That's a large fence post and it will have some barbed wire coming across the photo, too.

Hope your summer is going well. I'll be home in another week or two.

Going to go to Wally World and buy the kids a small wading pool. Unfortunately, the lake here is 'chocolate' and filled with bird poo. That equals to a large amount of bacteria in my book! EWWWWWWW!!!

As always, Stay Tuned!

}}Hugs{{
Vicky

Toodles!

I received some Georgia peaches from a friend the other day. 

I got about 6 quarts put away in the freezer for some yummy cobblers. We did partake of a few. Who could resist? There's just nothing like a Georgia peach; the girls and the fruit!!!

Today was spent hostessing the youth (12 &13 year olds).

This has become a tradition at our house. We love to have the youth over and even better knowing they are having a blast. 

I've always taken for granted playing on the water 'cause I've done it all of my life. If I wasn't fishing in it I was tubing on it, knee boarding on it, or swimming in it!

 

A lot of these kids don't get the opportunity to do this kind of stuff. Just because you live here doesn't mean you're privy to it. 

So we're always happy to welcome them here for the few hours they come with their Youth leaders.

Saying 'toodles' to you 'cause I said I would. I'll try and post at least once a week but don't forget me. Forgive if I don't reply back to your comments. As Arnold would say, "I'll be back". 

Now you know you just said that like him, didn't you?!!!

}}Hugs{{
Vicky

Great Giveaway from Brenda!

TheRustyThimble: SERIOUSLY!!!!: Good Morning, REALLY, Oh my gosh I do not have time for this !!!!! Warning this first picture is not a pretty picture This shot is ...

Yep, Still Here!

Oh, I know, I'm not supposed to be here but hey, life happens. My sweet daddy passed away this past Sunday. He died in his sleep probably from complications of congestive heart failure, diabetes, emphysema, and an aneurism in his stomach. I don't know which got him first but he's been a very sick man for the last 2 months. I was able to spend the Friday evening before with him and I'm SO glad I did. He still had his humor even though he was super weak. I told my mom, as I was walking out the door,  that would be the last time I saw him alive. Sometimes we just feel that, don't we.

Our trip is postponed until next week so we can have a Memorial/BBQ in his name this coming Saturday on the 7th. As much as death brings sadness, it does bring family together and I'm looking forward to seeing some Aunts, Uncles, and cousins that I haven't seen in a year or 2.

SO, I have cleared off my painting table and I've been preparing this house for my absence (and my House sitter, the nephew). Although I haven't been painting, I have been sewing.....

 I've been sewing up sunflowers, elves, dolls, candy canes, santas, scarecrows.....

I'm taking them with me to work on since I'm not taking anything else with me that is crafty. I HAVE to have something to do though 'cause I'm just so used to keeping my hands busy.

I've also been working on this very LARGE feller.....

 I have to put him altogether but am waiting for a few pieces to come in the mail. And also, I don't want to show him in 'all his glory' 'cause my swap partner might see it. Yes, he will have a carrot nose; it's in the plastic bin behind his head. I think I'll make a few more and offer one in my Etsy. Can you take a guess as to where I might offer the other one??!!!!

I'll have a few posts before I leave. I still want to show you my paintings.

Stay tuned!

}}HUGS{{
Vicky

WIP Wednesday!

Greetings Cyber Friends!

I could get used to this 'on vacation' thing!! I've been having a blast making things for me and designing some new patterns. I've been working on an order for a customer. She ordered everything from Easter to Thanksgiving....YAY for me, right?! It gets packed up and shipped out tomorrow. Another YAY for me since it's my last before vacay!!!

Here's a few pictures!

Everything needs to be 'finished' today. Ribbon embellishments and glue should do the trick!

This one is for my Swap partner over at Ravenwood  Whimzies Christmas in July Swap! I'm getting mine done early since I'm leaving soon for vacay. Can you guess what it is or even the pattern I'm using?

This one is mine! Have been waiting for awhile to get to this! LOVE the turquoise/aqua colors that are in right now!

And last, but certainly NOT least...

This is my Carolee! Inspired by none other than our own Firecracker Kid! In fact, Tim and Carol made me a couple of Whale Tail shelves that Carolee is leaning on. They're up now and when I get this large room cleaned I'll take a few pictures for you!! Now where did I put that number for those blasted cleaning fairies???

I have a few oil paintings I hope to share with you in the next day or two. This is the time of year where I work on them and complete what I start.....oh boy, let's not go there!!!! My project 'starts' are bordering on ridiculous!!

We're supposed to be heading out this next Monday. Hubby is flying in on Saturday with our eldest daughter. She has some furniture moving that she needs to do. Our little boy needs his bedroom and I'll be moving all of my Inventory SOMEWHERE! 

Lots to do but isn't that what the Summer months are for (nodding head while shaking head!)?!

Oh, by the way, Debby lost her 'umph' by the time she got to us. I think we wound up with 6-7 inches of rain. Hate to say we still need more but, hey, we still need MORE!!!

Stay Tuned!!

}}Hugs{{
Vicky

Summer GIVEAWAY Winner & Plans

I'm going to be taking a few weeks in July off. I need to go and visit my hubby and give him a break from all of the weekend traveling he's been doing to get back to us. Sometimes he barely has 48 hours to spend with us before he has to get back.

 AND we need a little vacation, too. 

I have a winner for my Summer Giveaway. Actually, I have 2 WINNERS!

Random.org chose:

BARB OF BARB'S HEARTSTROKES

AND

FELICIA OF RAGGEDY CREATIONS

CONGRATS WINNERS!

Send your addresses to me girls at VicWeave@aol.com so I can get your Sunflowers to you before Christmas, LOL!

Once again I find myself humbled by your sweet comments. I truly appreciate each and every one of you who follows this blog and stops in to say hello. 

I hope your Summers are full of FUN and Whimsy and you stay safe from the extreme weather this year seems to be promising.

 I'll say 'toodles' before I go!

}}Hugs{{

Vicky

My Swap Package!

All the way from the Dakotas; the south one!! 

I participated in Robin from Baggaraggs' Supply Swap. She did a Round Robin and Natalie from TINS AND TREASURES got my name. WOW!! Was I a lucky Gal?!!!

I opened my large parcel and found scraps of natural batting. She said her class (she's a teacher!) had all of these scraps left over from making a quilt and they were going to toss them. So she decided to put them in my box as a packing aid in hopes that I could use them and, BY GOLLY, I CAN!!! Perfect for my Snowman and Santa patterns I'm doing this year!

Everything was wrapped and tied with items that I could also use. Nothing goes to waste in this package!

Lovely coordinated fabrics, buttons, pom poms, hooks & eyes and other notions, straw hats, yarn, a large container of Cinnamon, sweet treats for the Twins; a WONDERFUL variety of materials that I can definitely use! Thank you SOOOOOO much, Natalie! 

What a fantastic package you put together for me! I feel so VERY spoiled!

Thank YOU, again!!

}}Hugs{{
Vicky

Not Too Late!

Don't forget to sign up for my current Giveaway!

The link is on my right side bar

OR

you can click HERE to sign up on the blog post.

Winner announced this Saturday on June 23rd.

Stay Tuned!

}}Hugs{{
Vicky

K.I.S.S.

These initials can have various meanings for a few different phrases but for me, it stands for this:

Keep It Simple Summer.

That's my motto right now.  Not stressing over having parties. Not stressing over cutting out tons of wood and keeping my Inventory up. Just doing what I want and entertaining the kids every once in a while. Yep, my kinda Summer! 

We've been doing lots of yard work. Trying to help my hubby out since he can't come home but every 2 weeks. He's got so much on his plate right now and the last thing he needs to worry about is a yard when we're able-bodied and can handle it!

So, my crafting has taken a back seat for now. I did get a big order yesterday but I have 2 weeks to complete it and get it shipped!

I did get these done.

Super fast and fun to make from Old Annie Primitives. Hers are done up more Primitive than mine but by now you should understand my aesthetic!

Also working on more of the orange, black, and witchy green.....

Yes, I paint mine with a darker brown base and then apply black on top. After they've dried, I sand them. The one standing up has the painting steps finished. It's now time for embellishing! I'll make these Prim while my Wooden Boots will be all about Neon Halloween Colors, hehehehehehehehehe (evil witch cackle!)!

Guess I'll go and get in the pool again with the kids. Beautiful day with lots of sunshine so why should I waste it?! What? You want a picture of me? In my Swimsuit? You don't say!! Well, if it's a picture you want then here.....

.....and THAT'S as good as it gets!

}}Hugs{{

Vicky

I'm BA-ACK!

Well, I certainly didn't mean to go missing for this long! Last Wednesday we had a spectacular lightening show and it decided to leave us a few reminders by taking out one of our Direct TV modems and my computer. I pulled the 'plug' on all major outlets but not before a nasty strike came. They come so fast how is one to know it's going to happen?!!!

Some good did come out of my 'down time' from the computer. I accomplished quite a bit out in the yard and got some sewing done, too!

Let me share!

I received a WIN from Deana at Old Goat Primitives from her last Giveaway! Those beeswax stars smell so delicious!

I've had so much FUN making these from a Mulberry Memories pattern! (I bought it from Pattern Mart).

Still need to add the vine to the back of the large melon but it's coming along nicely with wooden heart leaves added to it. I'll have to show a finished pic and share with you how I did it.

Some wonderful purchased patterns from Sandi at The Olde Country Cupboard. I get to see her again in October at the McIntosh show here in Florida. I'm saving my pennies, Sandi!!!

I purchased some FABULOUS-NESS from Carol and Timmy over at The Firecracker Kid! 

I hope to have these hung this week and will embellish them with all things nautical and Lake-like!!!

Well, that's ONE thing checked off from my 'I want this from Etsy' list!! Now just 900,000 more to go!!!

 Last but certainly not least, my latest beginnings. Yes, it's time to move on from Summer isn't it?! I LOVE Halloween and spend FAR too much time on it. These Happy Jacks will be Make-Do's. I just bought some new spindles and am looking forward to using them for these pieces!

Don't forget about my current GIVEAWAY .

It ends the 23rd of June!

Thanks for stopping by!

Stay Tuned!

}}Hugs{{
Vicky

Summer GIVEAWAY!!

Good Monday morning Dear Blogging Friends!

I've come back from the Dead! Not fully 100% but getting there a little bit everyday. Doc said to expect at least 6 weeks for full recovery....yes, I was THAT sick!

I have a GIVEAWAY for you!! I sure hope you like it as much as I do! I had so much fun putting this together!

I used a new pattern that I bought from Tawny at The Primitive Nook.

Now, mind you, mine is a bit different from hers. You KNOW that's going to happen with me. Don't you do it too? Change up a few things different? Sure you do! We all have a slightly different aesthetic and that's what makes the world go round!

Here's mine!

 You can see I made my 'bag' different. Tawny's was a lot of work so I simplified. Yeh, I know I'm lazy but I do like the blue homespun! One of my favorite color combinations is blue and yellow so this worked out perfectly for me. It's approx.15" tall by 8" wide

 I have 2 more in the works for my Etsy shop and so I thought I'd share this one with you. Want it?!

Then play my Game!

You know my rules!

1. Follow me...everything is alright, I'll be the one to tuck you in at night, and if you want to leave I can guarantee you won't find nobody else like me!! Gotta love Uncle Kracker!!!!

2. Leave me a comment here on this post and tell me whatchadoing for Summer!

If 2 chances are not enough then......

3. Go like me on Face Book

AND

4. Tell me how much you'd sell this for!

(Tell me all in one comment please.Open to US and Canadian friends!)

There you go. Let's run this until the 23rd of June. Sound good?

GREAT!!

Hope your Summer is getting off to a great start! Stay cool 'cause it's gonna be a HOT one!!

 }}Hugs{{
Vicky