informal introduction.

CrAFtINg iN tHE raIn

(Yes that title is to be sung to the tune of "singing in the rain" IF you're wondering. :)

It's a raining day here in Idaho!

&

I.

Am.

Loving it!!!!

I've confessed before that Fall is my favorite season.

In the Fal,l there are those sunny days when it is gorgeous out and

you can't wait to get outside and

play in those crunchy leaves!

Then there are other days that you are excited to stay in all day and

light a nice pumpkin scented candle,

put on a pot of yummy soup and set the kiddo up with his paints

and craft your little heart away all afternoon.

But before I get out all that stuff -

I've got to introduce...

Annikke!

Annikke is the mom to 3 adorable kiddos - Spirit, Lefty and lil Lady Bug

and wifey to Mr. Man!

She is super mom!

She has a super cute blog called:

Mom is in the Fishbowl

(Don't you just love the name? Fits me on a daily basis!)

She works and keeps the three kids, hubby

and the house

right.

on.

track.

I adore reading her

Friday Recipe

like

here and here,

along with her

Meal Planning

like

this one and this one .

She shares her lessons learned about raising kids,

funny stories about her kids and things they say and do

& the challenges with being a working mama.

All the while, it is all super entertaining!

In the spring she did a fabulous Flip Flop Swap

(that honestly it was so genius my husband was like - too bad that wasn't your idea - need to thump him more often)

and I loved her

letter to

the man who borrowed her pen.

I died.

Hilarious!

The whole time I was picturing her face looking at his items and then glancing to him and then her pen...

thinking, Dear Lord - please don't let him try and give that pen back to me...

Too funny!

So onward to good times Miss Annikke!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Welcome to our "home".

So glad you were able to come and join me today.

First,

before we start crafting -

I was thinking you and I should go and do some

twirlin' in the rain!

I don't care if you are only wearing your flip-flops!

DO IT!

weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

Okay! Back in the house!

brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

So. First we definitely need something warm to drink...

Want some tea?

I happen to adore! Chai Tea.

Wanna try some?

Perfect.

I hope you'll love it.

Since I'm on a diet and have been trying to avoid sugar -

I actually drink my chai tea just plain.

I love the spicy deliciousness of it.

It tastes like Christmas.

Christmas tastes good!

~~~~~~~~~~

Here we go.

I got an idea when I opened that scatter brained tea drawer...

MAN! It needs organized! Let's see - I have this old tin - coincidentally it is an old Christmas tin.

Ha!

I think I will totally paint it up cute and put my tea in it!

What'cha think?

Cool!

Let's do it!

First, I'm going to spray paint it white...

Okay.

While that dries let's eat tomato on toast.... yummmmmmmmmmm!!!!!!!

These are tomatoes from the garden. Even though I am on a diet, not usually eating wheat or fats for that matter - you gotta get in at least one of these... right?

thank goodness it is nap time -Now,

I think I'll use a pencil for a little designage...

(yes, I just made-up that word)

now paint time...

and

I think I will give it some bumps and bruises to make it look "aged", cover it in a clear coating. organize, and

Walah! tea for two...me & you.

Well - the monster is awake.

Annikke,

I just wanted to say that I appreciated you coming to visit me today

and every time you get a chance.

I love your blog

& I love hearing from you - you have the sweetest comments and great feedback.

I believe we could be

kindred spirits.

&

if you ever make it to

Idaho

- let me know...

I think we could probably find some trouble to get into.

Especially if we bring Misty!

*wink*

God Bless you and yours.

♥Hearts♥

P.S. Thanks to all of you for dropping by today

& don't forget

Wednesdays are "informal introduction day"

and the only way for me to pick you is if I know you are out there -

So leave me a comment - I'd love to know who is stopping by.

x0x0

be happy in your work & joy in serving others

Growing up,

there were a few phrases that were repeated quite often -

"be happy in your work"

was definitely one of them.

My sisters and I were raised watching wholesome movies like Shirley Temple, Musicals, Disney movies and John Wayne movies. This particular quote came from The Bride Over The River Kwai - "Be happy in your work" was the motto the Colonel Saito who encourages the bridge builders to take on the same attitude.

Being a biblical statement - it puts a smile on my face to repeat it in my head through the day. I can hear my mama's voice also encouraging me to take on "said" motto when she would find me rolling my eyes at her for asking me to take out the garbage or go feed and water the horses.

I can remember dad saying it to me one time and then he went on to give me one of his dashing mindful smiles (similar to the one above)

when he was trying to drag me out to go out and cut wood with him.

I'm sure I just rolled my eyes at him and then got in trouble for it. He'd remind me to say "Yes, dad." and we'd go on our merry way.

I'm sure this is something I'll repeat to my kids down the road when they are giving me trouble for keeping up with their chores - already I'm trying to teach them to say "Yes, mama." and every time I say it, I grin.

I find myself repeating "be happy in your work" to myself, daily.

When I'm dragging my feet to change a poopy diaper,

or rolling my eyes because I have to pick up my husband's pocket change, receipts, knife and business cards for the million trillionth time

or

unload and load that darn dishwasher that no one else seems to know how to do.

My husband works with the public quite a bit.

He speaks with lots of mamas who volunteer for him and just generally want to be involved in "the mission"

and it always astounds me how many kids some of these gals have!

One in particular, I believe has 7 kids -

her husband works for a family business.

She doesn't have a fabulous house, car or all the latest

top-of-the-line kitchen appliances, but some how

she has found a joy in serving her family.

A joy in embracing her day to day.

Ben had never heard her say a cross word out of frustration to

her husband or kids

(note: Ben was not telling me this story to "line-me-out", not this time any way :)

Ben had asked her one day how she keeps up with all of them, just kind of giving her some recognition and letting her know he admired her efforts and that he was seeing what she did for her family but then also turned around and gave herself to help volunteer, too.

This is when she disclosed to him that she has

found

joy in serving.

Serving her husband.

her kids.

others.

This simple but crucial message has effected the way that Ben looks at his

day to day

as well as

my

day to day.

I've noticed that implementing these two ideas I have found my heart to be at peace.

My home is more peaceful,

thus

carrying on to our family.

I think we can all apply this in

our

day to day

whether we are making french fries at McDonald's.

Changing diapers, answering phones or putting up with a cranky boss.

happy in your work

&

joy in serving others.

I think I'll make myself reminders and put them around my house - How about you? Do you have anything you say to yourself to remind you to keep a positive attitude throughout your day?

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.

Colossians 3:23

picnics, again friends, a new due and blueberry ketchup!

Fridays, we do picnics!

picnics on the lawn,

picnics at the park,

picnics in the living room watching Little Mermaid.

yummy food,

the purple picnic blanket,

and two little boys with their mama,

having a picnic,

=

fabulous memories.

this last Friday I took the boys to one of our favorite parks.

we picked up Wendy's

Pauly reminded us to pray... as usual.

he's a good boy.even I picked up myself a little treat (apple pecan salad - try it!) good gracious Pauly!

are ya starvin'?

so stinkin' cute!William likes chicken and french fries, too. & he likes riding the tractor. he wanted to be as cool as big brother, of course.

while we were playing - Pauly made friends with two brothers that were there.

they weren't quite sure what to think about Pauly.

he's friendly.

(that's totally an understatement)

i sure love Fall... don't you?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Saturday morning, i woke up early.

i did my hair and make-up

(I wanted to look okay - I hadn't seen this gal in 9 years!)

and went to meet up with an old friend.

we met at the most adorable coffee house -

it had fabulous pastries, yummy looking food,

awesome antiques and vintage signs every where - let's just say...

i will be going back.

i wish i would of took pictures

but

meeting up with this gal had me SOO nervous -

i couldn't even hardly sleep the night before.

i'm pretty sure it took me like a half our to pick out my outfit

and this is NOT my regular.

so i totally put like an hour and a half into getting all dolled up and i pull up to the coffee house and there she was that little stinker

in her WORKOUT clothes and looking

adorable as ever.

one word came to mind but I'll reserve saying it for those "virgin ears" out there *wink!

but REALLY!

i was totally nervous for nothing!

we had a wonderful time catching up

and even though I felt kind of embarrassed,

as i have definitely gained a ton of weight since she saw me last

and we sort of parted ways under a little bit of a unfortunate circumstance -

there is no doubt about it - we had a wonderful time when we were friends "back in the day"

and i'm encouraged that we have the opportunity to take up where we left off.

isn't she cute?

i've so missed her.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

next, i headed to go get my hair done -

(look at those shmeered bugs on my window!)

it had been almost a year...

OH THE SHAME!

i can't believe i just admitted to that...

and i'm over it!

OKAY! so this is the

BEFORE: and this is

AFTER: i really liked the way it turned out.

thank you, Harmony!

you're a genius, woman!

so, i'm sure you are wondering...

where the heck were her children

when she was gallivanting around having

coffee and getting her "hair did"?

well... Mr. Man of the House was totally watching the boys -

with flying colors I might add!

Ya -

there was NO drama whatsoever.

whatever dude!

i always have drama... what's that about Pauly and William?

you're little angels for daddy?

You're.

In.

So.

Much.

Trouble!

so because the hubster did stay home with the kiddos for me -

i had to take him home a treat.

have ya heard?

Boise, Idaho is the home of the most fabulous fries!

Boise Fry Company!!

they were on "America's Best" on Food Network -

did you see it?

you can go here and you can see for yourself!

One more reason why Boise rocks!!!!

GO Boise State!!

You get to order what type of potato you want, the cut, and then you get to sauce it up with their

famous salts and ketchups. They have a really cute little cafe and all the art is by local artists,

which is such a great way for them to help

out local artists - don't ya think? they invite people to write little comments on message boards.

comments about how they like what type of potato is their favorite and

how they like to season their fries! Very cool.

I brought home yam fries to the boys with vanilla salt & Blueberry ketchup!

(that's right!)

and their special fry sauce.

YUM!

Now that you're drooling... :)

Have a wonderful Monday, Dolls!

P.S. Don't forget Wednesday -

I choose that

special someone

for

informal introduction...

it might be you and,

so don't be late!

♥

Jetty Rae.

Do you know Her?
Her.

Whose sound that streams from her heart - so fair and good. You'll swear it's just beggin' you to stay out all night long dancing with the one you love - just swaying back and forth in each other's arms. Her.

Whose talent will ache you to wrap up your babies and your love in that Granny quilt, drag them out to the middle of your backyard and stay there all night long just watching the night sky and snuggling to her soulful sound. Her.

The honest kind-hearted gal from North Michigan

named after her Grandma -

that with just one glance you'll

wish upon a star

that you could wake up in the morning looking

just a third as beautiful

as she.

Good Luck- I've tried it!
I first was introduced to Jetty Rae's music through a very reputable music source (friend) on Facebook. Jetty is a sing/song writer originally from North Michigan but now residing in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She has been singing, touring and recording for the past five years.

Over the past five years she has been developing her craft as she says she

"wasn't naturally talented with".

My opinion,

she's been blessed with

an incredible gift to

sing and write

melding it all together in

her own beautiful way.

This one is my favorite... so far.

Waiting

I wait at the bus stop with my salty pout
I stand in this long line, no one will help me out
I'm standing alone again
I'm the last one picked
This bench is so warm here
I've been here quite awhile
I'm crying alone now
Say goodbye to my old smile

Help me Jesus
Help me 'cause I can't help myself
Love me, Jesus
Love me 'cause I can't love myself

They point their fingers all the time
Laugh loud when I sing a silly rhyme
Must I always be run, run, running
Never knowing when the rain is coming
The mud has splashed all over my new shoes
Yes I'm singing while I'm crying

I've got the blues

Help me Jesus
Help me 'cause I can't help myself
Love me, Jesus
Love me 'cause I can't love myself

I sit with a stranger en route to forty-nine
I would talk but I don't want to waste his time
I've had enough strangers come and go
And it all starts with hello
That's why I just say no

Help me Jesus
Help me 'cause I can't help myself
Love me, Jesus
Love me 'cause I can't love myself
~~~~~~~~~~~

Her first album, Blackberries, recorded in 2007. In November 2009 she released Nobody EP. Jetty is hoping to record her second LP in her home studio and hopes to release that in late 2010. This record will be entirely produced and recorded exclusively by Jetty.

She's a do-it-yourself kind of gal.

She's pleased as punch to perform for one vs. hundreds

if it means they will find joy in her music.

Singing at open mic's, coffee shops or state fairs is where you might find her.

Being a millionaire is not in her "Top 10" goals of her lifetime. She wants to make a difference for other independent artist like herself. She wants to start an independent label to give them tools, studio time and experience -

resources that will encourage them to pursue their dreams and make great art.

This, to me, is VERY admirable.

Geeez! She's beautiful and humble.

~~~~~~~~~~

I am not a concert kind of gal

BUT

by-george

if she comes

to my town

My hubster better

get.

me.

tickets!

I wanted to leave you with her Facebook link and I found that I could listen to her music right on her Facebook page. (and now so can you!)

I listen to Jetty, mostly in the afternoons, when my boys are playing and the tv is off, and I'm putttin' (putttin' DOES have 3 t's if you're wonderin') around cleaning and cooking up dinner in the kitchen. Her music just feels... "homey" to me. I love the combo sound she has - to me it's like: the late Etta James mixed with clever lyrics and genius instruments. It gets me dancing around, twirling on my tippy tippy toes as I vacuum and

gets my boys wonderin' ~

what the heck is mom up to now?...

She also has a super fun website.

You can buy her songs on Amazon and Itunes which, if you are anything like me -

I'm puttin' (notice two t's) her on my Christmas List!

She's my kind of gal - the type who

loves her Grandpa,

watches Anne of Green Gables
and

Does-it-Herself!

Here is a youtube video, not perfect - but you will be able to hear her

angelic voice

for yourself.



So, just so ya know - I have a pretty reliable source in the "Jetty Rae Headquarters"

(shout out to Jason!)

and I am confident that I will have a cd to give away within the next few months.

Yay! Yay!

Hope y'all fall as hard as I have,

for

Jetty Rae.

♥