A bond growing stronger

There's a certain little boy and a certain dog who just absolutely love each other. This little boy must hold the leash or be right next to his dog.

This little boy must be the one to throw the stick.

 

The dog gets oodles of love, by you know who.

They have loved each other from the start and their bond keeps growing stronger.  So wonderful to watch.

Book Basket Cover: April

A little late, but here's the basket cover for April. Not the best lighting to see the pastels, but you get the drift.

 Here's the cover from:
January

February

March

Happiness is....

A playground date, just the three of us, filled with squeals and giggles.

Waving at the trucks that go by and celebrating that some honk their horns at us!

Followed by the train station.

Followed by firetrucks.

Followed by a bit of shopping...general store style.

With the grand finale being popcorn and a soda in a glass jar, just like the old days.

Now, that's the type of day that will turn your frown upside down.  There's nothing like family time.

Upcycled: Puppy Hat (Free Pattern Template)

My latest...a puppy hat.

 I found this "Lake George" hat at a thrift shop for a quarter.  The "Lake George" is just stamped on and was peeling a bit.  The hat is of great construction, but it was turned into a cheesy souvenir. So...I set to work, brainstorming how I could cover that "Lake George" without creating a tacky hat.
 

I created a template to machine applique. I embroidered the eyes, added a button nose. It's similar in design to my puppy crinkle toy. If you'd like to make one, here's the pattern.

I must say, my little guy loves it.  And insists on wearing it all the time.  Makes my heart melt!

We were set to go on an adventure this week.  We told him to get ready.  He immediately grabbed his puppy hat, I helped him with his mama made coat.  He then said "Bucket truck".  He needed to pack up, just like his mama.  He stuffed his bucket full of matchbox cars...

and then sat on this stool, waiting patiently for mama and dada.

I am enjoying these days when he tolerates his mama dressing him up in homemade love!

Quilt 51

Quilt 51-2001-Twin size 

Under Budget Again! Go me!

Before I reveal my scores, I want to make sure all of you readers know that I'm doing a little give away for those who have given my crazy ideas a try.  To enter, just tell me via Email, Facebook or a comment what you've tried.  You'll be entered to win a prize made by me for you!

Onto the deals...




Ahh, yes.  Under budget again.  Can't beat 50% off clothing, when clothing for little kids is only a quarter.

Three Karen Katz lift the flap books (nothing ripped either!)
A dress, overalls, skirt and two shirts for a little girl.
This awesome/unique set of tiny interlocking blocks for building.

Get this...grand total...drum roll please:  $2.25 (plus tax). 

Score!

Jam bars

Back when my husband worked at Stonewall Kitchen, we'd get oodles of "reject" jam, mostly that wasn't the perfect consistency to sell.  In order to use it up, I searched for a jam bar recipe.  The recipes I found were fussy or had lots of ingredients.  So, I decided to create...and this is what I came up with:

Jam Bars, a Jackie Original

1 stick butter, softened
1/2 cup bwn sugar
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup oats
1 T flax seed meal
8-10 oz jam

Mix all ingredients, except jam.  Press 2/3 of mixture in bottom of greased 8 inch square pan.
Spread 8-10 oz. your choice of jam.  Sprinkle remaining mixture and press down gently.

Bake 350 for 25 minutes