Rescued Hoops

It seems every year the hoola hoop we purchased the previous year is thrashed. All the pretty is gone off the outside and it looks so nasty I feel like throwing it out and getting a new one. But sheesh what a waste when it still functions so we keep using it anyway. We like the ones with a bit of water inside for weight they are much smoother and the kids can go for hours with them.

 I was at Staples this week and they had some printed duct tape which is normally very spendy on clearance for a dollar. I grabbed it because it was a super duper deal. Then I needed to come up with a reason to have brought it home.

 Today I saw the hoola hoops, remembered the tape and an idea was born.

Tools I used, Hoop, Tape, and Scissors

 I was going to just roll around the whole thing but it was going to bunch too much and waste tape. So I rolled and cut each strip.

 And it works!!!!

 I had some other duct tape left from a previous project so I did both hoops. This did not take the entire roll and you may be able to get two from one roll but I did not test that theory.

Sewing Together Pocket Pillowcase

I had a group of mommas over again today and we sewed some Pocket Pillowcases together. I love that the kids get to run and play while we socialize and do a bit of sewing too. :) We have a mix of beginners and longtime sewers, we all help each other out.

Today I taught the girls how to make Pocket Pillowcases. The tutorial is from Vermillion Rules!

We added a felt letter to the pocket which I think gives them some extra charm. :)

Here are the cutting measurements for any of you girls who remember how to assemble and just want the measurements, Or go to the above link for the full instructions.


Cutting instructions:

• Cut two pieces, each 26" x 21" from the main fabric. These will be your main pillowcase pieces.(These can be a tad smaller if your fabric is narrower.)
• From the coordinating fabric, cut two pieces each 21" x 5 1/2" for the side border. ( Make these the same as the main piece- so if the main piece is smaller these need to match)
• Also from the coordinating fabric, cut a 11" x 9" piece for the pocket and two pieces for the flap each 11" x 4".

Here are a few pics of the ones I made for my littles.

If any of you out there try and sew one we would love to see pics. :)

Summertime fun

Butterflies ready for freedom 

Perched on the cage before it takes flight

Watching the butterflies

Timmy let them go in the veggie garden hoping they will keep coming back

Bonfire smore time

Kaylin said she did not want to get in and then drenched herself anyway :)

Passing the time while Daddy is away

We have been watching our caterpillars cocoon and we await there transformation any day now.

Grandpa Keith and the kids have done so much yard work. mowing, and mowing, raking, and raking, and bagging, and finally the yard is usable again. :)

We went to pick berries last week and they have found there way to the freezer. Well most of them did. :)

Papa and Uncle Bob on Fathers Day out back with the kidlets.

The garden is growing well with all this sunshine and so are the kidlets.

Naturally we have not finished as much as I had hoped, although we do have 6 long days left until Daddy returns so maybe we will get some of it done after all.

At the park

Peaceful playtime at the park was just the way to spend our last night as a family until Daddy gets back from his trip.

Playing some catch

Sliding Oso down the slide. (Poor doggy)

My 2 men

Just look at how handsome they both are.

Bubble time

God blessed us with beautiful weather and glorious clouds to watch.

We dropped Justin off this morning and the team is headed to the airport as I type. For those who may not know he will be with an MBS team in India for nearly 3 weeks. Please keep the team in your prayers and I also ask prayer for the families. This will be by far the longest we have been apart since we got married and although I feel a peace about it I know that we all will miss him.

Safari Adventure

Safari Picture Overload coming up!

We had such a great day yesterday with Sheila and a bunch of cousins. It really was a blast even in the lovely Oregon rain and I am so glad we got this opportunity while Shae and the kids were in town. It will long be talked of by my kids and I am sure the others as well. :)

Feeding the Giraffe

The kids were just amazed by the Giraffe, his neck, his tongue. Just cool!

My little man and I!

Driving out to feed the Giraffe

Another giraffe, that we did not feed.

They were pretty sure this guy is a robot because he didn't move. :)

Riding on the train, Haven insisted on a picture because his feet now touch the ground. hehehe

Our personal train ride. :)

These little guys stole our childrens' hearts.

Being gentle

The Elephant Car Wash, pretty amazing to hear the kids laughing in wonder and excitement.

This girl really knew how to put on a good show for the kids.

The best I could get when it comes to a group pic. They were way too excited.

Throwing apples to the 3 bears.

These guys are amazingly cute. Glad they were behind a fence though. :)

In the van ready to start the day

Boys are a blessing

Justin had to work this Saturday and it just happened that my nephew and niece who are far to old if you ask me were in town at my moms for the weekend. So my momma and I did a little trade off and I kept my Nephew and she took Evangeline. So it was just me and the boys Fri night and Sat morning.

Elias went with us to the Build and Grow clinic to help the boys build there pull back race cars. These are a big hit and if you have not checked out Lowes free building clinics yet I again recommend them.

Here Elias is being very patient with Caleb.

Can you believe this a teenager playing Motor Boat with his little cousins. This just makes me smile I am so glad that even with the age difference they all just Love each other.

Duck Duck Goose time. :)

And my Haven concentrating, wish I could be that focused when I do a project.

Christmas Joy - Day 6

I really need to put this ladder away but it makes such a nice dinosaur mountain.

December Joy - Picture 4

Choo Choo trains the kidlets built at the Lowes Build and Grow clinic today!

Friday Fun

We had a few extra kidlets over today. We chilled for awhile at home before taking a trek over to the Safari.

The 2 big kids building some card houses

At the Safari

Snackin on the bunnies

Making some new friends

Watching a couple of show offs. :)

Biggest goldfish ever. Just ask Caleb