The Seemingly Endless Bed and Bath Redo

In an attempt to make some progress with the redo, I tackled a small project. Forgot to take any 'before' shots again; sorry. At least I'm consistent.

This wall hanging was a garage sale frame made of plastic to resemble wood. (I know--classy, eh?) I spray painted the frame with my bf Heirloom White, accidentally broke the glass, got disgusted with myself and made my project-gone-wrong disappear. After the shelf redo, though, I decided to retrieve it and try adhering fabric to the frame's backing using spray adhesive, centering our last initial on the fabric, and adding a hanger. (The letter 'S' was a self-adhering mirror for which I paid $1.49 and then spray painted HW.)


It's presently hanging over the towel rack. Not sure I love it there or at all. Maybe it'll grow on me. Maybe it needs something?

Shelf Redo

So I shopped the basement and found this (formerly) unfinished pine shelf that included a punched tin 'Home Sweet Home' sign peeking through the top portion. (I was country when country was cool.) After carefully removing the tin to spray paint for another project, the sweet hubs cut me a piece of plywood to cover the entire back.

I used spray adhesive to cover the plywood with one of the prints I'm working with to redecorate our bedroom. Meanwhile, after a good cleaning, I spray painted the shelf with my old friend, Heirloom White.


After stapling the plywood to the back of the shelf and adding a new hanger, it was ready to put up above the night table. I have to say I'm pleased with the way it displays my Willow Tree collection.



Here's the coordinating curtain fabric. I have yet to make bathroom curtains and maybe a bedskirt if it's not too much print. If the valance looks crooked, that's because it is. I couldn't wait to hang it, unhemmed, before leaving on recent trip to visit family in New York, and haven't gotten around to hemming it since. Oops!



It feels good to be moving ahead with this bed/bath redo!

Rummage Sale Chair Makeover

Late! Late! Late posting to this blog, and late to the trash-to-treasure scene. However, I'm excited to share my first chair makeover, inspired by the creativity of so many fellow bloggers. I accidentally deleted the 'before' shot from the camera; sorry. So...please imagine a medium-stained, scratched chair with a faded, country blue, small print, polyester cushion--something that would go for, say, $5 at a rummage sale.

Now--with a little cleaning/sanding, a can of black semi-gloss spray paint, and a yard of fresh home dec fabric--ta-da!


I think she's cute, comfortable, and functional--providing extra seating when needed. I spotted the cushion fabric at JoAnn and fell in love:


Are these makeover projects addictive? I can't wait to do another one!

Fearfully and Wonderfully Made

Isn't a baby one of God's most amazing miracles? Near the end of camp grandma, a talented friend met us at the park for a photo shoot of our grandbabies. She happens to love the swirly pattern of hair on a baby's crown, so she captured the top of Elliana's head.


A few years ago, Ethan's daddy photographed his chubby little feet.


Since I happen to think baby parts are just about the sweetest things around, I decided to display the photos of Ellie's crown and Ethan's feet with Psalm 139:14 for a meaningful (to me) collage.


Perhaps you would like to join me in praise to our heavenly Father for the miraculous, most precious gift of life.

A Most Wonderful Day!

Mackenzie Layne, our beloved first granddaughter, is heading off to college this week. Before leaving home, she decided to take a major step to signify her faith. She was baptized yesterday. It was a beautiful day in every way!

Pastor prayed for all the teens going away to school. That's Mackenzie, second from the left.

Here's our girl with her pastor's wife.

In the lake with her pastor and youth pastor.

God bless your every step as you continue to follow His plan for your life. We love you, Kenz! SO much.

Camp Grandma Photo Recap

The little campers are back home with Mommy and Daddy--and a brand new puppy! I'd hoped for a number of photos to share here, but let me tell you, it took everything we had just to keep up with our two adorable blurs of activity. Every now and then, they slowed down for a story or to offer a helping hand with chores.

Story time with Beepa

Preparing for visitors

Modeling the dustcloth

Showing an early interest in housekeeping

That's it; short but sweet. Aren't they cute? We miss them already!

Our Two Campers

Sorry I haven't posted lately--been very busy. This photo pretty much explains it.

Sunday Serenity?

It's really Monday and truth be told, Sunday wasn't exactly serene. We returned Saturday night from a whirlwind 20-hour trip--ten each way--to pick up our precious grandbabies for a week's stay with us. We all managed to make it to church yesterday morning, then we spent the rest of the day adjusting to our new routine. Today's going more smoothly, and soon I hope to report that we've hit our stride. Photos coming soon.

Getting Closer

In less than a week, we'll be sharing our space with two little campers. Although Ethan, four, is a veteran, this will be 16-month-old Ellie's first time to attend Camp Grandma. We're setting up toys and play tents at home, cleaning the camper--with tentative plans for an overnighter at a local State park--firming up an outdoor photo shoot, and gathering vital provisions--whole milk, healthy snacks, diapers, and camp pj's, to name a few.


We'll see how it goes.

Temporary Trials

This was written in November of 2006, after Ethan's corrective surgery.

Since his cleft lip surgery, my little grandson, Ethan, has to wear splints on his arms to keep him from touching his mouth. They come off only when he has a bath or his clothes are changed. He's also being fed through a syringe. Unlike the bottle, the small syringe requires two to three pauses to refill. As you can imagine, he gets pretty frustrated--downright mad--about these inconveniences that are beyond his understanding. You might be amused to know that I tried showing him the syringe plunger pulling in the formula, hoping he'd get the picture and say to himself, "Oh well, my food is coming and everything's okay." After all, he's very smart.

Watching Ethan get so upset about the temporary trials that we know are ultimately for his good, I couldn't help but think about my own conduct when things are "going wrong" in my life. Do I trust that it's all working together for good, or do I scream at God for immediate relief?

I want to be a spiritual grownup, to cultivate a keener awareness that in all things, my Father knows what's best for me.

Camp Prep Postscript

So that grandma's two favorite campers might enjoy some yummy frozen treats, I felt compelled to order a popsicle mold--makes ten at a time--based on Alice's review over at A Number of Things. I love the look of sheer enjoyment on the face of her little taste tester!

Preparing for Camp

It's almost time for Camp Grandma, an annual summer event around here, and I'm having a ridiculous amount of fun with the preparations:

Acquire garage sale tents for indoor play - check (Sheba can't wait!)
Store a nutritious baked treat in the freezer - check
Determine site for real campout in RV this year - check
Arrange for outdoor photo shoot - check

To do:
Make--or purchase--pj's for little campers
Shop for bubble machine
Head east for two beautiful grandchildren
Keep them entertained on long drive back
Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!

There's been some talk of holding the babies for ransom. Maybe, despite their crazy summer ministry schedule, Mommy and Daddy will be able to carve out a few days to come our way at camp's end. If not, we will reluctantly transport our happy campers back home, smothering them with hugs and kisses to last until the next adventure.

Trust and Obey

I remember my departed dad's favorite hymn, Trust and Obey.

When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word, what a glory He sheds on our way! While we do His good will, He abides with us still, and with all who will trust and obey. Trust and obey, for there's no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

Dad was far from musical. In fact, he couldn't carry a tune. But he loved his Lord. Looking back, I remember an uncomplicated man with a straightforward faith lived out by trust and obedience. So when I played the piano at the old church, and folks in the congregation were asked to select their favorite hymns to be sung, I knew what Dad's was going to be. Always. I could turn to it with confidence before he got the words out: Trust and Obey! What a cherished lesson lived out before this kid's eyes. I'm learning, Dad. Thanks!

Portrait Peasant Tops and Dresses

One of my favorite clothing patterns for a certain little granddaughter is the Portrait Peasant from the Scientific Seamstress.

First I made a test-for-size elongated top, shown above, with ruffled hem and short sleeves. I used some fabric from my stash--the same floral utilized here--and mailed the top off to Elliana's mom for an assessment.

After she assured me of a good fit, I used the same pattern to make Ellie's dedication dress, shown right and below. (A baby dedication is similar to a baby baptism.) This time I employed the cap sleeves, ruffled sleeve/neck edges, empire bodice and mid-calf skirt. Carla's patterns offer a number of style variations and lengths as well as a wide range of sizes.

We were privileged--as were the other grandparents--to be with Ellie and family on this very special day. My heart is filled with gratitude and praise to God for His many, many blessings!

Ethan

Meet Ethan William, Ellie's big bro. I think he's pretty amazing.

Ellie

This is Elliana Grace. As far as this grandma is concerned, her only fault is that she lives too far away.

Raspberry Hill

Welcome! I'm so glad you stopped by. I thought you might like to see how this blog got its name. Many wild raspberry bushes border our little patch of land. (In addition, a humongous wild raspberry tree popped up across the driveway last summer. A former city dweller, I hadn't a clue--raspberries grow on trees, too!) We live on a hill as well, great for riding mowers (not!) and grandkid sledding parties.

I share a cottage in the woods with my husband of 32 years and our lab mix rescue dog, Sheba--affectionately known as "Sheebs." They are both worth looking at but camera shy today.

Between the hubs and I, we have three grown, "married-with-children" kids--two boys and a girl--and nine grandchildren. The boys live closeby, but the girl is a ten-hour drive from here--or nine and a half, depending on how long it's been since we've seen her and her family. All of these dear ones just might appear in future posts.

Please stop by anytime for some wild raspberry bread and good conversation. I'm looking forward to your visit!