Thankful 30-#13

Etsy
I am not thankful for Etsy just because it's been a great way to supplement our income, but because I've been given so many opportunities by having a shop. The community on Etsy is extremely supportive and I've loved getting to know other sellers.

Earlier this year I was contacted about creating a quilt for an auction sponsored by a non-profit organizaton that donates money to children in Ethiopia. I felt honored to be included and happy when the quilt was able to raise money for them. I've also had the opportunity to make memory quilts for families who have lost loved ones. It is humbling to know that I am a part of creating keepsakes that will be treasured.

Today I was contacted by Storey Publishing about my fabric banners. I now have an order for banners that will be used to advertise the new sewing book 101 One Yard Wonders in independent bookstores!! The book looks fantastic and I'm excited to be a (very) small part of such a great project!I know I've said this before, but if you've ever considered starting up a shop of your own, do it. Even if you don't sell much at first , you can trade with other sellers, bid on Alchemy requests, and get to know the Etsy community. I'm always happy to answer questions about selling or help you set up shop!

Thankful 30-#12

Online Christmas shopping

Makes life SO much easier. Buy in my pajamas, shows up at my front door. How did our parents finish Christmas shopping without Amazon?

This book was delivered today. Jakson is slightly obsessed with letters. He creates them with sticks, blocks, pencils and is forever insisting that I follow suit. So when I stumbled across How to Build an A, I knew I had found IT. Perfection under the tree.

Images courtesy of Design Sponge.

Thankful 30-#11

Saver's Half Off Days

In Phoenix every other Saturday was half off day at Goodwill, but here in UT the half off days are few and far between. Which means, when they happen I have to stock up. Jakson is going through a growth spurt and has grown out of all of his pants in the past week (maybe somewhat of an exaggeration, but it was quick!!) and lately Storey looks like she's worried about potential flooding. So yesterday (Veteran's Day=50% Day), off to Saver's I went.

$32 later, I had 10 shirts/sweaters and 17 pairs of pants for the kids in various sizes (some to grow into). No stains, no rips, all in great condition.

How 'bout them apples?

Thankful 30-#10

The Office Re-runs

Ten PM, how I love thee.

Every night you bring me joy.
And antics from Michael, looks from Jim, songs from Andy, ridiculousness from Dwight.
Or should I say Dwigt?
Either way, I laugh.
After a long day, that's exactly what I need.

If you happen to live in UT and need a little retail therapy, I'm participating in the first annual Spring Creek Boutique tomorrow from 12-2pm and 6-8pm.
Come on by!!
1693 & 1694 S. Spring Creek Ranch Rd. LehiClick to enlarge.

If you are interested in getting a PDF copy of the map (for printing), email me and I'll send you one! bethanycr(at)yahoo(dot!)com
Read more about the Boutique here.

Thankful 30-#9

My mom

My mom and Storey feeding the goats at Farm Country (Thanksgiving Point).

My mom left today to go home. We will miss her dearly. Wouldn't it be nice to live close?

Jakson heard the garage door open tonight when Zak was coming back from running errands and yelled, "Grandma!!!" He rushed downstairs and was disappointed to find it was just Daddy. Apparently, Zak and I have moved down the ladder of "favorites" quite a few rungs. We just don't do things the way Grandmas do.

Grandma cuddled, read, watched trucks dig outside, pushed swings, grocery shopped (with Jakson and thought it was fun!), fed, changed diapers (no one gets out of that chore in our house), and loved---the way only a Grandma can.

Mom, don't be a stranger. Come back soon.

Thankful 30-#8

Sunday

Day of rest. Day of worship.

The one day a week that we put aside yard work, shop business, and all other outside activities to worship and spend time with family.

I look forward to it all week.

The only problem with Sunday is that it's followed by Monday.

Favorites on Friday

Yes, it's Saturday, but it's my blog so you'll just have to get over it.

We got our family pictures back from Kelly this week. I walked away from the shoot thinking, "I hope she got at least one decent picture." At the very best, the kids would have been called uncooperative. Amazingly though, she got some fantastic photos. The colors! The smiles! Kelly has skillz.

My favorite five:



More family pictures here.

Thankful 30-#7

Zak's job

I have never been so thankful for employment. I think it's like good health. You don't realize how wonderful it is until you don't have it anymore. Every day we thank God for his job. I hope that we never take a steady paycheck for granted again.

Unsolicited advice: Please sit down with your loved ones and hash out an "unemployment plan of action." Zak and I discussed our plan over dinner one night, never thinking that we would have to use it.

Three weeks later, he was laid off.

I will be forever grateful that we had talked about the "what ifs" before they happened. It was so much easier to stay calm, have faith, and move forward.

Thankful 30-#6

New bras-
Sorry folks, no pictures with this one. Disappointing, I know.

I like to think that I'm an independent, somewhat forward thinking woman, but I fully support the wearing of a bra. And I was desperately in need of a new one (or two), but just couldn't justify such a costly purchase given our current situation. Thankfully, my mom came to the rescue and I am now the proud owner of two shiny, new aforementioned necessities.

That's why we have moms right? To buy our training bras at 11 and our not-so training bras at 29. Karma will kick in when Storey is older I'm sure.