We've got sun and so much more!

Thankful for:  sun, summer, family, food, fellowship, the Word, and so much more...

With so much going on it's just about impossible for me to blog!  Hopefully a few photos will speak for what's happening here at Sweet Woodruff Acres!  (click any photo to enlarge) 

(Making vintage sheet music liners for the wedding invitation envelopes)

Hugs! Heidi

The rain continues, but gives more time for wedding crafts and projects!

It's still raining here on the Oregon coast, but I guess that just gives me more time inside to work on wedding projects.  And play with the grand kids!  There's so much to be doing outside but whenever we go out to work on the property we slip and slide and get all muddy! 

Here's the "save the date" postcard Jessica and Craig sent out:

Craig's sister, Kelly, created the graphics and designed the postcard.  I'm in love with her work, she's so talented!  First, notice the initials, "C J", and how Kelly got the letters to tie together forming a heart; simply delightful!  (For a crafter like me!)  Then notice the sparkly ring, this IS Jessica's ring!  (But not their hands!)  She used one of the photos from an engagement photo shot Mark and I did with them on our property.  We took a hundred or so photos and ended up with some real cute pictures for Kelly to select from, as well as photos we can use for several other things later.  One thing about mailing out the save the date postcards was that we found out which people we had the wrong addresses on our list for, they came back undeliverable.  So we can correct this now before we send out the wedding invitations.   Also, on the back of the postcards was the Internet address for their online wedding site, which is very cool, too.  This site gives maps, local attractions, photos, hotel information, attendant stories and so much more.  A wedding website is a "must have" these days!

For Christmas we gave Jessica a Singer sewing machine.  Now that it's time for her wedding she's going to put the sewing machine to good use and make her two flower girls' dresses.  She'll use the "C" style dress on this pattern:

We've got a couple other cute and original ideas for the flower girls, but I'll show those in September!

I sent the logo of their initial to my custom rubber stamp maker, TerBearCo, and had a stamp made!  We'll use if for a few projects, but the first project I wanted to show is the organza fabric bags.  I ordered a large lot of these on eBay and stamped the bags with the custom stamp.  We used the darker color of Fuchsia Pink (StazOn ink) so that it would show up nicely.  These bags will be for the wedding "favors", which is a candy, from a Candy Buffet that the guests should have a lot of fun filling their bags with!  Have any of you ever went to a wedding or other event where there was a Candy Buffet (or Candy Bar)?  I'd love to hear some experiences, what was good, what was loved, etc. Thanks!  We've got all the glass jars and containers lined up already, would you believe I already had most of them around the house? 

The wedding reception will be here on our property, which for the last 18 years I have called, "Sweet Woodruff Acres".  When we first moved here I bought a bunch of the herb, called "sweet Woodruff", and planted it all around.  I'd love to say the place is loaded with that herb, but it's all long gone now.  Guess it didn't reseed itself like the wild mint and oregano did!  But the name stayed, and so the "Sweet" part is what we're playing with for the wedding favors, hence the Candy Buffet!  If you've never heard of a candy buffet (or candy bar) go do a google search, they are so much fun.

Another project we're doing called for stickers, which I made on office labels.  I first used a lace stamp and stamped all the labels.  Then I printed them out on my printer.  I will cut them down to smaller sizes for what we're using them for.  Again, I'll show that later or in September after the wedding!

We'll serve dinner at the reception and we've been working on the menu.  (This is NOT our menu, but I love the chalkboard and will make one for the wedding for our menu!):

I think we've got it all nailed down, with a local caterer coming out to do the grilling on site.  We'll rent a big tent, but with these endless Oregon rains I'm beginning to wonder if there could ever be a big enough tent!  We'll see...

We had the kids yesterday while Melissa went to town for a few hours of shopping (and some mommy time!).  Here's the two grand kids yesterday:

Thanks for the suggestions of using the iron on for my cards, it makes it much easier to sew them.  I still like to sew them on the cards just for the fun of it!  I'm experimenting with papers and wedding invitation ideas, I have a few designs, and we may just make them ourselves instead of ordering them printed.  Anyone have experience or suggestions I could consider for invitations?  We love the pocket fold ones, and will use those, just not sure if we'll cut them all ourselves or order the blanks.

So these are just a quick glimpse of a few projects I've been working on.  I realized I hadn't blogged for weeks now, and just wanted to say "hi" again to my faithful readers, and "hi" to any new readers! 

Blessings!  ~Heidi

Five Little Monkey's Jumping On The Bed

What's a grandma to do when it's raining outside? (Day after day?)

Yes, just let the monkeys jump on the guest bed! Luckly none fell off!  The balloons added a fun effect, I think they were trying to jump on the balloons ON the bed! This is their idea of fun!

I've been making cards from fabric scraps, stamped muslim, lace and ribbon scraps and more!  This one pictured was a test card, so you'll notice the stitching is a little off!  I stitch everything on the large fabric scrap, then when that's finished I stitch it to the card, inking up the edges for a vintage look.  I found it's easier to put a bit of glue on the card before I stitch the fabric, otherwise it tends to move on me!

This was a special order sign I sold on Etsy.  The buyer wanted every letter painted in different colors!  I wasn't sure at first how it'd look, but when I completed it I just loved it!

Lot's going on here at Sweet Woodruff Acres!  I'm loving everything that's blooming now, especially my lilacs.  Ummmmm....the scent is heavenly!

Hugs, Heidi

The One; She's the One; Abundant Life

Shopping...for the dress...

                (Anja, Jessica, me, and Melissa)
So we are deep into the wedding planning. We love the abundance of photos and inspiration that's available online. When I was planning Melissa's wedding exactly nine years ago the internet was nothing close to where it is today. Nine years ago most of our inspiration came from books and magazines. Today all I have to do is turn on my computer. We're still working on details, but the BIG decision has been made: The Dress. It's on order and I have to say, it's drop-dead-gorgeous! Not kidding. When Jessica walked out of the dressing room with The Dress on, it took my breath away. And her's too. After trying on almost 30 dresses, This Dress was The One. Big Smile. I can hardly wait until September when she wears The Dress to wed Craig. My prayer is for God to go before Craig and Jessica and make His footsteps their pathway. (Psalm 85:13). The Lord gives what is good to His children, and He has given Craig and Jessica to each other. I feel so blessed to recognize this gift.

And the other great blessing in my life right now is watching our third grand baby grow....in Melissa's tummy! Little four-year-old John Mark told me, "My mommy's growing a baby in her tummy!" It was so sweet. Last week Melissa invited me to join her and Kris to the ultrasound session when they were going to check on the baby's growth and find out the answer to the big question: boy or girl. I was so honored to be there and see "the three lines". (Do you know about the three lines that show up in an ultrasound? I now know!) The technician checked all the vitals, measuring and taking a ton of "pictures". Everything was as it should be, what a blast to see this process, I think it was about an hour and a half--very detailed! Then she said, "do you want to know?" Yes! "three lines".... It looks like Ellie is the one who will be sharing her darling bedroom with a new little sister in September when the new baby is born. (Due the week before Jessica's wedding!)

Melissa is such a good mommy. Her 28th birthday is Tuesday. Happy Birthday, Melissa! I love you! She's the matron of honor for Jessica. She works so hard and is such great support for Jessica. She put on a fabulous engagement dinner for Craig and Jessica!  Here she is helping pick out The Dress:

Mark and I are thrilled to see our family grow by two this year. We are honored that Craig has chosen our family to join, and that God blessed Melissa and Kris with a baby. One of my readers recently asked if I even craft any more, with so much going on! (I do a little, but for gifts mostly.) But my focus is on the people in my life. God put me on earth to have a relationship with Him and to those He's put in my life and that's what I'm busy doing!

Here's John Mark and Ellie:

I'm enjoying the abundant life He's given me here on earth, but I always keep that when God says "abundant life", He's really saying "eternal life with Him". 

Blessings, Heidi

Easter Week

I love spring and there's plenty going on this spring at Sweet Woodruff Acres!  We're pulling pictures and ideas like crazy for Jessica and Craig's wedding.  I'd love to hear any and all wedding ideas you have, from the dress to the ceremony to the reception and more!  Give me links, give me stories, give me ideas!  Thank you!  Jessica is waiting until Melissa finds out a closer due date for her baby, due the end of August or around the first of September.  This will be Kris and Melissa's third child, and we're so excited!  So it looks like we'll have a new baby grandchild and a new son-in-law within maybe a month!  Our family is growing! 

(by our front door)

We've got a lot of projects going on here outside as well.  We had to tear down a failing retaining wall in the garden, and all my raspberry plants have to be moved. 

(Here's a picture of our raspberries from a previous season.) Have you ever shoveled wet dirt?  It's heavy.  But, maybe it's good muscle building for my arms!

I won!  I won!  Yes, I won two blog drawings!  I tell you...there are such generous bloggers out there!  Thank you!  First off, I won Tracy's (My Cup Runneth Over) blog-anniversery drawing. She sent me a purse(pocket)-sized leather bound Bible!  I just love it as I can take it everywhere and anywhere I go.  She also sent the book, "100 Days of Grace for Women".  I love to spend time in the Word and love reading devotionals and study books that point me in the right direction:  to Jesus! Thank you, Tracy!

                             (Photo by Heather Bullard's, on her blog:  You must visit there!)
Then over on Heather Bullard's blog, I won her drawing for jewelry by Cap Creations.  I received the items I selected yesterday.  I picked a cross necklace, a pair of pretty pearl drop earrings and a charm with a musical note. 

(yes, sitting on my musical egg! they should be in my ear lobes!)

I have to tell you...this jewerly is wonderful, very high quality silver, absolutely gorgeous!  Thank you, Cathy of Cap Creations for sending it and thank you Heather for drawing my name! 

And for you to have a chance at a drawing today, check out Faded Praire Junky Birthday Giveaway.

Easter Week:   This is Easter Week, also called Passion Week.  Friday night we'll be remembering how Jesus died on Calvary for our sins.  Huge.  HUGE.  He died for me.  Precious Redeemer.  So this week I've been going through the Bible following Jesus's last week before His death and resurrection.  I've learned so much, and can't believe I've never done this before.  As a guide there is a "Helps" reference at the back of my Bible that shows the last week and the Bible passages from the four gospels and other Bible books that tell the story.  As another reference I'm using the book, "The Last Week" (The Last Week: A Day-by-Day Account of Jesus's Final Week in Jerusalem ).  Every morning I wake up and tell God, "I'm so excited to spend time in the Word and with You, what is my manna for today?"   And every morning He blesses me richly with His everlasting and unfailing love.  Blessed Redeemer....do you know Him?

May God bless you this Easter Week.   Hugs, Heidi

Some news!

 Jessica said "yes" under the Seattle Space Needle last weekend!  Isn't that romantic?  And the ring is georgeous! Craig and Jessica are making plans now, but this I know:  The wedding will be this year and we're having fun planning!

THE BRIDE

Melissa asked me to make John Mark's birthday cake.  The theme of his pizza party was "Hot Wheels", he loves all things with wheels.  So last week while I was playing cars with him in his bedroom I lined up a row of cars.  I asked him, which FOUR cars do you want on your birthday cake?  He said, "these, on my cheeseburger birthday cake".   How does a four year old get the idea that a cake needs a cheeseburger?  Well, this grandma can make things happen.  (I texted Jessica to bring home a fresh McD's cheeseburger on her way home from work that day...)   

At the pizza parlor John Mark was so excited he never ate anything, just ran around.  But next think you know, he grabbed his cheeseburger and ate it!  This grandma knows her grandkids!

And for the race... Yes, I ran my first race last Saturday.  It was a 5K (little over 3 miles).  I've been running about 4 miles daily so I knew I could do it.  But there were some hills to contend with, other than that--it was a blast!  I came in first in my age division (51-60, I'm 52!), so that was cool! I won't mention my time, but it was not bad for a grandma!

(And, yes, I do need to buy a new size of running capris, these don't fit anymore!)

Yesterday after work a Jessica and some of us girls met up with her to check out a potential wedding location.  Mark was so sweet to watch the kids....his activity was to teach them how to fly!  All kids need to know how to fly!  I just love seeing the smiles on their faces!

Here's some pretty daffodils on my counter to cheer up your day!  I painted the chalkboard paint on a few bottles, 1-2-3, easy as can be!  I love painting with the chalkboard paint!

I painted a little round table for the kids to use...

We've only a few days until  we celebrate "Resurrection Sunday"- Easter, my favorite day, because He Arose-He Lives, which gave me everlasting LIFE when I accepted Him as my Savior!

Last night while the kids were here I asked John Mark to decorate my Easter tree.  John Mark very serious about the job I gave him....

Have a blessed weekend! 

Go out in joy!

          ~Hugs, Heidi

Delighted

Lookie here...my own sweet Raggedy Annie verse doll!  Lea made with so much love in every stitch!  You can look at her other creations in her Etsy store here.  The verse is Psalm 37:4 and it says,

"Delight in the LORD and He will give you the desires of your Heart." 

To "delight" in the Lord is to take pleasure in the Lord.  When I do this the Lord changes my desires to conform with His will.  He changes my desires to match His will and His delights.  It's an awesome experience to find myself delighting in all things eternal, as opposed to earthly things, which have no eternal value.  But it's okay to enjoy the beauty and splendor the Lord does give me.  Such as this cute little Annie doll...she's there to remind me of keeping focused on my Jesus.  She also reminds me of friends and family---God's gifts to me!

More fun...  I won Tracy's  (my cup runneth over) drawing, here.  I'm excited to read what she'll be sending to me. You still have time to enter her final drawing, she's got a big surprise for the final giveaway.  I tell you, bloggers love to giveaway and to celebrate blog-anniversaries!  Loads of fun!

Also, regarding the blog where I go the idea to glue paper clips on the back of plates: I always try to include links to places I mention or refer.  I finally found the blog I had mentioned!  It was Diane of "In My Own Style".  The post about hanging plates, etc, is here.   Be sure to read her post of how to have some fashion fun on your refrigerator door!  So cute!

Having fun in March...rain, birthdays, flowers, fellowship, family, food and fun!
Blessings, Heidi

Plates and platters on the wall; the blessings of brokenness...

Here's another corner in our home...(you can click on the pictures to enlarge).






We've been working on our home for, oh, about 18+ years now...perpetual home improvements! Our latest "big" project was putting in a new front door/entry into our home. We hadn't had a front door for a dozen years, or so. This first picture is the entry way into the kitchen. What I wanted to point out is the platter collection I hung on the wall. We glued saw-tooth picture hangers to the back of the platter with Gorilla Glue. Yes, it works! I have a large collection of platters, but because we use them all the time I had to pick out ones I wasn't going to use. My sister Genece has an eye for garage sale bargains platters, she gave the two on the left to me. The bench is one we made from an old bed frame. The pillows and bench pad I made from an old chenille bedspread. The sweet little oak wall drawer thingy is something Mark made for me about 20 years ago, using old oak wood from a discarded pallet.

This is under the entry way stars, our new pantry.

You can almost see the shelving under the stairs on the right. I hang my aprons in here, but I do keep one right in my kitchen! The plates hanging on the wall here were an experiment for me. I had read in some one's blog (sorry, can't remember who that was, but she had written a decorating book!) how she had glue used a hot glue gun to glue paper clips (bent up a little) on the back of her plates to hang. Well...I did that. A little while later: crash! A plate fell to the floor. Oh, the floor in here has not been laid yet, so it's cement now... Yes, the little saucer broke to pieces. I figured I just hadn't glued it well. Crash. Crash. Two more fell and broke! I quickly took them all off the wall and this time I used the STINKY glue! It's called E6000. I'll forever be thankful to Elizabeth who told us about this glue years ago. Just be sure to use it outside as it stinks until it's dry. I haven't lost a plate since then.

So if you want to try this, you can use either Gorilla Glue or E6000. And you can use saw-tooth picture hangers or paper clips, depending on the size and weight of your platter, plate or saucer. I thought of these two walls in our home after reading Tina's blog today, Cherry Hill Cottage. Then also reading a new blogger's blog and seeing her Great Wall of China, (welcome, Danielle!).

But, really, this broken plate episode reminded me of a "Streams from the Desert" devotion I had read last year. It was called, "Broken Things". In part it says, "God uses most for His glory those people and things which are most perfectly broken. The sacrifices He accepts are broken and contrite hearts......It was when Mary broke her beautiful alabaster box, rendering it henceforth useless, that the pent-up perfume filled the house. It was when Jesus allowed His precious body to be broken to pieces by thorns and nails and spear, that His inner life was poured out, like a crystal ocean, for thirsty sinner to drink and live."

"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." Psalm 147:3
Blessings, Heidi

I never met a cookie I didn't like!

I've been dreaming cookies, as you can see! This sign is in my Etsy store, here.

Here's a fun picture of our grand kids this week.

They just have too much fun! Their surprise for me this week was when they threw everything off our 2nd floor deck, including the compost bucket over the rail to the lawn below. (Our kitchen is on our second floor.) When I looked over the deck and saw the mess, as wonderful as is was funny, I just had to "get serious"! Needless to say, they both cleaned up every single thing, egg-shells included! But we had fun doing it, we all three got side-tracked real quick. I pulled weeds, John Mark played with the shovel, and little Ellie ran across the pasture to the neighbors to see the sheep and new lamb!

Thanks, Mimi for trying out my new cookie girl link on your blog. She says it loads up my Everyday Cookie girl image, but doesn't set the link to come to my blog. Is there anyone out there who can take a look at the link I have here and let me know where I've gone wrong, and maybe how to correct? Thank you SO MUCH!

Have a great weekend! Blessings, Heidi