Disappointing Days

Well, today was another day of plugging away. The kids are still not wanting to work, we are going to have something break or I am going to break. I just have been feeling like a failure with them lately....I know we all go through this but those who know me, know I verbalize so this is the next best thing. I just wish I could find something that motivated the little man.

Today we went to the doctor to discuss some issues he has been having and he lost 3 lbs since Sept. He weighs below the 0% now and his height is right at the 1%. I know that I shouldn't worry as God is on the throne and he loves my son more than I could imagine but sometimes it is hard not to be thrown by the storms of this life.

Off to cook dinner and hug my kids.

Blog Neglecter

Ok so you see that my poor little blog is neglected. So here I am again, to tell you of nothing if importance but it is my life.

Man, it has been a rough year in terms of school, I feel like we are eternally behind. Little Man has been a hard on to stay on task and he has a LOT of work to do. Mom won't tell him but so much of it is just busy work but he still has to do it. His teacher is working with us but I wish someone else could take a week of this and sit here with him for 5 days and get caught up. I personally like the online program, and he loves the computer portion, so cute they both have these little 10" laptops, but writing is tough for him and he struggles.

So, now, on to Claire. She is an amazing gal, and the other kids at school are so happy to have her there. Never thought I would say this BUT, she is the on who always has her homework done and helps other kids with theirs......I about FELL out of my chair when I heard this. She remains steadfast in her call to be a missionary and God is doing great things in her life. The transition to a new church has been difficult for her, we have attended our former church since she was a 4th grader and change is always difficult. Oh, and she auditioned with CYT Denver (Christian Youth Theater) for a part in their winter production of the musical Narnia and she will be a fighting Narnian....we are waiting to learn exactly what that is. Her first practice is Friday and she will be taking classes with the group as well. The production is the end of January and she is very excited. Mom will get in on the action doing costuming, staging and makeup, really looking forward to it with all the creatures there are...the costumes and makeup will be so fun!!!

Moo is well, Moo. She hears a different drummer than most of us and we rejoice in that. She is as stubborn as the day is long but laughs through life and enjoys everything she does. The other day, we were in the car and the dog was with us. I had stopped and gotten the kids some McD ice cream cones. I heard her say to the dog, "Now sweet tea, I know this looks delicious but it isn't for you, it will tear up that little tummy of yours!" What a trip, things like come out all the time. When we pass a vehicle on the side of the road, she says, "That can't be good." Gotta love her!!!

I have begun wholesaling my bows and other wears and it is really kicking me in the rear. I love the fact that I get a big order all at once and the money is good but it takes two little hands a long time to make $200 worth of bows. It is worth it when I hear the client say that every last one of my bows sold at their show and they will be back. I have recently approached some stores in town and on the web to see if they would be interested in carrying my items, haven't heard back yet but am hopeful.

So how about some current pics of my work and my kiddos, and maybe a few of me....
Here is our little Captain America, he loves dressing up in costume for Halloween but he doesnt like to ask for the candy.









You can see him saving our damsel in distress (Aka the dog in costume). a super hero's work is never done.





















Then there is always the little sister, and his best bud, that needs to get in on the action. Poor guy, has two princesses to save.

So, the princess was on the prowl too. she has been a princess of some sort or another every year since she was born. Nothing like a girl that knows what she wants. Next year I am certain we will be another type of princess.

I would not be a true enterprising designer if I did not share the head wear that I made....course as with everything else I make for her, something is wrong. This one is itchy. She will wear a cheap tutu all day long but my stuff......UGH keeping me humble.




























Ahhh yes, the joy of having two teen-aged drama queens in the house. But seriously, we love Lauren and look forward to whenever she is around. Even though both young ladies are in drama, they are so much fun to be around. This night they were on their way to a friend's b-day party on the night before Halloween, Claire a gypsy complete with the dangle earrings and henna tatoos on her feet (thanks Lauren and her sharpie) and Lauren was a dark enchantress.......YAY for Target and KMart costumes revamped. These two gals are going to be the death of their dads when time to be asked out comes around. BUT you will never have the privilege
to meet two more grounded gals!!



This is what I get for asking them to pose however......drama....lol. The thing that they get tho, is they both have younger sisters so when they are hanging out, the youngers always want to be a part of it!!!










So serious........do they scare you??








And I noticed that they each were able to find a way to wear a Three Blessings Bowtique Flower in their hair.....gotta love dramatic advertisement. Claire often says that all the kids come to see what bow she is wearing on any given school day.

And here is some new work......and me...



















Beanies are all the rage and I am loving these singed flowers, I have a tutorial written on these, let me know if you'd like to purchase it.


I love this little guy....for sale!!!

No way do I have a ribbon and crafting addiction.....NO WAY!!!

And now ME....notice, the flower in her hair....

and in mine. I told you I just LOVE these singed flowers......


www.threeblessingsbowtique.com for my items and tutorials.

Have a blessed day!!!

Another Day

Well, I feel like a complete failure as a homeschool mom. I cannot seem to get my son to write his work. An unfortunately, his online school requires that. His attitude is so poor this year. I pray moment by moment for him to man up and get his stuff done. I am so discouraged today.

God's word tells me that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me but I really need some strength. Relying on my own is not working.

Today is a beautiful gift from God, I want to use it as such.

Busy Busy Times and THE SALE!!!!

Well, now I know why I never start school until AFTER the big consignment sale that I do every year. It is just way too hectic to keep up with them doing school while I am trying to get ready for the sale. So, we will be working extra hard next week to get this week and last week ready for week 3 and 4 turn in. Guess this having to turn things in will be an adjustment for both kids and MOM.

Claire is getting along swimmingly as they say. She has all As and Bs and loves all her new friends!!! I am so incredibly proud of her and she is proving she can shine wherever she is!! I so wish all of you could experience the joy that is my 16 yr old, I am blessed at how easy going and hard working she is!! Wow, who thought I would say that!!!

We continue to struggle with Lukey with writing his work but are working with him on a few things that might help. He is so smart that I hate something so simple to get in his way. He knows the material but doesn't want to write it and I so can relate.

Jason continues to work on painting the house trim. Today we made a $300 trip to the home improvement store and got a new door bell (the chimey one I have always wanted), a new light fixture for the porch, a new door bell button to match the light and a new column to hold up the canopy on the front porch. He always does such great work I know it will be FAB, I will post pics when it is done!!!

The sale is going VERY well, I had almost 500 items, about 350 are bows. My hands were so sore after putting together so many things but it will be worth it when the check comes. If you have a chance to do a JBF sale, I highly recommend it, and volunteer too, great way to get out of the house and have fun with some ADULT women!!! I love my weekends with the sale even though they are hectic. Now, if I could just learn to get ready for them earlier!! But no matter how tired I get, it is all forgotten when I get that check!!!

So, with the weekend underway, I am cleaning up a storm as the house becomes the aftermath of an indoor F5 tornado during sale week. Laundry getting done, living room getting found, dining room getting ready to have edible food in it again...life is good!!! I could not ever think about my little ones being away from me for a whole school day....it is worth the mess.

We made it

Well, through 10 hours in the car and numerous bribes for good behavior, we made it to Missouri. This am we got out the books and computers and cracked open for our day of school. Well, my usually compliant and speedy working Moo, decided today she would give me fits about doing her work. Lukey, did well for about three minutes and then once again, the bribery began. We have a constant dance that is well perfected on how to bargain out of school work. I have had a rough time getting him wanting to work as the according to the calendar and weather it is still summer. So, when we return on Tues we will be handing in his first round of work, some of which is not done. I am not going to knock myself out finishing it, his teacher can make comments on it, she already told me not to hesitate to call her if he isnt wanting to work and I have taken advantage of that. He will turn in what he has and she will comment on it.

So, we made it here, we are trying to get work done and we cant wait for the party on Sun!!!

God reminded me this today

2 Samuel 22:18 (New International Version)

18 He rescued me from my powerful enemy,
from my foes, who were too strong for me.

His reminding me that he has rescued me from all the evil that tries to invade me is enough to sustain me until His grace and mercy is renewed again at the start of a new day!!!

Go get em today, follow God's will for your life!!

So Flexible I might Break!!!

First let me just say, I am praying in earnest for those in Southern California who are suffering from the forest fires. This seems to be a constant battle for those who live there. I cannot imagine the battle as we here in Denver are getting the side affects from their fires in the way of low air quality and smoke!! Blessings to all who are suffering, makes my struggles seem insignificant.

Now on the that flexibility factor I talked about.

Start with first things. My parents will be married for 50 years on November 29th so we are having their 50th anniversary gala on Sunday, complete with family, friends, balloons, cake and lots of well wishes. So, the plan was that as a family, we would leave Denver heading East to Missouri on Friday morning. When I say as a family, I mean all 5 of us, including daddy. Well, he called me yesterday and said, "I won't be able to leave on Friday so we will have to leave on Friday night." AHHHHHH is what was said in my head but I agreed instead to look for a flight. Good ol' Frontier cheapy airlines, $75 one way to KC, done. So, instead of waiting until Friday to leave, the kids and I will be leaving on Friday with me doing all the driving there.

So, big deal, why the flexibility here? Well, first, that means I have to be ready to leave in one day instead of two. Secondly, it means taking all the kids computers and work with me in the car and hook up the multi port modem in at the parents. And more selfishly, I was planning on using the 10 hours there AND back to sit my rear shot gun and make bows for 20 hours since there is a sale I am showing at on the 10th. YEAH YEAH YEAH, I know, I shouldn't be so selfish, but darn, I don't want to drive the whole way alone. However, I also HAVE to be there on Sat to help set things up in the hall for the big hooplah. I just do better when I know the agenda and get to choose to mess it up or change it all on my own!!

If I change or lose the schedule, I am fine with that.....but to have to be flexible for OTHER ppl, I mean sheesh, what do you want from me.

I can do this

Had I begun this blog last week it would have been filled with tears and lamentations. We had a horrible first week of school. We had all the fun new smelling notebooks, pencil sharpeners, crayons, you know all the stuff that is a MUST to really start school even if it is at home. I just knew that this school year would be the best yet.

We had shipped errr rather, lovingly enrolled Claire, in a private Christian School that is AMAZING. Jim Elliot Christian School is an amazing place for our eldest. She has blossomed in the 2 weeks she has been there. The decision to enroll her for part time, only her core classes, was one I agonized over but we now know is ordained by God. She is still home with us on two days a week and she diligently completes her homework on those days under my watchful guidance. Amazingly enough, this very same girl who refused to do much work at all for me last year, has either an A or a B in EVERY class, even the dreaded ALGEBRA. She has made this transition with maturity and grace and even ride the light rail and bus to about a block away and carries her overfull back pack the rest of the way home. The school has equal focus on academics and relationship and with emphasis on serving others. Since Claire is strong in her commitment to her calling in to the Mission Field to spread the good news of Christ's redemption, this is the perfect place for her to land. We thank God daily for the faculty and students and this extraordinary place. God has truly blessed us with the best of both worlds at JEC. Go Warriors, Purple and White ALL THE WAY.

The youngers we have enrolled in Branson School Online. It is an arm of the Branson, Colorado brick and mortar school. The kids each have their own 10 inch laptops and each day we log in and do assignments on the net as well as written work. This was a route I never intended on taking but with the money tree not doing too well in the back yard and all, this was an alternative that would serve us well on many fronts and again, feel strongly that it was the best choice for us at this juncture of life.

I get to teach both kids at the kitchen table or in my studio while I don't have to come up with all the lessons and materials, I can focus more on both my sewing and bowing as well as what they are learning. It is so cute to see our little Moo click all over the place with her lessons and finish all of her work for the week in one or two days. We are getting some more things for her from her teacher. She struggles a bit with her hand writing but she is young and if she were attending a brick and mortar school, I would have likely not started her this year anyway.

We had a ROUGH week with little man last week. His out and out refusal to do his work had me in tears on more than one occasions. With me being one of the consummate ugly crier, I was glad that no one stopped by to call as they would have seen one horrific sight. We are working on being nice to one another and respect those of us God placed in our world. Needless to say, I was not always a shining example of this in days prior.

Praise God and his new days, as we woke up this morning, I bathed the entire house in prayer and verses. We started today with our MATH which was a battle last week but was done in less than a half hour!!! I could feel the spirit moving inside of all three of us this day and all work was completed. Maybe not in the time mom wrote down on the schedule but done is still done. Thank all of you who are praying for this transition, I can feel your partnership!!!

So, we can chalk last week up to last week and move forward from here. Praising God and thanking him for the Grace he has given me, forgiving me for all my sins and making his mercy and strength new every morning.

1 Peter 1:3
³Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead


Father, I thank you for this day, as I lay my head upon the pillow and find rest in you. You have once again restored my faith and renewed my soul. I pray for each person that crosses my path in spirit or in person. May my words and actions shine with the light of your love, warming all those that see it. Remind me Father that my life is not for my own purpose but rather lived to bring you glory and honor. Thank you for giving me my wonderful family and let me be a servant to them in a way that shows your unconditional love.

In the powerful name of Christ Jesus my redeemer,
Amen