A Question

I've been struggling lately with feelings of inadequacy and failure; as a parent, a wife, a friend, in my church calling, and just as a person in general.

As if that weren't enough, I've had it compounded with the fear that I'm being judged by my inadequacies (and failures)-and definitely don't measure up.

In an effort to get over myself and move on (I am acutely aware that I need to - even though it is difficult), I have re-focused my efforts on improved prayer, and scripture study. It's helping, and I feel like I am slowly but surely making a little bit of progress.

So, with that being said-I have to ask...Does anybody else deal with these feelings, or am I (as I fear) alone in this-and maybe, really just a little bit crazy after all? 

Birthday Party

A few shots from Baby Sister's big day.  

The cute birthday banner I made:

 

The birthday girl.

The Cake (thanks J)

"Mmmm, cupcake!"

It's My Birthday!

I turned 1 today! What a great day.

Birthday Pictures

I can't believe my baby girl is almost 1.

We took her birthday pictures last week.  As always my friend "AM" (Alexis Merritt - a great photographer - if you want her number/rates - let me know) took the pictures, and as always - they turned out great.  Thanks Lexie!

Thanks Grandma!

Grandma went to Disneyland a while back, and sent Sister back a souvenir for her birthday.

Minnie Ears!

Thanks Grandma!  (and Lexie, for the pictures, and Beefy for sharing Mickey)

Stuff I Love - Cookies

My Love of cookies extends beyond that of just the girl scout variety. 

I'm in a sharing mood tonight, so I'm sharing probably my all-time-favorite cookie recipe.

Enjoy!

Snickerdoodles (Kim's Way)

1/2 C.. Butter/Margarine (softened - not melted)
1/2 C. Shortening
1 1/2 C. Sugar
2 eggs
Almond Extract (to taste - 1 1/2 - 2 tsp)
2 1/4 C. Flour
2 tsp. Cream of Tartar
1 tsp. Baking Soda
1/4 tsp. Salt
Cinnamon and sugar for coating


Cream Butter, Sugar, Shortening, Eggs, and Almond Extract.  Add in Flour, Cream of Tartar, Baking Soda, and Salt.  Roll into small balls and roll into Cinnamon/sugar mixture.  Bake at 350 degrees for 8-9 minutes.  Remove from pan to cool.

** A note to my "high altitude" friends - this recipe is based on my elevation (i.e. sea level).  You may have to add more flour and/or adjust your cooking times based on your location.

Flip Flops - Part One

I've found a new favorite craft blog (to go with all of my other favorite craft blogs). It's called Make It and Love It (it's liked on my sidebar as well). Anyway, a few days ago this cute project was featured, and of course I had to try it.

I'm not all the way done (I ran out of Velcro) but I'm very pleased with the results so far. Part two - more straps, will hopefully be coming soon.


This project was a little more involved than I originally expected, but for anyone who is really interested, it is pretty fun.

Korker Bows

There has been some interest shown in the korker bow from my last post (the curly one). They are so very easy - here are the basic instructions.

Curling:

1. Start with ribbon (I use narrow grosgrain, I've never tried anything else, so I don't know if it will work). Wrap it tightly around a dowel, securing each end with a clothespin.
2. Spray the wrapped dowel lightly with starch (you know - the stuff you use with your ironing). Flip it over and repeat. This step can be omitted if desired, but the starch helps the ribbon hold it's shape a little better.
3. Bake in your oven at 275 degrees for 20 minutes.
4. Let cool, and slide the ribbon off the dowel.

Bow Assembly:

There are lots and lots of ways to do this, but this is how I put mine together.

• I start out by cutting lengths of the curled ribbon to slightly longer than the clip I will be mounting them on.
• I use 6-10 pieces depending on how full I want the bow to be.  I also heat seal the ends with a lighter/candle, just to give it a more finished look.
• Stack the pieces on top of each other until you like the way they are laying, then stitch and x through the middle of the ribbons to hold them together.
• wrap a small piece of ribbon around the middle of the bow to cover the stitch, then attach to the clip. This is kind of hard to see in the picture because the curlys are going everywhere, but I promise it's there.

I usually sew my bows onto the clip but with this type of bow, I've found that the best way to attach them is with hot glue (it has to be high temp - low temp glue guns just won't cut it for ribbon). I also cover my clip with ribbon before I glue the bow on.

I hope this isn't too confusing. If anyone is interested in pictures - let me know, and I'd be happy to post some if that helps.

TuTu Cute

We've been in Tutu mode around here lately.

A poofy one for Sister's first birthday pictures. (Thanks to Lexie for making this one.)


And one as a birthday gift for one of Beefy's friends.

With a matching clip of course.

They're so cute, I just might have to make more.

What Did You Do Today?

We played outside...


...And discovered the grass!