You See a Tablecloth...

I hated high school... like seriously... HATED it!  I wasn't "cool", I didn't date guys that went to school with me, and I hated everything about studying!  I pretty much only went to school, so that I could be a cheerleader!  One of the only things that I really enjoyed in high school, was my Clothing Design class Junior year.  My teacher was patient, and let us be creative, and I learned more about sewing than I could have ever hoped!  That class has given me a life skill that I was unaware I would use so much.
I may have a slight addiction to pillows!  They are a FAST sewing project, and they have the ability to completely change the way a room looks.
Another addiction I have is the Target CLEARANCE end caps!  As I was shopping the clearance sections around the store one at a time, I came across several gorgeous tablecloths!

The pattern is so "me", but I do NOT use tablecloths!

I have virtually NEVER used a tablecloth, except for the occasional birthday party.  But, when I saw these beauties on the shelf, I didn't see tablecloths!  I saw fabric, and lots of it!

And at $5.68 each, I was sold!

There is so much that can be done with fabric panels this size!  These could EASILY be converted into curtains!  You can purchase curtains in 65", 84", or 92"!!  Since this cloth is 84" long, it could be added to tabs, or you could place grommets at the top, and have beautiful floral curtains.
Honestly, when I purchased them... I had no idea what I would do with them!  I brought them home, laid it on my couch, and fell in love.
I laid out a panel and placed a pillow from my couch on top.  I cut around it, leaving about a 1/2 inch margin all the way around the first piece.  I laid that piece on top of the panel after cutting it out, and cut a 2nd piece out.  I matched 3 sides when cutting, and left an extra 4" on one side, so it was a rectangle instead of a square.  Then I folded the rectangle in half and cut it down the middle.

I pinned and sewed the interior seams down. 

 Then I overlapped the 2 pieces, and laid the square piece on top.  

All of the good sides of the fabric are facing in, 

and I pinned all of the sides.

Then I sewed all 4 sides shut.

After flipping the case inside out, I placed the pillow inside, and tossed them on the couch!

I think they are perfect!  They brighten up this room, and I love the colors with my blue sofa!

So, the moral of this story, is that things aren't always what they seem!  A tablecloth made excellent pillow covers, and I have SO much of this pretty fabric left!  These cases come off of the pillows with ease, and since they are made of tablecloth fabric, are absolutely safe to wash!  

Crafts & I are always going to be best buddies!!

I Promise

'Twas the night before our wedding, at OHenry hotel. 

In my suite, we danced till asleep we fell.

The following day would be chaotic and crazy. 

Champagne made that day just a little bit hazy.

Off to get nails done with maids by my side,

Just hours away from becoming a bride.

I was nervous, excited, and didn't what to expect. 

I just wanted that day to be completely perfect. 

Off to the hair salon, we all made our way.

My veil in my hand, we didn't delay. 

8 different ladies sitting in chairs,

With 8 different stylists up doing their hair.

Then away to the church, I flew like a flash, 

I put on my makeup incredibly fast.

My dress all steamed, hung ready to wear.

I put it on and zipped it with care. 

When what to my wondering eyes did appear. 

Hundreds of flowers, the florist was here!

Our photographer was lively and quick, 

She was everywhere snapping thousands of pics. 

Guests were arriving and finding their seats.

So many of our family and friends to greet.

Some traveled so far to be with us tonight.

The hour had arrived, it was all just right. 

I linked arms with my daddy, and fought back tears.

I had dreamed of this moment for 22 years.

My maids looked beautiful coming down the stairs. 

It's time, deep breath & a very quick prayer. 

The doors open wide, and it's our turn to walk.

It's all so surreal, I'm a little shell shocked.

One step and then two, I'm approaching the aisle. 

And that's when I see you there with a big smile. 

In that moment, it seemed like time stood still. 

Just the 2 of us there, it was so unreal.

I wanted to run to the front and shout,

"I do, I do, without a doubt!"

The ceremony felt long, but it wasn't! 

23 mins later, you were my husband. 

I promised that day to love you forever,

8 years later, that promise stands true, however...

I want to promise you one more thing.

Something I've learned since we exchanged rings.

Marriage isn't always happy. 

Love means supporting even when things are crappy. 

I promise to put your needs before mine.

I promise not to nag you all of the time.

I promise to minimize being sarcastic.

I promise to remind you I think your fantastic.

I promise to love you, unconditionally,

To support and encourage you additionally. 

Happy Anniversary to the man that I love.

8 years & counting, I can't get enough! 

Happy Anniversary Derik :) 

Hunger

This morning, I got up, got 2 kids dressed & ready for school.  They ate their breakfast, I packed their lunches, they took medicine, brushed their teeth, put on their shoes, and we met the school buses.  When I came back home, I immediately began tackling my long list of things to do.  That list has been building for 6 years, so I owe it some time!!!
After finishing 2 Etsy orders, getting the kitchen cleaned up, and working on a little laundry, I headed out to run 2 errands.  I needed to run by the Dollar Store & Target.  The lists were short, but I was too excited about Target, and completely forgot about my Dollar Store needs!  After leaving Target, I decided that I wanted to make Hibachi for lunch.
Confession:  I LOVE Hibachi!
So, I ran to Kroger just around the corner.  I wasn't planning to go there, but I knew we had no zucchini at home, so Kroger it was.
When I entered the shopping center, and took a left into the Kroger parking lot, I noticed a family sitting on the side of the road.  It caught my eye, because it wasn't just an adult with a sign for help.  There were 4 people, and 2 of them were kids.  I remember what I thought, and I am completely ashamed that it was what went through my brain.

"Come on, as if standing there doesn't make us feel bad 

enough, now you bring your kids.  Way to win the 

best guilt trip award.  I will make sure to leave the

parking lot at the other exit, so I don't have to look 

them in the eye."

I went into Kroger, got the few groceries I needed, and thought nothing else about it.  When I left, I completely forgot about this family, as I was wrapped up in my own world.  I came to a stop beside them at the stop sign, and my eyes met the kids.  One boy, one girl, and both looked old enough to be in school.  I smiled and waved.  They waved back.  As I began to drive off, it hit me... it is 12:30, and these kids are sitting solemnly with their parents.  It is lunch.  They haven't had lunch.  

By this point, I was very hungry.  Notice I made no mention of myself eating breakfast above?  I didn't, as I completely forgot to feed myself.  My stomach was growling, and I knew I still had 15 mins of prep and cooking ahead of me.  I was hungry, BUT... something told me to ignore it.

I left Kroger, and went to McDonalds.  I picked up 2 Happy Meals.  One with Nuggets, one with a cheeseburger.  One with Yogurt, one with fries.  One with a girl toy, one with a boy.  I ordered a #2, which comes with 2 cheeseburgers, fries, and 2 drinks.  The kids had Apple Juice, the adults had sweet tea, and I got some waters too.  

I drove back to Kroger, praying the whole time that the family was there, and I wouldn't get stuck with all of this food.  I pulled up in the parking lot, and as I got out of the car, the father approached.  I asked "Have they had lunch yet?"  He responded "no", with a look of shame.  I reached in the car and held out Happy Meals for the kids.  They ran to me faster than I ever expected.  They took them over to a tree, almost ripped the boxes apart, and began eating as fast as they could.  The father said "Bless you."  I reached back in the car, and handed him the bag with the cheeseburgers and fries, and the drink holder.  He began to cry, and said "thank you, god bless you." at least 3 times.  I said "You are very welcome" and I got back into my car.  As I drove away, they all waved, and all of them were eating like they hadn't eaten in days.

The point of this post is NOT to get a pat on the back.  I am not looking for credit, or to brag about a good deed.  The point is to remind you that sometimes, those people on the side of the road really do need help.  For years, my skepticism has gotten the best of me.  I drive past these people, and think nothing else about them.  I do not often keep cash on me, and I always feel guilty for not helping.  Occasionally, Abbie and I will pray for them, but that is where it ends.  Something pushed me to help today, and I fully believe that it was God.  I think God provided for that family through me.  I wasn't even planning to go to Kroger today.  

Yes, there are facilities and programs in place to help those who aren't as fortunate, but sometimes they do not know how to use them.  Sometimes they do not qualify for them.  Sometimes they simply don't want to face the music.  It doesn't matter why they need help.  If you can help, find the generosity in your heart and help.  Handing them money isn't the only option.  Ask what they need.  Give them a blanket, a toothbrush, and a bar of soap.  Give them a meal.  Give them your time, and treat them like humans, because they are.  Don't do it for an "attagirl", do it because it is what's right.

I am so thankful that I went to Kroger today.  I have been hungry many times, but I do not truly know hunger.  I have prayed for that family all day today.  I prayed that they would find dinner.  I prayed that they had a place to sleep tonight.  I prayed that they didn't get dehydrated standing in the heat.  

I would want the same.  

And I will not roll my eyes and think the thoughts I did about another person again.

There is always going to be someone who abuses things, but they aren't all abusing.  SO HELP!  Be His hands and feet, and bless someone who needs it.