lady liberty fascinator

 Happy Thursday guys, thanks for all the love on the paint chip banner you are so sweet and have such fun ideas too!!! I think someone mentioned it the comments that the big fat paint chips aren't available in Europe so now that has my mind spinning with thoughts of making a tiny version, maybe a cake topper?? I think I am sort of addicted to the paint chips!

But today I wanted to share a different project - this time for something fun to wear to all those BBQ's this weekend! The lady liberty fascinator - it is super easy to put together and could alternately be worn as a belt. I had a lot of fun making it this week and I thought you guys might too.

All you will need:

fabric scraps in festive colors

felt 

fusible webbing such as wonder under

sewing machine

fabric glue

long piece of ribbon

star shape template

1. Collect all your fabric scraps and start by adding fusible webbing to a little stack of them (follow the directions for your particular brand). I do it this way when I want to cut a tiny shape out of the fabric because the webbing gives it some weight and makes it easier to cut. Then trace the star shape onto the back of each scrap and cut them out.

2. Now peel the backing off of the stars and line them up onto some felt. Iron them all down with a hot iron. Sometimes the webbing doesn't want to stick right away to the felt but it will just keep running your hot iron over the stars gently and then let it cool.

3. I chose to use my sewing machine and top stitch around each star to give it a little bit more texture. You could alternatly hand stitch or even skip this step but I think it gives it a nice finished look. Do this next before cutting out all of the finished stars.

4. Now line your stars up onto some ribbon and glue them down you want to. I love fabritac for my fabric glue needs but a hot glue gun would work great too. I also made a few bobby pin stars with the leftovers by gluing a tiny piece of felt and sandwiching a bobby pin in between.

So easy and so festive. I sort of love being festive at parties even though Mr. Gough sometimes teases me...is it dorky that I think about my festive outfits ahead of time? Is this just me or do you do it too?? Thanks for letting me share guys hope your Thursday is blessed! xo

make something monday :: 4th of july paint chip banner

I wanted a quick and easy project for today and one that would be festive for the fourth of July holiday that is fast approaching (how is it almost July again?). And I mean, they are giving these paint chips away for free folks so it was kind of a no brainer while running errands to swing into our local home improvement store and select a few. Even though they are there for the taking it felt kind of funny grabbing such a huge stack and leaving the store without purchasing anything else. I was so tempted to grab some in yellow hues too and make one that says "sunshine" but I decided to play it safe and escape without someone asking me if I was painting a room in patriotic colors.

As far as a tutorial it was pretty straight forward. I printed off letters in Oklahoma size 400 and cut them out as a template (hint you only need an S, T, A, R, I, E and P and the ampersand)

Make sure you flip the letters over face down when you trace them onto the back of the paint  chips so that they aren't reversed, cut them out and then punch a few tiny holes in the tops and string them up. I used red and white bakers twine. I have some orange and white bakers twine so I know I will be doing another one come Halloween - or maybe just for Fall? Sheesh who knows there are just so many things you could do! After seeing the egg bunting that went viral around Easter I have been biding my time trying to think of another way to incorporate the cute paint chip trend into my decor.

Simple and festive and not stressful. No stressful crafting guys it's not good for the complexion :). Hope your having a wonderful Monday - any fun festive fourth of July projects you've made lately? 

 linking up with Heather today!

vegan rhubarb oat bars

 My Mother in law shared a recipe with me a few years ago that has become a major favorite. I make it whenever possible while rhubarb is in season I think I love that it is easier than a pie and more of a cookie than a crumble you would serve with ice cream. It has evolved over the years and I have added and subtracted things that suite my taste. 

Most recently though I have made a new commitment to eat vegan (I am using that term loosely) as much as possible simply because I am very allergic to dairy and eggs (also wheat but I am still working on this one). I try to eat plant based but I totally will enjoy chicken and fish often too and even some beef. But the dairy and eggs I am realizing have such a negative impact on my energy level and mood and in an effort to feel better in 2011 (never mind the four rounds of antibiotics and steroids followed by strep throat - geesh) A month ago I bit the bullet and have been so diligent with my diet and it is helping. I suppose this could be a whole separate post in itself but I know you know what I am talking about if you truly have bad food allergies. After about five days of elimination a "fog" lifted and I started seeing clearer. My blood feels lighter, I am not so grumpy. Still working on it but life is always a work in progress.

Back to the rhubarb bars. Something that has deterred me in the past from sticking to my no dairy and eggs diet was my LOVE of baking. I just love it, I bake at least three or four times a week for fun I like treats and sweets and the gratification that comes from baking. So instead of pout and complain I have a new goal of remaking my favorite baked goods into vegan versions (and hopefully gluten free too down the road but still getting my feet wet here). I have made a few yummy things and these bars turned out super yummy too. This was an easy one to do because it already didn't need any eggs so I only had to replace the butter but nonetheless I sent Chris to work with a few this morning to share with a vegan co-worker who also has allergies and he was excited about that and I can feel good knowing that eating a little treat is not going to make me a total mood swing Mama!

These would be perfect for a picnic or BBQ this weekend. We are finally going to have our "Daddy's Day" celebration since last weekend I was too sick to spoil my sweetie...and I might be baking him his favorite NOT vegan breakfast treats but what Daddy wants Daddy gets this time! Have a good one friends enjoying the first official weekend of Summer!

Vegan Rhubarb Oat Bars: slightly adapted from my Mother-in-laws delicious recipe!

1-1/2 cups of quick cooking rolled oats

1 cup of all purpose flour

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

3/4 cup of vegan butter (I like Earth Balance)

1/4 cup of granulated sugar

2 Tbsp. all purpose flour

1/2 tsp. ground ginger

2 cups of sliced rhubarb fresh or frozen (this is key don't overload with fruit 2 cups is just right!)

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line an 8X8 with foil extending over the edges of the pan. In a large bowl combine the oats, flour (1 cup) and brown sugar and cut the butter in until the mixture looks like crumbs. Set aside about a cup of the mixture and then press the rest into the bottom of the pan and bake for 25 min. 

While the crust in baking combine the white sugar and 2 tablespoons of flour and ground ginger with the rhubarb and toss it all to coat the fruit. When the crust is done add the fruit to the top of the hot crust and then sprinkle the remaining oat mixture on top pressing it all down a bit. Bake for another 30-35 min until golden brown. 

While the bars are cooling I usually mix up a little powdered sugar and orange juice or  soy milk and another sprinkle of ground ginger so that it is a drizzle consistency pour over the hot bars. When cooled lift them from the pan, cut into squares and enjoy!

this and that

Late last night I was reading in bed while Chris was out in our family room using the new bike trainer my Mom lent him (thanks Mom) when all of a sudden I heard this commotion and then Chris says in a really weird tone of voice:

"Simon no, what, what are you doing, no no no."

I get out of bed to find our five year old son dead asleep and now at this point using the bathroom. Chris just looks at me:

"He walked out into the kitchen, dropped his pants and started peeing all over the floor? And he is still sleeping!"

Then Simon walks right on by me out of the bathroom and climbs back in bed and starts snoring. Ha - never a dull moment in this house folks not for a second. It reminded me of the time I found Chris nude in the kitchen with a fresh bottle of mama's milk all over the floor...you'll have to read about that one if you missed it :)

Anywhoo

Today I was pleasantly reunited with all the housework that has been waiting for me while I've been rotting away in bed the past few days. Oh boy. Luckily today I am happy to report that I am starting to feel much better and even had the energy to do the grocery shopping and put away all the laundry my Mom in law kindly did for me (thanks Paula) while I was "out sick" (wouldn't that be sweet if you accrued sick days and vacation time as a Mom)...only kidding guys.

Oh so - Claire picked up some diapers and dog food for me yesterday and she got the really good expensive swaddler brand diapers, you know the ones that smell a tiny bit like baby powder. After Josie's bath tonight she smelled just like my first cabbage patch kid. I snuggled her cute little face off. I am worried she is getting sick but trying not to worry too much.

Today I went into my back yard and realized I had almost missed all of my peonies this year they bloomed so fast. But they smell so good and are the most gorgeous ruffly flowers I have every seen. My peonies are one of the things I will miss most when we move.

We lost a fish over the weekend. Luckily I found him and not one of the boys. Chris did a good job of teaching the boys about saying goodbye and they gave Austin Cookie a "proper burial at sea" as he called it with prayers and tears.

It broke my heart to see them so sad over a fish. Life is hard sometimes.

So now I am going to finish my cup of throat coat tea (thanks to sweet Jenny) and work on some boondoggle bracelets. Yeah I know I am a total dork but it only took Claire and I like five minutes to remember the term boondoggle so at least I know she is almost as big of a dork as me  not even close and that makes me feel better :).

Hope your having a good evening my lovelies and thanks for indulging my randomness tonight! xoxo

♥ coffee with claire ♥

It usually consists of us ordering the same thing, fighting over the bill, elbowing each other and pushing until the barista says something like:

you guys must be sisters.

We both nervously laugh and then one of us gives a final shove with our debit card waving.

Then it's at the table where we really get to it, chewing over something one of us is thinking about, something we've chewed over already for hours but still we go through it almost like clockwork:

"Maybe this is what you should think about?"

"Oh good point, yes that is what I should focus on"

"I just think your so great for working on this"

"Oh, no your so great for listening"

and on it continues for several hours if we are lucky.

Occasionally we will reminisce for a bit about High school or the days when we lived in a little shoebox over by Greenlake and how we stuffed Claire's bed into a closet and called it a room. Nine times out of ten we land on one of the times I forced her to do something really crazy because of a boy I liked but for the record I like to stick my neck out for her too...for boys I think she ought to like.

But mostly we just enjoy each others company, celebrate victories, bear each others burdens and steal each others clothes..

Whats that, you have a best friend too? I know it's the best isn't it!

Love you Claire!

_____________________________________________________________________________________

I originally posted this  on January 21, 2009 


I felt like it needed another run today since she has spent so much time this past week helping with my little ones while I have been sick and has just rescued them again for an "adventure to the donut shop" their favorite. Claire is one of Josie's namesakes. Her name means a radiant light. She is and has always been that for me and so much more. A radiant reminder of how God knits us together in relationship to remind us of His love for us and His desire for us to be fully known and accepted.  

To one of the strongest, bravest most beautiful women I know who has suffered things God intends no one to suffer. Through persecution and blessing you wake up each day with that sparkly smile and love on us so well. You will find great reward for this in heaven Clarie and we are so generously rewarded by your presence now each moment we spend with you! Thanks for your help this week, love you forever and don't forget about us when your book is published and your big and famous  :) (yeah shes a killer writer too)

on pause

Levi in June 2010

Hi friends, I am sorry for being so absent the past few days. Would you believe that I am wickedly ill again. It seems that my immune system has turned on me in 2011 this time allowing a fever over 103 and a sore throat like nothing I have ever experienced. We made it to Church (barely) on Sunday to have our pastor dedicate Josie on what I had planned to be such a special Father's day for Chris. But came home immediately after and crawled back into bed and this is the first time I have had energy to sit up and type.

If you have emailed me I will get back to you in a few days but am not responding to emails at all right now. Just focusing on resting and healing and thanking God for my amazing husband as well as my best friend Claire who has spent the first few days of summer break caring for my brood. And my Mom in law who is holding down the fort for me now too - a virtual smooch for you guys. (trust me you don't want a real smooch from me right now)

I shall return just as soon as I can, if you have any extra prayers through I would greatly appreciate them - this is one very sick Momma.

Hope you are enjoying the first few days of Summer - it is so beautiful here in Seattle I wish I could be out enjoying it but I know that day will come again soon! xo

dinner at eight :: simply dessert

{Dinner at Eight is a special project I am doing with my friend Andi this year - planning date nights at home for our husbands every other week, putting the kids to bed early and being intentional about our marriages! Read more dinner at eight posts HERE!}

 Chris and I got into a fight this week. It happens. I think mainly is was induced by the fact that all of last week and early this week I have been averaging about three hours of broken up sleep. Not a good average and after so many days your mind sort of wanders into this hazy insane state and all hours of the day feel like 2am. You know that irrational time of day - at least for me - let's just say I might have picked the fight a teeny tiny bit.

Like I said, it happens and we kissed and made up. But along with the sleep deprivation I wasn't sure how to pull off a big fancy date. Luckily it was simply dessert this week. I told Mr. Gough we were suppose to have a dessert date and even though I was tired and not entirely in the mood would he be willing to join me for a few hours of conversation over something sweet.

I chose a cherry chocolate chip soy ice cream cone with vegan oreos on top! It was super yummy. Chris picked simple popcorn for his dessert and we sat together in our family room with the doors open wide letting the cool summer air in for a change. We are finally getting some nice weather around here! We talked about his new job. Something I have yet to really dive into in this space but let me tell you his new job is such a direct gift from God it blows my mind. The Lord made way for Chris to start a job at Seattle's Union Gospel Mission in April - a brand new position basically working as an ambassador for UGM to Churches all over king county networking and joining the hands of so many amazing programs. He is basically responsible for getting Churches involved in community outreach and it's been so fun to see how God is using him already! He told me about a brown bag he attended and all of the exciting things going on locally, serving the poor and homeless. It really is incredible to sit and listen to him pour out his heart and all that God is showing him!

We also joked around - he can sure get me laughing and although I wanted to fall asleep after my cone was finished I enjoyed our little dessert date so much! No fancy decorations or candles this time but a good dose of intentionality was just what the doctor ordered. And then Chris ordered me to go downstairs and sleep in our guest room so that I could finally get some sleep!

Andi and I have been doing these little date nights for six months and it still never ceases to amaze me how important this time focusing on our marriage is and how much it helps being on the same page with one another, listening and encouraging and laughing together without the distraction of everything that gets in the way so often!

I have received SO many amazing emails not to mention comments about dinner at eight. Andi and I hear you we want you guys to be able to get involved and are currently working on the details so stay tuned if this is something you want to be apart of. We are thinking July - I hope you will considered it friends, taking part in the call to be intentional about our relationships even when life gets so busy that sleep is all you think about. I am speaking from experience a date night in will bless your home!
More to come I promise! xo

PS. go check out Andi's dessert date

oh and you can read a little bit about Mr. Goughs new job HERE he hasn't written a ton just yet but he plans too and I can already tell it's going to be good!

make something monday :: mason jar sippy cups

Chris and the boys made these cute little mason jar no spill cups for Simon's birthday party last week - I love how I get a project idea and Chris will head to the store for supplies and get the kids involved! They seemed pretty simple to make (although he did all the work) and were a fun little detail to have for beverages especially with kids since they are no spill!

 Chris picked up some jars and spray paint as well as a good set of metal files. He used a sharp drill bit to drill a hole into the lid of each jar and then carefully filed the holes so that they would be nice and round and no sharp burs would scratch anyone. Then he and the boys laid out the lids and went to town with the paint. Chris is my spray painting hero - he is always willing to make my dreams come true with a can of paint. I know so romantic! :)

In the mean time I ran the jars through the dishwasher to sterilized them and then when they were all ready added the lids some cute paper straws and set them out on the drink table. We also had some chalk ink markers so that everyone could label their cups. I had hoped that the chalk ink would wipe clean when we were done but the ink really likes the painted surface. All in all they were a fun touch and Simon was very proud of them - he let his friends take their jars home if they wanted!

Happy Monday I will be back with another birthday craft project this week so stay tuned! Right now I am off to catch my breath after an insanely busy weekend!! xo

Birthday Brunch

A sweet five year old boy + friends + giggles + yummy food + bouncy house + balloons + candles + donuts + laughter

He whispered to me before bed: "I loved my party Mom"

And oh how we love you Simon, thanks for giving us such a perfect reason to celebrate!