It's not everyday a helicopter lands across the street

But last night, it was one of those days.

We all went out for a walk because the weather was B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L yesterday. Just as we were on the home stretch, a helicopter flew over and looked as though it was about to land on top of our house! So we ran home and dashed out into the back yard to see if we could see where it landed. Here is where it landed:

In the parking lot across the street! You can barely see the propeller there behind the white truck. Let's move in for a closer look:

Thanks to my friend, Jess, for the use of her zoom lens for this shot! I don't know why, but we seem to be a little obsessed with airplanes and helicopters in this house. So when one lands across the street, we think it's a big deal.

And there it goes. There was a group of kids from school looking at it while it was on the ground. Obviously the purpose for it landing there. I guess I wasn't even aware that it was legal for them to land just anywhere!

This is completely unrelated to the helicopter but I love this shot and wanted to share it. I love the light and I love how both Eden and Lizzy are just getting ready to take off into a running frenzy. Lizzy did her laps around the yard, like the crazy maniac dog she is.

And then she got pooped out and had to rest on top of Pappa's project (which is replacing the cover on the flower bed).



So, how does it taste?

Ok, so as promised, I am here to let you know how my jelly turned out. One word: AWESOME! I hate to toot my own horn, but considering I've never made jelly before AND I did my own thing to make it (quick and dirty, remember?), it turned out just great!

Here's what I did (in case anyone is interested in a very quick, very easy way to make super healthy homemeade jelly, with NO added sugar!):

Step 1: Empty a bag of frozen fruit (in this case, I used organic raspberries) into a small saucepan.

Step 2: Add a bit of water, like about half a cup. Just eyeball it.

Step 3: Bring to a boil. Crush berries in the pan with a fork or potato masher.

Step 4: Add half a packet of pectin (the no sugar added kind - find it in the canning section of the grocery store)

Step 5: Boil for a minute. Take pan off heat and sprinkle in some Steviva (or truvia - any granulated stevia sweetener). I didn't measure, but I would guess it was less than 1/4 of a cup.

Step 5: Funnel into glass jar.

I let my jars set out on the counter for about half an hour before putting them in the refrigerator. Just because I'm crazy like that.

It gelled up nicely and tastes fresh and wonderful! Healthy, homemade goodness....in 15 minutes or less!

Raspberry jelly

I attempted a quick and dirty version of raspberry jelly today. I don't care if it's perfectly set or runny. I only made enough for me. I didn't use sugar, I used stevia and no sugar added pectin. So basically berries, water, pectin and stevia. All I want is to have some natural jelly (no sugar added) to eat now and then. You can't get that at the store. Sure, you can get 100% all fruit jelly but there will still be fruit juice concentrate in it. So you are still getting tons of sugar.

I don't know how this will taste, but what can go wrong with so little ingredients? I shouldn't say that. It's like an invitation for disaster. But, this is on such a small scale that I couldn't even classify it as a disaster if it went wrong.

Anyway, I'll keep you posted on how the jelly turned out. In case anyone is interested in a good jelly recipe without the ton of sugar that usually goes along with it. =)

Sew done!

Well, I packed up all my sewing crap from the dining room table, because it was starting to become impossible to find the table, and got it all put away and clean for Easter Sunday. It's just more relaxing in a clean space. And it was good.

So what did I do last night? Well, I sat with my nightly cup of coffee and watched an episode of House Hunters International (my favorite) after dinner. Then I got up and paced around the house, like usual, looking for something to do. I ended up dragging all the sewing crap out again. Because I had fabric for a bag that I wanted to make for myself just calling out my name. So, I sewed the bag and went to bed at 9:30. Then I realized I wasn't tired and shouldn't I get up and make my wallet too? So I got up, sewed a wallet that matches my bag (with cool little credit card holders and everything) and went back to bed before 11:30.

So that's the bag. I made the handles extra long so I could use it as a purse.

And there is my wallet tucked inside all snuggly with my keys and sunglasses.

I am officially retiring from sewing now. Probably. Well, at least I'm not buying any more fabric for a while. I guess I still have a drawstring backpack that I want to make. Then I'll be done. No really, I will.

Oh, and just to show you, I finally put hair on Eden's doll. She doesn't want her to have a mouth I guess so she's done. I also made the dress. Eden picked out the fabric, she calls it her Easter dress. She wouldn't let me cut off the excess length so it's pretty long. It was just supposed to be a little bit on the bottom but whatever, it's her doll. I didn't have a pattern so I was quite surprised at how well it turned out. Nothing too impressive but that fabric isn't exactly super easy to work with.

I got Hanna's doll's hair on also. She choose brown hair. I switched Emma's doll hair to the nice thick yarn too. The stuff I used first was really thin and didn't look very good. But it was all I had laying around the house. So all three "connies" are done. Rapunzel, StarBird Princess, and I can't remember what Hanna named hers.



Easter Egg Jelly Bean Bags

More crafts. Shocking, I know.

Here's a cute little Easter craft you can whip up with your little one in no time. I found the idea here.

You can have this when you get back, mom

I gave mom her bag today. She liked it. And I made her a little wallet and coin purse too. Because I have nothing else to do am addicted to the stupid sewing machine. I've already broken a needle on the darn thing. Good Lord, somebody stop me!

Sorry mom, the cash is not included.

Mainly because I borrowed it from Emma for the purpose of the picture.

They aren't perfect, but they sure are quick and easy to make. Fun!

More Sewing

Not sure what is up with me but I went to the fabric store. Again.

I made this bag for my mom. But I was in too much of a rush and forgot to put the cute little pocket on the inside. Oh well. I can't even believe how quick and easy it is to make stuff like this. I might be hooked. The only thing I really dislike about the whole project is the blind stitching at the end. I really suck at it because I have little patience and skill for it. I'm sure it is something that would improve over time. And if I keep making these things, I'll have a lot of practice under my belt.

This is the fabric for my next one. I'll try not to forget the pocket this time.