Day 1: A self-portrait

I hate taking pictures, and let me tell you, it took forever for me to work up the courage to actually snap pictures of myself. However, I did do it and OMGosh my hair style hasn't changed in over 4 years!!

I so want to take a photography class, but it's going to have to wait for a while. However, when I found this wonderful idea on Pinterest, I thought what a fun idea - even better, something that my daughter and I could work on this summer together. She is 17 1/2 years old, and I am always looking for things that interest the both of us. We both love, love, love to take pictures! Of course hers are way more artsy than mine, but it's all in fun! So here is the challenge that I found:

So busy!

I have been so busy this last week, and I am so blessed and grateful that I have been able to take it all in stride! The doctor diagnosed me with diabetes about 3 weeks ago and gave me medicine. Since I started taking the medicine and adjusted my diet, I have all of my energy back. I think I have had diabetes for a while, because I have just been a lump on log for the past year with absolutely no energy at all. I used to be able to clean the whole house, paint a room in the house, go shopping and more all in one day - then it just went away. Anyway, I am now able to work on all of the things that I used to look at and say "that would be nice to do."

This little project is a haunted house that my sister is going to use for her Halloween wedding. I think it is turning out pretty cute. Of course, I still have a lot to do to it, but I have until October to finish it :)

The bricks are made using a stencil and craft structure paste. I couldn't find bricks, so I used a blank stencil sheet, drew a brick pattern and cut it out with a craft knife. The vine is a Prima jeweled sticker from Hobby Lobby.

The trim on the windows is Distressed Stickles in Bronze. I applied the first layer, let it dry and then applied a second layer. The second layer helped give it a little more dimension. There is probably a better way to do this, but I am just working with the supplies that I had on hand.

This is the inside of the house. I used coordinating scrapbook paper as the wallpaper and rug.

A paper punch was used to make the trim on the roof. I am working on distressing brown paper shingles to add to the roof.

Thanks for dropping by! Hope you have a wonderful week!

Have time for tea?

Come in, come in! We are so excited that you dropped by! The flowers have been talking up a storm, gossiping amongst themselves about what a mad fun time they are having watching the festivities! Of course we provided them with extra sparkly water just for the occasion!

The bubbles in the water make them smile and giggle a whole lot!

What is this crazy madness? Just take a peek through the keyhole, and you will see...

So many wonderful visitors have joined us, just look at everyone! Megan Sunflower, Alice, Pennelope the White Rabbit, and Riley the Mad Hatter! Everyone is very glad that we moved the party inside, since we are having wonderful rain storms today!

Please take a cup of tea and I will introduce you to everyone.

and of course, Alice!

I think I saw the Mad Hatter and the White Rabbit eyeing the goodie table.

So head over and take a bite before they dig in (literally)!

There are all kinds of yummy treats for you to taste!

Megan decided the treats would be best if served with Starbuck's coffee in addition to tea. I have to agree, seeing that I have a terrible addiction to their vanilla lattes!

Oh my! Look who graced us with his royal presence...why it is Pee Wee (could be the Cheshire Cat in disguise)! He looks completely ecstatic about being at the party! Just a side note Pee Wee - That's what happens when you show up at a Mad Tea Party, you come to the party - you get a hat!

These little white cakes are Alice's favorite.

She picked them out especially for you!

Looks like the guests are ready for their lazy afternoon.

Thank you so much for stopping by! We hope you enjoyed your visit!

Now we are off to visit all of the other amazing tea parties.

If you would like to join us,

the full list of tea parties is on Vanessa's blog - A Fanciful Twist.

Click HERE to view last year's Mad Tea Party at the Middleton's.

RAIN!

Oh joyous day!! It has been raining all morning and doesn't look like it is going to stop :)

Way too much fun!

My daughter and I had so much fun at Donna Downey's scrapbooking class. She is such an amazingly nice person and very talented! Of course, I didn't finish. However, I brought it home and did my own thing to it without the time constraints! Now I just have to find some great photos of my family to put in this cute little book!

Rain?

I have heard an amazing rumor! It is supposed to rain, rain, rain this week!! We have been in such a severe drought that my flowers, shrubs and grass are dying. I miss my pretty flowers...pray for lots of rain this week!