Thanks to all that entered!
Unfortunately, I could not pick a winner.
So.
Anyone of the original seven commenters that emails me their snail-mail address is a winner of two dishcloths. swiperbootsdora@gmail.com
What can I say, I'm feeling rather generous today.
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School starts Tuesday.
I know, Tuesday I'll be all misty-eyed as my two older ones get on the bus. The Boy will be gone all day now, versus half-day Kindergarten. Starting Monday, September 8th, my youngest will be gone four mornings a week.
Yes. I will miss them. I will also miss sleeping in and not having much of a plan for most days. I will miss hanging out in my pajamas most of the morning, heck - afternoon. I will miss having them at my beck and call, of being able to walk to the corner store for a treat if the moods strikes.
But I am looking forward to it as well. I am looking forward to routine and structure and maybe a little quiet time. To pulling out the crock-pot and making more casseroles. To grabbing a sweatshirt against the chill of the evening.
I'm spending today plotting next week, thinking about getting back into the routine of School and Fall.
Though they had a great summer, I think even they're ready to go back.
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I almost forgot: August Giveaway!
Let me know in the comments something you're looking forward to - it doesn't have to be school related.
I'll draw the random winner Sunday.
What will you win? A four-pack of crocheted cotton dishcloths - and maybe a little something else as well.
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Nat!
Thanks so much to everyone for playing along. There were a lot of great guesses, and I'm making a list for next time.
Nat, please send me your address, along with one color you like and one color you don't.
As for me?
I'm packing for Cabo San Lucas!
This will be the first time in three years that my husband and I have 'gotten away' - from the kids.
Whoot!
Have a great week everyone - I know I will!
First, and most importantly, thanks for all you kind words for Monday's post. My weight is something I've struggled with my adult life, and for the most part, I can accept it. I can not accept it if I'm going to be running 26.2 miles in October. Weighing this morning my scale showed a 5 pound weight loss. I'm doing WW in the comfort of my own home - as I've done it before and am pretty confident with it. And I'm cheap.
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Last Friday, the Big Girl got her new cast:
Sparkly and orange, this one is also waterproof. Waterproof like take a shower and go swimming. The only thing is she needs to be sure to rinse it in clear water as the pool chemicals and soap can be skin irritants if left on too long. So far, she is thriving with it.
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Yesterday we took advantage of the 'end of the season' sale and picked up a small pool.
For the record, I do have a rather high powered device that would have blown that pool up in less than a minute.
I needed them to be busy for more than a minute.
They managed to persevere. 
What is it about being a kid that the cold water doesn't bother you? I mean really.
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Monday I managed to make some jam out of the strawberries the neighbor left me.
The tedious part - hulling the ice cream bucket of strawberries.
Adding the strawberries to the rhubarb - not terribly exciting, and how disgusting does the rhubarb look...
But well worth the effort. As you can see, this is freezer jam, and I ran out of containers. Because this is freezer jam (versus canned) I didn't worry too much about the ratios. I should have, because it's a little runny. I guess that means we just have really good ice cream topping.
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Joansy and Tree, the check's in the mail... Um... Your Monthly Drawing prizes. I didn't get a picture of Joansy's because I'm still digging out my dining room. When that's done, I'll be able to find the stuff I made you. Tree, here's yours...
And one other precious...
I know she reads this drivel, but I couldn't wait to share it. Mitzi, congrats on #2!
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Leeanthro from Soy is the New Black is the winner of the box of Fruit Roll Ups! Shoot me an email (swiperbootsdora at gmail dot com) and I'll send you the code!
There's more rattling around in my head, but first I need a quick run to sort it all out.
-
Drumroll, please...
In the interest of fairness, I wrote all the names on little slips of paper and let my Toddler draw one out.
Tree from Trees in OK!
You are the winner of the fabulous Apron, Hot Pack, and Crocheted Dish Cloths.
This was a really fun one for me - and the best turnout I've had so far.
For those of you that didn't win, don't despair, I'll have another drawing next month.
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Today is the first day of 'summer' break. If you can even call it that. High 50's and windy. It stormed enough yesterday they cancelled Big Girl's Softball game and The Boy's Tee Ball.
Last night, the radar looked particularly ominous. I convinced the kids to have a sleepover in the basement. Easier than dragging them down in the middle of the night if it gets bad. They were all over it - we watched a movie, had nachos, and didn't get to sleep too late.
I was hoping to get my new clothesline up today, but I don't think the weather will cooperate.
Soon enough. The weather will turn soon enough.
Have a great day!
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Did you ever have a last day of school that included one of these?
Me neither. That's my newly minted first grader in the camo and white shirt...
Seriously. For what it's worth (probably not much), this guy thinks I'm "bangable." I don't know whether to laugh or cry.
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As far as the giveaway - What a response!
Since there are more than ten entries, I'll add a Hot Pack to the mix! The winner can either pick the PG-13 Cowboy fabric, or something more G rated. I'll find a nice floral or something.
If we pass 20, I'll add something else.
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Have a great day!
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I have been very slack with Etsy. A few of my listings have expired, and I've decided to make at least one of them my May/June End of School Giveaway!
I present to you... The pleated "Foodie" apron...
All you need to do...
1. Leave a comment by Thursday, June 5th. That's the last day my kids have school - so for us it's the start of summer.
2. Be prepared to send me your address if you win. I'll post it on my blog, and do my best to notify you by mail.
3. Spread the word. For every ten entries, I'll add another item to the giveaway.
4. On Friday, I'll draw a random winner.
That's it!
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In honor of Earth Day... It's a giveaway!
Here's the deal - I'm not quite sure yet what it will be. Perhaps some cloth napkins? Maybe a Cutlery Roll for picnics in the park? A market bag? Though not specifically 'green' - an apron? All four?
I just can't quite decide, but know that it will be hand made by me!
And in honor of Earth Day, I'm trying to figure out when, exactly, I got so "crunchy."
Using cloth grocery bags, recycling to the hilt, shopping for 'greener' products and less packaging, turning off the tv, heck - the last two trips to the grocery store have been on my bike! Who is this girl? Maybe I've been watching too much alarmist TV... Maybe Not.
Ok... Back to the contest:
1. It's today only and closes at midnight CST.
2. Leave a comment on a "green" change you've made (or would like to make) in your household.
3. If you win, be willing to send me your address.
That's it - easy peasy.
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First, and most important...
We have a winner from the March Madness Giveaway!
The divine Loralee from Loralee's Looney Toones!
I used a random number generator, and it spit out number 16.
No worries if you didn't win. If you'd like to buy one, email me at swiperbootsdora (at) gmail (dot) com and I'll make one up just for you.
I'm thinking next month's giveaway will be an apron and a contest of some sort. Perhaps a recipe contest...
Secondly.
Spring is finally around the corner. Last night the kids played outside until 7:45 pm. The snow is melting. The storm we were supposed to get yesterday and today headed south, so it's nice and sunny here today. Whoot. Doesn't mean we're out of the woods, but seeing piles of mud and dead grass are a nice change from the piles of snow.
Thirdly.
I sleep the same way.
Finally.
Another neighborhood mom and I are having margaritas after the kids come home from school. Anyone want to join us?
Have a great weekend.
I'm sick of winter.
I know, I know... Just the other day it "wasn't a big deal." Well now it is.
This morning there was a rare display of sunshine. Still, I'm tired of looking out my kitchen window and seeing this...
I want to see patio furniture and a fire in the fire pit. I want to be able to use my grill without a hat and gloves. And have I mentioned flowers? Yes, I want those too.
What I'm going to see is a chance of snow four out of the next six days.
Are you kidding me? Throw me a freakin' bone here. I'd settle for mid forties.
I'll say it before, and I'll say it again... Crafting makes me feel better.
With that... Here's my March Madness Giveaway!
A market tote in this fabric...
It's not made yet, but will be soon! I love green and pinky-orange flowers. It just screams, "No paper or plastic for me! Look and me, look at me, lookatme - I've gone green!"
Also, as a super sweet surprise (and the fact that I didn't receive an address from this giveaway winner...) It's back up for grabs - a Hot Pack in this fabric:
Here are the conditions:
1. Leave a comment on this post
2. Be willing to send me your address. I won't stalk you, promise.
3. The winner will be announced Friday, March 28th. I will either email or leave a comment for the winner.
4. You have until 9 am Monday, March 31st to send me your address, otherwise, I'll draw another winner.
Pretty threatening, eh?
Until then, I'm planning to finish two "Must Finish" projects today. The rest of the week will be dedicated to showing off before and afters of Works in Progress. Maybe I'll even go crazy and reorganize my craft room. Maybe.
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Or, come out, come out wherever you are!
Come by and leave a comment - it doesn't even have to be anything special, just a quick "Hello!"
I don't know about you, but there's plenty of winter left around these parts, so I'll be giving away one of my hot packs, only in this material:
First off...
We have a winner!
Thanks to all who entered my birthday drawing. In the end, I picked a winner old school... I wrote down the names on little pieces of paper and had my Toddler draw one out. The lucky winner is...
ArmyWife!
AW, shoot me an email (swiperbootsdora at gmail dot com) and we'll get the details figured out.
That was so much fun, I'll have to do it again soon!
And...
We have a weiner!
My good friend Julie over at MotherGooseMouse is having a baby - a boy to be exact.
Julie, all I can say is...
Little boys are wonderful.
I wouldn't trade mine for anything.
Even though he's loud - he talks loud, he walks loud, he plays loud...
Even though he's busy - he's here, he's there, his stuff is everywhere...
Even though he devises things, projects, messes, and ideas that I would never dream...
He still comes and sits on my lap for a snuggle.
He still kisses me good-bye when I leave.
He still randomly hugs me and calls me "My Mommy."
Having a boy is simply amazing.
Even when the entire family room is an inch deep in itty-bitty legos.
Now, as far as switching from man-to-man to zone defense? Grab a bottle of wine and we'll talk...
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And it's my birthday too, yea!
Well, not yet...
My birthday is coming up, and as a blantant plea for birthday wishes, I'm hosting a drawing.
The rules are simple.
In the comment section of this post or email me if you're really shy, and wish me a Happy Birthday. That's it.
You have through (and including) January 19th - my birthday. The 20th, I'll randomly select a winner. Bonus points if you can guess how old I'll be.
The winner will receive their choice of a "Hot Pack":
Or a crocheted hat, like the one pictured here... but not this one. This one is mine. I made another last night.
Easy - right?
Until then... Have a great day. Stay warm. The projected high for Saturday (did I mention it was my birthday?) is now -1 F.
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