Saturday, May 8, 2010

Lots of Fun Things to Share

You know how "expecting Company" helps to kick-start a cleaning frenzy??? Well, it's also great motivation to complete projects you've been meaning to conquer for awhile.
Like so:
I can't remember what ugly thing I yanked out of there last Fall when I got this for half-off, but I really liked the miniature urn.
Me and my Gesso. It's SO fun to play with!!!

Below, is a collection of Boxwood Topiaries from the 'Ballard Designs' catalog. I think they're all beautiful!!!! But, boy......VERY expensive!
So I thought I'd try my hand at one...
Like so:





These two adorable people (below) are my In-Laws. Now you know why my house is clean this week. : )
So tonight, my cute FIL asked me if I had some kind of plastic bag that we could rig up as a holder (w/ handle) for his water bottle.
YEA!!! A challenge and an opportunity to try and pay him back for all his kindnesses that never quit.

Okay, my last "fun thing" to share. Many of you will remember how we flew up north for a "girls trip" last Fall. While there, we got to visit with my big brother, Andrew, one afternoon.
Well, this past week he flew to New York to be on Glen Beck's Show about our Founding Fathers, which aired today 5/7/10.
One of the reasons he was invited, was because of this book (below) which he co-authored, The Real George Washington.
My brother's friend, Earl Taylor, was also a guest. Mr. Taylor travels all over the Country speaking on the Constitution.
Sara was taking pictures of the television screen, because she was SO proud of her "Uncle Andy". : )
You did a wonderful job, Brother. You made us all very proud. And you're SO dang handsome, too!!! : )
Happy Mother's Day to all!
Mary Lou

29 comments:

Anonymous said...

Happy Mother's Day to you! What delightful in-laws you have and I love the water bottle holder for your dear FIL. Congrats to your brother also.
Your topiary is nice. These are so popular currently but as you say, they are pricey.
I hope you have a wonderful weekend and give my love to your Mother.

CosmoGirl Carla said...

Wow! That's so cool about your brother being on Beck's show!!! Your whole family must be so proud of him.

Your topiary turned out great. I love the vignette with the crown. And the water bottle bag . . . genius!

Thanks for sharing all your latest fun stuff. Hope you have a real nice visit with your in-laws.

People Who Know Me Would Say: said...

ML, I love the topiary you made! And you made it look so easy!

Ditto for whipping up a holder for your FIL's water bottle.

And I can never get over the strong familial resemblance between you and Andy!!

HMD!!

Allie and Pattie said...

ML, I LOVE the topiary and your urn! And I SO understand cleaning for the in-laws! they are adorable. Have a wonderful Mother's Day!
xoxo Pattie

Deb @ PaperTurtle said...

Ah, Mary Lou, I am once again inspired by you. The urn you embellished is fabulous. Can you believe I've never used gesso but just purchased some yesterday to be used in a class I'm taking in a couple of weeks? I'm so excited to use it and learn about it. (Kind of silly, eh?)

The bag you made for your FIL for his water bottle is awesome. And how cool for your brother. I can only imagine how proud you all are of him! :o)

Enjoy your weekend with your in-laws, and Happy Mother's Day! xo

Scrap for Joy said...

I'm so glad your Mom is back under Sam's care-I'm sure she is happier being in familiar surroundings. Hope the PT can progress now. The free arm quilting is very cool. I have a friend who uses one and turns out some great projects!
Your topiary came out even nicer than the Ballard ones...love the way you wove the thin branches around the trunk.
Kudos to your brother...I will look up the book next time I'm at Barnes &Noble.
Hope you are able to enjoy a wonderful Mother's Day with your girls and your sweet Mom. We're in NYC with our daughter. We won't see the boys this weekend but I'll take what I can get!
Happy Mother's Day dear friend!
xoxo
Joyce

Carol said...

When I watched Glen Beck on Friday I was so impressed with the information. I love history! I know you must be so proud of your brother!

Smiles,
Carol

Unknown said...

Love your crown urn topiary.. and the whole vignette looks great. I hope you have a lovely Mothers day. Also, I totally clean and organize and may even decorate more when family comes. Its so nice to see how perfect your home can look when family comes. Your bro. is handsome and what a great experience and opportunity. VERY AWESOME! have a great weekend. Jenn

Joy said...

Hi ML.. It has been so long since I have checked any of my blogs... I always check your no matter what I haven't.. I am sorry that your dear sweet mom is having problems.

It is not easy to watch I know.. you are such a wonderful person and loving daughter.. Please Please make sure you take care of yourself and rest.

I love your topiary you talented woman you! oh and the bird dish from Home Goods.. darn I really need to get there.

I bet you had fun with that quilting machine.

take care of your self.. rest when you can.

♥ Joy

Diva Kreszl said...

Wow!!! love the topiary, your inlaws are just such a cute couple and you must be very proud of your brother :) Happy Mother's day to you sweetie :)

Diva Kreszl said...

so happy to hear that you were able to bring Mom back to her place where she is no doubt much more comftorable and will do much better with her therapy. I shall continue to lift her up in my prayers!

Sandy, Sisters of Season said...

Hi Mary Lou, I love that picture of you and your handsome brother . . nice looking guy. He's one popular gentleman . . Wow. The topiary you created, turned out great, looks real good. Don't you just love that Ballard Designs catalog, such pretty things and yes, expensive. I get alot of good decorating ideas from that catalog. The water bottle bag, what a good idea, that was kind of you. I love having company, its always fun and just a good time, both of Dave's parents are gone now, but we have great memories of all being together having a good time . . take lots of pics, they're so special. Enjoy your Mother's Day! Sandy:O)

Anonymous said...
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GrandmaBev said...

Happy Mother's Day to you. How wonderful to have your in-laws visit and how fun to watch your brother on tv. Have a great week.

Mimi Sue said...

WOW! You're related to a celebrity! I'm so impressed. Your brother is handsome AND smart! I'll go check out that book. Have a fun visit with your in laws. And have a wonderful mother's day. Love ya..Mimi

Unknown said...

Happy Mothers Day Mary Lou! You have such a wonderful family to celebrate the day with you! Beautiful make-overs as can always be expected from your creative mind! Elizabeth

Unknown said...

Yipeee....you are so crafty and creative my dear Mary Lou. By the way, I hope you received the check?
When I was at the Joyce Meyer conference her husband Dave is a blazing pioneer for our nation too. It was an awesome time.
Cheers to you and your mom on this beautiful mama's day. I know each day with your mom you hold to your heart.
Love sent...big time!
~Jacqueline~

Cami said...

I love your topiary! What a good idea, I love them too, but they are so expensive. Great job!

I took pictures of the tv screen when my dad was on the show too! I guess cousins think alike, hehe!!!

Darlene said...

WOW how fabulous that your brother was on Beck's show!!!!! NEAT!

I bet you had a blast with your in laws. Hope you had a wonderful Mother's Day.

I LOVE your topiary and the little urn/crown.

Diane Mars said...

Hope you had a Wonderful Mothers Day! Stop On Over I'm having a Virtual Baby Shower for my daughter Breezy, games and prizes, would love to see you there! Let's Get This Party Started!! Hugs, Diane

amy @ Life in Pink Hi-Tops said...

Hope you had a lovely Mother's Day!
Congrats to your brother--way cool!
Love the topiary. You're so clever.

Unknown said...

I love the topiary! I have wanted to make one like that for a while. You've inspired me to try making one!

Christina said...

Hope you had a wonderful Mother's Day.

I will def. be heading over to Amazon to check out you brothers book. I'm a history buff and am always looking for good books for myself and my son to read.

Love your topiary and the water bottle carrier that you made for your fil. Love Ballard, but those prices definitely spur the crafty among us into action.

Hope you, your mother (my prayers are with you) and your mother in law all had a wonderful Mothers Day.

Tami said...

Love the boxwood "knock off"!!!

How exciting that your brother was on Glenn Beck's show......I love Glenn Beck and his quest to make the truth be known!!

Have a great week!! :o)

Mary Ann said...

great projects, i am going to hop into your shop! count me as your new follower!

Sandra said...

Wow, lots to be proud of this week! I have a crown that needs to be spray painted white...thanks for the decor ideas and the new plant arrangements. I like a little plant or flowers in my vignettes...from the old Home Interior Decorating parties of Utah.

Sandra said...

The Mr. Taylor looked familar to me...I finally realized he is the Principal of Heritage Academy...if we would not have moved my teenagers would have gone to that school! How wonderful for your brother...I will have to look into the books now!

mysteryhistorymom said...

Sweetie! Where have I been??? I had no idea so much was going on in your life! You are such a busy little bee.:) I am so glad to see that you Mom is in loving hands again. She thrives with Sam and I can tell that she just adores your Mom, too. How could she not?:) I wish I could come and visit her. Your whole family is just precious to me. I get tears in my eyes everytime I stop by and they are tears of happiness and love, dear friend. You have the dearest blog and I feel so lucky to be a part of your life! The old pictures and memories are so very special. You are a dear heart! Lori

Unknown said...

I love the topiary! You did an awesome job! I am all for saving money.