Happy New Years! Love ya! mean it! Stephanie

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God bless you all!

From our home to yours...Merry Christmas and Happy New year! Thank you so much for sharing the year with me..may you all be blessed! Talk to you soon! love ya mean it! Stephanie
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while you wait....

ok..... these are some little goodies I have been stashing away..but we are that close to Christmas and the kids are in need of some thing to do while they wait and I think its time to go outside and start making some all natural crafts...So here are a few ideas that I LOVE and want to share with all you nature lovers and inspire you to make some of your own!

If you do any.... please share with me..I would love to see your take on this idea!

Enjoy! Thanks for stopping by! love ya mean it! Stephanie

images..sorry i cant remember where i found them

I have been looking around and there are some great ideas out there for sheds and outdoor spaces...this year I did not get around to my outside decorating..so I have been enjoying everyone elses! Hope your having a great week! Thanks for stopping by! love ya mean it! Stephanie
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well..I am stopping in to say I'm off for a long weekend..baking with the kids..doing some fun stuff with my family before the holiday festivites next week....I hope you all enjoy the rest of your week and weekend!

Thanks for stopping by! love ya mean it! Stephanie

happy holidays all around...

O stop it! I love it! I gotta try this sometime..the happy holiday banner....is genius! Dont ya think? thanks for stopping by! love ya mean it! Stephanie

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Seeing red....

Look at the simple red ribbon..perfect right?

stockings..another touch of red...easy...

you can do it..grab a branch, add your favorite red decorations..

add red to your day..

and don't forget your taste buds..they like red too..hehee

Thanks for stopping by! love ya mean it! Stephanie

Happy Monday! I hope you all had a spicy weekend! Please, do tell...what did you do this weekend? I'm finally feeling better and the tree is up and decorated..I find that when we take out the Christmas decor the kids wanna dig right in. So, I let them do the tree and enjoy a hot coffee while they do their thing...the tree is usually enough for them and then I'm free to do the rest of the house..it works well for all involved...I see no reason to get all worked up about how perfect it should look..it takes the joy out of it for everyone and its so not worth it. As long as I get the rest of the house..I'm good! I hope you enjoyed the Hostess gift week! It was fun for me cuz your all so sweet and generous with your comments..thanks for stopping by..love ya mean it! Stephanie

Our family to your's hostess gift's

How about this little idea for a hostess gift? Bake a special cookie or goodies, add a photo that is special to you, maybe even your Christmas portrait..add a beautiful satin ribbon and a little thank you note on the back and wa la! Who says good ideas like this are only for wedding favors? Not me! lol Thanks for stopping by! love ya mean it! Stephanie

for you..dear hostess

This hostess gift is another favorite! I can picture this done in those small photo frames from the dollar store ..you know the ones that come three in a pack? Paint 'em, add Christmas scrap paper or if you don't scrapbook you can use some leftover Christmas paper in a neutral tone and press (ahead of time) flowers that are special to your friend..add a personal note to the back of frame, cut a long piece of satin ribbon and you have a very unique gift! thanks for stopping by! love ya mean it! Stephanie

jewelry for your friends fridges..

Another easy hostess gift..one that I know I would love! Vintage brooches and pins made into magnets! ok...go make them.. Thanks for stopping by! love ya mean it! Stephanie

easy hostess gift

Print your favorite cookie recipe and baking instructions on white paper or vellum. Tie it around a frozen log of dough wrapped in parchment for an easy Christmas gift. I think its a perfect hostess gift! thanks for stopping by! love ya mean it! Stephanie

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Wreaths on the weekend!

Happy Friday! I want to thank the ladies who left a comment on my last post..you are all so gracious and encouraging! Thank you!

I found all these wreaths at Country Living and thought it would be fun to post....the one above cracks me up..its made from scarves..what!? That is so smart! love it!

this edible one is perfect for a cook!

for all the sentimental types..like me..

just plain pretty...stunning

awww... this is so cute! Hope you all have a fabulous weekend! Thanks for stopping by! love ya mean it! Stephanie

shaken but not broken!

Hello there..today I'm doing a demonstrative post with a feeling photo for you so you can relate if you can, how I am feeling of late.. I am going to be honest here as I feel it is necessary..I have because of this nasty recession..been holding things in, putting on a happy face and feeling the above..I am a very blessed woman..I have an amazing husband..the most wonderful kids and in- laws that anyone would be lucky to call their own.. more family and a home with every blessing I can think of right now...but the uncertainty of this economy is torturing me..I think my faith has been tested in a way that has stretched me and caused me to catch my breath daily as I have needed to rely completely on my faith, to make it through the day..as parents we have sat down and had conversations we would have missed had we been doing "better" and had plenty of work to sustain us..but work is trickling in and as a woman my security is a little shaken..do you feel the same way? Have you ever been braver? Is that the right word even? I feel braver..anxoiusly...I guess when I took this picture I thought about how if I can be real about how I'm feeling maybe it would be helpful to others and we can reach out and take this tool of the enemy and turn it into something positive and enduring..I would like to be calm and carry on as they say..(heheee) and maybe if you can relate..you can too..thanks for stopping by! love ya mean it! Stephanie

Thanksgiving dressings...

Our Thanksgiving table...

enjoy...we did! love ya mean it! Stephanie

thankful hearts..beat here..

Good Monday morning! This photo was taken by my daughter in the days before Thanksgiving. isn't it lovely? We had a fun and warm Thanksgiving with family and ate til we could no more..I will post photos if I can figure out my daughters little camera..we pulled out old family videos and had some good laughs and skiped(dont know if I spelled that right) family in S.C. We did crafts and received our Christmas mugs from Grandma and Grandpa filled with hot cocoa and candy..even my nieces boyfriends got one this year! So much fun!!!! The day after feasting I ended up sick though..until today..feeling a bit better and have high hope of getting a productive week in..can you believe we are on our way to Christmas? Time to get the Christmas decor out and get busy...thanks for stopping by! love ya mean it! Stephanie

looking pretty while you bake!

Hey.... if we are gonna be baking..its time to make some cute aprons...if you dont bake but you sew....this would make great gifts for friends who do bake ..go here to grab these patterns and more!

Have a Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Love ya mean it! Stephanie

This means.. Thanksgiving is this week!

Ok here is my most FAVORITE fall recipe..you better make it..cuz its good!

Spice Cookies with Pumpkin Dip

Cookie part:

1 1/2 c. butter, softened

2 c. sugar

2 eggs

1/2 c. molasses

4 c. all purpose flour

4 t. baking soda

2 t. ground cinnamon

1 t. each ground ginger and cloves

1t. salt

Pumpkin Dip:

1 package (8oz) of cream cheese, softened

2 c. pumpkin pie filling

2 c. confectioner's sugar

1/2 to 1 t. ground cinnamon

1/4 to 1/2 t.ground ginger

Directions:

In a bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add molasses; mix well. Combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt; add to creamed mixture and mix well. chill overnight.

Shape into 1/2 in. balls; roll in sugar. place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 375* for 6 minutes or until edges begin to brown. cool for 2 minutes before removing to a wire rack.

For Dip: beat cream cheese in a bowl until smooth. Add pumpkin pie mix; beat well. Add sugar, cinnamon and ginger; beat until smooth. serve with cookies. store leftover dip in refrigerator. yield; about 20 dozen and 3 cups dip.

The cookies are like little chips that you dip and it is a special treat. Enjoy! Thanks for stopping by! love ya mean it! Stephanie

from taste of home

o my dear..

Dear little black dress...I am still in love with you and I know your worried about this week and all the competition your gonna have for my affections..but I am devoted to you still and will keep my grazing to a minimum this year..last year I suffered for you. But, this year, I must be good to both of us so I don't become discouraged and give up all together..so in regards to this week you will always be on my mind even as I lift..... the Thanksgiving fork..love ya mean it! Stephanie

I still say "gross me out the door"

I washed bedding today...for my boys..their room was starting to reek and the sour smell made me feel that it was time to venture in....to their room..I'm not gonna lie..I went in there three times...to look around..trying to talk myself into digging in..the first time to really check to see if it was indeed still a bedroom and not a rank end of a dirty garbage bin..yep..it was indeed a bedroom..barley..I looked around and left..I went into my quiet living room and sat on the couch and bit my nail...could it be done? Maybe I should just make them do it...but who am I kidding? They live in there.. what the rip do they care? I sat for a minute and wandered over by the door and peeked in again..awww maaaaan! Pure, unadulterated, disgust came from my lips, I say! What is wrong with these boys? What are their wives gonna say about me? How am I gonna defend myself? Maybe they won't say anything..yeah... right. I know their gonna rat me out! I have got to sit down! Out I go... to the quiet couch, to dwell on my future as a mother in law....I'm a little more inspired now..as I hate to think I will have to face daughter in laws with questions about my parenting skills and how I raise such well adjusted sons...hmmm..oh. sorry. I was daydreaming a bit at the end there..."Well, I better have a look" I say to myself and I walk with purpose this time..to the door..what are you crazy? It looks like it needs caution tape and masks to enter..good thing I love them..I started by throwing myself under the bed..no sense putting off inevitably the worst part! yep...just like I thought... a million and one rolled up socks..all filthy and rank...well, that got me and I kept going only to realize, they have been sleeping on the mattress and not sheets..oh, isn't that nice? poor things...I rip off the blankets that are rolled up and tossed off the side and hanging haphazardly all over the "room" I use that term loosely here..for now...I spent the rest of the day going through art work, pellet guns and Lego's..and decided it was time to hit Walmart and get some cheep, cheep, fitted sheets..I don't use flat sheets on kids beds..as you can see they barley use blankets properly. New pillows, pillow cases and clean bedding.. I waited..holding my breath for them to arrive home..the youngest came in dumped his bag and went to his room........he came back and threw his little body into my arms and grabbed me by the shoulders like my grandpa use to do when he had something VERY important to tell me and said.."Mom, thank you sooooo much!" Oh, it was nothing..really. I just bopped in there and picked it up a bit..I look over to my other son. The fifteen year old...you know, the one who I am letting risk my life for three days a week at drivers ed? Yeah, he said (not even looking at me)"Yeah, it's ok."...Excuse me!?!?! So, I took out the guilt stick and wrapped him along side the head with it.. I said "What?! I spent the whole day in that stinking mess! I had to take a shower when I got done in there! I had talks in my head with your wife all day and I'm exhausted! ( silence) "Mom, it looks good, I like it"..fine then. I think to myself. I'm a good mom. So, There.

thanks for stopping by! love ya! mean it! Stephanie
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I wonder..

Happy Monday! I am glad it is Monday... because on three days during each week, I get the terrifying experience of drivers education. I get to ride along with my son as he learns. I get to pray daily and kiss the ground when we make it there and everywhere we go. I wonder why I have to get in the car and not the instructor who is going to undo everything I am teaching him and scold me for bad habits I have picked up..I wonder why I get to be the one who grabs the door handle for dear life and quickly says.. good! yes! your doing good! very good! Just put your brake on a little sooner next time....I am having a time with the whole thing as I know freedom is exciting for him...but I am watching him grow into another chapter and it makes my heart twinge a bit...driving means such different things to each of us..he is moving forward and I'm trying to put on the brakes...slamming them sometimes and gently touching them at others..I'm learning as I go too..and wondering...how did I get so blessed? I love it! Thanks for stopping by! love ya mean it! Stephanie
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doing guilty things...

I don't feel very interesting today.... lol around this time of year, I wonder if I should focus on Thanksgiving or Christmas projects? Last year, I held out and I missed Christmas projects because after Thanksgiving there is to much to do to do crafts and projects...I do however listen to Christmas music a bit already..don't tell..I feel guilty a tiny bit. And I'm drooling over baking ideas..I'm sure that is somewhat natural..but really.... I'm drooling ...dieting...who DOES that around this time of year? oh, yeah...I do..ugh! I guess I should focus on projects..that don't add to my butt...
Thanks for stopping by! Love ya mean it! Stephanie
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memories sweep us away..

Don't those look good? A cup of coffee perhaps? Baking is such a fun thing to do..eating it... even better! What are some of your favorite recipes that you make around this season? Do you have a family favorite that brings you a special memory that you would like to share? I hope you do! I would love to hear from you! Touching stories make the holidays what they are..faith, family and love. Thanks for stopping by! love ya mean it! Stephanie

cozy family gatherings coming...

Ok, here we go....I'm doing Thanksgiving at my house! gulp....don't get me wrong... I have done it plenty of times..it just that this time my house is a bit smaller than the houses I have entertained in before..but, I'm throwing caution to the wind and going for it!

And I'm excited to decorate for it of course! Paper or real plates? Pretty napkins..centerpieces and fun crafts for everyone...ooooo sounds fun right?

A home is a house filled with love... no matter what...Thanks for stopping by! love ya mean it! Stephanie

image martha and unknown

I am madder than a wet hen! Miss camera, I believe, has more than one toe in the grave if ya know what I mean...she has given up and is completely useless..so now what am I to do? I can't buy a new one any time soon...so I'm not sure what to do about The Whispering Creek House blog right now... I am going to work on her (miss camera) but its looking bleak...I love blogging but its getting to be work rather than a hobby with all these difficult tech issues..so I will keep you updated as I go and try to stay encouraged with me hey? thanks for stopping by! love you all !mean it for real! Stephanie
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Missing October..

Happy Monday and November warm wishes to you! What!? It's November? where.. how.. what?!?! October came and went and here we are! Having to cancel the harvest party... which we were completely cheated and robbed of because the weather reports claiming 60% rain..never happened.. the weather was fine... we could have gotten the bonfire roaring and saved the day but it was to late and so fall for our family was not the same. On to the next holidays I guess! Hope you had a productive weekend..I turned my breakfast nook into an office for my husband..more on that later..but thanks for stopping by! Enjoy the day! Love ya mean it! Stephanie

all for you baby...

It's been one of those days..long...laundry, dishes, dinner and drivers ed class. And like a lot of moms I am making homemade costumes for my kids school parties late at night as if I didn't know they were gonna have a party....denial is a terrible thing...so,with little money, I ran to Freddy's and grabbed wings off the discount rack and started to dream a little dream...and that's how this post happened...and this little headband came to be...

and how right now I'm picking at keys like a chicken because hot glue hurts...

but look at her...

.... how could I not? I cant wait to hear about her day....til then, I'll keep my hand in ice water and pick at the keys of my computer with a silly grin on my face! Thanks for stopping by! Love ya mean it! Stephanie

Hello friends, I'm soooo sorry but I have been having computer difficulties..so I am quickly posting this before my computer shuts down..hang in there with me.. it will be figured out soon... I hope...

Unfortunately, The Whispering Creek House will not be hosting our annual harvest party as we have had cold rainy weather and the barn isn't set up for that kind of cold right now...So, I wish all of you a happy weekend and will see ya in November! love ya mean it! Stephanie

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family gatherings....

Hello again friends..our Fall tablescape..it was up for a couple days but we had to take it down as we have family dinners here..the kids willingly ate at the breakfast bar but I couldn't handle it anymore..I enjoy our dinners...we have the best conversations here..after my husband started college and the kids had school all day for awhile, it was a hit and miss dinner time..but I insisted we all eat together and I'm glad I did..one thing that helped our family is to eat as soon as the kids get home from school instead of doing snacks. We just have dinner and then do snack time around the time most people get home for dinner..the kids come home hungry and it was a joke to do after school snacks because they were never hungry for dinner..so flip flopping everything helped..we have our days where it doesn't work but even so I make dinner together a priority..how is dinnertime at your house? I remember as a kid, dinner time was so chaotic... it was like you put the food on the table and jumped back..you would have thought it was the last supper! It was a dangerous time, as it was every man for himself..I came from a crazy big family with no manners and little regard for life when food hit the table..which makes perfect sense that I have food anxieties! As my kids got older, it got sooooo much better! If you have any good stories to share please do! thanks for stopping by! love ya mean it! Stephanie

more party pictures...

Good morning! It's Monday and I wanted to share the project that we did at the birthday party..
With the See Sissy Sew shop closed and opened for our party..and with the help of grandma Judy and auntie Shelly..Camalee and friends were able to pick fabrics out and make wrist cuffs as a project and party favor...

I love that the girls had such a great time making them..it is good wholesome fun and each girl felt good about what they made..

Didn't they turn out cute? Each girl sewed their name on the cuff and added a little bling..not surprisingly, they all chose the same fabric! lol

Sewing has been something that I have wanted Camalee to know how to do because I don't know how and I wish I did!

Even with all the trims they had the to work with.. they ended up keeping the wrist cuffs simple and sweet..

just like them! See Sissy Sew does classes for all levels of learners..so if its something your interested in..go check there site and see whats up! thanks for stopping by! love ya mean it! Stephanie