Art of the Dress::Challenge #3::Altered Shoes (and boots!)

I've switched my Cut From A Different Cloth blog to a blogspot site and just posted about Jenny Doh's challenge...take a lookie!  CLICK HERE FOR THE LINK!

First Day of Kindergarten

I can't believe it.  I can't believe my little boy is big enough to walk to school, find his locker and stay for 7 hours straight.  He woke up feeling very ready for his big day...

Lots of hugs to send him on his way into the big world...

One of the joys of having Trent working from home...

Future attorney at law, Bennett Steele...

 Kitt keeping up with Bennett in the hallway...

One stop at the locker...

and off he goes...

It was heart wrenching walking away but we did it.  Off to a great start!

Trains, No planes, and Automobiles

My mom and dad celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary by taking all of us to Grand Junction, Colorado via Amtrak.  If you have ever ridden Amtrak across our country, you know there are all walks on that train.  Some interesting ones decided that Denver felt like home.  We, plain janes were happy to get back to Holdrege, Nebraska; population 1,000.  But that is for another day...

After our train was running late and going at stop and slow speeds, we decided to bring out the electronics...

We rented cars, 

fed the chipmonks at Land's End,

and toured the mountains, 

Mom and I had some good laughs on the train.  And, sissy, there wasn't a party you missed!

I have way more photos but it's taking too long to post.

Thanks mom and dad for a great trip!

No Training Wheels, Pinkabella, Beth Moore and a whole lotta smiles

Look who's six and riding without training wheels...

The grin says it all!

Sissy Lynn sent our weekend of Pinkabella with Betty and Kitt to Stampington who has came out with a new magazine called, "Create with Me".  It's a magazine for parents and kids...ideas, and what have you.  

Well, our girls are most blessed around here!  

Click here for more!

While they were looking through the magazine, I was being blessed at Beth Moore.  She's a Women's Bible study teacher and a gifted one to say the least.  God has given her the ability to teach and reach many, many women.  

Here we are waiting for the doors to open...

After running down the hallway of Pershing like a crazy woman, I found seats in the third row!  A little embarrassing, but it was so much fun!

She spoke on Knowing Better...

Can you see her here?  She's looking up at the screen on stage.  

And, for those who do not know her, she has great taste in fashion, as you can see.  

I feel so blessed to have time with friends, learning, sharing, growing.  It truly was a great time, thanks Mandy, Jen and Shelly for an wonderful weekend!

buckle bling

Isn't this a fabulous idea?

I found it from here and could not help myself.  I had a few items from my grandma's jewelry box that were going to be donated.  I love the idea of repurposing something she enjoyed too.

 Now, I need to find a piece of leather to finish the belt!

Bling Swap is almost done!

Look at these beauties...

Playing playdough and eating pb and j....

Embracing Change

Trent will be leaving Kearney High as an Assistant Principal and starting a new journey with NSEA.  We are thankful that we do not have to relocate.  The next year will have challenges financially but the second year we will be fine.  So, budget cuts at our house.  Creative ways to cut back will have to be thought of.  I would love to be able to create from home and make up the difference but realize that 'that dream' may not be as close to coming true as what I hope.  I am looking forward to finding a job that will work with our new family schedule.  Trent will be able to walk us for Bennett's first day of school!  We are thankful for a more family time.    Here is the big preschooler graduate...

I have started my own challenge about 3 weeks ago...you see...I LOVE fashion and I LOVE a bargain.  I have a wardrobe that consists of lots of bargains- be it brand new shoes for .50 cents--like these...

but, I'm challenging my self to wear a different outfit for a year...shopping only from my closet or making something new to wear from my fabric stash...did I mention that I also LOVE fabric?

What ideas do you have for me?  Note:  I do know coupons are a good way to save.  I carry them in my purse and then always forget to use them!  Any thoughts on a job?