Orange Sweater and Hat Set for Baby

https://www.etsy.com/listing/180652991/orange-baby-sweater-hat-gift-set-newborn

 

Sweater and Hat set for newborn to 6 months

$25.00 + shipping

Hand crocheted with soft orange yarn. Plastic pearly buttons on sweater and button accent on hat.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/queenbsbusywork

A Spirit of Gratitude: February 27

This Week I Am Thankful For:

Sleepy little boys

Chores completed

Trying new recipes

The grand baby snuggled up next to me watching Daniel Tiger

The offspring laughing together until they are out of breath

The Man of the House saying "I love you"

Waking up the the sound of rain falling outside

The cat "barking" at me

Homemade calzones

The male offspring showing concern and planning for his future

Cute, fast crochet projects

The Man of the House getting the smoker grill he wanted

My shadow beside me on the path as I walk

Crazy blue sky

Sun through the trees

The song of what seems like a million frogs

Using my walk as an opportunity to praise and worship the Lord

Talks with the female offspring

Falling apart, crumbly - but delicious - cake

New Etsy photos (and listings)

New To-Do Lists

The right song on the radio at just the right moment

The unexpected afternoon nap

Everyone home a little earlier than usual

Early morning workout (even though I didn't feel like doing it)

Seeing tenderness from the male offspring

Quick progress on projects

Bringing home pizza after guitar lesson

Sudden music as wind makes the wind chimes dance

Sun breaking through clouds

Linking up HERE

The Full Life

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." ~ John 10:10

Everyday, we have a choice to make:

* Will we let the enemy steal our joy and destroy our happiness?

*Or will we enjoy life to the full?

I want the full life promised by Jesus!

I want to laugh more, love more, risk more.

I don't want to look back in regret.  I want to only glance forward occassionally in anticipation.

And focus on the right now with joyfulness, getting full to the point of overflowing.

Linking Up HERE

This Is What Happens When...

... the grand baby gets a hold of the camera...

There were about 40 more of these gems on my memory card.  Some too dark to see anything, most all blurry, most containing a finger or two in the shot.  These are just the ones I chose to share with you.


And THIS is what happens when you take the camera away:

A Date A Month

This year for Valentine's Day I created a year of dates for the Man of the House. One date per month for the next 12 months.

I've been seeing ideas like this all over Pinterest and the bloggy world for a while and thought this would be this perfect gift for him.  (and really for both of us)

Added bonus: it accomplished Day 14 of The 14 Day Marriage Challenge!

Each month has a theme, such as: Hometown Tourists, Shakespeare in the Park, The Road Less Taken, Dinner and a Movie, etc. But what will the date involve?  He has to wait until that month to find out the details!  Some are things we enjoy doing together, or have been saying we want to do together.  Others are stay at home dates giving us a chance to relax and unwind.  All are inexpensive (or free!).

On individual note cards, I wrote out the plan for each date and then placed them in envelopes with the month written on them. He gets to open the envelope on the first of that month and pick the date he wants us to have our date night.

As the next 12 months come and go (probably far quicker than I would like to see them go), I hope to post a little about each month's theme and how the date worked out.

Did you create anything to give your significant other this year?  Tell us about it!

Linking Up HERE

The Mystery of the Yoga Pants

I like to think that on those rare occasions I wear my workout pants in public, it just gives me an air of mystery.  Making people wonder...

You know, in that "Is she really on her way to/from the gym, or was she just too lazy to put on real clothes today?" sort of way.

I'll be honest with you.  The answer is probably the second guess.  But I am going to make every effort to put out a vibe that it's actually the first.  Especially if you see me at the grocery store or Target. (And if I haven't seen you in a while - that is going to be the day we run into each other: my "I'm in my yoga pants with minimal makeup on at Target" day. It's just a sure thing) And I hope you'll make every effort to pretend you actually believe I must be on my way to or from working out and just had to pop into the store to pick up some urgently needed item.

But whatever you do, please don't ask me about it.  (Oh, are you on your way to the gym?) Because that is going to force me to either
A) lie straight to your face
      -or-
B) confess my lackadaisical approach to dressing that day.  Out loud.  In public.

Either way - it's just not cool.  Just. Not. Cool. So don't ask.

I prefer to keep an air of mystery about the whole thing.  Super healthy, multitasker? Or comfortable in my laziness? Only me and my workout pants know for sure.

Coming Soon: Character Cozies

Coming soon to Queen B's Busy Work: 

Mug cozies inspired by popular characters!

Available now through custom order request.

 

 Cozies will sell for $9.95 each, plus $3.00 shipping & handling.  Free shipping with additional items.

Well, Hello there Kitty!

Adventure Time - Jake

Minecraft Creeper

Dr Who - Tardis Inspired Cozy

You Are A Temple

No one builds a temple only to fill it with junk and leaving it neglected - lacking maintenance and upkeep.

They fill it with beautiful, carefully chosen pieces.  Things which will enhance it and add value to it. They keep the inside and outside clean, maintained and looking beautiful.

 A healthy body. Well nourished.  Lean. Well taken care of.  That is a temple fit for the Holy Spirit of God.

A Little Lace & Ribbon

I have had this little short sleeved cardigan which I picked up at the "Tar-jay" a couple of years ago.

It's loose and comfy.  But lately I've been feeling like it was a little 'meh' and hadn't been wearing it. I was on the very brink of getting rid of it forever.  When inspiration struck!

I hand sewed on some pretty lace just above the natural waistline.  Sewing along the edges to leave the middle open, I created a casing to run some ribbon through.

sorry these pics are terrible.  Wish you could see more detail on this!

A little lace, a little ribbon.  And a 'meh' sweater gets a nice new feminine touch. Just what it needed to encourage me to keep it around and get some more wear out of it!

Center of the Storm

Facing the storm,

I feel You beside me

Supporting me

Giving me strength.

I release my fears to You

And step forward 

Knowing even as You are with me now,
You can calm the storm.
You are in the center of it all.

photo credit: http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/IOTD/view.php?id=44439

Ready For Spring Flowers

My poor little toes have been begging for a fresh polish look for ... well, longer than I care to admit! My daughter created this cute bee design and painted it on my toe nails!

Now.. it just needs to warm up enough for this Queen B to wear some flip flops and show these off!

The 14 Day Marriage Challenge: Day Fourteen

Welcome to Day 14 of the 14 Day Marriage Challenge!

Congratulations! You have made it through the entire 14 day challenge!

The final challenge is: Date Night!

That's right - schedule a date night with your husband.  Just the two of you!  Since today is Valentine's Day, maybe you already have something special planned for this weekend. (yes, that counts!) If not, schedule some time for just the two of you in the next week or two.  Put it on the calendar and keep it!!

I know with kids and budget constraints, a night out on the town might not be possible.  But don't worry - there are tons of things you can do together at home, or for cheap (even free). There are tons and tons of ideas on the internet.  Here are a few links I have on my Pinterest board that might help you:

50 Things to do Together (other than watch a movie) http://whatyoumakeitblog.blogspot.ca/2013/08/50-things-to-do-other-than-movies.html?m=1

70 Date Night Ideas http://tynicaelyse.blogspot.fr/2013/08/70-date-ideas.html?m=1

100 Ways to Date Your Spouse http://www.mamaslikeme.com/2013/02/100-ways-to-date-your-spouse.html

Top 20 Stay at Home Date Night Ideas http://www.happywivesclub.com/top-20-stay-at-home-date-night-ideas/

I hope you'll take time to leave a comment and tell us what you're doing for date night!  Also, please let me know what you thought of the challenge and how it worked for you and your marriage. 

A Spirit of Gratitude: February 13

This Week I Am Thankful For:

A haircut for the male offspring

Welcome home kisses

Sun breaking through the clouds

A text from my sister making me laugh

A boost in Etsy views

The grand baby singing the Jake & the Neverland Pirates song

Recipes for no yeast pizza crust in a pinch

The female offspring making dinner

The grandbaby shadowing his "Pa-pa" all morning

Red velvet cookies

A Walk in the snow

Making the first footprints in a fresh snow

Snowflakes big and heavy they sound like rain falling

Snowflakes making ripples on the surface of the creek

Birds singing their snow song from the bushes

Grandbaby drinking milk from the cereal bowl - "just like uncle"

Crochet projects moving along

Watching old Disney movies with the grandbaby

Snowy days inside

Fresh baked bread

Homemade soup

The 14 Day Marriage Challenge: Day Thirteen

Welcome to Day 13 of the 14 Day Marriage Challenge!

Today's challenge is to Do Lunch!

Make your husband a lunch the night before or in the morning for him to take to work.  Or bring lunch to him. 

If he's home today, have a picnic.  Even if the weather is bad you can spread out a blanket and picnic indoors!

The 14 Day Marriage Challenge: Day Twelve

Welcome to day 12 of the 14 Day Marriage Challenge!

Today's challenge is to Put It In Writing!

Leave a little gift, love note, or card where he'll find it sometime during his day!

Tuck a card or note:

• in his underwear drawer
• in his coat pocket
• in the visor of his car
• in his brief case or lunchbag
• under his pillow
• inside the book his reading
• inside his closed laptop
• into the case for his tablet

You can even use a dry erase marker, lipstick, or eye liner to write a love note on the bathroom mirror for him to find as he gets ready for work.

Or stick up post-it notes in various places around the home  (or office?) or in his car for him to find as he goes about his day.

A Wise Woman Once Said... "Repurpose It!"

Got an item you aren't using?  Is there an item you need?  Maybe the answer is Repurposing! 

 Yesterday on "A Wise Woman Once Said..." I posted about how I went from 

THIS:

TO THIS:

Come over and visit us to see how I repurposed a spice shelf into a mail organizer!

http://awisewomansaid.blogspot.com/2014/02/repurposed-from-spice-shelf-to-mail.html

The 14 Day Marriage Challenge: Day Eleven

Welcome to Day 11 of The 14 Day Marriage Challenge!

The challenge for the day: Get Touchy-Feely!  See how often you can give your husband a loving touch today.

Give him a quick hug.
Brush your hand across his shoulder as you walk past.
Hold his hand.
A peck on the cheek.
Run your fingers through his hair.
A little pat on the bootie
If he's working at the desk or table, lean up against his back and kiss the top of his head or back of his neck.

Then check back with a comment to let us know all the details. (Well... ok... maybe not ALL the details. *wink wink*)

The 14 Day Marriage Challenge: Day Ten

Welcome to Day 10 of the 14 Day Marriage Challenge!

The challenge for today is simple: Be Flirty!

That's right - flirt with your husband!  Wink at him, or blow him a kiss, from across the room.  Let him catch you giving him an admiring look. Send him a couple of flirty texts or emails.  Compliment him.  Use a cheesey pick up line on him.

When You Love Somebody

Originally posted on February 9, 2012

 

It's February.  And Valentine's Day is right around the corner.  The day of Love.  Hearts, cupids, flowers and chocolates run wild in every store.  And just so you know - Yes,  I can hear the groans from here.  The quiet grumbles of "made up holiday" and "why should I have to show my love on that day just because Hallmark says so", etc, etc, etc. 

And you're right.  Although it's roots go back to a religious day to observe St. Valentine - the more modern idea of Valentine's Day is pretty much a made up holiday.  And yes, the card companies and candy makers and florists are getting rich off the romantic madness.  But you know what else?  I don't care! 

I can't believe that any reason to show love and affection could be a bad thing.  Sure, we should be showing those we love how we feel about them every single day of the year.  Goes without saying.  But what is one day set aside to remind us of that and encourage us to go all out going to hurt?  Any excuse to be loving and affectionate sounds like a good thing to me!

And yes, I know not everyone is involved in a romantic relationship.  And some of those persons might feel left out of all the lovey-dovey going around.  But is there a law that says one must use Valentine's Day only to show romantic love?  Maybe you have a family member you can show a little appreciation and love for on this day of hearts.  Or a close friend you love like a sister.  Or maybe the person you need to show a little love is yourself!!

You don't like chocolate?  Flowers just die anyway.  Maybe the gifts aren't your thing.  But I bet there is someone who would just appreciate your time and attention.  Or maybe you just need a little time to yourself to read that book/watch that movie/take that bubble bath/paint your toenails like you've been meaning to do.

Take advantage of the day meant for love.  Show someone some love.  Show yourself some love.  Just love somebody! 

 

Because love is a many splendored thing!

 Love makes the world go 'round!

All you need is LOVE!

The 14 Day Marriage Challenge: Day Nine

Welcome to Day 9 of  the 14 Day Marriage Challenge!

Today's Challenge: Be Positive!

For the entire day - don't criticize or correct your husband!

If you're as bad about doing this as I am, your tongue might be very sore by the end of the day because of all the times you have to bite it. Ha!

Be sure to check back and let us know how you did with the challenge!

The 14 Day Marriage Challenge: Day Eight

Welcome to Day 8 of the 14 Day Marriage Challenge!

Today's challenge: The way to a man's heart is through his stomach.

We've all heard that old saying, right?  Well.. Whether it's an entre, a dessert, or a candy - let's serve him what he likes today!

If you have time to make it for him - great!  If not, that's OK!  There's nothing wrong with stopping by the store or bakery, or picking up take-out from his favorite restaurant.

The Man of the House is crazy for pizza. Guess what we had for dinner? :0)

What is your hubby's favorite food?

Links to MORE of the 14 Day Marriage Challenge:

The 14 Day Marriage Challenge (Intro)

The 14 Day Marriage Challenge: Day 1

The 14 Day Marriage Challenge: Day 2

The 14 Day Marriage Challenge: Day 3 

The 14 Day Marriage Challenge: Day 4 

 The 14 Day Marriage Challenge: Day 5

 The 14 Day Marriage Challenge: Day 6

The 14 Day Marriage Challenge: Day 7 

Love Chevron, Mickey Mouse, or Cabbage Patch Dolls?

New listings at Queen B's Busy Work!

 http://www.etsy.com/shop/QueenBsBusyWork

Cabbage Patch Doll Inspired Wig Hats

Available in child and adult sizes!

Childs ($30.00 + shipping): http://www.etsy.com/listing/178598487/childs-cabbage-patch-doll-inspired-wig?ref=shop_home_active_2

Adults ($38.00 + shipping):  http://www.etsy.com/listing/178587380/adult-cabbage-patch-doll-inspired-wig?ref=shop_home_active_1

Two Happy Customers!  (courtsey: jenanne.com )

 Mickey Mouse Inspired Sleeve/Cozy for To Go Straw Cup

$8.95 + shipping

http://www.etsy.com/listing/178584650/mickey-mouse-inspired-reusable-straw-cup?ref=listing-shop-header-2

Chevron To Go Cup Sleeve/Cozy

Available in a variety of colors

$8.95 + shipping

https://www.etsy.com/listing/178595461/chevron-to-go-cup-sleeve-your-choice-of?ref=shop_home_active_10

 

The 14 Day Marriage Challenge: Day Seven

Welcome to Day 7 of the 14 Day Marriage Challenge!

Today you are challenged to Be Helpful!

Do a chore that is usually his responsibility or mark something off his To-Do list. Or, you could even just ask him "What can I do for you today?"!

Be sure to leave a comment. Share how you helped out your husband today!

Links to MORE of the 14 Day Marriage Challenge:

The 14 Day Marriage Challenge (Intro)

The 14 Day Marriage Challenge: Day 1

The 14 Day Marriage Challenge: Day 2

The 14 Day Marriage Challenge: Day 3 

The 14 Day Marriage Challenge: Day 4 

 The 14 Day Marriage Challenge: Day 5

 The 14 Day Marriage Challenge: Day 6

Treasures in Darkness

"I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name." ~ Isaiah 45:3

photo credit: www.nasa.gov

In the struggles, the difficulty, the hard times, the trials, the pain, the loneliness, the moments of self doubt and self deprecation - even there.  The places we might never think to look for it. The secret places.

Even in the darkest places God has treasure for us.

Buried somewhere in that darkness are nuggets of truth and wisdom. Lessons to be learned.  Leading us to where he stands calling our name and waiting to shower us with the riches of His love and peace.

This gives us a choice.  In our darkest moments.  We can lose ourselves to the darkness... or we can listen for His voice calling our name and seek the treasures.

A Spirit of Gratitude: February 6

This Week I Am Thankful For:

New blog series (The 14 Day Marriage Challenge)

Cuddling with The Man of the House

A silly grand baby

Two hour delay giving me a chance to talk with the male offspring in the car

The sound of snow melting off the roof

Trips to Sam's Club with the Man of the House

Walks at the park

Super Bowl yummies

Answers from God - even when it's not the answer you wanted

Happy customers

New business cards

A little quiet time in the car during guitar lessons

The male offspring making grits

Lots of bloggy ideas in progress

Fog sitting on the mountain tops

The grand baby telling us "good night" - for the 20th time that evening

Ideas for new crochet projects

The dog's sleepy sigh

Amazon's customer service

Repurposing the spice shelf into a mail organizer (look for a future post on this!)

The 14 Day Marriage Challenge: Day Six

Welcome to Day 6 of the 14 Day Marriage Challenge!

The Challenge for today: Send him a text or email during the day to let him know you're thinking about him.

This can be sweet, romantic, flirty, or sexy - what every you are comfortable with.  Send more than one if you want!

Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

• Thank you for being you.
• Thinking about you...
• You're my best friend
• Glad I have you in my life
• I miss you.
• Love you to the moon and back
• You are the best!
• More in love with you than ever!
• Hey sexy... got plans tonight?
• I am one lucky gal!
• You.  Me.  2nite.

 Or use your own original idea! Leave a comment and let us know what your text/email said. 

Links to MORE of the 14 Day Marriage Challenge:

The 14 Day Marriage Challenge (Intro)

The 14 Day Marriage Challenge: Day 1

The 14 Day Marriage Challenge: Day 2

The 14 Day Marriage Challenge: Day 3 

The 14 Day Marriage Challenge: Day 4 

 The 14 Day Marriage Challenge: Day 5