Crafty Monday

Happy Valentine's Day!
**********************

Jean Craft # 2

This is a supper fun and easy craft! It would be great to do at a party or for a gift!

Jordan

Jean Pillow

What You'll Need:

An old pair of jeans

Some ribbon

Some stuffing
Fabric paint, optional

Take a leg from an old pair of jeans and cut it at about a foot and a 1/2 from the bottom of the leg.

Tie one end off with some of the ribbon. Make sure to tie it tightly.

Stuff the leg with the stuffing til full and t0 preference squishyness. (not sure that's a word but you get the picture! ;)

Tie off other end tightly.

Then you can decorate it any way you want!

Personalize it, write a Bible verse, doodle, etc...

And you're done! :D

By the way, make sure to take a peak above at the special weeks and contests that are coming up!

Scripture Sunday

Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:

Philippians 1:1

The description of the Christians is given in terms of their relationship to the Lord Jesus Christ- and that must, of course, ever be remembered to be the true starting point of all Christian experience and all Christian instruction.  We do well, in taking up the study of any of the epistles, to inquire carefully into that matter of where we stand in reference to Him.

In a fundamental sense, the epistles are the property of believers; they have, except incidentally, nothing to say to the people of the world.  Their message is addressed to the church, the members of His body; their teaching is to be grasped and enjoyed only by those who have been truly "born again" by the same Spirit who inspired the writing of the epistles.  We are, therefore, not wasting time if we pause to ask ourselves about our relationship to Christ.  Have we, indeed, received Him into our hearts and lives as our own personal Saviour?

Only so do we have legitimate entrance to this treasure house; but if so, we have undisputed access to all its treasure trove.  Our relationship to Him, then, determines both how we get into if and what we get out of it.  Note what is said here concerning that relationship, for the terms employed are applicable to all believers- both to Paul and Timothy who send forth the epistle, and to the original and all subsequent readers of it, you and me among them.

-Guy King, Philippians: Joy Way

Misc. Saturday

Game Friday

Card Making Race

This is a REALLY fun game to play at a party!

Lay out some card making materials on a table.

Divide girls into teams of 2-4.

Give the girls a theme or a person to make a card for.   

Like... Thank You card, or Springy card, or Cards with flowers on them, etc...

The girls have to make 1 card per team, working as a team to make the card.

Have the teams work in different parts of the room so no one can steal anyone elses idea.

Have a time set, like 5-7 min. for them to make the cards.

At the end of the time period have the teams stop and display their cards.

 You can decide which you like best or you can have a mom or all of the girls vote!

It's a lot of fun to see what comes up at spur the momment!  ;)

Jordan

Recipe Thursday & The Winner!

And the winner for the February Photo Contest is.....

Janae H.

And placing second is.....

Reuben M.

Congratulations ya'll!  Please e-mail me your mailing addresses to justforfun.fromyou@gmail.com .

Great job to all of you!  :) 

I'm hoping to do more photo contests in the future so keep checking back!

*******************************************

At our house we celebrate 1/2 Birthdays, which consist of a small present and the person picking their favorite meal.  This is one that two of my younger brothers will pick over and over!

1/2 Birthday Taco Casserole

1 lb. ground beef

1 small onion, chopped

1 clove garlic, minced

1/2 cup tomato sauce

2 T. water

2 t. chili powder

1 t. cumin

dash oregano

1 can chili beans, drained

corn chips

1-2 c. shredded cheddar colby jack cheese mix

shredded lettuce, optional

Brown beef, onion and garlic in a skillet; drain.

Combine meat, tomato sauce, water and seasonings in a bowl.

Place 1/2 of meat mixture in a lightly greased 9 in. baking pan.  Top with 1/2 of beans, then about a cup of corn chips.  Another layer of meat, then beans. 

Cover and bake 350 for 25-30 min.  Uncover, sprinkle with about 2 c. corn chips, enough to cover the top well.  Sprinkle cheese on top.  Bake another 5 min. or til cheese is melted.

If you want you can serve shredded lettuce on top.

Yields: 4-5 Servings

Jordan

Hairdo Wednesday

Here is a fun twist to a braid! Thanks for sending it in Tracy! :)

Jordan

Rope Braid

First, ponytail your hair.

Then split it into three sections just like you would a regular braid.

Take one of the outside sections (it does not matter which one) and pull it over the other two. Then takethe next section on that side and pull it over.

Once your hair is twisted all the way tie it off.

I found this to be fairly easy, but it might be even easier with wet hair to keep the sections together.

Tracy T. MN

Kids on Tuesday

Here is a game/activity that would be good in a teaching setting or for just a time filler.

Before class come up with a different sound for each member of your classroom.  It can be hard like the tinkling of keys or drop of water in a cup... to something easy like making an animal noise.  Depending on the age of your class.

Then, take a blind fold and in turn have each one of the kids come to the front of the class and have them sit in a chair.  Cover their eyes to were they can't see at all.  Make one of the sounds and have them see if they can guess what it is without any help from their classmates. 

Do this til each child has had a turn.

This would be a good activity after a lesson about that God made our eyes. Telling the story about Jesus healing the blind man.

Or about the ears, telling the Bible story of Jesus healing the deaf man.

Whichever one, stress how good God is and how grateful we should be if He gave us hearing ears and seeing eyes.  And how He is so powerful and awesome to create such things!

Jordan

Crafty Monday

* Take note, the next 4 crafts that I post on Crafty Mondays were all done from 1 pair of jeans!  So hold on to the scraps from this craft!!! :)

Craft #1

I think these are so cute!  So I was sooooo excited when I found out how to make these and found they were so easy!  (Sorry this one is so faded.  But it's what we had around the house!  :)
Jordan

Jean Bag

You'll Need:

Pair of old blue jeans

Scissors

Sewing Machine

Ribbon and Fabric Paint, if desired

Instructions:

Take your jeans...

And cut straight across right were the legs connect with the top part of the jeans.

Then turn them inside out and sew the bottom together.  Try to have the seams in the front and back be as close together as you can.  Turn right side out.

For the straps:  You can take overall straps (which would be easiest because the ends are already sewn) but you can also cut straps out of one of the legs like I did.  Sew ends under...
*If you are going to sew a ribbon on the strap you should do it now before you attach your strap to the bag.

And attach to the tops of your bag.
(You can do one or two straps, whatever you prefer.)

Now to fancy it up you can loop a ribbon through the belt loops...

Or sew a ribbon along the strap...

Or, if you have fabric paint, You can doodle on it!  :D
There are so many cute things you could do on these so be creative! :)

Scripture Sunday

"For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's."

1 Corinthians 6:20

Misc. Saturday

Thought this video was so funny I just wanted to share it with ya'll!  Hope it makes you smile!  :D

Jordan

Wow! Blonde!

Sorry guys!  Wow!  Today is Friday not Thursday!  Can you tell I've been sick?!  These snow days must have thrown me off!  ;D  Well, hope you all enjoyed the recipe anyway!  :)

Oh!  There are two polls to the right!  Make sure you vote on the bottom one as well!

Jordan

Recipe Thursday

Here is a cozy iced coffee recipe!  Great with breakfast or in the evening with dessert!

My mom likes to make this recipe on Sun. afternoons for a little pick-me-up.  :)

Also, there are two new polls to the right that I would really like to hear what you'd like! ---->
Jordan

Iced Coffee

4 t. instant coffee granules

1 c. boiling water

4 t. sugar

1 c. milk

4 t. chocolate syrup

1/8 t. vanilla extract

ice cubes

In a bowl dissolve coffee in water.

Add sugar, if desired.

Stir in milk, chocolate syrup, and vanilla, mix well.

Serve over ice.

Yields: 2 c.

Back On!

Hi all!  Wow!  A lot of votes on the photos!  And Hello to two new Followers!  :D

 Sorry, our Internet has been down due to weather here but I'll be back on schedule tomorrow!  We had a TON of snow for our area!  

Oh!  For those of you that are having trouble finding the photos they are under the tab above.  Click on 'Feb. 2011 Photo Contest' and it will take you right to them!

Stay warm!  ;)

Jordan

Photo Contest!

The photos are posted!

Make sure to take a look and vote on the side bar!

(Just make note there are two polls)  ;)

Jordan

Info.

Hello all!  Just some ramblings today...

There is still two more spots for the Pay it Forward below so be sure to check that out!  And make sure you e-mail me your mailing address so I can send you your homemade gift!

Also...

It's the last day to send in pics. for the Photo Contest!  So be sure to send them in today because the contest starts tomorrow!

They are predicting A LOT of snow and ICE for our area and that may mean a power outage so...  If I don't post for a while that's why.

So if it does start to ice this afternoon I will go ahead and post the photo's on the Photo Contest PAGE and you all can vote on your favorite on the side poll.

Have a fun and blessed day! :D

Jordan

Pay It Forward

1. I will make a little something of the first 3 people who comment on this post. It will be a surprise and it will arrive when you least expect it! :D

2. I will have 365 days to do it in. What's the catch? To get a handmade present from me, you have to play too! This means YOU pledge to send a little handmade something for 3 readers of your blog. It doesn't have to be quilty - just handmade!

3. You must have a blog.

4. Once you comment here, you must post about your Pay It Forward on your blog to keep the fun going - and copy and paste the Pay It Forward badge.  Then email me your mailing address and your blog address to justforfun.fromyou@gmail.com . 

Jordan

Recipe Thursday

A couple months ago I said I would post the recipe for a REALLY good Poppy Seed Dressing recipe and I never did!  So here it is!  I is SUPER good!  It is especially good on salad's with fruit in them.

Poppy Seed Dressing

2/3 c. Honey

2 t. Ground Mustard

1 t. Salt

1/3 c. Apple Cider Vinegar

1/4 c. Fine Chopped Onion

3/4 c. Olive Oil

3/4 c. Canola Oil

2 T. Poppy Seeds

In blender blend first 5 ingredients.

Slowly add the rest til well blended.

Serve immediately or store in a mason jar with lid in your fridge!  It lasts for a good while.

Jordan

Hairdo Wednesday

Didn't have time to do one myself today but found this REALLY cute one online that I am definitely going to try!  Enjoy!

Jordan

Isn't it cute!

Kids on Tuesday

Here is a fun and simple yet captivating thing to do with kids (or even just to see it yourself) on these freezing cold days...

Blow Bubbles!

Yep, you read right!  It's really cool!  It has to be in the teens or colder for this to work.

All you need is normal bubble solution and a wand!  Go outside and blow and see what happens! 

If it's cold enough the bubbles will freeze into what looks like floating glass balls!  And the coolest part is when they pop... they shatter!  If your careful you can even hold a bubble in your hand like you've always wanted to! 

I really encourage you all to try this!  It is sooooo neat!  :D

Jordan

Crafty Monday

Just a reminder on the photo contest!  Only a few days left to enter!  I have three entries so far!  Don't forget to send yours' in!  :)

********************************************************************

Here is a really cool craft I stumbled on the other day!  Hope you enjoy!  :)

Jordan

Nylon Flowers

Have A Bowl Of Soup Week

My brothers aren't too big on Ramen Noodles but they really like this soup!

Oodles of Noodles Soup

2 c. chicken breasts, cubed

2 carrots, sliced

1 onion, chopped

1 garlic clove, minced

5 c. water

dash of pepper

2 packages (3 ou. ea.) chicken ramen noodles

In a pot, saute chicken, carrots, onion, and garlic til chicken is no longer pink.

Add water, pepper, and contents of seasoning packet from noodles.

Bring to a boil.

Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15-20 min. of til carrots are tender.

Break noodles into pieces and add to soup.

Cover and cook for 3 min. til tender.

Serve!  :)

Yields: 6 servings

Jordan

Have A Bowl Of Soup Week

Cajun Soup

1 c. chopped onion

1 c. chopped green pepper

6 green onions, sliced

1/2 c. veggie oil

1/2 c. flour

3 c. water

2 cans (14 ou.) diced tomatoes

1 can (6 ou.) tomato paste

2 packages (16 ou. ea.) frozen corn

sliced polish sausage

cubed ham (if desired)

1/8 t. cayenne pepper

salt to taste

hot sauce to taste

In large pot, saute onion, green pepper, and green onions in oil til tender. 

Add flour, cook til bubbly.

Add water, tomatoes, and paste and mix well.

Stir in corn, sausage, pepper, salt, and hot sauce.  Bring to a boil, stir often.

Reduce heat, simmer, uncovered, for 1 hour.

Enjoy!

Yeilds: 10-12 servings

Jordan

Have A Bowl Of Soup Week

Leek and Potato Soup

3 T. butter
2 cups leeks (white part only)
1 cup onion, minced
1-2 stalks celery, minced
1 large carrot, minced
3 T. flour
4 cups chicken stock
1 T. salt
Freshly ground pepper, to taste
1 cup tender green part of leeks, minced (optional, though it does
add a pretty color)
4 cups red potatoes, peeled and diced
1 small turnip and/or 1 small parsnip, peeled and diced (optional)
1/2  cup heavy cream
4 cups milk ( don't use skim milk)
3 T. parsley and/or chives, minced

Mince leeks (white part only) and/or onions, carrots, and celery and saute in the butter about 5 minutes with the pan covered. Don't allow them to brown.
Blend in flour, stirring over medium heat, 2 minutes. Remove from heat; let cool slightly. Gradually stir in chicken stock and mix well. Stir in salt, pepper, optional green leeks, and potatoes and optional turnips/parsnips. Simmer, partially covered, until potatoes are tender, about 30 minutes. Stir in milk and cream. Heat to a gently simmer and remove from heat. Add parsley and/or chives.Serve with bread sticks and a leafy green salad.
Yummy!

Recipe notes:Don't let the soup boil once the milk is added. It will curdle, and that's not good!
There is no substitute for the cream and butter- this soup is definitely not for dieters! =)
If the soup is a little thinner than you like, you can add some instant mashed potatoes, one tablespoon at a time, until desired thickness is achieved.

Samantha H. IL

Have A Bowl Of Soup Week

This is one of my favorites!

Chunky Beef Soup

Beef Stew Meat

1/4 t. Pepper

2 t. Oil

14 1/2 ou. Beef Broth

2 c. Cubed, Peeled Potatoes

1 1/4 c. Water

2 Medium Carrots, sliced

1 Envelope Onion Soup Mix

1 T. Dried Basil

2 T. Cornstarch

1/2 c. Additional Beef Broth

Sprinkle meat with 1/8 t. pepper.  In a skillet brown meat in oil over medium heat.  Add the broth, potatoes, water, carrots, onion soup mix, basil, and remaining pepper; bring to a boil.  Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 20-25 min. or til veggies are tender.

In a bowl, combine cornstarch and additional broth until smooth, stir into soup.  Bring broth to boil, cook and stir for 2 min. or til thick.

Yields: 7

Jordan

Have A Bowl Of Soup Week

This is a fun soup for something out of the ordinary!  It is also very quick and easy to make!  ;)

Tortellini Soup

• 1 lb. Ground Beef
• 4 c. Water
• 1 can (28 ou.) Diced Tomatoes
• 1 envelope Lipton Onion Soup Mix
• 1 package (9 ou.) Frozen Green Beans
• 1 package (9 ou.) Refridgerated Cheese Tortellini
• 1 t. Dried Basil

In a large pot brown and season your ground beef, drain.

Add remaining ingredients, bring to a boil.

Cook, uncovered fr 5 min. or til heated through.

Makes: 6-8 servings

Jordan

Misc. Saturday

LOVE this song on the new Emma!

Anyway... Mon. starts our soup week so be sure to send in your favorites! 

Have gotten two entries for the photo contest so far hope to see more!  I've added a 2nd place prize so be sure to check that out!  Also a new poll to the side!

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!  Enjoy the music!

Jordan

Game Friday

Here is a fun game that our family has played before when we're in the car or just around the house as something extra as we go about our normal day!  It's easy but it really makes you think!

Spell That Word

And I call it a game, it doesn't have a winner or looser and you just stop when you want...

All it is is you have to spell the last word of your sentence rather than say it!  I know it's really simple but it is really fun!

For example:  "Isn't it cold o-u-t-s-i-d-e?"

"Yes it i-s!"

"Do you think it will snow a-g-a-i-n?"

And so on....

So if your stuck in the house with nothing to do and need a little something to spice up the day- spell it!

Jordan

Recipe Thursday

These look terrific!  They would be great with a meal or even to bring as an apetizer to a party!

Jordan

Ingredients:

1 tube (12 ounces) refrigerated buttermilk biscuits

1/4 cup butter or marggarine, melted

3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes

Cut each biscuit into thirds.

Roll each piece into a 3-in. rope

 and tie into a knot;

 tuck ends under.

Place 2 in. apart on a greased baking sheet.

Bake at 400° for 6-8 minutes or until golden brown.

In a large bowl, combine the remaining ingredients.

Dip the warm knots and serve warm

Yield: 2-1/2 dozen.

Janae H. IL

Hairdo Wednesday

Here are two cute ways to spice up a pony tail!  And they're really easy!  :)

Put your hair in a pony tail...

Then, take a strand from the top and braid all the way down and tie off at end

Or, take a strand from underneath the pony and braid.

Before you tie it off...

Wrap it around the rest of the pony and tie all off at the bottom!

It would be really cute too if you added a ribbon or two!

Jordan

Kids on Tuesday

Fun kid tip for today is....

Play with them!  I know it's really deep and needs lots of pics. to demonstrate ;D but it really is something that kids LOVE!  I know it's sometimes harder as we get older to find time or even the energy to play with our siblings or kids in a classroom but it is really important to them!

So if you have snow where you are, go out and make a snowman!

If you don't, play a board game or with their favorite toys! 

Have a great wintery day!

Jordan

Monday

Hey girls!  I'm sorry!  I don't have a craft for today either!  :(  I'm not having time right now to get stuff together for one so if any of you have some cute, fun crafts that you want to share please send them in!  :)

Anyway, I don't know about how ya'lls families work but in my house cold weather means soup!  So next week will be a Soup Week to get fresh ideas!  So warm up that soup pot and send your favorites in!  :D

Jordan

Scripture Sunday

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Game Friday

Don't always know what to get your friend for their Birthday?  Well, send them a list like this to all your friends this month and have ideas for all year! :)

What's your favorite color/s?

What's your favorite animal/s

What are your favorite candies?

What are your favorite stores?

What hobbies do you have?

Do you like to read?

What are your favorite type books?

Do you like tea or coffee?

Do you like cooking?

Do you like puzzles?

And you can add any other ideas you have too!

Jordan

Recipe Thursday

Here is a REALLY good carmel popcorn recipe our family loves to make on a family movie night!  You gotta try it!

Carmel Popcorn

1/4 c. Butter

1/4 t. Salt

1/2 c. Brown Sugar

2 T. Corn Syrup

1/8 t. Baking Soda

1/2 c. Popcorn, air popped

Heat first four ingredients until butter is melted and sugar is dissolved.  Take off of heat and add baking soda. Stir well.  Pour over popcorn and stir til popcorn is evenly coated.

Enjoy!  :D

Jordan

Hairdo Wednesday

Here's a cute down do that is really simple yet cute!  Thanks for sending it in Janae!

Jordan

Divide a clump of hair from your hair line.
Pull it over to the side and bump it up.

Secure with bobby pins!

Janae H. IL

Kids on Tuesday

Here is an object lesson you can do with kids in a Sunday School Class or at home with your own siblings!

Bible Text: Genesis 4:1-16

Memory Verse: Hebrews 9:22b

Craft:  Making a fluffy sheep

Explain and memorize the verse

Then tell the story of Cain and Abel.  Making sure to explain the reason Cain's offering was not accepted and Abel's was, and why they were offering sacrifices in the first place.  (The memory verse should help.)  This is a very easy story to put in the plan of salvation.

After that you can have the children sit down and make a fluffy sheep with the memory verse on it to help them remember the meaning of the story...

Supplies:

Paper

Glue

Cotton Balls

This is a very simple craft but does take a little prep on your part.

Take a sheet of paper for each child.  Draw a large, yet simple sheep in the middle, and outline it with a marker.  Then write the memory verse at the bottom.

In class have the children glue cotton balls on the sheep.  They can glue the balls on fluffy or they can pull the balls apart a little which ever they want.  (Or however many cotton balls you have. ;)

And this is just a suggested way to do it.  You can do things in whatever order fits your classroom schedule!  Hope this helps someone who's in a pinch and needs a lesson quick!  ;)

Jordan

February 2011 Photo Contest

Sorry girls!  Didn't have a craft for today so I'm going to post on the February Photo Contest coming up!

I will be hosting a photo contest from Feb. 1st- 9th.

The theme is Winter Wonderland and the prize is a $10 gift card to Hobby Lobby!

It must be a photo you took.  One photo per person.   All entries must be in before Feb. 1st and sent in to justforfun.fromyou@gmail.com with your first name, first LETTER of your last name, and state.  

I will post all the photos on the blog and let you all vote on them!  I hope all of you will participate!

And please pass the word!  If you have any friends that love taking pictures tell them about it!  You do not have to be a follower to participate!

Can't wait to see your picture!

Have a great day!

Jordan