My Daughter Went to #SewingCamp

As always, there is a story behind this! One day our lovely neighbor Ana told my 10-year-old daughter Callie she had to go to sewing camp. Callie told me and I was interested. You see, Callie is a little fashion maven and if she could sew she would be UNSTOPPABLE! So I texted my neighbor to find out what this was all about and it turns out a friend of mine was doing the camp at her house for 3 days and I missed the memo because I am not in any of the groups she posted in. Note to self: get in these groups.

So I contacted my friend Suzanne and she said she would offer another the following week. SCORE! Oops, except for we were leaving town Friday and we needed all the supplies ASAP so we could wash and dry the fabric before the class and we don't shop on Sundays normally.

So Friday morning I headed out with Callie and the sewing camp list. We headed to Harper's Fabrics in Downtown Overland Park. I fell in love with the idea of sewing when I saw all the cool things I could  make but I know in reality I probably don't have the patience for it. I did find some fabric I fell in love with to make *something* out of. Forty-five dollars later and we left the shop in a rush to head out of town. Yes, $45 later. Sewing camp only cost $20, which is a steal and I owe her a sheet of Jamberry nail wraps as even more of a payment because it was really cool of her to do it and she went over on time by 2 hours to make sure most of the girls got their skirts done!

The day of sewing camp. Callie with her friends Ciara and Sadie and her sister Eva.

Suzanne with Callie showing off her skirt! And Eva photobombs.

Ciara with her skirt! Once Sadie's is all done I'd love to post a pic here! Most of the girls got done in about 8 hours.

Bottom line: sewing camp was awesome. Seek out a super patient person you know who might offer something like this and pay her handsomely!

Runs/Walks in Kansas City: Race for Recovery August 16, 2015

Before I was the homeschooling writer mom of 5, I used to love to walk all the time as a stress reliever and to stay in shape. Walking is something you can do as a parent anytime, but now that my youngest is 5 and my oldest is 14, it's a lot easier for me to fit in time for my own fitness. Over the winter I walked some at the gym on the treadmill and track. Now I can walk the neighborhood or the field at the school by my house. I'm not a jogger or a runner yet ... special equipment needed for my upper lady parts ... but might be someday! For now I walk in my OOFOS sandals because they are the most comfy thing I have ever worn and work perfectly for summertime.

Because I love walking so much, I'll be posting upcoming walk/runs in Kansas City as I find them. This does not mean I'll be participating in all of them, so don't show up expecting me to sign autographs or anything. I MIGHT or MIGHT NOT be there, depending on household funds at the time, Mr. Kerrie's travel situation, my sanity level, etc. Enjoy the race info, and go out and find some in your town!

What: Race for Recovery

When: Sunday, August 16, 2015 at 8 a.m.

Where: Heritage Park, Shelter #1, Olathe, KS

Friends of Recovery advocates for Oxford Houses of Kansas. Oxford Houses are transitional living houses for people in recovery. Your support will ensure the success of this event and will help us continue our valuable programs.

Mike Johnson was just a regular guy who loved a good story, appreciated a good meal, and treasured his family and friends. A regular guy in every respect except he had the disease of alcoholism. Mike's story ended on February 5, 2011 when this vital, handsome, funny, intelligent, tormented young man chose to end his life. Mike is not unique. There are an estimated 18 million Americans with the disease of alcoholism and only 7 percent seek treatment. We honor Mike and all those who struggle with this horrible disease by bringing public awareness through this memorial walk for recovery. Thank you for joining us!

Fun facts: my uncle used to coach track at a high school in Lee's Summit for many years and my dad has taken up jogging ... it's in my blood!

Check the link (above after WHAT) for more info!

P.S. I get my info from the fabulous KC Running Company website.

On a personal note, here's my walking story for National Walking Day a couple of years ago with an update.

When you're all done, you'll be hungry! Grab a copy of my Tater Tot Casserole Cookbook and whip up a batch of happiness for dinner!

Eva's 5-Year-Old Words of Wisdom

Hey, people. Here are some funny things I have been known to say:

Who can say "no" to a helpless pickle?

When I pray, I like to say, "Thank you for Mommy, Daddy, Joel, Michael, Callie, Sam and me, my name is Eva."

I don't care what my siblings say. I came up with the idea to name Samuel "Samwich" when he was in Mommy's belly.

Kerrie Pics From Forever Ago

*This post has been pre-scheduled since I try to stay offline on Sundays

Found these in my basement and, hot dang, they are vintage awesomeness.

This was taken probably around 1994 and I think it's around the time I learned I would get to travel to Hawaii with my parents since I had shed my crappy, abusive husband.

1994 later ... with my lovely cousins ... why don't we get this picture taken annually anymore?

1988?? I know you are jealous of my crimp job and the curled/teased/sprayed bangs.

1986?? L-Bar-C Youth for Christ camp with Jane Foster Hammond

1995 maybe? More mandatory cousin shots.

Runs/Walks in Kansas City: Saints Stampede August 15, 2015 #StThomasAquinas

Before I was the homeschooling writer mom of 5, I used to love to walk all the time as a stress reliever and to stay in shape. Walking is something you can do as a parent anytime, but now that my youngest is 5 and my oldest is 14, it's a lot easier for me to fit in time for my own fitness. Over the winter I walked some at the gym on the treadmill and track. Now I can walk the neighborhood or the field at the school by my house. I'm not a jogger or a runner yet ... but might be someday! For now I walk in my OOFOS sandals because they are the most comfy thing I have ever worn and work perfectly for summertime.

What: St. Thomas Aquinas Saints Stampede

When: Saturday, August 15, 2015 at 7:30 a.m.

Where: St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Overland Park, KS

Proceeds from the Saints Stampede will benefit the Guardian Angel Fun at Saint Thomas Aquinas High School. The Guardian Angel Fund provides tuition assistance to families in need during time of crisis, such as loss of job, divorce or death of a parent. 

Check the link (above after WHAT) for more info!

P.S. I get my info from the fabulous KC Running Company website.

On a personal note, here's my walking story for National Walking Day a couple of years ago with an update.

When you're all done, you'll be hungry! Grab a copy of my Tater Tot Casserole Cookbook and whip up a batch of happiness for dinner!