DIY M&M Costume

I had the privilege to make my cute lil' niecey a Halloween costume. When my dear friend asked me if I could make her cute daughter an M&M costume, I was taken aback and in my mind I said, "You gotta be kidding me?!" Not that I did not want too, but I was surprised that someone is actually asking me to make costume when I am still a beginner in sewing. Especially when I was making it for a beautiful baby girl...it needed to be just right! I still took the challenge and started looking at DIY's on how to make an M&M costume. I could not find any on Pinterest and was getting a little worried. But my friend had told me she found one on www.eHow.com. When I saw the short tutorial my lack of confidence turned into great excitement. The instructions did not seem hard and I didn't needed to do so much. Here is the tutorial.....

Materials:

- 2 yards of felt (I did not use much of the

fabric since Ms. Kamea was a petite baby. And

since she was going to be the brown M&M, that

was the fabric color)

- White felt (enough just to make an "m")

- Matching  Thread

Here we go with the steps. Hope it makes sense...

1. So I used one of her onesie as a pattern. Cut a circle. 

2. Sew the circle leaving an opening for the head and feet.

3. You should have a circle like this...

So a little story... I sometimes, or maybe most of the time feel like everything needs to be perfect...you can say I tend to be a perfectionist. I was cutting my "m" and went through about three "m's" and I did not like any of them. My co-worker pointed out I should google m&m template. She is so smart! Thanks Camille :D

4. So here is the "m". I placed the m on the white felt, 

pinned it and cut all around

5. Then sewing the "m" began. This was the 

hard part of the project. I don't know why

I didn't even think of sewing the "m"

first before closing up the circle. That would

have helped and maybe I would have 

straighter lines.

6. It still turned out great. I was so proud...

I had to wait till I went to drop off her costume to cut the opening for her arms. 

7. Then I decided to make her a flower headband using

the left over fabric. It was my very first one too guys...

and I was so pleased at how it turned out..

Here's the tutorial for the headband.

Isn't she the cutest? I think she is the most adorable brown m&m...

The 30 Minute Skirt

I am sure you all know by now that I love maxi skirts. But I have a huge dilemma when it comes to maxi's. ONE. I am too short and they are always too long for me. TWO. I will not spend $30-$40 on a skirt that I can easily make.
A few months ago I came across a fitted sheet while I was out one weekend hitting up yard sales. It was still in great condition and only cost me a dollar. SCORE!!!
So this morning I had some extra time so I made a skirt to wear to work since I really had no idea what to wear today. I think I have a problem and I am going to admit what it is. I have a lot of clothes and half of my closet are clothes I find while thrifting or on yard sales. And since I started working I have been going through my closet like crazy. For the past nine months I have been a stay at home mom so I did not dress up a lot. It was usually sweat pants and t-shirts, unless I had to leave the house. Anyways, I have this problem and it is one I can't seem to get over. I have a hard time repeating an outfit. I can't wear the same outfit that I wore last week to work. If I am going to wear the same pants, I would have to wear a different top or blouse, but not the same one I wore last week. Does anyone have the same problem? I hope I am not the only one with this kind of problem. And if that's the case, my name is Reshell and I have a problem. Ha ha!
In a way I kinda like that I have this issue so it drives me to create outfits and be creative. I had never thought in a million years that I will be sewing my own clothes. I am so hooked now and getting better at sewing. Here is today's outfit. I do not have a tutorial because it was a really quick project. It was so easy and it took me about 30 minutes and it was done. I used another skirt as a pattern, sewed it up, run an elastic through the waist and I was DONE. I just love the color of this skirt, it is like a burnt orange. Just the right color for this season :)

Sorry the picture is a little darker...

A lot better. 

Top: Forever 21 $5.99 (on sale)

Belt: Salvation Army ($1.99)

Skirt: Yard Sale- Bed Sheet ($1.00)

Shoes: I have had them for a while. 

Necklace: Gift from a friend (Imitation of

Palauan Money)

~Only in Ree's Closet~

Fighting the Everyday Battles!!!

I wish everyday was a good day filled with lots of love, laughter and joy. Oh how nice would that be! But that is not what life here is all about. There are these roadblocks that hinder us from that joy and happiness that we seek for each day. I have many of those that usually affects my mood and most of the time create depressing thoughts. As much as I want to withdraw these unwanted feelings during these moments, I am human and I try and do my best to overcome these challenges. We all face these battles-- all come in different shapes and forms, but all so real to each and everyone of us. I have come across so many different blogs and have read so many real life stories. After reading each blog, I am left bawling my eyes out and my heart aching for these people-- people I have never met nor do I know who they are. But I feel their pain only because I can somehow relate. I too, have my own battles that I fight for each day! Although, it is nothing close to what some of these people are going through--it is real to me. From marital problems, to health issues and even trying to cope with the death of a loved one. And I thought my problems were so demanding that it was to much for me to handle!

As I mentioned on my last blog post, I picked up a few books from Deseret Industries when I was in Utah to read. And one of the books I got have been a great read and has really helped me see things in a different perspective. Guys, this book is so good I have not been able to put it down. I am not a reader and I will only read books about the gospel and of Jesus Christ---if they are really good. And this is ONE of them. Have you heard of "The Peacegiver" by James L. Ferrell? I absolutely recommend that you read it if you have not! He uses a lot of the story from the Old Testament and explains them thoroughly relating it to the character who is having marital issues. But you can definitely relate it to your own battles, even if its not about your marriage. I have come to understand the Atonement of Jesus Christ in a different level and the importance of forgiveness. An example he uses was the story of David and Nabal in the Old Testament.

Nabal was a very inconsiderate and wicked man, but he was rich and had many great possessions. David, the son of Jesse who slew Goliath has lived the life of a vagabond and many fugitives from the law and outcasts from society have gathered with him in the wilderness. While in the wilderness, David and his men have been protecting the shepherds and flocks of Nabal. At one point, Nabal's shearers gathered back at his estate to celebrate their many food and water while David and his men were left in the wilderness with nothing. This is when David sent out his men to Nabal to ask for some help as they have been very good in protecting his shepherds and flocks. But Nabal denied and rejected David's request for provisions so they returned with nothing. This infuriated David and his men and they started to march off to war. Abigail, the wife of Nabal, who was a woman of understanding and beautiful countenance heard about this and intervened. She quickly set out to gather everything that David's men had asked for and more--food and many other offerings that she could take to David before he acted against Nabal and his house, as Abigail worried he might. Among other things, she gathered bread, wine, dressed sheep, corn, raisins and hundreds of fig cakes, packed them on donkeys, and set out upon this road to intercept David. When they met Abigail immediately bowed down and on her knees presented her offerings to David. Abigail said, "Upon me, my lord, upon me let this iniquity be." She then asked David to forgive the sins of her husband as she has taken them upon herself. After this exchange, David's heart was softened and he did not go after Nabal.

So why am I sharing this? I share it because this particular story found in the Old Testament can change your life as it has changed mine. The stories in the Old Testament are very symbolic and we often miss the very powerful lesson that comes from it. My first account with the story, I wondered, 'why is Abigail taking her husbands fault and the one apologizing to David?' I am sure you will ask the same question too, if not you will question this act that Abigail took. I realized that Abigail was such an amazing wife. And here are the two reasons why I think that:

ONE. She was Nabal's wife, and when she chose to marry Nabal she chose to take upon herself that role to be his wife. That meant she will do whatever it takes to serve him, love him and will die for him if she had too. I mean think about it, David could have killed her when she approached him. He was angry, he did not care, all he wanted to do was to confront Nabal. 

TWO. Even though Abigail knew her husband was unkind, mean and very prideful...she still saw Nabal as her husband beyond his imperfections. 
I am in great awe of the sacrifice Abigail made for her husband. She is a great example of what God yearns for all his wonderful daughters- whether you are a wife, mother, sister or a friend. The story also has a very symbolic lesson that we can learn from. Abigail was an image of Jesus Christ and His Atonement. The sacrifice that Christ took upon himself in the Garden of Gethsemane when He bled from every pore, His Crucifixion on the cross and death is so that he can know how to help us in our darkest moments. 

As I related this to the battles we face each day, forgiveness is one that we have a very difficult time overcoming. At least for me, it is one of the very battle that I face and struggle with in life. This account of David and Nabal, we often think that Nabal is the only sinner here since he has mistreated David. Let me ask you a question, "Has David sinned against Nabal?" I assume you would think no. I mean he has been nice this whole time, protecting Nabal's flock and watching over his shepherds. He can't be the sinner!! At least that's what the character in the book thought. I have to admit that I was in the same boat and was on David's side. 

However, David has unquestionably committed a sin-- one that is not acceptable in the eyes of God. This is one that Jesus Christ has taught repeatedly in the New Testament: 

"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another." (John 13:34) 

David has created a sin within his heart when he was seeking for revenge with Nabal. But Abigail-symbolizing Christ and His Atonement- took upon herself Nabal's sin and asked David for forgiveness. It was Abigail's action that represented what Christ would do. Christ walks with each and everyone of us individually. He knows our background, our situations, our hopes, our struggles...EVERYTHING! He knew what David was struggling with. He had built anger and rage within his heart that only Christ can heal. And when Christ worked through Abigail, David was able to forgive and forget. 

The author James L. Ferrell shares this powerful statement, 

"When we withhold forgiveness from others, we are in effect saying that the atonement alone was insufficient to pay for this sin. We are holding out for more. We are finding fault with the Lord's offering. We are in essence demanding that the Lord repent of an insufficient atonement. So when we fail to forgive another, it is as if we are failing to forgive the Lord-- who, as you already know, needs no forgiveness."

Reading this book has really helped me understand my role as a daughter, wife, mother, friend and how to be a disciple of Christ. I can learn from Abigail and strive to be more humble, loving and helpful. Or learn from David and be accepting, forgiving and learn how to let go of grudges-- those ill feelings that lead you to doubt and question your own worth. I have also learned from Nabal-- I am human and have  many imperfections, but to remember not to let my flaws affect others, especially to the ones I love. Finally, to continue to learn from the Great Exemplar who is Jesus Christ and strive to be like Him each day. He invites us to, 

"Come unto (Him), all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30)

Lace Pencil Skirt

Lace is a big fashion trend now days. And I love how elegant and chic it is when you include it in your outfit! A few months ago I found a mustard yellow table cloth (I think?). I bought it at a thrift store for a buck. Oh how happy I get when I find cheap deals. So this last weekend I got on my sewing machine and got to work. It only took me about an hour to make this skirt. I was so proud of myself.

Material:

- Lace

- Linning (I used a stretchy inside shirt)

-Matching Thread

-Scissors

-

I used another skirt as a pattern:

Folded the lace material and cut all around the skirt

leaving about 2 inches for seam allowance.

Whirrr!!! Sew right sides together on both sides.

Made a casing for elastic, run it through, closed it up....

TA-DA!!!

Close Up Picture :D

It was the easiest skirt I have ever made. Paired it with a tan tank, a black cardigan, black ankle boots and I was ready for work that Monday morning. 

Wake Me Up When September Ends...

September has been a busy month. I started working and have not had a chance to do anything. The first few weeks of training kicked my butt. I was so tired after work that I would pass out when I was putting Laien to sleep. And it is not like I was doing hard labor, but sat on my chair whole day. It is great to be back at work. It is my third season with this company so it is not as overwhelming and stressful as it was my first year. If you have not tried Enstrom Candies, you are missing out!!! It is the best treat and you will keep going back for more. As some customers would say, "It's like drugs, they're addicting!"

My very first day of work I was late and it was not how I had planned it to be. How embarrassing!!! Just glad I did not loose my job on my orientation day...Phew:-/ It was great to see familiar faces and be around fun people. 

First day of work...but first, let me take a selfie :)

I woke up a few hours early to get Laien and myself ready. It felt weird dropping him off with my moms at my sisters. I think the thought of being away from him for more than a few hours scared me. Not that I did not trust my own mother to watch him, I just did not want to be away from him. He cried a little too, which made it even harder for me. 

Yup! That's him trying to get to me :'(

He did really good though and now loves being dropped off. He loves going to school with grandma to get the girls. And now it is becoming difficult to pick him up because he would cry wanting to stay. He enjoys being with his cousins and they have tons of fun together. Laien is growing and learning tons of stuff its insane. He loves skateboarding...which is something that his dad taught him when he was just a month and half old. Yea, I am not kidding!

There he is at one month.

And now he is a pro! We really need to keep an eye on him because he will try to do with by himself.  But man, he is such a boy and he is not scared of anything. 

First time standing and he is natural!

Football season has started and Laien is a fan of the Lions just like his 'dada.' He knows how to say football and raises both hands up when we say touchdown. 

My football fans :)

A lot has  happened since I last blogged. We have not had a chance to go out and thrift as a family. But for Ethan, he is always hunting for treasures. 

That's his casual Friday outfit! (One of his finds while

thrifting)

I had to be sneaky and take this pic ;p

That's a brief update of what has been happening with the Johnson's! Because September has been a very busy month I have not had time to sew, blog and or do anything fun! Just this week I was able to jump on my sewing machine and make a fun skirt. My projects are piling up like crazy and I am hoping I get some of them done before work gets crazy busy. So keep an eye out for the next blog post. I made a cute skirt that has become a favorite :) I hope you all had a great September! "Wake me up when September Ends", a song by Green Day pretty much sums up our September. Click the link to listen to it :D

Sewing--ON HOLD!

I have not touched my sewing machine for a month now!!! And I am sad that I have slowly lost the excitement. Don't worry, I am not giving up. I am going to fight hard to get that desire back because I know I still have it within me. I guess these are the struggles I have to face as a beginner :/ I will do my very best to never let this interest of mine fade away. Because I have a bunch of projects lining up just waiting to be worked on. I just need to get passed this one extremely difficult project that I challenged myself with. I came across a one piece swimming suit that I fell in love with. But guess what? It is way too expensive and I just don't have that kind of money on me.

Here it is:

This cute one piece suit costs $130!!! Can you believe that? Well believe it. Ridiculous. I thought to myself, I can sew my own. I did not know it was going to be a tough project...but I was determined and took the challenge. I found a black crochet shirt at Goodwill for $1.99 so I had to buy it. I also had a two piece bathing suit that has been sitting in my drawer for a good while now. 

The two piece is not in black but it will still look good with the black crochet shirt. I got to work immediately. I had a halter tankini top suit so I used it as a pattern for the top. I lined the tankini top and the two piece bottom on top of the crocheted shirt then started cutting the shirt around. You see? I am such a beginner so I am probably not doing anything right! 

I was getting so excited and could not wait to start refashioning this project. Cutting it up was so easy... But I really did not know what I have put myself into. 

It looked like it was coming together as I laid it out. I could actually see a one piece suit. I just needed to somehow put it all together. Then when that time came, I was stuck and did not really know what to do next. This is why I have not been sewing for a whole month. It is this project that is holding me up. Tonight I thought of sewing and just realized how much I miss it. This is something I enjoyed doing and I am not going to let this one project stop me from sewing. I am back on the machine. I will continue to learn, create and do whatever it takes to finish this project. So if you have some tips for me, leave a comment below :) Stay tuned for the finish look...

Update!!!

I have been off the hook for a few weeks now. July was a busy month for us and I have so many posts that I have started but have not quite finished. I think I have a few drafts that still needs to be published, one of them being our 4th of July fun! So stay tuned, I promise I will be publishing it soon. (Right after this one for sure!)
The week after the 4th we had a big yard sale and man, it was laborious and exhausting! Ha ha. Sorting out clothes, deciding what to keep and what to sell, moving boxes, cleaning and dealing with the clutter-- it was so much WORK! I have some kind of OCD when it comes to clutter and messes. It just annoys the heck out of me! Ethan gets a little irritated when I clean because it needs to be done right and in a certain way. But its just how I do things, you know? I am a lot better now that we have a 14 month old boy that loves creating clutter of toys and an energetic two year old dog that makes all kinds of messes. We had fun with our yard sale and Laien enjoyed being out in the garage playing and getting into whatever he can.

The Sign!

The last day. He was done!

Because he worked hard too :P

That Saturday night we cleaned up and got the house ready for visitors! Grandma Nancy and aunt Amelia drove into town that night for a few days. And Laien had so much fun. He loves being around people and would entertain you until it was nap or bed time.

Grandma brought me a Ninja Turtle

Chair and bought me a new outfit

while we were out thrifting ;)

Grandma also introduced a new

healthy snack:) It is our favorite now!

(They're addicting...I love 'em too)

Then it was time to say good-bye :(

Laien was giving tons of

kisses so Amelia could stay!

Happy Grandma & Grandson

Still smiling....

It was sad to see them leave and wished they could have stayed longer. We waved good bye as they drove away and walked back into a quiet lonely home. It has been about four months since the last time Laien had seen them. Laien had grown so much since then-- he is now mobile and can actually walk, talk and play. 

His first zombie walk ;)

He has been kicked out of our bed to 

his own since he twirls, kicks and slaps

our faces with his back hand.

He really thinks his a Ninja Turtle :P

We took a trip down to Bear Lake Utah for the weekend a few weeks ago. Ethan loves to plan things last minute and take unexpected trips. And if you remember me admitting that I have OCD...I do not like being rushed last minute or wait around for someone to make a decision. It is one of my biggest pet peeve and it used to annoy the crap out of me. I am a little better at this now since I am married to someone that's the opposite of that. It still bugs me a little, but I try and deal with it! Anyways, Bear Lake was so much fun. Ethan has the greatest aunt and uncle that I have really grown to love and enjoy being around them. They have such a fun family and there is never a dull moment with them. We went to the "beach" (as they call it) or in the right term, the lake. And I am so mad at myself for not bringing my phone to take pictures of Laien. He sat on his turtle chair, with his turtle zippy cup all dressed up in his swim wear. He looked like a little man! He loved the water and it was just the right temperature for a hot sunny day. It was so fun and we're so glad we took this trip :)

He is such a great traveler.

He loved his hot dog from

Quick & Tasty!

And I got a special treat from Jill :D

My first gel nails and I love love love them!

Our family photo. (It was kind of dark, but

look at the beautiful background. Breathtaking!)

We wish we could have stayed longer. But it was nice to see the Draper's and enjoy Bear Lake. It was so sweet to meet Ms. Claira and for Laien to meet his new baby cousin. She was perfect! We stopped at Logan on our way down and met with the aunties. Laien was so happy to see Amelia and Andi. Again, I did not take any pictures :( But Laien had fun with his aunties he did not want to leave. He was crying and screaming and did not want to be strapped down in his car seat. It was time to go see grandma and spend some time with her. Again, Laien loved being around his grandma, great aunts and aunt Sarah. They played all day long while mom and dad went out and did some thrifting :)

Got to hang out with Nanna again :)

I have the sweetest boy!

Watching the planes fly by...

He had FUN on the trampoline 

with aunt Sarah :D

And I bought me some gems at the D.I.

Let the reading begin!!!

For the third time that week, we had to say goodbye and it is just so hard. Wish we lived close so we can be around our family often. But we had to come back home...back to reality! We came home to our Raskullz who missed us dearly. Then the next few days I had some cleaning to do. It was nice that I was able to drop Laien with my mom at my sisters so I could get a lot done. Laien had fun with the girls! He went with the girls to school to do a tour of their new classroom and meet their teachers. And Laien acted like he owned that place. He was walking around the classroom climbing on chairs and touched everything he could get his hands on -_-

He had fun at the mall....in his lil green car!

Then aunt Zee had a photo shoot scheduled...

Meet our stud bud ;)

Love them so much <3

Helped Ashlee with her chore :D

Then it was time to have some FUN!

He liked the idea of splashing

the girls with water. But

was not happy at all when they

splashed him! 

Oh it is crazy how much this baby has grown! As much as I love seeing him grow into this little boy, I am also saddened that he will be too big and not want any cuddles or snuggles with mom. He is no longer a little baby where I get to hold him in my arms all day long. He is a very smart lil' fellah! At times I wonder if  he plans his own activities just to amuse us and our guests. He is great around people and we are grateful that he is just a happy baby. I am sure there are more exciting things to look forward too as he continues to grow. But for now, he loves anything that makes loud sounds-- cars, motorcycles, airplanes, etc. Anything that drives him to say, 'vrooooom vroooom vroooom!' Following are what he finds great enjoyment with:

Driving with dad!

Climbing!!!

He does not sit on his chair. He stands!

When I tell him to sit on his butt,

he sits down on the arm of the chair and

let his hands free. Our lil' daredevil! 

He loves his skateboard. What he does

75% of his day. 

We love every moment with this stud! He truly has brought us so much happiness. I thank my Heavenly Father everyday for sending such a precious blessing to us. We are grateful that he is part of our family and we LOVE this boy to the moon and back :D