The Wedding - Part 2 - Cattle yard turned wedding chapel?

I'm back, promising photos from Part 2 of  "The Wedding" and we'll be sharing about the wedding site in our yard, actually our old cattle yard.  I'm hearing... "what?"...well, it was a cattle yard a couple of decades ago.  Yes, we really did have cattle in this area.  The cows, the bunk and the silos are gone, but the shed in the background is the "chapel" that served as the site for Danielle and Aaron's wedding!

It is really a pretty place in our yard and was quite beautiful for an outdoor wedding spot!  Danielle and Aaron had intended to use the corn field as a backdrop for their wedding but the corn was only a few inches high so it was decided that it wouldn't have made the cut for nice wedding pictures.  I'm sure that Great Grandpa and Grandma Satterlie (who lived here first) would have never thought that one day a wedding would take place in the yard, especially where the cattle use to hang out!

Once again, pinterest reigned and great ideas were formed about how to create a wedding place.  I remembered that I had two crocks (from the quilt shop days) that would work perfect to hold pots of flowers.  Randy had fashioned some shepherd hooks from re bar metal and they became a wonderful hanger for some gorgeous hanging baskets.

An aisle or should we say, path was inviting with hooks holding hanging canning jars filled with fresh flowers.

Danielle and Aaron love camping and campfires so they wished to use logs in their wedding decor.  We scavenged some from Grandpa Kay. Grandma Judy designed more canning jars filled with baby's breath that were placed on the logs to soften and add a bit of romance to the day.

Besides the shed (chapel), the other oldest building in our yard is the chicken coop.  Yes, it also used to house chickens and even after we bought the farm from Randy's grandparents, we continued to have laying hens and sell eggs.  Gratefully, the shed is now used as a catch all and no more chickens live in it or ever will again...don't ask...HAHA!  (and I'm really not joking - I love eating chicken and eggs, end of story on that!)
Sorry, had to vent a minute......the chicken coop made a really great place to write with chalk and in fact as I write this today, it's still there (even after all the rain we've had!)

One thing that I really wanted for the "kids" wedding were signs that made a love story.  Of course I had seen the idea on "you know where" and the fact that Danielle loves to read (an understatement), it was appropriate to create that for her wedding.  I found some old boards in a shed.  I wrote in paint marker "Once...upon a time....two people....fell in love....and happiness....ever after.....starts here!"  Randy screwed them crookedly (on purpose) to stakes and we placed them down our driveway!  Yep, maybe a little redneck, but we loved it!

We have enjoyed all the comments we've received from "The Wedding" Part One.  Several of you have suggested that we start a business.  First of all, we appreciate the very kind words, but no way is that going to be happening.  We'd love to give people ideas, hence this blog, but we were our own bridezilla, mom and her sisters...hee-hee!  No really, we all worked great together.  Once in awhile, we'd have a "arrh" moment but what mom and sisters don't - right?  It was truly a wonderful experience.  Secondly,  no one could afford us, because the moments we spent together were priceless and how do you place a value on that?

We look forward to sharing "The Wedding" - Part Three.  The actual day and event itself, once the photographers have worked their magic on the hundreds of pictures they took.  We found a fun online site to place photos, words and music together to create a slide show and God willing, we'll set that up and blog away!  Till we chat again....

Hugs- Julie

"The Wedding" - Part 1 - farm shop, reception hall?

Hello, Hello!!  It's been a crazy few weeks around here as we were finally able to finish our farm planting and start sprucing up the place to get ready for our daughter's wedding.  A year of planning and in one day it's over!! But WOW, what an awesome day!  We are thrilled to add another son-in-law to our family!  Please oblige and enjoy with us as we share Part One of "The Wedding"!

Our farm shop became the reception hall.  The walls are quite high so to keep the echoing at a minimum, we purchased some parachutes from our neighbors, the Martin's - (thanks guys!) and put them up using several hands, a forklift and a lift (that we borrowed from Anderson Electric - thanks Tyler! - by the way we still owe you?!) and we had a parachute ceiling. Cool, I say!

The tables, chairs, linens and backdrops arrived in a rain storm (thankful for a large shop door!).  The guys from Geyer Rental (you rock!) had everything we requested and unloaded in record time and off we were to decorate and turn a farm shop into a wedding venue that the newlyweds-to-be had envisioned.

"Ta-dah" and a wedding reception it is!

Danielle (the bride,) her sisters and I spent different times throughout the past year working on decorations for the reception.  It was fun to be crafting together and the results were fabulous!

We have to admit that Pinterest played a big part of the idea process, actually too many ideas.  We all had boards for the wedding, but it was neat to know that we had many of the same things "pinned' to our boards.

Table Centerpieces

An old ladder that we found in the garage served as a great place to display photos of Danielle and Aaron. The crocheted doilies that were made by Danielle's great-grandma Sarah many years ago, found a special place as well and added that family personal touch!

We loved taking some old bulletin boards and a display board and turning them into chalkboards.  Note: Buy yourself some chalkboard paint and just paint away.  The paint will soak into a bulletin board, so you'll have to do a couple of coats, but it works so cool!

Godmother/Aunt Deb created the awesome old window decoration that was used for a bridal shower and we borrowed to use for the reception.  It worked perfectly for the guestbook and gift table. (Thanks Deb!) Danielle and Aaron also had another great place to share photos of their special times together!  The kids (that's what we call them! hee-hee) wanted people to share marriage advice as their guestbook.  They will be placing the sentiments written into a scrapbook along with their wedding day photos.

Another great Pinterest idea!

Everyone loved the candy bar that Danielle and Aaron created.  They choose their favorite candies from their childhood and today.  The old dresser worked great for the "counter".  It was defiinitely a hit!

Don't you just love the pictures of the "kids" when they were little!!

How can you not "LOVE" using the large paper mache' letters.....they work so wonderful to fill in odd places, like this window well for instance!

**Thanks to Tom and his team from Zens Creative Catering for the most delicious meal. Thanks also to Elden's Foods/Bakery  for making the cupcakes - YUMMY!!

A big thanks to Mahrie and staff from Backroads Steakhouse for the cocktails, appetizers, BBQ's and keeping everyone in good spirits (literally) throughout the evening.  Thanks also to Karl and his son from Multiple Choice DJ  for the super music - everyone loved it!!
**ALL of you are AMAZING and we highly recommend you!

A very special thanks to our family for everything you helped us do for this special day. You all mean the world to us and we couldn't have made it be what it was without you!!

We were so thrilled with everything and how it turned out.  We told the kids that when we built a farm shop that they could use it for a wedding reception.  We really never thought they would take us seriously, but how fun for everyone!   Watch later this week for "The Wedding" Part 2 - farmyard, wedding chapel?

Hugs- Julie

A Decade of a Project!

I thought I would just have some fun today picking on myself in your presence.

It was a mere 10 years ago that I started this project.  I fondly call it my "devil decade of a project".  This project traveled to many retreat locations.  Many times not even taken out of the car, but was along "just in case" I ran out of projects! (okay, I hear you laughing now...)  It's not that the project was hard, just time consuming (obviously!!)   What is this project you ask?.....

Let's start at the beginning.  In 2004, a lovely lady by the name of Lynette Jensen, creator of Thimbleberries, designed

Hometown Christmas by Thimbleberries 2004

Hometown Christmas patterns and the coordinating fabrics.  I was thus enticed to take part in the kits offered by Common Threads Quilt Shop.  My intention was to work on Hometown Christmas diligently as I received each portion of the quilt.  I did great at first, completing two parts of one of the segments.  I was on a roll, yes, I could see this quilt laying on my bed for the holiday season.....visions of sugarplums danced in my head.....(that's an understatement).  I'm not sure exactly where I fell off the bed wagon dreaming of this fantasy?

Once completed, this is what the quilt should look like!

What do I mean by "should" look like? I decided that enough was enough of piecing....so very unlike Lynette, I only put two borders on.  I agree that the log type border and the applique is very stunning, but.....it was time to...as my granddaughter would sing... "let it go, let it go!

So a decade later, I'm most proud to say, that it is DONE in my version and off to my quilter it goes - thanks in advance Holly of Just Spoolin Around Long Arm Quilting.

AND thanks for picking on me, with me!  It was worth the laughs!!

~hugs~ Julie

Celebrating Earth Day!

It is with pleasure as a third generation farm family that we celebrate Earth Day today by working God's land!   Farmers tend to get a bad rap sometimes on their stewardship practices.  Everyone must understand that if we weren't good stewards, we would be putting our livelihood and future at great risk.  If we don't do the best job that we can to keep our soils intact and safe we would lose our jobs, basically our life!

This is the scene I have out my kitchen window.  It may not look like much to you, but to me it means food on my table!  The rich deep earth just yearning for a chance to shine by becoming a nursery to the seeds that will be planted, harvested and than shared with the world.  How can that not make me be proud to be a farmer's wife?

Every year, we are giddy with anticipation of what this land, that we call home, has in store for us.  Will it have the ability to produce a good crop?  Will the rains come in a timely fashion?  Will the temperature be just right?  Farmers play a chance of risk every time they set out to start a new year and we are ready for the challenge.

The seed is ready too!  If I could hear them speaking, I think they are saying..."pick me...me first!"

As farmers start this 2014 crop year, I pray that all will be safe and that their hard work will be rewarded with a good year!

Happy Earth Day!

~hugs~  Julie

Reflections...

"Living the life I've imagined" is the mantra that I tell people who ask me what I've been up to, have printed on my business cards and frankly, do every day of my life now!  I've had the awesome opportunity to share a couple of get-away's with my hubby,

Snowmobiling in the Snowy Mountain range in Wyoming

Couples Tower Isle Resort, Jamaica

Yep, this is the life! (my toes, hubby working the board!)

enjoy special family time,

Celebrating Easter early by hunting for eggs!

One excited little lady!

celebrate our daughter's upcoming wedding (to be held on our farm) with a bridal shower,

A Mrs. soon to be on June 7th!

 and just simply....being me!  I have sorely neglected my responsibility of keeping up with my blogging, but I'm making no excuses or apologizes.  After many years of working away from the farm and my home and owning a business, I realized that I needed some time to reflect on what my "imagined life" has turned into and what it means to me. What I have come to realize, is that I'm somewhat of a "retiree" in the fact that I can do things when I want for the most part.  I'm thrilled beyond words to know that I am available to assist on the farm when needed and have the ability to craft to my heart's content.  It will be my pleasure in the days, weeks, month and hopefully years ahead to share all that warm's my heart in 

"living that life I've imagined".

Have a blessed Easter!

~hugs~ Julie

Cards for a Cure!

We all know or have someone in our lives that has been affected by cancer and it would be my privilege to have you join a wonderful new program sponsored through Stampin' Up and with our donations "Finish the Fight"!  My goal is that we have 225+ join our "Cards for a Cure" campaign to raise $5000+ HOW SWEET THAT WOULD BE!!! Spread the word, share with your friends and family....as my three year old granddaughter would say "I got this" - how about "We got this!!"  Let's do it!  How you ask?

Many people ask me how life is without the quilt shop.  My answer is that although I don’t miss the business side, I do miss the people very much!  Another thing I miss, is the opportunity to create events where we could help organizations raise awareness and monetary donations for their causes.  As I pondered how I could keep the creative side of me happy along with the promise to “give back”, I realized that I had that same opportunity right in front of me with a home business that I was using only to benefit myself.   Along with my love of quilting, I also possess a passion for paper crafting!

As a Stampin’ Up demonstrator, I could “share” (instead of keeping for me) all the fun things that they have to offer with their great products.  I was having a super time playing with the paper, stamps and embellishments creating my own kits when the company came out with this awesome monthly program called  "Paper Pumpkin".  It allows me to fulfill my creative needs with a pre-designed packet of goodies that takes minutes to put together!!  Yippee!!  (You all know how much I LOVE kits!!)

Now I know you’re asking where does this “share” part come in, well…….in my “Cards for a Cure” campaign, for every person that joins me in the Paper Pumpkin monthly program, I will donate the proceeds to our Relay for Life American Cancer Society team.  Commit to 3 months (April, May and June) at the monthly cost of $19.95 plus $1.37 tax (shipping included).  You will be paying via a credit card directly to Stampin’ Up and $21.32 will be charged upon sign up and in the next two months.  Sign up by March 31st to receive a special bonus gift with your first Paper Pumpkin arrival!  

 At the end of June, I will contact you to see if you wish to continue with the Paper Pumpkin kit.  I will in turn continue to donate to our “Cards for a Cure” in your name each month.   If you decide that you wish to discontinue the Paper Pumpkin kit, we’ll just simply take you off the program!   You can rejoin at anytime in the future if you choose to do so and your name will be added back into to our “Cards for a Cure” donation list!

And now you are are intrigued and asking "How do I sign-up" - very simply....go HERE and click on subscribe, complete the required information.  Click on "I already have a demonstrator"** and type in my information...Julie Satterlie, 23422 Sunny Side Drive NW, Evansville, MN  56326 and my name will pop up on a screen on the right.  Click on "Select" and you will be enrolled in a very quick, easy and fun crafting time AND you will have donated to "Cards for a Cure"  **this fundraising opportunity is only sponsored by me! IF you have a Stampin' Up demonstrator that you work with already - no problem - PLEASE sign up for Paper Pumpkin under them.  Donations won't be made to my "Cards for a Cure"  BUT you will be involved in a great program that you will enjoy and they will be pleased to have you sharing the crafting bug with them too! 

I appreciate your time in visiting this blog and sharing the vision to "Finish the Fight"!!

~~~ Hugs, Julie ~~~

Where are you?

Do you remember us?  It has been quite awhile since we've shared anything and that is totally my fault.  A big annoyance for me is when someone or someone's have a blog or website and they don't post on a regular basis.  I shouldn't say it's an annoyance really, it's more like..."where are you?" I follow many bloggers from all walks of life and when I don't see a new story for a long time I wonder and sometimes even worry about what has happened.  So now I have turned into one of those that I wonder myself  "where am I" Well, don't worry we are still here and we are working on a new concept of how to keep things fresh and interesting and to make sure that we are telling you about what we find intriguing in our everyday lives and what makes us tick, so to speak.

On this beautiful December morning here in Minnesota, we have received our first measurable snow fall, okay so it's only 1/2 inch but that is a measurement on a ruler - right?

December 2nd, first snow fall here on the farm!

Decorated tree in our living room.  Still need to find or create a pine bough door hanger...

We worked on decorating our home this past weekend.  My husband even helped.  Now that may seem like a "so", but for those of you who know my hubby, well, that's just say,  he's been called Scrooge or the Grinch.  I know that kid in him has that Christmas magic and every once in awhile it comes out and surprises even me!

Tree in the farm office decorated with red tractors (of course), corn lights and special ornaments (don't exactly fit on the tree but who cares, it's the meaning that counts for us!)

On Thanksgiving afternoon, my daughter, granddaughter, hubby and myself went out to the slough to get some evergreen boughs and red willow and birch branches.  The slough?, well it should have been the woods, but my hubby had already trimmed trees in our yard and put them out by the slough near our farm. So back in the pickup they went to be used for decorations.....best part, he never said a word......you know why don't you......daughter and granddaughter were along on the idea!!!  (I've decided that if I want something done that he would think was kinda crazy, I'll just have them ask him! - works everytime! HAHA!)  Holly actually had the thought to use these items for outdoor decorating and I just jumped on her band wagon to make one too.  I saw one at a store that I really wanted, but......make my own.....hmmmm...

Store version for $$$

Our version - FREE?!?

What do you think of our creation - mostly FREE!  Actually the glittering spirals and lights were purchased, BUT last year on clearance, so I'll say FREE anyway!!   Time with family making these....PRICELESS!

I'll end with our loving thoughts of the upcoming holiday season and that you don't become too busy to enjoy this special time of the year!  (off to wrap presents....)

-Hugs - Julie