New Bean Bags

Some of you may remember that the kids got Bean Bags for Christmas a few years back.  They love them and use them a ton...so much so that the vinyl was starting to crack at the seams in several places. I got to thinking that maybe it would be a good idea to get covers for the bean bags so that they would last a bit longer...but I couldn't find any!  Seriously!  I even went to the site we bought the bean bags from, but I couldn't find any covers that weren't like swede or really expensive stuff.

Just when I was about to give up, I found a free pattern online to make your own bean bag/cover.  I jumped on this because Ethan doesn't have a bean bag (he was too little at the time to get one).  So, I looked around and eventually went with fabrics.com.  I let the kids pick their own patterns and helped them coordinate them a little bit.

Well, we got the fabric and it sat....and sat....and sat....until yesterday!  I started off with Ethan's because I figured I would need to be able to practice a bit and his core bag wouldn't have to be perfect.  I did have a few mess ups on it, but it functions just fine.  Then I jumped into making his cover.

Ethan's Bean Bag

I was having a hard time trying to figure out how to take these pictures, but I guess you can get the main idea from them.  Ethan's bean bag is teal and yellow with pok-a-dots. The covers are bigger than the bags, but they have to be to get the bags inside of the small opening at the bottom.  And the kids love that they have more 'comfy' fabric on them.

After I finished Ethan's, I started on Jonny's - they used the same color of thread so I didn't have to change it...lol!  Jonathan picked a Cars fleece with orange and green dot fabric.  

Jonathan's Bean Bag Cover

By the time I got those two done...I was DONE!  I can only sew so long before my shoulders start to hurt!  But the other kids were begging to have their covers done, so today I finished them up.  I started on Abi's:

Abigail's Bean Bag Cover

She had picked the butterfly and pink plaid with a purple dot fabric.  She is definitely my girl!  By the time I got hers done, Nathan was really BEGGING me to finish his. So I went ahead and did his too:

Nathan's Bean Bag Cover

He calls his the 'turtle's in outer space' bag! Blues and Reds...that is Nathan for sure!  When I got them all done...this is what we have:

I'm very excited to have these projects done and crossed off the list.  And I have a ton of fabric left over, so I am thinking that maybe I'll make each of them a jumbo pillow out of their fabrics so they have matching sets....we'll see...right now I don't want to sit at the sewing machine for a little while! :0)


Copyright © 2012 All Rights Reserved MMFarmlife - Melanie Schlatter

Chapter 7 - Section 3

Several days after the wedding, Rayna, NikéLon and Onevé were out for a touring ride on a mountain trail not far from the village of LeHar - the central village in the mining of Kyran. Austin was with them, riding close by, as he would not let Rayna out of his sight with the oppressing feelings he'd had of late.

Suddenly there was a shout behind them and a cloud of dust arose in the distance. A soldier rode quickly to Austin's side identifying the cloud as a pursuit for attack. Rayna saw Austin do a double take as he began giving orders to the mounted guard with them. The carriage lurched forward in a dead run and Onevé screamed in fear.

Rayna yelled at Austin, “Give me a horse!” Upon his insane look, she demanded, “It is me they want, save the CherRio and the new CherRené and give me a horse!”

“We don't have time to stop and trade, we must keep going!”

But Rayna knew deep down that she was not to stay in that carriage. So, when one of the soldiers passed close by and Austin went to give further orders, she demanded, “Let me on behind you!”

With Austin distracted, the soldier obeyed his CherRené, and while the carriage raged forward, Rayna mounted the running horse behind the soldier. When she was fully settled, she then ordered him to get off in the carriage and protect the new royalty.

By the time the exchange was done and Austin refocused on the carriage, he had nothing to say, but Rayna knew he would later. It had been dangerous and fool hearty, but something inside of Rayna drove her. Then she realized, it was her dreams. She had done that very thing in her dreams not two nights before.

With Austin close at her side, Rayna slowed to the back of the entourage making it clear to her pursuers she had left the carriage and was now on horseback - at least she hoped the pursuers saw her.  Then, she made a clear cut to her right down a side road. Austin paused for only a moment to summons a soldier, alter his orders for the foreign royalty's carriage, and head back after the ChereRené.        

“What was she thinking!”


Copyright © 2012 All Rights Reserved MMFarmlife - Melanie Schlatter

Making Candles!

I know I haven't blogged about it...mostly because I don't have any pictures to post about the day...but last week Nathan, Abi and I went with the Homeschool group to the Stuhr Museum in Grand Island.  They had two groups and our kids joined the 1888 School Day event.  They got to be apart of a day in a prairie school! After the day was over, we got to go with the 'big kids' and make candles.  I was actually more excited than the kids were until they got going. 

Having seen how they did the candles, I came home thinking one day we'd do some candles too.  Today was that day!

I melted down a bunch of old, burnt out candles and votive and some melting pot squares that I had.  Marion said the kitchen smelled awesome! 

Because we were using a quart jar instead of a big coffee can (mostly because I didn't have that much wax and wanted to use something that was tall and narrow) we didn't do a double candle...we only did singles, but the kids managed to make 12 candles!

Waiting in line for their turn.

going from the wax to the water

So, are you wanting to make  your own candles...here is the process:

1. Find some wax, melt it. (it is recommended to melt it in water to keep it from catching fire.  I had a jar ring below the glass jar to keep the water moving so the jar wouldn't break)

2. Find something for a wick.  (I used three cotton strings tied together.  We tested it and it worked, but you can also treat your cotton twine to make it burn better...check out this site for directions...We found that a single cotton string only gave off a little light...the three twisted together gave off more.)

3. Fill a glass of water - possibly ice too! 

4.  Dip your wick into the wax three times...and then into the water.

5. Run your fingers down the wax to straighten it and loosen any flakes. 

6.  Repeat step 4 and 5 until you reach desired thickness. - trim off bottom if you desire.

Copyright © 2012 All Rights Reserved MMFarmlife - Melanie Schlatter

Chapter 7 - Section 2

Over the next two days those deeply involved in the plan to reveal and quench the threats against Travane worked hard to keep everyone guessing as to what was happening. Nikélon had made arrangements, without the approval of Captain Shalome, to rent a cabin close by for two days to give his bride and himself some much desired privacy.

This posed a problem with what to do with Rayna - for if she showed up at camp without NikéLon and Onevé their hand would be revealed. So, while NikéLon and Onevé stayed in their rented cabin, Austin suggested Rayna stay with a payson family he knew in the area - under his watchful care of course. Rayna quickly jumped at the chance to spend time with a payson family.

Once they all returned to camp, to keep the secret and for security, both Rayna and Onevé moved into NikéLon's tent. Rayna had objected severely to this part of the plan, but it could not be avoided. Fortunately, Nikélon’s tent was large enough that an extra room could be added to the opposite end of where Nikelon slept.  The thing that finally convinced Rayna to agree to the terms was that Austin - and other guards - would also be housed in the tent for security. This would allow not only Rayna, but Austin, to keep an eye on NikéLon to assure he wouldn't back out on his agreements.

Over the course of the weeks since their first conversation, Nikélon had given Rayna and Captain Shalome great information - with Austin in the background of course. Between the parchment from the Ard Vescavo, the information from NikéLon and the research that the Captain had done, it was determined that Sage had gotten caught up in the glamor and promises of the Moratian government.

Apparently Nikélon’s brother, who was seeking to overthrow Nikélon’s position, had approached Sage months ago with promises of riches and prosperity in return for Sage’s help in the demise of Nikélon.  What was still to be determined was how Nikélon’s brother managed to secure full rights to the mountains in the deal - a fact that if true would devastate and destroy Travane. Apparently the appeal of prosperity was so alluring Sage could not refuse anything Nikélon’s brother proposed - even at the cost of Rayna’s life.

The one piece of information that haunted Rayna day in and day out though, was that Sage never referred to Rayna as his sister in any of his arrangements with NikéLon. At one point, NikéLon even insisted that when he had questioned Sage about his eagerness to marry off his sister to a foreign country, Sage remarked, “It’s not like she is blood or anything.” The night after this revelation, Rayna’s dreams came back with full force - more fervent, more demanding, more real.

As the dreams increased, Rayna’s spirit became more and more troubled, and as Austin watched at a distance he was getting more worried by the day. Something was clearly wrong but he had no way of asking her about it - though he was closer in physical proximity, he still could not openly speak to her unless she went to see the Captain - which she had not. And on top of that, the Divine was pressing hard upon him to up his guard. Something was going to happen. He could feel it.

With only a week left on the tour before heading back to the valley and the safety of Sarvoné, Austin had been looking forward to this last leg of the journey. This was his home area - the land of prosperity as it was known among the mountain people - the core to the production and mining of Kyran. Though he knew the land well and had many friends in the area, the unease he felt, was clouding the joy he thought he’d have at being home.


Copyright © 2012 All Rights Reserved MMFarmlife - Melanie Schlatter

Chapter 7 - Section 1

In two weeks time, all the arrangements for the wedding had been maticulously put into effect. Nikélon had promised Onevé that if she would agree to a lesser wedding on the tour, he would provide her with a Royal Moratian wedding once they arrived back in his home country. Onevé's eyes had glazed over at the thought of what a luxurious affair that would be and readily agreed to the lesser tour wedding. Yet, even being lesser, she insisted on some of the finest details - making it more of a challenge to keep the exchange of vows confidential.

Everyone agreed it was cruicial that they not reveal their hand to the enemy quite yet, as security was still an issue - having limited resources for protection and being out in the open away from protected walls. Nonetheless, Rayna made sure the wedding - confidential as it was - was a fine affair with much celebration and excitement among the camp, attempting to meet all of Onevé's demands or finding a suitable compromise. It wasn't long into the preparations before it became clear that a cover story for all the extensive accommodations being ordered was needed. Therefore, when Austin suggested the use of Yyvan’s betrayal to leak a cover story, everyone enthusiatically agreed.

Through a letter from Yyvan to CherRio Sage, he was informed that the CherRio had gotten married despite Rayna’s coming of age ceremony. Yyvan's letter explained that over the course of the weeks, Nikélon's attraction had grown beyond restriction and Rayna had determined - under counsel - an impulsive marriage was better than committing acts of lust in secret. The letter went on to share details in such a way that only Yyvan - a personal attendent would know. The hope was that with this information out there, the enemy - Sage and Nikélon’s brother - would act on their plans and be caught in their treachery. The letter was very deliberate to allude to a union between Rayna and Nikélon but not out right lie.

As far as the camp was concerned, they were told that Rayna and Nikélon had come to an agreement and celebrations would be held in honor of that - again alluding but not outright lying.

The day of the wedding, Rayna noticed Onevé shined with joy and happiness as she entered the carriage with NikéLon and herself. To aide in keeping their plans a secret against those in the camp who might betray them, it was determined a private ceremony by the lake would be held with a local Vescavo officiating - one loyal to the RioArd.

The camp knew something big was happening that day, but not the details. Therefore, when Rayna and Onevé appeared, dressed unquestioningly beautiful in matching attire, no one could have guessed which one was getting married that day. The fact that Yyvan had been reinstated to Rayna’s side for the day, aided credence to her letter should anyone be watching.


PS...come back again later today and you'll get a bonus section for your enjoyment!

Copyright © 2012 All Rights Reserved MMFarmlife - Melanie Schlatter

The Writing on the Wall...

Sitting Room Renovation/Decoration

LOL...no...this isn't some very profound new revelation...though that would be cool...no...this is more renovation stuff...lol!

So, here is the story:  For a long time now, I have been wanting to get some of those all so popular wall stickers that say cool things and have deep meanings...but...I didn't just want anything.  I actually saw a sticker I liked once but wanted to 'tweak' it.  But when I looked into what it would cost to 'tweak' it...it was like $250!  So we didn't do it.  I can't justify spending that kind of money on wall sticker!

Well anyway, as I was working on the kitchen I realized that I really needed to get something to transfer the growth lines for the kids from the door jam so that I could paint over it...and since this is like the second or third time I've had to do that I realized it would be better if I just bought/made something that could be removable...

That is when I found MyGrowingChild. I shopped around and decided to buy a vinyl wall hanging growth chart (though they offer lots of different kinds).  As I shopped around, I found that they do letter/word stickers too and I immediately started calculating how much it would cost for me to get my 'phrase' that I wanted.  It was only around $28.00!  I could do that!

So I placed my order - for the growth chart and the word stickers!  It wasn't long after I submitted my order that I got an e-mail from the owner - Krystin - asking me a few questions and making a few suggestions.  Her customer service and attention to details was AMAZING!  I would highly recommend her for any decorating, stickers, wall charts...etc!  They have a TON of fonts and sizes...check it out here!

Anyway...here is the phrase on the wall:

A larger picture of just the phrase.

I LOVE it...lol!  I think the "LOVE" is a bit crooked and I need to probably fix that...but that is the great thing...they are repositional but STICK great!  I will say the font I chose was very 'thin' but it still wasn't hard to apply the letters!

Well..I better get back at it...I think today I might break out the primer and get busy with the rest of the kitchen...I keep hoping that I'll get a little more energy and break from the morning sickness now that I'm in the second trimester!

PS...I got a chance to do some writing and Chapter 7 is now complete...I will be posting Travane on Friday!

Copyright © 2012 All Rights Reserved MMFarmlife - Melanie Schlatter

Chapter 6 - Section 4

*Sorry I was late getting this posted.  I haven't had a chance to write lately, and it may be a few weeks before I have Chapter 7 ready to post...We'll see...maybe I can get some writing in today or sometime this week.*

Over the next few weeks, Rayna and NikéLon took several more private get aways detailing and finishing the arrangements for the treaty. They had determined to keep the purpose of these private meetings quiet until their plan was much farther along. After much discussion it was also decided to keep Onevé in the dark - for she was not the best at keeping secrets - at least until permission had been received from her father.

But Onevé was not happy, and she let everyone know. Her tantrums were the worst ever and it got so that even if they wanted her to go with them, they couldn't take her. Even after the treaty was sent off for approval and Nikélon was free to spend time with her again, she still pouted and fretted about. Rayna tried to calm her and appease her with shopping trips and various other outings that she would enjoy in hopes that she would cheer and NikéLon would not change his mind about having a moody wife. But NikéLon didn't seem to mind at all.  In fact, he even went so far as to give her lavish personal gifts from one of the mining settlements they visited while ignoring Rayna completely and publicly, but her tantrums only worsened as time went on.

Just when no one could take it anymore, word was finally received from the Caravane Resorvan that he granted permission for their immediate marriage. Though the treaty was still in the process of acceptance the plan was approved - with one side note - Onevé’s life might now be the one in danger.

Rayna had thought about that, but upon discovering that her brother was working with Nikélon’s brother - who wanted to secure for himself the thrown of Morat and had promised exorbitant prosperity for Travane - Rayna could not see why they would go after Onevé?  Rayna had been the security for the initial treaty, but Rayna had made sure that Onevé was not that for the second. So killing her would not prove to be a breach. Truly, the hand of Onevé was simply a reward, not a bargaining chip as Rayna had been, and their marriage before the finalization of the treaty would prove that.

So, plans were put into immediate place - for no one wanted to endure Onevé’s tantrums any longer. Nikélon arranged to take Onevé for a starlit ride where he would propose and explain the plan to her. In accordance with the Caravene Resorvan’s orders, Captain Shalome arranged for more protection and Rayna began outlining the preparations which would be needed for the wedding.

The mood within the camp changed almost immediately and when Onevé returned from her trip with NikéLon, she headed straight for Rayna’s tent. “I have been such a fool. How can I ever make this up to you, my good friend!” she threw her arms around Rayna and clutched her tight.

Though Rayna marveled at how quickly Onevé’s moods could changed, she still managed to laugh, “You owe me nothing. Your marriage frees me to pursue what the Divine has for me, and that is all I wanted.”

For the next two hours the two ladies spoke of plans and arrangements that would be made in haste but to perfection for the marriage of a Resorvan’s daughter and a foreign CherRio. As they chatted like school girls, Rayna very slyly asked questions about Onevé’s outing with NikéLon - verifying they were all on the same page and she wasn't being undermined.


Copyright © 2012 All Rights Reserved MMFarmlife - Melanie Schlatter