Sunday School Room Reveal!

Ok boys and girls, here it is the moment you all waited for.
Or at least I'd like to think so.

The Sunday School room reveal!
Yes I know, I watch too much HGTV. :)

The boys and I spent Saturday afternoon cleaning the classroom.
Because I think it might be wrong to hang my new curtains over cobwebs.

Here's the before shot.
See, I told ya the room had beautiful character but horrible decor!


After cleaning the first window and adding a simple (cheap) tension rod to my crafty creation here's the result.


This is proof that my boys can clean.
When properly motivated of course.


Don't you love how Joseph smiles so sweet and James busts out a dance pose.
Should I be concerned??


This is how the room looked when we left, much better.
I even cleaned out the cabinet!
Sure there was more that could have been done. But Andy called with takeout from PF Chang's and this girl's got her priorities!


Since I was on a roll, why stop now?
I needed a bulletin board for the classroom.
In the storage closet I found one that had seen better days.


I found some batting leftover from a previous project.
I attached it to the board with fabric glue, although this step was probably unnecessary.


I decided to use the extra fabric from lining the curtains.
Yes, this would be the lining that cost more than the front panel did.


Once I had the yellow fabric in place I covered the frame with fabric scraps.
Creative note: I normally would have wrapped the entire board and frame in the same fabric.


Last but not least was the addition of ribbon.
Note to self: pick up more ribbon to fill in that gap.


Not pictured is my super sweet hubby attaching the picture hanging wire for me.
He even did it during an Auburn football game!

Sunday morning before class started that same handsome hubby hung the bulletin board.
I framed a few snapshots of the kids in IKEA frames.
Yes, he hung those too!


The class really loved it.
They used words like joyful and happy to describe it!

Now, it's time for you to rate my space...
ok, ok, too much HGTV again!
Really, what do you think?
I need a few more ideas to spice it up just a tad more.
Thanks so much for all your feedback and God's blessings! Sarah

Sew Sista Sew

Hello, hello!
As you know I've been working on my Sunday School classroom.
One of the biggest obstacles in transforming this room was the old-lady-mint-green-wall color.
And yes, I'm most certain that was the name on the paint can!
Instead of spending my resources repainting the walls a more appealing color, I decided to view it as a design dilemma.
I focused on curtains for the three windows in the classroom.
Remember this fabric??

Yes, it was all ready and waiting for me.
So I declared last Friday as my Sew Sista Sew day.
After dropping off the kids at school I started my sweat shop.
My first job was to cut the fabric.
All I could think the entire time was...
The First Cut Is The Deepest, Baby I Know, The First Cut Is The Deepest!

Luckily my good friend Allison had convinced me to purchase one of these bad boys.
It made my day SO much easier.
For $6 it was worth every dime!

After cutting all the fabric it was time to crank up the iron.
Whew, finally something I'm good at.

Once all my fabric was ready it was time for the stitching to begin.

WOW, who knew sewing could be fun??
Here's the curtain once all the panels were sewn together.

Now I must tell you that at this point I did decided to line the curtains.
That called for a trip to the fabric store, and an extra $21.
I began to wonder, if the fabric for the lining costs more than the fabric on the front, does that mean you should hang the curtains backwards?!
No fear, I chose to add a little fun trim to the front.
Just because I'm a beginner seamstress doesn't mean I can't attempt cuteness! ;>

TADA the end result of one very long day...

HOORAY!!!
I was so excited about the results that I called my mom to tell her all about them.
This is how I summed it up...
Mom I'm so proud of these curtains I wanna hang them out my car windows and drive around town so people can see them!
Sad I know, but really, who knew that Sometimes Crafty Sarah could be transformed into Sewing Sista Sarah?!
Now tell me, what do ya think??
God's blessings on your week! Sarah :D

God's In The House

Good morning all!
I've been working on a fabulous project that I can't wait to share with you.
I plan to post about it later on this weekend.
But first, I gotta tell ya what happened last night.

About 10pm we were all getting ready to head to bed.
We were straightening up the living room when I heard Maggie barking.
I knew something was up because she was doing her somebody needs to listen to me kinda bark.
I just thought she needed to go pottie so I went to let her out.
Right before I opened the front door I heard a loud noise out front.
I assumed it was ding-dong-ditchers and peaked out the window.
That's when I saw a man and my 70 year old neighbor throwing down!
Let me back up and tell you we l-o-v-e our neighbors.
Good God fearing people.
We look out for them, and they look out for us.
I yelled for Andy to go outside.
I immediately picked up the phone and dialed 911.
I explained what was going on and within minutes two police cars arrived.
Long story short, it seems our neighbor had been having some altered mental status.
The man fighting with him was his son-in-law who had come to check on him.
When he took our neighbor's keys away from him, poor Mr. Neighbor went nuts.
With Andy, the policemen, and the ambulance all outside, I came back in with the boys.
I sat the boys down and we talked about what was going on...
about the 911 call, what the operator asked and how kind she was,
we looked at how the policemen handled the situation, caring yet firm,
and talked about poor Mr. Neighbor, how he stumbled around... even when standing still.
I explained that it could be a problem with his medicine or that he could be sick, James thought it was beer causing the problems. Oh really son, just what do you know about beer?!
Andy being the medical man that he is told the paramedics that he thought Mr. Neighbor needed to be evaluated for a brain bleed.
Of course Mr. Neighbor refused treatment so the ambulance left.
I was crushed!
All I could think was that his opportunity for medical treatment had just driven away without him.
That's when the prayer group started.
As the boys and I peaked out the blinds, cause we're nosy like that, I led us in prayer.
We prayed that God would send angels to protect Mr. Neighbor.
I asked that he would somehow get the intervention he needed, even if that meant being arrested.
James, well he added that God would keep Mr. Neighbor from falling over. Precious, precious child! :>
As the hours went on the police officers were off to the side talking.
Mr. Neighbor continued staggering, and the Hinsons continued praying.
What happened next horrified my boys, the policemen cuffed Mr. Neighbor and very gently put him in the back of their car.
I didn't know what had happened, but I felt God working.
Fast forward to them leaving and me running over to check on Mrs. Neighbor.
It seems the officers knew that something was wrong so they put in a call to have him put under a protective order and taken to the hospital.
When they called the probate judge, she agreed to give them the approval they needed.
Well the policemen were shocked, Mrs. Neighbor was blown away and so was her son-in-law.
Mrs. Neighbor was so grateful and said that she couldn't believe that it all went through so quickly.
That's when I told her I wasn't at all surprised.
I explained that right through my living room window three caring friends had been lifting him up in prayer and asking that God would use any means necessary to take care of Mr. Neighbor.
We hugged and I told her to let me know if there was anything she needed.

Once I came back in the boys were eagerly awaiting an update on the situation.
That's when I explained that no, Mr. Neighbor wasn't going to jail, he was going to the hospital under an emergency protective order.
As I answered their questions we talked about how God works.
How God takes what is meant for bad, and uses it to His glory.
God was working here At Home With The Hinsons, and not just in the front yard.
God was using this experience to build the faith of two sweet boys, and their Mama too!

For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them. Matthew 18:20
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

Cheap Crafty Creations

Hi friends!
I'm linking up with a few blog parties.
Please visit these incredible ladies for more inspiration.

Leigh over at Bloggerittaville.

Kimm at Reinvented.

This week I've been working on some decor for our Sunday School classroom.
As you probably remember, Andy and I are teaching the 2nd-5th grade class again this year.
Please don't think we're qualified because we're not.
But like many aspects of life I think God doesn't always use the most qualified, I think He uses the ones that answer His calling.
So, now that we've got that straight let me tell you about our classroom.
It is the most uninspiring classroom evah.
It's painted an old lady version of mint green... GROSS!!!
If the walls weren't 12 feet tall I'd repaint them myself.
But they are, so I won't.
I've chosen instead to decorate around them.

Enter one of my best-est friends Allison and her willingness to meet me at WalMart this morning.
We found this Mary Engelbreit fabric...

LOVE me some Mary Engelbreit!
I'm going to use these three fabrics to make valances for the room...
later this week.
You should have seen the lady in the fabric department when she asked me how much I needed and I replied with "Oh I don't know, how about you show me how big a yard is".
Yeah, makes me laugh to think about the look she gave me too!

Now on to the fun.
I picked up these little metal buckets at Target for $1.00 each.
Very cute, but plain.

After a little black and white ribbon they look worthy of holding some pens and markers.

Last but certainly not least is the project that gave me the title, Cheap Crafty Creation.
I bought these felt flowers 3 for $1.00 at the Dollar Store.

I added a little bling to the center just to spice them up.

Next I recycled an empty Lysol wipe container ( see I really do clean occasionally ;> ) and a scrap of the most adorable wrapping paper.

I used Modge Podge to attach the paper.
I tried to smooth out the bubbles without much luck.
Oh well, I moved on anyway.
I used a spray sealer with gloss over the paper.
Then I added a little ribbon bow.
And, tada...

what do you think??
You can be honest.
If you think it's totally tacky it's ok.
I'm prepared to act like the Sunday School kids made it! ;>

God's blessings on your afternoon, Sarah

Wet War Eagles

Hi and WAR EAGLE!
This past weekend the Hinsons and Speakmans made another Auburn trip together.
Yep, we were some wet war eagles!
We left early Saturday morning.
You know the game was at 6pm, and it took 4 hours to drive...
that meant we had to leave by 8am.
I'm not sure but I think that might be football math.
Regardless of the early hour and precipitation filled travel, we were some stylin' fans.
Just check out the Speakmans...

Sitting on G, Waiting on O, I'd say these fans are ready to GO!!!

The boys all rode with us.
They watched movies and played Bakugons.
Joseph worked on homework, awh what a good boy!


Once we made it to Auburn we were in need of some lunch.
Luckily their wasn't a wait at one of our favorite Auburn spots,
Cheeburger Cheeburger.
Andy and his boys.

Mama and her boys.

Joseph had his picture put on the wall after enjoying Cheeburger Cheeburger's infamous 1lb burger.

Here's the Speakmans, our partner in crime.
Check out Jamie's pants.
Love 'em!
Would you say they're orange?? ;>


Here's Joseph showing off his Trooper Towel.
No worries, we were never buy just one.
All three Hinson boys now have them!

Wanna know what the Mamas and little kids did once it was time to head to the stadium??
We checked into our hotel!
So while the boys participated in Tiger Walk and waited for the game to start.
The girls unpacked the car and settled in.
While the boys ate hotdogs at the Alumni tent.
The girls made a quick trip to Target and then ate dinner at Panera Bread.
As the boys picked up their tickets and headed toward their seats.
The girls took the little people swimming at the hotel pool.
And finally, when the boys were in the upper deck waiting out the rain delay.
Us girls were piled up on the bed in our new Gilligan O'Malley jammy tales letting the kids play.


I'd say we've finally figured out how to do this football thing right.
We saved money on the extra tickets and everyone was happy.
This weekend trip was a WIN for Auburn and a WIN for these fans!
God's blessings on your day, Sarah :D

Fall Is In The Air

Hi guys and gals!
I've been seeing the greatest fall decorations out in the bloggy world.
So when I stumbled upon the most adorable Halloween stickers I knew it was time for another Crafty Creation.
I started with my $1.50 stickers from Wal-Mart, an old frame I spray painted black, and a sheet of scrapbook paper.

After a little playing around, I came up with this.

The stickers were really thick so I left out the glass.
I think it adds to the 3-D effect.
Not only did I create a Halloween edition Crafty Creation, but for $1.50 I experienced the cheapest crafting therapy.
Gotta love a two for one!
So honestly, what do you think??
God's blessings, Sarah :D

What Happens When Boys Play With Dolls

Earlier this week we had the pleasure of babysitting for one of my best-est friends.
She had a parent-teacher conference to attend and thought Callie might be a distraction.
Since I'm always looking to balance out our boy/girl ratio, I was happy to help.
Being the super mom that Allison is she brought snacks and toys along with a fully stocked diaper bag.
Which was probably a good idea, I hear that two-year old girls don't like playing with Bakugons?!
Callie had just gotten a new baby doll and was excited to show it to me.
As Allison pulled it out of the diaper bag she apologized for it's wet diaper...
Umh excuse me, WHAT??!
Apparently this new baby doll eats, coos and pees.
Yes, that's right, as if changing your child's diaper wasn't enough, now you can also purchase extra plastic bottoms to diaper as well!
So wanna see what I found when sweet little James went missing??
Mhm, it is as it seems!

Then, when Joseph came home from football practice, the mischief was contagious.

They took turns hosing each other down...
until the party pooper ( aka MOM ) ruined the game.

Yes, it was time for James to love on the cat and Callie to do her ironing.
Maybe not as much fun, but definitely less messy!

Thanks for joining us for a peak into the craziness we call life.
God's blessings on your weekend!

God Is Working

Umh, ok,
I think I need to share what's on my mind.
It seems God is working here At Home With The Hinsons.
He has placed it on our hearts that the time has come for us to prayerfully consider adding to our family.
He is leading us towards the path of adoption, and quite frankly words cannot express the emotions I am feeling!
As I sit here with tears streaming down my face, I am flooded with fear and joy.
The crazy part??
I feel God's miraculous strength rising up.
I feel His wisdom raining down.
And I know that the fear will be replaced by His peace.
Please pray for our family...
those of us here, and those of us yet to come.
As always, thanks for visiting.
God's blessings, Sarah

Decorating on a Dime

Thanks to everyone for your comments on our recent yard sale adventure.
Since you saw the before pics,
I thought I'd share how I've used a couple of my treasures.

We'll title it Decorating On A Dime??...
ummh now that's a little misleading,
it's more like Decorating On A Quarter
but that's not as catchy so we'll leave it as is.

Ok, ya still with me?

The 25cent yellow frame before.

The frame after a little love.

The great thing is I had the ribbon just waiting for a project to come along.
I even printed the pic on my new (to me) printer.
What product display shelf is complete with a cute logo?! :D

Next is the $2 canoe shelf.
Here's the before shot.

After finding a new home and some friends to decorate it with.

Nope it's not perfect, but's it's not bad at all.
I think it's great for some of our beachy finds from vacation.
The boy's bathroom needed something a tad manly.

Thanks for stopping by and checking out my Decorating On A Dime. ;>
God's blessings on your day! Sarah

Entertainment Love

Hi all, I hope your having a great Monday!
It's raining here so I'm cleaning at a slower pace this morning.
I really would love to just hang out on the couch and enjoy the weather.
So I bribed myself with a quick email check after I finished cleaning the bathrooms.
Yes, sad I know but really, the cleaning fairy IS NOT coming! ;>
Not only did the bribe work, but now I have more than clean bathrooms to celebrate...
I had an email from Lindsey saying that my entertainment center project is being featured today on Before and After!!!
***SqEaL!!!!!!!!!!!!!***
If you haven't checked out her blog today is the day.
Lindsey has the best of Before and After projects.
Kinda makes me wish I had cleaned up the junkie entertainment center before taking the Before pic.
HOORAY, this bloggy world is just too much fun!
Have a great day and don't forget to check out Lindsey and show her some love!!!
God's blessings, Sarah :D

10 Mile Yard Sale

I'm linking this post to Thrifty Thursday,
thanks for visiting!


Hi all!
Today was the start of Cullman's annual 10 Mile Yard Sale.
Before today I had always wanted to go, but never been.
Yes I did talk Big Daddy into going with me.

He even gave me spending money... SCORE!
We actually made a pretty good team.
You see his job was to drive and my job was to scout out which places we needed to stop and shop.
Andy's favorite find of the day was this jar.
It's H-U-G-E!!!
The couple selling it had it marked $10 but were willing to take $8.

I stole this, umh I mean bought this canoe shaped shelf from a man for $2.
I've seen them everywhere this summer and can't wait to put it in place!
The BHG magazine was in the package and was 50cents.
Worth every penny since it was my afternoon entertainment.
Gotta love those after school pick-up lines. :D

I think the brown thing is actually a spoon shelf.
Not that I intend on using it for that!
When the old lady selling it saw how excited I was she couldn't help but ask what I planned to do with it.
And yes, she was a little puzzled when I answered...
I'll add wooden dowels to it and use it to hold my spools of ribbon.
It's ok though, she was still willing to take the $1 I gave her for it!
The 8x10 picture frame was in good condition and only 25cents.
Yellow's my favorite color so I couldn't resist.

Our last find was this net.
It's going in James' room to make a play area/reading nook.
But really, he'll probably just find a way to rip the ceiling down with it! ;>


So now that you've seen the good stuff from our date I feel compelled to share the bloopers as well.
Who, other than a Lactation Consultant, needs a box full of breasts??
Really, no need to respond to that one!

And yes, to answer your question even I passed up that golden opportunity!

Here's the great deal Andy thought he was getting on a big pack of Sharpies...

Look, the real thing for just $2.
Now, look again... those aren't Sharpies they're Shoupies!!!
Too bad he had already made it home with them before he noticed.

After many miles of walking, chatting and shopping we decided to break for lunch.

Thanks Andy for a wonderful, adventurous date.
You rock! :D

God's blessings on your weekend, Sarah