good news and bad news

Bad news (don't you like to get it out of the way first?): Yesterday morning a man with an ax broke into the house of a friend of mine here in town. He told her that he didn't want to hurt her but was looking for something and proceeded to bust up the walls of her house with the ax. She recently had her first baby, a little girl, and normally it would have only been the two of them at home, but yesterday she had a friend in town who was in the back bedroom while all of this was going on. The house-guest was able to call 911 and the police came, found the man, and arrested him. The police later told my friend that they had found a map to her home on the man and was told that the previous owner had hidden a lot of money in the walls of the house. Is that not the freakiest thing you've ever heard?? I felt like someone punched me in the stomach when John called to tell me. They are safe now, but who is to say that this won't happen again?? With the rampant drug smuggling down here in the Rio Grande Valley, it is highly possible that there is some money in the house somewhere. But even if there's not, all it takes is another desperate psycho who wants to believe it and the whole thing could happen again. I just can't imagine going through that. I'm pretty sure that I would completely lose my mind. Unless God gave me some kind of supernatural peace and strength, you'd have to lock both of us up after that. It is always scary because no one ever thinks that kind of thing will happen to them. I do know that the crime here is worse and much more horrific than anything I ever saw living 10 years in Austin. There is a kind of desperation and lack of restraint here that is frightening. But, you live in a nice neighborhood and don't associate with criminals and these kinds of things aren't supposed to happen, right?

Thank God that my friend and her baby were not harmed. Can you imagine what he might have done to her after finding nothing? And how do you go back to that house and pick up where you left off? These are questions we ought not to have to ask.

Good news: On a lighter (and more superficial) note, I found a great craft book for kids that I want to share. Crafting With Kids: Creative Fun for Children Aged 3-10

I usually don't buy books like this because the projects are often childish and outdated. But I love this book! Cool projects (not just keep them busy projects), nice layout, beautiful pictures. Most of the projects are crafts kids have always done, but they're presented in a fresh new way. It is worth buying the book because every project in here you are going to want to try.

The projects are arranged by materials: paint, fabric, paper, modeling, with a chapter on special occasion crafts. Projects like fabric collage, covering books, hanging mobiles, dress up, decoupage, and stenciling. There are lots of great gift ideas and decorating ideas, too. The thing I like the most about it is that kids are introduced to many different art forms and create projects that they can really be proud of and that you will actually want to keep. I don't think there is a googlie eye in the bunch.

There is a good mix of boy and girl projects, templates for the crafts and ideas for variations on every activity. Highly recommended.

I'm finishing up my tote and accessories including some patchwork that I've really missed doing. There is just something about sorting and arranging all of those wonderful colors & patterns that I never get tired of.

Comments

[littledresses]

THAT IS INSANE!!! OH my goodness!!! So has she looked to see if there really is money? Wow, I am in shock!My husband has all kinds of crazy stories,(firefighter)and usually nothing surprises me, but this is pretty incredible! I'm gunna get this book thanks for the info,I homeschool, and i'm needing some good ideas. Thanks!

[NancyB]

OMG! I am glad your friend, her baby and guest are all ok! That is nuts! Scarey indeed! The book looks fabulous! Just yesterday my girls made paper chains out of my paper scrap drawer! And those paper lanterns and just cool as anything! Can't afford the book but I think I have an idea how to make those cool lanterns! ;o)

[Nicole S]

Good GOD what an awful story! Thankfully everyone is ok and that nutjob went to jail! I can't possibly imagine...

Must be a lot of dough in them thar walls.

[bari]

Oh my goodness. HOw horrible. I'm so glad no one was hurt. What a nightmare. I'm turning on the alarm right now!!! Eeeeek how crazy! Now I have to go back and read that pretty part of your post. Oy.

[Mary Ann]

I'm marching over to Amazon right this instant to order that book to use with my kiddos in the classroom! I've made that lantern you show on one of the pages. Cool!
As for the other incident...what can be said except, welcome to the world baby girl. (I mean that in the sweetest most loving way.) Chaos, violence, wonder, magnificence. All part of the same horrible beautiful package.

[sharon]

Yikes, I thought it was bad here. I guess it could happen anywhere though...so glad she and her baby are okay...keep your doors locked and alarm on during the day!