off to see the mouse and his best gal! be back next week!
elliana turns 5 on saturday and i promise it will be the best birthday yet!
anticipating filling up my 8gb memory card on this one!
oh toodles!
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
a trip to the "pumpin patch"
lots of going ons this week, this weekend, and next week, and weekend. and the next weekend.
it will be scarce around here, but lots of pictures will be taken. trust me.
a school harvest fair, halloween, saying goodbye to good friends, baby shower for my twin nieces, preparing to go to disneyland for 4 days for elliana's 5th birthday next weekend (which means making matching shirts for us all to wear, back to school for 3 days then parent conferences, get ready for elliana's fancy nancy tea party soiree (to which we've invited 20 little girls. yes 20 girls. this is my version of a "low key" birthday party), make her *Elliana at 5* scrapbook album. and this is just the personal stuff. not the business stuff.
i have such wonderful customers and i'm so thankful for all the orders i've been getting. there's nothing better than getting an email from a customer letting me know how much they LOVE their stuff. so thankful i get to sew and stay at home with my kids.
have a wonderful week!
<3
Sunday, October 18, 2009
my new studio!
i love love love my new sewing studio! its not totally done yet, i still have some finishing decorative touches and a few more organizational things to do (fabric scraps are coming out of my ears!) and then it will be finished! but i am lOOOVVVIngg itttt!
here is the view as you walk in. i purchased a big IKEA expedit shelf and seriously this was the best purchase like ever! i would get one for every room in our house! for sure a smaller one for the kids room. awesome. and my cutting table and inspiration board. it always feels good when you take all your old inspirations down and leave room for new inspirations. i'm going to put a few more fabric hoops over the board. i ordered a huge lot of 10 off ebay a few weeks ago. don't you love my view out the window of my husbands scaffolding and corner bead. love looking at drywall stuff. its so inspiring. ;)
i got this little kitchen organizer thing at ikea too, that i knew would be perfect for all my cutting table tools. my old space i had a basket and a tin cup like that to hold all my stuff and it was too crowding. so this is great to get it all off the table and give me space. this is a painting i'm working on. still in progress. 
the grand shelves. still needs a few finishing touches. i really wanted to get cute baskets/boxes but i was tapped out of funds after the shelf and the new desk. i spray painted a few old baskets i had. i'm still moving stuff around. the shelf is awesome. sidenote: when we got home, cleared out my room (everything went in our bedroom) and he started bringing in the shelf pieces they were this birch color, and not white. NOT WHITE! the desk was white. my cutting table is white. the shelf was supposed to white. IT WASN'T WHITE! don't panic, breathe. ikea is only an hour and a half away. be creative. be flexible. so we built the shelf. and took back the desk. that night. it was a little impromptu date with the hubs if you will. thankfully he knows me. and knows i wouldn't be able to live like that. an unmatched when matching was the purpose. when i have my mind set on something, that's it. so we exchanged the desk for the birch color and you know what? i like it better. 
the desk is awesome. its the IKEA Jonas desk with a slide out side extension table. it slides all the way in, but i knew i wouldn't slide it in. originally i thought it would be perfect for elliana or tucker to do stuff, but its like my last set up, and they were all up in my space. but its the perfect spot for my serger. love it! and i have my scrapbook paper in a roller cart under the desk all tucked away nicely. no more under table clutter. drove me nuts.
still waiting to put the perfect items up on my shelf. the rest of my "craft supplies" are in my bedroom still. disaster. but at least my sewing room is organized right? pick your battles. as long as my husband doesn't mind tripping over baskets of crap in the middle of the night. its temporary. at least i keep telling him that.
this is one of my favorite layouts from the circle journal project i did almost 3 years ago. wow. there were about 10 of us all over the US and we each started a theme for a journal. we created a sign in page and did a layout for the theme, and then shipped it along to the next person in the "circle". andrea did an awesome job of organizing and heading it up. so every couple weeks you would get a new journal with a different theme and you would add a layout. themes were favorite quotes, happiness is, favorite music, favorite recipes,etc. mine was love is. and at the end of the circle, you had a filled journal. what a fun experience. i would love to do it again.
my fabric all neatly piled up. the big pieces anyways. i have two giant totes full of scraps. and my bolts are in the closet. in redoing the room, i wanted it to be a sewing studio, and have all my craft supplies in the closet. before my fabric was in the closet, and my craft stuff was, well, everywhere. i was getting claustrophobic. this is one of my first studio redos. i'm not sure i took pictures of how my studio was before i just redid it. but anyways. trust me, its better. my creative juices are all cluttered up anymore. i can breathe. and walk. and spread out on the floor!
and this is the IKEA end table for $7.99! and little stools we already had. its the perfect spot for the kids to do stuff and not be up in my bizness. there's a little rolley cart with all their art supplies, stamps, paper, scissors, stickers. etc. and there's even enough room to move it in the middle if i wanted. there is so much room!!!
one of my favorite elsie prints.
more of the shelves. up top i have two big bins, one for blank onesies and toddler shirts. and other is for blank burpies. i also have my janome sew mini machine. i mostly use it for paper crafting, but elliana is itching to sew on it too. and next to it is the fisher price sew easy machine. i bought it on ebay for 99cents! (paid $9 shipping) but you put a marker in it (the needle) and it puts ink on a stamp roller (bobbin) and when you press down the button, it "sews" a stamp roller print on paper. the kids love it. tucker is all into now. best purchase ever on ebay. wish they still made it. i'm starting to collect sewing machines i think.so that's my new studio in a nutshell. here's a list of what i still want to do.
1. new curtains
2. more fabric hoops
3. cover ironing board in cute fabric instead of ruler fabric
4. paint letters or cover with fabric
5. hang up clip boards
6. put a shelf up inside the closet for my shipping supplies.
7. oh and find a home for all the stuff that doesn't have a home. (this is the bigger project)
<3
Friday, October 16, 2009
just a glimpse...
more studio pics coming! (it was raining the day i took the pictures, so i'm gonna try and take a few more while the sun is shining outside)speaking of the sun shining outside.....we have 2 new sickies, the boys. luckily elliana and i are recovered, her cough is lingering. but now tucker and justin have it. and its nasty.
lots of sewing/crafting/painting/creating to do this weekend!
Sunday, October 11, 2009
been doing a lot of this:
the sickies have come for a visit in our house. very uninvited, might i add. started with elliana, fever (104.4) and a cough. swine flu broke out at her school, and i was a little worried. poor thing slept in our bed, hubby on the couch and then mama got it. achey and stuffy, no fever. and let me tell you, its NOT fun taking care of two littles when you feel like crap. then last night elliana's fever came back, not as high, but still there. with a cough and sneezy. will it ever end? 
and next week she's "Butterfly of the Week" in her class. which means "you get to hold the pointer and you do what the teacher does, the calendar, the weather, the days of the week. and you get to be the line leader EVERYWHERE!" so she's super excited about that, i just hope she's better by then. she didn't go to school wednesday and thursday of last week because of her high fever, but went on friday with a little cough.
and next week she's "Butterfly of the Week" in her class. which means "you get to hold the pointer and you do what the teacher does, the calendar, the weather, the days of the week. and you get to be the line leader EVERYWHERE!" so she's super excited about that, i just hope she's better by then. she didn't go to school wednesday and thursday of last week because of her high fever, but went on friday with a little cough. so besides being pinned to the couch, not a lotta crafty going on here. which is torture. i did a few grannies, but it was too much effort. *sigh* i hate being sick. it just doens't work for me. kinda cramps my style ya know? so i'm just gonna make another list of all the things i have to do this month. this is for me, not you, so you don't have to read this part:
1. make elliana's minnie costume. its already cut out, just needs to be assembled.
2. make a tool belt for tucker's Bob the Builder costume.
3. sponge squares on tucker's Bob the Builder shirt. (because bob's shirt is red and yellow SQUARES not plaid. i'm all particular like that)
4. finish custom purse for kristin. (the embroidery is so cute kristin!)
5. mega diaper bag for christy
6. gift set (Mommy bag, nursing cover and snuggle blankie) order from the weekend
7. elliana's birthday party invitations. the theme is: Elliana's Pinkalicious Baking Party! i have to get these out this week.
8. make a halloween costume for me around the sparkly fake eyelashes i bought. i have no clue what i'm going to be, but i just want to wear these monster lashes. i'm thinking prom dress, glitter, and a ratted out wig? sometimes big ol' makeup is too fun!
9. figure out what justin is going to be. i was thinking Joe Dirt. gotta find the wig.
10. start thinking about elliana's "Elliana at 5" scrapbook album.
11. we are going to disneyland for her actual birthday (nov 7) for 4 days. we are soooo excited!!! i really want to make matching shirts for all of us. us, my sister and her daughter, and my parents.
12. my new sewing studio is AWEEEESSoooome! i'll have to post pictures soon. a few more finishing touches. the sicknesses last week put it all to a hault, and craft supplies are still in every room of the house. must finish that hugantic project!!!
13. and still on the list: quilts for the kids, curtains, and redo their bedroom. (somehow that one's feeling like a january project.) i bought the cutest fabric like in may when kate and i went on our craftastic voyage to santa cruz. remember that kate? oh that was fun. we need a winter escape before you go. (her husband, justins brother, is joining the coast guard. and boot camp is in new jersey, and they will probably be stationed somewhere far away :(
14. baby shower gifts for the twinsies, Wendy and Wyatt.
15. wow.
16. its doable right?
17. off to tackle some projects, while pretending to not be stuffy, and taking care of my other sicky.
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
wednesdays mindspace:
1. craftymama night was a success! there was gluing, and grannyin', and cutting and painting! i'm so excited to dedicate some crafty time with other mamas!
2. i went shopping to IKEA with danna and we were extremely successful. (as in spent a whole lotta money.) but its an investment (justification #1), and a write-off (justification #2) and since i returned my sewing machine.....(semi-justification#3)
3. reorganizing my studio into a sewing studio instead of a craftapalooza has been a huge job. its turned into a fall declutter (which is good, just time consuming). seriously, just by getting a few key pieces has made a world of difference. oh, and the fact that half of my room is still sitting in my bedroom waiting to be purged, organized, and put away.
4. i can't wait to add the finishing touches (like i said its a loooong process) and then i will post pictures. except i didn't take the "before" shot. i know. we took half the stuff out and i said to my husband, "awww, i forgot to take pictures......lets move it all back" totally joking, and he said, "you would too." oh i totally would.
5. today i worked in my studio for the first time with the new set up and its dreamy. there's space, i can walk around. almost too far. i'm kinda tired actually. ;) i LOVE it! and i set up a little creation station for the kiddos to work next to me, and not in my space like before. seriously, what took me so long to do this?
6. elliana stayed home from school today with a 103.3 fever and a cough. praying this is all, and no other symptoms follow, and that none of us get it. 50 of the 500+ students at her school were out yesterday and many of them with the swine flu. lord please protect my babies.
7. my bestie, my bff, my best friend is moving to nebraska! (we've never actually called eachother those things, but she is. totally.) i'm so sad. at the end of the month they're leaving. just like that they came into our life, and just like that they are moving. our little guys (and our big guys) are best buddies too. we are happy for them and this great opportunity, but so sad for all us here. boo.
8. i am making halloween costumes. actually, i'm thinking about making them. elliana is going to be minnie mouse and tucker will be bob the builder. better get crackin! we always have a party at our house, and i have no clue what justin and i will be. i really want to wear glittery fake eye lashes, so i guess i have to plan a costume around that?
9. you can win a diaper clutch over at the armywife.com! until october 18. the army wife is a great website with lots of great giveaways, product reviews, and baby tips!
10. my sicky wants some snuggles so i better go. ciao.;)
2. i went shopping to IKEA with danna and we were extremely successful. (as in spent a whole lotta money.) but its an investment (justification #1), and a write-off (justification #2) and since i returned my sewing machine.....(semi-justification#3)
3. reorganizing my studio into a sewing studio instead of a craftapalooza has been a huge job. its turned into a fall declutter (which is good, just time consuming). seriously, just by getting a few key pieces has made a world of difference. oh, and the fact that half of my room is still sitting in my bedroom waiting to be purged, organized, and put away.
4. i can't wait to add the finishing touches (like i said its a loooong process) and then i will post pictures. except i didn't take the "before" shot. i know. we took half the stuff out and i said to my husband, "awww, i forgot to take pictures......lets move it all back" totally joking, and he said, "you would too." oh i totally would.
5. today i worked in my studio for the first time with the new set up and its dreamy. there's space, i can walk around. almost too far. i'm kinda tired actually. ;) i LOVE it! and i set up a little creation station for the kiddos to work next to me, and not in my space like before. seriously, what took me so long to do this?
6. elliana stayed home from school today with a 103.3 fever and a cough. praying this is all, and no other symptoms follow, and that none of us get it. 50 of the 500+ students at her school were out yesterday and many of them with the swine flu. lord please protect my babies.
7. my bestie, my bff, my best friend is moving to nebraska! (we've never actually called eachother those things, but she is. totally.) i'm so sad. at the end of the month they're leaving. just like that they came into our life, and just like that they are moving. our little guys (and our big guys) are best buddies too. we are happy for them and this great opportunity, but so sad for all us here. boo.
8. i am making halloween costumes. actually, i'm thinking about making them. elliana is going to be minnie mouse and tucker will be bob the builder. better get crackin! we always have a party at our house, and i have no clue what justin and i will be. i really want to wear glittery fake eye lashes, so i guess i have to plan a costume around that?
9. you can win a diaper clutch over at the armywife.com! until october 18. the army wife is a great website with lots of great giveaways, product reviews, and baby tips!
10. my sicky wants some snuggles so i better go. ciao.;)
Thursday, October 01, 2009
i signed up for another class!
mysteries of me.....ooooh, sounds exciting doesn't it?
liz kartchner has amazing style. not only in her scrapbooking (creating keepsakes column Ask Lizzy) and her clothing (seriously adorable). i can't wait to take this class. it starts October 15th so there's still time to sign up. you can get all the class supplies or use your own, i'm using my own because its cheaper. the class is only $15. and its all about me, all hidden in a vintage book. doensn't that sound fun? like i need a new somthing right? but i do.
i'm loving elsie and rachel's class, but i'm slacking like big time. i haven't done any of the some 10 projects already posted. lame, i know. but there are journaling prompts and i'm loving that. i won't tell you how much THAT class cost, but trust me, i should be doing the projects. i think i would love just a journaling prompts online class from elsie. i requested it. as if i have some opinion in her classes right? i miss doodling. and the new journal i started is doodley and yummy.
i finally did something i've been wanting to do for seriously years. years! i'm starting a *CraftyMama night* group. and tomorrow night is our first crafty gathering! i invited all of my crafty friends to just come over and make stuff. and some of my non crafties to learn new crafts! i'm having stuff for girls to reconstruct t-shirts, or to learn how to crochet grannies to make a blanket. i'm excited to see how it goes. a few yummy munchies, some wine, tunes and crafty goodness! i can't wait!
i'm hoping to get a group of girls who we can rotate houses, so i can get out too! i told elliana she could do a craft with me until its bedtime. i know she can't wait until she can be a real part of it. she loves crafting with mommy anyways. i figure, i need to dedicate a night for myself, and i chose friday nights. and whynot craft with other girls right? so excited for *craftymama night*!
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
fall clutter clean up
the change of fall (more so on the calendar and NOT so much in the weather, its still 100* over here in cali) always makes me want to impose my own changes. i've been thinking about redoing my studio. making it more of a sewing space instead of a crafty space. we are taking a trip to IKEA next weekend and i need to make a list of all the things i want to get. its so easy to get side tracked in that store.
i'm feeling the need to clean up the clutter. last weekend we overhauled our garage. THAT felt good. and now i keep staring at our little piles of clutter all over our house. i'll be the first to admit that it's all me. but we don't really have an office or place for the clutter. (meaning bills, mail, lost toys, general miscellaneous items, etc). and i dont' really have a great "system" for managing the clutter.
*any ideas or blogs links are greatly appreciated!
what do you do with the clutter? baskets? a desk? drawers? i always end up having a basket or container on our counter that collects the most random stuff. and then sometimes i put all the little items away, sometimes they just don't have a home. so i put all those items in another bin in my bedroom. i won't even talk about my bedroom. seriously every room has a random bin/basket/box of clutter. i hate clutter. its suffocating me.
any ideas? i need help. when i start to talk about it, my husband says, "here we go. mommy's going on a rampage again."
am i alone here or does anybody else battle this. especially *ESPECIALY* with littles who like to strew things all. over. the. house.
so maybe i'll take some before and after pictures of my studio redo. i'll bear the you the sight of my clutter piles. but i'm planning on coming home from IKEA broke and on a mission. and my oh so practical husband says at my IKEA shopping list, "wouldn't that money make great spending money in disneyland?" *BIG SIGH* yessssssSSSSS. (we are going to disneyland for elliana's birthday the beginning of november!!!!)
oh and also my twin nieces were born on tuesday! TWINS! my SIL already had 3 girls and now she has 5. 5? wow. i can hardly manage 2 somedays. we are so happy that our family is growing!!! (not "OUR" family as in me, but "our" family as in extended family. always have to clarify. ;)
ok, enough randomness.
attacking clutter, and sewing today.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
it's how god made me.
few blogs have moved me to tears. sometimes you read the right words at the right time. a little pearl just for your heart. and the tears fall. i've always thought of it like this: tears are heart water. and when the tears fall, it means something is speaking to your heart. could be happy, could be sad. i'm still trying to describe this one to elliana because she thinks mommy's aren't supposed to cry. this one does. when i'm happy, when i'm hurting, when i'm upset, when i'm proud. when my emotions get bigger than me and i can't contain them, i cry. and whenver i ask elliana why she does something (anything, could be asking so many questions, or likes to color, or has brown hair) she'll say, "it's how god made me."
right. its how god made me. she has it.
so the other night i was catching up on nienie's blog. if you don't know her story, she is a mother of 4 and was in a near fatal plane crash just over a year ago with her husband. they both survived but with burns covering most of her body and parts of his. it was heart wrenching to read about it. her sister cjane basically raised her 4 children for her and continued to blog about her, and share her story while she was recovering. it was amazing. the way the blogging community came together to support and comfort this family. a-mazing. as she came out of her coma, got skin grafts, learned to walk again. i had to stop reading it. it was too hard. my heart was too invested. i would cry as i would read the posts updating her condition because i couldn't imagine going through that. her poor children. too invested.
so the other night another blog i love(i can't remember which one) linked to nienie and i was curious how she was doing. so i caught up. she is doing awesome! she is such an amazing writer. the way she looks at life. the tiny moments she finds amidst the humdrum life. remarkable. i really have no words. you must read her story.
and then i came upon this post. and i couldn't stop crying. i had had a rough day with elliana. i was beat. my emotions were worn out. and i cried. read it and tell me you didn't cry.
and then i came upon this post and my heart melted. not out of sorrow, but to see how their love has grown. how connected they have become out of this tragedy. he cleared her path. ugh. oh how i sobbed.
so then i went to bed and snuggled a little closer with my soul mate. so thankful. so in love. so blessed. its how god made me.
right. its how god made me. she has it.
so the other night i was catching up on nienie's blog. if you don't know her story, she is a mother of 4 and was in a near fatal plane crash just over a year ago with her husband. they both survived but with burns covering most of her body and parts of his. it was heart wrenching to read about it. her sister cjane basically raised her 4 children for her and continued to blog about her, and share her story while she was recovering. it was amazing. the way the blogging community came together to support and comfort this family. a-mazing. as she came out of her coma, got skin grafts, learned to walk again. i had to stop reading it. it was too hard. my heart was too invested. i would cry as i would read the posts updating her condition because i couldn't imagine going through that. her poor children. too invested.
so the other night another blog i love(i can't remember which one) linked to nienie and i was curious how she was doing. so i caught up. she is doing awesome! she is such an amazing writer. the way she looks at life. the tiny moments she finds amidst the humdrum life. remarkable. i really have no words. you must read her story.
and then i came upon this post. and i couldn't stop crying. i had had a rough day with elliana. i was beat. my emotions were worn out. and i cried. read it and tell me you didn't cry.
and then i came upon this post and my heart melted. not out of sorrow, but to see how their love has grown. how connected they have become out of this tragedy. he cleared her path. ugh. oh how i sobbed.
so then i went to bed and snuggled a little closer with my soul mate. so thankful. so in love. so blessed. its how god made me.
Friday, September 18, 2009
craftin like its 1999
ok, i'm seriously addicted to granny squares. like BIG time. every chance i get, grannyin. all i ever say is "ok, just let me finish this square" "ok, one more square" "ok, last one." i choose yummy fall colors that match my pillows in my living room and i can't wait to snuggle up with it when its a blankie. i followed this video tutorial and was inspired by this post by rachel
in sewing news....
in sewing news....this is my new fall purse. i'm loving gray and purple right now.
this bag is a version of *the perfect tote* bag but with a zipper which i LOVE.
it's not as small as the Mini Mommy and not as big as the regular MOmmy bag.
it has two pockets in the outside and two pockets on the inside and a loop of elastic to hold a water bottle or sippy cup (for us mommies). it really is a great size. i'm hoping to list it in the shop this weekend. i really want to be able to add a zipper to any mommy bag as an added option. custom orders are always welcome!
i finally decided to start up a craftymama group on friday nights for all the crafty mama's i know. i've been wanting to create a crafting group for a while but never have, and so i just kinda threw it out there and hopefully all the craftymama's and soon-to-be craftymamas (morgan;) will join me in making some fun stuff!
first craftymama club is friday october 2nd. whoohoo.
*hoping to finish up a custom bag for nicolette this weekend. (it's looking so cute nic! great fabric choices!)
*more grannies, of course.
*make a new tote for all my yarn. when i crochet elliana calls it "yarning". so this will be my yarning tote.
fall is in the air isn't it? even though its still 100*here. bleh. i always get in my crafting groove during the fall. i bought a harvest spice candle from pier 1 the other day and its heaven. ready to put out the fall decorations! summer, i'm done with you. hello fall!
ooh, and i got a new journal for my autumn is love class with elsie &rachel. love love love this class! cute ideas, journaling prompts, online chats. super creative girls!
now go kick some craft!
Monday, September 14, 2009
what i've been up to
making some new bags:
a custom mega diaper bag for danna:
(in which i realized i must return my new sewing machine *tears* because it doesn't do what i need it to. so i will wait until i can afford a big ol' industrial sewing machine and have retired the mega bags until then. boo.)
camping with family in lake tahoe on my birthday weekend (labor day). a total of 8 kids!
it was fun and the weather was beautiful!
playing at the beach.
last weekend i threw my husband a surprise 30th birthday party! he looks thrilled doesn't he? our plans were go wine tasting with friends and drop of the kids at my parents house for the evening. but when we went to drop the kids off, the surprise was there! it was awesome!
playing at the beach.
last weekend i threw my husband a surprise 30th birthday party! he looks thrilled doesn't he? our plans were go wine tasting with friends and drop of the kids at my parents house for the evening. but when we went to drop the kids off, the surprise was there! it was awesome!we decided we were actually bummed we didn't really go wine tasting, so we are going to go next weekend!
i had the theme "still the MVP after 30 years" since he just recently was voted the MVP of one of the tournaments he was in. he's also been playing softball like crazy. tournaments on the weekends, 2 teams during the week. it was only fitting. so we had a home run derby for "lazer" (his nickname in the tourneys) and way in the back all the kids held up "the fence"
i made a collage of all his baseball/softball pics through the years, and everybody signed the "game ball".
i love this man. i am so proud of everything he is, and everything he has done. he is an amazing husband and father. i couldn't ask for anything more. i am so blessed and thankful to call him my husband. the next 30 years will be our best!
i made a collage of all his baseball/softball pics through the years, and everybody signed the "game ball".i love this man. i am so proud of everything he is, and everything he has done. he is an amazing husband and father. i couldn't ask for anything more. i am so blessed and thankful to call him my husband. the next 30 years will be our best!
Thursday, September 03, 2009
i'm out.
hoping to do lots of this:
gone camping at the lake.
gone camping at the lake.the big birthday is on saturday.
celebrating my husbands 30th with his fam (his actual bday is next week)
i was actually born on labor day, or i guess my mom was in labor, on labor day.
or actually, everybody get a holiday weekend because of moi! ;)
peace out.
take advantage of my birthday discount in the shop!
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
birthday sale in the shop!
After taking the month of August off, the shop is up and running again! so come visit Sweet Baby Creations!
Corduroy Olive Kashmir Surpreme Gift set
Kaycee Diaper Clutch
Green Polka Dots Cotton Burpies
i'll be adding more stuff all week long!
maybe we should have a birthday sale since i turn the be 32 on saturday huh?
so in honor of me entering this world on september 5, it was actually on labor day that year, you can enter in the discount code: SEPT5 in the notes to seller for 15% off your entire purchase.
(I will refund your discount through paypal after you have purchased your items.)
this birthday sale will go through the weekend and end on Monday September 7 at midnight PST.
so go visit Sweet Baby Creations and shop away!
Custom orders are always welcome!
Monday, August 31, 2009
monday's mindspace:
i have no direction in this post, just merely getting out all the words and thoughts that are consuming my brain.....feel free to move on if you like. its kinda messy.
1. i'll make a list so its more structured.
a. this makes me feel productive and organized
2. this month has been very interesting. i "took a vacation" from my shop, but clearly did not vacay. i did feel a bit of release in that i was not up late every evening, which was nice, but i still did stuff, stayed up late, i just didn't feel the guilt if i chose to go to bed early. so that was nice.
3. elliana started kindergarten and she has done amazingly well. we have all adjusted to our new schedule nicely. lots of driving now. but she is loving it, making new friends, learning new things, being away from mommy. its all good stuff there.
4. tucker is totally potty trained. we put a pull-up on him at night but its usually dry in the morning, and he'll wake up if he has to go potty in the middle of the night. crazy huh? lately he's been waiting till the very last minute to go potty and has had a few little accidents, but finishes going in the potty. its actually been super easy with him. come to think of it, it was pretty easy with elliana too. i didn't push it with either of them, i just waited for the cues that they were ready, and went with it. i've spent a lot of time in the bathroom lately. so much that i now do either wall squats while i read tucker a book, or squats. but squats make tucker want to do it, so he gets off the potty. we have a seat that goes on our toilet because the little potty took up too much room in our bathroom. so nice to finally be diaper free for the first time in 5 years!!
5. i'm sending back my new sewing machine. i know! i love sewing with it, its so nice, but it doesn't do what i need it to do. and i didn't realize it until now, but i really do need an industrial sewing machine. one that is powerful enough to plow through the layers of my new bags and not give me trouble. i am so bummed. so i decided i will not make my new super mega diaper bags anymore ( i've made a few for friends) until i get an industrial. but i have to save up for it because the one i want is $1500! but i know once i get that machine, my business will change. and i know its not that time yet. so i sort of have to take a step back.
6. which is sort of what i've done this month. take a step back and look at my life. where i'm at. what i'm doing. what's important. and i've realized that where i am, and where i want to be, are worlds apart. i have all these ideas, sketches, dreams and desires for my business. but i feel like god keeps telling me its not time yet. i have all these ideas of what i want my business to be, and i'm here, and its there. way over there. i know its not the right time. maybe when the kids are in school full time. so for now i'll stay where god has me.
7. i have an extremely strong desire to make a baby. i'm sure its the sweet gentle prayers of my daughter asking for a baby sister every night that have slowly tugged on my heart. or seeing my son hold a friends baby girl and stroke her hair and pat her belly and not want to let her go. sooooo sweet. *tug tug* elliana really wants a girl, but i secretly want a boy. don't tell her. ;) (no i am NOT pregnant. i always feel the need to clarify. NOT PREGNANT...yet. ;)
8. i am turning 32 this weekend. 32!!*sigh*that's all i have to say about that.
9. we are going camping at lake tahoe this weekend with my husbands fam and i'm getting excited! this will be our last camping trip of the year. it will be fun. my birthday is on saturday and hopefully we will have a rootin' tootin' good ol' time round the campfire! actually, i just want a few hours of peace and quiet so that i can craft, read magazines, and enjoy a few adult beverages with my SIL and i'll be a happy camper!
10. my shop opens up tomorrow, so come on by and check it out! i have a really cute new bag for fall i'm working on with super cute slate corduroy and plum fabrics! i'm keeping this one, but they will listed in the shop too! and it has a zipper!
11. i've decided i'm going against every bone in my body and NOT doing a handmade chistmas. that's right, i said it, NOT DOING IT! i will be getting my venti iced coffee with extra milk and extra vanilla and going to safeway with their gift card kiosk and purchasing gift cards for everyone on my list and by the time my coffee is done, my christmas shopping will be done. how THAT for letting yourself off the hook!
12. that felt good. damn good. although i might just make a few things for a few special people, BUT THAT'S IT!
13. is that being a sell out? i'm really trying to not be all crafty, but its in my blood people! oh forget it. once i start elsie and rachel's autumn craft class i'll be all crafty this and crafty that and "oooh i can make this for that person" and "this would be perfect for her!" and get myself in a crafty tizzy stress ball like i do every christmas. what's new right?
14. i bought my birthday present(s) today. this is what i do. i buy my presents, because this way everybody wins. he doesn't have to shop the night before, and i get what i want. end of story. i do this for mother's day too. last year for my birthday i got a lisa leonard designs necklace that i LOVE. oh wait, maybe i should've gotten a new necklace? the vintage pearl has some super cute ones now. hmmmm. well, anways, i bought a super cute pair of jeans from costco no less, and they actually fit! like really good. and jeans are so hard for me to find. i hate it when you bend over and business shows. these don't show the biz. aaaaand i found some mascara (at costco again!) a 2 pack of stila mascara for $14! on sephora a single tube costs $22! score!
15. its kind of amazing how when you let go of things, give them to god, he just takes care of you.
1. i'll make a list so its more structured.
a. this makes me feel productive and organized
2. this month has been very interesting. i "took a vacation" from my shop, but clearly did not vacay. i did feel a bit of release in that i was not up late every evening, which was nice, but i still did stuff, stayed up late, i just didn't feel the guilt if i chose to go to bed early. so that was nice.
3. elliana started kindergarten and she has done amazingly well. we have all adjusted to our new schedule nicely. lots of driving now. but she is loving it, making new friends, learning new things, being away from mommy. its all good stuff there.
4. tucker is totally potty trained. we put a pull-up on him at night but its usually dry in the morning, and he'll wake up if he has to go potty in the middle of the night. crazy huh? lately he's been waiting till the very last minute to go potty and has had a few little accidents, but finishes going in the potty. its actually been super easy with him. come to think of it, it was pretty easy with elliana too. i didn't push it with either of them, i just waited for the cues that they were ready, and went with it. i've spent a lot of time in the bathroom lately. so much that i now do either wall squats while i read tucker a book, or squats. but squats make tucker want to do it, so he gets off the potty. we have a seat that goes on our toilet because the little potty took up too much room in our bathroom. so nice to finally be diaper free for the first time in 5 years!!
5. i'm sending back my new sewing machine. i know! i love sewing with it, its so nice, but it doesn't do what i need it to do. and i didn't realize it until now, but i really do need an industrial sewing machine. one that is powerful enough to plow through the layers of my new bags and not give me trouble. i am so bummed. so i decided i will not make my new super mega diaper bags anymore ( i've made a few for friends) until i get an industrial. but i have to save up for it because the one i want is $1500! but i know once i get that machine, my business will change. and i know its not that time yet. so i sort of have to take a step back.
6. which is sort of what i've done this month. take a step back and look at my life. where i'm at. what i'm doing. what's important. and i've realized that where i am, and where i want to be, are worlds apart. i have all these ideas, sketches, dreams and desires for my business. but i feel like god keeps telling me its not time yet. i have all these ideas of what i want my business to be, and i'm here, and its there. way over there. i know its not the right time. maybe when the kids are in school full time. so for now i'll stay where god has me.
7. i have an extremely strong desire to make a baby. i'm sure its the sweet gentle prayers of my daughter asking for a baby sister every night that have slowly tugged on my heart. or seeing my son hold a friends baby girl and stroke her hair and pat her belly and not want to let her go. sooooo sweet. *tug tug* elliana really wants a girl, but i secretly want a boy. don't tell her. ;) (no i am NOT pregnant. i always feel the need to clarify. NOT PREGNANT...yet. ;)
8. i am turning 32 this weekend. 32!!*sigh*that's all i have to say about that.
9. we are going camping at lake tahoe this weekend with my husbands fam and i'm getting excited! this will be our last camping trip of the year. it will be fun. my birthday is on saturday and hopefully we will have a rootin' tootin' good ol' time round the campfire! actually, i just want a few hours of peace and quiet so that i can craft, read magazines, and enjoy a few adult beverages with my SIL and i'll be a happy camper!
10. my shop opens up tomorrow, so come on by and check it out! i have a really cute new bag for fall i'm working on with super cute slate corduroy and plum fabrics! i'm keeping this one, but they will listed in the shop too! and it has a zipper!
11. i've decided i'm going against every bone in my body and NOT doing a handmade chistmas. that's right, i said it, NOT DOING IT! i will be getting my venti iced coffee with extra milk and extra vanilla and going to safeway with their gift card kiosk and purchasing gift cards for everyone on my list and by the time my coffee is done, my christmas shopping will be done. how THAT for letting yourself off the hook!
12. that felt good. damn good. although i might just make a few things for a few special people, BUT THAT'S IT!
13. is that being a sell out? i'm really trying to not be all crafty, but its in my blood people! oh forget it. once i start elsie and rachel's autumn craft class i'll be all crafty this and crafty that and "oooh i can make this for that person" and "this would be perfect for her!" and get myself in a crafty tizzy stress ball like i do every christmas. what's new right?
14. i bought my birthday present(s) today. this is what i do. i buy my presents, because this way everybody wins. he doesn't have to shop the night before, and i get what i want. end of story. i do this for mother's day too. last year for my birthday i got a lisa leonard designs necklace that i LOVE. oh wait, maybe i should've gotten a new necklace? the vintage pearl has some super cute ones now. hmmmm. well, anways, i bought a super cute pair of jeans from costco no less, and they actually fit! like really good. and jeans are so hard for me to find. i hate it when you bend over and business shows. these don't show the biz. aaaaand i found some mascara (at costco again!) a 2 pack of stila mascara for $14! on sephora a single tube costs $22! score!
15. its kind of amazing how when you let go of things, give them to god, he just takes care of you.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
all this kindergarten jazz
has got mama in a funk.
i'm wiped.
uninspired.
unmotivated.
lost my fizzle.
bleh.
those of you fellow artsy farstys understand this cycle.
super inspiration, awesome productivity, creative craziness
followed by nuthin.
dry. sleepy. the i've got a messy house and i don't even care blahz.
not sure the cure.
i just know that my life right is full. kind of wondering how i fit all that crafty/sewing/creativity into it now. hmmm. i guess when you are inspired, you make the time.
i think from may until now has been craaaayyyzyyyyy. will life always be like this? busy, full, chaotic, messy, can't catch your breath, rushing to the next thing full?
now i'm just getting pathetic.
ok, i'm out.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
my little kindergartener!
she couldn't have been more excited to go to kindergarten!
yesterday was orientation and she told me, "mom, you don't have to follow me everywhere."
yesterday was orientation and she told me, "mom, you don't have to follow me everywhere."well ok then.
she's wasn't the least bit nervous.
she was big timin' it.
and today was the first day we dropped her off.
does she look nervous?
my baby is growing up.
she almost forgot to say goodbye to us before she went into her class.
she's wasn't the least bit nervous.she was big timin' it.
and today was the first day we dropped her off.does she look nervous?
my baby is growing up.
she almost forgot to say goodbye to us before she went into her class. we all did great with our goodbyes....no tears.
except for tucker. he wanted to stay with sissy. poor wubs.
except for tucker. he wanted to stay with sissy. poor wubs.and when we picked her up she told us all about her day over frozen yogurt and ice water.
it was a great first day.
and just like that.....she's a kindergartener.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
kindergarten
starts today. yesterday was the back to school picnic, which was literally just a picnic under the trees. we are a new family and know nobody at the school. next year it will be fun to see all our friends, but this year, we have none yet. but elliana got to meet her teacher and that made it all worth it.
today is the first day of kindergarten. its more of an orientation, and the parents stay at school the entire time. justin will take off work (its from 12:15-2:15) and tucker will hopefully behave (this is during his naptime so we'll see how it goes).
i am so excited for her. she is soooo ready. i'm more ready than nervous for her. she needs the stimulation, the responsibility, the new environment. she said she was most excited about meeting new friends. i'm excited for her too. last night we prayed that god would hand pick a special little girl for her to become best friends with. she's so ready. and i am too. i have moments where i think, she's gonna be lost without me. i've been her whole world for almost 5 years. but i know she'll do great. she'll thrive. she'll grow and learn and come home to tell us all about it.
its such a strange ball of emotions, you parents who have gone through this before i'm sure can attest to this. i am so excited for her and all the new things she will get to experience, but on the other hand, i'm sad. my baby is growing up. she's walking into a new world, without me. i'm starting to let her go. its kinda sad. it seems like just yesterday.......that she freaked out about a broken banana. yeah i'm ready for kindergarten. ;)
and will go today fully equipped as the mamarazzi for the first day of school.
;)
here's a new season of firsts.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Autumn Online Class with Elsie and Rachel!
i just signed up for Elsie and Rachel's Autumn online class! 
i had been wanting to do an online craft class challenge for a while and didn't get to do it last time they had an online class. these girls are sooo inspiring and creative and talented! lots of super cute craft projects just in time for christmas craft making. and sometimes i need a little extra inspiration to "get the job done". (listening to bob the builder right now. YES we can!)
my new sewing machine comes today!! so excited! i have to rearrange my studio to make room for the new kid. ;) new table, more storage, organize fabrics, make table skirts to hide under table clutter, organize and purge craft supplies and fabric scraps. rearrange kids art area and organize it.
so much to do!
i had been wanting to do an online craft class challenge for a while and didn't get to do it last time they had an online class. these girls are sooo inspiring and creative and talented! lots of super cute craft projects just in time for christmas craft making. and sometimes i need a little extra inspiration to "get the job done". (listening to bob the builder right now. YES we can!)my new sewing machine comes today!! so excited! i have to rearrange my studio to make room for the new kid. ;) new table, more storage, organize fabrics, make table skirts to hide under table clutter, organize and purge craft supplies and fabric scraps. rearrange kids art area and organize it.
so much to do!
Sunday, August 09, 2009
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
here she is.....
the newest addition to my sewing machine family! the Janome 1600P DB i have searched, and researched, and traveled, and scoured the internet and craigslist, and googled to find the best machine to fit my needs. i need a workhorse. something to go through my layers for my bags. my athena was doing ok, but i could tell she didn't like it. she's better on the everyday projects with her fancy feet and stiches. the DB is actually a straight stitch quilting machine, built with a longer arm for handling quilts. but it has strength and speed. and a knee lift lever. (so nice if you have ever used one. most industrials have them) this was actually the first machine i tried out at my local sewing shop when i started looking a few months back. and i was thoroughly impressed. sewed through my layers with ease. but i needed to research some more. did i need a true industrial sewing machine? complete with table, loud motor and big ol' foot pedal?as i researched and read reviews i found that all industrials are not alike. they are made for specific purposes. it may be a straight stitch only, but one machine may be specifically for sewing leather and heavy boat sails, and another may be used for clothing and lighter weight materials. one is specifically made for making button holes. they are designed to be single machines for a specific function in a factory setting. but how do you know which machine is made for what? especially when you are searching for machines on craigslist? well you google it of course. but what if the machine you are googling has no information or limited information on the web? then you go try it out for yourself. and if you dont' have a good feeling about it, you don't get it. lessoned learned. and i'm so glad i didn't get that machine because it wasn't right for me. it wasn't what i needed, but didn't know it yet.
i went down south and visited a larger industrial sewing center and got all the details i needed to find a machine suitable for my needs. the guy was nice, pointed me the perfect machine (juki DU-1181N,) told me the ins and outs of it, and it was a gem. flew over my fabrics like butter. butter. had a servo motor (adjusts speeds and is energy saving and is QUIET). had a walking foot to "walk" over the layers. had the capability to sew heavy leather as well as lighter weight canvas layers. but i didn't have $1500 to spend. but i was tempted. big time.
so i traveled up north to a sewing center that showed me a comparable machine to the juki, a ludwig made by seiko. and it was ok. seemed fussy compared to the easy use of the juki. it was $500 cheaper than the juki and the motor was almost silent. nice feature since my studio is right next door to the kids room. but it still didn't feel right.
so on the ride home, as tucker napped and elliana had quiet time, i processed my thoughts. what DID i need in a machine? do i need an industrial? am i a factory right now? what is my budget? what do i need this machine to do? do i have the space for an industrial machine? what features do i really want? and then i remembered the janome. it had the needle up/down memory feature (you can choose whether or not the stitch ends with the needle up or down. my machine always ends up and i wished sometimes, especially with my bags, it would end down to prevent slippage) it had speed control, it had the knee lift lever like the industrials, it can fit in a table if i want, it was PURPLE hello?, and my local sewing shop can service it, help me with any problems, and has the feet and needles right here in town.
now there was a comparable machine to the janome that i was very tempted by, the Juki TL 98QE which is basically the same machine but without the speed control. kind of important for me. because sometimes i like it slow and sometimes i like it really fast! i really love the juki name, they have wonderful reviews (as do the janomes) and juki is a leader in industrials. but i would've had to send off for warranty servicing, for parts i would have to shop on the internet, and for tech support i would have to call someone instead of take it in to the actually dealer. my local SS is a janome dealer.
so finally, today i went back into my local SS and drove the machine again. of course after sewing on industrials it didnt' seem quite as powerful, but really, its not. its a "semi-industrial". and i'm a "semi-factory" business. so i guess it fits. and the decision was made.
seriously i'm so glad i finally found the right machine. it was taking up way too much mental space. i know i needed something, i just didn't know what. and i found something in my budget, that will suit my needs (for right now), and maybe in the future when i am full blown factory, and i've hired kreative kate and crafty danna as my seamstresses, i will definitely buy the big bertha juki.
so now i will wait paitently for the UPS guy to bring me my machine. i didn't buy it locally because i found it way cheaper online (free shipping and no tax) and i'm all about the best deal. so sorry local merchant to whom i will gladly give you business when i need your servicing. :)
now....i just have to find a name for her. maybe its like a puppy and you just have to wait until you meet them. i can't wait to meet her!
Monday, August 03, 2009
taking a holiday.....
so my little shop is officially "closed" for the month of august. in doing this i hope to accomplish a few things (ok, a LOT of things):
1. prepare both elliana and i for her entrance to kindergarten on the 18th of this month. *sniff, sniff*
2. finish making dresses, skirts, and tops for my big kindergartner.
3. reorganize my studio.
4. spend more time playing with my kiddos.
5. lots of potty training.
6. start going to bed before 1am.
7. purchase an industrial sewing machine.
8. redesign, reorganize, refocus my etsy shop.
9. brainstorm new ideas.
10. make quilts for the kids.
11. redecorate the kids room.
12. pray a lot and make sure i'm in the middle of god's will.
13. go camping.
14. celebrate my 6th anniversary!!!
15. gain a new perspective on my life.
16. paint.
with that said. i'm taking a holiday. i might blog. i might not. sometimes you just need to let yourself off the hook ya know? (like today we bought "the backpack" for school instead of making it. it was $8 and included a lunchbox. i mean cmon. i let myself off the hook, and it felt good.)
i feel a painting coming on.......
1. prepare both elliana and i for her entrance to kindergarten on the 18th of this month. *sniff, sniff*
2. finish making dresses, skirts, and tops for my big kindergartner.
3. reorganize my studio.
4. spend more time playing with my kiddos.
5. lots of potty training.
6. start going to bed before 1am.
7. purchase an industrial sewing machine.
8. redesign, reorganize, refocus my etsy shop.
9. brainstorm new ideas.
10. make quilts for the kids.
11. redecorate the kids room.
12. pray a lot and make sure i'm in the middle of god's will.
13. go camping.
14. celebrate my 6th anniversary!!!
15. gain a new perspective on my life.
16. paint.
with that said. i'm taking a holiday. i might blog. i might not. sometimes you just need to let yourself off the hook ya know? (like today we bought "the backpack" for school instead of making it. it was $8 and included a lunchbox. i mean cmon. i let myself off the hook, and it felt good.)
i feel a painting coming on.......
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
little swimmers
since the weather has been in the hundreds here in california, we've been swimming A LOT! and little miss elliana has grown so much this summer and we haven't even done swim lessons this summer yet! her cousin maddie has helped out so much. they play with the dive sticks and discs, play mermaids, and love playing shark with daddy. elliana has gained so much confidence in the water these past few weeks!
and mr. tucker LOVES jumping in. in this picture daddy is catching him, but last night grampoo let him jump in and go under all by himself. wow. and he LOVED it! he is always trying to leap out of my arms when we are in the pool. he can hold onto the sides like a monkey. this kid has no fear! we did swim lessons with elliana ever since she was 8 months old, and haven't done it with tucker, but have been teaching him everything elliana and i learned.
here is elliana swimming under water. we are now practicing "high easy arms" and last night she jumped in all by herself too. a lot of this stuff she was doing at the end of last summer, but it usually takes her a while to remember it all, and to feel confident. last year we took swim lessons at the beginning of the summer, before she was comfortable in the water, and it was a waste of money and time. so this year my dad has been working with her since she will not learn from me. so frustrating, but whatever works right?
my little guppy. elliana informed me she is not a fishy, she's a shark. so if tucker is a guppy, and she is a shark, what does that make daddy? a....whale? a killer whale i'm sure.
she is so proud of her swimming. and it was all in her timing. just like ev.ry.thing with elliana, when she is ready, she succeeds.
and mr. tucker LOVES jumping in. in this picture daddy is catching him, but last night grampoo let him jump in and go under all by himself. wow. and he LOVED it! he is always trying to leap out of my arms when we are in the pool. he can hold onto the sides like a monkey. this kid has no fear! we did swim lessons with elliana ever since she was 8 months old, and haven't done it with tucker, but have been teaching him everything elliana and i learned.
here is elliana swimming under water. we are now practicing "high easy arms" and last night she jumped in all by herself too. a lot of this stuff she was doing at the end of last summer, but it usually takes her a while to remember it all, and to feel confident. last year we took swim lessons at the beginning of the summer, before she was comfortable in the water, and it was a waste of money and time. so this year my dad has been working with her since she will not learn from me. so frustrating, but whatever works right?
my little guppy. elliana informed me she is not a fishy, she's a shark. so if tucker is a guppy, and she is a shark, what does that make daddy? a....whale? a killer whale i'm sure.she is so proud of her swimming. and it was all in her timing. just like ev.ry.thing with elliana, when she is ready, she succeeds.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
reflections on (someone else's) 30 years
last night justin and I dropped off the kids at my parents house and went to a 30th anniversary party for justins old boss/friend/business partner. it was a beautiful party held at their amazing house. hosted by their 4 children ages 15 to probably 24. it was catered with a yummy meal, but unfortunately justin and i had already taken advantage of being kid-less and went out to dinner before we went. but somehow we managed to squeeze in a small plate ;) they had large umbrellas covering tables and chairs on their lawn, surrounded by a pool lit up with candles. it was beautiful.
they had an "open mic" where friends and family were asked to come and first, ask questions to the lovely couple which was fun. and then were asked to come up and just say a few things about them. it was so neat to see all the people that love them. 3 of his groomsmen were at the party. i really didn't know anybody there except the guys at our table that justin used to work with. so beign able to see a snapshot of this couple's lives, from the outside, was touching. i'm not sure what it was, but i was fighting back tears the entire time.
after the open mic, all 4 kids shared and thanked their parents for all that they have sacrificed, put into, how they encouraged them, and how they loved them and always put god and family first. again, i was fighting back tears watching these grown up-ish children appreciating their parents. justin and i are at that stage in life that is so trying. we put so much into our kids, sacrifice so much (most of it unseen), and put all of our energies into our family, maintaining our household, and usually take the hard route when it comes to discipline. and for a moment i got to see the other side....all their hard work paid off. they nurtured 4 really good kids, they all love the lord, are into sports, one was married, and yet they were obviously such a tight family.
after the kids shared they had a "vintage video", a slide show of all the pictures of the couple through the years. and of course the first song that accompanied the slideshow was a song that justin's brother quincy sang for us at our wedding, (again, fighting back tears). and as i watched their life unfold it felt like i was watching us. we have so many of those same pictures in our books. holding babies on our hips, bathing them in the sink, showing them how to hold a bat, going campin, holding a new addition and the siblings waiting to meet their newest family member . it was just such a special moment to watch love grow right before our eyes. i couldn't help but wonder if she missed those days holding her babies as she drops them off to practice, looks at colleges with them, or helps with homework.
i'm not sure why but this celebration just struck something in my heart. maybe it was a chance to step back from our lives and see it all played out in someone elses life. maybe its because the husband has been so influential in justins life. i still remember that first conversation they had on the phone, and it was life changing. he offered justin a job right there and then we made plans to move here, without a house, just a job. and in working for him, taught justin specific skills in his trade. and since justin stopped working for him and started his own business, he has been an amazing mentor, friend, and business partner. he has been such an amazing resource for justin. i just appreciate this couple tremendously, even though i don't know them. we have also been renting one of their houses, and i am so grateful for that.
so i guess taking our relationship to them, and then seeing the rest of their lives at the party, really made an impact on me. it was like watching us, our lives, in 24 years.
we celebrate 6 years this august and i can't wait.
they had an "open mic" where friends and family were asked to come and first, ask questions to the lovely couple which was fun. and then were asked to come up and just say a few things about them. it was so neat to see all the people that love them. 3 of his groomsmen were at the party. i really didn't know anybody there except the guys at our table that justin used to work with. so beign able to see a snapshot of this couple's lives, from the outside, was touching. i'm not sure what it was, but i was fighting back tears the entire time.
after the open mic, all 4 kids shared and thanked their parents for all that they have sacrificed, put into, how they encouraged them, and how they loved them and always put god and family first. again, i was fighting back tears watching these grown up-ish children appreciating their parents. justin and i are at that stage in life that is so trying. we put so much into our kids, sacrifice so much (most of it unseen), and put all of our energies into our family, maintaining our household, and usually take the hard route when it comes to discipline. and for a moment i got to see the other side....all their hard work paid off. they nurtured 4 really good kids, they all love the lord, are into sports, one was married, and yet they were obviously such a tight family.
after the kids shared they had a "vintage video", a slide show of all the pictures of the couple through the years. and of course the first song that accompanied the slideshow was a song that justin's brother quincy sang for us at our wedding, (again, fighting back tears). and as i watched their life unfold it felt like i was watching us. we have so many of those same pictures in our books. holding babies on our hips, bathing them in the sink, showing them how to hold a bat, going campin, holding a new addition and the siblings waiting to meet their newest family member . it was just such a special moment to watch love grow right before our eyes. i couldn't help but wonder if she missed those days holding her babies as she drops them off to practice, looks at colleges with them, or helps with homework.
i'm not sure why but this celebration just struck something in my heart. maybe it was a chance to step back from our lives and see it all played out in someone elses life. maybe its because the husband has been so influential in justins life. i still remember that first conversation they had on the phone, and it was life changing. he offered justin a job right there and then we made plans to move here, without a house, just a job. and in working for him, taught justin specific skills in his trade. and since justin stopped working for him and started his own business, he has been an amazing mentor, friend, and business partner. he has been such an amazing resource for justin. i just appreciate this couple tremendously, even though i don't know them. we have also been renting one of their houses, and i am so grateful for that.
so i guess taking our relationship to them, and then seeing the rest of their lives at the party, really made an impact on me. it was like watching us, our lives, in 24 years.
we celebrate 6 years this august and i can't wait.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Tucker's Tractor Party
on saturday it was 104*. and we were outside in the park having tucker's tractor party. it was hot. but we were in the birthday ring at caper acres playground in bidwell park that is shaded. and tucker was having the time of his life. he wore his birthday tractor shirt, i made a big tractor cake, and just about every gift he opened up was a tractor. he was in tractor heaven!
during the party he wouldn't leave the birthday ring. and every guest that arrived, tucker would run over to his cake and say, "tractor cake!" to show them. he was so proud of his cake. and so was i. just seeing his reaction to it was precious. i think he was sad when it was all gone!
during the party he wouldn't leave the birthday ring. and every guest that arrived, tucker would run over to his cake and say, "tractor cake!" to show them. he was so proud of his cake. and so was i. just seeing his reaction to it was precious. i think he was sad when it was all gone!the tractor had a "trailer" pulling some hay bales. tucker thought it was funny. i made 2 13x9 sheet cakes and layered them to make the tractor. the bottom half of the tractor was one sheet cake cut in half and the cab was two quarters of the other cake. the trailer was another quarter of the sheet cake. and then i took a knife and shaped the tractor. i used donuts for the wheels and attached them with toothpicks. and pretzels for the trailer sides. i totally felt like Ace of Cakes. i watch it all the time and i secretly want to be a cake decorator. :) it was a lot of fun!
he loved when we were singing happy birthday to him, and sang along as we all did. it was so nice having all of the family there to celebrate tucker. in the back is papa, uncle quincy, auntie alana (pregnant with twins!), mame and gramms. all of tucker's friends came too, he had a blast!
haaapppppy birrrthdaaaay toooo yooooouuuuuu!
a display of all of tucker's scrapbooks. *newborn tucker - 9months*, *tucker at 1*, and *tucker at 2* i'm really gonna try and take pictures of them!
opening up his gifts. he kept going to the table and grabbing the bags, even thought they had all been opened. he was all into the presents. it was cute.
elliana had so much fun playing with her friends and her cousins. these 3 girls are sisters and are going to have twin babies (we think both girls) in september! twins in the family are so much fun. especially when they are not YOUR twins! :) we can't wait!
he loved when we were singing happy birthday to him, and sang along as we all did. it was so nice having all of the family there to celebrate tucker. in the back is papa, uncle quincy, auntie alana (pregnant with twins!), mame and gramms. all of tucker's friends came too, he had a blast!haaapppppy birrrthdaaaay toooo yooooouuuuuu!
a display of all of tucker's scrapbooks. *newborn tucker - 9months*, *tucker at 1*, and *tucker at 2* i'm really gonna try and take pictures of them!
opening up his gifts. he kept going to the table and grabbing the bags, even thought they had all been opened. he was all into the presents. it was cute.
elliana had so much fun playing with her friends and her cousins. these 3 girls are sisters and are going to have twin babies (we think both girls) in september! twins in the family are so much fun. especially when they are not YOUR twins! :) we can't wait! this party was so much fun to plan, create, and celebrate. i used to stress and freak out at every birthday. but now, i figure its my 6th birthday party and its a piece of cake by now. i know i will get it all done, i know that i always hit a wall with my scrapbook and will always pull through in the end. and now its time to rest.
i've decided to put my shop on vacation for the month of august. so if you are thinking of purchasing anything, now is the time! i should be listing a few more totes that i have ready to ship this week.
i have lots of little projects to complete for my little kindergartener including skirts, dresses, tops, a backpack/tote/bag, quilts and curtains, etc. i also need some time to wrap my head around the fact that my baby is going to school. trying to let go of the guilt that hopefully i put enough into her, that i did my job, and now i am letting her go into somebody else's hands. *sigh* luckily i know her teacher, we went to school together and i know she will be a wondeful fit for my daughter. elliana is so excited! and so am i. i think. i will be. and my other baby is 2! i don't have any more babies! but two of my good friends just had brand new babies 2 weeks ago and i can borrow them and hold them whenever i want right? so hopefully that will cure that itch. hopefully. ;)
Thursday, July 16, 2009
waterslides and tractor cakes
sunday tucker turned 2 and we celebrated by going to the waterslides! we all had a blast!
tucker loved his tractor cake!
and wanted to blow out the candles 3 times! when you ask tucker how old he is, he says, "foy" and holds up his hand. i know he THINKS he's four, but he's 2. silly boy.
his favorite toys were the john deer lawn mower (monmoiee) and the weed eater/edger my sister got him. i made him a tractor birthday shirt for his tractor party this saturday.
he had so much fun at the waterslides. both kids were pooped and tucker fell asleep in justins arms as we were walking to the car!
elliana had fun and even went on a few of the big slides. they were both at a great age because i didn't have to worry so much about them. last time we went there, i was 38 weeks pregnant with tucker so it was nice to be able to go down the slides this time too!
tucker loved his tractor cake!
and wanted to blow out the candles 3 times! when you ask tucker how old he is, he says, "foy" and holds up his hand. i know he THINKS he's four, but he's 2. silly boy.
his favorite toys were the john deer lawn mower (monmoiee) and the weed eater/edger my sister got him. i made him a tractor birthday shirt for his tractor party this saturday.
he had so much fun at the waterslides. both kids were pooped and tucker fell asleep in justins arms as we were walking to the car!
elliana had fun and even went on a few of the big slides. they were both at a great age because i didn't have to worry so much about them. last time we went there, i was 38 weeks pregnant with tucker so it was nice to be able to go down the slides this time too!working on lots of tractor stuff for the party. when tucker woke up sunday morning we had decorated our house in john deere green and yellow with streamers and balloons and 2's and tractors. elliana drew some tractor banners that we put up on the walls. were leaving the decorations up till saturday. if i would've known the balloons were gonna be such a hit i wouldn't have gotten him any thing else for his birthday.
i'm working on his *tucker at 2* album also. i will really try and post pictures this time. (i'm pretty sure i said that last year, and on elliana's birthday) ok, off to make tractor lollipops!
Thursday, July 09, 2009
as if i needed ANOTHER project this summer....
how cute is this? no more dragging every single blanket and sheet we own to the dining room to make a fort. a custom table tent WITH WINDOWS! and nothing gets dragged off the table top. all that needs to be moved is the chairs.
photo found on ohdeedohgenius. and adorable. i'm in.
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
mindspace...
we had such a great 4th of july camping with our friends in bucks lake. great as in exhausting, sun drenched, dirt covered, and temper tantrumed. i have lots of pictures to post, so stay tuned.
i'm planning tucker's birthday party. TRACTOR PARTY! this was an easy theme since tucker is obviously obsessed with tractors. so everything is yellow and green, john deere style. i just finished up his birthday shirt with a tractor and a 2 on it. his actual birthday is this sunday. we'll be spending it at the waterslides and i know he and elliana will have a blast! we went to this waterpark when i was 38 weeks pregnant with tucker and elliana had so much fun. tucker is quite the daredevil these days, especially in the water, so i know he'll love it!
still recouping from all the sewing i did last month. i hadn't noticed that my legs had been going numb everytime i would sit down. you know that "pregnant feet feeling" (no i'm not pregnant.) where your feet go numb and swollen. that's how i felt for the past 3 weeks. and i finally realized that it was my old computer chair i had in front of my sewing machine. i've had it since college, you know those cheapy black computer chairs. it had lost its umph. and was cutting off the circulation in my legs! so i went out and bought a fluffy new comfy back supporting chair and my blood flow is in tip top shape! yay!
i have so many projects in the works. more bags, quilts for the kids and their bunkbed, matching curtains, pillowcases, dresses and skirts and shirts for elliana's school clothes, a backpack for kindergarten (which starts august 18th! augh!) a new purse for moi, thinking about attempting granny squares, i got a cute *lovebirdy panel at the quilt shop the other day that i want to turn into a wall hanging about our bed as sort of a headboard.
this summer is flying by. seriously. i feel so behind. oh yeah, and i'm working on tucker's *at 2* scrapbook. i'll have to post pictures from his *at 1* album because they really turn out so cute. elliana has been wanting to read her 4 albums before bedtime lately and after we finish she always hugs me and says, "thank you mommy for making my scrapbooks. i love all the words." she loves all the affirmations about what i love about her and how much she means to me. i love it too. i love that i can read an album (a snapshot of who they are when they turn that age) and i can go right back to who they were. what they loved, how they talked, everything.
ok, that's all. i can go to bed now. all that stuff isn't floating around in my head anymore. more pictures tomorrow!
i'm planning tucker's birthday party. TRACTOR PARTY! this was an easy theme since tucker is obviously obsessed with tractors. so everything is yellow and green, john deere style. i just finished up his birthday shirt with a tractor and a 2 on it. his actual birthday is this sunday. we'll be spending it at the waterslides and i know he and elliana will have a blast! we went to this waterpark when i was 38 weeks pregnant with tucker and elliana had so much fun. tucker is quite the daredevil these days, especially in the water, so i know he'll love it!
still recouping from all the sewing i did last month. i hadn't noticed that my legs had been going numb everytime i would sit down. you know that "pregnant feet feeling" (no i'm not pregnant.) where your feet go numb and swollen. that's how i felt for the past 3 weeks. and i finally realized that it was my old computer chair i had in front of my sewing machine. i've had it since college, you know those cheapy black computer chairs. it had lost its umph. and was cutting off the circulation in my legs! so i went out and bought a fluffy new comfy back supporting chair and my blood flow is in tip top shape! yay!
i have so many projects in the works. more bags, quilts for the kids and their bunkbed, matching curtains, pillowcases, dresses and skirts and shirts for elliana's school clothes, a backpack for kindergarten (which starts august 18th! augh!) a new purse for moi, thinking about attempting granny squares, i got a cute *lovebirdy panel at the quilt shop the other day that i want to turn into a wall hanging about our bed as sort of a headboard.
this summer is flying by. seriously. i feel so behind. oh yeah, and i'm working on tucker's *at 2* scrapbook. i'll have to post pictures from his *at 1* album because they really turn out so cute. elliana has been wanting to read her 4 albums before bedtime lately and after we finish she always hugs me and says, "thank you mommy for making my scrapbooks. i love all the words." she loves all the affirmations about what i love about her and how much she means to me. i love it too. i love that i can read an album (a snapshot of who they are when they turn that age) and i can go right back to who they were. what they loved, how they talked, everything.
ok, that's all. i can go to bed now. all that stuff isn't floating around in my head anymore. more pictures tomorrow!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Super Duper Deluxaroo gift set!
this was a gift for a good friend's baby shower last weekend. her grandmother bought some of my things, and i gave her the rest. this is the new modified mega diaper bag (first version here)
which is a little shorter in length, and a little taller in height. we also added stroller clips to the sides. 
so 1 mega diaper bag with zippered wristlet, diaper clutch nursing cover, cotton burpies, 2 onesies, 1 snuggle blankie/quilt and a fabric hair flower for mama.
i really love this fabric by joel dewberry.its been out for a while, but i've never sewn with it. i LOVE LOVE LOVE the brown circles. i'm totally ordering it.
i'm happy with how the bag turned out, it took longer than i wanted. my serger was acting up, my new athena wasn't the powerhouse i thought she was. so after staying up until 2am the night before the baby shower i decided im on the hunt for an industrial sewing machine.
one that can sew the through layers of my bags like butter. if anybody has any recommendations please drop me a line, i'd love any info or experience on industrials.
elliana's picture taking skills. the new camera is a little heavy for her. ;)
i love how the snuggle blankie turned out all quilty. mostly because i didnt' have enough of any one fabric for the entire side. i'm in love the orange swiss dots. actually any swiss dots these days i'm in love with.
i really love this fabric by joel dewberry.its been out for a while, but i've never sewn with it. i LOVE LOVE LOVE the brown circles. i'm totally ordering it.
i'm happy with how the bag turned out, it took longer than i wanted. my serger was acting up, my new athena wasn't the powerhouse i thought she was. so after staying up until 2am the night before the baby shower i decided im on the hunt for an industrial sewing machine.
one that can sew the through layers of my bags like butter. if anybody has any recommendations please drop me a line, i'd love any info or experience on industrials.
elliana's picture taking skills. the new camera is a little heavy for her. ;)i love how the snuggle blankie turned out all quilty. mostly because i didnt' have enough of any one fabric for the entire side. i'm in love the orange swiss dots. actually any swiss dots these days i'm in love with. just ordered some new fabrics and some old ones from the city girl line.
slowly relisting some goodies in the shop. hopefully by thursday everything listed will be ready-to-ship instead of made to order. at least for the summer.
ok, back to sewing.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
dear jesus
"and thank you God for helping me make good choices and don't let mommy stop sewing.
amen."
"and what?"
"and don't let you stop sewing."
"why?"
"because you make beautiful things."
*that right there made today worth it.
thank you lord for my sweet precious girl.
father's day
i took this picture on father's day. it's probably one of the best ones we've taken, ever. i love how handsome my husband is in all of them. (there were some cute ones of he and the kids too)
he is such a wonderful husband and father. god has completely blessed our marriage, our family and our lives. our children are so lucky to have him as their daddy. he is loving, patient, loves jesus, is silly, rough, loves playing with the kids even when he's tired, he will do anything for our family and always puts us first. he is absolutely amazing. and oh so handsome. 
"Trust God fromt he bottom of your heart;
"Trust God fromt he bottom of your heart;don't try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
he's the one who will keep you on track."
Proverbs 3:5-6 (the MESSAGE)
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