Happiness and Joy Expressed Through Color

Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-09T05:23:00.000-07:00

To all of you sweet mamas out there, Happy Mother's Day! I hope your day is filled with love, hugs, and giggles! Being a mommy is the best thong that has ever happened to me. I was blessed with 4 wonderful, beautiful children and I am forever grateful for the blessings that they have brought into my life. I learn from them everyday.They make me smile, cry, scream, and laugh...but I would not ever change a moment.
Here are some photos of me and my 4 little loves, and one of their Grandma too :)

Enjoy these beautiful poems...they are some of my favorites :)

Before I was a Mom
Before I was a Mom -
I slept as late as I wanted and never worried about how late I got into bed. I brushed my hair and my teeth everyday.
Before I was a Mom -
I cleaned my house each day. I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby. I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous. I never thought about immunizations.
Before I was a Mom -
I had never been puked on - Pooped on - Spit on - Chewed on, or Peed on. I had complete control of my mind and My thoughts. I slept all night.
Before I was a Mom -
I never held down a screaming child so that doctors could do tests...or give shots. I never looked into teary eyes and cried. I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin. I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.
Before I was a Mom -
I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put it down. I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt. I never knew that something so small could affect my life
so much. I never knew that I could love someone so much. I never knew I would love being a Mom.
Before I was a Mom -
I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body. I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby. I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child. I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important.
Before I was a Mom -
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay. I had never known The warmth, The joy, The love, The heartache, The wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom. I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much before I was a Mom.

Only One Mother
Hundreds of stars in the pretty sky,
Hundreds of shells on the shore together,
Hundreds of birds that go singing by,
Hundreds of lambs in the sunny weather.
Hundreds of dewdrops to greet the dawn,
Hundreds of bees in the purple clover,
Hundreds of butterflies on the lawn,
But only one mother the world wide over.

And Grandma's too...
While we honor all our mothers
with words of love and praise.
While we tell about their goodness
and their kind and loving ways.
We should also think of Grandma,
she's a mother too, you see....
For she mothered my dear mother
as my mother mothers me.
Author Unknown

PS: I am doing a giveaway in honor of Mother's Day! Please go to my Facebook fan page to learn more http://facebook.com/elizabethgwenoriginals

Luxurious Oatmeal Milk Bath Tutorial compliments Forest Hill Soaps

2010-05-06T16:46:00.000-07:00

Just in time for Mother's Day! Thank you Susan for this wonderful tutorial! Please be sure to check out Forest Hill Soaps for beautiful handcrafted soaps, lotion bars and more!

Oatmeal and milk are well known for their skin soothing and nourishing qualities. It only takes a few minutes to make an oatmeal milk bath. You can even ‘dress it up’ into an aromatherapy bath!

Instructions

You will need

· 3/4 cup uncooked oatmeal

· Blender

· Mixing bowl

· 3 cups powdered milk

· 1/4 cup sea salt or Epsom salts

· Several drops of your favorite essential oil or blend. (optional) examples: lavender, peppermint, rosemary

Using the blender - pulverize oatmeal into a fine powder. Or you can use baby oatmeal—just be certain it contains only oatmeal, and no fillers.

Transfer the powdered oatmeal to a mixing bowl and stir in the powdered milk and sea salt or Epsom salts.

If you want an aromatherapy experience with your bath add the essential oils to the oatmeal/milk/salts mixture

Mix until the oils are thoroughly incorporated with the other ingredients.

Store your oatmeal milk bath in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Add about ¼ cup to running bath water and relax!!

Feature! Forest Hill Soaps

2010-05-06T16:40:00.000-07:00

I have been MIA for a little bit, and I apologize, but I am back with a wonderful feature for Forest Hill Soaps!

I absolutely LOVE handmade soap! It always smells and feels wonderful, not to mention how beautiful it is! It is like a small piece of art that will keep you clean :D
Don't forget to Like Forest Hill soaps on Facebook

Here is what Susan had to say...
My name is Susan Peterson, and I am a wife and mom of 2 (17 and 18 yo) and registered nurse. I have always been interested in natural skin care, but found it difficult to find quality products; hence the start of our soapmaking adventure. Over time we perfected our 'receipe', and at the urging of family and friends, began Forest Hill Soaps in 2009. We make cold process soap using high quality vegetable oils, essential and quality fragrance oils, natural colorants-----no dyes, and no preservatives. The only animal products we use are honey and goats milk in select soaps. I also enjoy handpainting our casted soaps---these are individually handpainted--a process that takes several days to complete. Some of our other products include bath salts and teas, milk baths, whipped body butter, and our very popular Solid Lotion.

Six Flags!!!

2010-04-15T18:13:00.000-07:00

We went to Six Flags last weekend, and WOW did we have a great time!! The weather was near perfect and the lines were incredibly short all day! Gabe and Briana took me on the Mind Eraser, nd I was pretty scared at first, but I went through with it and it was actually pretty fun!! I don't know why I was chickening out (in my head) when I was younger I would go on ANY ride!! I was never afraid! Maybe my age is staring to show.... LOL. I hope not!! So this Mind Eraser is a roller coaster where your legs hang free and it goes upside down and twists and goes all crazy. It looks terrifying but it was really cool!

We walked around, a lot! We ate greasy burgers for lunch, and had Dippin Dots, Funnel cake and all the yummy not-so-good-for-you foods that go with amusement parks. The kids went on tons of rides and had so much fun. Connor was not impressed at all though and he was NOT into the rides at all. Even the carousel made him freak out, so he just hung out with me.

And, I got to meet my BFFOL SANDRA of Joey & Aleethea!! That made the day even more super cool! Her kiddies are even more adorable in person (if you can even believe that!) and it was so great to finally see her for real! We have "known" each other online for like 3 years! Lorelai instantly took charge with Joey and took his hand and kept him close. They were very inseparable. SOOOO cute!!

So, all in all a pretty darn good time at the amusement park. Terry even had a good time and hubby usually does not go for crazy places like that. He was a very good sport!

Easter Egg Hunt, Picture outfits and some customs!

2010-03-25T12:44:00.000-07:00

Hi! I have been so busy sewing, and cleaning, and everything else but I wanted to post here and show you all some of what I have been up to. Last weekend we went to Virginia to hang out with my husband's cousin and his wife. They had an Easter egg hunt in their community and my 2 youngest kiddos got to participate. They ha d a wonderful time and Connor was even brave enough to walk over to the Easter Bunny and say hello!

I decided that matching outfits would be SO cute for the kids for pictures. So like a true crazy person I sewed ALL DAY last Friday and made 2 ties for my boys, a dress for Lorelai, and a wrap skirt for Briana. They looked really cute and I was very proud of myself. I only got to snap a couple of pictures in front of the house because Connor was getting really crabby. He had had enough pictures for the day. I took them to the Target portrait studio in the morning and he had his fill of patience :)

I also managed to get a couple of my customs all done! They turned out pretty beautifully if I do say so myself :)

I still have a small to do list to get through but it feels SO good to be able to cross off things I have finished!

Fun Feature Friday Presents Rapsberry Kidz!!!

2010-03-11T16:50:00.000-08:00

For this Friday's Fun Feature I interviewed the super talented Artist Mommy Rachel of
Raspberry Kidz. Rachel makes the most awesome kids art around, and I am sure once you check out here shop you will agree. You can have a Rachel make you a Raspberry Boy or Raspberry Girl print with your childs' or anyone's name, that looks like who you are getting the print for.
Or you can have her enhance a piece of art your child has drawn. You just send her the digital file and she does the rest! How special for her to take your little sweetie's artwork and make it into something they can cherish forever!

I love kids art. That’s basically why I do what I do. It all started when my son (now 7) was in a baby playgroup. I wanted to create something personal for the moms as a gift. I came up with Raspberrykidz, the originals all based on the babies from that group.

When Ethan started drawing, there were so many pictures I wanted to keep, and I found them all so inspirational. I looked at them and saw more than the little scribbles he did, I saw pictures I would have trouble doing myself. He just came up with these whimsical pictures (as so many kids do), without overthinking anything (as so many adults do). I loved them, and I wanted to enhance them.

So, based on his drawings, a whole new side of Raspberrykidz was created. I reworked his pictures into full-color, matted, professional computer prints. Friends began to ask me to take their kids’ drawings and do the same thing.

It’s a great way to hold onto that special drawing your child may have drawn on scratch paper, the back of a menu or lined paper that you might just want cleaned up so it can be framed and on display. They have also proven to be a big hit with grandparents, as they are so personal and unique.

This is also the perfect thing for me to be doing, as I am a stay-at-home mom. Ethan is in 2nd grade, and my daughter Samantha (who is also quite the little artist) is in kindergarten. We live in Chicago where they attend a public fine arts magnet school. I think the arts are so important for kids (and adults!). Children’s drawings have really inspired me, and my goal is for the prints I do to keep inspiring them to continue with their artwork.

My etsy shop Raspberry Kidz

My web site

My blog

examples of the original Raspberrykids

Ballerina pig by Samantha:
original:

as a Raspberry:

Princess Party by Ethan:
original:

as Raspberry:

And Because Rachel is so awesome, she is offering a free pendant with any purchase from the shop (a $15 value)
Here’s a picture of a pendant:

Cutie Pie not included :)
Can you say AWESOME??? What little darling would not be proud to sport a pendant showing off her very own artwork? Thank you SO much Rachel! Your work is truly fantastic :)

Rachel is also a fellow member of the Etsy Kids Street team! Check out the website here!

Thank you Rachel!

Happy Thursday!

2010-03-11T11:03:00.000-08:00

I have not posted any randomness in a while so I thought I would pop in and say HELLO!! To all of my awesome followers and friends:)

I made a super cute airplane T for Connor. He loves airplanes and helicopters so much! He gets very excited when he sees them in the sky. Here he is sporting his airplane T

I also made 2 skirts yesterday. I really love the white one and I am trying to decide whether to keep it for Lorelai or should I sell it? What do you think?? It turned out so lovely. I may just have to make one for me too!!

I just love how the birdie adds in an unexpected POP of color :) And I added loads of ruffles! I love ruffles!

Here is the second skirt I made. Of course, I had to do lots of ruffles on this one too. I added in the yellow pocket with the free stitched flower because again it added an unexpected touch. I am all about unexpected and bright :)

Fun Feature Friday:Featuring Amelie Jo the cutest and sweetest Vintage Inspired Children's clothing ever!

2010-03-05T05:34:00.000-08:00

This Friday I had the pleasure of Featuring Anna of Amelie Jo Vintage Inspired Kids. Her designs are amazingly gilrlie (but there is also something for those handsome boys), very sweet, and so unique! Just look at these darling ruffles!! And beast of all, Anna uses Organic clothing in her designs :)   

I am a stay at home mother, faithfully tending to my muse, sweet Amelie Jo. 

Not so long ago, I owned a web boutique, where I sold American made and handmade children's clothing by many talented Etsy artists.  I had an epiphany, one sunny afternoon, when I found a vintage portrait of a wise, old owl and a blank, white tee in my baby girl's closet. I was soon lost in creativity, carefully adding colorful buttons and a bit of hand embroidery. I fell in love with the result and had much too much fun with the process!

I realized that I had just created a piece that I had been searching for since my child's birth - an affordable, organic, vintage inspired tiny bit of heaven, punctuated with a little flair and a whole lotta love!  

I have never had formal training. I seem to pick up craft work easily through watching others and reading. I have an idea in my head and I try to create it. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t. What doesn’t work is what I learn the most from.

The ‘studio’ is a space that I share with my husband in the basement. A special room that he built that is cozy and warm. His intention was that we share the space, however my crafts seem to have taken over!

I am a stay at home mom, so I work whenever my sweet Amelie Jo is sleeping. That usually means that I do not get a lot of sleep! I also have a 13 year old step daughter who lives with us almost full time and is involved with 4H. A 13 year old and a 15 month old both need a lot of attention, so my work takes a backseat to them.

I prefer to use organic cotton for the shirts that I make. I am very interested in living an organic lifestyle – I make my own cleaning products and purchase organic or locally grown food- and feel that organic cotton is the best material for baby skin. Plus, I tea stain most of my items and organic cotton is the perfect material for doing so. I love adding vintage buttons because they make my items one of a kind. I would like to use more upcycled materials in the future.

At the moment, I only sell my work on Etsy, however I am interested in wholesaling to boutiques.

People should buy handmade because a lot of love and care goes into each item that an artist sells. Handmade is sweatshop free, out source free and the customer can be satisfied that they have not taken advantage of another citizen of this world in order to wear a fancy t shirt. Handmade keeps art alive and growing. Most handmade artists give back to their communities in small and large ways, which helps future generations.

My goals are to keep growing my shop and product line. I want to always be able to stay at home with my sweet Amelie Jo, so I would like to be a successful shop owner and crafter. Someone that my family can be proud of.

The first item I ever sold was an organic onesie with an owl on the front. I don't make it anymore because I am interested in other styles at the moment. My favorite part of what I do is just, simply, being creative. I find that the more I work the more creative I become. There are nights I lay in bed dreaming of new items to make and the next morning I try to find the supplies I need to create them.

My inspiration has and will always be my daughter, Amelie Jo.

I would like to offer free shipping on my 'Easter Parade' shirt or onesie (that is the one right above this paragraph!!!! Isn't it delish?) . Buyers may use the code 'FREESHIP' in the comments box and I will refund the shipping through PayPal.

Thank you Anna!! Your creations are amazing and your little Amelie Jo is a doll :)

Is it really almost spring?

2010-03-04T06:10:00.000-08:00

I think so! And I couldn't be more excited!! It is getting light out earlier in the morning, and all of the snow is almost completely melted. We are going to have warmer temp.s next week too. Very soon we will actually be able to go out and play without freezing! YAY!!!!

And also that means that my husband will be graduating form law school, we will be packing, we will be moving. If he can find a job somewhere, that is where we are going. It seems that a job is still pretty hard to come by but we are staying positive. And praying a lot :) Something will come up and the next chapter of our lives will begin.

The actual moving part I am pretty excited about! I have already begun Spring Cleaning and trying to de clutter my home so that we are not bringing anything with us that we are not using. I am too sentimental, I like to keep everything! But that will soon be changing, Freecycle here I come!

Anyway, I am trying to finish up as many projects a I can before we move. I am working on a very awesome Quiet Book for Connor. I found the best tutorial here at How To Make a Quiet Book. I have 3 pages done so far. I just want to have it done by Easter so it can go in his Easter basket. I am on the hunt for other handmade Easter gifts for the kids too, so if anyone has anything cute, give me a shout!

Come back Tomorrow to see who I am featuring :)
Here are some of my recent projects:

I am working on a Scrappy wallet (shhhhhh, it's a surprise, lol)

FFF Presents the "What Would Project"

2010-02-26T04:48:00.000-08:00

For this Fun Feature I had the pleasure of interviewing Lindsay and Matt, creators of the What Would Project. They have come up with, what I believe to be a really cool new idea to get people thinking creatively. The most interesting thing is, anyone can do this! You do not have to be an "artist" at all! EVERYONE can be creative and they have given you a chance to show off your creativity! Read our interview to find out more! Make sure you read all the way through to the bottom! You have a chance to win a $25 Visa Gift Card! Who could not use an extra $25 in their wallet?
Look at some of the beautiful submissions for last week's question "What would be on your bucket list?" submitted so far as you read through our interview. The rest are available on the website!

Q: What is the What Would Project?

The What Would Project is a community art project where everyday people have the opportunity to contribute there ideas based on the ‘what would’ question of the week. We encourage everyone to participate and embrace this opportunity. Being an artist is not a requirement, just be yourself and have fun!

The beauty of art is that there is no right or wrong. Everyone has a different interpretation of art which is embraced and encouraged. We provide an open canvas to all who dream, love, fear, regret and so much more. At the end of the day if you find yourself inspired then we have accomplished an amazing goal.

Q: Where did the idea come from?

The idea evolved from general conversation between the two of us. We thought it would be interesting to see how people would respond to all the different questions revolved around the ‘what would’ scenario. People respond very differently to situations that life presents and something about that is very intriguing.

The more we talked about how we could make this idea work, the more the project grew and became what it is today. Both of us are creative and artistic in our own way. We have spent many years of our life enthralled with different art forms and appreciate all of them equally. With that, the What Would Project was born.

Q: How did you get started?

The project was launched just a few weeks ago so we are still in the beginning stages. We’ve taken a multiple approach to reach out to as many people as possible. Social networking sites like Facebook, MySpace, Twitter and online forums have been a great place for us to start getting the project out to people.

It is also important for us to make a presence in the community. We leave our postcards for strangers to find in multiple places around our hometown and take them with us when we travel.

Q: What do you hope it turns into?

The most important thing to us is that the integrity of art, the project and those who contribute to it is not compromised. We’d like to instill a rejuvenated appreciation for art of all forms. Whether a submission is from a famous artist or from a school student, it will all be appreciated the same to us and to our project.

Our vision for the future is open. We would like to be able to branch the project into other forms of media and art that can be admired by everyone. The long-term goal is to inspire others to think creatively and maybe differently than what they are used to. In a world that is ever changing, for better or for worse, art will continue to play a critical role of self-expression and we hope to play a big role in that.

Q: What else would you like to share?

Do you have a ‘what would’ question that you would like to see posted on our site? Send us your best ‘what would’ questions for a chance to win a $25 Visa gift card. We will review all submissions received and select a winner and have that question posted on our site. Please feel free to submit more than one!

The deadline for your entry is 3/4/10 and the winning question will be posted on 3/10/10 here on this blog and also on the What Would Project Blog . Email your question to contact@whatwouldproject.com contact@whatwouldproject.com or leave a comment here on my blog for your chance to win!

Be creative. Be yourself. Be inspired.

The project continues at www.whatwouldproject.com

Connect with us on Facebook

Tweet us on Twitter

Follow or blog

If you are interested in submitting your masterpiece for this weeks question "What would you like to find at the end of a rainbow?"
Submissions are due by 3/9/2010 and they will be posted on 3/10/2010
This is the link to the FAQ's on the web page with the address to send in your creation! Go get creative!

Thank you Lindsay and Matt!

Fun Feature Friday Presents Trendie Treasures and a LadyBug Bow Tutorial

2010-02-19T03:50:00.000-08:00

For my very first Fun Feature Friday, I interviewed Remma Matai. She is the mama behind Trendie Treasures, and WOW is she talented! Her designs are fun, bright and beautiful! The fabrics in her designs just scream happy! This is my favorite item in her shop:

Everything in her shop is fabulous, and picking just one item is very difficult! Along with children's clothing, Reema makes gorgeous drapes. This is what she says about the fabric she chose for them: "For my new drapery panels, I’ve used 100% linen with velvet print because I love the look and texture and I appreciate how linen softens and wears over time. Also, flax (the plant which becomes linen) requires fewer pesticides and fertilizers than many other crops." Go and see for yourself! They are LOVELY! Here is her shop.

Be sure to scroll to the bottom of the interview for a LadyBug Bow Tutorial!

Here is what Reema had to say:

I grew up with fabrics all around me in my mom’s boutique. Now, I’m mother of two kids, love to design kids clothing. This is what I always wanted to do.. have my own line of handcrafted clothing, accessories and all beautiful things I can imagine…Thanks to Etsy, I’ve been able to make it happen.

When I’m not working, I’m usually enjoying with kids, love the outdoors, playing tennis, swimming, sledding, hiking or biking. In summer, we love to go to beaches, parks and farms for day trips. Winters, we go skating, skiing or bowling.

My inspiration;

I like designs to capture different moments of life, often inspired by kids themselves and their lively nature, leaving a bit of space for the quality fabric to be admired.

My Etsy shop http://trendietreasures.etsy.com offers handcrafted children’s clothing and drapes/curtains designed with simplicity and creativity. All children’s clothing is designed for comfort, style and a some fun.

For my new drapery panels, I love the look and texture of linen with velvet print. Also, flax (the plant which becomes linen) requires fewer pesticides and fertilizers than many other crops.

My favorite item from my shop The Ruffled Pink Polka Dots Dress

I’m a member of Etsy Kids Team and Etsy Treasury Team.

My facebook fan page:
http://www.facebook.com/TrendieTreasures
Follow me on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/trendietreasure

Reema was kind enough to share this great tutorial with you! Please leave a comment here for her telling her thanks, and maybe let her know what your favorite item from her shop is!

LadyBug Bow

Making Little Bug Bows as seen in my shop listing

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=38893088

SUPPLIES: The supplies needed – scissors, needle & thread,

lighter, ribbon, glue, etc.

STARTING OFF

A. How to make antennas –

1. Using 3/8” Grosgrain Ribbon cut your ribbon to the size ONE INCH cut. Notice that on each side of the ribbon there is a “woven” type edge – where it’s a little thicker than the middle part of the ribbon.

2. Using sharp scissors, cut both “edges” off. You can just throw the middle part of the ribbon away – you won’t need it.

4. Hold one end of the antenna with the alligator clip or tweezers. Using your lighter, quickly brush it along the cut edge of the ribbon – sealing it.

PRACTICE THIS over and over until you get it. It shouldn’t take too long.

5. To get a CURVED antenna – just concentrate the lighter’s heat in one spot. The ribbon will naturally curve. PRACTICE this as well.

6. Now repeat with Antenna # 2 and you have a set.

B.MAKING the Ladybug Bows---

1.Using 3/8” Red with Black Swiss Dots - Cut your first piece of ribbon to FOUR inches.

2. Now take one edge of the ribbon and either hold it down on a flat surface – or you can hold it in your hand -- whichever is easiest for you. Take the OTHER end of the ribbon and bring it around – both edges will be flush with each other. Both edges should overlay on the same side of the ribbon to make a loop.

3. Either GLUE or SEW the two edges together. I prefer to SEW the edges because it’s not as bulky as gluing. Plus, I think it holds together better.

4. Now take your second piece of ribbon and cut it to THREE inches. Seal both ends. Repeat STEPS 2 through 4 with this piece of ribbon.

5. Now you have two loops. Turn them over.

6. Place the smaller loop inside of the bigger loop. You can either have the pointed tips FLUSH with each other – or have the smaller loop slightly higher. GLUE or SEW these two loops together.

7. After the two pieces are put together (sewn or glued), then turn the body back over.

8. Cut a piece of black ribbon to approximately ONE inch. Seal the edges.

9. Now place a dab of glue at the tip of the bug body – do not use too much.

Place the black piece of ribbon over the tip of the bug body. Try to make it as even and straight as possible.

10. Turn the bug body over and place another dab of glue at the point. You can put a little glue on the black ribbon as well – just not too much.

11. Now fold both edges of the black ribbon down and press firmly. Turn the bug body back over.

12. Now you will need your antennas, your bug body, and a lined clip – I use a double-prong alligator clip, but you can use whatever kind of clip you want.

13. Place a dab of glue about a quarter inch or so from the top of the alligator clip. Remember not to use too much glue. Now carefully place your antennas onto the glue and position them at your desired angles.

14. Place another dab of glue over the antennas and slightly down the alligator clip – about a half inch.

15. Place your bug body onto the clip and press firmly to secure.

YOU HAVE A FINISHED LADYBUG BOW!

Here is how to stay in touch with Trendie Treasures:

My facebook fan page:
http://www.facebook.com/TrendieTreasures
Follow me on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/trendietreasure

Etsy Shop

http://www.etsy.com/shop/TrendieTreasures

Thank you Reema! :)

Fun Feature Friday!

2010-02-12T09:18:00.000-08:00

Starting next week on Friday, I will be running a feature on a new business, crafter, artist, sewer, jewelry maker, etc. each week! I will interview them so you can learn about the face behind the scene. You can hear all about what they do and why! Sometimes there will be giveaways, tutorials, recipes, or discount codes for their shops :)

YAY! It is going to be really fun, so please make sure you stop by every week to meet our new feature! And maybe learn something new, or have a chance to win something really cool!

If you would like to be featured, send me an email! I would love to hear from you!

This is my random photo of the week. This is my son and daughter having fun in our 3+ feet of snow!

Blizzard of 2010

2010-02-07T10:19:00.000-08:00

We definitely got some snow this weekend! And now we are trying to dig our way out. But we did take a brake for some fun! I dressed the kids up warmly and we went out to sled!! It was so much fun, and they looked so cute all bundled up. The snow is very deep s it makes for some great sledding! Not so great shoveling, but you gotta take the good with the bad. And I got a GREAT workout shoveling, so I guess I shouldn't complain :) Besides, I read somewhere you burn somewhere around 400 calories an hour shoveling snow. MMMM, maybe I will make Chocolate Chip Cookies later to celebrate!Anyway, here are some pictures of the kids having a blast in the snow!

The DIY Dish

2010-02-04T06:56:00.000-08:00

Just when we thought it couldn't get any better than You Can Make This, SWAK Embroidery, and
You Can Quilt Thi s, Kim and Kris, or Kris and Kim bring us this totally awesome Online show ! The DIY Dish will show us how to do all kinds of crafts! It is going to be GREAT! I am a visual learner so I just know that this is going to be incredible. My girls also LOVE to do all kinds of crafts and now I can bring them to The DIY Dish and we can learn how to make things together! Rainy days won't stand a chance!

Plus, and this is SO great, they are giving away not 1 but 2 Janome sewing machines! Go here to the new "The DIY Dish" site to find out how to get your chance to win one of these babies!! The models are the Janome DC 4030, and the Janome 350e Embroidery Machine.

I have always wanted an embroidery machine! I just dream of how much adorableness I could add to some of my creations :)
Hey, a girl can dream, can't she? SO, as you can see I am all about this giveaway, and I want you to have a chance too, so head on over here and get yourself entered! Good luck :)

Easter Dress

2010-02-03T17:13:00.000-08:00

This has got to be one of my favorite dresses! I LOVE the way it turned out!! It took me forever to make it. These ruffle dresses are a killer. I think it was around 10 hours all said and done, but WOW! The colors are fabulous. Bright and happy!

Unfortunately Punxsutawny Phil says winter will go on, but I am optimistic :)
Wouldn't it be lovely if it was actually warm by Easter? Well, I know in some places it will be, but here it is anyone's guess.

Anyway, just want to share the gorgeous colors of this dress. I hope that the mommy I made it for loves it on her little girl!
Thanks for taking a peek!

How Beautiful!

2010-02-03T05:30:00.000-08:00

We woke up to a breathtaking view this morning! SNOW!!!! Again! YAY! The kids are super excited because school is canceled for today, so they get to lounge around the house, and maybe go out and play later :)

Here are my lazies relaxing in the family room. Aren't they cute?? They probably won't be happy that I posted this candid photo right after they woke up. Well, except the smiley one ;)

Hot off the sewing table...

2010-02-01T18:11:00.000-08:00

I LOVE when I finish a project. I feel so great, like I just did something wonderful! Well, making something pretty IS wonderful!

I enjoy the whole process of sewing (well, the cutting isn't really my favorite but I do it). It is very relaxing (usually, that is unless I sew something backwards or upside down. That is NOT relaxing). It is really neat to see a small cut piece of fabric turn into something. Something useful, and pretty!

So, that is what I have been doing. Taking small pieces of cut fabric and turning them into these beutiful creations:

Customs, customs, customs

2010-01-29T09:56:00.000-08:00

Nothing makes me happier than to finish a project! I love feeling the satisfaction of making something beautiful. Something that someone else wanted to be just so :)

Of course I am always nervous that maybe I didn't get it just right (EEEKK!!)
But I try very hard to bring my customers vision to life.

So, this post is just to show off some Scrappy Coupon Organizers that I just finished. They came out beautifully if I do say so myself ;)

I hope my customers agree!! Now, I am off to finish up some more beautiful things to make someone smile!

Charm Factory Giveaway at Simple Stacie

2010-01-18T17:04:00.000-08:00

Need a beautiful new charm bracelet? Here is your chance to in one! Check out Simply Stacie's Blog to find out more :)

DRUMROLL PLEASE......

2010-01-16T07:59:00.000-08:00

And the winner of the BEAUTIFUL PEACE DOVE BAG is: BELLA!!!!!
I am emailing you now!

You are all so awesome! Thank you for entering, for all the lovely comment, and for just being so GREAT!!! Please check back. I will be doing another awesome giveaway sometime soon :)

Winner coming soon!!

2010-01-16T06:33:00.000-08:00

My oldest daughter and I are counting up everyone and their entries, so we will be drawing a winner soon!! Come back and see who it is so you can celebrate with us!!

P.S. this may take a while, lol

Birthday G I V E A W A Y

2010-01-05T16:51:00.000-08:00

***PLEASE don't forget to leave a comment here on this post so you can be entered! Just tell me which things you completed from the list below so I know how many entries you get :) ***

Yep, I have decided to give YOU a gift for my birthday!!! How awesome you say? Yes, it is!!!

This is my newest design! Doves are a symbol of peace and love, and these are things I wish for all of you in this new year! I drew this dove by hand and appliqued it to a roomy, and sturdy corduroy bag. This bag is about 17" wide, 14" high, and the strap can be any length you wish. I make the strap wide for comfort on your shoulder. Inside are 3 slip pockets to hold your cell phone, keys, lip balm, pens, whatever! There is a layer of canvas sandwiched between the outside and lining for strength without too much stiffness. It closes with a magnetic snap.

One L U C K Y reader will win a Peace Dove bag of their very own ($52 retail value!!!)!!! YAY!!!!!!
Leave me a comment here for each item you do and a winner will be randomly selected on Friday January 15th, 2010 which is my birthday :)
I will email you if you have won and you will be able to choose the color of your bag, and the dove's colors also!

GOOD LUCK!!!!!

So, it is very easy to enter!! All you have to do is: (and you can do 1 or all, the choice is yours!) Please leave 1 comment for each thing you decide to do for entries!!
1. Follow my blog (1 entry) Leave a comment
2. Follow me on Twitter (1 entry) Leave another comment
3. Fan me on Facebook (1 entry) Leave another comment
4. Visit my Etsy shop and tell me what your favorite item is! (1 entry)
5. Heart my shop on Etsy (1 entry) Leave another comment
6. BLOG about my giveaway and leave the link here in a comment (1 entry)
7. Tweet about my giveaway every day for another entry! (1 entry per day per person) Comment with the link!

Awesome giveaway from a SUPER talented mama!!

2010-01-05T16:23:00.000-08:00

I have always loved the creations that Cynthia of Bellabebeco comes up with. Her use of color and cute fabrics is inspirational! Each design is even more beautiful than the next, and you can have one for your very own!

She is doing this really awesome giveaway here on her blog to celebrate the new year! All you gotta do to enter is become her fan on Facebook and you get 1 entry. Leave a comment here on her blog for another entry, BLOG on your blog about the contest for another entry, visit her ME Page and leave a comment telling Cynthia which set you like the best (good luck, I think that is a near impossible task because they are all so beautiful!). And after you enter, tell your friends to enter too because if she gets to 100 Facebook fans, she will do 2 DRAWINGS!! 2 lucky winners would be awesome!! Good luck!! P.S. the giveaway ends on Friday, January 15th 2010.

Sewing away for SPRING!!

2010-01-05T09:48:00.000-08:00

I am so ready for warm weather!! It always hits me in January. I want sunshine, and warm breezes. I miss taking the baby for afternoon walks! And morning jogs :)

Well, I can't make the seasons change any faster, but I have decided that I can start working on my spring line, and so I have! I have these gorgeous new corduroy purses, some twirl-y patchwork skirts in the making, and LOADS of fun ideas waiting to be made!! I am very excited, and I have a couple of photos to curb your curiosity a bit ;)

I will post more photos as I get more done, but for now this is my new Peace Dove Corduroy Hobo, and my mama patchwork twirl skirt (it's just a peek really because it isn't quite finished!)

Keep checking in! I may just decide to give away a beautiful Peace bag to a LUCKY reader!!

Happy 2010!

2010-01-02T16:48:00.000-08:00

Wow, I cannot believe how fast 2009 went. It is crazy how fast time goes by these days! I am very excited for this new year! I have lots of great ideas for my shop(s) and SOOOO many things that I want to make. I am gearing up for the spring already, trying to jump ahead for once.

Today is my husband's and my 9th anniversary! It was very low key. We celebrated at home. I made steak and dill potatoes with a nice salad. It only cost us around $16 and we fed 6 people! If we would have gone out that bill would have been well over $100! SO for this new year, we are trying to not spend money whenever we can. Very hard for me to do since I am kind of a shop-a-holic. But I am very determined to not shop unless it is something we absolutely need. Actually, that is one of my New Year's resolutions. I have a small list of resolutions, and I am going to try very hard to keep them :)

So we didn't get to got to the New Year's Eve party because the baby was sick. We just stayed home and watched re runs of The Office. I would have been in bed at 10pm but the older kids went to a friends. Had to wait up until midnight. I was so tired, LOL. We got to watch the ball drop. Always fun. I liked it better when we lived in California. The ball dropped at 9pm, then the kids could go to bed because it was the new year! Of course they were much younger then. I don't think they would fall for that now!

I hope you had a great New Year's, and I wish you happiness and blessings. Please check in from time to time! I am going to be trying to keep posting more often :)

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-29T10:26:00.000-08:00

Oh my gosh, Christmas morning was SO fun!! I will never, ever forget the wonder and surprise on the kids' faces as they see the presents under the tree. Lorelai looked at the tree, looked at me and said " now that's what I call Christmas!" So funny. She cracks me up! Connor does this funny surprised gasp whenever he gets excited and he kept doing that while he ran to grab at all of the presents. Santa left a few of Connor's gifts unwrapped so he of course enjoyed that!

They were so cute playing and enjoying their gifts. We talked about the reason for the holiday, and we made family breakfast. This year it was sausage and gravy over biscuits with scrambled eggs. YUM! I lived on that stuff when I was pregnant with Connor. Nothing else seemed even remotely appetizing. It is strange what morning sickness does to you. We said a special grace and wished Jesus a happy birthday. Even Connor chimed in with his "Amen".

To make our day even better we went to our cousin's house in Virginia to celebrate and have dinner with them. They made a yummy lasagna. The kids played Wii for most of the day. They have a Wii Fit and one of the activities in there is hula hooping. Connor was trying to mimic everyone doing that and it was SO cute and funny!! He loves to do what everyone else does. It is hard to believe he is 21 months!!

I hope everyone else had a wonderful holiday, whatever holiday you celebrate. And I hope you got to spend some time with family or friends, or both!

Now we are looking forward to a New Years Eve party that we are all invited too! I will let you know how it goes :)

Beautiful Snow!

2009-12-19T07:24:00.000-08:00

How exciting to wake up to this gorgeous view this morning! And it is still coming down! Can you see the excitement on their faces? Connor and Lorelai were so mesmerized, they just couldn't stop staring out the window! Hopefully it will stop snowing enough so that we can go out and play later. Connor has never played in the snow before, so that will be interesting. The Weather Channel says we are having a blizzard. How lucky for us that it is the weekend! Yeah, the kids are not as happy about that, lol. We are supposed to keep getting snow until this evening! How cool if it snowed like this for Christmas! I can't wait to get out there and build some snowmen with the kids.

Blog or Treat

2009-10-30T14:20:00.000-07:00

Thank you Shannon for hosting this super fun swap! This swap was hosted by Shannon of
The Mommy Files.
It was loads of fun! I got some great goodies from my Blog Or Treat buddy Lin of Linny's Vault She sent candy (yum), some cute silverware for the babe, and lots of decorations!! Which the kids love, of course! I especially love the jack0-lantern candle holder! Thank you Lin!! The box was very awesome :) Here is a photo of the goodies!

Have a Happy Halloween everyone!!!

Halloween Party

2009-10-25T18:23:00.000-07:00

I took the kiddies to our neighborhood Halloween party today! It was fun and the kids got to wear their costumes, which is always a great thing in their books! Lorelai went as a pirate. She was wearing her gorgeous pirate tutu made by yours truly. Connor went as her first mate. He had a BLAST playing the games! And he did pretty well too! Gabe and Nana did not dress up this time but they had fun anyway :)
They are all looking forward to Halloween when they can get loads of yummy candy!

Disney On Ice Celebrations

2009-10-25T17:58:00.000-07:00

So we decided (my husband and I) to surprise our 6 year old daughter (and our 18m month old son although he will probably have no recollection of this) and take them to see Disney on Ice on Friday. It was SO much fun!! Lorelai was SO surprised, and she loved the show! They did a really great job with the presentation. It was very exciting and very colorful. There were lots of cool special effects to keep the kiddos attention. The Fairy Godmother shot sparkles out of her wand! And Mickey made brooms dance!!

The costumes were INCREDIBLE! Very well made. Connor was even entralled enough that he didn't try to get away from me. Well, at least not too much. His favorite part was when Buzz Lightyear and Woody made their appearance. It just so happens that Toy Story is his most FAVORITE movie ever and to prove it we watch it a minimum of 6 times a day! Just kidding! We only watch it about 2 or 3 times. Still, I think that I know the ENTIRE movie by heart. I think I dream of Toy Story at night, lol.

Anyway, there were so many of our favorite Disney characters, Jack the Pumpkin King, Belle, Cinderella, Cruella DeVille, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Donald, Ariel, lice, the Mad Hatter, Mulan, ok you gt the point. There were LOTS of characters!! It was really a fantastic show! Going on a Friday was a great idea! There wasn't too much of a crowd. We had so much fun and I would do it again in a heartbeat!

HAPPY STURDAY! UPDATE!! WINNER ANNOUNCED!

2009-10-17T06:59:00.001-07:00

Today is Saturday, and you know what that means!! The Winner is going to be announced TODAY!!!!! Right on this blog!! As soon as the winner i posted I will update here as well to offer a big CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Copoied direct;y form Joey and Aleethea:

"CONGRATULATIONS to # 276 -- Joann of http://www.arkofjewels.blogspot.com ! How AWESOME, how lucky is she??

I've sent you an eMail Joann, and Liz will be contacting you soon to send out your gorgeous handmade handbag!! Woohoo!!

This was SO MUCH MORE FUN than I could've imagined. Let's do this giveaway stuff again soon, ok?

oxox "

HOORAY JOANN!!!!!! It is your LUCKY day :)

For my Daddy

2009-10-09T04:08:00.000-07:00

Today is an especially sad day for me. Today marks the 1 year anniversary of my dad's death. He died of a heart attack. It was very sudden, he was 52 years old. He had just celebrated his 52nd birthday on October 1st. It was on that Thursday night, October 9, 2008 that I was woken up by my uncles (twins, in the black and white photo with my dad in the center) with the devastating news.

My dad lived in Toney, Alabama. It is a pretty small town just north of Huntsville. It is rural and pretty. He had lived there for at least the last 17 years, though it may have been longer. Heworked for the City of Hunstville. He was a crew chief. Before that he had been a paramedic in Chicago.

My dad was one of the kindest people I knew. He would give you the last $20 in his wallet if you needed it. Even if he had a bill to pay with that $20. He loved everyone, and he treated everyone the same. Like they were family.

My dad lived with his mom until she died in 1999. Then he lived alone. He worked, and went to church. And he LOVED his black Ford Mustang. He wiped that thing down every single time he drove it. That car shined like a star. You could probably shave in the reflection because it was so clean. That was his 2nd child. I was the lucky first.

My dad had just been to Maryland to visit us about a month before he died. My youngest was only 6 months old. I am thankful everyday that I got to see him so close to the end. I am always so sad that I didn't know. That I didn't say more. That I didn't tell him that he was such an inspiration to me. He was my hero. He loved me so much, did he know that I loved him just as much? He loved me unconditionally, and that is such a wonderful feeling. To know that no matter what, someone out there thinks the world of you. Even if you goof up. I miss him very much.

I know my dad was an extraordinary nice guy, but I did not know truly how many friends he had until he died. All of the men he worked with, people from church, people from all over came to the wake to pay their respects. I was overwhelmed with the love they all had for my dad. I wonder if he knew he had touched so many lives. There were many stories of my dad being there to lend a helping hand, lend an ear, or lend a dollar. He was just that kind of guy.

I think of my dad every single day, and I imagine I will for the rest of my life. Because of him I try everyday to be a better person. Even though he is gone, he is still with me and I still want to make him proud. I always think to myself, "what would my dad say about this?" Before I do anything. I want to be the kind of person he was. I want to be kind, loving, giving, understanding, selfless. I want to honor him, and so today I am remembering him, and celebrating his life.

I love you daddy, and I miss you so much.

The cutest Monster Mash ever!!

2009-10-06T10:17:00.001-07:00

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

The GIVEAWAY IS ON!!!

2009-10-01T07:44:00.000-07:00

Get on over here to Joey & Aleethea and grab your chances to win this beautiful bag!! It is brand new design, handmade by me with love and care! And it can be yours!!!!!!! Hurry, contest starts today and ends on October 15th.
Here are some pictures of this yummy bag! It is made of corduroy and beautiful cotton prints. The one that I used for the handles and center strip is an out of print, very hard to find print by Amy Butler. It is from the SunBloom line. Inside are 2 large corduroy pockets to help you stay organized. I just love the colors in this bag! I hope you do too! Good luck!!!

Handmade Handbag GIVEAWAY

2009-09-28T18:57:00.000-07:00

YAY!!!! Giveaways are SO fun!!!!! I am super excited that is is Autumn! I absolutely LOVE Halloween, and pumkin pie!!! And to help spread the cheer, I am very happy to be sponsoring this giveaway on Joey & Aleethea's Blog!!

Joey & Aleethea is one of my most FAVORITE Etsy shops and Sandra (the beauty and brains behind the biz) is doing this wonderful giveaway from her blog with one of my NEWLY designed handmade handbags!! I can't wait to see who gets it!!

Autumn is the perfect time to get a new bag, don't you agree? The weather is changing, the leaves are changing, and so of course you need a new bag to celebrate!! And a FREE bag will make the celebration that much sweeter! Want to win?

Well, you need to stop by Joey & Aleethea this Thursday, October 1st to enter!!!!

Good Luck!!!!!

Reminiscing a little

2009-09-28T15:25:00.000-07:00

So as I was browsing my Flickr gallery I came across this bag (the Boho Sling Bag) that I absolutely loved!!! I kinda wish I still had it ;)
But I know it has a VERY good home where it gets lots of love :)
SO, I decided to show off a few of my other favorite bags! These are a couple of my "Gwen Hobo Bags". These are so cute! I have made them with shoulder straps and messenger straps as well. Messenger bags are so great when you are chasing around toddlers!! These are $35 in my shop. The bag to the left is the "Chocolate Scroll" and to the right is the "Geisha Messenger".

Then I had this gorgeous fall bag (which happens to be a cousin of the first bag on top in this post Boho Sling Bag) This one I called the Gypsy Autumn Hobo Bag. This bag and it's cousin were $40. I made them both out of soft corduroy and yummy cotton prints. The Gypsy bag I did not round the corners on like the Boho bag.

Looking at these purses I am inspired to make more beautiful bags!! I may be digging out some of my hard to find fabrics to make some truly unique bags. Keep checking in to see what I have come up with!!

Craft Fair Fun!!!!!

2009-09-28T15:00:00.000-07:00

SO Saturday, September 26th I was at my 2nd ever craft fair in Grasonville Maryland. It was at the Island Bay Day celebration at the Chesepeake Bay Environmental Center. I shared a spot with Heather of Cotton Candy. She made the most beautiful Tutus, flower hair clips, and headbands. We had a lot of fun together! The day was pretty cloudy and we eventually got rained out :(

But it was good practice for me for setting up and figuring out how to display my items. I am looking forward to doing some more craft fairs in the coming months. I will let you know more about these when the time gets closer :)

Here are some photos from our fun day!!
The photo of our booth while we were getting all set up, and some of my new items. The T-shirts I appliqued using images that my 6 year old and 12 year old daughter drew up for me. They were very into Halloween drawing monsters, ghosts and pumkins! Visit my Etsy shop to see these shirts up close :)

PIRATE RENAISSANCE GOWN : scalarags - ArtFire Clothing

2009-09-10T06:55:00.001-07:00

PIRATE RENAISSANCE GOWN : scalarags - ArtFire Clothing

Shared via AddThis

DIY Halloween fun

2009-09-07T09:29:00.000-07:00

Yes, it is almost that time again! One of my very favorite holidays is Halloween! We always have so much fun trying to decide what everyone is going to dress up as. Then we dig through our goodies and see what kind of very cool costumes we can come up with.

This year so far my oldest daughter is going to be a fairy. How fun!! She made her very own tutu last night and this morning she made her fairy wings. They are not totally done but she dressed up for me anyway so I could grab a few pictures :)

Here is the tutorial for the fairy wings. Very informative and not too hard ;)
Wikihow

I love it that my kids are super creative. I am one proud mama!!
Coming soon... 2 little pirates... ARRRRGGGGG

Countdown to vacation...

2009-07-29T09:23:00.000-07:00

Finally! We are going to Chicago for a couple of weeks to hang out. We are all very excited! So, for now my shop will be closed. As soon as we get home I will be in full swing getting ready for back to school and a craft fair that will be at the end of September. I am very excited for the craft fair! I have a lot of sewing to do...

So, we have been very busy so far this summer. First with the move, we are almost all the way settled in. Unpacking is so not fun! We had relatives come in and we all went to D.C. That was lots of fun! We only got to see a small part though even though we were there for almost the whole day. We are going to go back to see all of the museums sometime soon.

I will post from Chicago and add some pictures of our vacation!

Check out Beauty 4 Moms

2009-07-07T15:58:00.001-07:00

I just happened across this fabulous blog today Beauty 4 Moms and what luck! She is having a giveaway for
Dees Dezigns on Etsy. Dees Dezigns has a huge selection of gorgeous purses, diaper bags and more. The patterns are fantastic! The giveaway is a $20 gift certificate to Dees Dezigns. Just go here to Beauty 4 Moms and check it out.

I have been REVIEWED!!!

2009-06-12T17:06:00.000-07:00

And it is WONDERFUL!!!! Please go take a peak here at One Bored Mommy

You can also enter to win a $10 gift certificate to my shop!

Hyena Cart

2009-06-11T15:40:00.000-07:00

I have been super busy making some cute stuff for Oh Boy! and Princess Fluffy Butt on Hyena Cart.

Oh boy is stocking on Monday, June 1st at 1pm.

Princess Fluffy is stocking on Wednesday, June 3rd at noon.

Be sure to check out both of these great congos! There are so many wonderful items being offered by so many wonderful mamas! :)

School Picnic

2009-06-11T15:39:00.000-07:00

We all had so much fun! There was lots of great food, and so many games and activities for the kids. I think the bounce house was the #1 favorite, followed by the goldfish game! We came home with 2 goldfish, which the girls named Aaliyah and Spot. Unusual yet very cool goldfish names :)
Connor enjoyed the sticks. They were everywhere! And he of course loved the duck pond. And he kept trying to go in it! He also really enjoyed the goldfish. He even says fish, although it still sounds more like "shhhhh".

Lorelai was all smiles as she waited in line for the bounce house. I do believe this is where she spent most of the day!

School picnics are so fun!

Brilliant Weblog Premio

2008-09-16T14:33:00.000-07:00

Yay!!!! I have been awarded the

Brilliant Weblog Premio

By Joey And Aleetehea Thanks! I am so honored :)

Brillante Weblog is a fun award given by bloggers to other bloggers. The purpose is basically to promote as many blogs as possible in the blogsphere. And you may just make someone's day too.

So now I get to nominate 7 blogs to get this totally awesom award! Here goes:

1. Frostings and Sparkles
2. Bluemuf's Corner
3. Alison Gibbs
4. Bella Enchanted
5. Johnsy's Blog
6. Theresa Smith Designs
7. Reminisce Heirlooms

Here are the rules for the above nominees:

1) Add the logo of the Brillante Weblog award to your blog
2) Add a link to the person who awarded it to you
3) Nominate at least 7 other blogs or sites
4) Add links to those blogs on your blog
5) Leave a message for your nominees that they've won the Brillante Weblog award
6) Show a picture of those who awarded you and those you give the prize to (optional)

Long time no see....

2008-09-16T14:18:00.000-07:00

So I know I kinda disappeared from the face of the earth but I am slowly coming back! We have had LOTS of stuff going on. I mean, who hasn't right? We had a beautiful baby boy, we moved, we got orders to Japan (supposed to be there Oct. 31st) and we went to Chicago, plus we have been dealing with some health issues my husband has. He has been in and out of the hospital and undergoing lots of tests. So that is why I have not been here. I have not been sewing or anything but now I am trying to get back into the groove of things.

So hello everyone! I am so sorry to not have answered any of your last comments and I am very sorry I have not been visiting! I hope you all forgive me :)

Here are some recent pictures for you to see of the babe and a few things I have managed to sew lately.

And my birthday is...

2008-04-18T05:48:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! I am just popping in for a moment to introduce Connor William. He was born on Monday, April 14 at 1:23 PM. He weighed 6lbs and 15 oz and was 20 inches long. He is home now and we are all adjusting to our new schedule. Everyone is doing wonderfully! Here are a few pictures. I will post back soon, and also I have to go see who my "Guess Connor's Birthday" winners are, if I have any :)

Another Update

2008-04-05T06:02:00.000-07:00

Ok, baby does not want to leave his cozy home so he is still hanging out. I sure hope he decides very soon to come out and meet us! The last few weeks are the hardest for sure and my official due date is tomorrow. We have grandma and Aunt Lisa here visiting form Chicago to meet his little guy too! I am sure we will do something fun this weekend so I will try and post some pictures, and of course if our baby decides he is ready, I will definitely post some pictures of him!

If you have not guessed a birth day for baby, it isn't too late!! Some one can still win a free purse!

Talk to you all very soon (I HOPE)

Update

2008-03-30T18:06:00.000-07:00

Ok, we have about 6 days left until my due date, and NO, he has not been born yet. SO, we are getting down to the wire and I wonder who will win my little contest??? It isn't too late to enter! Just comment on the post below and you could win your own custom purse! I will let you all now when Connor is born! Talk to you very soon (I hope)

Guess Connor's Birthday!!! Let's play a game and the winner will get a FREE CUSTOM PURSE made by me just for them :)

2008-03-08T08:26:00.000-08:00

OK, who wants to guess what day Connor will be born?? My actual due date is April 6th, although the ultrasound had him measuring about 3 days bigger. All three of my other babies went a few days past their due date but my doctor said last week he thinks I will deliver between 38 1/2-39 weeks. I don't know but it is sure exciting to guess!

Plus the winner (or winners) will receive their very own custom hobo bag (photos are of other bags I have made) Just pick your fabric color choices and I will do the rest. Plus this bag can be made with a short strap to carry on your arm, medium length so you can wear it on your shoulder or long length so you can wear it as a messenger! How cool is that???

This bag is roomy, but not huge. I can make it out of corduroy or twill also if you prefer a solid color! Ok, just post here what your guess is and a s soon as he is born (and I get a chance to get on my computer) I will let the winner(s) know!! Good luck :)

Update!! Pictures of Lorelai's Dance and My 32 week Belly Shot

2008-02-10T10:32:00.000-08:00

My how time flies when you are having fun! Today I am 32 weeks and 3 days and I only have about 6 weeks and 4 days to go! Hurray! I am so excited to meet my little guy.

The weather is cold, but not as cold as some other places. We have mid 30's. I sure will be happy to be able to go outside in shorts again! I know the kids are ready for that too. They are not liking being cooped up in the house anymore. Who can blame them?

Tomorrow night Lorelai is having a Friendship Dance at her school. She is very excited! This is the second dance of the year and she had a blast at the first one! I will be sure to take pictures so you can all see how much fun it was!

My "baby" turned 12!!!

2008-01-24T06:56:00.000-08:00

I can't believe how fast they grow up. My son Gabriel is 12 years old as of January 23rd. He is my first child. I think he had a really good birthday. His dad surprised him with an electric guitar! He was so excited. I will post some pictures soon. Tomorrow we are taking Gabe to Dave and Busters to celebrate. I will take some pictures there too. Gabe got about $100 from family and also got some neat gifts. he got some more Tech Decks, a ramp for the Tech Decks, some portable speakers for his i pod, a new jacket, a book light, and the book Diary of a Wimpy Kid. I guess that is a really funny book. So far he loves it. I think I should read it when he is finished. Gabe is saving up all of his cash in the bank so he can buy a car. He is off to a really good start. He has already been saving his money for a few years. We opened all the kids their very own savings accounts for Christmas a few years ago. I will post those pictures soon!!

Here is my belly and my latest project for Connor

2008-01-20T11:26:00.000-08:00

I don't think I have many pictures of myself this pregnancy, so I thought I better get at least 1 before the baby comes. We are getting so close. About 10 1/2 weeks to go! I look not so great, no makeup or anything but that is OK. It is Sunday and we are just hanging out today.

I also finished this adorable patchwork quilt for Connor today. It has lots of puppies and different patches of terry cloth, minky, cotton, flannel, and fleece. The back is cuddly flannel featuring, yep, more puppies. I miss my puppy so much that I guess I am just trying to keep myself surrounded by them. I am sure, being a little boy that Connor won't mind. I added a little puppy pocket too with some loopy ribbons and Connor can keep his little stuffed puppy or whatever else he wants in the little pocket.

This is actually the first sewing I have really done since our Toby passed. It feels good to do something relaxing and to be able to create something beautiful.

Our hearts are broken...

2008-01-11T11:38:00.001-08:00

Last Saturday, January 5th 2008 we lost a very dear part of put family. Our dog Toby had to be put to sleep. He was very sick and we were told by his doctors that his prognosis was not good. This was a very difficult decision to make and now, almost a week later it is still very hard for us.

Toby was a puppy when we brought him home. He was born on December 1st, 2000 in Salinas California. His mother was a stray and was taken in by Animal Friends Rescue Project (AFRP) of California. He was born at the Salinas Animal Hospital and he was the runt of the litter. All of the puppies were champaign colored except for Toby who was black and his brother Jamie who was brown. Jamie was adopted by one of the veterinarians in the hospital and Toby came home with us in February of 2000.

He was so small. I think he weighed maybe 5 lbs max. We wrapped him on a little shirt and he sat on my laps for the 20 minute ride home to Monterey. He was shaking uncontrollably and we later learned that this was normal for him. Toby was a bit of a chicken. He was frightened of blowing leaves, plastic bags, other dogs, and anything that moved suddenly and caught him off guard. Any of these things would send him running in the opposite direction.

We kennel trained Toby and he was very smart. It only took a few months of training and he went potty outside, never having any accidents until this past October, when he became very ill. Toby had a blanket and a "baby" (a little brown stuffed elephant) inside his "house" (that is what we called his kennel). If he misbehaved and we told him to get in his house, he ran right into his kennel.

Toby moved with us from Fort Ord in Monterey, to Alabama, to Chicago, to Beale AFB in California, to Fort Ord in Monterey again, and finally to Fort Mead in Maryland. While Toby loved to go in the car, it inevitably made him car sick. We always had good times traveling.

Toby was a really good boy. He would not climb on the table or counters to eat your food. He rarely ever got into the garbage. He never ran away from us (except to run barking at people as they walked by and scare the you know what out of them, but really he only wanted to lick them, he never bit) he came when he was called. He could sit and lay down though he was usually too hyper to do it for more than a few seconds at a time. He loved to run and he would run around us in circles outside. We were always afraid he would make himself dizzy and hit a tree.

Toby loved to go hiking and we took him often to Garland Ranch Park in Carmel, California. It was so beautiful there. there were so many trails to hike and there was a small brook where we would sit and rest while Toby played in the water.

Toby has been a part of out family for the past 7 years, as long a s Terry and I have been married. It is going to be very strange to not have him around anymore. It is hard for me to come home. He could always hear our car pull up and he would bark his head off until we opened the door. Then he would be standing there wagging his tail so hard you would think his butt was going to fly off into the wall. He sure loved us a lot. I walk in now, and the house is empty. No friendly wags and no barks to welcome you in.

In October, Toby got very, very sick and he really almost died on us then. He became very lethargic and then he refused to eat or drink. I took him to the vet and they ran a bunch of tests. They diagnosed Toby with hemolytic anemia. His body (his immune system) was attacking and killing off all of his red blood cells. He had to be checked into the emergency veterinary hospital and he stayed for a week. He received a blood transfusion and some medications to suppress his immune system. We were told that his condition was incurable and that he would likely need to be on medication for the rest of his life.

He had to take 8 pills everyday and have his blood checked weekly. He seemed to recover somewhat but he was never the same. He spent most of his day sleeping, he wouldn't play or run at all. This was such a change from the hyper dog he has always been. He has always acted like he was still a puppy. He also did a LOT of eating and drinking. His medication made him constantly thirsty and hungry. Because of the powerful drugs he was on suppressed his immune system, he kept getting infections. On Saturday of last week he was really sick again, refusing to eat or drink and having bloody diarrhea in scary amounts,so back to the emergency vet we went. The doctor told us that he would never get better. He was going to keep getting these awful infections that caused him to be sick and to have the bloody stools. He was going to keep suffering so we had to make a very difficult decision to end his suffering.

He was like one of my children. He came to us as a baby and we raised him, worried over him, took him everywhere we went and now there is a big emptiness. I know time will ease the hurt, but it seems like that is a long time away. Talking about him and writing about him I think helps me a lot. We have lots of pictures of him and lots of wonderful memories. I think we are lucky to have had such a good dog, even though it was only for a short while. I never knew how much losing a pet would hurt. I miss him so much.

Connor Michael Baby Pictures (well ultrasound pictures anyway)

2008-01-05T12:55:00.000-08:00

Hi!! I have finally got some pictures to share. We have changed baby's name from Connor William to Connor Michael. This is his daddy's and grandpa's middle names (Michael) so I thought that would be neat to bestow upon him. These photos are from 20 weeks, when we found out we were having a boy. I am now 27 weeks along and getting so close to the end. Yay for the 3rd trimester!! I cannot believe how big my belly is and I still have another 13 weeks of growing to go!

And the results are in.......

2007-11-30T18:08:00.000-08:00

It's a BOY!!!!! Yay! We are so excited. Of course we would be so excited no matter what! But now I know what to shop for :)
Blues, greens, trucks and all kinds of boy stuff. I got my ultrasound on the 19th, and I know I have been so bad about keeping my blog here current. Life gets so hectic!
I have pictures and I will get them scanned and posted ASAP so you can see our baby boy Connor William (well in black and white at least)

All three kids are super excited to meet their new baby brother in about 18 weeks! I can't believe that it is going by so fast and yet so slowly at the same time :)

Black Cat and Pumpkin Swap

2007-09-26T06:00:00.000-07:00

Here are the wonderful goodies I received from Karen of Bluemuf's Corner
She sent me the softest hand towels, a really cute primitive kitty and pumpkin statue, some Halloween cookie cutters (that the kiddies can't wait to make cookies with!) a pumpkin pin cushion that Karen made with hand dyed fabric, a black cat needle book and a really cute fabric panel with kitties and pumpkins! Thank you so much Karen. My package was wonderful and I had so much fun opening it. Just as much fun as I had shopping for Karen's swap package. In hers, I included (NO PEEKING Karen!!) A handmade bag with pumpkins, kitties and other Halloween characters, a really yummy smelling frosted pumpkin votive from Yankee Candles. I really wanted to eat this candle, although I refrained, lol. Some pumpkin peeps, a pumpkin PEZ dispenser, some 3D stickers, a pumpkin Chinese takeout box, a really soft stuffed black kitty, and a really cute Bear statue with a black cat and a pumpkin. I also sent a cute pumpkin card. Oh yes and the most adorable metal black cat on a spring! I just loved it when I saw it! I really hope Karen loves her package as much as I loved mine!

First Baby Picture!

2007-09-26T04:23:00.000-07:00

Here is our very first baby picture. Of course baby is still too small to know if she is a girl, or he is a boy. We are very excited to find out though! About 7 weeks until I will be 20 weeks along and can get my second ultrasound. Aside from being pregnant, which makes me sooooo tired. I have been super busy making some really pretty stuff for the Fall Craft Show. It is October 6th and 7th. I can't wait! Also I have been busy filling a few custom orders.

I just finished this skirt made with Fresh Cut fabric by Heather Bailey for Tabetha of Reminisce Heirlooms. Bless her heart, she waited for a really long time for me to finish this for her and she was so patient! I hope her daughter loves it! Please go check out Tabetha's blog. She makes the most wonderful keepsakes and with the holidays right around the corner, you may just find that perfect gift for that special someone!

I also finished these three sets for Kendall. She is my California customer.

So this is why my blog has been neglected, once again. But I am updating it now! I have more swap pictures to post and also I have some pictures of my goodies that I have been working on for the craft fair to share.

Swaps, swaps, and more swaps!!!

2007-09-23T16:18:00.000-07:00

The first picture is what I got from my cotton candy partner, and the second is what I sent her.

So I have done three totally fun swaps and shame on me for not posting about all the awesome stuff I got and sent to my partners!!

I did the Vintage Kitchen swap, and my partner was Liz. I got a really cool rooster statue, a sunflower spoon rest and a rooster apron. I sent her a cinnamon broom, a wooden box with vintage cherry labels on each side, a really neat bag that I made from 2 vintage curtains, some wild cherry earrings and some cherry magnets I made. Oh and a really cool vintage repro. cherry towel for her kitchen.

The next swap was the cotton candy swap. My awesome partner was Alison and she sent me so much chocolate!! Thank you Alison, it was all so delicious! I also received some lavender pillows, a pink and white polka-dot towel and a pretty star ornament from her.

The very last swap I did was the black cat and pumpkin swap. My wonderful partner Karen has yet to receive her items, so those must be secret for a bit longer!

I will post some pictures in just a bit...

Long time no see...

2007-08-14T08:02:00.000-07:00

Wow. I cannot believe how fast time goes by. I have been so busy sewing and shopping for school supplies that I have not really done much else. As you can see, even my poor blog has been neglected! This is a picture of me, my husband Terry and our youngest daughter Lorelai at the zoo in Chicago. I just got some yummy new fabrics called Barefoot Roses from a really cool fabric store Flapper Girl Fabrics
I cannot wait to play with these and make some pretty stuff! I already have some ideas in my head for what to do with these. I am also in the process of cleaning out my fabric stash. Ahhh, out with the old and in with the new. Perhaps I will list some on Etsy and also give some away on freecycle. I am also trying to get some stuff made for a Fall craft show that I am going to be in! I am so excited about that. It will be my first ever and as well as being excited, I am also super nervous. I have found some great advice online so i am doing my homework to try and be as ready as possible and although I am new at this, I want to appear as though I am an old pro. If anyone has any advice on set ups and inexpensive equipment to use for the show, please share! That is one area that I am having trouble with. I will be bringing purses, tutus, some skirts and dresses, and maybe some headbands and other small items. I am pairing up with my partner in crime Theresa from TRS Designs So at least I will not be alone.

Our first baby outfit, blankie and burp cloth

2007-07-30T12:07:00.000-07:00

Awww, isn't this stuff just adorable?? (I apologize for the poor pictures! Our lighting is horrible inside and it is pouring rain outside!)
This was all made by Sandra of joeyandaleethea

She is such a sweetie and does the most awesome baby stuff ever! I can't wait for our newest member to sport "Aristotle"
Go check out her shop for monsters, owls and much much more! Thanks Sandra, you rock!!

Feelin Crafty!!

2007-07-29T14:46:00.000-07:00

Wow, I am loving this posting thing lately, lol. I have been feeling so crafty these last few days! I kicked butt and made about 6 tutus yesterday. I got inspired by my black and red rockin roller tut and made this totally awesome t-shirt for my littlest daughter, lorelai. I love the way it turned out! Think thre would be a market for these? I just took one of her plain t-shirts and added some bling, some iron on roses and skull and cross-bones and then finished the edges with some silver disks. I think I want one of these for me!! :)
And here is my hallway of tulle... I had to hang these cuties somewhere!
I am hoping that these might sell for Halloween and stuff. These tutus can be used for all kinds of costumes; fairies, witches, pirates, ballerinas, princesses, punk-rockers, you name it! With some cute accessories you have a one-of-a-kind outfit! I have almost all of these in my Etsy shop, so we shall see...

Bunny Swap

2007-07-29T14:41:00.000-07:00

Here is my cutest bunny from the bunny swap. My partner was Missy from the Crafty Carnival ( i am still trying to figure out how the heck to put links in here) her blog is listed in my favorite blogs over on the right. Go check it out! She is totally awesome. Anyhow, the lighting is not so good but I have wanted to put a picture of this darling bunny up forever, so here she is fist sitting with my adorable cupcakes from Frostings N Sparkles (another totally awesome chick!) and then sitting by her lonesome in the big, big chair. She is too cute holding her little mushroom bouquet. And she is totally pose able!!

Harry Potter!!

2007-07-28T06:28:00.000-07:00

Ok, we went to Borders on the eve of the 21st of July this 2007. Theresa (my good friend) and myself. It was SO PACKED!! We had fun though, even though by 11:30 we were trying not to fall asleep... there were lots of great characters there. We got our pictures taken with, ahem, Hermoine (in her male form that is) and Mad Eye Moody. We even got to sport some S.P.E.W. badges that we recieved from hermoine. unfortunately a couple of our pictures came out blurry, but you get the general idea. We took a picture of our feet at midnight, for no other reason than we are dorks, lol. Then as we were leaving we took a picture of the very looonnngggg line of people waiting outside for their Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows books. can you believe i forgot to get my picture taken with my book!? We went to the book store at 9 am that morning in order to get a bracelet. We had to wait an hour, but I got a silver one which was the second color. Luckily we were outta there by 1 am.

I read the book and it is wonderful! I am so sad that it was the last one though.At first I wasn't really into Harry Potter, but as soon as I finally read the first book I was hooked. My kiddos and I love going to see the movies when they come out at the theater. It is a tradition for us :)

We are gonna have a baby!

2007-07-26T14:05:00.000-07:00

Yay! We are pregnant! We are all so excited. Just wanted to share the happy news.

Awwww

2007-06-27T18:20:00.000-07:00

Just had to share this cute picture :)
Aren't they sweet?? I love to get these pictures with all three of them standing within close proximity and all smiling at the same time. These are rare, lol.

Check out my friends new Etsy store!

2007-06-27T17:59:00.001-07:00

This is my friend Theresa's new stuff that she listed at Etsy. She is super cool and has great ideas. I get lots of inspiration from her :)
She just opened her store and just listed this stuff today. Hopefully she will have her blog up soon and everyone can go say hello.
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5165443

My Website...

2007-06-26T11:21:00.001-07:00

My website is finally up!!! I am just playing right now and adding some things that I made a long time ago. All this stuff is still new to me, but it looks great! At least I think so :)
I will be adding actual items for sale soon. I want to get my gallery up with all my past work and a page with pictures of fabrics I have available for custom work. That is my goal over the next few days. Please go check it out and let me know what you think. I will take any and all constructive criticism and any ideas you may have!!! Thank you!
My link is to the right under "My website and Photo gallery"

Awesome fabric shop

2007-06-25T18:52:00.000-07:00

This is an awesome place for beautiful fabrics!! Go check it out! I am definately ordering some pretty fabrics from here for some projects I have in mind.

http://www.flappergirlfabrics.com/index.html

Kids Health Expo

2007-06-25T04:16:00.000-07:00

Wow did they have fun! They got goodie bags filled with stuff and they got to ride a horse and a pony! There was also a bounce house, games and crafts. It was a great way to spend a few hours on Friday morning and it was all free- Even better!

Briana's Birthday

2007-06-20T05:31:00.000-07:00

Today is my middle girl's 10th birthday! Can I believe that? No way! Where does the time go??? She is so excited to open all of her presents, and who can blame her. She got some really cool stuff! We are celebrating her birthday today with cake and then next week we go to the movies to see Ratatoulle!!

It;s been a while...

2007-06-19T05:07:00.000-07:00

I have been so busy, that I have not posted here in a while so here is a summary of all my adventures.... Yay! I FINALLY got to go see Pirates of the Caribbean 3!! So exciting!! Did you guys know that you have to stay through all the closing credits at the end because there is one additional scene???? Only 5 people stayed in our theater to see it so lots of people don't even know!! I saw it so I know it's true :)

Bunny swappin has had my brain working too! I have such a cute idea ready. I even have my materials together so hoprfully today I can bring them to life...

Happy be-lated Father's Day! This weekend there was a HUGE resident picnic that included a huge bounce house and inflatable slide, not to mention free hot dogs, burgers, all the soda you could drink, cotton candy and Italian Ice!!! Oh yeah, and the best part, a PIE EATING CONTEST that my friend and neighbor Theresa made me sign up for. I have never been in a pie eating contest before, so it was interesting. I did not win :(
But it was so much fun! I have a picture for you to laugh at! I was kind of grossed out tin the beginning because my pie was supposed to be apple! The box said apple! Then I started eating it and it was peach!!! You know how when you are xpecting one taste, and then you geta complete differnet one how ot kind of grosses you out? Yeah, that was me, eeewwww. We also got to go swimming, a lot! The kids were in heaven!

Diary 2008 Project - Attention Artists!!!

2007-06-11T15:40:00.001-07:00

Are you looking for an awesome way to promote your artwork? What better way than to have it featured in a diary? There are still lots of dates available... go here to get all the Info. and see some of th epages that are already done!
http://www.fantazya.ca/diary2008.html
Please check it out, it is going to be awesome, and even if you don't want to participate, look for the finished version to purchase and you will have your very own collection of art from lots of talented artists from all over the world!

e Etsy Lucky Thirteenth Club

2007-06-11T04:57:00.000-07:00

Hey ya'll! Check out this awesome blog full of goodies that will premiere on Etsy on the 13th! These are lucky day specials just for you :)
http://luckythirteenclub.blogspot.com/
Here is a peek at my lucky 13th special. Search ETSYLUCKYDAY to find everyone's lucky 13th specials!

Jelly?

2007-06-07T04:11:00.000-07:00

I am going to make some homemade Jelly. It sounds so good and seems fairly straight-forward. I have never done it before, but I know that homemade goodies always taste better than store bought. I am going to visit the farmer's market and get some fresh fruit today or tomorrow. Hopefully anyway! I just love spring and summer! I am also making some new Farmer's Market shopping bags. They are great to carry all your fruits and veggies. Plus they double as grocery bags to reduce the need for plastic bags and paper bags. Taking care of our environment is very important and we should all do whatever we can ;)

Just a quick hello!

2007-06-01T08:47:00.001-07:00

I think I spend most of my day on the computer, LOL. I don't have much to say right now. I am still working on some new stuff, so I think i will just keep at that today :)
I am counting down the days until we go home to visit our family!

Finally got some work done today

2007-05-30T13:48:00.000-07:00

Yay! I am so happy. I actually got some work done today. I made a new bag (from some of my new fabric) and got a few of my already made bags on Etsy :)
It feels good to be productive. I even took my Lorelai to the pool for a couple hours today. It is very hot here, but i think we have rain coming...

Another Skirt I made

2007-05-28T16:55:00.000-07:00

This is a skirt that I made from a pattern from Elf Shimmer Designs. It turned out awesome!

New Fabric To Play With

2007-05-28T16:25:00.000-07:00

Oh my goodness did I find some DEALS today! i think I bought around 30 yards of yummy fabric. Look at my pictures! I am so excited to make some new bags and some other neat stuff. Just what I don't know yet, but I am-a-thinkin!
I am so excited! Did I already say that? LOL.
Here are the pictures of my new inspiration

Something cool...

2007-05-28T16:22:00.000-07:00

Look at this:

It is fun to play with these avatars :)
I am a nerd, i know! I can't wait to see Pirates number 3. I love orlando, and Johnny isn't too bad either!

I'm Back!!

2007-05-27T10:48:00.000-07:00

Ok, well I never really left, but I have not been here in a little while. Hi everyone who has visited! I am so glad you came by :)
I have been sewing as much as I could these last few weeks and I made some really cute bags. I also made my girls some matching skirts. Briana (my oldest daughter) had a band concert last week and she needed a dark skirt. I mad eher one using three different black patterned fabrics and ribbon. I had to make Lorelai (the youngest) a skirt using the same fabrics. They turned out so cute! I just love skirts :)
I have been comissioned by my cousin to make a skirt. This will be my first grown-up skirt so I am really excited! I want to start making clothing for women as well as kiddos. I am off to sew....

Working on new handbag designs

2007-05-16T06:21:00.000-07:00

I am trying to come up with some new and unique handbags. I have a few pretty good ideas in my head, but they don't always turn out as well in creation as they did in my imagination. We shall see! I have some new fabulous fabric that I am just so excited to use! I think I am also going to create a new skirt set or dress with it as well. I have so many drawings of things I want to make! I don't think i will ever have time to make them all, even if I never sleep and only sew 24 hours a day, lol.

Elizabeth Gwen Originals

2007-05-15T18:38:00.000-07:00

Wow, I am so excited that I have a blog! I will be putting some pictures and fun stuff in here soon! I am such a nerd :)
I am so happy to be out of school for the summer. I can't wait to sew, sew, sew!! I have so many neat ideas swimming around in my head to create so hopefully I can bring them to life.