Bellaboos

Camille's giving away again

2009-03-17T08:01:00.007-04:00

Okay all you crafsters out there...Camille is having another giveaway over at Simplify. I just love her blog! I get lots of ideas from her photography hints, beautiful home & fabrics, oh and those darling little boys! Besides, she loves Reeses eggs and Dr Pepper, so I'm sure we could be BFFs:) Be sure to head on over and enter to win and make sure you share the love if you're so lucky!

We've been on Spring Break for 2 days this week...that's right, 2 days! So I've been sewing non-stop trying to get caught up on orders and make a couple of new items for the shop. Here are a couple of my new favorites. Enjoy!

Taking the good with the bad...

2009-03-08T09:11:00.005-04:00

It's been pretty crummy around our house for the last week. Ches wasn't feeling well Monday night after praise band practice. I took his temperature, and it was somewhere around 99.5...not too bad, right? So being the great teacher/mom that I am, I sent him to school bright and early Tuesday morning. (Teacher's children are the ones you can count on to be there EVERY day, sick or not!) I get a call in the middle of one of my classes. "Mom, the nurse says my temperature is 101.8 and I can't stay at school. I need your permission to drive home." UGH! I hang in there until my last class leaves at 12:00, and then I meet Ches at the doctor's office. They promptly do a flu test (by the way, have you ever had one of those? Not fun, let me tell ya!) Dr. Bowman say it will take about 10 minutes to get the results, oh nevermind it'll take less than 1 minute...Ches has the flu. Oh yeah, and Tamiflu isn't working with this flu, so ya'll go home and get him in the bed, and while you're at it wash your hands real good. (Insert evil laugh from the good doctor here.) For the first year in many, I didn't take a flu shot this year. Guess what, I'll have one next year you can bet! Needless to say, exactly one day later my symptoms began and it's just been a blast! Thankfully noone else in the house has come down with it yet (although I have wished it on Andy once...okay twice during the week!) We'll be heading back to school and work tomorrow and hoping for the best.

Now for the good. I haven't been on the computer as much due to before mentioned flu. I logged on this morning and glanced through the Etsy Treasuries (which I hardly ever do.) Lo and behold, I'm in 3 treasuries! Woo Hoo! Then I read the comments before posting my own, and there I see it "Congrats on the FP!" For those of you non-etsians, FP is Front Page and every sellers dream. When you first log on to Etsy before going to any shops, the Front Page has photos from 12 shops usually selected by a seller and sometimes by Etsy administrators or even customers. Anyway, it's a joy to have been there for only the 3rd time...and I've missed all 3! Here's a shot of the FP conataining my Ruffled Rhumba Pants. Thanks so much for selecting me for this beautiful treasury ShopWhimsy!

Where did your child sleep last night?

2009-02-28T20:22:00.008-05:00

My 2 boys (I say boys, but they're really "young men" now) slept in a cardboard box last night. They also went without food from lunch yesterday until 6:00 pm this evening, at which time they were given a cup of rice for their meal. I promise we're not torturing them, although at various times during their lives it may have seemed like we have! Both boys participated in the 30 Hours of Famine at New Convenant Church in Tifton through World Vision. There were quite a few young people as well as youth leaders from New Covenant who committed to raising money and awareness of Homelessness and Hunger in America and how many lives it affects daily...in our own country! It was an incredibly eye-opening experience for them. All electronic devices were taken from the young people as they arrived at the church (yes, this means no cell phones.) They were allowed to have a sleeping bag or pillow only if they were able to raise enough money for that privilege. The boys have described their "house" to me with quite a bit of pride I must say. I understand that it was the largest one out there. Of course there were 4 guys in this one box, and my boys are both over 6 ft tall! They were hungry, exhausted, and ready for their own beds when they got home. Needless to say they are much more appreciative of the many blessings they have. Here are the only photos I was able to get before they crashed for the night...don't they look exhausted? Sleep tight in your warm beds tonight guys!

Cora Paige

2009-02-22T21:08:00.005-05:00

Today I learned of a precious baby girl named Cora Paige McClenahan. Cora was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma in January and went to be with Jesus just three short weeks later. I cannot even begin to imagine what her family must be experiencing right now, but I do know that their faith and strength inspired me. You can read about Cora's life here.

The Kansas community where Cora lived is having a benefit to build a playground in her memory, and many of us in the etsy community are donating proceeds to help them meet their goal. I am donating the proceeds from the sale of several of my new knot dress designs to the Cora paige Project. Be sure to head on over to etsy and type "Cora Paige" in the search box. There are many, many beautiful items to choose from. Here is a photo of my benefit items available at this time:

CPSIA and you...

2009-01-27T06:02:00.001-05:00

As parents and concerned citizens I’m sure most of us at one time or another have been confronted with the question of lead poisoning. But have you asked yourself what your government is doing to protect your children from lead contained in toys? The answer? They're banning toys, taking books from schools and libraries, hurting low income families, killing entrepreneurial spirit and risking putting the economy in an even greater depression than we've seen in decades. I'd like to introduce you to their solution: the CPSIA.Do you know about the CPSIA? No? Then I ask you to take a few minutes to find out about it.The CPSIA stands for Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, a new set of laws that will come into effect on 10 February, 2009 and will impact many, many people in a negative way. Make no mistake, this is very real. View it for yourself. If Forbes, the American Library Association and numerous other media are paying attention, perhaps you should too. How will these new laws affect you? Well, here are a few examples:

To the Parents of Young Students:Due to the new law, expect to see the cost of school supplies sky rocket. While those paper clips weren't originally intended for your student to use, they will need to be tested now that your 11-year-old needs them for his school project. This law applies to any and all school supplies (textbooks, pencils, crayons, paper, etc.) being used by children under 12.

To the Avid Reader:Due to the new law, all children's books will be pulled from library and school shelves, as there is no exemption for them. That’s okay though, there's always television. Our children don’t need to learn the love of reading after all.Article from the American Library Association http://www.wo.ala.org/districtdispatch/?p=1322

To the Lover of All Things Handmade:Due to the new law, you will now be given a cotton ball and an instruction manual so you can make it yourself since that blanket you originally had your eye on for $50 will now cost you around $1,000 after it's passed testing. It won't even be the one-of-a-kind blanket you were hoping for. Items are destroyed in the testing process making one-of-a-kind items virtually impossible. So that gorgeous hand-knit hat you bought your child this past winter won’t be available next winter.

To the Environmentalist:Due to the new law, all items in non-compliance will now be dumped into our already overflowing landfills. Imagine not just products from the small business owners, but the Big Box Stores as well. You can't sell it so you must toss it. Or be potentially sued for selling it. You can't even give them away. If you are caught, it is still a violation.

To the Second-Hand Shopper:Due to the new law, you will now need to spend $20 for that brand new pair of jeans for your 2-year old, rather than shop at the Goodwill for second hand. Many resale shops are eliminating children's items all together to avoid future lawsuits.T

o the Entrepreneur:Due to this new law, you will be forced to adhere to strict testing of your unique products or discontinue to make and/or sell them. Small businesses will be likely to be unable to afford the cost of testing and be forced to close up shop. Due to the current economic state, you'll have to hope for the best when it comes to finding a new job in Corporate America.

To the Antique Toy Collector:Due to the new law, you'd better start buying now because it's all going to private collection and will no longer be available to purchase. “Because the new rules apply retroactively, toys and clothes already on the shelf will have to be thrown out if they aren't certified as safe.” http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123189645948879745.html

To the American Economy:Already struggling under an economy that hasn’t been this weak in decades, the American economy will be hit harder with the inevitable loss of jobs and revenues from suppliers, small businesses and consumers. The required testing is far too costly and restrictive for small businesses or individuals to undertake.

To the Worldwide Economy:Due to this new law, many foreign manufacturers have already pulled out of the US market. You can imagine the impact of this on their businesses. If you think this is exaggerating, here is a recent article from Forbeshttp://www.forbes.com/2009/01/16/cpsia-safety-toys-oped-cx_wo_0116olson.htmlAnd for those of you prepared to be stupefied and boggled, The New Lawhttp://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsia.html

Did you know? If this upsets or alarms you, please react. Contact your representatives in Congress and demand that this law be repealed or modified.

Back in the saddle again...

2009-01-11T21:10:00.003-05:00

Well, I've decided it's definitely time to get back to some serious work. Tonight I listed the first new outfit since November, and it's a relief to have it done! Maybe now I can really get back in the swing of creating and out of this funk I've sunk into since Christmas. Don't be mistaken in thinking I've been doing nothing all this time...I've had several orders to complete and one huge wholesale order to get out. It's just that it's all going so slowly, and I've been unable to create new items in the meantime. Besides, my sister says that Marli Claire must have new clothes immediately! So it's off to work I go...

Happy New Year 2009!

2009-01-01T07:05:00.007-05:00

Happy New Year everyone! I once again welcomed it in my same old fashion...completely asleep! No matter how hard I try to stay awake on New Year's Eve, I manage to fall asleep every time. Those that know me personally understand that I'm almost always asleep by 9:30 pm (I know it's ridiculous!) but then I'm back up around 5 am. So in my own way, I think it balances itself out, don't you?

I forgot to post some of our family photos this year. My mother-in-law wanted an updated family photo for Christmas, and I only found this out the week before. We did alot of scrambling around attempting to get this done to no avail. She'll be getting her Christmas gift a little late. However it will be earlier than I originally told her when she asked. It went something like this:

Babs: "I want a family photo like my sister got for Christmas. What would it take to get one done?"

Me: "Austin would need to shave, Ches would need to cut his hair, and I would need to lose let's say 70 lbs."

Babs" "So it's not happening this year?

Me: "Ummm No...let's try for Christmas 2009."

Notice Andy didn't have to do anything for this photo to happen. It really must be nice! I did get Austin to shave, but Ches was a definite no on the hair cut. He's such a Samson with that hair! We took the photos in our back yard with the cotton field in the background and then further down by the lake/pond (I never know what to call it.) Enjoy!

Did I mention I got a new camera? It was sortof a Christmas gift and mainly an 'I've worked so hard I deserve this' kind of gift. It's a Nikon D60, and I'm still learning how to use it, but what fun it's been already! We did our little photo shot with it where I learned about a couple of things I must have right away: a remote control (did you know they even had such a thing?) an external speedlight (flash) and at least one more lens. When we shot these, I started out setting the timer and running back to get in the photo. After I bowled the guys over at least twice, Ches decided he could set the timer and get back in better shape! It was really like an episode of Funniest Home Videos!

On a prettier note, I do have another quilt giveaway to tell you about, and I really, really want this one! It's just so bold and playful. I just learned about this blog, so I'm excited to have fresh reading to do! Enjoy looking at this beautiful quilt, and be sure to tell Amy that Sherri sent you!

Christmas Times a Comin'...and it's gone!

2008-12-29T20:59:00.004-05:00

It seems the older I get, the faster Christmas flies past me. I could have really used a few more weeks to get things completed this year, but I don't know if my poor, tired hands and brain could have withstood much more! We finally got the tree into the house and decorated one week before Christmas, which is highly unusual for me. I'm typically the one with the tree up & decorated the day after Thanksgiving...it just wasn't happening this year. I've made a vow to not do this to myself or my family again next year though. I have new plans for the shop for the coming year, including more ready-to-ship items. Hopefully this will cut down on some of the stress.

On a lighter note, we had a great time visiting with family and eating tons (and I do mean TONS) of wonderful food. My mom is a firm believer that everyone should have whatever it is their heart desires for holiday and birthday dinners. I'll post a couple of photos of some favorites from this year. We always have bbq for Christmas Eve at Mom's and Christmas morning breakfast there as well. Then it's off to Andy's parents for steaks at lunch (no traditional turkey here!)

We had a blast watching Marli Claire opening her gifts, and even at this young age she seemed to really enjoy it. I can only imagine how much fun we'll be having this time next year!

2008-11-17T05:33:00.002-05:00

When will I ever get the hang of posting here regularly? I love writing, so it's not that part of it that's so difficult. To be totally honest (and those of you who know me know this already, so don't laugh!) I'm just too ADD to remember the passwords. Really! I have to go through 3 or 4 steps just to sign in here when I forget it. I know, I know...write all my passwords down and keep them in a safe place. Been there, tried that. Do you know how many of those notebooks I've lost? It's crazy when you're the mom and you can't remember! I did only forget my children once, you'll be glad to know! Actually it was mostly my husband's fault (since he doesn't actually read this I"ll blame him.) We had eaten at a local restaurant and had arrived in separate vehicles. We vaguely discussed which one the boys were riding home with, and needless to say, my children stood on the sidewalk outside this restaurant for about 10 minutes before we realized that neither of us had them! They're safe and sound in their beds as I type, so you'll be pleased to know they survived life with me all the way to 20 & 18.

There's so much going on right now. We're getting ready for the holidays of course. My sister and her family are arriving soon from Africa. We only see them every 3 or 4 years, so it will be great having them home for Christmas this year. I'm trying to slow down a bit before they get here, so I'm trying to get all my orders out by the Monday after Thanksgiving (we'll see how that one works out!) It's been madness in the shop with a few Christmas outfits among other orders. Then the call comes that a local boutique has several orders for ornaments I hand-painted last year! Umm...you mean you all are really selling those again this year? I'm in the midst of fabric delirium, and now you want me to add paint to the mix? Remember that ADD thing I mentioned? It comes in handy on occasion because I happen to be a pro at multi-tasking. Which leads me to bragging on my dear, sweet husband (maybe I'll let him read this afterall!) He has cooked dinner 3 times this past week. Not just grilling while I do the rest...he actually cooked everything...3 times! Then he base-coated my ornaments, and I'm thinking it may be a call for Man of the Year or something. We'll have to work on that one! Please send me ideas as I currently have no brain cells left unbusy to come up with something!)

Last but not least, I'm a blogaholic. Amazing how much time you can suck right out of your door reading blogs! Not that I'm quitting...I thrive on the stories, photography, and ideas in blogland. So here's one that I adore: http://oldredbarnco.blogspot.com/ She's currently having a giveaway for three of the most gorgeous quilts ever. So to all of you reading this, DO NOT GO OVER THERE AND ENTER! You may visit and then leave, but do not enter this contest...my feet need to be toasty this Winter, and besides I need a little eye-candy in my life!

Wooo...it's been a while!

2008-09-16T21:08:00.003-04:00

Wow! I can't believe I haven't posted anything new in over a month now! All I can say is life has been so busy. School has started back of course. I have a new principal and assistant principal, and that's always a learning process for everyone involved. It's been great though...I love the sense of calm and organization that seems to have settled over our new school year. Even with the calm, it's always hectic right here at the beginning working our way back into a schedule.

My shop has grown to include some new items. It's so much fun to see a new piece of fabric and instantly know exactly how it should look made up into an outfit. That's happened with a couple of pieces over the last month or so. I have a few ideas in the "crock pot" simmering away just waiting for enough time and energy to be made into some new style. Be sure to check back for updates on those new ideas.

I have a new venue for my clothing also. Handmadefuzion is a new site that is juried, which is what I liked about it. Etsy is still great, but anyone can have an Etsy shop if they are willing to just input a little information and a couple of photos. Handmadefuzion requires the seller to submit photos for an application process, and thankfully, I was accepted. I'm sure there will more updates on that soon. In the meantime, please be sure to visit me there . Around December, I will also be joining the Lollishops venue. It sounds like it will be a fun site to be a part of. It's called the "frou-frou marketplace." Sounds like me, huh? Well, some of things are very frou-frou, so we'll see what that brings.

I'll try to become more regular at this blogging. But for now I leave you with a few new items...Enjoy!

What a day!

2008-07-28T15:38:00.003-04:00

It's been a great day so far! Let me just start by saying...I'm the unluckiest person in the world! No, you do not one-up me on this. I really am more unlucky than you! I have never won anything - ever. Today I checked my email as usual, and there was an alert about a blog I frequently check in on. I checked into it only to find that I have won a giveaway from Mod Kid Boutique. She has a new line of fabrics coming out in the Fall called Andalucia. It's simply gorgeous, and I can't wait to get my hands on it! Forget the kids on this one...I think I need something out of this fabric!

After checking my email, I went directly to Etsy (of course) to check for sales. There was one! Oh the joy of finding a sale in the ole convo box. Sometimes I get fooled with 3 or 4 convos and they're just inquiries about all sorts of things, but there truly is nothing like clicking in to see that you've actually sold a creation! Really, I should look at all of this in my email, but I do love the suspense of knowing I have convos, but not knowing exactly what they're about. So it's kindof like my little game with myself to wait through the email process and check the convos on Etsy. Does that make me sound crazy? Oh well, those that know me already have opinions about that!

Not only did I have sales today, but I was also accepted into the EtsyBaby street tem, which is a big deal by the way for those that of you that don't 'do' the Etsy thing! At least it's a big deal to me! It's a great support system for those of us that create handmade goods for babies and children. I lastly checked the Treasury, and lo and behold...there I am in 2 treasuries! I've only ever been in 1 treasury EVER, and now...2 in one day! Unbelievable! And of course, it's all thanks to my new team members at EtsyBaby. On a side note, I did try to get my own treaury, but that unlucky thing reared its ugly head once again!

Okay, enough for now. I may be jinxing myself even writing about it!

So much for the pedicure...

2008-07-21T16:26:00.006-04:00

Well, so much for getting a pedicure before heading to the beach! We had a blast spending a week at Ormond Beach in Florida. It was such a quiet, family-type beach (just perfect for sharing with your teenage sons!) Actually, the boys only got to spend 2 days with us since both are working their daytime jobs and teaching Bible School in the evenings. We did enjoy a full week with Miss Marli though, and may I say without being too much of a boastful aunt, that she has to be the best baby ever created! She literally doesn't cry...not when she's hungry or wet or...okay I'm going a little too far here, but she really is a wonderful baby. Delecta is very, very blessed with such an easygoing first child. Of course you know what will happen when she decides to bless us all with her baby #2! It must be a holy terror to make up for the ease of raising Marli!

While I was away, I placed the etsy shop on vacation. I believed this would be the death of me as I had really just begun to have some fairly regular sales, but lo and behold I made a few more sales and even more contacts while I was away! I'm so thrilled to get to create even more now that I'm home.

Other great news after arriving home: HeatherBailey has her new website up and running. It is simply stunning to see her creations! I cannot wait to get my hands on this fabric. I have a feeling Miss Marli can expect some really bright Summer into Fall clothes. I've also ordered the bag pattern just for me (although if I honestly believe Delecta won't beg for one of those for herself, I'm just delusional!) Oh well, it's arrival is still a few weeks away, so we have time to decide if she gets one or not.

For now, I'll leave you with a picture of complete contentment!

Bellaboos New Model

2008-07-11T17:47:00.004-04:00

Bellaboos has a great new model! Isn't she just adorable? We had so much fun watching her pose and priss around in her Bellaboos clothes. It was a delight to sew these with her in the back of my mind. I could just picture her little curls and huge eyes as I stitched all those ruffles! We have many new items up in the etsy shop with lots more coming. I'm hard at work creating a new Fall line of items for babies and older children as well. And to all you moms of boys out there, I'm working on it! I know how difficult it is to find cute little boy things having had 2 myself, but really...there's only so much you can do when there are no ruffles and rick rack involved! I'm always open to suggestions! For now, be sure to stop over at etsy and visit!

New blog faves

2008-06-25T10:23:00.002-04:00

I've become very addicted to blogs now that I have my own! Isn't it amazing (or frightening?) how half a day can be just gone while you're reading about someone's Mom, their new baby, the latest shopping finds, and giveaways? Even worse...try explaining to dear husband why his laundry didn't get done because,
"for heaven's sake Sally had her baby!" I exclaim
"Who's Sally?" he asks
"She's from my new favorite blog and she had him 6 weeks early!"
"What's a blog?"
"Nevermind...it just didn't get done!"

That's literally last night's dinner conversation! He's really confused about this technical world of blogging, and then don't even get me started trying to explain the whole etsy thing (hearts, posts, treasuries...) But really, I can't draw him into this world. What if he wanted to read his own set of blogs, and then I'd like have to share the computer! (You may all gasp at this point!)

Well anyway, Ill leave you with 2 of my faves this week. I've joined a Fall Apron Swap, and it's my first such swap so I'm really excited and the ideas are swirling! Check it out at http://boomingaprons.blogger.com

Then my 2nd fave would be Apronista. It's an adorable blog about... well of course aprons! She has lots of great info on shops that sell aprons as well as many, many giveaways. This week's giveaway is from a great etsy shop http://morganmoore.etsy.com/ Be sure to check out her great oilcloth lunchbags and adorable pincushions while you're there!

And he's off...

2008-06-22T08:43:00.002-04:00

This morning we've sent our oldest (but still our baby) off to Kansas City for a plumbing competition. Austin found his calling in his senior year of high school...we were really sweating it at the end there! Who knew or could have even imagined that he would ever want to become a plumber? Where in the world did that come from? But we are so proud of him for following his dreams so diligently. He will finish up his program of study this summer and head into the wide world of REAL work! Just yesterday I was watching him run through the water sprinklers in the back yard giggling with glee, dressed as a baby bird hatching from an egg at Halloween, playing grown-up workshop the year he got a "for real Mommy!" workshop, and the memories go on and on...

Okay enough of that nostalgia! Today he's flying on a plane without us for the first time, and actually he's only flown on a plane once before when he was 2. He's a little nervous (and we're ALOT nervous!) But he'll be fine, and I'm sure having a great time spreading his wings without us! Wish him luck as he competes this coming Thursday!

It's been a while, but...

2008-05-25T06:53:00.002-04:00

Marli Claire is here! My new niece was born quite unexpectedly this past Monday. My sister and her husband travelled the 5 1/2 hours to Georgia last Thursday to attend her final baby shower. She fell on Friday and had to be admitted to our local hospital. It's not her posh birthing center she was planning to birth in to say the least! After several days of monitoring and some complications, Miss Marli was delivered by C-Section early Monday morning. The staff and doctors were so incredibly attentive, and we owe them a huge debt of gratitude!

Marli is a beautiful baby. I don't say that because I'm biased...really! She is such a tiny little bundle, and we weren't expecting that. Therefore, none of her little clothes I've made for her fit her just yet. Even the newborn clothes from stores swallow her whole. We're now down to buying preemie things. After delivering almost 10 lb babies many years ago, this one is intimidating in her smallness. I must admit that I tend to hog her a little bit. I do love to hold her, and I know she has to go back home eventually!

For the twins

2008-05-12T20:57:00.002-04:00

I have a friend that I teach with the first nine weeks of every school year (in fact, she taught one of my children a few years ago) anyway...all that to say that earlier this year she found out that she and her husband were expecting another baby...make that two babies! We were all so excited for her; of course, we're not going home with her to help take care of her three children...oh did I forget to mention they already have a 2 year old? That's right, 3 in daycare! She needs all the help she can get. I decided to make the twins some little matching diaper sets because really, can we have too many of those? I was able to find this adorable bib pattern free online from http://nested.typepad.com/blog/files/bib-instructions.pdf. She has a great blog! I found out so much from just reading her very well-written posts. I've bookmarked that one to make sure I get back there often. Here's a couple of pics of the diaper sets. Enjoy!

Happy Mother's Day

2008-05-11T21:53:00.008-04:00

Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms out there and especially to my own. We were able to spend Mother's Day with both mine and Andy's moms today...it's so convenient for both families to live in the same town! Today was also Andy's birthday, so that made it an even nicer celebration!

Most of my new endeavors (http://www.bellaboos.com/, http://www.artsiegirl.etsy.com/, and this blog) all came about because of my sister's impending motherhood and my new found love of embroidery. All of the girly items in both of my shops have been made for Miss Marli Claire as we have already determined that she will be the girliest of them all and she's not even arrived yet! We are eagerly awaiting her arrival in just a couple more weeks now. If this child is a tomboy, it may very well destroy what little bit of sanity I have remaining! The photos you see are two of my favortie new outfits for Miss Marli. She can thankfully wear these while she is still very young and we are able to completely force our will upon her. Lord help the day she tells us all she'll be wearing the camo t-shirt and jeans to school today!

Who knew...?

2008-05-08T19:44:00.000-04:00

So I've started my website and an Etsy shop all in the last two or so weeks. Who knew and should have told me how difficult and time-consuming this was going to be? Where are my technical friends out there? Honestly, I don't think they exist. Sorry guys, but we all know we're not technical in the least!

Well it's all up and running, so now should come the fun part right? Just sit back, maybe play around with the images a little bit, create a few more outfits or burpies...NOT! How about obsessively check the website, email, and the etsy convos for any hint of a sale. No sales? Okay let's at least see if anyone left a comment on the website...nope. How about views and hearts on Etsy? Okay we have 17 hearts...WOW! Let's look at their shops now and how many hearts do they have...915? Are you kidding me?

Meanwhile, the family feels a bit neglected. When Andy calls from his chair for me to watch one more Funniest Home Video and hears that heavy, heavy sigh...well, let's just say he doesn't feel in any way appreciated. So I've got work to do on the homefront too.

Needless to say, there's alot going on around here. Thank God the summer's on it's way...I think my second job is calling!

http://www.bellaboos.com/

http://www.artsiegirl.etsy.com/