Little Cotton Aprons

Sunny Day in California

2010-01-25T10:47:00.000-08:00

After sooo many days of rain we busted out and went to Disneyland. A little bit of sunshine before the next storm hits tonight.

Meet My Mother

2010-01-07T09:13:00.000-08:00

Recently my mother gave me the most wonderful gift. She gave me her baby blanket, bonnet and booties from when she was a baby. I was so touch by this tiny photo of her at one year old. ( I can't tell you how long ago that was. )

Here is a doll that just finished "reborning". Meet Nola. She is wearing my mothers bonnet, some vintage clothing and sitting on a quilt made by my sister Suzie. Nola has auburn curly hair and brown eyes.

Love you mom!

Gingerbread Dreams

2009-12-24T11:44:00.001-08:00

Christmas Eve was spent making Gingerbread Houses with the daycare kids. Merry Christmas to all.

And to those of you who are of different faith, Happy Hanukah !! That is Adams new Yamika.

Happy Holidays!

Quick catch up

2009-12-11T08:54:00.000-08:00

This is the closest photo to a Christmas picture that I have taken so far this year! This was on Adams 18th birthday at Disneyland.

I coul list a million reasons why my blog has been left unattended the entire month of November but lets just sum it up with I'm too busy, easily distracted and having computer issues!!

The daycare is doing really well. Three new children, 2 newborns and an 18 month little girl join our 11 other little angels!!

Easily distacted - it seems the minute I get near my computer with the best intentions of emailing and blogging, I end up visiting such wonderful and amazing blogs until my computer time is up. I need to do a post n my favorite people and places to visit.

It suppose to be a cold and rainy weekend. Hopefully I can set aside some time to take pictures of some of the projects I have been working on. I have some really exciting things I would like to share. I have finished a few more reborn dolls and have been finally learning about my Cricut

Expressions and card making and scrapbooking. So many incredibly talented people share their ideas on videos on you tube and their sites. Like I said I am easily distracted!!

Much love to all the wonderful people I have been ignoring lately!!

Happy Halloween!!

2009-10-28T06:35:00.000-07:00

Happy Fall y'all!!

Since Halloween is almost come and gone I beter send a quick post of a few of our Halloween decorations. As usual the kitchen is all about Disney !!

The front garden is an addition made by Adam. It is so cheery and make a great plac for photos.

My favorite Hallween treat was a visit from David and Krista!!

I Made My Own Laundry Detergent

2009-09-30T08:58:00.000-07:00

I'm on a new path to rid my home and daycare of harmful chemicals and lead more natural life.

Today I made my own laundry detergent. I found out how at www.thebeehivecottage.blogspot.com. There are many sites for directions but this one has got

the cutest laundry room!!

I of course used the PINK Zote soap because it is PINK, but I also really like the scent. It smells clean.

I have been shopping for more natural foods and whole grains. I love to cook but when it is just me and my little picky princess it is really hard to do. Now that my household is larger again ( 17 year old son is back with me !! Yiippee!! ) and his entourage of friends are always looking looking for snacks, I am excited to cook again. I am storing my pastas, rices and grain in Mason jars instead of using any plastics. I am doing mypart reccling an reusing and I love the way my pantry looks!! These jars contain - fusille, orzo, natures burger and Country gravy mix.

You can see some of my vintage ice cream scoops and a tin bread box I am refinishing for pie.

Prayers for Pennie

2009-09-23T09:33:00.001-07:00

Blue Puffy Clouds Version of Baby Angel, with Wings, Sound Asleep in God's Hand
Originally uploaded by BL1961

Last night my friends two year old baby girl passed away after a tragic accident. My Heart goes out to her. I can't imagine her pain.
I just want to say to each of you, I love you and am glad you are part of my life. Hug someone today.

Seeing RED !

2009-09-13T10:40:00.000-07:00

Everyone that knows me knows I am the queen of PINK. Well everything but my hair anyway!!

Well suddenly RED is my new PINK! Here is my new Anirondak furniture for my breezeway. I built and painted them myself...mostly. The rocking chair should have come with a warning label, do not sit in it alone.....someone will have to pull you out !! Whats with the angles on this thing ! My knees and eyes are at the same level. Well anything can be fixed with a few well p laced throw pillows, am I right?? I made the two chairs with table for my daycare parents to sit down in and write me checks...hehehe...and the matching little size so the kiddos can sit to put on their shoes..or go to timeout! I was so proud !! 20 minutes after putting them out I found Drifter chewing up the arms!!! Well it looked good for a minute.

Now I am definately seeing RED !!!

BOOM BOOM!!.

2009-09-11T10:02:00.000-07:00

Space shuttle Discovery and its seven astronauts took a cross country detour and landed safely at Edwards AFB on Friday after stormy weather prevented it from landing in not so sunny Florida. As usual the double sonic boom rocked our house. We always run to thte tv as soon as we hear the booms and watch the shuttle land. That means as the we are about a

minute from Edwards AFB, as the shuttle flys. Always a thrill and even more so today while we are morning the 8th anniversary of 9/11.

Marked Woman!!!

2009-09-09T07:28:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was our 8th wedding anniversary. I wanted to mark the day by doing something special to show my love for my wonderful hubby. I have been wanting to get a tattoo and finally decided to do it last night. I have 8 chicken foot prints on the top of my foot (ala Dixie Chicks).

Chickens/roosters have a special meaning for us and always reminds me of my darling hubby and 8 prints for 8 years of marriage. I thimk it is soo cute!! Oh and by the way...ouch!! Top of your foot tattoos HURT!!

Labor Day

2009-09-09T06:37:00.000-07:00

My incredible hubby whisked me away for a 3 day weekend getaway and anniversary celebration! Usually when we have a holiday we work on a project around the house. It was great to just go ! We packed up the daughter and 2 dogs and headed north to Bishop, Ca. Bishop is located at the base of the Sierra Mountains. We passed Mt whitney ( the highest point in the continental US) and Death Valley ( the lowest point in the US) and lava feilds ( which daughter is studying in 5th grade ). We walked along lakes, creeks and fields. Bishop is such a dog friendly town, Drifter and Raizin went everywhere with us. We antiqued, shopped craft shows, played at the Tri-County fair, swam, BBQ'd and just RELAXED!

Here are a few pics of our holiday.

Station Fire

2009-09-01T10:25:00.000-07:00

La Cañada fire spreading toward Altadena; Big Tujunga Canyon
Originally uploaded by Noob Photographer

Thank you all for your concern about our location and the Station Fire.
We are lucky enough to be about 20 miles North of the Acton fire line.
Our valley is full of smoke and ash. At night we can see the flames and glow above the mountains across from our home. We can feel the big water dropping planes shake our windows as they fly to refill nearby. On of our daycare families have been evacuated. Prayers and praise for all the amazing firefighters out there saving lives and property. Prayers also to the family of a local firefighter who was killed in this fire.

Being Domestic

2009-08-17T10:21:00.000-07:00

I have to admit I miss being a wife. Oh, I have a husband, love him with all my heart. He is a truck driver and he has been gone for 7 days this time and it seems like forever.

I have been in a very domestic mood lately.... yes, even more so than usual. It sucks when there is no one to be domestic for!! Decorating, sewing, planting, cooking and cleaning. Maybe because I niss him so much. Maybe it is because school is back in and I need to prepare for the change of seasons and holidays. Yes, I live in Southern California, yes it is 100 degrees today and winter will not be all that harsh...but still I have been fighting the urge to bake and can fruit for the winter.

Today, I lost the battle. I was up at 5:00, fresh linens on the bed, apron on and fresh blueberry strusel muffins in the oven for hubbies return. Then I began sterilizing jars for plum preserves. I don't think I have ever eaten a plum but I have this uncontrollable desire to do this. Here is the reason... I have been reading a new blogs that have inspired me on so many different levels. My domestic side has been nurished by www.sugarpiefarmhouse.com/stocking-up-comfort-and-joy Look at those plums, look at the color, you can almost smell them, they feel like family, comfort and joy. More than a taste I guess I have been craving a feeling.

Oh well!! Too late now, plums are a cookin' and guess what you are gettingfor Christmas!!

I want to write a post on all the new blogs that I have been reading and the people who have been inspiring me but for now I have plums to pit....hey I wonder if I can plant these things???

ABCs On The Chalkboard

2009-08-11T09:44:00.001-07:00

ABCs On The Chalkboard
Originally uploaded by Dawna_Deanne

Back to school time already. Summer time is over as my little ones march off to school again. My youngest boy is now a Senior and my baby girl starts 5th grade. How I wish I could freeze time...back it up a few years, maybe 8 years. I miss those times when I didn't have to share my kids with the world.

This really should feel like vacation time for me because not only did I send my two own kids off to school but also 10 daycare kids. 3 that I have had since birth are now in kindergarten. I think I have empty nest syndrome! I still have 5 preschoolers with me during the day but after a summer of 15 kids in the house the quiet ( even with 5 under 4 years) I miss my big guys. ( Let me clarify that my big ones are only gone until 1:50, and stay here until 5pm, so they aren't really gone for good.)

What I really need is a baby. Nothing fills the days more than filling my arms. My littlest one is about to turn 2 and he would rather run and play in the dirt than snuggle in the rocking chair.

Days are not boring with my 5 little guys. They keep me hopping. Todays lesson plan was to be "All About Red". Everyone of them showed up in ORANGE !! Luckily I plan ahead and just switched plans and now our day is all about Orange, carrots and cantelope and big juicy oranges. I wonder were tomorrow will lead us, to the park, the farm or in the kitchen making someting messy.

Everyday is an adventure around here.

My Senior

2009-08-11T09:41:00.000-07:00

Can you believe this picture??? My son went to have his Senior pictures taken, you know, cap and gown. The pictures that will hang on the walls of all the relatives for decades to come...my son looks like he is graduating from Pimp University!! The Lounge Lizard Academy !! What is up with this?? Where is the tradition?? Someone actually thought the cheetah print was a good idea!! Well at least he isn't holding a martini glass in his hand!! This looks perfect for his MySpace page but not clipped to college applications!!

Luckily they gave us another option, let me present my real son, the academic child that is proudly graduating class of 2010,

Cupcake Giveaway

2009-08-09T18:52:00.000-07:00

I just found the cutest blog with a very funny, artsy/fartsy author! Also very talented!! She is giving away this adorable cupcake fairy which would look amazing in my kitchen ! I want everyone to enter to win it...and also promise that if you do you will give it to me for Christmas ( oh no....to early to think of Christmas....shiver!!) This enjoyable blog is called www.chinamommy04.blogspot.com . She also has an etsy shop called chinamommy. Lots of cute cuppycakes over there too!! HUgs to a new friend!!

The Incredible Bed

2009-08-03T16:31:00.000-07:00

Isn't this the most amazing bed!!!! This is what my beautiful 10 year old chose for her birthday present. She has great and expensive taste!! She also chose the wall color. Happy birthday baby!!!

Polka Dot Panic

2009-08-03T15:59:00.000-07:00

This is what started it all. It seemed harmless enough. $2.00 at a CVS in Virginia. Then suddenly the spots jumped off the dish and onto my walls !!

The spots were just the beginning of the ice cream take over of my kitchen. Next came the collection of old Ice cream scoops.

My daughter Bridgett, found polka dot plates, bowls and towels on clearance at K-Mart yesterday. Somehow my little pink cupcake kitchen is now my little polka dot Ice cream parlor. I did make these little cupcakes this weekend to even out the bakery section!!

2009-07-17T12:22:00.000-07:00

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!

Happy 4th of July!!!

With Jimmie serving oversees and so many birthdays this time of the year this was one of my favorite and meaningful 4ths ever.

We stayed home and relaxed, BBQ with family, sparklers with the kids and enjoyed our yard.

Ok, Malcolm got a little crazy with the firecrackers too! Everytime he lit one this is what would happen.....Our Maddie jumped in the pool!!!

As the sun began to set the kids all climbed on the roof to watch the fireworks in the wide desert sky.

Here comes the Bride

2009-07-17T11:45:00.000-07:00

Well here they are, Mr and Mrs David Levine. Married in Georgia this past June. The bride was beautiful, the groom handsome and everything was perfect!! I have been so busy putting together 3 wedding scrap books that I forgot to update my blog !

After our trip to Atlanta we drove to Virginia to visit with my family and take in the sites. One of our favorite side trips was to the Smithsonion Museum. I group up in the Smithsonion as does any child that lives as close as I did. Feild trips, relatives, or playing hookey I always ended up there. Now it was fun to spend time there with two of my kids. We tried to spot all the "props" from the Night at the Muesum Movie

And of course the best part was hanging with the family. I have missed too much time with my mom and sisters. I have only visited them 2 times in the past 10 years. I regret this so much. My family is so great and I want my kids to know there Grandma and Grandpa and Aunties. I wonder how my life would have been different if I would have taken advantage of the support system of my family instead of being so stubborn and alone. Hug a family member, there's no place like home!!!

My mom and My Joe, more than a step-father, more of a gaurdian Angel. Love you guys!!

A Georgia Peach

2009-06-08T20:03:00.001-07:00

A Georgia Peach
Originally uploaded by nickmickolas

I am off to Georgia!! This week the family heads out to marry off another one of our sons. We are leaving sunny California on our way to Atlanta for the wedding of David and Krista. From there we will visit our relatives in Maryland and Virginia. Watch out family you are about to be invaded!!

Angie's Raggedy Patch

2009-06-08T19:52:00.000-07:00

This

incredible Annie and awesome Bake Rite Can were a swap gift from my new friend Angie. I love receiving a swap where someone actually took the time to make something special, in this case she chose the perfect colors and goodies for my kitchen. I just love her so much. The attention to detail is amazing. Thanks Angie!

Newest addition

2009-05-26T17:57:00.000-07:00

Can you make a guess??? Whats inside??? Where is she??? I never thought my bra would be on the Internet but her it is and here is Raizin'!! Raizin is the 1.5 Lb addition to our household.

We don't know what Raizins daddy is but mom is a longhair black dauschand ( weenie dog). My daughter always wanted a tiny dog. Our Labradoodle puppy is 6 months old and 45 lbs. Big difference !!

I had my surgery on Monday, May 18th and when I came home Raizin was my bed buddy. We both slept all day and had to get up to pee every 2 hours. Our timeschedules bonded us as fast friends.

Thank you for all the well wishes on my recovery. Hubby is covering the daycare for me while I am not allowed to bend or lift for 6 weeks. Poor man, 1 week into the job switch and he is about to snap!! Its not easy being ME!! I, on the other hand have been sequestered to my studio. I have been sewing my fingers to the bone...happily!! I have been working on some swaps, needfuls and bringing life to many designs dancing in my head. Stay tuned for tons of new stuff, new designs and (fanfare) a new line of patterns. Busy Busy busy!!

Proud Mamma

2009-05-13T17:51:00.000-07:00

I am so proud to announce the college graduation of my son David from West Coast Baptist College on May 13, 2009.

To be doubly blessed my future daughter-in-law Krista graduated as well.

Can't beat that for a birthday present!! May your futures be blessed and fulfilling. Love you both!!

Cutest Bear EVER!!

2009-05-11T14:18:00.000-07:00

This beautiful little bear is looking for a new home! Go check out http://www.bearbits.blogspot.com/ to enter to win her. There are so many beautiful pictures and cuddly bears. Good luck to all who enter.

Denni' s Doodles

2009-04-30T20:39:00.000-07:00

What I love most about making a doll is watching the transformation from a peice of cloth into a amazing little character. My friend Denni of Denni's Doodles makes the cutest little doll patterns. This little Raggedy girl started off as her Bug Catcher pattern and ended up as a little Garden Mammie. ( I just realized I forgot her dragonfly that she holds....oh poo!!) The other two are the same pattern just waiting for some clothes. Denni is a very talented artist so please check out her patterns ( be sure to look at her witches...made them last fall and forgot to take a piccie!!)
Denni is also having a round head doll swap so go sign up!!

Company is Coming!! and a new swap

2009-04-30T16:42:00.000-07:00

I am so excited about a new swap I am doing at http://www.wildatheartart.blogspot.com/ . The theme is Under the Sea. I love mermaids so this is perfect for me. Please check out her ongoing story about her encounter with a tiny mermaid, great reading. Since we have to visit all the other artist's sites and blogs, its time for some updates and dusting away the spider webs. ( If you are my mother stop reading because your Mothers Day doll is shown!)

The incredible Cabbage Head doll was designed by my wonderful friend at http://www.rabbithollowprims.blogspot.com/ , the Bunny is a pattern from Sweet Meadow Farm and My beautiful mermaid was designed by another good friend Stella at www.dolls-on-parade.com .

Playing Dolls

2009-04-10T12:27:00.000-07:00

Finally all the excitement has settled around here and I have been able to finish up a few projects and swaps.

These are a few of the dolls I just finished. They are all painted dolls which I am really enjoying. It is great to combine two of m y favorite pasttimes and create such a fun project.

I have the attention span of a two year old ( occupational hazard) and get bored with a project without much variety so I think I have found my nook!!

My sister who quilts beautifully will probably flip when she sees the quilt I am PAINTING next!!!!

Pretty Spring Cleaning

2009-03-31T12:47:00.001-07:00

Pretty Spring Cleaning
Originally uploaded by such pretty things

I love Spring!! It makes me want to clean, craft and organize! I can't beleive but these are actually the things I enjoy most. All of the craziness of the past three months have faded and it is warm and beautiful and I am inspired.

Andrew and Bridgett

2009-03-31T12:27:00.000-07:00

March 14th 2009, Andrew, my oldest son, married my best friend Bridgett in a simple and beautiful ceremony in my backyard. I am so happy for them both. Bridgetts gown was a stunning burgandy, while my son was equally as stunning with his boots and pocketwatch. Along with adding Bridgett to the family I got a bonus of 5 grandchildren, Izzy, Alona, Zoe, Roxanne and Brooklyn.

Here are a few candid shots from the wedding that I really enjoy.

I love this picture!! Andrew ( sunglasses ) Clark (best man with hat) and other friends hanging out in front of my house before the wedding.

First toast.

Adam and Abbie, my last two at home.

A Very "Special" person, Missy, A true friend to Bridgett and I. The day wouldn't have come out so perfect and flawless without her by my side. Love you Missy. You're the best!!!

My Daughters!!! This is the female side of the family! Left to right, Krista, Davids fiance, Jamie, Jimmies wife, Bridgett, me, Crystal and Abigail. When I count my blessings this is who I count!

Calamity Kim Give Away

2009-03-15T16:50:00.000-07:00

In honor of Kim being published in a magazine called APRONOLOGY, she is having an incredible give away. Hurry over and check it out!!

New Pink Record Player

2009-02-23T18:30:00.000-08:00

This is the coolest addition to my kitchen!! If you've seen my kitchen you'll know why! It is a pink 50's am/fm record player!! I found it at Toys R Us CLEARANCE !! I paid $20.00 for it. My son, Andrew had just recently bought a bunch of garage sale albums so he lent me The Beatles, Sgt Pepper !! The kitchen is alive with the sound of music!!! I love it!!

Valentine Pennie Pockets

2009-02-06T11:06:00.000-08:00

Wandering around the web today I stumbled across this Tutorial for Valentine Pennie Pockets on
http://www.modabakeshop.com/2009/02/valentine-pennie-pockets.html. Aren't they cute???

After making Valentine ones how about St Patrick Day ones full of gold chocolate coins?? Easter full of peeps and jelly beans, May Day full of flowers. I love these!! Can you tell?

P.S. I should have mentioned that I found this site while visiting another favorite site of mine.
www.thirtyhandmadedays.blogspot.com this wonderful girl hunts the net for great sites and great tutorials. She does all the hard work for us! Thanks a million, Mique !!

Spotlight Artist

2009-01-31T04:26:00.000-08:00

While I am in a creating slump I have decided to share with you some of my friends who are amazing artist and incredible women.

Today I want to start with my friend Debra Klopp of http://www.nannynortonprims.com/ . Deb is an amzing artist with such varied talents. She does amazing extreme grungy items, sculpture, paintings, and dolls to die for!! She has a great pattern for Alice in Wonderland I am anxious to try. But these merpeople are my special pride and joy. These are my special handpainted gifts. First came my beautiful female. She is so detailed, she is not just a doll but a work of art.
I teased Deb about her needing a man-friend and next thing you know he arrives at my house.
She created his tail to entwine with the females tail....very sexy!! I am now hoping for merbabies!!Hope you enjoy looking at my treasure and that you will pop over to look at Debs other amazing art!!

Shagsy

2009-01-30T15:42:00.000-08:00

Todays puppie of the day is " Shagsy". Male 7 weeks old.

Shagsy got to go to daycare with me today. B y the time I got the camera he was pooped from playing. Shagsy loves recess! 10 little feet to chase or run from. Balls to pounce on and slides to conquer. I have noticed that this litter are not diggers. Our sandbox was safe. Also with all the toys in the daycare nothing has been chewed on except for their rawhides and their knotted socks.

Shagsy's fur is how he got his name.....he is shaggy. Not long and straight but not super curly either. Hmmm ...how does soft spikes sound??

DOG TIRED AT WORK

2009-01-26T16:25:00.000-08:00

Each of my Labradoodles get to be PUPPY of the DAY and go everywhere with me. It is part of their socialization. This is Spot. He is a 7 week old male labradoodle. He is dog tired after spending a day at the daycare. When I took this there were 14 kids under 6 years old playing in the room right next to him. How about that for being mellow!!

Can't you just picture him in the Oval Office on Obamas desk. You know of course that the First Pooch is going to be a Labradoodle because they are allergen friendly!!!

Newest baby

2009-01-21T16:25:00.000-08:00

Here is my late birthday/Christmas present for my mom. She is a reborn doll I just finished.

She is 22" long and weighs about 4 pounds. I really enjoy painting reborn dolls. It doesn't show in the pictures but she has tiny veins and a stork bite. She has a tiny little manicure and precious wet looking little lips. One day I hope to be able to create them and sell them professionally on e-bay. These babies really bring in the BIG bucks, between $600 - $1200 each !! I am working on two more for my sisters but it takes so long because the paint must be heat set in the oven between coats. My daycare parents get a little nervous when they see realistic babies sitting on cookie sheets in my oven!!!

Back in the Swing

2009-01-21T12:32:00.000-08:00

Finally after a month of chaos, as December always seems to be, I am back in the swing of things. Hope I didn't just jinx myself!! The whirlwind started with, 10 puppies, a graduation in Texas, Christmas, a wedding, New Years, Jimmie leaving, and my broken butt. cracked coccyxx. damaged deirreaire, flattened fanny, grandeous goose, hurt hiney, etc!! ( just got an e-mail from my sister that said......what goes thump, thump thump??? Answer....You do, when you fall out of the attic!! Love ya Suzie !!)

I have lots of friends and family I have been neglecting. I am so sorry. Thank yous are being sent, packages packed and pictures developed. All will be made right in the end ! (Not another butt joke!!)

Remember the Alamo!!!

2008-12-09T14:54:00.000-08:00

After all the graduation celebrations were over we still had the weekend to spend in San Antonio.

Our favorite place to go is the Riverwalk and the area around the Alamo. We ate, we shopped we walked and we talked. The weather was beautiful after the freak icy weather of the day before. It was amazing to see how much my son had grown and matured in the short time in the Air Force. It was great to see him still goof off with his little brother Adam. Seeing him with his girlfriend Jamie was a treat too. They are really in love!! We had an amazing time with him and being back in San Antonio again.

We stop at this historic old hotel (1859) called the Menger. It had some amazing antiques and Christmas decorations. So here is a partial family Christmas picture. Adam, Abbie and me. And for you Joe, ( step father) Abbie and the Nutcracker.

Jimmie's Graduation

2008-12-08T13:17:00.000-08:00

Jimmie has just finished his Air Force Basic Training and is ready to graduate on December 5, 2008. Abbie, Jamie and I are going to fly to San Antonio, Texas to see him. He has been gone for 7 weeks and I don't know who misses him more; mom or girlfriend !! We left on Wednesday Dec. 3rd and managed to get there, rent a car and get to the hotel. That was a major accomplishment on its own. I don't do well out of my comfort zone and being the responible adult on this trip was making me a little panicky. Driving in Texas is quite an experience on its own. By the second day I had made friends with Texas turnabouts. I got lost everywhere I went but these turn abouts were great for getting me back on track. We were never late and always got where we wanted to be so I'd say it was a success. Thursday morning....early... we headed out to the Base for the Airmans Run. The is a 1.5 mile run where you first get to see your son again. If you are lucky! 300 bald boys wearing exactly the same thing run past you down the street. They all look the same!! Later that day was the Coin Ceremony where they received their honors and got to wear their dress blues. Finally after that we got to hug and touch Jimmie !! (Hoping Jimmie never reads this) I swear it was as good as the first time I ever held him 19 years ago!! (and he had the same amount of hair both times!! ) We got to see his dorm, his shiny latrine and spend the rest of the day with him. Of course we had to share him with Danny and Karie ( my ex-hubby and his wife) and we had a wonderful time. Next morning it was the official graduation ceremony. It was cold. It was VERY cold!! It was 32 degrees with a windchill of 22 degrees. Graduation was 2 hours long, outside and very windy. Of course we Californians didn't have anything more than sweatshirts to wear. Jimmies flight got to be Honor Gaurd so it was easy to pick him out of the hundreds of new Airmen standing....freezing out on the Parade ground. Here is a picture of my Airman standing in front of the plane he will be assigned to. Yeah Jimmie, we are so proud of you!!

10 Labradoodles

2008-12-01T13:09:00.000-08:00

Molly really came through with the puppies!! She had a total of ten curly little fuzz balls, 6 girls and 4 boys. If you don't know about Labradoodles I have just started another blog all about them, http://lancasterlabradoodles.blogspot.com/ . Doodles are large dogs. A cross between a labrador retriever and a Standard Poodle. Why??? Doodles are extremly mild mannered, smart and hypo-allergenic. They were originally "create" in Austraila as Guide dogs, Service dogs for people with allergies. Even as puppies they are very calm, mellow and devoted dogs.

To learn more about what makes them so special check out the other blog.

We are Having Puppies!!

2008-12-01T09:19:00.000-08:00

Our adorable Standard Poodle Molly is under my desk having ( very soon) here first litter of Labradoodles !! I will update later as our new babies arrive!!

HAPPY FIRST ANNIVERSARY

2008-10-28T09:53:00.000-07:00

HAPPY FIRST ANNIVERSARY ADAM AND CRYSTAL DOLAN. May you have many, many

years as happy as you were on your wedding day. Love you, Mom and Dad !

Air Force Logo - Silver and Blue 3D, with text

2008-10-20T17:55:00.001-07:00

Air Force Logo - Silver and Blue 3D, with text
Originally uploaded by super_pilot

Sorry for the long absence. We have been busy preparing to send Jimmie off to the Air Force. He left for Boot Camp today. I am so proud of the man he has become. I am going to miss him so much. Since my hubby became a truck driver, Jimmie has become the man of the house. He is my right hand man, I'm already feeling lost without him around. I am proud of you Jimmie and love you with all my heart. You are a kind, generous and very smart man with a brilliant future ahead of you.

Jimmie also left behind a wonderful girlfriend, Jamie, that he gave a sweet promise ring to. They have a wonderful strong relationship that I really feel will last the seperation and have a wonderful future together.

ApronWOZ

2008-09-24T09:34:00.001-07:00

ApronWOZ
Originally uploaded by shawneeh

I just snooped and found out Shawnee made this for me!!!!
Isn't it amazing!!! This is for our Wizard of OZ swap. I decided to make dolls for my partner. I'll add more pics later. Thanks Shawnee
I love it!!

I love Paper Dolls

2008-09-24T09:08:00.000-07:00

Should I tell you or not??? I know where there is a great Paper Doll Giveaway, but I want to win so I guess I won't tell!! LOL !! www.Sweetoldvintage.blogspot.com/ is having a giveawy for these beautiful vintage handmade paperdolls. Hurry over to enter. And good luck to everyone....just remember to let me come over and play too!!

Witchy Give Away

2008-09-05T16:57:00.000-07:00

Look at these mini potion bottles !! Aren't they cute?!!

These are part of a give away at http://www.auntmannys.blogspot.com/

Stop by her blog and see all her incredible fall creations
and patterns. I love the eyes on this scarecrow couple.

Of course I fed my addiction to Halloween dolls and bought 3 of her patterns. Each have adorable faces and costumes.

Go check out her grubby potion bottles. The perfect kitchen accessory for Halloween.

Apron Passions

2008-08-28T10:41:00.000-07:00

I just received a link to a website for a pincushion pattern and WOW!! I found so /sew much more. The site is http://livingcreatively.com.au/ . There are some incredible aprons on that site with amazingly clear instructions. There is a polkadot I Love Lucy style apron with an underlayer of tulle for extra fluff. GLAMOUR in the kitchen !! There is an AMAZING Paris Apron. It has an embroidered Eiffel Tower on it. It is machine embroidered with just straight stitching. It comes with a step by step full size template of the Eiffel Tower. I can't wait to try this one because my embroidery skills are limited to primitive stitching. And of course there is a cupcake apron. It doesn't get much better than this.

2008-08-26T12:01:00.000-07:00

OMG !!!! Do you realize September is almost here???? I mean REALLY close???? Do you see all these logos???? They are my swaps due on or about the first. But wait there is more!!! There is my Yahoo groups too......A favorite Literary character, a fall pincushion, a primitive Halloween doll and a Fall doll to a buddie in Australia ( which by the way her birthday is tomorrow so theres a little somethin' in the mail to her too.) And do you think I would have all these completed by now??? I can proudly say they are almost done, some just need sewn, or cut or shipped or designed but all in all they are all in some form near completion. I can't wait to share the finished projects with you!!

My New Toy

2008-08-26T10:11:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I loved my husband for loobing and greasing, and oiling and cleaning my squeaky old machine to get me through a few more projects. This week I love him for surprising me with a new machine!!! I have been professionally sewing for decades and never had a machine that did more than zig-zag. See that number 66??? Thats how many different stitches this baby does!! It actually has a button thatmakes it so you can sew with NO FEET !! No power pedal on the floor!! It is such a great idea but I had the hardest time NOT using my foot. So I still do but it is a really cool option!! It also has an automatic needle threader. Once you figure it out its nice but figuring it out was pretty funny. It came with DVD instructions. So I am freeze framing, taking off my glasses to see the needle, putting on my glasses to see the next step, taking off my glasses to see the needle, backing the DVD up because I forgot step one, realizing I lost my glasses when trying to thread the needle and then throwing everything off the table and accussing family members of stealing them and then finding them in my hair. Ok back to step one....... it really isn't hard to do once you know what you are doing. It was me not the machine!!
She also purrs so quietly I can sew in the middle of the night and no one will know.

It may not be my mother-in-laws $10,000 sewing machine but it is the best one for me.....and so is my husband!!!! I love you Malcolm!! Thank you!!

Greetings from California

2008-08-25T15:05:00.000-07:00

To all my rain drenched friends on the East coast,

Greetings from SunnyCalifornia !!

Sunday brought a sun filled adventure for me and my little buddie. We went to California Adventures and Disneyland ( again ). I think this is about Abbie's 25th trip this year. I have not been on a few rides that I was really excited to try. Of course I had to try the brand new Toy Story Mania ride. That was the BEST ride EVER!!!!!! It is 4-d, interactive and just so COOL !!!

The other ride I was really excited to try was Soarin' over California. This is a beautiful 3D flight over the mountains, orchards, deserts and beaches of the state we live in. Almost made me happy to live here until it flew us over the desert and I remembered what it was like at home.....brown and dirt!!

Of course we rode on Pirates of the Caribbean ride and had the most fabulous clam chowder bread bowls in New Orleans Square. ( Ok, truth is I just wanted to put a pic of Johnny on my page!! While looking for a pic I read that Johnny is going to be Barnabas Collins in Tim Burtons Dark Shadows....eeek.....scared me as a kid and he is going to be the Mad Hatter in a Disney 3D Alice in Wonderland.....can't wait until 2010 !! )

Next trip to Disneyland will be next month to look for Halloween decorations and costumes.

Aprons and Annies

2008-08-15T10:49:00.000-07:00

Besides my addiction to aprons, my other passion is doll making. I have joined a group of incredible women all with the same passion. I am learning so much from them about the primitive style that is so popular now. When I was designing and selling dolls and patterns back in the early 90's everything was "cute" . Its been exciting to see the path this art has taken.

Primitives are to look ....well old, used and loved. I have been busy sewing staining and stuffing for challenges and swaps with my new friends. Maybe soon I will go back into production and sales but for now I am just enjoying all the great patterns I have been finding on line. I hope to offer a freebie pattern link to my blog every week. Here are some of my latest dolls that I have made an received.

Out Smarted the City

2008-08-15T10:34:00.000-07:00

Our lovely desert city of Lancaster does not allow home businesses to put signs in their yard to advertise a business. Well I am a daycare located less than a block from a school. When I heard the afterschool programs were all full and Arnold ( the governor ) cut back on aid to some of my daycare families I knew I had to do something to drum up business and help out our community at the same time. We are allowed to have signs on our vehicles but they really aren't that noticable when driving down the road. Think BIG !! One of my best friends and also a daycare parent donated a 15 passenger van to us to use for feild trips. Aha!! The van is now my billboard for my daycare. As you can see we did some creative painting on it and parked it between the house and the school. I added flags to the yard and have had the big bounce house inflated all week. You can't miss us now!! So far we have enrolled two new afterschool kids because of the van !! Neccessity is the mother of invention right!

Back to school

2008-08-15T10:18:00.000-07:00

Agust brings us back to school time. We only have two of our own still in public school. Adam starting 11th grade and Abbie starting 4th grade. Our grandaughter, Roxy also goes to Kindergarten this year all to the same school that all my older kids went to many, many years ago. We are so lucky to live close enough for the kids to walk to and from school.

Our Own Gold Medalist

2008-08-15T10:08:00.000-07:00

Our Beautiful Gymnast, Abigail, wowed them at her first competition ! She scored a perfect 10 in each of her 4 events. We of course are as proud as possible with her progress. She advanced from beginner to level 3 in just 6 months. She is blessed with the greatest coaches and support team, Jimmie and Crystal who make sure she gets to practices and cheer her on.

Next stop the Olympics!!!

Halloween Apron Swap

2008-08-01T11:16:00.001-07:00

Halloween Apron to Kathie V
Originally uploaded by QuirkyKim

Sorry about just sticking a photo on with no explaination.

This is an incredible apron I received from my friend Quirky Kim for our Booming Apron Swap. One side has Mardi Gras masks and a monogrammed pocket. My first Monogram!!!

The other side has the sexiest Pinup Witches ever!!!

I love this fabric so much. I don't think its proper for daycare but after hours....I'll be Bewitching!!!

I just received my second apron from the same swap. We ended with an extra person so I played twice! This one from Jen is just right for daycare. It is bright orange with appliqued jack-o-lanterns on it. Jen said this is her first full bib apron. Great job Jen.

Of course I will have to bore you with the pics of the ones I sent out too.

Pin Up Girl Apron for Kathie V!

2008-08-01T11:15:00.001-07:00

Pin Up Girl Apron for Kathie V!
Originally uploaded by QuirkyKim

Is this not the HOTTEST apron you have ever seen??

This is the Opposite side of my Halloween apron from Quirky Kim
It is as sexy as any apron could ever be.

This is the apron I sent to Kim. Horrible picture it was much cuter in person. I draped a black and silver boa around the shoulders because Kims is such an elegant lady!

Jen requested Fall not Halloween. I chose this pattern i had never done before. It is Emmeline by Montessori by Hand. This side is a delicate pumpkin on a vine pattern and the reverse is a green and rust plaid with gold leaves. i hope they both like theirs.

Meet Miss Stella

2008-07-31T22:38:00.000-07:00

A friend at http://shabbyscraps.typepad.com/ is throwing a party for all of our much loved companions...our dress forms. To read more about the origin of the story please pop over and read the story of Nadine.

So, I would like to introduce to you Miss Stella. Stella talked to me from behind a glass window at a local vintage store. She managed to sashay closer to the window as time went by. When my birthday came and with much encouragement from my mother I decided to meet Stella one Saturday afternoon for tea. Actually I was looking for teacups and Stella kept whispering to me. She talked of how good of a listener she would be. How handy she would be holding my supplies while I sew. She assured me she would be a great asset to my business while modeling the newest creations. But mostly she would keep me company during the wee hours of the morning when the muses are most busy. Well being quiet the feminine being that she is, she managed to convince me that we were made for each other. She grabbed a few vintage hankies, a pair of pink kid gloves and a little beaded purse, all the things a true lady would never be caught with out, and together we headed to her new home.

Stella and I became fast friends. We shared a lovely little sewing room full of frilly girly things until one day we had to give up our room. Its former roommate was reclaiming his space ( my son Jimmie) and I was not going to leave her there with my quiet dashing son so she moved into the living room. Often we spent time together in the kitchen modeling the newest apron creations or my newest vintage finds. Let me show you Stella as she enjoys being a true frilly girlly.

This was the wedding dress of my dreams. I fought hard for it on e-bay. I was having a garden wedding and this dress was going to be perfect. According to the seller it would fit perfectly.

It is a one-of a kind, hand painted, never been worn, dream come true...until it arrived. It would have been perfect if I had no breasts. Well I do and a whole lot!! I loved this dress so much that even though it couldn't be altered to fit I still can not part with it. I am so happy that when I finally pulled it out of storage it fits Stella perfectly. She was right all along....we were meant to be together.

Vintage Thingies Thursday

2008-07-31T08:28:00.000-07:00

Oops I nearly forgot to post my Vintage Thing Thursday items! Coming back from Virginia I have tons of new Vintage Thingies !! Vintage means "Old with a Purpose"!! These are just a few of my finds I brought home. From the top before anyone gets upset....No she is not a real baby! I make reborn babies and found this beautiful old nursury scale to use as display and weigh my babies for accuracy when weighting them. It was also fun to weigh the new puppies on after not seeing them for 10 days. Also is a mint green and mint condition Handy Hannah Hairdryer fron the 1960's. A few old tins, an old train case , miniture baking tins for my little kitchen ( see previous Vintage Thursday ) and a stack of old books, Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm 1903, History of Virginia for Boys and Girls , 1933, Elements of Arithmatic, 1893, and Etiquette by Emily Post 1927. Maybe I should post from that book so we can all get some class!! Vintage Thursday Thingies is sponsered by Confessions of An Apron Queen @ http://anapronaday.blogspot.com/

Tomorrow is a big day so be sure you stop by and meet Stella and her friends.

Sad Puppy

2008-07-25T10:31:00.001-07:00

Sad Puppy
Originally uploaded by stephengraycpa

My poor little neglected blog!! So young to be abandonded. Truth is, I went on vacation with out you. But I am back now and I promise we will spend the weekend catching up. So many wonderful memories and laughs, and shopping and siteseeing and shopping.
My family can shop and all the vintage goodies are stored in Virginia, ( don't worry I smuggled lots back in suitcases and boxes!!)
Wip your tears, pop some popcorn and we will chat all weekend!
XOXOXO

Vintage Thingy Thursday

2008-07-03T00:01:00.000-07:00

I found this neat idea on a friends blog, www.kitschnsinkstudio.blogspot.com/. I have tons of fun thingys that I would love to share. This great idea is Sponsered by http://anapronaday.blogspot.com/. You have to check out her site. I learned how to cook frog legs from her today. Not that I ever would but you never know !!

So Kristen, this is for you.

This is my kitchen in my kitchen. These are the shelves I have above my computer desk in my kitchen. I have wanted to play with this since my sister, Lonnie, had them when I was growing up and I was never allowed to touch. I had seen the individual pieces in antique stores for $65+ each. Out of my price range. I stumbled upon them on e-bay for $14.00 each. Even with shipping I came out way ahead. Now I can touch them and play with them anytime I want!! And because more than one is more fun.....

Now the reason I brought Kristine into this is that she has the cutest little mini ( and I believe it works ) dishwasher that matches. Now I'm on the hunt again! Wanna come and play???

FABRIC!!!

2008-07-02T10:32:00.000-07:00

I just found this great website and a great give away. The blog is http://sugarshop.typepad.com/ Incredible photography of butterflies being released back to nature. She is hosting a fabric giveaway. Hurry over and sign up, then come back. She was talking about hoarding fabric and beautiful stashes of folded fabric. Well I will show you one of my stashes later today. Hurry back.

Part 2

I wanted to share with you one of my stashes. That sounds so naughty! This is where I hide...I mean store my designated fabric. That means the ones that have a specific use already chosen as compared to the ones I buy just because i like them. Here is clue #1 Can you guess where they are??

This is in my current studio. My new studio is under construction. Here is Clue #2 Its a very cool place!!

Final Clue.......
This is the fridge in my motor home!!!

Vintage Apron Swap

2008-07-01T13:42:00.000-07:00

Apron swap time again! This time it was a vintage apron. I was so blessed with an awesome partner, Aimee. Aimee found my other passion, CUPCAKES!! The box was even decorated with cupcakes so I knew there would be something really special inside. Cupcake cards and cupcake stickers topped three neatly little packages. The first contained 3, yep three, vintage aprons! A purple reversable, a pink gingham and a sheer pink half aprons. I couldn't decide so I wore all three! In the other two packages were the sweetest little teacups....and of course the were pink!

This is the package I sent out to my partner,

I found this beautiful sheer half apron with lace and floral pockets, a vintage cross stitch hand towel, two matching linen napkins and some assorted cookie and biscuit cutters. I hope she will enjoy it as much as I have enjoyed my package.

Summer Apron Swap

2008-06-22T19:21:00.000-07:00

Also this week I sent and received "Summer Apron Swap" goodies. This is the apron I sent. The fabric is vintage pinup girls on one side and yellow hibicus. I sent a cute red Hawiian lei to go with it. This went to a friend in Spain. DOes that make me an International Apronist??

This is the Apron I received.

This beautiful apron was made for me by my friend, Cindy at sauvageblue.blogspot.com/ . She put so much detail on this with 4 different colors of rick-rack and the softest fabric. Thank you so much.

Swaps To and Fro

2008-06-22T18:39:00.000-07:00

I love getting mail. I love sending mail. My mailbox has had quiet the workout this past week. Here are some pic's of some swaps that came and went this week.

This was a swap to Catherine from my International Pincushion group. The theme was a Bird Swap. This is the pinnie I received from CR.

2008-06-16T07:11:00.000-07:00

I just can't seem to get enough. I am addicted to swapping. Find me an Apron Swap and I get all giddy inside. I am really blessed in my life that I don't NEED for anything but that still doesn't stop me from wanting to shop or create. Finding just the right thing to send to someone brightens my day and knowing it will brighten someone elses day is such a joy. I think the lady at the antique store looks forward to my weekly visits and loves to help me hunt for just the right thing to fulfill a swap. I'll have to add some of the swaps she has helped me put together. Besides how could I not sign up for one with a banner as cute as this!!!

2008-06-15T22:59:00.000-07:00

I have to interupt my crafty-ness to show you the creation of someone else. We celebrated the birth of two beautiful Labradoodle pups this week. Although sleek and tiny now they will grow to be large shaggy wonderful dogs. Congratulations Tinkerbell and Dawg!!

Prairie Rose

2008-06-08T21:59:00.001-07:00

Prairie Rose
Originally uploaded by Muffet

I wanted to show you the incredible Cowgirl Apron I made today but for some reason I can not upload the photo. So until I figure this out here is Prarie Rose. A real live cowgirl from 1910 -1920.

Finally my computer is uploading pictures. Here is a close up of the fabric for my western apron.

End of Year Rush

2008-06-08T09:02:00.000-07:00

No matter how much I prepare, June always overwhelms me. Two birthdays, Father's Day, end of school and beginning of summer. The daycare brings 4 more birthdays, 14 Fathers Day gifts, preschool graduation and my part-time kids becoming full time kids. My philosophy is a bored kid is the one that will find something to do and most likely not something you want them to be doing !! And probably take a few others along for the ride!! So anyway...lots of planning, lots of projects and lots of creating.

First thing, make a list !! Ignore all stressful needs and sew !! First project for today will be a teacher gift for AbbieRoses teacher. Mrs. Potter raises horses. So, we make her an apron to wear while grooming her horses. I love this fabric! I original bought it for a western apron swap coming up so I hope I can get more.

MOTIVATION

2008-05-31T03:36:00.000-07:00

This is my little bundle of inspiration. How can she be so much smarter than her mom??

As AbbieRose was getting dressed for school the other day I noticed that her socks didn't match. Being the wise mom that I am I told her to go change her socks. She looks up at me and asks me "Why?" Hmmm.... why indeed do we have to wear matching socks? Then wide eyed she looks up at me again and says," Mommy, it doesn't matter how I look on the outside, its whats inside thats important! " She skips off to eat her cereal and leaves me standing with my mouth open, stunned, proud and inspired.

I promised myself to start my blog on my birthday, May 13th. Until today nothing was posted. Why you may ask. Because it didn't look right. I wanted a snazzy banner and those little pictures from my groups and swaps on the side.

I wanted it pretty like my favorite blogs. I wanted it to inspire others like I am inspired by visiting my favorite blogs every morning. Here I sit, no fancy banners, just ME. Just me in my socks that don't have to match.