Adieu, Adieu

 

Although I am ready for 2010 to be over, I do have some happy memories that have occurred over the past year.   I do believe this is the most personal I have ever been on my blog!

 Things I want to remember

{1} “Honeymoon” in Jamaica (after 12 years of marriage)… we even renewed our vows!

{2} Watching my kids grow and mature

    

{3} My friends and family that have supported me

Now, for my things that I am READY to forget

{1} The personal strife that affected me the first half of the year…

Embroidery design from Urban Threads

{2} My neck surgery where cervical discs 5 and 6 were fused together, the pain that led up to the surgery, and the recovery afterwards…

{3} The pain of watching dear friends bury a child…

{4} All the negativity in my life…

So, adieu adieu 2010… you will not return again.

 

I’m STILL working on those resolutions…  but, I have a good vibe about this upcoming 2011! 

My Motto

 

So, I’m working on my last post of the year.  I’ve decided that I won’t be shedding any tears for dear old 2010…  In fact, I think I will say, “Don’t let the door hit you in the ass on the way out.”  Not very eloquent, I agree… but it does get my point across!!

Now, off to work on those lovely resolutions…

Peace…. Love…. Joy

 

Merry Christmas from my family to you this sacred day.  May you each find peace in your heart, joy in His gift, and love surrounding you this holiday season.  And, yes….. hubs pretty much always looks that grumpy in pictures.

RECAP OF CHRISTMAS MORNING….

Finley (2)wouldn’t even look at the Dinosaur Train guys Santa left for him…. all he wanted was Star Wars guys like his big brothers.  He did warm up to them after about 5 minutes… :)

Max (10) was completely stoked about his acoustic guitar and even graced us with a few strums of random notes.

Emily (8) was also happy with her zoobles and zooble world.  Little House on the Prairie seasons 1 and 8 surprised her in her stocking and she proved to be in utter bliss at this surprise. 

I was sooooo super excited for Jack (4) this Christmas.  He is completely into Star Wars like his older brother.  Santa brought him a gumball machine just like he asked.  He also wanted “Star Wars Guys.”  I found a ginormous AT-AT clone trooper vehicle at Target for him.  I just knew he was going to LURVE it more than life and have the best Christmas ever.  He plowed through his presents….. and instead of telling me I was the best Mommy ever after he opened his present that I had been so excited about, he burst into tears.   YES….. tears, sobs, full fledged sadness… his heart was broken…..  he didn’t get his Star Wars Guys…. SERIOUSLY?!?!?  I actually had to send him to his room so I didn’t ruin Christmas for the other kids with a very big scene.  My mom gave him 2 Star Wars guys, 1 Star Wars guy came in the AT-AT, he got a Star Wars gun, and a Star Wars game that came with 2 little Star Wars guys.  In his little 4 year old mind, that box that was as tall as he was, was FULL of Star Wars guys….  When it was a ship, he was devastated that he didn’t have a collection of Star Wars guys that could rival his brother’s.  I have to remind myself that he is only 4.  When he came back from his room, he did apologize and tell me that he loved all his presents.  I guess that’s what I get for patting myself on the back prematurely!!

They are all snuggled in bed soundly after a miraculous white Christmas in Northwest Georgia.  All that playing in the snow tired them completely. :)

More pics soon of the many Christmas presents I made this year.  I hope I’m not naive in thinking everyone liked them.  At least, they said they did anyway!!

Purple Snowflake Outfit

 

  

Okay, okay… I’m over my little fit from my post about Em’s Christmas shirt….  :)  Here is an adorable outfit for a friend’s daughter.  I used my very favorite of all favorites fabric (Tina Givens, Chloe’s Imagination, In Time in Azur Tea) for it.  The Snowflake appliqué is from one of my most trusted embroidery sites, Planet Appliqué.  Rachel is amazing and I absolutely LOVE her designs!!

Here is a close up looksie at the ruffles at the bottom of the jeans.  I accented with purple metallic ric rac.  Who doesn’t love ric rac, right?

Of course, a little closer look at the shirt as well.  The snowflake has a tulle and metallic trim little bow to pull it all together.

I had a fun time putting all the special little touches on this ensemble.  I can’t wait to see it in action!!

Linking up to a few of THESE parties…. you know you want to check them out!

Christmas Shirt

I don’t know exactly how much time I have before Emily thinks the things I make for her are completely lame….. so I shall relish in her excitement for this season!

I have sooooo many ideas mulling around in my head and not enough time or energy to get everything executed.  Stinker!!  I’m realizing that Christmas is ONLY 3 weeks away…. seriously?!?  WTH? 

I’m trying to make as many presents as possible this year without stressing myself completely like I did last year.  I don’t know why we as women always feel like we can accomplish the unattainable around the holidays….. constantly setting ourselves up for failure and disappointment.  I suppose it is very difficult to look into those little eyes and settle for anything less than the very best for them.  Thus, the motivation to continue! 

Tulle Frosting Cupcake Shirt

Jessi’s birthday outfit is D-O-N-E, done!!!  Jessi’s mom brought me a pair of her old jeans to add ruffles… I used black and white damask as well as Berry Whispers from Art Gallery Fabrics girly girl line.  I absolutely love the colors together. :)

  

 Now, as for this little cupcake here…. My embroidery machine was less than thrilled to undertake the task.  After restarting a few times, in addition to several choice words topped off with tears, this is the end result (before adding the trim).  I had to show her some serious tough love, but I think it was successful.

 

The completed shirt!! 

No time to rest… Max has a 102 fever, Finley wants to be held 12 hours out of the day, and I have to take a bath at some point today.  Sonya, I will swing this by your house today!!

 

XXOO

Linking up to a few of the parties listed HERE… go check them out!!

Holiday Pictures

So, anybody out there with kids… especially the more you have… knows how it is next to IMPOSSIBLE to get them all looking at you at the exact same moment with an acceptable look on those sweet little ornery faces.  Since we are already a week into November, I’m seriously feeling the crunch to get a Christmas card picture… although I did contemplate just forgoing the whole picture thing this year.  It’s really way overrated anyway isn’t it?  But then, voices of family members from far far away kept popping into my head, “Why didn’t you send a picture this year?  We look forward to seeing those kids, you know.“  Since we live away from 90% of both of our families, the guilt got the best of me…

 

They were all dressed in their Sunday best and lunch wasn’t quite ready.  I grabbed my camera, made a dash out the back door, and yelled, “Candy before lunch if everyone gets outside NOW and behaves for a picture.”  Boy, did that get them all running… even Finley!  I have truly come to appreciate the power of positive reinforcement. :)

I snapped about 60 pics in 10 minutes flat.  Good news?!?  I think I actually got 3 pictures that will work!!  Wouldn’t you know, my favorite 2 were the first and last I took.  But hey, whatever!  I will take it!

Vintage Baby

Remember my vintage finds at the local antique mall??  I FINALLY found something worthy of the bedspread that I fell in love with!

A burp cloth for my dear friend’s baby!!  Alicia absolutely LURVES everything vintage and what better way to celebrate her first (and only) little girl with my much coveted find?!?  I used Amy Butler fabric to line the back and kissed it with a tweet tweet appliqued bird (accented with Amy Butler fabric as well, btw).  I smiled the whole time I made this little gem for Sage.  I was actually proud of myself for happily parting with a bit of my antique chenille bedspread!

Here’s a peek at the rest of Sage’s gifts.  She is the prettiest baby and I’m so thankful she’s here. :)

Baby Shower for Emma Renee

 

Saturday was little Emma Renee’s baby shower!!  I decided that I wasn’t going to take the easy way out and run to Babies R Us this go around.  Half way into it though, I was rethinking my decision!!  :)  Here is a little diaper bag for Emma made with blue and black and white damask…. Emma’s nursery colors.

Here is the inside of the diaper bag.  It has 2 pockets on one side for wipes and diapers and 3 pockets on the other side for bottles, binkies, or whatever!

I also made a fleur de lis onesie and bib so Emma can represent her roots! 

A black and white damask burpcloth accented with black velvet ribbon, blue/turquoise ric rac, and a fancy “E” rounds out the gift. 

Even though I ran out of time, I enjoyed designing and making all these dainty pretties for such a special baby.  I can’t wait to meet her when she makes her debut…. maybe I will even complete her blanket before then!

Nolen’s Ribbon

After joining Josh and Rebecca Chandler (read about their story) in the Atlanta Walk to Remember, the idea for this tribute came to life.  Nolen’s ribbon closely resembles the ribbon used to bring awareness to pregnancy and infant loss.  Pregnancy and infant loss is often brushed under the rug… parents are not given the time or support they earnestly need to grieve. 

This cozy will be added to my etsy shop today!!  It is the awareness ribbon appliquéd to lavender suede with sherpa backing.  When I look at it, I smile and find peace in knowing that there are tiny angels in heaven watching over their mommies, daddies, sisters, brothers, grandparents, cousins, aunts, and uncles.  All proceeds from this cozy will be donated in Nolen’s memory to Nolen’s Fighters Team for the annual Atlanta PKD Walk on November 13, 2010.
If you would like to donate to the PKD walk, you can click on the above “Nolen’s Fighters” link and follow the directions.  Please contact me at LibertyOriginal@comcast.net if you would like to order an awareness ribbon appliqué with a name on a cozy, bag, or shirt.  Again, all proceeds will benefit Nolen’s Fighters!

Pumpkin Shirt Sneak-a-look

A couple of weeks ago, some friends and I got together to make our daughters appliqued pumpkin shirts for the fall.  We all started from the same pumpkin shape that came from a coloring book and each creation was unique!  What a great way to spend a day with friends. :)  Here is a looksy at Em's shirt.  I am in the process of creating a pdf tutorial on how to applique without the use of an embroidery machine.  Until it's complete though, I was dying to show the end result!!

Project 9 6 1 Family Reunion Concert

 

Every once in a while, you just have to let your hair down!!  Last night, we ventured out to the Verizon Amphitheater to do just that…

It was a BEAUTIFUL day that turned into a wee bit chilly as the sun set.  We didn’t mind though and kept on singing!!

Here is Sevendust performing.  I couldn’t get good pics of the rest of the bands.  My little point and shoot does NOT take good nighttime shots from any distance greater than 2 feet at best. :(

Josh and Rebecca smile for the camera!

Eric and I towards the middle of the concert.

There was no time for pictures when Buck Cherry and Shinedown were on stage… Bec and I were TOO busy singing, laughing at people in the Pit, and realizing just how old we really are.  Eric and Josh were sporting their Old Navy gear and trying to stay warm. ;)

Two Years Old!!

My Finley turned 2 years old last Wednesday… I can’t believe it!  He’s officially not a baby anymore (sniff sniff).  We were able to celebrate his birthday at Chuck E Cheese this weekend.  My kids alone made up over half of the kiddos at his party!!  Geez, I feel old (bigger sniff sniff).  Enough of my rambling, here are a few pics of the the birthday shirt that I made for Finn.  I think it turned out super cute, but then I’m a bit partial as I did make it!

The front of the shirt has a hand appliqued balloon with a 2 on it.  The black ric rac used for the the string leads to…

the back of the shirt where a little Finley is holding it in his hand. :)

Here we are at Chuck E Cheese.  He isn’t too sure about the giant mouse trying to talk to him while he’s eating his pizza.

He’s much happier playing with his big brother’s Thomas the Train at home.  It was a fabulous day. :)

Linking up Here:

Celebrating Nolen Bradford Chandler

It has been almost 2 months since little Nolen Bradford Chandler made his entrance into this world.  He was welcomed by the strongest, most loving arms a child could ever desire.  (Being a parent myself, I don't make this statement lightly.)  For a reason we may never know, God gave Nolen his wings just one short week after he was born.  His little body was not strong enough to overcome ARPKD (Autosomal Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease) or PKD for short.  I have traveled this rocky journey (sometimes from afar) with my dear friends, Josh, Rebecca, Caleblee, and Havanna. 

I dare not even try to understand the emptiness in their hearts, the ache in their arms where sweet Nolen should be sleeping, or their broken dreams.  He wasn't even my baby, but not a day goes by that I don't think of him.... his little hands and fingers, his dark hair, his sweet lips... and I scream in my head, "It's NOT FAIR!!"  No parent should ever have to bury a child.

I will never forget the look on Josh's face as he carried his baby's casket down the ramp from the funeral home to the hurse.  He looked back at Rebecca with tears streaming down his face, so vulnerable, so helpless, with an anguish in his eyes that pleaded to heaven, "Why didn't you take me instead?".  At times, this memory wakes me from my sleep with a start.... and I take a moment to truly thank God for my healthy children.

Today, I write this in celebration of Nolen's life and to remember with happiness.  To read more about Josh and Rebecca's story, please read their online journal.  Beverly Williams of Chuck Williams Photography arranged a beautiful slideshow of Nolen's birth and graciously captured all of these beautiful memories.

The PKD Foundation is sponsoring a walk in Atlanta on November 13, 2010 to raise money for further research and to prevent any other parent from experiencing the nightmare that Josh and Rebecca have lived.  To learn more about walking in memory of Nolen or supporting Nolen's team, please contact jbcbec199@yahoo.com. 

I Love You Josh and Rebecca!!