Merry Christmas!!

From our house to yours!!

Winter Break!!

WooHoo!! So I'm out of school for winter break, along with the kids, and I'll be out till Jan 13th. I am too excited about that, my brain could really use a break. I've been super busy getting ready for Christmas though (as I'm sure most of you probably are as well), and then my baby celebrated her 7th birthday Friday before last. I have a project on the table for Justin, the plan is to get it finished before I go back to school. Oh, and we have a new puppy that's giving me fits, his name is Max. We're a big dog family but we rescued Max, who's a Yorkshire or Silky Terrier depending on who you ask, from my mom. This little dog is like having a little baby in the house, he's all over the place. The picture below is a bit fuzzy, and he really looks like a Chihuahua in this pic to me. He had just come from the groomer's getting his hair shaved down super low because he was matted terribly. We tried to keep the shirt on him so he wouldn't shiver too much, but he tore that thing off. It lasted about two days and I can't find anymore in his size. On to a different subject, Justin has graduated from the Bear level in the Cub Scouts onto the Webelos level. Yeah for Justin!! Anaya is a Daisy in the Girl Scouts, super exciting for her, and she'll be selling cookies soon. They start on Dec. 24th, crazy to me with the holiday and everything, but I'm told they always do it that way. And we're not allowed to sell door to door, didn't know that either. Alani is our super reader, reading a new book every couple of days. I love, reading is fundamental! Anyway, that's what's going on in our little world lately. Will be back shortly.

~Tootles!

OMG!!

Oh My Goodness!! I can't believe how long it's been since I've posted. Things have been so busy in my world. I'm still taking classes to become a Special Education Teacher. I'm doing various things with the children's schools, as well as their extracurricular activities. I'm actually on my way to take a nap before we go to church this evening. Just wanted to stop by and say hello to everyone. I did manage to sew something while on break from classes. I made a cute fall wall hanging. I'll have to come by and post a pic when I get it hung up. I need to first go by Hobby Lobby and get a dowel rod for the back of it. See you all soon.

~Tootles!

Surprise!!!

Hello everyone! As you know my husband is an Army soldier and was deployed not too long ago. Well, I've been asking him repeatedly if he'll be coming home for RandR. The children and I really miss him and really want to see him. He would reply that it's just too hard on the children and so he would just do his full tour without coming home. He called us on yesterday and of course we were happy to speak to him, it's been a few days since we last spoke to him. Again I asked him if he was coming home, and again he said he didn't think it was a good idea. He then asked me to go look in the garage closet for a book of his and he would call me back in 5 minutes. Okay. So we hang up and I head for the garage to get this book of his. I open the door, and there my husband is, in our garage! What a pleasant surprise!!!

~Tootles!

First Day of School!!

Hey everyone, long time no blogging!! Been busy as a bee over here in my world. Something had to take a back seat, and unfortunately blogging and crafting was it. I'm sure we all go through the busy spells at times. Anyway, today is the first day of school for my babies. It feels like our summer has been cut in half, but they did get out of school the end of May so I guess it's time. My oldest will be going to middle school. I am so nervous for her so I've been praying night and day. She wants me to take her this morning and will be riding the school bus after today. Poor baby said she didn't get to sleep till almost 3 this morning. Those first day of school jitters are something else. Meanwhile, my son who is very excited to go back to school has changed his mind about walking and would like me to drive him as well. This of course will make the baby very happy because she really doesn't like walking to school. So, that's a quick note on what we're up to over here. Now I must go make sure the children keep it moving or they won't be leaving on time.

~Tootles!

Tank Dress Giveaway!!

Hey everyone, I'm going to have to come back another time to tell you all about our trip to NY. We had a fab time! Today I want to tell you about a giveaway over at ruffles and roses. She has made this cute little tank dress for the summer and if you use the link to go to her blog, you'll find out all the info for the giveaway. Good luck!

~Tootles!

Road Trip!!

Today was the last day of school. The children gave their teachers little gifts, had their yearbooks signed, and end of school year parties. Now we are packed and ready to go to NY tomorrow. Talk to you all soon.

~Tootles!

Friday Night Sew In Results

Good evening everyone! So yesterday was the Friday Night Sew In, and out of my two lists of things to -do I managed to get two baskets done for two of the children's teachers. I have one left to do. What a shame! But the children and I had a blast watching our Friday night movie. We watched the movie 17 Again with Zac Efron and Matthew Perry. Very funny movie, we actually watched it twice. Anyway, below is a pic of the baskets I made up for the teachers. I'll fill it with a few goodies and let the children give it on the last day of school this Thursday. Hope you guys got to get more sewing done than I did last night.
Oh, I had to take my cutting mat back to the store today because every time I made a cut, the cutting lines will come off. What good is a cutting mat without the cutting lines to guide me? So once again I am without a trusty mat. Adding that to my wish list.

Now I'm off to see what the other FNSI participants worked on last night.

~Tootles!

Friday Night Sew In

Hello everyone! Tonight is the Friday Night Sew In I was telling you all about yesterday. While watching movies and eating pizza with my babies, because today is also family movie night, I have a few projects on my list to sew up. I actually have two lists, a to-do list and a want-to-do list. I will start on the to-do list first because school is over next week and I want to put some baskets together for my babies' teachers.

So let me tell you about the pic below. As you know Earth Day was a few weeks ago. Well my children are still talking about it because they are always thinking of things they can do to save the earth from man's destructive habits. So when Earth Day rolls around it really gets them going. In an effort to reduce our use of paper products, we have put our last roll of paper towels on the spool and once it's done will begin using cloth napkins. So below are a few of the cloth napkins I sewed up earlier this week.
That's just the beginning. I will attempt to make some re-usable snack and sandwich bags. Yes I know school is almost over but we still like to carry snacks around, and with us going to NY we will definitely need them. I am not trying to spend all my money buying food from the street vendors. Some for the childen's experience, but not much.

It's not too late to join the FNSI, just click on the link down on the left and sign up. You could win a cool prize, and get some projects finished as well.

~Tootles!

Rain Delay and Friday Night Sew In

Today's field day at the children's school, and tomorrow's as well, has been postponed till next week because of rain. And when it rains down here it really rains. The children were disappointed to say the least. This makes for a very busy week for me coming up with volunteering at the school on Mon, Tue, and Wed; Thurs being the last day of school; and our trip to NY on Fri. I'll be driving by myself with 3 children to NY, a 15 hour drive. By myself. With 3 children. For 15 hours. Pray for us! LOL.

Anyway, so this will be my last weekend for about 2 weeks to get some sewing time in. Tomorrow is the Friday Night Sew In with Heidi and Bobbi as well as family movie night. So my plan is to sew some items while eating pizza and watching movies with my babies. Big Fun!!

If any of you have some sewing you want to catch up on, and want a chance at winning a few prizes while doing it, go to Heidi or Bobbi's blog and sign up for tomorrow's Friday Night Sew In.

~Tootles!

Giveaway

Twiggle box is offering a chance to win a $40 gift certificate to any CSN store. Go to twiggle box blog for more information.

~Tootles!

From shirt to capris

Tomorrow is field day at the childrens' school and I was asked if I could make sure Anaya wore shorts for this day so she could participate in the activities. Anaya wears a skirt or dress 95% of the time, always with shorts or leggings underneath. She only wears shorts to go to bed or to the pool over her swimsuit. So I decided to follow this tutorial to make her some capris. I made a pattern using these shorts that are a bit too big in the waist along with these capris that are the right length but too snug in the bum (why are my pics sideways?). I then took one of dh's old and holey t-shirts

and made these cool looking capris for my lil angel to wear on field day.

Re-purposing is so much fun, and the best part is she loves them!I tried a little reverse applique and made what I thought was a flower. LOL, like I said she loves it, so I'm good.

~Tootles!

Re-purposed shirt dress

Hello everyone! Okay, so remember I told you guys I wanted to use the material below to make this dress for Anaya? Well it's finally finished, and I must say the pleats gave me the hardest time. Here's the back of the dress,

and here's the front. It looks really cute on her and has lots of twirlability.

I can see me making more of these but would have to find an easier way for me to do those blasted pleats.

~Tootles!

Hapy Mother's Day!!

~Tootles!

Time to play!

School's over for me so this weekend I get to play. Of course life gets in the way of my play time with so many other things to do that I'm going to have to play in spurts. But this is the t-shirt and material I will be using to make this dress for Anaya.

I'm going to have to make my way to the store while I'm out and pick up some fabric for the cute chunky bow. I don't see that being a problem though, you know, fabric shopping and all. I'll come back and post the finished products for you all when I'm done.

~Tootles!

School is coming to a close

and I am so happy about that. I took my final exam in Music Appreciation today, and I have my final in Am. Hist. II on Thursday. I really don't like that class and have been struggling with it for some time. I'm praying that I pass the final and pass the class so I won't have to retake it. I really don't like that class, I can't say that enough. Anyway, in anticipation of having free weekends again, in between spending time with my babies of course, I have a new project in mind. First I want to show you all a pic of the desk and hutch I bought at a yard sale the other day for my sewing room/closet. I should've took a pic of what the closet looked like before this, but just imagine the black totes from the bottom pic in place of the desk and hutch with my sewing machine on top of it, and me sitting on another tote in front of it to sew. Remember all my sewing goodies are in storage in NC. So this is my new sewing room. It's actually a closet but I love it more as my sewing room.

Okay so now here is the project I plan to work on this weekend for my baby, I am so excited too. I fancied up some socks for her and made a few headbands, but I haven't really gotten into my sewing since we moved here, and I'm having symptoms of withdrawal. I must sew something, soon. I already have some fabric on hand and an old t-shirt just begging to be re-purposed. Will show you all the finished product.

~Tootles!

Blue Monday

Good morning all. It's been a long time since I've done a blue Monday post, but here it is.
This is one of the gifts Alani got for her birthday yesterday, a Blue Nintendo DS. She actuallly received it at her un-birthday party on Saturday. The look on her face was priceless when she saw it, as she and all her friends squealed with glee saying ' ohhhhh!!!'. LOL, it was too funny and rather suprising as Alani doesn't show much emotion. Have a blessed day!

~Tootles!

Happy Birthday Alani !!!

Good Morning Everyone. Today is my baby's birthday, yeah!!! Alani is 11 years old today, can you believe it? I can't. My she's grown so fast. We had an un-birthday party for her yesterday at the bowling alley and she said 'it was a blast!' She had 5 girlfriends from class party with her, a few little friends for her lil sis and bro to bowl with, and my friend and her husband stayed and bowled with me. It's so funny to see my once extremely shy baby, who's only started peeping her head out of her shell in the 4th grade, play and laugh and really enjoy herself with her girlfriends. It's really good to see because we've only been at this school for a few months, and it hasn't been all peaches and cream. But she seems to be handling things very well and it showed yesterday. I just can't stop smiling, thinking about all the fun those children had at that party. Anyway, just wanted to share. Have a blessed day!

~Tootles!

This is weird!

Good morning all! Okay, so at 12:57 this morning the phone rings. I rush to it thinking it's my dear hubby who I haven't spoken to in days. I really miss him, gotta get this phone. Who is it? Paypal, or so they say. There was a recording saying that they were Paypal calling for phone confirmation number. I'm like, what?!! So the recorder repeats itself. Please enter your phone confirmation number. Well, for one, it's almost one o'clock in the morning. What in the sam hill is Paypal going to be calling at this time of the hour for? And two, I don't know what they're talking about. So I hang up, disgusted that I had to wake from my sleep and dash to the phone for some nonsense. UGH!!! Anyway, I thought that was kind of weird and wanted to share with you all. Have a blessed day!

~Tootles!

Snatch Joy!

Today is Wednesday, otherwise known as humpday, and boy am I glad. That means the weekend will soon be here, which always flys by, and the children will be back in school on Monday. WOOHOO!! I love being with my babies, but me being in class while they're on Easter break has not been easy. Instead of coming to my quiet home where I can study in peace, there's laughing children and playful noise. LOL, don't get me wrong, I love it; but there are some times when you need a little peace and quiet. Well, not this week. So I decided last night that I would not worry too much about studying for the test in American History II that I have tomorrow, and just enjoy spending time with my babies. We must snatch joy whenever possible. You all have a blessed day!

~Tootles!

Happy Easter!!

~Tootles!

New projects

Good morning everyone! I've been up since 4 this morning so I figured what better time than to let you all see what I've managed to do get done lately. My littlest angel is a BIG fan of Fancy Nancy, I'm hoping you all know who she is. She's a little girl in books who always dresses and speaks fancy, which to her is French, while her family does not. Anyway, Anaya being the girly-girl that she is, loves to be fancy as well. So in the below pic you see the socks I bought her on the right, and the pretties I bought to make them more fancy. So here is the before,

and here is the after. Aren't they adorable?

She wore the ones with the big pink bows on them to school yesterday.

And this headband is the Valentine's headband I told you guys I made. See what happens when you purchase a new camera. You get to share things you were trying to share eons ago. LOL.

Anyway, I hope you guys have a wonderful day!!

~Tootles!

Hello

Hello everyone, so glad to be back. I've missed talking to you guys. My hubby left on this past Tuesday, boo hoo :( we miss him so much. Wednesday I slipped down the stairs in our house and fell on my back, bumped my head and hurt my neck somehow. Had to go to the ER and get an x-ray. Found out nothing was broken, thank God, but I bruised my ribs. They hurt like heck too. I'm feeling better than I did a few days ago, but to sneeze and cough, is very painful. And wouldn't you know I've been doing a lot of that because I'm sick with a cold or sinus infection or something.

Wednesday night we also realized that we couldnn't get our front door to open. Serious fire hazard. So we called maintenance for that and they came out at 8:45pm to fix it. They have to come back because the windows in two of our bedrooms won't lock. This couldn't have gone on while hubby was here right, of course not. Let's wait till he leaves and then wreak havoc.

Anaya has decided she will not eat her food in school. I've been sending lunch and snack and she just will not eat it. Not that she's talking or anything, but she won't eat. So I may have to go sit with her after my class one day. She may be going through separation anxiety or something with her daddy gone and all.

I started school again this past Monday. Going for my bachelor's in special education.

I don't want to make this post any longer than it already is but I want to show you all a picture of the beauty my hubby got me for Valentine's Day.

Isn't she gorgeous!! Hubby found her at a thrift shop. We googled her, and believe she's a 1908 model. I'm going to have her restored.

I want to show you all the pics of the childeren but after another blogger having her daughter's pics taken from her blog and used for advertising w/o her permission, I'm kinda scared. If anyone knows how to put a watermark on the pics for me to post on here, please let me know so I can share.

~Tootles!

I'm Still Here...

Just very busy. I've been spending a lot of time with my family instead of blogging and crafting lately. My dear husband will be deploying very soon, so we've been spending as much time with him as possible. I'm also trying to register for classes which start next week. Having trouble with the school I went to while in Korea sending my transcripts over. What a mess. Anyway, wanted to let you all know that I have not left blog land, just need to be with my hubby right now. Oh, good news though, I have a new camera and we found my daughter's charger. After I bought her a new one of course because that's always how it goes. So, the next time I get on, which won't be too long becuase as I told you hubby is leaving very soon, I'll have some pics to share with you all. And hello to my new followers :D

~Tootles!

February Project

I still can't find the charger for the digital camera, and I really dislike having to post without pics, which is why I haven't been posting. But, I have to post my project for the Charming Girls Quilt Club. This month, thanks to our new family pet, I will be making some throw covers for my couch and loveseat. Seems she thinks that dogs are suppossed to be on the furniture. Well, that's a big no-no for me. It drives me bonkers actually! I will be going to Hancock's or maybe Hobby Lobby on tomorrow to get some fabric and commence to protecting my couch from the dog, and the dog from me for her being on my couch. I will also look for a charger for the camera so I can post pics because I still have to show you the cute things I made for Valentine's Day. Till then.

~Tootles!

Valentine Sewing Party

Well today is the Valentine Sewing Party, and woe is me. The camera battery is dead and we can't find the charger. So I won't be able to share any of my work today. But I will be working on a felt heart purse and valentine's headbands. Can't wait to see what everyone else will be making today.

~Tootles!

Giveaway

Cath is having a giveaway for her 200th post. A raggedy like this one to the left will be the prize. Click on the link to be entered, you have until next weekend. Good luck!

~Tootles!

Project Complete

Good morning everyone!! So, we had the Friday Night Sew-In last night, and I had a wonderful time. I was holed up in my little sewing room/hall closet, and was able to finish one project. This is the country hearts candle mat. Still haven't figured out why some of my pics are posted sideways, but anyway this is it. I think it's cute. This is not the candle that will be used as we have a no open flame policy on post. We actually use a candle warmer, and it looks just as nice.

I have some fabric left over from this project so I will be joining Kelly, Joan, and some more wonderful people for a Valentine Sewing Party on Saturday Jan. 23rd. We will be staying in to sew something fun for Valentine's Day, sharing our work periodically throughout the day. So if you're not busy that day, come join us!!

~Tootles!

Our New Baby!!

I don't normally make two posts in one day, but I wanted to share with you all the new addition to our family.
Isn't she beautiful! She doesn't have a name yet but my neighbor found her roaming around our neighborhood and brought her in. They already have two dogs so my dh and I decided we'll keep her instead of letting the MP's take her. The MP's said they'll have her put down. We could either keep her ourselves or find an ASPCA that doesn't euthanize. So we're going to see how she works out. But my DH and the kids have fell in love with her. I of course fell in love when I first laid eyes on her this morning. For those that know me, she looks exactly like my Ivory. He was a good dog. I'm sure she will be as well. Seems she may have been abused though so once she gets past the skittish, getting to know these crazy people stage, she'll be just fine. If you guys have any name suggestions please send them along. We've been calling her Lily, but DH says that just won't do. LOL

~Tootles!

Friday Night Sew In

Okay, so I have two projects to get done in January. One is the country heart candle mat for the CGQC and the other is an apron for the black white apron challenge with Tie One On. I have started on the candle mat, but my energy level has been a little low lately and I'm not doing as much as I would like to. Anyway, I have decided to join the Friday Night Sew-in which is going on this Friday, January 15th. I will be taking this time to get one, if not both, of these projects done. Wish me luck! If you guys have any projects that are just not getting done and need a little push, join us this Friday. You'll not only get some work done, but your name will also be entered in a drawing for a free gift. Click on the button to the left to go to Heidi's site for more info.

~Tootles!

Giveaway

Crafty Vegas Mom is having a giveaway for her 99th post. It ends on this Thursday the 14th so hurry, and good luck!

~Tootles!

So, to the left is the sideways pic of the fabric I'll be using to make my country hearts candle mat. The solid pink fabric will be the backing, and the pink fabric with the black dots is an add on I found in my stash. The other 3 prints I bought from Hancock's the other day. Was suppossed to buy 4 prints but was not about to go all the way back to Hancock's so I'm glad I had some pink in my stash. Now to get started.

~Tootles!

Snow Day

We've been having reports of snowing possibly coming in for today and tomorrow. Well I wake up this morning to... 2 inches of snow. So the schools are closed down. Are they serious?!!! Where I come from, NY, 2 inches is more like a dusting of snow. Definitely not enough to close down the schools. Goodness gracious, I've got to get used to living in the south. So I sit here twirling my fingers, what to do, what to do. I could have the children do some work out of the many workbooks I have in the house. Naw, I think I'll let them have their snow day. Go in the yard and play in the 2 inches before it melts. Which may be around noon if it lasts that long. I'll be watching from the window as I'm used to the snow and 2 inches is not enough for me to get my feet wet.

~Tootles!

CGQC January Project

It's time to submit my first project for the CGQC. So I decided my first project will be a country heart candle mat. This is also a project for another group I'm in. I figured I'll combine the two since my fabric stash is in NC. I'll have to make it to the quilt shop by this weekend. Oh, and I found out there's a Hancock Fabrics about 20 min. away. I need to go by there and get some notions. I really dislike having to buy these things over again. But, it's cheaper than driving 10 hours to NC to get them out of storage. Anyway, that's my project for the quilt club. I'll have to come back and post pics of the fabric once I get to the quilt shop.

~Tootles!

Happy New Year!!!

I hope you all have a prosperous New Year! A friend sent me these little trivia facts about New Year's so I wanted to share them. Enjoy!



1) Baby New Year Tradition: The tradition of using a baby to signify the New Year was started around 600 B.C by the ancient Greeks, who, at the start of a year would carry a baby around in a basket. The purpose of it was to honor Dionysus, the God of Fertility and symbolize his annual rebirth.

2) Hogmanay: The New Year in Scotland is called Hogmanay. The people in Scotland follow a ritual that appears nutty but actually has a great significance. One can find barrels of tar set afire and gradually rolled down the streets in the villages of Scotland. This ritual symbolizes that the old year is burned up and New Year is going to begin.

3) Burning "Mr. Old Year": In Columbia, Cuba and Puerto Rico families stuff a life-size male doll with things and then they dress it up in old clothes from each family member. At the stroke of midnight, this 'Mr. Old Year' is set on fire. This is done with the simple belief that a doll thus stuffed have bad memories or sadness associated with them, and that the burning of these will help one to do away with all past grief's and usher in happiness in life with the coming year.

4) Eating Noodles: Late on the evening of December 31, people of Japan would eat a bowl of buckwheat noodles called "toshikoshisoba" ("year-crossing noodles") and listen for the sound of the Buddhist temple bells, which were rung 108 times at midnight. The sound of these bells is said to purify the listeners of the 108 sins or evil passions that plague every human being.

5) Eating 12 Grapes: In Spain people eat 12 grapes as the clock strikes midnight (one each time the clock chimes) on New Year's Eve. This peculiar ritual originated in the twentieth century when freak weather conditions resulted in an unseasonable bumper harvest of grapes. Not able to decide what to do about so many grapes at Christmas time, the King of Spain and the grape growers came up with the idea of the New Year ritual.

6) Gifts in Shoes: In Greece children leave their shoes by the fireside on New Year's Day (also the Festival of Saint Basil in Greece) with the hope that Saint Basil, who was famous for his kindness, will come and fill their shoes with gifts.

7) Carrying a Suitcase: In Venezuela, Argentina, Bolivia, and Mexico, those with hopes of traveling in the New Year carry a suitcase around the house at midnight. Some even carry it around the block to ensure traveling at greater distances.

8) Burning Crackers: The people in China believe that there are evil spirits that roam the earth. So on New Year they burn crackers to scare the evil spirits. The doors and windows of every home in china can be seen sealed with paper. This is to keep the evil demons out.

9) Times Square Celebrations: The first Ball Lowering celebration atop One Times Square was held on December 31, 1907 and is now a worldwide symbol of the turn of the New Year, seen via satellite by more than one billion people each year. The original New Year's Eve Ball weighed 700 pounds and was 5 feet in diameter. It was made of iron and wood and was decorated with 100 25-watt light bulbs.

10) Foods: It was thought that one could affect the luck they would have throughout the coming year by what they did or ate on the first day of the year. It is still held in some regions that special New Year foods are the harbingers of luck. For that reason, the Dutch believe that eating donuts on New Year's Day will bring good fortune. The hog, and its meat, is considered lucky because it symbolizes prosperity. Cabbage is another "good luck" vegetable that is consumed on New Year's Day by many. Cabbage leaves are also considered a sign of prosperity, being representative of paper currency. In some regions, rice is a lucky food that is eaten on New Year's Day. The ancient Persians gave New Year's gifts of eggs, which symbolized productiveness.

11) Black-eyed peas: Many parts of the U.S. celebrate the new year by consuming black-eyed peas. These legumes are typically accompanied by either hog jowls or ham. Black-eyed peas and other legumes have been considered good luck in many cultures.

12) Rings: Many cultures believe that anything in the shape of a ring is good luck, because it symbolizes "coming full circle," completing a year's cycle.

13) Wearing new slippers: In China, many people wear in the new year a new pair of slippers that is bought before the new year, because it means to step on the people who gossip about you.

14) Sealed doors & windows: During new year , the doors and windows of every home in china can be seen sealed with paper. The Chinese think that this will succeed in keep the evil demons out.

15) Jewish New Year: The Jewish New Year is called Rosh Hashanah. It is a holy time when Jews recall the things they have done wrong in the past, and then promise to do better in the future. Special services are held in the synagogues, children are given new clothes and New Year loaves are baked to remind people of harvest time.

16) Japanese New Year: On New Year's Day in Japan, everyone gets dressed in their new clothes. Homes are decorated with pine branches and bamboo, both of which are considered to be the symbols of long life.

17) American resolutions: 40 to 45% of American adults make one or more New Year's resolutions each year. And these range from debt reduction to giving up bad habits to what not? But the ones that are the most common deal with weight loss to exercise to giving up smoking.

~Tootles!