Julezee's and Johnny Dee's

A brother for Bates: t shirt contest

2010-12-31T09:40:00.000-06:00

Want to help some dear friends bring home their second? Just buy one of these awesome t-shirts. A brother for Bates: t shirt contest: "Wanna get your Love will find away or Man Up shirt for free? Here's what we are gonna do. Whoever refers the most shirt purchases will get..."

Make sure you put my name "Stephanie Elliott" in the comment section when you order. These shirts really are great!

New blog

2010-12-31T09:32:00.000-06:00

If you haven't found our new blog yet, hop on over to: http://elliottsfamilystory.blogspot.com/ to read about our new adventure--adoption.

Win! Pick Me

2010-11-13T18:08:00.004-06:00

Just found a contest to win fabric, patterns, notions at above all fabrics!! I'm such a textile junkie. So, I took a look around and found so many patterns I want to make for Julianne--a ModKid skirt, Julia; Miss Kitty Top and Dress by Pink Fig; School Phot Dress by Oliver + S; Polkadots dress kit; Little Bow Chic Dress.

Now, if I could find time to sew it all!!!

October 2010

2010-10-31T07:06:00.002-05:00

Busy Month

2010-08-19T19:55:00.003-05:00

Yes we are some silly guys. This has been a super busy month for us. The end of July had Eric out of town for a week, then his sister was in a terrible car accident(she's doing better now), and I ran my first 5K. We also started school the first week of August. JD is a 2nd grader (more on that in another post) and Julez is a brand new kindergartener!!! Where has the time gone? I don't even feel like I had a vacation. When's fall break again, and where can I go???

I ran my first 5K a week ago and it was so much fun. It was held on one of the local college campuses--and there were about 900 people in it. I finished 31st in my age group with a 35:19 time (15 seconds over my goal!!!). My plan is to run one a month and as soon as I can run a full one, start training for a 10K. I'm lucky to have great support at home, work, and with friends to encourage me with the running.

I've also reached my 3rd weight loss goal. I'm not at minus 16 lbs!! I'm half-way to the final goal. I hope to reach it by Thanksgiving.

School's Already Started...for me at least

2010-07-28T20:24:00.003-05:00

For the past two days, I've attended a huge conference our county puts on for its teachers. I'm so lucky to work in a county that supports professional development for our teachers and offers great ways to do it. For this conference, I had two things I wanted to focus on, classroom management and SPED. For the past four years, I've been able to work with our Special Education department, and am considering getting my masters in Special Education. I still want to be a classroom teacher, but I want to work with SPED students better--understand them better, work with their abilities more, help them to succeed, just be a better teacher for them.

Yesterday, day one of the conference, was spent learning some new management skills from New Management author, Rick Morris. I love this guy. He's quirky, and offers some great "why didn't I think of that" advise. This was the second or third time I've seen Rick talk, and I still went away with some new ideas. Things that I can put into place as soon as students walk through the doors next week.

I also participated in a workshop by Paula Kluth. She offered some great advice about dealing with our special needs students. She helped us to understand how to have more involvement from our special needs students.

Today, I attended another half day presentation by Dr. Barbara Blackburn--so so cute and funny and animated. I loved her presentation of motivating students and setting them up for success. I want my students to succeed. If I could give them all As in class, I would. I hate seeing them fail, because that means that I didn't do what THEY needed from me. She told a story today about her sister whose son didn't do so well in Reading as a kindergartener. She felt like a failure as a mother, because her son wasn't making As in spelling and was behind grade level in reading. (her sister is/was a teacher too). It so hit home with me. I try really hard to just be John David's mom and not a teacher when I walk through his school's doors. But, when he doesn't do well in something, I can't help but see that as it's my fault. I have failed him in some way with school. Have I not read to him enough, pushed studying enough, worked with him enough on his spelling words. I know that it's not my fault, but I still feel like in some way it is.

I also went to Lisa Elliott's session on using Technology in the class, not as something else to do, but to help with what we do. She had some amazing sites to highlight, and I can't wait to dig into them (a couple I've used before, but many I'd never heard of).

Highlights:
Google Lit Trips fieldtrips to visit the places in the books you read using google earth!!! Not a huge selection, but great idea!!

Animoto Makes you look like a cool video editor with just a few clicks.

Portaportal Links to all your favorites from anywhere. This is mine that I've used for about five years. It needs some housekeeping, but there are some neat sites there.

Live Binders On-line version of your binders. You can add links, documents, etc. I see this being used in writing class this year.

All in all, the sessions I attended were fab. DI always gets me ready for the year. I've still got a bunch of stuff to do before our open house Monday night, but I'm ready to dive back in and get to school.

Books I Want to Read

2010-07-23T08:07:00.003-05:00

Here's my LOOONNNGGG list of books I want to read soon.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins: lost my copy and can only find hardback at Target. I guess I need to go to a real bookstore.

Teach Like a Champion by Doug Lemov : an assistant principal friend of mine recommended it. I skimmed over her copy and want to order my own.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson: I just like the title.

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater: sounds very Twilightish to me, but worth a try.

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee: I have read this one in several years and need to. It's one of my favorites.

Sh*t My Dad Says Justin Halpern : love the tweets, now I need to read the book

My Horizontal Life: A Collection of One-Night Stands by Chelsea Handler: love this girl and her dry humor. I read Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang and laughed out loud.

The Carrie Diaries Candace Bushnell: Sex and the City for Teens. Before the fab four...

Lipstick Jungle Candace Bushnell

There's more, but I hope I can at least get started on these before school starts. I've wasted away my summer.

Self Portraits and Challenge results

2010-07-22T16:06:00.003-05:00

Another fantastic idea from freeplaylife.com via Southern Institute. Why not join in? I'm going to TRY to do this. You know me, I don't blog much because I don't have time, but I will try this. So, without further ado, here's my first self portrait...made, of course, with my web cam, because my camera is downstairs and I'm too lazy to go down and get it...

On the bright side, I've lost 11 lbs. and 8.5" in the past 24 days!! I'm still working on it with the help of Casey Overstreet, but I will get there. I want to lose at least 15 more lbs. (and a couple more sizes). I've just started running, and as soon as I can get to Fleet Feet, I'm going to sign up for my first 5K in August. I am so very nervous, but excited at the same time. I have had some great encouragement from co-workers, friends, and of course the hubby. I know I'll be able to finish, I just want to have a respectable time. My personal goal is 37minutes. I've got about 8-10 minutes to shave off before I get there on a consistent basis.

What I love about the "What U Love" Symbol

2010-07-22T08:17:00.002-05:00

What I love about the "What U Love" Symbol. What a neat giveaway. Boutiquecafe.com is giving away one of these lovely pendants from Meridane design. I love the pendants and the bracelets. Both are super cute. Maybe I'll win this one.

Fabric Shopping

2010-07-20T16:10:00.002-05:00

Today, I talked the kids into going fabric shopping with me. Actually, I just told them we were going and braced myself for the grunts, pouts, and whines.

First stop, Stitchers Playhouse where I scored some oh, so cute Michael Miller guitar print fabric , some "cufflink"(which isn't as leaf-y colored as it is on-line), and some turquoise 60". All were 35% off!!! Their summer fabric, most of it, is marked at 35% off!! So, of course I HAD to get something. Now, if they would just post their fall classes so I could sign up for something.

Next stop was mentioned by Jenny at Southern Institute. She blogged about this fantastic fabric store in Nashville, Textile Fabrics. I just had to go. AMAZING!!! My favorite is still Stitchers in Smyrna (because TF kinda overwhelms me a bit), but this one is huge. If they don't have it, you don't need it. I found so many things that I want to go back and buy when I have an idea of how much I want/need. It's too costly to just buy and figure it out later. They have everything. I'm loving the Halloween fabric they have out (especially the grey owl print). I'm not sure the brand but it is gorgeous.

Then, we headed over to Children's Corner. They had several bolts on sale for 50% off. I was able to snag this, this, and this. They were super busy with a class and other things.

Final stop, The Fabric House. I only got 1/4 yard of this and this for a camera strap. But they have some beautiful decorator fabric, and I'd love to go back and customize a new comforter and drapes for the bedroom.

Can't wait to sit down at the machine to do a little stiching. Maybe tomorrow. I've got a LOOOONG to do list before school starts back in a couple weeks.

Tifosi Optics and Boutiquecafe.com

2010-07-16T13:19:00.003-05:00

Just signed up to win these awesome sunglasses from Tifosi and Boutiquecafe.com. Since I just started running, I haven't invested in much besides a few pairs of shorts and t-shirts. I'm still running in my shoes I bought over a year ago (new ones on the Christmas list). I've been thinking of buying some sunglasses to run in, but wasn't sure what to get, then I stumbled upon this site that talked about how great these shades are. Maybe I'll win and can get them, because I'm really not up for spending that dough right now on sunglasses to run in.

Day 11 is really just the beginning

2010-07-08T12:01:00.003-05:00

After the 10 day cleanse, I've lost about 10 pounds (depending on when I weigh). I've dropped a size (at least). I feel better, my skin looks better. I do drink almost a gallon of water a day. It's really not too hard. I chug a bunch, I have a bottle with me ALL the TIME!! My favorite is Sonic water with lemon-love the ice. But I keep that water with me and drink when I'm board, when I'm tired, when I'm hungry, all the time.

I'm not going back. I'm hoping to up my exercise routine next week. I've been running every other day for the past two weeks, but feel like I need more. I'm hoping to start adding in some yoga or strength training.

I've got amazing support from Eric, from friends, from family to keep going. Why go back feeling blah when I feel so great changing just a few things. I don't feel like I'm missing out on food, because I eat all the time, and eat some great dishes (chicken lettuce wraps, salmon, chicken, fresh veggies, peanut butter). We're thinking about becoming distributors of the products I'm using. Stay tuned for that.

Happy Birthday to my Firecracker

2010-07-04T14:36:00.007-05:00

Today, eight years ago, we had this little booger. After 36 hours of labor (don't worry, it wasn't too bad) he decided he didn't want to enter this world and we had to help him along. As our family watched fireworks from the 7th floor of the hospital, we were in the OR having John David. It was THE best fourth of July ever. As soon as he heard Eric's voice he stopped crying and looked for his daddy. As mom's know, we carry them and then they end up looking like dad!! He was so tiny, 6lbs. 5oz, with a small cut above his left eye (still don't know what happened on that one) he came into this world. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful, caring, little man in my life. He loves his sister, his dog, and baseball (and not always in that order). Right now, he's into Legos, Nerf guns, and just this year, swimming, of course baseball. He plays as number 3 on the Tornados. You are an amazing little man, and I am so glad God chose me to be your mom. I love you , Bubba.

Day Four-10: food tracking

2010-07-01T14:11:00.004-05:00

Spark; went for a run

Breakfast: shake

Went to the zoo

Snack: almonds

lunch: tuna salad

so I slacked on tracking my food, but still made wise choices. I did cheat a little and have four or five chips with cheese dip the other day at Moe's. Day 10: 1/2 a hamburger with no bun and fruit. I've eaten a ton of fruit this week, specifically watermelon (it's just so yummy right now).

food tracking

2010-06-29T10:35:00.008-05:00

when I was in college, I kept a food diary and was able to lose some weight. I know key was writing it down. I'm hoping that making my "diary" public will force me to eat better and not cheat. I'm writing it all down here.
day one:

breakfast: meal replacement

morning snack: banana

lunch: grilled chicken salad with baby spinach, carrots, tomatoes, cucumbers, one hard boiled egg, and tablespoon of tomato vinigrette

snack: small peach

dinner: fish and steamed veggies

All day: 2 Sparks, 2.5 liters of water

Day two:

Got up with the alarm--no snooze!!

Run 2.15 miles; felt tired the last .5 and just walked it; sweating like crazy; but not exhausted

breakfast: meal replacement chocolate!!

Spark orange

morning snack: felt a little headache, sure it's from no caffenine for a couple days; ate snack and feeling better; one whole wheat rice cake with about tablespoon natural peanut butter (very yummy)

lunch: grilled chicken salad with oil and vinegar

snack: carrots and hummus; fruit punch spark

dinner: 3 oz sirlion steak, skewer of grilled veggies, four peanuts (it was very hard to resist the rolls--I just didn't look at them and made Eric and JD eat them)

lots of water!!
I could tell I didn't drink as much today, or maybe I just needed more. I was a little more hungry, but at supper, I was full on a small amount. I know I have to force myself to do some water chuggin'.

Day Three:
Slept in a little. Didn't run. I'm doing the couch to 5K and you only run every other day. I plan on doing some yoga or ab stuff today (didn't happen; I sewed all day). Still couldn't get past 1/2 the fiber drink. It's so gross.

Breakfast: Chocolate meal replacement shake (lots of protein in these and they are YUMMY).

Spark Orange (need to drink my second one a little earlier today. I had some trouble getting to sleep last night). Drank the other one around 1:30, maybe I'll be able to sleep tonight.
Lunch: leftovers from last night (3 oz steak and skewer of veggies) Plus some extra cucumbers.
Snack: rice cake with PB
Supper: Chicken lettuce wraps The kids even loved them.
Snack: banana
Today was the easiest of the past three days. I wasn't hungry, didn't feel like I was "craving" anything.

Challenge Day Two

2010-06-29T07:56:00.003-05:00

Today I started running, again. It's been a crazy summer and I haven't been consistent at all with running or working out. Eric is finally home from all his travelling and I can work out/run without worrying about the kids. I'm using gps-sport.com to track what I do so I know if I'm improving.

It's also Day Two of my Advocare 24 day challenge. TJ and Casey got us started and man is it some good stuff. I couldn't get past the fiber drink the first day, but today, I was able to drink about 1/2 of it. The scale says minus 4 lbs!!! I know it's just water weight, but it's still weight. I got up without snoozing on the alarm (which is a first for me). I can tell I've got more energy already. CAsey wasn't lying, this stuff is good!! I drank about 2 1/2 liters of water yesterday, and will try to get in some more today. I'm pretty excited about what the next 20 or so days has to show me.

My Ball Player

2010-06-28T11:26:00.004-05:00

Julez new dress

2010-06-28T11:12:00.003-05:00

My five year old thinks she is really 16. She loves to have her hair straightened, make-up on, and of course clothes that look like her Aunt Nicole's. We've seen the cute little elastic waist dresses around, but not in her size. I knew they wouldn't be too hard to make, so I picked up some supplies at Wal-Mart when I went to visit Dad (it's the only walmart around that still has fabric). I didn't want to spend a fortune on a dress I didn't have a pattern for or really know what I was doing. I got some sassy rocker girl fabric that sparkles, a tank top, and some extra wide elastic (I think it's 1 1/2" wide).

First, the girls (I made Emma one too) tried on their shirts and I marked right under the armpits to cut it off. Cut off the tank. Next, iron on a small strip of fusible interface to the cut edge to keep it from streching too much. Then, I sewed the elastic on to the right side of the tank. Cut the skirt. I measured the girls and doubled the waist measurement and then determined how long I wanted it. Julez's is pretty short--about 12 inches. I sewed two rows of elastic thread to gather the waist and give it stretch when I sewed it to the elastic. Next, I hemmed to where I wanted. It ended up a little short, but we wear shorts under all our dresses anyway. Attach the skirt to the bottom of the elastic and you're done. Cute, big girl dress!!

A Challenge?

2010-06-27T20:42:00.004-05:00

Friends of ours have "challenged" us with the Advocare 24 day challenge. I'm game since she, Casey, has had amazing results. I worked with a personal trainer in the past, but never even got close to my goal. So, I'm trying the advocare route. I start tomorrow and will post results as soon as I see them.

Our summer is settling into a routine now that Eric has made it back from California from his visit with an old college buddy of his (a high school buddy of mine). I hope to start running again--by myself. I think I need that time to just get away from all the "momma's" I hear all day every day. It gives me time to just be alone and not think about anything.

Here's to a bright, skinnier, future!!! Hope to see results soon. took my measurements tonight and will repost some of the results in 24 days!!!

Update Day One: so far, I've been able to digest everything but the fiber drink. Seriously made me sick. Everything else has been fine-the meal replacement, the spark, the pills. Other changes? not sure. I don't feel as short tempered with the kids right now (and I've been a single parent this week and it's been a VERY stressful week). We'll see.

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-09T16:04:00.004-05:00

I've had the best mother's day today. We started off the day sleeping in. Then, we went to Newks for lunch-yummy lobster and crab bisque and salad. Next, we topped it off with a visit to a local strawberry patch to pick some berries. JD was searching for the strawberry trees when we got there-he really didn't know that strawberries didn't grow on trees!! I am so blessed to have a wonderful husband and two beautiful kids. Iloved just spending the day with them and not worrying about cleaning or running to a ball game. Just picking berries and eating strawberry-honey pops.

Macy Giggles Dress

2010-05-08T21:26:00.005-05:00

What a wonderful Mother's Day weekend! Saturday started with me taking a sewing class at my favorite spot, Stitcher's Playhouse. I was able to make Julezee a super cute dress from this pattern:
I hope to have my pictures uploaded tomorrow. We used a navy, yellow, and white daisy print-super cute. She loves it because its a great twirling dress. I then went to the ballpark (my second home) and spent some time selling snow cones with some pretty great friends. (I'm so blessed with our friends--we've made amazing friends in the four years we've been here). Then, dinner at our favorite Mexican place. Tomorrow, I'm hoping for a trip to the strawberry patch to pick some berries and pick up a cake--yumm!!!

New (repurposed) dress for the princess

2010-02-15T17:31:00.006-06:00

Last spring/summer, I bought a couple cute skirts at goodwill for $.99. They've been sitting in my sewing closet since then, waiting for me to do something with them. I finally got around to repurposing one of them into a spring/summer dress for the princess. Since we were out of school today for Presidents Day, I thought I'd do a little sewing. The house was clean (kinda), and it snowed, so we didn't want to venture out (and because I needed an excuse not to get out of the sweats). Nothing fancy. I used the existing zipper to make the top more fitted. Added straps out of the extra fabric cut to make it fit. She'd tried it on several times already and didn't want to put it on for the final picture. It's made out of the stretchy, cotton-y fabric. Looks like its going to be a favorite this summer.

Snow Days and Sewing

2010-02-02T11:24:00.004-06:00

Since we've been out of school since Friday, I've had some time to do some sewing. I finished Julianne's valentines outfit (because my first try didn't go over well with the princess; she needed to make some modifications to her liking). Then, I made my niece's American Girl doll a wrap skirt and simple top using this tutorial (Julianne got a purple one too). I also made Elizabeth, Julianne's AG doll, a valentine's day outfit to match.

Snow Day

2010-01-30T10:28:00.004-06:00

We got about 5-6 inches of snow over the past couple of days. The kids had a great time playing in the icy wet stuff this morning.

Miriam Lovell Photography: 6 Days Grateful- my girls

2010-01-21T17:55:00.001-06:00

I found this post today in my blog roll, and it is so true. Miriam Lovell Photography: 6 Days Grateful- my girls. I want to be a little bit like Miriam and post daily gratitudes, but I'm not sure I can find the time to get on this computer (it's blocked at work, so that doesn't work).

So, today, I start with Day 1 of Gratitude...my kids. They are amazing little souls with no fear sometimes. I love how curious they are about everything. Julianne has begun asking about dying and heaven. John David wants to know as much as he can about nature and weather and the tooth fairy. I love how they drive me crazy one minute and I can't get enough of them the next. I just want to eat 'em up!! How can you put into words how much your children mean to you?

Love them-John David, Julianne, and my niece, Emma

10 years

2010-01-07T20:29:00.008-06:00

Ten years ago tomorrow (January 8, 2000), I married the man of my dreams. I know, mushy, huh? I never thought that I would (or could) love someone as much as I do Eric--and he would love me back so unconditionally. He's an amazing father, friend, and husband.

We met in college; our last year at UTM. A friend of both of ours invited me to go (not with him, but just go) to a party. There is where I met him. I instantly fell in love. The more I got to know him, the harder I fell for him. I loved how he was exactly the same when he was with his friends as when he was with me. I loved how he made me feel special everytime he looked at me. I knew we would last.

I love how wonderful a friend he is. He still talks to most of his college buddies-we hang out, we visit, he helps them when they need it, and offers when they don't. I love seeing him with our newest friends-how he seems so comfortable with them when we've only known them a short while. I can only wish I was as outgoing and open as he is with people.

I love what an amazing father he is to our two. He does things most dads wouldn't; and a lot of things most moms don't even do!! He's so patient with the kids. He plays ball, lets Jules paint his nails, plays Barbies, takes JD hunting.

He's a great husband. I couldn't imagine loving anyone as I do him. He treats me so much better than I deserve.

Tomorrow, we're celebrating our life together with our kids. We'll probably have pizza or chinese, or whatever the kids want for dinner, and maybe rent a movie. Saturday, is our day to celebrate each other. Luckily, mom is keeping the kids, and we're going to my favorite place, Sperry's!! Of course, we'll have the banana's foster--so yummy. And, maybe go to a movie. We never do a trip or make a big deal. Everyday is special when you're married to the one you love!

I love you, E. Happy 10 year anniversary!!

Update: Eric surprised me with three gifts this year--a new toilet, a soft toilet seat and this amzing setting for my engagement ring. So not expecting the ring-what a pleasant surprise. It's at the jeweler's right now being set and sized.

Merry Christmas from the Elliotts

2009-12-25T12:29:00.001-06:00

Funky Fritos

2009-12-09T10:52:00.001-06:00

A new favorite at our house---
http://www.cdkitchen.com/recipes/recs/296/Funky-Frito-Fruckies76757.shtml

Funky Frito Kid Friendly Recipe @ CDKitchen.com :: it's what's cooking online!

2009-12-09T10:52:00.000-06:00

A new holiday favorite for our house-super easy to make and so very yummy!!! http://www.cdkitchen.com/recipes/recs/296/Funky-Frito-Fruckies76757.shtml

Christmas Card Pictures

2009-12-05T21:36:00.005-06:00

Jeannie Nicholson took our pictures today for our Christmas cards. Of course, she ALWAYS does a great job. Some of my favorites...I highly, HIGHLY recommend her if you are looking for a photographer.

Happy Halloween

2009-11-01T18:55:00.004-06:00

Lots of candy. Lots of make-up. Lots of fun!
Julezee couldn't wait to put on Daphne. JD was Snake Eyes from GIJoe. Em was Bat Girl. We spent the evening at Nana's neighborhood begging for candy. The kids loaded up on all kinds of good stuff. We also roasted hot dogs (Nathan's-the best) and made s'mores with chocolate gram-crackers-so yummy. Luckily, we also got that extra hour of sleepwith day light saving time.

Kentucky, Stitches, and Bison

2009-09-07T18:12:00.006-05:00

Our Labor Day weekend started off GREAT! We had planned to stay home, do nothing, and just lay around the house. Saturday morning, Jules woke up wanting to call her MiMi. Jules: "Mimi, will you come and get me; I'll pack my bags; I love you." in the sweetest voice every. You would think that we beat our children the way they never want to stay home. Both love spending the night at anyones house--I almost think a stranger could take them and they wouldn't care. So, of course after the pitiful phone message, we decided to pack our bags and head to Water Valley, Kentucky.

We got to Eric's parents, unloaded the van and then, of course, made our trip to Wal-Mart. I promise that is the scariest Wal-Mart I have ever been to in my life. The lady at the checkout counter looked like this or maybe this . Both of these pictures are by far better, and less scary than the lady checking us out.

Saturday night, we spent having dinner at one of Eric's family's homes. Wonderful food--fried okra, cream corn, salad, baked ham, sweet tea--yummy!! But, after eating homemade ice cream--some kid (not sure who he belonged to) came screaming out from behind the barn with blood running down his face. He had taken a line drive to the forehead. They calmed him and the mom's down and then proceeded to take him to the dinning room table to super glue his head back together--yes, you read that right. They super glued his head back together!!! With regular super glue they found in the kitchen junk drawer.

Sunday, we spent the day hanging out at the in-laws and just doing nothing. Later, we took a trip to Columbus Belmont Park (Eric's mom is the park manager there) and had supper of corn dogs, cheese fries and milkshakes. The kids played putt-putt and just ran around chasing each other. Then it happened. Jules took a tumble and busted her chin open. As soon as I saw it, I knew we had to go to the ER. Well the park is about 100 miles from any type of civilized hospitial. With Eric driving though, we made it in about 30 minutes. I was more worried about a freak out with senior pictures in about 14 years and a gapping scar than any real permanet damage. The staff there was amazing. As soon as we got there they immediatly took us back. Jules was a nervous wreck and I wasn't that great either. She was very brave and let me take a picture and even smiled.
I think I cried as much as she did when they gave her the shot so they could stitch her up. Four tiny stitches, three Hannah Montana stickers, an a sponge bob sticker later, she bebopped on out of there telling the nurses that she was never going to hurt her chin again. (I'll have some good shots later of the stitches). She was very brave and hasn't complained at all about any pain. Her biggest concern is what type of band-aids to put over it next.

And the bison--we made a pit stop on the way home Monday to see the Bison and Elk at LBL. The kids loved it (I think Eric did too). We didn't see any Elk, but saw a ton of Bison cooling off in one of the ponds. It was neat to see them up close.

Ugg Boots give-away

2009-09-03T20:21:00.002-05:00

Ugg boots give-away!! Jules is going to look too cute in these babies!!

TuTu's

2009-08-16T10:09:00.004-05:00

After seeing all the adorable tutus on etsy this summer, Julzee and I decided she needed one. What little girls doesn't need a bright tutu? She definatly picked out the best colors to use--we went a big rainbow. I think it would be just as cute in two colors, or even three similar ones. We also signed her up for dance classes this weekend. She'll be in a combo (ballet, tap, tumbling) class in just a couple weeks. Brother isn't excited since he'll have to go to all the practices too! I was able to get some really good shots of her last weekend posing for me (these haven't been edited yet). The one laying down was her idea!! She's such a model.

Sew Much More

2009-07-27T07:31:00.003-05:00

Our small group is working on a service project for the underpriveldged in Brazil. Our goal is to make 250 reversible dresses to send to them-everything from X-Small size one dresses to size 9's. This is the third year for the service project for this small group and my second. Last year, I didn't know anyone, but signed up to help sew, and now am part of the best small group ever. Even the guys got in on the action yesterday cutting and folding fabric.

If you want to help, we need more than just sew-ers on August 29th at Life Point Church. We'll need cutters, and folders, and ironers, and much more. there will be more information about it soon, and I'll post as soon as I get it.

From Casey's blog: "Sew Much More is a missions project that our church small group organizes to complete 250 reversible dresses that our church's mission teams present to little girls in Mexico, Brazil, and China. It is the "brain child" of our friends Aaron and Julie Meier.The plan was to complete all 250 dresses between 8AM-8PM in the church's multi-purpose center."

First Day of School--for Julezee

2009-07-27T07:20:00.004-05:00

Jules started school today. I don't know if I was more upset at her starting school this year, or when I first put her in childcare at 10 weeks old. they were both pretty hard. I think the fact that she signed herself in today was extremly difficult. She's a big girl now. She couldn't sleep last night. Every few minutes, she was coming to me, "I'm excited about starting school." It was after 10 before she finally went to sleep last night.

She's going to be going with her cousin Emma for a few weeks--at least until Em starts Kindergarten in a few weeks. Both are really excited--not sure how their teacher is going to be.

--on a side note--I'm making Emma's nap mat for school and it's so cute: lime green with bright colored guitars; so her!!!

No More Baseball...at least for a couple weeks

2009-07-23T10:18:00.002-05:00

John David's baseball season got cut short yesterday. We were supposed to play in our last tournament this weekend, but two other teams dropped out. Can't play a tournament with only two teams. That gives us a much needed break though, before school starts in a couple weeks. Fall ball starts up soon enough though and we'll be back at the ball field!!

Julianne decided she wanted to dance this year. We're trying to get her signed up for dance at a small studio here in town but can't ever get anyone on the phone. She was mad yesterday when the place wasn't opened and she couldn't dance right then.

summer is almost over and I didn't accomplish as much as I'd hoped. But, the kids and I had fun doing nothing!!

Fried Pies and Sweet Tea

2009-07-21T13:57:00.003-05:00

I spent Monday with my Maw-Maw Mattox in Lawrenceburg for a cooking class on fried pies. She makes THE BEST apple fried pies in the world--better than any I've ever had anyways. I had called her earlier to make sure she wasn't hanging out with her girl friends or on some road trip with them. Dad said she had been waiting all week for me to get there. When I got there, she made a great lunch--sweet tea, fresh tomato slices, fried squash and okra, green beans, corn bread, and fresh cream corn!!! >
She already had some dough made and chilled--she said that's how the cooking shows do it!! We took the video camera along so we could film the lesson (and have some lasting memories of Maw-Maw). We had a great day together. Got to plan our next one soon.

Classes

2009-07-15T12:01:00.002-05:00

Jeannie and I are planning on taking a photogrphy class--look for lots more pictures soon. Our class starts in just a couple of weeks. I so excited about this upcoming class--learn to take better shots and photoshop them to look even better. I just can't seem to get great shots--they're ok, but not GREAT!!

New pics soon!!

Catcher

2009-07-12T18:57:00.002-05:00

JD played catcher this weekend in the tournaments--one game Friday, two Saturday, and one today. I dont' know if he's ever played catcher, but he did a great job--even though his team didn't place in the tourny, they did an amazing job!!

Click here to view these pictures larger

July Family Pictures

2009-07-10T16:06:00.003-05:00

Click here to view these pictures larger

New Family Pictures

2009-07-07T12:57:00.004-05:00

My friend and photographer Jeannie Nicholson took some great shots of the whole family yesterday. They turned out so GREAT--I'm more than pleased with them.

Future sewing room planning

2009-07-02T13:57:00.005-05:00

I want a space, not really a whole room (although that would be nice), to sew and work on my crafts and have a place for everything. I've been looking for a while for a nice cutting table and some storage ideas without spending a ton of money. Here are some of my dream pieces:

1. Cutting table #1
2. Cutting table #2
2b. Dream table/storage
3. Notions wall storage
4. serger/overlock machine (from Mid-south sewing-If Eric's reading this)

I've got shelves for the closet for storing fabric, but I need some space and some time to do it all. This summer has flown by and I don't seem to have enough time to do all I had planned--where has the summer gone?

Finally Finished and a New Doctor

2009-07-01T20:33:00.005-05:00

I finally finished sewing Jules' outfit that I had wanted to finish months ago (I bought it a year ago and cut it out in February!!) She looks super cute in it--goes great with those bright blue eyes, but I'm afraid she won't wear it because it's not PINK. Why does EVERYTHING she have to wear HAVE TO be PINK!!! I mean I love pink, but everything??? Anyway, she's cute and did model it for me. It helped that Eric's sister said it was cute--now she kinda likes it. She has to be just like her aunt Nicole.

We also went to a new pediatrician today. We've been with Dr. Will at Skyline Pediatrics for seven years--since before JD was even born-and I truly hated leaving him, but it became an all day event to go to the doctor--I needed something closer. We're now going to a doctor in the boro area. We met with Dr. Henschel. I really liked him when we met today. He sat and talked with us for about twenty minutes and explained everything he was doing to the kids and what he found--a slight heart murmur in both of them. He says it's nothing to worry about. He's probably hearing it because they are both tiny kids (JD only weighs 43 lbs at 7 years old). He said he'd check it again next year, but he wasn't concerned and we shouldn't be either--it's a common sound to hear, especially in skinny kids and he hears it about 30% of the time. We will definatly be going back to see him--he was great.

Summer pictures

2009-06-30T17:41:00.005-05:00

I had to play with my camera some today. Every summer, Nicole, Eric's baby sister spends a week with us. That's when we do shots of the kids and her for his mom. Today was great. We went to Cannonsburgh and took some great pictures of her and the kids. Eric had to work, we'll work him in sometime. While we were shooting by the creek, we saw a pretty big snake slithering about three feet away--we decided to move and go somewhere else!!

Cute Shoes

2009-06-23T13:04:00.002-05:00

Look how cute these shoes are!!! Jules would LOVE these, but I can't bring myself to splurge that much on sneaks when all we seem to wear are sparkles!! But, they are cute and it's fun to play with on the design board.

2009-06-23T11:19:00.002-05:00

Please visit my bestest friends website: http://jeannienicholson.blogspot.com/

She's great at pictures and is offering some amazing deals for weddings.

Just the Kiddos

2009-06-21T19:36:00.002-05:00

I have the best kiddos in the world. I just wanted to post some of our latest snapshots.

My All-Star

2009-06-20T20:27:00.002-05:00

My all-star baseball player. Very focused on the ball. Made some awesome plays today and got a couple hits. He loves baseball. Told me the other day, "Mom, I think I want to play ball my whole life."

Julianne's FOUR

2009-06-14T23:29:00.004-05:00

I can't believe my little girl is four! We tried to make her birthday weekend as special as possible, but with big brother having ball games all weekend, it was kinda hard. Friday night she chose Red Robin to enjoy dinner and ice cream with her Mimi and Aunt Nicole. They sang to her and she tried hard not to smile or show any excitement about it--she was thrilled though.

Saturday, we spent at the ball park watching brother play two games as well as dinner at Buffalo Wild Wings (dad's favorite). She was able to play a couple games while we were there.

And then, Sunday, her birthday started with a song from mom and dad. We again spent the first part of the day at the ball park watching big bro's team become runner up in the AA division!! (way to go Johnny D). Julezee wanted to eat at Chuck E. Cheese. Big Bro hates CEC, but went along anyway. He truly hates anything that's dressed up. Princess, on the other hand, really loves CEC. We got her the DS she's been wanting since big bro got his. She's been playing his. When she opened it, she was so excited--"this is just what I wanted."

We had to continue to tell her this morning that she really was four. She had a hard time believing us!! I'm still not ready to believe it. I think that's why it's taken me all day to write this post. I don't want my little girl to grow up.

Happy B-day my big girl! (her real party isn't until a couple of weeks--we're combining her's and brothers on the only free weekend we have this summer.)

Emma's birthday presents

2009-06-03T13:45:00.004-05:00

I'm working on getting my niece's birthday gifts together. We gave her a camera at her first party, but her "real" birthday is Monday and I hated not giving her a gift on her actual birthday. I'm working on a doll sling, diaper bag, and diapers for her hundreds of baby dolls. Found the yellow fabric in my stash, think it came from Joann's tutti frutti stuff. Hope she likes it all!

(Little Man wouldn't let me show his face modeling a "girl" toy.

JD June 2009

2009-06-03T13:30:00.001-05:00

JD June 2009
Originally uploaded by SRMattox

Just love this big smile!!

New Moon

2009-06-02T13:00:00.001-05:00

I can't wait...November 20.

Mrs. Smith's Teacher gift

2009-05-24T09:46:00.002-05:00

Mrs. Smith's Teacher gift
Originally uploaded by SRMattox

I found this amazing blog site and decided this would be a great gift for little man's kindergarten teacher. It's not as amazing as the blog's, but I'm still pretty pleased with it. Little man helped and did a great job breaking the crayons.

What we did:

1. found a display frame at Michael's that was adjustable.

2. cut a piece of mat board to fit perfectly.

3. Wrote Mrs. Smith with black sharpie in print, since that's what they study in K.

4. Broke apart several crayons (the kiddos did this). They aren't perfectly broken, but They still look cute.

5. Placed them on the mat board and hot glued them down. I'm hoping they'll stay (at least until she gets it.

I think the S needs a little work, but for a first try, it's not too bad.

Craft Night

2009-05-17T18:09:00.003-05:00

I want to do a monthly (or bi-monthly) craft night. Who's in? Google it and help come up with some ideas... Stuff I've found:
1. Etched glass (I've found a link, but I think I saved it on my school computer)
2. Pottery Barn Kids wall hangings (again, another link at school)
Marthastewart.com has some cute ideas too...

What's for Dinner 5/17

2009-05-17T10:08:00.005-05:00

Found this site a couple of months ago and did plan our what's for dinner menu (saved lots of cash at the grocery by doing this too). So here's my weekly menu:

Sunday: Hamburgers on the grill
Monday: Peach chicken, saffron rice, and something green
Tuesday: sausages, rice, and brocoli
Wednesday: Pizza and breadsticks
Thursday: hot dogs and mac and cheese
Friday: Mexican with Jeannie and Dean!!
Saturday: Spaghetti and salad

New Shiny Stuff

2009-05-14T20:06:00.003-05:00

Jules decided today she wanted her ears pierced. She was looking at pink "diamonds" at Kohl's and wanted them when she gets big. I told her if her ears were pierced, she could have them for her birthday (which is June 14th). Jules: Ok, I want to go get my ears pierced. Me: let's go (i run through kohls trying to find the shortest checkout line before she changes her mind; we've gone through this twice already.) Are you sure? Jules: Yep. We pull into the parking lot at Icing and she is smiling ear to ear. "Is this the earring store?" She walks in like she owns the place and jumps right into the big stool they have sitting behind the counter. Little Man of course is telling her the entire way to the store, "it's gonna hurt. You're gonna cry." He decides he doesn't want to hear the wails coming from his baby sister and sits at the front of the store with his fingers poked in his ears. The little blond who is about Jules size goes over what they are going to do and how to clean the ears as I sign my baby's life away just to get two additional holes put in her hear. Then another lady helps to pierce both ears at the same time. Jules jumps, but never cries. The first thing out of Little Man's mouth, "I'm so proud of you Jules, give me some knuckles."

Smocking--my new project

2009-04-26T07:24:00.005-05:00

I took a smocking class at stitchers last Tuesday and have a follow-up this Tuesday. I can't seem to get straight stitches out of it, but at least the wearer will be a moving target. I'm excited about what it's going to look like when I'm finished. I'm making a black bishop dress with zig-zag smocking in bright, rainbow colors--so cute and not babyish like most of the smocking I see.

Update: I finished the construction of the dress--complete with hand sewing and all!! It's not too bad. I've still got tons of smocking to do, maybe I'll get around to it before she's too big to wear it. I've got a list of things I want to sew this summer--just two more weeks and I can devote part of the day to sewing. I may teach the kiddos how to do some and they can help out.

Easter Sunday

2009-04-12T11:40:00.003-05:00

Easter has never been what it's supposed to be for me. In the past, it was a time to get a new spring dress, to decorate eggs, to wake up to the Easter bunny's gifts. This year was different. We, as a family, have found an amazing church and have an amazing church family. I've always been a believer, I've just never felt the way I do now about why I believe. "He is risen." I know God is working in all our lives--our kids have started talking more about eternal life and how they love Jesus, I see it in our marriage (most of the time:), I see it in how I treat others. I'm so thankful and blessed to have found such a great church and family there. Thank you for all of you (my fabulous small group) who help me in my walk--I admire what you have in your lives and want to live like you do--you are my inspiration.

Twilight Tide Pettiskirt GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-04-07T18:16:00.000-05:00

Twilight Tide Pettiskirt GIVEAWAY!!!!

super cute and sassy!!
http://julezeesandjohnnydees.blogspot.com/

New York City

2009-03-29T16:55:00.004-05:00

AMAZING!! Jeannie, Lauryn, and I had a blast. We did all the touristy stuff-tour the city, Bloomingdales, statue of liberty, times square, a couple of shows, and china town. I guess my favorite part was China Town and the show, Rock of Ages. In China Town, we felt like secret agents going into hiding to find the perfect bag and haggle for the right price. Rock of Ages was FABULOUS. All 80s music. It was like a live version of a Poison video.

Stole this from Mary Leigh

2009-03-11T19:07:00.001-05:00

Do not worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks. And God's peace, which is so great we cannot understand it, will keep your heart and minds in Christ Jesus. -Philippians 4:6-7

I think this is just what I needed to hear this week--thanks ML for posting it.

China Doll material for new kimono

2009-03-11T18:56:00.003-05:00

China Doll material for new kimono
Originally uploaded by SRMattox

I'm planning on using this material--found at Stitcher's--to make another little kimono top for Julezee. Maybe this will turn into pjs!!

Easter dress

2009-03-11T18:14:00.002-05:00

Easter dress
Originally uploaded by SRMattox

I'm making the Elsa dress by Collar's. I took the class on the "snippets" (a pieced pattern using the full pattern as a template)at Stitcher's Playhouse (my favorite place) last weekend, and ending up with at least something resembling a dress. I've still got a little bit to go, but I think it's going to turn out great. Princess loves it; of course she picked out the material for it--at least one of them anyways--the cherries. We got some sparkly shoes yesterday to go with it. Of course she wouldn't get the little girl white patent shoes I wanted her to get. She had to have the sparkles. If I'm fighting over clothes now, I can't imagine what it's going to be like in 8 or 9 years--I'm in trouble.

Our Easter shoes

2009-03-11T18:12:00.002-05:00

Sparkly. Girly. Definitely Julez. Her pick for her new "church" shoes and Easter shoes. She's so proud of them--had to wear them home from Target last night when we bought them. Of course her toes were crunched up in the others--they found their way to the trash before we even left the store.

IMG_5029[1]
Originally uploaded by SRMattox

Free patterns

2009-02-28T13:32:00.006-06:00

I love cheap!! But I love FREE even better. I've found this great site that offers free patterns that people have donated--all you have to pay is shipping. I usually try to request patterns from the 60s and 70s because I think they have a certain "little girlness" that some of today's patterns don't. My newest ones are here. I can't wait to get started on them. Julezee really likes the one with the cape...Most of them are already cut out, so I can modify them easily if I need to.

My new project...

2009-02-22T11:55:00.005-06:00

My new project for Julezee is Simplicity 2994. A cute halter with ruffle skirt. There are about 500 pattern pieces and I think I'm going to go crazy sewing them all , plus three ruffles and I'm not too good at ruffles. We're doing it in all blue and white. I bought the pattern and the fabric late last summer and never got around to sewing it, but I was surprised that I had it all cut out when I opened up the pattern envelope last night. So far, I've cut out all the pieces and sewed the shoulder ties. That's it. There are too many pieces. But, I hope to get into it more this afternoon when we return from small group.

I also bought a Collars pattern yesterday at Stitcher's Playhouse with some beautiful white fabric, pink piping, and pink satin ribbons--I think the material and pattern and all the stuff to go with it is only going to cost me about $15.00--you can't go to Wal-Mart for that. It's going to be beautiful for Easter, or maybe just a fabulous summer dress. I plan on putting her monogram on the front yoke in light pink--another use for the embroidery machine E got me last year for my birthday.

Kimono top

2009-02-21T07:50:00.006-06:00

I enjoyed making this adorable little kimono top for the Princess last night--finished up this morning. All-in-all, it only took a couple of hours, and that included making the bias tape. I've never made bias tape before and that was an experience, but really not too hard. My plan is to make a little skirt or capris to go with the top in the red gingham.

I got the tute for the kimono from this website. And the bias instructions from this site and this site.

I'm off to Stitcher's Playhouse to see a trunk show and pick up some new fabric for something.

Yearbook--eekkk

2009-02-18T17:40:00.003-06:00

I just realized today that our school's yearbook is due on March 2!!! (please pray--alot!!) We need at least a couple more weeks to finish. I guess I'll work my butt off next week to get it finished. At least I have a staff and a great partner (who by the way is an amazing helper/doer/get-things-done). I'm so lucky to work with such amazing people this year!!

Girly dress from man's shirt

2009-02-16T12:20:00.009-06:00

I used this site to make the cutest dress for Julezee. It's a Goodwill .99 shirt, but looks even better as a dress. It really only took a couple of hours to do. The pleat at the top (blue) took forever, and I'm still not too happy with it. But, the important thing is that she loves it. She's begging to wear it to Nana's tonight--with Pantyhose. I've got a couple more shirts to reconstruct before summer gets here. Can't wait to see how they turn out. I decided to do the capri pants too. Can't tell much about them from the picture below, but they are super cute too.

We did it...

2009-02-16T08:24:00.002-06:00

Eric and I officially joined LifePoint church this weekend. We've been attending for about a year now, and finally made the decision to become "official members." At first, I didn't even want to go there--so big and not personal. But, we met some amazing friends with a small group and I've loved it ever since. We've recently joined a new small group and the folks there are amazing as well. I feel so welcome there now.

We're studying Love Dare and Song of Songs at church for the next four or five weeks, and I know that it's going to bring Eric and I together even more. We talked last night about how, lately, we have really gotten along. This is probably the best time in our marriage. We try each and every day to show each other how much we love and care for the other. He puts up with a lot of crap from me, but loves me anyway--and we've finally put God back into our lives. This is the first time in our marriage that we have devoted ourselves to God and finding a real church home. And it shows. We can't do it without HIM!!

More sewing...and sewing for a mission

2008-09-07T22:11:00.005-05:00

This weekend was completly devoted to sewing. I spent Saturday learning to sew on Minkee fabric--a bright fuschia Julianne picked out. (I finally got a picture at Christmas with her in her new dress) I took the class at my favorite little sewing shop, Stitchers Playhouse in Smyrna. We reconstructed one of the Children's Corner patterns, Louise. The class was fun; only two of us, so Ms. Ann gave us a ton of personal attention and help. Of course, lunch was delicious as well--homemade chicken salad, apricot bread with a cream cheese/mango spread, and lemon cake--yum! Back to the dress, we did a high waist, long sleeve dress. Sorta like what you see in Land's End. Julianne wants cooler weather to get here so she can wear it, secretly, I do to, she looks so cute in it.

After the sewing class, I spent a little time helping out a small group at FBC Smyrna with a sewing mission to make 250 dresses using the Lucy pattern. I got the easy job of closing the dresses for the hour and a half I was there. They exceeded their goal in less time than they had anticipated. Over 250 little girls will have new dresses to wear soon. Julianne is modelling a dress similar to the ones we made--this was her birthday dress for her invitations.

John David's SIX

2008-07-07T15:55:00.005-05:00

We celebrated the fourth with friends and family. Of course, Friday, the fourth, was little man's birthday--his day. We went out on the lake with Mom, Mike, and an ol' college buddy and his date from UTM. Later, we went and watch fireworks in another UTM friends home. Lots of fun!! We munched on chips and dip, smoked ribs, and potato salad--yummy!!

Then, Saturday, JD celebrated his birthday with cake, steak, chicken, and of course presents and friends.

He wanted a golfing cake, but it doesn't look much like one. I tried to do the dimples on the golf ball, but couldn't get them to turn out right. The cake design was from a Wilton book. John David chose chocolate (I got the recipe from an old cook book from a high school fundraiser project.)

My little Man!!

2008-06-18T09:57:00.000-05:00

I've posted several things about the princess of the house, and thought I'd write a little about the prince, John David. He's the best, smartest, and cutest five, almost six year old, I know. He teaches me so much. He was our first, and I couldn't have asked for a better little boy. He's an amazing big brother, first baseman, and imaginer. He loves to cook and clean, and do everything to make everyone else happy. He loves to please. He hunts, he digs, he runs, he reads, he loves movies, and loves to play the wii, especially the fit. I am so blessed to have such an amazing family.

Vintage Sleeping Dress/ Nightgown

2008-06-18T09:37:00.000-05:00

Julianne loves "sleeping dresses" as she calls them. She's obsessed with dresses in general. We finished a vintage style one this morning (Butterick fast and easy B4910 view C/A sleeves). Of course we had to wear it as soon as it was finished. This was my first ruffle, And, I'm pretty pleased with it. I think it turned out nice--a little uneven, but ok for a first try.

Ice cream summertime dress...for Emma

2008-06-17T11:38:00.000-05:00

I just finished my niece's dress, actually started and finished it today. It was an easy one though...New Look 6578...with sholder ties instead of buttons. She's just turned four and picked the material herself...bright pink with white polka dots tutti-frutti fabric from Joann's. Not my favorite, but she liked it. It reminds me of a summertime ice cream cone. I don't know why, I just think ice cream and summertime when I see this dress. I got the sholder tie idea from my favorite little material store in Smyrna, Stitchers Playhouse. An amazing little store with the sweetest ladies running it. The best fabric and the best customer service around. They are always willing to help with a problem you might be having or to pick out the perfect material.

Birthday Cakes

2008-06-10T16:13:00.001-05:00

My favorite memories of my birthdays are of my mom baking my cakes. We would always choose the PERFECT cake and she would make it for me. I don't remember many gifts, but I remember the cakes. I hope my kids feel the same when they get older. I've made every cake, except my oldest ones first cake.

This year, Julianne wanted two cakes, a princess cake, and a castle cake. Everything had to be pink. Pink castle, pink Barbie, pink everything. I found the castle cake in the Wilton beginner cake book/magazine. It was really pretty easy. Bake two 10 inch cakes (I used two box mixes for this one). Frost with homemade buttercream frosting tinted to the brightest shade of pink possible. Cut off the base of four ice cream cones and pipe with prepared frosting. Top five cones with sugar cones and secure with piped icing. We didn't use candies like the book suggested. For the Barbie princess cake, we used the Wilton Wonder Mold. This was the second time we've used the wonder mold. Last year we did the mermaid on the box.

New at this Stuff

2008-06-10T15:57:00.000-05:00

Hi all! I'm very new at this blogging stuff, but I am fascinated with how many crafty people out there blog. I've learned so much from you. I hope to post some of my creations here and get some feedback on what I've done so far.

A little about me...I'm married to an amazing man I met in college, (we have two beautiful kids), I only sew easy stuff (mostly because I'm scared to try anything hard), I make my kids' birthday cakes every year, because my mom made mine, I have one younger, very beautiful sister, and a very funny four year old niece. My sister-in-law is just as beautiful, but really thinks she's twenty, when she's only fourteen. I live in Tennessee and yes, I love country music, and springtime (or the two weeks before it gets hot and humid). It's either summer or winter, there's no in-between.

I love to go to the beach, but I hate the sand that gets into everything. My kids make the trips amazing--seeing things for the first time, experiencing the slap of the waves and the ripples they make on the beach. I love seafood and can eat my weight in boiled shrimp and crab legs.
Watermellon and homemade ice cream are other favorites of mine.

I teach 8th graders Reading and writing at a large middle school. I coach middle school cheerleaders, and I'm the new yearbook sponsor at our school.

I love learning new things, and will try to sew almost any free pattern I find on-line. I used to sell my dresses, but decided I'd rather sew for my little girls instead. But, if you see something you like, I'll gladly make it for you.