Thank you!

Thanks, Michelle, for the tag. I've been in a super blogging rut and I needed the kick in the pants!

Seven things I did before I was a mom:
1. Slept late.
2. Had a clean car.
3. Read - read lots – whole books even. LOL
4. Exercised daily.
5. cross-stitched
6. Watched movies from start to finish.
7. Blasted Barbra Streisand

Seven things that I would like to do:
1. Go to NY to see a Broadway musical
2. lose weight
3. have some much needed sugery
4. Go on a cruise
5. Buy a cute little car – I'm so NOT minivan.
6. See all my kids graduate, serve missions and get married.
7. Spoil some grandkids.


Seven things that attract me to my husband:
1. He's an introvert and a homebody – LOVE this
2. His dimples.
3. He is so stinkin funny!
4. He is suppotive of my business.
5. He lets me “mother” as I see fit.
6. We have the same goals.
7. He just loves me, as I am.


Seven favorite foods:
1. CHOCOLATE – chocolate chip cookies especially
2. my mom's potato salad
3. my mom's fried chicken
4. sub station subs - VINEGAR!!
5. publix subs - VINEGAR!!
6. anything with terkiyki sauce
7. pickles


Seven things that I say often:
1. Know what I mean?
2. Understand what I'm saying?
3. Really?
4. You've got to be kidding me.
5. I love you!
6. No, no Lacey!
7. One more time and you're in trouble.

Ferocious

Yes, this is the terrible man-eater, “Miss Priss.” She barks her brains out at every living soul, but thankfully, she doesn't bite. One step toward her and she runs away. She's 3.5 pounds of BARK! I can't believe she will be one-year-old in February. The kids love this puppy, even though Travis and I agree that she is highly annoying. Lacey adores her and she is our sweet “puppy doodles.” I had to post this photo. She looks like she could bite your head off, when really a big toe would be more than she could handle!

"Caleb"ology 101

Caleb has always been full of “one-liners.” He has always used words and came up “Calebisms” like no other child I've ever been around. His teacher even told me that if someone doesn't know the meaning of a word in their class, she tells them to go ask Caleb. Recently, however, we had a class project that involved lots of unfamiliar words. He had to create a family totem pole. He had to choose an animal to represent each member of his family to put on the pole. The sheet of animals he had to choose from also had very elaborate descriptions of each animal, thus, the long words. The sheet read more like a horoscope. Well, Caleb had chosen an animal/insect for everyone and had to make index cards to describe each choice. The cards would be read aloud in class. Caleb promptly began copying, one for word, the descriptions from the sheet onto his cards. He kept stopping to ask my help because he couldn't pronounce or didn't know the meaning of a word. To make a long story short, Caleb was beyond frustrated. After all, “words” are his thing. I encouraged him to stop copying and put things into his on words. Overjoyed he said, “Yup, I write my own stuff, I know what all the words mean.” I had this quote on my blog so I could remember to blog the story. I'm so glad he decided to stop copying. Caleb said I was the “Bee” and one of the bee descriptive words was, “fertile.” Yes, he was about to tell his entire class that his mother, the bee, was fertile. Geesh. Thank goodness he stopped copying! I'll post totem pole photos when we get his project back.

Caleb and I have also talked about a poster hanging in his classroom at school. It reads, “Courage is doing the right thing when everyone around you is doing the wrong thing.” Caleb informed me that this was the word “testimony” could replace “courage” and the poster would still be correct. I think he's right. We really see how strong our testimony is when we make the decision to follow or not follow the crowd. It's easy not to drink alcohol, dress immodestly, when none of our friends are doing it. Caleb is my introspective child. He's always thinking. I just hope he keeps talking to his old mother, I still have a lot to learn from him!

I love it when....

-- When I'm driving down the road and a gust of wind blows leaves on the windshield.

-- When my boys kiss me goodbye when they leave for school.

-- When all the laundry is clean and folded. Ahhhhh....

-- When Travis doesn't have to work late.

-- When I get a "miss you" note in the mail.

There is so much I love! This list could go on and on forever. I've come to a point in my life where I'm just plain happy! I don't let things get to me nearly as much as I used to. I really believe that, "we see things are WE are, not as they are." We make our own happiness or our own misery. We interpret things based on our own temperaments. No, every day can't be perfectly peachy but WE control our attitudes. So, what do you love?

The Reports Are In!

Congrats to my fellas for their awesome report cards. I'm very proud of all their hard work. I was really concerned that with Caleb and Dylan having to run to football practice everyday that their grades would suffer (Cody chose to stay home, so he didn't have the mad rush to deal with!). But, the report cards were awesome.
Cody - A/B Honor roll
Dylan - A/B Honor roll
Caleb - Straight A's!
Yes, I'm a happy mom and I do brag on MY blog. That's what it's for - a record of US and our accomplishments and even things that didn't quite get accomplished. If anyone finds this emotionally disturbing or offensive in any way, I would politely encourage you not to visit this space on the www. I wouldn't want to contribute to the mental detriment of anyone. Peace, ya'll!

DOT COM!

I know I have customers who like to read 1/2 Dozen, my family blog, so I'm posting this here and on LuLu Belle. LuLu Belle will be easier to find and easier to remember. I've had several customers tell me they wanted to refer our site to friends but could never remember the web address. SO, now all you have to remember is this:
www.boutiquelulubelle.com
Mush easier, huh? I think being a "dot com" will be so helpful! We are growing and expanding!!

ABS's of Me...

I was tagged by Pamelia! It's funny, Pam, I could have left lots of your answers for me too!

A. Attached or single? Married
B. Best friend? My husband - Travis
C. Cake or Pie? Cake - chocolate
D. Day of Choice? Thursday
E. Essential item? my car – I love to ride...
F. Favorite color? pink
G. Gummy bears or worms? Ack - neither
H. Hometown? Elgin
I. Indulgence? pedicures
J. January or July? July
K. Kids? Four
L. Life isn’t complete without? my family and the gospel, I couldn't image not participating in the gospel and having the lifestyle I do.
M. Marriage date? July 13
N. Number of brothers and sisters? 2 younger brothers
O. Oranges or apples? Apples and Oranges
P. Phobias? That something will happened to my kids when they aren't with me
Q. Quotes? “We don't see things as they are. We see things as we are.” Anis Nin
R. Reasons to smile? My husband loves me! It's so nice to be truly loved.
S. Season of Choice? Fall or summer
T. Tag some people: Michelle, Kristi, Rebecca
U. Unknown fact about me? Hmmmm....
V. Vegetable? I love most all veggies
W. Worst habit? Eating too much chocolate
X. X-ray or Ultrasound? Ultrasound

Chilly Morning...

I awoke this morning to a chill in the air. For the first time in months I wanted to turn off the ceiling fan in our bedroom. I had an overwhelming feeling of gratitude. I am grateful to experience yet another season on this Earth. My children were still sleeping, warm in their beds, the dog was not whining to be let out – it was just a great morning. After taking the boys to school I came home and slowly enjoyed a delicious cup of hot chocolate in my favorite mug, thank you Rebecca. Lacey and I enjoyed breakfast then I got to work sewing up four custom orders. I'm glad I had such a sweet, slow morning. In a few short hours it will be dinner, homework, and a football game. Different pace for sure – but just as sweet! Happy Monday everyone.

Fair!

We went to the fair on Friday. It was so crowded. My favorite part, as always, was the food. JUNK, but delicious. I was "good" all week so I could get into those Fiske fries!

Can you feel fall?

I looked out of my kitchen window today and noticed that my front porch was covered in brown, crispy leaves. Fall has arrived! A lot of the oaks in my yard still look fairly green, but those brown leaves were a sure sign that the seasons are changing. Fall is a beautiful time of year. A time for mother nature to take a nap and prepare for the spring to come. I'm not a fan of winter at all – I can never get warm – but Autumn winds and cooler temps are glorious. Fall also means football – and we are still busy with games and practices. Caleb is loving it. Caleb tells me his positions are first string defense and Safety – okay, so I don't know what that means – I just love to watch him play. As for the rest of us, Cody is breezing through 7th grade, Dylan is loving riding his bike and skateboarding in the cooler temps, and LuLu, well she is still THE Diva. Travis is putting in long hours at work and I'm oficially a WAHM (Work-at-home-mom). I've been a sewing FOOL. Lots of new stuff at Daff-A-Deals. I've done so many custom orders I have lost count, and I can never remember to take photos. I'll Update LuLu Belle, so check it out. LuLu Belle


Also, I'm planning a PAMPERED CHEF party on Wednesday, October 15 @ 6:30. Of course, Michelle Bass, (chic, chef, classy, consultant) will be handling the party for me. I love alliteration. LOL
Please come and bring a buddy or two.

Happy fall ya'll!

Happy B-Day!

Happy Birthday Michelle! Hope your day is FABLULOUS!

Angels Among Us

So, it was Wednesday of last week. I was all caught up on my dress orders (whew!) and I was looking forward to taking Lacey to story time at the Camden Library. I also knew I needed to run to Blythewood to run a few errands, but I could do that any day. Wednesday was story time. We were all dressed and ready. I was stir crazy from a week of sewing and I was determined to get out of the house! We got in the car and it was the oddest thing, but I just couldn't go to Camden. I kept feeling like I should go to Blythewood. SO, to Blythewood we headed. I was feeling guilty all the way because I thought Lacey needed to go to story time.
I get to Blythewood, ran some errands and as I'm pulling out of a store, something felt strange. FLAT TIRE!! Ack. I tried to get Travis at work but their phone system was out that day. As I hung up my phone, I looked up and there was Brother Dinkins (Valencia's dad, Ginger's granddad) peeking his head out of B&D Auto. I walked over to B&D hoping Bro. Dinkins could tell me who to call. Well, he would have none of that. He stopped what he was doing and put my spare on for me. He gave me B&D's phone number in case something went wrong on my way home. I was soooo thankful for Bro. Dinkins. He was my angel on Wed – right there when I needed help. What a blessing for me! I'm thankful that I didn't go to Camden, even though I wanted to. Nobody would have been there to help me and I would have been stranded for quite a while. Bro. Dinkins had me on the road on 45 minutes. There are angels among us. I hope to pay his good deed forward!

Scrimmage #1

Caleb and his team (the Bears) had their first scrimmage on Thursday night. They lost, but I think Caleb had a good time. We blasted “Nah, nah, hey, hey, goodbye” all the way to get a psyched up. He was really ready to play. It wasn't actually as rough as I thought it would be – I guess it's just hard to see my Caleb all grown-up looking, and knowing someone is out to pound him! I think I've talked Dylan into soccer next year. He loves to run and I think soccer may just suit him (and my nerves) better. We'll see...
Check out #50

Can't Keep Up!

The boys are doing well in school and actually seem to be enjoying themselves. Caleb now has football practice every night. His first scrimmage is Thursday. I hope I can catch some action photos to share! Caleb got in the van after practice and stated, "This was the most exciting day of my life!" "Why, Caleb?" "Because that big dude over there threw me on the ground - by my head." Geesh. I'm glad he's having - uh - fun. More football to come....

Here's a slideshow of Lacey in our latest creation:

Football, here we come!

Caleb and Dylan wanted to show their spirit by wearing all of their Gamecock attire to school Thursday. I thought they looked pretty spirited! I live in a house divided. Travis is a big Clemson fan( even though he is a USC alum), but my boys have been gamecocks since the day they were born. I just claim nuetrality, as I'm a Columbia College alum (GO KOALAS) and we just played powderpuff! LOL

We will also get the opportunity to watch Caleb play in his very first season of football this year! I'm SCARED for my tiny Caleb - but he's fast. My advice to him is RUN!! We picked up his helmet on Wednesday!

Love this quote...

Currently Reading...

I'm so loving this book! It's entitled, "The Creative Family," by Amanda Blake Soule. I also love her blog. I think she and I must be kindred spirits because as I have read through the book (haven't finished it yet) I kept wanting to say out loud, "Yes, that's exactly how I feel!" This book really encourages all that is creative, imaginative - all that good stuff that brews somewhere in the human soul! Simple and handmade - perfect.

I also have, in my hot little hands, the first two books in The Twilight series that everyone is raving about. First, I'm scared to death of vampires, second, I've read so many "how to" books lately that I have to figure out how to read a book with a plot again! I'm looking forward to the challenge though!

New Designs...

Here's my newest in dress designs. No pattern - just my sketch pad and some imagination. This style dress is available at Daff-A-Deals now using Halloween fabrics. Also, my USC/Clemson dresses are selling like hotcakes. I can't keep them in the store! I'm so thankful and so excited.

Day One

Day one of the new school year went off without a hitch. My big boys were ready to go and seemed excited to be getting underway. Thankfully, Caleb and Dylan still aren't too big to kiss me goodbye. My boys are kissers - right on the lips! LOL Cody headed to the 7th grade, and no, he dosn't kiss me. hehe Caleb is a 4th grader and Dylan is a 2nd grader.

I have missed them sooo much. The house is too quiet with just Lacey and me. She asks all day, "time to get the boys?" I miss my mom too. It was "Day One" for her too. We talked at least 5 times a day all summer. I don't guess I could call Blaney Elem. and interupt her class?



Time is zooming by, but how blessed I am to have the family I do and to experience these little ones as they grow and progress. They are my purpose.

Is is that time already?

I can't believe school is about to be back in session. I'm not ready - my children aren't ready. We need more time! Time to sit up late and sleep in. Time to splash in the pool and run through the sprinkler, time to rollerblade, just time, more of it. I's been a great summer though. It seems that the older I get the more quickly time passes. Maybe it's just me... More on the end of summer to come...

On another note, my new fall creations are at Daff-A-Deals. Can't get to my camera right now but I will post some sneak peeks soon. Speaking of sneak peaks, my sweet mother and I decided that Lacey has so many clothes that we need yet another sewing obsession. LOL It's so fun that my mother is my partner in this. We have a blast concocting ideas and designs. Anyway, we will soon be introducing LuLu Belle Bags. Purses, totes, wallets, sacks. If you can carry something in it we will probably sew it! Now we are both perfectionists and we only sell from patterns we draft ourselves, so our unveiling won't be immediete, but the wait will be worthwhile. I love setting goals and having something fun to work for and look forward to. This is the next step for us and we are really excited!

Tomorrow is Friday. Hope everyone has a relaxing weekend!

Making Do....

The simple life. I've been thinking about this so much lately. I think about my childhood versus the childhood of my own children and I wonder if “more” is better in the long run. We didn't get a lot of “stuff” on a regular basis. Birthdays and Christmas were always special, but the in between times always always filled with fruits of imagination instead of fruits of the pocketbook. We couldn't buy it, so we made it, or we pretended it, dreamed it, imagined it, drew it, wrote about it. I remember wanting a new doll once and I didn't want to wait until my birthday. So, with my little sewing box and some old t-shirts, I made my own dolls. Dolls complete with yarn hair, button eyes, and a Popsicle stick inside to keep the head up. I adored these dolls and was so proud of them. I always loved ballerinas and wanted lessons. This was impossible for my family to afford. So, at age 9, I wrote my first “novels.” Or so I thought they were. Pages and pages of stories of the “Magical Kingdom of Balleta.” Or maybe the day when I wanted a blank journal to “publish” my stories. I made these too – hand sewn spines and fabric covers. No, I'm not milking for sympathy here. These experiences made me who I am. They fed my creative spirit and planted seeds that have grown with me to adulthood.
So, have I done a disservice to my children? They basically get what they want to a degree. No, we aren't extravagant, but I wonder if my children have ever had the experience of wanting something so bad that they could figure out a way to enjoy it without actually putting it into the shopping cart. I want them to have a passion for something and know that if it's worth having, that it's worth working for, and dreaming of and planning for. When they do something they do it full force and with all their heart. I tell my kids the story of how my family sacrificed to buy me my first flute. My father promptly informed me that if I didn't practice, the flute would be sold. He laughs when I remind him of this. He had to make me stop practicing. He couldn't take the scale practice after about the first two hours. I want my children to work, like someone is going to take something precious from them if they don't use it. I want them to appreciate what they have ( a talent, a skill, an opportunity) so much that they will want to make it better, more refined – that they fear they may lose it. I want them to know there are many things in this life that can't be bought, any maybe some things that we shouldn't buy anyway.
My mom always says, “just make do with what you have.” I'll take this a step further. Make do and make better – with what you have. Maybe “making do” will make you better. We have a long way to go.

Art

New Sleep Pants

Caleb and Dylan love Star Wars. When I found these fabrics, I knew exactly what they would be used for. My boys get very attached to their pajamas for some reason. Their pants were thread bare at the knees. The Star Wars fabric was all it took to convince them to give up the old ones. I loved making these for them. There just isn't much I can make them at their ages. They love their new pants. Now I have to make two more pair so I can wash the others!

Lacey Sings...

My goal for Lacey for the month of July was for her to learn to sing the "ABC" song. She learned to count to 10 for the month of June. She has done fairly well only to be two years old! Next we will work on our colors! Here is a link to her beautiful rendition on the "ABC" song.

LACEY SINGS

LuLu Belle

I’m getting quite a few questions, so I’m going to post this! This is something I’m really excited about - I just don’t want to seem “boastful.” As some of you know, I’ve been working really hard to get LuLu Belle up and running. I’ve been designing my own patterns and such (SO time consuming) so that LuLu Belle can be unique. Besides, many people don’t know it but it’s against the law to sell clothing made from store purchased patterns. They are for “home and personal use” only. I digress….
So, the owner of DaffaDeals, a boutique in N.E. across from Target, noticed Lacey in her outfit one day and we’ve been sewing fools ever since. The owner commented to me that “everyone who can sew can sew an a-line, I was looking for something different.” Well, that comment has really stuck with me because it’s exactly the way I feel. SO, my mother and I are sewing for DaffaDeals and loving it. I’m so thrilled for the opportunity. Our summer line will be in Daffadeals through this month and then we will start on fall. I’ve been working hard to come up with some “different” things for fall. Most of my fall designs will be made by custom order only. Lacey’s photo is in DaffaDeals ad in the July issue of Palmetto Parent magazine. LuLuBelle is also featured on the brand new Daffadeals website: My Lollipop Shop.
I’ve also opened an online store, LuLu Belle Boutique. It’s really simple, not much to it but it’s another “spot” to showcase some things. Everyone has told me that it can take up to a full year (or more) to make your first online sale. It takes a LONG time and a lot of effort to drive traffic to your site. Many boutique clothing designers have left the world of EBAY due to policy changes that give sellers NO protection. Though EBAY would be faster, I’ve opted for the slower paced, simpler world called ETSY. Really, I’m not trying to make a fortune - just fund my desire for fabric. LOL
I’m feeling really blessed right now. Opportunities keep falling in my lap. There will always be those who would rather you NOT succeed, but life is all in how you take it - what you do with YOUR set of circumstances. I’m trying hard to make the best of what I’ve been blessed with. Everything I’ve needed for LuLu Belle has literally fallen right into place - poof. So make fun of me or whatever, but I’m really happy with the way my “obsession” has turned into profit for my family. Eliminating debt and living within our means is what it’s all about.
Thanks to all the “inquiring minds” who were wondering what was going on with LuLuBelle. Now you know!

"Handsomeness"

'Nuff said! LOL!

Mid July....

We have had such a busy summer. I can hardly believe we are halfway through the month if July! I’m finally at the point where I have decided to stop doing so much “planning” and we are just going to enjoy the summer days as they come. We’ve spent time at the beach, pool, zoo, and Travis, Lacey and I headed to the mountains for a short stay. It’s been such a fun-filled summer of discovery. My children are bronze and beautiful - they are certainly sun lovers. Even at SPF 50 they are creamy caramel! Caleb and Dylan love hanging out with Tucker and Hunter and Lacey loves her “baby Becca.” Rebekah and Lacey are only about two months apart in age. They are such buds!!
On July 13th Travis and I celebrated our third anniversary and Lacey celebrated her 2nd birthday. It was a whirlwind day. Thank you Rebecca for making all the gorgeous and YUMMY cupcakes. You did such a great job.
Travis is the man of my dreams and to share to day with my sweet baby girl is amazing. I love life right now - free of contention, free from “drama.” I feel like I’m waking up everyday with a new appreciation of how sweet life can be. Sweet and simple.

My Jungle Princess:








Our Cupcake Cutie!




Lacey taking one of her new Bitty Twins for a ride on her new "wheels" from Grandma and Grandpa:



Just a few mountain shots:

Happy 4th!

I hope everyone had a wonderful 4th of July weekend. We enjoyed grilling and checked out the fireworks at Sandhills. It was a nice, relaxing day!

Check Lacey out!

Click the link and scroll down:
Lacey "The State" online....

They are doing a random drawing for a set of American Girl books. My fingers are crossed!

Which Disney Princess are you?

Saw this on Laresa's blog and had to do it!


You Are Snow White!

Pure and trusting. You are a gentle soul who can get along with just about anyone. Everyone you meet instantly falls in love with you. How can they resist? You have a pure, lovable nature that's irresistable. Just don't trust everyone who comes across your path.

Which Disney Princess Are You?

Which Austen heroine are you?

Take the Quiz here!

Myrtle Beach Vacation

We had so much fun on our family vacation but I am soooo exhausted! The best parts of vacation for me were the condo,the food, and taking lots of photos with my new camera I got for my birthday. We stayed at the Harbourside condos (part of The Caravelle resort http://www.thecaravelle.com/ . I loved coming back to our house to find clean towels that I didn't have to wash and sparkling bathrooms that I didn't have to make sparkle!! LOL We also ate at some fabulous restaurants. It was wonderful to not even have to lift a finger to make a BLAH sandwich. I was spoiled. Here are a few photos (I took over 400!!! LOL).

Happy Birthday Uncle Adam!

We love you!
June 5th

April/May Birthdays