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!