Goodbye....Kind Of

You may have noticed that my posts have basically disappeared. Besides having a busy month--traveling for a cousin's wedding, and THREE surgeries (The King had a deviated septum fixed and just yesterday BOTH kids had their tonsils and adenoids taken out)--I have decided to lay bella*tessa designs to rest. *sniffle*

I am returning to teaching this year (a little over a week away!), and have decided that between that and my family, my priorites will be changing! Some good news for you other fabric junkies--I am selling off my ENORMOUS fabric stash! I am starting by offering all my fabrics through my facebook page. My fabric album (ONLY) is available for anyone to look at. Click HERE to see what I've posted so far. I have well over 100 more fabrics to go, so keep checking!

*Another side note: When/if I list these fabrics on etsy, the prices WILL go up. I'm offering them cheaply now, because I don't have to take the time to list, and there are no extra fees.*

Also, I think my blog will be laid to rest as well. I am doing most of my "connecting" through facebook.

Thanks to all who have supported me and become my "online friends." It has been a GREAT 3 years!

New Tonight!

Sometimes I design a set because I think it's what buyers are looking for. Sometimes I design a set because it fits in with the theme of a launch I'm participating in. But sometimes I design a set just because fabrics "speak" to me and it's something I know I'll like on MY little girl. This set is one of those!

You can find the listing by clicking HERE!

My ebay design group, IVYLANE, began their "Cherry Picking" Launch today! I am offering the these 3 (yes, THREE) listings! You can find them HERE.

WE WENT TO DISNEY!!

We are back and we had a fabulous time!! If you are interested in seeing MANY pictures with some descriptions, click on the link below:

DISNEY PICS HERE!!

***I'm told my original link expired, but I've updated it (as of 6/12).***


Can't wait to go back!!

I'm BAAACK!!

Right after my last post, I returned to full-time work. I took over a Kindergarten class for a teacher who went on maternity leave, then ended up finishing the year. Next Thursday is the LAST DAY of school!!

It has been an adjustment for not only myself, but also for my entire family having me return to teaching, but it was ultimately the right time! I love teaching and being in the classroom again. However, in order to prioritize my time, a few things had to be dropped, and this blog was one of them. I've missed sharing with all of you, and am ready to get back in the swing!

The first week of June, we are taking the kids on their first trip to Disney World and we are all SUPER excited!! I'll have plenty of pictures to share when we return.

For now, I have this picture of my Kindergarten GRADUATE!! It's hard to believe how quickly he is growing and maturing! He did SO well and he looked so handsome!

CONGRATS to the Prince!!

WAIT....What's Today's Date?

From this picture, it is hard to tell....

We do NOT get snow at the end of March in these parts, but we ARE! It's supposed to be in the 50's tomorrow, so it won't be here for long, but the kids are enjoying it today.

I know it's been quiet around here, but I returned to teaching this week, and am adjusting to working outside the home. All adjusting aside, I am LOVING my return to the classroom. I am finishing up some sewing orders and will have a few new designs--I just don't want to spread myself too thin.

Little Ballerina

I just listed this sweet set in collaboration with Erin (the_vintage_pearl) and Jamie (**jjbb**). You can find all of the Little Ballerina listings HERE!

Barefoot

Here's my newest listing for the ATEAM Barefoot Launch! You can find it HERE!!

Something NEW and a GIVEAWAY!!

IVYLANE began their "Sweets" launch yesterday and I am offering this "Sweet Bunnies" dress. You can find it HERE!

Also, you can be entered into a fabulous IVYLANE giveaway! Just visit the IVYLANE BLOG and follow the directions!!

Something Sweet

Spring Chicks

I just listed these cute and fuzzy chicks (on the hoodie WITH the matching skirt, of course). You can find it HERE!

Somebody Help This Dog

We've tried explaining to The Princess that the dog is NOT a doll--or even a little person--but I don't think she's getting it....

The other day she told us Oreo liked to "spin." WHAT? It seems she had put the dog in my office chair and was "spinning" her around...*sigh*

Dino Days

My kids' school has Dino Week--a week focused on books and reading--and today was "Dress Like Your Favorite Book Character" day. My girl chose to go as Laura Ingalls and my son decided to go as The Man in the Big Yellow Hat (from Curious George). All I have to say is, "Did I REALLY think I could make a big yellow hat all by myself?" While the costumes are definitely NOT even close to my quality standards, it just doesn't matter, because my kids thought they looked SO GOOD--and that's the point!

Feelin' the Love

The kids both had fun parties at school. I think you can tell what they both enjoyed the most!

Some PUPPY love....Oreo has secured her place in our hearts!

A Little of This and A Little of That

Just a little "catch-up" post...

The Prince had a birthday--

The birthday cake:

The birthday sundae (We take the kids to IHOP on their birthdays--it's the ONLY day they get ice cream at breakfast!):

Cupcakes I made for his class (yes, I made them):

Six big BEAR hugs from his teacher:


The rest of the birthday cake at the family party:

The Princess gave us some looks--

If I don't eat all my pancakes, I don't get ice cream? OH MY!!

This is THE LOOK...you know, the look only girls seem capable of giving:

And, the DOG--

She needs another trip to the groomers:


She's learning a few tricks:

She LOVES to play with The Prince:

News From bella*tessa designs!!

In the midst of all the healing going on around here, some other changes have occurred, as well...

I am now a member of the ebay design group:

It's an exciting new venture for me and have listed my first set with them today. You can find it HERE!

Where I've Been...

I've been nursing the sick...in my own household. Everyone in my home has been on antibiotics in the past month, so we are all doing much better!

In addition, I made the decision to return to teaching next year. However, it seems God had a different idea, because I'll be returning AFTER SPRING BREAK! A teacher in my children's school is going on maternity leave and I'll be taking her place. It seems there's quite a bit of paperwork involved to return to a job that you left 6 years ago.

I will be continuing with my sewing, but am excited that it will be shifting from a full-time job to an enjoyable hobby! I will still be listing sets on ebay and etsy and will keep you updated here. I just won't be listing quite as many, so if you like something, get it while you can!!

Life is returning to normal, so hopefully my blog posts won't be quite as sparce. I'll be posting about my son's birthday next!

A Kitchen Renovation

When we moved into this house back in July of 2004, we knew we wanted to change the kitchen. However, with the birth of our daughter 4 days later, 2 small children, a full time job, not to mention a BUDGET, it's taken a little time, but the kitchen is finished! I didn't take great pictures along the way, but managed a little time line (also shows the progression of cameras/photography):

November 2004--As it was when we moved in: striped fruity wallpaper, 90's oak cabinets, green painted formica backsplash, faux bleached wood laminate countertops.

October 2005--We'd torn down the wallpaper and began the preparations to refinish the cabinets.

December 2008--Right before the final renovations with refinished cabinets and dark red paint on the walls.

(Almost) FINISHED!! January 2009--This is my favorite part: the window box above the sink and our new sink and faucet--just needing some grout.

Another view of the finished counters and the tiled backsplash. Let me add that my husband (with help from his dad) did the MAJORITY of the renovations on his own!

We do have new lights to put up, but that will involve some electrical finagling, so it will be a weekend project (soon!).