That's IT!! (For Now)

This is the last new set in an incredibly busy week! I won't be listing anything new until next Tuesday, when I'll be listing my formal Christmas sets.



This set was made for the I2D (Inspired to Design) launch using the "Aunt Grace Scrapbag" fabric line. The pants are super wide, the long sleeves are shirred, and the apron is hand-embroidered.


The matching bows are by Des (details-by-des). As always, I think the bows give the whole set a finished look!

Favorite Things

My 2nd set for the EuroPEAn Holiday launch! You can find it HERE!

Let It Snow!

Here's my newest listing for the Lil Peas "EuroPEAn Holiday" launch. It's a reversible jumper, appliqué tee, and appliqué knit pants. I love how the furry snowmen came out! You can see my listing HERE!

Tammy made this adorable snowman necklace to match! Click on the picture to find her listing!

Generations (& a Fence Update)

Today Poppy (aka The King's dad) came over to help put up the new fence. He came a little early and had The Prince go out and help him get started. Poppy is an independent contractor, a handy-man, the guy who can just about do it all. It is because of him that my husband can *almost* do it all, when it comes to household/construction/repair things.

It was so touching to watch him start to pass on some of his knowledge to The Prince--and let me tell you!--The Prince was soaking it up like a sponge! His life would be perfect if he could end up just like his Daddy and Poppy!

Weekend Fun

What else could you possibly want to spend your weekend doing?

After a strong and windy storm Friday night, we awoke to three sections of our fence in our backyard. Doesn't it always happen this way? We knew that section of the fence was going to need to be replaced. It had been looking "droopy" all summer. We had made plans to save up a little repair money and take a scheduled day sometime in October to replace that entire side. You know, when we could have (male) friends and family over to help....when is was a gorgeous fall day (no rain and NOT muggy). But, NOPE....The King was SO HAPPY to spend Saturday in the rain removing the old fence and Sunday in the humidity digging the 2 foot holes and setting the new posts---FUN, FUN, FUN!! Tonight his dad is coming over to help him finish with all the pickets.

The good news--while at the hardware store, he spotted a sale and bought himself this (as a birthday present):

Soccer Stars

It's that time of year again! Soccer is a big sport in this house--mostly because soccer was Daddy's sport. This season The Prince AND The Princess are playing soccer--and they are on the same team! It's the only time when their ages match up just right, so we'll have this one last season of having only ONE game to go to on Saturdays--thank GOD!

They had their first practice last week and it was fun to see them working together! The Prince played the big brother role well: they did a kicking drill and when the coach thought everyone was finished The Prince spoke up and said, "My sister didn't get her turn, yet!" She's a little more reserved and wouldn't have said anything....it was sweet!

Here are some pics of the future Soccer Stars!

I told them to stand next to each other, and this is what I got:

Talk about perfect form! (In my humble opinion.)

His Daddy kicks just like this!

She has plans to steal that ball from Daddy!

I mean, really! Could they look any more alike?

NEW Website & Mailing List Promotion

I've finally set up my new website. The offerings are bare (for now), but I have plans to add to it throughout the month of October. My web address is:

www.bellatessadesigns.com

One way to stay updated on what's going on with bella*tessa designs (no family stuff, here!) is to sign up for my newsletter. When you sign up for my newsletter, you will be entered into a drawing to be held at the end of October. Winner receives a free custom outfit made by ME! (Appliqué tee & skirt or pants)

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For Now

After messing, and messing, and messing, and MESSING with the colors of my blog, I think I'll stay here for a while. Still not *in love* but it's good enough--because, yes! I have other things to do!

Sneek Peek

Here' s a look at a versatile set that I'll be listing tomorrow (Monday 09/03). If you click HERE after Monday morning, you can see the listing. Made of all knit, it's comfy and cozy. With the reversible dress, tee, and pants all included, you can wear it many different ways!

Say Hello To My Little Friend

Let me start this post by saying that if this no-so-little bugger was inside my house, I wouldn't be taking pictures of it--it would be DEAD!

As you can see, however, it is alive and living on an enormous web right outside my dining room window. I would guess that it is about 2 inches long, the body about 3/4 of an inch long. All around DISGUSTING!

Enjoy!!

Well, hmmmmm......

I've been messing around with my blog colors for quite some time and basically....I HATE IT! However, it's 12:45 a.m. and I need some sleep. So, bear with me here, I guess I'm under renovation!

EDIT--Sat. 2:00 p.m.

Try number 2---NOPE! I'll be back!

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

What do 2 girls who are left alone together do?

EXERCISE (by the way, her hair had to be fixed *exactly* like mine--and it is!):

DO THEIR HAIR & DRESS UP:

Of course!!

With The Prince in school a couple of hours every day, we are having a good time just being girls together! She does and says things she wouldn't when he's around--mostly because he's her big brother and she just wants to do whatever he's doing!

You Just Never Know

Tonight we went to the hospital to visit a couple of people we knew who have had surgery.

My husband's brother-in-law had back surgery where they took a piece of hip bone, smashed it up and used it to reconstruct a couple of his vertebrate. Modern medical science amazes me!

Second, we went to visit a man who works for my husband. His 16-year-old son had surgery today to remove a lower portion of one of his lungs. He's been having health problems for quite some time and the doctors couldn't find any cause. He's had pneumonia 4 TIMES in the last 18 months. They were treating him for asthma, even though they knew that wasn't the real problem.

Anyway, the 45 minute surgery ends up being 4 hours. The parents are pretty frazzled by the time the doctors come out and explain the situation to them: they had removed the lower portion of the lung as planned (it was abscessed) and was cleaning the area up when a resident surgeon says, "What's that?" They pull the object out of the lung and IT WAS A PART OF A LEAF! The doctors think he inhaled it years ago and his current severe medical problems have all been due to the fact that his body has been rejecting this foreign object!

To me, this is totally unbelievable! However, his parents (and he) are so relieved to finally know the "cause." Also, the prognosis is that after his recovery from the surgery, he should be fine.

BUT........A LEAF HE INHALED YEARS AGO????

It seems this is not a one-time-deal. Check out this story.

If You Are a Mom...

...you have got to check out this blog:

BECAUSE I SAID SO

After a pretty stressful week, this blog brought back my laugh. This mom is hilarious and has a nice perspective on motherhood. I found her blog, because someone else had posted about an ebay auction she had done. You should check it out too--click HERE.

Can't Get Enough

...of these silly little things!

What kind of reindeer am I? (It's scary how close to the truth this one is!!)

You Are Donner

The most loveable and sweet reindeer, you're also a total dork! Why You're Naughty: You keep (accidentally) tripping the other reindeer while flying. Why You're Nice: You're always smiling, even if you've fallen flat on your horns.

Which of Santa's Reindeer Are You?

Another Chapter

Today was the first day of school for my little prince. I am happy to report that I did NOT cry! It was hard to be anything but happy for him! He was so excited to be going to school. He went right to his seat and was all about the business of coloring his little booklet. Another chapter in the life of my son has begun!

Post Hair Cut Pictures

Let me add that they are also post-nap pictures, but I was so excited to see that her little curls at the tips of her hair are still here! I've always heard that after the first cut, those curls are gone forever....but I guess not!! Yipee!

First Hair Cut and NO CAMERA??

So....we went out to eat tonight. The plan WAS to take The Prince to get his "First Day of School" haircut tomorrow. BUT, The King decides--during dinner--that we should just stop by on the way home. And HEY, why don't we let The Princess get her hair cut, too?

Uhhhh....WHAT? "No, no, no...not a "real" haircut," he says. "Just a little trimmed off the ends." She was thrilled with the idea. After all, anything The Prince does is good enough for her. So, we go, and she gets about 2 inches cut off--and nobody will probably even notice.

The kicker was that with that kind of notice, I wasn't prepared for the "First Hair Cut Photo!" All we had was The King's cell phone camera, which left us with these oh, so beautiful and oh, so clear photographs.

I Will NOT Cry...I Will NOT Cry....

The Prince starts half-day Kindergarten (K4) this year. Being a former teacher, I'll admit that I used to privately scoff at the mom's who'd tear up on the first day of school. I'd think, "Whatever....it's ONLY school." Oh, how things change when you have your own--I'll admit it!! I WILL NOT CRY on his first day of school, but this poem did make me tear up....

First Day Of Kindergarten School Poem

~Author Unknown~

He started school this morning,
And he seemed so very small.
As I walked there beside him
In the Kindergarten hall.

And as he took his place beside
the others in the class,
I realized how all too soon
Those first few years can pass.

Remembering, I saw him as
He first learned how to walk.
The words that we alone made out
When he began to talk.

This little boy so much absorbed
In learning how to write.
It seems as though he must have grown
To boyhood overnight.

My eyes were blurred but hastily
I brushed the tears away
Lest by some word or sign of mine
I mar his first big day.

Oh how I longed to stay with him
And keep him by the hand
To lead him through the places
That he couldn't understand.

And something closely kin to fear
Was mingled with my pride.
I knew he would no longer be
A baby by my side.

But he must have his chance to live,
To work his problems out,
The privilege to grow and learn
What life is all about.

And I must share my little boy
With friends and work and play;
He's not a baby anymore --
He's in Kindergarten today.

WAAAAAAAAAA!

Monet in the Making?

I broke down and was the "fun mommy" today. Being the former teacher I am, I know the benefits of these creative times. Being the perfectionist I am, it's hard to allow the "mess" that comes from these creative times. I try....really, I do! We got out these great paints from Auntie Pearl (I love how the paint, cup, and brush are all color coordinated) and they had a blast for over an hour! They were very serious about their masterpieces!

My advice for today? Have FUN with your children! It's what they will remember!

Who Bought ALL THIS STUFF?

I've just finished a marathon listing session on ebay--51 listings in all. What did I list? My kids clothes from last winter--not all of them, mind you--just the "better" ones. FIFTY-ONE listings? Who bought them all that stuff? Huh--it was me?

Hmmm, I guess so. However, in my defense, let me state, that while I buy most of their clothing new, I am able to do so for the following reasons:

1. When I'm ready to buy, I scour ebay regularly for NWT items at exceptional prices.
2. A couple times a year, I travel and hit the outlet malls--during sales--and get great deals.

I'm not sure this excuses the sheer size of my kids' wardrobes, but it makes me feel better---sort of.

Today's Post, Brought To You By The Number 4!

I've been tagged by Priscilla! Here we go:

Four Jobs I Have Had:
Babysitter
Frozen Yogurt Server
Front Desk Clerk
2nd Grade Teacher

Four Films I Can Watch Over & Over:
The Notebook
Titanic
Pretty Woman
Braveheart

Four Places I Have Lived:
Biloxi, Mississippi
Fort Walton Beach, Florida
St. Paul, Nebraska
Tulsa, Oklahoma

Four Favorite TV Shows:
House
American Idol
Project Runway
The Bachelor (*blush*)

Four Favorite Foods:
Chips & Salsa
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chicken Alfredo
NY Style Pizza

Four Websites I Visit Every Day:
Ebay
Blogger/Typepad
Baby-Faith
Hotmail

Four Places I Would Love To Be:
The Beach
The Beach
The Beach
The Beach

Four Favorite Colors:

Black
Pink
Turquoise
Sage/Moss Green

Four Names You Love But Would/Could Not Use For Your Child:

Margaret (Maggie)
Hannah
Christopher
Braden

I am choosing NOT to tag anyone--mostly because the people I would choose have already been tagged for this!

Double Teaming

I've teamed up with my SIL (the_vintage_pearl) using the beautiful, new Nigella line from Amy Butler. I love it when she picks out the fabrics and says, "Here, can you make this?" That is often the most difficult part! She also picks out beautiful fabrics that I may not initially be drawn to!

Click HERE for my set.
Click HERE for her bracelet.

How Fitting...

...considering the new "names" for my blog. It seems that the Princess and Prince aren't quite enough! When asked what they wanted for costumes this year, they decided on Queen Esther and King Solomon---a KING and QUEEN--what else?

I just listed them, along with my candy corn set, tonight.

Find the QUEEN costume HERE.
The KING costume HERE.
The CANDY CORN set HERE.

My Celebrity Look Alikes

Most of you have probably seen this around the blogging neighborhood. I'm a sucker for these types of things and had to give it a whirl:

I see the resemblance in a few--mostly in the cheekbones. I truly laughed out loud when Brad Pitt showed up on my list! Just FUN!