OREO

If you know me, you thought this post would never come (or not come for a VERY long time), but we have a puppy--and we are all in love!

She is a Lhasa Apso puppy that we got at the Humane Society yesterday. She is a puppy mill rescue who is 3 months old and just about as sweet as can be. She only weighs 3 1/2 pounds (maybe 3 now after we had her shaved to get rid of all the knots and matting she had).

When we picked her up, they were calling her "Tinsel," but the kids wanted to pick their own name for her. Unfortunately, it seems a 4 and 5 year old can't agree on a dog name. While calling Aunt Erin to tell her about our new pup, she suggested "Oreo," since she's black and white--JACKPOT! BOTH of the kids agreed immediately to have that be her new name!

Training a new puppy is really never fun, but to be honest, it is going better than we thought it would. We actually got 5 hours of straight sleep last night followed by about 3 more (after The King took her out, of course). We've decided to work really hard at the beginning to train her, so that she will be a great dog for the rest of her life.....right?

Bottom line: she's adorable, loving, cuddly, and the kids think she's the best Christmas present EVER!!

CPSIA

Have you heard about the wonderful legislation passed to ensure our kids toys are lead and phthalate free? Did you know that the law ended up being worded in such a way that, unless amendments are made, it will be illegal for me to sell my hand-made clothing come February 10? I truly didn't believe it, at first--and to be honest, I'm still having a hard time wrapping my head around it. I'm still researching, but what I've found so far seems to imply that in an effort to protect our children (which I am ALL for), a law was passed that will impact not only me, but THOUSANDS of other small businesses.

I've copied this from the Etsy site, because it gives a very general idea of what I'm looking at--and writing just isn't one of my "things." If you are interested in more information, leave a comment and I'll be happy to share with you.

The following is an open letter regarding the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA). This Act, which will go into effect on February 10th, 2009, puts forth much more stringent safety measures for products intended for children under the age of 12.

Under the very important auspices of child safety, the Act may have grave unintended consequences: fewer choices for families who are looking for handcrafted alternatives. Many Etsy artists and craftspeople have expressed fears that they won't be able stay in business due to the burdensome cost of testing and certification pursuant to the proposed legislation.

As a venue for handcrafted and vintage items from small entrepreneurs, Etsy has invited the Ombudsman of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to join us in a webchat in our Virtual Lab. Etsy would very much appreciate the opportunity to provide a forum for discussing the concerns of artisans who make toys and children's products as well as their customers who support handmade products.

We urge members of the Etsy community and anyone concerned with both child safety and conscientious consumption to contact their governmental representatives; ask them to consider how the Act will impact independent craftspeople.

The office of the CPSC ombudsman: 888-531-9070.
Visit the Handmade Toy Alliance for information about writing your representatives.

Over 200,000 artists, crafters and vintage collectors sell their items on Etsy.com. Many of these artisans make toys and other items for children. Made with love, care, the human touch and—often—all-natural materials, these items bring the consumer marketplace back to a personal level where customers can chat with toy makers and even create custom items for specific needs. Etsy members are part of a larger movement that seeks to creatively provide people across the globe with alternatives to mass-produced goods.

Many Etsy sellers are work-at-home-moms and dads. Among them are crafters with the skill and heart to preserve traditions of toy-making or to innovate their own methods of making children's items with a DIY (Do-It-Yourself) hands-on philosophy. You can meet an Etsy toy maker and seller by watching this five minute video portrait (all of our videos are published under open Creative Commons, so please feel free to repost). Amber Dusick, aka woodmouse.etsy.com and Los Angeles-based toy-maker/work-at-home-mama, is an artist who would be impacted by this proposed legislation if it is enacted. Amber uses sustainably harvested woods, non-toxic paints and beeswax along with her wood-burning tool to create simple, natural wooden toys. Her imagery is reminiscent of a child's crayon drawing come to life in wood.

Amber, like other Etsy toy makers and sellers, is fearful that as a sole proprietor she will not be able to afford the stricter regulations of the Act; the cost of testing and certification is likely beyond her means. She told Etsy, “I'd be more than happy to have each of my toys tested, if it wasn't so cost prohibitive. It is the COST involved in testing that will shut us down, it isn't that anyone refuses to have their work tested."

The Small Business Administration defines "small business" as under 500 employees. Most of our Etsy members are either sole proprietors or maybe a family or studio of friends working together. Many craftspeople on Etsy have told us that they could be put out of business if forced to comply with the proposed legislation. This is the painful irony bound up in the CPSIA.

Etsy wanted to reach out with this open letter to see what can be done to ensure that small businesses and micro enterprises are being taken into account with this legislation. Our members would like to better understand how the CPSIA took into account these smaller businesses operating with fewer resources for testing and compliance. We believe Etsy artisans are pro-testing and pro-safety; the problem is the prohibitive certification costs relative to their small businesses' incomes. Our community is concerned that this legislature disregards small businesses in its attempts to regulate large corporate entities.

The U.S. House and Senate passed the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (the CPSIA), and on August 14, 2008, President Bush signed the Act into law. Further information on the Act is available at the CPSC website at http://www.cpsc.gov/ and helpful FAQs are located http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/faq/faq.pdf.

A Letter to a Dog

About18 months ago, we went to visit some of my husband's relatives. They have a little white dog named Holli, and my son fell in love. He talks about her all the time, and (of course) thinks we need a dog, too.

This week, my husband took a business trip that allowed him to visit his family and he sent a couple of pictures of Holli back to us. This rekindled my son's "obsession" with Holli, and he decided to send her a letter (yes, to the dog). He sat and wrote the letter and drew the picture with absolutely NO help--even put it in the envelope so I could address it and put on a stamp.

Last night, I saw the envelope sitting with a pencil right beside it at "my spot" at the kitchen table--presumable so I wouldn't forget to do what I said I'd do. I hadn't looked at what he'd done, but when I took it out, I was so glad I had my new scanner--this was something I wanted to keep!

Here's the letter:
(Dear Holli, How much fun are you having with my dad? Aunt Alice, write a letter.)

Here's the picture of him with Holli on a leash:

TICKETS!

We have purchased ticket for all four of us to go see this:


This will be the first time for the kids to see it and they are actually pretty excited!

AND....
I just purchase tickets for just me and The King to go see these guys:


Talk about excitement!! We pretty much play their music non-stop this time of year. Chances are you've heard them before, but if you aren't sure, click on this link to hear one of my all-time favorite songs:

http://www.imeem.com/people/tpuf_/music/UkKwfNZC/trans_siberian_orchestra_carol_of_the_bells/

Requests

It's been requested of me to post some of the following photos (mostly by family members), so here you go:

First, in the King's last race, the professional photographer caught this picture of him:


Second, here is my entire family: parents, brother, sister-in-law, nieces, nephews, husband, children and me. We try to get a decent picture every year at Thanksgiving!

Loves Me!

I just listed this Valentine's Day set, and you can find it HERE!

Sample Set Listings!

I just listed FIVE of my Christmas sample sets and they all have FREE shipping!! Check them out HERE.

We've been having holiday fun with family at our house for Thanksgiving followed by whirlwind days of getting all the Christmas decorations up! I'll have some pictures to post in the next day or so.

Activities

Although it seems like there is always one thing or another going on, we have officially entered the "busy season." Last weekend the King ran a half-marathon. It is amazing to me that he can run for that long----and that (for the most part) he ENJOYS it!

OK, so I wasn't quite ready with the camera and only caught the backside (but look at those calf muscles!!).

The kids both had Thanksgiving feasts and programs at school. Neither one of them has had to deal with any sort of "stage fright."

Friday night they had a dance recital at an OUTSIDE amphitheater, and it was ffffffffreezing!

Finally, here's my girl with her cousin (Erin's daughter). Erin had posted about a new Photoshop technique that she learned and I had to try it out...

This week is busy as well with meetings at the school Monday night and Tuesday morning; a full day of Thanksgiving food preparation and house cleaning on Wednesday; Thanksgiving here on Thursday; Thanksgiving at my parents on Friday; a family "run" on Saturday; that's it (I hope).

Feelin' It

...the holiday "times," that is. I've spent more of my days at the school this week, than at home--volunteering, attending Thanksgiving programs and feasts. I've fallen behind on my sewing schedule, because my main (good) sewing machine just up and DIED this week. I've gotten out and bought a new one, but have some major catching up to do! Thanksgiving with my husband's family is being held here this year--and while I'm actually pretty excited about it, I have a LOT of things to do.

I LOVE the holidays--really, I do!! I love the meanings behind Thanksgiving and Christmas. I love all the decorations and traditions and food. What I need to do is get caught up on work so I can take a little break and focus on what is most important during this time---family. The kids are at that age where everything is so wonderful and fun, and I NEVER want to look back and think that I "missed it" by not taking advantage of every....single....moment.

So, the next couple of days are dedicated to getting caught up. A couple of new items in the first week of December (think "hearts"), and then a little breather to spend time with -->

Loungin' Around

I just listed these 2 Christmas lounge sets! The snowman one is available for girls AND boys! You can find them HERE!

A Boy and A Girl

My children aren't "little" anymore. I look at them and they are a growing boy and a growing girl. It tugs at my heart a bit, but we are having so much fun with them that it is hard to be sad about it. Here's my girl fully embodying the new cap her daddy bought her and my boy giving "the look" that can get him almost anything.

The Birthday

I celebrated my 35th birthday this past week. It was the first birthday since I was 16 that I haven't seen my husband. He was on a business trip, but let me say that it was actually to my benefit! He had things lined up for me to open at breakfast, lunch, after school, and dinner! He also organized a family party when he got back into town!

Here's the flowers that were delivered mid-morning (my favorite color):


Here's his gift to me (my 5 year old son took this picture--not bad!!):


My mom took me out to lunch and my kids took me out to dinner (thanks to some coaching by their dad). It was a good day!

Live Nearby?

Do you live in my neck of the woods? Come on by!


Because this is on the world wide web, I haven't include things like my address (you know, safety and all that). However, I will say that I'm in Eastern Oklahoma and if that's close enough that you'd like to drop by, leave me a comment or send an e-mail, and I'll get you the information you need!

OK, if you leave a commentt or e-mail me and I have NO idea who you are, I'll politely refrain from sending you personal information--hope you understand. :)

Did you notice that my sister-in-law, Erin, will be here with her gorgeous jewels? Also, my good friend, Lindsay, will be here with her fabulous bows! Can't wait to see you!

The Prince and Princess of Egypt

This year, the kids dressed up as the Prince and Princess of Egypt for the 2 Church Festivals that we go to every year during the last week of October. We found some pictures of costumes that they liked and then I was expected to duplicate them. After watching me sew for everybody else all year, they have high expectations for me when costume time comes around!

They were thrilled, and I thought they looked adorable, of course.

We spent a fun evening together going out to eat and then to the dollar theater to see Wall*E for the second time. Our early-to-bed children were dragging in the door at 9:30 when we got home, but we had a really fun time! They are growing so fast, and it's nice that we can start doing these kinds of things with them now.

More posts coming, as I have time!

Coming Soon!

Actual blog posts!! Probably about 5 in one day. I have pictures comin' out the ears--school pictures, the circus, costumes! I just need to find the time to upload and edit them all and then find time to blog about them!

I've been enormously busy with kids' activities, sewing orders, and just being a wife/mom. Add into that a little "something" that was dragging me down. I have no idea what was going on, but I couldn't get enough sleep and my body was just not "right" for about 4-6 weeks (no, not pregnant, but I'd have to say it was kind-of similar-feeling). Who knows. The good news is that I'm feeling SO much better and just have a pile of orders/piles of laundry/piles of dirt and dust to take care of.

I'm up and running, but need to play a little catch-up!

My Own Peppermint Patty!

Here's my all red and white Christmas dress. I love how all the trims look together! You can find it HERE!

HapPEA Holidays!!

My ebay design group The Lil Peas started a launch today called "HapPEA Holidays!" Here are my first 2 listings:

Dreaming of a Pink Christmas


Holly Jolly


I'll also be listing an all red and white dress in the next day or two, so check back!

Little Turkey

Here's my newest listing. I love this new Feliz dress pattern! It allows me to use many different fabrics. Notice the little applique turkey? You can find the listing HERE!

Raffstar

An online acquaintance of mine asked me to visit this site that her son helped co-found. Being a contest prize "junkie" (although I've never won anything), I must admit I'm hooked. It's a great way to support wonderful charities, and you just might win something FABULOUS!! The best part? IT'S FREE!! The more people who participate, the quicker prizes are won, and the faster new prizes are added....all for great causes so check it out!

(***Note: I am not affiliated with them at all...I don't get ANYthing if you visit their site! I just think it's fun!!***)

Here's a direct cut-and-paste from their website:

Raffstar is THE place to go for the chance to win prizes: absolutely, positively, 100% FREE; with no-strings-attached, no tricks or gimmicks, and no hidden catch whatsoever. All you have to do is register once, free-of-charge, and you're on your way to the land of unlimited prizes. Whether it's a cash prize, a new gaming console like the Xbox360, PS3, or Nintendo Wii; the chance to meet a celebrity one-on-one; a gift card to your favorite store; or the vacation of a lifetime- there's something for everyone at Raffstar. And with the ability for members to suggest future prizes, the prize options will remain truly limitless!

And by now you're probably wondering how we can offer all these prizes and not charge a membership fee? It's actually quite simple- all the prizes are either given or paid for by advertisers, so with no cost to us, we're able to offer memberships and tickets 100% free.

Believe it or not, Raffstar wasn't created just to give away free stuff- although I doubt any one will complain when they win! Raffstar's main goal is to generate awareness for charities and the issues they are working with. That's why each of our giveaways have a featured charity with a link to their site right on our page. So as you browse through the prizes,make sure you take some time to check out the charities' sites as well. And don't forget to visit the charities page where you can see a list of all the charities that you are helping support, simply by being a member of Raffstar.

That's right, by visiting Raffstar and entering in our free giveaways for a chance to win some amazing prizes, you are also helping people throughout the world. Bet you never thought that the simple click of a mouse could help change and save lives forever? And hey- who knows what prizes await? So tell everyone you know to visit Raffstar as often as they can; and don't forget to come back and win as many prizes as you can! Doing your part for the world just got a whole lot easier...

Busy, busy

It's hard to believe we are already into October! It seems like my "to-do list" grows longer every day, even though I am getting things done. I just thought I'd give a little update on US.

Last week was my husband's BIG week of work--he was gone from Tuesday through Sunday. He's taken the same trip every year for the past few years and it's always difficult when he is gone, because he is such an integral part of our family life (he does SO MUCH). I must admit, however, that this year was the easiest, by far! I think it has something to do with the fact that the kids are now 4 and 5 (instead of 3 and 4, or 2 and 3, or 1 and 2). The Prince really tried to play the role of "the man," and was taking care of me--so sweet! Every time he travels, my heart grows for the single parents out there! How they do it successfully is amazing to me!

The King's dad had surgery last Wednesday and will be in the hospital until later this week. He went up to the hospital to spend the night with him tonight. His mom is up in New York with her dad, as his health is beginning to deteriorate and she just needs to be with him. It all seems to happen at once!

I've kept quite busy with sewing orders and shuttling the kids around. I'm so thankful that we are able to keep me home--which is where I want to be right now!

The kids both LOVE school and being a former teacher, I LOVE that they love it. The Prince is continuing to read at amazing speed, and The Princess has already started sounding out 3 letter words. They have wonderful teachers, which adds to their excitement about school.

We have stayed healthy and gas in our city just dropped to $2.99/gallon--for these 2 things, I am EXTREMELY grateful!!

Off to clean my sewing room--when I get in a sewing "frenzy" I just start throwing patterns, fabric, spools of thread, etc. everywhere. Then, I have to take time to clean before starting my next "frenzy."

The True Meaning of Christmas

I have wanted to make a Nativity dress for the past 2 years and finally got to it this year. I truly feel that the birth of my Lord and Savior is the reason for the season, and I wanted one of my designs to reflect that. There are numerous details and appliques, and since I was going to have to line the dress anyway, I made it reversible!! You can find it HERE!

Also, I wanted a little set that was comfy, fun, and could be layered under most of the jumpers and dresses that I make. Find it HERE!

Here's Another

One of the moms in The Prince's class comes to every special event and documents it with pictures. I was able to snag this fabulous one of The Prince giving his Poppi a special picture he had colored at home to give to him on Grandparent's Day.

Grandparent's Day

Today was Grandparent's Day at the kids' school. They talk about this day for weeks before it arrives. This year my mom and my father-in-law came for the whole thing (they spent time in each class), and my dad was able to pop-in for a few minutes--which was all they really needed. My mother-in-law had planned to be there, but had to fly to be with her father this week as his health is deteriorating--and they TOTALLY understand it--they said, "She can just come next year!"

Pictures are distracting when they are trying to "perform" for the grandparents, but I managed to snap a few of them with their Grandma and their Poppi. I was taking some pictures with my mom's camera, too, and I guess I forgot to take one of The Prince with Grandma--she'll have to forward them to me (hint, hint).

I took them both home early when the event ended, because they were exhausted! I just love it when they are like this--close and cuddly!

My HEART!

There is no other way to describe how I feel about them...they are my heart!


I snapped some pictures of them right after their showers tonight. They were willing to cooperate and I snapped away! These were my favorites, by far!

Sweetness

A dress celebrating everyone's favorite "sweet" game, Candyland, which can be found HERE.


And, a sweet moment: Daddy reading books at bedtime. *sigh*

Today....

Today, I listed two sets. They are by far 2 of my favorite sets. They take FOREVER to make with all the detailed applique work, but those Japanese fabrics basically SCREAM at me to make appliques for them! The first is a new set requested by a favorite customer and inspired by Goldilocks fabric. The second is a relist of my poplular OZ--Over the Rainbow--set. You can find them both HERE!

Today, I also walked in on this:


The Princess had gone into my closet and shut the door. After a bit, I hear her talking "very authoritatively," about her "work" and having to find her "important papers." I just don't know WHERE she gets these things..... ;)