All About Me and a little about you

The Cousins

2010-04-10T07:45:00.000-07:00

Lately Connor has had to opportunity to spend more and more time with her cousins

And we love them!!

Aren't they great?

Thanks for loving my pumpkin so much Hannah and Noah!

Our picture spot

2010-04-09T18:41:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I have to capture those really cute days

even if she is still super sleepy

but she loves our picture mornings on these rocks

and later I will love looking back at the photos

I love my pumpkin!

Love a girl who can wear a hat

2010-04-09T17:24:00.000-07:00

Just because it's cute

need I say anything?

Everyone should have pictures like these

2010-04-09T07:17:00.000-07:00

But she is just so cute

and loves the camera

and making silly faces

with crazy hair

and this strange monster thing

and i love them all

a different version of extreme sports

2010-04-08T19:09:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago

ok, maybe a couple months ago,

Connor and I spent some time playing outside

We swung in the hammock

and threw some horseshoes

well, kinda threw

just not far

We practiced on her scooter

i love the helmet

and did rock climbing

finishing with a flying rocket

it was a good day

with no injuries

Birthdays and Boyfriends-already

2010-04-08T17:01:00.000-07:00

After Christmas

(yes, I'm jumping around)

we celebrated Hannah's birthday.

Where Connor played with her friend Jack on the stairs for over an hour!

He is such a cutie (good job Michelle!) so I am pleased she has taken a great liking to him!

Jack: "Connor, your so pretty!"

Connor: "Oh Jack, Stop it!"

Connor: "Oh Jack, you're SO funny!"

Connor: "...and dreamy!"

and yes-i made up my own dialogs for all these pictures

The cutest assistant ever!

2010-04-08T11:58:00.000-07:00

Let's call this the catchup game!

so bare with me!

Connor is finally getting big and old enough to help me bake

And we made gingerbread men for Heidi's annual cookie exchange

Connor played with this same piece of dough the whole time!

But had a blast.

*for some reason I can't grab and move my pictures-so they are a bit out of sorts...but so am I so were all good!

The Peep found my Rock

2010-04-02T13:26:00.003-07:00

Apparently I have been living under a rock since Christmas-

but have gotten a lot done under that rock!

But before I catch you all up on the last couple months-

here's a quick 'peep' into what we did today!

I appliquéd this shirt last night for Connor to wear to Madison's kindergarten class today.

And she posed so well for all my pictures!

Playing peep-a-boo in the bushes

And here are the Easter favor Connor gave to her favorite 'peeps'!

Check out this blog for the tutorial and pdf header card.

So cute....So dollar friendly....and So simple!

Pillow Talk

2010-02-03T08:59:00.000-08:00

This Christmas was great-A lot of people had special requests for gifts that I could make! SO Great!

My little sister requested pillows for her couch.

Love all the colors. And I made them removable with buttons on the back

The laptop Sleeve

2010-02-02T17:51:00.000-08:00

I made a couple laptop sleeves for a friend and decided to whip up a couple more this weekend!

I originally made this one for my younger sister...then the older one pointed out it is "so much more me!" and kept it for herself!

I used a heavy upholstery fabric for the outside, and fleece for the liner.

Green is more Heidi!

It's ok, because I got to make this one for my other sister...

Chunky cord for the outside with the white fleece liner. And it is much more Mel!

This simple guy is for my nephew Noah.

Denim on the outside and a camo fleece on the inside.

Lastly is Hannah's!

She loved this bright colored cord print with purple...perfect for her bright personality!

These were so simple, but so cute! I only wish I had my own laptop to make one for me!

MIA-But still crafting!

2010-02-02T17:43:00.000-08:00

I made these chalkboards for Christmas gifts this year. So Simple...and So Fun!

My sister showed me the idea from here

She admitted I should make it for gifts because she wanted one...so I did!

Etsy Treasury Feature

2010-01-16T00:53:00.001-08:00

I made it into my first Etsy Treasury. Check it out here!

The Annual Underwear Tree

2009-12-31T13:08:00.000-08:00

One day I'm gonna try and figure out what # year this is we have done the underwear tree!

In the mean time, here is the 2009 Edition! You can check out

2008 here

2007 here

2006 here

and that's as far back the underwear tree blog posts go...but it may have started around 2000!

Oh Me, Oh My...it's Christmas Time!

2009-12-24T13:39:00.000-08:00

Shh...don't tell my sister but these are for my nephew. They are his old baseball jersey's made into throw pillows. I've been a sewing fool!

I decided Connor needed a little something extra to wear!

Yes...I actually pieced this together. and it was so worth it!

My little helper will look SOOO cute in this!

Merry Christmas to YOU and YOUR'S!!

It's Like I forgot Christmas was this Month!

2009-12-11T15:49:00.000-08:00

Where did November go? And when did my daughter grow up? (Isn't her Thanksgiving outfit too cute!)
And when did she start liking other people like her Grandpa Hootie?And, my goodness...she's always been this cute!And when did she start decorating Christmas Trees without eating the ornaments?
I can't believe we are almost half way through December. I am swamped with Piggy Banks, Bake Sales, Christmas Shopping, Crafting and laughing at my 2 year old!

I just want to pinch her cheeks!

2009-11-20T17:48:00.000-08:00

Look at how BIG she looks!and I love how she is taking on her own look and doesn't look like Grandma Hooties Clone!

(not that I had anything against her looking like her grandma)
But she checks herself out in the mirror like Grandma...and fixes her hair!

yes Connor...you're sooo funny!

I love this kid!

Ladybug Soup Giveaway

2009-11-18T15:42:00.001-08:00

Check out the ladybug soup link on my sidebar and enter my giveaway!!

Our Day Off

2009-11-17T17:59:00.000-08:00

This is what Connor does on my day off...I think it's kinda cute.

(well...not the mess so much as the fact she is old enough to play toys and make a mess!) We also read books...lots of books!
The last book we read was The Hungry Caterpillar. When we got to long list of food he ate on Saturday she said "Mommy Watermellon! Bit momma? Bite watermellon?" And when I said "yes" she put the book to her face and pretended to eat it!

That girl makes me laugh!!

Have you met my Mom?

2009-11-11T19:44:00.000-08:00

I follow lots of blogs that are sooo stinkin' creative it makes me nuts!

Life in Grace is currently running a tutorial feature and she posted the cutest little birdies!Complete with a pdf pattern and tutorial.

So I showed my mom and before i could even pick out a fabric she made a whole gaggle, or herd, or swarm...whatever you call them...of fleece birdies!She is crazy...but she is my mom and I love that she can do thisbecause "I am my mother's daugther" and it means I can make them too!

Re-Purposing My Clothes

2009-11-11T15:00:00.000-08:00

I've had an itch to re-purpose some of my clothes into clothes for Connor.Last weekend I did followed the suggestions found here and got to work!

The skirt on the left is made from a cream shirt just like the one on the right...then I cut up that one too! So great and SEW simple!!

Holiday Tees

2009-11-11T13:19:00.000-08:00

My mom and I are selling at a small boutique in Yucaipa on Saturday so we have been getting a few items ready I have no clue what to expect...but I've been itching to do some applique tees!
Which are also available for purchase here.

come on...you know you need one!

Welcome Home PV2 Matty

2009-11-06T17:26:00.001-08:00

Tuesday night we met up with our dear friend Marissa to welcome her fiance, and the Mr's bestest, home from medic training.

He is only here for less than 3weeks before leaving for Louisianna for more training!

We will miss him but send out best!!

My attempt at Eve

2009-11-05T12:54:00.000-08:00

My sister asked to see a picture of Connor's Eve (from Wall-E) costume. The problem is...this is as far as I got with getting her in it! I used a roll of foamboard to make the body, but the only time she put it on for a fitting was here...and it was too big.
Sorry Mel, this is as good as it gets.

A Minnie Halloween

2009-11-01T11:42:00.000-08:00

What do you do when it's 3pm, the day of halloween and you accept the fact that your 2 year old will NOT wear the halloween costume you made for her?

Improvise with what you already have! Andres had a great idea and suggested Minnie Mouse. Connor loves Mickey and we already had everything to complete the look. Ok, well I didn't have the classic red polka dot fabric, but Pink is the new Red...right?
Auntie Lisa got her the ears for her bday this year and just by adding a bow-WaaLaa-Minnie Mouse!
My favorite is the goodie bag to match!

The bag was a sample tote I had with some strange logo...say goodbye logo, hello Minnie!

She was a hit!

And left the ears on all night!

The yellow shoes were white ones I had that I painted yellow.

She wouldn't go to the door alone, one of use had to take her each time

Of course we had to check her loot before she got to dig in...just like my mom used to say:

"We have to taste it to make sure it's not poisoned!"

Pumpkin Carving

2009-10-30T11:04:00.000-07:00

Have I mentioned I love our sitter and her family AND friends?

Last night we went to "Shanna's" house for her annual pumpkin carving event. Shannon (Connor calls her Shanna) is Tina's neighbor whom Connor has takin a lovin' too!It was great! She had the whole room covered in plastic for easy clean up, tables full of carving utensils and big bowls for the 'innerds'. There were streamers hanging from the garage door, balloons floating in the air, kiddy halloween music playing, pizza to eat, cupcakes to devour, juice for the kids and beer for us!

My job was to cut off the tops and clean out the insides. Then dad did the rest!

Shannon even gave out goodie bags (big ones!) full of light-up toys and anything halloween themed! Madison did a great job modeling the treat bags.

Connor really just ate cupcakes the whole time...wasn't really a big fan of carving.

Taylor carved my pumpkin while I was on Connor dutyAndres and Taylor did a great job making our pumpkins look good!
And he was very proud of his work. The pumpkin says Connor with a scary mouth! I think we do a 'Connor' pumpkin every year!

The closest Connor got to a pumpkin was this picture.

It was a lot of fun and we were invited back for the Gingerbread House making party before Christmas.

Shannon gets my vote for neighbor of the year!!!

Proof I am trying

2009-10-27T12:41:00.001-07:00

Potty training update...But she would rather just read.

Let the holiday decorating begin

2009-10-21T14:14:00.000-07:00

Decorating for the seasonConnor helped me paint these pumpkins

I know it's nothing super exciting, but it will get better as Connor gets bigger and can help more!

Don't worry Heidi, we won't make it too scary!

Need a Placemat?

2009-10-21T14:12:00.000-07:00

Because my mom's been making a few...Or maybe more than a few... And my the end of today, you can buy your own set here

Everywhere we go-she must accessorize

2009-10-21T14:08:00.000-07:00

Someone wanted to buy everything they had!

A Fun Dresser Re-Do

2009-10-18T13:50:00.000-07:00

I forgot to take a picture of this dresser before the Mr painted it white, but it was just a cheap maple wood finish...not pretty. But after a coat of white paint, mod podge, paper and time...TaDa!

Not wonderful by any means, but much better and perfect to store fabric and patterns!

Paint Time!

2009-10-18T13:38:00.000-07:00

I finally decided it was time to decorate for the season. Which also means, time to craft!

I started this morning with making Connor an apron to wear when she paints. It was sew simple and took me less than an hour (and I had all the supplies!)

(did you notice her shoes are on the wrong feet!)

I figured; the more color, the more inspiring! I did not use a patter, so I eye balled the size as I cut the fabric. Next time I will cut the top piece more narrow so it doesn't gap below her chin.

And even added a row of pockets complete with a 'C'. I used bias tape on the sides so the neck strap runs all the way around...which means this apron will fit for a while!

Then she set Elmo down and told me to take a picture of his back too!

We had fun testing it out while painting our own decorations!

The Best Wreath idea EVER

2009-10-16T09:59:00.001-07:00

Check out the tutorial on this!

It is a wreath made out of happy meal toys!

I wondered what the hell I'm supposed to do with that crap 10 minutes after Connor gets it...cause that's about how long she stays entertained.

Organized Shopping

2009-10-16T05:02:00.000-07:00

Love this idea and there is a tutorial...hmmm. I'm thinking Christmas craft!

Yo Ho Ho...a baby on the way!

2009-10-13T17:07:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we were invited to a baby shower...a pirate baby shower. I love baby shower...mainly because I love making baby gifts! This is I made for Brian and Stephanie's baby, Brady! The piggy matches the bedding they are using in the nursery
I had this great pirate flannel I wanted to use

And i made an applique tee to match, but didn't take a pic

Brian (the daddy to be) is a UCLA fan so this was his gift

These taggie blankets are so easy to make but I was suprised I couldn't find UCLA fabric. So i made my own!

Picture THEN Punish

2009-10-13T10:58:00.000-07:00

I knew she was being too quite! But, as any good mom would do, I had to grab the camera before I stopped the actions.
That water bottle (which she emptied into the dog dish before filling with chocolate sauce) was half full by the time i realized what she was up to.
BTW- she concentrates like her grandpa...with her tongue hanging out!

The Weekends Not Over Yet!

2009-10-04T22:28:00.000-07:00

This weekend was full of family time and fun. I did this custom order for my neice Hannah. She said to suprise her but she likes art stuff.I love all the colors!!!

You can check more pics of it on my etsy site also.

Friday night, when I finally got home from work around 8, we ended up heading right back out to Urgent Care.

Miss Connor decided she would tip her and the chair back, resulting in an obscene amount of blood gushing from her mouth. I freaked. Dad ran. We rushed her to the ER, where it was overflowing with Swine Fluians...so we turned around and went to Urgent Care. However, by then she was laughing and playing so we went back home to clean up the scene of the crime...becuase that's what it looked like!

She woke up Saturday with a fat lip that is bruised on the inside and a loose front tooth. I keep reading and everyone keeps telling me it will tighten up...so I am praying for the best.

Saturday we headed to Oak Glen for some good apple fun. It was packed but we still had fun.

Today my sister's and I headed out to Ikea. LOVE that place. SO many cute ideas for great prices. I only came home with a couple little items (excited about my $1.99 trash can) but it was great sister time...

They just wanted out of the car because my dearest, loose toothed, Connor talked the whole way there and back! Good Times.

Tonight we went to Hootieville to enjoy the Mile High Apple Pie I bought yesterday...yummy!

Now I am off to paint some piggies and enjoy another day off tomorrow.

*sorry for no pics...bad weekend to leave my camera battery at home!

And they keep coming...

2009-10-02T11:14:00.000-07:00

Last week I got an order thru Etsy for another Custom Bank.

She sent me this picture of a surfboard her daughter painted for her grand daughter and asked me to match it. I heart custom ordersbecause I have the freedom to have fun and create.And improve on old ones.

I've got a couple custom orders in the works that I am super excited about so check back soon!

You had me at "All you can Eat!"

2009-09-25T22:12:00.000-07:00

hahahaha...

Tonight we went to John's Incredible...

It was great!

All you can eat food including some crazy pizza combos.And then lots of games!

Connor loved Skeet Ball...which is my all time fav!

Too bad all her balls went every where other than up the ramp.

Then they attempted to bonk the shark's heads but that game sucked.

It was good times for a great price...2 year olds are easily entertained!

(*and so is her daddy!)

I had to share this picture because Connor's half face is priceless! Too bad it keeps flipping on me every time I upload it. So just tilt your head to the right please!

Meet Norma Jean

2009-09-24T19:36:00.000-07:00

This is Norma Jean (daddy named her and yes, they all have old school names). She is one of Connor's first babies...who was sleepy at work last week.

So Connor sang her a lulaby and rocked Norma Jean to sleep...no, really, she did. THEN...Norma Jean needed her diaper changed. Apparently she had a bit of a rash because Connor had to use the desatin. No, really, this was all Connor's doing.
However, Norma Jean's diaper (Pampers size 4 to be exact) was a bit too big. She it became a sleeping bag. No, really, Connor wrapped her in it.

Please note-Connor was behind me, under my chair, doing all this. I had no idea till Grandma walked in and told me not to move.

No, really, it was cute.

Tagged by Heidi

2009-09-24T12:11:00.000-07:00

My sister tagged anyone who reads her 1 blog post a year...so I played along.

You are to open you picture file, choose the 3rd file then the 3rd picture and post it.

So here's mine:

It's a picture of Heidi herself trying to hula hoop in a sombrero at her birthday dinner in April of 2006 at Joe's Crab Shack. If I recall correctly we actually celebrated Heidi's birthday, mine and Andres' engagement and Melissa first date!

Now THAT is funny stuff.

Now I tag anyone else who wants to play along!

Etsy over Private

2009-09-24T10:41:00.000-07:00

Here's the deal.

I started selling my piggies wholesale and putting them on the site Tiny Keepsakes which is great and she is selling a ton of them-at least 1 order a day! (which is good for me peeps.)

However, I realized I loose my ability to be creative with selling them on this site.

Etsy was great because I could communicate with the customer and get a feel for any changes they may want, or different colors. And if I changed it up a bit I knew it was no issue.Take Sadie's piggy for instance. It is cute but I wasn't head over hees in love with it.So I changed it up a bit, made the flowers largers and softened the colors. I do believe Sadie would have liked Lauren's piggy more than her's...but what'ev.

However, Sadie's piggy is shown on her site so I am to replicate it. I guess, when you think about it, it's not that big of a deal.

But I like a little creative freedom.

In the end...duplicates save time, but originals make me happy.

Painting Pals

2009-09-24T07:29:00.000-07:00

I am swamped with Piggy orders...thank you to all my loyal customers!
So I called in for reinforcements...in the form of a mini me

Connor stole the camera which means her little fingers switch the settings...usually to this cool color setting.

From the eyes of pumpkin But we did get some work done!

Busy is good though...

Lost and Found....without the Found

2009-09-23T21:41:00.000-07:00

So last Friday was Bunco for me (won most losses...in a good way!) and the Mr takes the Pumpkin when I do. good times I tell yah. Last friday they went to Castle Park and had their pictures taken in a photo booth. SO CUTE. I would totally show you, but I can't find them. But I promise, when I do, I will share.

Thursday night is another daddy date night...wonder what they'll do.

Do you know about talk like a Pirate day?

2009-09-23T21:26:00.000-07:00

Last saturday was National Talk Like a Pirate Day!

And also my brother-in-law Miles' birthday. So we got dressed up and had a party...a pirate party!

This is the only pic I had after Mel and I got ready to go. The Mr picked walking the plank over dressin up...but he did wear a sword!

Happy Birthday Bro...a few days late.

Cora's Playground Revealed

2009-09-23T12:10:00.000-07:00

Remember Cora?

Last Saturday was the opening of Cora's Playground. Thank you to everyone who bought items from Etsy that went to help build this amazing place!
It's is so great!

Cute! Cute! Cute!

You can read more about the Mac's here and read about the progress as they are planning the arrival of baby #2- Cora's little sister.

I'm still here

2009-09-23T00:32:00.000-07:00

Just have lots an lots to do!

Coming Soon-more piggies

A Pig's Weekend

2009-09-14T01:54:00.000-07:00

I picked these up on Friday Which are full of these (24 to be exact)

And I started fillings order(s). 6 are duplicates but personalized with different names.

And I even gave Connor her own mini piggies to paint (with washable crayons of course)

She concentrates like her mommy

But is cheesey like her daddy!

It was a good weekend and I am half way thru catching up on orders...

Quick Sisterly Love

2009-09-11T19:19:00.000-07:00

My little sis just moved out into her own, real apartment a couple weeks ago. Which means...time to decorate!

We bought this fabric and canvas to create a simple wall hanging to match her decor. We used light blue burlap for the background...cheap and a great texture.

(like my hands holding the camera in the shadow?)

And we (or shall I say I with Mel's supervision) put it together!

Turned out very cute. Simple. But cute.

Please note-I posted both pictures even though it's the same thing, I just thought it was crazy how much the settings changed the outcome. AND, the 2nd picture was WITH the flash!

Boys vs Girls piggies

2009-09-11T15:23:00.000-07:00

and no, it's not for me!

3 more down....14 to go

I Heart Fall

2009-09-09T13:52:00.000-07:00

I heart the fall.

I heart pumpkins.

I heart pumpkin flavor anything.

I heart halloween.

I heart thanksgiving.

I heart thanksgiving feasts.

But I really heart...picking out a halloween costume for Connor!

2007 with my first big sewing project!

2008

Can you believe how perfect her shoes are! I was so sad she only wore them a couple times!

And here's a sneak preview of what 2009 may bring.maybe

Piggy, Piggy, Piggy Banks!

2009-09-08T14:50:00.000-07:00

A few of my latest creations!

I have about 15 orders in right now so production is delayed. But I'm excited about some new designs and will share them with you soon!!

Melissa's Baby Shower and To Do list

2009-09-03T22:55:00.000-07:00

A while back, Melissa asked me to make curtains for Julia's room. So Fun...we all know I love projects! Too bad I didn't take any pictures of them after being hung...but trust me, they were cute! Here are the throw pillows I made with left over pieces. Cute fabric, isn't it!The back is pink, the same fabric as the accents seen here. While we were at Joanns (squeel!), Melissa mentioned wanting a frilly apron. So I insisted on making her one! It was my first attempt and I used no pattern, but I was pleased. Now to get Mel to send me a picture of her modeling it.

(*see how my mom embroidered her initials on the pocket, cute touch!)Baby shower gifts are my fav! Especially when I can make them.

First off, I read Melissa's mind and made Julia a "Big Sister" shirt. I was very pleased with the outcome and even more pleased with Julia's new 'cheese' pose...she squints and says cheese but I missed the smiling part. So I don't have any pictures from the actual shower or the gift I made for her. But I found the exact same thing on someone's etsy site. It is a nursing cover...so wish they had these when I had Connor. Such a great idea and super eas to make!

Andres picked out the fabric and I was very pleased..an Alexander Henry print. So Cute and I think it suits Mel nicely. Good job MR!

I also made one for Michelle but also did not take a picture.

It was a good weekend full of crafting and visiting...but laking on sleep.

Michelle's Baby Shower

2009-09-03T19:28:00.000-07:00

Last weekend was jam packed with baby shower and baby shower craftin!

My sister Heidi hosted a shower for her good friend Michelle, so I got to help!

First, Heidi asked me to make a banner...so fun!Then, Heidi, our mother, and myself put our heads together and made these diaper cake centerpieces.I quickly learned that out family is all about practicality and decorating with useful things!And this was the cake! SOOO CUTE! I saw the idea from my friend Erin's shower and had to carry it on. Such a great idea and so simple!One of our games was decorating onsies and bibs.We gave

Then we voted for cutest, most creative and funniest. I won for funniest with my "Jack made me do it". Jack being Michelle's first born boy...I think this will hold true.

It was a successful party and we had lots of fun. Congrats Michelle and family...can't wait to meet the new addition!

I caved for Garfield

2009-09-02T22:26:00.000-07:00

I was the sucker this time and spent the $0.50!

I hate these rides but it was the first time Connor really wanted to hop in...and she didn't even last for all $0.50. dang it.

sand in my toes!

2009-09-02T13:59:00.000-07:00

We recently took Connor to the beach for the FIRST time! Crazy, I know.We left around noon and drove...and drove...and drove. We stopped a couple times to check out some places and everything was so crowded. So...we ended up at a beach called 'Treasure Island Park' by the Montage hotel. And it was perfect! They had plenty of room to set up for lunch, we got to see great tide pools and, a bit further down the water, was a great playground on the sand that we will be sure to visit next time.

The waves were a bit high for Connor to play free.
So daddy held on tight and let her play. I will admit, I was nervous!

But it was fun!

We dug holes and built sand castles

While Connor destroyed them.

We really just relaxed and enjoyed our day!

It was good times!

OMG- I am FAMOUS! Finally.

2009-08-27T11:22:00.000-07:00

I was featured on Tip Junkie-which is only the greatest blog ever. I mean, you have to have some great stuff to get on this site. really! hahaha...ok. So maybe I am over doing it, but I am super excited. She liked the pillow's I made for Connor's room and put them up on her site. So Exciting.

Here is a link to prove it!

The Roof-The Roof-The Roof is...caving in?

2009-08-26T16:42:00.000-07:00

This happened at work today...good times and good security camera!

It's Giveaway Time!

2009-08-24T22:26:00.000-07:00

Check out Jamie's Precious Peas.

She did a review on a Tinkerbell bank I made for her daughter, a good review to boot!

I am offering a giveaway on her blog. Check it out!

Taste the Rainbow

2009-08-17T12:15:00.000-07:00

I saw this cake on someone's blog and had to give it a try!
It was a tasty hit!!!

She ate all but half the red and orange layers...little piggy!

*next time I would make the layers thinner so the cake didn't lean so much...and use the same size pans for all layers (which I should have already known).

My Mini Me!

2009-08-15T09:15:00.000-07:00

This is my family in 1984/5ish (not too sure). That's me in the apple snow suit...(cute! I know!) And this is Connor in the apple snow suit!It's still a little big but daddy let her put it on anyway. So cute!

thanks for hanging on to it for so long sis.

A Great Pillow Idea!

2009-08-13T13:45:00.001-07:00

Sew Cute!!!

Check the tutorial out here!

Thanks Canela!

2009-08-12T12:20:00.000-07:00

I GOT IT!!! My pretty new necklace from Cinnamon Sticks Boutique!
Cute! Cute! Cute!
Thanks Canela, you will definetely hear from me at Xmas time!!!

She's a Monkey-The Playground Edition

2009-08-10T18:07:00.000-07:00

This is Connor's new thang She say's "Swing High"
And loves it.

Just for Fun

2009-08-09T21:52:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pics just for fun and nothing more.This is Connor with her first frozen banana! She loved it!
And these are Connor's first painted toenails. She loved them too!
This is me trying to take a picture of her toes, apparently Becks wanted his toes in the pic too!
Max just wanted his sweet, BIG head in the pic instead.
(and no need to judge me on the bite covered leg my kid is sporting. She stood in an ant pile at the zoo last weekend...apparently a hungry ant pile!)

And this is Connor at the baby shower, sporting her diva shades!

Josh and Ashleah's Starr Baby Shower

2009-08-09T20:21:00.000-07:00

Saturday we were excited to host our good friends Josh and Ashleah's baby shower. This was the front table. I layed out a mat and frame for guests to sign with well wishes and love for the new baby. And the favors were bags of popcorn wrapped in a purple paper saying "She's Ready to POP!" The back said "Thank you for popping in the celebrate with Josh and Ashleah". Simple and tasty!
My centerpieces were all about practicallity!
I used shredded paper with baby bottles in her colors to add that baby shower touch (they were brand new and part of my gift)!

To weigh the balloons down on the tables, I used these baby food jars. These were sweet potatoes, which used to be Connor's favorite! Ashleah's mom brought the food and cake. Can you believe they made this cake at Sams Club? Good Job!

*for food we had tons and tons of chicken from Juan Pollo-and we got to keep some leftovers!

This was the gift area. I had them stacked on Connor's tea table. Knowing we would open gifts in here, I cleared out the toys so we wouldn't have to move it all around come gift time.

The clothes line was an idea my sister used at my shower, all of the items are gifts and most of them, homemade!

Did I mentione Ashleah does NOT take pictures. I have known her for 10 years now and probably only have about 5 pictures of her. Crazy!

But I was sure to take plenty when she was too busy to notice.

Congrats Josh and Ashleah. We wish you all the best with Symone Starr!

More Of Connor being Green!

2009-08-07T18:17:00.000-07:00

I've been playing with my camera lately, checking out all my settings.

This is my color swatch setting. You point it at a color of your choosing, then push ok, then point it at your target and it picks up that color. I thought it would be cool to pick up Connor's green shirt with matching green shoes. So much for the terrible 2's...more like the Monkey 2's!! This kid climbs on everything!! This was the sunset tuesday night. My camera has a sunset setting also.

Very Pretty!

More Connor-Dressing Up

2009-08-06T19:06:00.000-07:00

I put Connor down in her big girl bed this weekend for a nap and thought she would actually go to sleep. Boy was I wrong! She was in the room getting all dressed up. With her cool headband (on backwards) and a pretty lanyard. talk about accessorizing
Then dad thought it would be fun to put her diaper on her head, instead of her booty! She ran around the house for about half an hour like this.

tempting...so tempting

2009-08-06T13:18:00.000-07:00

Check these bad boys out.

Picky Palate has the directions for these Hot Little Chocolate Chip Cookie Pies. Yummy!!!

Connor's First High Heels!

2009-08-06T08:01:00.000-07:00

Check out Connor's new kicks.TT got Connor her first pair of high heels for her birthday and she loves them!
But it may take another year or so till they actually fit and her feet don't fall out of the front!

Not that they stop her from being a monkey!

I turned my back for 2 seconds to change the channel on the TV and look what happened. Please notice she successfully climbed up there WITH the oversized heels ON. Crazy!!

Birthday Party-Final!

2009-08-05T18:51:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday, we had Connor's final birthday celebration at Hootieville. Grandpa Hootie was unable to make it to her actual party, so he made us dinner and we got to celebrate again. Auntie Lissa got Connor her first pair of Mickey ears, this great old school Mickey shirt and promised her a trip to see the Legend herself!
Grandpa Hootie went all out and got her a "retro" radio flyer trike!

it's still a bit big (her feet don't reach the pedals!)

But she loved it!

Thanks Grandpa and Grandma Hootie!!

stuck

2009-08-05T10:11:00.000-07:00

I have been searching through everyone's pictures from Connor's party to pick one for the thank you cards. But I can't find any I like...other than this one! This picture is off my mom's camera and I just love how soft and danty the picture made Connor look (even though she looks really tired and this was taken BEFORE the party even started!). But I won't send out a thank you card with me on it. So...I will keep searching and thinking.

A little something for me....

2009-08-03T10:08:00.001-07:00

Shhhh...don't tell. But I think I am buying myself a little something.

Check out the charm to the right...does that name look familiar?

Cinnamon Sticks Boutique was asking for volunteers for a few new items so I emailed Connor's name over and was added to her list. So excited;)

A Wild 2nd Birthday

2009-08-01T22:04:00.000-07:00

Today we took Connor to the San Diego Wild Animal Park for her birthday Daddy bought her these diva Hannah Montana sunglasses...a little big but so worth it.
However, she was already tired of my picture taking...and we just got there!
She'd been asking to see the 'birdies' all morning...so that was our first stop

Then off to see the meerkats

Connor got up close and personal with this ram thing...while it peed...for like an hour straight!

We posed for a photo op as butterflies...no wait, I'm a flower

Connor walked through a log

and daddy got his head stuck in it Connor still wasn't cooperating for my photo ops

But it didn't stop me.

They cooled off under the myst

And she actually pet these deer (?) by herself

The hugs, on the other hand, weren't such a hit.

We saw lots of elephants

her favorite was the baby

The lion was awesome! It was huge and just layed on the car

Connor showed no fear at getting all up on the glass in front of the lioness' habitat

(btw-she looks like shes 5 in this pic...her legs look so long!)

She loved them too...but they slept the whole time. Their sign says they sleep 20 hours a day. What a life...I just want 20 hours a week!

Connor started dazzing after a while...so we knew the day was coming to an end

Connor plays this game that Andres calls 'Mr. Macintosher'. She goes limp and just stares till you say "what happened to Connor?" It is way funny!

We only had a one small issue on our trip...Connor stood in an ant pile and I didn't notice till they were half way up her legs. I quickly hung up on my mom, screamed at dad to help, grabbed a water bottle and just started pouring. I think we handled it well and Connor stayed pretty calm. We did notice about 3 or 4 small bites on her leg, but she's doing well.

I, on the other hand, am Fried!

It was worth it and Happy Birthday Pumpkin!!

Happy 2nd Birthday Connor!!!

2009-08-01T05:56:00.000-07:00

I swear it was only a couple months ago that this little pink princess was born!And we dressed her up as a Tiger for her first halloween.
Then it was a week later that she turned 1.wait...what? It's been 2 years!Happy Birthday to our silly little pumpkin head!
You sure know how to make us laugh and smile from ear to ear.

We Love You!

Lemon Chicken Done Right

2009-07-30T11:53:00.001-07:00

Random, I know, but someone on FB made a comment about making lemon chicken for dinner. So I did a quick search, and decided I'm gonna make it too! I found this simple recipe on blogchef.net and am gonna give it a try!

I forget how simple it can be to make lots of our restaurant favorites..I'll let you know how it turns out.

(Too bad I can't whip it up for lunch right now.)

The Birthday Party-Part 1

2009-07-29T18:47:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of the action. Sorry for the blurry camera, I forgot to switch settings before handing it over to the designated picture taker, my sister. I am kicking myself right now...Connor in her fancy dress...that she wore for less than an hour. All well...it's the thought that counts.

Then Auntie Lissa changed her into her very cute bikini and took her for a swim!Madison jumped off the diving board

And had some very fancy landings

We broke Connor's pinata from last year that has been sitting in the top of her closet.

And she was going to town...Till we took the bat away for the other kids to take a turn...mean mommy!Julia took some good hits

Daryn knocked the cherry off!

So Andres and I had to McGyver the thing back together to let the other kids hit.Quick picture op while I ran to find a knife.

Hannah took some swings! (Might I add, Hannah also jumped off the diving board for the first time...I just don't have pics to share.)

Jack pulled out his hockey skills and took some swings also!

Noah hit a home run!

Which prepared it for Anthony to take one swing and knock all the candy out!

Connor filed her bag (which I hid when we got home.)

We took a moment for another photo op.

Melissa, Julia and baby LeVesque (coming in Oct) hung out at the craft table.

And Connor got her color on too!

It was then time for a wardrobe change and a sucker to keep her calm. (Still not sure why I gave her the blue one. You'll see why in her present opening pictures.)

We (andres and I) blew out the candles in her cake.

*Present opening pics to come later...when my sister shares them from her camera*

Then it was time for a nap!

As I cleaned up...Connor did some light reading

And I sware...she wore these around for at least half an hour.

She did some jumping on the bed...till she took a break...with the googles.

It was a long night and we had tons of fun.

Thank you to everyone who came and helped us celebrate our little pumpkin. We are blessed to have so many great friends and families in our lives.

A PaperDoll Birthday!

2009-07-28T21:16:00.001-07:00

Sunday we celebrate Connor's 2nd birthday.

My parents were kind enough to allow us to use their house (or shall I say pool and a/c) for the festivities and it was a hit!These were the centerpieces on the tables. The flowers were out of my moms garden. This was her banner. A long row of paper dolls. My only complaint was the fact the only paper I had (roll of butcher paper that is) was white so it didn't really stand out...but it got the job done.
The Food! I did kid friendly, finger sandwhiches, cut out with cookie cutters. We served egg salad, ham & cheese and good ole' PB&J!The Cake!
I cheated and ordered a Costco cake Plane Jane Style. Then added my own touches with the writing and dolls.My Sugar Cookies....soooo tasty! My sister gave Connor these clothes themed cookie cutters for her first Christmas. I completely forgot I had them till I started making the cookies...so perfect! Thanks Heidi. And thanks to Andres' sister and friend for frosting them for me while I ran around like a chicken with my head cut off!I decided not to play any games, which was a good thing since NO ONE GOT OUT OF THE POOL! But I did set up this crafting area just in case someone got tired of the water. These were the favors. Simple bags with a note saying "Thanks, you're a doll!" The girls got pink bags filled with the paper doll set seen bellow. While the boys got blue bags with paper airplanes.These were the dolls inside of the girl's bags. My mom actually made them! She bought paper doll fabric, cut it out, felted the bag and laminated the front. Then cut out coordinating outfits to go with each doll. This girl was my favorite, with her pink dress and flowered hat. So cute!

Thanks again, to everyone who helped. We couldn't have done it without you!

Birthday pictures will be up soon!

2009-07-27T10:50:00.000-07:00

But in the mean time...check her out!

Cute Giveaway...and a great blog!

My First...Piggy!

2009-07-23T16:12:00.000-07:00

Special Orders are fun and allow me to play with new ideas(that is a helmet next to her name)And this is for Nuria's new baby granddaughter...who isn't born yet!Just just wanted pink and girly.

She wore an itsy bitsy...

2009-07-22T14:50:00.001-07:00

Check HER out! I don't know which looks more pinch-able...the belly or the booty?Wook Momma! Foot Wet! (yes, that's really what she was saying!)

Blowing bubbles

This is the kind of picture she will hate me later for keeping

Slowing down....

ready for a nap...

It must be time to get out...'cold momma, cold!'

Birthday Party in Style!

2009-07-18T10:53:00.000-07:00

I finished Connor's birthday dress last night! Of course she wouldn't cooperate for our fitting and photo shoot this morning!
And I couldn't resist the shirt...every birthday princess deserves a wardrobe change!

Daddy/Daughter Time

2009-07-16T20:42:00.000-07:00

Connor and Andres rocked out last night.

My Garage Sale Finds

2009-07-16T12:25:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday, my sister and I went garage-saleing! It was lots of fun and we actually made a couple purchases.

Here are a couple of my $3 finds because everything I bought cost $3!I found these great Lanters, marked 4 for $4...so I offered $3.Even though they still had the Target price tag on all of them, originally $9.99 each, marked down to $2.48 each. Looked like a bargain to me! My favorite find was this corner shelf-hiding in the far left hand corner (behind the sleepy head!).

It cost me $3 and my husband about an hour of his time to sand it down and repaint it. Simple bargain that fit just great!

I also bought the large mason jars on the top shelf- 8 for $3!! So far I filled them with ribbon, pompoms and buttons.

I heart garage sales!

Color Momma, Color-Round 2

2009-07-16T08:00:00.000-07:00

This time it was on daddy's watch!

Come out and Play!

2009-07-15T19:42:00.000-07:00

Last night Andres asked me to come outside and check out Connor. Apparently she was doing something really cute and worth interrupting my tivo time!This is what was awaiting me as I opened the front door! So I threw it closed and ran to the window and protected myself.Daddy, on the other hand, thought he was safe because it was his idea.

SO much for just washing his car yesterday!

Bring on the Terrible 2s!

2009-07-15T14:32:00.000-07:00

I just mailed out Connor's birthday party invitations. Here's a sneak peak at the theme!

No Title Necessary

2009-07-10T12:45:00.000-07:00

Meet My Mother

2009-07-09T21:50:00.000-07:00

I have been saying a lot lately that "I am my mother's daughter".

Here is what my mother did today. at work.

for no reason.

Except for this pair.

Connor was upset that she couldn't get her toes in the others so Grandma made a bigger version.

Meet Tink

2009-07-09T19:41:00.000-07:00

She was a chore

BFF's

2009-07-09T16:38:00.000-07:00

Meet Connor's BFF's.
Santa and Eve (Eve's from Wall-E. her favorite movie)

They hang out together

Eve talks to you about the 'directive' and her arm shoots.

While Santa plays a mean air guitar while shakin' his hips.

She hearts them.

To Block or Not To Block

2009-07-08T11:03:00.000-07:00

We have wireless internet in our home.

It is great.

We can use the laptop anywhere we want, even while watching tv.

(I'm a multi tasker, remember?)

However, our wireless does not require a password to access it.

I never thought anything of it.

I feel I already have enough passwords to remember, why add another.

Behind our house is a park.

In that park is a couple picnic tables.

Everynight, those picnic tables have a guy or two sitting at it, on their laptops.

It wasn't till a couple weeks ago that the Mr pointed out that those were his friends from down the street.

Apparently they have been using our wireless connection and I never realized it.

My question-do I block it?

Or is it not a big deal?
I'm a simple person and really don't mind, but am I being too nice?

Should I ask if I can get them a Grande Non-Fat Mocha Latte with no whip?

What's your opinion?

A Rushed Weekend

2009-07-06T10:34:00.001-07:00

First off-this was one weekend that wore me out! I didn't do one bit of sewing, crafting or relaxing! Not ONE BIT.

It started with:

Connor was up all night Friday with a fever which made dad stressed out. We kept it somewhat under control with tylenol, but it really slowed us down.
I got called into work Saturday afternoon to meet a customer, who was an hour and a half late meeting me.
Which made us late to Hootieville for our BBQ and swim party.
At the end of the night, I realized I never took my camera out of my purse to take any pictures! But Connor wore her rw&b last weekend also, so here is a quick peek at her cute dress! (that I did NOT make! Thanks for covering my butt Ralph Lauren...He's so dependable.)Sunday proved to be just as rushed with this little project I jumped into, cold turkey! Oh but it turned out so cute and tasty! This was the cake my co-worker, Cristal, requested for her baby shower. It took me about 2 hours to decorate, including the cute cupcakes below. I didn't realize it would take me THAT long, which meant I was rushing at the end. Just to load everything into the car-and the car NOT START! Ahhh! So my sister came to the rescue and picked us up!We were about an hour late the the shower, which was not too big deal since it was a hispanic shower-meaning all the guests were even later than me. (*please note, I am married to a hispanic man meaning I'm allowed to comment on the fact that there is a difference between real time and 'mexican time'! I think my mom and I like 'mexican time' more!) My mom took all the credit for the cake because "she taught me everything i know" and "i get my talent from her".

Thanks mom! This is what Connor did for the first half of the shower. I was jealous! (her legs look so long in the picture...she is getting big!) Since my car wouldn't start, Connor and I went home with Grandma. She found her old walker and took it upon herself to climb in. She played in this thing for about 30 minutes, her favorite was the mirror, go figure! It was too funny and really showed me how big she is!

All in all it was a good weekend and I had lots of fun, but I look forward to an uneventful weekend in 5 days!

A Busy Night

2009-07-02T14:03:00.000-07:00

Last night was a productive night for me!

I made these 2 dresses...which I found out this morning are too small for Connor.But still really cute!

Then I made a couple headbands from felt flowers and bra strap material my mom picked up

During the 'photo shoot' of Connor this morning, modeling the headband...i thought it would be a cute prop to let her play with the water hose. Until she pointed it in my direction and pulled back on the trigger.

I had to throw in a wardrobe change for myself and my soaked skirt.

But before I went to bed last night I made these for work. Carrot Cake Cupcakes! yummy!

Like I said, it was a good night!

Mommy's little helper!

2009-06-29T17:42:00.000-07:00

Friday night Connor helped me with a couple projects for the birthday party.

First she put the paper liners on the cupcake pans

Then she helped me fill the trays...while tasting the goods! Lastly, she helped me wipe down the counter tops. Love the cheesey smile for the camera while she cleans!

I love that she is getting bigger and wanting to do projects with me...for now.

Now on to more important things

2009-06-29T14:26:00.000-07:00

I hosted Derek's first birthday at my house this weekend and BOY am I glad it is over. Birthday parties are stressful! And to think I have Connor's 2nd birthday to put together next month. AHH!

Anyhow, the party ended and I got to work on some fun projects.

First was this pillowcase dress for our neighbor's daughter, who turned 1 this weekend.Then I had Connor model the headband I made to match the dress. I thought about selling these on my site and am a bit upset that this picture is my favorite when it comes to showing off the flower...just ignore my bad mannered model! She was great to take pictures of and just kept saying "cheese" over and over again.

Love this poppy headband...just don't love the fact I had my camera set to "aquarium" mode and didn't realize it till after she was DONE...I wondered why the pics looked very yellow!

This is the magnolia headband I made...and this is my FAVORITE picture of her modeling it.
And lastly, I am looking for a good site to edit my pics. This was done on picnik.com where i played with the colors. Pretty cool.

All in all it was a good Sunday where I did lots of crafting and even more picture taking. These are only a couple of my favorites and hope to get the headbands on my etsy site soon!

I Won! I Won! I Won!

2009-06-26T16:11:00.001-07:00

Tip Junkie hosted a birthday giveaway, that I posted about here. Well, YOU should have entered it because I did and i WON! Check out this cute vinly that I won...for Connor!

I can't wait to get it...just gotta figure out where to hang it!

Check this out

2009-06-26T10:24:00.000-07:00

You can get a whole quart of FREE paint just by clicking this link
NO STRINGS ATTACHED
I picked a quart of New Grass Green. So Cute!
I have NO clue what i will do with it, maybe a touch of accents in Connor's room? hmmm...

2009-06-24T13:57:00.000-07:00

Brassy Apple is hosting a crafting summer series and I joined in. This week she asked her readers to share an idea for the car.

Well...it just so happens my lap trays are perfect for the car!

I keep Connor's filled with:

coloring book

crayons

flash cards

(sometimes) a small tub of playdough

books

....and whatever else she drops in.

It is great because the side compartments holds just enough while the top is a flat surface which allows her to do anything...even eat lunch! You can find these on my Etsy Shop and get them personalized with just about anything!

Father's Day Crafting

2009-06-22T13:30:00.000-07:00

I am a blog follower and love trying projects I find on other people's blogs. They are soooo creative! One day I wish I could come up with a clever idea everyone else wants to try. But in the mean time, this is the project I copied for Father's Day. Bakerella; (whom is the best and most creative baker alive) did these on her blog last week and even provided the template for the trays. You must check her out and see all her other great ideas. She was even on Martha's show making up some 'pops'. So Cute!
The fries are made from sugar cookies and the hambuger is: a cupcake cut in half, a brownie as the burger and frosting colored to look like condiments (ketchup, mustard (looks like cheese to me) and lettuce (she also suggests tenting coconut for a more realistic look). The heat made the frosting start to run though.

Hannah loved hers and even Connor is smiling (under that blasted binkie!)

I think Heidi loved taking pictures of it!

And this was my father's day gift to Grandpa Hootie. Sorry, this is the best pic my mom took and I forgot to take one myself. My dad's hot rod made the cover of Rod and Custom earlier this year and asked me to make up a frame to put in their game room....about 5 months later I finally did it! I am excited about the outcome and will post a better pic later, after its hung.

Etsy Addition

2009-06-20T09:48:00.000-07:00

Check out the newest addition to my store. These are fun and Connor really uses hers all the time, especially when I bring her to work.

You may have seen this one on my site already, but the bottom 3 are an order I filled this week. They are lots of fun and I love thinking up new themes!