Wednesday, March 18, 2009

WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH TEN DOLLARS

I DECIDED TO RE-FASHIONED:




I TOOK THESE TWO BILLS

AND I BOUGHT THIS PLAIN LITTLE PINK T-SHIRT AT TARGET FOR $3.48



AND THESE PAIR OF JEANS, FROM MARSHALL'S ON SALE FOR $6.00

(FRONT-VIEW)


(BACK-VIEW)

AND THIS FUN AND FUNKY JUMBO ORANGE RIC-RAC .98 CENTS A YARD.

(I USED LESS THAN .50 CENTS WORTH)


I TOOK OFF THE BELT, TOOK OFF THE BACK POCKET ORIGINAL APPLIQUES, . . . . . .

AND TURNED THEM INTO THIS;

(A COMPLETELY RE-PURPOSED BOUTIQUE CHIC OUTFIT)






THE FLOWER ON THE T-SHIRT I DID SO THAT IT IS 3-D, I RAVELED THE EDGES TO GIVE IT THAT SHABBY CHIC VINTAGE LOOK, ALL THE STITCHING ON THE SHIRT IS MACHINE STITCHED.





I USED THE BOTTOM OF THE PANTS LEG THAT I CUT OFF, TO MAKE THE LEAVES AND THE CENTER OF THE FLOWER ON THE SHIRT. I MADE A SASH FOR THE BELT.






I ADDED TWO RUFFLES TO THE BOTTOM OF THE PANTS AND THEN STITCHED SOME RIBBON ABOVE IT TO GIVE IT THAT LITTLE BOUTIQUE FINISH. THEN I APPLIQUED SOME FLOWERS TO THE LOWER PANTS LEG, AND DID SOME HAND STITCHING AND SOME FRENCH KNOTS ON THE FLOWERS WITH EMBROIDERY THREAD.




I ALSO APPLIQUED A FLOWER ON EACH BACK PANTS POCKET WITH HAND STITCHING







I ALSO TOOK HEATHER'S FLOWER CHALLENGE,

HEATHER'S FLOWER TUTORIAL


AND THIS IS WHAT I DID WITH MY FLOWER FROM HER TUTORIAL IDEA;


I PUT ONE FLOWER ON THE CUTE LITTLE T-SHIRT, AND THE OTHER ONE I ADDED TO

A PINK HEADBAND I GOT AT TARGET IN THE DOLLAR BIN. I ADDED SOME ORANGE RIBBON AND THE FLOWER.






NOW I BELIEVE EVERY GIRL DESERVES AT LEAST ONE ORIGINAL IN THEIR CLOSET, AND BECAUSE I SO ENJOY MAKING THESE ADORABLE LITTLE OUTFITS FOR ALL THE LITTLE CUTIES IN MY LIFE, I MADE THIS ONE IN A SIZE 4T, AND IT IS GOING TO THE FIRST MEMBER OF MY SWEET "A" TEAM. SO MISS ALI THIS ONE IS FOR YOU. I HOPE YOU ENJOY IT, (AND I HOPE IT FITS OK, MY FINGERS ARE CROSSED) JUST REMEMBER, MY FEE IS A PICTURE OF YOU IN IT.



HMMM, WHO AND WHAT WILL BE NEXT?



SO NEXT TIME YOU HAVE TEN DOLLARS IN YOUR PURSE, THINK OF THE POSSIBILITIES!

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

ORNERY = FEELING BETTER

We have been sick, sick, sick, around here for about two weeks now.

We must be feeling better though, and this is why I think this.

When our kids were little and had been real sick for awhile, it always seemed as though once they started feeling better they would be OR-NE-RY!

Well, let me tell you, there is some ornery going on around here today, which tells me, we must be on the mend.

This is how I know;

Robby was filling out an online job application, which he also needed to attach his resume to.
Well it would not except the format he had his resume saved in,
so to say he was more than a bit upset, would be an understatement.

So I cautiously go to see what all the fuss is about,
watching out just in case a mouse goes whizzing by my head,
(he tends to throw his computer mouse, when upset with his computer)

any who…..

I ask what the deal was and his reply, at an audible level in which you would say to someone who is vacuuming and you are trying to let them know that they just sucked up the pet hamster,
He says;
Well actually I have to censor what he said.
Let's just say it was about a five minute rant.
Anyway, let’s just say I got the picture LOUD AND CLEAR.
He was done, spent, sooo over it,
he just won’t apply for that job, he’ll show them.

Now, by this time the whole issue has peeked my curiosity, I think partly do to a genetic make-up flaw I have, you see, I have a huge problem with the word can’t when something or someone uses it with regards to me not being able to achieve or over come something.
Oh, man, then I’m like,
OH bring it, it’s on, it is so on,
I take that as a challenge and I will do my absolute best to prove that it can be done.

Don’t get me wrong,
Robby is no slacker on the computer he does really quite well,
especially for being a self taught student/teacher.
I by no means am a computer whiz or even close.
It’s just I have worked with computers for the past 11 years,
at a company that never supplied me with the right programs, or equipment,
so out of a shear need to survive, and get things done,
I learned how to manipulate what I had to work with, into what I needed it to do.

As I’m sitting there trying to get a look at the whole picture, you know, get up to speed, get the 411, gather all the info.
I have this constant noise in my ear
“just forget it, never mind, it’s not worth wasting this much time on”.
I turn to him to say ………
but, as I look over at him I see the vain bulging on the side of his neck,
and I figure his blood pressure is already through the roof,
so just breathe deep and maybe my quiet calm will spread to him.

With every click of the mouse, scroll, or move of my fingers, I hear,
“I already tried that, it won’t let you do that, no, nope, you have to do this, click this”,
okay, so now I’m thinking,
{hey, wait a minute here Bub, you don’t even know what it is I’m trying to accomplish, so seriously, you’re going to dictate, ummm, I mean suggest what, when, why and how I should try something.}
I manage to stay focused,
I will not be distracted, I shall prevail, I cannot fail!

Needless to say though, he was making me N E R V O U S,
I just kept hearing,
“don’t loose my resume, no don’t go there it always makes my computer jam, that program won’t work, I never set it up and you need some product key which is stupid because that program came loaded with the computer so am I supposed to pull the key out of my…..”
* * Censored * *

PLEASE, MAKE IT STOP,

I can’t think, I can’t hear myself think, I just want the noise to stop.
So what is a girl to do?
I turn to him and with my hand poised like a naked sock puppet,
(naked because, I of course did not really have a sock on my hand, not because I am into some weird naked sock pupet thing, or anything like that, gees, the way your mind works)
anyway, I'm working my hand like it is, a talking sock puppet, and I say;
“you can yammer at me all you want, I am going to sit here until I figure it out, so if you don’t want to waste any more of your time, please feel free to walk away."

Now, as we both sit there in our stubborn silence,
yet, now, with much reduced tension,
and frankly, both a bit amused at my hand puppet gesture,
I keep clicking, moving from one screen to another, saving, copying, pasting, and typing away.

Dang it, try one same result that he got,
MAN, try two, foiled again, but I think I'm getting closer.
Of course now he is feeling a bit better about his attempts at this,
and I'm feeling a bit more determined.

Think, THINK, T H I N K,

there has to be a way to beat this machine.
I've had far more worthy opponents before,

Okay,
here we go,
I think I’m on to something now.

Final click,
submit,
wait for it………

Confirmation your application has been accepted.


Monday, March 9, 2009

I LOVE THE WAY THIS TURNED OUT ! ! !

I AM ALWAYS A BIT NERVOUS WHEN I SEW WITHOUT A PATTERN, PLUS THE FACT I HAVE NO MODELS WHO LIVE CLOSE ENOUGH FOR ME TO TEST FIT AS I GO. I KNEW THE LOOK I WANTED, AND I DIDN'T HAVE A PATTERN FOR IT, AND SINCE I LIVE 2 HOURS FROM THE NEAREST FABRIC STORE, I DECIDED TO MAKE MY OWN. I DESIGNED A PATTERN FOR THE SKIRT AND SASH. I ALSO WANTED TO TEST OUT SOME "SEMI-HOMEMADE" ITEMS TOO. SO I DECIDED TO EMBELLISH A PURCHASED PLAIN TOP. THE RESULT IS EXACTLY WHAT I HAD IN MIND, I LOVE HOW IT TURNED OUT. THERE IS ALSO A BLACK PETTISKIRT UNDERNEATH TO GIVE A GIRL SOME TWIRL POWER.


ABOUT THREE WEEKS AGO, WE WENT INTO VEGAS TO MEET UP WITH HOLLIE AND HER FAMILY FOR A QUICK VISIT ONLY A FEW HOURS. WHILE I WAS THERE I USED THE OPPORTUNITY TO FIT THE SKIRT TO MISS ADDISON, WHICH WAS SUCH A BIG HELP, THANK YOU ADDISON FOR BEING MY LITTLE DRESS FORM.

WELL, A COUPLE DAYS AFTER OUR VEGAS TRIP, EVERYONE AT OUR HOUSEHOLD WAS SICK, SICK, SICK, SO NEEDLESS TO SAY I DIDN'T GET ANY SEWING TIME. FINALLY YESTERDAY I WAS ABLE TO GET BACK TO IT. I HAVE ONE COMPLETELY FINISHED AND THE SECOND ONE ALMOST 3/4 OF THE WAY FINISHED. I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE THEM ON MY TWO ADORABLE LITTLE MODELS.

SO, AVERY AND ADDISON, BAMA WILL TRY AND GET THESE OUT IN THE MAIL THIS WEEK.

REMEMBER, BAMA'S FEE IS A PICTURE OF YOU WEARING THE OUTFIT.

I AM SO GREATFUL I HAVE YOU TWO LITTLE CUTIES TO SEW FOR, TOO FUN.

Saturday, February 28, 2009

Un-American?, Shame on me?; I THINK NOT!

February 24, 2009


My dear Grandchildren, both present and future;


I am writing you this letter because, I want you to know,without a shadow of a doubt, some of Grandma’s views, how I feel about certain things, my thoughts, my concerns, my beliefs. While your Mom and Dad are your primary and main role models, I also know the important role that all of us who love you and care for you play in your life.

I want to thank a couple of Hollywood’s “elite” (fascists) Bullies for motivating me to write this letter to you. One called me “un-American” and the other said I should “sit and reflect and anticipate my great shame and the shame in my Grandchildren’s eyes” all because my belief did not agree with theirs. Which got me thinking, it would be a shame if I did not openly and honestly express my belief, view and opinions on certain topics with you. So thank you Mr. Hanks and Mr. Penn for helping me to see how extremely important it is that I share these thoughts with my Grandchildren. Now while I personally did not support these forms of media by watching them, in which some of Hollywood’s “elite” use to self promote and try and (force feed) their views on main stream America, I did read their exact quotes from both sides of the news media.

While I love each of you equally, I also love how you all have your own unique personalities and have your own special talents and qualities. As you grow you will each develop your own interests and form your own opinions about pretty much everything.

So Grandma wants you to know that as you grow and develop and become who you are, I will always love you, we may not always agree, we may not always like the same things, like pink hair or pierced noses, the same music or even the latest fashion styles, or trends, and there will be times that we just might not see eye to eye, it is at those times I want you to remember how much I love you and that I might not love some of your words or actions, but I will always love you no matter what.

Grandma wants each of you to know this is the “Motto” I have adopted for our relationship.

"We may not always see eye to eye, but, we will always see heart to heart”.

We must always remember to show tolerance and have compassion for one another, we may not always agree with the choices or beliefs of others, but they too have free agency. This is not only true within our own family but with everyone we encounter in our life.

However, it is important to remember that while we all have free agency and are free to choose for our selves, we are not free to choose the consequences of our actions. When we make a choice, we will receive the consequences of that choice. The consequences may not always be immediate, but they will always follow, for good or bad.
I think that part is important, so read it again. It is just like we taught your Mom/Dad, when they were growing up. “For every action you take there is a consequence, whether it be good or bad, so choose your actions carefully.”

We must always stand firm in our own beliefs, be proud of who we are and of our values and morals, we must have the moral courage to make our actions consistent with our knowledge of right and wrong, and not allow others to silence us by intimidation, we can not give in because it seems to be the popular or cool thing, or just go along because everyone else is. Be cautious in your choices of “media” entertainment. Unfortunately in today’s society the majority of movies, television, news papers, internet, and magazines, are controlled by a small group of people who manipulate what we see, read, and hear, so that they can self promote their own hidden agendas, which often times are nothing more than immoral idealism.

I want you to know how PROUD I am to be an American, with a Republic form of Government which our founder Fathers sacrificed much to insure for all future generations. Who believed we all have certain unalienable rights, among them; Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That all the people have a voice, with a Government of the people, by the people, for the people. With a Constitution which provides and protects certain rights we have.

I want you to know, I know God our Eternal Heavenly Father lives, I want you to love our Heavenly Father, and to know that he loves you, I know he wants us to be happy and to always choose the right so that we may return to live with him some day. I know His Son Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer, he gave His life for us and suffered for the remission of our sins. I believe that we were born with free agency, to decide for our selves to choose good or evil, and I believe that we can be blessed with the gift of the Holy Ghost, and have their spirit to be with us to help guide us to choose the right.

I believe that the family and family values are truly one of the most important part of our society, and that marriage is a sacred ordinance between a Man and a Woman and should be ordained of God, that our family unit is key to our Heavenly Fathers Eternal plan. I believe happiness in our family life is built on a foundation of unconditional love, we must also invite the spirit of our Heavenly Father into our home, Mothers and Fathers need to show and express their love and respect for each other, and their children, we need to practice the principals of prayer, forgiveness, compassion, service, hard work and wholesome fun together as a family. (some exerts from, The Family: A Proclamation to the World)

I want you to know how strongly I believe that putting harmful substances (like drugs, tobacco and alcohol) in your body whether legal or illegal, is harmful to your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well being. You must think of your body as scared, be physical and active, try to eat healthy and make good choices of what you put into your body. Stand strong on these issues and do not give into peer pressure or the glorification from some media, like television, movies, games, magazines, etc. You need to be mindful though to the free agency of others who might choose to partake in these substances. You need to reach out to them through example and tolerance.

As you grow older, there will be even more issues that we will discuss and Grandma will share her views with you on those, We may even revisit some of these views and opinions in more depth as you become more age appropriate. I want you to know how much I love you, and that I will always be open and honest with you about what I believe and know to be true.

It is my fervent prayer that you too shall come to believe and know these things and gain a testimony of them for yourself.

With all my Love Forever and Always no matter what.
Bama

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

BIRTHDAY SHOUT OUTS ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY,

DAD V. & JENNIFER

WE ARE SENDING OUT OUR LOVE AND OUR BEST WISHES TO YOU TODAY, ON YOUR BIRTHDAY.

HOPE YOU HAVE A GREAT ONE.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, WE LOVE YOU.

Saturday, February 14, 2009

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

To all my little bugs,

I loved each and everyone of you before I ever met you, and you captured my heart the minute I saw you, I will love you forever and always, no matter what.

You are each so unique and special, you bring such joy and laughter into my life.

So on this special day I want you to know how very much I love you.

Hugs & Kisses,
oooooo xxxxxx

Grandma

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

25 FAVORITE MEMORIES OF DAD



My Dad was such an Amazing Man.
I learned so MUCH from him.
He just had that Special Something, and anyone who ever knew him felt it.
He was a true Family Man, who always put his Family first.
He was such a Dedicated and Loving Father, Grandfather, and Great-Grandfather.
He was the perfect role model.
He lived his life to the fullest without ever really a complaint.
He loved Sports, Westerns, and his Milk.
He was a man of many Hats, Literally and Figuratively.
He Worked Hard and Played Hard.
He had an innate way of finding Joy in the Simple things in Life.


Here's my Loving Tribute dedicated to my Dad in Honor of His Birthday which was February 9th.

    25 of my Favorite Memories of my Dad

  1. Bedtime Stories


  2. Ice Cream Cones


  3. Walks


  4. Chocolate "YUCK"


  5. The "Bridge" in So. Cal.


  6. Hats


  7. Thrift Store Finds


  8. Camp Outs


  9. Orange Slices Candy


  10. Sunday Afternoon Drives


  11. Friday Night Football Games


  12. Jokes


  13. "The Candy Man"


  14. Quarters


  15. Quiet Strength


  16. Best Slow Pitcher in Soft Ball


  17. Vacations


  18. Big Yellow School Bus


  19. Working in the Yard Together


  20. Old Spice After Shave


  21. Always Root for the Home Team


  22. Westerns


  23. Teasing


  24. Love of Family


  25. Funny Sayings


I am so Grateful for the Wonderful Memories I have, and for the Wonderful example he was to me and my Children, my Family and all who knew him.

Yet even with all these Wonderful and Fun Memories, there are still times, I miss him more than ever when some event in my Life reminds me that I would like to share it with my Dad.

I know how Blessed I was to have such Loving and Amazing Parents.

I am so Thankful for the Knowledge that Families are Forever and always, no matter what.

This was much tougher than I thought it was going to be, to just list 25 of my Favorite Memories of my Dad because I have a lifetime full of them.

Thanks for the Memories