Crabby Patty

The "youngin' " (oh boy, is that ever a Kentucky saying) is back to her usual self. For the past few days she has been a PAIN. Nothing rakes on my nerves more than whining and screaming. Today she has been so affectionate and helpful...so far. It is a much needed break, especially since I am up to my eyeballs (and I am pretty tall) in clutter and wreckage from the hurricane that was this weekend. So much so, that I must go to tackle as much as possible while Grace naps. Here's hoping it a long one!


Note: This afternoon Grace did the cutest thing! She ran up to me, hugged onto my arm, and said "You're my BEST FRIEND!" And I always will be sweetheart.

Success is Sweet

Whew! That was the sound of me exhaling with relief...the Soiree and Market was a TRIUMPH! After many, many hours of effort everything was pulled together beautifully and I couldn't be more pleased with the fruits of my labor. My prayers were answered and I was blessed with countless strokes of genius and inspiration. I had the opportunity to meet so many LOVELY people and taste the pleasure of their compliments on my handmade beauties. Thank you from the deep down bottom of my heart to all of my new friends for making the event magical.

The whole affair could be described in two words...sensory overload! Each booth was packed with the most fantastic treasures and displays. Inspiration GALORE...an explosion of talent and creativity! It was an extreme honor to have been showcased with the likes of these ladies.

The Soiree was divine. Music filled the evening air as bejeweled, bohemian beauties meandered through the enchanted atmosphere. There was no shortage of glamour, style, funk, and pizazz. The excitement ran through my veins long after I returned home and made it impossible to sleep. (That AND I still had much to do for the Market.)

Without a wink of sleep I arrived bright and early Saturday morning to set up for the Market. Jessi and I clinked cans of Rockstar Juiced as we toasted to the success of the previous night and our total lack of sleep. (Figuratively) My loopiness had me at a loss of words at times (literally), but brought out a quirky side of me that had me feeling like a social butterfly. I thrilled at the chance to meet so many fun and friendly people. My family's support was the cherry on top (cause I'm not really an icing kind of girl) to a truly BLISSFUL weekend.

Now for the snapshots. Be prepared...there are many.

Mimi and Me

A proud pose

Hubby, Moi, Josh & preggers Jamie

My booth on the evening of the Soiree


Market morning (some changes)

In Overdrive

Shame on me for posting when I have a KAJILLION things I need to be doing right now. I am working at warp speed (someone saw Star Trek recently) to be ready for the Soiree tomorrow and the Market on Saturday. I am happy to report that many MAJOR accomplishments have been made, but I have so many little tasks left to do. Everything is turning out BEAUTIFULLY! (If I have a second later I will add some pictures.)

In the midst of all the chaos, Grace struck fever of 104 last night. This poor child is so tough. I was monitoring her temp all day yesterday and giving her plenty of water and children's Motrin and she was just so sweet. (Like any other day!) She is the most stoic child I have ever known. (Though, I bet Jeff was a tough cookie through all of his cancer treatments.) When this kid falls down, she pops right back up. I'll notice some blood on her and she never even whimpers. Even with her BIG accidents she cries for just a minute and calms down rather easily. If she is really sick she doesn't get grumpy...just more cuddly.

After giving her a lukewarm bath, she hopped in bed with Dad (I was at my desk making headbands) and she played her usual game of repeating "Goodnight...I WUH you...Sweet dreams." So sweet!!!

At 4 a.m. we got up to take her temp, give her some more medicine and Jeff gave her a blessing. We all fell back asleep, and at 9 I woke to the most wonderful sight. Grace smiled at me with her twinkling brown eyes and said, "Good morning Mommy! Djou (did you) have a nice nap?" She no longer had a fever and we cuddled in bed.

Happy Mother's Day

Today I received my 1st Mother's Day memento from Grace. When Jeff and I met her at the end of Nursery she handed me this beautiful token:

Tears welled up in my eyes. This is the first of what I hope will be many Mother's Day gifts from my children. I can hardly wait for the misshapen pottery, handful of dandelions, or scribbled poems. It doesn't get any better than this. I feel like the LUCKIEST mom in the whole world!


Happy Mother's Day to all...especially my sweet Mommy. It is through my association with you lovely women that I learn, aspire and love. Hope you have a joy filled day!

Saturday Sales

Each Saturday I wake up at the crack of dawn to go yard sale-ing (Why is that not a real word, never mind that I don't know how to properly punctuate it?) with my dear friends Cindy and Dianna. We are quite the crew. Our ages span 4 decades. Despite our different stages of life we have so much more in common than a LOVE, nay...OBSESSION with yard sale-ing. I look forward to those few hours ALL week long. The true testament is the fact that I will go (and have many, many times) despite only having a couple hours of sleep. If you know me, you KNOW I love my sleep.

In honor of my addiction, I am starting a weekly post to show off my treasures. Today was particularly FANTASTIC! Here are my finds:


hand stitched picture (because I NEEDED another one), 3 vintage quilts (1 is a baby quilt), 2 boxes of vintage Christmas ornaments, a vintage hand towel, 2 stitched cloths, a globe, a "cupie" doll, 2 oval/floral pictures, green milk glass bowl, baby boy clothes (I'm putting out the vibes), Barbie walkie talkies, little girl potty book (I'm hoping), and (not pictured) a scrapbook and corner bumpers.

In addition to yard sale-ing, every other Saturday Goodwill offers 50% off of everything...EVERYTHING! Here is what I scored:


a SUPER old picture of a boy and rabbit (I know this is worth something), pillowcases (for my dresses), 2 small hand stitched pictures and one large one (of mushrooms...that's 2 for 2), several frames, French "mens" and "womens" plaques, a blue bird picture (to go in a boy's room...still putting it out there), vintage fabric, vintage hat (tired of the word vintage yet?), a daisy tray, 3 bolster pillows (to display my headbands), and an oil cloth and green lamp (for my craft area).

Whatta day?!

Beware of Pride

Every now and again an amazing phenomenon will occur...all of my nails are pretty and long. (Well, for me.) I will lovingly trim and file each one and then hold my hands out to marvel at their beauty. It's the simple things in life that can make me so happy. And then... (Cue ominous music. You knew this was going to take a turn for the worse...it was in the post title.)


I went and broke 3 in the same day! Sigh... I call it the Nail Pride Cycle. Beware, this too could happen to you.

My Wheels are Spinning

Yesterday was such a good day. I had the extreme pleasure of going to work with my man. I used to work with him all the time (before Grace came to us) and I miss those days when we spend every waking moment. (However in this case I did a fair bit of running around too.)

One of my major objectives was to go to the Brass Armadillo, an antique mall in Phoenix. They were having a sale and I was in search of some items for my hair pieces and a dress for the Bohemian Soiree. I didn't fair well on the tidbits, but I SCORED BIG on the dress. It caught my eye and two things ran though my head: Will it fit me? How much does it cost? I checked the tag and to my amazement it was my size. I searched for the price, but it was not to be found. After inquiring about it's cost, I was introduced to the booth owner who gave me the news I had dared to hope for...$9.99! (Plus 15% off!) I almost couldn't believe it. I continued to wind my way thorough the maze of booths and happened upon a pair of gloves that seemed as if the could match the dress. With my fingers figuratively crossed, I brought the gloves with me to the cashier's station. I was amazed for a second time. They matched so well one would think they came together. Lucky, lucky me! (It was strange to have spent nearly the same amount on the gloves as I did the dress...but I'll take it.) Now, my wheels are spinning as I am dreaming up how I will embellish and accessorize. Oooh...the fun I will have. The icing on the cake will be the chance to spend a whimsical evening with my dashing husband. I can hardly wait!

Speaking of husband, we found an awesome place for delicatessen style sandwiches called the Dilly Deli. There we shared a quiet and tasty lunch break. One thing is for sure, they haven't seen the last of us.

Once home, I was able to spend a few hours snuggling with Grace. It's true...absence DOES make the heart grow fonder. It is so nice to get a little break from the munchkin and have a complete change of pace. Two year olds are full throttle and bounce around from one thing to the next. That's both the fun and the exhausting part. A little break can recharge the batteries.

Almost as if our intent was to completely wear Nana out, we called on her again to watch Grace and Corbin as we went to the midnight showing of Wolverine. I got the chance to interrogate my newly coupled brother about his budding romance. Those two go together nicely...romance and mutants. It was an enjoyable close to a delightful day.

So are you dying to see the dress? Thought so...