Been searchin’ for cool stuff.

And I found this!

Click on it and it’ll take you to the website to create your own!  (Also, I credit THIS GAL for pointing me to Wordle!) 🙂

….these are a few of my favorite things…….

I got this GREAT idea from Ashley (a super cool photographer chick and friend!) and I thought I would try it out. I hope you like it!

10 Favorite Things (in no particular order):

1. SoftLips – in any flavor…..

May not work as good as some others, but I love the way it makes my lips feel. =)

2. Diet Caffeine Free Dr. Pepper

Too much caffeine is a no-no these days. This….is….perfect.

3. Cool website designs by PappaShop

I think they design BEAUTIFUL websites. One of these days……..

4. Canon in his Jumperoo

He cracks me UP! He’ll bounce and bounce and bounce….even if he’s fussing and wants out! Makes me laugh every time!

5. Sookie Stackhouse

Ornery books….vampire themed. Not normally my ‘cup ‘o tea,’ but I can’t seem to get enough of Sookie Stackhouse!

6. GLASS

I love glass. But that’s a given. This is the way my glass comes….by the rod. YUM!

7. Hydrangeas….especially BLUUUUUUUUE

These remind me of my mom – especially the bluuuuue ones. =)

8. Reef flip-flops

I don’t have these particular ones…..hmmmmm…….

9. Romantic Homes Magazine

I get A LOT of creative energy from this magazine, for some reason. I don’t decorate like the homes they show, but I love the color combinations and crafty ideas.

10. Nintendo DS

I don’t have one….yet….but I WANT ONE! =)

Share your 10 Favorites with me! I wanna know! Maybe I’ll do a 10 Favorites next with a theme. =)

IRKED

I. AM. LIVID.

Most of you that know me know that I’m one of the world’s worst gift-givers. I never plan well. I usually forget. I have great intentions, but usually fall short.

So – it REALLLLLLY bothers me when I actually put a plan in ACTION, think I’m doing something really special for someone….and KURSPLAT!!! Something happens that is out of my control….and the plan goes flyin’ out the window. Or gets lost in the mail……

I sent a beautiful bouquet of flowers to my new “step-mom” for Mother’s Day. She’s really more just an awesome friend and my Dad’s love….just because “step-mom” doesn’t fit and I’m kinda old to have a NEW mom. (Trust me, I love her to pieces, it’s just weird to think of her as “mom.”)

I digress…. I sent her…no WE sent her flowers for Mother’s Day. And she didn’t get them. Now – I understand why they probably didn’t get there Sunday. I am still a procrastinator. But when they promised by Monday, I expected them by Monday! And….yes – it’s TUESDAY and they are still not there.

Or lost.

I’m bummed – and out quite a few dollars to boot! So – I’ve sent a request to see what’s UP. Uh, HELLO! They have 48 hours to respond? I want my answer NOW.

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

Happy Mother’s Day!

I wish all you Mommas out there a very Happy Mother’s Day – whether you’re mom to humans, fur-babies, or just FEEL like a mom! I’ve had a nice day so far. I slept in, for starters. Bad bad bad…..cuz we missed church…..but good good good because I haven’t slept in in FOREVER! It felt so nice, but I still can’t seem to wake up. It’s been HOURS, too.

Got me some take-out from PF Changs. YUM! And a QT soda (special treat). Now we are all layin’ low. The boys are napping and girls are playing. Raegan (6) is playing Pet Shops while I mess around on the computer and watch House reruns on tv. I HEART HOUSE! I don’t have much energy, but I do need to start a custom order ring for a neighbor friend. Shouldn’t take me SUPER long since I know what I’m doin’!

But anyway – back to Mother’s Day. Today is a bitter-sweet day for me. Tis super sweet because I have two great kiddos. I love being a mom to Raegan and Canon. They are awesome kids! I think today is a great day to not only be “honored” as a mom, but for us moms to honor our kids….. They made us moms! =)

It’s bitter because I sure miss my own Momma. It’ll be 14 years next month that she passed away. Not a day goes by that I don’t think about her in some way or another, but today….I’ll think of her all day. Mainly the good stuff because I don’t wanna get too down about it, but a touch of sadness, of course, always creeps in. I just keep remembering – Heaven is just that much more appealing now that she’s there!! =) But I Miss You Momma…..I Always Miss You.

On a happier note, I have a WONDERFUL, AMAZING, INCREDIBLE mother in-love (aka in-law) who treats me as one of her own and has since day one, almost. She’s such a special lady and makes me feel loved and special, too. She raised two amazing boys (her younger son is quite the stud in my book – ha ha) and reflects God’s Love in many, many ways. She’s so neat! I also have a CREATIVE, ENDEARING, LOVING “step-mother” that takes wonderful care of my dad, as well as us kids. She is newer in our lives, but it feels like I’ve loved her forever. She is a remarkable woman who strives to be the best she can be – to herself and to others. These women are my Moms and I wouldn’t trade them for any others!

So I consider myself VERY blessed to have had THREE amazing moms.

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY! XO

Picture Opinion

Hi friends,

I need your help. I’m REALLY trying to improve my photography skills without spending a ton of time and money (ha ha ha), so I just wanted your input. Of these two photos, which do you think is BETTER?

THIS:

PHOTO 1

Or THIS:

PHOTO 2

Which one do you think LOOKS better?  I know you can’t really tell me which one depicts the true color because you haven’t seen the piece in person. Anyway….just workin’ away. =)

I’ll write more soon. Boutique wasn’t exactly SUCCESSFUL, but wasn’t a waste of time either. xo

BOUTIQUE – tomorrow! ACK!

Hi friends!  I’ve been busy, busy, BUSY!  I will have pictures for you next week, but right now I’m focused on gettin’ my inventory large enough for a boutique tomorrow.  It’s been a year since I’ve prepped for a boutique – and it’s HARD WORK with a 6 month old occupying my thoughts and time!  My 6 YEAR old is a help…….but she’s in school.  I can’t wait until she’s old enough to clean beads.  BWHAAAAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAA!!

So – tomorrow is a Mother’s Day boutique across the street from me.  Usually quite fun.  I just REALLY hope I can sell a few items.  I’ve been literally working my fingers to the bone….and I’m gonna head out to the torch again right now.  I also have a small custom order to complete for a friend of mine. YAY!  It feels good to be back to work!

Say prayers! =)

Progress Is Being Made

Yeah, that’s right.  You read it correctly.  I have actually been MAKING things….beads and bead goodies!  I have a little mini boutique next Saturday at a neighbor’s so I’m frantically trying to get a little bit together.  (I don’t have to prepare as much as the Christmas boutique, thankfully!)   I will be getting pictures of everything as the days go by, so I’ll be sure and post a couple “special” ones. =)

I will also be listing the remainder of what doesn’t sell on Etsy, so, if you’re interested in buying something, keep your eyes peeled.  I will FINALLY have some listings!!  WHOO HOO!  I will probably have bracelets and bead sets, but also some key chains and bookmarks for those that just want a little something.

Also, look for more photo ‘albums’ here on my blog.  I have officially left Typepad so I will add a lot of my previous work here – to help those that are interested in custom orders.  Last month was FIVE years since I started making beads.  FIVE YEARS!!  I should have an anniversary sale!  Ooooh……more to come on that. 😉

Hurry hurry!

I only have a day and a half left to post in MARCH!  Yikes! Time flies!

And I’m not quite sure where it went!  I haven’t made beads. I haven’t posted any funnies here. I HAVE been busy, though. Had some fun guests (my BFF and her twins – same age as my Canon), had a women’s tea for my girlies in small group and I’m sure lots of other things, but….well……I’m pooped.  Sad news, too.  My Raegan’s teacher passed away.  She was an amazing woman and the service really gave me a glimpse into what a remarkable Christian she was.  Her family continues to be a blessing to us…..and I know they find hope in Jesus and will see her again in Heaven.

But no bead news.  I haven’t even been out to the torch in about a month.  That is NO good.  I am suppose to get ready for a Mother’s Day Boutique here pretty soon…..and I’m not sure I’ll have enough sellable items.  I might have to bail – but I don’t wanna!  It’s fun – at my neighbor’s house – and the little bit ‘o money might inspire more creativity!!

Maybe I’ll get out to the torch this week……. My hubby just passed his California Contracting License exam – YEA! – and might be available some afternoon to keep an eye on the kiddos…… Hmmmmm…… I don’t know.  Canon doesn’t nap very well yet and when Josh is home, well, I wanna be with him.  WE SHALL SEE!

Thanks for readin’ my ramble!

xo

Making It Home

I’ve spent the last hour or so (up WAY past my bedtime) in hopes to get more familiar with wordpress.com.  I really, really like it here.  I think I’ll stay awhile! LOL

But – as I stated…I’m up way too late.  I have some crosses I made a few days ago, but will have to take a picture tomorrow and post them then.

So until then – GOOD NIGHT! =)