tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9611529212760450642024-03-18T15:08:14.456-05:00Samuel & Sophia (formerly Puddinpop)The creative and crazy life of a mom of 8. I now have an Etsy shop specializing in Modern Classic Children's and Baby Clothing.Tonyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08110277749380524804noreply@blogger.comBlogger164125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-961152921276045064.post-76161676586480082782011-05-01T14:22:00.002-05:002011-05-01T14:50:01.639-05:00HALLELUJAH!!!!<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5676997982/" title="quilt closeup by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5183/5676997982_516e0a6059_z.jpg" alt="quilt closeup" height="480" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5676997584/" title="Mom's quilt by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5067/5676997584_90af6c99bc_z.jpg" alt="Mom's quilt" height="480" width="640" /></a><br /><br />After almost 3 years, I am finally done with my Mom's quilt! Now, of course, it did not take me that long to actually make it. Months would go by when I didn't work on it at all. I did have a baby during all of this and probably didn't touch it until she was 6 months old. No matter, she is done and tomorrow my Mom will have her new quilt on her bed. I got the pattern out of an old, probably 80's or 90's, quilting book from my library. The instructions were very minimal, so I am glad the top turned out ok. This was also the first time I have tried free motion quilting. I must say, I really love the process. Much more than using the walking foot. I find I have way more control when quilting free motion. I used the <a href="http://www.daystyledesigns.com/supremeslider.htm">Supreme Slider</a> and <a href="http://www.daystyledesigns.com/machingers.htm">Machingers</a>, and both of these products made things so much easier. I also watched many videos from the blog <a href="http://www.freemotionquilting.blogspot.com/">The Free Motion Quilting</a> Project and on <a href="http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/index.php">The Quilt Show</a>. I know the quilt wouldn't have turned out nearly so well without both of these wonderful resources. I would really recommend the website <a href="http://www.daystyledesigns.com/index.htm">Day Style Designs</a>, Leah is an amazing quilter and freely shares her knowledge. She sells both the Supreme Slider and Machingers at her website. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5676435603/" title="Mom's quilt by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5061/5676435603_391d78bf9b_z.jpg" alt="Mom's quilt" height="557" width="640" /></a><br /><br />The pictures didn't come out as well as I would have liked. It was cloudy and extremely windy today. Also, the only ones home to help me out were Samuel and Ava. Well, Sophia was home too, but she couldn't do much lol I think Sam and Ava did a great job, this quilt is HEAVY and the wind was whipping that sucker all over the place. I may try to take some better pictures when the wind dies down and the sun comes out.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5676436789/" title="Sam and Ava holding on lol by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5108/5676436789_bd011a6e00_z.jpg" alt="Sam and Ava holding on lol" height="480" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5676997400/" title="so windy! by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5223/5676997400_7c846353e2_z.jpg" alt="so windy!" height="480" width="640" /></a><br /><br />The quilt is pretty big, here it is on my bed which is a king size. It should fit perfectly on my Mom's queen size bed.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5676437539/" title="Mom's quilt by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5066/5676437539_0c7d379c45_z.jpg" alt="Mom's quilt" height="480" width="640" /></a><br /><br />A closeup of the design in each block. This isn't one of the best ones, I did improve, but it gives you an idea. I must say I thoroughly enjoyed this entire quilt from start to finish. I am not sure if I am going to start another big quilt anytime soon, but I am sure I will make more.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5676998654/" title="closeup of free motion quilting by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5270/5676998654_ff5a784089_z.jpg" alt="closeup of free motion quilting" height="480" width="640" /></a>Tonyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08110277749380524804noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-961152921276045064.post-58123808477116829522011-04-29T10:37:00.000-05:002011-04-29T11:44:27.049-05:00Morning and a little RemodelingWhat I looked up and saw the other morning while enjoying my coffee : ) Please excuse the mess ; )<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5669516961/" title=" Ava and Sophia in the morning by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5067/5669516961_a4421b3c84_z.jpg" alt=" Ava and Sophia in the morning" height="480" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5670089400/" title=" Ava and Sophia in the morning by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5110/5670089400_6fdab61489_z.jpg" alt=" Ava and Sophia in the morning" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />Sophia LOVES to draw, she especially loves to draw on the Magnadoodle, it is her favorite toy!<br />I am so glad I bought two of them for Christmas one year (one for Samuel and one for Ava), helps out with any fighting.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5670091578/" title=" Ava and Sophia in the morning by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5061/5670091578_6746eafbf6_z.jpg" alt=" Ava and Sophia in the morning" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />I love how she is resting her head on her hand, so cute!<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5669523393/" title=" Ava and Sophia in the morning by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5022/5669523393_b6ae6b9f87_z.jpg" alt=" Ava and Sophia in the morning" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />Hey sissy, what are you drawing?<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5670092778/" title=" Ava and Sophia in the morning by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5102/5670092778_883b19486a_z.jpg" alt=" Ava and Sophia in the morning" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />Oooooh, NICE!<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5670090440/" title="Ava and Sophia in the morning by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5265/5670090440_9183ef1b47_z.jpg" alt="Ava and Sophia in the morning" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />Hey Mom, you caught us : D I love their big smiles!<br />(sorry some of the photos are blurry, I need to always remember to take pictures of the younger kids in sports mode, they move so fast lol)<br /><br />Now for some pictures of one of our recent remodeling projects.....<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5536982881/" title="new backsplash by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5019/5536982881_b1684d1b27_z.jpg" alt="new backsplash" height="480" width="640" /></a><br /><br />Every year when we get our income tax check in our account we start our yearly remodeling. We decide ahead of time what we want to accomplish for that year. Our house was built in the early 70's, so definitely needs some updating. This year we are redoing all of the bedrooms. 3 of them have some disgusting nasty carpet in them and we are taking it OUT and putting in wood laminate. We are also repainting and adding a closet in Ava and Savannah's room. And replacing all of the hideous brown doors in the house. While we were at Home Depot looking at stuff, we came across this gorgeous glass tile for $5 a sheet!!! I have been wanting to do the backsplash in our kitchen but couldn't afford the glass tiles I wanted. Well, we couldn't pass this deal up, so we added new backsplash to our plans lol I think it came out great and looks so good with our cabinets and paint color. We replaced our stainless steel sink and faucet last year. I love our reclaimed (from a friend) porcelain sink and rubbed bronze faucet! We got the faucet for $89 at Homedepot.com! The sink is huge and deep, perfect for all of the super sized pots I have to use to cook for my super sized family lol The high faucet is great for the giant pots too : )<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5536983029/" title="new backsplash by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5292/5536983029_db3311b79f_z.jpg" alt="new backsplash" height="491" width="640" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">I love my aqua tea pot and kitchen accessories against the olive green.</span><br /><br />I need to get pictures of the two bedrooms we have finished. Have to get the kids to pick up their mess first lol<br /><br />Edited to add that I am *this* close to finishing Mom's quilt!!! I have about a foot of binding to handstitch and then she is DONE! Hopefully will have her photographed tomorrow morning and then I will share.Tonyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08110277749380524804noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-961152921276045064.post-86829208258848231662011-04-14T18:49:00.005-05:002011-04-17T11:35:27.158-05:00Somewhat Random<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5620038905/" title=" sophia 18 1/2 months by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5227/5620038905_b07f7315cb_z.jpg" alt=" sophia 18 1/2 months" height="480" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5620038569/" title=" sophia 18 1/2 months by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5229/5620038569_c045418e9e_z.jpg" alt=" sophia 18 1/2 months" height="480" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5620040065/" title="sophia 18 1/2 months by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5026/5620040065_fb3f676c58_z.jpg" alt="sophia 18 1/2 months" height="480" width="640" /></a><br /><br />I have been spending quite a bit of time in my sewing room the past week. Whenever I am in there, the two littlest, Sophia and Ava are usually with me. The other night I was sewing away on the sashing for my Dresden circle when I noticed Sophia playing so sweetly and quietly. I grabbed my camera and was able to capture her before she noticed me. Once she sees the camera she wants to see the screen, so picture taking is done lol Excuse the photo editing, I have no idea what I was trying to do, they all look different and not too great LOL I swear, I could just sit and watch this child play all day. She is so cute and I want to soak her in before she becomes a big kid, then a teenager. It all happens so fast : ( I know I probably say this every post, but it is so true, they are growing up at the speed of light it seems and I am trying to hang on to every minute!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5620037215/" title="mom's quilt by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5065/5620037215_608346bdaf_z.jpg" alt="mom's quilt" height="480" width="640" /></a><br /><br />YES!!!! After 2 1/2 Y E A R S! I am almost finished!!!! All that is left is the binding, Hallelujah! Even though it took forever, I am really happy with the finished project. My Mom is going to use this as her bedspread, so I wanted it to be really nice. This was my first attempt at free motion quilting and I really enjoyed it. You can so see the blocks that I started with, very wonky and not so great lol But I improved so much, and I am hoping once it is washed, the wonky blocks won't stand out so much. My Mom says she likes the not so perfect ones, she loves that my first big quilt was for her, mistakes and all. Something a loving Mom would appreciate : ) I am sewing the binding this week, so I should have a completely finished quilt soon!!!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5620625618/" title=" ava 5 by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5148/5620625618_6acdaee2c8_z.jpg" alt=" ava 5" height="480" width="640" /></a><br /><br />Ava wanted to pose with the quilt : ) Love the morning light. She is getting so big too, where are my babies going?!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5620624202/" title="dresden block by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5266/5620624202_db20a06993_z.jpg" alt="dresden block" height="480" width="640" /></a><br /><br />My first Dresden block almost done! This is for the quilt along with <a href="http://lilysquilts.blogspot.com/">Lily's Quilts</a>. First time I have joined one and I have really enjoyed it : ) Can't wait to have it finished, this is going to hang in my sewing room and it makes me so happy to look at. Considering making a quilt with this pattern, it only takes 6 blocks for a good sized quilt. Not sure if I would use the same fabrics or do something new. I think picking fabric is one of my favorite parts of the process. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5620622792/" title="has to be touching mama by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5061/5620622792_1e3722f017_z.jpg" alt="has to be touching mama" height="480" width="640" /></a><br /><br />This is how I usually sew, scooted up to the edge of my chair so Miss Thang can sit with me lol Chad jokes that her umbilical cord isn't quite severed yet. That's ok though, I love that my baby wants to be by me.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5620623280/" title="surprised by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5188/5620623280_57a5fd84c4_z.jpg" alt="surprised" height="480" width="640" /></a><br /><br />More sweet eyes : D Hope everyone had a great weekend, I did!Tonyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08110277749380524804noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-961152921276045064.post-36270019692743157262011-03-18T10:40:00.004-05:002011-03-23T19:47:53.709-05:00The Big 4 0<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5537561236/" title="happy to be outside by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5295/5537561236_67bcdf50bb_z.jpg" alt="happy to be outside" height="480" width="640" /></a><br /><br />This Friday I am going to be turning 40 years old....it almost doesn't even seem real! How can I possibly be 40? My Mom was only 41 when I got married and at the time I thought she was so old! Am I old?! I don't feel like I should be any older than maybe 31. Most days I don't really even feel like an adult lol This birthday is kinda hard for me, and I am not someone who worries overmuch about my age, but 40 IS middle age and I don't see myself as a middle age woman. Oh well, I guess I should just embrace it because next year I will be 41, then 42, 43 and before I know it I will be 50!!!! LOL I know, just take one year at a time, Tonya! I will be celebrating in the Big Easy with my 3 best girlfriends and our husbands. I know we will have a blast, we always do when we are all together. It has been one of *those* weeks, so I will definitely enjoy the break as well and the kids will enjoy being spoiled rotten by my mother.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5536983339/" title="brother and sister by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5051/5536983339_63d7260514_z.jpg" alt="brother and sister" height="480" width="640" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Samuel is such a good big brother, he is always tending to his baby sister.</span><br /><br />I know the pictures have nothing to do with me turning 40. I took them the other day and had a post all written out in my head, but I have now totally forgotten what I was going to say lol A definite sign of age, if I don't write something down the minute I think of it, it will be out of my head in 30 seconds! <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5536983197/" title="cowgirl princess lol by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5095/5536983197_dee5779ac2_z.jpg" alt="cowgirl princess lol" height="640" width="480" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">My little cowgirl princess, she wears this outfit most days.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5537561596/" title="so serious by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5294/5537561596_904bda0650_z.jpg" alt="so serious" height="480" width="640" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">serious</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5536983519/" title="Sweet eyes by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5137/5536983519_d030be90b8_z.jpg" alt="Sweet eyes" height="480" width="640" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Giving us her *sweet eyes*</span><br /><br />Have I said lately how much I love this baby girl?! She is at that enchanting age where she is still a baby but can do big girl things. The fact that she has hardly any hair makes her seem even younger than her 18 months. She has started talking up a storm. She says Mama, baby, door, poo poo, kitty cat, tv, Sydney, ninny, Daddy, drink, all done, eat, nana (banana), night night, eyes, and more that I can't think of right now. Also, she will repeat most words after us. This is such a blessing because Ava has a pretty severe speech delay/impediment and I was worried that Sophia might have it too. Apparently not, thank the Lord! Ava wasn't talking at all until after 2 and didn't say much until she was 3. Ava is in speech therapy and is steadily improving, but I am glad we don't have to worry about it with Sophia. <br />I am enjoying every minute I can because she will be my last baby and I have to soak as much up as I can to hold me over until I have grandbabies : )<br /><br />I hope everyone has a lovely weekend, I know I will !<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5537561780/" title="swinging by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5177/5537561780_895c02b568_z.jpg" alt="swinging" height="480" width="640" /></a><br /><br />P.S. I am almost done with the quilting on my Mom's quilt! Like seriously, only about 2 hours left!!!! I really enjoy the binding, so hopefully I will have a finished quilt to show you in a week or two! woooo hooooo!!!!!Tonyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08110277749380524804noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-961152921276045064.post-17348001533596745822011-03-18T10:23:00.002-05:002011-03-18T10:33:29.820-05:00A QAL with Lily's Quilts<div align="center"><a href="http://lilysquilts.blogspot.com/2011/03/lilys-quilts-qal.html" title="Lily's Quilts QAL"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5300/5509760506_122555759d_m.jpg" alt="Lily's Quilts QAL" style="border:none;" /></a></div><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5536983663/" title="Lily's Quilts QAL by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5058/5536983663_b6e6370cf8_z.jpg" alt="Lily's Quilts QAL" height="480" width="640" /></a><br /><br />I recently came across a new to me<a href="http://lilysquilts.blogspot.com/"> quilting blog</a> and it just so happens that she was starting a Quilt Along. I have never done anything like this before, because I am always pretty sure that I won't be able to keep up. However, this one seems doable. You don't have to make a full size quilt, one block gives you a 30" by 30" wall hanging or mini quilt. I can do this! Also, I have always wanted to learn how to piece a dresden block, so here's my chance. I chose all of my fabrics from my stash, I love aqua and orange together. I still need to print my templates and cut my fabrics. I am really looking forward to this!Tonyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08110277749380524804noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-961152921276045064.post-1036059858208087612011-03-04T10:51:00.002-06:002011-03-04T11:42:05.500-06:00child prodigy?<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5497404494/" title="DSCN0657 by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5055/5497404494_c63c8713df_z.jpg" alt="DSCN0657" height="480" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5497404480/" title="DSCN0652 by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5057/5497404480_5622c77c23_z.jpg" alt="DSCN0652" height="480" width="640" /></a><br /><br />Sophia has taken a liking to our piano and in my opinion she is very good for a 17 month old LOL Now let me say that nobody in my house is an accomplished pianist. I took lessons when I was in third grade and quit after a year (really wish I wouldn't have). My 14 year old Sydney teaches herself popular songs off of the internet. She does well, but there is no formal training. Mainly we all just play around on it. Before Sophia could pull herself up on the bench, she would reach that fat little hand up and softly touch the keys, but as soon as girlfriend could haul herself up there, she was playing away! And the funny thing is, she doesn't pound on the keys like I assume a baby would. She carefully touches the keys individually. I am just kidding about the whole prodigy bit, but I do wonder if maybe she has some natural talent. My piano teacher did beg my parents not to let me quit, because in his opinion I was very good. So who knows, maybe she got it from me ; ) LOL<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5497404400/" title="DSCN0660 by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5018/5497404400_ef3c645a11_z.jpg" alt="DSCN0660" height="480" width="640" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Just pretend you don't see the dust and fingerprints all over the piano lol</span><br /><br />Oh, and in case you are wondering why we have such a nice piano when no one takes lessons? Well, we were blessed by some friends of ours (thank you Guidrys!) Their oldest daughter decided she didn't want to play anymore and they hated to see the piano not being used. Sydney would always play on it when she would go to their home. So, we traded an unused treadmill that we had for their piano. We definitely came out on the sweet end of that deal!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5497404448/" title="DSCN0656 by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5255/5497404448_a9c1065efa_z.jpg" alt="DSCN0656" height="480" width="640" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Baby in motion!</span><br /><br />On the quilting/sewing front, I have been sadly out of it. I am determined to get back into it, I think it really helps my emotional well being. And I am double determined to get my Mom's quilt finished. I know, I know, it is still not finished. I think we are going on 2 1/2 years now...pathetic, I know. Sooooooo, this morning I cleared off my cutting table (which is where I machine quilt). It was so bad, I had to dust everything LOL It is now ready to go, my goal is to have it done for Mother's Day. Really, there isn't much left, I don't know why I didn't finish it months ago.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5496809709/" title="DSCN0668 by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5293/5496809709_d1af2062bf_z.jpg" alt="DSCN0668" height="480" width="640" /></a><br /><br />Now to show you the sad state of the rest of my sewing room. Crap is everywhere! My husband is painting some shelves that will help a lot with getting things organized, but let's be honest, not having extra shelving is not the problem lol <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5496809729/" title="DSCN0672 by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5052/5496809729_870423b30b_z.jpg" alt="DSCN0672" height="480" width="640" /></a><br /><br />It doesn't help that this room also doubles as the laundry room and my kids have their presence there as well. My daughter Sydney has taken over my chair in the corner to do her homework in the afternoons. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5496809749/" title="DSCN0673 by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5214/5496809749_5e52bcedc6_z.jpg" alt="DSCN0673" height="480" width="640" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"> Please don't call hoarders on me!</span><br /><br />The stack of books on the stool is for her research paper. My stack of books is in my room on the bedside table where it belongs LOL<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5497404362/" title="DSCN0675 by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5180/5497404362_da49a6d85b_z.jpg" alt="DSCN0675" height="480" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5496809793/" title="DSCN0676 by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5218/5496809793_ae5c3e2d30_z.jpg" alt="DSCN0676" height="480" width="640" /></a>Tonyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08110277749380524804noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-961152921276045064.post-22324313893663093322011-02-28T15:13:00.003-06:002011-02-28T15:42:54.504-06:00relaxing<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5486395129/" title="sidekicks by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5300/5486395129_5ba98625d2_z.jpg" alt="sidekicks" height="480" width="640" /></a><br /><br />I picked up cross stitching again. Yeeears ago, when I was pregnant with Austin I had my first experience with needle and thread. I was instantly in love. For years, cross stitching was the only fiber hobby I had. Years later I picked up sewing and then knitting and quilting and crocheting, etc. LOL I made 5 of<a href="http://www.shepherdsbush.net/products/books/stockings/stockings.html"> these Shepherd's Bush Christmas Stockings</a> for my first 5 children and have been needing to make the youngest 3 children theirs for several years now. So, I visited my local needlework shop and bought the linen and pearle cotton for<a href="http://www.shepherdsbush.net/products/books/stockings/reed.html"> this project</a>. This will be Samuel's stocking. I forgot how relaxing and enjoyable it was to paint a picture with thread. I am not making any lofty goals. I just want to get Sam's stocking done for this Christmas and will work on Ava's next year. I hope these become family heirlooms one day.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5486395161/" title="trying to concentrate by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5055/5486395161_57b75169d9_z.jpg" alt="trying to concentrate" height="480" width="640" /></a><br /><br />The pictures were taken by Savannah the other day. The minute I sat down to stitch a bit, Sophia climbed in my lap and Ava curled up beside me on the bed lol They are in Sepia because that is what the camera was set to when she snapped the pics. I am trying to make sure there are more pictures of me with the children. Since I am usually the one taking pictures, there are not very many pictures of me. I want my children to be able to look back one day at pictures of their mom LOL Even though I really don't love having pictures taken of me....<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5486395197/" title="my helpers by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5139/5486395197_688fc89751_z.jpg" alt="my helpers" height="480" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5486991126/" title="my helpers by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5099/5486991126_d302564a0f_z.jpg" alt="my helpers" height="480" width="640" /></a>Tonyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08110277749380524804noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-961152921276045064.post-2630545017576626892010-10-15T09:28:00.004-05:002010-10-15T10:10:13.654-05:00quilting, crocheting and knitting oh my!<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5083391427/" title="moms quilt by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4084/5083391427_6b9e209e3f_z.jpg" alt="moms quilt" height="428" width="640" /></a><br /><br />Yes, I am <span style="font-style: italic;">still</span> in the process of quilting my Mom's quilt. I am definitely a slow poke when it comes to quilting. However, I can confidently say I am 3/4 of the way done! I am free motion quilting in each of the blocks. You can see the quilting clearly in the hot pink block. I must say once I got the hang of it, I fell in love with free motion quilting. I think I will only be using my walking foot for applying the binding. I find even straight line quilting is easier free motion. I havn't touched the quilt in over a week because I have just been too busy, I miss it. Hopefully I can sit down with it this weekend. I am using<a href="http://www.daystyledesigns.com/supremeslider.htm"> this</a> and<a href="http://www.daystyledesigns.com/machingers.htm"> these</a> which makes the process SO much easier and more enjoyable!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5083986344/" title="momsquilt1 by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4085/5083986344_201f8495a5_z.jpg" alt="momsquilt1" height="512" width="343" /></a><br /><br />I also recently taught myself to crochet. While I do enjoy it, I still think I prefer the process of knitting. However, you can't beat the speed of crochet projects. I think I did the majority of this hat in just a few hours, and I am a slow crocheter.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5083986314/" title="crochethat by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4126/5083986314_f7878dd5d3_z.jpg" alt="crochethat" height="512" width="343" /></a><br /><br />I finally bit the bullet and decided I was going to knit a sweater for myself! For some reason this has always intimidated me! This will be the<a href="http://www.interweavestore.com/Knitting/Patterns/Central-Park-Hoodie.html?"> Central Park Hoodie </a>when I am done. I picked a Cardigan because I<span style="font-style: italic;"> do</span> live in South Louisiana and having a sweater you can easily take off is a good idea. I am using Knitpicks yarn so that the sweater was actually affordable. Would have loved to do it in Malabrigo, but I can't be spending over $100 on yarn for one sweater! I find knitpicks yarn is a great and, more importantly, affordable option. This is<a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/yarns/Swish_Worsted_Yarn__D5420153.html"> Swish Worsted Weight 100% Merino yarn</a>. The color is discontinued unfortunately. It is only 3.99 for a 110 yard ball, you can't beat that especially considering I needed 11 balls for this sweater! I have all of the parts finished and just need to seam them together and pick up stitches to knit the hood. It should be finished in time for cool enough weather to actually wear it! I am so excited because it looks like it is actually going to fit me! I was a good girl and swatched : ) Thank goodness, because I had to go up 2 needle sizes from what was recommended. Apparently I am a very tight knitter lol<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5083391407/" title="sweater1 by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4104/5083391407_7440cec99d_z.jpg" alt="sweater1" height="428" width="640" /></a><br /><br />Jessica took all of these pictures for me when she was here the other day taking Sophia's pictures. thank you Jess ; ) It is so nice having my own personal photographer lolTonyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08110277749380524804noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-961152921276045064.post-32409763693282421572010-10-11T12:44:00.005-05:002010-10-13T09:01:37.878-05:00My baby girl.....<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5078394964/" title="Sophia by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4009/5078394964_d52bf0dec2_z.jpg" alt="Sophia" height="428" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5071867605/" title="The Hills are Alive...... by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4132/5071867605_704a5b54be_z.jpg" alt="The Hills are Alive......" height="512" width="343" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">I love this one!</span></span><br /><br />Here are a few of the results from Sophia's photo shoot with Jessica last Friday! I have over 60 photos and they are all fabulous! I will probably be sharing them here and there for awhile lol She is such a happy child! I love her so much it hurts sometimes. Even when she is slapping me in the face because I won't let her dig in my eyes. She IS a rough one lol Her new thing is eating ice from my mouth like a baby bird. I should catch it on video, it is so cute.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5071867635/" title="sunlight by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4083/5071867635_b1087db8e3_z.jpg" alt="sunlight" height="512" width="343" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5071867675/" title="Pick me up Mama by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4145/5071867675_8c6ae85e32_z.jpg" alt="Pick me up Mama" height="512" width="343" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5072469252/" title="fat little legs by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4130/5072469252_f052371260_z.jpg" alt="fat little legs" height="512" width="343" /></a><br /><br />I am feeling much better this week. Nothing has really changed, things are still crazy, and I feel like I am spinning with everything that needs to get done but probably won't. But my outlook is so much more positive. It must be the progesterone. I am so glad to be feeling somewhat normal again, I hate that doom and gloom everything is horrible and will never get better feeling when I know darn well I have a wonderful life and my bad is not even close to being bad, it's just life. An extremely blessed life at that!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5078394948/" title="those eyes! LOL by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4025/5078394948_99255eff76_z.jpg" alt="those eyes! LOL" height="428" width="640" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Oh, those eyes!</span></span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5072469296/" title="Oldest and Youngest by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4106/5072469296_79794ea9d2_z.jpg" alt="Oldest and Youngest" height="428" width="640" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Oldest and youngest....she is squinting because she is anticipating the flash on the camera going off lol she is so funny!</span></span><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5071867843/" title="Sophia and Bob by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4125/5071867843_5df9d81cb3_z.jpg" alt="Sophia and Bob" height="512" width="343" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5072469266/" title="Peek a boo by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4149/5072469266_f0022338b6_z.jpg" alt="Peek a boo" height="466" width="640" /></a><br /><br />Some cute out takes with the cats, Zoey and Bob wanted to be in all the photos lol<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5078394934/" title="excuse me! by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4001/5078394934_80961955a5_z.jpg" alt="excuse me!" height="428" width="640" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">HEY! Watch it!</span></span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5077800889/" title="I'm gonna get you! by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4033/5077800889_862c29f434_z.jpg" alt="I'm gonna get you!" height="428" width="640" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">I'm gonna get you!</span></span>Tonyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08110277749380524804noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-961152921276045064.post-54780731306569437402010-10-09T08:43:00.006-05:002010-10-09T11:13:08.097-05:00My Week in Review or (The Ramblings of a Semi-Crazy Woman)<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5064530595/" title="morning by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4084/5064530595_741c6fddb3_z.jpg" alt="morning" height="480" width="640" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">We do school at the dining room table, see the huge stack of school books lol</span></span> <span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">You can also see Samuel's *artwork* on the table's legs lol</span></span> <span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> Chad made these benches recently, the children had pretty much destroyed all of the chairs that went with the table. Hoping these benches hold up a little better : D</span></span><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5065143154/" title="morning by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4107/5065143154_bcf1e92537_z.jpg" alt="morning" height="459" width="640" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Samuel and Ava , early one morning, working on a 50cent art project I got them at Joanns.<br /><br /></span></span><br />This week has been hard, I am not quite sure why. We are into our 3rd week of home schooling. It always takes a little while to get used to the new routine. I just feel like school is the only thing I can get accomplished some days. I think I was expecting everything to be a lot easier this year because Parker and Sydney are now in school. And it is easier, I don't even want to think about how hard it would be if I had to teach them as well. It is just that I didn't expect to struggle and I am. Also, I feel like my new holistic approach to my health stopped working. I think I have figured it out though. One of the things my doctor did was to put me on natural progesterone cream. Well, I have to use it for 3 weeks and then take a week off. This was my week off. I am still nursing Sophia quite often, so havn't started my period yet. Usually you would stop the progesterone during your period, but I just have to make up my own schedule until they start back up. I started the progesterone again today, really hoping I start feeling normal again. I think I will ask my dr. if I can take the progesterone the entire month. My Mom does, she said she felt terrible when she would stop it as well. Of course, she is post menopausal, I don't think I can do the same.<br /><br />Also, one of my closest friend is going through a very hard time right now. I don't feel free to talk about it for many reasons, but it is a heartbreaking situation and it is on my heart and mind most of the day. I know there is so much good in this world, but there are also people (especially children) who are suffering greatly. I am finding it very hard not to dwell on this lately. While it makes me appreciate how blessed and lucky my family is, it hurts me to know there is so much pain out there. I hate to say it, but I tend to think there is much more bad than good in our world, and I feel guilty for having such a wonderful life and still struggling sometimes.<br /><br />Sorry this is so depressing, but I have spent most of my life trying to be fake happy through the bad times. While I don't think it is good to wallow in self pity, I think it is worse to deny the truth of what I am going through. Trying to find the balance and what is healthy is hard. Also, realizing the things that should be hard and make you sad. Suffering children should make me sad. An unusually dirty and messy house is temporary and shouldn't really bother me at all. Like<a href="http://creativelittledaisy.typepad.com/creative_little_daisy/"> Autum</a> said in<a href="http://creativelittledaisy.typepad.com/creative_little_daisy/2010/10/gratitude-friday-1.html"> this</a> post, that is just the evidence of a busy and happy life : )<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Anyway</span>, even though is wasn't my best week, there were many positive things. My friend <a href="http://www.holtephotography.com/MainPortfolio.html">Jessica</a> came yesterday and took 1 year pictures of Sophia. I can't wait to see them, Sophia was in a great mood, so there should be some good ones. We decided to do this on a whim, Jessica was downtown and called and asked if today was a good day. It really wasn't a good day, I had TONS of laundry and dishes and dirty floors that I should have been cleaning. But you know what, I am glad I said yes. Jessica is a positive person and can always bring me out of a funk. After she took Sophia's pictures, we went to our local yarn shop so I could help her pick out some yarn for <a href="http://www.soulemama.com/SouleMamaKnitHat.pdf">this</a> hat. She knows how to knit, but hasn't done it in a while. Well, instead of running in there and just getting what we needed, we actually sat down and visited <span style="display: block;" id="formatbar_Buttons"><span class=" on down" style="display: block;" id="formatbar_CreateLink" title="Link"><img src="http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif" alt="Link" class="gl_link" border="0" /></span></span>with the owner and other ladies who were knitting and I helped her start her project. Oh, I also bought some yarn for a scarf, like I don't have enough projects lol It was so nice and relaxing, we both said we need to do that more often. Yes, my house is still a wreck this morning, but I still don't regret my decision, the housework will get done....eventually.<br /><br />We also got our schoolwork done early on Thursday so that we could go eat lunch at Cracker Barrel and go to the park with my Mom. I had to leave from the park to go and pick Sydney and Parker up from school so I missed the pictures of them feeding the ducks : (<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5065143268/" title="park with mom by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4153/5065143268_1c5fa5ba57_z.jpg" alt="park with mom " height="458" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5064530743/" title="park with mom by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4128/5064530743_0ac267603c_z.jpg" alt="park with mom " height="480" width="640" /></a><br /><br />The big swings were in the full sun, so we all played on the baby swings. This is Samantha, the recipient of the most recent elephant. It took 3 of us to get her out of that swing LOL<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5064530809/" title="park with mom by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4104/5064530809_fd9834210d_z.jpg" alt="park with mom " height="480" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5064540813/" title="park with mom by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4145/5064540813_c84a99ff3c_z.jpg" alt="park with mom" height="458" width="640" /></a><br /><br />I also forgot to blog about Sydney's first Homecoming. I didn't get pictures of her by herself. So, here is a cropped picture of her. She went with two of her friends, no boy girl dates at 14. I got her dress at Ross, for only $15!!! Her shoes cost more than the dress lol Parker went too, but I didn't get any pictures of him : ( I had gone to Sydney's friend's house to do their makeup and didn't get back home in time to take pictures of Parker, he had already left. They go to a fairly small Christian private school, so there was no dancing : ( I really wish they would let them dance, I don't see the big deal. I mean we don't have to let them bump and grind, but there is clean dance music out there and dancing is so much fun! I think they had more fun at the bowling alley after the "banquet" than at the actual event. Oh well, I guess it is better than the anything goes that is typical of the dances at public schools. I just wish there could be some sort of inbetween.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5065143034/" title="Sydney for Homecoming by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4089/5065143034_fe1bc3ddf1_z.jpg" alt="Sydney for Homecoming" height="640" width="456" /></a><br /><br />After having just proofread through this entire post, I realize it really wasn't a bad week after all. My house IS a mess, but it is because I spent the time with my family and friends. And the difficult moments were more than balanced out with the good ones! That is what I really love about blogging, it gives me a proper perspective on things. It doesn't take away the sad things that are still going on, but I can't let them affect everything. Or maybe my progesterone just kicked in LOLOL Who knows?!Tonyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08110277749380524804noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-961152921276045064.post-7123790414201502562010-10-06T08:56:00.006-05:002010-10-06T23:33:33.711-05:00A Week Late<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5059054372/" title="Sophia's 1st bday cake by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4150/5059054372_458fc6a76b_z.jpg" alt="Sophia's 1st bday cake" height="480" width="640" /></a><br /><br />We celebrated Sophia's one year birthday a little over a week late, but later is better than never, right? At one, they don't know any different lol We just had a very laid back party with our family and my Mom and Dad (Maw Maw and Paw Paw) With this cool weather, gumbo was on the menu. Down here in South Louisiana, we get excited when the temps dip into the 60's because that is officially cool enough for gumbo! LOL We have even been known to put the thermostat down to 65 and eat it in the summer time ; ) However, traditionally it is a cool weather treat. And the weather has been beyond awesome!!! Our air conditioner hasn't kicked on in over a week. We just leave the kitchen windows cracked and it keeps the entire house nice and cool. It even dipped into the high 40's a couple of mornings, which is very cool for this time of year. It actually feels like fall! Please God, let it stay like this! I remember the year that I gave birth to a 10lb Isabella, it was suffocatingly hot until the first cold front came through on October 13, the day I had her!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5058439879/" title="Beautiful Day by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4131/5058439879_73ccc2d68e_z.jpg" alt="Beautiful Day" height="480" width="640" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5059052138/" title="always close by by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4130/5059052138_96db782808_z.jpg" alt="always close by" height="480" width="640" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">two equally lovely views from my hammock : ) I can't sit down anywhere without at least two little ones pretty much on top of me lol</span></span><br /><br /> I have really been trying to record the special and ordinary things that happen during our life. I have been so inspired by<a href="http://www.kellehampton.com/"> this blog</a>. I want to be able to look back 10 years from now and be able to see what we were doing. Even the boring everyday stuff, <span style="font-style:italic;">especially</span> the boring everyday stuff, because those are the things that we tend to forget. I want to remember it all, and the older I get, the more I tend to forget. I hope to have this blog to look back on one day to help me remember how wonderful my life really was. Having just experienced my oldest child officially turning 18 has really made me realize how fast childhood flies by!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5059050320/" title="View from my kitchen window by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4128/5059050320_970f3c838b_z.jpg" alt="View from my kitchen window" height="480" width="640" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5059050060/" title="View from my kitchen window by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4112/5059050060_947294ac0c_z.jpg" alt="View from my kitchen window" height="480" width="640" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">the view from my kitchen sink</span></span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5058438401/" title="Chad by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4129/5058438401_509580104d_z.jpg" alt="Chad" height="480" width="640" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">I just love a man that can cook!</span></span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5059052550/" title="Gumbo!!! by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4113/5059052550_9d722e70ac_z.jpg" alt="Gumbo!!!" height="640" width="511" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5058438207/" title="Sophia got the remote control! by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4113/5058438207_71b9980325_z.jpg" alt="Sophia got the remote control!" height="480" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Me chasing Sophia, she found the remote and doesn't want me to take it away from her. Her goal in life is to play with a cell phone or the remote control lol</span></span><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5059051158/" title="Bob stalking something by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4091/5059051158_13d4c84903_z.jpg" alt="Bob stalking something" height="512" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Here you can see Bob is indeed missing his entire tail lol </span></span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5058440979/" title="sohpia and bob by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4084/5058440979_f591bcb315_z.jpg" alt="sohpia and bob" height="458" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5058441323/" title="Sophia and Bob by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4112/5058441323_e2996283b4_z.jpg" alt="Sophia and Bob" height="480" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">I don't think Bob wants to play.... </span><span style="font-style: italic;">he looks very unimpressed lol</span></span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5058440641/" title="Parker by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4147/5058440641_8d88227e86_z.jpg" alt="Parker" height="480" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Parker, my second oldest, is always running from the camera. I managed to sneak a quick picture anyway.</span> </span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5058440309/" title="My Mom and Sophia by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4108/5058440309_fc1948057e_z.jpg" alt="My Mom and Sophia" height="458" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">My Mom with Sophia</span></span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5059054112/" title="Fifis personal cake by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4148/5059054112_12bd570c96_z.jpg" alt="Fifis personal cake" height="480" width="640" /></a><br /><br />Isabella made both cakes, thank you Isabella! I am so happy to have a daughter that enjoys decorating cakes, way too stressful for me. And she does such a beautiful job of it!<br /><br />Here we all are singing Happy Birthday to Sophia. You can hear Chad's heavy Cajun accent and our extremely tone deaf family, I apologize in advance. Gosh, we are some loud people! I just got the video, forgot to take pictures.<br /><br /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=71377" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="300" width="400"> <param name="flashvars" value="intl_lang=en-us&photo_secret=06157af90e&photo_id=5059153878"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=71377"> <param name="bgcolor" value="#000000"> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=71377" bgcolor="#000000" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="intl_lang=en-us&photo_secret=06157af90e&photo_id=5059153878" height="300" width="400"></embed></object>Tonyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08110277749380524804noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-961152921276045064.post-32672920119655449482010-10-01T08:13:00.004-05:002010-10-01T09:03:41.431-05:00Fall is in the AirThe last week has been so nice weatherwise down here in South Louisiana. The lows have been in the 50's and 60's and the highs havn't risen past the high 80's. After the sweltering high 90's of the summer, it has been a welcome relief. The weather man says it will stay like this for the next two weeks!!!! The children have actually wanted to go outside and play on the swings. Sophia enjoys the outdoors as well. Now if the dang mosquitoes would go away! <span style="font-style: italic;">sigh</span> Oh well, I guess you can't have it all.....<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5041750618/" title="the 3 *babies* by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4152/5041750618_81ed88cfcf_z.jpg" alt="the 3 *babies*" height="458" width="640" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5041127407/" title="so happy by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4150/5041127407_094455d459_z.jpg" alt="so happy" height="512" width="640" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5041750670/" title="Patty Cake by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4106/5041750670_e60b03d766_z.jpg" alt="Patty Cake" height="480" width="640" /></a><br /><br />The little ones playing in the grass. Sophia was fascinated with the feel of the grass, poor baby really hasn't been out all summer, except for in the pool. It was just too hot for a young baby. The pool is already covered for the winter. For some reason, my kids don't swim after July! It makes no sense seeing that August is the hottest month of the year. Of course, if I try to get into the pool to float around and relax, they ALL suddenly want to swim : / Funny, how that works lol<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5041750774/" title="swinging by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4150/5041750774_c9c8c57c10_z.jpg" alt="swinging" height="480" width="640" /></a><br /><br />The neglected swing set is finally seeing some action! Ava finally learned how to swing all by herself and can be constantly heard yelling, "Mommy look at me, I can do it myself! Back and Forth, Back and Forth..." She repeats this sentence over and over and over and gets louder and louder if I am not looking directly at her lol<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5041127599/" title="hanging upside down by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4086/5041127599_fb0d92b0e5_z.jpg" alt="hanging upside down" height="480" width="640" /></a><br /><br />Samuel prefers to climb on it like a monkey.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5041750712/" title="Savannah and Sophia by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4085/5041750712_a9327c66c9_z.jpg" alt="Savannah and Sophia" height="480" width="640" /></a><br /><br />Sophia LOVES to swing! She has her own baby swing, but likes to sit on the big kids swing with an older brother or sister helping. Here, Savannah helps out.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5041750728/" title="Bob by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4091/5041750728_0c1b9d14d4_z.jpg" alt="Bob" height="513" width="640" /></a><br /><br />We have a new kitten in the family. His name is Bob : ) You can't see it in this picture, but Bob has no tail. It looks as if he was born this way. He is a stray that we found hanging around the girls' dance studio a couple of weeks ago. Of course, he zeroed in on me, knowing that I couldn't leave a baby animal to get squashed on the busy road nearby. He is SO cute and sweet. Chad isn't thrilled, but he is dealing with it.<br /><br />And here is Zoey, Sam's <a href="http://puddinsilovemylife.blogspot.com/2008/08/samuel-and-zoey-boy-and-his-cat.html">special kitty</a> lol She grew to be such a beautiful cat and still loves Sam most of all : )<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5041127663/" title="Sam and Zoey by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4107/5041127663_9f1d645423_b.jpg" alt="Sam and Zoey" height="641" width="800" /></a><br /><br />This is my favorite time of year, Spring is a close second, but there is just something in the air in Autumn. I think it is partly because the holidays are coming, I adore Thanksgiving and Christmas. To me, Fall feels like the beginning of the year, more so than January. I guess it is because school starts maybe? I feel like everything is fresh and new, which is really what Spring should feel like, but I am odd! LOL<br /><br /> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5041127445/" title="Ava by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4107/5041127445_9b2a55955f_z.jpg" width="640" height="512" alt="Ava" /></a>Tonyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08110277749380524804noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-961152921276045064.post-13181944993935885732010-09-29T08:45:00.002-05:002010-09-29T09:11:31.620-05:00The Elephant<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5029324009/" title="Wee Wonderful Elephant by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4085/5029324009_94accb4869_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Wee Wonderful Elephant" /></a><br /><br />I have made this little <a href="http://weewonderfuls.typepad.com/">Wee Wonderfuls</a> elephant a total of 5 times now and will probably make it at least 5 more. Everyone loves it and requests one, so it is my go to gift for children's birthdays. This one was made for my girlfriend Jessica's 10 year old daughter, Samantha. Samantha shares a birthday with Sophia and was actually present at Sophia's birth. She is such a sweet girl and she LOVES chickens! LOL She recently lost all of her pet chickens to a raccoon, unfortunately : ( When I saw<a href="http://www.sewmamasew.com/store/ecom-catshow/CLFARMDALE.html"> this Alexander Henry fabric,</a> I knew I had to use it to make her elephant. The fabulous aqua buttons are vintage, I just love that color!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5029312937/" title="Wee Wonderful Elephant by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4129/5029312937_5da2ced1e8_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Wee Wonderful Elephant" /></a><br /><br />Poor Samuel, begs me to make him one everytime he sees me whipping up one for someone else. He just asked me a few minutes ago when I was going to make his. I guess I need to do that today. And I might as well cut out one for Ava, because you can put money on it, she will want one the minute she sees Sam's lol I rarely make patterns twice, but I really enjoy this one. I think I am going to purchase <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/1584798580?tag=weewonderfuls-20&camp=213381&creative=390973&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=1584798580&adid=0B06F4GD13TPZDB433Q5&">her new book</a>, so many cute gifts, so little time!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5029928532/" title="Wee Wonderful Elephant by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4107/5029928532_c6b663551a_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Wee Wonderful Elephant" /></a>Tonyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08110277749380524804noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-961152921276045064.post-39923988054808631222010-09-27T09:46:00.004-05:002010-09-27T10:27:06.992-05:00My Baby is One!<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5030020354/" title="sophia in the morning by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4088/5030020354_094f2ac020_b.jpg" alt="sophia in the morning" height="664" width="532" /></a><br />I cannot believe it has been a year since my 8th child made her<a href="http://puddinsilovemylife.blogspot.com/2009/10/sophia-faye-richard.html"> late but speedy appearance</a>! It literally only seems like yesterday, I still think of her as an infant even though she walks everywhere now. She is a rough little booger, I guess that comes with being the youngest in such a large family lol I am a little sad because she is my last, but am trying to enjoy every minute of her dwindling babyhood. I consider them babies until at least 3 LOL She will probably be considered a baby until my dying breath, because she is really my baby.....unless, of course, God has a little prank to play on me later on. : O Which would really be fine, but if my plans work out, she will be the caboose.<br /><br />These pictures were taken the other morning by Savannah. They really aren't very good, but I just love them. She is such a happy baby and loves to dance with her morning cartoons.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5030001774/" title="Sophia Dancing by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4084/5030001774_352aa11ff4_z.jpg" alt="Sophia Dancing" height="480" width="640" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5030002524/" title="Sophia Dancing by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4108/5030002524_38874ab798_z.jpg" alt="Sophia Dancing" height="480" width="640" /></a><br /><br />She loves to do anything Samuel and Ava do, they are still at the point that they love having their little sister follow around after them. I am sure that won't be lasting too much longer now that she can easily get into their stuff.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5030028494/" title="Samuel and Sophia by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4147/5030028494_7db6f9b26e_z.jpg" alt="Samuel and Sophia" height="480" width="640" /></a><br /><br />Chad's Mom and Dad dropped by to give Sophia her gift, we will be celebrating this coming weekend because the older kids had too much going on this weekend.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5029927544/" title="Sophia and Ava by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4091/5029927544_d57ae06579_z.jpg" alt="Sophia and Ava" height="480" width="640" /></a><br /><br />The school year is in full swing now, and I am scrambling to keep up! The girls have ballet 3 nights a week, there is church and sewing for Savannah on Wednesdays, Ava has speech therapy on Tuesdays and everyone has somewhere they want to go on the weekends! I am still homeschooling 3 of the children and Sydney and Parker are in a private high school which necessitates that I pick them up everyday. Thank God their school is only 5 minutes away. I feel like I live in that 15 passenger van sometimes. The house is a wreck and I often choose to sew or knit during those few free moments over cleaning up, which doesn't help to get the house out of wreckage mode! Oh well, as stressful and busy as things are right now, I am really very happy. I know one day I will have all of the free time I want and I will wish for these busy busy days with my children. I am really trying to enjoy my life where it is this very moment. I know from experience that I will look back and only remember the good times, I am trying to learn to truly enjoy the good times while they are happening.Tonyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08110277749380524804noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-961152921276045064.post-84489740302146013072010-09-20T08:56:00.003-05:002010-09-20T14:57:28.188-05:00NOLA and Best Friends<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5009445618/" title="nola9 by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4089/5009445618_b3ab78fa1d_z.jpg" width="343" height="512" alt="nola9" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5008841365/" title="nola4 by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4108/5008841365_004b4255a7_b.jpg" width="720" height="482" alt="nola4" /></a><br /><br />Saturday morning, my 3 best girlfriends and I took a little getaway to The Big Easy. We had a free hotel room on Canal Street, so it was an inexpensive getaway at that! Let me just say, I needed this. I have never been away from Sophia for more than a few hours, not to mention all my other children. I knew I would miss them, but it was so nice to only have myself to think of for 36 hours. I just love New Orleans, it is such a beautiful and unique city. It is only 2 hours from where I live, so it is easy to just take off for the day or the night. We often go with the children for the day to visit the zoo or the aquarium. Great food too, I know that goes without saying lol<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5009445582/" title="nola6 by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4147/5009445582_5531a61f49_b.jpg" width="720" height="482" alt="nola6" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5009445638/" title="nola5 by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4110/5009445638_f42592da47_z.jpg" width="343" height="512" alt="nola5" /></a><br /><br />We stopped at Target when we were first getting into town for some snacks and necessities that we forgot. It was a nice 2 story Target, but we forced ourselves to get what we needed and leave because Lord knows we were not in New Orleans to go to Target! We do that all the time at home lol<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5009445660/" title="New Orleans by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4154/5009445660_467088398a_b.jpg" width="720" height="482" alt="New Orleans" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21331279@N03/5009445544/" title="nola10 by Tonya Richard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4124/5009445544_d474d737fc_b.jpg" width="720" height="482" alt="nola10" /></a><br /><br />My girlfriends are funny, crazy(in a good way:D) ladies and it was so nice to let my hair down and just relax and have fun! We ate a lot, walked a whole lot, window shopped and I danced : D Did I say that I danced? Yes, I definitely danced. I think I need to go dancing more often, I forgot how much fun it is. Oh, and you can't beat people watching in New Orleans, lots and lots of interesting people to see! <br /><br />I was a little worried about Sophia because she is still breastfed and usually wakes up once a night to nurse. Well, the little booger slept allll night for her Daddy lol He said she was crying for me Sunday morning, but the rest of the time she did great. She <span style="font-style: italic;">was</span> ready to nurse when I got home, and I was ready to feed her. lol <br /><br />All photos courtesy of my crazy girlfriend Jessica ; DTonyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08110277749380524804noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-961152921276045064.post-1006008628303816192010-09-10T08:38:00.004-05:002010-09-10T10:14:02.043-05:00crazy ramblings<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0MyNMR5ZhwU/TIpC-_-vDHI/AAAAAAAABgM/x9-Dl6bYBpY/s1600/sophiA"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0MyNMR5ZhwU/TIpC-_-vDHI/AAAAAAAABgM/x9-Dl6bYBpY/s400/sophiA" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515294343762480242" /></a>Not a great picture, but I hate to blog without posting a pic and all of my good pictures are on my computer, which has a virus : / This was taken on Bella's phone, it is Sophia and Sydney.<div><br /></div><div><br />Hey everyone, just wanted to stop in and let some steam off. I don't know how much of this will make any sense and to be honest, I am not sure if I will even hit publish post. ha! Things have been so crazy ever since I got pregnant for Sophia. I really thought circumstances in my life were the reason, and they were to some extent, but I finally went to the dr. and realize now that my body is probably the main reason. I tend to go for a more holistic approach to medicine and thankfully my ob feels the same way. I had lots of testing done and found out that my vitamin D levels are almost nonexistent, I am deficient in iodine, my adrenal gland is stressed, I am low on progesterone and probably more that I just don't know about yet. I have started on the necessary vitamins and natural progesterone cream and am praying I start feeling better soon! I am only a week in, and realize that it will take a little while to get back to normal, but I can't wait! I am so ready to feel normal again!<div><br /></div><div> </div><div>On a positive note, my family is doing so well. Parker and Sydney are doing very well in the private school they are attending, it was a great transition from home schooling. The little ones are getting big and we are really enjoying Sophia, she is going to be 1 year old at the end of the month! There is sadness knowing that she is my last little one, but I am really looking forward to the next part of my life. LOL not like this one is over by any means, I still have at least 17 years with children around : D But no more babies, until grandchildren come along that is! I figure I have at least 5 years until that happens though. I am so greatly blessed (which makes my feeling crappy even more frustrating), I can say I have the EXACT life I have always dreamed of. I wouldn't change a thing! I also can't express how lucky I am to have married the man I did. He is perfect for *me*. He takes all my craziness in stride and loves me no matter what lol</div><div><br /></div><div>I will say in all of this, my hobbies have helped to keep me sane. I am over halfway done with the quilting on my Mom's quilt. I know, I know it is taking forever, but I am doing a fairly complicated pattern, at least for me, and this is my first try at free motion quilting. I also have a little sewing class, I am teaching one young mama how to knit and another one how to sew. This is so enjoyable, I love visiting with them as much as I love teaching them to do these things that I love so much. We have babies around the same age, of course, they are young and I am O L D LOL Funny how it seems like just yesterday when I was that young mom, I really don't feel much different than I did then, maybe because I do still have young children.</div><div><br /></div><div>Oh, and the small thing that made my morning....t<a href="http://www.fatquartershop.com/store/stores_app/Browse_dept_items.asp?sid=8503910938568503&Store_id=499&page_id=17&Sub_Department_ID=2292&categ_id=2292&parent_ids=&page_viewall=Y&sNode=&Exp=Y&Search_Dept=&Search_Text=">his line of fabric</a>!!!! I havn't loved a whole line like this since Urban Chiks 1974 line came out and I used it to make<a href="http://puddinsilovemylife.blogspot.com/2009/04/quilt-finally-done.html"> my first quilt</a>. Thinking I will be buying quite a bit of it. </div><div><br /></div><div>thanks for reading if you got this far, I miss all of my blog friends, even though I do keep up with all of y'all through your blogs. Hopefully the next time I blog I will be feeling better and making more sense : D</div></div>Tonyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08110277749380524804noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-961152921276045064.post-86580772323421363342010-09-07T07:52:00.001-05:002010-09-07T07:53:32.734-05:00<iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/7643836" width="400" height="225" frameborder="0"></iframe><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/7643836">The Couture Process</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user2644668">FIDM Museum</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>This is fascinating, especially the part on the intricate handwork that went into these beautiful creations!</div>Tonyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08110277749380524804noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-961152921276045064.post-20959502558633511222010-05-27T09:05:00.004-05:002010-05-27T09:34:09.839-05:00Pictures of my other kids! LOLI realize looking back on my last few posts that Sophia has been the main attraction lately LOL Here are some recent pictures of some of my other children.<br /><br />Ava loves to pose for the camera now, I think she is slightly jealous of the time spent photographing Fifi and wants some of that spotlight for herself lol This was before church one morning.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0MyNMR5ZhwU/S_58dByQMSI/AAAAAAAABek/FQF0P82CT-A/s1600/100_6009.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 362px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0MyNMR5ZhwU/S_58dByQMSI/AAAAAAAABek/FQF0P82CT-A/s400/100_6009.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475951035066364194" border="0" /></a><br />I made some new dresses for Sydney and Isabella. Don't have a picture of Isabella's yet, but here is Sydney's. This is a Cynthia Rowley pattern from Simplicity and some super slinky knit fabric from Fabric.com. I had to make the bodice twice!, That is some seriously slippery AND stretchy fabric to sew with. She loves the dress and wears it ALL THE TIME. Makes me feel so good : D<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0MyNMR5ZhwU/S_58eX4tOqI/AAAAAAAABe0/XL_KGaTfnig/s1600/100_6030.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0MyNMR5ZhwU/S_58eX4tOqI/AAAAAAAABe0/XL_KGaTfnig/s400/100_6030.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475951058178882210" border="0" /></a>Here is Isabella, her sister took the picture. She is so grown up looking in this picture sniff sniff<br />She will officially be a teenager in October. That means I will have 4 teenagers in this house! Yes, I am still sane ; D This was before rehearsal for her dance recital, which is why she has makeup on. my girls have to be 13 before they can wear makeup on a daily basis.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0MyNMR5ZhwU/S_58en0qotI/AAAAAAAABe8/46avMFc9Vkw/s1600/100_6210.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 384px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0MyNMR5ZhwU/S_58en0qotI/AAAAAAAABe8/46avMFc9Vkw/s400/100_6210.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475951062456902354" border="0" /></a>Savannah takes a sewing class (I know, I could teach her and I do, but she enjoys being with her friends and going somewhere) The skirt is one of her projects from this year. Her teacher puts on a fashion show every year for the girls to model the things they have made. She is an awesome lady. (sorry for the blurry not very good picture, I was wrangling a 7 month old : D)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0MyNMR5ZhwU/S_5_I46cntI/AAAAAAAABfE/HAmM48KMsJw/s1600/100_6085.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0MyNMR5ZhwU/S_5_I46cntI/AAAAAAAABfE/HAmM48KMsJw/s400/100_6085.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475953987622313682" border="0" /></a>I gotta share dh's new man cave lol It is actually our new shed, our old one got crushed by a tree in Hurricane Gustav. This is a super nice shed though. He made it big enough to be his workroom, he is an awesome carpenter and it also triples as a poker playing room where the guys can smoke their cigars to their hearts content. It is even air conditioned. Chad goes missing quite often now, and this is usually where I can find him lol Yes, that is Sam playing on the hammock in his underwear (that is how he rolls!) Oh and I want to add that Chad built the entire shed himself. He even poured the concrete, my man is so talented and he saves us so much money doing things himself, gotta love that!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0MyNMR5ZhwU/S_5_JJK3-zI/AAAAAAAABfM/xY7PqZRTQ_4/s1600/100_6566.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0MyNMR5ZhwU/S_5_JJK3-zI/AAAAAAAABfM/xY7PqZRTQ_4/s400/100_6566.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475953991986182962" border="0" /></a>And one more of Samuel holding Sophia one morning just because they are both so stinkin' cute!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0MyNMR5ZhwU/S_58du2NGVI/AAAAAAAABes/rSLf0Xz_w7Q/s1600/100_5690-2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0MyNMR5ZhwU/S_58du2NGVI/AAAAAAAABes/rSLf0Xz_w7Q/s400/100_5690-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475951047162534226" border="0" /></a>Tonyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08110277749380524804noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-961152921276045064.post-30563517640175004272010-05-03T08:52:00.001-05:002010-05-03T08:54:55.595-05:00Made by Rae's Spring Top Week (My top made the top 60!)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0MyNMR5ZhwU/S97VOWaW33I/AAAAAAAABd0/UfVScPY801U/s1600/madethecut.png"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0MyNMR5ZhwU/S97VOWaW33I/AAAAAAAABd0/UfVScPY801U/s400/madethecut.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467041440185376626" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0MyNMR5ZhwU/S97VOEDpZWI/AAAAAAAABds/3Lo_n9i6WBU/s1600/random+041.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0MyNMR5ZhwU/S97VOEDpZWI/AAAAAAAABds/3Lo_n9i6WBU/s400/random+041.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467041435258283362" border="0" /></a><br />Ahhhh, I made it! My top made the top 60 cut on <a href="http://www.made-by-rae.com/">Made by Rae's Spring Top Week</a>!!!! I am SO excited. If you don't mind, I would love it if you would head on<a href="http://www.made-by-rae.com/"> over there</a> to vote for my top. Or, if you see one you like better, feel free to vote for them instead : D Only one vote per day. There are so many great tops, which is why I feel so special to be included! Just be sure to go today if you want to vote for mine, because tomorrow there will be 12 new tops to vote on.Tonyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08110277749380524804noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-961152921276045064.post-37047636489421391592010-04-27T09:37:00.006-05:002010-04-30T09:12:20.745-05:00Beautiful Weather and a beautiful Mother<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0MyNMR5ZhwU/S9rlJ_HrFLI/AAAAAAAABdk/3xwOPdoFffg/s1600/100_5878.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 373px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0MyNMR5ZhwU/S9rlJ_HrFLI/AAAAAAAABdk/3xwOPdoFffg/s400/100_5878.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465933057492718770" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0MyNMR5ZhwU/S9rhRSe1b3I/AAAAAAAABdc/EcznnSWwZ7c/s1600/100_5861.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 272px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0MyNMR5ZhwU/S9rhRSe1b3I/AAAAAAAABdc/EcznnSWwZ7c/s400/100_5861.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465928784902713202" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0MyNMR5ZhwU/S9cAZKxdbkI/AAAAAAAABc0/su96-onYnFY/s1600/100_5854.jpg"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0MyNMR5ZhwU/S9cAY6UFXiI/AAAAAAAABcs/BnSMioPvT3g/s1600/100_5847.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0MyNMR5ZhwU/S9cAY6UFXiI/AAAAAAAABcs/BnSMioPvT3g/s400/100_5847.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464837100807740962" border="0" /></a>The weather was so beautiful last Sunday, that I took some pictures of Sophia with my Mom. I must say that I have the best Mother in the world. We are literally best friends, rarely a day goes by that we don't talk on the phone. Even when I was in those lovely teen years we were close. And it wasn't because I was easy, I could be quite the little lying, non obeying snot LOL But she would let me stay home from school and we would go eat in the mall, people watch and see a movie together. These are still some of the best memories of my life. She is an awesome grandmother, my children adore their Maw Maw. I only hope one day that I can be just like her with my grandchildren. You will never meet a more giving, loving lady, ask anyone who knows her. She loves to feed people, help people and is the best example of a *true* Christian I have ever seen. She would literally give you the shirt off of her back if you needed it. She goes above and beyond to help people that no one else wants to bother with and doesn't want or expect any recognition for it. She has made it possible for me to raise 8 children, she is always there on a really hard day to come over and help or just to listen to me. I love my Mom more than words can say!<br /><br />I didn't really plan to write this, but I guess you can call it an early Mother's Day post lol<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0MyNMR5ZhwU/S9cAaFeKNwI/AAAAAAAABdE/Hnz3jpzJQ48/s1600/100_5869.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0MyNMR5ZhwU/S9cAaFeKNwI/AAAAAAAABdE/Hnz3jpzJQ48/s400/100_5869.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464837120982660866" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0MyNMR5ZhwU/S9cAZKxdbkI/AAAAAAAABc0/su96-onYnFY/s1600/100_5854.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0MyNMR5ZhwU/S9cAZKxdbkI/AAAAAAAABc0/su96-onYnFY/s400/100_5854.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464837105225920066" border="0" /></a><br />An extra picture of Samuel, because he wanted to show everyone he lost a front tooth : )<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0MyNMR5ZhwU/S9cAabn69zI/AAAAAAAABdM/Fg1OLx5T8vk/s1600/100_5882.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0MyNMR5ZhwU/S9cAabn69zI/AAAAAAAABdM/Fg1OLx5T8vk/s400/100_5882.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464837126929184562" border="0" /></a>Tonyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08110277749380524804noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-961152921276045064.post-60440759886001436482010-04-24T20:42:00.005-05:002010-04-24T20:54:43.554-05:00Prom Night!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0MyNMR5ZhwU/S9OefEJPAmI/AAAAAAAABcE/StfLCIrHBZ4/s1600/100_5825.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0MyNMR5ZhwU/S9OefEJPAmI/AAAAAAAABcE/StfLCIrHBZ4/s400/100_5825.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463885029456151138" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0MyNMR5ZhwU/S9OeeqH5tAI/AAAAAAAABb8/wX7KUVJm5FQ/s1600/100_5820.JPG"><br /></a><br />My baby boy is at his Senior Prom tonight, unfreakingbelievable!!!! It literally seems like yesterday that he was Sophia's age. I may be biased, but I think he looked extremely handsome tonight : D<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0MyNMR5ZhwU/S9Oefg95igI/AAAAAAAABcM/Qigl29h-DXM/s1600/100_5792.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 202px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0MyNMR5ZhwU/S9Oefg95igI/AAAAAAAABcM/Qigl29h-DXM/s400/100_5792.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463885037193234946" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0MyNMR5ZhwU/S9OeeqH5tAI/AAAAAAAABb8/wX7KUVJm5FQ/s1600/100_5820.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 252px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0MyNMR5ZhwU/S9OeeqH5tAI/AAAAAAAABb8/wX7KUVJm5FQ/s400/100_5820.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463885022471238658" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0MyNMR5ZhwU/S9OfcqDXIwI/AAAAAAAABck/zPWoefEAbKU/s1600/100_5823.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0MyNMR5ZhwU/S9OfcqDXIwI/AAAAAAAABck/zPWoefEAbKU/s400/100_5823.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463886087604085506" border="0" /></a><br /><br />With friends. Alexa, in the one shoulder dress, has been friends with Austin since they were 18 months old. It was surreal to see them all grown up. I am sure they are all having a blast right now. Seems not too long ago that I was at my Senior Prom, oh my! LOL<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0MyNMR5ZhwU/S9OegIqQYUI/AAAAAAAABcU/bB-cDXgQURo/s1600/100_5829.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0MyNMR5ZhwU/S9OegIqQYUI/AAAAAAAABcU/bB-cDXgQURo/s400/100_5829.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463885047848264002" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0MyNMR5ZhwU/S9OeglR4jbI/AAAAAAAABcc/DOFveFaWA2g/s1600/100_5816.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0MyNMR5ZhwU/S9OeglR4jbI/AAAAAAAABcc/DOFveFaWA2g/s400/100_5816.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463885055530667442" border="0" /></a>Tonyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08110277749380524804noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-961152921276045064.post-58878803983860508652010-04-08T14:37:00.004-05:002010-04-10T10:38:35.154-05:00She is sitting up and crawling<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0MyNMR5ZhwU/S8CbFNcDFzI/AAAAAAAABbc/N5VBDqQ2ioI/s1600/100_5535.JPG"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0MyNMR5ZhwU/S74w089WmzI/AAAAAAAABa8/usSnYmXDzmw/s1600/100_5537.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 393px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0MyNMR5ZhwU/S74w089WmzI/AAAAAAAABa8/usSnYmXDzmw/s400/100_5537.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457853484694412082" border="0" /></a><br />The Fritos weren't opened, no junk food for FiFi yet. She just like the noise the bag makes.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0MyNMR5ZhwU/S8CbFNcDFzI/AAAAAAAABbc/N5VBDqQ2ioI/s1600/100_5535.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 378px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0MyNMR5ZhwU/S8CbFNcDFzI/AAAAAAAABbc/N5VBDqQ2ioI/s400/100_5535.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458533262181996338" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0MyNMR5ZhwU/S74w0QfBBCI/AAAAAAAABa0/fvQCDSYCA9E/s1600/100_5535.JPG"><br /></a><br />Sophia is officially sitting up by herself and pretty much hands and knees crawling! She just turned 6 months old, so this is early for my babies. My other ones weren't crawling until closer to 8 months old. I don't want her to grow up too fast since she is my last. We also started feeding her solid foods last week. I just steamed some carrots and zucchini and baked some sweet potatoes and pureed it all in the food processor. She also loves mashed up bananas, avocado and applesauce. She even enjoyed some lentil soup at a Greek restaurant Sunday. Unfortunately along with the new foods comes stinky poop. It is so nice when they are only breastfed, the poop barely even smells. Before I know it, my baby girl will be turning 1 year old. It is going too fast!<br /><br />I think about blogging every day. However, I tend to think a lot more lately than doing. I really really wanted this blog so that I would have a record of my life. Even now, I enjoy looking back and seeing the kids a year ago and remembering things that we did or stuff that happened. I really want to remember these days of raising my children. One day they will all be grown and gone and I know I am going to miss these crazy days. Some things we have done lately. If I were a good blogger, I would have pictures of all of it.<br /><br />went to the Audobon Zoo in New Orleans with some great friends<br /><br />had a birthday/Easter party for some nieces and a nephew along with Cabbage ball and an egg hunt for the little kids.<br /><br />Chad and Parker turned 43 and 16 respectively<br /><br />I turned 39! ::gulp::<br /><br />today I went and picked out a tux for my oldest child's Senior Prom. So happy I convinced him to wear black instead of white! LOL<br /><br />It is already April 2010 and life is flying by faster and faster and my memory is getting worse and worse LOL If I dont' start recording things, I am afraid I will start forgetting. <a href="http://www.kellehampton.com/">This blog</a> is such an inspiration, in so many ways. She has me wanting to be better about recording these memories. My pictures and words won't be so pretty, but at least the memories will be recorded, ya know?<br /><br />Anyway, another thing I wanted to show y'all was the warehouse lights I bought for my sewing room. They were $30 each at Home Depot. They look so good in the room and were so cheap : D Gotta love cheap! They look so much better than the wires and naked bulb that were hanging out of the ceiling lol<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0MyNMR5ZhwU/S74w1tFQsdI/AAAAAAAABbE/cT7wdFqBC-o/s1600/100_5542.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0MyNMR5ZhwU/S74w1tFQsdI/AAAAAAAABbE/cT7wdFqBC-o/s400/100_5542.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457853497612480978" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0MyNMR5ZhwU/S74w2sppfGI/AAAAAAAABbU/xrgu5L92vIU/s1600/100_5549.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0MyNMR5ZhwU/S74w2sppfGI/AAAAAAAABbU/xrgu5L92vIU/s400/100_5549.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457853514676534370" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I am also making progress on the quilting of my Mom's quilt. It would be really nice to be able to give it to her for Mother's Day.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0MyNMR5ZhwU/S74w2CGzxoI/AAAAAAAABbM/a76EAvl3nZM/s1600/100_5546.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0MyNMR5ZhwU/S74w2CGzxoI/AAAAAAAABbM/a76EAvl3nZM/s400/100_5546.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457853503256118914" border="0" /></a>Tonyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08110277749380524804noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-961152921276045064.post-25341513493118572992010-03-15T08:16:00.004-05:002010-03-15T08:44:53.965-05:00Sophia,sewing and almost 40<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0MyNMR5ZhwU/S54zzsvJTxI/AAAAAAAABas/3zijvJnO4uE/s1600-h/fifi2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0MyNMR5ZhwU/S54zzsvJTxI/AAAAAAAABas/3zijvJnO4uE/s400/fifi2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448849562440126226" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0MyNMR5ZhwU/S54zzYo1IbI/AAAAAAAABak/_XBGxq2_Yug/s1600-h/fifi1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0MyNMR5ZhwU/S54zzYo1IbI/AAAAAAAABak/_XBGxq2_Yug/s400/fifi1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448849557044928946" border="0" /></a><br />A couple of weeks ago, I had lunch at my<a href="http://holtephotography.com/"> photographer friend Jessica</a>'s house and she took some pics of Sophia. Thought I would share. She keeps changing so much. She is rolling all over the place and gets up on her hands and knees and rocks. It is so cute to watch her get up, rock and then launch herself at whatever toy she is trying to get at LOL My other babies didn't crawl until almost 8 months, I am wondering if she will be earlier. So far, she is my happiest baby, but also my worst sleeper. She STILL wakes up 3 or 4 times to nurse. The little fatty weighs over 18 lbs and this is on breastmilk alone! Oh well, I am eating like a pig and still lost 5 lbs., so i guess there is some benefit to being a human milk machine LOL <br /><br />I have been sewing more and more lately and it feels SO GOOD. I ordered some fabric from <a href="http://www.jonag.typepad.com/">Jona</a> at <a href="http://fabritopia.com/">Fabritopia</a> last week and got some of <a href="http://annamariahorner.com/">Anna Maria Horner's</a> new<a href="http://fabritopia.com/anna-maria-horner-voile.html"> little folks</a> . That voile is to die for! I will definitely be ordering more. It is perfect for summer clothing down here in hot and humid South Louisiana. Also, I finally basted my Mom's quilt and have started the quilting. I am waiting on the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpmMYIDCrZw">Quilt Halo</a> I ordered to get here. I am hoping this helps with my arm strain. My right arm aches horribly after 30 minutes of quilting. I love feeling so inspired again, it has been awhile and it feels good to be feeling more like myself. <br /><br />I will be turning 39 at the end of this month. My last year in my 30's! This is really bothering me. I didn't mind turning 30, kinda liked it, made me finally feel like an adult, but 40 sucks! That is middle age!!!!! Oh well, i just need to appreciate the fact that I am still alive, not turning 40 would suck more LOLOLOLTonyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08110277749380524804noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-961152921276045064.post-76453683106400031692010-02-12T09:09:00.005-06:002010-02-12T09:30:18.962-06:00Fun in New Orleans<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0MyNMR5ZhwU/S3Vv5pgZaAI/AAAAAAAABZU/iI5YbXaHR2o/s1600-h/18844_277022495913_680730913_3401336_7914678_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0MyNMR5ZhwU/S3Vv5pgZaAI/AAAAAAAABZU/iI5YbXaHR2o/s400/18844_277022495913_680730913_3401336_7914678_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437375161304705026" border="0" /></a><br />2 weeks ago we went to New Orleans for the day to celebrate one of my best friend's daughter's 15th birthday. We brought 12 teenagers with us. These are great kids and we had a blast! She took some great pics of Sophia. Since then the Saints won the Superbowl! We are so excited down here in South Louisiana! It was freezing cold this day, which is why Sophia is zipped up in her Daddy's coat lol<br /><br />I knit the hat for Chad, but the one I had for Sophia was too small, so we used Daddy's on her. She is in her Moby Wrap sling, love that thing!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0MyNMR5ZhwU/S3Vv6EmnWRI/AAAAAAAABZc/vC_tQksFCAI/s1600-h/18844_277022475913_680730913_3401333_1703753_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0MyNMR5ZhwU/S3Vv6EmnWRI/AAAAAAAABZc/vC_tQksFCAI/s400/18844_277022475913_680730913_3401333_1703753_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437375168578541842" border="0" /></a><br />In the van on the way.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0MyNMR5ZhwU/S3Vv6haVglI/AAAAAAAABZk/_6ScSDQE17U/s1600-h/18844_277013640913_680730913_3401319_5925388_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0MyNMR5ZhwU/S3Vv6haVglI/AAAAAAAABZk/_6ScSDQE17U/s400/18844_277013640913_680730913_3401319_5925388_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437375176311669330" border="0" /></a>and taking a nap<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0MyNMR5ZhwU/S3VyYcmta5I/AAAAAAAABZ0/BasQaKPyNLI/s1600-h/sophia+sleeping.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0MyNMR5ZhwU/S3VyYcmta5I/AAAAAAAABZ0/BasQaKPyNLI/s400/sophia+sleeping.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437377889440721810" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Me and Sophia at Cafe Dumonde<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0MyNMR5ZhwU/S3Vv7NX6OUI/AAAAAAAABZs/RSq_DqTCO7U/s1600-h/18844_276231115913_680730913_3397903_2190163_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 273px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0MyNMR5ZhwU/S3Vv7NX6OUI/AAAAAAAABZs/RSq_DqTCO7U/s400/18844_276231115913_680730913_3397903_2190163_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437375188112652610" border="0" /></a>Shelbie, the birthday girl at Cafe Dumonde!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0MyNMR5ZhwU/S3VyZQIqgBI/AAAAAAAABaU/WVD8XGtH054/s1600-h/birthday+girl.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0MyNMR5ZhwU/S3VyZQIqgBI/AAAAAAAABaU/WVD8XGtH054/s400/birthday+girl.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437377903273345042" border="0" /></a>On the street in New Orleans<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0MyNMR5ZhwU/S3VyY2r0o6I/AAAAAAAABaE/pVlksEv4wpg/s1600-h/new+orleans.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0MyNMR5ZhwU/S3VyY2r0o6I/AAAAAAAABaE/pVlksEv4wpg/s400/new+orleans.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437377896441488290" border="0" /></a>All the girls in front of a wig boutique. You can see Chad and Fifi coming out of the door.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0MyNMR5ZhwU/S3VyZGskSmI/AAAAAAAABaM/TTkut32f93M/s1600-h/girls+.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0MyNMR5ZhwU/S3VyZGskSmI/AAAAAAAABaM/TTkut32f93M/s400/girls+.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437377900739578466" border="0" /></a>See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil lol<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0MyNMR5ZhwU/S3VyYqCJfgI/AAAAAAAABZ8/rUHGozpexWk/s1600-h/see+no+evil.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0MyNMR5ZhwU/S3VyYqCJfgI/AAAAAAAABZ8/rUHGozpexWk/s400/see+no+evil.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437377893045468674" border="0" /></a>Tonyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08110277749380524804noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-961152921276045064.post-32301325920196095412010-01-26T09:37:00.002-06:002010-01-26T09:45:40.103-06:00I miss this placeI miss my blog so much, but I just can't manage to get things together enough to devote any time to it. There is so much I want to share, Sophia is now 4 months and so big (almost 17lbs) and things are changing. We have decided to let our kids attend high school at a Christian private school, so next year Parker and Sydney will be gone most of the day. Austin spent his Senior Year at a Catholic Private School to play golf. He will graduate this year and turn 18 in 5 months! I am almost the mother of an adult! CRAZY!!!! Not much sewing going on, except for necessities. Sewed some bibs and diaper covers (I cloth diaper Sophia). I am knitting Chad a pair of socks, but they are taking forever. Almost finished with the first one, but he wears a size 13, so these are some looooong socks lol I also knit a skull cap for him and Austin. Knitting is easier to fit in right now, because you can easily start and stop. Sophia still wakes up 2 to 3 times a night and will only nap in my arms and on my boob lol She is the baby and I will do what she wants lolol I don't want to let this space go, I am hoping to be back soon, but when soon is, I don't know.....Tonyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08110277749380524804noreply@blogger.com28