Memories of Grandpa

My dad called me a while ago and asked if I wanted some of my Grandfathers things. His military hat, a couple guns. I have his flag upstairs, and the Bible that was given at his funeral, the rocking chair that he rocked me in (that I rocked Doodlebug in and still rock Babyum in). Grandpa and I had something special I guess. He was just always the one I connected with, I have so many wonderful memories of him. Just an amazing man. Somehow he even managed to get my grandmother her red roses for their 50th anniversary, even after he had passed. She went to the cemetery that day and there were roses there. He had promised them to her and there they were waiting for her. Sure, maybe someone in the family had overheard his promise and had taken them, but no one is admitting to it, and who doesn't want to believe in magic?

I came home to look at his things. So neat, his hat with his name and number inside, the guns, his initials carved in the holster. Just the thought of him being overseas, thinking of what he might have been doing and thinking then, did he ever imagine his granddaughter would be holding those things? I held his gun and it is worn in places from being held, but (how strange is this?) it seems like it's worn in just the right spots to fit in my hand, too. It just felt right to me if that makes sense. Maybe I'm just being too sentimental here, I don't know.

It is so important to me that my kids have memories, so this is my "make things count" reminder. More pictures, more family time, a bigger keepsake box and a written note on whatever goes in that box, so they know the story behind it and can treasure it for what it was.

Here they are! And thank you to Shutterfly

Pictures In Snow Christmas 5x7 folded card

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New Dress

OK. It's done. I found this fabric a while ago and it called out to me. I was going to make Doodlebug a dress, but wanted to practice first, so this is about a size 2. It turned out fair for the first try, I think. I really need to practice bias tape, and don't mind the threads I forgot to cut (I was so excited to be done!).

The pattern and tutorial are from Living with Punks. Not sure I'll do those ruffles on the neck again, and maybe the fabrics will be in different places for the next one, more paisley, less stripes. But all in all I'm happy with it.

Photo books and Christmas cards

This might be the winner for Christmas cards this year. Next step is to figure out what everyone is going to wear, not to mention when we will get pics taken. I was sad last year that we didn't get our Christmas pictures done. We just used some of our family pictures from earlier in the year. But, you know when you buy the kids matching outfits (and the parents coordinating colored shirts), you just want those on the cards. I'm insisting on it this year, especially since I'm having a go at making the kids outfits. This card is one of the many I like from shutterfly.com. I've done some birthday and mothers/fathers day cards from them as well, with great results (and some tears) from the recipients! I really love how easy shutterfly is to use. I've looked at a few other photo sites, but shutterfly is the best, and least stressful option for me. Just plop them in and go!

Though I love all the card options, my favorite shutterfly item has got the be photo books. I do one of these each year for the kids, right after their birthdays. My hope is that they will see these and really remember some of the fun times. Also, that they will have them to show their children. I don't have very many pictures from when I was little, but the ones I have help me remember some really fun times. I love seeing the old pictures of my grandparents, or my sister and I in the matching outfits mom made, or me and grandpa sleeping in the rocking chair that I have still and rocked my little ones in. I want my kids to have lots of memories like this. Doodlebug pulls her Disney Princess book down of the shelf every now and then to look at pictures of our last trip where she met the princesses, but she really likes to see her First Year book and is always amazed at how she looked as a baby. Shutterfly is great, because I can make a book all at once, or I can do a bit at a time, and it's stored for me. I usually do mine with the custom path so I can get the pics just where I want them, but they have the simple path, too. You can just upload your pics and shutterfly puts them in book form for you, easy peasy.

If you are in the market for Holiday cards, shutterfly is having a 20-30% off sale right now! Hurry, it ends the 22nd. (Can you believe how fast the year has gone by?!) I am so looking forward to getting our pics done so I can get cards sent out on time this year. I guess tomorrow will be fabric and pattern shopping.

Sewing fleece pants

Yeah, they're sideways. I'm still learning here.

These are some of the fleece pants I'm practicing. I was amazed at how easy they were and how great they came out. At least I think they came out great =) I've got some in the works for the kids, since Babyum has one pair of pants and we've had some cool weather. I figure I can make enough to last him our "cold" season, besides, it's fun.

My mom taught me how to make kid tshirts out of adult tshirts, and is it great! Along with those pants, I'm making matching shirts, too, mostly with hubby's old shirts, adding some embellishments. Now if I can just find a good dress pattern for Doodlebug. Maybe I'll win this (thanks abbyapproved and whimsycouture!)and get the Apron Twirl Peasant Dress. I have the perfect fabric already!

Welcome!

I may have found a name finally for the blog I've been wanting to do forever! My little girl is Doodlebug and baby boy is Babyum, so here it is.

I'm a SAHM to these two and my newly adult teen and I love it, well most of the time. Coming from working full time with some great people at a great toy store, it's been a change for sure. I do miss the hustle and bustle of the holiday toy season. It almost seems for me that it's not really the holidays because I'm not so stressed out and busy! But, I am really enjoying that I can stay home and be with the kids.

I love to be crafty, whether it's sewing, crocheting, making photo books, or helping the kids do something fun. I also bake whenever I can. I am trying to be more eco friendly, but I wouldn't call myself a freak about it =) I cloth diaper and love that! We use cloth napkins (you wouldn't believe how much we've saved on paper towels) and garden, or at least we try. Why do the things we like the least grow the best? The poor peas all shriveled but the hot peppers and collards are still growing like wildfire. The blackberries are taking over the lawn, though, yumm!

Anyhow, I know there is more to say, but I've got to get lunch started. I look forward to hearing from you all!

Holly