Initiation!

I know this sounds dorky but motherhood is like the best "club" I have ever been a part of. You know me, I just love a good club. Only mother's will understand. It's like being in the grocery store and seeing a new mom with her baby. You just have this urge to go up to her and say "hi" or give her a hug and say "I know what you go through." There have been numerous "initiations" I should say, but how about this one... fishing in the bathtub. And, I don't mean for fish... for poop!!!!! My dear angel, just seems to get the "urge" these days when she's sitting in that warm water. So for all of you aspiring moms, you will find yourself in this scenario: Hubby is giving baby a bath while mommy sneaks away for a quiet moment (like locking herself in the office or the bathroom). Hubby yells "mommy... help!" Mommy rushes in to see daddy holding baby in towel and bathtub full of poo... and toys of course. Thank God for mom's, what would they do without us.. (probably leave tub as it is until we get home). So, instead of my "quiet moment" I find myself scooping poop out of the tub, and cloroxing the tub and tub toys. Gross, I know. Welcome to Motherhood. :) Just thought I would share the things they don't tell you.

One Step Forward, Three Steps Back!

O.k... what a week!! How does one end up "in the negative" or behind while working so hard to get ahead. Well, I will tell you. It's called Motherhood. After spending a week with a fussy, drooly baby my "mommy intuition" (O.K.. I think it was actually God) told me to take her into the doctor on Friday. I called and they said they could see us right away. Great! I got Laura Beth up from her nap, fed her lunch and dressed her. In that order because meal time these days is like one big messy food fight. Miss Independent will not let us feed her anymore. She insists on holding the spoon and feeding herself. I have to put the jar of babyfood or food in a small bowl and put it on her highchair tray. She is pretty good at it but makes a nice mess. I was loading the dishwasher and she said "uh oh..." I turned around to see her holding up the bowl and dumping out green beans. BABYFOOD GREEN BEANS.. TOTAL MUSH. Anyway, after lots of babywipes we were ready to go. I grabbed diapers, sippy cup, "puffs," the passy and blankie.. the bare necessities when running out with a baby. All I wanted for myself was a cold diet coke and granola bar. (mom's live on granola bars!) Holding Laura Beth, my purse, diaper bag and my coke we headed out. Did I mention my child weighs 25 pounds.. anyway. Just as we approach the door (at 1:30 for our 1:45 appointment) I drop the coke.. OPEN COKE! Stay calm, stay calm I think. Never mind my carpet and garage door is soaked in soda. After some carpet cleaner and a new coke of course we were finally on our way. An hour later I am calling my husband to share the news. Our daughter has hand, foot, and mouth disease. O.K. I would much rather call it a virus! Disease sounds so scary. Thank goodness I took the time to listen to God telling me take her in. Our alternate plans consisted of going to Gymboree class, then to see Janill's newborn baby, and back for a 1st birthday party. I would have infected a ton of children. So, tonight I just pray for a comfy baby who sleeps in her bed all night. (She made her way to ours 3 nights this week). My to do list this week consisted of cleaning my house, visiting Janill, completing lots of monogram orders, ... Well my house is messier than it was, I didn't make to Janill's and get this, while working on a bag just now, I accidentally cut the wrong piece. I had to start over and then messed up again. So instead of finishing the bag I actually ruined the part I had previously done. Therefore, I am more behind than I started. I am still learning to allow myself three times the normal time frame to get anywhere or get anything done. My "to do" list must be shortened and I should have left the house at 1:00 to get to an appointment at 1:45 even if it is only 10 minutes away. But, you know what it is all worth every minute. The part of my day that sticks out the most is chasing Laura Beth on my hands and knees down the hallway and her laughing hysterically when I catch her. And, watching her play with Lloyd while he was over hanging out with Landon. Here's a few pictures.

Masters 2008

We spent a long weekend in Augusta for the Masters. Unfortunately Landon did not make it to the tournament but we were able to spend time with family and friends. It's an "event" for us each year as some of dearest friends are also brought back "home" for the tournament. We stayed at Tiffany's the entire time this year and it was so much fun watching Laura Beth and Harris play together. The 6 month age gap is starting to close as they get older. We spent a lot of time with Nana and Papa and visited Daddy (Pawpaw and Grandma) on Sunday. The highlights of the weekend for me were sitting around Tiffany's kitchen table laughing and talking (about everything) after a tad bit too much wine, watching the babies play, going out for a night out on Saturday (no children!), and getting to share my amazing daughter with her grandparents and watching their love for her just swell. I am reminded once again how blessed we are by the people in our lives. These little moments are forever imprinted in my mind as I go through the journey of life. I didn't take many pictures but here is one of Laura Beth and Harris in their "golf gear." Jan and Kent gave Laura Beth the adorable Masters outfit.

Fun at Gymboree!

Here are a few pictures from our Gymboree class on Friday. Laura Beth has so much fun when we go to Gymboree. Jack, Ava, Parker, and Michael have been in our class since Laura Beth was about 4 months old. It has been so much fun watching them grow together. It's interesting to watch them interact together. Last week the class was so full (probably 15 babies) and our children still gravitated towards each other. They know each other by now. This week, Ava and Laura Beth kept hugging and kissing each other. So cute!!! Laura Beth continues to do "her own thing." She is usually off in a corner finding something completely off task to do. In one of these pictures, she is playing in a seesaw. If you will notice however the rest of the class is under the parachute having "parachute time." I think Mrs. Independent is going to keep us on our toes!

Beach hats, Cover-ups, and Towels

With summer quickly approaching and the beach in sight, I have a new beach hat to offer. I can't wait to take Laura Beth to the beach in May. Hopefully, she'll keep her hat on. The cover up came from Target. Unfortunately the white ones have been picked over quickly. I will be on the lookout for some plain white bathing suit cover ups to monogram. I can get the terry robes for children however. I purchased a few towels today and have some cute new summer appliques to try out. I am going to work on some towel designs when we return from Augusta. I will post them once I finish. We'll be in August for the Master visiting friends and family Wed-Sun. of this week.

Waffle Weave Cosmetic Bags!

These cosmetic bags are a must have! Paula gave me one when she got married about 4 years ago and I am still using mine. I need to monogram a new one for myself though. I have the small ones (perfect for your purse) you see here or a larger version. I just ordered some of the spring colors. Very cute!

Bibs, Burp Cloths, and Bloomers

Here are some of the bibs I have created or just monogrammed. I have a ton in stock and they can be embellished with any font and/or applique design.

Monogrammed/Appliqued A Line Dresses

I just love these adorable a line toddler dresses. They can be worn in the Spring/Summer or even in the Winter with a turtleneck and tights. You can add any design to match just about any theme. I am having so much fun creating different designs. They can be made reversible as well. This is a great way to get more use out of a dress. I know I hate buying a seasonal or holiday outfit because you can only get a few wears out of it. This way you can put that heart for Valentine's Day or Christmas tree on one side and not feel guilty.

Appliqued T-shirts

Here are some of the applique t-shirts I have created. I have a wealth of cute appliques and embroidery fonts to choose from.