Mama Sews

It's naptime...

2012-02-03T13:51:00.000-06:00

And I should be doing something to be productive. But, I'm not. I'm sitting here basking in the silence (well, with the exception of the ever running washer and dryer). This has been one of "those" days around our house. Braden and Audrey have been so whiny and fighting over every.little.thing. I get so very tired of hearing it some days. We've honestly been considering putting the girls in public school next year. Why? To give everyone some space and time apart. But, we quickly realized that we couldn't do that. As aggravating as it can get to have them all here with me all the time I can't think of any other way I would want it. We work through the kids lessons (which, as any homeschooler will know, only takes about 3-4hrs day) and then they are free to do other things. We sit down as a family (or most of the family when Clint is working) for meals three times a day and I truly love that. We talk about all sorts of things and I LOVE that they love to talk to us. Ruby has started coming into my office when I'm working and helping out here and there as she can. They are also learning household responsibilities and there are so many lessons to be learned in every day life around the house! Yes, they fight but when you're with them all the time you will see that they also love each other dearly. Of course there is also the "fun" perks of homeschooling, like sleeping in, staying in pj's, 3day school weeks, etc. By nap time every day I'm SO ready for that break in noise and every day I say I'm going to accomplish something during nap time but most days I end up sitting somewhere quietly relishing the silence and asking God to please renew my patience for the rest of the day and thanking Him for allowing me to be here with them and for blessing me with my beautiful children.

Valentines Sale and a Give-Away!

2012-02-01T08:30:00.001-06:00

(shhh.... we're going to pretend that it hasn't been so long since I've blogged!) :)

Good Morning and HAPPY February!! I can't believe January 2012 is already over. But, what a blessed year it's been so far!!

Valentines Day is right around the corner. Do you still need a cute shirt for your little one? If so, check out THIS album on my Facebook Page. Feb.1 - Feb.8 you can get 15% off custom shirts with Valentine designs! Don't miss it!

Also going on at my Facebook page - when we reach 1000 likes (just 8 away!!!) I'm doing a give-away for my new bowl/dish covers. Pictures are up on my page. These cute and handy little things need a cute name, too! Throw suggestions my way. I'm also doing an extra prize for going over 1000 fans. So, go like my page and share it with your friends!

Now, time for me to get my day started - feed my children, do schoolwork with my children, do laundry and of course some sewing, too! Have a great Wednesday everyone!

I think it's official

2011-08-11T15:47:00.000-05:00

I'm a horrible blogger! I always forget to blog. I tweet, I Facebook, I'm on Etsy - but I'm not good at blogging! I'm going to work on it though, I promise!

We are getting ready to the school year going full swing again around here- piano lessons, voice lessons, homeschool meetings and let's not forget school lessons! I have a 3rd grade, 1st grader and Braden will be doing some preschool activities to help occupy his time while the big girls do their work. I LOVE ebay this time of year for picking up great deals on books. We are almost ready though and our schedule starts picking up this week and definitely next week.

Our "little" farm is growing! We have nearly 30 chickens, lots of baby quail we are raising, 5 goats and are on the lookout for Guinea Hogs to start raising. My hubby enjoys it though and so does myself and the kids.

I've been busy with Baby Blossom Designs and am getting excited about the Fall/Winter seasons and what fun things are in store! Most recently I am doing a collab with Baby Boutique Hair Bows that I am super excited about.

It's been SO hot around here these past few weeks. We are all about to go crazy from the heat. My sweet little boy especially. He does not like staying inside! We have had all sorts of crafts and fun stuff out to try to keep them busy. =)

Guess that's about all around here -

A Saturday Update!

2011-05-07T12:31:00.001-05:00

Wow!! It has been SUPER busy around our little home these past few weeks!! So, how about some updates and photos to go with?

I'm trying to expand my business a bit and I'm really looking forward to it. Please contact me if you need a custom item! I'm always happy to work out the perfect outfit (or other item) just the way YOU want it.

In trying to expand my business this machine made it's way into my sewing room...

I think I'm in LOVE with it!

I've done a lot of sewing lately (of course!) and you can check out my Facebook Page to see LOTS of pics!

My older brother got married on April 30th and I now have a beautiful, sweet sister-in-law! I'm just so excited over this new addition to our family. All of my kiddos were in the wedding. Little Man was supposed to be the ring bearer but he decided he would rather sit in my lap for the wedding. Oh well, at least he took pics with them. =)

We have also increased our goat population a touch! My sweet hubby is working on fencing so we can get them in a larger area. We just love our little goats. So much fun!!

Be sure and visit my FB page at the link I gave above. I'm having a referral contest right now and winner gets a $20GC to my store! Share it with your friends, tweet it, FB it. =)

Well, I'm off to get back to work! Hope you are all having a GREAT Saturday and wishing all the Mother's a WONDERFUL MOTHER'S DAY!!

Good Morning!!

2011-04-12T08:51:00.001-05:00

Just sitting here on this lovely morning after a great nights sleep! I love it when inspiration comes to me over night!

School is almost finished up around here and I am so happy! This teacher needs a break. LOL!

I've been teaching myself to smock and am almost done with my first little Bishop Dress! Love it!! There's mistakes, yes, but I'm pretty proud of it.

And a little update on our farm animals... All those little chicks? They have been moved to the big chicken yard and are loving it! We are slowly selling some off here and there until we get just the hens we want to keep for layers. And we have some more new additions:

Meet John & Lucy

5wk old Boer mix goats. We LOVE them. So sweet!!

Review and Give Away!

2011-03-31T20:51:00.000-05:00

Check out this Review and Give Away over at Momma in Flip Flops 2. Andrea did a review for my fitted diapers and has posted a great review. You can also enter to win one!

Sorry I haven't posted much lately. Spring time is such a busy time around here. My brothers wedding is just a month away so we are busy doing stuff for that. We are also wrapping up the last couple weeks of schoolwork. I have been crazy busy with orders!

Keep up with us on Facebook or Twitter @mama_sews!

Have a Blessed Night!

A few pics of recent items...

2011-03-15T14:48:00.000-05:00

Good Afternoon!! It's been a beautiful day here in the South so far! Thought I would take a minute and share a few pics of what I have been working on and the give away shirt as well!

Dani won the blog giveaway and she chose this shirt:

She also ordered four custom tote bags for her kiddos for Easter! I love them!

And a custom onesie:

AND... this is some of our 8wk old Rhode Island Red chicks...

And some of the 5wk old chicks...

Have a great day!

Giveaway Winner!!

2011-03-08T09:07:00.000-06:00

Congratulations to the 6th comment.....

Yay!! I will be contacting you to work out the details!

Last day to enter giveaway -

2011-03-07T08:00:00.000-06:00

If you haven't entered my giveaway yet, please do! Winner will be chosen tonight!! Enter and share!!

Blog Giveaway - Click here

Love the rain...

2011-03-05T10:01:00.000-06:00

...dislike the being stuck inside! After going for a couple weeks of beautiful, sunshine weather the rain is nice. But, the kids are going crazy. =)

Another week has flown by around here. I'm about to have to make a run for feed for the animals. All of our chicks are growing quite well. We have 22 - 6wk old chicks and 29 - 3wk old chicks. They are so funny to watch. This is in addition to our 7 grown chickens and 2 pigs. We are hoping to add goats to the mix soon!

My oldest brother is (finally) getting married next month!! We are so excited!! My girls are going to be flower girls and Braden will be the ring bearer. I have been working on getting all their outfits together and ready. I have also been thinking about Easter outfits. I didn't make the kids outfits last year but I think I will this year. Just have to get some ideas... hmm...

I re-designed my fitted diaper and have made several of those this week. I'm quite happy with the result:

I also made a really cute Thomas shirt for my cousins little boy. I love the way it turned out and I think Braden is going to need one:

School is passing by really fast for us. Audrey has finished most of her K work and we are just working on her reading and writing skills to be ready for first grade. Ruby has about 5wks left of second grade. She is getting very excited to be done. She flies through her work with no problems.

If you haven't entered my giveaway, check it out here!

Have a great weekend!

Blog Promo Giveaway!!!

2011-02-28T21:40:00.001-06:00

I would like to promote my blog a bit and I'm really hoping to build it up and get more followers, use it for giveaways, etc.

So, I'm going to offer my very first giveaway which will be for your choice of an appliqued shirt from my store (click here to view!) Picture below is an example only! Lots of designs to choose from!

The winner will be selected on March 7, 2011!

Here's how to enter:

Follow this blog. Comment below that you follow.

(that's the mandatory entry)

Here's some ways to get extra entries:

1. Like my Facebook Page HERE and comment that you did.

2. Visit my store HERE and then comment to tell what your favorite item is.

3. Share this on Facebook and comment saying you shared it.

4. Tweet this and comment saying you did. (you can also follow me on twitter @mama_sews)

5. Blog about the giveaway and comment with a link to your post!

So, share away and get the entries in!

Saturday again...

2011-02-26T13:26:00.000-06:00

It seems like every time I turn around it's Saturday again. This past week has been a busy one. Revival services started at our church last Sunday and we had service every night up until last night.

Audrey had a dermatology appt. last week and we found out she needed to have a mole removed from her scalp. So, yesterday we had to go for that. She did great! The doctor used a local anesthetic and removed the mole and she has 8 stitches. She only cried when it came time to bandage her up and she bandage had to go under her neck. She doesn't like anything touching her neck. =(

Beautiful, beautiful day today!! It's really been very nice for about 2wks now. Our windows have been open 24/7 and doors open during the day. It's wonderful!

Hopefully I can post a little more next week... gotta get back to work for now. The 5th and final load of laundry is washing. Gotta get some of the dry clothes off the line so I can have room to hang these out!

Hello There 70* Weather...

2011-02-14T21:40:00.000-06:00

I was actually THRILLED to feel you! We have all been stuck in the house with the sickies for FAR to long. So, the change in weather and the predicted 70*+ every day this week is a much welcomed change. We had the doors open, windows open, kids played outside after schoolwork was done. It was awesome!

Of course, the warmer weather, fresh air coming through the house inspires Spring cleaning... ugh... why do I have to have everything all fresh and clean to match the fresh air?!! So, I cleaned and organized the random spots that collect junk throughout the house. I also got started cleaning windows. As much as I hate cleaning windows, I love the fact that my windows are easy to clean. They fold in so I can clean inside and out right there all at one time. Super nifty! I also washed all my curtains today! Don't get impressed... We have 10 windows (2 of which don't have anything right now because I haven't got new ones made for the office) and I only use valances! But, I got the bathroom window and the kitchen window and blinds all sparkly with their curtains starched and put back up! Feels great! And I have a promise from my hubby to help with the rest of the windows on Wednesday. Although, I will probably get a couple more done tomorrow!

I also got a package in the mail today that had my new organic bamboo/cotton terry in it. Oh wow... I had forgotten how incredibly wonderful bamboo fabric is. :sigh: I think I will start making everything with it... It's washing now so I can start sewing stuff! Yay!

Speaking of sewing... I've gotten a bit of sewing done over the past few days... here's some pics...

This is just a few of the things I have been working on this past week. My stack of stuff ready to sew is pretty high so I will have more pictures later this week. I'm adding some new bib sizes and changing up fabrics that are used for my bibs! Loving terry and knits on the backs of them. Much nicer/neater.

I hope everyone has a great Monday and has had a wonderful Valentines Day! This is the first year that we haven't purchased anything for Valentines. At all. No cards, no candy, nothing. My kids made stuff for the people they wanted to give Valentines to and today I made them and my hubby a card. They loved the homemade cards. We had a special supper and used the fancy glasses that the girls love to use and we had candles and pink napkins and they were THRILLED! Braden walked around all day saying "Happy Balentimes Mama!" Best.Valentines.Ever!

Finally!

2011-02-08T23:39:00.000-06:00

Today, I finally got to sew in my "new" office! YAY!! I LOVE it. I am SO thankful for my wonderful hubby helping me get it "just right". It's so much nicer to work in here with it all organized. And I did get some work done today. It feels good to get back to work!!

We have also gotten back to our normal schedule this week. Even though we aren't all completely over this nasty crud we have had, we HAD to get back to our schoolwork and get caught up. It's going good though. I really enjoy homeschooling my babies.

Today has been a great day though. The only way it could have been greater would have been to have a "pee-free" bath. My 2yo decided he needed to add a little something extra to my bath water tonight. But, hey, what would I have had to laugh about if it hadn't happened?!!

Pictures of my work for the day...

For a custom order

And a cute little instock dress for the store...

What's been going on around here...

2011-02-05T14:08:00.000-06:00

The past week or so has really been a blur around here. It started Friday (1/28) when I decided that my office was going to get re-done, NOW. =) Yeah... So, I emptied it out and got busy sanding cabinets. Made my shopping list for Lowes and set out. I bought everything that I could fit in my vehicle and when my hubby got home that night we worked out a shopping list for boards.

Saturday we worked on painting the walls and he built my new desk/work table. During this time the kids also had started getting sick. Sunday we weren't able to go to church because all the kids were sick. Monday morning found me at the doctor's office with all three running fevers, bad coughs, etc. Diagnosis was bronchitis all around. Brought them home to daddy and went back to get meds. We kept on working on the office as we could. Kids were still sick so I was taking care of them mostly.

Wednesday we finally finished in here and got the last of the paint on. I was so happy to get it all put back together and I LOVE the way it looks now. However, kids were still sick and I was getting sick. UGH!

Fast forward to today... house is all back in order from the office makeover, laundry is caught up, kids are somewhat better though not completely, I'm still sick, hubby's working all weekend, my dishwasher quit working Monday (although I haven't missed it as bad as I thought I would), it's been cold, wet nasty weather all week and we are seriously developing cabin fever. The sun is out beautifully now but it's still cool out. And it looks like we will be spending another Sunday at home (which I hate) because nobody is completely well yet.

So, there you have it. The past week in a nutshell. =) And, here's some pics to show our work...
Before:

After:

Have a BLESSED weekend everyone!

Love Lazy Weekends!

2011-01-22T22:13:00.000-06:00

Or lazy Saturdays at least! =) Seems like the whole week just flies by and we stay busy but on Saturday everything just slows down. And that is fine with me! I had a nice Friday night with my sweet 5yr old. The other two were having a night at Gramma's and my sweet hubby was working.

Tonight I have my oldest and my youngest babies at home with me. Enjoyed some cuddle time with them and got a perfectly beautiful manicure from the most precious 2 year old!

Yesterday it finally clicked with my what I want to do with my office/sewing room! Stay tuned... there will be pics once we get started.

Rainy Afternoon...

2011-01-18T16:57:00.000-06:00

So, I missed a few days blogging! But, things have been quite busy around here. They usually are on weekend when hubby is off. Love spending time with my family. I have been working on a lot of sewing for my store and stocked several new things last night as well has reworked some of my listings. Just trying to simplify things. Check it out!

Yesterday was a great Monday! The blessing of beautiful weather allowed the kids to get outside and play all afternoon. They loved it! I did laundry & laundry. Sometimes I start thinking, UGH! All I do is wash clothes and fold clothes and put away clothes and start all over. So many times I get so aggravated with doing the same. things. over. and. over. I have to remind myself of something though, I should be THANKFUL that there is that much laundry to do! It means we have plenty of clothes to wear! I should be THANKFUL to have dirty dishes to wash! That means we had food to eat!

Today started out withe beautiful weather and the kids were out in it before we even got school done! They enjoyed burning some energy and then came in for their lessons. It's a good thing they went out earlier because it's been pouring rain for a while now. I have been quite productive at finishing up some sewing today and that feels GREAT!

I have got to go dig into the depths of my fridge and pantry and find some supper for the family. You can always tell when payday is a day or so away... cabinets start going bare! =)

May you all have a blessed afternoon!

Busy Thursday!

2011-01-13T19:25:00.000-06:00

But, I don't feel like I've accomplished much at all! I guess when I think about it I have. School went great today! Audrey is really catching on to her phonics and reading and I can see it all clicking with her. It makes me proud! Ruby is doing great as well. And as much as I am enjoying these school days, I will admit to being ready for them to be over for a break. =)

Today made 2 weeks of my diet! I'm not even going to lie, it's been really, really hard to give up the sweet sugary stuff and breads, pasta, etc. But, it's paying off! 10lbs down and well, an undisclosed amount to go!

Last night I stayed up until 2am sewing and cutting. I made some really cute "raggy" bibs and burp-cloths! Can't wait to get pictures and get them up on my store. I spent a good portion of today "de-stashing" my fabric cabinets and using up all my smaller pieces of PUL. I'm cleaning out all the colors and plan to just keep white on hand in the future! So, as a result I have a big stack of covers cut out, a couple wetbags, wipey bags (which can be used for SO much more than wipey bags!), sandwich/snack baggies (2 sizes!) and other misc. things. I plan to make tonight another sewing night.

When I get all my sewing caught up, I'm making plans to celebrate over 550 fans on my Facebook page! Yay!!

Huge Giveaway!

2011-01-12T14:14:00.000-06:00

Polka Dot's Blog has reached 300 followers and is celebrating with a HUGE giveaway!!

Go check it out!

The Two Year Old

2011-01-12T13:42:00.000-06:00

I have a two year old, see?

He's pretty cute, right? Yeah, he is. He may just be the cutest two year old ever. In fact, if we wasn't SO CUTE, I'm not sure that I could handle the insanity that he brings to our home. Every day is something new with him. By the end of most days I am SO ready for it to be bedtime already. BUT, then there's the times when he looks at me, grins, and stretches his arms out and says "I love you THIS much, mama" or the times when he pats me on the back and says "I like you!". That's ALWAYS re-assuring. =)

So excited!

2011-01-11T16:26:00.001-06:00

I am SO excited about my blog makeover and I'm looking forward to jumping in to the blogging world! Many thanks to Krystal from Sassy Sanctuary for the awesome design!!