My New Music

Soooo...I found Bon Iver...let me just say I love this music! Yes, I'm very new to it...a wonderful discovery through the New Moon Soundtrack and I just can't stop listening to them. Skinny Love and For Emma...absolutely beautiful. I can't get enough...what I wouldn't give to go to a concert...but alas, it's just a dream. Maybe some day...but for now here's some of the good stuff...

You are my Nemesis...

Burlap...I don't like you...I have issues with you...why can't you be easy and joyful to sew with like my Amy Butler or Heather Bailey fabric? It could be this specific burlap (not sure?) It was given to me by my gf Amber, that sweetie (seriously, I do like burlap...and I thank you for it!). It was just very unruly...if you get my drift. It seemed to unravel, shift, and stretch whichever way I tried to sew it. My measurement's got off due to the changing sizes of the pieces I was working with, which in turn made my lining off. I finally threw up my hands in defeat, continued to sew, and well...it's a very abstract, original, eclectic bag. Hmmm...I wonder if anyone else has the same probs as me when sewing with this stuff? Probably not...I imagine it's just me and my abstract way of sewing, LOL! That's ok...I seem to always come out with something unique...here she is, in all her glory...

Busy Bee

Finally, I took some snapshots of my projects. It's about time, I almost forgot to take pictures, in fact, I had the apron all packed up and ready to ship out when I remembered I promised to share on my blog the new stuff! So, off came the tape, out came the apron and click, click here are your pictures...the Buttercup bag, sew fun! Tutorial found here Made By Rae




Both of these aprons are my own creations...the top apron I've named the Nanny Apron after my Grandmother Lonnie whom I love dearly...
The 1/2 apron, I haven't decided yet...any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, I could even do a give-away to the person with the best name :) Wouldn't that be fun! It's a surprise though...so join in a play along, you might just be a winner!



Happy crafting ladies...get busy... the Holidays are upon us!

Thinking it's time...

Yeah...I've been a little lax in the "posting my creative side" on my blog. I don't know why, except that I feel like I'm always running out of time and I barely get to keep up my sewing habit. There's where I fall short, I forget to take snap-shots of my finished projects, and usually remember after I've handed them over to their new owners. I have been busy, though. Purses, aprons, coffee cozies, bags, tu-tu's, Halloween costumes, the list goes on...I just don't have any proof. You'll all have to take my word for it, I have been productive. I made a trip to the Funky Junk Sisters show on the Come Junk With Us bus and it was a blast! I would recommend everyone join up next trip...I believe it will be Dec. 5th.
Yes, I made some pretty purchases on Sat...but they were also wise purchases...I will be posting some new creations soon, just to show you how well I did on my shopping adventure!
Here's a little hint of what I found at the Funky Junk Sisters...(snap shot swiped from my best gf and awesome photographer Tres Birds Photography) Stay tuned...and I promise to have photos of awesome creativeness...

Soon to be "J" 16

My boy, my boy...he's growing up. No...I don't like it, not one bit. The blessing in it all is he's still a Mama's boy and I will forever be thankful for that. Not the kind of Mama's boy like wimpy and pitiful, but the kind that always cares how I'm feeling, always wants to help me out no matter what I'm doing, shares his plans and concerns, whose honest and just plain fun to be with (even if it's just me, mom)! This last Saturday was his first homecoming and he was so handsome (just a tad nervous), but so excited! We all were...and in the end he had a blast! I'm so happy for him. To some, I know such a insignificant little event shouldn't get the Watts household in such a tizzy, but in our world this was something to celebrate. Our "J" 16 has had some trials and tribulations when it came to potential friends, high school, the world that teenagers live in, especially the traditional public school system. He's attended an alternative school for the last 2 years that's helped him grow in a lot of ways. Through past events he's learned to guard himself when it comes to kids his own age, he never lets too many people close to him, unless they're adults and he realizes he can trust them. In teenager land, you never really know who you can trust, right? Even then, your let down quite a bit. However, this past summer he decided after time away from family, vacationing like a professional traveler, he wanted to attend traditional High School...

Blew me away...completely. Had no ideal this would ever come up again. I discussed it with him intently, tried to talk him out of it, not wanting him to suffer anymore than he already has. It didn't work, his mind was made up and he wanted to enroll. So...that's what happened...

Best decision ever...he's having a great time, he's grown up a lot, matured and is really enjoying the new found freedom of teenager land. Thank you God for your direction and encouragement...you always lead us in the right direction. The only problem is if we decide to go our own way...

Here are some pictures of our handsome son

Fallling into Fall...

Yes...that sums it up for this girl. Like when you stand with your arms wide open, slowly letting your breath out, simply closing your eyes and falling backwards into someones arms that you care about, that's how I think about fall. Falling into it...wondering where it's going to take us for the next year. Cool, early morning frost, with the sun peeking through the trees...stretching into shady afternoons, with the beautiful leaves changing every second of the day...ending with stunning sunsets when the weather is at it's best! Doesn't it just give you goose bumps! Oh it does me...best of all...the 2 greatest holidays are right around the corner! Thanksgiving and Christmas! What more could a girl want? O.K...maybe some extra $$$ for Christmas, but that's another post. For right now it's time for delicious soups, hot chocolate, warm fires, lots of book reading, pumpkin patches, baking, costume making, party planning (we have 3, yes 3 birthdays in Oct.), and decorating! How about you girls...what are your plans for the Fall?

My Sweet "J" 6

When my kids are in trouble, I get 4 very different reactions. I'm sure you all have received the infamous apology letter...yesterday the WHOLE family received such a letter from the youngest "J". My heart swelled with love and pride as she walked through the house reading it aloud to each of us. For some unknown reason...it has now disappeared from my memory...she threw a hum-dinger of a fit! Screaming, yelling, stomping (In her mind, I'm sure she had good reason) but for the rest of the Watts crew, it was unacceptable. Finally, we all decided to tell her exactly how we felt. Simply put, she was being a BRAT ! We were done...and we let her know. Of course she was sent to her room, to think about her attitude, to settle down. Eventually she emerged with this little scrap of paper...

If I may, I will interpret...

Top line: From Jaycee

2nd line: Im S (I'm sorry)

3rd line: I B AO B (I be bad)

4th line: To CAJJJ (To Charity, Andy, Jacob, Jackson, & Jillian)

My girl, my sweet little girl is not much of a speller yet, but she got her point across :) She was very sorry for her temper-tantrum...and we all forgave her, of course! I had to kiss her all over and squeeze her tight for that sweet little note! Lord, I'm not ready for her to grow up...can you please keep her little forever?

Lazy Summer Days...What?

I did not have many lazy summer days. It would have been lovely, yet it wasn't written in the stars I suppose. Lots of trips, lots of decisions to make, and many projects to tackle (few involved sewing). As I sit here now, I ponder where did my summer go? Did anyone see it? I think it rushed by without visiting me. How about any of you? Were you granted a lazy summer or were you so rudely skipped? I need to face the cold-hearted facts...it's gone and it won't be back until next year, right? I'm still a little out of sorts, but the Fall will bring me out of it, I'm positive! Considering it's my favorite time of year! Yes...I'm an Autumn girl at heart. The cool, crisp mornings and beautiful ever-changing colors get me every single time. I love the new beginnings of school days, the excitement in the air...the kids wondering whose class they will be in, new faces, pumpkins casting their orange glow, picking out fun costumes to create, preparing for the Holiday season and visits from family. It makes me giddy inside just writing it all down! Sorry if I'm losing you here, I don't mean to shove it in your face, but I seriously can't help myself...please forgive me if you don't feel the same way. I know it can be hectic too...full of uncertainty, but I like to focus on the newness of it all...

On another note, with the "J" crew all back in school this year, I found a little free time. Yes, my dear ladies I had some crafty business to attend to. I found this Alexander Henry Sew Now, Sew Wow fabric over the summer, and it was love at first sight! I had to have it. Finally decided today was the day to create something with it. I whipped up this cute little sewing machine cover in about an hour...very easy...it normally would only take maybe 30 min. but I was up & down, up & down...you know how it is, always have a zillion things going at once. I used this little tutorial on CraftBlog.com.ua. What can I get myself into now?

Lost

So I've been lost for awhile...so...sooo sorry. Life has taken an uncertain curve that I wasn't expecting. Our family has been mourning the death of my dear uncle, as well as celebrating the life he lived. He was one of the most intelligent, hard-working, teddy-bear of a man I've ever had the pleasure of knowing and I will miss him so much! Death has a way of making you look so hard at life, sometimes the simpler things fall by the wayside. My blog will attest to that :)

My extended family in CA have begun a long, difficult journey and I miss the fact that I won't be there to walk along side of them when they need a hand to hold or shoulder to cry on. I've enjoyed every second of being with them...even the heart-breaking moments. I love them...all of them and I pray God will continue to shelter them with comfort and peace.

Now that we're home (we made 3 trips driving to CA in 5 weeks) I feel behind, and a little overwhelmed. My summer has definitely been different...not what I was planning of course, but it's almost over and I'm sad to see not much accomplished. I have, however been able to sew lots of neat things, but failed to capture them with the camera. You will just have to take my word for it :)

Hopefully the kiddos and I will get to do some fun outings before the dreaded "first" day of school. I am not looking forward to it...I really do like having them with me. It's all going way to fast, my kiddos growing up & all. I'm going to be one of the sad mama birds when all my baby birds leave the nest. I will not know what to do with myself...

For now, I will continue to enjoy them...all the time I have with them. They grow up fast, and fretting over it doesn't stop it...I just lose valuable time with them. So...enjoy your kiddos ladies, don't let time pass you by...we only get one life to live, enjoy them!

Happy Daddy!

Yes, my hunka-burn'n love is a Happy Daddy...and no I did not have another baby! Big Daddy is flashing his new Tatt's and he's ecstatic! He's been wanting them for sooooo long, and finally the day arrived. I know, I know...the permanent thing freaks people out, but it's something you either love or hate, there is no in between. Anyhow...he's mine, for a very long time and I can live with him no matter what he covers his body with. Yes...he probably won't look so cool when he's 70 sport'n nautical stars, but neither will the gray hair or bald head, missing teeth, wrinkles and sag. I'll love him anyway...I'll love him always...that's how it is with Big Daddy!

The Receiving End...

So...here's the Swappy gift I received...it IS SO AWESOME! My partner completely out-did herself! (I'm sooo glad she was my partner...not to rub it in or anything :) I just can't help myself.

First, a b-e-a-utiful bouquet of flowers made out of pattern paper! How cute is that? She's so crafty that La~Te~Da, her brain is always on overdrive :)

Next, a sweet journal with an old tape measure and the phrase "Sew Happy Together"...for all those days I can't stop thinking of Big Daddy, I can journal my little heart away!

Also, a sweet little candle with a pretty little birdie and 2 pieces of GORGEOUS fabric. Believe me, I already have a pattern picked out to create something incredible with it.

A fun little paper sign to hang the door to my sewing room "Sew Busy" or "Not Sew Busy"...bet you wish you came up with this collage of cuteness, I know I do :)

Lastly, and something I'm very partial to...a charm necklace that has a snapshot of trailers on it along with the phrase "Mess with me, you mess with the WHOLE trailer park"! You gotta love that, especially when it's sooo true considering my family back in Cali. I grew up in trailers, we all did. They would be so proud to wear this badge of honor...just like me!

Thanks Trish...you know I love it ALL! So, any of you ladies out there that just happen by my blog, go check out La~Te~Da...she does amazing stuff. Plus she's going to be at three shows this summer, so stay tuned :)

Spring Swap

I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED my spring swappy gift! La~Te~Da was my partner and she did an amazing job on all the beautiful things she gave me. Thank you girl...your the bomb! I wanted to share what I made for her...it was a lot of fun making, I think I want to make one for myself now :) I used an old quilt, sheets, and pillow case...plus hankies, cloth napkin, and a hair elastic for the wallet. I followed these cute tutorials for the bag and the wallet. Try them out...they were so easy to make! The Pleated Purse and the Scrappy Loyalty Card Wallet.

Go Away

Rain, Rain go away
Come again another day...

Another day far, far off like next fall...
I need sun, more sun

My skin looks a little grey,
My mood is even greyer...how about you?

Blue Skies...

So I got this awesome text from my used to be "AZ" girlfriend, she's now home again. For how long...God only knows, but I'm happy to have her here for however long he lets me have her. Onward...the text, she simply told me to keep my chin up... and I had to share it with you. It's kept me moving. Moving through the valley...I've kept my chin up, that's exactly what I've been doing. Keeping my eyes up, my face up, my chin up...everything pointed to the heavenly realms. It's good. It's helping. It's Jesus...he sees me looking for him when I'm tired and want to look down. Just as soon as I begin to look down, he catches my eye and I begin to focus again. I see blue skies...the valley isn't so black anymore...Jesus is walking beside me.

Lately I see him in my husband. When I don't want to move forward, do what needs to be done, change what needs to change...Andy loves me still. That makes me want to walk the valley, makes me climb the impossible mountain, move the unmovable. He keeps up the prayer vigil nightly. He serves me with an open hand and an open heart. At our last FPU class I was reminded of so many times that Andy has given of his heart to me freely...without expectation of return. I see Jesus in my husband and I fall in love with him all over again. How wonderful is that? Wouldn't that be worth going through trial for? Wouldn't that be worth God refining and molding me...only to show me that the victory in the end will forever bless my marriage ? I believe so...yes, I'm sure of it...Jesus has made things clear to me and I'm just now ready to accept them.

I'm gaining courage and strength as I battle through this...Jesus is my savior time and time again. How truly I see his love when he picks me up and dusts me off, sets my feet on solid ground, takes my hand, and leads me forward. God...I cannot thank you enough times, with enough words for giving your only son. My heart skips a beat, tightens in my chest, and my breath is taken away when I think of the sacrifice...something I don't think I could ever do. What an amazing God I serve...full of grace...and love...

New Moon Countdown Official

Just had to mention...last night J "10" had her birthday party. It was a sleep over with 8 little girls. WoW...yeah...ummm...I'm tired this morning...but I had to post! Yes Indeed ladies, it was a Twilight tizy here in the Watts home. It was time to officially share with these sweet girls when there beloved Edward, Bella, and Jacob would grace the big screen again! Oh how fun it is to share the ooohs, awwwes, and giggles. I will remember these days forever...thank you Jesus for my little girl who's not so little anymore. Bless her as she continues to grow up into a beautiful young lady. Thank you for all the fun and joy she has brought into our lives...

Through the Valley...

Is anyone here right now? Have you been lately? If not...praise God, you need to stand firm and fight the battle for the rest of us that have been captured in the valley. I'm battling through a valley right now, God is with me, but I'm still afraid. I'm facing the fear, everyday through prayer and patience, persistence and faithfulness. Just know that your sister in Christ is fighting a battle, a spiritual battle. The enemy is on a warpath, but he won't win...I won't let him. This valley, is dark and desolate...I don't know why I'm here, or really how I wound up here...but I'm stumbling, clawing, waging through it. For the past few days the Lord has had to carry me, literally. I had little interest in anything other than sleeping, but he said nope...not gonna happen. My heart has been heavy laden. Lots of stirrings in my soul has crept to the surface. There is a reason for this season, but frankly this is one crappy season I'd just as soon skip and pass it on by. The Lord has other plans for me, this I know in my heart. He has bigger plans for Andy and I both. Things we had never dreamed of, and as the saying goes one foot in front of the other... there are issues God needs to get resolved and tidy ed up a bit. As the weekend continued on, I kept busy, (thanks Amber, Trish, & Mom) I trudged forward, whether being carried, limping, or slow stepp'n I will see the end...I will see the other side...He will guide me through, and never leave me. All you who put your hope in the Lord be strong and brave ~Psalm 31:24


Fight the Fight...get on your knees...keep on, press forward

Thanks ladies for all your prayers, advice, and love...you are beautiful to me...

The Lilly Apron

Just a little sewing...had to get my fix while Andy was gone fishing...

I haven't decided yet how I actually like the "appearance" of the apron, considering J "15" told me I looked like I was expecting again. Still, it's very comfortable and it's not tight anywhere, so that's a plus, right? The Lilly apron is a pretty easy pattern to follow and was fun to make. I'm positive I'll make it again with a few minor adjustments here and there. I've missed sewing seeewww much lately I had to just sit down and make myself do it. Not because I didn't want to, only because I had so many other things that needed to be done first. Sometimes, I need to stop and remember what keeps my gas tank full (not that Jesus doesn't do that fully) but I still need to keep my creative wheels turning. Sewing is a passion for me...right along with Jesus my best friend. He planted a joy in my heart for creating and sewing and when I deprive myself from it, I tend to become a little melancholy, short tempered, sometimes even resentful. So today I thank you God for allowing me to create this cute little apron to wear around my home while I do your business of attending my family...oh, and yes...I will do it with a smile on my face along with style and grace! Have a great week girlfriends!

I almost forgot...some awesome garage sale finds this weekend...fabric, of course

P.S. I forgot to add this too...head on over to Southern Hospitality and share your great finds

Movie Must See

Ladies, ladies...you have to see Faith like Potatoes. It was sooo good! Last night we had movie night with some friends and I decided to pick Faith like Potatoes. I'm not sure how they felt about it, but I thought it was AWESOME! I'm not going to give anything away except that it's filmed in Greytown, KwaZulu Natal South Africa (I have a feeling Tres Birds will really enjoy it!) Rent it, watch it, and let me know how you all felt about it...I'm interested in how you all feel about it...so until then...happy movie watching!

Easter Celebrations

Happy Easter everyone...hope your Sunday was as blessed as mine! Thank you God for allowing your son Jesus to carry our sins to the cross. He died for you and me so that we may spend eternal life with him...what a miracle Easter is! Yes he died, but he rose again, what a day to celebrate!

Homeshcool Life

Quickie...that's all this is going to be...because right now, that's all I have left to give...

God is moving me into, yet, another direction. Yes...another direction I said, so when you see me next time I will look all-a-flutter! Not that I don't always look like I took a tumble down the stairs these days or maybe I just got up out of bed? I don't remember, anyhow my minds all jumbled up mostly because I'm just trying to get my thoughts and time organized. And, well, when that all happens, maybe I'll get to sit down and sensibly blog about a beautiful, inspiring, blog-appropriate occasion. Until then...know that the Fabulous Watts Mom is homeschooling (not all 4) I think I would curl up in the fetal position and begin to hum "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" while squeezing my eyes tightly shut if it was the WHOLE gang! It's just "J" 11...he's the one God has placed before me right now, so he's home and we're giving it a go, "J" 15 part time too, along with his Montessori classes.

That's the low-down for now, I'll try to blog...I'm just going to be a little spastic for a while, at least until I get the hang of this homeschooling thing :-)

Re-Post

Re-posting a blog...is it allowed? Hope so, cause' I'm doin' it :) I was going back through all my old posts after I gave my blog a lil' face lift and realized in the beginning, yeah...ummm...hmmm...I had no idea what I was doing. O.K. so, I still don't know a lot about what I'm doing, just a tad bit more. I realized what I thought I was posting as a "blog-post" was actually a page element at the bottom of my blog. Not wanting it to sit all lonely down at the underbelly of my creative, adorable, humorous, crafty (your smiling right now, aren't you?) memorable blog, I've decided to correct this horrendous mistake and repost, O.k.?
....O.k...now that that's out of the way this bag I made for my cousin Jody. The patchwork purse is a really fun to make. Looking back on it now, I'm seeing it's time to do a little upgrading. I'm sure Jody definitely needs a new purse :) The purse itself, well, it needs some help, too. I'm gonna give it a little pizazz (did I spell that right?) The second bag I made for my Nan. I used Amy Butler fabric, of course who doesn't love Amy Butler fabric, and a round mesh place mat for the bottom. I threw together my own pattern, and in the end I think it turned out very cute and Nan really liked it. Here they are in all their glory.... and first timer mistakes :)

Birthday Blessings

Just wanted to share with you my 35th birthday. As we grow older we don't much care to celebrate aging, well I don't anyway. My 30th was extremely difficult for me, just ask Big Daddy...he can tell you a story about that day! To be honest, my birthdays haven't gotten any easier to handle, but I manage through them I suppose. This year, however I cannot explain to you how blessed I truly am! God is AMAZING! He is truly a miracle worker...

Even though I've obsessed over growing older, somehow this year...he erased it from my heart! Erased it! Girls, do you know what I'm saying? This is powerful for me...if you know me, my personality, my guts, the "soul" of me, this is a real miracle of the spirit! An epiphany...God has changed me. Through my children, my husband, and my great friends God revealed his true and perfect acceptance of me. It didn't matter that I wasn't 21, it didn't matter that I wasn't a size 2, it didn't matter that my make-up wasn't perfect, that my hair wasn't colored or my clothes were from the Goodwill. The people around me, My people loved me and celebrated with me that I was here and God created me. How awesome! How great! I know, for most of you out there...you realized this a long time ago, but for some of us...well, we're just slow learners. I think maybe I just let the world tell me different, ya know? I let myself think that I needed to always be better, be more, be different than what God made me to be. Always striving to be this perfect ageless, "young" mother of 4 who doesn't look like the mother of 4. I know...stupid, but to my demise, I strived to achieve the unattainable. Indeed, I never got any younger, only older every year (imagine that?) depressed because I could not find the magic "pill", fatter because I was depressed, and well you see the snowball effect here, right? Something so far out there, yet I was on the train, like so many other women today...trying to be something that we're not, just because the world tells us that's what we should be!

It's time to listen to the Lord our God, what is He telling us? Do you hear him? Are you taking the time to hear him? For so long I wasn't. I was so busy listening to the world that it drowned out my God's voice...I couldn't even hear him if I wanted to. The verse in the bible Proverbs 31:10 "Who can find a virtuous woman, for her price is far above rubies?" is a great way to start focusing in on God's word. The definition of virtuous: strong moral character. We definitely need that in our world today, right? So, I've decided that's where I'm going to start. Slowly and faithfully with God by my side. I visit Passionate Homemaking often, that's where I came across the Virtuous Woman study and I really feel the Lord prompting me to take another step closer to him. So this is it...I'm taking the step, are you with me?

Thank you God for awarding me a birthday I will never forget...

Here are some presents that came along with all the other wonderful birthday blessings in 2009. Early in the morning "J" 15 woke to make my favorite breakfast... waffles! I was served on the "Red, You are Special Today" plate. I was so suprised, I forgot to take pictures :( I quickly recovered and started snapping away later on in the day.

Here they are in the afternoon when these two handsome guys started decorating after they cleaned the entire house while Big Daddy took me shopping for my birthday present!

They even baked me a cake...(of course "J" 15 did most of the baking)

"J" 11 thought it would make Fabulous Mom feel even more Fabulous to think she was 25 again!

Beautiful Flowers from LeAnn...so sweet! I loved them, thank-you...

Big Daddy took me to Borders to get me this...it's been on the list for a while now :) I love it!

Lastly...the Proudfoots totally Rock! My new Marble board...we've played marbles every night since you gave it to me! Love you guys...

Inspired Project Update

So here we go, I'm going to let you ladies into my sewing room before the make-over. Let me just say that this room is not just the "crafty" room, it's also the office, the exercise room, the "I don't know where to put this" room, as well as the room I used to do nails in. It has many faces, as you will see in this upcoming photo. As I'm typing away, I'm beginning to get a queasy feeling in the pit of my stomach, knowing that I'm sharing such an intimate area of my life (I feel a bit vulnerable) when I let my self look a little too real. Anybody identify with these feelings or is just me right now? So here goes...take a good long look at my mess. Just to clarify, the rest of my house looks nothing like this room :) P.S. thank you tres birds for sharing your secret with me I've had so much fun, as you can tell with all the pictures!

Mucho Progress...

Moving on to the Fun Stuff...

Final outcome...so what's the verdict? Wow, is all I can say! I'm so excited :) I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it! What do you think? There's still fabric in the center of the room that needs to be folded and put away, papers to be shredded, and books to be shelved, but I'm so happy with the end result, it's everything I wanted and more! Here it is....