Quickie

Just a little quickie...Christmas was wonderful! The ONLY thing that could have made it any better: having Bubby & Poppy here to celebrate with. I couldn't have wanted anything more, but the good Lord had other plans. They stayed in my beautiful WA and I stayed here in good ol' sunny CA. Next year though...I'm thinking it will be different, not sure how yet, but I JUST KNOW IT WILL BE!!!

New Years, it's right around the corner, so yeah, I'm trying to look a little more put together. Starting with the hair...

Here's the New Do: How do ya like?

Now...if I could just figure out how to get a new body to go with the cute hair??? I guess that will take some hard work and effort on my part. And no, I won't have it by New Years Eve (dang it!)

Here we go again, a new year and a new resolution...(same old resolution) just a new year I suppose. Keeping my fingers crossed this weight thing gets under control, before I become out of control! Here's to 2012 ladies...may the New Year bring you, HEALTH, HAPPINESS, AND CRAFTINESS!

Another Adventure

Here I am...starting another adventure. Crazy, huh? Let me just say, no adventure=boring life...so I tell myself.

When we moved to CA, I decided to take care of my 4 nieces & nephew. My two brothers & their wives all work and I've always been a SAHM, so I thought easy-peasy, right? Taking care of the little ones should be a breeze? UHHH...no way, Jose! Not so! I have a new-found respect for child care providers & day care centers. HOW do you guys do it? I mean, I'm soooooooo past this stage in my life. I suppose you could look at it like this, as my 4 "J's" have grown & changed, so has their Mama! Through each stage in their lives, the Lord has transitioned me into a new chapter and it's really difficult to move backwards with the little ones (3, 4, 5, & 6yrs) Not to mention all the family drama that goes into, well, working with family! Not a good situation to say the least!

Fast forward, after weeks of contemplation, I've decided stop taking care of the "littles" and go to work in a salon. WHAT??? Crazy, unexpected idea, huh? Doing what, you ask? Nails...yes, I am a certified, licensed Manicurist. I've had my license for twelve years and I've NEVER worked a day in a salon. The story behind that decision, I decided to work out of my home (doing nails) to be there for the kiddos. (I won't mention the fact that I was utterly & completely terrified to go to work in a salon!)

I'm super nervous, but excited too! I haven't worked outside the home in 15 years...HOLY COW, I know! I do have a plan, sort of half-baked, but a plan none the less. I will only be working 3 days a week (like Tues. Thurs. and every other Sat.) If you work in the beauty biz, you HAVE to work Saturdays. Bummer, but that's the deal.

This is the ONE service that I'm totally psyched to offer my clients:

SHELLAC

This product is AMAZING! It goes on like polish, (lots of colors to choose from) and wears like acrylic. The natural nail is protected and strong, without the heaviness of acrylic. It takes minutes to apply and SECONDS to remove! I am in love...

Here is a shot of my nails...not a GREAT pic, but you get the idea. I added loose glitter to the tips in a fade. How do you like???

Here goes noth'n...I'm jumping in feet first, keeping my fingers crossed that my adventure will take me to new places and welcome me to new & exciting friends.

P.S. If anyone reading this, lives in the Kingsburg area, look me up...that's where I will be working!

Busy Bee

Yep...I've been crocheting like a mad woman! Can't help it, I {HEART} crochet...this is what I'm making, aren't they cute? I'm selling them too! If you like them, shoot me an email and I'll make it happen. Any color in particular? Let me know, I have a MILLION different colors of yarn, so is it RED your thinking about, I've got it, GREEN...yep got that too :)

Later this afternoon, I'll be doing nails for my daughter's girlfriends. It's Winter Formal for the JR. High this Thursday...isn't that WACKO??? I mean, seriously...I feel like everything starts younger & younger, year after year! Call me crazy, but Winter Formals were for Juniors & Seniors in High School, right???! Well, ultimately as a parent it's my decision to let my kids attend, and we decided yes, they could go "J" 14 & "J" 12. I know, it's a little young, but I've chaperoned before and it's pretty low-key. I'm just keeping my fingers crossed these CA kids are like WA kids, and not TOO grown up yet.

This evening I get to spend a little girlfriend time with one of the sweetest friends in the world. What could top that, you ask? Meeting her here! Eggnog Latte, HERE I COME!!!

Hope your day is filled with Christmas spirit, and may you get everything accomplished you set out to do!

Just Post Already...

As I was blog-stalking I realized I've been MIA for some time now (NOT NEWS, I KNOW!)...anyhoo, I stopped in to take a gander at the ol' blog & realized I have like a GAZILLION posts that I never published! LOL...

Ridiculous, I'm so passed those days...I should have just posted them already! However, I didn't and THAT'S that...moving along...

It's Christmas countdown and the decision has been made, this post will be all about a mosh-pit (thank you Amber for the expression) of stuff! A little bit of unimportant, a little bit of factual, a little bit of rant, a little bit of encouragement (a little something we could all use these days), so my dear one reader :) bear with my lame little blog post, alrighty?

I can't talk about Christmas without sharing my list, right? It's a doosey, just wait...

1. Move home to my beautiful PNW...oh how I miss you!

2. Maybe just a visit then??? Could you swing that, Santa?

3. Lose 50 lb's; PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEEEEEEEEASE

4. This AMAZING make-up, with the coolest name on the planet :)

5. How cool would this be to be cruising around on?

6. I found some GORGEOUS earrings from Paris, gotta have'em!

7. CD: Mummford & Sons

8. Red PJ's

9. Still wanting those fabulous Dansko boots from last years list

10. Can't wait to start reading The Night Circus

Not too much to ask for, ya think???? Dear Santa, make it happen...that's all I gotta say about the list.

Next up, MY top 10 Christmas Flicks:

1. Elf...I laugh EVERY time!

2. The Grinch, Jim Carrey...you are the BEST Grinch ever!

3. A Christmas Carol

4. It's a Wonderful Life

5. Polar Express

6. Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer

7. Santa Claus

8. Miracle on 34th St. (the original)

9. Fred Claus

10. Nightmare Before Christmas (I HEART Tim Burton)

Now that I got that out of the way, time to rant a little. Have you ever prayed and prayed for something so hard & so long the Lord finally says, "O.k. already...here ya go, don't come cry'n to me when you realize the error of your ways, ya brat!" (I know, he wouldn't really say that last bit, but that's what I would say to my kid) It happened to me, yep...the last 5 and half months I've realized God answered my prayers, not really because it was in His plan, but because His plan was to reveal to me that He had a much different idea in mind for the Watts family & I just wasn't going to have it. NOW I see it, NOW I wish I could go back, but I can't.

What I CAN do is ask God to forgive me for being selfish, spoiled, & stubborn. Ask him to continue to guide our family, be the Captain and steer us in the right direction. He is my hope and my comfort, my future and my desire. No task is too big, no miracle he cannot perform, no situation he cannot CHANGE! That's what I will leave you with on this cool, crisp, morning. Instead of Santa this Christmas, write out a list to Jesus and pour out your heart to him. He is your answer, He is your Miracle Man!

Life in random

I miss her every minute of every day

Makes my heart go pitter-patter

I would give up a kid (or two) to jump inside this cup right now

Wishing this had been my contentment

Building a shop from the ground up

My beautiful white Wisteria, how I miss looking out my window at you

Possibly, my creative genius...mmmmm...cherries

This is what it's all about

New

Yes..it's been forever. It doesn't really matter how long it's been, today I need to write something, say something, just put it down into words.

The beginning of July marked a new chapter in the Watts World. We left our home in WA and moved to CA to be close to family and a new job position (lighter stress load for Papa Bear). I'm miserable, I'm sad, I'm weak, I'm lonely, I'm angry, I'm unsure, I'm confused, I'm regretful, I'm frustrated, I'm scared, I'm sorry, I'm doubtful, I'm nervous, I'm stressed!!! There, I said it, now you know. Well maybe nobody knows...I don't have much of a blog following, but at least I got it out of me. I'm not pretending, I'm not holding hostage inside, and I'm admitting to sort of failure. Do I feel like a huge weight has lifted, No...do I feel any better, No...do I see a light at the end of the tunnel, not yet. What I do know is, only I can make it better, only I can see the opportunity before me, only I can be the example my kids need right now in this time of change. Easy to say...tremendously hard to accomplish.

How do I do this...I can't. I know I can't...but with the promises of God, my heavenly father...I know he gives me strength. I know he gives me direction, and I KNOW he forgives me my sins and my faults. He's leading me, even when I have no idea where I'm going. He's carrying me, even when I feel like I can't take another day. He's cheering me on, pushing me forward, holding me up. Thank you Lord, for doing what I can't...

Reading, reading, reading

Just finished Water for Elephants, it was my pick for our very first book club read. At first, it was hard to get into, then it kind of became a "I need to read this", lastly...I was hooked. My gal-pal dived right in and loved it, she kept telling me...keep reading, you won't be able to put it down. She was right, it hit me, and couldn't stop reading. I definitely recommend reading it before you see the movie (even though, I believe Robert Pattinson & Reese Witherspoon are going to burn up the big screen together!) Books are always better, in my opinion.

I also finished reading The Dead Path, written by Stephen M. Irwin. It was spooky and kept me at the edge of my seat (or bed, I should say). I believe it's his first novel, well written, but a little hard to follow. Sort of a "hard" read is what I like to call it. Even though I found myself having to re-read certain sections, I was completely scared out of my mind reading it! If you like ghost stories, this would be a great one!

Now I'm on to The Blood Oath, written by Christopher Farnsworth. As I started out reading, I kind of rolled my eyes a little over the story concept. A vampire that is bound to the President of the United States for all the days he walks the earth??? Hmmm...yeah, not sure. However, as I continue to read, it's a fascinating story unfolding and I can't help but be intrigued. So, for now, I'm still reading...I'll keep you up to date...until then, keep reading!!!

I HEART Crochet

Been busy...with lots of crochet!!! Here is the beanie that I'm working on, just learned the puff-stitch, and I'm going to town on it. Everything puff-stitch...scarves, flowers, hats, possibly a blanket? The possibilities are endless...

Space Cadet

That is what I am...for the last 2 weeks, I've forgotten to post my Sunday Love's...how lame can I get? Stick around, you'll find out sooner or later how bad it really is. I guess that means I have to double up on the list, huh? That's o.k...I think I can manage. I'm feel'n really lovey, you would know that if you've read my last post :)

1. Papa Bear has been preaching at church, and he really is loving every moment of it, so am I!

2. The crocheted projects that I've been completing...it makes me smile.

3. The new Weight Watcher Points Plus program is working for me, and I've lost 13.8 pounds so far!

4. I'm in Love with the stack of books next to my bed...I checked out 12 Lovely library books.

5. These boots are on my wish list...I'm definitely Loving them....

6. I really Love Skinny Cow ice cream sandwiches :)

7. My really sweet friends chose our gang to hang out with on Super Bowl Sunday!

8. I Love that I've stayed caught up on the laundry for a few days now (it's kind of like a miracle!)

9. The 4 "J"s brought home lots and lots of A's...so very proud of them!

10. My mom...she just amazes me, and I hope one day, I'll grow up to be just like her.

11. The mantel all full of Valentiney stuff.

12. I Love the smell of Papa Bear early in the morning, (all squeaky clean) when I'm still cozy in bed and he leans over me with a big goodbye kiss.

13. I Love the comment I got from a long-time ago friend on FaceBook...it really put a hop in my step.

14. This one I'm not so sure I should share, but...I'm really Love'n the fact that competition cheer is over and I can finally rest a little...

There they are, my 14 Love's...what are yours?

Be mine, Valentine

OK...so I really got into Valentines Day this year. I know....some of you gals out there are rolling your eyes right about now. You just don't see why we should celebrate this day, it's the spawn of commercialism, right? Another frivolous holiday? Silly to even recognize it?

Let's just calmly discuss this topic, shall we? To begin with, I will give a you a list of why I like to celebrate and recognize Valentines Day...

1. First, and foremost...it's all about Love...and we all know what "Charity" means, right? (so why wouldn't a girl with a name that means Love not celebrate the holiday that surrounds Love?)

2. It's the one day out of the whole year, that I can be as lovey-dovey, stary-eyed as I want to be with Papa Bear...and none of the 4 "J"s get grossed out.

3. Papa Bear is kind of a romantic, and on Valentines Day he al

ways sweetly surprises me in special little ways or sometimes big, exciting ways!

3. It's all about the red & pink, what's not to like about those amazing, girly colors?

4. Never (in my book) can there ever be too many holidays that involve chocolate, these days I need a special occasion to eat it since I've embarked on WW.

5. Making fun memories, no matter what it involves, for my kiddos is one of the MOST important things I do as a Mom.

6. It never has to be about gifts, it's the memories that count. Like the first year Papa Bear & I were married, he brought home 2 new decks of playing card because he knew how much I LOVE playing Nerts!

7. Who doesn't like to have another "Date Night"? They're too far and in between as it is...can I get an Amen?

8. Great reason to buy new nighties ;)

9. There's so many people in our lives that we forget to tell them how much we care, how much we appreciate them, how much we LOVE them...it's the perfect day to express all those feelings and more. (I'm not saying we shouldn't do that each and every day, but honestly...do you?)

10. Lastly, it's really all about what's in your heart, not stuff, not candy, not romantic notions...but it is all about this: 1Corinthians 13:4-8, go read it...it will do your heart some good

Just a peek at my Lovely mantel...and some sweet craftyness

Currently, on my list

Ok...so here it is, I finally decided to post it. I wrote this and then backed out of posting it...dumb, I know. Why was I so silly about it, I guess I was making sure I at least started some of these resolutions and not look like a great big loser.

Instead of posting Currently, on my list, I wrote something back at the begining of the month and it read like this Realistic. Along the same lines as this post, but just a little less in depth. Anyhoo...here's my original post that I should of just posted:

codylthomas

Resolutions...I've never took them seriously. I've never really even spoke one out loud (that I can remember anyway). That being said, I want 2011 to be different. I want to actually set some things in motion, make some decisions, find some ambition, follow through (not quit, thats one pattern I DO follow) and hopefully get some amazing results (not asking for much, I know!)

I have a tendency to sit around (a lot!) moan, groan, procrastinate, whine, and not accomplish much. LET'S break the cycle...can I get an AMEN! I've stacked up a list of projects, ideas, and goals that have cycled through my creative halo (horns?) for the past year. Of course I shelve them all, way up there in the back corner to collect draggy dust. HELLO, Dolly...it's a new year, new time, a new direction! Take a looky-lu at a few of my New Year aspirations...

1. Learn how to use my Macbook Pro, Papa Bear bought me a one on one membership along with my laptop...and I seriously need to go in for a class.

2. I've become a slacker, a slug, a little too lax-a-daisy...in other words: LAZY. In many area's of my life...my physical self, my house, my hobbies, my marriage. So, I'm on the hunt for some major motivation (any good council on this subject will be greatly appreciated)

3. Learn how to use my camera. What an amazing birthday gift (from Papa Bear) and I still can't even get a good, Canon picture! Sheesh...

4. Somehow, someway learn how to dress. I have an image of myself, and I want to define part of who I am through style, the kind of style that expresses my personality. Because of my weight gain over the last year, I've lost the ability to put anything remotely acceptable together from my wardrobe. It's positively devastating to my self esteem presently...

5. Get my sewing/office room organized. It's an ever-growing affliction on my ability to create or do anything productive. A revolving door of sorts. I begin to straighten/organize, feel good, get distracted...begin to sew. Never finish, truly finish, make another GIGANTIC mess, cannot begin another project because of the chaotic disarray. This goal sort of leads into the my next grandiose idea...

6. Sort/Budget/Organize my financials. I have bills, papers, statements, receipts piled EVERYWHERE! I cannot, for the life of me, get this CRAP organized. Feeling so overwhelmed is an understatement. It's ONE of the TWO reasons, I can't seem to get our finances straightened out. (#2 reason, I'm a procrastinator...but we won't discuss that, since I'm desperately trying to overcome that!)

7. Finish my quilt from 2010 Not Your Mama's Quilt club. I love it, especially all the different women who took time each month to put squares together and be part of the special group Marci and I put together.

8. Make a new duvet cover for my bed using this tutorial...I heart Anthropologie

9. Get serious and help "J" 1 prepare for college. He will be a senior next year...HOLY COW!!!
Something's not adding up, I cannot possibly old enough to have a college student!!!??? REALLY???

10. Exercise...regularly. Try like 3x a week. I HAVE to do it, and believe it or not...I've started. Thanks for hang'n in there with me gf :)

***Update: I have started Weight Watchers, lost 10+ lbs., started & finished many projects, made some $$$, initiated a Women's Retreat at our church, and started taking more photos! Yes...I can proudly say I am on my way...

New things

Things I've made, but haven't got around to blogging about...in random order:

Beautiful Vintage Buttercup bag

Some fun scrappy fabric flower pins

A summertime bag, with scrappy flowers

Bloom'n Headband/Warmer
Lots of Bloom'n Hats...

Best Chocolate Chip cookies ( in the world! )

Peanut Butter Snicker-bar Cookies...Ultimate cookie goodness!

My 1st ever! crocheted fingerless gloves

A couple of Simple Tote bags

Time to move on to some new ideas...ya think?