Christmas is in the air...

I have so many crafty projects on my mind right now I don't even know where to start.  So I have printed them off and put them in a jar, a craft a day or two or three.  Ha-ha.  I have decided to retire the *twelve Christmas trees* tradition this year.  I will pick up that tradition next year. There has been a lot going on the last several months, and I just want to simplify things for a little while.  Now don't misunderstand, there will be decorating, but just one tree. Well, the tree won't get itself out of the attic, I better get busy.

Decisions, decisions...

Some of you may have noticed the lack of posting here.  Yeah, it has been a pretty busy Summer, but our family has so much to be thankful for right now.  We are truly blessed, no doubt.  I have had my etsy shop on vacation mode for a better part of the Summer, several reasons, one being my monogramming  business has really sky rocketed, other reasons just busy being mom, wife, daughter, sister and daughter-in-law.  After dealing with some lost etsy orders (thanks USPS) I am considering going digital; converting my paper designs so you could purchase and print at home, as many times as you like.  Is that something anyone would be interested in? With the digital download would be instructions for cutting out the designs. Just thinking about it and want some opinions.

Other big news around here:
*brother is home from deployment safe and sound
*hubby on a new career path and working from home
*house is a mess due to construction of home office for the above mentioned hubby working from home.
*both girls are back in school (5th grade and pre-school)
There is more, but these are the top four right now.

Off to work a bit before everyone else wakes up.

Applique Caps | Memphis

New items over at my Monogram Shop:

BlogFrog

I just signed up!  Is anyone else using it?

Summer Sweat Shop

WOW it has been a hot one, although I will not complain as it is even HOTTER other places.  I have been patiently waiting for my new window installation so my new a/c window unit can be installed in my studio.  Business has really picked up for my Monogram Shop (currently known as the sweat shop, because that is what I am doing while working in the heat up here, sweating!) I am really thankful for the new work I have been receiving, it has been so fabulous.  The last few months have been filled with several ups and downs and I have finally closed the door on the things that bring me down.  Once I did that and moved forward so many great things have come my way, new opportunities, new attitude, I feel GREAT!  God is always looking out for me, he has shown me time and again, it was really obvious this last time. 

New Tags in the shop | Handmade in Memphis

Finally right? More to come...

Swirly {Bracket} Numbers in Blue

Remember these are customizable to suit your color palette.

A new week, a new attitude

I have put the last two weeks out of my mind and have moved on, a lot of unnecessary crap got tossed into my life that didn't need to be there, but enough about that.  I have faith and I *AM* the better person, because I have God on my side.  Thanks to my Dad for keeping me focused on that.

So here we are...the Garden is coming along quite nicely, we had a ton of squash, zucchini, cucumbers and peppers to pick over the weekend and we even grabbed a few green tomatoes for frying.  All I can say is that the veggies you grow all by yourself taste MUCH better than any other veggie you will ever find.  :) The girls and I are off to work in the garden again today, then maybe some swimming later on and of course our daily Summer craft!

Hope everyone has a FABULOUS day! I know I am!

First day at the pool

We had our first trip to the pool yesterday!  Boy was it hot, so the water felt really good!  The girls had a fabulous time!

Summer break & 3rd birthday

Well we have three more days of school before Summer break officially begins.  I must admit I am READY! I need a break from the making lunches, pick up, homework routine.  I know Lindsey is more than ready for a break.  She has had another *fabulous* school year, so very proud of her! We are making our Summer to do list, because the last thing I want to hear is " Mom, I'm bored". 

In other news, we are approaching Mally's 3rd birthday. GOSH when did she go and grow up on me?  *sniff sniff*  I am really ahead of my game this year, the party is planned and the invites are sent. WHOA! I haven't seen that kind of organization from myself in a few months.  YAY me!

Well, we are getting back on track around here adjusting to the new changes that have taken place.  Life is pretty darn good I must say.  Now all that is left to make that complete is my little brother's homecoming.  At that point I will be able to breathe easier. 

A little peek at April!

Have you been to My Big Back Yard at the Memphis Botanic Gardens?  My girls *love* it!

And my garden I planted in April:

I will be busier for sure :) But I am so looking forward to the fresh veggies!

I'll be back...

Taking a little break until this rollercoaster ride has ended.  I miss you all!

New Layouts

A couple of weeks ago I got to get away and meet a friend at our LSS for a crop.  That seems to be the only time that I can complete any layouts recently.  Here are some that I completed:

Stay tuned....

Bring it...2010

2010 is already bringing BIG changes for us.  Please be patient as I work thru them in the coming weeks.  I promise to be back real soon with lots of great crafty ideas and a freshly stocked etsy shop. I really miss blogging, really I do!

Peace to all!

P.S. oh and if you don't mind, I think I will leave Silent Night playing for a bit longer. I have *Sweet*  memories of the song that make me smile every time I hear it.