a stitch of life

My Best Friend

2010-08-03T07:50:00.000-07:00

People say that if you only have one good friend in this world then you should consider yourself lucky. I consider myself beyond lucky to have mine. We didn't grow up together, we were not childhood friends, and we weren't college roommates. In fact we did not run in the same circles at all before we met, but in the short 7 years of knowing her I feel so blessed that for some reason God placed her into my life. We have so much in common that at times I feel as if we could have been separated at birth. We have the same name, our husbands are both from Brazil, we have the same hobbies and interests (which by the way can make us both a little OCD at times), our 5 yr. olds were born a day apart, we both know what it is like to grow up without our fathers present in our lives, we also know what it's like to grow up with the most amazing grandmothers in the world and they are our biggest heroes, we both struggle with our weight-and we have tried every diet out there together as well..lol. We get each others corny sense of humor and no one in this world makes me laugh like she does. Most friendships will have ups and downs and it's the valuable friendships that are worth working through, but I can honestly say it's been the difficult parts of our journey together that make me realize how much she really means to me and how grateful I am to call her "friend".

"Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down."

-Oprah Winfrey

YOU ARE MY GAYLE AND I LOVE YOU!!!

Cruz's First Birthday!

2010-07-11T11:56:00.000-07:00

It was a HOT, but beautiful day at the park to celebrate my baby boy's birthday. Cruz had no idea why all of his friends and family were gathered together, but he had a great time.

The robot cake turned out pretty good and thankfully there was enough for everyone.

Me and my little angel.

I had a hard time finding any party decorations with a robot theme, so I had to improvise by making my own.

Cruz and daddy.

Cruz and Aunt Britney

Cruz's personal cake.

Cruz and Aunt Sandy.

Cruz had so many presents to open...

but his favorite was from mommy and daddy! We have many gender neutral baby toys around the house, but this is his first "big boy" toy.

Happy Birthday Baby Boy, mommy and daddy love you!

Window Fashion

2010-07-08T11:17:00.000-07:00

I am in love with the new curtains I just made for my breakfast area and living room...and I am even more in love with how much I spent on them.

I have blogged in the past about using sheets and other textiles instead of always buying off of the bolts from fabric stores to make things around your home. In most cases it is cheaper and you can expand your choices of patterns and textures to choose from. These curtains were made from Dwell TABLECLOTHS that I found at Target.

Each tablecloth cost me $20 and I only needed 1 per window. So I ended up spending $80 for these custom made, beautiful curtains. I just cut the tablecloth straight down the middle and then hemmed the raw edges. I did not even need to hem the bottoms-I love the puddled look.

Something I learned through the process of making these curtains is that sheets and light cotton materials are great for roman shades, quilts, etc. but for drapes and long panels a heavier material looks much better. This tablecloth fabric was perfect, it was heavy and had just the right weight to make full, beautiful drapery.

I finally began work on the roman shades in my dining room that I have been putting off as well. This fabric was made from a sheet set I found at Marshall's. Because roman shades need lining on the back the lighter cotton material worked great for this project.

HAPPY SEWING!!

That's Just Cruel

2010-07-08T07:13:00.000-07:00

My daughter is always keeping me on my toes when it comes to my diet by bringing tempting treats into the house. She had talked me into buying cookie dough yesterday in order to make some treats after dinner. I knew it was in the fridge and it was calling my name, so I broke down today and thought to myself- "I'll just have a little bite of cookie dough". As I was lifting the package from the fridge I was taken back to see this printed across the front :DO NOT CONSUME RAW COOKIE DOUGH....seriously???? Everyone loves raw cookie dough, right? Has this "warning" always been there? How can this be...how will I ever go on?????

Riley's Room

2010-07-06T18:47:00.000-07:00

Riley is jumping on the redecorating train and since I am already doing Cruz's room I might as well fit her room in too.
It's been a while since she had an update and she has never had much of a theme. She has requested a butterfly room this time around.
I am not the type to go out and just buy butterflies, that would be too easy. I am going to try to make most of the details by hand and also repurpose things to keep the budget within reason.
I am using this Pottery Barn room as inspiration.

I had a hard time finding bird cages and the ones I did find cost a small fortune. I had to think outside of the box for this one. The first "bird cage" was actually a lantern I bought at a discount. I removed the glass panels, glued in craft sticks to create bars, and then painted it a pale pink.

This cage was a decorative cover for a tissue box that I found at Goodwill for $2 and it was UGLY...until I worked some magic on it.
I wish I would have thought to take a before picture so you could really appreciate the difference.
I sprayed painted it and used an old hardware piece for a handle.

I was rather pleased with the results.

In the end I was able to repurpose several items and ended up with some really cute bird cages to hang.

I thought I would incorporate butterflies by randomly attaching them to the cages.

Thanks to the Cricut I don't need to hand-cut each one!

I found this mushroom on clearance at Lowe's and decided to spray paint it and use it as decoration as well.

Other items I am using for inspiration...

Robot Update

2010-07-06T17:54:00.000-07:00

So, I have been working on ideas for Cruz's robot room and came up with some pretty cool stuff.
My 12 yr. old found these robot cut-outs while we were strolling around the craft store the other day. I had no idea what I was going to do with them, but I knew I could think of something.

After some brain storming this is the finished product.

I decoupaged some scrapbook paper onto the little guy and used some embellishments to give him some cool detail. So glad my scrapbook materials are getting some use!

My daughter also spotted these gears in the scrapbook section of the store-she has a great eye for what her momma likes. Tim Holtz has some great materials to work with.

I spray painted them to match the colors I plan on using in his room.

The Three Amigos!

I am thinking of making some sort of banner with the robots...something like below.

Of course I need to get busy on making some more robots if I follow through with that plan.

Oh, yeah...I am also attemping this cake for Cruz's birthday. I found it on the Betty Crocker website, I hope it's as easy as the tutorial looks!

Riley Gets Her Ears Pierced

2010-07-02T18:27:00.000-07:00

Riley has been wanting this for a while and I finally gave in. She handled it like a champ!

Robot Ready

2010-06-30T06:11:00.000-07:00

If anyone has been around me for even a small amount of time it would not take long to figure out I have a sick obsession with crafting and decorating. I LOVE to change, rearrange, and find ANY excuse to redecorate! My sweet baby boy, Cruz will soon be turning 1 and I am already thinking of redecorating his room. I have been doing a lot of internet research and thinking on this subject and I decided on ROBOTS!

This is Cruz's official invitation for his 1st birthday...cute, right???

I found these on awesome etsy!

Here are some ideas that I found that I thought I would incorporate into the room.

I'm not sure how I will pull off these gears on the wall, but I will give it my best shot!

Isn't this stuffed robot so neat-I can't wait to try my hand at this one.

These "robots" I found on etsy as well really excited me. I can't wait to search antique and thrift shops for items to make these little critters. I thought they would be so cute on display.

I have a few other tricks up my sleeve to bring into the room as well. I will be posting on my progress along the way....wish me luck!

Things I Love Right Now...

2010-06-11T11:55:00.000-07:00

My newly organized craft room (more pics to come as I put on some finishing touches).

This chair I just bought for Cruz's room....so modern.

My new Canon 50D camera. Now all I need is to take some photography classes so I can use it to it's full ability.

The fact that Teghan did not make vollyball, but she made the cheer squad!!!

Vintage cameras...I would like to start a collection for display.

And of course my boys.....

and girls!

One Proud Mama

2010-05-22T07:38:00.000-07:00

Teghan will be starting a new school, Christ Our King, this August as she enters the 7th grade. I have encouraged her to keep an open mind and to tryout for any sports and activities that she may be interested in. I explained to her that it will be a great way for her to meet people and make friends. If you know Teghan, you know she is a very shy girl and it takes a while for her to open up. She has come to really love volleyball over the past year and was a great player on her team at Blessed Sacrament. She expressed interest in playing on the team this year at COK. Tryouts for the upcoming year were this past week and Teghan reluctantly went. She was nervous about being around all these new girls she has never met and I reassured her it would be fine. On tryout day 1 when I picked her up she got in the car and cried. As a mother this pulls at your heartstrings beyond belief, but I have to put on a smile and be strong for her. I told her that everyday would get better and she should not give up. Every day after that seemed to get a little better, but there were plenty of pep talks (along with tears) before I dropped her off. On the final tryout day the coach announced that the players who made the team would be posted outside the gym that evening after 7:30pm. Of course Teghan and I drove up to the school right at 7:30, if not a little earlier. Imagine my disappointment, and hers, when I saw that she did not make the team. She instantly began to cry and my motherly instincts kicked in-at that moment I wanted to go in that gym and tear into that coach. My initial thought was "How dare she do this to my child".
I knew in my heart that Teghan was an awesome volleyball player and that these tryouts were just getting the best of her nerves, but what was I to do? I could not go in there and plead with the coach to give her another try, this would not be a good start for Teghan in front of the girls or in the coaches eyes. At the start of this I assumed that every girl made it on the team and that the coach would place them and give them play time according to their skill level. I believe that middle school is a little early to begin making cuts, this can crush the spirit of a 12 yr. old. However, Teghan did get picked to be a Practice Player, along with one other girl. Practice Players are encouraged to come to the practices to improve their game, but cannot play in the games. I have convinced Teghan she should accept this position and be the bigger person. It's easy to say"I quit" and leave the game all together, but she is going to take the high road and show her coach how dedicated to this sport she really is. I'm so proud of her for her accomplishments this past week. Even though she did not make the team, she found the courage to give it her best. I know it's not easy walking into a new situation...new school, new coach, new girls, but she handled herself with grace and dignity. I love you, Teghan!

Winning the Battle

2010-05-21T17:06:00.000-07:00

It's official, as of today I have lost 30 POUNDS!! I started the Weight Watchers plan this January and since then I have not looked back. I have struggled with my weight ever since I can remember. I have tried EVERY diet out there-if it exists I've done it, but I always find myself going back to Weight Watchers. It's the only plan that has ever really worked for me. I have been cooking all of my meals straight from the Weight Watcher's cookbooks and the whole family loves it! It really helps when you have support at home and everybody is "on board". I have also been putting in an extra effort to walk during the weekdays as well. I used to make excuses not to exercise because I am a busy mother of 3 , but I have found ways to fit it in. I usually put Cruz in the stroller and we walk the streets of our neighborhood. Cruz LOVES walking around the lake behind our house, he is fascinated by the ducks and birds. It's become a real bonding experience between us in the mornings. I also try to meet friends for a walk around the mall with our children in the strollers too. It's great when that works out because Cruz is getting to be around other children, I am exercising AND getting in some much needed adult conversation! I am finding that this time around it's getting easier as I go and watching the number on the scale go down each week is so motivating. I do have days where I struggle, but I am learning how to deal with them and keep going. I want to loose another 30-35 pounds and I can see that goal being attainable at this point. Honestly, I am a little nervous about summer approaching because I definitely do better when I am on a schedule. I JUST NEED TO STAY FOCUSED! I will keep attending my weekly meeting, planning my meals ahead of time and reminding myself how good it will feel to be comfortable in my own skin ( and in some really cute outfits too ;) . I am worth every effort!!!

So Long, Facebook!

2010-05-18T12:29:00.000-07:00

Well, I did it! I finally deactivated my Facebook account. I have been thinking of doing this for a while and after several people I know made the decision it made things even more clear to me-this was the right thing to do. I will admit that I had some hesitation about clicking the "Deactivate" button, but I'm happy to report that I'm still alive after doing so. There may be people who benefit from this social network, but for me personally it was becoming an obstruction in my journey of becoming a better Christian and person as a whole. Some may use Facebook for positive purposes, but at times I allowed it to take over and feed into every jealous and bitter part I possessed in my FAR FROM PERFECT self. I found myself checking updates on people constantly, looking through photos to see what people were up to, sometimes secretly hoping they were not having more fun than me. At times my feelings would be hurt if I found out about events that took place and I was not invited. The problem? This is not the kind of person I want to be, as a Christian I should be hoping that all my friends or people I have felt offended by are having a great time and living their life to the fullest. And, when I was using Facebook for less destructive purposes, I was wasting my valuable and precious time. Time I could be doing something constructive, like spending time with my children, working on home improvements, crafting, or actually speaking with friends in the flesh. If you are really my friend, you know my number, where I live and how to get in touch with me. Social media is beginning to place of the telephone and personal visits. The fact is, rather than use the phone or drive to a friend's house we log on and plug in. I feel like a weight has lifted and I am FREE to live my life. In a nutshell, Facebook was creating too much mental clutter in my life that was unnecessary and it was time to deep clean!

Forgiveness

2010-05-05T09:41:00.000-07:00

I do not believe that it's by accident that I find myself in church on Sunday morning and more often than not the message delivered seems like it was written just for me. Last week our pastor was preaching about forgiveness in order to move on. Forgiveness in friendships and relationships that somehow got off track along the way. I belive that people come into our lives for various reasons and in one way or another teach us some pretty important lessons in life and about ourselves. Some people can help show examples of the person we do- or do not desire to be, some people can help you discover things about yourself you never knew existed, some can bring out the best in you, and some can bring out the worst. It is up to you to determine whether or not relationships in your life are healthy for you and "in line" with the way you want to live your life. When it comes to relationships in my life that have gone astray I am learning that no matter the situation, as a Christian I need to forgive. I have prayed, talked with the Lord, and self reflected on the personal relationships I have been questioning. I have to accept that some people are just the way they are and I cannot change them. Do I wish that my Father took more interest in me and my children? Do I wish that my Grandmother would take advantage of the fact that she is still around to see her Great Grandchildren? Of course I do, but I cannot let their mistakes hold me hostage to feelings of resentment. I have to learn from this situation and promise myself that I will be a better example for my children. Everyday I am learning from the people who come in and out of my life and from my own mistakes. I am learning to accept things for the way they are...learn, forgive and move on.

6 years already?

2009-10-06T10:01:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe my husband and I just celebrated our 6 yr. wedding anniversary...time really does fly when you are having fun!

I met my husband at a time in my life when I really was not looking for a serious relationship, but after our second date I knew he was the one I would marry . There was something definitely different about him, he was so kind, sincere, and honest. Above all, the one thing that really got me, was the way he treated me and especially my daughter. When I met Valmar I had a 4 year old daughter and he embraced the situation without hesitation. It takes a lot of maturity for a 26 year old, single man to commit himself to not only a woman, but a woman with a child...it really says a lot about who he is. To think that we started this journey 7 years ago and to look where we are now makes me so proud of what we have accomplished together in such a short time. It definitely has not been an easy road, marriage takes a lot of work and dedication, but so does anything in life worth having.

7 years and 3 kids later you are still my hero. I love you forever and always.

All This In One Bottle??

2009-10-01T09:36:00.000-07:00

If you have never worked with Mod Podge before, you are in for a treat!

I love this stuff for so many reasons. It's cheap, easy to work with, and you can create the most amazing "masterpieces" with it.

You can find Mod Podge at Walmart and your local craft store.

I wanted to share with you some of the things I have used Mod Podge to create in hopes of inspiring you to get creative with it!

Have empty paint cans at home? Try covering them with scrapbook paper or fabric!

First remove the handle from the paint can using pliers, then lay your paper pattern side down on a smooth surface. Roll the can along the paper while you trace the width and length needed. Cut your paper to size. Don't forget you need to make holes where your handle will fit back in. A whole punch is great for this, but if you do not have one just cut with scissors. Once you have your paper cut to size cover a section of the can with the Mod Podge using a sponge brush. Lay the paper on the section you have covered (making sure that your holes match up with the handle) and smooth down with your hands. Repeat these steps until the can is completely covered. Be sure to smooth out any bubbles. Once the can is covered apply a thin layer of Mod Podge to the outside of the can with your sponge brush, let it dry. Then apply a second layer. Two coats should be good, but you may add more if desired. Tye ribbon around the handle and there you have it!
What a great little container for matchbox cars, Barbie clothes, hair accessories, etc. They make awesome gifts and I have even used them to give gifts in...so much cuter than wrapping paper or gift bags.
It may seem a little overwhelming, but I promise they are so easy to make.Please let me know if you have any questions, I'll be glad to help.

I made these frames using scrapbook paper and Mod Podge. The wood cut-outs are from the craft store, you can buy these already painted.

You can buy the unfinshed frames at your local craft store for a very low price.

Before you get started paint your frame with an acrylic paint, using a coordinating color from your paper. Once the paint is dry, as with the paint cans, lay your paper pattern side down and trace the frame. Once traced, cut out your cover. Using your sponge brush, lighty coat the front of your frame. Lay your cover on top, be sure to smooth out any bubbles. Apply two coats of Mod Podge make sure each coat is dry before starting another. After all coats are COMPLETELY DRY, sand edges with sanding strips or sand block.

Once you have sanded the edges you can can glue on your wood cut-out..you can use any wood glue, but I use Gorilla Glue just to make sure that suckers not going anywhere :)

Other things I have made using scrapbook paper and Mod Podge.

All of the following materials were bought at my local craft store.

"Naked" letters were purchased then covered with paper using the same techniques as above projects.

Blocks for baby! This project was easy and fun. How cute for a baby shower gift!?

A stool I decoupaged for my daughter.

Clipboard frames!

All of these projects are easy and most impotantly they are INEXPENSIVE. They would all make great gifts, especially for someone on a budget.

In my earlier post I was telling you how to make inexpensive wall art. Here are more examples of that using scrapbook paper and Mod Podge.

Cover the back of each scrapbook piece with Mod Podge and lay on a canvas. Once all pieces are laid coat entire canvas with Mod Podge. Two coats should work and you have a beautiful piece of art work!

Remember the owl picture I made from pieces of scrapbook paper? This is another version of the same technique...I thought this was awesome.

This woman searched for art work for her daughter's nursey, but everything was too expensive. She made a replica of a piece of art she had fallen in love with , but could not afford. She used several pieces of canvas , painted them with acrylic paint then added leaves that she had cut from scrapbook paper. She applied the leaves using Mod Podge.

I LOVE THIS!

There really is no limit to what you can create with Mod Podge.

HAVE FUN!!

Don't Break the Bank

2009-09-29T13:21:00.000-07:00

I know these days everyone is trying to save their pennies, so I wanted to pass along some great ideas for inexpensive wall art for your home.

Stretching fabric over a canvas is an inexpensive, beautiful way to create artwork for your home.
You can find a variety of fabrics in different themes and styles to suit your taste and to fit anywhere in your home. Most fabric stores have a remnant table with deep discounts given on the price or use SHEETS. :)

The only supplies you need to pull this off is your fabric, a canvas, scissors, and a staple gun - all found at your local craft store. Staple fabric around canvas as shown below.

I used Amy Butler's Mid West Modern fabric to make the curtains and pillows in my daughters room.

I wanted to incorporate the other patterns in this collection in her room as well, so I decided to stretch the remaining fabrics over canvas and place them over her bed.

BEFORE.....

AFTER....

Another fabric wall art idea...fabric and cross stitching hoops.

I made this owl using a blank canvas, scrapbook paper, and Modge Podge decoupaging glue. You can cut basic shapes and decoupage them to the canvas to create any theme or look you desire-the skys the limit!!

Born Again

2009-09-28T19:03:00.000-07:00

I did not grow up in the church. The early years of my life I was raised by my mom, who was a single parent. She told me the only thing she regrets in regards to raising me, was that we did not go to church. Of course I went to the occassional Easter service, but as a child and young adult I never fully understood what it meant to have Christ in my life.

I knew that my husband had grown up going to church and when we married he expressed his desire to continue going with his family. We began going, but at that time I was not fully committed and we bounced around from church to church for a while. Eventually, we let our busy lives separate us from the church and we found ourselves not attending at all.

It's so easy to let life get in the way of things that are important, you begin to loose focus on what really matters...but God works in mysterious ways. Once we moved to Mt.Pleasant we began going to Seacoast Church and from there things have just fallen in to place.

The sermons are so uplifting and it feels good to be a part of something so big and spirit filled. We have become active, joining Bible Studies , meeting people- people who want to learn about and grow with the Lord as we do. We love Seacoast and our children love Seacoast...even the 12 yr. old. It's so awesome that I just had to share!

Sheet Obsession

2009-09-28T17:24:00.000-07:00

I have to admit, when I discover a good thing I tend to go overboard at times...but this is one indulgence that is smart, cheap, and beautiful!
I don't remember how my love affair with sheets began, but I do know that while shopping for fabrics to make home decor items around my home I could never find anything that I liked or could afford. My style is very clean and contemporary and I kept finding myself being drawn toward all the neat geometric patterns I was seeing on sheets. Sheets cost a lot less than fabric and can be used for the same purpose, so why not use them around the home??
Most of the sheets I have bought and used have come from Target, LOVE that store! The majority of the time I use the sheets for curtains, but I have found other uses for them...besides of course, the conventional method.

I made these curtains in my master bedroom out of king sized flat sheets I found at Target. I cut the sheets into panels then sewed the unfinished edge along the sides. The length was perfect, so no need to hem!

These roman shades hanging in my landing were made from both flat and fitted sheets I found at Target.

These roman shades are hanging in my kitchen. Once again, I used flat and fitted sheets, but I found these at Marshall's.

Other ways I have used sheets around the house....

Close up of patterns on the sheets I have used.

Next up....

roman shades for my dining room!

Order Up!

2009-09-26T08:25:00.000-07:00

I have NEVER been a master in the kitchen. In fact my husband would always tease that if it were not for the microwave my family would starve. My grandmother was quite the cook, but I never took the time or had any interest in learning. Recently, I stumbled upon the most awesome website for an ill equipt cook such as myself...RECIPEZAAR.COM!!

There are literally THOUSANDS of recipes on this website and each has been tested and rated by its users. I love that the recipes are simple, easy to follow and don't include ingredients that I can't pronounce let alone can't find in the grocery store. I am having a blast trying different recipes and getting feedback from my family.

I won't be opening my own restaurant any time soon, but it does give me a sense of accomplishment to be able to serve delicious homemade meals to my family.

Bringing Home Baby

2009-09-25T21:20:00.000-07:00

Finally, the day we all had been waiting for...Cruz has arrived!!

He was the most handsome baby boy I had ever seen and he stoled my heart from the first moment I layed eyes on him.

His sisters fell for him as well. Riley was so excited that we actually got to take him home, "He was all ours" she said!!

A Nursery for Cruz

2009-09-25T20:21:00.000-07:00

Preparing for the birth of my first son was one of the most exciting times in my life. Adding to the excitement was preparing the nursery and embarking on a decorating adventure like no other. It all started with a piece of fabric that I absolutely fell in love with...and the rest is history!

This is it...Alexander Henry's Spotted Owl fabric. When I saw these whimsical, colorful owls I knew I had to have them for my son's nursery.

I used the fabric to make the curtains and added touches of owls where ever I could. The owl print on the wall is actually a picture I made myself from scrapbook paper using a decoupaging technique on a piece of canvas.

It's not likely that I will find to many things for the nursery that have the name "Cruz" on it, so I made these letters myself...once again using scrapbook paper and decoupaging.

I came up with the idea to make make a "branch" for the room and have owls perched upon the limbs for a neat and colorful visual.

I was going to attempt to make some stuffed owls myself, but I found these precious owls on etsy.com at a reasonable price and decided to go with them.

I was very pleased with the end result and I think Cruz will also approve.

My Purpose

2009-09-23T07:19:00.000-07:00

These pictures represent my purpose in life...the reason I live, laugh, and love.