Important Announcement!

Until further notice, I am not accepting any custom sewing projects! I am so behind, that I cannot see the light of day! I even have projects from this spring I have not been able to tend to. That combined with 3 of my kids' birthdays are in the coming month, I need to make them special birthday sets as well as first day of school outfits. I don't want to feel like I am neglecting my kids for the sake of sewing for others. I know all of you moms out there understand that. I just don't make enough profit to even justify it a little bit. Once school starts and we are back into a routine, I will have more time. Thanks so much for understanding.

Coming Soon!!!

We are cleaning out the closets! Everything from sample sets, resells, gently used boutique brands (Gymboree), etc. Find great deals starting August 5th; search BLB boutique on ebay.

My Favorite Products!

I love the Shout Color Catchers!! I think I throw one (or at least a 1/2 of one) in every washload with colors! I have saved so many garments and such with them!

I also love Johnson's Head To Toe Baby Wash! I still use it on all of my kids and myself if in a pinch(forget to bring a new bar into the bath or shower).

Bare Escentuals make-up. I will wear nothing else after using this! Very natural and lightweight. And it is "safe" to sleep in if you forget to wash it off or are too tired, like me. It may seem a bit pricey at first, but it does last quite a long time.

Method cleaning supplies.

I am sure I have many more that I cannot think of now. I would love to hear what your favorites are!

A sweet friend of mine said to me the other day, "I don't know what I'd do if I had 3-5 days without the kids". My response was that I only pray for some wonderful relative to out-of-the-blue show up, living in a house about 4 miles down the road, volunteer to take our kids for even just a weekend! Actually, just taking them overnight one time would be a dream come true! I am constantly trying to remind others, who have the luxury of family within an hour or so, how lucky they are. All of you who have a mom to pick up the kids from school/daycare, a sister to watch the kids while you make a Walmart run, grandparents who beg to let the little ones spend the night, an aunt who offers to take the kids so you and hubby can have a night out (without spending a King's ransom on a sitter)~~~You have no idea how fortunate you all are!!!! We do not have any of those options. Anyway, my point being, take advantage of the opportunity to have some alone time, some "date nights" with hubby, etc. Those moments are so precious and valuable, don't waste it!

What I want to know is: What would you do if you had 3-5 days without kids (knowing they were safe and happy with grandma or some other trusting relative or friend)? Here's what I would do (and in no particular order, just typing as they come to mind):

~Sew
~take a nap
~go shopping
~get my hair done
~clean
~spring clean the kitchen, closets, etc
~take a craft class like one at JoAnns or something
~read a book (not a children's storybook either;))
~have a romantic date with hubby
~get out that "to-do" list and start working
~get a massage
~go grocery shopping, no kids, no rushing
~surf the net
~blog hop
~ebay
~plant a tree
~have lunch with a friend
~call someone without any interruptions
~watch a movie and actually hear everything
~spend quality time with hubby, doesn't matter what you do
~use the restroom without interruptions or kids crying or pounding on the door
~go for a walk
~make wonderful, delicious, healthy meals for the weeks ahead and freeze them
~start a new project at home (re-decorate a room, paint a room, etc)


Anyway, those are just a few ideas of what I would do, what would you do???

A Prom Dress Only a Father Would Design!

I sure hope this doesn't offend anyone, but I got such a kick out of this picture!!! I believe it was for some design competition, but you get the point! Very clever!!

Icy Blue Wonder

Check out this blogspot~it is my sister and her boys!!! The ones with the incredible blue eyes.....http://photosbylissa.blogspot.com/

Bardigans, Patricks, & Chunge-obs

That is what my baby girl said when asked what she would like for her birthday coming up!!! To translate~Backyardigans, Patrick (from Sponge Bob Square Pants), and Sponge Bob. Well, she will be getting her Backyardigans birthday party, her first "friend" party!! I think she will be getting a Leapster (just like her brother and sisters) from us, or maybe a scooter so she can ride with the "big dogs" seeing as she already thinks she is "one of them". LOL!!! This morning she asked if she could have an ife with her fruit. I just love this age, so innocent while trying to be so grown up!

Answer: 6 hours

The question is: How long does it take my family to eat an entire pan of Rice Krispie Bars?

Seriously, they are like wild animals!! I cannot keep up with feeding the kids! I didn't realize how much they ate until this summer break. Jaden eats 3 waffles and 2 glasses of milk for breakfast and within 1-2 hours, he is begging for more! The kid obviously needs the nourishment, you can see ribs on front and back so I know I am not over-feeding him. I cannot even begin to imagine how much he will be eating when he is 15!!

Save the ta tas!!

5% of all sales go to breast cancer research! I have mine, compliments of my sister, and I cannot tell you how many compliments I received while wearing it!!! Go and get one for yourself and anyone who will wear it with pride!!! I am not big into wearing political, racial, or religious graphic tees, but this is definitely a good cause to support!!!

Well, Bruce has call from now until Monday morning (actually he is on call 13 days this month), so the kids and I are heading up north for a couple of days. I finally get to meet my new nephew!!!! It's been a while since we have been up, Christmas I think, so it will be lots of fun! Thank goodness for the invention of the dvd player in vehicles!! The kids will be occupied with movies for the 7+ hours we will be in the van! We had a nice 4th, watched fireworks from our backyard~I think we have the best view in town~and good company!! That was the best part!

The doggy set that Rianna is wearing will be up for auction next week (fits sizes 4/5/6). Randi is keeping hers, we wouldn't dare make her give up her doggy set!!!