the eiler family & blessed be the name children's clothing

not much longer...

2009-01-06T20:12:00.008-06:00

hello to all who read...
not much longer..a few design changes and a little server switcheroo and i am back in blogger business with my new spot...www.eilerandcompany.com/blog- I THINK!! ...yay!!

it is official...sample sets have shipped and some have arrived...another yay!! i am so very pleased with how the last few pieces turned out-thatwewaitedforfromtheupsmanandtheywerelate!!!!- ...my favorite patterns yet i think on a few things...pictures included here along with the ups man just for kicks...

so i share once again...my precious patient models...enjoy!!
lots of posting to come...
my love to bebek and sam...

goodbye to blogger...

2009-01-03T07:54:00.004-06:00

hello to all who read...
exciting news today...i am moving to wordpress...not sure what all that will mean but i know that you will love my new blog home...so today my favorite designer is snowed in and she is going do her thing...yay!! see you soon...
until next time....

3 more and a quote to encourage....

2009-01-02T15:32:00.005-06:00

hello to all who read and fellow bathroom mirror goal people....
writing to share a few more pictures before the trunks leave on monday...we are so incredibly thankful our process is going well here - the one that gets thousands of pieces of clothing sent in a really organized fashion across the southeast...the kind that makes you all think we were finished well before just 15 minutes before the UPS store welcomes the driver to pick up our 11 boxes...hmmmmm they will arrive and they will be organized and we will take a nap when finished...yay!! aren't these models for these photos so patient...they don't even look cold and they didn't complain at all!! LOL

so anyway...i wanted to share a quote that i got from the gym aerobics coordinator through email...nifty huh...gym emails???

"The road to success is not straight. There is a curve called Failure, a loop called Confusion, speed bumps called Friends, red lights called Graves, caution lights called Family. You will have flats called Jobs. But, if you have a spare called Determination, an engine called Perseverance, insurance called Faith, a driver called Jesus, you will make it to a place called Success"

i was really thinking about this in terms of exercise...and perseverance there...i told myself this morning during sprints that i was too tired to do..."self...(haha right)..work hard now...this is where you put in the time that will pay off later...work hard, work really hard..."
so to all of you who have emailed me about your goals...now is where we put in the time and it is hard....but it will pay off...

all of my love to bebek and sam...
and to summer..thank you for your encouragement, love you tons!!

transparency...again...and to bebek...

2008-12-31T14:51:00.004-06:00

hello to all who read...i have posted alot lately so please scroll down for business stuff that most of you are looking for...maybe even "page down" it has been a rather busy blogging week...
just a note for today...
you can probably tell through my blog, if you know me well enough...that i have had some curve balls thrown my way in the last few months...one after another, spiritual warfare to be sure, satan is alive and well and wants me to suffer along with everyone else, and he is better at his job than we give him credit for...but yet real me with real emotions about all of it right in the middle...feeling deeply and passionately about life in general...trying to find out why all of this is happening...life doesn't get easier...so i persevere and those around me...i am grateful for my precious and loyal friends...and my husband...my patient husband...thank you...
so my precious friend bebek whom i send my love to every single day and at the end of every blog entry...we talked today about storms (baby Sam has cancer)...my oldest friend- to you bebek...you have penetrated my soul on so many levels and i feel relieved today more so than in the last few months to share with you my struggles...even in the midst of yours...we both agreed that this life is fleeting and we are so glad...we shouldn't expect things to be better here and there is a purpose for that ...so that we will not long for the things of this world as not to not want to leave them behind... and so i was encouraged by her...by the fact that struggles across the board are there and it is how we deal with it that builds character to either deal with the next one or help someone else..bebek you are loved by anyone who comes in contact with you and i love you ....
so once again i send my love to baby sam too...you are both so strong...one more round...

2 post day....please look and have a laugh!!

2008-12-30T20:48:00.003-06:00

hello AGAIN...
can you tell i'm stressed....i do this...i blog when i should be doing 9000 other things...like building the website products...sorry people, little distracted...

ok the reason for my post!! i have to share...my graphics guy, lead designer for the web company has been working with me on favorite laundry's website just a little while now (he does bbtn too)...well, the long story is that he works for my brother who owns valeo marketing and design...

SO anyway...matt is quirky like me...so we (my husband and i) just wiped the tears away from laughing at what he did for the website just while under construction....maybe it is just funny to us...but just in case it is not- have a good laugh on matt...and me with my favorite song these days...(GREAT to run to btw- i think of it as my "pursuit of a tiny hiney" song...LOL..see!! really quirky!!) at the very least you can mark it in your favorites on your browser...enjoy!! it's quick don't miss it!!

www.favoritelaundry.com

101 things...

2008-12-30T14:35:00.006-06:00

hello to all who read...
i just recently read one of our customer's blogs with 100 things about her...(thanks allison from montgomery)...so i will post the same just because i enjoyed hers...i am hoping that you all will follow suit...you know who you are!!

1. i LOVE diet coke!
2. my ipod is one of my most favorite gadgets...along with my blackberry
3. i think people should update their blogs regularly....
4. i think if you have an idea you ought to do it!
5. i love paper, fabric, and photography
6. i use a nikon d60 and love it! - i just need to learn how to use it better...
7. "blessed be the name" does not have a business plan and was kindof an accident...
8. i drive a stinking minivan...and i'm not sure i'm ok with it...
9. i love great workout clothes and good jeans..
10. fun shoes are a must
11. one of my favorite childhood memories is eating taco bell on christmas eve
12. a roomba is the saving grace for someone who doesn't like to have walmart feet...
13. i love music and love to find new artists...
14. my favorite retail brand for kids is bodenusa.com (for kids)
15. i drive pretty fast
16. i live by a paper planner....
17. i went to school for nutrition and still gained TONS of weight with my first pregnancy
18. blogging is my therapy
19. i have to shut the dishwasher after unloading and then open it again to load it...finishing one task before starting another...quirky!!!
20. i don't believe in overscheduling my kids...they need down time! (and so do i)
21. i have big problems with people who write checks in the grocery checkout line..for the love!!!!
22. it is important to always say goodnight
23. i went to auburn 94-99...yes, it took me five years...i changed my major :(
24. i am a big picture person and hate details...i have made myself learn to pay attention to them and it is VERY hard...
25. i love that i work from home...
26. i think everyone needs something to be passionate about in their lives besides their kids
27. texting is my favorite mode of communication!
28. don't YOU hate filling your gas tank?
29. not a big fan of walmart...but i make myself do it...
30. we eat protein, carbohydrates, and low fat foods at EVERY meal...
31. i wish that everyone knew the secret to dieting and exercise....
32. i am absolutely addicted to cheese dip but can't have it often..
33. favorite movie...the notebook
34. favorite flower...tulips
35. a clean car (on the inside) is a must
36. i am certain that if people would write about deformed theology it would help alot of people
37. i hate it when people are not loyal to their feelings
38. i think you ought to do what you say you are going to do...
39. i love good friends....doesn't everybody?
40. i have one laundry day...i don't do laundry every day...need a break from it!
41. white sheets are fabulous...
42. i love daydreaming!
43. windshield time is VERY important (in the car time- by myself)
44. pedicures are a HUGE luxury and a must on the splurge list
45. favorite color of toenail polish- "you don't know jaques" by OPI
46. shelby county is where i grew up in TN and shelby county is where i live in AL
47. i pick fabric and just about anything else VERY quickly...
48. lifting weights is a great way to relieve stress
49. crushed ice is a great motivation to do anything or go anywhere...
50. chick-fil-a is fabulous- don't you love how quick they are?
51. it is very important to me that my kids not fight and that they learn to love each other dearly...and play together
52. woodburning fireplaces are fabulous!
53. i love the beach and dread cold weather...like 50 is cold...
54. i don't sew well...functionally i know how but little scary to think about...
55. i make patterns but it isn't a pretty process...
56. i didn't really know that i was cut out for this business...or managing projects and people...i did public relations for an orthodontic office for my last job...
57. i love auburn football!! i worked with recruiting for three years and loved it!!
58. i know my ups, fedex, and postal lady WELL...we are their first stop on the way in the neighborhood...
59. i love that the UPS store is such a familiar place
60. my errands loop is short and it actually is a loop...gym, cleaners, ups store, embroidery, crushed ice at zaxby's
61. sometimes i wonder why life is filled with such mundane things...but yet it makes us happy at points....
62. i dream of a third child...cooper...don't know if that will happen
63. we build houses..several...and love it!! great process, highly recommended
64. i would love to have a pink golfcart with flames and live in mt laurel....
65. logan and mia both have my feet and i hate that!!
66. i will hopefully be designing fabric for AE designs...soon!
67. my husband works for a high-speed scanner company and loves to fish...
68. we went to playa del carmen on our honeymoon
69. i am so grateful for several GOOD friends...they are close and loyal...even when i am not in a place to be a great friend
70. treadmill is my chosen torture device...
71. did you know that you can run sprints and get a great "longer" workout out of it..
72. i wish people knew that how you eat is 85% of what you look like & feel...not the gym...
73. i am originally from memphis and would not move back...i love birmingham
74. there are a few people in my life that have penetrated my soul...that is very important to me
75. i think that it is sometimes confusing that trials can cause you to have a shaken foundation even though you know what is right...
76. did you know that you can PIN someone on a blackberry for free- meaning a free text if you have their PIN code?
77. vonage is a great phone carrier
78. good sunglasses are important
79. i love the lake...and wakeboarding
80. a great grilled chicken salad is very hard to come by...and so is a grilled chicken sandwhich
81. i love bling...
82. i am usually very certain about what i do and don't like and rarely change my mind or waiver...
83. i write my goals on my bathroom mirror
84. i think kids need lots of affection!
85. a girl's trip to the beach is one of my favorite things
86. finding a good band to "shake you hiney" to is IMPORTANT every now and then
87. i use cooking light recipes MOST of the time
88. after dieting for awhile...lean quisines DO fill you up..
89. favorite sports' bras...target champion 17$ tons of colors
90. i love the thought of otis redding and the balcony at the beach
91. you should be told good morning by somebody no matter what...
92. i hate goodbyes
93. i hate dry sandwhiches
94. grey's anatomy, the bachelor, and biggest loser are my favorite shows
95. i love the dialogue between meredith & christina on grey's -she explains why she is her "person"...
96. don't by dri-fit athletic socks...you might fall of the treadmill for how slippery they get...
97. i have never fallen off the treadmill...but almost
98. you should squat for your leg workout...
99. i struggle just like everyone else with alot of things..
100. i know deep down that God loves me despite any trials and circumstances
101. i am offically out of things....
your turn!!!!
as always my love to bebek and sam...

what we did today....and a contest!!!

2008-12-29T18:48:00.011-06:00

hello to all who read...
what a beautiful day to try accomplish what seems impossible...timeline for this week- forget it, total and complete damage control...at best...trunks ship NEXT monday- as in the fifth (sorry to alarm everyone and sorry to amelia for the alarmed emails)...we were definately not ready to ship today...
so in short we were taking pictures on a beautiful day (even though at noon with too much light after a brutal leg workout no less i squatted, again...yay for photoshop and the what shade we could find and maybe time will take care of the legs)...
the website and slideshow will be new soon....

CONTEST!! or should i say incentive offered for participation....everybody can do well in this one...(i hate it because i don't ever win anything, so you CAN win this one...)
to receive a free monogram...(i will keep up with it)....please comment with your name, city & state, and your most favorite children's clothing store that you could see BBTN clothes being sold...or should i say Favorite Laundry clothes...please make sure to include the city of the store...that's it!! easy right?? enjoy the benefits!!
and thanks...in advance!!

until next time...
all of my love to bebek and sam...

our christmas....and news!!

2008-12-27T21:14:00.014-06:00

hello to all who read..
i am hoping your week has been wonderful...enjoying your family and hopefully travels were safe and light...and kids were great in the car, of course...
i am grateful for this week but somehow i am always ready for normalacy and even the daily routines that go along with the other months of the year...we are back from said roadtrip, unpacked somewhat, and everyone is in bed...and so i share bits of our week and traditions...a funky tree, chinese food on christmas eve (new tradition!), familiar christmas decorations, and the fun of the kids opening presents...and of course everything else that couldn't possibly be mentioned just like your house i'm sure....

and so i write...
i have just written my list of things that have to be accomplished this week...my load will be heavy and overwelming...ugh...i just read in my planner that some smart anonymous person said "you should not ask for a lighter load, but for a stronger back..." that seems to be the theme of life these days...with stresses of life, kids, business as usual, and certainly the daily struggle to abide...and why is it that abiding is a struggle?

so on a business note... clothes continue to fly, 76 boxes of tees are here, the bbtn girls are (i am hoping) well-rested from the week (smiling...)...and trunks will ship monday....11 this time going 11 different routes for approximately 8-10 weeks...hhhheeeerrrreeee we go girls!! spring 2009 with bbtn....

ok....finally, the news!!
"what the heck is favorite laundry anyway!!??" well...if you are a blog reader you get to know and everyone else can guess, i hope not very well....we are going to market in atlanta!! Favorite Laundry will be made up of some of my most favorite designs and fabric made just for wholesale- same quality!! the two companies will run simultaneously but differently and independent of one another because of their different designs and the nature of their sales... shop owners... mickey guyton is our rep on the 13th floor...so...that is the news!! exciting and scary at the same time!! i hope you will enjoy getting to visit your favorite retail stores and seeing something a little familiar...contest with benefits coming with regards to the new venture...so our market date is january 24th weekend...so we will see....

thoughts behind favorite laundry:
Unique designs that are age-appropriate and somewhat timeless…

Classic but with an endearing memorable twist

Whimsical simplicity….

Easy to wash and even easier to wear

A perfect birthday party or grocery store outfit
but wonderful for naptime as well

We want to dress your children for your greatest memories

We know that you will find these to be among your favorite clothes and here’s hoping they are in your laundry pile most often…

as always,
my love to bebek and sam, and to my person- i missed you this week...

happy birthday little one...

2008-12-20T17:18:00.011-06:00

hello to all who read...
happy birthday mia....what a wonderful day we had yesterday...her very own bike was a hit...pajama day for most and then a mall outing to see santa and build-a-bear....
what a precious child she is ... a daily encouragement to me...her spirit is amazing....she lights up whatever room she is in, the hit of the party always, sweet and gentle yet very strong and stubborn...driven and passionate yet sensitive to those around...loves the thrill of life and yet stops to check out the details...laughs easily and very often, serious when needed and obedient... her heart is so soft and very silly....girly but tough in a wonderful way...

i love you mia....there would be a huge whole if you weren't in the world...not to mention a huge hole in our family...
as always .... all of my love to bebek and sam, new friends and old... i am so grateful

2008-12-19T09:01:00.005-06:00

hello to all who read...
sharing just the postcard today... for hostesses this is your invitation...we have a new designer and i am thrilled to be working with her creative mind...(i still love laurengdesigns btw)...i am just thrilled to be working with joelle from imagegardenphotos.com - designer of the favorite laundry logo and the soon to be AE designs...things are moving right along here...clothes are flying and everyone is in full swing...spring 2009 show schedule and new photos will be posted very soon to www.blessednames.com as well....
i am grateful for all of the hands involved..especially during this super busy time of year...thank you to the BBTN team for taking charge in their different areas...your help is appreciated more than you know!! The birmingham team is doing a great job of making deadlines and manufacturers are working so hard as well...thank you!!
more posts to come this week...so much fun to share...

transparency & firsts...

2008-12-14T17:50:00.015-06:00

hello to those who read...
i am about to inundate you once again...pictures and more pictures...i love taking them, editing, and sharing... therapeutic kindof...stress dissapates while editing because it a creative outlet that does not require me to decide something hard...like how many yards of fabric to ship across the country or how many tees you all may want to buy for the whole season...in the midst of editing i may forget that it's been a rough week and that there are 76 huge boxes coming this week and that it might just be stressful on that day...
with editing, i get to decide whether it is important to take the red out of the picture, whether it needs to be blurred, or cropped...or just sharpened....saturated?? how fun...with the undo button at my disposal, really there are no consequences to my decisions...just a wait and see....much easier than my work decisions or the reprocussions of life decisions. much less stressful...so it is welcomed and as a result you are inundated...sigh!!

these are of mia's first real haircut...not just a trim...she wanted to have hair "juss like mommy"...so we chopped it to short and we love it!! it fits her "juss like mommy" funky attitude too...

and logan's first basketball game...he did a wonderful job and the bulls won!!

so i have talked to several people after the last post...it is apparent that it hit home with some of you....a list of questions for God...most that require real-deal answers...ones that just won't go away. so i say seek, like i am, define your questions and pray for answers- or just cry out to God when you cannot pray ...asking for clear answers...so that you may have peace...and maybe he will give you enough peace until you can understand or enough peace because you will never get to understand...at least not soon.

my posts have been transparent lately (well...they always are i guess)...i think those of us who are passionate seek the very deepest connection with God and with man...i am not content with loving half-heartedly and letting life pass by...and so diving into life is not always the smoothest of rides...
but as far as being passionate...i wouldn't trade it because whatever my road i am sure to feel it deeply and appreciate it greatly....another reason why i share.....

lots of love to bebek and sam...you are both so strong...

new shoes and another peak...

2008-12-12T14:04:00.005-06:00

hello to all who read...
i am always sharing something quirky it seems but i hope it always makes sense even if you are personally very logical and straightforward...maybe it is just a little sidestep for you to think about things how i see them...and so i continue to share...

before i shared my lime shoes with you...and today i add another pair. really a little more normal and fun just the same...i call it retail therapy as many of us do when you are in need of a little "pick me up" - so i splurged...which i don't do often...although always up for a vietnamese pedicure i usually don't buy things out of a certain frame of mind...today i did....just needed...

but i thought about it...my attempt at "feeling a little better" is so very futile. maybe it is the time in my life and all of our lives when we need to realize how we are created...a void only God can fill. a spot that is God-shaped and designed so that even fun shoes still leave a hole.... while i have had more than a list of questions for God lately- he made me and wants to fulfill the desires of my heart. he wants to be the desire of my heart at all times but he is gracious and merciful during times where he is not. he still pulls at my heart during trials letting me know that while i think i know what is best - he always knows better...

what's more...he is not only capable of filling my desires but making them desires that are my idea as well....that he didn't even talk me into it...make sense? so i am asking that God make my desires ones that would honor him and glorify him. even as a believer i am more than wretched and i even tend to resist what he wants for me- knowing full well that he is my creator and knows me better than anyone...even when life makes me question if i know what i need...

during times when i am lost in the futility of life- i am determined to seek his will even if my list of questions for him outweighs the stamina that i seem to have...maybe this is what the velveteen rabbit meant, huh?

Lord, i don't understand what you are doing in my life but i see enough evidence to trust you...even if my doubts are numerous- i am yours God and i know you are in the business of teaching me... however hard the road is...i look forward to the peace that i am trusting you to give me..

i am grateful that we have a patient God...a God who is jealous and holy...one that loves us no matter how much we question and how far we go to do things ourselves...

all of my love to new friends and old...bebek and sam...

p.s.- boy moms...here is another peak for you...

a sneak peak...

2008-12-10T08:25:00.011-06:00

hello to all who read...
tough week here to be sure but in the midst there are always things you have to make yourself do...yesterday was one of those days where you wake up and do what you have to do regardless of how you feel....so in the wind and weather we took pictures..thank you to my precious friend Summer for her presence and expertise...so i share what the precious littles did yesterday...
the spring season is just right around the corner...approaching much faster than i wish it would to be sure...there is so much to do and much stamina needed to do it...i just wish this was as easy as bathroom mirror goals...it pales in comparison...
all of my love as always to bebek and sam...
sigh!

sale!!

2008-12-01T16:16:00.004-06:00

Hello to all who read...
it is time for our end of the season sale... help us clean out the workroom to make room for spring...please pass the word...read carefully for instructions...

INSTRUCTIONS FOR SALE: THIS WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY
As always, first come- first serve!

PLEASE LOOK: the slideshow is on the left of this page...for items that may be in stock

EMAIL: please send requests for calls to info@blessednames.com please include: what size you would need, what gender you are shopping for, any requests that you may have, your full name, and a good phone number to reach you. We will go through the size that you need and let you know what we have available.
****anytime between now and thursday* yes, you may send your requests now...

PHONE: Wednesday 9-5 please call 205.533.7861, 205.739.9739

Thursday 10-1 same phone numbers

PRICELIST:
embroidered crew tees $18
embroidered girly tee $20
ruffle pants $22, $24
boy pants $21
skort $29
twirly skirt $27
kathryn top $27
kathryn dress $36
playall 43, 36 depending on whether it is reversible
longall 37
maddox top27
peasant shirt 20, 23 depending on fabric

as always- although distracted certainly by life and the sale...all of my love during tough times to bebek, sam

shhhhh.....sharing a secret....

2008-11-30T22:02:00.004-06:00

hello to all who read...
i am sharing a secret here... for blog readers only...and really it's just a hint...i have a little project and you will have to try and guess but the news is exciting... and i have a good reason to share... so enjoy the new graphics for now...and maybe more later...

all my love to bebek, sam ...

meet my brothers....

2008-11-28T15:13:00.007-06:00

hello to all who read...
i have seen through emails, texts, and the ever popular facebook that everyone has had wonderful visits this week and we have as well...the conversation at the dining room table definately lived up the expectations that we now have...funny stories as usual and more talk of stories to come once the mandatory time has expired for parental irritation... and so once again we laughed...
and so to meet my brothers....how very different we all are but isn't it neat how you know that you have come from the same family...the things that are similar are VERY similar...obviously not in height...
so John...to the left...accomplished musician and bandmember of snozberry of memphis, almost finished with all school student, and about to commit to the national guard a week from yesterday to hopefully enter pilot training to take his own steps although following my dad's footsteps at the same time...a very smart, driven, talented person...John amazes me with his commitment, convictions, and loyalty...he and i both have completed bathroom mirror goals and share a bond of complete understanding...although not having lived in the same city for the past almost 14 years there is an amazing amount of understanding there for the few conversations we seem to be able to muster over the distance...we are very different in our dimeanor but so much alike in our quiet moments...great resolve and we know what we want out of life...
to john...you are a beautiful person...i appreciate your loyalty to me and to our family- you contribution is valued, your personality cherished for exactly how you are- not more or less, and your goals and talents are supported by me. i love you dearly and love that we share the gift of being siblings...

and jamie...on the right...also an accomplished musician in snozberry, business owner, valeo marketing and design, absolute genuis in web design and marketing (www.valeomarketing.com)...brilliant mind -driven by goals and his intellect- jamie is thriving in the small business world. responsible for so much of bbtn's website although it would not be his choice of how to do things (girly and frilly).... jamie and i are alot alike outwardly but his hair is better than mine - how fair is that??? we both are very extroverted and love life and people (john does too just not as extroverted)...needless to say Jamie is committed and loyal as well...giving everything he does all he has and more...

to jamie...you are amazing and i am amazed at you...we are close in a "we both run a business but not in the same city kindof way"....we always pick up right where we left off...thank goodness for blackberry technology ...i love that you are happy in your relationship and i appreciate your humor and i value you in my life...

to you both...i love you and look forward to many years of laughs, family memories, and seeing what happens in both of your lives...

my love to my brothers, bebek, sam

grateful for....

2008-11-26T21:00:00.005-06:00

hello to all who read...
isn't it interesting how there is one day that everyone stops to realize what they have to be grateful for or maybe it isn't that way between those who read but talking about the general population- the travel traffic was more than crazy today...while i think it is a good thing...and definately cause for a celebration...family and friends together....it makes me, and my quirky self, kindof pensive...in a good way...and maybe that is the purpose for me...

i really hope we don't wait that long...to give your very best effort in a meal for family, to have them over even, to use fine china and breakable glasses (you know the ones with dust on them that leave a ring, not tumblers folks)...to travel to see company, to take time off, to thank God for what you have...i mean the gratefulness that leaves you speechless on your knees in front of Almighty God......we all need all 365 days this year to praise a creator that continues to bless us even though we are more than wretched...the list of things that i am grateful for is absolutely endless...and the reasons i am wretched are even more endless...to be certain, i am grateful for God's mercy and his love...

while i know that it is life and human certainly to take days for granted and even people and blessings...but let Thanksgiving for me be a fabulous visit with family, a small meal in light of bathroom mirror goals, wonderful words between special and loved ones...and a meter for checking my gratefulness yearound...

someone asked me recently what my favorite holiday memory is... and my answer included Thanksgiving day...dinner with my family...the funny thing is that this memory because a favorite just a few years ago...my brothers and i started sharing stories of things we had "gotten away with" during the years that we all lived either under my parents' roof or in college...of course there are some things left unsaid (for a few more years) but there are so many funnies that are now safe to share...try it!! I hope your family will laugh or your Thanksgiving may turn out a little different than ours...be careful what your share dear ones...

precious Sam...you got good news today!! you are precious, strong, and loved
Bebek...you might as well be my sister...i love you...

needed moments and wanted moments...

2008-11-18T21:26:00.007-06:00

hello to all...second attempt at posting with pictures...lots of them as usual...

a precious moment with my little - unsolicited even...how do they know when you need a hug...or just a moment that makes it all worth it...the eight loads of laundry, the endless meals and cleaning up...of course when we have quality time i realize right away that all else fades...coloring for instance...such a simple thing that matters not in the way of accomplishments...she usually just turns the page after working so diligently on a certain page never to look again...but the time spent is such a wonderful investment and i wouldn't trade the unfinished projects and as a result not any of the meals prepared or messes cleaned up...who cares...my investment is in her little mindset, in his mindset...just being there...for a quick "thumbs up" at basketball can make the whole day's investment completely worth it...i know i cannot be the only one that feels that way, that has to be the reason why we do it every day...just my thoughts today....
blessings until next time....and to little Sam - you are so strong...i love you bebek!

a few words and lots of pictures...

2008-11-11T20:44:00.016-06:00

a day with all of the littles to be sure...
veteran's day as you know so logan was home...what a treat to have a "used to be this way" day...the three of us met amelia and her littles for lunch at the soda shop (at mt laurel of course) and then to the park for some "wear them out so they will sleep time"...
we enjoyed the weather and watching our children play...i am inundating you once again with pictures but what a fun backdrop it was today with the leaves....it will be awhile before there is color again so enjoy...
all of my love and thoughts and prayers of course to bebek and sam...i know you are having a rough week....

thoughts for today...about today....

2008-11-05T18:17:00.005-06:00

hello to those who read...
have you ever just really been grateful for a day? have you ever looked around and paid attention to the people you come in contact with...ignored the normal and realized what it means to not take people for granted.

today was one of those days...i was surrounded and talked to wonderful people who really care about what happens during their day. i had great conversation, had the freedom to express appreciation and love to those around, and just plain decided I am not taking today and what it brought for normal activity.

what is normal anyway? is a normal day one that you end with dreams after just going through the motions?- did you think you did alot today and feel satisfied with that?or was it one that you knew you took every opportunity to tell those you hold dear that you love them...and do everything realizing that it was wonderful we were able to do it...

what about all of the time that we have...i am resolved not to let it pass by today without using it...not just passing it. i don't always feel that way...some days i wish time would go much faster..either because of the hurdles that come at different times or because i have for some reason decided that it wasn't important.

time is so very important...the impact that it can have is all we have...temporal of course here but with great potential for the eternal...but whether it means acts of service for those around, accomplishing a goal, encouragement or just plain loving those who are important in your life. time is all we have and when we realize how precious it is it makes you question if you used it wisely. the sad thing is that we forget that it may be limited and maybe that's why we don't use it like we would if we kept that thought in the forefront of our minds.

do i use my time wisely? do i love deeply and without reservation? do i enjoy those around for whatever reason depending on their relationship? i believe so...i have no regrets. from ceda at the fabric company, to my favorite bag boy at publix because he understands i love to ride the cart to my car...(and see if mia and i can make it all the way with one push), or the deli guy that remembers that i don't like boar's head turkey because it tastes like roadkill..or to my family and those others that are held very close.

precious ones in my life i am resolved to not take you for granted and mind the fact that we have time...and that is important for all of us. our space for learning more about each other, memorizing what is important to you (and maybe how we like our coffee) and enjoying what we offer each other. encouraging to say the least that time can be so enjoyable and so beneficial for loads of reasons.

i loved today...
my thoughts and love to bebek, sam

a peak....

2008-11-02T05:51:00.003-06:00

hello to all...
ok so the time has changed and i'm AWAKE...what creatures of habit we become- nevermind there is an extra hour of sleep to be had...however, the sun coming up this morning was beautiful and more sleep would have meant missing it...and so the day begins...

i owe you all a sneak peak at spring 2009 to be sure...and so A picture i will share...sewn items will be flying soon for pictures and new sample sets but for now i have piles of sample yardage just from a few of the fabric vendors so this is not all...just a little....

we are adding several new patterns for spring and changing some that we have already...exciting for sure to have new pieces here and fabulous to look forward to another season...

p.s. we will be in tuscaloosa with our new rep. catherine at christmas market there...more details to follow...with excess inventory

until next time...
all my love to bebek and sam...

mountains, halloween, and turkeys...

2008-10-31T22:42:00.012-05:00

hello to all...
not many people would take this many pictures AND share them profusely like i do but... i guess... again..you all choose to read and indulge in mindless activity like reading my thoughts so i share...once again...my thoughts and what i view as amazing through pictures hoping that maybe you will see them how i did...
a wonderful moment captured by my camera (that i need to learn how to use)....or maybe even just the leaves - so we won't forget how beautiful they are this time of year....
fall is my absolute my favorite season for this very reason...isn't it wonderful that when you are so tired and all dried up like we all are at the end of summer...there is something wonderfully colorful or interesting that seems to come out of absolutely nowhere? at the end of the summer..i am always ready for something new, new season, a new school year, and cooler weather..football too...pumpkins and mums...long-sleeve tees and shorts...a wonderful combination by the way..
and so i share...a day at the park, with camera in hand as usual...what an amazing creator we have...

halloween was today of course...hilarious as usual to see the littles dressing up and even funnier to see how much candy they think they can eat...every year they get a little better at navigating people's front yards, while running, in a costume, with a mask. nobody even biffed tonight!!! mia dressed as DORFTY...NOT dorothy but DORFTY -precious one had a ball probably more fun than big brother...who was bumblebee by the way for those unfamiliar...

i am so grateful for the memories..red wagon and all...mia actually laid down inbetween houses in the wagon... great memories to be sure....

lastly...tomorrow i will share (if all goes well) pictures of spring fabrics...a sneak peak...they are definately starting to roll in as the remainder of fall rolls out...

i am leaving you all with a picture of a turkey at the park today that i believe was running for his friggin' life...he knows it is coming...everyone staring at him "nakid" on their dining room table...made me laugh even if you don't....see? i told you i'm quirky..run turkey run!!
love to all and especially bebek and sam...

just a quote...

2008-10-25T13:33:00.002-05:00

hey to all...
enjoying your weekend i am hoping...sounds like everyone is busy this weekend...tons of halloween things and pumpkin patch trips...i am hoping you all are enjoying the weather like we are...
this weekend so far anyway...i watched a movie given by a friend "shadowlands" it's a CS lewis movie ... a story of true love found...i wanted to share a quote...you can imagine with lewis writing it, it was amazing...
there is a part where jack (lewis) says to his life love..." you know? i don't wish to be somewhere else anymore...not waiting for anything new to happen..not looking around the next corner or the next hill...I'm here now and that's enough...

maybe it made sense to me because i have been dwelling on those thoughts alot lately especially in the last few blogs...so i thought you might enjoy the thought as well...
all my love as usual...
and to bebek and sam thoughts, prayers, and my love...

park time and open house...

2008-10-22T21:10:00.018-05:00

hello to all who read..
we hardly ever leave the house after mia's nap and after logan's rest after school...kindof asking for grumpy-ville and it almost never sits well with one or both or even me...
but today fresh air was needed for me especially and the kids were excited and promised to be sweet...so we went to the park...(above is the view from the park...GORGEOUS...who wouldn't be encouraged...)

so just down the street and we are enjoying the outside and I the levity that comes with watching two kids run around...the conversation between them is much different now than it used to be with mia getting older and logan growing more tolerant of a sister that can finally play with him...and converse well i must say (hmmm wonder where they got that?). they miss each other during the day and i enjoy so much just to listen to them...

a little rest from the workroom and just life in general (namely laundry) came in the way of the park bench and taking pictures...what a fun time and i am so grateful for my littles...

while at times completely overwelmed by the boxes and packages found in the workroom seemingly without an end -i found encouragement today...

logan was obviously taking these two pictures...obviously...had to share even though rubbing...

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. - Deuteronomy 31:6

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. – Matthew 11:28-30

Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 3:13-14

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. – Philippians 4:6

on another note...open house!! our precious friends at ML scheduled a meeting and open house right during the Auburn game...promising updates of course which is big bad news for those of us who TIVO like it's our job...someone suggested that i should've TIVO-ed the meeting....LOL what a fabulous idea!!!

and so i share...i am so grateful for logan's sweet teacher and the encouragement that she provides...certain creativity and a wonderfully organized day which works so very well for logan....

and the most popular sing in the car song these days...

the mom i got to "move my banana chart" because i was sooooo good...

and so just like my little one's school projects - i too have projects like everyone and sometimes while they are all good and you would change nothing a little levity and a break are great for the mindset...

until next time...love to all held close and blessings to new friends and those who read...

i love you bebek and sam...

a special birthday...

2008-10-18T20:41:00.008-05:00

happy birthday brylee....
we had a great time with you and your family today...Shelley you are a wonderful party planner... and fabulous with BBTN as well...thanks for including us...so the cake walk was a huge hit and hayride of course....

baby ct..you are beautiful and maybe your mom will teach me to run a really long time without being chased...

while saturdays are really not days for deep thoughts...more like organized chaos while moving the whole family places...youknowwhatimean? we did tons today and it was really fun but i'm so very glad i went to exercise early..before it all started... provides that clarity i was talking about sometimes..quiet moments do...

while we were not participating in the mt laurel festival today- that is where i went for my cardio this morning for a change of pace...there is a beautiful lake there that is probably one of my favorite spots in birmingham ... beautiful- i always wish i had my camera when i get there because it is amazing...but an aerial view would be much better...it is hard to capture the effect unless you stand still and turn as you take it in...there is wonderful all around you...much like our lives...it is so very hard to see all of the good things if you stand still and look just forward...but if you stop, take a deep breath and turn around slowly you may see it all in a short enough time frame to really remember and take it all in....

that's all for tonight...i hope you are all well exactly where you are in your life...blessings!
i love you bebek and sam...

just pictures today....

2008-10-15T18:51:00.007-05:00

this is my view as i leave for a walk in the morning usually...worth every bit of the early....and one of my precious littles...

try hard...really really hard...

2008-10-12T21:43:00.004-05:00

hello to all that read...
i hope you are all doing well in each of lives...i hear from lots of you old friends and new but rarely do we get to have the deep conversations that lead to - how are you really? are you enjoying where you are? better...are you doing what you want to be doing? i am not speaking of close friends but those who you can't see often...
isn't that wonderful to be able to have a conversation...and be better for it on the other side? with a good friend...encouraged or to encourage whichever way it happens...
i love those friends and those conversations... so as a result i think i long to try hard to make them happen... skipping the nonchalant or meaningless and trading for - how are you really?

are you enjoying where you are in your life...engaging in your activities with a fully present heart and mind... or letting the excuse of being busy steal the joy of being available to feel wonderful things that happen daily. i am resolved to not let them go unnoticed...

i ask because i think those conversations with friends lead you to some conclusions that maybe you wouldn't make on your own...goals or even just guts to do something you have been wanting to do...like start a company, workout, diet, or finish your scrapbooks...whatever it may be... i am almost always inspired and encouraged by those type of conversations. how i love to share words with a wonderful friend...

and so i share pictures from a drive in atlanta this weekend...with these thoughts in mind i wonder if you have things that you just lack the encouragement to do...or lack the confidence or even just the clarity.

clarity is another thing that i think comes from honest conversations...if you are not happy with not achieving whatever goal or lack guts in an area...friends have a funny way of inspiring you to be better...much better.

and so you know i'm funny about my paths, love paths and streets...they always lead to somewhere else and you won't know unless you go...and find out for yourself. and also i had a thing for the trees in atlanta this weekend...they were fabulous and majestic- sustained like us by the hand of an almighty God that cares about every single leaf...lest one not be lost....

and so to share a piece...thinking about guts...start something new (possibly here too) do something that you don't think you can do...or dive in and "getr done" even if you have never been able to do something before...ambiguous to some, maybe... but hopefully loud and clear to others....

God's mercy is new every morning....
blessings until next time...
i love you bebek and sam!!

newest BBTN member....

2008-10-08T22:12:00.005-05:00

welcome to the world....our newest member of the BBTN family...
Camryn arrived yesterday, precious little one of Kimberly....BBTN employee extraordinaire....she actually worked monday before being induced tuesday...not as mobile but worked and packed...
congratulations kimberly and wade and big sister carsyn....we love you so very much and can't wait to watch as little one grows up....your sweet family has blessed us so very much...i love you dearly!

nice to meet you....

2008-10-07T17:11:00.003-05:00

hello to all who read...
no rare form today...very subdued actually (i promise i do not have a mood disorder)...overwelmed by boxes, orders, and at the feet of Christ on several things... while things are so much fun most days struggles ensue as soon as you think life is grand...a quick reality check sometimes.

Psalm 91
1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. [a]

2 I will say [b] of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust."

3 Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare
and from the deadly pestilence.

4 He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

5 You will not fear the terror of night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,

6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
nor the plague that destroys at midday.

7 A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.

8 You will only observe with your eyes
and see the punishment of the wicked.

9 If you make the Most High your dwelling—
even the LORD, who is my refuge-

10 then no harm will befall you,
no disaster will come near your tent.

11 For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways

12 they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

13 You will tread upon the lion and the cobra;
you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

14 "Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.

15 He will call upon me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.

16 With long life will I satisfy him
and show him my salvation."

i got an email from a friend asking who bebek and sam were...they asked and then responded with "i love bebek and sam too" which of course made me cry...and so
i want you to meet my precious friend and sister in Christ...Rebekah aka bebek and little one sam...

i got to see bebek shortly this weekend- she actually came to help us set-up for market and evidently was in need of "manual labor and girl time" which to those of you who know this business there is TONS of both...we are no strangers to manual labor and we love to make it fun...so we got to visit...and with that came more encouragement from her than she will ever know although told.

She inspires me...truly that she would have and be taking care of 3 boys, be training for a marathon and have the outlook, attitude, and be a woman after Christ's desires for her life. While Sam has retinol blastoma he is a trooper...smiling through chemo treatments and making everyone else happy along the way. While it certainly is no picnic as you all know i am encouraged by their reaction and resolve to use this as something that will help someone else...eternal implications.

i got to see bebek again on sunday before we left and we shared a few quiet moments when words are not enough for a great friend and practically sister...tears are sometimes but not words...
i am asking for your prayers...please cover this precious family in your petitions to God Almighty...safety, health, and encouragement. Not to mention all of the details...
and so today...full of thoughts as i am ...i wanted to introduce you to my precious bebek and baby sam...

i love you both...bebek and sam

glamorous potty stops, lots of clothes, and a rascal

2008-10-06T14:31:00.009-05:00

hhhhhhaaaaaaayyyyyyy
to all who read...your emails and comments are fabulous and provide laughter on my end...thanks!
and so i share...
once again you are going to have to put up with my quirkiness... so here goes..
WE HAD SO MUCH FUN IN MEMPHIS!!
a wonderfully safe and productive trip filled with great music (of course), flying clothes, new faces and old... precious memories for sure....
thank you amelia for your precious help, expertise, friendship, and desire to serve all of those who have ordered...you are fabulous at what you do and i love that we are best of friends...i look forward to many years...(of roadtrips, bands, and clothes)....
so a few funnies...because a blog is just about the only place where you can share pictures and stories and MAYBE you all will think it is half as funny as i do...
first..let's set the stage...UHAUL, MINIVAN (yes, i went to the dark side),CARPOOL LINE- enough said...i think amelia was actually embaressed to be riding with me (sorry A)...

and so the potty stops...ok girls THERE ARE NO POTTIES ON CORRIDOR X...so one of us...not telling who is walking across this "soon to be" gas station parking lot after all but off-roading in our travel get-up to get to a freshly cleaned porta potty...it was either that or grass so we were grateful...it never fails..what a joke!!

we are also not only almost always in pursuit of a potty we also desperately need a sonic drink...crushed ice...mmmm diet CHERRY limeade..nothing else will do... and so we found one but evidently someone else was in pursuit as well...coming down the on ramp to the interstate here is a picture of our friend on a rascal...maybe he had been traveling too and needed a limeade? who knows but a great source of laughter for us...as we passed him...

but after all things are laughed about and catalogued into my fabulous memories folder in my forgetful brain... i am so grateful for all of the girls that we got to help in memphis...meeting our long-time customers makes being rattled to death by the uhaul all worth while..thank you to each one of you for your loyalty ...and to the hostesses...our memphis girls are second to none... i believe we serve a mighty God even through all of the silliness of these clothes...thanks for the memories....new friends and old...

i love you bebek and sam...

blinking bats and a uhaul....

2008-10-01T09:55:00.008-05:00

hhhhhheeeeeeyyyyyyy to all that read...
i am in rare form today, so bare with me...quirky as usual but there is no way to handle my life today unless done with a great amount of humor...boxes, clothes, racks, hangers etc. flying...logan is sick...no mother's day out, house is dirty and i have to pick up a u-haul after a pediatrician appointment (STREP BTW)...that can't be a good combination, right? while i know everyone has these days i can't help but think i have brought this on myself in so many ways...and maybe everybody does but why are we all such gluttons for punishment...???

while i say that motherhood is hard...i can conquer most things in my pajamas and i am so grateful for the opportunity to do so...

we leave tomorrow for memphis... amelia, mia and i with uhaul in tow...packed full no doubt hopefully not bumping behind too badly...great music and great times in store as always ..amelia and i never have a tough time getting along or working together so i am thrilled and up for the adventure ...and memories that always come with roadtrips..
i also absolutely love meeting customers and getting to see old friends in memphis (my hometown)...fun times in store!! not to mention i am hoping you all come knowing that you cannot live without a bunch more BBTN items in your child's closet...you couldn't possibly live without payton paisley pants or meghan skorts right? what kind of mother would you be if you didn't have matching bows?? (a big LOL on that one as mia runs around with a ponytail holder in a target outfit - that i love on...) life is short but not too short to have target clothes and TONS of BBTN things....

so everybody needs blinking bats on their front porch, purple no less and a ghost named "alex"...it's starting to feel like fall with mums blooming and pansies planted (had to plant early because i killed my summer annuals)...isn't it funny how you are willing to let the old ones die and so ready and rejuvenated all of a sudden to plan on watering new flowers... don't husbands love it when you let annuals die!?

i love annuals and here is why...they are bright, ready for the new season, and if you give them time and attention they will give you all that they have... story of me!! ready for every single new phase and season, i crave time and attention (just like everyone) and i will give all the passion i can muster...

i know this is how i am called to live it's just i can't do it alone...there are too many things that seem harder than they have to be...
our God is great, merciful, loving and kind yet just...

blessings until next time...see you in memphis!!

great music and a cardboard box...

2008-09-27T21:44:00.008-05:00

more great music these days...my run this morning was filled with wonderful tunes...thought i would share for those of you that are in pursuit(here ya go "cd")...
i'll be missing you...puff daddy
leavin' ..jesse mccartney
o lover ...jason mraz
when we kiss ...josh bales
crazy love...van morrison
the little things...colbie caillat
where we gonna go from here..mat kearney
free-fallin...john mayer (FAB!!)
near to you..fine frenzy
almost lover..fine frenzy
mercy...duffy (great "turn up the treadmill song")
distrubia...rihanna
wishful thinking...josh bales
lucky....jason mraz
just so you know...jesse mccartney

relax girls...i haven't jumped the christian music bandwagon...just trying to keep it in motion and quick fun music is the key (in my little workout world anyway) i will do anything to be committed to going for awhile... hope you enjoy and your itunes budget is not blown...mine definately is...mmmm good stuff

speaking of a workout...got home this morning from a run and the pictures that follow were met with a "bent over laughing" reaction from me....screaming HOLD ON LET ME GET MY CAMERA..... red-neck sledding, alabama sledding even...no snow so it's pine straw..and my husband completely instigated which is even funnier to me...this is our backyard hill, which we thank goodness haven't planted anything on yet...heaven forbid we prevent entertainment...
(sidenote: saturdays the kids dress themselves and sometimes it really is scary...LOL)

blessings until next time...
i love you bebek and sam...old friends and new...

leo, lipstick, and luck

2008-09-24T21:58:00.008-05:00

as luck would have it i am currently recovering from a 2 packs of gum in the washer, hot water disaster...just think what laundry day looks like with a little extra treat in the mix besides my favorite soap...as S so sweetly said today.."at least they didn't make it to the dryer"... and so it goes...
and so leo... the lion...the pet in logan's class...came complete with bag and journal to spend the week with us to be meticulously followed..AND documented
BOY AM I GLAD he is not alive...like a fish or a turtle...which neither of which we have had alot of luck with...(mia informs everyone that asks "ed is dead", our now deceased turtle)...

i'm sure that it is no surprise to any of you "not so rookie" kindergarden or older- kid parents but this is a dramatic change from just making sure that you got the stinky sippy cup out of your car from mother's day out monday.... (which i did not...NICE this morning) by the way...it takes approximately three days to stink this time of year..summertime maybe 2 if you are lucky right?

ok so leo.... he is definately having a good time and will return friday and so at logan's request...leo has been busy as you can see...

the other entertainment today included mia really wanting to be WITH ME..all day, every moment, zero independant play time today for sure...as A and i agreed she was "all up in my grill" today...ALL of today...and so i am sharing what they entailed...keep in mind these pictures ARE taken from the workroom (after spending three hours playing, painting nails, playdough, good mommy things) and this is what life looks like while i am trying to answer your "where is my order" emails- (laughing girls of course)...there is mother's day out and naptime thank GOODNESS!!!
so enjoy...have a laugh on me with leo and the lipstick but not so funny on the luck ....

blessings and lightheartedness are yours truly....

a weekend away....

2008-09-21T22:20:00.009-05:00

hello from a refreshed and ready to work friend...
a precious time with girls with weekend (thank you A & A!!) at the beach was a much-needed affair...
don't worry BBTN people...orders ship as usual with much help from our crew but i took a break....

fabulous company, great music, and the beach can always be a recipe for a renewal... reset accomplished...

i enjoyed the change from the norm so much for just a short time....as everyone understands...
so this morning was a really big difference in my usual healthy waffle house and kids..sleeping a little later than usual (not much) and a drive to starbucks for a coffee...followed by a drive to the beach across from where we stayed...

i really had no idea it would provide clarity...there was NO ONE there except for a few surfers in the distance and an older fisherman....not buildings, not bathrooms or pavillions... really for the first time ever i had few minutes on the beach to be alone in that type setting...quiet moments for sure. (of course i just so happened to have my camera so you could be completely inundated yet once again...well...i guess you chose to read right?)

quiet moments are really hard to come by these days for everyone i think...there is always a TV or a phone....or even just noise....it gave me a lot of perspective that i know was planned by my creator....just he and I ...time....loud and clear...

“Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10)

Ashley, be still, my creator said to me as loud as if he was standing there...be still....i love you and i am absolutely in control...of all things vast as the ocean and small like the birds...you are mine...

What does it mean when one of God’s own is commanded to “be still”?

The injunction is not given to restrict my mobility as one of God’s people. The call to obey represents a spiritual disposition that ought to characterize those to whom God’s unfailing promises have been given. how grateful i am for the strength of God's promises...very.

i make promises and have made promises...but oh to have the strength of perfection behind all of them... so i will be still and know that he is God... he has given the stars each their very own name and i am grateful that he knows my name...i rest in his promises....even when i am so very far from perfect in every single way.

Lift up your eyes on high And see who has created these stars, The One who leads forth their host by number, He calls them all by name; Because of the greatness of His might and the strength of His power, Not one of them is missing.
Isaiah 40:26

blessings until next time...
thank you for the weekend new friends and old....

courage....and encouragement

2008-09-16T13:01:00.004-05:00

what a wonderful thing courage...by definition?
COURAGE: NOUN, mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty ....
OR
the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear; bravery.

definately describes something that i am learning...so in light of my bathroom mirror goals i am hoping what i am about to share is helpful...to one if not more....

sometimes i think it takes an event, a decision, or even a "i've had enough" moment to be dedicated and establish my goal(s)....a chat with myself ...a desperate prayer...

what exactly am i learning to be courageous about?
something that i struggle with...a goal never completed in my opinion.
whatever matters most that impacts others as well as myself and requires great attention and perseverence...
stick-to-it-ness, long-term planning and dedication...
whatever it is ....you label it.

what is it in your life that requires so much out of you that you are forced to ask and pray for courage? forced to rely on someone other than yourself for help and bravery... so i have waited on the Lord and he is daily encouraging me and i am learning to rely...on someone other than my husband, a friend, or even a schedule or something temporal. Courage has been really important to my goals...i have a Savior that cares about me and i am greatly encouraged by the strength that comes from my God...

Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.
Psalm 27:14

Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
Psalm 37:3

He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.
Isaiah 40:29

Fear thou not: for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Isaiah 41:10

so i am sharing my recent pursuit because i think when we are dedicated to something it will require a great amount of physical and mental energy not to mention emotional energy..there is great room for our Savior to show himself mighty.

i have learned that courage comes not from results (although the reason for the goal in the first place), not from circumstances but from God Almighty being faithful in his promise to me...i am courageous in my pursuits and as an end to any difficulty i have received the greatest gift...encouragement (noun : boost, encouragement the act of giving hope or support to someone)
Hope....another great thing...
blessings until next time...
all my love to old friends and new...

logan's first bass...

2008-09-14T21:29:00.003-05:00

so logan and chad went fishing in chad's birthday present...a few times this week the 2-person boat fits in the back of chad's truck and off they go in about 5 minutes to one of the neighborhood stocked lakes...
logan was thrilled and chad was proud....a super great start to a long standing tradition i'm sure...
precious memories...

mt laurel and our version of tailgating...

2008-09-13T21:04:00.021-05:00

so mia and i went to one of my favorite places...mt laurel...
we lived there for about eight months while building our house that we are in now and what a treat the surroundings are... the paths, rock, neighborhood grocery store, shops, pizza and soda shops...all walking distance or golf carts for some...what a wonderful place, i miss it...not far but still...
but we looked for "maminals"- butterflies, squirrels, and "blueberries" on the vines...how wonderful to follow her and just let her do...and find...and so i share...

today was the msu vs. auburn game which turned out to be a pathetic excuse for SEC football...3-2 auburn!? chad and i are "divided" on this day although in jest - we really do well considering...i always say that as long as i am not married to an alabama fan we are ok....i can tolerate any other SEC team..especially when we beat them pretty regularly or most of the time...(pathetic past two years though)....

so tailgating takes new meaning with kids for us at least...burgers and friends but at our house where you can pause the tv for dinner and lots of toys for kids to be entertained by...we enjoy you guys! turners, cundiffs and jacks...great company...
until next time...
all my love to bebek and sam...

rarely do i ever...

2008-09-10T21:57:00.003-05:00

read forwarded emails...sorry to those of you who send (mom and others but there are few things in my life at this point that are optional)... BUT i found one today that i really read and pondered and had actually read one similar before so there is a good shot that you have too...but nevertheless...
it is always pertinent to everyone and wonderfully endearing...

what love is..
definitions by children...
'When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different.
You just know that your name is safe in their mouth.'

Billy - age 4

'Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French fries without making them give you any of theirs.'

Chrissy - age 6

'Love is what makes you smile when you're tired.'

Terri - age 4

'Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK.'

Danny - age 7

'Love is when you kiss all the time. Then when you get tired of kissing, you still want to be together and you talk more.

Emily - age 8

'Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after they know each other so well.'

Tommy - age 6
'You really shouldn't say 'I love you' unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget.'

Jessica - age 8

And the final one

The winner was a four year old child whose next door neighbor was an elderly gentleman who had recently lost his wife.

Upon seeing the man cry, the little boy went into the old gentleman's yard, climbed onto his lap, and just sat there.

When his Mother asked what he had said to the neighbor, the little boy said,

'Nothing, I just helped him cry'

i hope you have enjoyed it...precious words and very true about our most loved ones...

Father i long to love those in my life in ways that they do not ever question, fully and without condition...i am so grateful for your example Lord...even when we are not lovely and we are wretched you treat us with kindness and your ultimate unselfishness is ours...thank you for your mercy and the ability to know love, share it, and enjoy it...thank you for the amazing people in my life...

i love you family, old and new friends....

blessings until next time...

and of course love to bebek and sam!!

in the mood for...

2008-09-09T21:15:00.004-05:00

in light of my current "write it on the mirror" set of goals...i have been in the mood for GREAT music...the kind that you would dance when no one is watching and sing while your driving...the kind that your kids ask why you have the radio turned up too loud...- I'm talking about "mom i can't hear my movie" loud...
so my ipod has gotten some new friends lately in josh bales, duffy, fergie of course, otis redding, ben harper, mmmm lots more...a super great treat for my pursuit ...and a great amount of happiness and sanity (maybe shallow but it keeps me moving literally).
i think for awhile i have really not even listened to music...i had tried to diminish the noise in any way possible...but with it is high time to restart building my list agressively...i write about it because there really is some fantastic music out there and a wonderful encouragement for the time that is spent with my ipod...so i put some here ...enjoy!!

ok so i owe you a sneak peak but i will prolong the real deal for this kindof teaser picture of what spring starts out like...
fabrics pictured are leftovers so don't think we are reusing old things
....but patterns are new...need lots of changes but new! laptop, diet coke (or unsweet milo's tea), piles of papers, notes, phone calls on fabric availability and shipment times.......so i promise i will share more ...but i am thinking you really haven't gotten your clothes from fall so spring will feel old by the time it actually gets here...JANUARY...
it is really almost time to take pictures for spring...but real pictures of fabric and patterns coming in the near future...i enjoy so very much my "moving office" which today meant laundry, dishes, cooking and spring...oh and wrapping presents...

today was my husband's birthday...wonderful time by family tonight...kids of course in a great mood and rare form at the restaraunt eating everything they could get their hands on...growth spurts going on this week i am guessing for both...so cake and ice cream was hilarious as well...they of course had to help make the cake, ice it, and then decorate...with enough gel icing to put a smiley right on the top....endearing really that it was totally botched and mixed with the mixer entirely too long...
it was supposed to be a surprise - like every year that they made the cake and of course someone always has to announce...WE MADE YOU A CHOCOLATE CAKE DADDY AND WE GOT YOU A .... this year it was Mia that was old enough to unveil the surprise...just old enough to be understood this year...and so it goes...a fun night with daddy and kids full and asleep...

lastly, it looks like it really will happen thursday...trunk show at my house that is...clothes are here and house will be clean (by then by freddie probably) and order by phone and email are welcome...info@blessednames.com for ease of ordering...

so i look forward to the visits that always come with shopping and maybe my annuals (i'm so ready for mums) will not be hanging dead in my window box on the front porch by the time you get here...or maybe they will...

please be in prayer for Sam this week as he undergoes his second round of chemo...he did great the first time and we expect nothing less the second Sam...precious one...i love you bebek!!
blessings until next time!!

mia's first day...bbtn update

2008-09-04T14:25:00.009-05:00

hello to all...
i have been informed that the past few posts have been more "me" than previously..."K" thinks i used to write some pretty stiff things compared to now...funny enough...this is it RAW mostly unedited...quirkiness so read if you want...LOL
mia's first day back to school was today...yeah mrs kasey's groovy twos!! we love MDO!! i love the program and mia is absolutely passed out as i type...had a blast with her friend eden and doing "crabs" or crafts....hmmmmm!!
so i share pictures of the progression of getting to hold up her fingers....i have recently started taking more pictures as you know...but also an important thing to think about...are you ever in them with your kids? do you ever get someone to take a picture of you and your kids...for years i have very few mainly because i didn't want to be in them due to babyweight etc. but i am over that and i hope you will be too....my kids will not have any pictures of us together and if God forbid something ever happened i would be heartbroken on both counts...so hate it or not ....take them or better yet get someone else to take them - and love them even though...insert your list of reasons!!
ok bbtn update...
packing is going really well around here still...yeah!! just as an update for those who are anxiously waiting...chocolate and blue gingham (known affectionately as t-20), red gingham, and a few others are holding the last couple that are otherwise ready to ship...tee reinforcements made the shipment for next week- over 3,000 tees are on their way...praise God!! embroidery is doing great and things are coming out super cute!! i always love to see what you pick out!! Thank you to "the girls" for consistency, attention to detail, initiative, and my sanity!! I am so blessed to work with you all...seamstresses too!!
Fabric market is this weekend and i look forward to sitting down in appointments ready to buy for spring...i have done my homework and cannot wait to share a sneak peak once i find out what is available for spring...patterns are already in progress and precious...tons of new things...but that means i have to make tons of "hard paper" patterns - my least favorite thing to do ...but if that is my only complaint and everything else is running on time...good things..
my show!! i have finally decided to do my show here next thursday - 11th- from 10-1 and 5-8 for those who have contacted me i am opening it up for the last one of the season. for those of you who read and are elsewhere...we will also have phone and emails open for orders during that time as well... kindof like office hours for questions and orders...i am hoping it will be helpful!
so until next time we will be shipping like crazy and enjoying serving you all...I hope that UPS will be swift, tees will be plenty, fabric available, and everything fits just how you like it!!
blessings until next time...
i love you sam and bebek!

goals...and quirkiness...

2008-09-03T15:02:00.006-05:00

ok so i am a little quirky i think...but in good company...
i already told on myself with my dumb dishes...so here i go again...
old friends know...ya ya...new friends not so much...
i bought new shoes this weekend- 2 pairs one of which i have gotten nothing but comments about- jabbing comments...but i hold my ground LOVE THEM...little bling in the life of a mom never hurts i don't think...and i so i share...

go ahead...make fun!! somebody has to buy these wonderful shoes!! a close friend informed me i had some
"green*!#" shoes with some ORANGE LACES (as if i didn't know)-hilarious...and so i will wear them probably more often!! yeah!!! (love you A)
second quirkiness...i write my goals on my bathroom mirror...in eyeliner...big and bold...to remind me every day of what i am trying to accomplish..so i share...i used the blur tool to blur my numbers so don't scrutinize will you?! this has been a super important - yet not very important way for me to remind myself ...it works!! don't you think we should do this with tons of things..just think if we could all keep our goals right in front of us every single morning...on the mirror no less- what a perfect time to look at what is going on and if we are off track or not...REFLECTIVE see pun...quirky!! nevertheless...it works for me and maybe for you too...quiet time, exercise, weightloss, career goals...etc. what is it that you tend to be short-sighted on? what is important but you seem to forget how important daily....

also i owed you a picture...of the shelves- the consensus by the way was i should NOT stack the colors together...thank you to all who read you are a blessing to me through comments and emails...love to all and baby sam!!
bebek also of course....

2008-08-31T20:41:00.008-05:00

hello friends...
i am hoping this post finds you all well...
rested in the midst of a long weekend, kids asleep, sanity intact, houses clean, dishes done...and good company...oh and while we are being picky- all things on your anti-procrastination list done...with tons of time to spare...
we are in memphis for the weekend enjoying family time and rest...i absolutely love the restoration that comes with help getting meals and sippy cups...putting to bed and even baths..no detail overlooked with 4 adults and uncles in the vicinity...
i love my routines at home and i am always ready to get back to "normal" but i really enjoy like most the change of pace...
and so i take pictures of our weekend here...maybe they are fun to look at but more fun to share i'm sure...camera learning curve is SLOW...(summer HELP) but i am enjoying my new project...i hope you will enjoy but i know i am innundating you all..

i got to visit with the grant family including sam today...precious moments with an "old friend" in bebek- somehow in the midst of her "new normal" she managed to encourage me...and i leave with my grant family fix...God is so very good in the midst of their suffering and i know my redeemer lives...precious blessings in the form of a sunday afternoon visit with my friends...
thank you God for holding Sam in your hand...he is yours God...
blessings and i love you bebek!

my parent's autumn clematis...my vine has a LONG way to go..

how many times do we say...hold still i'm almost finished...(getting ready for her pictures....)

feeding the fish...

paths, one of my favorite things...

swingset in my parents' backyard...3 generations..red swing included

you asked and gymnastics...

2008-08-27T14:32:00.010-05:00

hello friends..
what a fun day yesterday with miss mia...her very first gymnastics class...mommy and me of course...not three yet but she was so excited! not five minutes after the class started she wanted her very own "weotard" like the other little ones...i had no idea they made them that small...you have got to be kidding!
what a precious investment- an hour of something that she wanted to do - somewhere other than our house, the park, or the pool...it was so neat to see her follow instructions, try hard, try new things, listen and enjoy! what a precious time...especially exciting because she got to share the class with her favorite friend Eden from church...Eden has been adopted into her precious family for a little over a year and i love her! precious friends at such a young age...
i hate that my postings do not include as much of logan..i had him around to take pictures all of the time before...now he is just not here as much- sad but true....but it is certainly time for mia to have the spotlight so to speak for awhile...she is definately enjoying it...

house things...more shelves, pictures, etc. you asked so i am sharing...fun things that anyone can do...not even a great camera needed...a good one but not great...

a mirror made from a table top and a piece of bead board from lowe's - my cabinet/trim guy did this for me...super easy...inexpensive way to take up a big space...mirror in the middle...fun things...

i am will be learning more about the camera...hopefully tonight...dark pictures make for a "read the manual, watch the dvd" kind of night...
blessings until next time...

things to share....

2008-08-25T14:05:00.006-05:00

hello to all who read...
i have so enjoyed the comments and the emails that have followed my last posts...and so i blog...
i packed a ton of orders this weekend....tons...i am so grateful for the time to do it...there is so much to be said for knowing firsthand what exactly is happening daily with the business...delegation is necessary and a great thing but i never will feel great about not checking tees myself before they go out and making sure that things are how i envisioned them...
things are running really well in the workroom still -lots of people's clothes shipped today and alot more will go this week...
so i thought you might enjoy seeing what others have picked out...just a few of the ones that came through this weekend including the pink turkey tee...(not previously pictured)....
enjoy!

you all are so funny....

2008-08-22T21:06:00.009-05:00

hello to all who read...lots to tell you because i have slacked blogging this week...
i have a feeling i will be doing alot of entries soon though- so you will probably find yourselves inundated with pictures...i finally finally got my new camera and cannot wait to read the manual that is bigger than the phonebook (please tell me you won't believe that!)...or take a class and let them spoon feed it to me...more buttons than any human can possibly pretend to push while chasing kids...i do want to learn and i love posting pictures .....so the top two are courtesy of nikon d60 in the beginner phases...
my vine on the arbor at the end of the driveway is going nuts...autumn clematis supposedly from my parents' wonderful yard...planted a short 4 months ago and look!! yesterday when i took this picture- i am thinking it was quite possibly the most beautiful day of the summer...super breezy and blue...so mia and i blew bubbles for about an hour just to enjoy it...

another note...i am finally getting around to posting the you tube link to the picture slideshow edited and put together by my good friend BJ...we shared his nikon that week- he took most and i loved taking some...super talented and i hope you will enjoy it...takes about 4 minutes and worth it...watch full-screen, with speakers, and high quality....(well, if you're gonna watch it...)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FyPvhH4u64o

you wouldn't believe the emails i have received about my bowls....super inexpensive at anthropologie...hurry though i think they are phasing them out- tons of colors...
enjoy!
several of you have now asked to see my shelves in the kitchen and the other "funky things" that i have the "guts" to do in my house which may or may not be good....i will share soon...fun things....
i started this blog to have an easily changeable place to put slideshows for BBTN, and also have a place to show sneak peak type stuff...and pictures for family of course...funny enough i met some BBTN customers this week and the comments were along the lines of "i really love the clothes but I LOVE THE BLOG MORE"...you all are so funny....thanks for reading and i love comments...i would also love it if you would leave your blogs for me to post to my list...i love to follow all of you as well...great to put names with faces after talking to many of you for almost three years now...don't be shy comment away!

lastly, little mia had her first dentist appointment this week with our friends at the dr. smith's office...acted like she was 10..."mr thirsty", water, riding the chair, SPINNING prophy brush EVERYTHING - leave no detail out for her first visit...she did it all without flinching and then proceeded to clean them out at the treasure chest...i would expect nothing less from mighty mia...good girl!!

blessings until next time...

my way...

2008-08-18T22:17:00.002-05:00

i have been full of thoughts the last few weeks...
i have examined alot of my thoughts and maybe even the things that i do...
alot of times i am particular about things and maybe don't even know why...
those of you who don't know me well- i come across as pretty laid back and don't seem to give tons of thought to things...
old friends know better...i am a little more thoughtful than most would think. certainly learning to be more analytical with age. perfect example...i am absolutely in love with "old school" color, tile, etc. i use these bowls every morning for the healthy waffle house routine and try not to grab the same two ... use two different colors...maybe different ones than i used yesterday just because i love them all. strange huh? then...when they all come out of the dishwasher i wonder if i should stack them together by color or not...cuter which way? one could argue i am a glutton for punishment for choosing open shelves instead of cabinets...true!!
so all that to say...i question what I do daily with very good reason on a level where all things matter. what is my purpose today? what can God teach me today? what are my motives for the things that i do? ...it all comes down to i am so grateful for God's mercy and grace on all days when i cannot live up to what he has asked me to do ...every day...
what is important?...certainly not dishes...but a small reminder...while things cannot be perfect in my mind(or on my shelves)i can still serve the one and only living God with all that i have...

james 1:12
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has
stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised
to those who love him.

blessings until next time...
i love you sam!

holy kids.....

2008-08-16T22:06:00.011-05:00

<

see i wasn't kidding...you can't even see them all there is at least 5 more...and this was just tonight...all the kids from this morning would never fit in the frame of a camera...LOL

hello to all...
today has been the marathon kid day...birthday party and going away party...holy kids today!! i am guessing probably 50 maybe more...um blessings!!
well with blessings full, changed, tired, and tucked in bed i blog...debrief, however you want to look at it...

first bella turns three and we took tons of pictures...face-painting the whole nine yards...she had a blast and so did our kids...happy birthday bella!(i have no idea what that code is below??)

a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6xOnxcUvSSM/SKecUfl1v8I/AAAAAAAAAQE/Fwi5tcVkfIk/s1600-h/bella%27s+party+090.jpg">

mixed emotions certainly as the brewer family will leave us in about 2 weeks colorado bound. neighbors, best of friends, 5 pregnancies shared, tons of meals, redneck driveway playdates, tons of picnics and driveway pool parties...memories certainly!!
brewer family- shellee, burt, lilee, sophee, and new baby gracee we love you so very much, we will miss you terribly but we are so excited for you on your new adventure...thanks for all of the super fun times with years to go...love you all!!

picnics....

2008-08-15T13:59:00.010-05:00

don't you love picnics...
we keep our picnic blanket in the car at almost all times...there is tons to be said for a -pull-over at a park and eat it kind of afternoon-...like today.
mia sqeaked from the back during errands that she "wonned a hodog on the blanket"...SURE!! how convenient...so we got the said hodog and made our way to the park...
blessings are brought by times that you let go of agendas...that was our agenda...
hot- doesn't matter, fun yes!!
precious little one...i had fun with you...
blessings until next time...

piles and piles...

2008-08-12T17:24:00.004-05:00

hello to all who read...
i just wanted to share a few fun pictures...these pictures could easily be labeled as sleep, peace, fun, stress-less, organized, or even YEAH!!...
this a segment of the workroom that keeps being added to and we started shipping yesterday...memphis get ready- boy things always go out first but the girls' things are usually work the wait- or at least that is what i hear...
but my goodness there is alot to do to get everything out...5 places have to merge to make one order happen most of the times...not to mention the vendors that supply "the girls" so that they can make it happen....through texting and phone calls - all is well today at least most dilemmas avoided and urgency is not in the picture today...yup today at least...tomorrow totally different picture...but for me this is a visual of God's faithfulness...blessings and pants a plenty!
until next time...i love you sam!!
my oldest friend is sharing her news about sam now...so here is their link...
https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/samgrant

no show this week....this weekend...

2008-08-10T21:31:00.009-05:00

hey girls...
ok it is just not going to work this week...the BBTN show at my house i mean..sorry girls...i will let you know when amelia lets me have a sample set again...LOL!! i love you amelia!!

weekends always fly by but maybe because we usually don't sit still enough for it to crawl...yesterday a quick trip to the lake with the skellie's- great as usual (hospitality and company)...thanks, the kids had a ball!

also, church today..mentally tough...a whole lot of processing to do on today's sermon. We studied Job 1-2, the gospel and suffering...what does it mean to suffer and still glorify God in the midst without a clear picture of God's design...wow!! i don't mean the consequences of our own sin by saying suffering...i meant the kind that you know a loving God let happen...for a good reason! mmm i will be studying the rest of Job this week..what an incredible picture of a wonderful man after God's own heart- he didn't waiver...to hear the sermon (i highly suggest it)...www.thechurchatbrookhills.org under media- today's sermon will be loaded for your podcast enjoyment monday sometime...
God let me not waiver in suffering...glorifying you in all circumstances...you plan is perfect!!

lastly...mia asked when putting her to bed last night..."whadda we gonna doooooo tomorrow?- jussmeandyou??" what a sweet girl...i am so grateful for this part of my life...investing in her more often by herself...we have alot of work to do before kindergarten sweet independent baby...here is her choice of activity of time with "justmeandyou"...
blessings until next time...love you baby sam...

favorite you tube...

2008-08-08T14:44:00.000-05:00

hey! enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SsWrY77o77o

logan's first day...

2008-08-07T16:53:00.013-05:00

hello to all...
lots to tell you to do and lots to share...
mixed emotions all day today and certainly moments of almost losing it- but he could not have been more excited about his life today…
...my worst moment was making sure logan understood about riding the bus home... i was told by a friend to promise i would be there to meet him at the "bus stop" our cove. this is my first bus experience and it was a great one...they had taken our "stop" off the map since last year so it was chaos this morning trying to figure out if he would get home....the precious bus driver actually called me to let me know she knew where we lived and she would be bringing him home...thank you Lord for that!!
so breakfast every morning with daddy will be our new ritual...it’s nothing short of a healthy waffle house around here…

so…we all took logan to school today- you are “allowed” to walk him to his class one time!! So we did…he loved it and was completely fine…
I think at this point, as a mom, you have to say that “I have done the best job I possibly can and he is ready…I will pray over him and support him in all ways possible” that is what helped my mindset today….so I am sharing “the walk” into school, his teacher, and the mom- dreaded bus ride home….he of course loved it!!

On another note…i have been studying “intercessory prayer” in my quiet time…only to find it very useful today- there is a reason the Holy Spirit has recently laid it on my heart…many times people ask for prayer. Honestly, this has bothered me for awhile because the exchange while asking for prayer can sometimes be gossip or trite. I really have a burden for that- I don’t think we as Christians recognize the present prayer is…we get to talk to our almighty God WHENEVER and he cares… while I finally have studied come to terms with my feelings on prayer -I get a phone call today….my oldest friend, my precious friend needs my prayers and everyone’s prayers …I ask for unspoken prayer for little Sam. Sam and family, I will commit to pray without ceasing desperately seeking God’s face on your behalf.

BBTN: fun news to share…the BBTN workroom is running like clockwork!! New systems in place to handle the surge of orders are testing well and everyone is doing better than keeping up…early as a matter of fact. Our first shipments leave tomorrow…get ready girls at the UPS store (we love you)…heeerrrreeee we go again!! All manufacturers, vendors, and contract peoples are doing better than great and I am ever so grateful!! What a wonderful start to the season. Believe it or not I am actively working on spring 2009 and I cannot wait to show you what I have found…maybe a sneak peak coming up??

Owner show: ok folks I have a mental block against getting my invitations out for my party- I think I am a horrible hostess….i am so very glad that BBTN’s hostesses are nothing like me…soooo I have decided I will do by appointment Monday, Tuesday and do my show Wednesday 10-2(that is next week folks)! With a new twist…I think since not everyone has a rep in their area….i am going to open this show up for virtual rep orders as well – we will have the workroom phone available (205.533.7861) as well as emails to info@blessednames.com. Someone will be available to help you place a custom order mon, tues, or wed. and of course that is the usual set-up…but nevertheless…however if there is a show in your area I would love for you to support them or I will give them credit…..(hostesses: to be figured separately as credit)…

wordy tonight right?...i met a special new friend for lunch today and ended up at her blog by the end of today...my new favorite quote...thanks rashel!!

“You become. It takes a long time. That’s why it doesn’t happen often to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally by the time you are real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don’t matter at all; because once you are real you can’t ever be ugly, except to people who don’t understand.” Velveteen Rabbit

Until next time…I love you baby sam…

fun things...

2008-08-04T20:34:00.004-05:00

hey to all...
fun things... Logan was practicing his picture-taking skills in the one above...so cute..took about 100...

this week Logan starts kindergarten (not one of the fun things) so other events are noted as distractions, so here goes...
mia got her "big girl bed" tonight..we put the kids in the bath tub- turned the monitor up and ran up and down the stairs putting the frame together and getting the mattresses up two flights of stairs
*note: why do you birmingham people LOVE basements (two words- slab house)...for me that means guaranteed 4 flights of stairs for one forgotten lovie,- heaven forbid we forget two separate things... EVERY DAY...i should be alot skinnier...4 trips with groceries today people...not fun!! did i mention that we got the groceries from scuse me but... hellmart. it must have been senior citizen day and it took about an hour just to get through the store and back to the car...only to realize that mia had put my wallet on the conveyor belt- HELPING ME PAY>>>> after i had paid no less....
WHAT DAY IS IT????
ok back to the bed...she loves it!! so exciting...i am sharing pictures but don't think i have fallen off of my design rocker because i promise i'm not finished - i just haven't had time to paint, monogram, and make her her room to match...PLUS the crib is there as my backup plan...what if she doesn't sleep?
as most of you know, we run a tight ship around here- BBTN IS MADE POSSIBLE FOR YOU BY MIA'S NAPTIME... 2 o'clock sharp, tornado or not..that is worktime and i nothing short of run from point A to B to get it all done during 2-5 then there is dinner. ok ready...order fabric, pay bills, coordinate all manufacturers, handle fires of the day (out of waist elastic, chocolate buttons, quickbooks keeps blowing up, etc.)...nothing is ever dull here..order bows, clips and figure out what to do about next season...but all that to say...i think the BBTN girls and i fit a week's worth into naptime each day...i know that is true to amelia and i at the very least and moving towards everyone else.
COOK DINNER, BATHS,- we would be eating mcdonald's at night if naptime wasn't productive for sure...
i am quite positive the this posting is so much like every one of your lives...just a different list of things to do. same number of things to do every day...chosen busy. if we REALLY wanted to we could make things quite simple...but since i haven't i know you all...you haven't either...we have to have daily funny stories...

ok so here is a bathtime picture...and of course mia's new bedroom...

speaking of funny...as funny as it is not..story about my oldest...
first night in the big bed...of COURSE we hear a thump...that one you KNOW is them rolling out of the bed...he was back in the bed before we got up there but that noise is HILARIOUS....don't be judgemental he wasn't hurt at all especially with all of the pillows on the floor but we will laugh about that forever...here is to hoping that we don't hear that "horrible" thump tonight..have a laugh on me...

one more funny...help me welcome our newest member to the family, freddie, his predecessor died last week and has been replaced. we have mourned the loss of roomba #1 (no real name) #1 and we are happy to have another one call the laundry room home....i'm a roomba enthusiast (along with the rest of my family and amelia) if anyone has any questions...clean house no effort!!

blessings- old friends and new...thanks for all of the emails about that topic...i love you!

odds and ends...

2008-08-01T14:23:00.008-05:00

ok..maybe it's time... she is so little (scuse the panties as we had just woken up)...weighing in at 22lbs we are about to put her big girl bed up this weekend. i took this movie to remember her enthusiasm about conquering her confines...hilarious! she is so very proud too...she hasn't starting jumping out just in... so i think we will move while we are ahead...

here are some random pictures of my kids occupying themselves...everybody needs a "grow in the sink" snake...

VBS went wonderfully and was a fun-filled week for sure...our little crowd learned so much about what Jesus did for each and every one of them and that Jesus loves them and will come into their heart when they understand what it means... thanks to you all for sharing your children with us...we are the ones who ended up being blessed by their faith when they are so small. Their prayers were so sweet and their hearts are amazing!

blessings until next time!

new friends and old ones...

2008-07-28T20:55:00.004-05:00

isn't it funny how many people you meet and the impact that you have on each other...
i actually call my friends new ones and old ones...you know, old friends are the ones where you skip "hey, how are you..." and get right to the good stuff.
i look back and see the path that each friendship has taken (yes, i am learning to be more analytical, ha ha! old friends)- and which friends stick around and which ones find "new friends"...
i am grateful for every single kind of friend and especially when you get to change for the better... and the ones that really teach you something that you know you would not have learned if it wasn't for them...
a relationship used to be that way - Even though you leave a piece behind - what if it wasn't that way and you were not changed along the way? i am so grateful for that part of God's plan...what a wonderful author he is..

i guess i have thought alot about all of this especially this week -i have had to dig deep for the drive and gumption this week...just "to do" today. in a good way and a bad way.

i found myself on the floor of my laundry room tuesday night, completely helpless-no phone, 2 kids (wanting snacks) ...muscle spasm- understatement, back pain at it's finest. stress-complete understatement...satan attacking me in my weakest points. i could do nothing but pray that God would have mercy on me and teach me...i knew it was a directly related to serving the week before and trying to recover...satan's best work...

so i am grateful for the friends that would understand without any explanation...and their response would be so flavorful...i love you precious friends...

on a lighter note...
VBS at our house started this morning and i hope you will pray for all of the littles that attend..this year our church is taking VBS on the road...to a bunch of backyards all over Birmingham...i will share pictures later this week...

even lighter...you folks are so funny...countless emails about my crazy chairs that you can see in my kitchen next to the fort...funny enough i wrestled with whether or not to "do it" and i have enjoyed them so much!! thanks for the confirmation. hilarious!!

love to all and pictures next time!

Psalm 63

1 O God, you are my God,
earnestly I seek you;
my soul thirsts for you,
my body longs for you,
in a dry and weary land
where there is no water.
2 I have seen you in the sanctuary
and beheld your power and your glory.

3 Because your love is better than life,
my lips will glorify you.

4 I will praise you as long as I live,
and in your name I will lift up my hands.

5 My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods;
with singing lips my mouth will praise you.

6 On my bed I remember you;
I think of you through the watches of the night.

7 Because you are my help,
I sing in the shadow of your wings.

8 My soul clings to you;
your right hand upholds me.

9 They who seek my life will be destroyed;
they will go down to the depths of the earth.

10 They will be given over to the sword
and become food for jackals.

11 But the king will rejoice in God;
all who swear by God's name will praise him,
while the mouths of liars will be silenced.

fort st. our house...

2008-07-25T13:54:00.008-05:00

hilarious day...
we named our fort "st. our house" no real reason other than...it's friday in the middle of the summer...nuff said right? has anybody ever wondered why mother's day out SAYS they are on the school system schedule and they don't start until 6 weeks after the fact? mmmm....
so until then we'll make forts and eat popsicles on the porch...hope you are all having a fun summer...

God showed himself...

2008-07-22T08:03:00.002-05:00

finally getting to post after countless laundry piles, diet coke, ice, salad, and enjoying my kids...oh and the orders from BBTN- thank you for your support so far this season...
what a wonderful week we had in Mexico...God certainly was paving our way and showing himself mighty, Holy, and invested. we had a fantastic time in the Lord serving the churches of Mexico city...that said i think my world view is different writing to you...i didn't feel a huge "mountaintop" experience because i think God calls us to abide in him daily and my work is just different here. making disciples does not involve going somewhere else...just a different mindset. who can i share Christ's love with today...i am praying that my life will be different because of God love and mercy.
we can't fix the poverty and conditions there, the lack of cleanliness for the kids and families, the dynamics of money issues, or even the cultural issues...we can however, fix their church so that they can use it to bring more people in to learn about Christ. We can paint it bright orange so that the whole village can see it...we can encourage those that are discouraged by lack of financial resources to minister to the kids of the community...
what a fabulous thing...short term missions. i am encouraged to be here and be in easier conditions to share God's love...the playground- even clean benches and grass with a bathroom...there dirt, no food and nothing to play with and these women are keeping their kids completely happy all day every day and serving Christ with a wonderful attitude in their circumstance.
glory be the God for his plan, his desire to include us all in it, the mercy he shows each one of us in our circumstances and how wonderful they are...
God keep my vision narrow to your cause, your Holiness and your neverending love for each of us...God give us the nations in such a way that only you get the glory...give us the vantage point to understand our mission in all of our circumstances...God thank you for our children and the love that you give them through us...continue to bless our families and help us to use our resources to love the nations and the easiest part -our neighbors and friends....God may you be glorified in me...

blessings until later...pictures coming soon!

packing...

2008-07-09T21:17:00.003-05:00

hey to all
we are packing to leave...i cannot believe it...one of the busiest times of the business and summer with the kids and we are LEAVING...off we go to mexico...not for vacation but for service through our church.

The Great Commission
16 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17 And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in [1] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

God didn't say..go if it is convenient...or if you have a really easy place for your kids to go...or even if you have tons of time and money...he says go in the imperitive...

so...i tell you so that you can pray for our work in mexico city ... satellite churches training them in spanish to lead their own vacation Bible schools, carnivals, and children's events...so i am asking for these specific prayers..
safety of those who are traveling
safety for our kids we are leaving behind
ease of communication through interpreters and details of accomodations and food
health for us while we are gone
that we can help these churches through training them to make disciples as well
the children we will come in contact with
customs etc for the large amount of tubs of things we are taking..that they will not be taken from us for no reason...
all of the extra things that i cannot even think of...

thanks in advance for your faithfulness through prayer...
amelia is in charge of BBTN while i am gone...thanks amelia!! blessings!

nice to meet you...

2008-07-06T16:28:00.006-05:00

hello to all...
whew!! we (the girls and I) are finished tagging, packing, etc...the boxes are made the clothes are in them and they all ship tomorrow! my husband and i were just talking...today marks the end of a really long, detail intensive process....designing, manufacturer meetings, fabric phone calls, many delegations..and tons of help!! again...whew!!
i am so grateful for different seasons of this business (not fall/spring...but phases/changes in tasks) because it also gives renewal and new opportunities for God to show his hand. God has constantly found ways to daily encourage and demonstrate grace and the business is no exception....it is so encouraging to be finished with a large project but i always know that there are more but they are just different... just like my spiritual life, God has a ton of work to do on me!

Thank you Lord for being patient with me as i learn...thank you that you love me enough to extend grace and mercy to me in new amounts every day- you are my portion, my strength, and source of great reward. blessings are mine because you are Holy, and righteous, and the giver of everything..thank you Lord for including me in your plan...use me, use this business for your glory and let everything I do honor you...

i thought you all would like to meet "the girls"- several of you have asked to "meet Amelia" and would love to put a name with a face...i am visual like that too and i/we will oblige!

ok so for introductions...
left to right:

me: you know about me...

shelley: newest to BBTN, married, mother of Bryleigh 3, and Jackson 5...stay at home mom (new thing) and working with us on orders,packing, and co-owner of the company that is supplying bows this season (a new thing for us)...yes, custom bows, yeah!!

Kimberly: has been working with us for about 9 months, married to a local football coach stays at home with girl 2 year-old Carsyn and pregnant with girl(we think??) Cameron...helps with tons of things in the workroom and computer things as well...

amelia: "marketing coordinator" we decided because she handles lots more than trunk shows and hostesses, married, stay at home mom plus two- Kate 4, and Jackson 2 -mmm she does everything else that i or one of the other girls does not do...which is a whole lot...

all three girls are precious sisters in Christ and absolutely necessary to everything we do...thanks girls!! love you all!

we took these pictures today on my porch- aka 213 ledge circle...the first picture is not really indicative of who we are but it is what i should put here..the second is the real deal-

it is nice to meet you all officially...we look forward to working with you...

closing comment: please watch this video and laugh as hard as we did (amelia and i that is)...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZkdcYlOn5M
blessings until next time!

to the beach...

2008-07-02T14:45:00.009-05:00

we just returned from the beach and really enjoyed the relaxation before the craziness here in birmingham...i am so grateful for the rest - i didn't check email or even pull out the laptop for 4 days and although i paid for it this week so far (so sorry to those of you that i owe phone calls)...it was a great break..

sharing pictures is always so much fun....but funny enough we drove past the state park on the beach and i think we counted probably 25 or 30 couples combined nights that were out there in their white shirts trying to get the "family beach picture"- we tried and didn't succeed once again...my husband had worn his clothes the night before...i took stinky laundry (little too long in the washer) and was limited on clothes once we got there (however, it was meticulously dried, folded, and packed...ugh)...and the kids just flat didn't match -owell- and here they are....also, mia in her bikini, logan on the best $25 we have ever spent (boogie board), and tutu pictures again from our new friend frilly frances....so here is what we got perfect for pictures to frame but my hiney looked huge in the other pictures....

on the business side...a couple more pictures of new things coming at the last minute of course....a rundown? those who are emailing with questions...ok FAQs from my inbox...

parties start? parties start next wed, july 9th...please feel free to call any one of our reps/hostesses on the show schedule on the website...

website products? we are loading them as quickly as possible (takes forever) hopefully in about a week...loading daily

order if not in a city where there is a rep/hostess? we have a new trick, virtual rep - Kimberly (our BBTN team member, here in birmingham) is going to handle all of you would like to custom order and there is not a party or you missed a party in your area...new place on the website coming soon for that...

matching sibling outfits? TONS this time..heard you loud and clear on the match siblings thing...me too!!

new tees? YES!! same great pima cotton just that it is pre-shrunk!! same great fit just a little better on the shrinkage...we switched countries for the better!! yeah!!

email me with any more questions!! blessings until next time!!

p.s. song on the website is from tree 63, font on the invitation is wendy-bold...(to answer some emails)

more pictures...

2008-06-25T21:19:00.005-05:00

meet our newest project.."shoeshine"...our martha stewart craft gone wrong...

blessings until next time....

from the camera of jenn...

2008-06-25T21:00:00.007-05:00

the kids are in bed after another wonderful day...i am so excited to share some precious pictures from my friend jennifer's camera...
we are friends of about 4 years and it might as well be 40
we are basically sisters and that makes us better than friends- we know each other well and acccept each other's weaknesses although accountable...we stretch each other and care about everything between days...she is so very talented and untapped for sure...i know you will love seeing more from her because this is just the beginning...
her idea for photography meets us where we are as everyday, trying to remember for later...capture the whole day, " a day in the life"- the things that we will all remember of our kids- the uneaten breakfasts, how they sit when they are on the floor, how they look at their favorite toy...the things they do inbetween...
there are a few outfits that we didn't have in time for summer's pictures so we played tonight...little chicken casserole for everybody, little bugspray, lotta pictures...little rain...little photoshop...little visiting...okeverybodyinthecaritstimetogohome.....love you jenn!!!

tons of boxes and grateful...

2008-06-24T22:03:00.003-05:00

so much is changing so quickly around the workroom...today the rest of the sewn items arrived only to be packed into sample sets...tagged, sorted, hung, embroidered, bagged, boxed, and shipped ...this is what lies ahead for the next little bit. in addition the website needs to be put up and tons of other loose ends...stickers to close packages, updating quickbooks for new inventory...staff meetings...did i mention we are adding custom bows to match the outfits?...
there are still pictures to be taken last minute and descriptions to be written...funny enough the deadlines are really really in place and it always comes together. even funnier, there is nothing funny about the deadlines and the timelines that just plain don't make sense when thinking of all that has to be done...soooooo...here is what i am keeping in my mind this week as not to be overwelmed...and it is working so maybe it will with you as well whatever you are trying to conquer this week-

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. – Philippians 4:6

Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. – Psalm 42:5-6a

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going." – John 14:1-4

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. - Deuteronomy 31:6

i hope you will enjoy what you will see at the showings coming up...
meanwhile blessings for the week...
may your children be happy, your husbands blessed by you...your quiet-times uninterrupted, and your time with your Savior precious...

i found something fun...

2008-06-21T15:39:00.002-05:00

i just found something i thought you all might enjoy...http://www.pbteen.com/stylehouse/wallpapers/content.cfm

you can download free desktop wallpaper and screensavers...enjoy!

scroll down for the slideshow...

2008-06-20T22:22:00.007-05:00

hello to all who read...
i am noticing that it is not just family visiting now- can't be since there have been over 200 visits since the slideshow went up...how fun! i love that blogs are a fantastic way to know a little more, share a little more, and hopefully minister a little more.
i praise God for today...we had a pajama day until after nap and had a ball, doing our letter project, play dough of course, lots of pancakes, tons of toys everywhere, and a little bit of cleaning...my kids had a blast and i am so grateful for that...

the new gallery was being worked on today by our super IT guy, matt...thanks matt!! he is so patient with my requests and very creative on his own...we have to move some things around, lengthen the song, reduce the duplicates, but a great start....so much fun to see my God-inspired visions for the season play out...i.e. the blessed picture (thought of appliques and idea for picture close to four months ago)...what a treat to see it show up in the gallery. i really think that this little scenario plays out for almost everyone, something that you wish or dream up...let me explain...

i have so many friends that say..."i wish" or "i would love it.."- well...love it enough to make it happen, ask enough questions to make it close to a reality and then do it anyway...ask someone close to you that loves you to help...pray for God's will and enjoy doing it...i have friends that have a photography company on their mind, paper maybe, or just a change...so think about your idea and take steps to do it...the point of it all is to give God the glory all along the way. everything is for God's glory...
so whatever it is...if it is a red/blue longall..on a red chair...mmm you get the point..
speaking of pictures...something funny about the photoshoot...we had all of the kids here at my house for this one... the least stressful yet for sure- thanks Summer!! Caprisuns flying, bug spray, LOTS of pez candy (because it doesn't drip), and promises of fun dinners or desserts...my dear husband was here to help holding ladders etc...hilarious that he was more worried about the grass behind our front wall than the kids that were perched on the very edge...just like a man right? in his defense he would have beat us all there to catch them...but funny nonetheless
editing the pictures was the same way- clone tool for sure was something he was very interested in...if there was any brown spot it is now VERY green in every picture...once again so much fun (thanks dear husband) and i hope you enjoy hearing about our funnies.

since the deadline of july 7th (day the sample sets ship) approaches i am more aware of time and how short it will be...i am praying for all of our efforts to come together, clothes to fit and ship time to be short. my prayers are soon to be for all of the girls who will view the clothes...may everyone that comes to buy clothes or just look consider where their relationship with Christ is today...

i hope all of your will enjoy what is planned for each of your little ones this season...blessings until next time!

Better than a sneak peek...........Fall 2008

2008-06-17T15:25:00.002-05:00

questions!!

2008-06-14T19:46:00.003-05:00

ok girls- how do you get the counter? and make slideshows work? i tried to use something similar to photobucket but that didn't shake out very well? any suggestions?
until....

2008-06-14T17:46:00.005-05:00

it's saturyday and we are sick!! logan and i have been slowed by some sort of fever-headache-sore throat-feel yucky-here'sanantibioticseeyouinfivedaysifyouarenotbetter....UGH
but in the midst i wanted to share a "thoughtfulness"...it is so easy and it makes a person feel wonderful...my precious friend jennifer stopped by just for a hug and a hydrangea "drop-off"....made my day!! what a wonderful friend...what an easy thing to do...make someone's day...i am so grateful for "happies"...

here is a picture of some time i had with just mia and i yesterday...on the porch...of course my camera was nearby...what a sweetheart. she seems to be so receptive to things of Christ like- her brother is too and it is something that i pray will continue...God let them seek after things of you...blessings from you ...obedience to you....let me guide them and chad guide them to be like Christ! God use me to help them love you with everything that they have. Help them learn their purpose...and glorify you in all they do- not wasting any time in their life not praising your precious name. God, grant them the blessings of your kingdom...God help me to love them like you do...

another look at fall...

2008-06-12T14:48:00.005-05:00

hey to all who read...just a few pictures from the camera of summerkempferphotography.blogspot.com...enjoy...yeah fall!

a busy week!!

2008-06-04T19:52:00.003-05:00

hello to all...

we have just finished fall pictures and the virtual sale and i am officially pooped.... our kids have been fantastic and all of the kids in the pictures were better than great...great moms and my sweet husband has definately gotten the husband of the year award...moving ladders, gliders, feeding kids, holding ladders for Summer and doing bedtime for both kids.... i wanted to share one of the pictures with you... my favorite and my vision (God-inspired of course) for this season. Fun colors - lots of red/pink/green and lots and lots of matching boy/girl outfits...more later but posting a sneak for those looking for peaks!! love to all...

the gospel and parenting....

2008-06-01T21:53:00.003-05:00

hello to all...
it's Sunday night and today has been wonderful....a not-so-late start to church, got breakfast even...the sermon this morning was on the gospel and parenting. what a relief that our pastor is so passionately after God's heart that he camps out on Ephesians 6 and teaches what it means to be a christian parent. i encourage you to listen to last week and this week on the podcast...gospel and marriage was last week... God has allowed me to be in the place where i am spiritually..receptive... and i am so glad to be hearing from him weekly and that he allows me through his grace to be a part of his plan. i praise God for the word he entrusted us with to live by... he is so good and sufficient for my every need....and yours ...
http://brookhills.org/media/page_audio_chrono_2008.htm today's message will be there tomorrow...sometime....
this week is going to have to be covered in grace...mmmm...fall pictures are SUPPOSED TO BE TOMORROW.. good 'ole deadlines...welp...WHERE ARE THE BOXES...GOD GIVE ME GRACE AND MERCY... samples needed to take pictures....small dilemma right...not for God- i have officially done everything i know to do and shipping time is just taking longer than it should....meanwhile, this week - pictures, then invitation must go to print (proof done, whew!), then logo on order forms, binder with pictures, pictures with manequins....mmmm OH yeah wednesday is the sale!! email sale/phone sale to help clear out inventory from this season.....new website skin goes on this week and amelia is scheduling shows for fall to start july 7th...
all of this is the work part to be done during naptime and a little extra but the kids and i will find something wonderful to get in to as well...
this summer the kids an i decided to make a book....each week we ransack the sunday paper for two "letter pages"- meaning a sketch pad sized picture made from things cut out of the paper to storyboard that particular letter...at the end of the summer logan will hopefully remember all letters and continue reading and be ready for kindergarden. i, in turn, will have his precious mind on paper and will have enjoyed the two-hour projects all along. this is a wonderful job, staying home with the kids....God help me to never take it for granted!!

Ephesians 6
Children and Parents 1Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2"Honor your father and mother"—which is the first commandment with a promise— 3"that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth."[a] 4Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

BBTN fall things...

2008-05-22T14:15:00.007-05:00

things are moving rather quickly around here...new fabrics, new appliques, new ideas, pictures, website, logo...yeah!! i love change! i am also certain that this is going to be a wonderful season...fall that is...

here are a few pictures i thought you would enjoy...june 2nd are the pictures for fall....and so much happens every day after that...so much to do and naptime to do it.

blessings until next time!!

beach pictures...

2008-05-21T21:40:00.007-05:00

what a fun time of year!....the excitement of a new schedule (no school....am i crazy?) and looking forward to a new season... we are enjoying so much the time left before Logan goes to kindergarden and just the simplicity of life... i am also grateful for a different season with the business...this week should finish order shipments from spring (WHEW!!) so now we start with fall things... fabric is flying around already and shipments for fall are about to start...ribbon or not? how many ruffles? skirt or pants? 200 pairs of pants or 20? fun things but wild as usual- what a fun job!! we went to the beach last weekend with chad's brother, wife, and nephew...great relaxation and a wonderful time to clear my head and get away...glad to be back and wonderfully happy to have some sweet pictures to remember the weekend...enjoy! the next update will have new fabrics for fall....yeah!!

our precious five year old with a precious smile and a huge heart...

a little courage...finally approaches the waves she was diving into last year...

logan needed a haircut, and we went to plan B on almost all of the clothes, time of day, ya ya ya ...owell, family picture nonetheless

just pictures that i owe the last few posts

2008-04-23T21:16:00.003-05:00

mia discovered bandaids...only problem is that she didn't realize they would kindof hurt when she decided to take them off...mixed emotions...you can imagine
my favorite bushes...bridal wreath spirea...beautiful in the spring...
this is one of the precious stars of the KFC cardinals of chelsea...
the "whirly-gig" - antique for sure...my mom played on it, i did, and now my kids...so squeaky but at least i know exactly where they are outside...it buys me at least 10 minutes to cook dinner...
"papa" and mia
logan finally caught a fish after a ton of white bread...
trying not to fall in...
bubbles, bubbles...more bubbles
it is hard to get all three in a picture...the hammock slowed them down
almost too slow

2008-04-23T20:49:00.003-05:00

i just read this in one of my favorite blogs..."With the continual and constant change of emotions that a mother faces in her day, I am thankful to God that He is my stability - As I rest in Him, trust in Him that all things work together for good too those who love him and are called according to His purpose... I don't have to be a rollercoaster of emotions... being swayed by each event that surfaces to rock my boat. He is my calm, He is my patience, and He is who I want to find all my satisfaction, my identity, my significance."

this is the lesson that i am trying to learn today...most often and every day lately....i am so grateful for God's word...how is it that i am supposed to avoid the roller coaster that i seem to be on...
i seem to be...
emotionally preoccupied to say the least
busy only because i have chosen it...mmm
dedicated and passionate about my family
i want to be...
certain about my purpose and completely
laid back with no signs of stress
loving and kind...at all times
soft and gentle in my spirit

i share this because i am not naive enought to think i am the only one in this predicament...

i think that this is what God is trying to teach me...total and complete dependance on him. if he wasn't using my job it would be something else- probably with more consequences than whether we received a shipment that was useful in packing TONS of orders....just some thoughts that i am positive apply to lots of people...or at least i hope!!

on the flip side- and maybe not so serious...spring is wonderful and i will finally post some pictures of what that looks like for me and my wonderful husband, precious kids....

i do not say enough about how wonderful my husband is...the backbone of our family -after God's own heart...someone who is loving, kind, and speaks only words that seem to have been thought about for longer than the two seconds he had to respond to what i said to him... wonderfully forgiving and a great accountability partner...loving, such a hard-worker...supportive. GODLY....i see daily the evidence of his desire to follow God's will for our family....thank you Lord....

mercy for today...

2008-04-09T14:13:00.002-05:00

i am especially blessed today...

i have seen the Holy Spirit work in my life without any doubt...isn't it wonderful to see things in your life that happen and know that you were prompted by God and used by God... he is so good to me. if he cares about how i feel about the things in my life...my full of sin life...i know that he cares about each one of you...and wishes to be close to you....fellowship, what we were created for...and worship...

God has used some super ordinary life things to make an eternal impact...i pray that i will be willing and bold to accept and take the prompts from the Holy Spirit....God is my delight and my reward...is he yours?

what a fun job i have today...every day but i am so blessed to work with my sweet and precious sisters in Christ...Amelia & Kimberly were here this morning and we just packed orders and worked on spring things...what a wonderful job we have.... i hope you will all enjoy your clothes!! I sometimes forget that they reason for all of this - is for your kids to actually wear the clothes- NOT just to get to the UPS store by 4:00 so that they can get them on the truck ... funny how goal-oriented you become when you are on a mission... i hope this is how i am about the things of Christ...completely dedicated, passionate, and disciplined....instead of watching bachelorette i would pack orders...and instead of bachelorette i should be meeting with my savior as well....

here is a sneak peak of some of the most wonderful fabrics for fall...some of these are in our fall line-up some are not..but the designer took this picture & she just happens to be a wonderful photographer as well...

i have finally found someone to help me design my own fabric line as well...strangely enough her name is Ashley....i am praying that this will be step in the right direction....i lay this new company down at the feet of Christ - if it is his will i hope we will get it done....we may have to have a "name the company" contest....free clothes the prize of course...

back to work...

WHEW!!

2008-04-06T21:37:00.002-05:00

ok...THAT was a week...potty training Mia (NUFF SAID RIGHT?), party for who knows how many, husband doing 5 truckloads of mulch at night, tball, regular business, and trying to act like nothing out of the ordinary was going on...oh like repair people all week (refridgerator, handymen, and possible sprinkler people), tornados, and you know the drill- what is for dinner?

well, the party went better than great...35 invites went out for the wedding shower for jay and soon to be jennifer savage...that means possibly 70 people....but does that mean that you make enough banana pudding to feed 50? 35? well paula dean and i paired up for a double recipee that ended up being great..."not yo mama's banana pudding" from foodnetwork.com was the sure bet. so it turned out that the weather was fine, no one call pollen on their hiney because we forgot to wipe off the porch furniture, there WAS toilet paper in the bathroom and what's better is that when we ran out there was MORE, lots more...hmmm maybe it wasn't such a bad week after all...

since the last post things are blooming here and we are enjoying putting in tons of new plants and just enjoying watching the landscape come in for the first time really. when we moved in it was the end of october and everything was pretty much finished doing anything because of the drought and now with the rain we have gotten everything is beautiful...i will post pictures tomorrow...i never thought i would enjoy the gardening as much as we do but it gives chad and i something that is so much fun to do outside together...we both enjoy watching everything grow! We transplanted tons of things from my mom and dad's yard and all is doing well...so much fun!

the business is doing well and shipping often...i think we shipped over 400 packages this month alone...i definately got an email when that charge hit my credit card....fall designing is well on it's way and almost all is squared away. i just need to order buttons and get the pattern situation worked out...so much fun!! appliques are all drawn and are being put into the computer this week and forward...

God has been so good...what a huge thought to wrap your mind around that God cares about all of the things above that i mentioned that have little to no eternal value...

FATHER, ALMIGHTY GOD, CREATOR OF THE UNIVERSE cares about me and whether or not i am discouraged...he cares that i meet with him daily, read his word...yet mighty and holy and he certainly doesn't need me to do anything that is in his eternal plan- but yet he chooses to include me and use me...how humbling it is to be absolutely unworthy of his love and committment to whoo me daily...i feel the holy spirit tug at my heart EVERY morning...choose me, spend time with me, sit down and talk with me....I AM THE ONLY THING THAT MATTERS - WORSHIP ME THE HOLY GOD OF THE UNIVERSE....how do we ever go a day without stopping to worship....the repent...the rest in the mercy and faithfulness of God....again i plead with you friends and relatives....love with all of your heart the God who made you...nothing else matters...
my father in heaven is my delight and my reward...have you chosen him? do you serve only him? is he the love of your life? where will you spend eternity?
until later...blessings!!

a wonderful weekend ahead...

2008-03-21T18:23:00.002-05:00

we just pulled up in memphis a little while ago...let the recharge begin....we are already enjoying the benefits of a wonderful family...mexican dip waiting, kids hunting easter eggs that i didn't buy, stuff and hide...and a wonderfully familiar atmosphere- it is so fun to be "home"...
i love how the kids run to their familiar places...and enjoy seeing the family dog...God is so good...we are so blessed with all of our family....Kathy, Greg and Becky, and my family in Memphis...

i have left tons to do behind and the reality that life will have to go on is setting in...i am determined to spend the weekend abiding in God's grace and learning every day a new way that faith is a constant decision...I look at my kids and know that it is true that we cannot go a day without faith....

i hope that all of you have a wonderful weekend...easter egg hunts and all....

my first post...

2008-03-15T19:07:00.005-05:00

hello to family and friends....
ok...i finally decided that this just might be the easiest way to let you see how quickly our kids are growing...and maybe a little extra on our family and BBTN.
i keep hearing about friends that have a blog and i have found several lately that i love.. instead of promising to send photos i am thinking it might be easier to post them here and provide some sustanance for those who are not around our kids alot.
not only will this be a great way to see the kids but i think it will be yet another creative outlet for me....it might be kindof fun to pour out funny things and favorite things that contribute to life as we know it in our family or with BBTN.
i am so passionate about everything in my life right now, and probably always have been. my God, my husband, my kids, our family, and my work. i am aware of everything as a blessing...as i write my kids are riding the little tykes car through the kitchen (one on top and one beneath) pretending there are villains for logan and mia is concerned about getting to the store. I pray daily that i will not ever take these things for granted...and that i am passionate about the right things in the right proportions.
My work gives me alot of interaction with adults (great friends and fun people) that i need so much, mother's day out money, and a neat way to achieve some type of goal that doesn't require cleaning the house. The most serious goal is the always present possibility of there being an eternal impression...what if someone sees Christ for the first time because of the business? what if a conversation about children's clothing is a conversation starter for a decision for Christ. i think i would have a hard time if my goal was to keep the house clean (5 min. tops) or get the ironing done (2 days), or get the floor clean (10 min.)....i pack orders, order fabric, and coordinate all types of efforts to - in the end- provide clothes for little ones...what a fun job.
so....here goes....another passionate effort to keep up with family a little better....show a few more pictures of the kids...and hopefully encourage someone in what their are trying to achieve even if it is the dishes....for now, enjoy the pictures...if i can get the slideshow to work that is...

psalm 34: 1-8
1 I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. 2 My soul will make its boast in the LORD; The humble will hear it and rejoice. 3 O magnify the LORD with me, And let us exalt His name together. 4 I sought the LORD, and He answered me, And delivered me from all my fears. 5 They looked to Him and were radiant, And their faces will never be ashamed. 6 This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him And saved him out of all his troubles. 7 The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, And rescues them. 8 O taste and see that the LORD is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!