my other family...

it's so aWesome to go to work,
love what you do,
be appreciated for what you do,
get paid well for what you do,
and love your co-workers like your family.
so
aWesome.

Yesterday was the first day of school for all THREE of the girlies!

I had TWO whole hours to myself!

What did I do?

Hit Target and took my sweet time.

Bought a life sized ironing board....what a treat ;)

Well, it is.

Considering I've been using a two foot long one for a year...wtf?

Crazy the things you'll go without until you just can't anymore.

I was sure the big girls were going to have a great day.

They were ready to go back and SO excited!

I truly felt like my heart swelled inside me as they set off with smiles on their faces.

Stella on the other hand woke up crying.

'I don't want to go to Bunnies and Blocks' whhhaaaaahhhhhh.

Ugggg.

This was going to be HARD.

When we got there she put her brave little face on.

Wouldn't talk to anyone.

Had that pensive look in her eye.

I brought her in,

showed her where the potty was (still new at the potty thing),

brought her over to her mat at the circle,

and she cried....a sad, nervous cry.

'Mama, I have to tell you something' over and over again.

It made my heart break.

I handed her off and walked out without even a look over my shoulder.

I knew that would be it if I did.

About twenty minutes later I get a call from the Head Mistress of the school.

She's the quintessential preschool teacher.

Just perfect.

Her cheerful voice calming me instantly...

She said 'Stella is fine, she's talking, playing, having a great time'.

I don't think I took a breath until after I heard that message.

The picture above was taken by Miss Mary Beth while Stella made a sculpture.

Sure looks happy to me!

She hasn't stopped talking about school and is SO proud of herself.

I'm SO proud of her...we all are.

Now.

In other news.

Our computer is done.

Kaaaa-plunk.

Finito!

We need a new one.

Greaaaattttt.

I've got loads of pictures to upload, an ipod to charge, things to print...and can't.

Not to even mention ALL of Craig's work is on that computer.

I hope to God we can retrieve all those documents!!!

:O

My life is revolving around burlap.

I'm in the process of making many, many burlap pillows for L'Andana.

I'm totally allergic.

But.

LOVE burlap.

I've got a million ideas on what to do with burlap, bulap and more burlap.

SO SOON...now that the kids are back in school.

You'll hopefully begin to see my shop spruce up a bit.

I'm really excited.

Ok.

Girl in tub needs to get out.

Later Taters...

xo

L'Andana...

I never wanted to go back to bartending. In fact, I told Craig I would NEVER go back to bartending even though it IS what I'm good at (sounds stupid I know) but I LOVE it and I seem to think it shows :)

Where I work matters to me. I know to some driving an hour to work is CrAzY but I look at it like it's my only option. Working for the best there is for so many years and then being asked to come work for them again is both flattering and an honor (cheesy but true). I actually don't mind the drive. There are zippo kids in the back seat screaming, crying or teasing each other...which means I'm not screaming, yelling and cursing. I'm calm which almost never happens.

This is where I work and this is a fantastic photographer who took shots of our restaurant about a month ago....wanted to share :)

Come visit me!

xo

Just a quick hello and a 'me' update...I know you were just dying to know ;)
I'll be working tonight, tomorrow and Sunday...I already feel tired just thinking about it so have come to the conclusion it's best not to allow myself to even go there.
I need to take the advice I so often give to Miss Zoe...the anticipation of what's to come is often far worse than the actual event itself.
I actually enjoy working so I don't know what I'm complaining about...just a little tired, that's all.
*
Monday I'll be sitting in the Dentists chair getting a root canal :(
*
I've made a mental note that I've got to change my little etsy message about how fast I'll be getting orders done. I think I'm going to have to start allowing myself about a three-four days to get orders done...I'm finding I'm falling behind and don't want to let anyone down!
*
I found out yesterday the Cora Playground fundraiser was a HUGE success...almost $16,000 raised at last count (there were still more shops yet to report!). It always feels good doing something bigger than yourself...ya know what I mean?
*
Although we're still buried in snow I sense Spring is just around the corner!
*
OK. Off to get ready for my night...With the warmer weather I just know it's going to be a big martini night!!!
XO

here I am!

Sorry I've been MIA for the past couple of days.
Getting used to this new schedule is going to take a little time I think.
I had a great weekend back at work and so happy I took the gig.
Today I've been up to my eyeballs in fabric, thread and ONE HUGE crafty mess!
I've been a bit behind but am now happy to say all caught up!
Mind you these are all for custom orders and nothing new yet in the shop but progress!!
Hope you have a happy day!
xo

feeling loved...

Random acts of kindness and love DO happen.
A girlfriend of mine and BIG fan of my shop found this super cute tee shirt and sent me one totally out of the blue.
I'm so touched by her thoughtfulness it really did make me tear up...so sensitive, I know!
I'm just loving her love :)
If you haven't yet checked out this shop do it now...SUCH cute stuff!
***
So, I've been on the bar since Tuesday.
Last night was my last training shift and tonight I can start bringing home some dough.
I'm really loving it there and had some great surprise visitors last night!
It really is like riding a bike...I haven't forgotten a thing...phew!
***
Hope you all have a great weekend and if you're local...come see me!
My shifts will be Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and one Sunday a month.
XO

Things are about....

to change around here a bit!
Mama is going back to work and this is where I'll be!
I'll be working two maybe three shifts a week...It will definitely be a change but I think a welcome one. The extra money will be nothing to sneeze at and the restaurant is top notch (my cup of tea)...Sorry, but I'm not the run of the mill chain restaurant kind of gal...I need a little glitz and this place is GORGEOUS! I'm nervous and excited all at the same time. I'm hoping I can keep up with everything on the home front and that nothing with my shop will suffer. I'll give it my all...is there any other way?
I'm very familiar with the way this restaurant is run as I have worked for and with it's owner for years before having Ruby. The amount of professionalism and pride that his venues boast is five star. So many good things.
****
I've still got Cora goodies in my shop and almost done with this weekends round of orders...thanks so much for being patient!
****
I'm still not feeling that great...What is going on??? I mean the stomach bug thing has got to end, right? I'm still nauseous much of the day and have little appetite! NO, I'm not preggers...geesh!
****
OK. Off to hang with the Man...The girls are already asleep!!!
xo