Farewell Funky Curtain

Remember Marin's Easter dress creation? The day I bought the jacket (turned dress) I also found this gem! How totally funky is this curtain panel? I snagged this little piece of 70's history for only 50 cents. Anyway, I've been looking for just the right pattern to turn this curtain panel into a bag or purse. I finally found it! I'm hoping this super fun pattern will transform this fun piece of "history" into a stylish summer purse. Check back later to see the final product. Until then, farewell, funky find!

Freelance Project: Memorial Medical Center

Here are samples from my most recent freelance project. Each year Memorial Medical Center in Livingston holds their Service Awards Banquet. I was asked to design an invitation, RSVP card, certificate, and program for their lakeside event. An inexpensive, but attractive idea for an invitation is to have 4x6 prints made of your favorite picture or personal design. Add text or graphics to the photo and then upload the artwork to a photo printing facility (I typically use Wal-Mart). Then attach the photo to a folded 5” x 7” (open the paper would be 10” x 7”) card, using double sided tape. Tada! A full color invitation for just a handful of pennies.

Mommy and Marin

I love little Marin, love her I do.
I love little Marin, Oh what can I do?
Marin, I love her, she is all mine.
Marin, I love her, until the end of all time.

(Written by daddy, sung often by mommy)



Thank you, Katherine for taking our picture. What a happy day.

A Mother’s Day Story

My friend Marolyn has had a tremendously challenging year. Soon after the New Year, she was diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer. This report came after months of extreme discomfort and worry. She’s since undergone various tests, treatments and even minor surgery. On top of all that, her youngest son joined the army just one week before her official diagnosis. They’ve had only brief correspondence and contact with one another. As his graduation from boot camp drew near, Marolyn grew anxious to see him. Sadly, his sergeant called to say that her son would not be graduating with his class because he had come down with pneumonia and was still in recovery. The sergeant said it would be impossible for Michael to complete his PT test and would have to test once his strength returned, delaying his return home. Now, I’m not sure how it feels to be away from your mother when she is undergoing such difficulties, but it must have been just the thing to motivate Michael. Despite the pneumonia, he passed his PT test and flew home that weekend.

Here are pictures I took of Marolyn and Michael just a few days ago. There was such tenderness between them. The bond between mother and child is a beautiful mystery, one I cherish and am always amazed by.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Bath Buddies

Darci and Dan came over the other night to visit and Jami borrowed our bath tub. Marin had just gotten out and was still clad in only a diaper. They were having so much fun exploring the bathroom together, I just had to snap a couple pictures to capture the moment. These pictures make me giggle every time I look at them!!!!! There is just so much to love about baby booties!

Marin's Little Pony

Me: "No, Marin, that's not a cow, it's a horse. What does a horse say?"
Marin: "Mooooooo"
Me: "(Giggle) No, Marin a Horse says Neigh. A Cow says Moo."
Marin: "Cow? Moooo!"

Um, Yeah, so the animal identification thing can be kinda tricky to learn, I guess. But with a vocabulary of over 70 words I'd say Marin will learn the distinction soon. I'm hoping "pony" will help.

Pony is her new friend. Pony goes night, night with Marin. She dances with Marin. She explores and is pretty obedient to all of Marin's many demands.

Here are a few photos of Marin and Pony for your viewing pleasure.



Well, pony got cut out of this one, but I LOVE the quizical look on Marin's face. Classic Marin!


Thank you Angie, for such a thoughtful gift. You've given Marin hours of fun and addorable toy she absolutly loves.

Bit-O-Ouch! {Marin’s Shots}

I hate taking Marin for her immunizations. I dread it. Today was shots day.

I try to be strong and brave. I try not to project my fears to Marin, but I’m not sure it’s working.
Today she cried when they weighed her, cried when they measured her height, cried when the doctor looked in her ears, eyes, mouth and at her tummy. But she SCREAMED when they drew her blood.

The doctor recommended we have her blood tested to be sure that her iron levels were good and that she didn’t have too much lead in her system. I said okay with hesitation. It was awful. She screamed and cried. I had to hold her down, while trying to comfort her. In the moment I was searching for ways to take her mind off of what was going on, but each time I came up with something I hesitated because I didn’t want to taint our “happy thing.” Should I have sung her our favorite song? Should I have recited the ABCs? Should I have told her the story about five silly monkeys? Maybe next time I’ll have a story about Brave Baby Marin ready to recite.

When everything was said and done she was given a pony sticker and candy. They seemed to instantly bring her relief. As we left the Doctor’s office I let myself cry. With Steven at my side and tears running down my face, I carried Marin to the car. Seems Marin recovered from the incident beautifully. In the car, sucker in hand, she turned to me and asked “Okay, Mommy? You Okay?” Her tiny hand patting my shoulder as my tears ran freely. “Yes, baby Marin, Mommy is okay. I love you.”

After all of the emotions, she was ready for a nap. Yes, that's the candy in her hand. I couldn't bring myself to take it from her.