what is your story?

{December Daily: Album Cover}

2011-12-01T14:18:00.001-08:00

Are there any of you guys wanted to use the 6x8.5 inch album size for DD this year, but couldn't afford the kit from Studio Calico? I LOVE Studio Calico, but unfortunately with me staying home eith the kids and not working, the $$$ really isn't flowing unfortunately.
However, with my clever little trick, you'll be able to use the page protectors (sold apart from the kit) and stil be able to use the same album size as Ali!

All you'll need is:

1/4 yard of fabric
a sturdy piece of cardboard (at least 14x18)
12x12 sheet of paper
hot glue gun
Glossy Accents (optional)

For my cardboard all I used was an empty diaper box...plently of those around here with 2 in diapers! I cut 2 pieces from the box at 6.5x9, one for the front cover and one for the back. So that I don't risk any pattern showing through my fabric I just tore off the printed part of the box. If your box is not printed, just skip this step.

For my fabric I cut two piece slightly larger than my piece of cardboard (at least 1.5 inch overhang on all four sides). I then took my hot glue gun and put a dot of glue in each corner of the cardboard...CAREFUL NOT TO BURN YOURSELLF!!!

Then you will fold all four corner over onto the hot glue...DON'T PULL TOO HARD OF THE FABRIC OR ELSE YOU MAY DISTORT THE PATTERN OF YOUR FABRIC.

Once your done with that part you will squirt a line of glue down one side and bring that side's fabric up to the glue, creating a nice crisp edge...can you see it coming together already?!?!?!?! Repeat this step with the next three sides.

Once your done it should look like this. Now you can cut your paper down to (2) 6x8.5 pieces and glue that over the back of your cover (I used Glossy Accents), now covering up the last of the cardboard and creating a fully customizable album cover...pretty cool huh?!?!?!?! Just repeat this for the back cover as well.

I still have a few things I am waiting on to arrive, so until then that is as much as I can show you, but what my plan is now is to punch three holes in my front and back cover (corresponding to my 3 holes in the page protector) and use three large rings to hold it all together!

What is really awesome is that you can do this to make ANY size album you want!!! I have made COUNTLESS numbers of these in 8x8 using chipboard and patterned paper...SO MUCH FUN!

Link me up with your creations using this tutorial.

Logan's Birth Story Album

2011-10-14T19:20:00.001-07:00

Click here to view this photo book larger

Shutterfly allows you to customize your photo book just the way you want.

Easy Spinach Lasagna

2011-10-06T08:39:00.000-07:00

I have a few things that I have been wanting to post, but this is the first thing that was ready to write up so here we go!
I recently made my VERY FIRST Lasagna and it turned out superb, so I thought that I would share the recipe. I used THIS recipe, but altered it quite a bit, making a little lower in fat!

Easy Spinach Lasagna
1/2 lb. lean ground beef
1 lb. italian sausage
1 onion, chopped
1 jar spagetti sauce
1 sm. can tomato sauce
1 pint low fat cottage cheese
1 pint low fat ricotta cheese
1/4 c. parmesan cheese, grated
1 10 oz. package frozen spinach, thawed
2 eggs
1 box whole wheat lasagna noodles ***DO NOT BUY "NO BAKE" NOODLES***
2 c. 2% mild cheddar cheese

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. In a large pot sautee onions. Add ground beef and sausage and brown then add the spaghetti and tomato sauce and heat thoroughly.

3. In a medium bowl add cottage, ricotta and parmesan cheese along with thawed spinach and both eggs. Stir all ingredients until well combined.

4. In a 9x13 pan layer your ingredients sauce, noodles, cheese making sure to end with the sauce mixture.

5. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Uncover and top with cheddar cheese and bake for an additional 15 minutes, uncovered. Remove from oven and let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Hope you like your YUMMY lasagna...and stay tuned for more posts SOON, including a DIY Vampire Cape and DIY Halloween Banner!!!

{Logan's Birth Story}

2011-09-20T12:02:00.000-07:00

Sorry it has been so long since I have updated my blog, but as I'm sure you know we have been busy. I didn't want to do another blog post until I had this one written and ready...so here it goes...Logan's birth story:
I am now a mother of three and this is the birth story of my last child, Logan Ray Zadik. It was July 21st and I was almost a week overdue with my third child.
1:30 am -I was awoke out of my sleep with some cramping and I decided to get up out of bed and go to the bathroom, to which I noticed I was having bloody show. I thought to myself…”oh my gosh…this is it!!!” I stood around for a little while to see if I was going to have any more contractions, and boy did I. Quickly another contraction came, then another, and another. I decided to start timing them, as well as wake Jason and tell him “um…baby…I don’t think that you will have to go to work today!” To which he replied “oh yea?” and quickly turned over and went back to sleep…gee thanks!
I went downstairs and turned on the t.v. and laid down on the couch to see if I could get a little more rest. My contractions were about 4-5 minutes apart and I wasn’t too uncomfortable. I knew that this was the real deal so I decided to call the midwife to give her a heads up. She said to just give her a call back whenever we were headed to the birthing center. I also called my mom and sister at this time and told them to go ahead and head to the house, considering both of them were about an hour away and I wanted them to have plenty of time to get here. I had no clue how this birth was going to go since both of the other kids birth’s were so different.
2:30 am -I tried to rest on the couch, but my contractions were getting stronger and faster. I was easily able to breath through them still, however I didn’t want to be alone so I went upstairs and asked Jason if he could at least come downstairs and sleep on the couch so that if I needed something he would be there. I had visions of the baby coming so fast that he just pretty much fell out and I was left by myself with no help…silly I know, but hey…it’s happened to people before!
3:00 am –I was talking with Jason during contractions and realized that we didn’t have anyone to come and watch the kids while we were at the birthing center since mom and Kellee were coming to the birth. We quickly tried to think of a solution and called Kristi to see if she could drive over. She just happened to have woken up a few minutes prior and answered the phone and was so excited to come over immediately. Mom arrived soon after I got off the phone with her. She told me that Kellee was unfortunately not going to be able to make it and I was so bummed. She was supposed to be taking pictures and documenting the experience since this was going to me our last child. I decided to call a friend who had also offered to take pictures and she was ecstatic to be offered to join us in this experience. I was still having contractions lasting about a minute and about 3-5 minutes apart, but still able to talk though them.
3:30 am –Kristi arrived and was SO EXCITED! She had never been around anyone in labor before so she was not quite sure what to do. She asked me many questions to which I answered if I could. At this point I decided to sit on the ball and bounce though and between the contractions to get them moving a bit.
4:30 am –Suddenly my contraction got super strong and very uncomfortable. I called the midwife once again and told her we soon would be on our way. We started getting our things together and packing the car up.
4:45 am –We arrived at the birthing center, but no midwife had arrived yet…so I stuck it out in the car through the longest 2-3 contractions ever. It’s definitely not easy to be sitting in a car and having contractions…let me tell you.
4:55 am –Rena, my midwife arrived and quickly scurried inside to get things moving.
5:15 am –Rena checked my cervix…the moment of truth…6 cm…I thought to myself “yahoo…only 4 more to go…I CAN DO THIS!!!” Rena starts to fill the tub up for me to get in. I continue to breathe through my contractions, swaying while holding onto the column for the tub. All I am thinking at this moment is “you can do this…you can do this…not much longer.” I also envisioned a flower blooming and opening up just like my cervix was doing to help stay calm and collected. I think my friend arrived about this time and began to document this AWESOME experience by taking pictures.
5:55 am –the tub was finally ready for me to get into…Oh boy did the water feel wonderful, but when my first contraction came, I wanted to jump right back out! This is definitely NOT where I wanted to be. I decided to tough it out for a little bit and see how things would go.
6:10 am –I had the urge to push, and Rena quickly checked me and gave me the “ok” to go ahead and start pushing when my body told me to…at this point I remember pushing like a crazy woman because I was SO ready for him to be out…
6:14 am –Logan arrived into the world and he was PERFECT!!! Jason got to help catch him and laid him on my chest…it was amazing!!! We checked him over to make sure first of all he really was a boy, then his 10 little fingers and 10 little toes…they were all there and as cute as can be…I remember how quiet he was compared to Caleb who screamed for and hour after he came out.
6:30 am –We waited for the cord to stop pulsating before we cut it…Jason always has the hardest time cutting through those things. They are like super thick rubber bands. Logan and I chilled out in the tub for a few more minutes before I handed him over, rinsed off and got out and headed to the bed.
6:40 am –I held him for a little bit while they went and got the scale to weigh him. I remember trying to guess what he would weigh…he seemed long, but not too heavy. My guess was 7 lbs 14 oz…and I was WAY off…he weighed 9 lbs 3 oz!!! We had another football player on our hands. They handed him back to be and we tried out our hand in breastfeeding…instant latch…that is the best feeling and bonding moment when your newborn latches onto you for the first time. I was also in quite a bit of pain from the cramping so I took some ibuprofen. Logan and I were thoroughly checked out and made sure that no problems arose as the time passed. At one point Jason had to leave to give someone from work something so I had him pick up Mackenzie so that she could come and see her new brother. Jason told me later that when he went to pick her up she was still asleep. He went in to wake her up, patted her on the back and told her that baby Logan came out while she was asleep, to which she jumped out of bed in excitement to see her brother.
7:20 am –Logan and I took our herbal bath and washed up
7:45 am –Jason and Mackenzie arrived with breakfast!!! She checked out all his 10 toes and 10 fingers and we counted them.
8:00 am –We took a few family photos (minus Caleb) and got dressed and packed up to head home.
9:00 am –HOME SWEET HOME!

(don't worry...nothing yucky!)
***unfortunately I couldn't get these to show in order...sorry***

Created with flickr slideshow.

{Waiting Game}

2011-07-18T12:35:00.000-07:00

So I was officially on Maternity leave as of Saturday...and boy was this weekend busy...not busy enough for Logan to come on his "guess date", which was Saturday!!! Oh well...I'm sure it will be soon. I go back to see my midwife on Thursday, if I make it that long. Between now and then I guess I am just going to catch up on lost projects, take more pictures, do some cleaning/organizing all while trying to keep my extremely puffy feet elevated and relax...um...did I miss anything ;)
A few weeks ago I started Project Life and I absolutely *LOVE it* I would recommend it to anyone. It has been working great for me because all I have to do is print out some pictures, add some journaling and stick them in the page protectors. Digital scrapping has been SO TOUGH for me to keep up with, even though I still have been spending the money on all the new cute product! SO, project life was the PERFECT solution for me. I love that you can add little things here and there besides the traditional photos and journaling ie. invitations to a party, receipts, ticket stubs, etc. These are all things I normally keep, but end up throwing away cause I don't have anywhere to put them, plus it's hard to incorporate in a digi page. Ooh, I'm so excited!!! ALL of my photos so far that I have added to my album are printed from my iPhone, which is SO AWESOME because it's always with me. The quality is not the greatest, but hey...I am getting life documented and I am able to remember the simple things in life.
Here is a link to get you started on Project Life if you are interested or you can click the ad to the left!
The products that I purchased to get started are as follows because all of the Project Life 2011 Kits are SOLD OUT:

American Crafts - Pebbles - 12 x 12 Share and Tell Albums - Brown
Scrapbook.com

We R Memory Keepers - Page Protectors - 12 x 12 Three Ring - 10 Pack
Scrapbook.com

We R Memory Keepers - Page Protectors - 6 Up - 4 x 6 Inch Photo Sleeves - Fits 12 x 12 Three Ring Albums - 10 Pack
Scrapbook.com

We R Memory Keepers - Page Protectors - Multi Pack - Fits 12 x 12 Three Ring Albums
Scrapbook.com

American Crafts - Page Protectors - 6x12
Scrapbook.com

American Crafts - 6 x 12 Photo Protectors for 4 x 6 Photos - Horizontal - 10 Pack
Scrapbook.com

American Crafts - Page Protectors - 10 x 12
Scrapbook.com

100 3x4 Journaling Cards by Becky Higgins

Divided Photo Pocket Pages-Design A by Becky Higgins

Divided Photo Pocket Pages-Design B by Becky Higgins

Apps I use on my iPhone photos:

Camera + ($1.99)

Instagram (free)

Hipstamatic ($1.99 + .99 add on's)

These are just a FEW things that are out there to purchase other than the kit...there are also endless possibilities of page protectors...as you can see all the ones I have purchased and there are still so many others.

Here are some things that I want and plan to get soon:

We R Memory Keepers - Crop-A-Dile - Corner Chomper Tool
Scrapbook.com

C-Line - Memory Book - Page Protectors - Flip Pockets - Holds 4 x 6 Photos - 6 Pack
Scrapbook.com

Memory Works - Simple Stories - 100 Days of Summer Collection - 12 x 12 Collection Kit
Scrapbook.com

Memory Works - Simple Stories - Life Documented Collection - 12 x 12 Double Sided Paper - Journaling Card Elements 1
Scrapbook.com

Memory Works - Simple Stories - Life Documented Collection - 12 x 12 Double Sided Paper - Journaling Card Elements 2
Scrapbook.com

Memory Works - Simple Stories - Life Documented Collection - 12 x 12 Double Sided Paper - Journaling Card Elements
Scrapbook.com

I guess this should be enough for you to think about right now...off to shopping you go...how about a little inspiration?!?!?!?
ps. I'm just a TAD behind, but ONLY because my computer has been acting up!

{Tutorial & Im a HORRIBLE BLOGGER}

2011-05-31T12:24:00.000-07:00

So I must confess, not that its hard to figure out, but I am a HORRIBLE BLOGGER. I spend so much time reading other people's blogs that I don't keep up with my own! What my plan is to post more of the projects that I make and make some tutorials, but I either make things and give them away too quick that I don't get pictures, or I get so busy making something that I forget to take pictures. So with that being said I have a quick tute for ya!
I recently visited this blog and saw this great tutorial for an earring hanger...HERE is the original tutorial, bt I will show you some different tecniques and tricks that I found helpful!

First thing I did was start out with a frame. I purchased it from JoAnn's for $5...50% off! I guess that is a decent price for a frame. It's a pretty nice one anyways. I suppose that you could find an unfinished one from Hobby Lobby which would make things a little easier. Whatever your preference is. This frame originally was a solid brown. I sanded the edges so that the natural wood showed through and lightly sanded the rest of it so that the paint would stick. I then used a damp cloth to get all the dust off.

Let the frame dry completely. I then painted the front of the frame with an acrylic paint. The first coat will not cover the frame very evenly, but let it dry and apply a second coat which will looks ten times better. Don't worry about it looking too pretty though cause your going to again give the frame another sanding. Sand lightly the frame roughing/distressing it to your liking!

Now turn the frame over and make a mark at 2", 5" and 8" on either side of the "picture" opening (these would be measurements for an 8x10 frame holding the frame vertically). At your marks insert your thumb tacks just slightly into the wood so that there is still room to wrap the wire around it. I decided to use framing wire instead of the jewelry wire because it was a bit thicker and braided so that it would be a bit straighter as you pulled it across (plus I found it on clearence for 99 cents...yay). You then want to hammer the tacks into the wood the rest of the way. Because this wire was a bit thicker than the jewelry wire I decided to reinforce it by using a piece of super sticky tape over the thumb tack so they wouldn't come out after some use.
Voila...you're DONE!!! Doesn't it look perty?!?!?

I just recently purchased a Silhouette SD so I am going crazy with the projects...stay tuned to see what I make :D

{New Dress and Easter Egg Hunt}

2011-03-30T11:11:00.000-07:00

This past weeken we went to the Annual Easter Egg Hunt on the Harris Farm! We all had a lot of fun as we normally do...it sure was a hot day though and you will see Caleb's face is beat red in some of the pictures. I also make Mackenzie a new dress every year for this occasion. This year I am making the dress available in {MY SHOP} available in sizes 12m-6years. I am also working on some more boy clothing items...it's just so much harder as you most know to either make/buy for boys...but it's coming...promise! {more pics to come}

{Five Finds Friday and New stuff}

2011-03-18T14:04:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone...it's been a few weeks since I've posted. I have been SO SICK with an aweful sinus infection and FINALLY feeling better! In case you haven't checked it out lately go to {MY SHOP} and see all the new things I have added!!!

Ok now for the fun stuff...here are my {FIVE FINDS} for this week:

{Love Encounter Sketches} by Kitty Designs at O'Scraps-I had to get these to make a new Shutterfly book with. She does the BEST albums!!

{Aviator Hat} by Oops! I knit it Again-ths hat is ADORABLE...I think that I want to get it for the new little baby-boy-to-be!!!

{Organic Camera Toy} by Little Sapling Toy's-coolest toy EVER!!!

{Chocolate Flap Cap} by Unmashin-this would look so cute on Mackenzie with her curls popping out!!!

{Lucky and Blessed Necklace} by Lisa Leonard-once this new baby is born I'll have to get a new necklace...this one is perfect!!!

{Frida Dress Pattern Review}

2011-02-05T15:45:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I completed the Frida dress as said in earlier post and I am back as promised. It took me a bit longer than expected, but that could be due to the two screaming little ones I had! I just want to say...I LOVE THE WAY THE DRESS TURNED OUT...I'm so HAPPY!!!
I would say that the sizing is ver true to size. When I first saw the pieces cut out I was a bit worried, but after finishing the bodice and trying it on my daughter I was greatly suprised...it fit perfect. The bodice looks great with the perfect point in the middle. I chose the capped sleeves version which gives it a nice peasent look. I must say that the trickiest part of the whole dress for me was the ties. The piece of fabric you had to work with was tiny making it hard to manuver, but they still turned out GREAT, AND she gives you the option of using ribbon so this problem can be resolved. My favorite part of the pattern was how she had you sew the pockets on giving it a professional and practical touch! I also love the touch of the slit in the top of the skirt portion making more room in the sleeves. I give this pattern TWO THUMBS UP. Definitely for an intermediate sewer, however the directions are awesome so you beginner sewers feel free to give it a shot! This dress would also look great with some leggings and a long sleeve t-shirt underneath for these colder months we are having. In fact I think that I am going to make THESE to match and go underneath!! Thanks for looking.

EDITED:
**So I couldn't wait...I had to make some pants to match using the Katie Cupcake pattern. They were kind of a quickie-hack-job if I must say so, but still turned out cute and totally completes the outfit**

{P52 and another new project}

2011-02-05T11:28:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to do a quick post right now to show my P52 pics for the months of July and show you what I'm working on this BEAUTIFUL day for my darling daughter :)

{Week One-Caleb's first haircut}

{Week Two-my fabric for a lap quilt}

{Week Three-Mackezie is FINALLY in Panties}

{Week Four-my little hoodlums}

...and for my new project for Mackenzie I am making this dress

with this fabric,

this fabric

and this fabric!!!

It's lookin' cute so far. Off to sew now!!!

{Old Navy Knock-Off}

2011-02-04T14:56:00.000-08:00

Ok guys...so I posted earlier on my five finds friday about a skirt from Old Navy that I just LOVED. Well, I braved the ice and went to Jo Ann's Fabric, found some fabric almost identical to it and created a tutorial for you all! Yay...another tutorial.

{Super Twirl Skirt}
1. For this project you will need about 1-1 1/2 yards of fabric **my daughter wears a 5 and I needed 1 yard with nothing left to spare**. Measure your child's waist and subtract 1-2 inches from that measurement. This will be the length you will cut your elastic.

2. For the top of your skirt you will need to cut two pieces of fabric the width of your child's waist measurement by 12in. **mine was 20x12in...you can adjust according to your child's height** Place these two pieces right side together and sew along both of the short sides creating a tube. Press seams open and then fold this tube in half lengthwise so that the wrong sides are together and press along the fold.

3. Next you want to sew a casing at the top of this fold the width of your elastic plus a 1/4in **my elastic was 1 1/2in so I made a casing that was 1 3/4in**. Backstitch at the beginning and end and make sure that you leave an opening the width of your elastic so that you can thread it through your casing when you are done. After threading the elastic through, sew the ends of the elastic together using a zig zag stitch. Close up the opening you made for your elastic. You have now completed the top of your skirt.

4. Next you will want to measure on your child how long you want the skirt to be and subtract the width of your top piece from that then add two inches for your seam allowance and hem **I wanted my skirt to be 12in long and my top piece was 7in then I added two inches. 12-7+2=7...does that make sense??? All these measurements are making a CUSTOM FIT skirt for your child** The you want to sew wrong sides together the short ends of your fabric once again creating a BIG tube. Press seams open. Now we are going to gather the top of this piece of fabric. Set your stitch length as high as it will go and instead of sewing all the way around the fabric once, start at one side seam **leaving long tails of thread at beginning and end** to the other and repeat. Once this part is done take the top of your skirt place it inside your bottom piece **right sides together** and match up the side seams of the top piece to the side seams of your bottom piece and pin. Now you can gather your fabric so that it matches the width of your top piece. Spread out your gathers evenly and pin as your go.

5. Once eveything is pinned together you want to sew all the way around your skirt pieces using a 1/2in seam and making sure you catch all three pieces in your seam. When your are through serge your raw edges or zig zag stitch as close to the edge as you can. **this is to prevent the raw edges from fraying and your child catching their toes on all those little threads** Flip your skirt right side out and press the seam you have just sewn up. Topstitch all the way around your skirt. **this gives it the perfect touch**

6. Lastly you want to hem your skirt. I serged my raw edge then folded it up for a hem, but if you don't have a serger you can just create a double hem encasing the raw edge.

Viola!!! Your done!!! Looks almost identical to the one from Old Navy huh???

How was it?!?!? Confusing?!?! Please feel free to leave any comments with questions you may have or something that wasn't clear or completed projects from my tutorial. I encourage constructive criticism. Thanks for looking!!!

{Five Finds Friday}

2011-02-04T08:02:00.001-08:00

Hello again...it's friday and it's a bit wet, cold and icy around my parts. The roads are a mess here 'cause Texas is not prepared for ice and snow :) I LOVE IT though! Anyways...just a quick post for my five finds:

1. Paint the Moon's new "Blessings" and "Moxie" photoshop actions...I couldn't get a picture to post but click on the link and it will take you to it! Trust me...click on the link...they are BEAUTIFUL!!!

2. Stand Tall Alpha from CD Mukowsky

3. Fuji Instax Mini Camera...it prints photos like a Polaroid used too...looks like fun!

4. Plaid Patchwork Skirt for Girls from Old Navy...fell in love with this skirt. I think that I will try and replicate it somehow (will post on that later :)

5. The Vintage Love Charm Neclace from The Vintage Pearl...BEAUTIFUL!!!

Thanks for looking and I hope you enjoy this eye candy as much as I did. I hope to have a few more posts this weekend so stay tuned. Better yet...add me to your Google Reader (sidebar to the left) so you don't miss a lick!

{Simple Skirt Tutorial}

2011-01-26T10:06:00.000-08:00

Ok everyone...I must warn you up front that this is my first tutorial ever so I apologize if it is unclear in any way. Please leave a comment if you have any questions. Here goes nothing!!!

1. You want to first measure your child's waist and from that measurement subtract 2 and this is going to be what you cut the length of your elastic to. (ie. mine measured 21 so I cut the elastic to 19 inches)

2. I then cut my fabric according to the length of the skirt I desired. I figured 15 inches would be good enough after it was hemmed and all. I left the fabric width the same just cut off the selvages. Normally you would want to cut your fabric twice the measurement of your child's waist (ie. 21 x 2 = 42 which is normally what the width of your fabric is anyways) If you are making this for an older child you probably will want to divide your skirt into two pieces instead of one continuous piece. Make sense???

3. Next you will want to serge your top and bottom edges...if you don't have a serger...like me...continue reading or if your machine has a stitch like it may have a stitch VERY similar to a serger's stitch.

4. Once your edges are ready you will want to hem the bottom edge of your fabric. I made a one inch hem. Because you serged your bottom edge you only have to hem once. If you don't have the serger you can always to the double hem to enclose your raw edge. When you are done ironing your hem top stitch along the serged edge. Looking good isn't it?!?!?

5. At this point you can embellish the bottom of your skit with some ric rac or ribbon to give it a little more character.

6. The next part is the best as you will see you project coming together. Take your piece of elastic you cut and pin it to the top serged edge of your skirt piece. I used about five pins to evenly distribute the skirt along the elastic. This is important that you evenly distribute the fabric along the elastic.

7. You now are going to sew the elastic to the top of your skirt. I used a 1/8" seam. Back stitch at the beginning and end. As you sew you will want to pull the fabric and elasetic in each section you pinned so that they are both flush with each other. This is what is going to give you your gathered look to the shirt without actually having to gather it! Take it slow each section at a time until you get to the end. We are almost there!!!

8. Last step...you now want to put the raw edges of the skirt pieces together and sew together using a 1/2" seam. I serged that raw edge too just so that it won't fray. You can zig zag stitch the edge if you don't have a serger. When you are through press the seam to one side and VIOLA!!! You are done...now wasn't the SUPER EASY?!?!?

What do you think? Please leave me some comments on either questions or comments on how you liked the tutorial...constructive criticism please :)
Thanks for reading!!!

{Denim Britches}

2011-01-15T12:01:00.001-08:00

I made Caleb some denim britches today (used THIS pattern). I must say I am not too happy with the way they turned out. I think that I will make another pair of them...maybe one without a cuff and definately a size bigger. They are a bit snug on Caleb...what do you think???

{Five Finds Friday}

2011-01-14T11:41:00.000-08:00

Today I have been online window shopping and have found so many cute things that I just had to share:

STINKIN CUTE BUNDLE

1 CANOE'S 2 RECIPE BOX

BARE MINEARLS BUXOM SMOKEY EYES

{SECRET}LOVE MESSAGE CUFF BY VINTAGE PEARL
I would take this one for Valentines Day!

SILVER RING FROM SILVER MADE STUDIO

{Welcome to 2011}

2011-01-09T13:48:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone...and welcome to 2011! I am back :) Gosh it has been FOREVER since I have posted anything. I am going to have to work on some updates to put on here, but for now I will keep it short and sweet and tell you that everyone is doing well and happy in this new year. I hope everyone had a great Christmas and New Year. I had a GREAT Christmas, but the new year on the other hand was not so great as I spent it ALL at work...no fun :( I encourage everyone who reads this to leave me a comment and tell me something that you plan to do this year. My plan for the year is to get organized and work HARD on growing my business! Here are a few photos of my little ones to leave you and I will see you all soon...PROMISE!!!

Caleb's first haircut

Yummy First Birthday Cake

Blowing out the Candles

She LOVES TOY STORY

{Caleb's Milestones}

2010-07-12T19:37:00.000-07:00

Well, I know that it has been a while since I have posted anything...it's getting late so for now this is going to be short, but I PROMISE to back soon to give you all more...
1. Caleb got his first two teeth the middle of June...he LOVES smiling at us and showing them off!
2. He is now crawling as of the end of June...you really can't call it that though...he scoots around like an ARMY man on his elbows...he sure gets around though.
3. He is starting to try and pull himself up on things just in the past week or so, however he only gets to his knees...won't be long.
4. I forgot to mention too that he is sitting up...has been actually for a little over a months now...
I feel like such a slacker :(
I promise to do better!!!

{My sweet little man}

2010-05-08T11:25:00.000-07:00

Caleb is getting so big so fast...he has been so much fun to play with and see him interacting more.
Lately he has been reaching for different objects, rolling over both from belly to back and back to belly, laughing when we tickle him, as well as finding his voice and trying to talk to us!
He is such a sweet little boy and I cannot wait to see what kind of man he will grow up to be.
::UPDATE post on Mackenzie coming soon::

{My Darlings}

2010-04-14T11:05:00.000-07:00

So I was quickly flipping through pictures of the last month and found these...just wanted to share since my last few posts have been BORING!

{New Items}

2010-04-14T10:17:00.000-07:00

In the shop...and a SALE. 20% off my ENTIRE shop until midnight tonight 4/14/10!
Be sure and check it out: www.photochick84.etsy.com

{Milestones}

2010-03-30T18:15:00.000-07:00

So I know it has been a long time since I have posted anything worth your reading in a while...I have now gone back to work M-F and having a difficult time adjusting...I just can't find the time for anything anymore. So to make this sweet and simple...Caleb ROLLED OVER for the firt time today while I was at work :( I wish I were there. He is getting so BIG...17 pounds now at 3 1/2 months old. He is staring to laugh and is very ticklish...loves to smile! TOTALLY A MOMMA'S BOY! He just wants to see my face and hold my hand all the time. When I am driving and he starts fussing I let him hold my finger and he will stop...til I take it back. Anyways, just wanted to keep everyone updated...ta ta for now!

{projects}

2010-03-10T21:52:00.000-08:00

Head on over to my site and see what I've been working on lately!!! Thinking I might switch over to that site forALL my blogging so I'm not duplicating myself...so stay tuned into BOTH for now ;)
www.cocoadreamerdesigns.com

{Look what I got today...}

2010-03-06T19:01:00.001-08:00

Click here to view this photo book larger

{Such a Slacker}

2010-03-03T19:55:00.000-08:00

I have totally been slacking on keeping my blog updated lately. I have had TOO much going on around here...not enough time or energy to catch up, but will start fresh RIGHT NOW!!! Mackenzie had her Western Day at school today and I just HAD to make her an outfit to wear...and get some cute boots (that she is going to wear every day to get good wear and tear out of them...for what we paid!) She is just adorable...of course!

And Caleb is getting bigger and bigger everyday! He is SUCH a MAMA's BOY...if he can't see me he will get mad. I can't say that I hate it, but can't always get much done...he also is such a smily baby!!! Not doing too much though other than kicking his legs more and waving his arms...a lot more active!! No BIG milestones yet. Here are some new pics of him:

{Giveaway}

2010-02-23T16:28:00.001-08:00

Want to win $25 GC to my store? Guess who is hosting a giveaway to it???

Go check out Emily Powers blog Oh Snap!
I am so excited to be a sponser of her site!!!

{P365 and New Kits}

2010-02-21T11:13:00.000-08:00

I am loving looking at the pictures that I have taken this year. This project is so much fun...have skipped just a few days, but with everything going on can you blame me?

and here are some new releases from the designers that I am working with and LO's using them. Aren't they gorgeous?

{P365}

2010-02-17T19:36:00.000-08:00

{Catch up P365}

2010-02-08T16:06:00.001-08:00

{p365/25-29}

2010-01-29T11:56:00.000-08:00

{Another Giveaway}

2010-01-28T12:07:00.000-08:00

Beach Brights Blog is offering a $30 GC to SheaB's store for one of her AMAZING camera straps. Check it out: http://beachbrights.blogspot.com/2010/01/do-you-strap-on.html

{Giveaway}

2010-01-26T13:26:00.000-08:00

At SheaB's blog...her camera straps are beautiful!!! Go check it out: http://shealynnbenner.blogspot.com/

{p365/23 & 24}

2010-01-24T18:38:00.000-08:00

{p365/19 20 & 21}

2010-01-22T07:46:00.001-08:00

{Love Birds}

2010-01-20T12:26:00.000-08:00

To be released either tonight or tomorrow by Emily Powers @ OScraps. I am so honored that Emily has asked me to be on her creative team. I was so lucky to work with her at {WST}, and am so excited to be working with her once again...as well as her sister Angela! Here is a page that I made from this AWESOME new kit!

and a card for me to carry around for reminder!

{p365/18}

2010-01-18T19:49:00.000-08:00

{been workin' my bum off}

2010-01-17T17:44:00.001-08:00

{p365/15, 16, 17}

2010-01-17T13:33:00.000-08:00

{p365/14}

2010-01-14T18:52:00.000-08:00

{p365/13}

2010-01-13T18:51:00.000-08:00

{Things I've Been Working On}

2010-01-12T13:50:00.000-08:00

{P365/10, 11, 12}

2010-01-12T11:48:00.001-08:00

{p365 and week 1 layout}

2010-01-09T10:45:00.001-08:00

{6&7/365}

2010-01-07T15:17:00.000-08:00

{5/365}

2010-01-05T15:48:00.000-08:00

{4/365}

2010-01-04T14:21:00.001-08:00

{Haven't scrapped...}

2010-01-04T12:30:00.001-08:00

In a while...I'm really missing it. Here is a page that I just whipped up from Christmas!!!

{Project 365}

2010-01-02T16:56:00.000-08:00

This year I am attempting project 365...where you take a picture a day for the WHOLE year. I figured with Caleb i'll most likely be taking almost a picture a day anyways, so I may as well go ahead and do it! I'll try to get them up asap as the days go by...they may be in groups though. This shoud be interesting...here are days one and two:

Caleb

2010-01-02T10:45:00.001-08:00

Click here to view this photo book larger

{Baby Caleb}

2009-12-13T17:04:00.000-08:00

Is finally here. Baby Caleb Christopher was born today Dec 13th 2009 at 4:03 am weighing 9 lbs. 12 oz. and measuring 22 1/2 inches long! We are home already and doing well!!!

{Random Pics}

2009-12-11T13:17:00.000-08:00

{Oh...and some projects I Have Been Working On}

2009-12-09T16:58:00.001-08:00

{Catch Up on December Daily Album}

2009-12-09T16:42:00.001-08:00

Sorry...I got distracted and preoccupied with getting baby out and forgot to post my progression of my Dec Daily Album...so here it is...Day 3-8!

{My 39 Weeks LO}

2009-12-09T09:49:00.000-08:00

Even though now I am 40 weeks and 3 days :(

{Snow Update}

2009-12-04T13:46:00.000-08:00

Since my last post it started snowing harder and somewhat sticking...the snow really is so beautiful! Here are some pics :)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This is where it started snowing hard!

{Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow}

2009-12-04T11:41:00.001-08:00

I can't believe it. Houston, Texas has snow two years in a row...tha's a record...its so beautiful. Pictures to come later...if I can get some good ones :) Also Day three and four of December Daily to come later too!!!

{December Daily Day One And Two}

2009-12-02T17:30:00.000-08:00

{cute pics i had to share}

2009-12-01T18:47:00.000-08:00

Took these of Mackenzie the other day and thought that they were just too cute that I had to share them! Working on my day one of December Daily album...printer not working correctly so I am one the phone with tech support...it told me estimated wait time five minutes five minutes ago and now they say estimated wait time ten minutes??? How does that work? Oh, also that there is 24 hour chat assistance, but ironically that is not working either. Just my luck :)

I used Totally Rad Actions on them...here is the recipe if you happen to have them:
Boutwell Magic Glasses 100%
Smooth-o-Matic 100%
Flare Up Faded 50% (rotated 180 degrees)
Grandmas Tap Shoes 25%
Antique Tone 50%
Burn Out 50%

{25 Days of Christmas}

2009-12-01T08:55:00.000-08:00

Hi there...I can't believe that it is December already. I am so excited though!!! Today starts so much fun. First of all go check out Leora Sanford's Blog and all the goodies she has planned for December...lots of giveaways!!! Also today I am starting my December Daily album, so I'll hopefull be posting my page each day here. Once baby decides to come I'll try to be as prompt as possible, but I cannot promise anything...lol! Happy December everyone and remember...JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON...don't forget it!!!

{Catch up}

2009-11-28T11:46:00.000-08:00

Busy today on the computer again...playing catch up with some of my LO's. Some new...some I started a while ago but never finished!

::EDITED 11.30.09 WITH MORE LO'S::

{38 Weeks}

2009-11-27T15:43:00.000-08:00

Been a while since I have taken some pics of the belly...it sure has grown:

{Waiting and photo editing}

2009-11-27T14:47:00.000-08:00

So baby Caleb still has not decided to join us...I am a bit disappointed only because with Mackenzie I was 38 weeks and 4 days...well, i'm 38 weeks and 5 days...still nothing :( I knew that I should not have gotten my hopes up, but most people say that each baby will be earlier...not so for me! It
s ok though because there is PLENTY for me to do to. Right now I am catching up on Mackenzie's Birthday photo's. I am done editing them...now for the scrapping. I am totally in love with Totally Rad Actions. I have found some good "recipes" for them which I have used for these photos. You can find some good recipes HERE at Paislee Press Blog or HERE on Totally Rad Actions Site. Although their action are a bit expensive they can do WONDERS for your photos!!! So without further adeu...here are some of Mackenzie's Birthday shots:

You can see all of them HERE on my Flickr photostream!

{Made Something}

2009-11-19T18:13:00.000-08:00

I was playing around and decided to make some Kute Krafty Kristmas Digi Papers...here is a preview:

So what do you think???

{Mackenzie Turns Two}

2009-11-16T19:45:00.000-08:00

I was just so happy to see Mackenzie so content with everyone singing "Happy Birthday" to her...the end is the best when she gets so excited that she lew the candle out all by herself :)

{Holiday's in Hand}

2009-11-16T13:06:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to be taking Jessica Sprague's Holiday's in Hand Class...it's free BTW and today is the last day to sign up so go check it out!
Our first assignment asks us what our holiday values/goals are...what matters most to you and what you plan to instill into your children. Christmastime is my FAVORITE time of year mostly because of time that is spent with family as well as the REAL MEANING of Christmas...The birth of our Lord and Savior! I hope to instill into my children the REAL MEANING of Christmas and keeping them involved in church so that they might have a personal relationship with God. I myself have been struggling with getting to church on a regular basis. However, it is not ALL about going to church either. I still have a personal relationship with God and pray often. Church does help strengthen this relationship though. During this Holiday season I hope to grow more spiritually and get more involved with my church and activities.
Our second assignment asks us to make a commitment and take 20 minutes of recording/writing/photographing/savoring/printing/gluing/scrapbooking/remembering/slowing down EVERY DAY in December. I plan to take this time to do either a Bible study or jot down some notes on what I am thankful to God for that day!
Along with this class I am also doing Ali Edwards 25 Days of Christmas album. I plan to merge the two together so that at the end of the month I have a wonderful spiritually filled album top look at and be thankful for for this 2009 Holiday Season!!!
I urge you all to do the same...at least take some time for yourselves to think about what the Holiday Season means to you...If you want to feel free to post a comment and let me know what you plan to do if anything, for this Holiday Season. I would love to hear from you all. Thank you for joining me in my Spiritual Journey this Holiday Season :)

On that note...here are a few photo's from this season last year to get you in the mood!!! Look at how much Mackenzie has grown:

{Etsy Shop OPEN for Business}

2009-11-09T17:11:00.000-08:00

Go Check it out...not much there yet, but hope to filling it with some YUMMY things soon!

{Some New Family Pics}

2009-10-28T18:27:00.000-07:00

These are just a few that Kellee took of us...there are more on Facebook if you want to see them!

2009-10-23T13:17:00.000-07:00

Mackenzie and I went to the park today! She loves her little wagon...and just looked so cute with her glasses on and everyting...more pics to come!

{The Perfect Christmas Gift}

2009-10-21T14:41:00.000-07:00

I think that I am going to make THESE for Chrsitmas gifts...they look so YUMMY and fun to make!!!

{32 Weeks}

2009-10-19T19:36:00.000-07:00

A picture from last week...I'm now 33 weeks...wow, has it flown by!

{Baby shower and nursery}

2009-10-12T11:35:00.001-07:00

I had my baby shower yesterday and got a lot of much needed things. Here are a few pics of the cakes that I had:

...and some pics of the nursery. Today I decided that I really needed to start getting it ready and get the rest of Mackenzie's things out. Here is what it looks like so far:

{Day at the Park}

2009-10-11T05:59:00.001-07:00

We took a picnic to the park yesterday so that Mackenzie could run around and play...she had so much fun climbing and sliding. We are so lucky to live in a community that has such great parks.

{YUMMY PUMPKINS}

2009-10-01T11:14:00.000-07:00

I so want to make these...don't they look just scrumptous...especially the ones with the chocolate drizzle???

Pumpkin-Pie-Bites

{Craft Fair}

2009-10-01T09:08:00.000-07:00

Going to be doing a craft fair in November...making some burp cloths, maybe some bibs, and trying to think of a few other things to add in there. Just cut out all the fabric for the burp cloths...didn't take very long :)

{Baby Caleb}

2009-09-30T17:43:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all who were praying for the fluid on abay Caleb's kidney's to clear up. I had my follow up ultrasound done today and it showed that there was absolutely NO MORE FLUID on his kidney's. Praise the Lord!!! Also got to see his cute little face (can you see his CHUBBY CHEEKS?)...they said that he weighs four pounds already and has LOTS of hair! Can't wait to see him.

{More New Pages}

2009-09-27T17:06:00.000-07:00

{Some new pages...}

2009-09-21T11:14:00.000-07:00

Get this FREE QP HERE I created for Spotted Dog Designs...was a giveaway on her BLOG:

{BumGenius}

2009-09-17T16:27:00.001-07:00

Anyone used cloth diapers out there??? Would love to get some feedback on them and whether or not it is worth the price...and are they easy to use...clean...etc???

{Oh so YUMMY}

2009-09-17T15:08:00.000-07:00

Just take a look at these fabrics that I ordered...so so yummy...the blue/gray are Amy Butler and the Orange/Green are Erin McMorris. I got them from my new FAVORITE QUILT SHOP....www.quilthome.com...----------> banner over there on the side!!! Go check them out. I recieved my order promptly and wrapped so pretty with a nice little note on my order slip inside. Talk about GREAT service! Thanks :)

{first day of preschool}

2009-09-16T16:45:00.001-07:00

I have a few more pages to add to this, however I cannot add them until friday...you can see some sneek peeks on her blog though: www.chocolatecoveredpolkadots.com Leave a comment over there for a chance to win a $10 GC to her new store!!!
Be on the lookout!!!

{getting creative}

2009-09-16T14:37:00.000-07:00

Made a bunch of burp cloths for the new baby...

and i made him a rag quilt too. I am so happy with the way it turned out!

{9.10.09-photo shoot}

2009-09-10T14:48:00.000-07:00

Expiramenting with some fall stuff and more stuff from yesterday. The lighting was better yesterday I think too!! Overall I am still pretty satisfied with how they turned out.

{photo shoot 9.9.09}

2009-09-09T16:21:00.000-07:00

Got some new props today for taking pics...tried some of them out on Mackenzie...she was just so adorable! Today was her first day of school...pics to follow a little later. Let me know about the pictures...thanks :)

{maybe last one}

2009-09-05T20:48:00.003-07:00

bw
Originally uploaded by Kelley Ryden

{one more}

2009-09-05T20:48:00.001-07:00

MN class
Originally uploaded by Kelley Ryden

{and another}

2009-09-05T20:47:00.001-07:00

Molly
Originally uploaded by Kelley Ryden

{and this one}

2009-09-05T20:46:00.001-07:00

Taylor
Originally uploaded by Kelley Ryden

{photo shoot}

2009-09-05T20:45:00.001-07:00

Taylor
Originally uploaded by Kelley Ryden

I so want to do a photo shoot with baby Caleb like this...too cute!

{I'm a WINNER}

2009-09-05T20:01:00.001-07:00

Check out the middle of this post:
http://hodgepodgeart.typepad.com/hodge_podge_art/2009/08/all-i-need.html
I'm so excited :)

Create Polaroids from your photos at www.rollip.com

2009-08-30T06:53:00.001-07:00

Create Polaroids from your photos at www.rollip.com

Shared via AddThis

{...and a layout...with my kit}

2009-08-20T18:25:00.001-07:00

{Another Kit...much cuter}

2009-08-20T16:21:00.000-07:00

{Back To Schhol}

2009-08-20T11:06:00.000-07:00

Digi kit that I made...let me know your honest opinon!!! Had fun making it!

{Cutest Grandpa Ever}

2009-08-15T08:51:00.001-07:00

{23 Week Layout}

2009-08-14T19:37:00.000-07:00

{23 Weeks}

2009-08-14T13:27:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that I am already 23 weeks...time has just flown by! I can't wait for these next couple of months and what they are going to bring for me and my family. We have decided to deliver at Nativiti again...it was such an awesome experience I really could not imagine going any place else! Please continue to pray for BABY CALEB. I have another ultrasound at thirty weeks to see if the Hydronephrosis has improved any...thank you to all family are friends for your love and support!

{Old Macdonald}

2009-08-04T16:32:00.000-07:00

EIEIO...

{Weekend at Lake Travis, Austin}

2009-08-04T09:32:00.000-07:00

{cATCH uP}

2009-08-03T18:49:00.000-07:00

Been a little while since I have posted...we went to Austin this weekend, will post pics tomorrow, but wanted to get this video up tonight cause it is so darn cute...Mackenzie is talking more and more every day...just listen to what she says!!!

{It's a...}

2009-07-15T11:00:00.000-07:00

BOY!!!
Here are some pics of him :) Had my ultrasound today and i cannot believe its a boy. They said it looks like he has hydronephrosis which apparantely is common in boys and normally goes away...they are going to do another ultrasound at 30 weeks...please pray for him!!!

{End of the Month SALE}

2009-06-25T15:07:00.001-07:00