Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Little Reminders

Some days I have to remind myself that what I am experiencing, my children are experiencing as well. Most days I forget that they do, because as a Mom I am wrapped up in what I have to "do". I keep busy, as do my children. There is always somewhere to go, or somewhere to be. My husband is deployed, and even though this is not a "new" experience for us, and we have done this many times before, it always comes with its' challenges. I always have a joke or something funny to say to make light of the situation. However, I forget, that just as I am "managing" my feelings, so are my children. There are times that I do have to actually remind myself that "I do have a husband", because let's face it, somedays it can feel as if I do not. Today, while having lunch at a restaurant, I had to laugh. Once we had all placed our orders, my youngest son (who is five years old), said to our waitress , "we have a dad". Just like that! Out of the blue, he said, "we have a dad". It was funny at the time, and still is, but it reminds me that they are experiencing the same feelings that I am. Maybe these little reminders help them as well. As parents, we often forget just how much our childrens feelings reflect our own, they just do not have the words to express it. I do not think my son could have said more, in any other way, than he did today with those simple words.  I am thankful that he said it, because, even though I know he misses his Daddy, it has never been more clear to me just how much, as it was today. With his "little reminder", my world was changed.

Saturday, April 24, 2010

TV vs. TB

It has been such a long time since I have posted....I feel guilty. But, I have not been inspired to write lately. We are missing our Daddy very much these days. However, I recently experienced one of those Mommy days....you know...the ones you really do not want to deal with? We all have those, and I can see you nodding (well not really, but I can visualize it). This day it was time for my son Gareth, our middle child, to get his Kindergarten physical/check up. I can hear you saying "oh, now I know why it was 'one of those days'!"...LOL Yes, shots! We all love those! We absolutely look forward to these days....am I right Mommies? LOL  It seems, that you never can really accurately predict what the response to these shots is going to be. Thus, the "Mommy Dread"! On this day, Little Sis Maybelle-Elizabeth needed a check up as well. Two for one! These are even more fun! She was a little behind on her shots (yes, after you have three kids....you kind of lose track!). So, off we go to the doctor...dread and all.

Nurse Kay and I decide that it would be best to let Maybelle go first. Gareth's last visit (in which he recieved two shots) didn't go too well. I am of the mind, and so is my husband, that it is best to break the shots up instead of giving them all at once. So, yes! yes! yes! Gareth knew what was coming! And, we didn't want Mabs to see his reaction and then ruin it for her....LOL Or rather, ruin it for me! I can handle one screaming child with my arm tied behind my back and imaginary earplugs. I consider myself a pro.....yes, I do! I may not actually be....but someone has to build me up here. A mother needs confidence in her abilities! LOL However, two screaming childen....well, I don't do so good under these circumstances. So...... Mabs is just perfect! Not a peep, or a flinch. Well, not until the bandaid was put on. Then it was "take it off....PLEEEEAAASSSEEEEE" and crying and begging. Then once we go to take the bandaid off, it was "No, DONT TOUCH IT"...LOL So, we left it alone. With her, sometimes that is best! Afterall, she is a female and she knows what she wants! Am I right Mommies? Yes, those of us that have girls.... I can see you nodding! LOL

Gareth, during this time, knows what is coming and makes a v-line for underneath the examination table. Our nurse is so patient and understanding. I look at her and smile. She looks at me and smiles. We exchange a few words. Something like "Please tell me that my child is not the only one who does this?" . She replies, "No, it happens all of the time and sometimes worse. Don't worry about it." Well, how can I not worry about it. It was't what he was doing that I was worried about, it was me that I was worried about. I needed to keep my cool! For, now is not the time or the place to get into a screaming match with my son, or lose my temper! LOL  Sometimes that is hard to do, keeping your cool. Remember, I already have one screaming, unhappy child due to a little band-aid! Gareth, at this point, starts yelling at our nurse, "I don't want a shot!", and "I don't like that. It hurts!" and, "I don't want to go to Kindegarten". There is nothing more challenging than trying to have a conversation with a five year old who is screaming, and trying to reason with that same five year old while trying to remail calm and collected. There wasn't anything I could say to him other than "yes, it is going to hurt. But, we all have to get shots. Even Mommy had to get these. Big brother Phelan had to get the same shots in order to go to Kindergarten". I wasn't getting a different response, so my last resort was to just grab him and drag him out from underneath the table. (Time is of the essence....there are patients waiting! And, of course everyone can hear him yelling!) Once out from under the table, I had to restrain him on my lap. First shot, screaming and yelling at Kay. Telling her all of the same as above, but begging her not to give him another one...."please, please, please (can you hear the sobbing) don't give me another shot. I don't want another shot. Please, please, please!" At this point, I want to cry. Oh the joys of Motherhood. We have to put our children through pain just so they can be healthy! I am trying to reason with him. "Gareth, stay calm. Relax. Look, when you tense up, it hurts worse and it will bleed."  Second shot...done! He is still screaming. I am holding him tightly telling him, "you need to calm down. You need to relax. If you don't relax it makes it hurt even more. You can't tense up your muscles. It makes you bleed. Please relax Gareth. For Mommy. Please relax. It is almost over. I love you. Just one more to go. You have to get your TB shot/test. Please calm down. If you calm down, it won't hurt as much. This all you have left. Once this is over, you are finished forever!" Is this true? Probably not! But, I wanted to say anything I could at this point to make him stop screaming and crying.  Miraculously, he relaxes! AMEN! He closes his eyes and stops crying! Just a little sniffle, but nothing else. Done! Over with! Our nurse looks at him and says "Didn't that hurt?" And he replies, "No! It didn't hurt!" (I have to explain something about my son.....he will do things just to spite you. So, this was said with a fierceness and with an attitude like "I'll show you! You can't hurt me!") Kay chuckles and I say, "What a great job Gareth! I am so proud of you. I can't believe it! You are finished. Doesn't it feel good to have it over with?". He replies "yes" with a one of  a kind Gareth smirk.........oh, how I love these smirks. You can't help but laugh. Did I tell you this child of mine is our household comedian? LOL

Fastforward to bathtime. I know this is a long story....but I promise it is worth it! LOL Big brother starts noticing all the bandaids. He starts asking all about them. I have to explain all over again. He even sounds a little jealous....like "why didn't I get any". I even ask him "do you really want more shots, Phelan? I mean, if you do, I'd be more than happy to take you back to the doctor." Of course, NO, he didn't want any shots. "Why did Gareth get three and Maybelle only got 2?" So, I respond, "well, he needed to get a TB test." And, of course, by this time, Gareth is as proud as a Peacock! Afterall, he has more bandaids than his sister! LOL All of this is occurring during bathtime. It is actually a hightlight of my day at this point. It is nice to sit back with all three of my kids and talk about our day. We laugh and giggle and of course I had to make fun (just a little) of Gareth hiding under the examination table. Big brother Phelan is giggling about it and Gareth is still proud as a Peacock even so. Once out of the tub, kisses and hugs go round. I always tell them how proud I am of them and I love them. I tell Mabs that I am proud of her for being brave. It is Gareth's turn now. I kiss him on the forehead, tell him I love him. Next I say "I am proud of you for being brave too. You were kind of a cry-baby at first, but you really did great with your last shot." He says, "I know I was really brave. I didn't even cry." To which I respond, "I know. I was so proud. Why didn't you cry on the last one? To which he replies, as serious as can be........ And, I am not making this up!.....LOL

"Mommy, I like to watch TV!"

"You mean that, you thought, you had to get a TV shot! So you could watch TV?".......laughing, laughing, laughing!

Oh, what a moment in time. It was the feel good laughter that comes with having kids. It was a moment that I will cherish for the rest of my life and will never forget. The seriousness of his response, the look on his face! Priceless! These are the moments that as Moms make the rest of the "icky" stuff worth it. Of course, he wasn't at all happy that I was laughing. He gave me a playful smack on the arm and said, "Mommy, I really do not like you laughing at me!" Yep, I started laughing all over again. There he stands, naked as a jay bird with his arms crossed, scowling at me. I just had to laugh..... and laugh. Oh, and make a phone call to Mom-Mom. I had to share the event with someone. What a day! But what a fabulous end to an otherwise terrible Mommy day! One for the record books. Oh, how I love these kinds of days! Oh, how I love these shared moments with my kids. There is no one in this world that can warm my heart and make me laugh the heartfelt laughter that my kids can!

Sunday, March 7, 2010

HWG Photography

I have to give a shout out to Haley at HWG Photography in Dahlonega, GA! She does such amazing work, and has been such a sweetheart to work with. If you are in the Dahlonega, GA area, look her up! Check out her website for an up close look at some of her amazing work. She specializes in family sessions, new born, pregnancy, modeling, and head shots just to name a few. Here is some of her wonderful photography with her sweet little model wearing some of my creations.

How to Create a Curly Ostrich or Marabou Puff Hair Clip

First you will need a partially lined alligator clip or clip of your choice, approximately five inches of your choice of marabou (I am using curly ostrich in this example), a two inch felt circle, and a HIGH temp glue gun.
Find the ends of your cut marabou

Place glue on one end of the marabou

Bring your ends together and press hard until the glue sets up.

This is what it will look like when the ends have been glued together. Now take your felt circle and place glue all over the top of it, like this

Immediately take the side of your marabou you wish to hide (I always use the less fluffy side and brush the feathers up to make the top side more fluffy) and lay it in on top of the felt circle, drawing the edges of the marabou out to meet the edges of the cirle to ensure you get a good shape.

Here is what it will now look like from the bottom. Now attach your alligator clip. This can be done in two ways. You can use the flat side of your clip (bottom, as showin in the pink clip, or you can use the top side of clip as shown with the red marabou clip) and glue it to the bottom of your felt.


You have now completed your Curly Ostrch clip! See how easy that was!

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Glass Tile Pendants....The first of many!

Just need to add Bails! And they are ready to go. The one with my initial on it, I messed up on. It was my first one. But the others are so pretty!
Here is a finished necklace. I just love these. So pretty, so feminine, and so incredibly easy to change with my mood.

Friday, February 19, 2010

Craft Addiction

I have noticed over the last year that my crafting is becoming more of an addiction. Now, instead of making bows, I am wondering....what else can I do? This week alone, I have started three new little projects; bottle caps, glass tiles, and key fobs! What am I doing? I can't control myself. My goal was to sit down with my sewing machine and get re-acquainted. That didn't happen...well I take that back...it did. I used it to sew a key fob and I used it hem my daughters pants. Good for me! (Giving myself a pat on the back right now). I recently started crocheting...so of course one more thing to add to my crafting/hobbies. My husband and I were actually watching a movie the other night and I casually mentioned that while in the craft store I was perusing the crafting books and came across some cute baby crochet patterns and some very cute, soft yarn in the knitting section. His response, "Crap! I am never going to get my hobby room am I?" This was followed up with, "Our next house is going to need seven bedrooms just so we can each have our own hobby rooms". To which I replied, "We can share" and laughed. He didn't find it funny in the least bit! I am still laughing......

What started out as a little "bow business" has grown into this. I have so many spools of ribbon that they have taken over my living room. Along with that ribbon, is all of the "extras" one needs like headbands, beanies, fold over elastic (of which I print my own designs...LOL), boxes (for shipping of course...and maybe to hide purchases...ssshhhhh...don't tell okay?), books (everything from crochet to making lamp shades....I told you it was an addiction), light box (for taking photos), flowers (all sorts, for those entirely too cute hair clips you see in photography props)...the list goes on and on. Yes, addiciton. I am slightly ashamed. Okay, not really one bit ashamed. I love making new things! It is expression and therapy for a mother of three. It is sanity (even though the clutter creates some insanity at times). My grandmother was a crafter. She was a seamstress (she could make anything), she would crochet (which she tried to teach me...I was just too young) and she used to dabble in Ceramics (which she also taught me to do). I must have gotten the crafting bug from her. Some of my best memories are creating things with her. I made my Mom the cutuest little pig for her kitchen with my grandmother. My Mom still has it in her kitchen to this day. I think crafting brings you closer to your loved ones. What you make comes from the heart. It will be cherished by its' new owner for a long time, if not forever. I laugh about this little addiction (okay...slightly big addiction), but I am able to share a passion with those around me, and it makes me happy to check out of whatever is stressful in my day, and sit down, and create something pretty with my very own hands. That makes it all worth it! We just may need to have those seven bedrooms, but think of the happiness it will bring! (Still laughing......)

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Mommy Angst

As with all things pertaining to our children, we take things very personally even when they are completely out of our control. My latest tale of angst is due to the fact that my oldest is going to have a Tonsilectomy on the 24th of February. I am beside myself because of it. This has been a long and painful decision! We have known that he needed his tonsils removed for some time, but I have delayed because of several reasons. One of those reasons being the fact that I of course want to protect him from any pain that is not necessary. Several years ago, my little guy broke his arm. And as far as broken arms go, he did a pretty bang up job of it. Not to mention the pain he suffered because of some Paramedic Trainee that didn't know how to do his job, and two nurses that had an absolutely terrible bedside manner. When a paramedic calls in  to the hospital with information as to what will be arriving, the actions taken by the nurses and doctors are primarily based from that. This paramedic trainee (even though I heard the break, and it was obvious as my sons arm was caved in in the area the bone had snapped) reported a strain! HELLO???? So, my son sat in the ER for several hours with no pain meds (the nurse on duty would not give him any because he needed a doctors approval and until the xrays came back...welll you know....not even Tylenol). I was fuming mad. The worst part is, that when the X-rays came back with the obvious break....then it was hurry up and get it fixed and give him something. Of course, then we had a terrible nurse that couldn't get the IV in place on the first, or second, or third try...all the while my son is screaming at me to make her stop! What is a Mom to do! Yes, I wanted to HURT her! That is a normal Mommy reaction I think....when someone is causing pain to your child, and the fact that they let him sit in pain for several hours! So, back to my angst. We have known that he has needed his tonsils removed, but my son is severely afraid of the hosptial and needles due to his first experience. Nothing I can do about that now, except assure my son that everything will be okay. So, a week prior to his surgery we go in for blood work. I am torn in knots wondering how he is going to deal with this. I myself hate having blood drawn, but hey, after three kids it isn't such a big deal anymore. He, however, has only had this one experience. Luckily Daddy was with  us today. He was a champ! Made it through with just a little "ouch" and nothing else. His face went into the "I think I might cry, but I am not sure" face. I stroked his cheek and all was well. I, however, did shed a tear. I think for many reasons; he is growing into quite the little man, and he was so brave....pride! Pride in my little man! Next week still looms over my head. I feel like it is my fault. You know, as Moms we want our kids to be perfectly healthy in every way and not ever be sick, or have pain, or need to have any surgical procedures. I want to take it all from him and do everything for him. I wish I could. I would much rather it be me having my tonsils taken out next week than him. I can suck it up with the best of them! I know that he is brave. He puts on quite a brave face, but he is the most gentle soul I know. He takes everything to heart and carries it with him. I love this quality about him and hope it never goes away. Making this decision was one of the hardest ones I have had to make! I know that in the long run it is for the best, it is getting past the next couple of weeks that is going to be rough. The need to protect him from pain and FEAR is what kept me from making the decision a year ago. The decision has been made and now we go forward. I pray for a speedy recovery and a great medical team.We passed the first test today and I couldn't be more relieved. Next week looms over me and I pray that everything goes as smoothly as today. I will be on pins and needles until then. No one ever mentioned how difficult being a Mother really is!

Monday, February 15, 2010

Curly Ostrich Hair Clips...Oh My!

These are outrageously cute and outrageously fun! Well, except for the mess of feathers everywhere...but my kitties don't mind finding the floating feathers so neither will I! These are so simple and so cute. Perfect for babies, girls, teens and women. Weddings, birthdays, any day for that matter! I can not see a reason not to wear one...especially for photos! With so many wonderful color choices available, one can find just the right color for their special occasion. And, not just that, but this marabou layers beautifully under chiffon bows! Yes, more pictures to come ...wink, wink..wink...Well, that is if I can get my daughter to cooperate with me. Afterall, this little hobby turned business was created because of her, so she has to model...doesn't she?

Saturday, February 13, 2010

Happy Valentine's Day!

In just a few hours it will be Valentine's Day 2010! This will be a year that I spend alone with the kiddos as hubby is working a 48 hour shift. He did however start early by bringing me a box of chocolates....a nice box of Molasses Chips from Sees Candies! Yummy! The way he was smirking when he dropped them off tells me that there will probably be another suprise on the horizon....he is so romantic that way. I remember our very first Valentine's day in 1998. I came home from work to find him slaving over Chicken Parmesean in the kitchen, and a beautifully set table....candles, a gorgeous flower arrangement, and fine linens. It was amazing! Every year we try to do something special as a couple, but this year, I will be making a simple chocolate cake with the kids to give to Daddy when he comes home for dinner. I guess a special dinner is in order as well! The kids are so excited to make him a cake that I know tomorrow is going to be a very Special Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Not just Bows

Tutus are fun too! I was inspired by a new ribbon...Aqua Floral Waves. I love these colors. So girly and fun, but also the color combination is very Retro and I love anything Retro (My daughter has a Retro Kitchen...it is pink of course)! What's in a Tutu? Well, in the case of this particular tutu a lot of blood sweat and tears (okay, okay...not really but it sure felt like it!). Not that they are difficult by any means. It was more because of anal retentiveness (can I even say that...or should I say that?)...LOL Okay, just to be nice, I will say "perfectionist attitude". But it isn't merely that. I just wanted to find the method that felt right. I started with panels. I have made several tutus in the past by using the knotting method. Let me just say, while this method is cute and easy, it just wasn't for me, or rather for my daughter. I didn't like how the tulle sat on the waistband, or rather, didn't stay where I wanted it to. So, I started with the idea that I would make one long peice of tulle by pinning. My intent was to treat it as one large piece of tulle. That didn't work as well as I hoped. So, I then broke that down into panels of four. It was going well at first, but then the perfectionism started in again and I just didn't like how it was turning out. Well that, and the fact that threading the elastic through the longer panel was not as easy as I anticipated! So, I decided to sew each panel (color) separately and then thread them onto the elastic as I went. By this time, I had spent TOO much time on this little project. It should have taken less than an hour to make! There are so many different methods for making tutus out there, but I wanted to try something different. Well, it is different, but I think over all, it turned out pretty well and I am happy to say that I made it. You be the judge!









Blogging...to blog or not to blog that is the question?

To blog or not to blog....that is the question indeed. I have thought this through for many a day and night (okay, lets be honest here...probably more like the last two years but hey, I am here doing it aren't I?) Why is there so much fear involved with starting a new blog? Is it because we think there isn't possibly anything we have to say that would be slightly interesting to someone else? Yes....for me that is it exactly! I am a SAHM and I create hair bows. I ask myself, how can this be interesting for someone else to read? Well, still not completely sure about that, but after contemplating blogging and all of it's benefits, I decided there was no time like the present to get started. So, on that note let me tell you a little about myself :0)

My name is Carrie. I am a SAHM (already mentioned that....LOL). I am married to a fabulous man named Michael (well, most days I consider him fabulous). He washes dishes and does laundry so I consider myself more than blessed in the husband department. Together we have three children....two boys and one girl, which is the reason behind this home business called "Twinkle Toes Bows". Why hair bows....it was a natural progression for me. As a young girl it was always my "job" to decorate our Christmas Tree with bows, and of course I was quickly deligated to wrapping presents because it seemed I did a fairly good job of it! Not that I minded exactly. I found it fun and most days I still do. However, the bows have disappeared from the Christmas tree, but Ribbon hasn't (just in case you are wondering). I never imagined I would be making bows for little girls, but then again, I never imagined I would have children, let alone three of them, and one a girl at that! LOL I can actually hear one of my childhood friends right now commenting on that last statement! Where was I? Oh yes....hair bows....

When my daughter was born, I was overjoyed. We had our two boys and I must say there is nothing like the love between sons and mothers! But, the thought of finally having a girl sent me into a frenzy. Everything pink, everything pretty. Everything had to be GIRLY. Isn't that usually the way it goes? She is my Princess in every way (and when I say every way...I mean every way...demanding, prissy, sassy....you get the picture). I named her after my beloved Grandmother. This is an important part of why I named my bow business "Twinkle Toes Bows". My Grandmother called me "Twinkle Toes" growing up :0) and I was named after her mother. She started a tradition without even knowing it, it seems. I hope the tradition is carried on by my daughter as well. The birth of my daughter was a new beginning for me on so many different levels. Each day is something new, and each day I learn more about the person I am and the person I want to be. Come along with me on this wild "bow making" adventure and see where it takes us!

If you made it this far, thanks for following along!

Carrie