The Big Reveal 2010

Step 1: Get a couple of cardboard boxes. Cut out some "windows" and glue on the "engine".

Step 2: cut out some "wheels" and give them a good painting.  Cut out and paint a "slow moving vehicle" sign while you're at it.

Step 3: Acquire some John Deere green paint.  Helpful hint: Lowe's can color-match your son's prized toy tractor.  (Don't disclose how ridiculously overpriced said paint was)

Step 4: Add a bright yellow pinstripe, a John Deere logo, set of straps, black-painted paper towel roll smoke stack, a couple of dollar store tap (head) lights.  Glue on the aforementioned wheels and slow-moving vehicle sign...

Step 5: Insert one very happy little boy, and you just might have the cutest little tractor driver in the state of Texas.

When Eli started (at random) telling people that he wanted to be a "tractor driver" for Halloween a couple months back, my wheels started spinning.  If you know me well, then you know I LOVE coming up with fun, creative costumes for my kids, so deep down, I'll admit, I was stoked at him for thinking outside of the box (little did he know the box would BE the costume)

Truth be told, the REAL step one of this operation was "Get husband on board with the idea".  Jason procured the boxes and did most of the work for Eli's costume.  He even cut a hole in the top of the engine, just under the smoke stack so that people could drop candy down it, and it would fill up the box below.  Eli LOVED showing that feature off at our church's Trunk or Treat! His cute smile and unique costume got him tractor loads of attention (and photo ops).

Norah, on the other hand, went with a more cliche costume request.  And, if I'm still being honest, I cringed when (after flip-flopping between a good 15 ideas) she finally landed on "Tinkerbell".  I decided if I didn't want her to get lost in the sea of other Tinkerbells out there, I'd just have to do my best to make her stand out :)

 I couldn't find any Tinkerbell patterns that I liked, so Gramps and I found a shirt pattern that fit her, and made the rest up as we went along.  (Although I will admit, I nearly pulled out my hair figuring out how to make her shoes!)

Still, I think it turned out pretty great, and Norah made a particularly pretty pixie.  And most importantly, she LOVES her costume.  She has worn it some nearly every day since I finished it a couple of weeks ago.  (I had to wash it TWICE before she even wore it to Trunk or Treat!)

Her favorite features were her shoes (whew!  It was worth it!) and her wings (which she LOVED pointing out to everyone, were painted with glitter glue, so they would sparkle)

Thanks to a donation of left-over fabric from a friend (who was Tinkerbell last year), her costume was almost completely free.  (Briarcrest Cleaners donated the hangers for her wings...I didn't have any wire ones on-hand) and I had to buy a pair of .50 knee-highs, also for the wings, so thankfully, that helped balance our Halloween budget after Eli's green paint almost broke the bank.

One other fun surprise for Norah, was when she reached Trunk or Treat, one of her favorite friends, "Mr. Foree" (our preacher) was dressed as Captain Hook. She was so proud to take her picture with him in their "coordinating costumes".  It was a fun year.  And, believe it or not, Norah has already decided what she AND Eli will be next year--and I LOVE her idea...and Eli even says he's gung-ho!  (I'm still trying to decide if I should go ahead and get started now while the fabric is all clearanced out, after Halloween, or if it's too much of a gamble to think that they'd not change their minds 20 times by this time next year!) Time will tell!

What's Going On Around Here

I know I've been slacking on the updates. Sorry about that. So here is what you've been missing in Robinson County...

Norah is still doing great with her reading (and is LOVING sharing her new-found skill with her brother). I walked in on them the other morning and found Norah reading Eli his favorite book in his room. So sweet.



I have been sewing...a lot. Norah chose some wild peacock fabric and asked for a "twirly dress". I paired it with a tank top, which I cut off, using the cut-off lower portion to make ruffles down the front, and made the rest of the dress up as a went along. Not my normal style...I'm usually a pattern or at least tutorial kind of girl. But I think I am in love with making my own rules for sewing, so there may be more to come!


Mom and I have been churning out lots of cute dolls and other sewing projects for the Pigtails and Puddles esty shop (which I hope to open pretty soon...I just wanted to have a "semi-full inventory" at least in the beginning, so I've been holding out on some of what I've been up to...but if you're really interested, feel free to check the Pigtails and Puddles blog for a few hints)


Jason and I did a little landscaping in the front yard, and I am LOVING it. We planted 4 pink (I say they're red) knockout rose bushes, 3 "iceburg" (white) tea rose bushes, some sage (which, although it is blooming wonderfully, I disappointingly must report that it does not, smell anything like perfume), and some white verbena...which, so far, has been the only plant that does not seem to be absolutely thriving (I'm hoping after it gets established it will take off...verbena is supposed to be one of the easiest plants to grow around here).

I've been amazed at how quickly I've delved into gardening. (We'll see if it lasts once the summer temperatures hit). I love getting out early in the morning to water and weed, dead-heading the rose bushes and watching, with wonder, as they put out new growth (the red leaves) and (best of all) new buds.

The white and red roses have been alternately blooming. One week we have all red blooms, and just as they fade, the white bushes start blooming up a storm. Occasionally they will both have a few at the same time. I love having flowers to watch out my window, greet me when I get home, and tend to each day!

In other news, Norah's flamingo obsession....er...I mean, interest, continues. These are just a sampling of her portfolio (there have been many other flamingo art sightings in Robinson County. (I'm just holding my breath til she asks for a "Flamingo Costume" for Halloween...wouldn't that be a hat trick?).

And we have one other big project (it is NOT, I repeat, NOT another baby) that I hope to share photos of soon, so stay tuned and maybe I'll update the blog again soon!

Easter Duds

This year for Easter, I got it in my head that I wanted to make coordinating outfits for the entire family...a new venture for me.

I took Norah to the fabric store with me and explained my plan. She loved it and asked if she could help pick out the fabric. I told her yes, but I would need to show her the right section (I didn't want us all showing up Easter Sunday, clad in coordinating neon spandex, although I'm sure our church family would've loved us in spite of it)

I directed her over to the dress fabrics and she immediately went for bright pink. So, I reminded her that we needed to find a color that the boys would like to wear too, and she selected a lovely shade of robin's egg blue. "This would look good with Daddy's eyes" she said. "Good choice!" I told her.

Fast forward a few weeks (and more than a few late night sewing sessions with Gramps) and voila! Easter duds for 4!


I only made ties for the guys. I found a cute sear sucker pinstripe suit for Eli at Target for way cheaper than I could ever make one (not to mention the ease of buying it over making it myself!) and he loved it. Every time he puts it on he says, "I look snazzy!" (In fact, he cried on Easter afternoon, when we took off his snazzy suit and put on play clothes)

And Jason was such a good sport about my hair-brained matching outfits scheme. He chose his preferred tie fabric (which coordinates with the collar of N's dress), and didn't complain once. He even looked a little bit proud when he explained to folks at church that I had made everything. I don't think he could have paid me a higher compliment.




Norah loved that her dress matched the rest of us. But, as usual, her favorite feature was it's twirl-ability. (So glad I figured this out early on...as long as I use a patten with a full skirt, she will always wear it and love it.)

And of course, I couldn't forget Ellie. (Who, thankfully only takes a few scraps and very little time to clothe!)


















This was my first attempt to sew for myself, and I surprisingly really enjoyed it. I am a picky shopper, and the prospect of spending money of fabric and taking the time to sew something that may/may not fit well/flatter my figure was never a good one for me.

This side of Easter, I'm thinking we'll have at least a few more years of "snazzy" coordinating outfits. (At least until my kids beg me to stop) It was a lot of fun and cost a lot less than purchasing everything separately...it just took a little more time.

'09 Costume Reveal

For the two of you who eagerly await my annual Halloween Costume Reveal, the wait is over!

Eli was a Garden Gnome, Travelocity Roaming Gnome, David the Gnome... or if you asked him, a "Hi Ho, Hi Ho!" We've been watching a LOT of Snow White around here, so I couldn't blame him for thinking he was a dwarf. (Norah also referred to him as a "Garden Wizard" before she got the hang of the word "gnome"...I think the pointy hat threw her.)

I think this is my favorite costume I've made to date. (Ok, never mind. I can't choose. I loved the Baby Mermaid, King Kong, and Madame Peacock, an aweful lot, too). And of course, the late night sewing sessions with Gramps in preparation for Trunk or Treat are always something I look forward to!

Please notice his super-cute leather pouch...and those crazy fuzzy boots...Jason was about ready to strangle me for this one. But I figured it was the last year I could get away with it. I'm quite sure E will have a strong opinion by next year, and it's likely to be very masculine, so Jason needs not fret.


After a lengthy affair of waffling between Ariel (which I shot down because I don't like doing costume "remakes"...mean mom, I know), a flamingo, "Martigan" (her favorite of Uncle Grant's goats), a ballerina, and a princess, Norah finally decided on "Little Bo Peep". I thought it suited her to a tee. She is all about ribbons, lace, and most importantly, PINK.

Papaw bent her her very own shepherd's crook from some metal pipe, and Jason painted it white. (I added the bows, because everyone knows that pink ribbons on a shepherd's hook are as completely practical as a tiny shepherdess bedecked in ten yards--yes, I said TEN yards of lace)







The kids had a BLAST at A&M Church's Trunk or Treat. The weather was beautiful (not a scorcher like last year) Eli kept his entire costume on for the duration of the afternoon/evening with nary a complaint. (I think once he figured out costumes= lots of attention and candy, we were golden)

N LOVED checking out what all her friends' costumes were, and she was very quick to compliment them all. ("I LOVE your cape!")

Here she is with "super" friends, Isaiah and Phoebe.

She also "LOVED" Zoe and Shelby's pink fairy costumes (which Shelby informed N was "actually a BUTTERFLY...See the wings?")













Jason caved some pretty awesome pumpkins to decorate our trunk.

Tinker Bell for Norah






And "Mee Mouse" for Eli




















Eli LOVED the fishing booth. (And doesn't it just LOOK like something a little gnome would be doing?)


But the favorite activity of the day was definitely the bounce house.

After about 10 minutes of trunk or treating, Norah said to Jason. "Dad, I really think I have enough candy." I looked at him incredulously--was this MY child? Doesn't she know there are people giving free CHOCOLATE away out there!? Jason, seeing my disbelief, smiled and said, "All she cares about is bouncing."

Eli loved the Bounce House too. It was his first time in one. For the first few minutes he was just fascinated that he could see me from inside, but still maintain his freedom. Then, he cut loose and bounceed to his heart's content.







My favorite quote of the day was from Norah.

A: Norah, who had the best costume at Trunk or Treat?
N: Me!

Ok, so maybe we need to work on humility a little... but it still made me pretty happy.

Rekindled Romance

I have recently fallen back in love with my sewing machine. In days gone by, I might have settled for "forty winks" or caught up on my favorite tivo'ed show while the kids took their naps, but not lately. Lately, I just can't get enough of the happy little whir of my sewing machine.

In recent weeks, I've made a new dress for Norah (and Ellie)




Which, thankfully passed the "I know you I've walked with you once upon a dream" twirl test.





I love sewing clothes for Norah! (Even when I have to rip the zipper out three times before I'm happy with it...but it does look nice, doesn't it?) I've discovered the secret to success (at least for now) is choosing a pattern with a very full skirt. As long as it "twirls very, very fast", I'm in like Flynn.

I made a "tag monster" for Eli (which he enthusiastically refers to as "Mah-suh")













And one for Norah too... (which she loves, in spite of the fact that I left off it's "fangs")














And one for "Baby Davy" (with Converse sneakers for added cuteness)



My latest obsession has been felt food. It is fast, easy, and patterns aren't really necessary. (Although, Skip to My Lou has a great one for the sandwich set) I started with some iced, sprinkled donuts...

And followed up with a bacon, egg and pancake breakfast plate (you know, for those kids with a heartier pretend appetite)

Fortune Cookies...














Strawberry- topped cupcakes...










Flavored tea bags, perfect for tea parties!







Ravioli with marinara (hands' down, the most creative use of pinking shears I've found, to date)

And a sack lunch special, complete with ruffled potato chips, swiss cake roll, and a vinyl sandwich baggie! I'm telling you, it's addictive, this felt food sewing! My mind is still churning with thoughts of sushi rolls, fancy cakes, cinnamon rolls and a Thanksgiving dinner!

But don't worry...the kids (and Jason) still see me on a regular basis. Norah has even started helping me sew. (She can correctly identify the presser foot lever, the presser foot, seam ripper, pinking shears, scissors, straight pins, thread, and needles, so I hope to put her to work for me in the Pigtails & Puddles sweatshop sometime soon!

Productivity Strikes, Again

Once again, faithful readers, productivity has trumped blogging. So, for anyone who's curious just what could possibly be more important than filling you in on the adventures of Norah and Eli, this post's for you. (Lest you think I'm just " whistling Dixie" about how busy I've been)

First up: Seven New Sock Monkeys (side note: I considered writing this post to the tune of "12 Days of Christmas...but I refrained). Please notice, each one has it's own"Pigtails & Puddles Label" (sorry, I just had to point that out, since I still get a little excited labeling my wares)

Add to that: Seven Colored Pencil Rolls













Then, I had the wonderful diversion (literally, making seven of anything is pretty monotonous for me...I like variety when I sew) of the birthday of one of my very best friends, who also happens to be one of the biggest list makers I know.



So, naturally, I felt she needed a little something to dress up her grocery list...




And, as if that weren't enough to justify my leave of absence, I also made two, super-cute, girly t-shirts, which I'll have to wait to reveal, as they just might be on their way to the home of someone who is reading this right now!

And yes, each of the monkeys bore his/her own, individual name. Of course, if their new owner deems they need a new one, that is their prerogative, but I thought it would be a fun way to list them on Etsy.

Oscar, here was my personal favorite.








The craft sale was a total bust. Very few people attended this year, and those who did come were pretty tight-fisted with their cash. A sign of the times, I guess.










So, on to plan B. The monkeys and pencil rolls will make a brief tour this week at three home shows (a friend of mine is selling purses, books, and candles and offered to take them along to for a little extra exposure).









Between shows, they will reside in the Texas Truck Riggins Showroom, where they will be available for purchase. At the close of the week, I'll open them up to the public on Esty... or at least that's the plan!