giggleface studios

What Are Those Beeping Things?

I have two very talkative Zebra Finches! Every once in awhile when the weather is nice I will take their cage outside for some fresh air. This is what I came out to when things were just a little too quiet:

Isaac, one of my Westie's ( who is usually very hyper) was very interested in these beeping things!

He was sitting very still and quiet, not even blinking. He was being such a Good Boy. I think the birds were just as curious.

Did he make two new friends...or a tasty new snack?

(No birds were harmed during the second photo set, but I can't account for the first) I'm totally Joking!!

I'm off to paint my little chairs from my last post. I'm not used to such a quiet house now that the kids are in school (and I made it through the first day without crying...Yay me)!

Start of Something New

Thanks to Bettsi at Lemonade for making my day and giving me a pretty little award!
I have never received so many awards in my life! I love it, it really encourages me to keep doing the things that make my heart pitter-patter.

This week is a BIGGIE for me because the kids start school on Tuesday. Not that big of a deal for some...but for me it is because I have home-schooled my three kids for the last 5 years! This will be their first time going to school (1st, 2nd & 4th grade), having their own desks, meeting new friends (hopefully), and probably some heart-breaking issues too. This was a very bitter-sweet decision for me. I have had my kids around me almost every second of the day, and every errand that I run.

It is time for them to leave the nest and watch them fly!

 

WOW... it has been kind of crazy running here and there gathering last minute school supplies, and grocery shopping ( I detest grocery shopping) for sack lunches. I drug all three kids to school registration thinking that they needed to be there...uh, let's just say it was total chaos! Tons of kids screaming and  running around, while mothers sat at lunch tables too small for them filling out a stack of papers for each child! How come no one told me I could leave my kids at home to do this? I am the Newbie! Anyhoo, backpacks are packed and ready for that first day of school *sniff * sniff .*

What am I going to do with myself, and who am I now? This is exciting and scary at the same time! I have never had a quiet house in 9 years. I can take a nap (not that I will be able to), I can watch soaps (not that I want to), I can eat sweets without hiding in the bathroom (which I totally will), I can sew and craft and think uninterrupted!!

I have a craft/fabric closet now, and I am so excited! No more digging through piles of fabric in the dreaded, dreary dungeon basement! Look, I can find everything I need to be creative!

This used to be the hall closet crammed with school books and projects, but now...it is mine! All my bins are label with my pretty Cath Kidston Book of  Labels & Stickers that my Honey bought for me as a gift!

It's not my dream work space, but it will do for now! Maybe some paint in a fun color and a curtain will make it all the more charming.

The girls and I made a craft together, to wear to school. They each chose an animal to have appliqued on their t-shirts. I think they did a pretty awesome job picking the fabric for their project.

Lauren made a funky paisley turtle!

Olivia chose an owl with big blue button eyes!

This was my first attempt at fusible applique. It's not the best job, but I got the job done and the girls thought they were perfect. That's all that matters isn't it? They think I am Martha Stewart and I will let them!

Did you see my little chair collection on my shelves?

I found them in a box while cleaning out, and decided it was their time to shine! I am going to paint them and give them a "New Life" just like the rest of the things in my house.

Done, Done & Done!

I am done! Every room in my house is de-cluttered and organized except the space under the stairs, but we won't tell Mr. Walsh, it can be our little secret! I can move a little easier, breathe a little better and relax a little more! Years of trash and clutter are gone, like a weight off my shoulders.

28 bags of TRASH...actual trash, gone! I don't know if I should be embarrassed or excited!? Everything else, we donated:

* A Piano
* 2 very large oak bookcases
* 22 boxes of books
* Train table and drawers
* Lots and lots of toys
* 5 years worth of home school curriculum and supplies
* Clothes, dishes and misc. furniture

My house has been simplified. The things that are important to me are finally being used or displayed for everyone to enjoy, instead of tucked away in a box. My kids are happy in their clutter-free rooms and enjoying the space to play make-believe.

This isn't a one-time fix I know! Keeping the clutter at bay will need my constant attention, until it becomes a habit. This is the new house rule: "If you get it out - put it away. If you open it - close it. If you finish it - replace it. If it's full - empty it. If you take it off - hang it up. If it's dirty - wash it. If it's garbage - trash it".

I think I am more excited and happier than I have been in a long time! A place for everything & everything in it's place...and I can find it!

I feel more creative and motivated to craft and sew, because I no longer have to climb and dig through meaningless crap to get to my fabric, paint, sewing machine and books.

Now I have a fresh start! I am going to get reacquainted with my sewing machine, and my lovely fabrics and work on some yummy projects.

Hello, Dolly!

In my bedroom I have a very small special cabinet that holds my very small special doll collection. These are the dolls that are dear to my heart!

My Grandmother made each of her Granddaughters this doll, and I played with her all the time. I remember sitting in my room on my canopy bed (you know the white lacquer 4-poster gold trim canopy bed from the 80's) braiding her hair over and over again. Her hair is exactly as I left it, ponytail holders and all!

Look at the detail of the hair, each piece of yarn is perfectly stitched in placed!

I love the button joints!

I never did give her a name, how sad is that! To tell you the truth I have never been good at coming up with names. You can't just give out any ol' name...it has to speak to you, and it has to be special! I would like to think that when my Grandmother made these that she made them to look like each of us girls. So, if that is the case...I will name her Tracey!

** My sister came across this pattern after I was talking to her about wanting to make this doll for my girls. Now you can make one to look like your special little one too!