? for jewelry crafters or crafters in general

I have a question and I am looking for some opinions…Every year, I usually do Christmas wreaths and swags but over the past 2 years, I have been making/selling some of my jewelry as well. I recently sent out an email letting everyone know that I am taking orders and a friend of mine indicated that 2 of the id badge holders that I made for clientele that she referred have broken. She was wondering if they were made out of the same material as hers as hers is like kryptonite despite the everyday (well except Saturdays and Sundays) wear and tear. I do believe that it is out of the same wire but (hold tight, I am getting to the question) I can’t really remember as it has been over a year since they made their purchases. Neither of the clients have indicated the problem to me and the id holders were $18 at the time of purchase and one of the clients has other jewelry items from me with no problems, so should I send them a message offering a replacement or considering the wear and tear, has the item served its useful time?

I am torn because I do like having a good reputation with my products but also I know that some things will not last forever. What would you do?

Thank you, thank you, thank you

A big thank you to all of you that shared prayers and kind words. It is nothing and amazingly where my doctor felt a lump there was none seen on the mammogram; however they looked more closely at the the other and after pics at different angles and a sonogram, I have no findings that indicate the need for a follow-up nor do I have cancer. Hallelujah!!

It was a long process with lots of waiting but I had some knitting so I knitted and knitted and my nerves were amazingly calm (prayer works)! My mom and I then went to Whole Foods for some lunch and then I went to a different Joanne’s to buy some more clearance fabric and this Joann’s had lots of boy stuff, so finally, my Prince can get some goodies.

Mentally, I am a bit taxed but I am thankful for your prayers and God’s love. Have a great weekend and I hope it is full of love, laughter, family, friends, and crafting.

Cancer, Caffeine, Something, or Nothing

Today at 11, I will have my mammogram and sonogram to further investigate the lump my doc felt earlier in the month. Funny thing is when I made the appointment it seemed so far away yet it is here now. My mom is saying it is caffeine related and everything will be fine. I have a dear friend that is a 1 year breast cancer survivor and she is so upbeat so she’s like, don’t worry it is nothing. Of course, nothing is nothing yet and may still be nothing after tomorrow’s test. I just keep reminding myself of Paul’s words in Phillippians 4:4-9:

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

So, if you are reading this, I would appreciate your prayers to the Lord for my nerves as well as my test and the end result. Be blessed!!

Got Pins?

More inspiration from my Japanese Craft Books….aaahhh

Aaarrrggghhh

In my earlier post, I shared about the stuff issue and afterwards, I sent the kids upstairs so that they could cull through their stuff for us to give some things away. Before I share the pics, hubby and I have had a chat and prayer and I am feeling better about some things as we move forward and really trying to get a handle on this issue.

Now for the pics that will let explain the post title. I told the kids to pile up their give away pile in the hallway…

Here is what son left in his room as a keep pile…

and here is what daughter left in her room…

Spoiled, Brattiness, & Heart Changes

It never seems to fail that the times I am not in the mood for attitude, I get it from my little ones. This morning, a simple task of telling me today’s date turned into tears and unnecessary drama. Yes, prior to having to go downstairs for school, they were having a mini jam session with their guitars, but they knew what time it was so it is not like being told to get ready for school should have been the jumping off point for attitude.

I tell ya it can truly grate on momma’s nerves. I also was asked rather rudely by the Princess where her Ariel doll was and yes the asking was complete with head moving, tone, and if she were standing, she may have put her hand on her imagination. I politley reminded her first that she should not speak to me in that manner and second that she had told me before (in one of her Princess huffs) that I could give it away, so I did.

I have been feeling that my kids have truly been showing strong tendencies to be spoiled and bratty, things I was as a child and can’t stand now. To me, these are heart issues. Some people have a lot but are thankful, joyful and not bratty and feeling entitled. Conversely, some people do not have a lot and they are very thankful, joyful and just down right appreciative.

We discussed thankfulness, the importance of education and also visual pictures and videos of those that do not have a lot yet they are thankful, thanks to UNICEF for some amazing videosof children in their own words. I am not going to go into this being an American children issue even though I do think that a lot because of our culture.

There are many thoughts going on in my head so forgive me if I am rambling, but I do have some questions:

1) What do you do to help your children realize that it’s not all about the stuff?

2) How do your impress the importance of education?

3) For kids too young for some community service projects, how do you make the connection that they are a part of something larger?

R U Left or Right Brained?

MLBAH had this cute quiz, and you know me, I had to share, let me know your results.

You Are 30% Left Brained, 70% Right Brained

The left side of your brain controls verbal ability, attention to detail, and reasoning. Left brained people are good at communication and persuading others. If you’re left brained, you are likely good at math and logic. Your left brain prefers dogs, reading, and quiet. The right side of your brain is all about creativity and flexibility. Daring and intuitive, right brained people see the world in their unique way. If you’re right brained, you likely have a talent for creative writing and art. Your right brain prefers day dreaming, philosophy, and sports.

Are You Right or Left Brained?

The Bachelor (ette) – Is it me?!?!?

Warning – Mini tv rant ahead…

Many seasons ago, I stopped watching this must be hit show on ABC. Last night it followed my kids all-time favorite show – Dancing with the Stars. I don’t know if they know it but that show is a hit with the 5 and under gang. They weren’t able to catch the entire episode that dragged on 1.5 hours because they had to go to bed and in the midst of a few things like laundry, I left the tv on ABC. Now that the Closer and Saving Grace are over, my Monday evenings are pretty open for uh laundry. I digressed, the gazillionth episode of The Bachelor came on and in between loads, I found myself watching.

The Bachelor is a self-made millionaire that is handsome and yet…drumroll….he can’t find nary a soulmate in the city of Austin nor the entire state of Texas. Poor baby….so ABC wants to help the loveless lad and round up some 25 babes for him to get to know in a short time span to see if one of them is the woman of his dreams.

C’mon women, wake up????? Do you really think that you are going to be the one??? Do you really think putting yourself in competition with 25 other desperate gals is the way to a man’s heart??? One gal even came prepared with a bikini and decided to make a splash of her own…she must have been a girl scout when she was younger.

Anyhoo, could someone please explain how there are major tears when you find out that you are going to be one of the ten dismissals??? You just met the boy, there is no love lost, there is no love connection, he is making his decision on who is the hottest (as defined by him) and who doesn’t seem to be 1 step away from the crazy house. Why subject yourself to such humiliation and shame?

The track record of this show has yielded 1 wedding despite many proposals and the 1 wedding and now baby was for the first bachelorette – Trista. None of the guys (or the subsequent bachelorette) have married the gals (guy) that they fell so madly in love with after their 1-on-1 hot tub dates. I guess these gals never heard the old adage about buying the cow when the milk is already free.

Mini tv rant over…and now back to much more substantive posts like crafting.

A trip to the County Fair

We are big county fair goers…we love going to the County Fair where my parents live as it is more rural than where we live so there is more livestock and truthfully it is as if everyone in the county is there, I mean everybody. Friday night, we hung out at the fair and here are some of the sites:

This mama had just had her baby and was not too keen on the local yocals getting too close…

Another tired mama after having birthed

this cutie pie

Yes, landing on these would hurt…ouch!!

Here’s one big pig

here’s the beef you were looking for

Now for major cuteness, we have this

and this

and this

Lots of other pics on Flickr.

and last but not least, we have this beauty!

OMG – you have to see these aprons

These are so gorgeous and will be for sale here soon.