We were sitting around the dinner table this evening, asking Katy how her day went. Katy was talking about her table-mates (Her class sits at tables of five or six students, opposed to individual desks). Specifically, she was talking about one little girl that sits beside her. In an effort to learn more about Katy's new world at Kindergarten, Ted interjected and asked Katy what her new friend's name was.
Seriously and straight-faced, she answered, "I don't know. That's not her name- 'I don't know.' I guess I'll have to ask her tomorrow." She didn't even crack a smile at her own joke/play on words.
Ted and I, on the other hand, just about died of laughter! Hahaha...!
Monday, August 31, 2015
Thursday, August 27, 2015
First Day of Kindergarten- The Sappy Version
First Day of Kindergarten, August 27, 2015
It was her first day- the precipice of something new and (hopefully!) exciting! She was so confident and excited boarding the big, yellow school bus- just like a big kid! The world is her stage and she is ready to charge full-speed ahead!
She is ready; So ready! She is so smart and so perceptive! Her mind is hungry and fertile for learning. Her vocabulary, alone, rivals that of some adults- truly! I cannot wait to see and bear witness to all of the growth and development that will most-assuredly occur over the course of the next ten months.
Today was my first day, too, though. You see, it was my first day of the beginning of learning to let go.... Of giving up complete control and handing her off to multiple capable hands.... Of depending on others for the fate of my daughter- our one precious possession that was never really our's to keep in the first place... Faces and names that I have not yet met, let alone carefully screened, observed and/or observed..! All in the name of creating a whole village of learning. Life lessons, book learning and everything in between.
Five and a half short years- gone in the blink of an eye! Yet, so much pure, raw love, effort, sacrifice and HARD WORK to get us to this point in time. Oh, those long, sleepless nights...! Lost sleep is just the beginning, though... I fear- nay, I'm am SURE!- that there will be more sleepless nights in the future as Katy grows up and hits each tangible and intangible milestone. Her first sleepover, learning to drive, first date, first heartbreak, college and God willing, marriage, babies and more!!
Five and a half short years to pump everything possible into our little girl to make sure that she is ready to meet and greet the big, wide world. A world that isn't always kind. A world that isn't always nice. A world that may teach my child about subjects that I may not necessarily want her delving into (right now- or ever!). A world that doesn't always make sense- even to my adult self, let alone a child!
Five and a half years short years to be her first and primary teacher. Manners, social graces, playing nicely with others... Respect and kindness... Letters, colors, numbers and words.... Books, books, books and more books....! Teach them young. Be consistent. Teach your child your family's values, or the world will do it for you.
Five and a half years to go from helpless infant to strong, confidant Kindergartener; ready to meet the challenges ahead! What if she struggles to fully understand an academic concept? What about bullies? How will she handle the long school days? Homework- how will I deal with homework in our seemingly, already full schedule?
Five and a half years and she still seems like a baby to me. In fact, she is my baby. She seems so small, surrounded by those older, rowdier children. She seems so young, and so immature when compared to those around her, pushing, scrambling and racing around the playground...
Five and a half years and a million and one emotions tumbling around inside me. Blogger Mama by the Bay says it best in here post, "Dear New Kindergarten Mom."
Look out, World, here comes our beautiful, kind, intelligent, strong Katy Grace!!
May she be mighty and kind, empathetic and perceptive.
May she be hungry for knowledge, and thirsty for more. More trips to the library and less trips down the road of doubt and worry. Never be afraid to learn more (New subject, New concept, New hairstyles or trends).
May she be strong enough to stand up for what she believes, yet intuitive enough to know when to back down. There is a time and a place to be right. There is also a time and a place to be kind and graceful.
May she feel loved and be love. May she be the hands and feet of Jesus to those who need it most. May she never forget or lose sight of what is important. Faith is important. Love is important. Always.
May she always know that her father and I will always have her back. Also, know that we will never stop worrying and loving her. Late nights, difficult days... We.are.family.
May she know how and when to laugh, but also appreciate a good cry (and a pint of Ben and Jerry' s.)
May she have a reason to get dressed up and feel beautiful both inside and out. Beautiful for who she is, not what the world dictates. Yet, still not be afraid to get her hands dirty- To work with her hands, to create beauty and see the beauty in the world around her.
May she ask more of herself and more of those around her. She is worth it.
May she not be afraid to say, "No." May she not hesitate to say, "Yes!" Yes to opportunity, yes to friendship, fellowship and love.
May she savor life to it's fullest and not shy away from what is hard (hard to do, hard to say, hard to be and become.)
May she remember where she came from- that she will always be our little girl. May she be hopeful and expectant of her future. Work for it, Girlie- it's your's for the taking!
Happy, excited, sad, hopeful and afraid.... Today marks the beginning of our family's next chapter in life.
Five and a half short years- gone in the blink of an eye! Yet, so much pure, raw love, effort, sacrifice and HARD WORK to get us to this point in time. Oh, those long, sleepless nights...! Lost sleep is just the beginning, though... I fear- nay, I'm am SURE!- that there will be more sleepless nights in the future as Katy grows up and hits each tangible and intangible milestone. Her first sleepover, learning to drive, first date, first heartbreak, college and God willing, marriage, babies and more!!
Five and a half short years to pump everything possible into our little girl to make sure that she is ready to meet and greet the big, wide world. A world that isn't always kind. A world that isn't always nice. A world that may teach my child about subjects that I may not necessarily want her delving into (right now- or ever!). A world that doesn't always make sense- even to my adult self, let alone a child!
Five and a half years short years to be her first and primary teacher. Manners, social graces, playing nicely with others... Respect and kindness... Letters, colors, numbers and words.... Books, books, books and more books....! Teach them young. Be consistent. Teach your child your family's values, or the world will do it for you.
Five and a half years to go from helpless infant to strong, confidant Kindergartener; ready to meet the challenges ahead! What if she struggles to fully understand an academic concept? What about bullies? How will she handle the long school days? Homework- how will I deal with homework in our seemingly, already full schedule?
Five and a half years and she still seems like a baby to me. In fact, she is my baby. She seems so small, surrounded by those older, rowdier children. She seems so young, and so immature when compared to those around her, pushing, scrambling and racing around the playground...
Five and a half years and a million and one emotions tumbling around inside me. Blogger Mama by the Bay says it best in here post, "Dear New Kindergarten Mom."
Look out, World, here comes our beautiful, kind, intelligent, strong Katy Grace!!
May she be mighty and kind, empathetic and perceptive.
May she be hungry for knowledge, and thirsty for more. More trips to the library and less trips down the road of doubt and worry. Never be afraid to learn more (New subject, New concept, New hairstyles or trends).
May she be strong enough to stand up for what she believes, yet intuitive enough to know when to back down. There is a time and a place to be right. There is also a time and a place to be kind and graceful.
May she feel loved and be love. May she be the hands and feet of Jesus to those who need it most. May she never forget or lose sight of what is important. Faith is important. Love is important. Always.
May she always know that her father and I will always have her back. Also, know that we will never stop worrying and loving her. Late nights, difficult days... We.are.family.
May she know how and when to laugh, but also appreciate a good cry (and a pint of Ben and Jerry' s.)
May she have a reason to get dressed up and feel beautiful both inside and out. Beautiful for who she is, not what the world dictates. Yet, still not be afraid to get her hands dirty- To work with her hands, to create beauty and see the beauty in the world around her.
May she ask more of herself and more of those around her. She is worth it.
May she not be afraid to say, "No." May she not hesitate to say, "Yes!" Yes to opportunity, yes to friendship, fellowship and love.
May she savor life to it's fullest and not shy away from what is hard (hard to do, hard to say, hard to be and become.)
May she remember where she came from- that she will always be our little girl. May she be hopeful and expectant of her future. Work for it, Girlie- it's your's for the taking!
Happy, excited, sad, hopeful and afraid.... Today marks the beginning of our family's next chapter in life.
First day of Kindergarten, August 27, 2015
Katy's First Day of Kindergarten!!
First day of Kindergarten!
Look out Kindergarten, here comes Katy!!
Lil' Miss is beyond thrilled to start elementary school and she is so excited to become a "big kid" and ride the school bus. She was assigned to Mrs. Mitchell's class. Katy will also have a student teacher, Ms. Hardister. Their classroom 'theme animal' is the zebra.
"The wheels on the bus go round and round..."
Several weekends ago, we went to Target to purchase a pink, sparkly Barbie backpack. Originally, I had wanted to buy her one online, but Lil' Miss insisted on going to the store, "...for the experience..." of selecting her own special backpack. Hee, hee, hee.... only Katy!
Sporting her new sparkly pink Barbie backpack!
She may not fully understand all that is to come, but she's ready for the adventure of something new! She knows her letters, she knows her colors; she's ready to learn more!
Soooo....! Here's to a great start to Katy's road to learning! Cheers to untapped potential and discovering all that there is to learn! Here's to reading, writing and arithmetic! I can't wait to see what the future holds for our daughter!
Monday, August 24, 2015
Little Lizard King- Daddy's Girl PDF Sewing Pattern Release
Hubby has worn button down, dress shirts for the majority of his career. That means that in the 10+ years that we've been married, he's gone through quite a lot of shirts!! There was a period of time that he kept getting a hole in the same spot, on the elbow. Perfectly good, wearable shirts- but with a hole in an un-fixable place!! I've saved these shirt (Admit it, you've all seen those Pinterest upcycles using a man's dress shirt! ;-) but I've never quite gotten around to actually MAKING anything out of those old shirts...!
Well, no more... Introducing, the Daddy's Girl dress!!
Let's discuss the PDF sewing pattern details, first;
-The Daddy's Girl dress is sized for 12m-14y.
-The Daddy's Girl dress features a curved front bodice, elastic back and tie shoulder straps.
-The Daddy's Girl dress can be made using a dress shirt OR fabric.
-The Daddy's Girl dress PDF sewing pattern includes pattern layers- just print the size that you need/want (one of my favorite features in a pattern!).
-The Daddy's Girl dress PDF sewing pattern includes a cutting chart, size chart, fabric requirements and elastic cutting chart.
-The Daddy's Girl dress PDF sewing pattern features step-by-step photographs.
-The Daddy's Girl dress includes optional in-seam pockets and button placket (if using the fabric option).
Dress shirt, BEFORE
Lots of fun sewing up The Daddy's Girl dress by Little Lizard King! Now, go forth and raid your hubby's closet for all the dress shirts in the name of creative, sentimental sewing! ;-)
Love her!
***Disclosure: "I received a free pattern in order to review this pattern for Little Lizard King. The opinions expressed here are my own."***
Sewing Pattern Testing- Love Notions- La Bella Donna Top and Tunic
Love Notions La Bella Donna
I may not look it, but I'm "Italian" at heart (you know, on my mother's side... ;-)
Speaking of Italian, let me introduce you to PDF sewing pattern designer, Love Notions latest creation, La Bella Donna Top and Tunic. "La Bella Donna" translates to "The Beautiful Woman," and let me assure you that I feel very stylish in my new creation!
La Bella Donna top and tunic is jam-packed with options!
Just the fact:
-La Bella Donna is sized for XS-XXXL.
-La Bella Donna can be made in short sleeve or long.
Love Notions La Bella Donna- Sleeve and Cowl Detail
-La Bella Donna can be sewn in shirt length or tunic length.
-La Bella Donna features a slight dolman style sleeve.
-La Bella Donna includes optional neck band and hem band.
Love Notions La Bella Donna- Back
-La Bella Donna includes pattern pieces for a cowl neckline.
Love Notions La Bella Donna- Cowl Detail
-La Bella Donna also includes a hood pattern piece/directions.
-La Bella Donna features no trim pattern pieces and layered sizing (print just the size that you need/want and no pre-trimming when assembling your pattern!)
-La Bella Donna PDF sewing pattern includes a size chart, printing guide, page layout, and fabric requirements chart.
-La Bella Donna is best sewn using medium-weight knits with good stretch.
After consulting the sizing chart, I sewed up a size small. I used value sweater knit from my local Hancock fabrics in a soft, peachy color. I sewed long sleeves and cowl neckline. I kept the curved, shirt-tail hem of the pattern pieces (opposed to the optional hemband). Also, I slightly modified the pattern by eliminating an inch in length since I'm only five feet tall (at least that is what my driver's licence states ;-). The pattern is sized for the average 5'-5" woman.
Love Notions La Bella Donna- Shirttail hem Detail
Because La Bella Donna top and tunic doesn't have a separate sleeve pattern piece (the distinguishing feature in a dolman-style top), there are really only four major seams to sew- shoulders and sides. Any added pattern options will take a bit longer, but I'll be honest, this pattern did not take me all that long to sew up! I even surprised myself with the abbreviated work time!
Before sewing up this version of La Bella Donna, I had never sewn with sweater knits, before. However, when I saw that gorgeous cowl option, I knew that I just had to give it a try. I was a little nervous to start, but all I did was serge away and remember not to stretch my fabric while sewing. Some might even say that working with sweater knits is SEW easy.... hahahaha!
La Bella Donna is my favorite article of clothing that I have made myself, to date. The cut of the top is flattering and the styling is on trend. I love the versatility of this pattern as it can be sewn up in short sleeves for warmer months and sweater knit for the winter. I can always appreciate a pattern that can take me through the whole year!
Thank you, Tami (the brains and "La Bella Donna" behind Love Notions), for allowing me to test your latest and greatest pattern, La Bella Donna. I see many more of these in my closet. I love it!
Love Notions La Bella Donna
That's not all, though.... Guess what? The Love Notions La Bella Donna also comes in girl's sizes, too!! How fun is that?!?!
Love Notions GIRL La Bella Donna
***Disclosure: "I received a free pattern in order to pattern test for Love Notions. The opinions expressed here are my own."***
****This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small percentage of the sale.****
Friday, August 21, 2015
Sewing Pattern Review- Jennuine Design- Moto Jacket
It may still only be August here in the South, but school is almost back in session and fall fashion in on the horizon! With cooler temps (yes, please- as I sit here sweltering in 90+ degrees!), comes jacket season!
I don't know about you, but as a mother, I struggle to get my five year old daughter to wear a jacket- even when it's downright cold outside! She hates to be bothered with it; it's a hassle to get on and off. Most of all, though, my little fashionista complains that winter jackets are (and I quote), "...too poofy!" In short, jackets just don't jive with her style....! Ha!
Soooo..... when I saw that Jennuine Design was having a blog tour with their Moto Jacket pattern, I immediately wanted to sign up! If I could make a jacket girly/shiny/pretty enough for my little fashionista maybe- just maybe- she'd wear her jacket without complaint this season....
-The Moto Jacket is written for sizes 2t-12y.
-The Moto Jacket includes shaded illustrations and diagrams for each step, opposed to photographs.
-The Moto Jacket PDF sewing pattern includes a sizing, fabric requirements, finished measurements charts.
-The Moto Jacket PDF sewing pattern includes trimless, layered pattern pieces- LOVE, love, LOVE that!!
-The Moto Jacket is written for knit sleeves and welts and wovens for body (heavy) and lining.
-A glossary of terms, instructions on how to shorten a zipper and other tips along the way are also included in the The Moto Jacket PDF sewing pattern.
Now, before I go any further, I want to admit that I cut out front jacket pieces backwards. The girl's version should have the zipper of the WEARER'S left (I got confused when cutting and didn't reverse the pattern pieces when I laid them down on the fabric and cut). This is definitely operator error- not the fault of the pattern. So, note to self- and other's just venturing out to make a Moto Jacket of their own- when cutting out main jacket pieces for the Moto Jacket, make sure that you cut according to the WEARER'S left (girl) or right (boy).
This is the first actual jacket that I've ever made. In the past I've made some light-weight blazers and such, but nothing as involved as a jacket- complete with zipper and lining. The Moto Jacket was my attempt at a real, live jacket! I'm happy to report, it was a success!
Lil' Miss LOVES the fact that the Moto Jacket has pockets! When I was sewing I thought the pocket opening was too small. However, when she slipped the jacket on to check fit, the pockets were not only the right size, but they were at the correct height, too! (I have found that pocket height is sometimes off in PDF sewing patterns- not so with the Moto Jacket by Jennuine Design. Perfectly placed pockets!)
We HEART the Moto Jacket by Jennuine Design!
****This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small percentage of the sale.****
If you get at chance, go ahead and check out all these other wonderful bloggers participating in the Jennuine Design Moto Jacket Tour!
If you get at chance, go ahead and check out all these other wonderful bloggers participating in the Jennuine Design Moto Jacket Tour!
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
Sunday, August 16, 2015
Discovery Place Kids- Countdown to Kindergarten!
Kindergarten Ready!
Last Friday, Lil' Miss took part in the Discovery Place Kids, Countdown to Kindergarten!
Alongside her best bud, Connor, Lil' Miss played the night away! She enjoyed running from center to center discovering all that the museum has to offer. She played in the fire truck, the veterinarian center, the grocery store, water play and she even "changed a tire" in the car care center.
Besides the regular DPK areas, Lil' Miss also learned to navigate the cafeteria line and listen to a story. There were even "princesses" on hand to meet and greet the upcoming kindergarteners!
Katy can't wait to start Kindergarten!
Wednesday, August 12, 2015
Katy's Camera- Photo Dump- Spring/Summer 2015
In no particular order, here are some pictures from Katy's camera...
Mr. Bun Bun
Doodles
Samantha
Sunset
Twilight
Sunday, August 9, 2015
Sewing Pattern Testing- Made for Mermaids- Hampton Dress and Romper
I was fortunate enough to test another pattern by Made for Mermaids. This time, the Hampton Romper, Top and Dress. The Hampton Romper, Top and Dress is a, "....stunning, vintage, southern style pattern..." that can be done as either a top, dress or romper (with four pant lengths).
First, here are the Hampton Romper, Top and Dress PDF sewing pattern facts;
-The Hampton Romper, Top and Dress comes in sizes 1/2-8.
-The Hampton Romper, Top and Dress can be sewn as a dress, a top, or pants romper (with four pant length options).
-There are four pant lengths to choose from for the Hampton Romper- Bubble, Shorts, Capris or Pants.
Hampton Romper, Top and Dress- PANT LENGTH DETAIL
-There are two bow options for the Hampton Romper, Top and Dress- regular and big bow (go big, or, go home! :-)
Hampton Romper, Top and Dress- BIG BOW TIES DETAIL
-The Hampton Romper, Top and Dress features layered, no-trim pattern pieces. That means you only print the size that you need/want. (and, no TRIM! No trim is my favorite!!)
-The Hampton Romper, Top and Dress features ruffle flutters that can be done in fabric, lace and/or curved or squared.
-The Hampton Romper, Top and Dress features a single button back closure.
Hampton Romper, Top and Dress- BACK DETAIL
-The Hampton Romper, Top and Dress PDF sewing pattern includes a size chart, fabric requirements chart and measurement chart.
I sewed up two rompers during testing. Both rompers were size six, based on the included sizing chart. Sometimes, when you test a pattern, you end up sewing more than one garment due to feedback and suggestions (and in the journey to releasing the best pattern possible). I love that Megan, the brains and talent behind Made for Mermaids listens to her testers and tweaks and works to get the pattern JUST right... Thank you, Megan!
The first Hampton Romper that I sewed up included the following pattern options- pant length, curved shoulder flutters, big bow side ties. (This romper will vary slightly from the end result) Fabric for the first romper were taken from my personal fabric stash. The pink floral for the legs was purchased locally at Wal-Mart for $1.00/yard. (Note to self- $1.00/yard fabric is TERRIBLE quality!!! It was so think and frayed terribly. It didn't have a very nice hand, either. Live and learn!)
Hampton Romper, Top and Dress- SHORTS LENGTH
The second Hampton Romper that I sewed up included the following pattern options- short length, lace shoulder flutters and big bow side ties. I used a lace overlay for the front sash piece. Fabric was from my own personal fabric stash. I knew that if I were to get some decent pictures of Lil' Miss in another pant/short romper- not a dress, like she'd prefer- I better make it in something she LOVES. My Little Ponies is a sure bet!! ;-)
Hampton Romper, Top and Dress- LACE FRONT SASH DETAIL
Like all Made for Mermaids PDF sewing patterns, the instructions were easy to follow and each step included clear photographs to aid in the understanding off the pattern. The Hampton Romper, Top and Dress has a nice, clean, lined bodice. I love when the inside looks just as neat as the outside!
Thank you, Megan, for another wonderful Made for Mermaids pattern! Thank you, Molly of Noble Dixie Clothing for the inspiration. The Hampton Romper, Top and Dress is gorgeous!
Big, squishy heart love for the Hampton Romper, Top and Dress!
***Disclosure: "I received a free pattern in order to review this pattern for Made for Mermaids. The opinions expressed here are my own."***
Sentence of the Day- Shaun the Sheep
We're big Aardman Animation fans, here in the Jones household! So, when we found out that Shaun the Sheep was going to be appearing in his own feature-length film, we made an afternoon of it. Lil' Miss got all dressed up (oh, wait- that's EVERYday!) and even wanted to do her own hair.
When she walked out of the bathroom, she told me, "Look, Mom! I fluffed my hair! Now it's just like a sheep!" (Basically, she teased her hair- minus the hairspray.) Sheep.... the next big fashion trend...! It's B- EWE-tiful....! Ha!
When she walked out of the bathroom, she told me, "Look, Mom! I fluffed my hair! Now it's just like a sheep!" (Basically, she teased her hair- minus the hairspray.) Sheep.... the next big fashion trend...! It's B- EWE-tiful....! Ha!
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