Test Post from Text Message

Just sending a test post from my phone. Trying to get things setup so that when driving across the country to start our new lives, I can share our journey with you all.

New Beginnings

As some of you have read, I reconnected with my biological father a few hours ago.

I've heard stories from my mom, before she passed, and stories from my grandmother about why I don't know my father or anything of that nature.

I will say this. Since I don't have my mom or my lola to talk about this, to verify information, I'm started with a clean slate. I'm going to allow him to prove them wrong.

Let's be honest. In my 30 years, the term "family values" hasn't exactly held the same definition amongst my family. From finding out who my real grandmother is, to learning that the cousin I grew up with is really my Aunt, to finally reconnecting with my dad.

Ever since my mom died, I felt like there was a part of me that I don't know. Where I came from, who my family is, etc.

I'm too old for grudges, and being selfish. Right now, I'm glad to know that my kids have a grandfather, especially since my mom is not here. They are my life and it killed me to know that they don't have grandparents on my side of their family. But now my dad is here. Now, I don't have to say that anymore.

While he's in the Philippines, he's never been far from my mind. Ever since my mother passed away, I've been looking for him.

It's a day of new starts. I am going to let him answer my questions and hope and pray that from this forward, this will be a good relationship.

I've never really had a father. I've had good a father figure (Chuck) and even though we butted heads a lot a good mother figure (Mel) - but it's not the same as having your real parents. Growing up I had always wondered why he didn't want me after my mom died. But as an adult, I understand the liability that the state had as I was a ward of the state.

I don't know if I went through failed relationships because I was seeking what I didn't have, but I know this much...with all of the bullshit I've been dealt in my life, I'm now in control.

If he doesn't pan out to be much, at least I know where he is, that he's alive and healthy, and he never stopped loving me.

I can't imagine what he went through, going to visit my mother and myself to learn that we had left the Philippines for the US. I can't imagine the hurt and pain that caused. To know that my mom's family did everything possible to keep him out of our lives, only because they wanted my mom to marry an American and settle here.

I often imagined what life would be life had I never left the Philippines. But what I do know is that I have siblings in the PI, and family there still.

I can't wait to talk to him some more.

i can finally say, Dad, and it really be him and not someone else, (no offense Chuck).

This is one of those lifetime movies and crap........

i just talked to the kids about it and they are so full of questions, too. Needless to say, we're all excited.

It's a lot to take in, but I'm going to go in with an open mind and my huge heart.

Destash time!

Ladies,
Times are hard. Ayana's daycare bill needs to be paid on Monday so that I can get to court on time this week for my internship.

Please pray that either I get a job like yesterday or that I graduate with a quickness. My family is living off of Ramen noodles, plain rice with butter and salt, and canned veggies. No meats. In fact, we've pretty much haven't had any meat in a solid 7 days. I think my kids think that I'm trying a vegan thing....heck no. I love meat...I just can't afford it.

Anyhow, I'll be adding more as the weekend goes by, as I need to make this payment NLT 6 PM EST on Monday.

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Diaper Cakes Galore

I love, love, love diaper cakes. They are so easy to make. I love the marketing part though, the most. I made this cake for a friend at church. She's having her first girl. So of course, besides baby bath stuff, I had to put in some Glitzie Ritzie Boutique hair accessories! I've already received 5 orders from her family for hair accessories. Talk about killing a few birds with one stone!

Let's see..I added:
a bow on a waffle beanie
a bow on a knit headband
a bow on a nylon headband
2 sets of clippies
4 separate crochet headbands
and a set of boutique bows with organza korkers

More sewing...Aline dresses

I've made two Aline dresses in the last day. I must say, it's easier than I thought it would be. That whole circle thing to close up the side was mad easy once someone said "sew in a circle." Before that, I was looking at the ebook, like what in the world....LOL.

I made this one for my best friend's daughter's birthday present.

I love this Robert Kauffman line: Fresh As A Daisy.

I need a new sewing machine

So, I have this wonderful friend. She's been so gracious to have loaned me her sewing machine since oh, October of last year. She uses it quite a bit, but borrows her neighbors if she has a project or clothing to mend. My dear friend. I love her dearly.

But I need to get my own machine.

Being unemployed, and well, slow in the business department. Not to mention having four kids - I never have the money to just get a freaking sewing machine. I also want an embroidery machine.

So here's my solution, until cash just falls into my lap. I'll find every contest online that is giving away a sewing machine and do what I have to do to enter and possibly win.

If you're one of my friends who already owns a machine, and wins one of these, please consider blessing my family with it *wink*

Anyhow, one of my favorite sites, You Can Make This is opening up a new site this month, You Can Quilt This. They are giving away a sewing machine. I'd love to be able to do a sew-a-long with any forum, not just YCMT or YCQT, with a new sewing machine :o)
Anyhow, check out the site: www.youcanmakethis.com and their blog. Just click on that graphic below.

Minnie Mouse Pillowcase Dress

A friend comissioned me to make this dress and matching bows for her daughter.