Mother and Child

Jessica's Baby Shower

The first time I hosted a baby shower!  We decided to hold this baby shower at our workplace so more of the ladies who works with Jessica could attend.  We all just took an extra l--o--n--g lunch break!  With the fancy meeting rooms not being available, we had to use one of the lunch rooms.  This one lunch room we used had white/grey walls and long tables with benches ... not very ideal for a cosy baby shower ... but this was the better room, conveniently located, well equipped with ice machines, huge refrigerator, several microwave ovens and it was air conditioned!

I used balloons and scrapbook cardstocks to decorate the room ~ invitations, flag banners, alphabet cutouts spelling out the new baby's name and baby clothes lines.  Washcloth lollipops in painted terracotta flower pots were used as centerpieces/party favors.  A simple yet sumptuous lunch spread of sandwiches, vegetable tray, fruits, dips and crackers was put together with the help of 2 other ladies.

And what did I get as my baby shower gift for Jessica? ~ this diaper bag named "Jessica"!  Fancy that!

Express Service

Pei called me from college while I was on my way to work on Thursday morning.  She needed a tote bag and a softie owl in her sorority colors for her new sorority sister.  She needs them by Sunday.  And she is a 3-hours drive away from home! 

Here I have a ton to do at work, going for my chiropractic treatment 3 times a week, in the midst of planning a baby shower for a coworker in mid September.  Everything else in my life took a step back.  I had to focus on my 2 new projects. 

Pei once asked me ... "Why is your craft corner so full of stuffs?"  Well, you see I was able to complete both her 'Express Service' projects without having to make a single trip to the craft store.  I found EVERYTHING I need in my own little 'Hobby Lobby'.  By Thursday evening, I had the tote bag pattern cut out in red with a yellow fabric for the lining.  I even managed to complete an embroidery of an owl (sorority mascot of course!) on the front of the bag.

Between a full day's work on Friday, one more visit to the Chiropractor, Bailey's training classes, bringing Bailey to her very first doggie birthday party (yes I am serious ... Bailey attended her classmate, Kobi's birthday party) and doing a little household chore in the kitchen, I was able to complete my 2 projects ... with a little time spare to watch Sarah Richardson's Room Service!

Mike and I will make our 3 hours drive to Pei's college this afternoon.

Thought for the day (by Franklin P. Jones) - Children are unpredictable.  You never know what inconsistency they are going to catch you in next !

My next project ... wash cloth lollipops.  These will be presented as center pieces at the baby shower.  Each guest will take one home as one of the party favors.  Do check back, I will be posting more pictures.

 

Krystal Glass' Benefit

I was REALLY EXCITED!!  I had 16 LOVELY! items for the Krystal's benefit. 

Sshh! ... I went to bed at 3am ... I was up my entire Friday evening and the unearthly hours of Saturday morning ... gently pressed Tracy's adorable 'Hearts Delight' doll quilt to take out a couple little creases it picked up from making the long trip across the Atlantic, Tracy's mother-in-law, Grethe's crocheted pot holders and cross-stitched set of towels came all ready for auction (beautifully bundled together with pretty ribbons & tag).  I put Marie Smith's handmade natural skin care products into a pretty basket (I added a small bunch of pretty flowers), Tania Howell's lovely tote bag, cards, gift tags & magnets were put together as a delightful pack.  Ok now, I am running out of adjectives to describe all the wonderful items I received.  Jo's hand-embroidered set of boy's & girl's t-shirts, Valerie's baby wool jacket, trendy fabric retro apron and heavily beaded & embroidered evening dress, Teresa's tote handbags, Laney's rug hooks, Natalie's apron, Shelley's beaded bracelet, Beverly's handmade notecards & gift tags, Melissa's bracelet & earring set and of course my teacup pin cushion ... each and every item brought so much joy to my heart.  I had them each cellophane wrapped, tagged and they ALL went to auction! 

I have yet to receive Val's backpack and Clara's necklaces but plan to send them over to Krystal as soon as I get them. 

It was a l-o-n-g drive to the Pasadena Convention Center where Krystal's benefit was held.  The drive was made more challenging with lighted signs along the highway usually reserved for Amber Alerts flashing an ominous message "HURRICANE FORMING NEAR GULF.  KEEP YOUR TANKS FULL!"  Category 4 Hurricane Dean was forming near the Gulf.  Mike, Pei, Bailey and I survived Hurricane Rita in 2005 without much incident but hurricane season has become stressful season for me!

Yes, that's Krystal, Alec and me!  Krystal's pink t-shirt read "Check your front ..." and at the back of the t-shirt, it says "it may cover your back!"  How true!

There was a good size crowd at Krystal's benefit.  Good music, good BBQ and beer ... I couldn't describe the beer, Mike and I did ice tea!  Raffle ticket jars were filling up and I believe cash donation boxes were also filling up (I couldn't see through the wooden boxes!)  There were MANY! great items up for auction.  When I last checked, some 50+ people have taken a bid number to participate in the auction.  During the first half of the auction, much money was raised and everyone was having a fun time.  Mike and I had to rush off ... I need to be home before dark at hurricane season!

Once again, I send out my heartfelt gratitude to all my friends in the crafty blog world.  You have all touched me deeply with your kindness and generosity.  You all deserve double credit for reaching out to help ... a stranger.   

Is It Christmas Already!?

I was having a really rough time ... so much aches and pains ... Chiropractor gave little relief ... Doctors could not tell me what's wrong ... steroids and pain medication made me nauseous ... feeling so sick ... Houston weather was not helping one bit with record high heat ... YUCKS!!

Despite all these, my spirits were up because I was receiving so many packages ... is it Christmas already!?  The packages contained your wonderful donations for Krystal and Alec.  My friends at work also bought up a bunch of tickets for the raffles that will happen at the benefit this Saturday.  That great feeling made me jump right off my bed and into crafting mode!   

 

So what is my contribution to the Krystal's auction?  I had wanted to make a set of 'mother and daughter' bags but that inspiration didn't come about so I ended up making this teacup pin cushion c/w an antique-looking tape measure and a pair of embroidery scissors. 

Of course when Pei noticed I was no longer sick in bed but up and crafting away, she had some projects for me too!  Pei will be moving into a new dorm, one with a little living room and wanted some cushions.  She bought the fabrics some weeks ago, just waiting for me to get well :)

While I was working on Pei's cushions, I wanted to surprise her with another set of cushion covers.  I used some silk material.  Pei really love these comfy cushions and now wants some bedding to match!

Now, can someone tell me why I gave that girl options!?

Let's Go To A Different Auction !

 

Due to lack of experience & knowledge with Ebay auctions, Tracy (yes, she is that angel who lives in that far away country, she heard my cry for help and has since been working relentlessly in our bid to help Krystal & Alec) and I have decided that we will NOT be doing our auction for Krystal & Alec online @ Ebay.

We would like everyone who wants to help Krystal & Alec to send your donations to * info deleted 08/17/07.  Pictures and write-ups on your donations can be forwarded to my email address ~ * info deleted 08/17/07 or to Tracy.

Family and friends of Krystal & Alec are organizing a benefit for them @ the Pasadena Convention Center, Houston on Saturday, August 18 ~ Download benefit_flyer1.pdf.  All your donations sent to me will be included in the auction planned for this benefit.  If you are in the Houston area on August 18, please, please come by!

I will be keeping tab on all our donors, their donations and monies raised.  This information will be posted here after the benefit and you will all receive a pair of first class round-the-world airtickets ... ok, no airtickets! (but it sure felt good for a brief moment!)

Your Help Is Needed Please!

This is an old picture of Krystal and Alec on Alec's first day @ school.

I first met Krystal when Alec was a baby.  Believe me, Alec is the sweetest boy on earth.  Krystal has had a hard life but Alec keeps her going.  Alec is Krystal's pillar but Krystal is Alec's world.

Krystal is a single mother, no medical insurance and fighting breast cancer.  She is presently seeking medical treatment through the Harris County Coverage-Ben Taub but the red tape is slowing the process to a stand still.  Time is so crucial for Krystal.  Her family and friends are getting together to raise money so she can get the medical treatment she needs asap. 

I want to do something for this mother and son and seek your help through this crafters' blog.  I know there are many of you who spend your time making such wonderful crafts.  I hope you would donate your crafts and we can auction them on Ebay.  All proceeds from this auction would go to Krystal and Alec.  Please leave a comment or send me an email @ [email protected] with a subject "Krystal & Alec Glass Benefit".  Any suggestions from you are also welcome.  Many hands make light work.

Listed below is a flyer which gives details on an event organized by Krystal's friends.  If you are in the Houston area on August 18, do drop by.    

Resistance Chair Exercise System

Pei and I will be headed to Singapore for 3 weeks. 

We were last home over the past summer.  Our original plans were to go home to visit every other year but my parents are growing older and the amount of their aches, pains and several health issues increases.  We should go home and spend time with our parents/grandparents as often as time permits.  Fact is ... usually time may permit but $$ doesn't :(  I felt very torn and troubled when I received my sister's last email with more information about my parents' health issues.  I could not believe the relief and happiness I felt after I decided to do this trip and booked the tickets.  Do not be burdened ... God provides!

Getting ready for such a trip home, I usually go out and shop.  I always wanted to buy gifts for everyone at home (parents, 9 siblings & their spouses, 8 nephews & 1 niece and numerous friends).  We always had to pack, weigh our suitcases, unpack, repack, weight some more to beat having to pay excess baggage. 

This trip will be different ... I'm bringing home an exercise chair.  One of my main purposes for this trip is to help my Mum and hopefully my Dad too.  She has put on too much weight and was having problem with her legs.  She is on several medication and her doctors have advised her to watch her diet and exercise daily.  I know my brothers and sisters are taking good care of my parents but everyone is busy with work, kids, etc and somehow my parents has neglected their much needed daily exercise.

I did a little research on the net and found this 'Resistance Chair Exercise System' ~

I am studying the DVDs that came with this chair ~

 

I am going to be my Mum's personal trainer for 3 weeks.  I am going to plan a simple exercise routine for my Mum.  I am going to teach her to do the routine daily.  When I am back in Houston, I plan to call her more regularly to check on her and encourage her to exercise.  On this, I am so looking forward to this trip :)

On the other hand, I am worried about how I can get this chair to my Mum.  The entire package is H-U-G-E!  (look closely at the picture, I've used my craft ruler as a guide) I checked with United and they indicated that I may have to pay some excess baggage.  $$ is not going to stop me now!

If anyone of you out there has any good advise on exercise for the elderly, I would appreciate your comments.  Again, I know God provides!   

Toteally Red White & Blue

It was Michelle's last day at the office.  We all had little farewell gifts for her and this tote bag was my gift to her!  Michelle is an all-Amercian girl.  Everything about her is red-white-blue!  I had this idea of making her a tote bag the day she submitted her resignation.  I went to several fabric stalls looking for the right fabric.  Bought the denim, red-checks and a plain white (not shown here because I did not use it!) fabrics from Hobby Lobby.  Stared at these fabrics for a couple of days looking for some inspiration.  Nothing came :(  and somehow I felt that I was missing something.  Finally, on Saturday morning, I knew I had to go to the craft stall again.  It was raining heavily but to Joannes & Hobby Lobby I went again.  @ Hobby Lobby, there was this roll of fabric, white with red and blue stripes, waiting for me! (and it was on sale!!)  I did not see it during my previous visit here.

I used the red-checks fabric as the lining with a denim pocket on the inside.  Included a magnetic snap for closure.  The idea of adding fabric buttons came upon just before I stitched everything together.  TA-DA!  A red-white-blue tote bag for Michelle!  She loves it.  Several other ladies at the office also loved it.  I'm becoming the office bag lady!

 

Cottage Charm Give-Away Winner!

Sincere apologies!  This post is VERY! late.  In fact I am posting from work, I am having computer issues :(   

I'm dying to tell the world ... drum roll please ... guess who I picked as winner to my give-away!!??

Kim from One Woman's Cottage Life

Will Kim please communicate with me so I can send you my give-away items?

I received an overwhelming 73 comments on my Cottage Charm Give-Away post.  I appreciate every one of your comments and hope you continue to visit my blog.

I have completed a couple more crafts but will post it with pictures when the computer is back up again.

From the Bag Lady!

I am so hooked on making tote bags.  I see a tote bag in every piece of fabric I lay my eyes on.  Someone please help me ... tell me that I'm normal !

My girl friend is a single mother of a 2 year old girl.  My girl friend has been using this tote bag she once bought during a trip to Disneyland.  That bag is all princess and pink.  She loves that bag for practical reasons.  It was big enough to carry all her stuffs (& her little girl's) ~ water bottle, snacks, small toy, tissue paper, wallet, coin purse, makeup pouch, handphone, carkeys, etc, etc.  Also, that pink princess bag has handles long enough she could carry over her shoulders.  But princess and pink just don't go with most of her work clothes and sometimes make her look somewhat weird (like she is refusing to grow up!) when she is alone after she dropped her daughter off at the childcare.   

Solution ... I made her this tote bag (using measurements from her pink princess bag).  I also used her favorite colors, orange and black! 

Surprise! ... I also made an identical one for her daughter :)

 

Maybe it is ok to be hooked on making tote bags because I am feeling happy :)