sunday

We have had such a good visit with my son these past few days. I know it's because we have not had to mix in other friends, relatives and holidays, not that I don't enjoy those too. But Lil Orchid, her Mom Mom and I have had so much fun just relaxing and not really sharing him with others.

Lil Orchid is showing off her dragon

she made yesterday at the party.

It took this long for the

glitter glue to dry......yuck!

Chinese New Year Party

We celebrated early "Chinese New Year

/ Tet Vietnamese New Year"

with a new playgroup of Asian children,

although there were several sweet faces

from every background and race (approx. 30 children).

There were such great crafts for the children and they all had so much fun playing with each other. Lil Orchid wore a skirt and top I made of lantern & fan fabric prints with embroidered fans on three front panels with dangling tassels. I gave her top an Asian flair with the braid and black frog. The four of us attended and celebrated our beautiful family.

It finally came....

Again Thank You to all those that helped Lil Orchid to WIN the Halloween costume judging on line. Her prize finally arrived! The double stroller (for her and her sister to be)

Lil Orchid got a little daring today and wanted to ride her Uncle's childhood rocking horse. It is larger than normal, but she wasn't scared at all, probably because it was Uncle Nathan's. I 've had a lot of others, alot older, shiver from fright at the height when just sitting on it .

Rock On Lil Orchid.

Rode Trip

Not that we wanted to go outside or drive anywhere today. Especially when the weather people are saying your gonna die if you go outside...your face will freeze off. Yes, one of them actually did say that. But this was an important doctors appointment for Lil Orchid, I was so proud of how brave she was today. She was shaky, and a bit over whelmed by the doctors and the doctors in training. But my brave Little soldier didn't even whimper. I hate it that she is considered a case study, a little guinea pig...because of her paralytic polio. But she is with us, and is such a strong little girl who gives us love and hope. At the end of the day, she was fitted with a new brace, I think this will be her fifth one.

Br-r-r-r-r-....

I hope this bitter cold

is not affecting our friends and family

who live and work further north.

It is just Unbearable here!

We are bundled and staying in,

Lil Orchid and MomMom made good use

of the fireplace and cooked s'mores.

COLD...and a DEAD Car Battery....Ugh!

With the economy and my lack of paychecks...I let my Auto Club lapse. Luckily my neighbor was home and I was able to get the battery jumped. Lots of running today, we just took turns staying in the car and not turning it off til we returned home. Made It!

Returned to my sewing where I am safe and HAPPY (and in denial) LOL. Having lots of fun drawing bunny & carrot appliques.

Oh What Fun...

I LOVE to Sew!!!

Dirndle Skirts

Playing around I decided to create a "Dirndle Skirt" for Lil Orchid. Not to be confused with a "dirndl" (German/Austria costume) peasant top with bodice vest and skirt.

No I'm talking about the full or gathered skirt of the 40's and 50's, some called it a circle or poodle skirt. Mine however is in different fabric printed panels, not solid prints.

I know online some people are selling Twirl Skirts that are in layered ruffles or flounces, similar but different in the fashion world.

Let me know whats your thoughts and views.

I may make a few to sell if the response is big. Thanks

Hearts and Shamrocks for Sale !

It's just the beginning...but I have started some great new items for Valentines Day and St. Patricks Day, what'sreally great is that they can be worn all year long! Even though you see Hearts or Shamrocks, nothing really pin points that peticular Holiday ;)

Decisions, Decisions ?

Getting lots of help from Lil Orchid.....pulled out alot of prints from the closet of fabric. Now how will I sew them together ?

Lunch with friends!

We had a wonderful Lunch and visit with two people who are waiting patiently for their daughter from China. I think Lil Orchid helps to keep smiles on their faces and reminds them that the wait is worth it. We exchanged gifts with them and this year they surprised me with a gift of a beautiful frame for a Grandmother. Thank You, Thank You. I Love it. They know me well...my love for photo's and photography!

Lil Orchid is having fun playing with her vintage doll house from Santa, and wearing some of her sweet new clothes.

New Year..New Beginnings !

It's back to the three of us....everyone has traveled back, my son is driving back to college as we speak. It was a quiet & restful morning...he had packed everything so we could just talk and relax. He spent the morning playing blocks and puzzles with Lil Orchid. I will miss him dearly.