Thoughts on Motherhood

Recently, a lot of bloggers have announced the birth of their children or their pregnancy. This baby boom has got me thinking about our future children.

I LOVE children. As a matter of fact, I have 12 nieces and nephews -- 6 nieces and 6 nephews. Being the youngest of 7, I sort of have to love kids. I was an aunt from the time that I was 15. With that being said, I love most kids -- my nieces and nephews and the two cute little boys I call my nephews -- my best friends' children.

Back to my point - the recent baby boom has got me thinking about being a parent myself? I have a few questions for all of the recent moms out there:

• How did you know you were ready to start your family?
• How long did you try to conceive before you were successful?
• How bad was the labor process?
• Did you feel you were prepared for labor and being a parent?
• Is there any advice that you wished you had know before your little one arrived?

I ask because I think maybe I am ready to try my hand at this parenting thing but since I can't return the kids if it doesn't work out, I am trying to prepare myself.

Feel free to share any websites, blogs or books that you found helpful

Happy Birthday...

Happy birthday to my wonderful husband, JP. Wishing you a great day to another great year.

I love you -

Introducing..

Sweet Southern Monograms...

Thanks to Natalie over at Team Imhoff for helping me come up with the cute, creative name to call my little embroidery business. (Natalie: Let's chat about what kind of things you would love to have embroidered with your monogram and I will get that too you soon!)

I will be showcasing new items as soon as I can get them completed, photographed and posted.

If you are interested in having me embroider something for you, leave me a comment or send me an email and we get talk about creating one of a kind, unique items.

Now, I hope to convince my husband to make a website/blog to keep separate from the personal one.... JP -- I know you are reading this...

Don't Forget..

Leave me a comment on this post to be entered for a one of a kind gift made by me. Just leave a comment with a creative name for all things embroidered by me.



Comments will be reviewed and decided upon on Saturday, January 30 by 12pm.

Toodles!

Help me be creative

I need YOUR help! I need you to help me come up with a creative name for my embroidery business.

Even though I have yet to share any of my cute creations using my new embroidery machine, I have had a LOT of people ask me to make or monogram things for them. While I love being able to do so, I want to create a name for my business.

I am too busy down in my little sweatshop (otherwise known as my basement) to come up with any cute, creative ideas. So, this is where you come in!

I need you to help me come up with something catchy and cute. Here are a few things you should know about what I do:

• I can embroider-- most of which are monograms.
• I can applique.
• I create a lot of baby things and then embroider or applique.

To sweeten the deal for you, whoever comes up with the most creative name for the shop, will win a great prize. Of course it will be monogrammed for you or a cute little something for your little one. We can discuss what you want after you send me your ideas!

I leave tomorrow for a big girl, real job business trip. So, leave me a comment by Saturday at 12pm noon! That's when I will be checking the comments for the first time. JP and I will read over the list and agree on a name for this fun hobby I have.

Life Lessons..

This week is a bit surreal for me. I am reliving part of my college days but seem to be having an out of body experience. Never in my life did I expect to be the old one. Last night, I realized that I was just that -- the old, mature one of the group that has to be responsible. I didn't like it. one. bit.

I have shared before that I volunteer with my sorority at a local university. Well, RUSH {er.. recruitment} is happening this week...

I finally realized, last night, why a lot of people have such strong feelings about sororities and the greek system, in general. Taking a step back, I realized that women can be very catty and down right mean, to other women. It made me think back to my college days and I am positive that the same types of attitudes and behaviors were present then. While I was active, I assumed it was normal -- the way women were treated and talked about the others, even within a certain circle.

Don't get me wrong, I had a great time during my sorority days. I have met some of my best friends and had experience that I will always remember and treasure. I firmly believe that the greek system is a positive experience for some women but not for everyone. I believe that being greek is a personal choice.

It makes me sad to think that women treat each other the way they do. Recruitment is a very competitive process and women shouldn't feel so insecure about themselves or the women they associate with. But even after college, I think we as women, should be proud of who we are and what we do -- at any age.

I have learned a great lesson from these college women. No matter the situation, women should be more respectful and thoughtful of one another. In a society where reality shows and celebrity gossip are popular, women lose sight of what is really important -- the relationships we have with one another.

Winter Weather 2010...

Seriously, this weather forecast needs to be 100% wrong.



From the latest forecast I heard, 6-8 inches of snow are headed our way in just a few short hours. I couldn't be more over it.



I am scheduled to have my first embroidery machine lesson and if the weather does what it supposed to, then the class will be pushed back. I have already had this little dandy for a while and not even tried to figure out how to use it...



Please snow gods... keep your snow...

psst...

I need to give myself some props...
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I haven't had a cigarette since November. This quitting business is hard but so worth it. I finally believe that I can quit for reals!

Just a little something for myself

I am still in the holiday spirit and I love to give gifts. Since my husband doesn't think it is appropriate to keep giving gifts to everyone, I bought myself a gift...

Yesterday, I treated myself to a little something that I have been eyeing lately...

That would be Photoshop Elements 8. SO excited to LEARN something new and to start using my camera more to take/make wonderful photos!

Can anyone recommend a great site for tutorials of elements? I need to do a bit of research before my present arrives!

Spoiled Rotten..

That is one way you could describe me. I was so spoiled this year at Christmas to receive a gift I am excited about. For a while now, I have been wanting an embroidery machine. Well, I got it!


Here she is!

With the machine, I received free one on one classes. I have my first class on Wednesday night and am so excited to learn how to use it.

I can see it now... my monogram on EVERYTHING!!!

Stay tuned for an update...