Hello All,
Thanks for all your kind words and support yesterday. I really appreciate them. They really mean a lot to me! I'll try to be a little cheerier today! It's been a tough year or so...
I have completely fallen in love with Sweetwater. After I made the journals a little while back, I decided to join their Label Crew Club. If you join this club, every month you get some of their labels, along with a free pattern. They also sell fabric kits for each pattern separately, if you want to buy those. (You could easily make these out of fabric you have at home.) The January label crew project was these valentine favors. I think they are so cute! (The February project is also really cute. It's some little ditty bags. You can see them here, if you like. I haven't had time to make them yet.)
I made six of of the Valentine's Day favors. I bought some extra labels....enough to make 18 more valentines. The plan was to make one for each of my colleagues. I didn't get it done. I got enough made for all our secretaries, however. So, they got these for Valentine's Day. I think they liked them. I gave them to them yesterday, since I am out of town again today. I am in California for a conference for work. (Only one more out of town conference this month--and it's in Michigan. Then, I am home until April! Woo hoo!)
When I was packing these up to give away, Sweet Pea got a little upset, because she really wanted one...mostly for the candy, I think. So, I reserved one out for her.
(Photo courtesy of Brooke at sillymamaquilts, from her etsy listing....Hope it's okay, Brooke! Check her out on etsy for lots of cute mugrugs and stuff. She's had lots of her work featured on etsy lately! Woo hoo, Brooke!)
When I was growing up, my mom's Valentine tradition was to put a little giftie on our breakfast plate in the morning on Valentine's Day. Even though she did it every year, I never expected it, and it was always a fun surprise. I left a few things (like this cute mug rug from my friend Brooke; notice the Sweetwater label on it and the Sweetwater fabric, too!) home with Papa Pea and left him clear instructions to leave them on her breakfast plate today. I hope he remembered!
Speaking of Sweet Pea, a few weeks back, she had asked me to take her to paint some pottery. I said sure, but when the day arrived to go do it, we got side tracked and she wanted to do something else. On Sunday morning this past weekend, she was so funny. I made her pancakes for breakfast, and while we were eating, she said, "Mom, it sure is a beautiful day to go paint some pottery!" I couldn't help but laugh. It was so funny. So, we decided to have some quality girl time together (I've been traveling so much together, we just haven't had much time together) and go paint pottery.
She chose this cross-shaped box. She said she wanted to make it because she was feeling bad that we don't take her to church. Okay, that was really out of the blue and random! I can hear my mom clearing her throat at me now. I told Sweet Pea we could find a church and start going, if that's what she wants to do. Maybe that will be one of our projects for this summer.
While she was working on this, I worked on a cute little egg plate...you know, the kind for holding deviled eggs. Usually I don't paint anything. I just watch and help Sweet Pea. But she's getting so independent, and she really wanted me to paint something. So, I did.
It was a beautiful day. Although cold, the sun was out and was streaming in the front windows late in the day, as Sweet Pea put the finishing decorative touches on her project. She can't wait to pick it up next week.
By the way, how do you like her new hairstyle? She is really into parting her hair way on the side and having it come down over her forehead. I call it her Justin Bieber look. It cracks me up. When I put it in a ponytail in the moring for her I'll say, "Do you want a regular ponytail or the Justin Bieber ponytail?" She says, "Justin Bieber!" LOL.
Papa Pea called me last night. He was all mad because he and Sweet Pea had a big plan. They had ordered me roses, a little stuffed animal, and chocolates from ProFlowers or some on-line place like that. They were going to have them delivered to me here at my sister's house to surprise me. Yes, that really would have surprised me, because we usually don't do much for Valentine's Day. We believe in showing each other we love each other in little ways all year long. Anyway, he said he had it all ordered, and when he clicked the "order" button, it doubled the charges on him! The delivery charges were going to be as much as the whole gift. He felt like it was a "bait and switch" thing. So, he got mad and cancelled the order. He said I'll just wait until I get home to get my gift. I told him that was fine and that my gift would just be being home with him and Sweet Pea anyway.
By the way, that's the second time that has happened to us with ProFlowers. We will NEVER be using them again. Be forewarned if you use them to send flowers to someone!
Have a wonderful Valentine's Day! I hope it's filled with love and joy for you.
Until next time,
Mama Pea
Sweet Pea is adorable!
Posted by: Shelly | February 14, 2012 at 11:08 AM
I agree, Sweet Pea is adorable! Love those Valentine favors too. How cute!
Posted by: carolld | February 14, 2012 at 01:02 PM
Love the Valentine tags and candies! And the rug mug is so cute. Sweet Pea's Justin Bieber look...adorable!
Posted by: jenclair | February 14, 2012 at 01:49 PM
Cute Valentines! Sweet Pea rocks the JB part better than he does. :) I enjoyed reading this post about crafting and life. Cuz really, crafting is a part of lots of areas of our lives. :)
Posted by: April | February 14, 2012 at 01:59 PM
#1, sending you good vibes regarding your friend, Brian, and the happy memories you have! I never made a best friend until college, and I hope to have her for a long time, yet.
#2, Pro Flowers is a racket. "nuff said.
#3 Sweet pea is so stinkin' adorable.. Love her.
#4 I may have to join the label crew thanks to you, those valentines are adorable!
Posted by: Doris | February 14, 2012 at 02:23 PM
Happy Valentine's Day, Stephanie! Sweet Pea looks cute as ever. Love her hair. Love the Valentine's you made!
FYI, you'll start feeling better. Soon the sun and flowers will be out... :-)
Posted by: Linda | February 14, 2012 at 05:57 PM
Love the gifts you made! Sweet Pea is so focused on her painting and so sweet! I like her hair too.
I am sure you will feel better once you are home with Sweet Pea and Papa Pea. I know you miss them when you are away.
Happy Valentine's Day!
Donna
Posted by: Donna | February 14, 2012 at 06:09 PM
The Valentine's goodies are so sweet. I really do love the Reunion fabric.
PS: I cannot wait for Saturday- woo hoo!!! :)
Posted by: Candice | February 14, 2012 at 07:13 PM
thank you so, so much for the fun plugs!!! Of course, you could use my photos!! Silly!!! Wow, love the Valentines you made with the Label Crew stuff - you go girl!!!
Hey, meeting up with Candice??? Enjoy and hug her for me too!!!!!
Posted by: Brooke | February 15, 2012 at 09:07 AM