Checking the Mail

Who likes checking the mail? There's hardly anything fun in there, as no one seems to send actual letters anymore. It's all junk mail, ads, and of course, bills. What fun is that? Until recently I hated checking the mail! But here is what our mail has looked like lately:

Beautiful, handmade card from my aunt Barbara, for Alexa's sweet sixteen.

{Photo Removed}

Sweet, sentimental card from Baba, with a VERY generous 16th birthday gift of money for Alexa's Europe trip. That was a fun one to open!

And-

These. Everyday. Since turning 16, or coincidentally(?) we have been getting SEVERAL OF THESE EVERYDAY! This batch of 5 came all in one day. I am not exaggerating, everyday we get more. I wonder if this happens with every TPA student? Michael got a few, but nothing like this. And she's only a sophomore. Sheesh! It's sure fun to see who is soliciting her though!

{I could get used to opening mail like this}

Sweet Sixteen

I can not believe my baby girl is sixteen years old today!

Here she is as a baby, awwww:

And since she hates her picture taken, here she is with some of her school friends when they went to see another classmate perform in the musical "13":

Alexa has grown into a smart, responsible, helpful, funny, athletic, beautiful, wonderful young lady. We are so proud of her and can't wait to see what fabulous things life has in store for her.

Happy Birthday, Lexi!

Cute Bags (Round 2)

I am having so much fun with this free, downloadable pattern from www.madebyrae.blogspot.com

Here are the latest round of bags:

With fabric Yo-Yos:

With removable flower clip:

And with removable torn fabric flower clips:

I have been asked by a few people "why so many bags, if you are not selling them?". Well, the amount of fabric I purchased for the width of the pattern pieces of each color was enough to cut out 3 sets. I chose 4 color combinations for me and my 3 girls, so, Ta-Da!, I now have 12 bags! They will make really great birthday gifts to have on hand. I could pay the licencing fee and sell them. Thoughts?

Baked by Joanna

Check out my friend's blog for a fun give away!

http://bakedbyjoanna.blogspot.com/2010/02/cupcake-lollipop-giveaway.html

Feeling Creative

Scrapbooks Etc (my fabulous place of employment) decided to start carrying fabric. Not just any fabrics, but the most beautiful designer quilting fabrics EVER. I decided I had to have some, so I found a cute little project online, called the Buttercup bag, on www.madebyrae.blogspot.com. It is a free pattern (if used for your personal use, not to sell) and I have made 6 of them! It takes a just a little bit of fabric and time. I have fabric for 2 more color combos. The girls have really liked them!

I added fabric Yo Yos to these:

And removable flower clips to these:

So fun and easy!