One of Every Color...Please!?

Introducing the Caitlin and her Etsy shop, McIntyreGirl...and she is awesome! I've been 'talking' with her for over a month now and just through our brief convos and reading her blog; I can just tell you that Caitlin would fit right in to my circle of friends!

Caitlin not only sews, quilts, and operates her own home-based business...but she's a MOM. And you all know that I love moms that are also Etsians! I know how much time and work that it takes to run my shop, and I have so much passion for helping out other mamas turned entrepreneurs. And I seriously can't stop looking at everything in Caitlin's shop...and *thinking* that I could possibly...maybe...try...somewhere down the road, my hand at quilting. I LOVE her shop!

Caitlin has 2 sweet princesses, 5 and almost 1. Before having her second daughter, she was selling her wares at craft shows, but since #2 came around she's turned her craft show weekends into an Etsy shop. This girl sews at any chance she gets...or when her daughters let her (we know how that goes!). Caitlin loves to create new patterns and try new techniques, so most of her items are truly one-of-a-kind and are not likely to be reproduced.

Here's just a sampling of what's in her shop...and she also has a TON of destash fabric for all you other quilters out there!

Polka Dot Pajama Set

Flirty Skirt

Tinkerbell Hooded Capelet

Baby Blanket

Childs Smock/Apron - I WANT these for my girls who get REALLY dirty doing their crafts!

Fabric Storage Bag

And one lucky entry winner will get to pick out there very own tote or diaper bag from Caitlin's shop!!  They are so cute...and I already have my eye on a couple of them...  :)  Here's a couple, but there are many more at McIntyreGirl!!

...and yes, I want one in every color...

MANDATORY: Go to Caitlin's shop and come back here and leave me a comment on which item(s) you would love to have for yourself.

Want some extra entries?!

* 1 extra entry - follow my blog or let me know you already do
* 1 extra entry - head on over to Caitlin's blog and become a follower
* 1 extra entry - 'Heart' McIntyreGirl on Etsy, by selecting Add Seller to Favorites on the store homepage
* 2 extra entries - Tweet or Facebook about this giveaway and leave me a link
* 4 extra entries - Blog about this giveaway on your blog and leave me a link
* 8 extra entries - Buy something, during the giveaway period, from Caitlin's shop and let me know what you bought...she has $1 shipping for everything in her shop right now!!!

***Be sure to leave a comment for EACH separate entry you are entitled***

 

This giveaway will end Monday, July 5th at Midnight (CST) and the winner will be chosen with random.org

 

Good Luck!!!

 

 

And our lucky winner of last weeks giveaway...

 

#4

Corie @ Red Letter Rising

 

Congrats Corie!  Email me for your free quilted pillow case!!!

Success

Ah, I don't think I ever imagined this time.  Not that I ever had enough time to even fathom the thought.  But Kira is officially - 'knock-on-wood' - potty trained!!!  WOO HOO!

Granted, I know she's going to have some accidents in the next few weeks or even months...but this is day THREE of our Potty Training Boot Camp.  The rockstar stayed dry in the same pair of underwear all day!  That's through a 3 hour nap and all.  I'm tellin ya...she's a true rockstar, rockin this potty thing in full fashion and glam.

So tomorrow we'll venture to town on our weekly Monday morning grocery shopping run and see how she does 'out and about'.  She's gonna do great.  I wouldn't expect nothing less from our middle little.  She's our Rockstar.

Houston We Have a Walker (and a winner!)

It's official!  Maia is now a walker (still crawls after several failed attempts at getting somewhere by walking), but prefers walking over crawling now.

Yes...the only pic I could get of her walking this past week was from behind :)

EEEEKK! 

It's a bittersweet milestone for your baby to hit.  You really want them to walk.  Then they do.  Then you think maybe it would be better, and safer, if they just crawled.  Right?!  But at least Maia waited until now.  Bella was walking at 9 MONTHS and Kira at 10 1/2 months...so I guess it's ok it took her a little longer.

So I really thought that maybe she'd save her knees outside on our patio...but nope, some reason this girl loves to crawl on nice hot cement!  We'll get there...then I'll be wishin she was still crawling.  I think I should've asked for a 3rd (don't forget that second pair in the back of your heads Mamas) pair of eyes for my past birthday.  I'm gunna need 'em this summer!!

my mischief makers

Not to leave all of my entries guessing any longer for a winner for last weeks giveaway...but it was lucky number...

108

smooze13

Please email, ktfriesen@embarqmail.com, me by Friday, June 25th with your contact info! 

Thanks everyone for entering...it was our biggest giveaway yet and don't forget to enter this weeks giveaway here!!

I Wish I Could Do This!

So, I know there are people out there that say I have a talent with my hands, my needles and a string of yarn.  But I SO wish that I knew how to sew and quilt like this!  Patricia has been sewing since junior high, and not to give away her age, but that's almost FORTY years!  Whoa!  Patricia takes great pride in the quality of her products, and I couldn't imagine nothing less than fantastic from a woman who's been sewing for forty years and learned the craft from her mother.

“As far back as I can remember, my mother sewed, and I believe this contributed to my love for sewing and art. My love for art is a huge part of my life, and it comes through in the care, love, and attention to detail that I put into every piece I create. Of course, I have a special passion for the fabric arts.”

Patricia owns her own home-based sewing and quilting service called Patricia's Sewing Room, in Manteca, CA. Since being laid off from her paralegal job in November of 2008, she has invested more of her time and energies into her business as well as teaching sewing at a local fabric store. She also donates time by machine quilting for "Quilts Of Valor."

LOVE this skirt and am SO probably going to get it for Bella!!

All of Patricia's items are handmade in her sewing studio in a smoke free home. Her home is a one pet home, - a non-shedding Shih Tzu. Patricia is passionate about sewing and quilting and takes great pride and pleasure in her work and projects.

...and this, I've always wanted an apron (not that I bake all that often)...just the thought of having it to wear :)

Patricia is also blessed with three grand children - two girls and one boy and says “my grand children are my life and I enjoy spending time with them.”
 
Patricia has so graciously offered up THIS awesome quilted pajama pillow case cover for this weeks giveaway!!!  I'm in love with this pillowcase (and totally wish I could win it myself for my girls!).  But one lucky entry will win this and I'll just have to be a tad bit jealous...  How to enter??
 

MANDATORY: Go to Patricia's shop and come back here and leave me a comment on which item(s) you want in your hands.
 

Want some extra entries?!

* 1 extra entry - follow my blog or let me know you already do
* 1 extra entry - tell me what type of craft you do (or would like to do) in your free time
* 1 extra entry - 'Heart' Patricia's Sewing Room on Etsy, by selecting Add Seller to Favorites on the store homepage
* 2 extra entries - Tweet or Facebook about this giveaway and leave me a link
* 4 extra entries - Blog about this giveaway on your blog and leave me a link
* 8 extra entries - Buy something, during the giveaway period, from Patricia's Sewing Room and let me know what you bought...I'd love to see what catches your eye in Patricia's shop!

***Be sure to leave a comment for EACH separate entry you are entitled***

This giveaway will end Monday, June 28th at Midnight (CST) and the winner will be chosen with random.org

Sew Fantastic!

OOOOO, this week I have the absolute pleasure to introduce to you, Terri from Sew Fantastic!  Terri has been sewing and quilting for 15 years and has some unique and creatively designed items, with patterns that have been created by HERSELF!

How I came across Terri's shop??  I was desperately looking for something that we have at our church; they pass out these fantastic little bags that contain a small clip board with paper and crayons, to help keep the kiddos somewhat occupied during the service.  And waalaa, I found Terri's super fantastic crayon wallets!!  I bought a bunch, 3 for my girls and some extras for birthday gifts...which I'll have gone by the end of the summer.  ;)  I was in pure awe (and may have jumped up and down...) when I opened my box from Terri when it arrived.  She individually wraps each wallet and each comes with its own notebook and 12 crayons!  Here's just a few shots of mine...I LOVE them all!!

The quality of these (and the keychain - cause she ever so kindly threw one in my order!) is outstanding!  You can see right away that Terri knows what she's doing at the sewing machine.  You will not be disappointed in anything that you receive from Terri's shop!

Terri and I have one thing in common, our start in our business.  Terri was a 'mood sewer', sewing when the mood struck her, sometimes going 6 months without sewing and then spending days sitting at the machine.  After Terri got pregnant with her daughter, and had to stay off of her feet more and more, she started sewing bags and purses and selling on Ebay.  After establishing a name for herself and her products, she found out about Etsy, which gave her more opportunities to get a little more creative with her products.  And now, for close to 3 years, she's been designing and creating her own products...like these fantastic items!! 

Designer Carryall Clutch PARTY PACK On the go Daily Organizer

Kindle Clutch E-reader case with removable wristlet FITS KINDLE WITH CASE- - AQUA MIRROR

CARNIVAL BLOOM Designer Carryall Clutch On the go Daily Organizer

The NEW Mini Shopper - Notepad Clutch - Nicey Jane Lindy Leaf

GROOVY GUITAR LAGOON Tri-Fold Coloring Crayon Wallet Hip Trendy Travel

KEY CANDY Wristlet KeyChain BLOOM AND GROW FOB

These are just a few, and you can see all of her items at her Etsy shop!

And now you can enter to win your very own crayon wallet in your fabric of choice...and you're sure to love them, I just know it!  They're are just so versatile and a super awesome gift that any kiddo (and Mama) would love to get for their special day.  Here's what YOU can do to enter to WIN!

MANDATORY: Go to Terri's shop, Sew Fantastic, and come back here and leave me a comment on which item(s) you love best in her shop.

Want some extra entries?!

*  1 extra entry - follow my blog or let me know you already do
*  1 extra entry - head over to Terri's blog and become a follower of her blog  **If you're a crafter/sewer...Terri has giveaways of her own here!!
*  1 extra entry - 'Heart' Sew Fantastic on Etsy, by selecting Add Seller to Favorites on the store homepage
*  1 extra entry - Become a Fan of Sew Fantastic on Facebook
*  2 extra entries - Tweet or Facebook about this giveaway and leave me a link
*  4 extra entries - Blog about this giveaway on your blog and leave me a link

*  8 extra entries - Buy something from Sew Fantastic and let me know what you bought...I'd love to see what you're little heart desires in Terri's shop...because I LOVE everything!

***Be sure to leave a comment for EACH separate entry you are entitled***

This giveaway will end Monday, June 21st at Midnight (CST) and the winner will be chosen with random.org  

 

And I love Terri's motto ~ Life is what we create it to be ~ LOVE it.  :)

I Can't Believe...

...that you are one.  How did a full year go by already?  Did that really just fly by, so fast?!

It was just 365 days ago that we welcomed you, little one, into this great big world.  And within 24 hours we were two nervous parents, trying to decide what was best for you.  Then, we made the big decision to send you to Children's, all by your lonesome, to be met later by Grandma and Grandpa, while Mama and Daddy were still at our hometown hospital.  You were treated for newborn pneumonia, but that was never confirmed...you were just a fast little breather.  A little one that had your parents nervous to their wits end, but it all turned out just great.

And now, now, we can't even get you to stop moving to get a dirty diaper off of you and into a new one!  You're our little busy body and don't give up without one heck-of-a-fight.

Maia, you're our littlest little (maybe always, and maybe not...), but for now you are our 'runt'...and a runt you're not.  Holding your own just shy of 5 lbs and 12 months behind your bigger sister, Kira.

Almost walking, but moving really fast doesn't allow for more than 2 steps at a time.  Here's your newest move...the knee walk!

You are truly one-of-a-kind and have youngest child written ALL OVER your face!  You watch your big sisters' every moves, learning what to do (and more importantly what not to do), picking up on the 'tricks of the trade'.

You're a quiet little one, with a voice that can boom over everyone elses when you want it to.  Lets just say it takes a mightly little voice to be heard over two older sisters...and you got it babe!

Maia, we feel so...SO blessed to have you in our lives and look forward to many many more great memories.  We love ya Miss Maia!!

Holy Giveaways - Who wants free things?!

Check out these awesome giveaways going on now!!!

Enter to win a FREE Sports Bra from Moving Comfort over at Two of a kind, working on a full house!!  Ends 6/14

Enter to win a FREE Little Tikes Makin Mud Pies from Little Tikes over at Two of a kind, working on a full house!!  Ends 6/14

Enter to win a FREE (super cute!) big from Camden Creations over at The Schuler Family!!  Ends 6/14

Enter to win a FREE Name Cross from Name Crosses over at The Schuler Family!!  Ends 6/14

Enter to win either a FREE personalized pillow OR a set of 3 burp clothes from Beyond Weddings over at Three kids, a mini-van and a lot of love!!  Ends 6/16

Enter to win a FREE pair of loafers for your little on from Tortoise and Hare Designs over at The Schuler Family!!

**If you win anything...come back and let me know!**

Lazy Rainy Day (and a winner)

There's something about a rainy day that screams out to you to stay in your jammies all day and watch cartoons all day, being lazy on the couch.  Nothing beats the occasional rainy day to break up the sun-soaking, pool-living, sprinkler running summer days.

Summer is in full bloom, here in Minnesota, and Bella didn't miss noticing the lifeguards doing their training at the local aquatic center today.  She's been in love with that place since we've driven by it every week on our way to dance...since OCTOBER!  The girl is dying to get her little swimsuit covered body in that place, on a day that's really hot (as Mama puts it!).

I'm totally excited to bring her there...just wondering who I'm going to wrangle in to help me with the other two princesses who are totally afraid of our own tiny sprinkler, let alone the humongous water-shooting-gysers at this place.

Ah, I love my girls and their personalities seem to be shining bright lately.  Letting us know who there are and they mean business.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Not to forget...the winner of the Gotcha Petite Giveaway by made for you gifts...

#10

Stephanie over at Houghton Happenings

Congrats Stephanie!!  Please contact Wendi at madeforyougifts@hotmail.com to choose your own Gotcha Petite!!


And here's leavin ya one pic from our lazy rainy day...

Two for Ones

This past Saturday was a day to remember.  Not only did we celebrate Kira turning TWO...but her little sis turning ONE!  Crazy, I know.

And it rained.  So we had twenty-some people plus six (make that 6 under the age of 3-1/2) kids in the house...at one time...

It was crazy.  It was chaotic.  It was crowded.  And more importantly it was fun!

Bella, the biggest sister, could have opened all the presents without either of the birthday girls giving a hoot.  Maia couldn't have cared less and was more interested in Bella's your-sisters-are-going-to-get-all-the-presents-so-here's-one-for-you Ken barbie gift, than her own super neat new things.

(notice Bella the present hoarder...)

And I still can't believe that just a year ago, twelve months, our middle little was celebrating her first birthday and we were preparing ourselves to add another little to this crazy little house.  But more on her on her 'real' birth date.

So...in honor of our crazy 2 weeks of solid birthday celebrating, and our next weekly special.  YOU, my readers and unexpected drop-ins, can take advantage of my 2-for-1 deal on this Saturday, June 12th (Maia's birthday).  So stop by bekima knits this Saturday, from 12:00AM - 11:59PM and you can buy one - get one FREE!  And you can use it multiple times...so if you would like to purchase 4 items...you'll get 2 for free.  How cool is that?!  **Free items must be of equal or lesser value ~ Discounted items will be refunded via paypal within 24 hours of payment ~ Please note 2-for-1 special in 'message to seller' box upon checkout**

Here's my nerdy math side of me...and how I came up with this 2-for-1 special...

We just celebrated Kira's 2nd and Maia's 1st birthdays

Maia was born on the 12th

Kira was born on the 3rd (which is 1+2)

...hence my 2-for-1 special :)

So stop on by our shop on Saturday and take advantage of this great, one-of-a-kind deal...I don't offer this great of a discount very often!!

There's still time to enter this weeks giveaway too...here!!!

Two

I cannot believe that you, our middle little, are already two. 

It blows my mind.

You are an energetic, life-loving little gal.  Taking life as it is and making it oh-so-much-more fun!  You are amazing.

Our newest little mother (making that 3 of us now in this house), you are doing EVERYTHING, good and not-so-good, that your big sis does.  Right at her tails...and another right on yours.  Kira you are a true delight to have in not only our lives, but everyones lives that you meet.

You are one-of-a-kind kid.  We're so thankful that you're ours and we are going to enjoy every minute of where your life adventures take you. 

Kira, our special middle princess, is definitely a middle child.  A fighter.  A lover.  A little copycat.  An attention getter (no matter what!).  Our early riser.  A tell-it-to-me-straight girl.  An 'I know all your tricks and they ain't gonna work on me' middle little. 

You are a true delight and bring the sun shining bright to us each morning.  We love you so much!!  And we can't believe that it's been 2 BIG years that you've blessed us with your life.  Looking forward to many, many more.


**HUGE Thank You to Rebecca Photography (we LOVE you Becca!!) for the awesome pics of our little Kira!