tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78619239743908319882024-03-13T12:25:35.136-07:00CherryGarageThis blog is my description of my everyday life, and Cherry Garage handbags from their inception.cherrygaragehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12713422675483821786noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7861923974390831988.post-91079371661652460782011-01-04T12:47:00.002-07:002011-01-04T13:00:16.030-07:00it's been awhile...2011. Wow. My life has been crazy and hectic and fun and exciting. It's also been stressful and sad and had some sorrow and worry, but I don't try to dwell on that. I'm starting a new semester in school in a few weeks, going back full time. I cannot wait to get rolling. I got a new computer and I'm going to the school today to pick up my books and get the full info on my first round of classes. I am so excited.<br /><br />This has been a crazy month. Money worries, friends with ill children, and I just heard that a woman very dear to me has lost her husband. All of these things remind us that every day is a gift, every smile from a dear friend has meaning and any happiness you can give is a treasure. I feel so lucky to have two happy and healthy boys who are smart and funny and handsome and who make me proud. I count my blessings. <br /><br />This year was my 20th year spending the holidays with my husband and his family. They are an amazing group of people who are spunky and fun. This year was difficult for us, we lost an amazing man this last June. Uncle Ray was a man with a big heart and a great laugh and a man of very few words. When he spoke you listened and it was usually a great story about growing up in the midwest with an out house on the farm. He was a great man. He is deeply missed. We got through the holidays with thoughts of him heavy on our minds. We all pitched in to support Auntie Lilla at this time. They were married for 40some years (I am sorry I don't know exactly how many). It was sudden, and extremely difficult for her. She is doing so well.. I am so proud of her and her strength. <br /><br />The boys have been doing well, too. They start baseball here in a few weeks... it makes me sad to say it, but I won't be volunteering for "team mom" for their teams this semester of school. I just don't think I should tackle that as well at being a full time student. I will be in school all Saturday's and it's not fair to the parents if I'm not around to take care of the snack bar stuff, picture days, etc. I know that I will miss that. I love being the Team Mom. :-)<br /><br />I'm not sure if anyone reads any of this stuff, but I know that I go back over time and see what I wrote and see how I was feeling and I love it when I come back and find a comment on my blogs. I love the idea that you can send your words out and someone can find them... maybe something you said reaches them... Really cool.<br /><br />Life begins anew for all of us. I am going back to school, Auntie Lilla is embarking on a life on her own... my boys are growing into fine young men. Newness is scary and difficult and wonderful all rolled into one. A New year is a blessing, simply because we are here to enjoy it. Count your blessings everyday... realise that the best things in life are not the fancy cars or the newest gadgets or the expensive gifts under the tree... they are the things that hug you back, the things that greet you with a smile, the things that love you unconditionally, the things .... I could go on and on. The things that are most important in our lives are the people whom we love, the ones who love us back. <br /><br />I have thought about that more in the last few weeks than ever before. <br /><br />Happy New Year... May it be a blessed one for you, and may you we all start anew.cherrygaragehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12713422675483821786noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7861923974390831988.post-76482008609849599552010-05-05T10:41:00.002-07:002010-05-05T10:43:10.938-07:00Trying to win an new IPADHey, it's worth a shot. I heard about this from a girl I went to high school with, Jen Leo. She posted about it on Twitter. :-) <br /><br />Here's the link to the blog that is doing the giveaway... it's a blog about kids apps for IPOD... really a fun blog to read!! <br /><br /><a href="http://www.bestkidsapps.com/">www.bestkidsapps.com</a><br /><br />It talks about what apps are good for keeps kids busy, or happy, or smart. :-)cherrygaragehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12713422675483821786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7861923974390831988.post-47725075941756503752010-04-29T14:54:00.005-07:002010-04-29T15:37:30.636-07:00LA INK, Dan Smith, Beautiful women<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tt1tueqc8ro/S9oF7927GYI/AAAAAAAAADs/t3XL2zV5n5A/s1600/back.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465687625542867330" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tt1tueqc8ro/S9oF7927GYI/AAAAAAAAADs/t3XL2zV5n5A/s320/back.JPG" /></a><br /><div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div>Last year I got a phone call from the producers of LA INK. They had received my application to be tattooed for the show and I had been chosen to be tattooed for the show. Wow! I was elated about being chosen. I had completed the application some two years prior. </div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tt1tueqc8ro/S9oF7f50W3I/AAAAAAAAADk/rX6Wtop66kk/s1600/center.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465687617501944690" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tt1tueqc8ro/S9oF7f50W3I/AAAAAAAAADk/rX6Wtop66kk/s320/center.JPG" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tt1tueqc8ro/S9oF6_q7HFI/AAAAAAAAADc/zebNHEAlMDE/s1600/front.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465687608849538130" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tt1tueqc8ro/S9oF6_q7HFI/AAAAAAAAADc/zebNHEAlMDE/s320/front.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div>I think I received that phone call in the end of Aug. By September I was chomping at the bit to get this done, and by Oct I was in LA shooting and being tattooed. The experience was amazing. It was a *bit* crazy.. but worth all of it. </div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div>Originally I was chosen to be Paulie's color tattoo for the episode that aired a few weeks ago. Something happened the day of the shoot and the American Electric studio was not available. I got that phone call about 1/2 an hour up the freeway. I was disappointed and hurt that this would not be happening. Shortly thereafter I got another call that it was a go. Derrick and I headed back up the freeway to get things rolling. About 20 minutes outside of LA we get another call. When the phone rang I was worried and kind of pissed... I hoped they weren't cancelling now. They informed me that Paulie would not be available today.</div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div>Paulie was not available. OMG. They tell me that I have one option. I can have it done by another artist, and we can do the intro shots today, but that I will have to come in some time next week to have the actual tattooing done. That artist will be Dan Smith. Holy Sheet!! OMG, Dan was always my first choice. His color work is amazing, he's super cute (not a prerequisite for a tattoo, but eye candy is always good). Needless to say I was not happy about having to come back a second day.. but I was very excited about being tattooed by Dan Smith. </div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div>We filmed that day. My entrance to the shop, a few questions about what I wanted and why. I had an opportunity to sit with Dan Smith and go over what I wanted, show him my photos. He was very nice and set me at ease. I discovered that day, too, that Dan is NOT that cocky dude they make him out to be on the show. This season is not as bad as last season, but last season he came across as arrogant. He's very down to earth, very polite and he LOVES his wife like no other. Such a cool guy. He totally put me at ease. </div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div>We came back the next week. It was actually the day before my birthday. We filmed a few parts during the tattoo, filmed the after shots, more questions in front of the camera. They fed us lunch (Derrick was with me) and once it was done we came home. We were gone all day and I now had some amazing art to carry for the remainder of my days... </div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div>I am very proud of my tattoo. It consists of three flowers. The Sunflower sits in front, and guides me. It symbolizes a woman who is a great role model for me. Her name was Valerie Farris. She was my neighbor growing up. She was tall and beautiful and charming and loving. She taught me so many lessons. She was a nurse. She "took over" when my mother died in 1989. She was the one I called when I wanted to cook for Derrick the first time. I called Val when my boys were sick or I needed advice. She was good friends with my Mom, she knew me and where I came from. She understood me. When we lost her to Bone Cancer I came home for her funeral. Her casket was covered in sunflowers. So fitting for such a cheerful beautiful woman. Whenever I see sunflowers I smile and think of Val. </div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div>The Calla Lilly is for my mom. She was an amazing woman. She was strong and sweet. She understood people. She taught me to be polite and kind and good. She fought cancer for 5 years and we lost her to breast cancer in 1989. She touched everyone she met. She was creative and loving and taught me how to crochet and needlepoint. I miss her everyday. I regret only that she never got to meet my husband and children. I carry her with me in my heart always, and she's got my back. I know she's watching over me. </div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div>The Dahlia is me. It's pink and pretty and open to everything! I love that Dahlias come in all colors and they always make me smile. We are all tied together. My mother and Val were great friends... they both took good care of me. The Farris family is my family... her daughters are my sisters. My brother is theirs as well. </div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div>I am extremely disappointed that my segment was not chosen for the show this season. But I know that everything happens for a reason. If Paulie had done my tattoo, I may had been on the air... but I don't believe that I would have had the tattoo I wanted. I strongly believe that this was what was meant to be and that Dan was my artist for a reason. He's a good guy. I took Derrick back a month later and Dan did a tattoo for him. He rocks. </div></div></div>cherrygaragehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12713422675483821786noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7861923974390831988.post-18672009949295324092009-09-02T11:18:00.002-07:002009-09-02T11:18:44.697-07:00Free Ugg Boots!!!I was just informed that a site called Whoogaboots is doing an Ugg Boots giveaway. Pretty cool, huh? Fall and winter are just around the corner so people will definitely be needing something to keep their feet warm and cozy. Click on the WHooga box on the right to enter for your free Ugg boots. What could it hurt?cherrygaragehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12713422675483821786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7861923974390831988.post-46838365870744227692009-07-20T00:04:00.002-07:002009-07-20T00:19:21.819-07:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tt1tueqc8ro/SmQZ_7P7O8I/AAAAAAAAADQ/XX63N3hHBZg/s1600-h/derricknstacy.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360438042504674242" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tt1tueqc8ro/SmQZ_7P7O8I/AAAAAAAAADQ/XX63N3hHBZg/s320/derricknstacy.JPG" /></a><br /><div>I read this today on someone else's blog and thought it was interesting to sit and reflect on myself and my life. I pulled this from SweetFunkyVintage.. my amazing friend Missy and her friend Liz have a darling clothing line made with fun and funky fabrics and darling patterns. They amaze me to no end. I really need to get this blog rolling along, so I thought that this was a great way to do so...</div><br /><div></div><br /><div> </div><div> </div><div>For Today</div><br /><div>Outside my window: It's dark. Night. Cool. Night brings me creativity.. quiet. It's good.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I am thinking: about my future. I plan to go back to hair dressing this fall. I am excited and nervous and happy and sad all in one. I love being home with my boys, but I love the fullfillment of working in such an amazing and creative way. I MISS doing hair. With all my being I miss it... but I am sad that I will miss being my sons' Mom at home. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I am thankful for: my life and the blessing I realize everyday. I have an amazing husband. He is a good man, good father. He has put up with me and my kooky ways for a long time now.. we met and started dating in 1991. We married in 95. 15 years in FEB. He's still as handsome as ever... </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>From the kitchen: I'm making friendship bread. Over and over again... and it's wonderful. I keep a starter with every batch, and bake it again in 10 days. I keep one loaf for us. We don't eat all of it, but we do enjoy what we have. I send one loaf in for the guys in Derrick's office. They devour it quickly and send home Thanks with Derrick. I enjoy the whole process. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I am wearing: my capris. A blue T shirt. Bare feet. I'm comfortable. I am wearing something saucy for my 20 year reunion in two weeks, though... *whistle*</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I am reading:- No books. I want the new one by Cecelia Ahern. I've read all of her books and she is wonderful. I do read my newspaper every morning. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I am creating: cute owl jammies. I bought vintage looking velvet ribbon for the tie string. They are capri legnth and I"m putting a bit of cotton lace around the bottom. I cut them low so they sit on your hips. Cute Comfy Cool.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>One of my favorite things: Housewives of OC, NY, NJ... I love those crazy housewives!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>A few plans for the rest of the week: Derrick is working on finishing the yard. I am working on my jammas, a few purses... getting Gavin ready to go to Tucson for a week with his buddies. My reunion is in two weeks! Going to the beach with the Dewey family and my boys on Weds. Life is good. The air is sweet and I am feeling so blessed with my life. </div>cherrygaragehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12713422675483821786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7861923974390831988.post-24817074304903228512009-03-02T14:19:00.004-07:002009-03-02T14:22:34.362-07:00Welcome little Oliver!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tt1tueqc8ro/SaxN0SNFGhI/AAAAAAAAADI/t2Mt45Aik8E/s1600-h/DSCI0480.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308703621398206994" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tt1tueqc8ro/SaxN0SNFGhI/AAAAAAAAADI/t2Mt45Aik8E/s320/DSCI0480.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>We got a new pup. I'm not sure if anyone knows what happened with our French Bulldog, Gino, but it was sad and horrible and he's no longer living here with us. He had a genentic issue and had to go back with the breeder. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>We got a Boston Terrier!! His name is Oliver. He's black and white and cute and sweet and such a good little pup. We are so happy with him. </div><div> </div><div>Oliver is 11 weeks old and fun and bouncy. ;-) </div><div> </div><div>Welcome home, little one... </div>cherrygaragehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12713422675483821786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7861923974390831988.post-8494263575272416362009-02-22T17:27:00.002-07:002009-02-22T17:34:08.373-07:00Hey, I'm still alive.I'm not sure that anyone even reads this, but here's my latest post. I've been horrible about this. I plan to get blogging and back on track. <br /><br />I've started working on my sewing room, it's no where NEAR completed and not really functional yet. I got an "order". Not really, but I have someone who liked a bag I made and I decided I'd go ahead and use that as motivation to start sewing again. I"m going to make her a bag and surprise her. ;-) <br /><br />I"m not sure where this cherry garage thing will go, but I trust my creative juices and feel like I can keep it going. I had a few people who really liked my work in Tucson and I think if I start working on them again I can get that going here as well. I think I do quality work and I think that I've really got a good product..... not that Paris Hilton will ever have one of my bags... but when my friends carry my bags they get stopped on the street and asked where it came from. That makes me happy. Everyone wants to be appreciated.<br /><br />I'm not sure what I'm going to do with my life... hairdressing again?? I do miss it. Should I go back to school? Do something totally different? Derrick and I have discussed me going to nursing school since Graham was born. I don't know. What is my purpose? Other than creating cute cool stuff?? Not sure. I'll figure it out. I'll let you know when I get it at worked out.<br /><br />Derrick and I are just rolling through life with our boys and our families and loving being home right now. Gavin said this morning how he loves having family to our house on the weekends. Earl and Jo and Auntie Lilla and Uncle Ray stopped by yesterday on their way home from Palm Springs. It is so nice that we live in a place where that can now happen. "just stop by anytime".<br /><br />Enough for now. ;-) In the mean time, be kitchy, crafty, or cool... whatever floats your boat.cherrygaragehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12713422675483821786noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7861923974390831988.post-5286612211444512792008-11-07T22:37:00.003-07:002008-11-07T22:44:00.884-07:00Fun stuff from SweetFunkyVintageI thought this would be fun. All answers must be one word...<br />stole this from Missy's blog...<br /><br /><br />Where is your mobile phone? charger<br />Where is your significant other? couch<br />Your hair colour? brown<br />Your mother? angel<br />Your father? pittsburgh<br />Your favourite thing? creating<br />Your dream last night? none<br />Your dream goal? successful<br />The room you're in? comfy<br />Your hobby? sewing<br />Your fear? dying<br />Where do you want to be in 6 years? happy<br />Where were you last night? home<br />What you're not? liberal<br />One of your wish-list items? Paris<br />Where you grew up? San Diego<br />The last thing you did? Facebook<br />What are you wearing? capris<br />Your TV? jets<br />Your pets? dogs<br />Your computer? laptop<br />Your mood? sleepy<br />Missing someone? Nicky, actually<br />Your car? Betty<br />Something you're not wearing? shoes<br />Favourite shop? anthropologie (oooh, love that one.)<br />Your summer? stressful<br />Love someone? completely<br />Your favourite colour? pink with glitter<br />When is the last time you laughed? always<br />When is the last time you cried? dog whisperercherrygaragehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12713422675483821786noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7861923974390831988.post-34944372824471837292008-10-18T21:58:00.002-07:002008-10-18T22:07:13.714-07:00Sorry It took so long...We have had a CRAZY couple of months. We got an offer on the house in Aug, moved out Sept 16th, came to San Diego on the 25th, closed escrow on the new house on the 3rd... and the movers finally delivered our stuff on the 10th of Oct. <br /><br />Things are crazy around here. We have stacks of boxes and lots of work to do. Derrick and his Dad and his Uncle and Cousin came up to the house the first night and started painting the garage. It looks wonderful! They coated the floor and painted the walls and Derrick is so proud. We got a new washer and dryer and Derrick finally got his flat screen LCD. <br /><br />They boys love their new school. Gavin has a boy in his class also named Gavin. Get this... they both have the last initial B. So the class is working on "nicknames" for the boys so they don't have problems. LOL So far, our Gavin is "Rubic's cube" because our last name is Block. Gavin likes it. Graham had his birthday on Friday. Their school was closed for a teacher's day so we woke him up with a surprise! All day with his family at Legoland. We had a great time.<br /><br />All is good in our world right now. <br /><br />I'll get back to blogging regularly soon. Life is a bit crazy even now. I'm just happy to be in a beautiful home with a happy family and a great future before me. <br /><br />I am so thankful. Life is good...cherrygaragehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12713422675483821786noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7861923974390831988.post-76190761324191589732008-08-16T09:56:00.002-07:002008-08-16T09:58:25.694-07:00NFL PursesSo I've recently finished a bag that was a custom order. The girl wanted a San Diego Chargers purse.. I already had the fabric and then found the embroidery. It rocked. I then showed said bag to my neighbor and he asked if I could make a New York Giants bag. Sure. Just finished it... it rocks, too. I still have yet to assemble the Dallas Cowboys bag and the Pittsburgh Steelers bag... they are upstairs embroidered and ready to go together. I've been posting pictures on my myspace as I finish each bag. Check them out... <a href="http://www.myspace.com/sonnflwer">www.myspace.com/sonnflwer</a>cherrygaragehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12713422675483821786noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7861923974390831988.post-81375922365071726182008-08-16T00:08:00.004-07:002008-08-16T09:55:22.003-07:00all my favy stuff<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tt1tueqc8ro/SKZ9Db7bsFI/AAAAAAAAABc/EcnPM_IlUoM/s1600-h/IMG_5721.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235009114854895698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tt1tueqc8ro/SKZ9Db7bsFI/AAAAAAAAABc/EcnPM_IlUoM/s320/IMG_5721.JPG" border="0" /></a> Okay, so here is some of my favy stuff right now.<br /><br />1. Fat Quarters. I love to use assorted fabrics in my purses, but hate to buy big lots of fabrics, so fat quarters are perfect. (If you use alot of each fabric, then they are super 'spensive). I have a great stash of fun fabrics.<br /><br />2. Bright colorful zippers. I found a seller on ebay that sells zippers by the dozen at a GREAT price. I ordered 5 dozen zippers from zipperstop for about 12 bucks WITH shipping. They have every color you can imagine and they are really nice smooth zippers!!<br /><br />3. CherryGarage buttons. I had these buttons made from an etsy seller named buttonarcade. She was awesome to work with and made and shipped them very quickly. Daniel, my artist friend, worked up my designs for me and I emailed them off for buttonhood. See her shop at <a href="http://www.buttonarcade.etsy.com/">www.buttonarcade.etsy.com</a>!<br /><br />4. CherryGarage stickers. I had stickers made with the same art from my buttons. I ordered them from RixiePixie on etsy as well. She made them quickly, they are so much fun and I got them in no time. Such as easy transaction!! See her shop at <a href="http://www.rixiepixie.etsy.com/">www.rixiepixie.etsy.com</a>!<br /><br />5. Fun Cherry deco tapes. I ordered these from Raewaedolly on etsy. She is in Taiwan!! and picked them up for me at the market. I asked for cherries and she delivered. These deco tapes are great for packages, notes and cute stuff. See her shop at <a href="http://www.raewaedolly.etsy.com/">www.Raewaedolly.etsy.com</a>!<br /><br />6. Abba Zabbas. These are my all time favorite thing ever. I love them. They are hard to find and so when I find them I buy three or four so that I have a stash somewhere. I found these at Cost Plus World Market.... and I"m saving them for a rainy day. LOL<br /><br />So that's some of my stuff. ;-)cherrygaragehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12713422675483821786noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7861923974390831988.post-57214861162096493712008-08-15T20:27:00.002-07:002008-08-15T20:31:13.291-07:00Cute little coin purses...<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tt1tueqc8ro/SKZJzIXT8HI/AAAAAAAAABU/2Fylfh4j9qU/s1600-h/IMG_5717.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234952759632195698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tt1tueqc8ro/SKZJzIXT8HI/AAAAAAAAABU/2Fylfh4j9qU/s320/IMG_5717.JPG" border="0" /></a> <br /><div>Okay, so I've started making these cute little coin purses to go with my bags. I made one with an anchor on it to go with my Anchors Aweigh AHOY purse... and I've been making them to go with certain bags as special orders since summer started. I got a request for one with an initial on it.. an "R". I found a CUTE applique.. a tadah!! here's the cute little coin purse for Renee~<br /></div>cherrygaragehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12713422675483821786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7861923974390831988.post-80018422814350090492008-08-14T10:45:00.002-07:002008-08-14T10:52:28.190-07:00House painting and all that jazzSo, last week was crazy. The boys started school on Thursday, Aug. 7, and we had painters come the same day and spruce up the house. It looks really good. Plain, but good. We had to "vanilla"ize it to make it more attractive to buyers. Whatever.<br /><br />The boys have great teachers this year. Sad to say, I hope they don't have them for long, I want to move. Now. It's so hard to be excited about this school year. The boys keep asking about the move, and all we are is honest. When the house gets an offer, and we accept it, then we will be moving. They understand, but it's still difficult. We're all stressed about it and it's hard to keep a smiling face through this process. We have so much riding on it.... a normal life. <br /><br />We've been watching the Olympics, like everyone else... and we're really enjoying them. Michael Phelps is just amazing. So many things have been fun to watch. It's fun when the boys have questions... Gavin asked me why ping pong was an olympic sport. How do you answer that?? LOL<br /><br />I still just hope and pray that this move goe through... that we get to go back to So. Cal. and have holidays with family and birthdays with cousins. I want my kids to really know their cousins and play and grow with them all. It's so important to me.cherrygaragehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12713422675483821786noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7861923974390831988.post-45688593604501566292008-08-05T09:29:00.002-07:002008-08-05T09:41:21.079-07:00stole this from my Sissy's blog. <br />Feel free to cut and paste and join along... <br /><br />I am: creative<br />I think: about crazy crafty things<br />I know: that my family loves me<br />I want: to get this house sold and move back "home"<br />I have: an amazing husband and 2 wonderful boys<br />I wish: cherrygarage would become the next big thing<br />I hate: liars<br />I miss: my mom <3<br />I fear: fearless...<br />I feel: lucky to have all that I have<br />I hear: Gavin playing Star Wars on PS2<br />I smell: cinnamon rolls in the oven<br />I crave: a buyer for my house.<br />I search: for cute fabric all the time<br />I wonder: if we're making the right choices<br />I regret: that my mother never met my husband<br />I love: my life<br />I care: about people, their feelings and doing the right thing<br />I always: want to better myself<br />I am not: perfect, and I know it<br />I used to be: afraid<br />I believe: everything happens when it's meant to happen<br />I hope: my family will be happy with whatever happens with this move<br />I dance: always with a song in my heart<br />I sing: all the time.. not well<br />I don't always: make the best choices<br />I fight: for what's right<br />I write: not much... just in my blog<br />I lose: in certain games. <br />I win: in billiards<br />I never: put up with stupid people<br />I listen: when someone needs an ear<br />I can usually be found: at my computer or upstairs sewing<br />I am scared: of this house not selling "in time"<br />I need: nothing. (except a buyer for my house)cherrygaragehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12713422675483821786noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7861923974390831988.post-65697088295489990442008-07-19T18:58:00.002-07:002008-07-19T19:05:45.383-07:00Okay, so here's the storyI had my info posted on a site dedicated to reuniting adoptees and their birth parents. I listed it years ago and just left it. Over the years I would get emails with info but it was mostly dead ends. A few years ago I found someone I thought was her... and I was wrong. I had the name right, but the wrong woman. I stopped for a while. Recently, just last week... I received an email from a woman in PA that did this for fun. She gave me her name and told me to google her and I'd see who she was. She, in time, found addresses and phone numbers for both of the twins. My birth mother was a twin, I knew that info... and we didn't know which one of the girls she was. <br /><br />I called all of the numbers. <br /><br />I reached her husband. He was protective and asked me a bunch of questions. I answered them all correctly and he gave her the phone. She was happy to hear from me. She was happy to know that I had a good life and I was healthy and happy. We talked and caught up and she told me things and answered my questions. I want to meet her and see what she looks like and get to know her better.<br /><br />I am over whelmed and happy and excited and outside myself.<br /><br />She told me the name of my birth father... I've found him as well. I spoke with him today and he is kind and centered and loves his family and his children and grand children. He has three girls and a boy.. and a baby on the way! I hope that he tells them all and they are fine with it and I can meet them and all is well. He seems like a wonderful man. I am so blessed to finally have an answer to where I come from. I am excited for a future relationships of whatever kind come from this. Life is good.cherrygaragehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12713422675483821786noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7861923974390831988.post-38844769045094001502008-07-18T17:25:00.001-07:002008-07-18T17:26:24.527-07:00Wow.I found my birth mother yesterday. Actually, a search angel did and sent me her phone number. I called her. It was wonderful. I am overwhelmed. I"ll post more later... but I am now totally at peace. I have some answers, and life is good. ;-)cherrygaragehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12713422675483821786noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7861923974390831988.post-22288608381805227702008-07-15T14:26:00.004-07:002008-07-15T14:37:52.352-07:00The boys are home!!!<div>Well I have a full house again! My boys got home last night from San Diego. They had a GREAT time and enjoyed seeing the family. My In-laws didn't want to send them home. Here's a picture that Derrick loved the most. It made us laugh out loud!! The boys went to Birch Aquarium with their Nonna and Papa, and this is what they did!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223358009827570402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_tt1tueqc8ro/SH0Yb3Z2suI/AAAAAAAAABM/tFTG_RIDaz4/s320/IMG_1757.JPG" border="0" /></div><div> </div>cherrygaragehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12713422675483821786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7861923974390831988.post-56757578090153851542008-07-12T21:41:00.001-07:002008-07-12T21:45:11.142-07:00Taylor's Bday party!So the boys had a great time in San Diego at Taylor's bday party. Little guy Graham got a strike, not using the bumpers! Everyone was excited about that. My mother in law says that my littlest niece, Avery, is now smitten with Gavin, my oldest boy. She has always been a bit shy, so that made me smile to hear. She cried when I hold her, and it breaks my heart that she doesn't know me well enough to be comfortable with me. It will come in time. <br /><br />I got an order tonight for a SanDiego Chargers purse. I CANNOT wait to make it. ;-) I had the fabric already.. just bought the embroidery. I have to go tomorrow and buy the correct thread colors and bamo! I'll get it done quickly. <br /><br />Hmmmm.... not much else. Derrick's been swimming laps and the community pool. He's really enjoying it. It's too hot for him to be running here in Tucson, so this is a great alternative. I've been going to the gym, working hard. I'm really loving the results. I've started to really enjoy the workouts. <br /><br />That's all for now. I"ll keep you posted on the house, it's still not sold. We lowered the price this week, and we have an open house tomorrow. Wish us luck!!cherrygaragehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12713422675483821786noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7861923974390831988.post-78180905951227227162008-07-11T16:17:00.002-07:002008-07-11T16:24:20.205-07:00Nice quiet house...So I got a new bag done last night.... It's really cute. I put it on my etsy site this morning. I'm going to make a few more like it. I don't use a pattern, just adjust sizing each time to make them all look different. <br /><br />The boys are having a GREAT time in San Diego. You can actually see pictures of them with my niece, Sarah on my sister in law's blog <a href="http://www.bakergirlbaby.blogspot.com/">www.bakergirlbaby.blogspot.com</a>. They had a fun day at the beach yesterday with Nonna and Auntie Prudy. They went to the pool today with Nonna and Papa. They are having a busy week, and thankfully behaving themselves very well. <br /><br />Derrick is home with me today. We're going to try to go out to dinner together. I think we're going to go to El Paso for some BBQ. <br /><br />I'm going to make a few more change purses and hobos this week. I'm hoping our house will sell too... We have an open house next week. Keep your fingers crossed for us.<br /><br />xoxoxo kisses and coffeecherrygaragehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12713422675483821786noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7861923974390831988.post-80231381260852259112008-07-08T13:04:00.004-07:002008-07-08T13:10:12.425-07:00so quiet...The boys are gone. I'm kinda sad, it's so quiet around here... but on the other hand, I welcome the solitude. Gavin and Graham have gone to San Diego to see their cousins and visit with the family for a week. Taylor's birthday is on Saturday and they are going to go bowling! Gavin loves to bowl, and Graham is just about the luckiest bowler ever! ;-)<br /><br />I think the plan is for a few days of beach time, bringing Sarah with them on Thursday. They boys LOVE their cousin Sarah, and always have so much fun at Nonna and Papa's when Sarah comes for a sleepover with them! They are looking forward to this week.<br /><br />Gavin has bought himself a Diamondbacks Fourth of July baseball hat with his Big Hit money. That big hit I told you about netted him $25.00!! and he worked hard all week and earned the rest to buy his hat. It really is a nice one.. and it looks great on him.<br /><br />Derrick is working nights all week. That give me tons of time to sew! I have another special order to get working on, so I'm excited to have a quiet house to do it in.<br /><br />Nothing major going on with the house right now. We are lowering the price again, hopefully this will be the last time. Our house we want in Morningstar is still available.... let's hope it doesn't sell till we're ready to buy it!<br /><br />;-) Kisses and coffee!cherrygaragehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12713422675483821786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7861923974390831988.post-82729280231917437712008-06-21T00:05:00.002-07:002008-06-21T00:09:20.149-07:00OMG OMG OMGI totally forgot to post the other night after the game. <br /><br />They won. They won and they had fun and they played well. What made me cry was my boy. Gavin got his first BIG hit of the season. All weekend long he said "I just want to get a hit" and he did it. He CRUSHED it. I was so happy for him. He bounced on first base with a smile as big as the sky. I cried. All the moms cried, we all were so excited. After that.. it would not have mattered what happened. The ended up winning the game and therefore the tournament. <br /><br />I'm picking up their championship shirts in the morning. Tomorrow is the party. So excited.<br /><br />No bidders on the house yet. We're not enjoying this lull in the market. We still have plenty of time, but it's nerve wracking.<br /><br />Got another bag done this week. Gotta get a few cranked out to post on etsy. <br /><br />Not much else to say... I"ll let you go for now.cherrygaragehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12713422675483821786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7861923974390831988.post-56051431841423572302008-06-09T22:32:00.002-07:002008-06-09T22:39:17.710-07:00Wow, summer is in full swing!It's getting into June, and no house buyer. We are getting a bit nervous... but know that in time it will all come together. They boys are enjoying their summer vacations. Gavin has been going all over town with good friends, he gets so many invites. He's had SO much fun so far this summer. His baseball team won their second game of the tournament tonight, that was fun. They beat a team that we have a "history" with... not a story I'm proud of, but a story nonetheless... we parents got too into the game... Tonight things went well. I was proud of how everyone behaved tonight.<br /><br />I've been working on a few orders from cherrygarage.etsy.com. I finished the first one, finished the quilt for kish... and my embroidery machine went bust. I took it in on Friday, I should have it back by Weds. I felt like I was running my child in to the emergency room when I took it up to the repair shop. ;-) I'll get the other two bags I have orders for finished this week, and post them on my etsy site for all to see.<br /><br />I finished up my bootcamp. I really enjoyed it. Four weeks of early mornings, lots of sweat... tons of fun. ;-) Now I'm starting kettlebells. It's a hard workout and a good cardio workout as well. I see the results in my body... I feel stronger and my shape is changing.<br /><br />I'll keep you posted on the tournament. I hope they do well. It would be fun for the boys to come in first. Although winning is not everything... it's nice to come out on top now and then.cherrygaragehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12713422675483821786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7861923974390831988.post-59466104010287098842008-05-12T13:39:00.002-07:002008-05-12T13:47:23.211-07:00Getting ready for summer!Only a few work days left... only a few school days left... we're all gearing up for summer around here. School lets out on the 23rd of May and that's my last day of work as well. Then we head out west for long weekend to celebrate Nick's graduation from San Diego State University. He's graduting with a degree in Mathematics Magna Cum Laude. WOW!<br /><br />My month long project is going well! I'm enjoying the process. I'll fill you in (like anyone reads this) when I'm done. Right now it's mine to wallow in and enjoy. The other project will be keeping me very busy as well... we're starting the next stage in the next few days. That I will discuss when the time is right.<br /><br />Wow, all these secrets. I feel like a little girl. <br /><br />The house is not selling. We have had no showings in the last few weeks, but there was a bigger number than expected viewings on the MLS this weekend. That may be a good sign. We lowered our price, again... hoping to get this house sold. One good thing is that the san diego/temecula market is dropping at a faster rate than we are... so we'll be good to go once the time is right.<br /><br />Yesterday was mother's day! We woke up late and lounged around. Derrick worked from 7-3 and met us at a scuba/birthday party that Gavin attended. Gavin had a blast and did very well with all the gear. What a great idea for a bunch of 10 year old boys! <br /><br />Anyhow... pray for our house to sell... we want to get West. Now!! kisses and coffee!cherrygaragehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12713422675483821786noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7861923974390831988.post-63970456780467581612008-05-07T21:46:00.003-07:002008-05-07T21:48:20.866-07:00oh my goodness....this week is crazy. Gavin's been sick for days. Missed two baseball games. Poor guy. Tomorrow is Graham's play and pizza dinner. Can't wait for that. <br /><br />Friday is the Spring Fling at the school. The kids always have a great time. <br /><br />I've still not sold on etsy. I'm hoping and waiting and excited and it will happen. <br /><br />The project I spoke of in my first blog is moving to fruition. I have to work on the next step. I'm excited.<br /><br />The other one month project is coming along great. 3 days in. I'll let you know when I'm done.cherrygaragehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12713422675483821786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7861923974390831988.post-17335004155374701172008-05-02T21:17:00.002-07:002008-05-02T21:23:09.050-07:00T.G.I.F.Other than the fact that we have two, count them.... TWO baseball games at 8 am tomorrow... I'm excited it's friday night. Work this week was a bit crazy. We had a client that didn't totally understand how screen printing works and looks and it made our week quite hectic. Big job, lots of money riding on it... lots of extra work. It worked out great in the end, thanks to alot of hard work by our printers and our artist. Thanks, too.. to alot of patience from our office staff. I honestly didn't have anything to do with it all. ;-) At least I'm honest. <br /><br />The boys are doing well.. they had pajamma day at school today. Gavin changed his mind last minute and wore normal clothes. Graham loved wearing pjs all day. ;-)<br /><br />Still no lookers on the house. It's starting to stress me a bit. I know that in time this will all happen.... I just have to hang on to the faith.<br /><br />On a cool note, I get to buy my computer from my office. It's all set up the way I like it and that makes me happy.<br /><br />We got good news from two wonderful families this week. One is trying to move to Temecula, and the other Is moving to Escondido. It just reiterates the fact that we should move back, that we'll have great people near by.<br /><br />I cannot wait for us to start our new life. ;-)cherrygaragehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12713422675483821786noreply@blogger.com0