Christmas Events with the Bond Family

It has been a whirlwind of events here at our home over the last week! Let me start with Michelle Faith Bond...

As many of you know, we became foster parents with the intent to adopt. We had certain things that we felt were important to our family that we would liked to had seen out of the child God had for us... With the 3rd phone call, we were told about Michelle. She was a ward of the state of TN and was waiting for a home would we be interested? After talking with them, we agreed to meet Michelle and when we did, we just knew she was ours. On June 16th, she was allowed to move in and our 6 month wait began. December 16th, our wait was over. We could officially adopt Michelle and on December 22nd, it was final! We decided because she was older, that we would keep Michelle as her first name but add Faith as her middle name. She had to have faith that we would do what would be in her best interest and we had to have faith that God would lead us in this young lady's life. So, Michelle Faith Bond is officially our daughter!

12th birthday... first birthday party

Adoption Day... Thanks to Judge Bart Stanley for fitting us in during the busy holiday season & court schedule.

This has been a long journey that is still not complete... Michelle has had 12 years of bad things and we have only had 6 months to show her good things. Please keep us in your prayers as God will have to lead us in raising this wonderful young lady.

We also had several other events going on like trying to make our gingerbread house. Ummm... it didn't work out so we ate it! LOL, the icing just wouldn't dry and the house kept falling in so here are some pictures of the kids trying to make the house!

At least it was FUN right? Not to mention TASTY with all that candy! YUMMY!!!!

We also had the church Christmas play... Kara and Michelle played the lead roles in this years event and we had so many wonderful little ones helping make this play SPECIAL! It was perfect! :) I hope everyone enjoyed the play as much as I did helping put it together. I laughed every time we practiced and had a wonderful time with the kids!

The rest of the week had been busy with lots of family events and visits from friends. I am happy to say that Christmas was wonderful even though we had a clogged septic tank that my poor hubby had to clean out. I will leave you with a few pictures taken before the kids got up Christmas morning and found the goodies under the tree....

I hope your Christmas was as BLESSED as mine was!

Christmas is just around the corner and of course, the new year is approaching quickly. As I look back, I can tell you that God has truely blessed me this year... lots of new clients, plenty of orders to help out the family budget, and a new child. Yes, a new 12 year old daughter. I have been blessed. Our adoption will be final on December 22nd. How's that for a Christmas present? Since DCS says I can't post pictures of her, it'll have to wait until December 22nd for us to introduce you to Michelle Faith Bond but rest assured, we have plenty of photos and will be posting away.

Other than an early Christmas present, I still have tons of baking to do, the kids will be doing a gingerbread house tomorrow. (Yes, I'm cheating!!! It's a wonka kit from the grocery store!!!) And I will attempt to do a little more wrapping tomorrow while they work on the house. I'll try to take some photos so you can see their creativity. I did manage to make some rootbeer rock candy the other day and it turned out pretty good if I do say so myself! So I can technically take the candy making off the list righ? LOL, yes, I'm making more!

We will be getting the house in TIP TOP SHAPE Monday and baking cookies after everything is in its place and after that, well, we'll just take it easy until Christmas Eve. I do have some shopping left to finish. Just a few things. But enough to drive me crazy. Yes, I will be a crazy person shopping at the last minute this year. I just haven't had the time to shop like I normally do! Oh well, at least I know what I'm getting everyone, just have to go get it and that will be my first chance to do so.

There are 3 babies left. Only blond ones. If you are interested, they are 20.00 each and I can deliver her to you by Monday or Tuesday. Just let me know!

Well, its nearly supper time so I guess I need to make some huh?

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Ready to Go Gifts!

Ok, so here are the babies that are left... just a couple girls and a couple boys. I won't be making any new babies until the first of the year but I have lots of great ideas for some really cute things!

The second baby on the top row is sold... just 5 more girls left!

There are only four little boys left. With their messy hair, you will be sure to fall in love with one of these little guys...

Also, this weekend, there will be a benefit auction for my Uncle Bill Barnhill. Many of you may know him or he may have done work on your car for you. He was the body shop manager for Willmore Ford for years before opening his own business on Smithville Hwy. He just recently moved his shop next to his home just before he came down sick. He has been without work now for nearly 3 months, and of course, medical bills won't wait for you to go back to work... neither does electricity or water or groceries. But, we can all have a hand in helping out. I know its been hard on everyone financially this year but if you can, please try to make it to the Lucky Community Center for a Ham dinner at 4:00 this Saturday with a benefit auction to follow! Lots of goodies will be auctioned. I've got a few things going to this auction so if you are looking for shower gifts, here you go!

This basket includes a small diaper bag, Sleepy baby, Minky Baby Quilt, Set of 2 Burp Cloths & a Paci Clip.

The boys basket will include a Large Diaper Bag, Sleepy Baby, Minky Rag Baby Quilt, Set of 2 Burp Cloths & a Paci Clip.

These would make a wonderful gift for someone you love and will help a wonderful family as well! Hope to see you there!!!

Merry Christmas!

Well, I have managed to finish all but my last order before my delivery date of the 12th and believe I will have it finished by then! At least it is started. ;o)

For those of you that didn't get to place an order, I do have a few babies left from the craft show and just 6 chalk mats... there are 3 camo mats and 2 froggy mats and one baseball mat. The babies are varied and I'll be posting pictures later tonight. These are great last minute gifts or perfect for stocking stuffers but hurry! They will be gone soon!!!

I will be resuming orders after the first part of January... I am looking forward to my little break and spending time baking cookies, trying some candy recipes and just being with the family during this wonderful season!

Remember that Christ is the reason for this holiday season and we should keep Christ in CHRISTmas!

A fabulous weekend!

For those of you that didn't get to make it to the 40th Annual Artisian's Craft Show, you missed out! There were some wonderful artists set up and wonderful talent everywhere you looked!

All my customers made this year the best that I've had! Lots of new customers and some of my old ones helped to make this year wonderful...

I really liked my booth's set-up this year... I broke down and bought me a tent and used the frame to help with the lighting situation and also help hold the peg boards to make shopping a little easier...

At my next show, the Smithville Jamboree, I hope to have a white curtain created to help hide all the ugly backdrops that peeked through on the corners of the tent.

Of course, this little guy made my day! He wanted a monkey and just hugged it when he got it. He will give his monkey LOTS of love!

Again, I just want to thank all my customers!!! Without you, I would not be able to set up and have a fabulous, exhausting weekend!!! Can't wait to see you next year!!!

See you there!

This is probably the last time I will have a chance to post on the blog before the show! It has been a whirlwind of activity here in the Bond household! Along with all the sewing, we have been blessed to have my Uncle moved from Saint Thomas Hospital to one of the local rehab facilities so that he can regain his strength. If you remember, he wasn't supposed to make it through the night but with LOTS of prayers, God heard our petition and answered our prayers. He is doing much better and has a was to go but he is here! God is so good isn't He?

We have also had a ton of basketball games and practices and other appointments! So my sewing has been a stop and go event for several weeks now. The good news is as of today, everything will be completed! The last of the babies will be finished today... be on the lookout for a couple of new things with the babies! We have some sleepy babies, some boy babies and some with new hair styles! Still so sweet and adorable!!! At the jamboree, I'll have a couple of new plushes for everyone too. They are great for boys or girls!

In other news, our adoption lady will be out on Monday for us to sign some papers and we should be able to have a court date in the next week. Please pray it will be before Christmas! It has to be after December 16th, but anything after that is fine. Of course, we also have to go around everyone's schedules too and with it being a holiday month, we may run into trouble with schedules. So, just keep us in your prayers!

Don't forget to visit me at the show! I'll be lonely without all the visits from my blog buddies and friends! I'm booth number 19 on the main floor! See you there!!!!

Check out this give-a-way...

SWhat a sweet give a way for anyone that sews or wants to sew...

http://www.hawthornethreads.com/giveaway

Christmas Schedule... It's getting close!

I usually try to wrap up holiday orders & try to have the last of them delivered no later than 2 weeks before Christmas. I want to insure your items arrive in plenty of time for gift-giving or for wearing, depending on what you order. ;o) This year, in order to insure plenty of time, I am setting November 27th as the last date to place an order for holiday delivery. If I have an over whelming amount of orders, I may bring that date a little closer in so please get your orders in now! Delivery date for your holiday items will be December 12th.

Sneak Peek Night & Billy Dean ~ November 19th!

So here's a little information about the craft show later this month... well not really later but like in a couple of weeks! I believe you can get the sneak peek tickets from Regions and if you need more information, just let me know... I'll see if I can get more info for you!

The 40th Annual Artisans of the Cumberland scheduled for November 19th, 20th & 21st, 2009 at the McMinnville Civic Auditorium on Garfield Street, with a Sneak-A-Peek scheduled for November 19 from 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm! Appearing on Thursday night is Country Music Star - Billy Dean! He will be available for autographs and song! Tickets for Sneak -A-Peek may be purchased for $5 each with 100% of the proceeds benefiting Relay for Life. Be first to view, first to purchase and first to enjoy the talents of many local artisans and crafters!


Plan to attend the regular show beginning Friday November 20th and Saturday November 21st. Doors will open at 10 am both days with shopping until 8 pm. Join us for the many live demonstrations including a professional wood turner, basket weaving, windsor chair exhibit, and pottery. This year's show is sure to please everyone!

I can't wait to see everyone there... things are coming together nicely on my end and I'm finishing lots of stuff this week to free up some time for the babies. Lots of babies are coming!

I'm so excited!!! I better get back to work or I won't have enough for everyone!

New Goodies

Lots of new goodies being finished... sometimes I get photos, most of the time I don't. My sewing room officially looks like a cyclone has hit it and will remain this way until I have time to straighten it up... Usually 5 minutes before all the family starts arriving for Thanksgiving dinner!

Here's a peek at a set I just finished for Miss Sally! She's such a sweetheart and a wonder to work with. Thanks so much for being such a wonderful client!

I am working on finishing any other orders that have been given in the last few weeks and will be taking orders at the Artisans of the Cumberland show coming later this month!!! I can't wait to see everyone there!!!

Prayers needed...

My uncle has been very sick for 17 days now and in Critical Care at St. Thomas hospital. They have called the family in 2 times now because they really didn't think he would make it. My family has been requesting prayers and he needs them now more than ever. Only God can pull him through this and I do believe He is the great Physician. Please remember Bill Barnhill in your prayers and please be patient with me if I'm slow to answer emails!

Couple of new fabrics

I got a quick run to the fabric store in yesterday and came out with 2 cute fabrics for the holidays! I have plans for both of these fabrics and items will be available at the McMinnville Craft show that is quickly approaching!

How can you go wrong with dots? These great shades or pink and green will give your holiday wear a contemporary look. I have 2 other fabrics that will coordinate great with these dots and will be doing some appliqued tees to match!

If your a little more traditional, I have this sweet Angel Cakes fabric to make your holiday wear special!!! This fabric is so precious, pictures do not do this one justice.

I also got some new froggie fabric for new chalk mats.

Of course, I need to be getting everything cut out now so off to work I go! Don't forget to contact me for your holiday orders!

A little sneak peak!

Here's just a couple of the orders I've been working on this week... I still have some bows to finish making for Miss Jenna's pants or they would be in here too.

First, let me just say I LOVE these MINKY Pants! Not only do they feel fabulous, they just look so comfy. I'm thinking I need a pair of these for myself! LOL, I think they would be great as a jogging suit. ;o) Halle's has a perfect ruffle along the bottom of hers. She has a couple more of these for me to finish!

Next, I have little Ella Claire's peacock tutu... I just love these colors and the jewel tones that are coming out from the feathers. I created a tulle rose for the center of a removable broach and added the peacock feathers on both sides. I know Ella Claire is just going to be remarkable in this little number!

I do have a couple more nearly finished but I need to hold onto those until I get them completely finished! I'll post again in a day or two. Next week, I plan to start all the craft show goodies so watch out for those sneak peeks!

As always, if you would like for me to create you something special, just look to the side for my contact info! I'm always ready to create something!

Christmas Orders

I know it's only October but now is the time to order for the holidays. With preparing for the craft show & orders coming in everyday for the holidays, things are already getting pretty busy around here!

Here are a few inspiring sets for you to get started with!!!

Applique Initial tees are great for all your holiday outings... I have several great holiday fabrics for these and would be happy to find you something special!
Every Christmas needs a tree... and ribbon jeans... and a sash. How cute! You furnish the jeans and I'll add the ribbon. Looking for a different applique? Tell me what you have in mind and we'll find the perfect applique for your set!

Of course, these are my favorite! Jumper dresses are great all Christmas season long! Wear these sweet dresses with a matching pair of pants or over her favorite pair of jeans. Either way, she will be comfy and stylish and ready to see Santa!

Don't forget that you can tell me what you want and I can make it!

The Trendy Spot...

Finally gets an updated look! I hope that it is prettier now! :) I do intend to update the paypal shopping cart on each page... sometimes they work, most of the time they don't. I also have lots of new pictures to add to pages and some items to delete. Be sure to check out the new look and let me know what you think... you never know when there might be a give-a-way! ;o)
www.thetrendyspot.com

I did actually update my fabric selections the other day. I know, its sad to see some of them go but I can't get them anymore and haven't enough in stock to do a custom with it. So sad! BUT!!!! Good news!!!! I do get to go shopping for new fabrics soon. I keep saying I have to go but haven't had 5 minutes to myself to actually go so I am studying my schedule, the kid's schedule and seeing when I can sneak away. I can't wait to see what fall and holiday goodies I can find!!!

In other news... Elegant Celebrations has changed her name and I think it's FABULOUS!!!! Check it out on my side bar... she is also having a give-a-way to celebrate her 1 year blog anniversary. Be sure to check her out!

Off to finish Miss Halle's fabulous outfit!

More Stuff coming soon!

So I have a few more purses and wallets left to post but I've gotten a little lazy... I haven't taken any more photos yet and its been a long week.

Next week will be busy too. Hopefully not too busy though.

I have orders to do. The fair is next week. Michelle has practice 3 days next week. We have life going on next week. How 'bout you?

We do not plan on going to the fair except to maybe walk through the old villages or something along those lines. I'm not a fan of the fair and I think this year I will break from tradition and on the school's day out, take my kids to Lake Winnie. I think that will be way more fun don't you???

Off to be a little more lazy!!!

Here's a few more items!

Just a few chalkmats ready for shipping... 2 in a boy's baseball print; one has red trim & the other has blue... an adorable Dr. Suess print and a lime green & pink diamond print mat available for shipping. These are $8.00 each.

Just a few crayon rolls left... 1 john deere tractor roll, 1 classic candy roll, 2 red whales rolls, 1 Christmas Candy roll & 1 Rodoulph the rednosed reindeer roll. These are $5.00 each.

Inventory On Sale!

Yes, I have a few things left from the Smithville Jamboree and would like to start fresh for the next upcoming show! I'm passing these deals on to my you guys... without you, I wouldn't be able to stay home and sew!!!

So, if you see something below you are interested in, just let me know.

Size 24 months N applique Tee... $5.00

Cheetah Pillowcase Dress... sizes 12 months, 2T & 4T $10.00 each. These would be so adorable with a monogram and paired up with tights and a turtleneck! Perfect for fall wear!!!

Purple with Lime green Dots Pillow Case Dress size 4T... $10.00

This sweet Pillowcase Dress is available in sizes 3T and 4T Put this one away for next summer! $10.00

Last of the Pillowcase Dresses, This sweet birthday dress is available in sizes 12 months, 3T & 4T. These dresses are $15.00.

If you would like any of these shipped, they should ship fairly cheaply and I'm happy to send them out to you for cost of shipping. Of course as always, custom orders are welcome! If you would like something special for your sweetie, just drop me a line and I'll work with you to create the PERFECT outfit for your special occassion!!

Finally feeling better!

The day after Michelle's B-Day Party, I got SICK. I had the flu and am just now getting better. I ran fever, chilled, coughed, sneezed, watered & anything else you can think of. Thank goodness I'm starting to feel better! I was beginning to wonder if I would have to go to the doctor or worse, the emergency room. This was one tough bug that's for sure!
So, yesterday I got caught up on laundry and today I have to go pay some bills and then start those pictures of my inventory. I'm not going to make another promise that they will get put up today but I do hope to get to it quickly...
In other news, Kara made the cheerleading team at Dibrell for the 5th & 6th grade team and Michelle made the basketball team. Oh my! Just imagine all those practices and GAMES! I'm sure there will be plenty of photos from those soon!!!
Off to get those bills paid!

Michelle's 12!

Michelle's birthday went great! She told us it was her best party ever and that she really liked it a lot! I'm so glad!!! She deserves to have a big party like every other kid and really, it wasn't that big, just lots of family and a couple of friends. I can't post pictures because DCS says no on pictures but I'll post some of her cake. First time she'd ever had a cake other than a walmart cake.

Check out all those cards... FULL of $$$$! She is already asking when we can go shopping!!! LOL, thankfully, she wants clothes! :)

We had home-made Pulled BBQ, baked beans, cole slaw, deviled eggs and of course, CAKE! Everyone had plenty to eat and lots of great company to boot.

She continues to learn and grow and for her age and what she's been through, this is one great kid. We love her and know that she can do anything she sets her mind to. Just remember us in your prayers... We have till December before we can get the adoption completed.

I'll get pictures posted here shortly... lots left to take and I'll get that accomplished as quickly as I can.

I think that's about all for now! I'll be back with inventory pictures soon!!!

No more sharing...

Now before you start lecturing me about the virtues of sharing, let me explain! For the last several years, my sewing room has also been my dining room. Not good. The table was always covered with fabrics, projects to be completed and just a general mess.

We hardly ever got to eat at the table. When we did, it was because it was holiday season and I'd closed shop so that the rest of the family didn't think I was completely insane with my sewing mess. So, come birthdays and holidays, sewing had to be put away. Project pieces went into piles, never to return again.

Well, this week marks a milestone! Our computers were moved into the man cave, the dining room table was moved into the computer room and now at last, I have my own room. It does come with its own set of problems... only 3 walls; its open into my kitchen as this is actually a "den" of sorts. Of the 3 wall, only one is pretty solid so I mounted a counter top to the wall as my work space. Not much room for storing all the fabrics I collect and all the other pretties that I have gathered over the years. The wall I was storing all the fabric on now has my counter top... what to do??

Now, with all that said, you guys will benifit, I hope anyway! I need to have an inventory reduction sale... As soon as the weekend is over, I will start posting pictures of some of my purses, a few o'alls, pillowcase dresses & a few other items to make way for some of the other stuff I have to keep! Be sure to keep an eye open for all the goodies!

In the mean time, I'll leave you with my mess!

P.S. it's already MUCH better, all the fabrics that I intend to keep are put up properly and those that didn't make the cut, well they are going to the dumpsters in the morning. Keep me in your prayers; I need them!

Settling into a new routine...

I don't know about you guys, but I found the end of my summer so busy that I didn't even blog about it! I know, bad blogger right?
Don't worry, with the start of a new school year, I am hoping to get into a gear with a new routine and settle down soon for a little time to sew.
I have been very busy these last few weeks getting all the last little bits together for the school year, finishing a re-do on the girls' room (still finishing all that up) and trying to find a little time for me and my sweet husband.
So lets see, lets start with paper work. I despise it and working with DCS is nothing but paperwork. I thought that we were in this to help a child out, not do paperwork but that will all come to an end in December if all the "paperwork" is filled out properly and we get dates quickly. All is going well with Michelle; she has her ups and downs and that is to be expected. She is learning lots of wonderful things about being part of a family and really seems to enjoy them and accept them. I'm amazed at how wonderful this kiddo has adapted. We've just had her for two months but I truly feel like she has been with us forever now and can't imagine her gone.
To help Michelle really feel like this is her home too, we decided to redo the their room. We settled on some beautiful striped comforters from Target and painted the walls in a light green and teal color to coordinate with the blankets. So far, that's all I've finished BUT I have some great ideas and plan to work on them tonight or tomorrow... I just got the last of the materials to complete my idea today so maybe I'll be able to get it finished before the end of next week. The girls don't know what I'm going to do yet but they know they will have some chalk paint on their wall somewhere! :)
We celebrated our 19th anniversary this year... 19! I can't believe it!!! So, we took a little time to ourselves this year and went to Nickajack lake and stayed at Hales Bar Marina's floating cabins. We had a good time but not as nice and quiet as we would have liked. There were college kids that rented a few cabins and partied all night and the next day. They weren't horrible loud but loud enough that I could have stayed home and had as much quiet. We were disappointed with the response of the staff too... Just "oh I'm sorry to hear that; we'll have someone speak to them" and that was it! Oh well... we still caught a couple of fish and had no kiddos. :)
The kids went back to school this week and I have enjoyed running errands with peace and quiet and no one asking if we can just through the drive through cause they didn't eat breakfast before we left. LOL, I'd be broke if I went every time I was asked! (Which was everytime we got in the car! )
That's about it for now... I'll try to keep this blog updated now that I have 5 minutes to think for myself! :)
Until next time, God Bless!!!

Oh how Tired I am!

LOL, I am really tired but it was a great weekend and yesterday was busy doing a LOT of laundry!

Our 150 foot waterslide was a great hit with the kids and adults too. Lots of flying down that hill at speeds that would make a cop chase you! We had a few minor scraps and bruises but overall, God blessed us with no injuries.

We have already started planning for next year's waterslide! Here's some of my favorite shots... I hope you enjoy them too.

Jacob & Tiffany wiping out!

Ashley's sweet ride!

Twin Slides...

Family taking a ride; look at those expressions!

Everyone gathering for some singing, good food and LOTS of marshmellows!!!

Well, that's it for this year's church-wide camp out & water slide... Ya'll be sure to join us next year for more good clean fun!

150 foot water slide & weekend FUN!!!

This weekend should be a good time with just a bit of work but it's for church and everyone out there that has any interest in 150 foot water slide, fish-fry, good visiting and general fun is invited out! If you need directions or more information, just use my contact me button off to the side or email me at jennifer@thetrendyspot.com and I'll be happy to answer any questions!

This little adventure started out YEARS ago as a men & boys campout but over the years, it evolved into a family campout. Then, about 5 years ago, they decided to add a 150 water slide for the kids and it quickly became the focus of the "campout".

We'll start the event off with great music tonight... so bring your guitars and spoons!

Of course, the slide (or slides; there are TWO this year!!!!) is going to be going full speed ahead with anyone that is brave enough to take a ride! Open to all ages... from 2 to ????

Of course, there will be LOTS of Food! I'm sure there will be watermelons, hamburgers and tons of desserts but this year, we plan on doing a FISH FRY around 2:00 tomorrow... YUMMY!!!!

Well, I have lots of work to do preparing for tonight and tomorrow so I better get with it!