Catching Up

Jenny and I had so much fun at An Affair of the Heart. I still have some great goodies that I already sent over to Anabelle's in at Santa Fe & Danforth if you want to go by there.

I put off all my custom orders to spend several days just enjoying family and the Thanksgiving holiday. My brother & sister-in-law came from Austin, and we loved every minute with them. Here are some pics from our fun week...

The delicious meal

A cross-eyed cat showed up on the porch just after lunch...So funny I had to share. Haha!

All of us sitting around singing after dinner Saturday night. Probably seems weird, but it's one of our favorite family times.

The kids helped Pops put the Christmas train around his tree.

An Anthem for Busy Moms

Ben and I went to a Focus on Parenting event yesterday. It was an all-day deal, and we struggled with giving up an entire Saturday. But after last week's dentist office episode...who am I kidding?...I NEED all the help I can get with parenting! So we went and were definitely rewarded. Thank you, Lord, for the words of encouragement, correction, and training we received yesterday. Thank you also for a Christian friends who are walking this journey with us.

Before the speakers started, Matthew West sang this song. It is so me right now that one of my good friends turned around to share a knowing look in the middle of the song. I have to share the lyrics with you. I want my world to be different. I do not want to be caught up in busy-ness and petty pursuits. I want Jesus. I want Jesus to consume my children. So here are the words to the song Stop the World. It's always better to the music, but may the words alone speak something to you...

The TV is talking
The telephone’s ringing
The lights are all on
And the radio’s screaming
A million distractions are stealing my heart from You
I’m tired and empty
This life is relentless
It weakens my knees
And breaks my defenses
It’s wearing me down and I’m desperate to hear from You

Stop the world I wanna get out
I need an escape away from this crowd
Just to hear You speak to me

I need to be still before I make a move
I need to be humble with nothing to prove
I need Your Word to show me the truth
And I need time, precious time

Stop the world I wanna get out
I need an escape away from this crowd
Just to hear You speak to me
Stop the world I’m ready to listen
Show me sign, give me a vision of heaven
I can hold on to
Stop the world I need some time with You

Before I can find my voice
I need to hear Your voice
Above all the senseless noise

The Kids Had Their Teeth Cleaned Today

Dear Tiffany,

Please still be my friend.

I'm sorry that my daughter freaked out.

I'm sorry she locked her jaw and wouldn't open her mouth.

I'm sorry she screamed and cried in your office.

I'm sorry she kicked and writhed in your chair.

I'm sorry she grabbed your hands to pull the instruments out of her mouth.

Etc.

Etc.

Etc.

Thank you for cleaning her teeth anyway. I'm sure that tomorrow (after I've recovered from the humiliation and frustration) I'll think that ornery little smile is cute again.

Love,

Sada

P.S. Please pass my apologies along to Dr. Cash, and if he never wants my four year old in his office again, I would COMPLETELY understand.

Change in Weekend Plans

Many of you know that I had plans to travel to Guatemala this weekend to sing with my siblings at a national youth conference. Well, there was an abrupt turn of events last night before midnight, just hours before our scheduled departure. The first leg of our flight from OKC to Houston was cancelled by Continental Airlines. They automatically rescheduled us on a flight for Sunday, but that really defeats the purpose for Addi and I since the youth conference ends on Sunday and since we were scheduled to return to the States on Monday. As it turns out, they had overbooked the flight into Guatemala City by 22 people! And after a few hours of trying to make alternative arrangements, the good folks coordinating our travel decided it just wasn't possible to get the Herndons there in time for this weekend's event.

I'm sad and shocked after planning this trip for months. I'm fighting off feelings of frustration toward Continental Airlines, but I know it's really not about them. We have prayed so much about safe travel and for our purpose in Guatemala that I have to believe God's in control. Perhaps this is His protection for us to keep us home at this time. So I'm trying to just let go of my disappointment and be ready for His next opportunity.

I guess today I'll be unpacking and praying a lot. Thanks for your prayers and encouragement leading up to this weekend.

Was blind but now I see...

Cianne got her first pair of glasses this weekend. She doesn't have to wear them all the time (thankfully!), which is good since she's still pretty hesitant about them. The whole experience was pretty funny.

Dr. Wright and his staff were extremely patient with her. The funniest moment of our two-hour office visit was when she realized her vision was blurry from the dilation and she calls out in the optometrist's office, "I'm blind! Mommy, I'm blind!"

Picking out frames for her tiny face (I've always been a little afraid she's a pin-head, though Dr. Stephens assures me she's not) was another adventure. She preferred the plastic frames because they don't have nose pads, but I was really drawn to those twisty-bendy metal frames since I figure any 3-year-old's going to put them through the ringer. So thanks to Eyemasters' fabulous sale, we have both! Here she is sporting her favorites on the way home...

Girls' (plus Corben) Trip

I went to NW Arkansas for our yearly girls crafting trip. We did a little less shopping this year to accommodate my sweet Granny, but it was great.

Cianne trying out non-toxic nail polish at one of my favorite craft shows at the Embassy Suites...

I love this place. It's gas station/gourmet market/salad bar/convenience store/whole foods. And they serve gelato! I think we seriously need one of these at Memorial & Bryant.

Last but not least, Cianne with Aunt Addi and Aunt Jala having a dance party in the restaurant lobby.

Good times.

No more baby steps...we're talking giant leaps here!

Well, I've been talking about simplicity for a while now, and I decided that I was going to have to actually do something if it's ever going to happen. Life will not slow down without some changes. So, at the risk of disappointing some loyal shoppers, I will not be at An Affair of the Heart this weekend. I will still be at the Tulsa show in November, as next month isn't quite as hectic for our family, but this was definitely the right decision for this coming weekend.

However, you can still shop with my fabulous friends Jenny and Janie. They will be in booth 10 of the Hobbies, Arts, & Crafts building. Best of luck to them!

Also, Janie has opened Anabelle's Gift Galleria located at Santa Fe and Danforth, just east of Wal-Mart. You can shop for several of my items in this new store. Be sure to check it out before Christmas--lots of great gifts!

Cause for concern?

Two unrelated incidents in the past week have me a little concerned about what might be down the road for my children...

1. Corben has been obsessed with Star Wars for a while now. He wants to be Boba Fett for Halloween, to which many of you would reply, "Who or what in the world is that?" He tends to favor the supporting cast of aliens and robots, and I had to explain that the costume makers simply don't make such costumes for five-year-old little boys. So Boba Fett the bounty hunter satisfied both Corben's supporting cast requirement and my comes-in-a-package requirement for his costume.

That's not the main thing that concerns me though...He got tickets to Star Wars in concert for his birthday, and he informed us last week that he wants to wear his Boba Fett costume to the concert. I'm just wondering if this is a five-year-old phase, and I'm praying that he's not still dressing up as a bounty hunter for various Star Wars events at 25!

2. Yesterday was the coldest and rainiest day yet in OK. After church, Cianne wanted to put on some comfy clothes, so I told her to go pick out some pants and a t-shirt. She came down with her knit tights and this strappy tank top. I told her it was probably too cold to wear that, to which she replied, "No, I want people to see my tattoos." Really? Dressing like a hooch in 50-degree weather so people will see your tats at only three years old?

Should I be concerned??

I'm not dead & gone...just too busy.

Wow! It seems like forever since I've sat down to blog. I've once again taken on a few too many activities, jobs, obligations, etc, etc, etc, but have renewed my commitment to a simple life and am coming back to those things that are most important to me while eliminating the extras (however fun & enticing they may seem). Not that blogging time is necessarily at the top of my list of priorities, but as we're creating more time at home, there seems to be more opportunity to log in and share what's happening around the Knowles home, silly things my kids say & do, and new sewing projects.

One of the highlights of our last couple three four five (Has it really been that long?!) weeks was our trip to visit our dear friends in Albuquerque (or "Alva-turkey" as Corben & Cianne say). After several less-than-impressed reactions to the news we were traveling to Albuquerque, let me just say that it was a delightful place to visit! Not only was the company WONDERFUL, but the city was nice as well--so unique and such a contrast to my home here in OK. A huge thank you to Tonya for being such a gracious hostess and friend, and an equally huge thanks to her husband for giving us some greatly appreciated one-on-one time.

Ben also went to Brazil for a while. We all got a pair of super-cool Havaianas. Nothing could've made Cianne happier than a pair of flip flops. She also got a butterfly necklace that she tells everyone "is very special to me." And Corben has a super cool soccer uniform, which he loves.

Well...I've got to get to bed, but didn't want to put off blogging any longer! More info from me soon...Good night.

Winner

The winner (from random.org) is #2--Emily! We'll chat about your custom appliqued tee this week sometime.

Congrats and thanks for the post last week. We had a great show this weekend!

Spread the Word GIVEAWAY

Help me spread the word about the Fabulous Finds Show this Saturday for a chance to win an appliqued tee. Post a link to www.fabulousfindsshow.com; then leave a comment with a link to your post. You have until Friday at noon!

This show is not just for moms, and you don't have to be in the area to participate in the giveaway. You can win even if posting from Antarctica--just spread the word! Of course, if you are in the area, be sure to come see us and some of our favorite crafty friends this weekend.

The winner can choose a customized appliqued t-shirt--any size, any style--adult or child. Need ideas? The latest favorites in kids are monsters and guitars; personalized tees are always a favorite too. And here's a pic of the Mom tank, a new favorite in our booth this summer.

It never ceases to amaze me.

Reason number #82 I love AWESOME cleaner...

I was super-impressed with my friend T's clean leather seats in her toddler-loved car. Due to my sweet husband's aversion to change :), I figure I've got to squeeze another 100k miles out of my well-worn Explorer. So inspired by Tonya, I attacked the leather seats with powdered bleach, a wash cloth, and a bucket of water. But I guess my car had several more layers of grime than hers because I was very disappointed with the initial results.

Not willing to give up so easily, I went back in the house and returned with my favorite cleaning weapon--the $1 bottle of Awesome cleaner. And once again, it did the job! I'm almost embarrassed to post the before pictures, but you will be AMAZED by the after shots. Even Ben said the seats look brand new (which is exactly what he should've said).

BEFORE...

AFTER!!!

Look at the difference on my cleaning rag...yuck!

Go get you some...

Fabulous Finds is BACK!

Good news! The second edition of the Fabulous Finds Show is scheduled for August 22. The location is 207 Benton Avenue, Edmond, OK 73034. I've got some summer clearance items as well as fun new things for fall and new friends that you're sure to love.

Put it on your calendar!

Mesh Bags SALE

I'm running a sale on these awesome mesh bags this week. These bags are great for the pool, soccer, dance, the gym, groceries...you name it. The bag with personalization is $15.00 through the end of August. I have one light pink (pictured), several hot pink and a few green left. Email me to order one for yourself and/or one for a friend!

Found it!

So I didn't post pictures of our booth yet because I "misplaced" the camera in the midst of the chaos that we like to call An Affair of the Heart. Life is starting to return to normal at our house, and the camera has been found!

So here are some booth pics. Thanks to everyone who came by and shopped with us--it was our best show yet! We're super-excited about what's ahead for the fall!

It's that time!

I've been absent from blogging for good reason--it's time for An Affair of the Heart again! I've been sewing, sewing, sewing to get ready for the show this weekend in Tulsa, OK.

Come see us Friday, Saturday, or Sunday at the QT Center at the Tulsa Fairgrounds. Jenny Vanover and I are listed under Baby Doodles.

We'll try to post booth pictures and new products after we get set up tomorrow. Come see us!

Summer Fun

We found two frogs this morning. I finally coaxed Cianne to let hers go, but he wasn't hopping quite as quickly by the time she was finished with him. Hope he makes it...

Wedding Season

We've already been to some really sweet weddings this summer.  Here are some pictures of a project I did for our friend Rachel and her bridesmaids.  They all had personalized tanks for the spa afternoon and the morning before the wedding.  The back simply had the wedding date.   Our family loves the Cunninghams, and I hope all the girls enjoy their tanks.

All the girls changed at the bridesmaids luncheon and put on their matching flip flops for pedicures.

And here's flower girl Cianne with her bridesmaid aunts; she LOVES these two!

Beat the Heat

Picture your cutie in one of these outfits...precious bloomers & tank with coordinating fabric flower ($30.00).

There are more designs and sizes available, but here are two of my faves for your viewing pleasure.  :)

Patriotic Ideas

I love holidays!  I know that some would criticize the commercialism of our holidays, but for me, the decorations, festive clothing, and traditions just magnify the celebration.  So here are a few items I love to complement our celebration and appreciation of our freedoms in the USA.  :)  You better believe I'll be sporting the red, white, and blue!  

Patriotic Petals from Doodle Design Shop can be worn as a pin or hair clip for big & little girls:

Kristin at Grace Violet is offering this handmade Cherry Buttercup Bag in her new Etsy shop:

Check out the R-W-B bow from Andrea at Lil Munchkindoodle along with her 

reusable sandwich bag (I love those things in any color combo!):

Warehouse Sale - SATURDAY

One last reminder about the warehouse sale Saturday 10-4. The address is 2575 Kelley Point Parkway in Edmond, OK. For you locals, it's on the west side of Kelley between 33rd & 15th. We're in an empty portion of a super-nice office building. You're in for a treat--lots of great local Okie small businesses.

AWESOME Cleaner

I've told some of you about one of my favorite stain-fighting cleaners. My grandma introduced me to AWESOME, a multi-purpose cleaner that you can buy, of all places, at the Dollar Tree. That's right for only $1.00 this wonderful solution can be yours too! I use it most often on laundry; my uncle uses it to clean his hog trailer--go figure.


Last night I also discovered that it also removes the letters C-I-A-N-N-E in pink crayon from bed sheets! It truly lives up to its name--AWESOME!

This Week

This weekend I'll be at the Tee for the Soul Warehouse Sale here in Edmond.  It's Saturday from 10am-4pm at 2575 Kelley Point Parkway (off Kelley between 33rd & 15th).  Come browse my shop as well as some other very talented local vendors!

Also, Tip Junkie has some great giveaways this week.  I am a mom-prenuer on Laurie's fun site.  Be sure to check it out this week.  

Yay for Summer!

I've been neglecting my blog for good reason.  We've been really enjoying the beginning of summer...Memorial Day with college friends, weddings, swimming, cousins moving across the street, playdates, a trip to Alabama to see dear friends, mother-son cowboy BBQ...and I've still managed to do a few sewing projects in the midst of all the fun.  

Here's a picture of Corben and I from the mother-son Cowboy BBQ at church this week.  (BTW, Jill Jones amazes me!)

Speaking of cowboys, here's one project I did this week, which will soon finds its home in Japan!

Teacher Gifts Too!

Due to popular demand, the tea towel sale has been extended through the end of the month.  These make great teacher gifts.  So show your teacher how "blessed" your child has been with these cute kitchen accessories.  You can get two of the cross towels for $12 or personalize your second towel with a name or initial.

Last Minute Gift Idea

Being the last-minute sort of gal that I am, I thought I'd throw out a last-minute special for Mother's Day.  Order a set of tea towels for a special woman you know--2 for $12 (reg. $8.00 each).  One towel has an animal print appliqued cross with "Blessed" embroidered across the center.  The second towel can be personalized for any mom or grandma (i.e. Nana's Kitchen, Mimi's Kitchen, or (my personal favorite) JoMama's Kitchen).

Also, you can order a MOM apron for $15.00.  This applique includes bright springy colors with a splash of zebra and rhinestone accents.

Email me to order.  Please order by midnight Wednesday if items need to be shipped (will use Priority Mail).  For local pick-up, please order by midnight Thursday, May 7 to receive yours in time for Mother's Day.

Mark Your Calendars...for 1 Year

This last weekend, I attended an awesome women's conference in Wichita, KS.  I'm encouraging all my friends to mark their calendars for the Women Walking With God Conference next April.  It is hosted by the Northside Church of Christ in Wichita, and I can't give these ladies enough praise for a job well done.  

So this post is to say THANKS to all who planned and participated and to ask that others keep this in mind for next year--you will definitely be blessed!!

Love This Green Thing!

I woke up early this morning desperately needing quiet time with God.  I've written about one paragraph in my prayer journal when a mass of tangled curly hair sneaks into my room.  I made a spot for her beside me and did my best to finish a few minutes of thought/reflection/prayer.  

After this, I started looking around online...checking my junk email account, catching up on Facebook, browsing Etsy...when I found this!  I love these MamaMade reusable sandwich bags with the ease of machine washing.  She's got cute prints.  I want a whole collection!  Check her blog to enter this week's giveaway.

Don't Forget!! The Fabulous Finds Show

The Fabulous Finds Show is this Saturday from 10am to 4pm at 14017 Canterbury in the new Oxford Park addition.  I'm going to have some fun new goodies including monster tees.

Also, all pettiskirts on sale for $30!!  If I don't have your size, you can even order one and pre-pay at the show for the sale price.  

To get to the Fabulous Finds Show, turn north on Scott Street from Memorial Road.  Take the second left on NE 138th Street, which leads into the Oxford Park addition.  Canterbury is the 2nd right.  You'll find us up the hill on the left side of the street.

Monogram Tees

We visited Nashville, TN last week to see our new niece Avery Grace.  Here's a picture of our family's tiniest cutie in her monogrammed onesie.  

The double-monogrammed tee is on SALE this week for $10 through Sunday, April 12.  You can order a tank, tee or onesie in any size.  Pick your shirt color and thread colors too!  You can email or check my website to order yours.

Three Going on Thirteen

I had an eerie conversation with my three year old this week, during which I was almost convinced I was talking to a teenager.  It was one of those really sassy do-you-know-what-so-and-so-did dialogues that I really didn't expect for another ten years, but the end of the conversation brought us back to the three-year-old level with a good laugh...

Cianne says, "Mom, do you know what ___ said to ___ on the playground today?"  

"What?"

"She told __, 'I'm sorry that I kicked you.'"

"Oh, did Ms. Patti make her apologize?"

"No, she just said it all on her own.  She just went up to her and 'apollenized.'"

"Really?...(Hiding giggles)...Well, sometimes we all have to do that."

Cianne: "Yep, she just had to apollenize."

Fabulous Finds Show

Mark your calendars for the Fabulous Finds Show on Saturday, April 18. Jenny and I wanted to set up for our friends & family to browse our inventory this spring, but we've come across too many other "fabulous finds" this year that we want to share. So we're inviting some of our other crafty friends to join us in bringing you one super Saturday shopping experience.

Check out the Fabulous Finds Show blog for details and to see highlighted vendors.

Hope to see you there!

A Common Theme

So like many of my other blogging friends, we are emerging from the flu. My hands resemble white sandpaper after all of the washing, bleaching, lysoling, etc. But we're all well--praise God!

I'm now playing catch up but will hopefully be back to posting fun products & giveaways soon.

The Random Thoughts Thursday posts of many of my friends is the greatest idea ever! So here goes a few before I poop out here at the keyboard...
1. I realized tonight that Cianne thinks the B-I-B-L-E song is about her tummy...She asked me tonight how the "B-I-belly" goes.
2. I love Braum's frozen yogurt! I really can't tell the difference between it and real ice cream; someone please tell me it's genuinely a better choice nutritionally.
3. I had my cheapest trip ever to Sam's this morning. Have you ever noticed that it's nearly impossible to shop at Sam's and spend less than $100+? Seriously, every item is almost ten bucks. So you get ten things, and you're out $100 already! But today, I'm proud to say I checked out with less than $40 in groceries. (I did add a hotdog combo & four berry sundae on my way out the door though.)

Good night!

Cinnamon Sticks GUEST GROSGRAIN GIVEAWAY!!!!

Cinnamon Sticks GUEST GROSGRAIN GIVEAWAY!!!!

It's Easy to Find Me

For all my friends and acquaintances, I'm now easier to find on the web. Just use my name! You can go to www.sadaknowles.com or (for those of you who have known me a long time) www.sadaherndon.com to be directed to My Baby.

Hope this makes shopping from me that much easier!

Showing Off

I wanted to show off our latest pics. My new friend Kerri Tindle took these for Valentine's Day. She's got a great special coming up for Easter. Check out her blog for Freckle Face Photography.

Aren't they precious...

She absolutely hated those overalls I made her! haha!

Cianne's face here is priceless.