Super Trooper

Last Thursday morning, I had the priviledge of watching my brother, Matt, graduate from The Department of Public Safety Academy. The ceremony began with the graduates chanting for almost 5 minutes. It brought tears to my eyes as I listened to my "little" brother proudly chant his devotion to protecting the citizens of Texas. After 20 weeks, he proudly walked across the stage and received his badge. Words cannot express how proud I am of him. I am also very proud of his wife, Danielle, as she made the sacrifice to be at home alone while he was away at the academy. I will continue to lift him up in prayer daily as he strives to protect those he serves.

Trooper Matt Walts

My Sister-in-law, Danielle and Matt

My brothers, Joe & Matt (I am so proud of them both!!!)

Matt & Me

My Parents & Matt

Giveaway

I'm giving away over at http://thekindlecrew.com/2012/01/reusable-lunch-bags/. Go and check out her blog while you're there. Jennifer is a godly woman who homeschools her four precious children, but above all strives to be like Christ. I realized that I don't have any reusable lunch bags posted on my blog for others to see if anyone is interested in purchasing a set. Here are some that I have made. You can purchase them individually or as a set of three. A set of three measuring approximately 6 3/4×6 3/4 , 5 1/4×8 and 5×4 3/4 for $14 plus $3 if I need to ship them to you. These are custom order so they can be made in your choice of fabric (as long as I can find it for reasonably priced). They are all made with quality cotton, ripstop nylon and sturdy velcro. The seams have been finished off so there is minimal fraying. They can be monogrammed with names or initials for an additional charge. Just contact me if you're interested.

Sew Passionate

Hello...I'm helping out with a giveaway for Jennifer at http://thekindlecrew.com/ so it's time to update my blog. I really enjoy blogging, but it just hasn't been a priority for me for quite a while.

One of my passions is sewing. I love to sew for my girls, others and sometimes I make time for myself. I've had several people ask me how I got started sewing. It's just in my blood. I remember when I was little sitting beside my grandmother and my mom watching them sew. It never really interested me, though, until about four years ago. I decided to make something for Natalie, my oldest, and it took off from there. I've participated in a couple of festivals, but it just hasn't seemed like God has opened the door to sell my creations consistently. If He decides to open that door, I'll gladly walk through. Until then, I'm enjoying making things for my girls and making custom orders and gifts.

I love giving gifts to people, but I can't give just any general gift. I have to personalize it to fit that persons personality and likes. Christmas is a time when I am able to personalize gifts for most of my family. Here are some of the gifts I made this past Christmas. As I said earlier, most of my items are custom work. So, if you see something you like or are interested in, just let me know and I'll do my best to help you customize something just for you or as a gift.

All of these were stiched using my embroidery machine (patterns were purchased from various websites)


Aprons for Adults and Children (patterns are my own)

Personalized Reusable Snack Sacks (you can find lots of free patterns for them online) and Personalized Pillowcases from http://amazingmae.blogspot.com/2011/04/personalized-pillowcase-tutorial.html

Tinkerbell Costume (Simplicity #2872) and Ruffle Scarf from http://hopestudios.blogspot.com/2009/11/weekend-project-scrunchy-gathered-scarf.html

Clutch (both are the same pattern, but I found a few problems with the first one I made on the top and tried to fix them when I made the second one on the bottom) and Purse (Simplicity #2617)

Owl Purse from The Lola Pattern (you can purchase it at http://gingercake.typepad.com/gingercake/2011/05/stylin.html

Stuffed Owl from The Lola Pattern, Scrap Picture (sorry I took it from my phone so it's not good quality), Flat Iron Holder from http://rubies-pearls.blogspot.com/2010/08/flat-or-curling-iron-cozy.html

Camera Strap from http://priddycreations.com/blog/2010/01/27/camera-strap-slipcover-tutorial-of-the-padded-lined-variety/ and Personalized Notepad Holders (I used adhesive vinyl and cut names out using a Cricut)

I also made dresses and nightgowns for my girls. I don't have pictures of those so I'll have to post pictures of those later. I listed lots of tutorials so you can make your own creations if you enjoy crafting.