i got this book a couple of months ago, and i am so excited about it. the book has 20 patterns of girls' clothing. lucky me, all of the patterns start at size 4 through 8 so i will have plenty of time to put this book into good use. after reading the patterns, it looks pretty easy to follow; therefore, i am sure i will be able to accomplish the exact look as shown in the book. here are some of the items i like:

i love that the clothes have an unfinished/rag doll look! since sadie is too young for these clothes, my plan is to make a couple of items and give them away to friends or family....or this may be a great way to start an ETSY store.....the store i have been wanting to start since sadie was born but haven't had the time to do so (just an idea...we will see!) anyway, i heart this book!

TR for Sadie

is 2 years old too young for a girl to have designer jeans? on our way home from california we stopped at an outlet mall in palm springs. there was a sale that i couldn't pass up so sadie got hooked up.

picture of the day

while eating breakfast this morning sadie said, "i know how to read." my 18 month old baby told me and her dad that she knows how to read....how awesome is that?

me and my niece camille

book club round up

Little Bee by Chris Cleave: the author is an amazing writer. i felt so many different emotions while reading this book....i could not put it down. Little Bee is a must read....5 stars!

When Prayers Seem Unanswered by S. Michael Wilcox & Confessions of an Unbalanced Womanby Emily Watts: i read both books as one and they were O.K. i liked Confessions more. these two books are a "if you have nothing better to read and have a couple of hours of free time" kind of books.

Almost Sisters by Nancy Anderson: i started to read this book but i think i was in the mood for something else. i will come back to this book later. since i didn't read Almost Sisters i added another book to my club....

PUSH by sapphire: the movie Precious was based on this novel. i didn't see the movie but the book will take you into a world that is cold and dark. it's really hard for me to find the words to explain how i feel about this book. i'm glad i read it but my heart aches just thinking about it. so if you're ready for that ride...go for it!!!!5 stars!

Bonds that Make Us Free: i'm sorry to say that i do not have a review for this one. i started reading this book two weeks ago when i was on my way to visit family in california, and i left the book at my sister's house. i hear this book is a great read that will change your life so i will read it at a later time.

it has been a great summer! i got lots done, the fam and i had tons of fun in the sun, and everyone in my hood (a.k.a home) is happy and healthy. now, it's time for me to go back to work and school.

you made it!

this past weekend we went to california to support my twin sister who graduated from Azusa Pacific University with her Master's in Clinical Psychology. we are so proud of maxine for her dedication and hard work. she's pretty amazing and trust me....she is a great therapist! she has a gift of helping you to see things from a perspective that is almost impossible to gain on your own, and she does it without giving her own opinion...it's like magic! i'm so grateful that i get therapy for free. i have a story i will share about maxine a little later. anyway, max's graduation was a perfect opportunity to reconnect with friends and family, and as always we enjoyed every minute of our visit.

thursday night, we went to maxine's hooding which was a private event for the graduates' families.

our shinning STAR

this is when maxine's name was called to receive her hood. i cried happy tears!

these are maxine's closing remarks to her friends, family, and classmates. it was read while her hood was being placed around her neck.

"I know that I have walked a path that God has chosen for me, when I think back to the girl I was, coming into this program, I wore a mask of confidence to hide my brokenness and insecurity. In the safe environment created by my classmates, professors (and 40 hours of personal therapy) I was able to find the strength to remove my mask and sort through all that was underneath. I no longer feel the need to hide my true self, but have come to accept the good and bad as equally important and equally BEAUTIFUL. Today I gratefully thank each of you for allowing yourself to be used by GOD on what has turned out to be my most AMAZING journey yet."

this is a crowning event in my family because out of the five of us: me, my two sisters, and our parents. maxine is the first one to graduate with a Bachelor's and Master's Degree. my sister mia and i are on the same track but maxine has been a perfect example of setting goals and going after her dreams.

a perfect role model for my baby!

friday evening was maxine's graduation. my battery died so i don't have any pictures but lets play a game: "Find Waldo a.k.a Maxine"

on saturday we had lunch at the cheesecake factory in marina del rey.

sadie and her cousin justin playing peek-a-boo....so cute!

me, my two sisters, and our cousin lisa (lana we missed you).

sadie sharing the love.

saturday evening we took sadie and her cousin tarra to the park but first we had to do something about that hair.

look at those faces!

the end!