Just another Mom & Pop Shop

The Cotton District Arts Festival was perfect (I know, Mom, I'm not allowed to say anything about how cold it was.). The rain never came but the crowd definitely did. We sold so much stuff - yes, even me! I sold out of owl pillows and at least 1 of everything else except the scarves (which I'm glad I had one to wear...). I was so relieved to see 2 dresses sell, because man, those things were tedious. We had a goal that was doubled from last year. We sold over 150% of it, so Dave Ramsey's baby step #3 is well on its way!

We certainly couldn't have done it without the presence of my parents. Your supervision of the girls all weekend was a tremendous help and we are so blessed to have you! We also want to thank all of our friends for their weather prayers, stopping by the booth to visit, and buying some of our things.

Here's how it looked:

On repeat.

I'm just really digging this song right now and I hope I don't scandalize anyone by posting its video, but it's only art afterall.

Easter 2012

Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer

Whoohoo!

We just paid off $13,000 of debt in 6 months and now we're debt free!!

That's right - spam didn't clog this blog - you read that right - $13,000 in 6 months!!

We'd like to thank:
God, from whom all good things come.

Our parents for their example and generosity (the birthday & Christmas money was put to good use!)

Dave Ramsey (if you want a promotional CD to hear what it's all about, let me know...)

Jude Landry for being a famous graphic designer and bringing in lots of extra work (I'm sure he'd thank me too for getting a job if he had a blog)

Fellow Financial University Graduates: The Foreman's, The Whatley's, The Wersel's, The West's, The Kuntz's, Remo, (I feel like I'm forgetting someone, sorry.)

The Whatley's, again, for setting us up with a killer Excel spreadsheet and multiple tutoring sessions


Yes. We still have a house for sale in Illinois, but we're not counting it as debt. A short sale offer, which we've kept hush hush for a little while, is in the works and a new market appraisal will be made soon which means this 2nd short sale might actually get accepted. Again, we don't hold our breath because I'm pretty sure that holding your breath for 3+ years doesn't end well. Like always, we'll keep you posted.

Nothing to write home about.

That was my Lent.

Apparently, I expected more from it - to kind of knock me off my socks (is that the phrase?). I thought by at least Holy Week, I'd be glowing from all the graces I intended to receive.

But today, a small reflection is all that I can claim from Lent 2012: Even in my failure to bring Christ the Lent He deserves, He offers the Cross & Resurrection I so badly need.

His sacrifice is always the same, yesterday, today, and forever, when mine is lacking at best, and in this is my salvation. Our salvation.

"We are the Easter people and hallelujah is our song." Blessed Pope John Paul II

Now, that, is something to write home about.

Making things makes life better: I'm taking a break.

This thing is beautiful, but it sure was an ambitious beast. It's officially made me pack up my machine for a while.

At least it's great for twirling.

I bought the tank at Wal-Mart for $1 and used its pleats as my inspiration.

And I wish I had a tutorial for you to link to.

 I sure could have used one...

*Update, found the link!

Making things makes life better: Inventory

If you don't live in Starkville, you should seriously consider driving here April 21st for the Cotton District Arts Festival. Yours truly, and her's truly, will set up a tent like this,

to sell handmade things like this,

And to celebrate all of my hard work, I finally altered something for myself.

Ahh, that's better.

*The braided collar dresses I found here and the tool belts here