I love me some fabric.

2009 Phoenix Asthma Walk

2009-03-19T10:47:00.000-07:00

As most of you know, we have been dealing with Piper's breathing issues and allergies since she was 6 weeks old. I was at a birthday party for one of the boy's friends and a NICU nurse I met there (at Chuck E. Cheese, of all places...) had me convinced that Piper had congestive heart failure because every time I fed her her bottle, she got congested and wheezy and had problems breathing. Thank God for that nurse that I rushed my baby into the doctor and we were given the first hint that Miss P had reactive airway problems. We went home with a nebulizer and medication and a lot of confusion and fear.

As far as genetic issues go, I realize that asthma is viewed as not being that bad. But, here's the real deal. She has severe, persistent asthma. Which, with the correct cocktail of meds, is in check and mostly tolerable. But when it's not in check, life around the Coe house totally sucks. Its hard to do ANYTHING when you can't breathe. She's missed 60+ days of school this year. And when she's healthy enough, letting her go off to school just totally, totally, TOTALLY sucks. We've suffered from misunderstanding and apathy from the peeps in charge there. In the last year, she's been in the hospital 4 times and I've watched her lay, unresponsive and struggling for every single breath, in the PICU. I was so scared she was going to die (which was a real possibility- it's a possibility that we live with every day.) And the biggest bummer is- there is no cure, no vaccine and no tried and true method of keeping it under control. We are still struggling to figure out why Piper's asthma is so severe and what we can do to mitigate the symptoms and flare-ups. So. Here's where YOU ALL can help. We (Piper's Crew) are walking in the 2009 Phoenix Asthma Walk to raise money for the American Lung Association- on Saturday, April 4th. We are walking because I want Piper to see a cure for asthma in her lifetime. I want her to know what it feels like to run across a room, un-medicated, and be able to breath. I want her to be able to live without the constant doses of steroids, which have severe and horrible side effects. And I want this for every other family that suffers because of this horrible disease. This will only happen if the big bucks keep rolling in for research AND education. (let's start with educating the poopers at her school.) Please consider joining us to walk- (but if that's not a possibility, a pledge would be most appreciated.) The path is a beautiful 5k (3.2 mile) walk along one of Scottsdale's most beautiful greenbelts. There will also be live music, a pancake breakfast, clowns (yikes!) and kids activities. We are getting matching tees made for our team (in YELLOW! Piper's fav color- what will YOU do for a free tee?!) so let me know when you register to walk what size tees you need. (And no, Toni, no tee just for pledging. So if you REALLY want one, you'll have to fly to Arizona) Here is our team page: http://www.mrsnv.com/evt/e01/team.jsp?id=2344&tid=573 You can create your own personal fund raising page after you register (feel free to use Piper's pic for your page) and I encourage you to PLEASE email this out to every one you know!!!! Our team name is Piper's Crew- Our goal is to raise $2000 for the American Lung Association. If we get 40 walkers and each walker gets at least $50 in pledges, we will EASILY make our goal. We only have 16 days until the walk - BUT I KNOW WE CAN DO IT! The Jaynes design group on ebay is also putting together a last minute group of benefit auctions to raise money for our team- if you are interested in listing something, please email me for details. jennycoe@cox.net

when having asthma doesn't seem so bad....

2009-03-12T08:33:00.000-07:00

If you've followed my blog for any amount of time, you probably already know that Miss Piper's (and my) life is ruled by asthma. It is pervasive, like any genetic health problem, and one that is sometimes really craptastic to deal with. Case in point: This photo was taken by a dear friend on Christmas night. New dolly-check! New jammies-check! Meds every 2 hours so she can breathe and we won't have to visit an ER on Christmas night-double check! Asthma just never seems to take a day off, the damn bastard.....

I was delighted when my mom told me about this camp that she had heard about, specifically for kiddos with asthma. Aptly named, Camp Not-A-Wheeze. See, she would NEVER be able to attend a normal summer camp. Most kids with a serious health condition can't, unfortunately. At least, not without their momma right be their side. Which, for a kid, can sometimes be a bummer. I am cool as hell. Just not so cool to my 7 year old, who is voraciously seeking a little independence. I am hoping she can go this year, but if not will start the process so that she will for SURE be there next year.

And then momma can get a MUCH NEEDED week off.

Monster catch-up post, continued.

2009-03-10T19:13:00.000-07:00

Got a snack? Got a drink? Gone potty? Great. Here we go, again. So. December was a fun month. Piper had her FIRST SLUMBER PARTY for her 7th birthday- American Girl themed, of course. I made all of the girls new jammies (with matching mini's for their dolls) as party favors. Five in all (which included birthday girl. One sister. Two nieces. One friend.) Four are pictured here.Number 5 was busy with Brighton, doing some much needed spy work.

Then, in January, I lost my fool mind, decided to close my online fabfab shop and wanted it to be over and done with AS SOON AS WAS HUMANLY POSSIBLE. An entire post is necessary regarding this bleak month in my life. Really. But later. Still processing it. I made so many stupid decisions in the month of January. For the record, CLOSING FABRIC BLISS WAS NOT ONE OF THEM- there were others. Many, many others.

So- this:

Went to this:

IN A MATTER OF HOURS. Well, on my site, at least. It took two solid weeks of cutting to get everything out. This was the first of about 10 shipments this size:

I am shuddering as I think about this painful memory. It was a really rough month. After this was all finished, we went to Pinetop, Az with some friends to play in the snow. (I really needed the break!)

And somewhere amidst all of the chaos, Mr. Camden was in the school spelling bee again. He lost on the word ..................... DENIM! DENIM! Such an easy word! AND its rumored that his mother has a serious fabric problem. (ahem- as in.... never enough, actually.) It stung. Really bad. He was PISSED! This was his get that damn camera out of my face, you weiner look. Next year is his year. I just know it.And then it was time for ANOTHER birthday. Miss Kenny is 6!

And another slumber party was in order, of COURSE!

We did put everyone in foam rollers to sleep in (just for fun) and we woke up to TONS OF CURLS!

So. I am embarrassed to admit this next event.

Our slut cat had kittens. Sound the alarms! We are irresponsible pet owners! I honestly did not know that a 4 month old baby could get preggers.... I know. I am a total loser. They are SUPER CUTE, though. And now. We are just about right back to present. Miss Piper has pneumonia. Again. She is sick as a dog. Again. I am having problems with the school and her 504 plan. Again. And her principal is a total weenie. TOTAL WEENIE. Yep. Now that I am not in business, I CAN SAY WHATEVER I WANT. And by the way, GO OBAMA :)

Do I have some explaining to do?

2009-03-09T13:44:00.001-07:00

Rumors of my death have been greatly exaggerated..... (totally kidding. I haven't actually heard that anyone thinks I am dead. I really just wanted to say that sentence one time. So. Marking it off the list.) I honestly cannot believe its been SO long since I last blogged. 4 months. TO THE DAY. Weird, right? I didn't plan on that. I just felt the urge today. I have missed it. But the break was nice. And much needed. I can't not document these few events that we have experienced over the last few months, so please bear (or is it bare?) with me as I work through what you (I) missed. This is probably going to be several posts. PLEASE. Try to contain your excitement. (and you might want to consider changies your undies. Gross.) Starting in early December: We got a tree and decorated it. It was Piper's year to add the star. Trust me, she would NOT let us forget. A few days later, we had a cookie making/decorating party. Just with nieces & Nannie <--a.k.a. my mom. The little bakers were dressed and ready. Funny. No one ever is excited to help me cook dinner. These kids are EXPERTS. Just a bit on the short side :) Auntie Meghan (my little sis) was the queen of the rolling pin. The cookies were DELICIOUS! And cute, if I do say so myself. That night, the girls and I were on the Girl Scout float in the Buckeye Light Parade. Piper took this of me and Kenny. Fun. Fun. Fun. I rocked a lot of red lipstick in December. A few nights later, we went caroling with my Girl Scout troop. Girl Scouts are a fun bunch. Trust me on this. Whew. Are you still reading? Feel free to take a snack and pee break. I'll still be here when you get back, I promise :) We also went to the Nutcracker sometime before Christmas. There are two things I am compelled to share about this photo. First, this is THE photo that made me start the South Beach diet. I almost didn't post it, but the rest of my fancy family looked so sweet, I had to face the light. (I lost 15 lbs the first 2 weeks. I am on week 3. I will keep you posted.) and Second. Piper looks all sweet, right? Well, she was a TOTAL HUSSY during the entire thing. She obsessed about getting a damn souvenir and basically ruined the night for herself. (I did the same thing when I was little- BUT I WAS FOUR AND WE WERE AT DISNEYLAND AND MY MOM WOULD NOT BUY ME A SUCKER. I was in the right, see? Piper was so. wrong.) Then Christmas and Santa came. (yep. made those stockings. ain't they purty?) Everyone got just about everything they wanted. Or what I told them they wanted. ROCK BAND! Yay. And we were officially introduced to American Girls. And immediately smitten. What Christmas is complete without Mama-made plush bathrobes and new slippers all around? And finally. A fancy Christmas morning breakfast (a tradition) for my fine family. Miss Piper's 7th birthday was 3 days after Christmas. (SUPREME birth planning, if I do say so myself.) Here's a sneak peek for you. More fun photos to come. It's good to be back. :)

She's an ADULT.

2008-11-09T09:28:00.000-08:00

My baby sister, Meghan, turns 18 tomorrow. Joins the world of adulthood. Holy. Crap.

It seems like just yesterday that she was a wee little baby. (Assuredly, there were better pictures of my sweet baby sister - just could not RESIST posting this HOT HOT HOT big hair picture of my aunt Erin - Hi ERWIN! Nana looks a little high. Were these the valium years?) And now. She's all grow'd up. Engaged to a wonderful guy. Well on her way to GREAT success. We had her party last night.

Here are the three proud older sis's. I (on the right) was 13 when she was born. (Yep. Do the math, pretty please.) The middle sis MELISSA (in the middle - how appropriate) was 14. And the OLDEST sister VANESSA (on the left) was 17. All of us, at one time or another, have been mistaken for Meghan's mommy. When she was a newborn - racked with colic and never sleeping- she made me not want to have kids. In fact, I vowed that I would never do that to myself. And then she got older. And ate chips and sang to me. At the same time. And loved her niece and nephew before she knew how to use a toilet. And then she got even older and helped me wash my car. And talked on our brother in law's brick cell phone to her broker. She taught me how to be a mom. Without even trying. I think my kids would thank her if they stopped to think about it. (This picture really has nothing to do with Meggie's bday- I just could not RESIST posting this rockin' early 90's outfit that my sister Melissa was sporting. Side french braid? Check. Bandeau top in bubblegum pink? Check. Muscle tunic in tie-die? Check.) I got her this as a gift. It contained: *A voter registration form; *A booklet on the ABC's of credit; *An alarm clock (yes, my mom still wakes her up.) *a sewing kit; *a get out of jail free card (In the unlikely even she were ever arrested, I promised to come bail her out and not tell our mom- more of a joke than anything) *A strand of big girl pearls with matching pearl earrings *and a daytimer :)

The party was tres fun. This is Miss P laughing her head off.

Happy Birthday, Miss Meghan.

I am issuing a challenge....

2008-11-08T09:40:00.000-08:00

...to all of my readers- Here are the details: 1) Leave a comment here & if you are not a blogger customer, email me (jen@fabricbliss.com) your contact info as well. This is how you'll enter PART I. 2) I will randomly pick 5 comments on Monday, November 10th. 3)Said commenters will receive a grab bag of various fabric and notions from me next week. 4)These commenters will have until the end of November to create something using at least 4 inches of each piece of fabric or notions from said grab bag to create something apparel -ish- including a bag or a shirt or a dress or an apron. You can add some of your own fabric as well, but the majority needs to be mostly stuff I sent you. 5) Creaters will then email me pics of said creations and I will post them on my blog, along with a link to your webstore. You all will then be able to vote on said creations. The winning creation will win a $100 gift certificate to FabricBliss.com You can receive an additional 10 entries to the initial part of the challenge by reposting this on your blog. Just email me the link after you post it. And yes. The grab bag will include some CRAZY fabric combinations. But I just know you'll make it work :) Just call me Tim.

Nerdy Teen Years chronicles...

2008-11-08T06:47:00.001-08:00

I am feeling the pressure of the NaBloPoMo challenge. (I missed yesterday- I suck) I am digging in deep to come up with new information to share witcha. These last 8 days have really proven something to me - my life is a little BORING. So I am falling back on some of my more interesting history to carry me through those days I just simply have nothing to share - So. Welcome to the Nerdy Teen Years chronicles. These years in my life hold a TON of material. A TON. I was a total nerd in high school- Yep. I understand how hard that is to believe coming from such a hot, put together, self assured chick (LOL) such as myself. But it's so true. I was the editor of the yearbook, in the Audio Visual club and in all honors classes- My induction into the Quill and Scroll society was a momentous occasion. NERD. NERD. NERD. But I was not a wallflower nerdly type. As this story will illustrate. (Ahhh, the impetuousness of youth. I miss it.) In 1995 my friend won tickets to a movie premier- I wish I could remember what movie it was, but alas that detail escapes me. This premier was being hosted by the local alternative rock station- 106.3 the Edge. (loook- I managed to find a pic of the bumper sticker- viva la internet!) Well, one of the dj's that was there looked really young. And cute. (To my nerd eyes.) So, the next night (assuredly over some wine coolers and zima- although UNDERAGE DRINKING IS WRONG, Mom) me and my girl Alison decided to call the radio station (because he was on the air) and ask how old he was. I am cringing at the memory as I write this. His on air handle was Squiggy. Squiggy. I can't remember how old he was , but I am thinking something around 21-22 - he could go to bars legally, of that I am sure. I was 17. Seriously. So, after a few hours of chatting with him on the phone that night, he rigged one of those call in contests and let me 'win' a free New Wave Hits of the 80's cd. I had to go to the station to pick it up the next day. And could I just pick up said cd without making a nerd of myself? Absolutely not, my friends- do you know me? So, whilst picking up said cd, I left a note AND A PICTURE (my senior headshot, for the record.) and said it was nice to chat and to call me (with my home phone number- ACK.) So. Called he did. Many times. Over the next few weeks. And during one of our many convos, he realized that I had never seen Die Hard. Apparently this was an important movie in cinematic history and he was appalled that I had never seen it. So, we made plans for him to come over to my house to watch said movie. So. I may have told a few friends. And my mom. And my sisters. And ok, EVERYONE I KNEW that this DJ from a rather well known radio station that we all listened to was coming over to my house to watch a movie. I may also have mentioned the date and time. And invited them over. And they all showed up. About 5 minutes after he got there. O.M.G. We tried to watch the movie in my room. On the delapidated tv that I inherited from my grandma. And the equally delapidated VCR that was the OG from the 80's that I saved from the trash. How cool was I? And really, how horrified do you think he was? 20 something. Watching a movie in the bedroom of a 17 yr old he didn;t know. Where was Chris Hansen? So, not only did said vcr not work, but Awesome.Momma came in and chastised us for being in my room with the door closed (times have SO changed, eh little sis?) and made us come out to the living room to watch. Surrounded by 20 or so of my friends, my sister's friends and my mom. O. M. G. He stayed for approximately 15 minutes of the movie and the gawking and then got an 'emergency page' (LOL) and had to go. I know this will totally surprise you, but he never called me again. In my freshman year of college, my creepy neighbor stole that cd. But that's an entirely different story. Squiggy (I don't remember his real name) if you're out there, I'd love to hear from you. I am so sorry I was such a nerd. If I had it to do over, I would have made sure there was no more than 10 gawkers :)ETA: And for the record- I've still never seen Die Hard- well except for the first 15 minutes.

Color me happy....

2008-11-06T08:24:00.000-08:00

....to be alive and well today. Take 15% off of anything in the RED category of my store today:

http://www.fabricbliss.com/category_s/32.htm by using code REDROCKS - this is an ongoing sale that will eventually include all colors of the rainbow, my peeps!

Does this count as blogging for the NoBloPoMo? Anyone? Anyone? I have much to say. But am feeling heated and foolhardy. Must. Wait. To. Blog. It's in EVERYONE's best interest :)

Facelift + Lou.

2008-11-05T07:57:00.000-08:00

I am doing some fall cleaning on my site this week. Sprucing up the crap-shack a wee bit. I am also tackling those tasks which have sat on the back burner for WAY too long. Nothing like foregoing a little (lot) of procrastination to make you feel so darn accomplished! It's almost...... GRATIFYING. Except that said tasks should have been done MONTHS AGO.

So. Seriously, why I am I feeling so good about this?

new welcome page to the site:

... Oh. And another new kitty joined our family. (crazy cat lady comments will be deleted.) Her name was Lulu until I most recently found out (due to the cat.weenie.incident.of.2008-don't.ask.) that Lulu is actually a Lou. And for the record, I was taking pictures of that delectable European Velvet whilst impromptu photo session took place. I kept 3 yards for myself, including the yardage he is playing on. I promise. He's a (pet quality) bobtail cat- complete with the crazy curly-q tail. Super friendly and playful! Did you notice this ^ over there ---> ? I accepted the challenge to blog every day this month. ... I am, right this minute, having a WTF moment. Go sign up. Be my friend. Post useless drivel (like this) or useful info, your choice. Just. Don't let me go it alone, pretty please.

My astronaut.

2008-11-04T14:49:00.000-08:00

My 9 year old delivered his first speech in class yesterday. He did great. He had to study an American Hero and give a speech as if he were that person. I won't assume that he chose John Glenn strictly for the costume potential. I'll let myself believe (for the most part) that he values Glenn's hard work, bravery, innovation and the ability to realize so many different firsts in one small lifetime.

But the costume did turn out pretty great. And it looked awful fun to wear.

Funniest part- He started out by introducing himself.... As Glonn Jen. And I didn't even laugh out loud. Proud of me?

happy halloween......

2008-11-02T11:07:00.000-08:00

....from the Village People!

Happy Fall.

2008-10-29T11:02:00.001-07:00

I love fall. And I LOVE my family. Daily, I treasure the blessing of not only being a mom and a wife, but also a sister and a daughter and an aunt and a true friend. There are other roles that I play in my life that sometimes cloud what is most important and has the most meaning. And then I get a reminder about what IS the most important. At the end of the day, when I kiss my kids and my husband goodnight and reflect on another finished day, it does not matter how clean my house was. Or what the neighbors think about my Halloween display (which this year is completely NON existent and I could not be happier). Or what a great mom/crafter/Martha/creative genius my friends think I am. I need a reminder of that every so often, as I catch myself getting caught up in things that on the surface seem SO important. But a year from now? I'll wonder why I was so stressed. And in a decade? I won't even remember a single detail.... I am imperfect. I am human. But, I am learning. Day by day. And constantly reminded about what is the MOST important.

Happy fall, my friends.

Our blissful weekend in Sedona.

2008-10-13T15:55:00.000-07:00

the happiest couple.

is it a rehearsal dinner if no rehearsing took place?

no kids for 3 days brings out Mr. Coe's weird side.

last moments of her single life. and boy. my chin is big.

pretty and yummy!

mom walked her down the aisle.

wedding karate chops. overstimulated. they wore the cheesy hats I bought them. true. blue. friends. a special guest joined us for dinner. congratulations, my friends.

a birthday for bella

2008-09-15T19:11:00.000-07:00

We were invited to a party celebrating Isabella's 6th birthday party this past weekend at Build a Bear. Fun. Stuff. Kenny is showing Bella her jewel aka a plastic dress-up ring she is currently obsessed with. Our Birthday Bear aka the employee that ran the party was PEPPY. Really. Even for her job. Really peptastic. Really. Here, they are preparing their hearts. YAY new FRIENDS! Among a few other things, I made Bella an apron for her birthday. I will post a link to where you can buy the pattern as soon as I get it on my site - it was quick, easy and IMHO turned out cute :)

i'll cherish this when she's older .or. why does target sell black furniture to people with young children? .

2008-09-15T18:32:00.001-07:00

ETA: Yes. She was standing on the coffee table. Dancing.

A happy tale of Mr. Cheese.

2008-09-09T07:19:00.000-07:00

I am happy to report that one of the family mice, who was once lost (about an hour ago) is now found. In a literal way. He is a contortionist that can squeeze his cute, little furry butt through the bars in his cage. And he did just that this morning. Oldest son heard the *ting of the bar as he passed through and came to alert the troops. We just spent an hour tearing apart their room, looking for the cheesemeister aka Mr. Cheese EVERYWHERE. We COULD NOT FIND HIM. Dejected son number two had to take a shower because he was going to be late for school. And dammitall if he didn't pick up his clothes and there was Mr. Cheese, curled up inside his denim shorts. Then we had one happy kid and I am more than positive one happy mouse..... See? I will take ANY good news I can get :) I might need to make a cake to celebrate. For now, I just created an artist's rendering (with the help of google images thankyouverymuch) to let you see what a fancy mouse looks like. He's a cutie. (he doesn't really have a hat. But we wish he did. And a little sweater.)

Hey, black cloud. Move ON.

2008-09-08T17:08:00.000-07:00

Hmpg. Where have I been? Where have I been, that's more what the question is.... I don't even really know. Here are some possibilities: I am still recovering from mono. Recovering from dealing with Piper's ill.prepared.to.deal.with.mad.parents.teacher (which, in short, has turned into a situation fit for a Seinfeld episode- it deserves it's very own blog post and when we have resolution, I promise I will do just that). I am still recovering from Piper's asthma flare-up. And I've spent a few days entertaining my dad and crew that are in Arizona on a short notice vacay. Also, trying to get my once burgeoning (but now slooooow) business thriving again. And then throw in that regular mom.crap we all deal with on a daily basis, spritz it with a little EVOO (in my best Rachel Ray voice) and bada bing, bada boom. That's where I've been. I am trying to achieve more normal in my life. But, the black cloud... it just won't MOVE ON, my peeps. Come on, now. Why? So.... what's got my panties in a bundle today, you ask? Well, my oldest son was called a crybaby in class today. By. His. TEACHER. IN FRONT OF HIS ENTIRE CLASS. So, I know some of you out there will not be too shocked by this. I might be perceived as being a touch too sensitive. But my oldest son, as you might remember, is a bit of a smarty. Like, really. Really. Smart. And he is also VERY sensitive. It boggles my mind what he must go through on any normal day, having the intelligence of an adult, but with the coping mechanisms of a 10 year old child. He understands 100% factually, but emotionally, its got to be a lot to deal with. I try to keep him sheltered at home, but the small things at school that get bypassed by the average kid..... well, this one understands in a more sophisticated way and reacts strongly. Mostly to injustice. And teachers being snide. Or sarcastic. Sometimes downright mean. He gets it when the other kids are oblivious. And so, he is in this class that was supposed to be the answer to all of our dreams. It's specifically for highly gifted kids. It was supposed to be a safe place for him to be himself, with no fear of mocking from the other kids that think his superior brain power = weird. And then the damn teacher that is supposed to be the leader of this Utopian society goes and calls him a crybaby in front of the entire class. And, he is DEVASTATED. And so is his momma. I want to go kick his teacher in the crotch. So.

Gratuitous cute kitty shot to make happiness reign free. (Frankie is getting BIG, yo?!) My parting message to the universe is this: Move on, black cloud. We're happiness and rainbows over here. The rain can stop now. (HEY! Yep. I know my problems are small potatoes compared to most. I am GLAD for them most days. But momma don't need a new pair of shoes, she needs a straight week minus the drama. Pretty please?)

She's out! I'm back! Life is... uhh.... life?

2008-08-29T09:38:00.000-07:00

As a girl born and bred in the age of media, I feel this post would be best accompanied by some breaking news music, but alas I am a true technophobe. I just don't know how to add sound to my blog. Or how to find sound. Or what that breaking news sound would be called so that I might be able to google it. So. Hopefully, your mind's orchestra will be a willing participant and play along. This is indeed breaking news. In my life, at least. Miss P is home from the hospital. And on the mend. And playing video games. And looking skinny. And tired. And still a wee bit sickly. But on the mend. (yep. that is a gown from the hospital. They said we could have it. It's been washed. As has she - she got a good scrub down the minute we got home! She smelled icky after a week with nothing but sponge baths!!!) She's not quite ready to go back to school. Which is good, because I'm not quite ready to send her. They made a mistake and let her play at recess on only the second day of school she's managed to make it to this year. Even though I sent a note requesting she not. And then she ended up in the E.R.And you know the rest. I am FAR from feeling like I can trust them, you see. Fool me once, shame on you. I won't give you a chance to fool me twice - at least not yet. I have a meeting with the superintendent and principal and her teacher and the P.E. coach and the school nurse this afternoon. I am hoping for a positive outcome. And a plan. And a system. But I am still scared to death to let them take care of my babe again. I am not sure how I'll ever get over that. Especially after witnessing her literally fighting for every breath in the ICU for 2 days. And being really and truly scared that I was going to lose her. I am not sure how I'll ever get past that. Golly. Enough of that because I've done enough crying around here the last 10 days to fill up an ocean. Onto happier things. Like new fabric. My good friend Wendy.who.has.no.blog.to.link.to came over about 2 weeks ago and had an intimate photo shoot with some new fabfab. (I promise, she kept her clothes on and no fabfab was soiled during said photo shoot but DAMN this girl loves some fabfab. PROBABLY more than myself. *gasp*) I am going to be working on getting it up on the site today and this weekend. And then there will undoubtedly be a FABULOUS sale. So. If you've not already, please sign up for my newsletter at www.fabricbliss.com (the sign up box is on the left hand side near the bottom or email your address to me and I will add you) so you can hear about the details of the sale. Have a wonderful Labor Day :) My momma's bday is on Tuesday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!

A positive update

2008-08-23T08:53:00.000-07:00

Miss P was moved out of ICU last night and up to the regular respiratory floor- her breathing is still shallow and labored and she is still requiring a ton of oxygen - but she is stable, non-critical, getting better and PISSED! I have never been more glad to see my babe mad. Mean. Nasty to the nurses. Complaining at EVERY opportunity. Showing her evil side..... BECAUSE THAT MEANS HER SPIRIT IS BACK. She was non-responsive for the previous 48 hours. Working on trying to breathe and staying alive. That was terrifying for me. MY DAUGHTER IS BEING AN ASS AND I CAN'T BE MORE HAPPY ABOUT IT. Thank you everyone for your prayers. I know all of this fabfab positive thinking has really helped my babe get through this. (these last two pics are of my girl at the Art Museum earlier in the summer. She's so funny.)

Update.

2008-08-22T06:19:00.000-07:00

Miss P. is in the Pediatric ICU. This is the sickest my poor babe has ever been. And I am scared. I am kicking myself in the ass that unless I take care of myself (which does not include sleeping bedside at the hospital) I will become an inpatient myself. But Mister Coe is doing a wonderful job of stepping in for mom. He is tired. He is unwashed. But he is there for our girl. xo.

Crisis. It likes to bring friends along.

2008-08-21T08:37:00.000-07:00

I've apparently spent too much time feeling sorry for myself as of late. The big guy upstairs must have noticed and decided to send me a Godsmack to bring me back down to earth. Back to the reality that my life is blessed and my worries are small. Please keep my girl, Miss Piper, (the silly one on the right) in your prayers if you have the time and /or inclination. We'll gladly take good thoughts and positive vibes, too. She's been admitted into the hospital for her asthma. Darling dad had to take her at about 1 a.m. because I am just too sick. I've just spoken with him and she's just not responding to the regular round of treatments like she normally does. They are transferring her to a new room. I am waiting to hear back where she's at and then my momma is taking me to the hospital to be with my baby. (not quite driving yet.) I know she'll be ok. I'm just scared. xo.

Winner. Winner. Chicken. Dinner.

2008-08-20T20:51:00.000-07:00

Ok. There's not really any poultry involved. It's actually fat quarters of 1974. But nothing related to a contest rhymes with Fat Quarters. At least nothing my addled brain could think of... feel free to set me straight in the comments :) Anyhoo - without further ado- the winner of the GREAT 1974 FAT QUARTER GIVEAWAY OF 2008 is..........................

vada0427 said...

Oh, my Fab Fab Friend, I feel for ya! I had the mono nasties freshman year of college - right before finals & a big Christmas trip to Disney World - not fun. Your uber health plan sounds good - I hope you feel more normal soon. And.I.Hope.I.Win.These.YUMMY.Fat.Quarters!!!!!! Get back to napping.... Karen G.

August 19, 2008 4:11 PM

KAREN G?! You're my friend in fabric !!!!! :) I already have your address, so those FQ's will be in the mail lickety split. (well, not really. Kathy doesn't work again until Friday. But man, watch out! Because when she gets here, she'll print that shipping label out FAST. FAST. FAST.) And. I am also obligated by sheer hilarity to give another set to a comment that deserves honorable mention. Because I literally LOLed at this one. Because Kathy literally LOLed at this one. And then we talked about it again and LOLEd together. It was really a special moment. Mostly because I was called a weenie (and therebye this comment spoke directly to the cockels of my heart). The other set of 1974 FQ's goes to..........................

Anna Willett said...

here's the deal, weenie... you pick me and i will make you bbb pjs. promise. do we have a deal. and i might stop calling you weenie when i comment. but i can't promise on that last one. http://www.hannahskillet.blogspot.com

August 19, 2008 8:22 PM

Anna. You are a hoot. Thank you for making me (us) laugh! And I don't really expect BBB pj's. My butt takes a lotta lotta lotta fabfab to cover. I just couldn't expect you to have to dig into the stash that deep for me. :) But you cracked me up nonetheless. Send me your address and Kath will get those fq's right out. And please don't ever stop calling me a weenie. :) Thanks to everyone that took time to leave a comment :) xo.

a little of this and that and a free set of fat quarters.

2008-08-19T14:12:00.000-07:00

First. I listed some harder to find fabrics on eBay. If you make diapers or love diapers or buy diapers, you'll be excited. If you don't.... you probably won't get it. But ding-dangit... look anyway! I command you. :) I am only listing things that I already had pictures of- which stinks because I have a lot of remnants and bolt ends I'd love to clear out. But the poor hands are still too weak to hold my camera. Pa-thetic! And I could not find my tripod- thinking it played a leading role in some Coe.kid.production recently. Will grill the kids when the get home from school. But for now, this:

So. Speaking of weak and shaky hands, I am still, in fact, in the acute stage of mono. Which is freakin' ridiculous. 4 weeks and 3 days later, I feel like I am not getting any better. My mind is willing. But the bod is not. My doc is at a total loss, so I took matters into my own hands. I am eating a fresh, land mammal free, immuno-supportive diet for at least the next month and/or until I start to feel better. I am a typical fast.food.eating.processed.additive.junky, but my appetite has not come back 100% anyway. So, healthy eating? I can't think of a more perfect time to start. Maybe I will transform into a health nut. Here's hoping that I can kick this nasty bug. I am really starting to tire of being tired. Isn't that silly? But Kathy is really starting to get into a really good groove. I hope no one was been too put out by the 3 times a week shipping? Now if only she'll start taking those pictures, we'll be right back to business :) I did manage to get this new collection from the uber talented Urban Chicks of Moda on my site. And.... Kathy was nice enough to cut a fat quarter collection featuring one cut from each of these new bolts of yummy fabric (total of 13 FQ's) because she rocks like that. Leave a comment on this post to be entered to win this FQ collection. I will pick a random commenter tomorrow. Hmm. Anything else? Oh. Yes. I got sick right after Mr. Brighton's 9th birthday. His slumber party had to be canceled and is still pending, poor boy. But I assure you, a party delayed due to mom being sick only results in a mega blowout with all of the bells and whistles. I just hope it's not going to end up a subject of massive and intense counseling when my baby is an adult. But, anyhoo - I neglected to post a pic of the handsome boy and I can fix that now. 9. It hardly seems possible. My brown haired boy is growing up. And I am going back to bed. xo.

I can't decide which is cutest....

2008-08-13T10:10:00.000-07:00

The model. The pose. The outfit. or The fabric. I am a sucker for fabric, but in this case, I have to go with the model :) This set is by Deanna of Darling Baby. Isn't is SO FABULOUS? Fabrics can be found here and here. The pink stretchy lace is here. Elfi has long since sold out. I love to see what you make out of your fab fabricbliss fab! Email me pictures so I can post them here!

outakes and advertising.

2008-08-11T19:43:00.001-07:00

Piper was my totally excited and willing model (NOT) a few months ago for a photo shoot for advertising for my site. I had some big plans. And then I got busy and it all just sort of got stuck on the back burner. So. Since I have had nothing but... ahem... TIME on my hands (AND LOTS OF IT) I was perusing the pics today and LAUGHING MY BUTT OFF. One of the outtakes became a new button on my sidebar. (feel free to steal it to spread the good word of the bliss on your blog -----> you can find the code to do it here: http://www.practiceboard.com/?9728244 And I thought I'd share some of the too funny to use outtakes with y'all.

meditating piper. ohm. ohm. ohm. like this, mom? no, piper. like this. IS SHE THROWING GANG SIGNS? will this look sell fabric? maybe a scary smile would work? um. where did the carebear come from? SUCCESS.