Maddie Marrs Boutique

Depression Bites! part 3

2011-12-04T16:40:00.001-06:00

Here's my story, part 3 . . .

WHAT? She has what?

Kawasaki Disease.

Doctors are trying to explain to us what this is and what to expect. Kawasaki Disease (KD), sigh. There is no way to know for sure, as there is no test for it. The tricky thing is that you only have so long to catch and treat this. So off we go to the hospital in Dallas. This would turn out to be a night that would hurt my heart all these years and essentially lead up to one of my diagnosis of post tramatic stress. The poking and probing my daughter endured, add that she is dehydrated and it makes for a horrible position for anyone to go through. My husband and I are completely distrout and are all cried out at some point that evening. Nothing worse then having to watch your daughter lie there helpless and hooked up to so much equipment. Worse even, was watching them place a cathetor in her. :( At some point late that night, my husband left home to be with our 4 year old. I was not leaving any where without my daughter, I was staying put at the hospital. More to this in Depression, part 2.

So we are wheeled to the room late night/early morning . . .

In the morning, the doctors came in and explained that they had had conference calls with her doctor and all feel like this may be a Kawasaki. I'm grateful for her doctor to be able to catch this. Apparently it is very hard to diagnosis and often gets over looked. Thank you God for giving us a fabulous pediatrician. I'm forever grateful to you Dr. Yuri Cook! They explain what needs to happen. They need me and my husband to authorize their plan of action. They needed to get her an IVIG, which takes awhile to put together. I was told they had to fly it in and then it takes a few hours to prepare. They would also need to be fully staffed in case anything went wrong and further explain that the IVIG is strong and there is a possability that she may not make it. Plus they needed some specialists on site, for example the pediatric cardiologists. My heart sunk and I think a large part of me died that day! After discussing with my husband and my mom, I knew I had to do whatever I had to do to save my baby. We signed off on the paper work and did a lot of praying. I know God heard, because she is still here with us today! I still want to know why my daughter!? WHY US!?! I remember praying to God and asking him to give this disease to me, and that I would be okay with giving up my life in exchange for sparing my daughter and to please let her have a chance at life. I ~~wouldn't~~ couldn't leave her side for nothing. Not for a shower, not for food, not for anything. I remember looking out the window at the traffic and wondering why life couldn't stop for just a second, long enough so that I could grasp the severity of what we were going through. Life seemed so cruel to me! I STILL have many questions for the good Lord. Does that make me a bad person? I feel like it does at times.

Everything is sit up and ready to go for the next day Sunday. Let's get this ball running so we can just go home and be healthy again. Not that simple. I forgot how many things we were suppose to look for, signs that things were not going well and that she was possibily fading. I do remember though that she was on her way down hill. The doctor explained what was going on and that an option we had was to lower drip. So what was suppose to be a 24 hour drip would be more like a 36 hour drip and a few more days in the hospital. I was completely okay with that as long as my baby was okay. God please save my baby, I'm not ready to leave me. I'm selfish that way. I am aware of children being given to us on borrowed time, but I wasn't ready for us to part. I'm still not!

I remember vividly one night my daughter waking up with a set of eyes that I can only describe as something I've never seen other then on the movies. She had almost an evil look and starting wacking me with her arm that had the IV's and a board to support her little hand. The hitting did hurt, but what hurt most was the look I cannot erase from my head. I have never seen such a thing and it scared me. I remember explaining to my mother the next day and I am not sure if she believed me or not. I don't blame her if she didn't, because I think you had to see it to believe it. I cannot imagine what was running through my daughter's little mind. Did she think I was doing this to her? Did she think I was a monster? Does she know how much I love her?

She did recover and she did indeed have Kawasaki. I was told the tell-tell sign was if her hands and feet started peeling in sheets. It did! Again I know how lucky we are. Some children don't make it through an IVIG treatment; others get diagnosed with Kawasaki but are not treated in time, and suffer their whole lives; others don't get diagnosed and do not make it; some get an IVIG treatment and still need more. Yes, we are blessed. She still does and will continue to have an annual cardio visit to make sure her heart is doing what it needs to be doing. So far so good. They have noticed some issues, but nothing to be concerned with at this time. Just a lot of monitoring. I live in fear everyday and am working on not letting this eat me up. I know that she can have a relapse, I know she can have a heart attack or an aneurysm but I need to learn to not focus on all that. I know God is good and he has never left our side but I do find myself so angry sometimes and I don't know why? I hate the feeling. My daughter was never quiet the same after the hospital ordeal. She would hide under the end tables, she shut down personality wise and became very shy and introverted. I don't blame her really but I needed to work on this. I ~~didn't~~ don't want that for her. She is 5 years today and doing great. My daughter is adapting to Kinder very well and her bubbly personality has come back. She does suffer side effects, however, it is unclear whether they came from the IVIG or from the Kawasaki itself. She fatigues often and quicker then ever, she has severe allergies and some respiratory issues. She seems to catch things easier then most would. But as I sit here typing, she and her sister are putting the Christmas cards together for me and that warms my heart in a way I am not able to express. They have begged all day to be the ones to put the cards in the envelopes and to seal them. Perfectly okay with me! wink I don't know why she was the chosen one to endure so much at such a young age and it bothers me to even think about it all - but it happened. I know people say it makes you stronger, however I think it did the reverse for me. I feel weaker then I ever have. As my story goes on, you will see how I started to come undone at the seams. I fight a battle everyday within myself and the feeling at times is so overwhelming and so unmanageable I can't imagine going through another day, but I'm here and ready to continue this fight - all for the love of my children and because I know God has to have big plans for my family. Maybe Kawasaki Disease (KD) is our mission!

I do want to take a moment to thank all those that came to visit, for the lift in spirits, for the gifts, for the many prayers sent for my daughter's health. I have a big thank you to my friend Nicole Jasien. Nicole did not hesitate to bring a bag full of goodies to the hospital. She knew I wouldn't leave to eat and made sure we had something in the room to eat at any given time. I never thanked her fully and no, I have NEVER forgotten. Thank you Nicole! I really do appreciate our friendship, even if at times I have a funny way of showing you. May God bless you and your family. You are a beautiful person inside and out. I sure do hope you know how much I do love you!

A note to God: If you are listening to me . . . I'm terribly sorry for the questions that I have, the worries I carry, the doubt I sometimes have. I know I treated others in a not so kind manner. I was hurting and did not know how to handle any of my thoughts and actions and it was never okay to treat others in an unfair way. I know you are there protecting my daughters because I'm still fortunate to have them in my life and from the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU! Please help restrengthen my relationship with you and let me have no fear, for I know you are near. I really do!

Part 4, coming soon!

Thanking God for all my blessings!

2011-03-29T10:57:00.003-05:00

I want to take a moment to apologize for my being MIA. I have had many many challenges and trying times in my life. However, now that I see all the progress that I have made, all I can do is thank the Lord for blessing me and making me extremely lucky to have over come it all and finally being able to heal. I AM blessed. I know this and am again very grateful. For all that have been supportive, understanding and just plain awesome, THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. The first on that list are my parents. I honestly do not believe I could have over come these huge obsticles without their complete support. When making decisions regarding my children, they are who inspire me. Thanks mom and dad, you truely are a blessing and I thank God every night for choosing you to have me. xox A big shout out to my darling husband who has been there through thick and thin. It was hard work and I am aware of that. I hope our children are lucky one day to find a man as great as their father. xox

Maddie Marrs was neglected and it I am determined to get her back on track. With that being said, I am happy to announce that I have a new partner joining the team and am completely and utterly excited with all the new changes we are working on for our lovely Maddie Marr! Please help me in welcoming Lisa Washington to Maddie Marrs! I am confident you will love her and her big ideas. :)

More posts, more give aways and more designs coming very very soon! :)

Depression Bites! part 2

2010-09-23T10:20:00.003-05:00

So I'm very pregnant and things were finally going smoothly. I start getting geared up for baby girl #2 and still doing several play dates with baby girl #1. In fact, I was overly active, which if you know me is how I burn my energy. Baby #2 arrives and all is smooth just as with the first. They hand her over to me and of course I am admiring her when all of a sudden everyone starts looking at each other with some secret sign language or code that the doctor and nurses have. They whisk in and take her from me and some nurses start leaving the room. DH and I ask if everything is okay and of course we get the reassurance that everything is, but guess what it's not! She is turning blue and not breathing. After the pediatric doctor comes in and looks her over everything is back on track and I'm reintroduced to my daughter. :) Mom came in to help out with my oldest and to help me and dh out. Yes that was heaven sent, although she did that with the first baby as well (that's a mom for ya!). We get situated and all is well. Start my play dates back up, back out with peeps and really enjoying the two blessings I was given, even if they were both pleasant surprises, yes folks it happened twice! :)

My daughter was born in January '06. On April '06 I get a phone call from my sister in Corpus and she lets me know that my dad was not feeling well and he was rushed to the hospital by my mother. I'm trying to stay calm and actually focus my energy into Easter that is rapidly approaching and my girls of course who are small and need all my attention. Later I get a call that just completely shattered my world. My dad had a heart attack and he was going to need surgery fast (quad bypass). I book a flight and gather mine and my kids belongings to go to Corpus. I have at this point, a 2 year old and a 2 month old and wondering if I can do this. Then I start to think, I don't have a choice this is my father. I'm scared, nervous and start praying for nothing to be wrong, for strength for all of us and for my dad to have the courage to get through this and for him to just be okay for all of us that need him. I fly into Corpus and my mom comes to get me, the girls and our millions of belongings (car seats, double stroller, pampers, clothes, bottles, blah blah blah). She immediately takes me to the hospital and tells me to rush up and see dad because they will be taking him to surgery very soon and he is expecting me. I get into the room and see this man that I love so much getting ready to be taken away. I hardly get to speak to him, which is in retrospect is a good thing, since we were emotional the little time we had together. As I look around the room and the waiting room I cannot believe all the family and friends (some who drove in from out of town) that were there to be with us, show love and to be giving my dad the support he needed. We hang out in the waiting room for hours, which with 2 small ones is not easy. Late that evening the doctor that preformed the surgery comes out and speaks to us, letting us know that it was all done, daddy did good and he expects my father to make a full recovery. Yay! All I could think was that this was the BESTest Easter ever! I had the gift of my father and in better than ever condition. I spent all my days at the hospital with the girls. My dad enjoyed seeing them and I tried to help when and where I could. However, if you know my dad you also know that I still got yelled at for things. LOL The family and I know this is a good thing! It means he is on his way to recovering and is still some what healthy. God never left my dad or us, the family, he was always right there. I think I stayed for 2 weeks and then me and the girls flew back home. He had nurses come over to the house and take care of him and one of our cousins brought over a comfortable recliner, since he needed to be sitting up most of the time so he didn't get any fluid in his lungs. Of course my father bounced back faster then the doctors thought and was back out at work, taking it easy of course.

Life for the most part seem to be getting back to normal after awhile. Well, I say that but in reality I was still heartbroken, still suffering from post partum and some where along the way started to shop. I guess that was my drug of choice. Yes, I shopped, shopped and shopped some more. Not realizing I was not only getting carried away, but getting in deep, very deep. Dh and I just agree that I just need to back off the shopping and get back on track and we could clean this mess together. Sounds easy enough? It wasn't but after a while things were getting better. After awhile my antidepressant wasn't working as well as it once did. I went back to the doctor and they moved me up some more. After awhile I did start to feel good again. Two years later . . .

August '08 - My second daughter become ill, very ill. I took her on a Friday to Acute Care, an after hours minor emergency for kids. They thought maybe she had hand, foot, month disease. I let them know that her fevers were extremely high and not breaking. They called her doctor, but the doctor on call advised the nurse to have me keep her hydrated and still give her medication for fever and to go see her doctor in the morning (Saturday Clinic). I bring her home and try to make her as comfortable as I can. First thing in the morning, I took my daughter to see her pediatric doctor. At this point, I let him know she is limping. It started Friday evening. We take her to the hall and made her walk and sure enough she was limping. He orders us to the hospital for blood work and xrays and tells us to go home and he will contact us with the results. Later that day we get the phone call and the doctor is telling us to take her to the children's hospital and they will be expecting us. The doctor goes on to let me know that he believes she has Kawasaki Disease. Kawa what! At this point I didn't care what she had I just wanted to get her to the hospital and have them help us. We arrive and they have us go to the room and then it begins . . . the nightmare I can still see in my head. They poked and pricked her and since she was dehydrated it was hard for the IV to go in. She was screaming so it only hurt me that much more. I actually remember yelling at the nurse to stop poking her, if he couldn't find the vein then too bad. Which of course my dh is asking what is wrong with me because we cannot just go home with her like this. I just wanted to be the one sick, poked and pricked and just for her to be left alone. Literally, there were nurses outside the room, when one would leave the room another one would walk in and something else would be done to her. I cried and cried and finally I just couldn't anymore and neither could my daughter. I just held her on the bed feeling completely numb. After all this is done they tell us just to wait and they will be admitting us into a room shortly. Dh goes home to take care of our oldest daughter and of course I stay behind. I am NOT going anywhere without my daughter. A little after midnight they wheel chair me and my daughter to our room. She's exhausted and so am I.

Part 3, coming soon!

Depression Bites!

2010-09-19T20:36:00.006-05:00

The number question I have been getting has been, "Where are you, where have you been?" Well, I've had a lot going on unfortunately it hasn't been working upstairs in my studio. :( The good news is I have sketched out so many ideas and patterns just need to gain the courage and strength to actually do it. :) For two years now my life has been so hectic to the point that it has become unmanageable. Of course acknowledging that was a battle in itself. BIG SIGH

This is my story, the good the bad, the crazy! But in the end I am finding out that I'm still blessed.

I have come to terms with what I have and what it really is . . . Depression!
Yes full blown nasty depression.

My story really begins after I had my first daughter. When I finished weening her from nursing, I felt down. I of course ignored it, but it didn't go away. I cried one morning from when I woke up until I couldn't cry anymore that evening. I couldn't understand what was going on with me since of course I was completely over the moon with being a new mom. After a couple of times of screwing up the bills that I am accustomed to paying (husband doesn't know how much I spend this way, or so I thought), I finally realized that just maybe I was suffering from post partum. Because my husband was wondering why am I not only getting it together with the bills but guess what, he found out about my ugly little secret - shopping. My daughter was six months when this happened and I started to think that it couldn't be since she was no longer a "newborn". I decide it is time to call the doctor (actually me and a friend of mine) and made an appointment. Funny story, I am in the room waiting for the midwife to come in and I am very calm. To the point where I wondered if I was wrong for making the appointment. When she walks in and say "Hi" I of course tell her the same thing back, to which she asks, "How are ya". Funny how things work, I actually told her that I was fine. She looked at me and said "are you sure". That was all it took for me to just start balling. Yes to the point to where I could even say anything else. Yup, I sure did need that appointment. Turns out yes hormones can go wacky again after nursing. So there ya go! Doctor says if I'm stable for six months he will begin weening me at that point. I agree and off I go! Didn't feel any relief for a few weeks, but when it kicked in BOY life was great again. I get close to six months and I am gearing up for being weened. It sucks having to remember to take your meds, because you may not notice anything that day but you do eventually. That is a bad day in itself. So did I get weened from meds? hmmmm!

Wait I'm PreGnant? No! Well doctor lets me know that I need to stay on a little longer as hormones are about to go all wacky again. Was he right? Oh yeah, month six of being pregnant I was in Corpus to spend some time with the family and get some help with my 1 year old. Sleep is all I wanted to do and all I could do. When out of nowhere BAM the hormones head resurfaced and worse then ever. Family not knowing what to do, and can't blame them since I apparently was the first to experience all this, turn to my DH *darling husband/damn husband depending on tone*. So he of course is in North Texas working and when gets wind of my "attitude" gets in contact with my doctor. He (doc) ups the meds a tad and sends meds via fax to Wal-Green's. His office contacts me on my cell phone and trys to see what all is going on. He advises that once I return he would really like to see me to check me out. I returned back home and went in for the exam and everything turned out fine. One thing I should do is apologize to everyone in Corpus. It was a pregnant hormonal nightmare for me, I cannot even imagine what the family felt. Again very sorry! :O

Part 2: Coming Soon, After baby 2 is born!

HaPpY jUlY 4tH!

2010-07-04T12:32:00.000-05:00

Fireworks, family and friends. That's what I think of when July 4th comes around! None of it could have happened with out our heros who bravely fight for us every single day. Even when they are not remembered because we take our freedom for granted. I wanted to give a BIG THANKS! Life is hard, but family is priceless! I love being a Texan, but I really love being an American! God is good! :) Hope everyone has fun plans, but please be safe.

Weddings!

2010-06-24T18:27:00.000-05:00

I love Weddings! They are so joyful and inspiring to go to. That being said, MY SISTER IS GETTING MARRIED!

My two daughters get to be flower girls and now it is time to start shopping. My favorite thing in the whole world to do. I got married 11 years ago! Wow saying that ( or typing :) ) makes me feel old. :( Anyways I wanted to give a big CONGRATULATIONS to my wonderful sister Norma and her fiance Adolfo!

2010 School Year Ends! :(

2010-06-18T16:16:00.000-05:00

Well, school is now out and I am not sure which is better, waking up early every morning to make sure the kids are up, dressed, fed and on their way to school OR having the kids home every day for 3 months. lol I'm kidding of course. I love to have them home with me, EVEN if it isn't fun all the time. :) So 2010 WOW! my niece graduated high school from my alma mater; my oldest daughter finished kinder and my youngest daughter completed preschool. I'm sooooo proud of everyone doing so well and thriving to become something wonderful and hopefully make a positive impact on this world. Congrats to all the 2010 graduates, you ROCK!

Sienna's Elephant Class of 2010:

Sienna looking adorable on her last day of school: It was a day of spashing and fun!

Madison hugging her Kinder teacher Ms. Festa.

Madison receiving her certificate from her principal Ms. Woodard.

Madison, Ms. Festa, Gwennyth (Madison's neighbor and BFF). I love them!

Slacking . . .

2010-04-27T21:15:00.001-05:00

Yes, completely aware of my disinterestedness in blogging lately, especially since I was enjoying the fact that it was a fun out let to let my daily frustrations out. lol That's usually when I work like a mad woman. I have some photos I have been wanting to upload (I do not have a good excuse by the way, on why I do not have them uploaded already. Good thing the camera has a lot of memory. Some photos will be of the Girls Birthday parties, others new designs and recent tees I've done, Easter and some of us just clowning around. Oh and a few snap shots of the crazy winter we experienced here in North Texas this year. Crazy! Anyways, my goal is to upload the photos this evening and blog about them tomorrow. If I succeed at this challenge in which I present to myself, then I would have battled STEP ONE of my "own" 12 step program I've designed for myself. :) Darn, I also just (right this minute) realized that I have forgotten to post some of my quilt blocks that I have done. Stay tuned . . . New pictures and stories to follow tomorrow. Good Night!

I'm here! Some where!

2010-02-25T21:12:00.001-06:00

I know I've been MIA for quite some time. Things are about to change! I will be back hopefully in the next day or so to show off my new project. I'm taking up quilting and have done my first block! Yay me! It isn't perfect, but it IS my first block and I'm sure things can only look better with practice . . . or can they? Hmmmm . . . . :)

Christmas 2009

2010-01-01T15:03:00.000-06:00

Christmas 2009 was simple, low key and great! The girls really enjoyed their gifts and the spirit of Christmas. We, of course, went to give old Santa a visit. But as you can see on the photo, Sienna wanted nothing to do with sitting on Santa's lap. So the compromise was stand in front of sister. It worked out well, considering we could have had a repeat of our 2007 visit. Sienna was all sorts of angry and let everyone know. Any ways here is our 2009 Santa visit.

The girls also had a fantastic Christmas! They left plenty of reindeer food out for the reindeer and homemade cookies and some milk for Santa. I think they were pleased, wouldn't you say?

Hope everyone had a fantastic Christmas and Wishing you nothing but great things in 2010!

Death in Family

2009-12-01T18:45:00.001-06:00

I know I haven't been on in a long while. I've had so many great intentions of showcasing some cute outfits and designs, but life has been very hectic. Anyways, as I try to keep going forward I keep getting held back. Maybe I'm being tested, I don't know! I just wanted to let you know that I've been out very ill and while recovering received terrible news. My cousin has passed in an auto accident. She was a WONDERFUL woman and is going to be terribly missed. She has three wonderful and beautiful daughters who will now have to move forward without their mother, their friend. I pray for so much strength and hope for all my family including but not limited to my cousins three daughters, my aunt, my mom, and my cousins/siblings. Anyways, I needed to get this off my chest and will be back shortly. Thanks for your continued support!

RIP Terry: You will always be in our hearts and minds! You will be terribly missed, and this world just lost one perfect angel. xox

Blog'holic

2009-11-07T17:25:00.000-06:00

I am such a blogholic! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE craft/sewing sites. If you know of any good ones e-mail me a link to shellyrivera@yahoo.com. lol Some how looking at crafts just brightens my day! **sigh**

Anyways, Skip To my Lou is one of several I enjoy following. Just my two cents for today! Enjoy!

Link: Skip to My Lou

Happy Saturday!

J.D.'s Birthday!

2009-11-02T16:00:00.001-06:00

October 22, 2009

My girls and I baked a cake for daddy. Why? Well, cause store bought cakes to me suck! lol Everyone was cooperating, which is usually the challenging part. In fact, they were doing "team" work all the way up until it was time to decorate the darn thing. lol I had to cut the cake in half, just so that there was not a brawl in the kitchen. DH didn't mind, in fact, he thought it, the cake, was perfect. And it was all the way up until the last bite hee-hee

Richie's & Veronica's Wedding!

2009-11-02T15:43:00.001-06:00

This was the first time my two girls were flower girls and they had the pleasure of doing so at my nephew's and now new niece's wedding. It was beautiful, but I think the photos say it all. The bride is a sweet reflection of myself, if I shall say so myself! lol Maybe that's why we click. My husband and I wish them nothing but a beautiful life together. -xox

HALLOWEEN!

2009-10-07T18:30:00.008-05:00

Need a tee for Halloween! Here are some tees that can be done. If you cannot find something you are looking for, please inquire. I have lots of designs and just don't always get around to posting all of them. *blush*

Anyways, I've been doing lots of customs and some regular items to sell here and there. Remember if you can think it. I most likely can do it! I do anything from NewBorn to Adults!

Burp cloths, Tees, Skirts, Blankets, bibs, bows, tutus, etc. If I don't sell it, I can direct you to great people I surround myself with that are very talented.

Here are a few designs I hope you find inspirational!

In addition, I have listed some Halloween fabrics. I will be trying to list all my fabrics a little at a time since I have SOOOOO much of it. :>

HALLOWEEN FABRICS:

School Rocks . . .

2009-08-25T11:35:00.003-05:00

Yes it does! Yesterday was my oldest daughters first day of Kindergarten. Was I heart broken sending her off? Yup. Did I miss her terribly? Yup. Did the day go by slower than any other day ever? Yup. But that was only how I was feeling. Madison on the other hand, had a blast and wants to go everyday. Lucky her, she gets to. Well a tee just had to be made for her (and my other daughter who is only 3 years, since she has to wear the same thing, everyday that her sister has on. lol) I did an applique School Rocks and it rocked. Loads of compliments and more importantly my daughters loved them. There is nothing more warming to me then my daughters so proud to be wearing something mama made just for them. :D A comment I'd like to share with you that was made by my sassy Kinder. "Daddy who will take me to school when you are out-of-town? Mommy sleeps too much." Yup those words came right out of my wonderful daughters mouth.

Here are some pictures of little munchkins, enjoy.

Sweet surprises . . .

2009-08-18T12:13:00.004-05:00

So the girls and their daddy grew a veggie garden and a butterfly garden this summer. The butterflies have been coming, which the girls love and the veggies and herbs have sprouted. DH took the girls to the back and got a cantaloupe that was ready and we were anxious to see how it would taste. YUMMY! The best I've ever had. It was the sweetest taste ever. So the girls did it. They grew their first garden and it was a success, so far. We had tomatoes but the stray rabbits that roam around ate them. :< I guess all is good if some one was able to enjoy them. The watermelon is almost ready so we will have to see how that goes and the rosemary smells delicious. Here are some pix, enjoy. **Girls hair are wet since they had just gotten out of their bath.**

GOOD MORNING TEXAS!

2009-07-28T09:13:00.004-05:00

I would first like to add that our charity event last Friday was a hit! We made some children happy with our fabulous tutus, tees & bling AND we raised money for three fantastic charity's. It doesn't get better then that. At Maddie Marrs we have been hard at work getting some new outfits put together. Oh and did I mention that the charity event was on Good Morning Texas along with my oldest daughter, Madison and the kids were wearing our clothing - of course. How cute and fun was that! A big hats off to Modern Babies & Children Magazine as well as Metroplex Babies & Kids for getting this whole event put together flawlessly. PICTURES? Of course, I have them. Check them out! :D

That is my baby girl Madison! Yes, she just recently broke her elbow, poor baby.

But she's rockin' the pink cast just fine!

Brett's Blessings!

2009-06-24T08:39:00.005-05:00

One of my closest friends lost her 4 year old this past December in a terrible auto accident. All three of her children were with her, however, Brett took the brunt of the hit! What you may not know is that Brett was also one of my daughter's best friends. I saw this child as my own and to top it all off, we had all just left an event that we were celebrating together moments before Brett was taken from us. Who knew we would never get to say Hi to him again or give him a hug and kiss. Amber has a blog (http://www.mommyslittleman08.blogspot.com), visit it and see the journey through her eyes. You will laugh, cry, but I hope this story inspires you to appreciate each and every moment you have with your children and all your loved ones. As this has proved that you never know what God has planned for each and everyone of us.

The main reason for this entry is that we will be participating in a charity event, in which one is Brett's Blessings! Pass the word and hope to see you there. I will, included will be there selling items and donating some of the profits to the three causes that are being highlighted July 17.

PLEASE SEE FLYER BELOW! - at end of entry

-To Brett: We all love you and every day think of you. Madison wonders all the time, what game or craft you are currently doing with God. She loves when you are bowling (rainy days) and win (thunder means you have gotten a strike). Everyday you are thought of and loved by your mother, father, siblings and good friends. Remember Brett's Blessing's has been created with your mothers love and to let you know that you are always here spiritually. Love - All who love you deeply.

2009-06-07T16:50:00.003-05:00

So I had a request for a "do your own thing" kinda outfit. Just make it cute. So I typically like direction, since I am usually harder on myself then anyone else. I'm thinking if I make this or that will she like it. I love it but will she. Anyways, scared as hell to do it, I did it. Here is the outfit I made tee & shorts and I LOVED it! My client did also. So it's a win-win situation. Love it when that happens. Let me know what you think. Send me ideas if you have them. :D

Ready to Tango!?!

2009-06-07T14:23:00.004-05:00

My baby doll was! My oldest, Madison, attends Spanish Schoolhouse. It is a school of Spanish Immersion. She has been there for two whole years, and has learned sooooo much. I'm so proud of her. The school does two shows a year, one at Christmas time and one at the end of the school year. My daughter's class danced the Tango. Each class picks a South America country to dance to. She did great. She sang, danced & just looked fantastic. I know - I'm such a mom. But I am proud of my baby girl.

Madison smiling and looking cute before we left for school for her performance.

Madison and one of her best friends Paige. They were so darn cute! She is going to miss her more then anything next year. They will be attending separate elementary schools. Hopefully we will find time to still connect since they love each other soooo much. It is the sweetest thing.

Blurry, I know. But this is the best I could get for some reason. Maybe it's time to invest in a new camera or else I just need to be fired. :D

Little Nummies for little tummies . . .

2009-05-24T16:44:00.004-05:00

I love this blog, Little Nummies. It has such great ideas in making snack time fun! I've done a few of these that I've gotten from books I've purchased. But she really has some amazing ideas and takes snacks time to a different level. I love her nursery rhymes. I will be adding some things to my shopping list this week so my girls will be pleasantly surprised at their snacks during the summer. The girls love the hot dog octopus on top of macaroni, I add gold fish for that little extra summer beach time fun.

Yes, you can believe it is time to start coming up with summer activities for the little ones. I am working on a curriculum that we can follow. I'm thinking a theme a week. :D If you have any ideas and would like to share what you've got planned or any ideas you'd like to share. Send me an e-mail at maddiemarrs@yahoo.com.

MaddieMarrs.com

2009-05-22T17:14:00.003-05:00

Well after a huge demand, I am bringing her back: www.MaddieMarrs.com. She is work in progress right now, but I am going to list a few items that I have currently ready for ship. I am in the process of trying to sell my home, so I am thinking for a bit I will be doing some sample sells. Grab them while you can as you will not have to pay full price for them. :D Of course, as always, if custom is what you are wanting then custom is what you will get. Just send me an e-mail and I will work with you to ensure you get exactly what you are wanting. I just purchased a few shirts that are colored and I'm foreseeing something seriously cute to come. I just need to finish a couple of orders and I will start working on that something new, something fresh tee.

Interested in hosting an on-line tee party, shoot me an e-mail and I can fill you in on the specifics. What a great way to earn free product. You will have 9 months to use your "earned" dollars. So you do not have to use them all at once if you are not ready to!

MIA . . .

2009-05-14T10:45:00.004-05:00

I know I've been missing in action. However, good reason for it I promise. My older daughter had an ear infection. She started vomiting, TMI - I know, and as soon as we got her semi-better, BAM my second daughter went down for the count. If you some of you may or may not know, she had Kawasaski last August. She has to be monitored when ever she has a fever of 101.5 or greater. She had 103.9 for several days and everything was coming back negative. Of course me and DH are walking on eggshells. After Sienna was diagnosed with pnemonia believe it or not it was a relief - at least a slight one. As for me, well . . . turns out I have an upper respiratory infection so that we are all being treated life should return to normal. Oh, and by the way leaving the house while you are sick b/c you have a showing (remember our house is on the market) really sucks! Especially when you have to wake up sleeping sick ones. Anyways hopefully it is all behind us!

Thought I'd feel you in on our fantastic 2 weeks over on our end. I have great news coming shortly though, so keep a watchful eye for a blog with some great news. :D

EXCITED!!!!!!!!

2009-04-27T18:19:00.007-05:00

So last post, I mentioned a possibility of getting a new home! We'll tomorrow is the day that we are signing the purchase agreement to get our second home built. :D I'm soooooo excited - absolutely cannot wait! I have been packing and am now working on the terrible part, which is getting this house ready for show! YUCK! Anyways, just wanted to express my excitement since I am sooooooo far in heaven I cannot stand it.

So we are doing it . . .

2009-04-26T00:05:00.006-05:00

After 10 beautiful years of marriage, 2 perfect daughters and 9 years in the first house we had built the same year we got married - we are MOVING! :D I cannot believe it. And although some part of me is anxious, scared and wondering what this journey will bring. the other half is just yelling YAY! I cannot believe and all I hope is that things are going to go smoothly. Having this house purchased years ago was as smooth as pie. The difference is that I actually have to sell a home before buying one. So what is going through my head you ask!? Well, can we sell this house in a small amount of time and get something descent? If it sells too fast will we have somewhere to go? Do we really have to live in an apartment if we have to!? And although I know we will get approve, as we have already been pre-approved is will we qualify!? I don't know I just am nervous, something I sooooooo wasn't the first time. I guess kids really change the way you look at life, even if we swear they don't. :D My reason for moving if I have some reservations - glad you asked. Time to step it up a notch and I feel like I need to get one now so when the girls are graduating high school, hopefully we will have the house paid for and will be able to pick up their college tab and living expenses. Yes - I am already saving for that and two weddings, two sets of braces (although unknown if they will need them) and two cars. Exhausting being a parent. But the journey will be beautiful I'm sure. I learn through the two best parents anyone could ever ask for! They set the bar high for me to take care of my girls and I am NOT going to let them down! I love you mom and dad - way more then you will ever know! MUAH! Now gatta go finish packing and painting to get this house ready for showing. Good-night! :D

Corpus Christi, Texas trip to the beach . . .

2009-04-22T00:03:00.008-05:00

I promised you some photos the girls from the trip to the beach and here they are! I have lots to blog about but will take it one post at a time, so that I don't get overwhelmed and drop this like a hot tamale!

Photos of from a distance of everyone getting attacked while feeding the seagulls.

Photos of the girls running around like silly girls! Love it!

Photo of all the seagulls coming in for lunch that was

being given to them. Did I mention that it was the girls lunch

they decided not to eat.

Just a beautiful picture of whatever the hell this thing was! LOL

Madison, Sienna and their cousin Alexa! Have I ever mentioned

how much love my girls have for their cousin Alexa!?!

Thanks for looking and sharing some of my favorite memeories! I have lots coming tomorrow! Maybe some new designs! I got a baseball applique (I actually cannot believe I did not have one) and a fortune cookie! How stinkin' cute does that sound! I just found out how to make baby legs and have that on the agenda to do! So stay posted. I will post pictures of projects I have been working on and hope to have finished by this weekend! New post coming tomorrow! LOTS OF LOVE TO EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU!

Bitter Sweet Good-byes . . .

2009-04-14T22:58:00.005-05:00

I'm originally from Corpus Christi, Texas and came down to visit my mom, dad, sisters and nieces (have I mentioned I have the bEsTest parents EVER - really do!). I met up with some of my best friends since childhood. I LOVE them and miss them sooooo much! I always had the best times with them (they are sisters). My parents have been begging us to move back so they can see their granddaughters more and I seem to have reservations about it! Any how, the house right behind theirs is for sell and I met up with my friends and one lives in the same subdivision and the other wants to move to this subdivision! Growing up they lived the next block over so we would run to each others houses being extremely silly! How nice would it be to have that again! I am one to really cherish friendships and of course love my family. I'm so torn. Husband has been wanting to move back to help with my parent's family business and I would like that too. But I love living where I live and have so many friends I would not want to leave behind. What does one do!?! Life is so cruel sometimes. I am getting soooo sad now that it is time to say good-bye and leave on my journey back home. I am feeling the need to vent, hence this post and the color blue! Sorry, just sad! :(

On another note! I did take the girls to the beach yesterday and they had a fantastic time! I will post some pictures of that sometime this week! :D They had so much feeding the seagulls and my mom and one of my nieces went with us so we were able to all share the same memory that we will treasure forever! I love my girls!

I guess it is now time to make a pro/con list of why we should stay in Dallas vs. move to Corpus! Got something your down about, let me know! I'd like to know I'm not the only crazy one out there! lol

Happy Hoppity Easter!

2009-04-12T16:36:00.013-05:00

I would like to start off by wishing everyone a happy and safe Easter! Everything about Easter is so exciting, the food, the colors, the flowers, getting easter baskets together, cascarones colored and decorated, the cascarone fight and of course we cannot forget the chocolate! There is something so priceless about seeing your children happy no matter how much work you put into an event. My sister made a cute chocolate bunny cake! I do have to say that I had to beg for him to be chocolate, as she wanted the typical white frosted bunny cake with coconut. But I think that the chocolate bunny was just as cute if not even more cute as it was different and I love different! Anyways I have posted a photo of the cake she made for us with love! In addition, I have added some photos of the girls easter egg hunting and the cascarone fight the girls were having. Yes, some of us adults got into it a little also. But it was fun! My niece Alexa and my oldest Madison were having fun getting the confetti from the ground and blowing it into the camera. I thought it came out so cute and will need to get it framed! Madison really thinks her cousin Alexa hangs the moon. She always asks for her and my niece Alexa is a fantastic trooper, she is almost 16 and loves to hang with the girls, and is so great with them. I know at that age I would have probably been out of the house and out with my friends. I love my niece and am very proud to call her my niece.

So back to the easter egg hunt: Grandma had several eggs filled with cash, so the girls were in heaven when they were opening up eggs that had some cash in them. They are already planning their mall trip to spend all that cash. I think it ended up being like $20 something for each kiddo. So not a crazy a lot, but on top of all their toys that they received from that generous easter bunny (where was he when I was a kid? Don't let my mom and dad know I asked this questions as they will kill me). lol :D The kiddos were very lucky to receive goodies from their aunts, grandma & grandpa and their easter bunny aka me and darling husband. Anyways we all have confetti all over our bodies. Yes! I do mean ALL OVER! We are getting ready for our steak dinner and the girls are taking their baths so hopefully they will crash early tonight. Just wanted to share my fantastic day and hope you all had one as well.

P.S. Don't forget the contest I have going on as it will be coming to a hault this month. Go to the Name that Car Contest for instructions on how to qualify! Any questions, please e-mail me at maddiemarrs@yahoo.com. Hope you all had a great weekend and a fantastic night! :D

A visit with the Easter Bunny, should have been easy but . . .

2009-04-09T00:15:00.008-05:00

as you can see, I think the photo speaks volumes! Madison was extremely excited and wanted to read a list she has been formulating in her head of all the toys she "needs". Hate commercials, they make me a weak parent. :D Sienna on the other hand was excited in the car and once she saw the Easter Bunny forget it! It just went down hill and boy it was not pretty. She was angry and throwing a tantrum. I think you can see the expression on her face, and oh, did I forget to mention I had to sit next to her. They cropped me out and put a border around the picture to take me out. As much as I loved the background and the bunny's shoes (he's wearing the cutest red converse) it was great just getting a photo I can use as black mail later on in Sienna's teenage years. lol

Christian Fish

2009-04-07T17:45:00.008-05:00

Yesterday I had a couple of orders to do. However, I had the itch to do something different. So I decided to do a the christian fish. I love the way it came out and plan on listing on etsy once I return from vacation. I hope to start getting some more new designs up and posted soon. I have so much I want to get out, in fact I think I'm getting a headache. However with the kids and doing house chores sometimes it is hard to fit time in for "fun" samples that I'd really like to get done and showcased. :D I am going to try to do one every day or every other day! Cross fingers and lets hope that I am able to do this. I have purchased several designs that I think most of you will find adorable. I purchased a beach ball, flip-flops, breast cancer awareness ribbon, and some you will just have to wait and see as I keep them tucked in my head and let me tell you they are fighting to get out. :D Let me know your thoughts. :D

Christian Fish!

Princess Burp Cloth Monogram:

As always, thanks for stopping in and look forward to working with you soon! :)

Easter Egg Hunt & Madison and a Princess Party

2009-04-06T18:46:00.012-05:00

So Saturday I took the girls to an Easter egg hunt for a moms group that I am an assistant organizer with. It went great - At least I think so! I felt all our hard work had paid off (when I say we I mean: the organizer and the other 2 asst. organizers that I am great friends with). We had a tattoo station, 2 game station, a make and take craft, 2 pinatas and of course the great egg hunt. We had lots of eggs and all the kids were able to collect several in their baskets. There is nothing more hear warming then seeing kids sooo excited about something.

On Sunday, my oldest daughter Madison was invited to a party at Sweet & Sassy for one of her school mates. It was well done and Madison had a fantastic time. I was able to snap some photos of her looking precious all dressed up with her hair done, nails done and a dress that she loved. :D

We had an eventful weekend but it was one that goes down in the memory book for all time. Enjoy the photos!

Sienna hitting the pinata; Madison hitting the pinata!

Sienna helping her daddy with the pinta; Sienna doing a make and take craft!

Sienna gathering eggs at the egg hunt; Madison showing off all her eggs that she collected!

Sienna having a great time at the park where we had the egg hunt; Madison posing for her daddy at the park we had the egg hunt!

Madison doing her cat walk. Such a natural at the ripe age of 5!

Madison getting her do done before her cat walk appearance; Madison and some of her friends posing for a group photo!

Madison watching the rest of the girls doing their cat walk; and a second group photo! Just cannot have enough of these!

Getting into the Easter Spirit . . .

2009-04-02T18:45:00.006-05:00

Today me and the girls did the Peep Smores that I mentioned in my last entry. The girls enjoyed making them and it was fun and extremely easy. :D

Here are some photos that I took and I forgot to mention they are really yummy!

Easter Smores

2009-03-31T15:34:00.003-05:00

I got this from a blog called Roots and Wings Co. Smores in a Jar for Easter She does Smores in a jar, but if you continue to scroll down you will see how cute and fun it looks once baked. I am going to do this as a fun Easter treat for my girls and thought I would pass this on! I think it is so festive and will make a great memory for my kids as they help prepare them , then sit and enjoy eatting them. I am thinking I should embrace myself for the sugar rush that will most likely take place afterwards. :D Enjoy and Happy Easter!

Came out cute!

2009-03-28T11:43:00.009-05:00

Okay so I've done a few orders that I think came out incredibly cute. :D I hope you agree. I have some new designs and was anxious to use them. When one of my customers gave me the clear - I got excited! :D

Remember if you see it on a burp cloth it can be done on a tee and vice versa!

I am currently working on some more creations that I am getting really psyched about and hope to showcase them on here soon. I have done away with my web-site and will focus on my blog and facebook. So please help spread the word! DON'T FORGET THE NAME THAT CAR CONTEST! I will cut the contest off April 24, 2009. So send your suggestions for my new cars name to: maddiemarrs@yahoo.com and enter for a chance to win a tee of your choice. :D

The kids go to the Zoo!

2009-03-26T16:18:00.006-05:00

A day at the zoo!

Me and my two girls went to the zoo last week for Spring Break! We had some great daughter/mother time. It was just us three and I think we should do this more often. It was extremely nice.

Madison's favorite animal is the elephant: So of course she had to have a photo of her and her favorite animal ever. What kind of mom would I be if I didn't allow this!?!

This next photo is enough to melt my heart. How often do the girls give love to each other? They love each, sure, but sometimes capturing the moment when they actually show their love is the best thing that can bring a smile to my face. Completely priceless!

Just wanted to share a day that captured my heart! I love my girls and just enjoy being with them. At least when they are good anyways. :D

Mazda Tribute!

2009-03-26T11:26:00.007-05:00

I should have mentioned that I now have a white Mazda Tribute! Which is a big step up since my Honda Accord that has been retired was a 1998. I had that baby before I was married! :D Thanks for your questions and keep those names coming in! :D

I would like to add that my Honda was great to me! I do mean GREAT! The only reason for the change is that this was an opportunity that could not be passed up. Not to mention that my other car was 11 years old! It was extremely sad seeing her go! My two girls love this new SUV.

The car is currently dirty since we have had rain but here is a photo of how she looks, photo borrowed from the internet. :D

Name that car! CONTEST

2009-03-26T00:30:00.004-05:00

Okay so most of you know that I have gotten a new set of wheels! I have a problem! She needs a name. Send me your suggestion to maddiemarrs@yahoo.com! I will pick the one I feel best suits her! In the event that there is more than one person that has come up with the name, I will put the names in a hat and have my husband draw one! If there are several then I may have each daughter pull one out, which yes, means there could be two winners.

MaddieMarrs.com

2009-03-23T16:32:00.002-05:00

Make your own Glitter Graphics

New tees for your tot!

2009-03-16T20:08:00.013-05:00

This weekend I worked on three tees that I think you will really like. If you will notice, I have been trying very hard to do more "boy" clothes. I have will make that my mission for this year. I think I have done well this weekend. I did two boy tees and one girl tee. If your on facebook look for me and add me: MaddieMarrs under groups. Always remember, Kustom Kids deserve Kustom Klothing. :D

Mighty Dinosaur!

Every little man needs a dino shirt!

Bubbling Summer Fun - Octopus Tee!

Flaming Hot!

Can be done in any number or letter!

As always don't forget to check out my etsy store or contact me at shellyrivera@yahoo.com for something more customized for you and your little one. :D

Modern Babies and Children

2009-03-16T19:36:00.008-05:00

Are you pregnant and interested in having a chance to win a crib?! Check out Modern Babies and Children's web-site for that chance. If you already pregnant and with children, then you already know that a baby can cost LOTS of money-just for necessities!!! If are going to be a first time, then get ready for all the costs that come with a newborn. This is way before you even begin to get excited over all the CUTE and FUN things that will tempt you while out browsing in the stores. So sign-up now and enter for a chance to win a fantastic crib. In addition, Modern Babies and Children offer lots of chances to win surprises that new moms love and more importantly need! GO TO: www.modernbabiesandchildren.com/dallas.

New to the collection

2009-03-08T01:14:00.009-06:00

If you are wondering where all the other photographs of my work have gone - well - don't worry! I will get them up soon! Hopefully tomorrow if the kids are acting good and in between events we have scheduled for the day and laundry! I'm sure I can squeeze this "to do" in somewhere. I have changed my layout yet again. I just wasn't feeling the other layout. But this one is simple and I think I will give her a shot. Not wanting to list all the photographs is definitely a reason not to do it any time soon!

*********************************************************

Well, I have been dying to show off my new line that I will start adding to my collection. Custom Panties with any saying you want. I have not taken photos of all the ones I have recently done. However, some of the ones I've done have had the following sayings-I have a headache; Hot Stuff; Monte's Playground; Not Tonight. How perfect for any have for that special night, whether an anniversary, wedding night or to give as a fun gift to a future bride-to-be! I use Victoria Secret undies and will be listing the other photographs soon! I will try to get some photos done and uploaded for viewing.

Another creation I have created is the "I dig chicks" shirt. I love it and think it is so perfect for the spring. I tried to make it boyish and yet fun. I do not have any brothers, sons or nephews - so bare with me! :D

I just had the itch to blog tonight! I have no clue why since we are springing forward and I will be losing an hour of sleep. But nontheless, I had to get this out of my system! LOL Good Night!

Thinking!?!

2009-02-12T01:15:00.009-06:00

Well, I'm under the weather and I am having a hard time sleeping. So I thought I would get my blog together and try to update it as much as possible. I did want to announce that I have a new product that I need to add photos of. Personalized panties *blush*. They are perfect for Bachelorette parties, Anniversaries and yes good old Valentine's! I am very excited to add this to my collection, as I have had good feedback on them as to date.

I am also thinking of doing away with my web-site and doing this "Blog" thing full force! What are your thoughts? Blogging will allow me to run contests and drawings and all sorts of cool fun things. Feedback on this is appreciated. Pass this blog-site around and get everyone on board, as I predict a fantastic New Year for us all. :D

My Intro . . .

2008-11-10T10:52:00.009-06:00

I am a SAHM to two beautiful and wonderful girls who have rocked my world. So much has changed since they have been brought into my life. I am a former Paralegal and quit when I was four months pregnant. Although I began working contract from home, it got tough once the baby was born. I have to say, although there are many cliches out there - I never knew I had soooo much love to give someone unconditionally. All of a sudden everything that my mother did and said to us growing up, teaching us, preparing us for this world, I understood. I GOT IT! I GET IT!

Pregnant with baby #2, I thought no way could I love someone more than my first born. I was scared to death of not loving her as much. But I did, I do. I love them more than my own life and I think many of you mothers out there understand where I coming from and know exactly what I mean.

I decided I needed something to fullfill me as the kids were getting older and as I was cooped up in the house all day going stir crazy. I called my darling husband and mentioned my wanting to purchase an embroidery machine. He didn't even blink at the fact that it was expensive or question if it was just "another" expensive hobby. He purchased it for me, just like that. There are several other boring details in between all this, but I now own two commercial embroidery machines and love them two death. Not as much as my kids of course. :D Although I must say the machines do not back talk. They like to misbehave once in awhile but that is far and few between.

I hope you enjoy the the kustom klothing I offer and I know you will be thrilled with all the compliments you will receive. If you have any ideas for a shirt/tee you would like to have made, please share them with me and I will do my hardest to make it happen. Thanks for looking and happy shopping at MaddieMarrs.com.

Maddie Marrs Boutique

Depression Bites! part 3

Thanking God for all my blessings!

Depression Bites! part 2

Depression Bites!

HaPpY jUlY 4tH!

Weddings!

2010 School Year Ends! :(

Slacking . . .

I'm here! Some where!

Christmas 2009

Death in Family

Blog'holic

J.D.'s Birthday!

Richie's & Veronica's Wedding!

HALLOWEEN!

School Rocks . . .

Sweet surprises . . .

GOOD MORNING TEXAS!

Brett's Blessings!

Ready to Tango!?!

Little Nummies for little tummies . . .

MaddieMarrs.com

MIA . . .

EXCITED!!!!!!!!

So we are doing it . . .

Corpus Christi, Texas trip to the beach . . .

Bitter Sweet Good-byes . . .

Happy Hoppity Easter!

A visit with the Easter Bunny, should have been easy but . . .

Christian Fish

Easter Egg Hunt & Madison and a Princess Party

Getting into the Easter Spirit . . .

Easter Smores

Came out cute!

The kids go to the Zoo!

Mazda Tribute!

Name that car! *****CONTEST*****

MaddieMarrs.com

New tees for your tot!

Modern Babies and Children

New to the collection

Thinking!?!

My Intro . . .

Name that car! CONTEST