~~~SEWING my way to POFQ ~ American Girl outfits & Custom Park Bags! ~~~

[tinkbell13]

I still just can't get over the support you guys are giving me now, it really has lifted my spirits.

As I was upstairs sewing this morning, I was reflecting on Rufus, and how many lives he has touched, and I was quite amazed.

We frequently tease Ruf and tell him that he is "a human trapped in a dog's body", and he would just smile (yes, he smiles) and wag his tail. Over these last few days, I've come to realize that it's more true than we knew.

You would not believe the phone calls, emails, texts and facebook messages we have received about Rufus... We have neighbors stopping over, and stopping us on the side of the road to ask how our Ruf is doing. The neighborhood kids stop by to give him a pet... and he is in his glory - he has always known that he is a spectacular human, and no ammount of attention is too much.

Maybe it's because we never excluded him from our lives, we forced him to take part in a lot of things that others wouldn't consider. The girls always took him to the park to play when they were there with their friends. Any time we would stay over night anywhere - Ruf always came with. He has walked with us in countless parades, and attended countless town festivals. Our neighbors would call and invite him over for play dates in their back yards, and he was always invited to every picnic, bonfire and gathering. When we went to the lake, Ruf was always first in the truck - and he wasn't far behind the girls at getting into the lake either. Any time we went in the boat, Ruf was right there - he loved to fish with us, and he loved it when he sat in the front of the boat and the wind would make his ears flap... His smile was never bigger than when he was at the lake. Rufus also enjoyed lazy days at home, and sitting at the bonfire with Josh...

It makes me want to cry as I sit here and reflect on so many lives he has touched and how many children who were once afraid of dogs, are no longer because of Ruf. We have so many friends that are now dog owners because of Rufus, as well... There is something magical about him that we weren't expecting, and so thankful we got to experience. And because of that, it is so hard to let go.

D~

This made me both smile and tear up as I visualized Ruf smiling, wagging his tail, being petted, going everywhere with you and being loved by one and all. The love you have for him is evident in everything you post. I need to go give my furry girls some hugs now.

 

[mphalens]

Oh fried - you do NOT need to apologize!!! I never managed to get on the computer long enough to be able to get to the DIS (our internet was/is all wonky).

 

[DMGeurts]

Despite the fact that I've been working on this outfit intermittently for several weeks, and for a long time, I referred to these "capris" as hideous and they frequently made me ROFL, I really like how they turned out.

First of all - they were totally inspired by Marianne's fabric tu-tu that she made for a Big Give... See how cute this is???

(Insert picture here Marianne) I looked everywhere and I couldn't find a picture of your Pirate tu-tu.

When I first started these "capris" - the fabric strips were much longer... I tried everything to make them look right, and it just wasn't doin' it for me. I was about ready to scrap the entire project today, when I decided to give the strips a trim... My "capris" are now bermuda shorts. And I kind of like them.

Here's the whole outfit...

Close-up of the applique:

Back of the shorts:

D~

 

[mommy2mrb]

Despite the fact that I've been working on this outfit intermittently for several weeks, and for a long time, I referred to these "capris" as hideous and they frequently made me ROFL, I really like how they turned out.

First of all - they were totally inspired by Marianne's fabric tu-tu that she made for a Big Give... See how cute this is???

(Insert picture here Marianne) I looked everywhere and I couldn't find a picture of your Pirate tu-tu.

When I first started these "capris" - the fabric strips were much longer... I tried everything to make them look right, and it just wasn't doin' it for me. I was about ready to scrap the entire project today, when I decided to give the strips a trim... My "capris" are now bermuda shorts. And I kind of like them.

Here's the whole outfit...

Close-up of the applique:

Back of the shorts:

D~

so cute D!!!! what a creative outfit!!

 

[tinkbell13]

Despite the fact that I've been working on this outfit intermittently for several weeks, and for a long time, I referred to these "capris" as hideous and they frequently made me ROFL, I really like how they turned out.

First of all - they were totally inspired by Marianne's fabric tu-tu that she made for a Big Give... See how cute this is???

(Insert picture here Marianne) I looked everywhere and I couldn't find a picture of your Pirate tu-tu.

When I first started these "capris" - the fabric strips were much longer... I tried everything to make them look right, and it just wasn't doin' it for me. I was about ready to scrap the entire project today, when I decided to give the strips a trim... My "capris" are now bermuda shorts. And I kind of like them.

Here's the whole outfit...

Close-up of the applique:

Back of the shorts:

D~

Those are amazing cute! Love them!

 

[mphalens]

There you go

I LOVE the "hideous" capris!!!! They're FABULOUS!!!!! You and the girls are going to ROCK WDW!

 

[WDWCP96]

I love both V and A's pirate outfits. Of course yours is fantastic too and I think Bermuda shorts are better than capris.

So cute about Rufus and his BBQ. My dog loved spaghetti and our female cat loved ramen noodles.

 

[VBAndrea]

Despite the fact that I've been working on this outfit intermittently for several weeks, and for a long time, I referred to these "capris" as hideous and they frequently made me ROFL, I really like how they turned out.

First of all - they were totally inspired by Marianne's fabric tu-tu that she made for a Big Give... See how cute this is???

(Insert picture here Marianne) I looked everywhere and I couldn't find a picture of your Pirate tu-tu.

When I first started these "capris" - the fabric strips were much longer... I tried everything to make them look right, and it just wasn't doin' it for me. I was about ready to scrap the entire project today, when I decided to give the strips a trim... My "capris" are now bermuda shorts. And I kind of like them.



Here's the whole outfit...

D~

Those are so cute! I absolutely love them. Are you all doing a pirate cruise or just having a pirate dress up day? What would be really cute is to model your outfits now and get a pic in them with Rufus wearing a bandana. I think that would be adorable.

Speaking of Rufus, I hope he has a good day. Spaghetti sounds yummy. I bet he'd prefer a steak though.

There you go

I LOVE the "hideous" capris!!!! They're FABULOUS!!!!! You and the girls are going to ROCK WDW!

What are you doing hogging my ptr and posting pics here?

 

[cogero]

love love love the pirate capris. YOu girls are going to rock your pirate outfits.

 

[DMGeurts]

I understand how difficult this trip feels for you right now but I'm sure the trip will be filled with many magical moments and will be exactly what you and the girls need.

In December 2009 my youngest Emma had pneumonia. My son Joe was diagnosed as well but not quite so bad-he bounced back very quickly after antibiotics. I too was sick and after working on Friday 12/11/09 I had decided if I wasn't better by Monday I would call a doctor. That Friday night my brother Joe (my son's was named after him) was struck and killed by a car walking to work. My Dad had passed 12/12/67 when I was 6 so Joe was like a Dad to me. He gave me away at my wedding and was the Godfather to my 3 children. I didn't go to the doctor that Monday and honestly don't know how I got through the next few weeks or Christmas.

After Christmas I still felt sort of numb. I had a trip planned with Emma in January for her 7th birthday and really wasn't up for it at all. About 10 days before the trip I went to the doctor. I had whooping cough. After being on the antibiotcs a day or so I realized just how sick I had been. I was feeling a better but still not up for the trip. I had already taken Joe and my oldest for their 7th birthdays so not going really wasn't an option. I figured even if I wasn't up for leaving the hotel Emma would still have a good time-she still wasn't quite 100% after her pneumonia. As it turned out once we got there the magic did kick in. I felt so much better there and we really do both have some very magic memories from that trip-the Dug photo I sent you is from that trip. I actually don't know how/when I would have "recovered" enough to be functional if it hadn't been for that trip.

This May trip is Emma's first one on one trip with me since then. We are both so looking forward to making more memories together.

I'm sure you and girls will have a very magical trip.

Continued prayers for your family.

Thank you so much for sharing this story with me, it truly makes me feel better that no matter how guilty I feel for taking this trip right now - it might be exactly what we need.

I am so very sorry for the loss of your brother, I am so glad that you and your dd were able to spend some much needed time at WDW & it made you feel better.

Thank you for all of your prayers.

Sending more prayers for Rufus.

The Mickey Pirate shirt is just adorable

Thank you Michelle.

thank you for sharing stories about Rufus! he truly is a much loved pup!!!

Yes we do love him very much.

This made me both smile and tear up as I visualized Ruf smiling, wagging his tail, being petted, going everywhere with you and being loved by one and all. The love you have for him is evident in everything you post. I need to go give my furry girls some hugs now.

I know, maybe every animal is this way? I dunno - Ruf is my first real dog - so it's truly a unique experience for me.

Oh fried - you do NOT need to apologize!!! I never managed to get on the computer long enough to be able to get to the DIS (our internet was/is all wonky).

Thanks Marianne... I just felt horrible for neglecting you.

so cute D!!!! what a creative outfit!!

Thanks Lisa!

Those are amazing cute! Love them!

Thanks Tink!

There you go

I LOVE the "hideous" capris!!!! They're FABULOUS!!!!! You and the girls are going to ROCK WDW!

Thanks for posting your pic - pay no attention to Andrea below. Besides - I am the one who is keeping her PTR going, it'll probably sink into oblivion while I am at WDW because she never bothers to post anything in it.

I love both V and A's pirate outfits. Of course yours is fantastic too and I think Bermuda shorts are better than capris.

So cute about Rufus and his BBQ. My dog loved spaghetti and our female cat loved ramen noodles.

Thanks! Actually, Ruf used to eat ANYTHING... He was such a garbage disposal. That is one of the reasons I think that this is just a horrible way for him to go. LOL about your dog loving spaghetti and your cat loving Ramen.

Those are so cute! I absolutely love them. Are you all doing a pirate cruise or just having a pirate dress up day? What would be really cute is to model your outfits now and get a pic in them with Rufus wearing a bandana. I think that would be adorable.

No, we aren't doing anything fun for our pirate day - I really wanted to do Pirate League, but I just don't think that it's financially in the cards for us this time. It would have been a lot of fun!

That is an excellent idea about the picture... I will possibly try doing that this afternoon, I will have to see how chipper Ruf is... He has been so tired, and I am doing my best not to annoy him with anything else, since he is being smothered by love at the moment.

Speaking of Rufus, I hope he has a good day. Spaghetti sounds yummy. I bet he'd prefer a steak though.

Yes, he does enjoy steak... So do I - LOL

What are you doing hogging my ptr and posting pics here?

Some one needs to...

Rufus update:
Our guy is still with us. He seems to be hanging in there fairly well. He still doesn't seem to be in too much pain. He does get up and walk around - but steps are getting worse and worse for him - he hasn't been upstairs since cuddling with Josh the other night, and he can barely get up the porch steps when he comes back in from going outside. I spoon fed him some icecream last night - I had a cupcake in there too (a little one) but he didn't like that. He enjoyed the icecream though. When Josh and I got up this morning, his breathing was really shallow, so I was very worried. But he just got out of his bed a few minutes ago and drank some water, now he is laying by me in the office. I am a bit concerned because I have to work all day today, and so does Josh - so Ruf will be home alone all day. If he was showing major signs of pain/or that he was near to death - I would stay home - but he seems fine (well, as fine as can be anyways), so I will go to work, and pray that he is OK today.

Trip update:

First of all - I am happy to announce that I sold my Rosetta and matching large wallet that's been in my Etsy store for a long time - that was a nice surprise and perfect timing, as that will be my only souvenir $$ for our trip. So, if it happened to be a Diser that purchased it (didn't recognize the name) - Thank you. It wasn't a lot of $$, but it certainly helped out a lot.

Secondly - with all of these vet bills over the last few weeks - it has very nearly wiped out our emergency fund. I was nearly hyperventilating when I logged into our bank acct yesterday, and I'd forgotten about a check I'd written for a Dr. bill last month... I was going to have to pull $$ out of a different acct to cover it, and that would have wiped us out completely. Then I noticed that Josh had been reimbursed for something with his VA status - so all is right in the world. I was able to put $$ into our checking to cover the last vet bill, and I was able to replace most of the $$ in savings + I now have enough to cover the cash I need to pull for our trip. It was such a blessing to recieve that unexpected $$. I know there are so many others out there who are having a very rough time, and we were lucky this time. We really were not expecting all of these vet bills, and they are soooo expensive. I've already determined that we need to start a vet emergency fund, because this was insane. Sorry to bore you with financial stuff - but I was really starting to freak out about where the last little bit of $$ was going to come from for things like tips and airport food - which isn't a lot - but it adds up and it's necessary.

I refigured all of our tips/cash spending $$ that we need, and I made a little cheat sheet to put into my Mini-planner, so that I know how much I have alotted for tips for each meal and I don't overspend what I have with us. I plan to print that off today, and my Mini-Planner should be complete.

I have Allson's Dug wallet all cut out, I now need to decide what applique I am going to do. I plan to work on that this weekend. If I complete that in time (which I think I will) - I will see if I have enough time to do something else. The pirate outfits went much quicker than I thought they would - so I might still have time to do the Toy Story bag - but I really doubt it. I do have it ready to go, just in case.

Please continue to keep Ruf in your prayers.

D~

 

[cajunfan]

The shorts are soooooo much FUN!!! So are you all going to wear pirate bandannas on your heads?

My thought and prayers are with your family this morning...I loved your shark story by the way...sounds like one of my dogs.

Lynn

 

[Lidian]

Still praying. Hope Rufus has a great day today.

I'm glad you sold some etsy stuff!

I totally understand finance issues right now with vet bills.

I have a spreadsheet that shows how much I plan to spend each day in OOP expenses, tips, fees, souvs, etc. It will be printed out and brought with us. SO I second having a similar spreadsheet to keep track of funds.

Love all the pirate outfits ... but then again, in my eyes, you can do no wrong.

 

[DMGeurts]

love love love the pirate capris. YOu girls are going to rock your pirate outfits.

Thank you Chiara!

The shorts are soooooo much FUN!!! So are you all going to wear pirate bandannas on your heads?

My thought and prayers are with your family this morning...I loved your shark story by the way...sounds like one of my dogs.

Lynn

Thank you Lynn. Actually, I think Allison is going to wear her Pluto Pirate ears that we purchased from Disney last time (should have done a Pluto applique on her shirt - ack! - too late now)... Then Beth made us all matching Pirate Clippies for the rest of our outfits.

Yes, Ruf - our pet shark...

Still praying. Hope Rufus has a great day today.

Thanks Liddy.

[I'm glad you sold some etsy stuff!

Me too... Totally unexpected and just perfect timing.

[I totally understand finance issues right now with vet bills.

I have a spreadsheet that shows how much I plan to spend each day in OOP expenses, tips, fees, souvs, etc. It will be printed out and brought with us. SO I second having a similar spreadsheet to keep track of funds.

I don't necessarily have a spreadsheet of funds, but I do know which meals have to come OOP and I've budgeted (over budgeted perhaps) for those. I think I am going to pay for our tips with Disney GCs... Originally, I wasn't going to - but it saves us $25 to do it that way with my discount. I plan to only bring enough cash for the things that have to be paid for with cash (Mousekeeping tips, EoS, airport food and baggage tips)... I will, of course have a cc with for emergencies only.

[Love all the pirate outfits ... but then again, in my eyes, you can do no wrong.

ROFL... Can I make this into a plaque and hang it in several places in my house? Specifically right above Josh's side of the bed...

I forgot to mention that we got an ice storm last night. The girls had a choir concert, so I had to drive home in it... I am not the best night driver anyways, so that wasn't much fun. Now I get to drive to work in it this morning... at least it's light out now.

As I was driving home last night, I kept telling the girls "at least, 1 week from now, we will be in sunny/warm Florida".

D~

 

[Corrine 1973]

I am loving your pirate capris, what a great idea. I can't wait to see the pictures of you wearing everything in the world.

Just curious, what were you planning on wearing on our Epcot day (that's right I said our Epcot day. You just got a new addition to your family.) I am hoping to see one of your creations in person.

My continued prayers and thoughts for dear sweet Rufus.

 

[VBAndrea]

Rufus update:
Our guy is still with us. He seems to be hanging in there fairly well. He still doesn't seem to be in too much pain. He does get up and walk around - but steps are getting worse and worse for him - he hasn't been upstairs since cuddling with Josh the other night, and he can barely get up the porch steps when he comes back in from going outside. I spoon fed him some icecream last night - I had a cupcake in there too (a little one) but he didn't like that. He enjoyed the icecream though. When Josh and I got up this morning, his breathing was really shallow, so I was very worried. But he just got out of his bed a few minutes ago and drank some water, now he is laying by me in the office. I am a bit concerned because I have to work all day today, and so does Josh - so Ruf will be home alone all day. If he was showing major signs of pain/or that he was near to death - I would stay home - but he seems fine (well, as fine as can be anyways), so I will go to work, and pray that he is OK today.

Trip update:

First of all - I am happy to announce that I sold my Rosetta and matching large wallet that's been in my Etsy store for a long time - that was a nice surprise and perfect timing, as that will be my only souvenir $$ for our trip. So, if it happened to be a Diser that purchased it (didn't recognize the name) - Thank you. It wasn't a lot of $$, but it certainly helped out a lot.

Secondly - with all of these vet bills over the last few weeks - it has very nearly wiped out our emergency fund. I was nearly hyperventilating when I logged into our bank acct yesterday, and I'd forgotten about a check I'd written for a Dr. bill last month... I was going to have to pull $$ out of a different acct to cover it, and that would have wiped us out completely. Then I noticed that Josh had been reimbursed for something with his VA status - so all is right in the world. I was able to put $$ into our checking to cover the last vet bill, and I was able to replace most of the $$ in savings + I now have enough to cover the cash I need to pull for our trip. It was such a blessing to recieve that unexpected $$. I know there are so many others out there who are having a very rough time, and we were lucky this time. We really were not expecting all of these vet bills, and they are soooo expensive. I've already determined that we need to start a vet emergency fund, because this was insane. Sorry to bore you with financial stuff - but I was really starting to freak out about where the last little bit of $$ was going to come from for things like tips and airport food - which isn't a lot - but it adds up and it's necessary.

I refigured all of our tips/cash spending $$ that we need, and I made a little cheat sheet to put into my Mini-planner, so that I know how much I have alotted for tips for each meal and I don't overspend what I have with us. I plan to print that off today, and my Mini-Planner should be complete.

I have Allson's Dug wallet all cut out, I now need to decide what applique I am going to do. I plan to work on that this weekend. If I complete that in time (which I think I will) - I will see if I have enough time to do something else. The pirate outfits went much quicker than I thought they would - so I might still have time to do the Toy Story bag - but I really doubt it. I do have it ready to go, just in case.

Please continue to keep Ruf in your prayers.

D~

I'm glad Rufus is still doing as well as can be expected. He will probably like being home alone -- he'll get to sleep and rest and hopefully have a little energy for when you get home.

I completely understand you on the vet bills -- when I did a lot for our one cat dh and I were both working and didn't have the house in RI, so we had the money. Now we have four pets and I take my dogs in yearly but I only take the cats in every two years unless something arises (they are indoor cats so I do not worry about them with rabies). Our vets office always sends us reminders for 6 month check ups. I don't even take my kids into the doctors every year, why on earth would I take a pet in every 6 months? I'm glad you got some surprise $$ to help out and I'm also really happy your bag sold It's nice when you have something premade sell.

Keeping Rufus and all of you in my prayers.

EEKS! For some reason I had it in my head that you weren't going to Dis until the 14th. I didn't realize it was less than a week away! My sister will be there when you are there then and that's when I was supposed to be going to!!!!

 

[cogero]

Thank you Chiara!

ROFL... Can I make this into a plaque and hang it in several places in my house? Specifically right above Josh's side of the bed...

I forgot to mention that we got an ice storm last night. The girls had a choir concert, so I had to drive home in it... I am not the best night driver anyways, so that wasn't much fun. Now I get to drive to work in it this morning... at least it's light out now.

As I was driving home last night, I kept telling the girls "at least, 1 week from now, we will be in sunny/warm Florida".
D~

I was looking for the like button for this

I want to make C some clippies for her outfits. She wants them on pony holders

 

[mommy2mrb]

Continued prayers for Rufus and you all


happy you sold your bag on etsy and received the needed extra $$ to cover the vet costs!

hope the roads are cleared today of the ice, drive careful!!!!

 

[oopsiDAISY]

Just jumping over to see if there were any Rufus updates. Still praying for you and yours!

 

[solana131]

Capris look great! I would wear those around here Well, maybe not right now, it is freezing here today and we are supposed to get a foot of snow tomorrow!

 

[DMGeurts]

I am loving your pirate capris, what a great idea. I can't wait to see the pictures of you wearing everything in the world.

Just curious, what were you planning on wearing on our Epcot day (that's right I said our Epcot day. You just got a new addition to your family.) I am hoping to see one of your creations in person.

Actually, I think I am planning to wear either my Donald capris that day or my Donald shorts (depending on the weather)... And depending on which bottoms I wear, then I'll decide on a top. You'll totally not lose me in the crowd. The only sad part is that my Test Track bag does't match that outfit - but I made my Test Track bag specifically for Epcot - but I didn't know the characters wore their original garb there - I thought they wore it in MK.

[My continued prayers and thoughts for dear sweet Rufus.

Thank you Corri!

I'm glad Rufus is still doing as well as can be expected. He will probably like being home alone -- he'll get to sleep and rest and hopefully have a little energy for when you get home.

He was supposed to be home alone - then the girls got a snow day... so they were here all day with him. Oh well, hopefully they let him sleep a little.

I completely understand you on the vet bills -- when I did a lot for our one cat dh and I were both working and didn't have the house in RI, so we had the money. Now we have four pets and I take my dogs in yearly but I only take the cats in every two years unless something arises (they are indoor cats so I do not worry about them with rabies). Our vets office always sends us reminders for 6 month check ups. I don't even take my kids into the doctors every year, why on earth would I take a pet in every 6 months? I'm glad you got some surprise $$ to help out and I'm also really happy your bag sold It's nice when you have something premade sell.

Keeping Rufus and all of you in my prayers.

Yes, I agree - vet bills are horrible... And I had to ROFL... I take my girls in for physicals once a year... I take Ruf in every two years - as long as he is in good health (which he always has been) - otherwise we go in as necessary.

EEKS! For some reason I had it in my head that you weren't going to Dis until the 14th. I didn't realize it was less than a week away! My sister will be there when you are there then and that's when I was supposed to be going to!!!!

Sure, you had to tell me that! Grrr... That darned RI house... We could have met. Well, tell your sister to look for me and say hi if she sees me.

I was looking for the like button for this

I want to make C some clippies for her outfits. She wants them on pony holders

Beth put pony holders on some of the clippies she made me, so I know it can be done. We just love them!

Continued prayers for Rufus and you all


happy you sold your bag on etsy and received the needed extra $$ to cover the vet costs!

hope the roads are cleared today of the ice, drive careful!!!!

Thanks Lisa... Yesterday was a good day for us... and the roads were fine today - not sure why they even called off school???

Just jumping over to see if there were any Rufus updates. Still praying for you and yours!

Thank you Oopsi! Looking forward to meeting you next week.

Capris look great! I would wear those around here Well, maybe not right now, it is freezing here today and we are supposed to get a foot of snow tomorrow!

Thanks! Yah, they turned out much better than they were originally, that's for sure. LOL

Rufus update:
He is still here and doing OK. I know the vet said 2-3 days, but that was on Monday and he seems like he is hangin' in there. Just sleeping all the time - still drinking water, not eating anything at all since the icecream last night, but he is still using the bathroom. From what I understand is that he won't die until he stops using the bathroom - that's when the toxins start to build up in his body. When that happens, then I am sure I will be a wreck... I've just started to pull myself together in the last day. I just want him to be comfortable, know we love him, and eat anything his little heart desires.

Trip update:
Purchased our prepaid baggage fees... 2 there, 2 back... It was $20 cheaper than I remember, so we have enough in the budget to add another bag if we need to check another bag on the way back - hopfully not though.

One week from now, we will be in MK riding Splash Mtn for the millionth time and lovin' every minute of it - I hope.

D~