Thursday, May 30, 2013

Happy 10th Anniversary to us :))

It's Thursday and my heart is singing with joy. Not because it is Thursday and the week is almost over, it is because tomorrow Brian and I will spoil ourselves this weekend. Tomorrow after lunch time we will be leaving to Galena, IL for the weekend. We need so much this time for ourselves... We haven't gone to Brazil this year, w  haven't had a real vacation where we can rest and enjoy each other's company. It's really bugging me that we are leaving Isabella behind, I know for sure I will see things that she loves doing and I will wish she was there with us but, for once in my life I will try to relax. 
Yesterday May 29th was our 10 years anniversary... I remember as it was yesterday, we planned on spending our 10th  anniversary in Venice, Italy. It wont happen this time, maybe ten more years... LOL
It's OK, we are staying at Eagle Ridge SPA Resort in Galena, IL. Their webpage looks beautiful and a beautiful place. Guess what? We are going on a hot air balloon ride :))))))))))) I cant wait for that.
I will try to not touch my phone as much.I am taking my little camera with me :)) Have you guys notice that the smart phones have replaced people? We go to restaurants, go out with friends and there we have our phones on the table... The excuse is our kids but deep inside we know we are addicted to our phones. To me is even worse because I get myself working everywhere, replying e-mails...
I want to fall in love with my husband all over again this weekend. Not that I don't love him... I LOVE him more than life but, falling in love is so necessary, just like the first time :) ( now that reminded of of Bryan Adams song, "please forgive me"

"It still feels like our first night together
Our first anniversary :)

Feels like the first kiss It's getting better baby No one can better this Still holding on You're still the one First time our eyes met Same feeling I get Only feels much stronger I want to love you longer Do you still turn the fire on?"

I have this good feeling inside today. This feeling that tells me that life is going to get much better for us... It's summer and if it wasn't for the tornadoes that have been going on lately, I would say, summer is my favorite season of the year :)) We have tornadoes summer time so, nope, Spring is my favorite one LOL
It's so interesting that I look around and I get myself  surrounded with work to get done. I am so surprised that I am not freaking out about leaving for the weekend tomorrow... I guess Zee is finally realizing that she just can do so much... Life is short, there will always be embroidery to be done but I will take what I can get from this life.. I mean all the good things :) I don't take, haters, sadness, or anything bad, but I will take all the good I can get :)... Sorry, I am feeling a little bit selfish today :) I am allowing myself to do so...
My entire life has been everything and everybody else first and then me... Not this weekend.. Yep, I will post pictures :))
I want to say Happy anniversary to my husband and thank him so much for putting up with me, the workaholic Zee LOL Love you honey...
Happy Anniversary to us!!!!!
Have a great weekend and God bless you all!
Zee


Sunday, May 26, 2013

Sometimes I work with birthdays dresses, sometimes I work with goodbye pieces...

Today is Sunday evening. I have just gotten back from my bike ride. My legs are really sore, that is what happen when we get older I guess... LOL
I have always been working on First Birthday dresses, pretty garments, but, today I worked on embroidering the lid insert of a casket. Never thought I would do such a type of work someday. I never liked getting close to caskets, seeing one, or touching it, I don't like anything that is related to death, I have this feeling since I was a child. I was always  scared of walking on the sidewalk of a funeral home, it would remind me about losing my loved ones, not afraid of death  myself but, losing the ones I love, scares me so much. I know this is what life is about but, if I can, I'd rather not to think about it. Today, it was different though, I was doing my work with so much love and when it was done I kissed the piece and said: - Rest in peace young man, I pray that you find the light...
 The sad part is, it is for the casket of fourteen years old boy who killed himself over a girl. The entire time I was working on it I was praying that God give strength to the parents of this kid. I didn't know him,  just an embroidery work that I had to get done for the funeral home but it touched my heart. There is no way in the world that one could do this job and not wonder what this family is going through...
It made me feel like holding my kids close to me and never letting them go. It made me think so much about that mommy and daddy...We hear all kinds of stuff happening out there but, we never think that it can happen to us. We parents, never imagine our children passing away first than us.
I guess when we need to get something done, God give us the strength we need to. It was just like when my grandma passed away.
Last time I saw grandma Virginia Pecanha
My grandma and I were very close, sometimes I would get myself thinking, grandma is over 90 years old and how will it be like life without her? I was always scared.
But it happened. I knew my grandma was getting weaker and very sick. My mom told me, Zee, if you want to see grandma  still alive, you should come soon because I have the feeling she wont be here for too long.
So, I decided we better plan a trip to Brazil soon. I got there late afternoon, it was a tiresome trip, over ten hours in an airplane, I was exhausted when we finally got to my parents home. Some cousins were visiting, one of my cousin told me that grandma had been asking about me the whole day, she wanted to see me when I got in Brazil. I told my cousin I would wait until the next morning, when I would be more rested. She said, you should not wait Zee, grandma wants to see you as soon as you got here. So, there I got to my grandma home. She was so thin, sad expression but her eyes brightened up when she saw me. We talked a lot about all kinds of stuff, but for some reason grandma kept asking me what I thought it would happen to us when we die. Do you believe we will be born again? I didn't like that type of talk with my grandma... So she held my hand and told me: - Zee do you remember that vacation when you were fifteen and we went to Sao Paulo to spend couple weeks at your uncle's home? I said: Yes grandma, I do, why are you asking me this?
She then said: I never forgave myself for shortening the trip and wanting to be back home earlier than we planned before. I remember how mad you got about me, you had planned having a lot of fun with your cousin... I always wanted to ask you to forgive me for that, I felt like I ruined your vacation... Can you please forgive me in the name of God?
I was so weird, I said: -Grandma, that was a long time I go, I never hated you for that, I got over it next day, I cant believe you held that in your heart for all these years! There is nothing to be forgiven grandma. I always loved you and was thankful for you...
I couldn't believe the relief feeling that she had on her expression: _ Oh thank God you were never mad at me, I have always thought about that and couldn't forgive myself for doing that to you. I can die in peace now....
We talked some more and my daddy took grandma to her bed.  That same night at 3:00 AM we were called that my grandma had passed way...
Grandma had nine children of her own and raised two nephews, eleven children total. Guess who was the one who took care of all arrangement for grandma's funeral?  Yes, you are right, it was me, the one who is afraid of cemetery, caskets and everything related to death. I even took care of all my grandma's burial place and picked the clothes she was buried with. I was so strong... After all was over with, I couldn't believe all the stuff I did. I was telling my uncles and daddy what to do and how, like a pro. I will always love you Grandma... I know you are resting and enjoying a better life now...
I've learned that when we have to go through something difficult, somehow we are given all the strength we need.
That is what I thought it happened today. It was a sad work but somebody had to do it. The kid used to go hunting with his grandpa and daddy, they wanted to have a deer embroidered on his casket inside. I did it. I am so glad I could do my best, work on a Sunday for a teenager who has ended his life so early...
God bless you...
Zee

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Just stopping by to say Hello :)

Hello :)

I've been so busy with so many things going on that I haven't stop by to say "Hi" and let you know how things are at #My First Birthday Dress place.

Life has been pretty hectic lately.. I no longer have my helper. Debbie, just like me has her own dream and also wants to have her own Embroidery Business a success. I thought I would let her go I can be her friend and Mentor only. I think my place is to small for two ladies trying to get around this table, plus, you know, I am Brazilian and like the hot weather, Debbie is American and wants the cool air. Too many differences LOL. I have realized that while I am working out of my own home, I cant have helpers. I like my privacy too much, I like doing whatever I feel like doing, plus many other stuff.

Well, at least I tried and now I can tell for sure that I am not ready yet...

Today has been a good and busy day at Embroidea, got a lot of embroideries done and I even found a time to take a nap during my lunch time lol,  the beauty of working from home :))

Amelia and her Mommie

Today, more dresses went out to Virginia and I got to see the little face of Amelia who wore one of my First Birthday dresses on her special day! How cool is that? :) I love when my mommies send me pictures of their little ones :)) I pray that our Lord protect every little kids in this world. So many sad things going on lately. The tornadoes in Oklahoma was a catastrophe, God bless and be with all those people who lost their loved ones. Houses, cars, personal belongings we can get another one but they will never get back the loved ones they lost... My prayers and thoughts are with them..

Well kids... It's getting pretty late here... Tomorrow will be another day and a much better one :)

Have a great evening :)

God bless

Zee

Sunday, May 19, 2013

Happy 22nd Birthday to the most beautiful and lovable daughter in the world


May, 19th 1991, twenty two years ago the most beautiful baby girl I had ever seen in my life was born. I got a call from the hospital in the middle of the night telling me that my daughter was born at 11:35 PM. I could hardly wait until the next morning to go and pick Tamy up. Charles, my oldest son was six years old, we both drove to the hospital to meet our little baby girl for the first time. She was amazingly BEAUTIFUL… Our hearts were filled with joy and happiness when we finally got to hold her in our arms. WOW, she was going to be my baby girl, my Tamy.... So, After all the paper work was signed and done, we headed back home. Charles was sitting on the back seat holding her on his lap, I would watch him through the rear mirror, his eyes were shinning, he was smiling, satisfied, he was holding her little tiny fingers. So many times he would ask me to buy him a little brother or sister because all of his friends had siblings but him, he was feeling so happy. He finally had his little sister to protect, to love and adore. He would feed her bottles, watch her, kiss her all the time. 
We got home, I put her in her little bassinet that I had prepared for her on the side of my bed. I was watching her and finally it registered in my brain that now I had a tiny little baby to take care and protect from that moment on… I had never taken care of a little baby before. Charles was 2 years old when he became my son. I started crying, my son asked me why I was crying: - Aren't you happy mom? - Yes I am happy, I am very happy that is why I am crying… I remembered when I was a child and used to watch “Tammy and the Bachelor” TV show, I loved Tammy when she was a little girl and lived with her grandpa in a boat at the Mississippi river. I would dream that someday, when I was older and had a baby girl I was going to name her Tammy” just like in the TV show. She was innocent, sweet and funny… Oh I love Tammy…
I finally had my little Tamy. My ex, the one who went by himself to get her birth certificate, misspelled her name to the county clerk, so my Tamy has only one “M” duh!!!! LOL
Tamy brought so much happiness to our life, she has always been the sweetest daughter, loving, caring, intelligent, always got straight “A” at school. Never had to worry about her, always the greatest daughter in the entire world. Tamy was always good at saving her money. I always thought Tamy would make a great business person, an account or an engineer, she has always done great with numbers. When we moved from Brazil to Springfield in 2003, Tamy didn't speak any English at all, six months later, she was making the Honor Roll at her school. No need for ESL (English as Second Language) anymore, she spoke English better than I did and nowadays, she doesn't even have an accent!!! LOL I am so jealous!! LOL
During High school, Tamy got lost for a little while, we went through some tough times. It all happened when our youngest one, Isabella was born. Not sure if Isabella being just born, was one of the reasons for what happened or not. Maybe the thought that with a little baby of our own would leave us with less time and love  for her, would scare her. I never understood, but, I missed my baby girl's High School Graduation..It feels like I skipped a chapter in the book of our life... A very important chapter...
I never knew how it was like to be a teenager in the USA. During my Teenager years, I only worked, went to church, to school only. I guess I skipped all those teenager years that “normal” people go through, so, I had no idea how it was like to be a teenager. It was tough but, I knew I had raised my baby girl right, I knew she was smart and she would be her old self again. All I did was pray that the good Lord would protect and watch over her, I trusted and put all my worries in God hands.  
We get so used to protect our kids from the world outside, we raise them with love and try to keep them away from what we think it is not good for them. Doing that, we forget to prepare them for the reality outside, the peer pressure and I guess they get confused with so much going on. Thank Lord it didn't last long. It felt like an eternity though…
For some reason, we tend to dream with a brilliant future to our kids, we expect them to follow the normal course of life. I was so sure that I had raised my daughter in such a way that she would be prepared for that big world out there, so I never thought she could get confused along the way.
Thank Lord, who kept me sane, everything is back to normal again. My baby girl, finally realized what career she wants to follow, nowadays she works full time at the bank, part time as a waitress and she has been going to college. I feel like she found her way, she is not confused anymore, she knows exactly what she wants  and I pray that Lord keeps her always like this. I missed my little girl so much...
I love my kids more than anything in this world and would give my life to any of them in a heartbeat. I have 3 beautiful kids, three different personalities, two were born from my heart, were chosen and one that I gave birth. I love the three of them EXACTLY the same way, regardless the came out of my tummy or not.
Today It's my daughter’s birthday, I want to say, Happy Birthday Tamy! It's your special day... I thank Lord Lord for the day you were born. Thank you so much for letting be your mommy,for loving me no matter what. All of us, your family, are so proud of you and LOVE you with all our hearts. God bless and be with you ALWAYS Baby girl!
Love,
Mom

Thursday, May 16, 2013

The book definitely was not on the table today... LOL

Oh what a day... No matter what, thank you so Much dear Lord for the gift of life. For being able to experience one more day and learn something new. Sometimes it sucks the way I learn but, all I can say is, "the book was not on the table today" LOL  The book is on the table is the first sentence we learn in English there in Brazil. Where is the book? The book is ON the table! Prepositions, what would we do without them? LOL Anyways, my friends and I came up with this saying, when we don't really want to talk about something close to people we look at each other and say "The book is one the table, right? Then,  we know what that mean... It's crazy I know, but its's a code. Yep, I am still learning some English LOL
Today one of my machines jumped when I was sewing a big design and I didn't notice until later. I don't understand MELCO technicians. Well, I kind understand, they are like machines's doctors and when we don't know what the heck is wrong with them I guess we have to keep on trying new tests. I just think that by now, Melco should know every illness that their machine may come up with.
One say it might be the Z motor, yep (blame on Zee) the other says, X motor and the other says it's the motherboard. I, personally think this machine crippled. Poor thing must be going through the change in life. All I know, I wont trust that baby machine no more. Only one color design to be sewn on that one. I am starting to think that embroidery machine are just like cars. When you finish paying them off, it's time to buy a new one. LOL Go figure...
Ok, no more complaints for now LOL 
One more First Birthday Dress left to Florida today... Happy Birthday little Lily :)) How cute she must be :))) I already know she will look adorable on that little green dress :))) God bless her and her family of course :)))
Have a fine evening you all and I am looking forward to a wonderful brand new day tomorrow :))))))
God Bless
Zee (not the motor) LOL



Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Truth or dare with Isabella

- Mommy lets play Truth or dare?

- Sure Isabella, you start.

- Truth or dare mommy?

- Truth. I said

- hmmm... When and who was the first man you kissed?

 I never expected my 7 years old daughter to ask me such a question... What is wrong with my little baby ? She grew up so fast....

- Oh well... oh well... My first kiss was with Tammy's daddy and  when  we started dating...

-Yuk!!! How can you kiss Tammy's daddy?? By the way Tamy's daddy is my ex husband, I got married when I was 17 years old so, I got married to my first boyfriend ! LOL What was I thinking??? duh!!! LOL

- Well... well... I don't know, I guess I loved him, that is why we kissed.

- Well you don't have to love someone to kiss him. I have kissed John at school! Said Isabella

Oh my goodness, I wasn't prepared for that kind of conversation...

- How can you kiss John? and you don't love him??? How come? I replied

- Well mommy, Catie dared me to kiss him, so I did. But it was a very fast kiss!

- Well Isabella lets play Littlest pet shop now. I think that I like it better!!!

-OK mommy...

She kissed John because Catie dared her... I really didn't know what to say.. If I got mad, she would start hiding stuff from me. I guess it is just one of those things that we play along?

Well, just a little advise from me... Don't ever play Truth or Dare with your little one, you might get surprised... Just saying.... LOL

Today has been a better day at Embroidea with the new helper. I stopped working earlier and I am ready to rest.

Shipped a little First dress to Canada and I love it !!! I cant wait for the Customer to get it.. Oh I love my work so much :))))))))))

Have a nice evening you all and God Bless

Just me

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Thank you Lord for this precious day....

Hi there...
it's 7:49 PM and I have replied to my last email of the day. I am ready to finally rest. This has been the second day  with my helper and I think I have been working harder than before LOL
I guess it will take a while for me to get used with this idea... It's really strange... I am not sure if I like the idea yet... We will see...
It's kinda scary... I am not sure how to explain this feeling... Debbie is a very nice lady and seems to know what she is doing but, of course some mistakes always happens. So, now, I am going to rest on my couch and fix the mistakes... As my mommy says "I am going to rest while I  carry some stones" LOL My mommy comes up with the funniest sayings... I love her :)))
Today I have embroidered a First Birthday dress that turned out just BEAUTIFUL. I love embroidering my little dresses... Have I already told you that? LOL They are just like a blank canvas where I can use my imagination... dream with the little baby who is going to wear it... So precious... :))))
Thank you Lord for one more day you has given to me, thank you Lord for being with me and protecting me  all the time.
God be with you and your family,
Have a great evening :))
The CraZee Lady next door .... LOL

Monday, May 13, 2013

Embroidea Custom Embroidery First Employee :)))

Welcome to Embroidea Custom Embroidery Debbie!
It finally happened today, I hired my first employee and she did Wonderful on her first day :) Her name is Debbie and I knew her before. Met Debbie once when we went through the drive through at Taco bell. She saw the Embroidea sticker on my car and asked if I did embroidery. She sounded so excited and friendly  We exchanged business card and became friends. I have been trying to help her build her own embroidery business but poor thing is having a hard time finding Customers, so, I asked her if she would like to work for me. She was so happy about it. She has learned a lot today and she will keep on learning. I know that someday, just like I did one, Debbie will take off and take care of her own business but, I am going to enjoy her company while she is working with me. And I will always be there to help her whenever she needs me...
I was so nervous in the morning. It might sound silly to you but for me, and old lady who treats her machines like babies, take care very well of them, I never thought I could stand seeing another person around my machines...  LOL So silly, I know, but I did good, I got more relaxed as the day went on and I feel much better right now. Everything is just fine...
I feel like I have taken another big step towards my dreams and all I ask God for is to give me patience, and wisdom to deal with all the changes that  are going to happen from now on.
My First Birthday dresses are selling like crazy and I feel so thankful that all this good things have been happening to me. God knows what is in my heart and mind and I trust that at the right time a big door is going to open for me and that will be the answer to my prayers. God has a plan for me, that I know for sure and  I feel like I can understand better what I came in this world for. He has given me many talents and I wont disappoint him.
I wanted to share this wonderful news with you my friends and Customers...I DID IT!!!!! :))))
Hope you all had a wonderful Mother's Day! I surely had a good one.
God bless
Zee

Saturday, May 11, 2013

Letter to my mom

My Daughter-in-Law, me and my Mom in Brazil

My dear Mom,
tomorrow is going to be Mother's Day. One more year that I wont be able to spend with you. I just wanted to let you know that every day is your day... You are my queen, my model of a perfect mom.
There isnt a day when I dont think of you, I am always mentioning all your sayings and wish I could live closer to hug you. I am very proud of the woman I became because of you mom. I will never forget your words whenever I would get you frustrated.
You would say, "One day you will be a mom and you will know how it feels like when you act like this"

Yes mom, I am a mother now and its my turn to tell my kids the same. I wish we didnt have to wait so long to appreciate you and now I know exactly how you felt whenever we would be naughty.
You went to school only for two years when you were a child but you taught me things that they were not able to teach me in college.

Many times I got mad at you because I couldnt do whatever all my other friends used to because I had to go to church every Saturday and Sunday with you.
Mom, you taught my brother, my sister and I that we had to work to be able to buy stuff that we wanted to. I am very proud to say that I worked as a baby sitter, maid, factory employee, seamstress, I harvested coffee beans, cotton, beans, rice, so that I could buy my own school supply.
You worked hard as well, from 6:00 o'clock in the morning to 6:00 o'clock in the evening. You would come home from work and cook lunch for the next day, you would do the laundry by hand. When our daddy got sick, you were the bread winner, you never complained about the life you had.
When I close my eyes mom, I can see you walking back home from work. We would be outside playing on the street and I would watch you walking toward our house and think to myself, "my poor mom, I wish she didnt have to work so hard"

On your Special day Mom, I will be thinking of you as always, I will call you and let you know that you are the best mom in the entire world. You are my hero, my mother, my friend and  you mean the world to me.

Thanks Mom for giving birth to me, for loving me and for always  being there whenever I need you. God bless and be with you always mom..

Thanks for everything you taught me and thank you for just being you... My wonderful mom

I wish my mom and each one of you, a Happy Mother's Day and God bless every mom in this world.

Happy Mother's Day to you!

God bless

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

THANK YOU... THANK YOU... THANK YOU LORD!!!

Good Morning :)))

What a beautiful day!!! Ah I feel so thankful today for starting to feel better.

Yesterday I was feeling so bad with my sinuses, I couldn't brief, I had not sleep for three nights in a row, sitting in my TV room and feeling miserable. I tried everything people would tell me, I am on antibiotic but I have done neti pot, Vicks, steam, nasal saline, everything one can think about  and nothing seemed to help. I was watching my pile of work getting bigger and bigger, Customers calling for their embroidery, I was working the entire time but I wasn't as productive as when I am not sick. it was 4:30 yesterday when my throat started hurting so bad and I thought I'd better go to bed and rest. I woke up about 6:30 with my phone ringing, it was the lady from the Uniform shop asking about her embroideries. I had not done anything yet. I felt so bad for her because I understand they have deadlines as well. I thought I better get up, take  a hot shower and come to Embroidea and do her embroideries. That is what I did. I've gotten all her garments embroidered and felt so good about it :)) My husband came to my room and showed me this paper that Isabella had done at school and one thing stuck to my head. it was about a nice thing to say to different people and to Mommy, she wrote down "I hope you feel better soon" I think that THAT  was what I needed to see...That gave me the strength I needed, I did all the shipping, invoices, got my steamer and went to rest.
Isabella's medicine to me :)

I have always missed not having my mom living close to me, but, the last few days I have missed her the most. I know what she used to do when I lived close by, all kinds of teas, chicken soup, and love... I was wishing for my mom so bad... I decided I had to get better soon for Isabella.

Last night I slept better and today I feel  much better. Not totally well yet but I can tell that I am getting there :))

Brian could tell I was feeling better this morning  because I was doing my normal activities that I do every day. Getting laundry done, first thing in the morning, cleaning the kitchen, swiping the floor, I like my home half way decent because I always have customers coming over. I told my husband: I feel so much better today! Isabella heard me saying that so, she asked me: - MUCH BETTER mommy? yes I said... MUCH BETTER :))) And she had a big smile on her beautiful little face. Ahhh, our kids, there is nothing we wont do to see them smiling :)))

Now I understand why we have to go through some period of sickness once in a while, to appreciate more the days when  we feel  healthy...

I have always been thankful for every day when I wake up in the morning , only for waking up it makes me happy already because God is giving me a brand new day as a gift but, today, I FEEL SO MUCH MORE THANKFUL than ever. All I can say is, thank you Lord for being with me, although I miss having my family living close, I know that YOU are the FATHER who is always with us, no matter where we are.

Ah, by the way, I have sold two First Birthday Dresses this week to Canada!!! Isn't that FANTASTIC?  Thank you Canada! what a Beautiful Country... Thank you Lord for everything!

And God bless the entire world. :))))))))

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Decisions...decisions...decisions...


The day I bought my first embroidery Machine
Wow...Hi there :) It feels like a while since I've posted here. So many things going on, lots of work, me being sick and so many decisions to take, what should I do?

I have a dream and I wont give up on my dream, I have always been cautious about taking decisions I'd rather to take it slow. Just like when I started Embroidea Custom Embroidery. I was so afraid of getting in debt when I bought my first embroidery machine, I was afraid of not having enough work to even pay for it, I am not the kind of person who decides about something and then cry about it later. If I take a decision, that is it. I need to be sure about it.

So, when I first started my business, I was for 6 months without work to do at all. I was new in this Country, I had not too many friends, didn't know what to do. I remember being so scared of not bringing a pay check home and helping my husband. So, I decided to go back and work a little more while I was still building my clientele. I would work all day at another embroidery place, would come home after work and would work some more for myself, embroidering the few things I had to get done, relatives and friends of my husband who would ask me to get some embroidery done for them. So many people helped me at the beginning... I will never forget all the people who helped me.

Soon I started embroidering Red Hat Society t-shirts and would sell them on EBay. I am very thankful for EBay, it helped me a lot, I used to sell my First Birthday dresses and Red Hat Society apparel online. I started getting really busy, there were days that I worked 20 hours a day. I had no small kids so, it was fine with me... We can build nothing in this work with no sacrifice...

After Isabella was born, when she was five weeks old I started leaving her at the Daycare and go to work. It was a very nice Home Daycare, I am still friends with Deb from the Little Shadows Daycare. I love them all but, but Isabella was always getting sick, she had ear infection constantly and  I hardly had time for my baby girl, didn't see her first steps, first words...Until the day I told myself: - What is the purpose of having a child if I cant spend time with her? I had to choose in between bringing the pay check home at the end of the week and watching my daughter grow up.

I had to take this decision, I trusted that God has a purpose for me in this world and He will never leave me alone. I took the plunge, I quit my job.

I am so glad I did it! I haven't made tons of money, not even close to what I used to make while I worked at the other place but, it's enough. I have many Customers now, I have three embroidery machines and thinking about buying another one, I am growing my website, Isabella is 7 years old now and  I have another decision to take. I need to hire some help.

I have had an open heart surgery two years ago and a week after my surgery, I was working to meet my deadlines. Sometimes after I am done working at the end of the day, I look around and wonder where did I find the strength to do everything by myself. Embroidery, digitizing, invoices, phone, family, sales, taxes...

I think that time has come when I have to take a bigger step and hire some help. I feel all the old worries hunting me again Will I have enough money to pay for my helper every week? I don't even pay myself a salary!

I guess if I don't try it, I will never know... I have someone I know in mind and I have already gotten the phone to call her and offer her the job, but, how much to pay? How much can I afford? Will it work out ok having a friend as an employee? Will she accept my offer? Will I be able to separate friendship and employee? So many concerns....

I guess sometimes I just need to remind myself that I am not that young no more, it comes a time in life that we have to let our fears go and just trust that everything is going to be all right.

Well my friends, I guess this is what we call life. Isn't it?

"Miracles happen to those who believe" and I DO, I DO, I DO!!! :))))))))

Decisions... decisions.. decisions...  Here I go again :)

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Everything is back to normal again and life is good :))))))))))

Ahhhh life is really good right now... Everything is ok with the world  :) I have three machines back to work again :))) I have always loved my machines but, no matter when which one of them breaks down, it is always a pain. But now, the sun is shinning, the machine is fixed, my orders are going to get done. I still have this sinuses infection but I know that as soon as the antibiotic kicks in, everything will be all right :))) So, no worries, I have put my "big girl's panties on" LOL

If you ever need a Melco embroidery machine Technician, you have to call Goodday Machine Repair.

Ben is the owner and he is my babies machine's doctor :)) He knows my machines so well... It's been quite a few years dealing with my babies... I am already able to fix many things on them, change motherboard, color thread optical sensor, grabbers and many other parts but this time it drove me crazy. I couldn't figure it out what the heck was wrong with that baby. Ben, said he would be here at 10:00 o'clock this morning and he was exactly on time. He went through everything I had already done to find out the problem, I would just watch him and say, "I have done that"  over and over again... The man changed the color change optical sensor, the motor and nothing... I noticed he was starting to get frustrated. All I did was pray that it had nothing to do with the motherboard of the machine.... That wouldn't be a pretty thing to happen to me at this time... Oh boy not that...

Suddenly Ben came to my computer and I heard him say "I CANT BELIEVE IT!"  I asked him what  was going on and he told me that he had gone through all that trouble and it was a software issue... that time I was the one who said "I CANT BELIEVE IT"  Can you believe it? The Technician drove all the way to Illinois to fix my machine and it was a configuration problem. I have two Amaya XT and an older model red one, that is the one with the issue. Somehow along the way, that machine started to act like it was an XT like the other two but, it doesn't have all the parts that the XTs have, so, there was a conflict. Who knew!?!?!? Even the machines get confused sometimes, even the machines start to act like they are younger than the real thing... Nice try baby machine!!! LOL All you got with that is drive this poor old Zee crazy and made her work harder and longer to keep up with the orders. Don't ever try that trick on me again, I am keeping an eyes on you! LOL

That is too funny! I know a few people who have tried to do that as well and it didn't work out good for them :)))))))

Anyway, Life is good, lets get back to work and make some money to pay for the damage! :))))))  Nah... Money is no a problem... Well it is actually the solution!!!! LOL. Just kidding... As you can tell, Zee is in a good mood now.... Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh what a wonderful world... Thanks Ben for figuring out about my baby's trick and for being a good human being and excellent technician. God bless your heart!

God bless the entire world!!!!!!! 

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Georgia is on my mind as well Ray Charles :)))

 

I am so glad that I have finally sent one of My First Birthday Dresses to Georgia State today! Wooooo Hoooooo. So far, California and Florida have been the two States that buy my little dresses the most. Of Course I can’t forget, Texas, Virginia, New York, Alaska and many other States but, this was the first one to Georgia! It put a big smile on my face. Thanks Mom for choosing My First Birthday Dress to your little princess! Now Georgia is going to be always on my mind too Ray Charles! :))

I wish you had an idea how much I enjoy embroidering these little birthday dresses... I wish I could embroider them all the time, make it my full time job, but I consider this type of work my hobby, I still can’t make a living selling them... 

I surely appreciate every minute I spend working in each one. I enjoy embroidering the Baby girl's name on them, imagining her little face and praying that God always keep her healthy and safe always. My excitement is not just when I sell them but when YOU mommy send me a picture of your baby so that I can have her on my website. When YOU receive the little dress that I embroidery especially for your little one, when I finally know for sure that you are satisfied with what you've gotten, that is the time when I celebrate the most :). I pray that I keep up the good work and pray that I keep you mommies always happy with the talent that God gave to me.

OK, I need to share this nice thing that happened the other day. Isabella, my daughter has a little girl friend who lives down the street, they play together almost every single day. She is a cute, delicate and adorable Chinese little girl named Lydia. The other day, our doorbell rang and when we checked it was Lydia and her mommy. They were coming back from their church where Lydia won a scooter and a box of skittles. She already had one and she didn't like skittles instead keeping them, she decided that she was going to give to Isabella. How sweet is that? Isabella's scooter broke the other day and both couldn't ride their scooters together no more so, when she won that one she was so happy that she could to give Isabella and both would be able to ride together again.  I thought that was the nicest gesture ever, coming from a little child.  What amazes me, after Lydia and her mommy left our home, Isabella decided to make her a "Thank You" Card and went upstairs to get her crayons.  She came back with brand new box of the littlest pet shops, her favorite toys. Her grandma brought them from Florida to her but she already had that one so, she said: - Here mommy, I am giving this to Lydia, I really appreciate what she just did for me and I am going to help her with her Littlest Pet Shop collection as well. It reminded me about a movie I watched once, "Pay it forward" I loved that movie, we do something nice to somebody and what happens next? It comes right back to us :))) I am so glad I could watch this happening right in front of me with my daughter while she is still a little girl.  Well my friends, it's time to put my legs up for a while on my favorite couch :))

I have a terrible sinus infection and only God knows how I was able to work today. Thank you Lord for giving me the strength when I need... God bless each one of you... AMEN