My Weblog

The Brave One

"To become a real boy you must prove yourself brave, truthful and unselfish" Pinocchio

Can I just tell you how much I love this little boy.  He amazes me everyday. Today he got 5 teeth pulled and 2 of them were way up in his gums.  He sat in that chair, his eyes swelled up and he didn't shed a tear. He was so darn brave.  Three hours later, he is up practicing his num'chucks, or whatever Power Ranger weapon it is. He says he's getting pretty good at them.

Today his cousin, Micheal (who is the cutest thing ever), came over and he's already walking at less than a year. Joe is ultra competitive and was begging me to say that he, Joe, walked first. I explained to Joe that we never knew for sure if he'd be able to walk.  I told him how when he was born he may have had a stroke, we are unsure. I told him how we didn't know a lot of things.

But what we did know is that he did not use his right side much. David took him to Dr. and she simply said, "He has Cerebral Palsy" and then she walked out.  We had no clue what that meant. And so we begin therapy that seemed to never end. I can remember at one time I think we went 4 days a week, and 2 of those days 2x a day.  It was nuts. The best part for me and Joe was to see all the other kids and understand. 

I was so mean to kids that were different when I was younger. I really was. I think it was because I did not understand.  When Joe was about 4 I was putting his brace on his hand and he said, "Mom, I do not want to wear it, people will know". I could hardly believe it, kids start judging at 4?  Now, I simply tell kids, "just like some of you have glasses cuz your eyes don't work, Joe has a brace cuz his leg/arm doesn't work all that well." and they seem to get it.

Okay, I am getting pretty long here. I need to get to the Cliff Notes.  As we watched him sit bravely at the dentist we talked about how amazing he was.  All but a few times that he's gotten botox (yes, it's used to treat muscles in CP kids), they'd roll him off in the little cart into the room and he'd look at us, but did not cry. All his long hours of therapy have made him so patient and determined. 

So when he asked about Michael I told him, "Ya, Michael walks early but you could do puzzles like it was no one else's business". Julie, one of his physical therapists, once told me, every kid just needs one thing he can shine at.  I couldn't figure out why she was teaching Joe to draw a traingle  and a square when he was 3. She said, "When he goes to school all the kids we be cutting. Joe may have a hard time, but darn it, he'll be able to draw his shapes before anyone else. Kids need to have one thing to shine at". Man, I love Julie. She was also the first one to tell me I spoil Joe rotten. Which I still do.

You know, Joe having these issues has almost been a good thing in a way. It has totally changed me. I am much more undersatnding of others. I now know what it feels like to have people stare, they used to all the time when he was little.  I remember one time I saw the sweetest baby and she had a huge birth defect on her face. She was so beautiful and I told the Mom how beautiful she was. The lady almost cried. I don't think she had ever heard that. She had only felt the stares. It sucks. People always say, "Well, it could be worse" and ya it could be. That is really a sucky thing to say, cuz it could be a helluva lot better too for so many.

Okay, now you all know how much I love Joe. He has just made me such a better person. Yes, even if he pushes me to my limit now and then.

From small oaks MIGHTY ACORNS grow

and where or where have I been? Sorry nothing exciting, just sleeping and eating. I tell myself everday, "okay 1000 calories all day" then the moment I open the cupboard I down that goal.  And those darn Easter baskets have to go. Bunny ears for breakfast isn't really such a good idea.

It really is little things that make us happy. That poll was just too fun. For real, david and I are such dorks we were checking the updates non stop. And the Master Typer himself, so screwed up the last line. Ya, he is one to talk on proof reading, huh?

I am so excited about Fall. It is getting a bit overwhelming. I have no idea how people do this.  We are just one month into Spring and slammin. There is no time for Fall. No clue.  My head is read to bust with thoughts and so on. I really need to work on getting a notebook so I can download some of this stuff. But then again, I like to amaze the girls at work with my great memory. Ya, that and the eyes on back of my head. Ask Chris , she'll be the first to tell you I am complete nag, and am into everyone's business. Wait, it is my business so they mise well shut up and stop telling me to mind my own business. Ya, that's it.

Kay sent me over a disc with some great images. Oh, we love Kay.  I suck and I cannot find her blog to link her up. Sorry Kay, I beg your forgiveness.

And guess what? You are going to love this.  It's in production as we speak, samples should be here mid-April. I'm a bit nervous. I have not always had good luck with boy stuff. But you guys just had to keep nagging so I tried 6 pieces. Yup, I am not the only one who nags. Have you ever heard the song "Nag" by Joan Jett?? David plays it for me often. Google it. Okay, I did it for you, the lyrics are above. I LOVE GOOGLE.

My First Poll

Opinion Polls & Market Research

I know it is simple and off centered. It was our first try and hey, at least we got it in the text box. I am so excited, and thanks to David for figuring it out. Tonite we'll put him on centering the poll while I do the Easter baskets. 

I was googling around to check on MJC. Yes, I do this often cuz you nver know what is out there in the land of the internet. So I found this awesome pic on Kim's blog. I loved it and had to share. She has some others too. I'll keep those in my back pocket for a later date.

So the internet is a weird thing. It is fabulous in so many ways and in a few it is it's own recipe for disaster.  Plus, I waste so much time googling just to google.

I get asked this question all the time, "Why don't you sell online?"  At one time I did, for about 3 months or so.  It wasn't something I enjoyed. I never spoke with the gals buying MJC. I would just print the order and ship, Ya, it was cool making money, but it was such a bore and I am one that always need reinforcement.

I love doing art fairs. We meet so many great customers and I get a chance to really hear people's likes and dislikes. It is wonderful, though  I smell like tent all day. And my feet are the dirtiest thing in the world after 10 hours in the dirt.  Before I blab to much, art fairs have always been my gig. I had Joe and Gabe and it got a bit difficult to be gone all the time.

Someone metinoned in home parties. I thought, ya this is pretty cool but who's gonna sell my stuff. I am a control freak so I kinda shut it down. Then I met Shannon, Sarah and Megan. They calmed my nerves a bit. We started to grow, and Lynette jumped in and we added more gals. I truely believe we have a great group of Trunk Keepers. While we are all still learning as we grow, they have been amazing and understanding of all the " I am learning by my mistakes, we are just so young" excuses. 

I really do feel we are doing a great job. Production has been a huge discussion for us. It is so hard to forecast. I almost tripled producton from last season and we are still having a few sell outs. It is just the first month? What did I do wrong? Oh, my gosh how would one know. Luckily, I have met some great guys to help us out with these situations and soon we will be joining forces.

But what I really wanted to say before I started babbling is aside from my love of art fairs, and my growing love of Trunk Shows we are now in this vritual show world. It is pretty darn cool but I am so overwhelmed on how to do it. What I know is the personal side of MJC, we chat with the customer, help her daughter try on a few things and before you know it we have a zillion friends. I love it. Everytime we pull up to a show, Chris and I rattle of all the people we are excited to see from last year.

So the online circuit is creating quite the demand. It scares me but we will figure it out. I mean I don't even have a spec sheet posted to help the gals who don't come into physical contact with MJC. I have no tools to help them out. For those of you who keep begging do know we hear you. We are working on some tools and policy/procedures for next season. This season you'll just have to be patient as we all figure this out together.

Okay now fill out my poll.. PLEASE oh and sorry the blog is all left centered.

My First Poll

Opinion Polls & Market Research

The Beast has been screaming (not cyring, screaming) for the last 40 minutes. His gooey eyes hurt, he's thirsty and I am sure his socks itch. At this point, it could be anything to get himself out of that crib.

Good thing little Miss Stella is smiling at us, huh? Thanks, Michelle for the darling photo and rubbing it in my face how sweet one child can be.  Now, if I went and gave the Beast his way and tucked him in bed with me, he'd be smiling too. Guess what, try again Gabe, cuz it's not working.

Things are pretty boring here. The wheels are really spinning at MJC. Everyone seems to have their groove on and they just do there thing. It kinda sucks cuz I am so good at bossing people around and I haven't got to do that much. David stopped by today and was amazed at how everyone just does their thing.  So now, I am just not sure what I am supposed to do. My entire routine has been shaken up. One problem, none of the girls have stepped up to take the ironing and folding off my hands.

While I was ironing for what seemed to be hours I wondered, "Does Nanette Lepore iron all day? " Ya, I doubt it, but then again maybe if she did I could afford her clothes. I love this sweater. And it would be super cute with my big ruffles.

Hmm....someday, eh? Until then I'll continue to eat these damn chocolate chip cookies and get a bit fatter. Then not only can I not afford the sweater, I cannot fit into it.  Perfect, now I have 2 excuses nwhy I cannot get it.

I got the nicest note from a gal named Kelly today. I am being so honest when I say anytime I get a note I pretty much freak out. First, I smile HUGE, then I laugh (anytime I get nervous, emberassed or want to cry, I laugh first), then I say "I cannot believe someone would take the time to write me a thank you note". 

I am the one that should be writing thank you's. If I didn't have Trunk Keepers, and if I didn't have customers I would not have Matilda Jane. And I guess I would still be painting, which I loved, but I really think I'm gonna have to get my hand cut off at the knuckles. No joke. Talk about pain.  It has to be from holding that paint brush for 10 years straight, that and I am nearing old age.

Hey, the Beast has quieted down. And I'm off to work on the Fall Collection. Afterall, the girls no longer need me at the office, so I need to make myself useful somehow.

I totally forgot Tiffany emailed me this pic. This is Lily. This picture cracks me up, Lily is so tiny and that Bunny is HUGE.

You do know I always check out your blogs if I see one of your comments. Then I become addicted to your blog. And Tiffany's blog http://www.lilyfeifei.blogspot.com/ is one I have been loving. In all honesty, I usually scroll through to see pics of MJC. Yea, it's a nice ego booster. Yes, I need to build up my confidence often. Gooey eye Gabe is not near as darling as your little chicks. Well, in MJC that is.

Notice as I always turn the story about me.

Now back to Tiffany and her blog. It is really fabulous. I see all these darling babies and hear about how they were adopted. In reading Tiffany's blog one can feel the excitement. I seriously check it daily now for pics of her little boy Ty. He is so darn cute and great taste in shoes.

My gosh, I just couldn't imagine the excitement of going over to meet your little boy and then have to come back home without the sweet one. Or maybe, if you have another little beast at home, that will keep your mind a float till the big day comes.

Speaking of beasts (notice how I turn the story about me AGAIN) he really does not like people in costumes. He simply squeals "Big Guy, Big Guy"  and then begins to growl at them. Yes, he has been caught growling at the Easter Bunny, Rudolph, the Spartan Mascot, and me. Yup, cuz 1/2 the time I look so dumb I might as well wear a costume.

OH, on that note, thanks a heck of a lot for chiming in on the parachute dress. I really did look cute,very cute. The other day at the workshop we discussed "Would you rather be pretty or cute?". I picked cute. We have pretty intense conversations, huh?

I know, I know..feed the blog.  I'm on it, well, kinda.  I'm almost out of pictures and you do know a post is a bore without pictures. So until then, I will continue making these cookies for the 50th time.  I'll see what I can come up with........

Oh, you guys are way too nice. I know I am ornary but I am what I am.  Lynette was reading my blog to me out loud and putting her little accent on it, it was hilarious. I am so dumb. However, I did look cute at work today. Chris had the cutest outfit on yesterday so I thought I would try to do the same. She came in and  laughingly said "Is that a parachute dress?" I will admit is was the same fabric as the famed parachute pants, but it was just a dress, no pockets. And I had on leggings. I looked cute. When David saw me he said, with a smirk, "Who are you? Cyndi Lauper?" Man those 2 are funny.

Oh, I do love Amanda's daughter. She has this depth to her that i just can't explain. Maybe liek an old soul? I don't know, but I do know she is beautiful.

Okay, next. I can't remember who suggested this, I think it was Kay and someone else, but man I do love you. Yes, geocaching is so gonna be my next thing.  You know if you look there are treasures (well, caches) everywhere, probably a mile or two within your house. I am so excited. I dont; have a GPS so I need to get one. Well, first I need a paycheck.  With that in mind, why does David get a MJC paycheck and I do not? I am the only one that gets no money. That sucks. I need to talk to the boss.

Rumor has it part of our shipment cleared customs and will be here tomorrow. Oh, I can hardly wait. It is so weird cuz we are just getting into the swing of things and now Fall is almost here. Ya, can you believe I have already started Fall 2008? It seems so backwards to me. I won't even start teasing you.  But it may be pretty cool. Maybe.

I'm off to prove to the credit card company that we have a legit business.  OMG, speaking of legit, did you know I called Vera Bradley once and asked exactly this "Hi, someone said you were hiring a designer. Is this really legit?" What kinds word is that, legit? It is like a rapper word or something. Anyways, ya, I had to take pics of the office, warehouse, and outside of both to prove I was legit. OMG, that is a MC Hammer song. Remember those MC Hammer pants?  I wonder what Chris and David will think when I put mine on for work tomorrow. How about, Can't touch this? Oh, I loved that song. I am a dork.

Wow, I need to shut up and focus. My mind is all over the place tonite. And Joe is in here saying "I have a runny nose, it is the baddest one I have ever had" Oh, if life were only that rough.

Off to prove I am legit and watch LOST..... Oh,and Brandie I just sent you an email that bounced back.  And it was a long one. I think you typed in your email wrong?

Dweller

I dwell on everything. Which is good and sometimes bad. Good because I remember just about everything. For real, I have a pretty good memory. Bad because it overshadows the Good.

I remember the cute boy I say when I was in 6th grade at the Pistons Basketball game. I remember he had curly hair, pinstripe jeans, a yellow buuton up shirt and those grey oxford shoes (they kinda looked like dance shoes). I remember when a older man once said "you'll never even be a blimp on the radar". Ya, that I dwelled upon.  I remember over 15yrs ago David saying, "You'll know who my dad is. He will be the guy waving the big Laker flag."  Yup, and surely, I knew exactly who he was in an arena filled with fans. I remember every sweet compliment I get. I remember every thank you note we recieve.  And I remember every little mistake we make, (don't forget to check the size tags 3x, check and double check the order vs the item number, blah, blah, blah) Ya, those mistakes, we dwell on.

Man, I am so smart.  I can remember everything.  I could go on and on. I bet I could remember every outfit I wore on the first day of school. Oh, you have to rememeber that.  You know, you get  Seventeen Magazine, you pick out who you want to look like. Then you try and try but never quite pull it off. Oh, ya, I could tell you exactly what I wore each year from 7th grade up, complete with banana clips and white cowboy boots with fringe. Damn I am smart.

I'll stop boring you with that and bore you with MJC. Kayla just started at the office, so when you call in be extra nice. She's new and I don't want her to be frightened off. No seriously, she did a great job on the phone and thanks for helping her out. I think she is amazed at how sweet you guys are. Anyways, still be extra nice. I have to look good! Got it, or I'lll bust you up! We'll talk about that later. Oh, I do dwell too much.

They have started shipping full force and are rocking out the orders. It is so nice not to have shipping in the workshop. Lynette calls it "Order Fullfillment" sounds cool, huh? But I can barely spell it, so I will stick with something I can spell.  We are shipping with some backorders, which sucks. But what can you do?  I guess the guys at customs really like MJC that they don't want us to to have it yet. Rumor is they have been wearing it to work.  No joke.

I have gotten so many emails about the song on my site. That would be the super Matt Kelly and crew. He said he would give me a link to his Cd. I'll update later, he is busier than I. But his CD is so good.

And I know you are all dying to hear about the game. Right? Well, you could at least pretend for a bit. Remember I dwell. Take a look at the Beast whacking Joe. And that is how the game went, whacked.

I won't go into details besides I hate to say they lost so the season is done. Who knows what I'll do know, maybe work. Maybe. But my gosh, they so deserved to win. There is always next year. You know this summer Betsy, she does not know this yet, is gonna help me learn a few tricks so David and I can do our own Laker Blog. Ya, he can write the game stuff and I can take pics and tell you about all the cute stuff. Good plan, huh? And stop laughing because I am so not joking.

And that is about it. I know I have been ignoring you all a bit. I have been dwelling. I was so irrate the other day when I got word that a customer actually called the office to ask what was I doing at a hockey game when I should be working? Do I not take Matilda Jane seriously? Talk about pissed.  I still am. Maybe I have no business blogginig about it but when it comes down to it, I love MJC but I also love my life. And how I can let one person get under my skin like this is beyond me. I need to stop dwelling.

Okay, breathe, just breathe......

And here is poor Joe trying to stand tall after the Beast whacked him a good one.

The sassy Michelle just sent this super pic over as well as politely informing me I need to feed my blog. Ya, what the heck is she talking about, that girls blog is starving. Yes, I do love her, maybe cuz she swears as much as I. Or maybe just cuz she is so real.

We are at Bowling Green for the CCHA playoffs. We got killed last night and boy we killed them tonite. It was a beautiful game.  One more tomorrow to decide who moves on to round 2. We have to win, I need one more weekend of Laker Hockey.

Back in the Matilda Jane world Lynette, Jenn, Chris and Sarah poured their hearts out last week as we moved into a new warehouse, and then into another new warehouse.  You know when you have a gut feeling something isn't the right fit? Well, after spending 2 days moving (that may be why you got the answering machine), I got that feeling. So we chose another warehouse and had to remove. All orders have started going out and it is remarkable.  It is so nice to have it seperate from the workshop.

It's been a tough week. David and I go back and fourth all the time, why are we doing this?  I am not meaning to sound negative, I'm just being honest. It is so hard to running your own business. It always comes back to , if I didn't do Matidla Jane I have no clue what else I would do. I love creating, I have always loved it. It's just the business side. My gosh, now that is the challenging part. We are learning so much as we grow. Poor David often needs to remind me, he also has a day job.

Okay, so let's hope for a great game tomorrow. We have a crazy week ahead of us at work. The remainder of our Peru shipment should arrive. Well, that is if customs likes us.

Have a great night. It is 12:30 and Joe will not stop jumping on the bed, David just walked in the door and Sara, my niece, is trying to sleep. We left the Beast at home with my sister, DeDe.