A Great Doll Find

Today while perusing through Hobby Lobby, I ran across this wonderful beach chair condiment holder.  It looked a little tall for the dolls, but I knew I could shorten the legs if needed.  I was still on the fence as to whether to buy it or not and then I saw the umbrella.  That sealed the deal.  It retails for $19.99, but the Spring Shop items were 40% off this week, so it was $11.99.  A little more expensive than I wanted to pay, but I didn't want to regret not buying it.  By the way, there is always a 40% off coupon on Hobby Lobby's website that can be used once per day on non-sale items.

I think I will paint it white before adding a piece of decorative wood over the holes.

So cute!

It is a tad too tall for the Barbie dolls.  It's probably perfect for the Integrity dolls.

I think it's time to get out the sand and create another beach.

Preview Pics and A New Body

My AA Hoodie doll just got a new articulated body.  I used the KenyaDoll Dwayne body.  I think it's perfect for him.  The color isn't a perfect match, but it's close.  I like this body because it's a little shorter than the regular Ken dolls.  I think it helps to keep him looking like a high school student.  Here he is pictured with Christina.  She is so smitten with him.  Unfortunately for her, he just wants to be friends.

Last time we saw Danielle, she was getting dressed to take the baby and Jacob to the doctor's office.  Well, she made it. 

"Hello.  I'm Danielle and I have a 9'o'clock appointment."  (Danielle)

"Good morning.  I see you have your hands full.  Why don't you take a seat in the lobby and I'll bring a form to you to fill out."  (Receptionist)

"Okay, thanks."  (Danielle)

Danielle helps Jacob onto a seat, before taking sitting in the one next to him.  She then takes the cover off the baby's face to give her a little air.   The lobby is empty, but with all doctor offices, it's bound to fill up quickly.  We will check back soon.

Busy Day Ahead (Photostory)

The holidays are over and the kids are heading back to school.  Danielle promised them waffles, so she is in the kitchen getting everything ready.  She has left Rod in charge of getting the kids up and down to breakfast.

The first room Rod heads to is Nicole.  I know some of you are surprised she is still here.  Melanie's mom took ill and Melanie had to leave town to go check on her.

"Nico-ole.  Time to get up.  (pause)  Okay, I'm going to turn on the big light."  (Rod)

"Daddy!  It's too bright.  I can't see."  (Nicole)

"I warned you. You'll adjust.  It's time to get up.  Breakfast is in 15 minutes."  (Rod)

The baby starts making baby noises.

"You have Zoé with you?"  (Nicole)

"Yes.  Sit up and say good morning to her."  (Rod)

"Good morning baby sister.  Daddy, can I hold her?"  (Nicole)

"Sure."  (Rod)

"She's so small."  (Nicole)

"You used to be that small."  (Rod)

"No way!"  (Nicole)

"Do you realize you are the big sister to three kids now?  How do you feel about that?"  (Rod)

"I like being the big sister." (Nicole)

"I think you make an awesome big sister.  Now hand me the baby and head downstairs to the kitchen, while I go round up the boys."  (Rod)

With everyone finally downstairs and seated, Danielle serves breakfast.

"Nicole, if you want more, there is another waffle over here."  (Danielle)

"This is good."  (Nicole)

"Here I'll take her so you can eat in peace."  (Danielle)

"You aren't going to eat breakfast with us?"  (Rod)

"I would love to, but if I don't start getting ready now, I will never make it to the doctor's office on time."  (Danielle)

"Are you sure you are going to be okay taking the baby and Jacob?"  (Rod)

"I will be fine.  Jacob has to get his last s-h-o-t-s."  (Danielle)

"If I didn't have that conference today, I would go with you."  (Rod)

"I will be fine, honey.  I can handle the little people."  (Danielle)

"Julian, you can have more waffles if you finish that one."  (Danielle)

"Yay!  I think I'm still going to be hungry.  I'm a growing boy."  (Julian)

"Ha ha.  Yes, you are a growing boy."  (Danielle)

"Okay, I'm off.  Enjoy your breakfast.  And don't dilly dally.  We want to start the new year off right getting everyone to school on time."  (Danielle)

Dasia'a New Threads

 I started working on a couple new pieces for Dasia.  The first outfit is a safari two-piece with a jacket and skirt.  I think I am going to make the pockets a little smaller and possibly add a few mock buttons.  The jacket will look nice with her jeans and other pants.  I may make her a pair of capri pants out of this same material.

 Dasia also requested a fancy dress for New Year's Eve.  I need to put Harold, her husband, in a tuxedo and send them out on the town.

The dress, and the safari pieces will be available in the store later on this week.

Help With the Laundry

Hey, guys.  I worked on Danielle's laundry room.  It's not finished.  I still have to add some decor touches and straighten up the hanging rod.  I didn't realize how crooked it was until I took the photos.  All the partially finished rooms I recently put together will be completed when I am feeling better.

In all honesty, I'm having a difficult time with these shingles and I'm not functioning at 100%. The pain is intense and frequent even with my pain meds.  If I could, I would just sleep through the whole thing.  It's been three weeks, and it feels like a lot longer.  Anyhoo....

Yesterday I was able to sit at my sewing machine for the first time in a month and make Dasia a dress.  I hope to finish a couple more outfits for her soon so I can reopen my Etsy store.  

Danielle remembered she had a load of clothes in the washer.  Jacob follows her to the laundry room.

"So are you going to help Mommy with the laundry?"  (Danielle) 

"I want to do it."  (Jacob)

"Okay, but let me open the door for you."  (Danielle)

With Danielle's help, Jacob is able to stuff the clean clothes into the dryer.

"Wow, aren't you a good little helper?"  (Danielle)

Danielle turns on the dryer, scoops up Jacob and heads out.  It's been a long day and she would really like to take a nap.  Unfortunately, the holiday company is still there.  She'll figure something out.

Antoinette's New Venture (Photostory)

For those of you who aren't familiar with Antoinette, she has been the resident chef here in Morristown.  The last few years have been spent cooking on television shows.  It was very time-consuming, which is partly why we didn't get to see much of this family. 

"Hello, guys.  Welcome to my new bakery.  It's still a work-in-progress, but coming along pretty nicely.   I don't have an official name, yet. but I will by the time we open the doors.  Recently I made the decision to open this bakery to have more control over my schedule and my life.  With my kids getting older, it's important for me to be in their lives more, not less."  (Antoinette)

"Sad to say, I think I made the bakery a little too small.  It seemed much larger before we put all the fixtures in place.  We will make the most of it."  (Antoinette)

"Do you guys remember my youngest daughter, Zahara?  She's my tag-along today.  She's sitting at the eat-in counter.  I didn't want a ton of eat in space, so I think that's perfect.  Zahara, can you say hello?"  (Antoinette) 

"Hi."  (Zahara)

"That's probably all we are going to get.  Santa brought her a tablet for Christmas.  I'm really starting to question that decision.  Let's get back to the tour."  (Antoinette)

"The touch screen cash register is sitting on top of a shelving unit that will hold some retail items."  (Antoinette)

"On the back wall is another shelf.  The coffee station will sit on top.  I'm not sure what will be on the other shelves, but extra storage is always nice to have."  (Antoinette)

"The daily baked goods will be kept in this bakery case.  I can't wait to fill it up with all kinds of goodies."  (Antoinette)

"The recessed area on the back wall, with the clear shelves is just something I designed to add a little more interest to the decor."  (Antoinette)

"Finally, this shelving unit with the baskets will keep the daily baked bread.  Mmmm, I can almost smell it."  (Antoinette) 

"That concludes the tour for now.  The plan is to hire at least three part-time workers to run the front of the store.  I will do all the baking for now.  As the business expands, I will provide internships to aspiring bakers.  I already hired one of the workers.  I invited her here today so you could meet her."  (Antoinette)

"Come on out."  (Antoinette)

"This is Caia (ka-ya).  I was really impressed with her during the interview and hired her on the spot.  I really think you are going to like her."  (Antoinette)

"Hello everyone.  I'm looking forward to meeting you.  Make sure you stop in to say hello as soon as we open."  (Caia)

"Well, guys.  That's it for now.  I look forward to seeing you back here in a few weeks when we open the doors.  Ciao for now!"  (Antoinette)

This is the $5 Amazon cupcake doll that inspired the bakery  This will be Antoinette's outfit.  The part-time workers will be dressed in all black or pink shirts with black pants.  

Nicole's After Dinner Surprise (Photostory)

After Christmas dinner, most of the family retired to the living room to relax before having dessert.  Danielle decided this was the perfect time to show Nicole her new bedroom.  Nicole had no idea she was finally getting her own bedroom.  Danielle led her to the closed door on the third level, then covered her eyes.

"Are you ready?"  (Danielle)

"YES!"  (Nicole)

"Ta da!"  (Danielle, removing her hands from Nicole's eyes)

"So what do you think?"  (Danielle)

"Is this my room?"  (Nicole)

"Yes, it is.  I had them install the wallpaper you and I picked out months ago.  I left plenty for us to decorate together."  (Danielle)

"I love it."  (Nicole)

Nicole walks in to get a better look.

"We will have to buy you some new desk accessories.  And there is plenty of room for your school books."  (Danielle)

"Now I can't wait to go back to school and get some homework so I can work at my new desk."  (Nicole)

"Now that's a first....you wanting homework."  (Danielle)

Nicole moves over to the corner with the beanbag chair. 

"I love the horse pictures."  (Nicole)

"I knew you would.  Behind you on the shelf is a place for your games, DVDs and the tv, which is only allowed to be on during the weekend."  (Danielle)

"We will have to pick up a few more board games.  That's always a good way to spend family time."  (Danielle)

Nicole moves to the last area, the bed.

"Awww.  It's so soft."  (Nicole)"

"Maybe tomorrow we can get online and try to find a comforter, some curtains and a throw rug."  (Danielle)

"Okay.  I really like my room.  Thank you for putting it together."  (Nicole)

"You're welcome.  Your dad and I want you to feel at home here.  So now you have your own personal space.  And when you aren't here, I'll make sure the boys stay out."  (Danielle)

"Did Julian see my room, yet?"  (Nicole)

"No.  You can give him the tour.  He'll probably be upset that you have a tv and he doesn't." (Danielle)

"Speaking of Julian, he's probably wondering where we are.  Are you ready for some dessert?"  (Danielle)

"No, I'm still full from dinner.  Can I stay here?"  (Nicole)

"Sure.  Come downstairs when you're ready."  (Danielle)

Danielle leaves and Nicole takes another look around her new room and smiles.