I woke up today with the most energy ever. Well, ok I was freezing cuz the heater somehow just turns itself off randomly and 62degress in pretty cold for me when it is FREEZING outside already. So I set off to conquer what was to be a breeze of a day. Just had a 1:00...
Category Archives: Family
01.20.12
Sometimes
Posted in Family
Joy Williams - January 23, 2012 - 9:56 am
I hope that all went well with the celebration. It’s awesome to have great friends to help out when needed. 
Trudy Cihak - January 22, 2012 - 5:03 pm
Great/Best friends are the best for getting you out of your funk! Getting out of town helps too!!
Leslie Click - January 22, 2012 - 3:34 pm
This too shall pass! You are doing great things…..and with that comes a lot of decisions…and a lot of patience!! We are behind you!
Gran - January 22, 2012 - 3:34 pm
Happy Birthday to Gabe!!!!!
This was a good post.
Hoping the trip is safe, goes smoothly and that you are still smiling.
Erin - January 22, 2012 - 1:20 pm
So many duplicate suggestions… If you pick one that multiple people suggested will there be multiple winners or just the first person who made the suggestion? Only asking because I saw that another woman has a daughter with the exact same perfect for an MJ dress name as my daughter (only I suggested it first 
)
Morgan Elizabeth
who we also call
Sugar Bean
Lindsey Defoe - January 22, 2012 - 7:59 am
True friends can be our saviours at times! So happy you have amazing friends to help when the going gets tough!! Happy Birthday to GaBe!!!
Courtney Puhl - January 21, 2012 - 8:14 pm
Hope the weekend is gong smoothly…you’re not alone
yoga_lat_te - January 21, 2012 - 7:22 pm
Happy birthday to Gabe! And, to Denise, safe drive, have fun in Detroit and take good care of yourself …!
Pamela M. - January 21, 2012 - 9:55 am
Great blog…have fun today. On your way into Detroit, swing through Grosse Pointe for a diet coke and Saunders hot fudge sundae! They are the best.
Alyssa Parkinson - January 21, 2012 - 8:44 am
Bring your woollies , it’s freezing in MI too…
Hillary C - January 21, 2012 - 7:10 am
I have days like this too sometimes (don’t we all, haha) but it’s always nice to know we have people we can count on. I feel there is no greater blessing than great friends and family. And I’m lucky I have alot of those too. Best wishes to you!
Kristin Penton - January 21, 2012 - 4:42 am
You’ve got great friends. It’s a treasure! God is so good too; every 24 hours we get a new day. Sometimes that’s all the hope you need!
lil - January 21, 2012 - 1:40 am
It’s wonderful that you were able to shake off that bad feeling. I think we all have those days. As if something is wrong. Just an over all bad feeling.
It’s wonderful that you have such wonderful gals to lean on and David of course. Smiling b/c It’s always great to see people smiling. Oddly these days can be made better with a nice compliment from someone, or just holding a door open for someone who needs help.
Have a wonder Birthday weekend Gabe!!!!
Jamie S - January 20, 2012 - 11:09 pm
Tomorrow is a new day and it will be better
Happy Birthday Gabe!! I hope you guys have a great weekend!
jen k - January 20, 2012 - 8:00 pm
p.s. Re-reading that I had to chuckle. Having grown up in Marquette, and getting all animated over a little dusting…but we’ve gotten NO snow this year. I am so so soooo excited to get out there with the kiddos tomorrow. Hope the morning finds you smiling, miss.
xxoo
jen k - January 20, 2012 - 7:56 pm
Turn that frown upside down, beauty!!! and grab a warm coat, some cozy waterproof boots and maybe a snow saucer for Sunday!! We just got 3 inches!!
tmc - January 20, 2012 - 7:35 pm
I feel so bad that you had such a tough day…I thought mine was rough until I heard/read what was going on at MJC. All the day before Gabe’s birthday party (as if party planning isn’t stressful enough). I am glad that you have great friends and family that surround you to support you and catch you before you start to fall I wish I had a few more of those types surrounding me. Don’t get me wrong, there are a few that I could count on for anything. My father-in-law has said many times that if you have one true friend in your life, you are lucky. Happy Birthday to sweet Gabe!
beautifulclothing - January 20, 2012 - 7:34 pm
Well try to take a bit of time for yourself this busy weekend that you have. 
Take care Denise.
12.15.11
Check it Out
Friday night is our Matilda Jane Christmas party and I can hardly wait. I love these girls. They work so hard. I mean my girls don’t only answer the phone and pack orders….. they SCHLEP with the best of them. They work hard. They pour their heart and soul into work everyday. We are a...
Posted in Family
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christina jerabek - December 16, 2011 - 11:09 am
Love the baby clothes
christina jerabek - December 16, 2011 - 11:09 am
Love your doll clothes…merry christmas
Amber Vaughn - December 16, 2011 - 10:39 am
Ok I need to check out that game.. Thanks for this blog .. It’s so much fun to listen to u girls:) luv it!
yoga_lat_te - December 16, 2011 - 10:20 am
Oh my gosh, I *had to* check out Judy’s shop, and her little creations are just beautiful … she even has knot dresses for AG dolls … way better than the AG-original pieces!
Rachel Kee - December 16, 2011 - 9:30 am
Just read Missy’s post and I am all for the matching AG doll clothes. I know you did that for a little while. Kyles still has the one set from the Plymouth Art Fair several years ago. You could make them and auction them off- it would be a great way to raise money for a cause.
Rachel Kee - December 16, 2011 - 9:26 am
I LOVE all the Christmas decorations! They are beautiful. I looked up the game too and it looks great. Especially for my 2nd grader and her teacher! I will have to look into getting that in the new year after things have settled.
Prencie Wood-Ortiz - December 16, 2011 - 8:29 am
Love everything! Especially that deer head! Been looking for one for weeks now
Prencie Wood-Ortiz - December 16, 2011 - 8:28 am
OH I love that deer head! Where did you find him? I’ve been looking for weeks now and Christmas is next week, ah! I’m running out of time. Everything looks so beautiful, as always
Angi - December 16, 2011 - 8:22 am
So cute! And, I am still loving the pink tree.
Amy Pannagl - December 16, 2011 - 7:42 am
Love the doll clothes! Thanks for sharing. Have a fantastic time tonight!
christie g - December 16, 2011 - 7:21 am
Just double checking to see if it went through!
Brandi Samm - December 16, 2011 - 6:44 am
Adorable!! I’d definitely buy some AG clothes too!!
Gran - December 16, 2011 - 6:08 am
I am going to be thinking of all of you today and tonight and of the wonderful time you are having together. It is obvious through reading what each of you write that you sincerely care about this wonderful company and that you care about each other. Working hard, caring much and enjoying each day…………..good combination. Looking forward to pictures.
christine b - December 16, 2011 - 5:45 am
Going to have to buy some of those cute doll clothes!!! Wow! and another great way to teach LOVE! Thank you for sharing!
boys tops - December 16, 2011 - 5:32 am
What a wonderful Christmas decorations. I really love it!
tammy oglesby - December 16, 2011 - 12:21 am
we love matilda jane so much dont have alot but we so love what we have
Sara Haman - December 15, 2011 - 8:30 pm
Oooh, I homeschool my kids. I need that game! Thanks for the recommendation! My middle son is having trouble with his facts so now I have some hope
Melissa Peters - December 15, 2011 - 8:23 pm
Without even hesitation, I would hire that lady to make American Girl doll clothes that match your Matilda Jane clothes, they would sell like crazy. Why don’t you give her your scraps and let her make my daughter some AG doll clothes, we will be your testers and report on if the girls like them. Of course you will have to send us the matching clothes for my daughter, size 8. LOL, okay I don’t expect you will do that but you might look into matching AG doll clothes, they really would sell.
Thank, we love your clothes.
Missy
Amanda Stricklin - December 15, 2011 - 8:14 pm
Cute!!
Amanda Stricklin - December 15, 2011 - 8:13 pm
Cute!
12.07.11
And a SMILE to Wake up To
Posted in Family
show hide 13 comments
daydreambelieverneverhomecomingqueen - December 7, 2011 - 7:03 pm
such a sweet embrace. remember it always…
Beth Killian - December 7, 2011 - 9:33 am
He looks sooooo much like David Archuleta from American Idol!
Amber Vaughn - December 7, 2011 - 9:08 am
Seriously so cute!
Julie Templeton - December 7, 2011 - 9:00 am
He sure is handsome!
Allison Rae - December 7, 2011 - 8:48 am
What a sweet pic! Joe is going to be one handsome man WOW!
Hope Boyce - December 7, 2011 - 8:46 am
Yes, it’s a smile makin’ kind’a picture! I wish I knew then (back when my kids were younger) what I know now (that I have grandies)!!!
Kelly hall - December 7, 2011 - 8:43 am
What a cutie!
LQQKME2 - December 7, 2011 - 8:42 am
What a sweet picture!! Grandmas are the best & are cherished oh so much…especially when you have a great one!!
Erin Nay - December 7, 2011 - 7:54 am
You can see the resemblance! Very cute pic!
Kacey - December 7, 2011 - 7:50 am
Great picture
Leslie Click - December 7, 2011 - 7:24 am
Family is the best gift one could ever have:)
Tish - December 7, 2011 - 6:42 am
Beautiful!!!!
Rachel Kee - December 7, 2011 - 6:22 am
CUTE picture! Joe is growing up so fast. I guess I’ve been following for 4 years? maybe a little longer? and WOW has he changed. He is adorable that is for sure.
We have arrived in Shanghai and it is so warm here!! But the hotel room is freezing! Gabe always gets so sad when I leave, like really sad. Man, he is the sweetest babe! He told me he was really sad we couldn’t cuddle up and get McDonald’s McFlurries after school. He is certainly quite...
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Lisa Beard - December 5, 2011 - 3:52 pm
Denise – thank you so much!! I am so excited to share MJ with a couple girls, I have so many people in mind, it will be hard to decide!! Hope you get to love on those boys extra when you get home. thanks again, I am beyond excited!!
Lil' Buns - December 5, 2011 - 1:59 pm
Awww…Poor Gabe. You guys can skype with me too!! Hope you all are having fun…love to my sis!!
Ashley Koetje - December 5, 2011 - 1:40 pm
Bless his little heart! How blessed you are to have such a tender hearted little guy. Safe travels!
Rachel Kee - December 5, 2011 - 11:56 am
I just read this and oh man. That just breaks my heart. Poor Gabe and poor Denise and poor David. I have been through that with mine but never for a long trip. I think that would be most devastating for all involved. Just when he wakes up before I leave in the morning and sobs that he doesn’t want me to go and can’t I just stay home like all the other mommies (I guess his friend’s mommies who are mostly SAHM). I always cry all the way to work when it happens. Hope he is feeling better now and that you guys have a safe trip home!
Brandi Samm - December 5, 2011 - 11:49 am
Poor buddy!! Safe travels!!
Monika - December 5, 2011 - 11:43 am
Awww, poor Gabe and poor you 
. You know how we go to Switzerland every summer and hubby can’t come every trip… I think Erina was 4 or 5, she would cry after every phone call with daddy, broke my heart! The year after she simply refused to talk to him on the phone, she said it would only make her miss him more.
Lil - December 5, 2011 - 10:08 am
I agree sad.. Poor boy, he loves his mamma “most boys do” Stay safe.
Hope Boyce - December 5, 2011 - 9:44 am
Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love! ~Hamilton Wright Mabi
It's me, Betsy! - December 5, 2011 - 9:21 am
That’s so sad!!!!!!! Those poor boys. They will love having daddy all to themselves, I just know it.
Jennifer Cain - December 5, 2011 - 9:13 am
Not gonna lie, I got watery eyes reading this! Light speed home to those boys!!
michelle yager-french - December 5, 2011 - 8:32 am
oh that’s so sad!
Kelly Hall - December 5, 2011 - 8:13 am
I can just picture my little guy being the same way! Hang in there!
10.30.11
LIfe
Truth is I have been trying to blog for days. A good thought rushes in…..and then Gabe rushes in too. Thoughts are wiped clean. He’s a handful. A handful of cuteness, gooey-ness and laughs, oh and the cuddliest thing ever. He’s so excited to bring his class to Matilda Jane for a field trip. His...
Posted in Family
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Melissa Peters - November 3, 2011 - 11:20 am
My daughter would like to model for you on your trip to Michigan. Now I wish I lived closer to Bayview, but I know exactly where it is. We live in Kalamazoo. She modeled for Leo’s dancewear. http://shop.leosdancewear.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=136
She is the darling in the “starlettes” photo, more of her if you click on her photo.
THANKS for the darling clothes, we love them!!
Lil - November 2, 2011 - 6:46 pm
This made me think about Chance and his speech or lack of words.
He playing football now, something I never dreamed I would let him do… I am sure you know why, anyway he got tackled and hard, I mean like pass out hard. They took his helmet off and he was tuff…. He wouldn’t let them see he was in pain. However the coach ask him Chance are you ok. He says “no” me got a headieache. Yes- I know that’s not the right word, but he my baby boy and I hate to correct all his words.. (the coach tells me he thinks we need to take him to the ER, he must have something wrong, as he had never heard a kid say that b4…. Course I am lmao. I should have been more worried but that’s his word for a headache. Boys.. I love them
Bee - November 2, 2011 - 8:41 am
Oh Denise…you just sound like a Mother of boys. I talk the same way. I call it regurgitating my thoughts because I sound like I have ADD. My little guy constantly is yelling my name, his sisters, or his fathers, asks a bazillion questions and his voice echos through the house from AM-PM. I loose my train of thought often. It all gets out, but I always hope others can organize my thoughts so they can better understand what the heck I was talking about! hehe
Denise - October 31, 2011 - 10:08 am
Hey Kathy-
We make our Platinum line here in the US, and sometimes we have several pieces that are made in Peru for Platinum. The Trunk Show line is made in China by our dear friends.
Kathy Hoy - October 31, 2011 - 8:09 am
My son also did speech therapy and he is great now, i can tell here and there but he sings and does theater and is doing great. he is 11 years old. He helped purchase an MJ platinum for me the other night. He grabbed a dress when I walked away from the computer for a water/potty break… lol
I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and LGL leukemia. Was very sick after i had my baby almost 2 years ago and I spend a lot of time in bed. I can relate with your feeling guilty when you feel like your not spending quality time with your children. I try my best to do things that they will remember when i get to spend time with them. Do things like hiking with the dog and things that are active now while you CAN !!! =) its hard when i look at the mountains i used to hike with my dogs and my son and now i cant at this time, but i am hopeful i will once again soon =)
We went to the new ice rink and i didnt ice skate but i did a little over 2 years ago with my son. He remembers but my dd wont see me the same since she is so small. But just try to spend as much quality time as you can with them, thats whats important and that if you dedicate 2 times a week then you stick to it and be consistent so you feel good about it =)
Pamela M. - October 31, 2011 - 8:02 am
Okay so can I ask a weird question back…what real estate agency are you working with? My husband is friend’s with someone who owns one of the agencies in Petoskey and I want to get a gauge on which group you are working with. If you don’t want to reveal, not a big deal. I am checking on contacts!
Kathy - October 31, 2011 - 7:58 am
I thought dresses were made here in USA. They are made in China or here?
Kathy
Pamela M. - October 31, 2011 - 7:47 am
Hi Denise – Let me do some checking on connections…we know more people with ties to Bay Harbor than Bayview, but there are definite possibilities. Bayview rocks – if we didn’t already have a place on Otsego Lake in Gaylord, Bayview would be my second choice. Since you will be up there all summer, You could go back to your art fair roots and have a booth on the 4th of July in the park at Harbor Springs!! The 4th is the best slice of American Pie there.
Heather - October 31, 2011 - 7:46 am
Oh Denise, Bayview is the cutest area ever! You will just LOVE it! I know of people who summer there, but not someone I know well enough to pass on… Sorry!
Alyssa Parkinson - October 31, 2011 - 4:32 am
As a Michigander, I am of course bias, and happy to hear you will have a Michigan connection soon. I am not sure if this would fulfill the reference need, but have you ever had a Trunk Keeper do a party in that area? Perhaps you could do a MJC trunk show with the one reference you have and then invite the “neighbors”. What better reference than an opportunity to get to know you through what you do best (besides obviously being a mom)….just a thought…
Alyssa
MJC fan - October 31, 2011 - 3:39 am
that is sooo great that you are able to give Joe that!!! Enjoy and spend the summer having a blast!
Maranda B - October 30, 2011 - 8:48 pm
First off – Woohoo for committing to summer speech- so important! Second- those pics are adorable and your son will be very angry some day that you shared them with all of us. But what are moms for!
Heather G. - October 30, 2011 - 8:26 pm
He is just so cute!! (Franklin’s pretty cute too….) Can’t wait to see Spring 2012
Hillary W - October 30, 2011 - 7:31 pm
I don’t know anyone in Bayview, but Petoskey is such a beautiful area. Next summer check out the Young American’s dinner theater at Boyne Highlands. They are so talented. What a wonderful place to spend the summer and get awesome speech therapy for Joe. Don’t forget to search for Petoskey rocks!
michelle yager-french - October 30, 2011 - 7:12 pm
Ha ha! Great photos! We are looking for a Sheepadoodle now! Not much luck before Xmas Must say I had few pieces of MJ or the last 2 years but now I am a mad woman and have been non stop! Thanks so much!!
T - October 30, 2011 - 7:03 pm
Hi Denise. I live right by bayview, MI and I know some people. Please don’t hesitate to email me if you need any help. Such a beautiful place!!!
Angela W - October 30, 2011 - 6:22 pm
Those are the cutest pictures! I know you are so glad you went ahead and got that cute puppy! I can tell from the photos he fits in w/your family PERFECT!!
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