After The Basketball Practice (Video)

I guess I should have warned you that I am moving at warp speed.  This is the second video in three days.  Sorry to bombard you with so many videos and photostories all at once.  (Hint. Hint.  There are a few photostories on the way.)   This is just a family oriented video.  After the photostory of David and his little basketball players, I wanted to have a video version for my YouTube fans.  

 I took a picture of this family a few weeks ago, but never shared it.  This is the town dentist that you met when Vanessa had to take Tyler in for a checkup.   Dillon, their son, used to be with another family that never got off the ground, so they were disbanded.  I think the husband has a couple of grown kids from a previous marriage.

David and His Basketball Team

For my new readers, David is Leslie's husband.  He owns the local gym.  He enjoys working with young kids in his spare time.

Here he is with a small group of 8 and 9 yr old, who wish to learn the game of basketball.

"Okay guys, last week we spent time going over the rules of the game and we worked on our dribbling."

"Today you will practice your dribbling.  Then we will learn a little about shooting and passing the ball.  When we get to passing, you will be working in pairs.  I will work with one of you, since we only have five people."  (David)

"Do you want to work with me?" (Tyler)

"No. I'm working with Shannon." (Nikaya)

"Everyone grab a ball and hold on to it."

"Nikaya and Shannon, why are you sitting down?" (David)

"We just thought we would rest a little, Mr. David." (Nikaya)

"But you haven't done anything, yet.  Let's go! Up on your feet.  Everyone spread out." (David) 

"When I blow the whistle, you can pick up your ball and start your dribbling.  No two handed dribbling, please.  And you need to practice with both hands.  When it's time to stop, I will blow the whistle again.  So make sure you are paying attention." 

"On your mark, get set...." (David)

David blows the whistle and the dribbling begins!

Note: The blue wall things are micro fiber cleaning sponges from the Dollar Tree.

Leslie and David Give an Update on the Cookout

THE LABOR DAY COOKOUT:  Leslie and David have been working really hard getting everything ready.  They are expecting a big turnout.  David has invited the staff from the gym.  A few of them said they could come. Others said they may stop through, if time permits. Of course some of their regular friends will be there and a few new people, as well.

The patio is suitable for the cookout. They will do more work to it at a later date. 

LESLIE: Hey guys. The kids are both napping, so I thought I would take a moment to update you on our progress.  As you can see we have worked on the patio.  I am using the term "we" very loosely.

 

LESLIE:  I spent the day preparing the baked beans and the potato salad.  David prepped the meat and decided to grill a few ribs to test out his new grill.  Better to make sure it works now than to wait until we have a house full of people.

LESLIE:  Okay.  I have to admit, my honey put his foot in these ribs.  I'm not sure we are going to be serving them on Saturday.  Those folks may be getting chicken instead of these lip-smacking ribs.

DAVID: Uh, darling....my boys are not coming here for the chicken.  They are coming for my special ribs.

LESLIE: Honey, you know your boys will eat anything that isn't moving. 

LESLIE  Anyway, we are excited about the cookout and we can't wait to see you this weekend.  Okay, David doesn't want me to say goodbye without you getting to see his special grilling apron.  I tell you the truth, I worry about him sometimes.  If he wasn't so cute...

David:  Ha ha.  Isn't she funny?

Leslie:  Okay honey, hurry up and show them your apron.  It's getting a little chilly out here.

OTHER UPDATES:  Antoinette was supposed to be giving you an update on her new kitchen remodel, but she was in no mood to talk about it.  They have made progress, but there were a couple of bumps along the way. She had requested they redo the cabinets in antique white with a Tuscany feel.  Apparently, there was a major miscommunication, because when she returned from a catering job (leaving her dear husband in charge), the cabinets where mahogany stained.  As you can imagine, she was less than thrilled.  Tony is still in the dog house for that one.  He says it was just a big mistake, but she is not convinced he didn't have something to do with it.  He has always loved mahogany.  She is rolling with the punches, though, but this means she has to pick a whole new backsplash and countertops.  The french doors she ordered for the family room, arrived, but they are the wrong size.  They are waiting for the right ones to arrive.  Nikaya has been sulking the past few days, because she is concerned about her sleepover.  Antoinette has assured her that the sleepover will happen as planned.

Rod and Danielle have been seeing quite a bit of each other since dinner at Danielle's house.  The boys have really warmed up to Rod.  The cookout will be their first official "couple" outing.  Roderick is thrilled.  He is also working on the weekend getaway plans for him and Danielle.  Danielle has a couple good babysitters lined up, but hasn't decided who will get the job.

New Video: Morning at the Anderson Home

Whipped up a quick video today.  I haven't made any changes to the Anderson home yet, just in case you are looking to see some. 

Sharing a Pair of my Limbe Doll Sandals

David Anderson got a new sweatsuit a couple of weeks ago.  For those of you who don't know, he owns his own gym. You can check out his gym in this video. So everytime I see a cute sweatsuit, I usually buy it with him in mind.  I put it on him yesterday for the first time, getting him prepared for the new story.  I was going to put some tennis shoes on him,  but  remembered, I don't really have any white ones.  I decided to look in my birthday package of limbe doll sandals that arrived last week.  There are custom made sandals for the Power Team guys and the LIV dolls.  I really think my Stacey dolls and Only Heart girls will be sporting those LIV doll sandals.  I already tried them on Nicole, and they fit perfectly.  All of the sandals are so adorable!

Here is the cute sweatsuit.  It is blue, red, and white.

Can you believe there was a pair of matching sandals in my bag?!  I know I couldn't!  I must still be living right, because the blessings just continue to flow.

He will wear these to work and switch to his tennis shoes that he keeps in his locker there.

limbe dolls has created a really nice tutorial for these wonderful sandals.  I accidentally saw it seconds after it posted to YouTube, which was seconds before she could mark it private.  Tell me it wasn't meant for me to see that tutorial and know that it was sitting out there in limbo in limbe doll land!  She had to have known that I would tell you guys about it.  The tutorial is very well written, and she makes these super easy to make.  This is where I would ordinarily post the link to the tutorial, but she is keeping it under wraps until September.  I am sure if enough people ask, she may post it earlier.  Power to the people!  Don't tell her I said anything about this.  I will post the rest of my cute sandals, closer to the time the tutorial will be released.  No reason to continue torturing you guys.

I am starting to believe this guy enjoys his clothes.  He is always posing with some outfit on.  None of my other guys ever do that.  Poor Leslie, she too is sporting a new dress from Yuko Stevens (etsy), a popular designer in the fashion doll world. You don't see her seeking out camera time.  She is always just doing her motherly duties.

Special thank you to limbe dolls for the beautiful gift.  You are truly a blessing.  I am paying it forward, with the intent to pay it backwards soon, as well.  By the way, Shantavia snatched the card for artwork in her studio.  The colors are perfect. 

A Rough Cut of The Anderson's Remodeled Home

This is yesterday's post. Blogger was down when I went tried to post it.  I roughed out what the Anderson's permanent home will look like.

The furniture will all probably stay, but the living room table and all accessories are subject to change. I am just getting a feel for it all. There may be wallpaper and/or new curtains. I put in the window to the left, so that one will stay. It overlooks my backyard.  There is a small piece of wall behind it that will be cut away.  The window on the right will probably be covered with foamcore to make a wall.

There will be a sofa table.  Not sure that the little desk will stay.  There is a wicker basket underneath with Ciana's toys.

Leslie is about to tackle some hair before work.  She just needs to get that red ribbon changed out.  I have to do a little work to this leather chair.  It is one of my rejected pieces from a couple of years ago.  I managed to sew the seat cushion together backwards. Once I fix a few things, it will be fine for this family.

The door on the left goes nowhere. The bathroom is hidden behind there.  It will remain an illusion.  If you recall, I originally had their bedroom in this area.  I started making them another bedroom, but it may be donated to someone else, like Roderick, or the Redmonds.

The great room overlooks the kitchen and dining room.

The view into the kitchen/dining room.  The kitchen island will be completely redone. It is currently made out of 2 dressers that I need for someone's bedroom. I will probably make one from wood. The counter tops will probably be marbled contact paper made of black/white.  You know the one.

 I will add a window scene and a curtain.  I roughed out the counter area to the left.  This will probably also be made of wood.  I will try to find/make a piece that has storage underneath.  She needs a place for dishes. Of course the walls will be fixed.

There will be an area rug under the dining table.  I will also try to add a nice floral centerpiece.  I can't wait to create some food that will be served here. Since they will use it for everyday use as well, I won't dress it up with dishes and a table cloth until they entertain.  And they will be entertaining.  I think Leslie is thinking about inviting Rod and Danielle to dinner.  There will be a small patio area.  I don't have a lot of space out back, although I could borrow a little space from the table just beyond.  I may add a small grill and patio chairs.

I still have a ton of work to do, but this home is ready to use for videos.  It will probably be the next scene for a quick photostory . Danielle's house is just to the left.  The Taylor's home is just to the right.  I can see Antoinette popping up at the patio door for some morning coffee and a chat on the weekends.  I started working on the Taylor home yesterday, too.  I probably would have finished putting their kitchen and family room back together, but I can't put my hands on their sofa.  It's not with the other neatly stored furniture. Hmmm. 

I am off to post the blog for today.  Make sure you take a look.  It will feature limbe doll sandals.

What's a Football Jersey without a Helmet

This morning I remembered that I bought a Falcon Helmet about a year ago. I quickly ran downstairs (not the basement) to the studio. Since I am so well organized, I was able to put my hands on it within seconds. I really must be living right!

It could stand to be a little bigger, but I am not complaining.

I finally looked through the pile of clothes and discovered the pants I spoke about yesterday are baseball pants.  Here is the top.  This outfit will come in handy, too.  I wonder if I have any bats in the basement.  Hmmm.

The following pictures were added after I received a comment from Thrift Store Dolls stating that David needed a football.  No problem.  I have a football. I went to the studio, opened up the drawer with all the sports stuff, and voila 2 footballs.  One large and one small.  I put David's helmet back on so that I could take another photo.  Wait a minute!  Where are the helmet straps?  Did they fall off?  Noooo.  This is a different helmet.  The one with the straps was also there.  I remember buying one helmet.  I do not remember buying two.  Thrift Store Dolls also wondered if we would see David on the field.  Of course my first reaction was, "Is she crazy?".  But now after my new discovery, it may be a possibility.....one day....in the distant future. 

As you can see, my son Tyler hasn't really picked one team.  He is on the fence about the Minnesota Vikings and the Atlanta Falcons.

The little jersey was a prize in a Happy Meal several years ago.  I have at least 3 more teams.

It's Morning at the Anderson Home

Today I started building the Anderson home. It is no where near done. I am just experimenting with different layouts.  I haven't found one that I like yet.  Here in the parent's bedroom, I don't believe any of this furniture is staying.  They are just place holders. The bed is too small for them, especially having 2 kids that sometimes end up in their bed.  The walls will not be white.  Let's hope for a luxurious bedroom.

Poor Ciana is sitting there waiting for the TV to be turned on.  Right now she is watching a blank screen.

Ciana: Mommy, can you turn on the TV?

Leslie:  Honey, wait for your dad to come out and ask him.

David: Did I hear my name?

(David is headed out to play touch football with a group of young boys. He tries to stay very active with the youth in the community.)

Leslie: Honey can you turn the TV on for Ciana? Sesame Street should be on by now.

David:  Sure.

David turns on the TV and Ciana is a happy camper.  Leslie proceeds to give Joseph his morning bottle. 

 Let's talk about David's Falcon football jersey.  I've had this jersey for over 8 years now.  When I bought it, I had intended to put it on one of my fashion dolls, but when I got home and compared the doll sizes, I knew for sure it would never fit my fashion dolls.  I was not happy. So the doll stayed in his packaging in the basement. A couple of weeks ago, I decided to rescue it  and use it for my Todd doll. He would be a little football player.

The doll (if you can call him that) on the left, is the one the outfit came on. Now do you see why I felt for sure it would never fit my fashion dolls?   Well when I went to put it on Todd (Tyler), it was way too big.  What the heck, I decided to put it on one of the big guys.  Lo and behold, it fit perfectly.  

Look at those shoulder pads!

 Remember the Barbie stuff I found in my closet a couple of weeks ago?  Remember the pile of clothes?  Well I have yet to go through the pile, but I saw a shirt in the pile that would fit Julian, Right next to the shirt I found a pair of sports pants that matches perfectly with the jersey.  I still don't know where those clothes came from.  I have never seen them before.

So here are the pants.  I don't really know which sport they are for.

Are they soccer pants?

Doesn't really matter.  David will be using them as extra football pants.

So this concludes our brief Falcon football jersey commercial.

 Back to our regularly scheduled show, already in progress.

David:  So what's on your schedule today?

Leslie:  I have to go grocery shopping, because I have nothing to cook for dinner.  Unless of course, you are taking us out for dinner.

David:  Hmmm.  You better go shopping.

Leslie:  Really?

David kisses Leslie and Joseph goodbye.

One last kiss for Ciana, and he is off to play football.

One last question....where is Jacob going in this get up?

Stay tuned.  You should know by Friday.  The dio is 90% complete.

This is the shirt I pulled from the pile for Julian. He was tired of his little shirts. He wanted to look like a big boy.