Sometimes You Just Have to Say No!

So if someone you know asks you to make something for them that they need in less than 2 weeks during your most busiest time of year, would you do it? 

Sometimes I have such a hard time with this decision. Do I say yes - which would definitely cause me more stress, or do I say no - and have that person be upset?

It's little decisions like these that really make starting up your own business hard sometimes.

 I am such a people pleaser and would love to make everyone a shirt when then need one, however, there is only one of me and sometimes I just have to say no. 

(I promise I hate to say no to anyone especially when people ask me to make birthday shirts and other important outfits!  )

And what really gets to me more than anything is when friends/acquaintances really do get upset when I can't full fill their request

(or should I say I usually just don't get an email back from them when I say no)

But I guess when this happens, I truly do learn the good/bad in people. 

Hard way to learn but just another one of life's lessons! 

So please if you ask me to make a shirt and I say no, I promise I do have a reason why I can't do it and most likely it's to keep my sanity due to being overloaded trying to work 2 full time jobs! :)

Run, Run and well Run!

You know when you hit that "hump" in something and you think you will never get passed it?

 Well that is kind of how its been with my running.

So I finally got to 6 miles a month ago and then up to 6.5 and well I just kind of stayed there... no more no less.

 Not sure if I hit a hump because I was starting to get bored with the music I was listening to when running or it was just me thinking.. "Hey, I just ran 6.5 why run anymore!". 

Well whatever it was... it finally got defeated on Wednesday when I ran 9 1/2 miles! 

I couldn't be more proud of myself for accomplishing this! 

Because I am definitely not what anyone would call a "runner".  I would have to say I am more of a recreational runner that runs to get away from emails, phone calls, texts, etc!  I think it's the only time that I actually get to not think for a bit... because working two full time jobs (basically) does start wearing you down after awhile!

So anyway, just thought I would share my big accomplishment of the week! 

I am already starting to think of next weeks run... Maybe I will go for 11 or 12! 

(That is if I get a great play list on my itouch to listen too!)

Happy Friday!

What a weekend!

Well if you read my other blog (http://www.tatertotsandfirehoses.blogspot.com/) you might know that this last weekend, I took a break from working (1st weekend in I dont know how long I didn't sew) and headed to Tulsa to hang out with some good friends and to go to Harlan's 2nd birthday party!  It was so great to see my girlfriends and thier kiddos, but I just wish I could have gotten to hang out longer.  I really needed an all weekend break from everything and was really looking forward to some girl time after the party but it unfortunately didn't end up that way. :(  The girls had a birthday party to go to and well, that meant I had to head back to OKC... so my relaxing weekend really didn't end up as relaxing as I had planned but hopefully I can have one soon after the holiday season dies down a bit!  I am thinking the mountains might be calling my name... nothing like some snow and sking!

So even though the weekend didnt turn out like I had hoped and needed... I did get to come home and have dinner with some good friends and then lay around and watch christmas movies with my mom. 
Our favorites well that would be fa a la la lifetime and 25 days of Christmas on ABC Family :)  Yes, very kiddish/girlish but they are my absolute favorite and I indulged in every single show that I could...while eating lots of sugar cookies! :) Then since I was home, my brother and I headed out to get some christmas shopping done on Sunday and well, we did about all of it!  I was very impressed that we tackled most of our lists and in only about 3 hours! Wooohooo we are almost done!

And for fun.. here are some pics of this weekend and Harlans Birthday Party!

Life Is Crazy but Changes Are Good, right?

Wow - I can't believe my last post was in September..... where has the time gone!

 So many things have changed in just a couple of months that I don't even know where to begin.  

So here it goes (short version)!

Well, after almost 4 months I am finally able to talk about and tell everyone that I am Single.  Yes, life has changed alot since my last post.  So after 4 1/2 years in my relationship and lots of prayers and talks with God, I finally decided it was time for me to make a change (for the better).  Believe me, this was not done easily at all and every day is still extremely hard.  And even though I am still heartbroken, God has given me a peace about the situation and my decision. 

 And as a good friend keeps telling me every time I ask him when will I ever feel over Justin, or ok to start dating again...."It all takes time and one day you will really just wake up and be OK!" 

And on a better note in the last 4 months, my little side business has GROWN so much that I am completely amazed at all the business.  I used to be excited about having 30 orders at one time, now I am constant at about 130 orders and up!  And with still working full time, this definitely keeps me busy but it also keeps my mind off of everything that has been going on, which is a true blessing! 

And with keeping busy, I have made sure to also focus on myself more. And if anyone knows me- knows I love to workout so a priority of mine for the last 4months has been attending bootcamp everyday and running more and more! Well finally I am seeing results (maybe it's just because the stress is finally starting to come off a bit) but I am officially down 22 lbs and up to running 6 miles!  Which means that I am that much closer to accomplishing one of my goals, which is to run a half marathon/marathon! 

Another huge change which makes me very sad is I know longer have my 2 precious puppies that I just adored!  It was one of those decisions that killed me to make but knew that with a very small/temporary place to live right now, two huge boxers would not be happy.  Sometimes I think loosing them was harder than breaking up :)  But at least the two little mutts are together and can run and play in the huge backyard. 

And my family promises me that as soon as I buy my house they will get me a another boxer :)

Well I think that might be the short story of all the changes! 

I am still trying to adjust to all of them and slowly but surely am getting on my feet again! 

I definitely know God has a reason for all this and that alone has been my strength. 

So now that I finally disclosed why I have been MIA.. I now need to figure out a new url address for my blog. I am thinking that justinntatum might not be the best choice anymore :) 

And also a new blog name/title due to Tater Tots and Fire Hoses now officially having it's own website! 

www.tatertotsandfirehoses.blogspot.com

So if anyone has any ideas, please let me know! I would love to hear them! 

I definitely am ready to get back to blogging, but want a new fresh start on this blog! 

Including a blog makeover... and I am in the process of finding the right designer to do one!!!

The Loss of a Dear Friend

Hi all -

I wanted to let everyone know that I am working diligently night and day to get all orders out within a 2 -3 week turnaround. However, we have had an  unexpected death of  a very close family friend this week, which has put me a couple of days behind schedule.  I apologize for the delay and lapse in response to emails this week, but promise to be back on schedule next. :)

Also - Please keep the family of our dear friend in your thoughts and prayers as he left behind three children ages 7, 12 and 23. Along with two grandchildren ages 2 and 10 months. 

New blog for Tater Tots and Fire Hoses is up....

Hi all!

For a couple of weeks now I have been working with Penny Lane Designs to come up with a new blog for just Tater Tots and Fire Hoses and well I am happy to say it's Complete!

I am now going to be posting all entries related to Tater Tots and Fire Hoses on the new blog which is

www.tatertotsandfirehoses.blogspot.com

So if you are a follower of this blog, please click on the link above and go check out the new website! I am sooo happy with how it turned out and very excited to start putting it into action!

As for this blog, I am going to be making this strictly a personal blog
(well of course there might be a post or two about TTFH)
and will be changing the URL address shortly to something new!
Don't worry though, I think if you do type in www.justinntatum.blogspot.com, it will automatically redirect you to the new personal blog site :)

All this will happen eventually regarding this blog, but as for now check out the other blog for all new posts!

Thanks again to everyone who have made this last year such a great success!

New Blog Coming Soon!

As you all can tell my blog is well having some issues with the background :)
So please bare with me and the crazy looking pink background because I am in the process of getting my blog completely redone!

That's right... I am hoping with in the next week to reveal a brand spanking new blog design that will allow everyone to find all my shirt designs easier, see price listing, wait lists for custom orders, and of course all the little kiddos modeling their outfits!

Also after alot of consideration, I am going to be changing my blog address to

www.tatertotsandfirehoses.blogspot.com

I am not sure if I will just change this URL or go ahead and create a whole new blog so keep checking back to see what I decide!

I am very excited about all the changes and I hope everyone will love the new blog!

Little Kennedy's Blog Debut!

Here is a pic of one of my long time friends little girl in her peace onesie I made her!
Her mom already has a handsome little boy Brady who was featured here and now she has this adorable little girl to add to the mix!

So introducing Kennedy Faye
( Oh by the way, I love her name)


I already know this little girl is definitely going to be a total DIVA! Her mom has such great taste and great ideas for outfits :)

Thanks for sharing Lyndee!
I can't wait to meet Ms. Kennedy!

Little Easton

Here is a pic of studly little Easton in his 1st birthday baseball shirt!

I just loved how this shirt turned out! The back even had his name on it!

Thanks for sharing Brendy!

Tulsa Fireman's Little Girl Reese!

I was sent this pic of little Reese in her TFD (Tulsa Fire Department) onesie and matching bow I made her!

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this pic!

I have to say you might be seeing this pic in my new blog design... It represents Tater Tots and Fire Hoses perfectly!

Thank you so much for sharing Carrie!

Candy Theme Birthday Onesie!

I was asked by a customer to make a birthday onesie for her little girl that had lollipops on it!
I could not be more happy with how this design turned out!

LOVE IT!

New School Spirit Collage Shirts Coming Soon!

More designs coming soon!

Recent Custom Orders!

New Girlie Fireman Onesie

Daphne's Birthday outfit

OSU Flower Tanks!

Can be made to go with any school colors!

Don't forget the Police Department

Custom Order for a Tulsa Policeman's little girl!

New Initial Tanks!

New initial tank I just finished!
A collage of material on top of black sequins material!
This pic does not do it justice!
So much cuter in person!

Peace, Love and Diamonds!

What girl doesn't love DIAMONDS!!!

Recent Girlie Items!

Here are some of the fun new girlie designs that i have finished in the last couple of weeks!
I have been ExtREmely busy as you can see :)

DIVA Onesie (not the finished product.. but can see the idea I was going for )

Love this little golfer onesie! Perfect for the future LPGA champion!

Recent Boy Items!

School Spirit Outfits!

New Sibling Shirts!!!

Here are some of the sibling shirts that I have finished in the last week or so! I think they all turned out just adorable!!!

All sibling shirts are completely customizable!
You pick colors, shirt design, etc!

Email
tatertotsandfirehoses@gmail.com
with any questions or orders :)

Calling all Models

If anyone has any pics of their little ones in a Tater Tots and Fire Hoses shirt/onesie/accessories and don't mind them being displayed on my blog or on my Facebook Fan page
please feel free to send pics to

tatertotsandfirehoses@gmail.com

I am working on something fun for all the little divas and small hunks to be displayed!

Hope everyone has a great Thursday!

Tatum

Kellys Korner - Show us your Single MEN!

So I am participating in Kelly's Korner "Show us your Single MEN" today!
Why you may ask?

Because I have a 24 year old single brother that I think is just pretty darn awesome!

So let me introduce to you...

Tad Carson

Tad is 24 lives in Oklahoma City and would absolutely kill me if he knew I was doing this!

So here is a little bit of info about him and why I think he is an amazing catch:

1. Loves family more than anything. Does not hesitate a second to drop everything if someone needs his help or we have a family get together.
And I have to say when you get to know our family you will definitely know why we all love to hang out!
Here is a pic of Tad and some of the fam at my cousins wedding a couple of years ago. He is the one on the right in the front with the glasses.


2. Loves life and has one the best happy go lucky attitudes I have ever seen. I mean what 24 year old would go to his families Christmas party and participate in a picture like this! He is the one in the front in the white shirt.
( I will have to explain the picture in another post so everyone doesn't think my family is a little crazy )


3. Is completely self sufficient. If he needs it done, he can do it himself. He learned that from our dad who has installed a hard work mentally in all of us. But don't get me wrong, he works hard and plays hard! Here is a pic of Tad and I skiing a couple of years ago on one of our annual family ski trips!

NOTE: Tad is a great snow skier and loves the outdoors! I think the love for the mountains might be a requirement for any girls interested! (Haha, JK)

4. He has two dogs - Sadie Lee (beagle) and Jade (girl boxer).

5. He doesn't go out looking for a wife, he just figures God will bring the perfect one to him in time. I don't think I have ever seen him not trust in God when it comes to his future partner. He knows it's all in God's timing! (ok, well and maybe with a little help from his big sis)

6. He drives a big ole pickup truck, just like most Oklahoma Boys do :)

7. He is respectful, loving, kind, humble and generous just to name a few characteristics about him. (Which I think are the most important things when looking for a good catch)

8. He ADORES children and keeps asking me to hurry up and have some so he can be an uncle. I don't think I have ever seen him shy away from holding a new born or turn down an invite to babysit. He truly has a gift when it comes to kiddos and I can not wait to see the father that he will become one day!

9. He still goes to our mom and dads house for dinner at least a couple of times a week! Hey, he is single and of course mom wants to make sure that he is eating well...even though he is a great cook!

and finally ...

10. He has shown me persistence can pay off, hard work is how you achieve your goals,
material things are not important,
smiling and positive attitude is the key to your day,
the importance of family,
how to conquer a black run when skiing on the slopes,
and most importantly that he has grown into an AMAZING young man who I am definitely proud to call my BROTHER!

Sorry, I don't have more pics of him to post but I am on the road with work this week and not able to access my pics from computer at home. So all of the ones that I have posted are the few that I have on my work computer.
And in that being said, here is one of my favorite pics of all of our family. My grandma lost her battle to breast cancer a couple of years ago and in honor of her we did the Susan B Komen Race (and try to do it every year... our team is Betty's B's!)

Here is a pic of the family (Tad is on the right in the front).



So there you have it folks! Tad is a great catch and comes from a loving and wonderful family and extended family :)

If you are in okc or somewhere close shoot me an email and I will try to play matchmaker!

tatertotsandfirehoses@gmail.com


Hope everyone has a great Friday and Happy Single Searching!

Tatum