Can you keep her in your prayers? She'll be undergoing surgery next Thursday thanks to The Smile Train.
Did you know that in many countries around the world babies born with cleft lip and cleft pallet are thought to be cursed and often discarded? This is the story of my niece. Can you imagine discarding this beautiful child? Thank the Lord she was not killed by her mother or village at birth. Thank the Lord someone in her village had the good sense to call an orphanage and ask them to come pick her up when she was a month old and not being fed. Thank the Lord my brother and sister-in-law were able to foster this little Blessing. Thank the Lord she is now able to eat (with difficulty) and gaining weight. Thank the Lord she was chosen to have surgery.
This surgery gives children in the third world who are born with cleft lip and cleft pallet a chance at life. A chance they would not otherwise have.
While we cannot understand why someone would believe that a child was cursed because they have cleft lip or cleft pallet, we can understand the need for surgery. We can understand that a parent in the third world could work their entire life and never be able to afford this surgery. While you say a prayer for my niece, can you consider giving so that more children will be able to have this life altering and sometimes life saving surgery?
Because, while this smile is infectious...
...the surgeries ahead of her are necessary.
We love you Blessing and I can't wait until the day I can actually hold you in my arms! Your cousins are praying for you!
And while you are praying with us, can you pray that my brother and sister in law will be able to adopt Blessing? Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
It is no surprise that it is cold here in Boston. Really cold. Colder than I like. Thankfully we have modern gear and can be toasty warm without the bulk of the 1990's puffer jacket. You know what I'm talking about. You had one. Perhaps you still have one... At any rate, this new technology is lovely.
I like scarves too. But for kids, scarves are annoyances. They fall off, they drag on the ground, they drive them crazy. The problem is, scarves serve a very good purpose. Neck warmth.
Enter the neck warmer! It keeps you warm without adding bulk and it won't fall off! Now, you could go out and spend $15 on one of these or you could take a square piece of fleece (this one is about 13 X 13 inches), sew right sides together along one edge and then turn the open ends under and sew. Voila! A neck warmer in 5 minutes for way less than $15. You could use an even smaller piece of fleece if you wanted. This one is rather "tall" so it can be pulled up over the chin and mouth when it is really cold and windy.
For a child size, use a piece of fleece that is about 10.5 square.
And did someone mention a party? Why, yes, I did! Starting next Thursday I'm taking the plunge and hosting Make it, Wear it. I'm creating a link-up for exclusively things made to wear. This can include clothing, accessories, shoes, anything that you can wear. I suppose you can even wear a handbag. So, drop on by next Thursday and link up!
And feel free to grab this button to display on your blog to spread the word!
UPDATE: Comments are finally working! I've received quite a few emails from people joining in and I'm so excited!
Well, you've made it clear what you want, so get ready for the...
That's right! I've had at least a dozen people say they are interested so we'll be kicking this off next Monday, February 1st! This is the plan:
Week 1: Know your machine- This is for absolute beginners and for those who haven't sewed in a while. This will require that you have a machine (yours or borrowed), the manual, some scrap fabric, scissors, a seam ripper, and thread.
Week 2: Gather your supplies- We'll discuss pattern selection, notions, fabric, and tools. I'll have suggestions for a few different patterns (adult and child) but you are free to use whatever pattern you want. Don't be afraid to make something for yourself! I'll be teaching using a basic dress pattern with a zipper.
Week 3: Cutting out your fabric- Learn about measuring and selecting the correct size as well as nap and grain and other fabric terms. You'll also learn what all the symbols on a pattern are, how to prep your fabric, and how to cut out the pattern. I have a few tricks up my sleeve to show you.
Week 4: Begin sewing! We'll take the plunge together and begin sewing. We'll discuss the seam ripper and how to follow the pattern directions. We'll learn about the different ways to finish seams as well as how to understitch, overstitch and other necessary garment sewing stitches.
Week 5: Finish it up! We'll talk about zippers, buttons and hemming. The fun stuff! That's right you'll have a finished garment by the first week of March!
I hope you can join me! I'll be answering questions along the way! Now is the time to get over your fear of "the machine" or to branch out and make something new! Both experienced sewers and newbies are welcome! I've created a flickr group so we can share photos and questions! Please join the group if you are going to be following the sew along!
Will you help me spread the word? You can put this button in your side bar.
and grab this code and link to this post
Or link to facebook or tweet about it! The more the merrier!
So will you be joining us? Have any more questions? If you have a blog please link up here so we can follow along with your progress!
I have to say, I've discovered a whole new world of crafty link up parties. I have a few impressions...
A. There are a lot of them. A lot.
B. The same people link to many of them. Sometimes people will post the same blog post to 8 to 10 different link ups. This means more exposure for them, but it is fairly annoying.
C. They are mostly too broad. It is hard to go through 300 links and find the things you are actually interested in seeing. Don't get me wrong, I love a cute furniture makeover but I'm probably not going to be painting a wall or even a picture frame anytime in the near future. I think it is amazing those of you that can do that but if I'm going to spend 20 minutes looking through links for inspiration I want to maximize my time. Which brings me to D.
D. Where are the purely "sewing things you wear" link ups? I'd start one, but seriously, 3 people would link, and that would depress me!
Completely unrelated, I'm floating an idea in my head. There have been many, many people who have told me that they have a sewing machine but "could never" sew what I sew. Well, the thing is, I'm not special, and I think anyone can learn to sew what I sew. I'm pretty sure about that. And I'd love everyone to be able to sew what I do. Have you seen a Quilt-A-Long? I'd love to do a clothing sew-a-long if anyone is really interested. We could take it step by step and simplify the process a little. Send me an email or a comment if you want to!
I love the use of corduroy for this pattern. It is hard to find cute dress patterns that have sleeves. I think this one works very well for the colder months and the warmer ones as well.
Overall I would recommend this pattern. It was pretty easy to cut out and put together. No big issues.
Things I'd change:
The neck opening is very wide for the size. This should have fit little Maggie according to her measurements but it just doesn't. She'll grow into it though.
The method of putting elastic into the sleeves is overly time consuming. Next time I'll use my own method. The one I used on the cutest little shirt. On a related note, I'm still considering selling this shirt pattern. It won't happen any time too soon though so you'll have to hang in there!
But really, it is super cute.
The back detail makes it.
Do you think I could pull this off in my size? Which reminds me, thank you still for all the great comments on my dress!
UPDATE: The Clothing Sew Along starts today!! Please join in the fun! Also, week 1 of Make it, Wear it begins this Thursday! Link up anything you've made that can be worn!
Wow, what a great response to my dress! Thank you all so much. You are too kind.
A few of you asked me about the pattern. It is a McCall's M5804 view B. Overall the pattern was fairly easy. It is fully lined so it takes a bit of time but I think it is worth it.
I'm working on a few more things right now that I'll have to show you later when they are completed. Nothing as complicated as a dress though. I'm definitely going to make another one soon. It is a lot of fun to wear what you make.
In other news, we've had a rough time around here. Starting on Wednesday night while we were on vacation the baby started having a hard time breathing and developed a cough. We came back home Thursday and drove right into the doctor's office. After tests and x-rays we were on our way back home. How wonderful is modern medicine? While babies don't like to be nebulized it sure is convenient to be able to do that at home. So, after many doses of Albuterol and Motrin and Tylenol a few days of being forced liquids she is finally starting to turn toward the better. Still wants to be held constantly and is very cranky, but she's drinking on her own so that's a good thing. I HATE having to hydrate a baby with a syringe. For some reason they just don't like it either...
So now I'm off to do a week's worth or regular laundry plus our snow clothes and sheets and towels and probably wash a bit of my sanity as well.
The girls sorted the clothes for me last night in the basement and on their way up the stairs I over heard this conversation;
"That was so fun!"
"I know! What a fun day!"
"I love doing laundry!"
I hope they still feel that way when they are 8 and it is their permanent job! Hmmm, maybe 7.
I've talked about it. I've told a few of you that I completed it. But I hadn't shown anyone pictures, yet. So, without further ado, here is the dress I made for myself last week.
These first pictures were taken in a poorly lit hotel room so you may not get the full effect but I hope you take my word that it turned out very well. And most importantly, I could zip it up.
This dress is a heavy flannel and the band around the ribs is corduroy. I put in my first invisible zipper. It was a learning process but it actually isn't that difficult.
This beauty is fully lined. I should have taken a picture of the lining. It is a great royal blue cotton. This is a winter dress, for sure. And the good thing is there is a lot of winter left!
I love it. The hours it took to make were so worth it. Now I just need to get back my pre-Christmas diet so it will fit properly!
What do you think? Would you wear it? Okay, imagine it without the pink tights because I know those are throwing most of you off!
I really like Rice-a-roni. I know. There is an easy way to make it without buying the sodium laced box of mystery ingredients. This tastes good. Really good. And the good news is that you probably have all of this in your pantry.
1/2 cup broken up thin pasta like vermicelli
3/4 cup white rice
3 cups of broth (I use chicken)
2 Tbsp. butter
Optional ingredients: garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, salt or whatever you want. I use about 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, a little salt, liberal parsley.
Saute pasta in butter, stirring constantly, until lightly browned. Stir in rice and spices until it is coated in butter. Add broth. Cover with tight fitting lid and simmer until broth is absorbed. Enjoy.
Have you ever noticed that there are so many passionate people out there in the blog world. What I find fascinating is that people are passionate about so many different things! I've decided to start a weekly post interviewing people about their passions. I'm not sure if this will be a short series or a long one but I hope you enjoy it none the less.
I have a few people in mind to interview but if you'd like to share a bit about your passion please leave me a comment or send me an email at thetraintocrazy (at) gmail.com
A little false pocket on the back of pants adds a great, simple detail. Spend an extra 30 minutes on this one, you'll be glad you did! While it is easiest to attach the pocket before assembling the pants, it is possible to add them to existing pants.
This pattern is intended to be for child sized pants but can easily be enlarged for larger sizes. If you are reading this in your feed reader you will need to click through to get the pattern.
We're in the grandest old hotel I've ever been inside. You can just feel the history when you enter. When you walk inside you can all but see the turn of the century activity and hear the noise from the speakeasy below the lobby.
Did I mention the history? This is the plaque on our door.
And the view is wonderful.
Yes, it was snowing this morning. What a great day to get out and ski! Except for this.
Yes, that is one sick little kitten. She threw up all night and bless her heart she made it to the bathroom almost every time. Thank you little one.
So, that's why I'm sitting inside this grand hotel instead of enjoying the snow. Maybe tomorrow...
The past couple days have been difficult. I'm not going to lie. The weight of a tragedy like the earthquake in Haiti is heavy on my heart. I've had a hard time processing the seriousness of it all and holding that up against the extreme wealth I sit amongst. Not just the wealth, but the indifference. I know people care, I know they do, but I'm tired of hearing "oh that is sad" and watching people move on. Move on from really feeling the weight and magnitude of the suffering in Haiti. And I truly think suffering is a mild word for what is and will be going on there.
I think you have to know the history of Haiti to fully understand how horrific this disaster truly is. It has often been said that Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere but I don't think many people know why it is so poor. If you are one of the people who DO care, then by all means take a few minutes to find out why the Haitians are so poor and what has led them to eat dirt as a main staple.
Now, on to the rest of my inner conflict. There is this problem that most of us feel after a tragedy out of our reach. What to do? How to help? Should we send clothes or money or hop on the next boat hoping to find a way into shore? Should we run out and get a home study to take all the orphans into our home as our own? I'm sure the answer lies somewhere in "yes." Sure, there are reasons why you should definitely not try to go there right now, and there are reasons why you shouldn't send your shoes or try to adopt all the kids. But you can definitely do something to enable the Haitians' needs to be met.
There are organizations on the ground, right now, that need our help. Organizations that are tried and true and need help rebuilding their organizations on the ground so they can continue doing their good work. Organizations that have the capacity and now need the money to do their good work. Good organizations. Not all organizations are good. But you know that. So, do you research and stay away from the scams. Check out organizations on Charity Navigator before donating.
I personally recommend a couple organizations that are already doing great work in Haiti.
HOW DONATIONS WILL BE USED: All funds raised in response to the Haiti earthquake will be used immediately to provide for Compassion-assisted children and families affected by this crisis. Any funds raised in excess will be stewarded by Compassion for additional and future disaster relief efforts.
You can provide immediate relief today. • $35 helps provide a relief pack filled with enough food and water to sustain a family for one week. • $70 gift helps care for their needs for two weeks. • $105 helps provide relief packs filled with enough food and water to sustain two families for two weeks. • $210 gift helps care for two families' needs. • $525 helps provide relief packs filled with enough food and water to sustain 10 families for two weeks. • $1,050 gift helps care for 10 families' needs. • $1,500 helps rebuild a home. • $2,100 helps supply 20 families with the basics for three weeks. Due to the high number of responses it may take longer than normal to process your transaction.All funds raised in response to the Haiti earthquake will be used immediately to provide for Compassion-assisted children and families affected by this crisis. Any funds raised in excess will be stewarded by Compassion for additional and future disaster relief efforts.
World Vision is another great organization that is already on the ground doing great work in Haiti. is another great organization that is already on the ground doing great work in Haiti.
Your gift now will help distribute life-saving relief supplies– including food, clean water, blankets, and tents — to children and families devastated by the earthquake and aftershocks in Haiti.
“We would be very concerned about a quake of this magnitude anywhere in the world, but it is especially devastating in Haiti, where people are acutely vulnerable because of poor infrastructure and extreme poverty,” said Edward Brown, World Vision’s relief director in the United States.
World Vision has worked in Haiti for 30 years and has some 370 staff in country. Please join us in praying for the children and families devastated by the earthquake in Haiti. And please send a generous gift to help them today.
Medical Teams International is a favorite of ours. They already have their first medical team on their way to Haiti. Their first team includes veteran volunteer doctors and nurses who have served in Haiti as medical missionaries for many years. They took with them supplies to help 12,000 people for one week.
The second team will be leaving this Sunday and will be led by an orthopedic surgeon and other orthopedic specialists who have led many training sessions for Haitian orthopedic surgeons and know the community well.
MTI asks that you pray for their teams and also send donations.
Doctors Without Borders also does wonderful work. They go where other organizations will not. These doctors put their safety at risk in order to treat and help the poorest of the poor and the oppressed people of the world.
Many of you are connected to smaller organizations and orphanages that need our prayers and support. Please let us know a bit about the organization and a link so we can all pray and support them.
Everyone knows that you feel better when you get up early and take on the day. At least, I know that. I'm sure you do too, somewhere. We also know that getting up before our kids is a great way to get ready for the day. We know that, somewhere, deep down. The problem is, well, early is early. You know what I mean?
This week Rachel @ Small Notebook wrote about how she has decided to go to bed earlier and wake up earlier. Then on that same day Lindsay @ Passionate Homemaking wrote about maximizing your mornings. I totally agree with everything they say. I'm totally not applying it right now. Maybe soon. I always think it would be good to get back into a good morning routine.
Is it fair to use my children as an excuse? Maybe it is my fault ultimately, but they keep me up a lot. If it isn't one, it's another. If it isn't them, then I can't sleep because I've forgotten how after so many sleep deprived years. Maybe I'll be sleeping well when they go off to college. Okay, maybe that's dramatic considering nobody has entered Kindergarten yet. But still. My point is valid.
I used to be a sleeper. I could sleep anywhere, anytime. There are pictures of me sleeping on stairs, couches, on people, in cars. Everywhere. People would complain they couldn't watch a movie with me because I'd always fall asleep. I've fallen asleep in movie theaters. I slept through so many classes in High School. In fact, I used to sleep in college too. There were more than a couple occasions where I had a power nap in the middle of a long final exam. A little sleep clears your head and really helps you push through that exam! But I digress...
My point is that I used to sleep and I used to be a morning person. Since I've brought children into the house I have the hardest time sleeping, even when I really, really want to. My body has forgotten how to sleep through the night. Really, I think that is the issue. So, how do I get through this and become a morning person again? How do I get my little behind out of bed when I wake up in the morning rather than laying in bed enjoying the warmth and coziness?
The way I see it, there are 3 things hindering my early morning bushy taledness.
1. There is usually a sleeping child laying across me when I wake up.
2. I hate waking up children before they want to be awoken, it is like cursing the day.
3. I'm tired because of said sleeping child laying across me's nighttime floppiness.
There, I said it. She has to go, again. I got her out and she was sleeping in her own bed for at least 2 glorious weeks but the ear pain and teething pain and a cold all collided and landed her back in my bed.
So there you have it. I am doomed to being lazy in bed in the mornings. Life is rough.
Read the Bible in 90 Days. Will you believe that I am on track? And can I tell you how incredibly dull it gets in Leviticus? I was totally relieved that Numbers is full of excitement. Okay, it isn't. I'm trying to read it focusing on just learning about God. It all seems so foreign, and disgusting to talk on and on at lengths about animal sacrifice. And the rules, oh the rules. Many of them feel bizarre. But, the good news is that I am reading it, following through and I'm glad.
Quite a few people have mentioned that it seems too ambitious, or strange, to read the Bible in such a short period of time (or at all) but I'm enjoying reading it like a novel. It really is a great literary work.
Sew something for myself. Oh yes, I'm doing this and so far so good! You'll have to wait to see the final product though!
Learn how to use my serger... um, I broke it. Or, it broke itself, or something like that. Thankfully it came from Costco!! I love Costco. I've ordered a new one. But it isn't from Costco. I ventured into the world of sewing machine stores and fell in love with a very special machine. I'll get it next week and I am so excited. If you are looking for the best prices in Boston for a sewing machine I highly recommend this place!
Organize the education and craft cabinets. DONE!
By the way, today is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. Please take some time to educate yourself today. Here are some suggested places to start.
I've been experimenting more with pattern making lately and I finally have a little "go to" top. I love it. Love it.
She loves it too. This one is made from a fine corduroy. The neck and the bottom hem line are trimmed with bias of the same fabric. I like the weight on the bottom that the trim gives the shirt. The sleeves are absolutely adorable.
The skirt is one of my own creations as well. More on that later!
I'm thinking about starting a new blog completely devoted to the idiotic things strangers say and do. You know what I'm talking about? What is WITH people? Why do people feel compelled to act like know it alls and idiots in public? Chances are you are screaming AMEN right about now. Okay, maybe I shouldn't call them idiots but seriously... Here is my latest.
My daughters were filing out of the clown car when my oldest (4.5) was just swinging her legs out and the lady in the car next to us started closing the door on her. I yelled
"STOP! My daughter is getting out!"
You know her response?
"I know, but I'm in a hurry."
HUH? Oh, well, then go ahead and crush her legs. Don't worry about anyone else but yourself... I am pretty sure the mama bear stare down made her see the error of her ways. She ended up sticking around long enough to open the door back up for my daughter and then ask her if she needed help getting out. So she redeemed herself, I guess.
We were heading in to see the doctor so we walked through the garage, entered the building where we waited for the elevator. When we got on there were a couple other people in it so the girls walked in and stood quietly waiting to arrive on our floor. The elevator stopped on a different floor and a couple moved on in, in spite of the lack of space. The man then proceeded to move WAY in and pay no mind to the two little girls standing quietly in the corner. I thought he would stop moving in at some point but he kept backing up into them until my girls were squished face to face and crammed against the wall.
They just looked at me helplessly and considering we only had another 20 seconds in the elevator I decided just to smile at the girls and not make a big deal out of it. Knowing my girls, I just wanted to get through the experience without anyone crying. Mission accomplished. I hope the man who disregards the personal space of children enjoyed his elevator ride. Perhaps he'll run into the lady in a hurry...
I think I'll head on over and see if I can snatch up whydostrangersinsistonsayingtherudestthingstomotherswithchildren.com is available.
I've been experimenting with different finishing touches to pants I've been making my girls lately. I usually use this Burda 9678 pattern or make them this way. I used the Burda pattern for these particular pants.
I was inspired by these pockets, but made them differently. Needless to say, they are a hit and there will be more in the future!
I think the contrasting top stitch helped with the cute factor.
Happy New Year! It's that time of year when every blog goes one of two ways. They either tell you HOW to make new goals for the year, or they tell you WHAT the goals are. Well, I am certainly not telling you how. You can go to Simple Mom or Organizing Your Way for that. No weight loss goals or eating goals here. You can go to The Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans for that. And I certainly don't talk about budget goals. Better luck checking out Nikki at Domestic Cents or Money Saving Mom. For parenting goals it is best to read Megan at Simple Kids' ideas for engaged parenting (excellent, if I might add).
No, you won't find any of that here. Here you'll find my modest lists of things I'll do this year. Not resolutions, not exactly goals. Just a list I hope to complete early in the year and move on to other things. So here you have it.
What I'll read, and actually finish reading this year:
How use my serger for more than just a basic stitch
What I'll organize:
Our learning and craft cabinets. Oy!
Our basement. Double oy!
To ski. Oddly enough, I've only been skiing once in my life.
What I'll make:
My almost 5 year old's baby book. I'm hoping to start it soon and finish before she turns 5!
Our 2009 photo book. And the plan is to get it done before December this year.
That's it. That's all I'm committing to. Now I'm going to go eat more of this:
Incidentally, I did a taste test of different peppermint bark recipes and this one is my favorite. Phenomenal. Way more than just a couple layers of chocolate and oh so easy.
and I'm hoping it is going to change my life. I'll keep you posted.
by Francis Chan
by Shane Claiborne. My brother gave me a copy of this a couple years ago and I've yet to crack it open.
by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin
