You're Invited :-)

I think that I made my love for Beth Moore pretty clear in my last post, but in case you missed it...

I love me some Beth Moore!

I love her so much that I will be hosting an online Bible study in my BlogFrog Community that YOU are personally invited to take part in.

Yep, YOU!

We're going to be reading Beth's latest book called So Long Insecurity: You've Been A Bad Friend To Us.



I went to Chapters yesterday to purchase this book and just about cried when they told me that they hadn't been shipped any copies of this book from the publisher.

To any of their stores.

GASP!

But all was not lost, because Ian ordered it for me from Amazon.ca and he received a notification this evening that my book has shipped.

Already!

So excited.

If you would like to join in - which I truly hope you will - we will begin discussing Chapter 1 on Monday March 8th.

You don't have to have a blog to participate, but you will need to sign up for a BlogFrog profile. It's free and easy, and will give you access to all of the wonderful blogging communities.

I'm really looking forward to getting to know you more as we work our way through this book. I'm hoping to encourage you, and to be encouraged by you.

Beth Moore…You Shake Me Up!

I’d forgotten how much I love a Beth Moore study. I’ve done her Breaking Free and Get Out of That Pit: Straight Talk About God’s Deliverance studies and they were life changing.

I finally made it back to my Wednesday morning Bible study which we call Coffee Break and it felt so good to be back after being away since December.

Our new study is called The Inheritance and I am in love with it already. In the first DVD, Beth talks about the year that changed our lives, and everyone will have one.

I’ve had many years that have changed the direction of my life, but I’ve always stayed the same for the most part.

But one that changed me?

Oh yeah, there was one.

It was 2007. I can’t give details because it’s too painful and too private, but believe me when I say it was life changing.

What I can tell you is that 2007 was the year that I understood without a doubt that God loved me and without Him I was nothing.

Each day I would pray that He would give me the strength I needed to face that day. Each day I asked Him to be with me.

He never disappointed me. Ever.

He carried me throughout that entire year. That is the Truth.

I felt Him. Inside my heart.

Have you felt that inside your heart feeling that only God can give?

That feeling that, even though your feet are on the floor, it is really Someone else that is carrying you?

It’s beautiful, friends. It’s beautiful.

Have you had a year that changed your life? I'd love it if you'd share it with me. It doesn't have to be here on my blog, you could email your story to me at katieb38@hotmail.com.

I'm sure you'll hear more about this study as it goes forward. I'm excited to share all that I learn with you :-)

Book Review: A Mom's Ultimate Book of Lists

A Mom's Ultimate Book of Lists is your one-stop resource for more than 100 lists to live by, including:

When to Call the Doctor
Questions to Ask before Choosing a Pediatrician
Sleep Training Your Baby
Top Toys for the First Year
Terrific Activities Toddlers Love
Easy Steps for Taming Tantrums
Feeding a Picky Eater
Signs of a Family-Friendly Restaurant
Common Childhood Allergies and Illnesses
Instant Pick-Me-Ups
and so much more

Start saving your time, money, and sanity today!

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

When the opportunity to review this book came along I knew I'd be a fool to pass it up.

Hello. My name is Kate and I am a List Person.

Lists are so orderly and keep me on track toward my tasks and goals. They keep me organized so I don't forget anything.

So... show me something with the word "list" in it and you've got my attention.

Did you read some of the titles up there?? Well there's more. Over 100 of them to be (somewhat) exact.

I started off by thumbing through the book to get the lay of the land, so to speak. And the first list I saw was Developmental Milestones For Toddlers.

What a coicidence. I have a toddler!

This book is a great resource for Moms. It has lists for preparing for a new baby, lists for the first year, toddler years and preschool years. Lists for family and friends, health and safety, and lists on how to save your time, money and sanity.

Oh yep, you know I spent a lot of time in that last section. I need to save what's left of my sanity. ;-)

I think that moms everywhere should pick up this book and keep it nearby. It's a must have for the bookshelf.

This book is courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Available now at your favourite bookseller.

Book Review: Abigail

What price must she pay for true love?

Her days marked by turmoil and faded dreams, Abigail has resigned herself to a life with a man she does not love. But when circumstances offer her a second chance at happiness with the handsome David, she takes a leap of faith to join his wandering tribe. Still, her struggles are far from over. How can she share his love with the other women he insists on marrying?

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

The novel is the second book in the Wives of King David series but holds its own as a stand alone book.

Author Jill Eileen Smith does a masterful job of bringing Abigail to life, taking great care to stick as close to the cultural times as possible. As I read this book I was transported to that time period and exposed to David in a fresh way.

Abigail is a woman of faith and strength, and the reader is able to relate to her on many levels. She is deeply in love with David and her struggles with sharing her husband with other women is real and raw.

I enjoyed this book. It captured my attention from the very first chapter and held my interest throughout. I found myself looking forward to when I could sit down and read some more, wanting to experience more of Abigail and David.

This author as definitely found herself a new fan of her writing, and I will certainly be checking out some of her other work.

This book is courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Available now at your favourite bookseller.

Book Review: Swinging On A Star

Bella Rossi's life is nearing perfection. She's got the perfect guy, she's running a successful business, and she's about to plan her most ambitious wedding yet, a Renaissance-themed fairy tale come true, complete with period costumes and foods, horse-drawn carriages, and even a castle. There's just one hitch. The best man just happens to be Brock Benson, Hollywood's hottest and most eligible bachelor. Oh, and did we mention he's staying at the Rossi house to avoid the paparazzi?

With all the pressure surrounding this wedding, Bella's not sure she's going to make it through. Add her starstruck sister, her feuding aunt and uncle, and a trio of large, sequined church ladies with even bigger personalities, and you've got a recipe for disaster--and a lot of laughs

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Being that this novel is the second in the series, I was a little concerned that I might be missing something by not having read the first book. Had I done so I would have had a better background on the main character, Bella. However this book can certainly be read and enjoyed on its own.

While I did find it a little slow to grab my attention at first, I found myself "all in" soon enough, and enjoyed it right through to the end.

A couple of details that I appreciated was that the story is told by the first person narrative, something I don't see much of anymore. I also liked that each chapter's title was a Frank Sinatra song - I love 'Ole Blue Eyes ;-)

This novel overflows with comedy, romance, love of family and fine cooking. The characters are well developed and enjoyable. Definitely a sweet read.

This book is courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Available now at your favourite bookseller.

I'm So Tired Of Winter!!

It's that day today.

You know....that day. When it really and truly feels as though winter will go on forever and ever amen.

I hate winter. It affects my mood and brings.me.down. I keep the blinds open all day long so I can get as much sunshine as possible and that helps a bit. But last night we got a lot of snow and looking at it just made me cry and I didn't want to get out of bed this morning.

So, rather than wallow in these lousy feelings, wanna know what we're going to do today?

We're going to take a mental vacation!

Better pack a bag!



We're leavin'...on a jet plane...don't know when we'll be back again...



Hope you don't mind, but I'm a window-seat kinda gal...



Hope someone is holding my hand...I hate to fly!

We're here!



Let's unpack later! All we need are our beach bags...



..and the beach!



Oh and one or two of these bad boys...



Oh yes. Feeling better already.

Maybe a bit of this...



Some of that...



One of these...



...and I'm good to go home :-)

Sigh.

Sometimes a mental break is all we need.

Have a great day everyone.

Book Review: Beguiled

In the shadows of Charleston, someone is watching her…

Rylee Monroe, a dogwalker in Charleston’s wealthiest neighborhood, never feared the streets at night. But now a thief is terrorizing the area and worse, someone seems to be targeting her.

Reporter Logan Woods is covering the break-ins with the hope of publishing them as a true-crime book. The more he digs, the more he realizes this beguiling dogwalker seems to be at the center of everything.

As danger draws ever closer, Logan must choose: Chase the girl, the story, or plunge into the shadows after the villain who threatens everything?

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

The action begins in the very first chapter of this novel. I appreciate that so much because it sets the stage for the rest of the story. It was a fast paced read, loaded with great character development and scene description.

I liked how some chapters were from Rylee’s point of view and others were from Logan’s. It kept the story interesting for me. I also enjoyed the slow and gradual romance that built up between the two of them, and the lines Logan had…oh the sigh-out-loud kind of lines. The way he loved into the areas where she needed loving, promising to never leave her or hurt her.

What woman doesn’t want that??

The story maintains it’s fast moving pace or suspense and romance keeping me interested throughout, right up to the shocking and heartbreaking realization at the end.

The best part? The epilogue. Oh I do love a little extra somthin’ somthin’ at the end to let me know what happens after the story.

I liked this book so much I’m going to read it again :-)

This book is courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Available now at your favourite bookseller.

Book Review: Anything But Normal

She thought she'd left the summer behind . . .

This year should be the best of Sophie Ramsay's life. She's friends with all the right people, she's a shoo-in for editor of the school newspaper, and she's managed to turn the head of one of the hottest guys in school.

But something's not quite right. Sophie has a secret--one she won't be able to keep under wraps for much longer.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Geared to the middle school/high school set, Anything But Normal is a sweet and easy read about a teenaged girl who is dealing with an unexpected pregnancy.

The story's main character is a Christian who has, along with her friends, taken the Purity Pledge; abstaining from sex until marriage. But one summer away from home ends up changing her life forever.

The author did well at portraying the life of the teenaged girl: what they struggle with, get excited about, dream about and hope for. The topics of abstinence, abortion and adoption are explored from both a Christian standpoint as well as the secular. We are able to view the topic of teen pregnancy from the eyes of the young mother-to-be, her friends as well as her parents.

As a mother, I work hard at nurturing my relationships with my children, encouraging them to be open and honest with me in everything, and that I will always be there to support them. This book was an eye opener for me.

I was a little disappointed in the ending, as I would have liked to have had a glimpse of what life was like for Sophie as she lived her life after her decision. I think this book needs to be read by both parents and teenagers alike. I’ll definitely be keeping this one on the bookshelf to share with my children.

This book is courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Available now at your favourite bookseller.

Why Do People Dress Their Dogs?

This is a phenomenon I just don't get.

People that dress their dogs.

They don't need clothes.

They certainly don't need a coat to go outside. They have a built in fur coat that does the job.

Don't even get me started on little doggie booties.

Look at this poor little fellow:



He's sporting some kind of vest with pockets.

Hard as I try, I cannot come up with a single reason why a dog needs a pocket.

Then there is this one:



She had some serious bling goin' on. She had a little pink purse that was attached to her leash, but I didn't get a shot of that for you.

So sorry.

But believe me, she had one. And it had sparkly crystal thingies on it too.

But nothing - I repeat nothing - prepared me for this:



A doggy pedicure.

Who has time to do their dog's nails??

I can add this phenomenon to my list of things I will never get.

Book Review: Hunter's Moon

Every family has secrets. Few will go as far as the Baxters to keep them.

Bestselling novelist CJ Baxter has made a career out of writing hard-hitting stories ripped from his own life. Still there's one story from his past he's never told. One secret that's remained buried for decades.

Now, seventeen years after swearing he'd never return, CJ is headed back to Adelia, NY. His life in Tennessee has fallen to pieces, his grandfather is dying, and CJ can no longer run from the past.

With Graham Baxter, CJ's brother, running for Senate, a black sheep digging up old family secrets is the last thing the family and campaign can afford. CJ soon discovers that blood may be thicker than water, but it's no match for power and money.

There are wounds even time cannot heal.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

I found this book to be very slow to start and hard to get into. There was almost too much description and stage setting that went on for the first 60 or so pages. I found it hard to keep my focus on what was going on as I much prefer a book that grabs me right from the get go.

I think the premise of the story was good, and it certainly moved quickly in parts, but the book as a whole didn't grab me. Too long to get to the crux of the story, then it was over. I was left feeling very unsatisfied.

Lots of big words in places that didn't flow naturally. But I kept reading because I love a good secret!

Would I read another one of this author's books? Likely not, as I felt it was geared to a more masculine audience.

This book is courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Available now at your favourite bookseller.

New Blog Look!

Notice anything different?

I am loving my new blog makeover, courtesy of Beth at Laugh Until You Cry! She has such a lovely blog of her own and I've been admiring her layouts for some time now. I emailed her about them the other day and she offered to design something new for me.

I don't think she knew what she was getting into!!

I told her I liked purple and orange and flowers.

I failed to mention how picky I can be.

I am more than a little embarrassed to tell you how many changes I requested before she was done.

There were a lot.

*blush*

But she was SO professional, SO helpful, SOOOOO patient and SO SO SO sweet, and made every single change.

Are YOU looking for a new look for your blog? Check her out - she is wonderful.

Thank you so much, Beth! I am so pleased with what you've come up with!!

Cookie Cutters, Protesting And My Lisa Leonard Necklace

When I went to bed last night, I was all motivated to get my housework done today. I planned my whole day out in my mind so that I would make the best use of my time.

Just as I fell asleep, one word popped into my mind.

McCalls.

Oh sweet mercy.

McCalls is a HUGE baking supply warehouse that I have been wanting to go to for awhile now but never seem to get around to going. I knew I had to go.

This morning the children and I took Ian in to work and we headed off to find this baker's paradise.

And.it.did.not.disappoint.

Wall to wall stuff. From chocolate molds to cake pans, ribbon and sparkling sugar in every colour, cake toppers and candles, fondants, an entire wall of cookie cutters, all sorts of packaging and baking utensils.... I could go on and on AMEN.

In order to shop there I had to purchase a membership for $25. I struggled with that because I don't like to spend money if I can help it, but figured this place was destined to become my second residence so I paid for it. And I bought new cookie cutters.

See?



I can't wait to use them.

I spent an hour and a half in that place. It passed in the blink of an eye.

Oh Mama was happy.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

On our way home we passed City Hall. Sam is learning all about the government at school right now, so I explained to him what City Hall was and what happens there. There were tons of people milling around, and several police cars parked out front. I told the children it looked like there was a protest going on.



When we passed by I read some of the signs. They were protesting the removal of two American Boxers from two different families by Animal Control. Apparently AC believe they are actually pitbulls, a breed that is becoming illegal in our province, and they want to destroy them. There's a big hoo-ha going on about it.

The children were quiet for a moment, then started talking about how wrong they felt it was to kill these dogs. We decided to go home and make some signs, then go back and protest along with everyone else. Once their signs were made we headed back downtown, Willow in tow.

Here are my little protesters:



Julie with a fellow protester:



This lady was really into the cause:



In case you were wondering, I was not there as a supporter today. I do believe that pitbulls are a dangerous breed, but I don't think that destroying them is the answer. But my children had a heart for this cause so I had no problem taking them today. What beautiful hearts they have.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Guess what FINALLY arrived on Friday??



My Lisa Leonard Necklace, that's what! I won a $40.00 gift certificate from my buddy Arizona Mamma at Our Daze In The Desert last month.



Isn't it pretty??

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

What were YOU up to today?

5QF - February 19

I just realized as I typed the title for this entry that I missed Willow's half-birthday on Wednesday. Some pet owner I am. He is now six months old.

Happy Half-Birthday Willow!!

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

As you are well aware, today is Friday which means...



I was thinking about doing this vlog-style since my last one was so well received. But I'm having a bad hair day today so I thought I'd spare you. I shall let you think that my hair always looks like it did on Sunday.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Let's go.

1. Have you ever hit an animal with your vehicle?

Oh boy. I hit a raccoon once. Ian and I were on our way to bingo to meet up with another couple and I didn't see it until the last second when it darted in front of our jeep and I hit it. I pulled over right away and we got out to see if I killed it. He was just laying there and I started to cry.

I went to find a pay phone to call Animal Control and Ian gently moved him off the road and sat with him. I couldn't understand why no one at Animal Control seemed to care what I had done. I returned to where I'd left Ian and he said that it had passed away shortly after I left. I cried some more.

We waited until Animal Control arrived and I mentally prepared myself for a fine. The woman who came was very laid back and laughed when I asked if I would be fined or charged, and said this sort of thing happens all the time, it was just unusual that someone would have called it in themselves.

There was no bingo that night.

I still feel sad when I think of this incident. (About killing the racoon, not because I couldn't go to bingo. Just so you know.)

2. When you see a string on your clothes do you pull it off or cut if off?

I pull it off every.single.time. And then I get all cross when it makes a hole, and I wonder why I didn't just go and get scissors to begin with.

I also put the string in my pocket afterwards. Like I'm going to use it again or something. I never do. I guess on some level it makes me feel good to have it in there.

3. Did you have your own room or share a room when you were young?

I shared a room with my sister for several years when we were young. I wasn't allowed to go on her side of the room, touch her stuff or breathe her air.

When we were teenagers we had our own rooms and I could breathe all the air I wanted.

4. Would you rather wear the same thing for the rest of your life or eat the same thing for the rest of your life?

Being that I have mild OCD I could definitely eat the same thing for the rest of my life. Grilled cheese sandwiches.

Oh yeah, just get in mah belly, GCS!*

*Grilled Cheese Sandwich

5. What was your favorite TV show as a child?

Electric Company. I couldn't wait to watch this show after school. I also liked the ABC After School Specials, and on Friday nights we'd watch The Love Boat and Fantasy Island together. Good times.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

That's it! Play along if you like! Just visit Mama M over at My Little Life!

13 Things Your Burglar Won't Tell You

While I was stalking looking at a few blogs, I came across Cindy's blog Full Of Light and she posted this list of things a burglar won't tell you.

Get a load of these:

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

1. Of course I look familiar. I was here just last week cleaning your carpets, painting your shutters, or delivering your new refrigerator.

2. Hey, thanks for letting me use the bathroom when I was working in your yard last week. While I was in there, I unlatched the back window to make my return a little easier.

3. Love those flowers. That tells me you have taste ... and taste means there are nice things inside. Those yard toys your kids leave out always make me wonder what type of gaming system they have.

4. Yes, I really do look for newspapers piled up on the driveway. And I might leave a pizza flyer in your front door to see how long it takes you to remove it.

5. If it snows while you're out of town, get a neighbor to create car and foot tracks into the house. Virgin drifts in the driveway are a dead giveaway..

6. A good security company alarms the window over the sink. And the windows on the second floor, which often access the master bedroom-and your jewelry. It's not a bad idea to put motion detectors up there too.

7. I always knock first.. If you answer, I'll ask for directions somewhere or offer to clean your gutters. (Don't take me up on it.)

8. Do you really think I won't look in your sock drawer? I always check dresser drawers, the bedside table, and the medicine cabinet.

9. Helpful hint: I almost never go into kids' rooms.

10. A loud TV or radio can be a better deterrent than the best alarm system. If you're reluctant to leave your TV on while you're out of town, you can buy a $35 device that works on a timer and simulates the flickering glow of a real television. (Find it at faketv.com.)

11. The two things I hate most: loud dogs and nosy neighbors.

12. Avoid announcing your vacation on your Facebook page. It's easier than you think to look up your address.

13. If you don't answer when I knock, I try the door. Occasionally, I hit the jackpot and walk right in.

Sources: Convicted burglars in North Carolina, Oregon, California, and Kentucky; security consultant Chris McGoey, who runs crimedoctor.com; and Richard T. Wright, a criminology professor at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, who interviewed 105 burglars for his book Burglars on the Job

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Doesn't that just give you the heebie-jeebies!?

Thanks for posting this Cindy - I hope you don't mind that I lifted it from your blog!

Lazy Blogger Reporting For Duty

I’ve certainly been very lazy in the blogging department lately, relying on blog hops to get me through the week.

Sorry friends.

I shall proceed with some random ramblings.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

I'm getting a cold and I feel so run down. Ian had it all weekend and it just wiped him out. Twice he thought he was on the mend only to get knocked over again. He came home early yesterday and sent me to bed for a nap from 2:00-3:00, then I got up to watch Jordan while he picked the children up from school, then I went back to bed at 4:00 and slept on and off until this morning.

My eyelids hurt.

Jordan’s nose is running like a faucet and her little body was so warm all day, so we just cuddled together on the sofa and watched Disney’s Imagination Movers.

Over and over and over again.

I hate it when my little ones are sick, but love all the extra cuddles that come with it.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

I forgot to tape LOST last night and now I don’t know what’s going on. I feel like a crack addict desperate for their next hit. Hopefully I can find it online somewhere because I'm getting the shakes.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

I am rather interested in the Olympics this time around and wish they didn’t go on all day because I’m missing stuff. I'm disappointed that because of them The Biggest Loser was bumped this week. And, come to think of it, they bumped Desperate Housewives too! Now I don't know what's happening with my friends on Wisteria Lane.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Things on The Shred front have come to a complete standstill. My knees just couldn't take it so I haven’t done it in about two weeks. I’m not doing much of anything these days, to be honest. I weighed myself this morning and was very pleased to discover that I’ve kept off 10 of the 11 pounds I’ve lost. That’s something, right?

Right!?

I’m not giving up. I’m just not feeling motivated. I want the results but not put forth the effort. Just being honest.

You know what? Tomorrow I will Shred. I promise you.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Do you ever struggle with not being good at anything?

I sure do.

I read a lot of blogs. A lot of blogs. I list my favourites on my blogroll, but I have even more bookmarked and try to visit them all when I can.

You know what I’ve found?

Pretty much ALL of them rock at something.

Baking, cooking, designing, sewing, mothering, photography, saving money, writing…blah blah blah.. It’s endless. And it has me wondering...

What am I good at?

It makes me sad. I find myself trying all sorts of things and getting so frustrated with myself when they don't work out like I want them to.

I need to be me.

Meh.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Tomorrow night is Girls Club and we're going to have a night of worship. I am so excited! I can't wait to hear the girls singing praises to the Lord.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Thank you for all your lovely comments on my first vlog ever. I will admit to you now that I was exceptionally nervous about doing it. But then I thought, we're all friends here, right?

Since you all were so nice, I'm going to do another one soon. :-)

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

And that completes my rambling for today.

Goodnight friends!

Be@Home

Be@Home is your once stop destination for all things home and garden related. Read about the latest reviews on children’s products, furniture, kitchen appliances, bedding and more before you make your next purchase. Our bloggers do the research and product testing so you don’t have to!

Check them out at http://pocketchange.become.com/category/home-and-garden!

Black And White Wednesday ~ February 17

Join in at The Long Road to China!

Getting To Know You ~ Vlog Style ~ February 14

Once again, Sunday has rolled around with warp speed.

Ha ha on you, Sunday...because this is a long weekend. HA!

Being that it's Sunday, it's time for Keely's Getting To Know You blog hop. Rather than post my questions, I'm doing it vlog-style.

Disclaimer: I don't know what I was looking at while I was talking. I thought I was looking in the right place but now I'm not so sure. Rest assured that when/if you and I get to talk for real, I will look you in the eye like a normal person.

And here we go!



If you'd like to play along then visit Mannland3 and join in!

Happy Valentines Day everyone!

New Addition

We have a new addition to the house that is causing quite a bit of excitement...

What is it, you ask?



It's an HP Touchsmart PC and everyone is in love with it.

I'm sure I would be too if I could get my hands on it. I tried it out for about fifteen minutes yesterday and that's about it. Apparently it will read my recipes for me while I'm baking. Oh, and I can record on the webcam and upload it to YouTube with just one click.

You know what that means, don't you?

That's right...there is a vlog in our future, friends. All I need is a little instruction and a great topic and I'll be good to go.

Any suggestions??

Black And White Wednesday ~ February 10

Join in on the fun at The Long Road to China!

Yep - I'm The Kate She's Talkin' About

Have you ever visited the blog I Am Baker? How about I Am Mommy?

Yes? Well then you can imagine how thrilled I was when my dear, sweet friend Amanda tweeted me a pic of these cookies that she decorated for me:



If you haven't checked out her blogs, you have to. Truly...you have to. She is so talented and creative, and has such a beautiful heart that seeks to serve the Lord in all that she does.

But best of all... she considers me her friend.

Sweet.

Thanks Amanda - you made my day :-)

My Not-Sew-Easy Sewing Project

I think I am now sufficiently rested enough to tell you about my arduous sewing project.

Ok it wasn't that bad. I just have a short attention span and I get frustrated quickly. Good thing my Mama is such a patient lady.

Saturday morning, Ian dropped us all off at my Mama's and he headed into the office for the day. After a short break, Mama cracked her whip lovingly suggested we get started. She had taken Sassie Susie to Singer the night before so that the tech could show her how the pesky bobbin goes in and to re-attach the presser foot that had fallen off in my hand.

Did you catch my terminology there? I said presser foot. I'm not fooling around here, peeps.

Here's another shot of my new BFF Sassie Susie:



She's lovely, is she not?

Here is the pattern I chose:



In case you can't tell, it's a nightgown. I chose pink flannel as my fabric.

My wrinkly crinkly pattern fresh out of the envelope:



I ironed it then cut it out:



Pinning it to the fabric took me awhile because I had to make sure my pins were perfectly aligned. I kept pricking myself. I didn't like that part so much.



After repeatedly asking my Mama if it was pinned correctly and was she absolutely sure it was ready to be cut, I said a last-minute prayer then cut out the pieces:



Oh heck yeah, I was on a roll.

Until I looked at the instructions.



I was all "what the..." so I decided my Mama would be the Keeper Of The Instructions and I would just do what she told me to.

I don't have any pictures of me actually sewing because I was so incredibly frustrated on fire that I didn't take any.

I did, however, learn how to re-thread my machine. Easy peasy lemon squeezy.

Here is my Mama pinning the sleeve-to-be into the arm hole:



I hated sewing those sleeves-to-be into the tiny armholes.

I did like sewing this little lacy hem type thing along the edge of the sleeves-to-be, however:



This project took all day. All.day. I made a lot of mistakes and had to rip out a lot of stitches. I wanted to fire it across the room a few times. But my ever patient Mama kept me on track and I finished.

See?



When I was finished sewing the last bit and turned it right-side-out, I started to cry. It was far from perfect, but I finished it.

As soon as we got home, I put it on Jordan. We were all telling her how pretty she looked and she just beamed. She kept rubbing her hands on the front of it and swishing all around while she walked.



Again, far from perfect, but I wasn't expecting perfection. I can see what I did wrong and what things I will do differently next time. I'm going out tomorrow night to buy another piece of fabric to make another one, just to get used to it.

So...whatcha think?