I'm like my mom - ideas are a dime a dozen. We are idea people. A few weeks ago I had a GREAT idea! Since Baby Girl gets her clothes from the baby big and tall shop, we were starting to have pajama sleeper issues. They (the clothing makers) just don't make those wonderful sleep sacks bigger than a 9 month size. We do live in Michigan. It does get cold here. The baby wiggles. A lot. Especially in her sleep. Blankets are not an option.

So I mentioned to my sister that I thought I might make a fleece blanket bag for the baby to use in the winter. Being the wonderful, thoughtful and crafty sister she is, she actually found some great (cheap!) fleece and flannel at a Five and Dime store.

Three weeks later, the material is still sitting, unstitched, in the kitchen.

Today in a mad attempt to remain awake from 11 pm last night until 8 pm this evening, my "octurnal" sister decided to take upon herself this sewing project. We (mostly 'she') got two of the three intended projects completed this afternoon:
1 - using a 0-9 month sack sleeper as a "pattern", we traced around the edges + 1". Pretty much "eyeballed" everything else.
2 - Make quick trip to fabric store for zippers and snaps.
3 - Let previously mentioned sister sew!
4 - Baby model time
5 - Alternative style - sleeveless. The third sleeper will be purple fleece, long sleeved and flannel-lined.
We thought about using a pattern, but never got on the computer to look. If you aren't into "eyeballing" or don't have a smaller sleeper to pattern after, try looking for a bunting pattern.

Perfect Lasagna!

It's fall sports season... and for our family that means wonky schedules. That also means it's crock season! Wednesday we attended a district cross-country meet so I threw a lasagna in the crock pot. It turned out perfectly and the best part is that you don't have to precook the noodles. Click on the link for the original recipe

Ness's Crock pot Lasagna (with Joy's modifications!)

Brown: 1 lb ground beef with 1 onion finely chopped and 2 cloves garlic crushed & minced. Drain grease and mix with 1 jar (28 oz) spaghetti sauce and a little extra (maybe 1/4 cup more) - I prefer chunky garden style.

Mix well: 1 lb. cottage cheese, 3 cups mozzarella/Italian cheese blend, 1 scrambled egg, 1/4 cup milk and 1 box of frozen spinach, thawed & squeezed dry.

Grease the bottom and sides of crock.

Spread about 1/4 of the sauce/meat on bottom of crock. Layer noodles (break to fit), 1/3 of cheese. Repeat with sauce - noodles - cheese for two more layers. Top with remaining sauce. Pour 2-3 tablespoons of water along sides of crock.

Cook on high for 3 hours.

Locks of Love

Inspired by my niece, Grace, I decided to grow out my hair for the purpose of donation. Grace donated lots of curly blond hair in the spring of 2009. When I found out I was pregnant I knew the prenatal vitamins would make my hair grow like gang-busters. Plus I hadn't had a cut in at least six months (who has time for that?). Then I talked my middle sister into cutting her hair, too! My hair has never been this long, nor will it ever be again.

A Day at the Lake

With Thing 2's third birthday fast approaching I thought it would fun (?!?) to make her and her dolly matching dresses. Since this is to be my first "make clothes for the kids" undertaking I settled on the ever popular and hopefully-easy-to-make Pillowcase Dress. The only problem was finding a cute pillowcase. Enter a quick stop to Goodwill and another to the fabric store.

Ta-da!

Materials:

1 - standard size pillowcase (Goodwill, $1.99 for set of 2)

1 3/8 yard of 1" pink ribbon (Field's Fabrics, ~$1.40)

thread

sewing maching

scissors

measuring tape

pencil

2 - free pdf download patterns (1st Pattern: sizing, actual directions I tried to follow, 2nd Pattern for an idea of how much of the material, ribbon and another example)

1 hour of my time

For next time: amount of ribbon is good, but I'll try a skinnier (1/2 inch?) ribbon. I cut this one longer (21 1/4" I think) than the size chart indicated as I wanted her to wear it for a longer time and hit just below her knees.

The Graduate

Nealy five years ago I sat across the table from a spunky 8th grader. We were having breakfast at IHOP with a group of other Jr. and Sr. High students and their new youth pastor. Her older brother and sister were also among the group. This student stood out to me. Without having an indepth conversation, I was drawn in by her enthusiasm, energy and the sparkle in her eyes.

Eighteen months ago this spunky now 11th grader threw what can only be characterized as a three-month-long temper tantrum because she wasn't invited to be part of a student leadership group. Based on this response, it appeared as if not inviting her to participate was indeed the correct action. This 16 year old princess, complete with the silky blonde hair, perfect tan and pretty face, managed to rile enough adults that the student leadership program has not continued.

Last weekend I watched virtually every male at a graduation party look at this graduated senior with wide eyes and gaping mouth. [Yah, she really is that good looking.]

Last weekend I also watched this young woman carefully guide not one, but two visually impaired peers the entire way down the isle at church, physically assist them when needed in taking the bread and wine of communion then gently lead them back to their seats in the balcony of the church.

Tears filled my eyes as I thought about the first time we met. When I thought about the difficult, though typical, teenage attitude she has displayed. When I saw her step outside of herself and humbly show the kindness and gentleness of Jesus Christ.

A Little Bit of Hope

After a blogging sabbatical, I am ready to continue to put thoughts into words. The very first thoughts I need to post are of thanksgiving to God for a beautiful, healthy third child born in early March. She arrived large, late, and bathed in prayer by the ladies in my Bible Study who were meeting as I labored. My heart (and hands!) is full.

In addition to welcoming our little one we have had the joy of watching friends and family welcome new children into their homes in the 2 months surrounding her birth. We are so grateful to God for the lives of Faith, Justine, Hope, Katie, Emmet, Benjamin, Coulter, Cody, Austin, & Abraham and for the presence of these children in their families.