Annoyance turned to joy.

So this post has nothing to do with sewing or crafting, unfortunately life has been just to busy.  I'll get around to it soon, I promise!!

You know how sometimes you have those moments in your day where a light bulb goes on and you see things a lot clearer? Well, that happened to me today - big time. Each Sunday, our family faithfully attends a wonderful church.  Having three kids, two which come to service with us, I have wondered why in the world am I even at church? It's not for lack of wanting to be there or not wanting to hear what Pastor has to teach or not wanting to serve, it's because some Sundays I just can't do those things. Let me explain...

Our youngest daughter had terrible separation anxiety when between the ages of 6 weeks and 3 years old. Yes, I know it's a long time! Nearly every Sunday, I would get called out of church or Sunday School to come get her because the nursery workers couldn't stop her crying.  I would spend the time, walking the halls with her listening to the sermon over the loud speakers, trying to pay attention.  Now that she is older, she is fine and somewhat happily goes into her class. Turn our attention to the older two kiddos, remember I said they come to service with us? Between, "Mommy I need to go potty!" and laying all over me because they are SOOO tired, frankly it's hard to listen. So this morning after two potty breaks on the way to the sanctuary, we finally made it and sat down. Late and we missed the singing. I admit, I was already a bit annoyed - not the way you want to start a worship experience, right?  We get settled and my son, exclaims, rather loudly I might add, "Mommy, I left by Bible in the Elementary office!! We need to go get it before someone takes it!!"  I roll my eyes and tell my husband, "We'll be back!"

As I was swiftly walking with my son, I started thinking.  I can't change the fact that he is kid that made simple mistake. I can't change that he left his bible in the office. I can't change that I have to walk what seemed like 5 miles in these uncomfortable high heel shoes, but I can change my attitude. I can change the pace in which I am walking. I can change the not so pleasant look on my face that my 9 year old son is looking at.  In that moment I realized something very big for me. I will not have many years left with my children needing me to help them with these things, nor will they want me to.  I slowed down my pace, put my arm around my son and talked to him about...whatever.  Did I get much out of today's sermon? No. But I did get a lot at church today.  My kids know where we go every Sunday because that is our love and our priority - to learn more about and serve Jesus however we are called to.  Right now, I am called to be a mom.

Bandana Shirt with Ruffle Leggings

Normally it is my policy to have my kids get their picture taken before they actually wear my latest creation, but I totally forgot this time around! Out of the tons of pictures I did take, I failed to get a good full length picture of  Addie in her Bandana Shirt and Ruffle Leggings.  Here are a couple of cute ones of her though:

I knew I wanted to make an outfit for when we made our annual visit to Burt's Farm for the many pictures I always take of our kids.  I just love the black and orange against all the thousands of pumpkins they have there. It's truly beautiful!  I found the bandanas at Walmart for $1 and bought two and sewed them together up the sides! I simply cut out the corners for the sleeves and added a pocket for the ribbon like you would for a pillowcase dress.  For the leggings I bought $5 leggings at Target and cut off about 3 inches (I wanted them a little shorter then full pant length) and added a ruffle out of fabric scrap I had.  I am really happy with the results and she looked so stinkin' cute!



What started it all!

In the Spring of 2011, our family was headed on a Disney Cruise (best vacation ever, btw!) and I wanted some matching Disney outfits for my girls. Being the frugal shopper that I am, I refused to pay $50 for outfits (I now know why custom creations cost that much) that I wasn't sure would ever be worn again, especially by my 9 year old. So after much searching I thought, I can do this myself...or at least try. My wonderful friend sat with me and showed me how to make Ruffle Pants and I was completely bit by the sewing bug! I couldn't believe that out of fabric I was able to create something that my daughter was able to wear! What a satisfying accomplishment!

I found a pattern for a sweet halter top and stumbled my way through all the lingo and terms I had never heard before, but I managed to get through it. Here is a picture of my very first outfit on my youngest daughter. Later, I appliqued Minnie Mouse on the shirt I was just so excited for her to try it on I couldn't wait to take a pic. The first, but oh so many more outfits were to come!