Lessons from Sewing, part 3 . . .

I cannot learn to sew, read all those great books I have on a list, try the new recipes I've had sitting out on the counter for a month, visit the library once a week, hand stamp greeting cards, organize the basement, clear out junk for a garage sale, read up on taking great photographs, take great photographs, weed the garden, write a witty blog post and read everyone else's, research math and language arts curriculum, go for a bike ride, paint the house, make granola and wheat bread, watch TV shows that I have saved on DVR, watch movies I have on hold from the library, manage the finances, dust every surface, vacuum every floor, call every friend I think about and pray for or go shopping for new summer clothes and still exist as a mildly competant wife and mother. I am only human. So I pick and choose what is important for today. And lately, my sewing is winning that contest.

My Baby Turns 2

I can't believe it has already been 2 years since God graced you to our family. You have been a constant joy to us, Alli, and we love watching you turn into such a little girly-girl. I cherish watching you play dress-up, caring for your babies and making pretend meals for your daddy and me. You have grown into quite a social lady, although you still know how to be shy and how to bury your head into mommy's shoulder when you want to. You are going to be a "go-getter" and afraid of nothing, I think. Those traits are from God and can be used to His Glory, or for your own. We pray that you come to cherish Christ and to seek to spread His Fame.

We love you, Allison Keona. Happy 2nd Birthday.

Lessons from sewing, part 2 . . .

All cutting and sewing of fabric should be performed while children are sleeping or being watched under the careful eye of their other parent, leaving the seamstress free to concentrate. Otherwise one will inadvertently cut with the wrong measurements or cut in the wrong direction, thus rendering fragments of fabric that are useless. Unless, of course, one is extremely creative and can make new projects out of the scraps.

(and if you fall in that category, leave a comment - because one who posts such advice might need it herself)

Lessons from sewing, part 1 . . .

. . . the seam ripper is my best friend.

Storm Front

We've had a weekend of crazy weather. Thunderstorms, hail, tornadoes and flash floods have all gone through our area over the last two days and the forecast for this week doesn't look much better. Dan took this picture tonight just minutes before we got hit with thunderstorms again. He emailed it to a local TV news station, we are waiting for the 10 o'clock news to see if it's featured!

It certainly isn't hard to see God's handiwork in the fury of the storm. Even though this weather can be dangerous, I always pause to thank Him for such beautiful signs of His power. No matter what happens in the storm, I know Whose hand controls every cloud.

Looks like Someone knows her birthday is coming up . . .

Yes, that's an American Girl doll catalog. You know, the one's with $100 dolls. I think she will need to wait until she is older than 2 before we invest in a doll like that!