The makings

Another Beignet skirt from Colette Patterns. I've made three so far (click here for the orange one), although I gave the second one to a friend. For some reason I love this style of skirt! I've cut out another version in a light blue denim (think: the color of Grandpa jeans), and I'll get to it once I get some handmade gifts completed.

I made some belated gifts (December was way too rushed for sewing any presents, ironically), and sent them off just after New Years. Hot pads made from the pattern in "Handmade Home". The craftmanship was a bit lacking on my part, but they are extremely useful :D
Table Runner (front) for my aunt and uncle. I was disappointed with the way the fabric puckered once I machine-quilted it, but then... maybe it adds character? There you go. I'm never lacking in "character." Aunt and Uncle just completed a long-awaited kitchen remodel, and I wanted to help them "celebrate" :) Table Runner (back)

And just for the sake of CUTENESS, I had to add this photo from our shenanigans this evening. My sister and BIL brought their crew over after church. They brought Sadie, their sweet pooch. My kids love dogs, and it takes every ounce of self-control in me to not run out and adopt a dog of our own!

Ponderings: The way God's will works in our lives. It's mind-blowing how even when our will, ideals and plans seem noble, good and wonderful-- they amount to absolutely nothing if it is not God's will. "Well, God, I had great plans for who I'd be and what I'd accomplish and how my family would be..." I blabber, when really it's God who's asking me to lay down my own will and to accept His. To do that which is right in front of me. To remain thankful and present, without expecting any "reward" or biding time until the elusive "something better" comes along. It is excruciating to lay one's will down. At least, it is for me. But I am intrigued by, and yearning to develop faith in the real reward, the True promise for laying down my will: and that is Christ's Peace. Nothing could be better. Now if only I put my words into actions. Lord give me Faith!

On a related note, I was deeply impacted by Father John Oliver's podcast entitled, "What Only God can give." I'm nearly 30-- I should KNOW this by now! ;) Just goes to show: The struggle continues, and God is merciful!

I wonder if I'm growing...

This boy is getting big! At 16 months, he's strong enough to stand on his own... but he still uses a wall or table to lean on. He just needs a little more confidence. It won't be long, though, and then he won't just be standing, but walking. Here he is, testing his courage at the top of the stairs. What can I say? This kid likes to take big risks. It's a good thing I found him before he took another step (literally).
And this one? She's a bona-fide preschooler now. It did feel a little strange, sending my 3 year old to preschool. I had never planned to do so, initially. Afterall, I listened to Dr. Laura solidly for the first half of my mothering years (I stopped because some of the content is, I believe, unsuitable for "little listeners," and I only listened to it in the car when I was with the kids). But we thought we'd give it a shot, knowing full-well that we can always change our mind. So far, though, so good. She only goes half-days, and she seems to like it, more or less (in other words, she doesn't throw a fit at drop-off in the morning). Fortunately she's in a great class, in a very familiar environment, with kids she's known just about all her life.


And THIS one! She's a big kindergartener now! Not only that, but she fearlessly decided to ride a pony recently, while visiting our koumbardes'. She did great, too! Job and I were very impressed, especially as she usually veers on the side caution with most new things. In addition to adjusting to full-day kindergarten (yikes! I know... another adjustment for "mama", too), she's growing so much. In fact, yesterday we realized she could reach the kitchen faucet all on her own! This is a huge, particularly sentimental milestone, especially since we've been fans of this Raffi song since she was a wee baby.


I'm so thankful for my three gifts from God! I can't believe they are growing so quickly.

Please excuse the poor-quality pictures! We're making do with our phone camera, but I'm hoping to acquire a better point-and-shoot very soon.

Look out, world!

I know I've talked a lot about my kids and their spring birthdays lately... it most definitely is that time of year! And now, if you'll humor me, I just can't believe that my baby boy will be a year this Saturday. Yes... yes... May 21, 2011 has gotten a lot of fanfare this year, due to the fact that Rapture is supposed to also take place on this day. Oh boy. While the Orthodox don't believe in a rapture, or that one person can prophesy when "Judgment Day" will take place at all, it is indicative of this crazy world that my little man has been born into, and how it's not necessarily getting any better. A reminder of just how much I need Christ and the Church, and the sacraments, both for my own strength and healing, and to strengthen and guide my own children as they grow. Having been raised in a Christian family my entire life, and having been Orthodox for the past 9 and half years, it's so very easy to shrug off the life of the Church as burdensome and taxing. The temptation is strong to question one's devotion and ask if it all just a product of guilt-induced habit. But the truth is, I can't live without it-- otherwise I start to feel so hardened and out of control. This is a refuge from the world, the Hospital for the soul. Jesus came to heal the sick, and I have to remember how very much in need of healing I am. The little church we made one evening, complete with a Bishop (sitting next to the altar), parishioners, and a presvytera at the chanter's stand (behind the Bishop)

Wow, how was that for a diversion? I guess I've been thinking of a lot more than just my kids and birthday cupcakes lately :) We just gotta keep fighting the good fight, you know? I know I get so distracted from that simple truth.

And then, on a lighter note, there's sewing.

This is silly, but remember that dress I made? I actually really like it a lot now. I'm in love with cotton lawn, it's so soft and comfortable to wear, yet has a elegant drape to it.




This is Carrie's dress. The purple marks are just washable marker spots from when I needed to make buttonholes. I have tailor's chalk and water-soluble fabric pens, and two fabric pencils... and yet, I keep coming back to my trusty washable Crayola markers. Go figure.


And here's my "Sunday of St. Thomas" dress, since it wasn't finished in time for Pascha. I felt self-conscious in it at first, but then I got some nice compliments on it, which always boosts the ol' ego a bit and helps me relax. (favorite quote, Michael Scott: Michael: "Do I need to be liked? Absolutely not. I like to be liked. I enjoy being liked. I have to be liked. But it's not like a compulsive need to be liked. Like my need to be praised.")


Here here! A shirtdress that finally worked for me.

I haven't sewn very much since, because, well, my third child has elevated from "bump on a log" status to "active, viable, energetic child" status. And, he's a BOY, and boys get into everything. Seriously, it happened overnight. Now he's eating everything, finding hidden jellybeans and dirt clods in the most forgotten corners of our house. He's also crawling everywhere and quite proud of himself for it all. Now I know why God gave me two girls first...! Yikes. So most evenings are spent either a) accidentally falling asleep early, in my clothes or b) cleaning or c) vegging out. But tonight, I'm hoping to sew. Wish me luck.

Hope you are well! Christ is Risen (we're still in the Paschal season!).