Monday, January 12, 2009

New Clothes







My girls love playing with their favorite dolls, The American Girl Dolls. I love that they love playing with dolls. I want to keep them interested in this type of play for as long as possible. Recently, they've decided that their dolls need new clothes. I'll admit that from time to time I have and will purchase clothes from this company; however, they are pretty expensive. They average around $30 plus shipping for an outfit. I rarely spend that much for my children's clothes. Of course, I justify it by reminding myself that the dolls don't ever get any bigger! As I look through the catalog, I tell myself--you know that you sew and can make all this! So, that is what I have started doing. I bought many patterns for 18" dolls at Hobby Lobby (all their simplicity patterns are $.99 every other week) and set to work. I have made some modern clothes and some "vintage" using what I know about heirloom sewing. I modified patterns to make the dolls and my girls matching outfits. It is so much fun! Doll clothes come together in a snap and they are so darn cute!!!

Friday, January 9, 2009



This is my third grade class, minus a couple who were absent, on dress up day during Spirit Week. They had a lot of fun coming up with outfits for each day's theme. It was a little wild, but fun for them. I have been looking at these pictures and thinking about how much they have already changed since the beginning of the school year. It's amazing how quickly they grow up. Third grade is a big transition for children. They have to become more independent and responsible for their work. Many adjustments have to be made from the days of the teachers holding their hands through it all. It's a really hard grade. They are doing well, some better than others (of course, that is to be expected) and I am proud of their progress.
Today, we said goodbye to one of our classmates. Rithvik (boy--last on right) is moving back to India with his parents. His father has a new job there and they must go. I will miss him. I have thought alot about him this week. They are Hindu and will be returning to a place where it is doubtful they will hear any more about Jesus. I took this seriously this week as I took opportunity to pray out loud with and for him. I realized that I might be the last person to speak the name of Jesus to him. Thankfully, his parents chose to send him to our Christian School (I'm not sure why). He has heard the truth of the gospel day in and day out for the past four years. I trust that God's word will not return void. Pray for Rithvik, that he will remember everything he has learned about Christ and that the seeds so carefully planted will take root and yield fruit in due season.

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Why Can't I Blog?

I don't know why, (I mean I've tried and tried to begin doing this) but I can't seem to get it going. I want to. I love reading others. I have things to say. I'm pretty organized. I like it when I sit down and actually do it. Am I just not a writer? Am I afraid of others reading what I write? Have I spread myself too thin between teaching, mothering, wifing, bookkeeping, projects, etc. to have the time? I don't know, but I need to make some space in my life to do things I want to do before I regret not doing them.