A Finished Sewing Project

Originally this night gown was being made for Charlotte.  When I tried it on her to hem it, it was really too big.  I made it a “Size 5″ according to the pattern, but I don’t think it is true to size.  I suppose this post could become a rant about sewing patterns.  I am learning as I go.  About 10 years ago I made 2 dresses and a blouse.  Clothes sewing is not like quilting and these clothes patterns can be very difficult to follow.  I measured the girls and their measurements were not even on the  pattern envelope!  Some people have told me that I need to measure the pattern itself.  Perhaps I should be going to the thrift store or antique stores looking for patterns from the good ole’ days. 

Recently the boys have asked me to teach them to sew.  John is working on a doll dress for Charlotte’s doll.  Kevin and I are starting work on dresses in identical patterns.  His dress will be for MaryEllen and mine will before Charlotte.  I am also working on a night gown for Charlotte and a dress pattern that I started years ago for MaryEllen, but Charlotte will end up with that, too, since they have both grown.  Poor MaryEllen.  In a way, I am so glad she finally got something made by me.  She loves the night gown, but I still feel a little guilty because I used cheap, $1 a yard fabric from Wal-Mart for it.  At least it looks pretty!  When I am finished with Charlotte’s, I’ll make MaryEllen another using some nice flannel Angelina Ballerina fabric.  Charlotte’s will be nice flannel Raggety Ann & Andy fabric.  It is cute, not cheap (but I did get it on sale) and should last longer than that $1 a yard fabric.  It certainly feels better.  Perhaps I should be sewing instead of writing this scattered post!

Now, here are the pictures…

 

Marshmallow Science

We have had a little bit of fun with school this year.  For our science we used marshmallows and toothpicks to help understand atoms and molecules.  The first thing the children were instructed to do was to make any kind of shapes they wanted.  After a little while of that, they were instructed to make models of molecules.  They really enjoyed this activity.   It was not an original idea, we have been using Real Science 4 Kids, and this was one of their planned activities.

 

 

 

Kevin Had a Birthday

My Dad, when he was alive, was always around when I had babies.  As he got older he lived to see his grandchildren.  When Kevin was born he said, “Kevin from Heaven.”  Not wanting to hurt John’s feelings he added, “John and Kevin from Heaven.”  Why am I thinking of that?   Kevin from Heaven is now eleven!  (I feel a poem coming on!)

As usual, Aunt Mary Lou sends the coolest gifts.  (Thank you, Aunt Mary Lou.)  We have some pictures of Kevin opening them.  I won’t put too many other pictures up, but we had a playdate here for his birthday with a LOT of children, and two cakes even!  Kevin enjoyed his birthday this year.  Thank you to all who were there!

   

   

Hand-Me-Downs

We are always grateful for the clothes people give us.  Not too long ago, I passed on all the boy clothes from size 18 months to size 7.  Some of those clothes were hard to give up.  Not only did all three of my boys wear them, but I remember my 20-something nephew wearing them as well.  Trusting in the Lord, Joe reminded me to “let the Lord provide” if we ever have any more boys.  Typing that last sentence seems strange to me because I remember a time, not too long ago, when I wondered if we would have any girls.  Here are some pictures of an outfit that Aunt Mary Lou bought for Mary Ellen about 6 years ago.  We have pictures of MaryEllen wearing it.  The neat thing about this is that I got Veronica dressed and put the hat on.  She let me take one picture and promptly took that hat off.  Then she had fun playing with it and putting it back on herself.  Enjoy the pictures!

  

Yes, this is the old picture of MaryEllen!  I just had to throw that in.

Interesting Flower

I am so far behind in blogging, in case you hadn’t noticed.  I was going to try and take care of it this weekend, but here it is Monday already. 

 In September James found a very interesting flower.  I don’t know what it is, and have not even had time to look it up.  We did, however, take pictures.  (You may click on the pictures for a larger view.)

Edited to ad:  Thanks, Misty, for letting me know that this is a purple passion flower.  We’ll have to go and find out more about it.  

   

   

Of course, if there is a camera, flowers, and a girl around, that girl must get into the action! 

 Just so you know, she is in costume.

Beautiful Homeschooling

If you need a little freshness and beauty in your homeschool, go check out Jen’s blog Wildflowers & Marbles.  She has done a very inspiring post that should not be missed!  My kids all want to go there for school.  Have a great day!

Our New Dog

We found a dog last week.  Her name is Grace, which is the name she came with.  I can’t remember that for anything.  Every time I want to call the dog, I think Liga, Emma, ooohhhh….Grace.”  By the time I think of it, the moment that I needed it is gone.  The boys keep calling her Gloria.  Oh well…Grace is about 18 months old.  She is a mix of German and Belgian Shepherd and is pretty obedient, except when cats are around.  She doesn’t want to eat them, she wants to play.  The kittens don’t like that idea much so they hiss and growl until she goes away.  Here are some pictures…

    

Here is Grace eating.  She puts her nose in the bowl and lets herself plop down on the floor.  I can’t say we’ve ever had a dog who ate lying down before…

   

I have to go get school ready for tomorrow.  Hopefully some time this week I’ll have time to post some cute children pictures.  Until then…so long.

We’re in the Country Now!

I know it has been a long times since the last post.  I have a lot of pictures to post and notes to write.  What has brought me here tonight for a quick post is this…the District Fair.  Fair time is not usually anything specialsfor us here.  I had been meaning for years to try and get my act together for the local County fair and for the last four years it has come and gone without us.   For the last 3 years we have been out-of-town for the district fair.  This year the Boy Scout troop was presenting colors before the demolition derby.  We didn’t know that before hand.  We just knew that Kevin had to be there by 5:30 in Class A uniform for a flag ceremony.  Joe and I talked about it and we decided to go in because the demolition derby was included in the admission price.  Well, let me tell you, it has been a long time since I was at a demolition derby.  Back in the 80’s my brother raced stock cars in the Street Stock division at Wall Stadium in New Jersey.  A few times a year they had a demolition derby along with a Street Stock race.  I do believe that was the last time I was at one.  As we approached we were all a bit excited.  After all, this was my very first county fair!!!  actually it was a first for all of us except Joe.  Let me just tell you, I had forgotten how much I like demolition derbys.  So much, in fact, that while I was screaming cheering for a station wagon who was nearly out of it, but then coming back to put on a great show, that I actually felt like a true hick.  We’ll go back later this week to go see the exhibits of fruits, vegetables, animals, and (hopefully) quilts.  I’m also thinking that a bull ride competition would be fun….but then again, a tractor pull sounds exciting.  I haven’t been to one of them since the day Great Adventure was too crowded so we went to the mud hop at New Egypt Speedway in New Jersey!  But, that is another story all together and this post is really not nearly as exciting as I had hoped.  The kids were asking to go back next year before we even left the fair!

Not for the Faint of Heart

Here is one of Kevin’s latest watercolors:    (Click on the picture to enlarge.)

Pictures for Mom

My Mom is staying at my sister’s house right now.  My sister has Internet access, so I am just going to post some pictures.  We have been away to Charleston, SC and Pigeon Forge, TN.  The pictures that I post will come from that vacation. 

 Before we left, Charlotte treated us to a little dress up. She used the couch’s arm cover. 

While we were away, Veronica turned one.  Where does the time go?  Here she is opening a present before we left.

      

 We arrived at Dollywood one morning and the first thing Veronica did was fall asleep. 

 

      We went to Dollywood with some friends of ours, so yes, there are some extra children in the picture by the sign.  We also ran into my brother and niece there and got a family shot in the parking lot at the end of the day.

Next we went onto Charleston.  We got there just in time for a Solemn High Mass at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist.  The boys were very excited that they were able to serve that evening.   We just love it when there are a lot of priests and seminarians around.

     

We toured many places in Charleston including Ft. Sumter and the aquarium.  We also spent a day at the beach and the children loved it.  The boys would dig holes and Veronica would crawl over and get in them.  There were loads of starfish and sand dollars.  I had never seen any of those things on the beach in New Jersey. 

     

   

 

Last, but certainly not least, we went back to Pigeon Forge so we could hike in the Smokey’s. 

   

 

Hi Mom!  We hope you enjoyed the pictures and we hope you are enjoying your stay.  Send Aunt Gert our love.