The Reason for the Season

This was my favorite new decoration for Christmas.

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Huggables

For Christmas Mimi (my mom) made the girls huggables.

They love them.

They wear them all the time.
I like them because they are warm and a nightgown.
Best of both worlds.

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Just Around the River Bend (we just watched Pocahontas)

Well, Here it is. The last Sunday before Christmas. I have had such a laid back month. There has been a lot to do, but not wanting to feel rushed, I have just taken it a little at a time.
There are some traditions that we do that I simplified.
The first is making Gingerbread houses. I bought a kit and had the kids put it together. The only thing I did was do the frosting and help construct the building.

Then, we have had sick ones, so instead of cooking fun treats to take around, we made ornaments. I bought the clear glass ones at Hobby Lobby. Then some Epsom Salt. I filled the glass ornaments with the salt. I used my Silhouette to cut out Initials to go on the glass ornament. Then afterward, we tied the tag and some ribbon to the top. So easy. (Go here to see the blog I stole this idea from) Then we delivered them to the families on our list.
The hardest part was narrowing down who to take to. We have such a wonderful ward, and we love every member, but I set the limit to 30 ornaments so it wasn't a burden on our time. So that was the hardest!!

Our ward does a giving tree. The last 2 years they have simplified things. We use to go buy each thing separately and then take it to the Relief Society President. This year we bought some food items, but the clothing items were purchased by the RS Pres and we just donated money. Less shopping for me. I am at the grocery store once a week, anyway.

Then for presents, I took each child separately to shop for each other. That helped me spend time with them, and not have to hide from the other. Then I had them wrap the gifts they bought. They did a great job, and it personalizes it for them. It doesn't need to be perfect. (Keep telling yourself that)

I am even helping Santa out. He usually wraps the stocking stuffers and the gifts for each child. Last year I told him not to wrap the stuffers. This year I bought some felt bags for him to put the kids big gift in. (Santa only brings one gift per child. They do NOT need any more than that. Can you imagine 7 gifts from Santa in one room!) Pin It

Merry Christmas

Free greeting card created with Smilebox

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Christmas Without Headaches

Christmas is such a wonderful time of year. I love to do so much. But sometimes it gets overwhelming. I have found a way to stay on top of the hustle and bustle. I go to Organized Christmas and print out the pages I need.
The main page I print is the gifts list. I write what I want to give. Then I can mark when it's purchased, wrapped, and mailed (if need be). I keep a list of goodies to make and their recipes. I also have addresses for cards. Shopping lists for groceries. I can make a list of gifts I need to sew and make a schedule so I'm not having sleepless nights the week before Christmas.
I hope someone else can use this and feel less stress this peaceful time of year.
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Our First Honeymoon

After over eight years Sweetheart and I were able to go on a honeymoon!! He had a business trip and I could go along. So it wasn't just us, but it was just adults and also so much fun!
We went to San Fransisco!
It was so amazing! And the weather was wonderful. Sunny and warm (in the mid 70s).
The hotel we stayed in was extraordinary.
The food was so delicious.
We went to China Town.
We rode the cable cars.
We went to the Fisherman's Wharf.
The locals were so helpful. Anytime we pulled out a map, someone was there asking us where we were trying to go. They gave us lots of great tips. And made sure we didn't miss any of the fun.
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Blog with chore chart post

Here is the link with the awesome chore chart. The cards I used for the summer, I just found clipart for each chore at google images. Then I used whatever scrap paper I had lying around. For the cards I'm using for the school year, I used some scrap paper I have and then cut the names out in vinyl to stick on the back (as the kids don't all have the same chores). The quote I got on the Idea Door. It was this same kind of idea (and some of their clipart is what I used). But I used velcro to stick them on. Some use magnets. They also have great ideas. The Idea Door is so full of info. I spend too much time on there sometimes. Pin It

When We're Helping, We're Happy

And so is Mom!
I finally finished my chore chart I started earlier this year.
I made it for Summer to keep the kids (and myself) on task and focused.
I had everything done except the vinyl.
So last night and today I cut and placed the vinyl.

I can't remember what site had this awesome idea.
But when I find it, I'll post a link.

Since I did start this project several, it isn't in pristine condition.
The girls took a marker to it.
Plus since I'm new to this whole cut and transfer thing, the spacing isn't too great.
But for a chore chart, it's okay.


I also made the to do cards with a list. That way it would be more simple for school.
The other was getting too much for everyday while we have so many things going on.
Below is a detailed check list of what needs to be done to clean each room.
Also a day-to-day weekly list so I can see what everyone needs to do and when.
The kids can also switch days to accommodate if something comes up. Pin It

New Tradition

This year we added a new tradition.
Candy making.
We saw on a blog candy mustaches.
Sweet Senior and I went crazy.
We purchases some molds at Michaels and Hobby Lobby.
Plus online at...I can't recall.
I'll post a link when I find it.
This is something we did growing up.
So we started with Halloween candy.
So fun!

"Not all moms let their kids eat rats."
One of the molds had rats with a pretzel handle.

Sweet Senior also made candied apples.
I called my grandma and got the recipe.
She said that any glass candy or stained window candy recipe would work.
I'll post her recipe in a while.

We did have fun.
The candy molds is something the little ones can help with.
Not the apples.
I got burned pretty bad.
The candy that ran off the apple cooled in a puddle at the bottom.
That was my favorite part.
I'm not a candied apple fan.
But I love cinnamon jolly ranchers, which is what it tasted like.

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My 1st Silhouette Project

Well, I finally used my Silhouette for a real project.
All the sewing put this on the back burner.
I bought a plate at Hobby Lobby.
So I used a font I had and the free turkey cutout that came with the machine.
Then I found a flourish I loved and downloaded it.
Here is the final product.

Pretty good for my first try.
Boy are there several ideas floating around my head now.

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Halloween Costumes DONE

Well, almost. Sweet Senior wants a few changes to hers. But other than that...

So here is the finished products of the past month:

Master J as Ash from Pokemon:

Mistress K as Belle (which she wore last year):


Little Miss E as Cinderella:


Little Miss D as Belle:


Sweet Senior as Strawberry Shortcake:


The two Belles running in the hall at the church:

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There's No Place Like Home (with kids under foot)

So, this summer was hard for me. I got burned out all the time. I just wanted to escape into my books. But There were four young children who needed me. I would make breakfast. Then after starting laundry, go get a book and read. I would let the kids watch TV or play or whatever.
Then, after feeling so bad for the lack of excitement of the summer, and counting down until the girls go to kindergarten, I knew I needed a change. How would it be in a few years, when they are in school and I was missing them, if I hadn't had some fun times to remember.
So, as I stated, I have decided to enjoy being home with them.
I began by praying to love being a mom of little kids. That has helped the most.
I started playing with the girls. After I send Big Man J off to school, I sit down on the floor and read or play with them. I don't start laundry (even though it's calling me). I don't clean the kitchen (even though it needs it). I just hang with the girls. I have to remind myself that it will still be there. And they won't.
I was just letting them roam. This was causing all kinds of mayhem. Buckets of water dumped in the carpet. Piddle puddles all over. Steakers running around. Pee-pee clothes lying everywhere. Books scattered around the front room. Monkeys climbing all the surfaces.
I also have one activity a day for them. We used to go to the park before it got too cold. But one day whilte I was cutting out costumes, I let them cut strips of fabric. I made extra copies of printouts for the Primary lesson and let them color. We made cookies together. I had them help me scrub the bath room.
The beginning of the month, at Relief Society, we were sharing our favorite things. After we were visiting. One of the ladies brought up that her favorite time of day was disappearing. We asked what that was. She said it was nap time. Well, I haven't had nap time for a year now. That could be one reason why I get burned out on kids. I don't get that break. I do make them watch a movie and rest for a bit. That gives me a minute to veg.
So, I have been reading all your wonderful blogs and will be copying all your wonderful ideas you share (thanks ahead of time).
More happy posts to follow.... Pin It

Cinderella Head Band

Been busy making costumes.
Got 4 done.
1 and a 1/2 to go.
Once of these is Cinderella.

Little Miss E loves Cinderella.
So of course she finally settled on that for her costume.
I decided I wanted a head band instead of ribbon for the hair.
She still takes her pretties out
and I didn't want to fix a ribbon several times when she did.
I looked online and found this:



I didn't want the crown thing on top.
Just the satin.
So I took the left over fabric from her gown.
Some card stock and a sheet of foam.
A blue head band.
Some glittery stuff from another head band.
A glue gun, and some ouchy fingers.
(Sewing it all together wasn't working too well.)
I used the head band as a guide.
I cut out some card stock and foam to cover in fabric.
Stapled the two together.
Cut two pieces of fabric, one for top and one for bottom.
Sewed the bottom piece to the card stock/foam.
Grabbed the glue gun and used it to glue the top piece of fabric on,
Rounding the edges and going an inch at a time.
Glued all onto the blue head band, an inch at a time.
Then I took the glittery stuff from a broken head band,
Centered it, and glued it to the top of the head band.

And here is what we have:



Turned out pretty, if I do say so myself.

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Fire Station Tour

This month is National Fire Safety Month.

For preschool today, we went to tour the fire station, watch a video,
and check out the fire trucks.
I spent most of the time trying to calm down Little Miss D,
who was quite frightened and want to go home.

But it was a fun day for the rest.
Thanks Firefighter Cody!
He even humored us by climbing the rope.

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How Spoiled am I?

I am the most spoiled wife in the world!

Today, when my Sweetheart came home for lunch,
He asked if I wanted a distraction.
Hmmm...
"Do you want a distraction from sewing?"
You mean, more than the three little girls that are running around?
So, thinking that he had something that he needed my help with,
I said, "Sure. What do you need?"
While I was starting lunch, he went out to his car.
He came in carrying two boxes.
I wondered what project he had.
He said, "Happy I Love You."
He set them on the table.
I started opening the smaller one, which was on top.
Then I noticed a word on the larger box.


A Silhouette!!
I was so amazed! I even started crying!
I know, some people cry over the amazing things their kids do.
Not me, I cry over wonderful gifts from an amazing Husband!
Okay, so I do cry over the amazing things my kids do.
But this was so unexpected!
He said, "This is for all the wonderful things you do."
I can't believe how kind and thoughtful he could be.
I told him the only surprises I give him, is having clean socks in his drawer.
He says he knows, and that with all the other things going on, that is a truly amazing surprise.



He then went to make lunch while I checked out all the goods.
My mind began spinning. What to do first?
Well, I started by trying out just cutting paper.
I cut out the Trick or Treat. (99 cents on their site)
And then I proceeded to get it off the mat, while having help from one of those little girls.
Well, needless to say, it didn't turn out very well, but it was a fun first thing to do.
I'll try again tonight.
Maybe this time with vinyl.

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Did that really happen!??!

Today was one of those "blah" days. I was kinda tired from the little girls waking up during the night. (I hope they outgrow the acid-reflux thing soon!) So I spent the morning sitting on the couch reading (The 6th book in The Sister's Grimm series). Then changed laundry. (Hurray!!! Only one load today!) I cleaned the kitchen and front room. We watched Sesame Street. I made lunch.
After I went with DS "Areo" to do baptisms. When we got home, "Sweet Senior" was wanting to go out, and asking for her allowance. I told her I had to go to the store to get stuff and would get change for allowance. So I left all but "Little Miss D" at home with "Sweet Senior", and the two of us went to get some groceries. While there I bumped into a good friend in the produce dept. I asked how she had gotten away without any one, then she asked how I got away with only one. While getting the needed fruits and veggies, I noticed that it seemed part of Sweet Miss D's french braid had been chopped.

WHAT??? YES! CHOPPED!!!

Now, the other girls didn't have any hair til about 3 years old,
so I have been LOVING the little ones having hair!

Anyway, together my friend and I assessed the damage.
TO THE SCALP!!


I was so freaked!
I called home, told Sweet Senior the deal.
(She had been babysitting,
or something, while I was with Areo).
She gave me the number to the salon.
I called them and asked if our hairdresser could fit her in.
THIS IS AN EMERGENCY!!
She was busy, but another gal could do it.
Okay.
It will be okay.
So I said good-bye and thanks to my friend.
(How did she happen to be there when I needed her?)
I checked out, got in the car.
(Good thing I was just in the produce section when this was
discovered and all could be left in the car)
and raced (well, went straight to) the salon.
After Little Miss D knocked over all the hair styling stuff for the 4th time,
our gal was ready for her.
She tried to just trim and even out, but it was too obvious,
so she did a cute A-line cut.
Little Miss D cried and wanted Mom to hold her.
"Sorry, I want this to turn out. But I'll hold your hands."
After it was cut, and styled, she got a sucker, and we headed for home.


Funny thing is, I've been seeing this coming for a while. I've kept the scissors on top of the fridge. When I went to get my hair cut, I told both the Little Misses D & E that I was going to a professional. That I didn't cut my own hair. That if they wanted a hair cut, to tell me and I would make them an appointment. They have been the WORST with scissors. Cutting books and magazines. Wanting to help with coupons. Always asking for scissors and paper to cut. I've given them the chance to use them so it wasn't a foreign thing or a novelty
(that's what I did with all of the kids, starting at 18 months).
So why is it that these two have been so HORRIBLE with them??


But the worst part of this:
She also cut her sister's hair.
Right on the top!!
IT'S ONLY AN INCH LONG OR SHORTER!!
That one will be harder to wait for.
We will be experimenting over the weekend.
Hopefully this will be a fun adventure in hair!
And not a major trial that sends me crying on the toilet every morning.

The best things: I am so grateful for my friend for being there. To Heavenly Father for having her there, and for helping to prepare me, so that I wouldn't just break down and cry. I am so blessed that we could get it sorta fixed. Now to wait for it to grow a bit, then re-cut it.

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Giveaway: Silhouette Craft Cutter

Giveaway: Silhouette Craft Cutter ($300 value!)

I so love this machine!!
Go check out HowDoesShe to see all the other websites doing
a giveaway!!
You will want to go check out this site:
The shopping mama
then go to:
Twig and Thistle
and then:
Blue Cricket Design

Happy entering~ Pin It

Normal Week Followed by CrAzY

Last week was the best! I had preschool at our house. A bit hectic, but I was prepared, so it all worked out. (I'll post in a bit what we are doing this year.) `
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"P" (Personal Progress) Night

Our ward does something quite fun for Personal Progress activities. On Tuesday night, when they will be working on Personal Progress, they wear pajamas, and take something that starts with the letter "P".

Last night, this is what Elyse made to take:

She made Penguin cupcakes made with Pink cake mix. They turned out so cute for her first attempt, and on a time crunch.

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Traditions make families STRONG

tra*di*tion: adj. 1. The passing down of elements of a culture from generation to generation, especially orally. 2. A custom or usage handed down this way.

Our family has several traditions. The reason? To help us spend time together, especially in a fun ways.

"Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities."

So what do we do that is fun? Well, the little kids love to go bowling and swimming. We've even been able to convince the older kids to come with us. We make it fun. Call it our family date.

We sleep in the front room on Friday night. We fold out the couch or clear the floor. Grab sleeping bags. Watch a movie. Sometimes eat popcorn. We've been doing this for 16 years. The older kids don't always participate, but when they do, the little kids love it.



Food is a tradition in our home. We have crepes on Saturday. Cinnamon rolls on Sunday. Oatmeal for the little ones on Fast Sunday. Waffles on Wednesday. On your birthday, you pick what is for dinner.

There are the typical traditions: Scriptures and Family Prayer each evening. Family Home Evening each Monday. Pin It

What can I do to get over this?

I'm not sure if I am the only one, but I have these days where I feel totally worthless. I can't do anything well, or right. And I don't have any true friends other than family. No one wants to hang with me. I am totally down. This is how I felt Thursday afternoon. I hate when I get like this. I start trying to figure out why. Have I done something wrong? Have I hurt someone's feelings? Have I not done something I should have?
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Parenting Means Listening

"Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. "Children are an heritage of the Lord" (Psalms 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, to teach them to love and serve one another, to observe the commandments of God and to be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations."

Our family has a wide range of ages. Not as wide as some. My grandma's family was quite large (13 children) and the older ones would help care for the younger. Our family is smaller and I am able to care for the little ones. But I think that means the older children and left out.
I took a class a while ago at a Relief Society Conference in our stake. At the time I was so exhausted. Two newborns. A 15 year old. 4 others in between. It took every ounce of strength I had to keep up with the twins. I had little else for the rest of the family. A lot of the work fell on my sweet husband and the older two girls. But the one thing I did have time for, was to listen. Listen to how their day was. Listen to what they were liking at school. What they were hating at school. Listen to what they had planned for the weekend. I learned then that if that is all you can do, it will be enough.
Our second daughter went to live with her dad. That has been a hard thing for me. She had asked before if she could go live with him, but I always felt it wasn't a good thing. But this time, after praying unceasingly for a week on what to do, I felt she should go. I love and miss her so much. She is so fun, and she kept me on my toes. I learned from her how to keep going when I was tired. But after seeing how she is doing, it was the right decision. She had started to refuse to go to church. She didn't want to be home. She treated her siblings badly. Now she treats them better. She has had to be more responsible and take care of her things on her own. If she needs to be somewhere at a certain time, it is totally up to her to get there.



I am still there for her. I send her messages on Facebook, in emails, and talk to her on the phone. She still comes to me with her troubles, with her triumphs.

I watched this clip this morning, and it reminded me that we need to start being there to listen when our children are young. When they are not in school yet. Talk to them about our day, about their day.



Another thing we do to keep communication lines open, we always have dinner together. Sometimes we let the kids eat with friends, or let them have someone over for dinner. But for the most part, we are all together for this very important meal. We, as parents, need that time to check on how the kids are doing. The kids need that time to be together. The little ones need that time to learn how to behave at the table.



I love having my children around me. I love being at home. I want them to know they can come to me with anything. And that I will listen to them. Even if it something I don't want to hear. I love them and will always be there for them. Pin It

What is so Special About Marriage?

Marriage is such an amazing thing.
In the Proclamation it states:
"We, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator's plan for the eternal destiny of His children."

What do we need marriage for. Well, there are many things are need marriage for. To start with, just the companionship I have with my husband is worth more than I can explain. He is there for me when I am having a bad day, or week! He helps me know that things will work out and that I can get through whatever is going on. He reminds me of the eternal focus I need to have. That this life is only a blink, and then all will be wonderful.
We also keep each other going. For example, we walk together in the mornings while the older kids are getting ready for school. Then after they leave, we read scriptures together. This has led to so many great discussions. Mainly me asking questions and he giving answers. But it is so good to have someone to do this with. To have conversations about the meaning of things in an eternal perspective. I definitely didn't have this in my last marriage. In fact it was usually me defending things that I really didn't fully understand anyway, but knew they were true.
We also set goals and discuss problems and how to solve them together.
As a single mom, I really felt like I needed to have a man there to back me up. But also to listen to me and give his opinion. A male perspective is so enlightening. Sometimes I think that maybe if I keep listening to him, then I can think like him.
When I am talking to the kids about something we need to change, and they start talking back, I don't know what to say. I'm not good with confrontation. I don't know what to say. One day when I had one of these conversations, My brother in law was over, and tony asked what I said. Then he told me what he would have said. It was such a great comment. Not harsh. Not mean. Just something to get them thinking. So I said, "I wish that you could just be inside my mind all the time so I will know what to say in these situations." And that is how I feel. I wish I could know what he would do in times like these. Then I would be better able to handle things.
Needless to say, my BIN was amazed that I felt that way. He said that you know it's a great marriage when your spouse makes you a better person.



Also:
"Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity."

It is definitely a divine role we have as parents. It is so rewarding, as well as trying. I know that when it is all you, it can be harder than is should be. As a single mom, you feel that you aren't doing a good job. mainly because there are SO MANY things left undone. And when you are the only one doing them (especially if you have young children) then you are overwhelmed. Which makes you feel bad, so you do less. It is a vicious cycle.
But if you have a help meet (see Gen 2:18), then it is okay. You don't HAVE to do it ALL. You have someone there to do what you can't.
I am very spoiled!! I get so frazzled by the end of the day. So it seems like half the time when my sweetheart comes home, the house is in chaos. Well, he will walk in, give me a kiss. Say "hi" to the kids, then start helping find some sanity. I love him. It used to make me feel like a failure. But after a few times of him staying home and not being able to accomplish anything, I saw it was just how life with small children is.
We are also there for each other. It seems that when we have had enough of WHATEVER. The disobedience, the messes, the fighting, then the other is there to step in. Then you can get a break and be ready to face the next challenge. It is so nice, and I find I can control my temper knowing that the home doesn't just rely on me. My back-up will be here soon.
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LDS.org - Liahona Article - The Family: A Proclamation to the World

LDS.org - Liahona Article - The Family: A Proclamation to the World Pin It

September (yes, already)

Well, August is already gone. This went so fast! I'm a little sad. Summer was so short this year. Or so it seems.
But on to bigger and better things!
For next month, I am going to post more things that pertain to The Family: A Proclamation to the World. The reason for this is from the inspiration of a fellow blogger. Check her out at We Talk of Christ, We Rejoice In Christ.



She is so inspiring. I love all the gospel centered activities she does with her family.
For me, I get so caught up in the chores I need to accomplish each day to keep some semblance of order in our lives, that I don't think I focus on the things that REALLY matter. My family. The ones I want to be with FOREVER! Hopefully this will help me find homemaking and motherhood even more enjoyable.
Don't get me wrong, I love being a mother. And getting to be home with the ones I brought into this world is the best blessing! Trust me, it is so much harder to be a working mom. I had to work for nine years. I would cry almost everyday. Especially when I had to leave the really little ones. Julia was just 2 months old when I had to return to work. I would go feed her each day at lunch, then cry all the way back to work. But I was able to help get us off food stamps and that was worth it.
Then when I was able to leave the workforce and be a stay-at-home mom, I was so excited!! I had all these visions of how the days would go!! I would get up and make an elaborate breakfast. Start laundry, exercise, read to the little ones, do all kids of crafts and activities with them, all while keeping an immaculate home. I would always read my scriptures. Bake bread. Memorize all the scriptures and hymns. Keep up with all the sewing projects and craft ideas. Be a great missionary. Read to myself.
And now I am lucky if everyone has clean underwear.
But does this mean I'm not a good mom, or that I'm not living the gospel. No!! As long as I'm doing all I can do, and treating others well, then I am doing great. No where in The Proclamation does it say that I have to have a spotless house, or that all our clothing must be homemade. Pin It

My Obsession! The Silhouette...

I am so in love with this machine. I have wanted one for about 3 years when I first heard about it. My mom and two of my sisters has the Cricut, which is so fun. But I love that this one you can hook it up to your computer and do so much more. The creativity is endless. and with all the things people are using it for and posting about, you are never short on things to try. So, once again, I am telling you all about these great giveaways for the Silhouette. If you already have one, or don't want one, enter anyway, and give it to me. I will gladly take it off your hands.

http://www.bystephanielynn.com/2010/08/over-300-giveaway-santa-has-arrived.html

http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/2010/08/super-fantabulous-product-giveaway_23.html

http://grosgrainfabulous.blogspot.com/2010/08/silhouette-machine-guest-giveaway.html

http://karaspartyideas.blogspot.com/2010/08/silhouette-craft-cutter-giveaway-300.html

http://makingitlovely.com/2010/08/23/silhouette-sd-cutting-machine-review-and-giveaway/

http://www.crapivemade.com/2010/08/moment-youve-all-been-waiting-for.html Pin It

Tutorial Tuesday

Well, this past spring, Katia broke her arm. She was really wanting a sling, because her cousin had used one when he broke his arm. So, we went to the medical supply store in search of one. We found one, but it had (bleck) dinosaurs on it. So, after checking online (and seeing outrageous prices), I decided to make one for her.
It was only used a few times by her, but she will still pull it out of her drawer and play with it. Then when her baby sister broke her arm (trying to use the rope ladder in the fort), she said that she could use it when she had a cast on.

So, here is how we did it:

Supplies:
1/2 yard of fabric (we chose princess, of course)
package of rectangular rings
a sheet of felt
package of matching velcro (yes, pink)
matching bias tape (uh huh, pink)
2 yards of matching webbing (pink again)

I checked out the dimensions on one website, and shrunk it down to fit her arm.

Then I found the center of the piece of fabric, and folded it in fourths. I then cut (all four layers as one) the basic shape of the sling.
The elbow is the center fold.

Like this picture (only folded in half).

Then fold it back over and sew the elbow from the top to the bottom, curving slightly the bottom in an inch.

Sew the bias tape according to the directions around the whole unfinished edge of the sling.


Cut three 6 inch pieces of webbing. Get a rectangular ring, slip a piece of webbing through, and fold the ends down about 3/4 of an inch towards the center. Place one at the top back of the elbow (where it was stitched first) and zig zag 3 or 4 rows to secure.
Repeat this step at the front (where the wrist will rest) one on the front, and one in the back.


Now get the felt, fold it in half, and cut a rounded rectangle. This one has been unfolded. Then cut slits (arrows are pointing to the positions) on the four ends, matching front and back.


Take the remaining webbing, fold one end down 1 and 1/2 inches, feeding it through the ring at the elbow. Zig-zag stitch 3 to 4 times.

Feed the webbing through the slits in the felt shoulder pad (folded in half). Cut about a foot of velcro and sew one side on top of the free end of the webbing. Then, leaving about 4 to 6 inches of webbing, sew the other side of the velcro to the webbing on the same side as before.


Now thread the webbing through the rings at the front. Secure with the velcro, adjusting to fit well. Here is your finished product:

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