A Dress (Picture heavy)

Just some pictures of the dress I made for my niece, Paxtyn's 2nd birthday.

My 3 year old modeling

I love the foot kick.

Here's Paxtyn wearing it.

We love our cupcakes around here!

I'm linking up with Create Something Inspired for their Sewing emphasis week.  This knot dress has become one of my FAVORITE patterns!

Beth

Happy Birthday!

In September of 2005, my brother's first daughter was born. My niece was a precious, tiny little thing, and Thomas and Darcy were THRILLED. I was too. For them. By the time she was born, I was pretty sure I was pregnant. Again. And wasn't very happy about it at all. This would be my fifth pregnancy, and I was under the impression my family of four children was complete. Anger, sadness, and guilt were my daily, even hourly companions. I wouldn't go to my doctor to confirm what I already knew. Because then I would have to acknowledge this was more than an inconvenience, it was a baby. I cried when I told my Mom I was pregnant. Finally I went to a doctor, and a phone call came a couple of days later. "We have never seen something like this before. Don't really know what it is. There is some kind of blood disorder. You are going to have to go to a specialist. Oh, and you are now considered high risk. We don't think this pregnancy will ever go to term."

My heart broke. This was my BABY they were talking about. I got on the Internet, contacted doctor's around the country and became an amateur expert on this disorder. And I fought. And on May 9, 2006, our precious fifth child was born. Completely healthy and normal. We named him after Heath's brother, Dad, and sister, and my mother's dear late brother. William Terry was a DOLL!

And this child has lit up our lives ever since. He lights up the night sky with his smile. He's literally the sunshine in our family. Terry is always ready for an adventure and is ready to take a bite out of life. He is a jokester (ask him to tell you his chicken-crossing-the-road jokes), a prankster, and all around lover of life. He makes sure to tell me he loves me and will always protect me, "but make sure you don't do anything embarrassing to me". He loves "suppa-ghetti", and all things pizza. He hates vegetables, but loves green beans (they can't be vegetables, because he hates those). He watches over his younger sister like a hawk, but only to make sure and let me know when she is doing wrong. He wants to build things with his tools when he grows up, but only if he can live with me.

Sometimes, I still feel the stab of guilt when I look into his large bespectacled eyes. I still hurt knowing I didn't want this child. But the Lord is faithful. And he forgives. God gave us a precious child who does not know anything except the fierce love his parents have for him. I thank God for dragging me down a path I did not want to go, and for teaching me once again a lesson in trust.

Happy 5th birthday, my Terry Bear. You are a "whole hand old", and I love you more each and every day!

Beth

The Curiosity Files - Platypus

I have had the pleasure of reviewing my very first unit study from The Curiosity Files published by The Old School House.

We are new to the company and to The Curiosity Files studies. But upon receiving our copy of Platypus, we are hooked. Beginning with the quirky "Professor Ana Lyze" (she has a certain Magic School Bus air about her) to the very well put together study, my children thoroughly enjoyed learning about the platypus.

The study didn't skimp on the science of the animal. Quite the opposite. And being from a very science oriented family, I was impressed. My ten year old was so impressed with the explanation of taxonomy, he is working on a classification system for his Webkinz. This study also includes copy work, math, Bible work, geography, spelling, and arts and crafts.

My kids have really enjoyed doing the work in this study. I am asked everyday is it time yet to work on the platypus? And being able to integrate the study into other areas of work are wonderful. I have children in grades 2nd to 7th, and they have all found things to do in the study. It is a good mix for multiple grade levels. And with the links given for more research, my children are going to be able to continue to learn now that their curiosity has been roused!

The one thing that would have helped with the study would be if there was a lesson plan guide line or time line of some sort. I'm not really sure if this is a week study, month study, or quarter study. But other than that, The Curiosity Files seem to be self explanatory.

And now there are pleas to find more Curiosity Files, so we will be visiting The Old School House for more. You can look through the different files for yourself here. Or if you would like the Platypus Files for only $6.95, go to this link. And if you are still unsure, there are a few Files listed right now for $1.00 here. We are probably going to purchase a bundled set here.

**I was given a copy of this E-book for the purpose of reviewing. The opinions are mine.

Beth

Belated Birthday

We recently celebrated another birthday in our house. You would think that by now, I would be used to it. We have one nearly every month! But each time they come, I seem to be taken by surprise, and feel a little betrayed by time.

This past month, on March 28th, we celebrated the birth of our third child. The second born son. He came into this world with a doctor cheerleading his presence. I'll never forget seeing this monstrous man jumping up and down exclaiming for all to hear that we were the new parents of a huge baby boy. They handed that babe to me, and he was the tiniest thing I had ever seen. Literally. And I was mesmerized.

This little boy has continued to mesmerize me. He is the one that has flown from the porch, jumped off the chest of drawers to the awaiting (bouncy) horse, and made the bunk beds into the ultimate trampoline. We have had his head sewn or glued back together twice, stapled once, and had his hand burned earning him the nickname of Sock Boy. And often I look at his sleeping form and ask God "Why? Why me?"

Not because he exasperates me, all though sometimes that happens. Not because I can't handle it, though often I wonder. But because this child is SO different from me. He is fearless (but is terrified of flying bugs), he is artistic, creative, imaginative, filled with stories. He would give you his most prized possession if it would make you smile, and doesn't understand greed. He is the most unselfish child I have known. He has a dry sense of humor, and a VERY quick wit. Loves to read, and cares about the world around him. He marches to his own drum, and never hears insults that are directed at him.

This son of mine continues to mesmerize me each and every day. And I am SO thankful God blessed me with him. Happy 10th Birthday, Daniel McKaskle!

Beth

21 Days of Prayer for Sons

This month I am participating in 21 days of Prayer for Sons. I have committed to praying every weekday specifically for our sons in various areas. And I have discovered something. It's hard. And I'm not the only one that thinks so. Many of the other Moms have been expressing their hardships. Failures if you will. And obstacles. So I would like to offer some encouragement if I may. Praying specific prayers everyday is not easy. I would go so far as to say it is not natural. My natural tendency is to please myself. Fullfill my selfish desires.

"For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out." Romans 7:18

But there is hope!! I may not be able to carry out what is good, but my God can.

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away, behold, all things have become new." 2 Corinthians 5:17

Moms! That is amazing! It is not from me that I am required to find the strength, the time, the capacity. It is from God that all things come. He made me new. He gives me the desire. It is His perfect strength that I can tarry on!

I have so much more to share. More ways to encourage. Please come back next week to see where God is leading next! Remember, this is not a sprint, we are in this for the long haul. These weren't called Warrior Prayers for nothing!

"And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." 2 Corithians 12:9

Beth