Merry Christmas

I wanted to share the story of a little girl named Stella Joy with you. Her life and story touched my heart in a profound way (probably in part because my little Avery is only 3 months older than Stella was when she was diagnosed) but also because it is a sad, heart wrenching, and yet incredibly beautiful story of a gorgeous and spirited (and awesomely mischevious) little girl who lost her life way too young but who touched the lives of so many in the short time she was here. I have been incredibly inspired by the way both her mommies supported her the time leading up to her death, truly the ultimate act of parental love. How they and their family had the courage to share their story and how they have stayed strong through every parent's (and grand-parent's, aunt's, uncle's, cousin's, friend's) worst nightmare and how they continue to keep going despite the enormous grief and loss they carry with them every day since Stella's diagnosis and death.

Stella has inspired me to try even harder at being a good mom, wife, daughter, sister, friend and person.

Stella is joy.
xoxo

Part 1
http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/1298845--given-3-months-to-live-stella-delights-in-the-moment

Part 2
http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/1299137--as-stella-steadily-declines-her-parents-are-following-her-lead

Part 3
http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/1299214--at-3-stella-keeps-coming-back-from-the-brink-rallying-each-time-doctors-warn-the-end-is-near

A letter from Stella's parents:
http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/1305992--stella-s-moms-urge-readers-to-help-each-other

Her mommies' blog:
http://stellabrunermethven.com/

A Fitting Home for our Vintage Fisher Price Little People

I thrifted this cute little shelf a while ago. As soon as I saw it, I knew what purpose it would serve. There is something about a shelf with little compartments that beckons the little kid in me. I don't much enjoy painting projects but I took my time with this one. Forcing myself to go slowly and enjoy the process. In fact, all told, this project took several months to finish (stolen moments after work, mothering and the hustle and bustle of the summer months). After it was painted, I cut and hot glued some cardstock to cover up the 'furry red stuff' that was there before.

Before:

 

After:

I'm happy with this one. It was a fun project. I miss crafting! Will be starting a quilt soon for a friend's baby boy's impending arrival. I need a reminder about how good I feel when I've got something creative going on in my life! xo

They are multiplying...

I heart vintage pyrex!

feels so good!

Random Pictures

$1 at a garage sale!

 A newly organized spice cupboard.... amazing how good I feel when I open these doors now.

 Thrifted salt and pepper shaker... for the someday cottage.

Celebrating Ian's 5th birthday!

Thrifty Awesome

Awesome is... thrifting a vintage mixer (sans attachments) and having faith that someday, somehow, somewhere, you'll find the missing attachments... and then, that very same day, finding them a few hours later in a different thrift store!

I love it when life works like that!

Vinnie love

 

There's nothing more gratifying when something you've handmade brings joy to a child. Here's Charlie-Bear enjoying Vinnie's company over breakfast (and the company of several dinosaur friends too!). xoxo

Tailored Vintage Coat for 'Ba-ba'

I thrifted this super sweet baby sweater a while back. It was just so sweet and delicate I couldn't not buy it... even though I really had no use for it. I was contemplating its usefulness a while back and suddenly I remembered an important member of the family who is definitely in need of a few additions to her wardrobe. 'Ba-ba' as Avery calls her (she's still working on the word 'bébé') was Avery's special gift from Santa. Although I was really reluctant to cut into this sweater (it must be at the very least 40 years old and I wasn't sure what would happen to the wool as I cut...) but I bit the bullet and did it anyway. It was very easy to do, I just placed the baby on top of the sweater, cut around it, serged, sewed the sides and moved the ducky over a bit. The result is a super cute coat for Ba-ba and because I just couldn't throw them out, I made some little booties with the sleeves I cut off. CUTE! (the amount of joy this project brought me is almost obscene.... there may be something seriously wrong with me... but I'm totally ok with it). I'm already thinking of all the other things Ba-ba needs... a new skirt, some pajamas etc, etc.

My mojo is back!

So Spring is in the air and so too is that lovin' feelin'. Sewing all over the place and loving it. Here's Freddy with a mouth (so much cuter).

 I made a pillow for the bench in our front entrance too (finally!). This project has been in the works for a long time... I was scared to do it. Came together in less than 3 hours.... what was I so afraid of?

Lots of other things on the 'Spring making and cleaning list'.... what about you?

Vinnie

Meet Vinnie. He's made from a vintage polyester fabric I thrifted a while back. I heart Vinnie. Made for a sweetheart boy named Charlie. Vinnie doesn't have a tail... because I forgot to sew it on before I sewed the whole thing together... these things happen sometimes... making him all the more 'made'. I have a bit more of this fabric... planning on making a few more Vinnies 'cause he's just so damn cute!

Meet Frederick

Remember this tutorial: http://mmmcrafts.blogspot.com/2008/07/drum-roll-pleasemolly-monkey-pattern.html I took it out for a spin this week (I made a dog instead of a monkey though). Ian just loves him (apparently no childhood is complete without several doggie friends to love). The tutorial was great. The only thing I did differently than was instructed in the pattern is that I stuffed (lightly stuffed) and sewed the arms and legs before sewing the whole thing together (mostly because I was feeling lazy). Worked out well. All he needs is a mouth... According to Ian, Fluffy doesn't have one, so why does Frederick?

Happiness is found... at the thrift store!

Sometimes you see a quilt and it just speaks to you....this one is saying "look how pretty I am you need to make something like me..."

http://blueelephantstitches.blogspot.com/2012/01/granny-square-quilt-block-tutorial.html

Update

Hello! Hi! Salut!

I've been back at work now for six months. The transition went well. It helps that I love my job and the people I work with. Ian and Avery transitioned really well with school and daycare. Derek has been amazing and we've got a really good rhythm going. Overall life is good. Of course there is no time for crafting or sewing but that's ok. I'm hoping that come Spring I'll start making room in my life for that again.

I found this super cute tutorial that I'm hoping to make for the kids (I think it's amazing that she went to the trouble to make this pattern and tutorial and share it free of charge). There are a lot of these out there but this one seems really well done (she has a good blog as well):
http://mmmcrafts.blogspot.com/2008/07/drum-roll-pleasemolly-monkey-pattern.html


On another note, check out my sister's pics from Africa:
http://anniebananietheclown.blogspot.com/