tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21461232150931176482024-03-05T16:28:34.972-05:00Sew Sweet CottageMy Sew Sweet Cottage blog is full of sewing, crafting, home decorating, furniture remodeling, party ideas, and the joys of raising our son with Autism.Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14260341090025839244noreply@blogger.comBlogger146125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2146123215093117648.post-42697515344840086892014-07-22T02:30:00.000-04:002014-07-22T02:30:00.238-04:00Lennon Jane Quilt Pattern…<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: small;">Just finished a new quilt that I had to share…it has special meaning for me because I made it for my Aunt. She has been there for me at every crossroads of my life and she is now fighting cancer. I felt so helpless when I found out. I live far away from her and my cousins, so I couldn’t even give them a hug!! So I got busy sewing. I wanted something that she could pass on to her granddaughter, so it needed to be happy and girly!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Here is my new design in honor of my Aunt—the Lennon Jane Quilt…</span></div>
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-XDVTBKaD6wA/U1aY0OdaN1I/AAAAAAAALcU/hWvs7BFMKtM/s1600-h/DSC_0483%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0483" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Vxb38ZjQXjg/U1aY1Jyc9dI/AAAAAAAALcY/OarZxEmZ7IM/DSC_0483_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="426" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0483" width="343" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Xc5CoQ1tQY0/U83Cy9jBmsI/AAAAAAAAMWQ/ud-S-5ISntE/s1600-h/DSC_0495%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0495" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJlTBoCXFo_GK7ADnSKVjveXE0ijit8xuci8d5A-rmuYzFzeMHMqt_FjH1PkZKLsR2fP5fF7pm4wGrGkSmjA3vSPCfIfzRO_9QLDG0eM-OkemQ2MxjrsEhx7PkmY9HG9gWgCixGHLIs00t/?imgmax=800" height="237" style="background-image: none; border-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0495" width="350" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Today is my Aunt’s birthday—go out and celebrate Auntie!! I love you so much, thanks for being there for me! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">This is my favorite picture of me, my Aunt, and my mom together.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dPo9NI1v4v8/U83C2ltP7OI/AAAAAAAAMWg/ahngktn-IZ0/s1600-h/IMG_7603%25255B14%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_7603" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-fZ6MxTpv6vI/U83C3pDs-3I/AAAAAAAAMWk/kdmrBHsj9tQ/IMG_7603_thumb%25255B12%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="194" style="background-image: none; border-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_7603" width="333" /></a></span></div>
Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14260341090025839244noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2146123215093117648.post-4984502529966525422014-04-18T20:21:00.001-04:002014-04-18T20:21:37.310-04:00Summer Sewing Camp Schedule 2014…<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: small;">I hope your school year is wrapping up nicely!! We are getting ready for recitals and starting to make our summer plans. I have decided to teach two weeks of sewing camps this year!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">All camps are 5 days a week, and cost $125 per week. Space is limited so please contact me to reserve your spot if you are interested. I will email a supply list by the end of May for all camps.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Here are the camps available and their dates:</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">American Girl “Match with Me” class </span></b> </div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: medium;">(June 16-20, 9am-noon)</span> </span> </div>
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fEQvS-XmpoY/U1HBNBRrZVI/AAAAAAAALa8/_38EbK31w-4/s1600-h/american_girl%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="american_girl" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-C19oMcdEJ7M/U1HBOKaQPvI/AAAAAAAALbE/gyOKnVo0ovM/american_girl_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="426" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="american_girl" width="516" /></a> </div>
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-AaLuKeAU-I8/U1HBOh-eoVI/AAAAAAAALbM/Xywnmx7Alf0/s1600-h/american_girl_1%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="american_girl_1" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PXctmbG9Gy8/U1HBPftOj6I/AAAAAAAALbU/_ycpulvOMMA/american_girl_1_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="426" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="american_girl_1" width="320" /></a> </div>
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<i>Embellished pillow case, </i><i>headbands and necklaces, </i><i>ruffled bag, </i><i>skirt, and sleeping bag.</i> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Beginner girls</b>—ages 11+ </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">(June 16-20, 1-4pm)</span> </div>
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3tmyO5sDaT0/U1HBQcAflcI/AAAAAAAALbc/nGJwk445Al4/s1600-h/beg_girls_11%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="beg_girls_11" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ynHDYdUhe5Y/U1HBQwmqewI/AAAAAAAALbk/M0IM_BiMAl0/beg_girls_11_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="426" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="beg_girls_11" width="568" /></a> </div>
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<i>Headbands and necklaces, Double strap tote bag, zippered pouch and infinity scarf, pajama pants, and ruffle skirt.</i> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Beginner girls</b>—ages<b> </b>7-11 </span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">(June 23-27, 9am-noon) </span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--CNeX46_nm8/U1HBR2qfKKI/AAAAAAAALbs/4v-aaR39pKg/s1600-h/beg_girls_7%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="beg_girls_7" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Z0nR4iwu1LQ/U1HBSXVjmcI/AAAAAAAALb0/dTOXmtCmYG0/beg_girls_7_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="437" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="beg_girls_7" width="517" /></a></span> </div>
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<i>Necklace and headbands, tote bag, ruffle bag, zippered pouch, up-cycled denim skirt.</i> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Beginner Boys</b>—ages 8-13 </span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">(June 23-27, 1-4pm) </span> </div>
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-UxeAzj5grIc/U1HBTc1duPI/AAAAAAAALb8/8fVvXtbe7Bw/s1600-h/boys%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="boys" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLA4ksjIeUAYobS7OtXk96MeXmeF23aV1iecWhESVGAqHuw1z8hRVuNOuTkNyKcNMuB_sKb2_bzKfqa3oy0CHmVZvepGlgZwLXXZfi-0UDtS2Y5OP9vdMTnXyXm5Xm3ZTj1NEh2WUxD4Lr/?imgmax=800" height="426" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="boys" width="591" /></a> </div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">pillow case, wallet and fleece hat, ear bud case, pajama pants, and drawstring backpack.</span></i> </div>
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Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14260341090025839244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2146123215093117648.post-34563452981437629932014-03-12T07:02:00.000-04:002014-03-12T07:02:35.828-04:00Purplicious Birthday Balloon Wreath…<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: small;">I had a custom order from my Etsy shop to create a purple balloon wreath for a special Purplicious Birthday Party!!</span></div>
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jNPK4U-fyRU/UyA-M13q9rI/AAAAAAAALR8/rSgGVy-9A7g/s1600-h/IMG_6975%25255B1%25255D%25255B18%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_6975[1]" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-T7MASTPABZY/UyA-N4JcKDI/AAAAAAAALSE/FfEJS_mPUdw/IMG_6975%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B15%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="429" style="background-image: none; border-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_6975[1]" width="385" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I used 12 inch balloons that were plain purple mixed with purple and white polka dot. I added white and purple corkscrew pipe cleaners to finish it up—and I love the way it turned out!! I am a bit partial since purple is my favorite color too!</span></div>
Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14260341090025839244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2146123215093117648.post-13211706609751203822014-03-10T21:21:00.004-04:002014-03-11T08:07:06.990-04:00Pleated Zipper Pouch Sewing class this Saturday…<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: small;">One of my favorite classes to teach is this zippered pouch from <a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/2010/04/27/pleated-pouch-tutorial/" target="_blank">Skip to My Lou</a>…</span></div>
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-g2WqAU7tOWI/Ux5kcmxdibI/AAAAAAAALRk/4cTTvDtmb6k/s1600-h/IMG_4708%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_4708" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZoVtUu9BSzI/Ux5kdiXY1PI/AAAAAAAALRs/H67u5TryCnM/IMG_4708_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="386" style="background-image: none; border-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_4708" width="627" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">They are easy, sweet, and functional—my favorite combination!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Class will be <b>Saturday, March 15th, 2014 from 9-11am, $15</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Materials needed:</i></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: small;">A good pair of sewing scissors</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">9 inch zipper</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Two fat quarters or two 1/4 yards of coordinating 100% cotton fabric </span></li>
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Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14260341090025839244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2146123215093117648.post-36887225127391523752014-03-10T21:21:00.001-04:002014-03-11T08:07:23.868-04:00Avenger Neckties for Boys and Toddlers and Boys Sewing Classes…<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: small;">Just finished making these ties for Justin and my Little Man—they are really easy to make!! I followed, mostly, the tutorial from <a href="http://imsharingthewealth.blogspot.com/2011/09/little-boy-tie-tutorial.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC5eToiBPipOrLMwz2FkI05A72yx1RvJOc-_8Dcl2ljxq54jEcTfUHiY90uBNooWv1ywvVLpmIbf3dZKqc3G2E_-xnb91SGwWKMpXrp95qMtrQk0Bw7lrVgkosRbVETs50deoBphZrg00T/s1600-h/ties%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="ties" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-awPoW2lAKtU/Ux5i3UrPNRI/AAAAAAAALRY/YwkHiCAr7Nc/ties_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="426" style="background-image: none; border-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="ties" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I had a request from a friend to start teaching sewing classes for boys. We had our first class already and I LOVED IT!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I can’t believe it was just a year ago that I happened upon bartering sewing lessons for eggs from a friend—I have had so much fun teaching and watching kids feel the joy of creating something on their own!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">My tie class is this <b>Saturday, March 15th, 2014 from 2:30-4:30pm, for $15</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Supplies needed:</i></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: small;">A good pair of sewing scissors</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">1/2 yard 100% cotton fabric</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">1 package of 1/2 inch elastic</span></li>
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Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14260341090025839244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2146123215093117648.post-65219935888224289792014-01-08T16:40:00.001-05:002014-02-14T15:30:23.033-05:00Spring 2014 Sewing Class Schedule…<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: small;">Here’s the list of all my sewing classes being taught through May 2014.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><strong>Quilted Table Runner</strong>-<em>Beginning Quilting Class</em>: </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"></span> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ixRAoGtjT-c/Us3FvyZFRII/AAAAAAAAKVQ/51aQdFnyJGs/s1600-h/IMG_6342%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_6342" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1TxhPkJxsb59MgijRqNYjDIpV8wUB1HqE9gMPMZMHgkZb07LbwyA_9oEEo8IFLKcE-UaJHcgN4nppdOFSCsbzGvnRB9a0iuJ9fKc1_lN4kjEWFA7GujgMpexzFl8SI3SuuRcWyIfVUmmj/?imgmax=800" height="426" style="background-image: none; border-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_6342" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">This class if for beginners and will cover how to use a rotary cutter, strip piecing fabric, quilting with your sewing machine, and how to sew on a binding. The cost of this class is <strong>$65</strong> and will be taught in two classes and<strong> includes table runner kit</strong> with fabric and pattern, and beginner's quilting folder with written instructions for all steps. (If you want to pick out your own fabrics, I can email you the amounts needed) </span><span style="font-size: small;">This is the perfect beginning quilting project that you could easily replicate on your own and make as gifts for Mother’s Day, Christmas, or other holidays!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><strong>Part 1: </strong> Wednesday, February 19, 2014 7:00pm </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><strong>Part 2:</strong> Wednesday, March 19, 2014 7:00pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;">Materials needed for this class: Sewing machine, Quilting thread, Rotary Mat, rotary cutter, rotary mat clear ruler, quilting pins, quilting adhesive spray, and water soluble quilting pen.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><strong>Zippered Owl purse</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"></span> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zEvHheufqhA/Us3FxcE0V8I/AAAAAAAAKVc/NN4mPFUCYH8/s1600-h/IMG_5950%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_5950" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-CuSC1M2OV98/Us3FyYX6oeI/AAAAAAAAKVo/U6yXKFkEyNo/IMG_5950_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="406" style="background-image: none; border-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_5950" width="596" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">This is a great beginner class that incorporates some strip piecing techniques and also includes learning how to sew a zipper and sew on bias tape. The class is <strong>$15</strong>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><strong>Saturday, </strong>January 25, 2014 10:00am-noon</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Materials needed: 6 coordinating fat quarters(or 6, 1/4 yards), 4 buttons for owl eyes(2 large, and two smaller coordinating), one sheet of 8 1/2 x 11 your choice of felt for nose, one package double fold bias tape to match fabrics and matching thread, 7 inch zipper.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"><strong>Reversible, double strap Jessica Market Bag</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"></span> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-O38BF9Vud-c/Us3FzBusWVI/AAAAAAAAKVw/7MtsorZuvuk/s1600-h/IMG_6382%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_6382" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-03abOOASyL0/Us3Fzs29ufI/AAAAAAAAKV4/KrsaxmE8DLk/IMG_6382_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="426" style="background-image: none; border-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_6382" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;">This beginner bag is great for grabbing on the go—whether throwing in your gym clothes, or packing your groceries, or my daughter can use it for her ballet clothes—this stylish bag gives you luxury of choosing either fabric for the outside—depending on the day!! This class is <strong>$15</strong>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><strong>Wednesday</strong>, March 19, 2014 7:00pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><strong>Saturday, </strong>March 1, 2014 10:00am-noon</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Materials needed: 2/3 yard of 2 coordinating fabrics and matching thread.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><strong>Reversible Fabric Headbands</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"></span> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hF3CKb4J2g4/Us3F04lcVVI/AAAAAAAAKWA/mj7wy0sgRBU/s1600-h/IMG_6166%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_6166" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0qUSPR-GIVA/Us3F1XAsP7I/AAAAAAAAKWI/pzwVXKn_u30/IMG_6166_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="439" style="background-image: none; border-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_6166" width="310" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;">These headbands are the perfect mix of beauty and practicality! You will be able to finish 3 headbands during class time. These make great presents!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><strong>Wednesday</strong>, January 29, 2014 7:00pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><strong>Saturday, </strong>February 22, 2014 9:00am-10:30am</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Materials needed: 6 fat quarters(or 6, 1/4 yards) and 3, 6 inch coordinating fold over elastic.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><strong>A-Line Skirt—</strong><em>intermediate level</em></span></div>
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-G1Yjd_v_NRg/Us3F2Z8lydI/AAAAAAAAKWQ/pkoS4Necanc/s1600-h/IMG_6411%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_6411" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_8i0zaUM1hM/Us3F3AxUpjI/AAAAAAAAKWY/zfzqdRH68bM/IMG_6411_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="426" style="background-image: none; border-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_6411" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">This pattern has darts and a hidden zipper closure and is super fun to make. If you have used a sewing machine before or have taken one of my other classes, you can make this skirt!! The pattern is $10 and will be included in the class fee of <strong>$30</strong>—you will be able to use the pattern over and over as it will be yours to keep! SassyPants is the pattern designer for this <em>Super Simple Skirt</em>. Sizes included in the pattern are from waist 24-32”, and hips 34-42”</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><strong>Saturday,</strong> April 5, 2014 9:00am-11:30am</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><strong>Wednesday, </strong>April 23, 2014 7:00pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Materials needed: 1 1/2 yards of main fabric, one 9 inch zipper.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><strong>Zippered Pleated Pouch</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"></span> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-n31XVzxmX8w/Us3F4BRx4TI/AAAAAAAAKWg/SswUBE-Touw/s1600-h/IMG_4691%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_4691" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FG-Co9kmqK4/Us3F5CNvsDI/AAAAAAAAKWo/EMdgvAmxASk/IMG_4691_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="426" style="background-image: none; border-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_4691" width="568" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I can’t tell you how much I love these pouches!! Skip to My Lou has a free tutorial to make these <strong><a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/2011/09/16/zippered-pouch-tutorial/" target="_blank">here</a></strong>. These make the perfect gifts and are a great way to teach how to sew a zipper. This class is <strong>$15</strong>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><strong>Saturday, </strong>March 15, 2014 9:00am-11:00am</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><strong>Wednesday, </strong>April 2, 2014 7:00pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Materials needed: 9 inch zipper, 2 fat quarters(or 2, 1/4 yards) of coordinating fabric.</span></div>
Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14260341090025839244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2146123215093117648.post-20500636835070477492013-12-24T10:04:00.000-05:002013-12-24T10:26:55.744-05:00A Cookie Cutter Christmas…<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: small;">I recently received an email from a mother who just received a diagnosis of Autism for her son. She told me she didn’t have any support from her family but was trying to stay hopeful and was working hard to begin new therapies. I also received a letter from a mother of two boys with Autism. She told me about their struggles and that one of her boys was struggling and lived in a residential facility. The struggles of raising children often come and go, but raising children with special needs can be extremely overwhelming.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Our intense struggles with Justin from earlier this year have subsided and we are calmly riding our roller coaster ride of Autism—and we are well!! I love my family and for 6 out of 7 days, my life is adjusted in a way that I think we are pretty normal!! We are happy!! We adjust our goals often and try to stay focused on the positive. So why is it only 6 out of 7?? There is one day a week that always makes me feel like our family is not normal—and that is on Sundays. It is the one day a week I feel a divide in our family. At this point, Justin drops to the floor when we go into church, refusing to move until he bolts to the cultural hall to run around and stare at the lights. My other two toddlers run after him, or the other direction and very quickly we start to unravel at the seams!! It is in these moments, where I am trying so hard to stay positive that a voice in my head frantically says, “This isn’t working, there is no place for your family here—this is not normal.” I share this not as a complaint against any of the wonderful people in our church family—it is just the one day a week that I feel like my testimony of my family and my testimony of attending church meetings don’t correlate!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I recently shared my feelings about this with my sister-in-law after I had gone to a church Christmas party. My husband stayed home with 3 out of our 4 kids and I had a great time saying hello to my friends who are like family to me. But as I watched beautifully made videos of families together at Christmas enjoying traditions—all I could think of is how different it is for my family. I came home to my sweet family and was reminded how much I adore them—with all our differences. But the next day I had to vent to my sister-in-law about my insecurities. She said, “Shannon, you love your family and are happy. Don’t get caught up in wanting a cookie cutter family—this is how your cookie has been cut, and it is wonderful.” I started laughing because she was so right!! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">As all of us adjust our cookie cutter dreams and expectations may we realize how truly blessed we are just to be children of a Heavenly Father who loves us. He loved us enough to send his only begotten Son to die for our sins so that we can live again with Him.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">My favorite talk about clinging to hope is by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, an Apostle in our Church. You may link to the whole <a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/04/lord-i-believe?lang=eng" target="_blank">talk</a> here. He talks about faith and says:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><strong>When problems come and questions arise, do not start your quest for faith by saying how much you do <i>not</i> have, leading as it were with your “unbelief.” That is like trying to stuff a turkey through the beak! Let me be clear on this point: I am not asking you to pretend to faith you do not have. I <i>am</i> asking you to be true to the faith you <i>do</i> have. Sometimes we act as if an honest declaration of doubt is a higher manifestation of moral courage than is an honest declaration of faith. It is not! So let us all remember the clear message of this scriptural account: Be as candid about your questions as you need to be; life is full of them on one subject or another. But if you and your family want to be healed, don’t let those questions stand in the way of faith working its miracle.</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I love my family, and I love my life and the opportunities I have to see beauty and joy in the smallest triumphs!! Watching my kids overcome trials is such a strength to me of the great courage and faith we all can draw upon to keep enduring and pursue our goals of happiness. I hope you all have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!! This picture is from 2 years ago—but it is one of my favorite pictures of my cookie cutter family!!</span></div>
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bMuXaomYjxA/UrmiHyovTVI/AAAAAAAAKU4/ItFHFLpuT9M/s1600-h/313673_2531409684591_1229839260_n%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="313673_2531409684591_1229839260_n" border="0" height="426" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-d_L65ybosY0/UrmiIwxY8WI/AAAAAAAAKVA/5qCb2h5Krb4/313673_2531409684591_1229839260_n_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="313673_2531409684591_1229839260_n" width="637" /></a></div>
Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14260341090025839244noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2146123215093117648.post-45374962885513537502013-12-04T14:37:00.000-05:002013-12-04T14:41:08.304-05:00Burlap and Red Chevron updated Christmas Wreath…<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: small;">My house is starting to look like Christmas!! I have had this wreath for my front door for at least 7 years now…and I still like it….but it needed a little something…</span></div>
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pKOVRKnmd64/Up-EbAvdv1I/AAAAAAAAKUQ/1YDHyGnfGoU/s1600-h/wreath%25255B7%25255D.png"><img alt="wreath" border="0" height="306" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-iMydMRXZ3YQ/Up-EcX6EUjI/AAAAAAAAKUY/_zT3ZF3jzAY/wreath_thumb%25255B5%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="wreath" width="283" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dQOR6b1JfEM/Up-EewsDGPI/AAAAAAAAKUg/Qsq2SIsS3Z0/s1600-h/burlap_wreath%25255B10%25255D.png"><img alt="burlap_wreath" border="0" height="307" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-j1NTSUzqusA/Up-EgI9pTDI/AAAAAAAAKUo/ER3EWx_s1fE/burlap_wreath_thumb%25255B8%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="burlap_wreath" width="279" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">What doesn’t need a little burlap and chevron—HA!! This is such an easy way to update an old wreath and let it live a little longer;)</span></div>
Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14260341090025839244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2146123215093117648.post-33835193116465480202013-11-30T14:50:00.001-05:002013-11-30T14:50:25.377-05:00Elder and Sister Missionary stockings…<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: small;">I have been having WAY too much fun designing my own Elder and Sister Missionary stockings!! They have turned out so cute that I have decided to list them in my Etsy shop!! Click <strong><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SewSweetCottage?ref=si_shop" target="_blank">here</a></strong> for the link!!</span></div>
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XH1TYKAJhUY/UppBKNGEKnI/AAAAAAAAJ1o/S1iCbBia1l0/s1600-h/photo%2525203%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="photo 3" border="0" height="426" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4zJ9H0WT-ag/UppBKlKxjXI/AAAAAAAAJ1w/MDhQxwTchno/photo%2525203_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo 3" width="505" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3K-p4kTX4zs/UppBLVe6MlI/AAAAAAAAJ14/7bomYoHAKuY/s1600-h/photo%2525202%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="photo 2" border="0" height="435" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-JcCGuM04L9U/UppBMAEQ4cI/AAAAAAAAJ2A/pXxWNCUWFf0/photo%2525202_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo 2" width="312" /></a></div>
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-P338_l0ToXA/UppBMjM3IRI/AAAAAAAAJ2I/pZ7nLw6-D6o/s1600-h/photo%2525201%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="photo 1" border="0" height="427" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PlIb5NO6eGs/UppBNQWFvPI/AAAAAAAAJ2Q/yZfFh-l13ck/photo%2525201_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo 1" width="319" /></a>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14260341090025839244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2146123215093117648.post-72881344792268846212013-11-30T14:50:00.000-05:002013-11-30T14:50:07.571-05:00Happy Thanksgiving Promo Code for Etsy Patterns…<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: small;">Hope you are all enjoying your Thanksgiving weekend!! I am running a special discount on my PDF quilt patterns from my ETSY shop. Just enter promo code GIVING2014 for $1.00 off making them only $7.o0!! Click <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SewSweetCottage?ref=si_shop" target="_blank">here</a> for the link to my Etsy shop…</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9RVNr-cdMAE/Upo_a53o2iI/AAAAAAAAJ1U/opcOSWXm94w/s1600-h/343%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="343" border="0" height="426" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-i3kzVp0xqis/Upo_bu-Hv9I/AAAAAAAAJ1c/_QMqWXhUUUs/343_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="343" width="285" /></a></span></div>
Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14260341090025839244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2146123215093117648.post-61639999218003707552013-11-05T23:02:00.000-05:002013-11-05T23:02:43.966-05:00Tears of Joy…Justin is starting to talk<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: small;">Hard to believe that just 5 months ago we were headed to an Autism specialist 17 hours away by car with only a thread of hope to hold on to. We were blessed to get a diagnosis of PANDAS, which we had never heard of before, and have been treating him ever since. And here’s a look at my little charmer now…</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ybsuZgm2qpA/Unm-QYxHxvI/AAAAAAAAJ08/APh95JPOCdE/s1600-h/justin%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="justin" border="0" height="426" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OnLm2LMhjDY/Unm-Rf-b_dI/AAAAAAAAJ1E/aX4wiQumQF0/justin_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="justin" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">He is doing so well now. We aren’t having any head-banging, biting, or screaming fits like he was before. He is back to himself and doing so well in his ABA therapy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">We have been working on “Yes” and “No” with Justin and trying to get him to understand what they mean and use them appropriately. He has been saying them in answer to questions for a few months now but just in the last few weeks we started to notice that he was using them accurately almost all the time!! And he is answering “Yes” and “No” questions without us prompting him!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">And then about a week ago, we started to get spontaneous sentences from him. Just to be clear—he has said sentences with prompting before, or talked with his iPad, but he is now getting our attention and then requesting things with a full sentence—ON HIS OWN!!! My little man just started talking!! My husband was trying to put him to bed the other night and he walked past him to go downstairs and when asked where he was going, he stopped and said, “I GO DOWNSTAIRS!!” We couldn’t believe it!! And then the sweetest blessing came last night when he looked at my husband and said, “DAD-DY, I WANT PHONE PLEASE.” This was the first time he has said Daddy on his own!! There were tears—tears of great joy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">We have been waiting for this answer to prayer for 9 years!! Doctors said it wouldn’t ever come, and others said the costly ABA therapy wasn’t worth it. And after years of Speech therapy, ABA, and many tears—my son is able to talk to us. I am so grateful for the many people who have been put in our path to help Justin along his journey with Autism. Every single one of them has helped in some way to get him to where he is right now. And to the 5 angels who work on his ABA Team right now—Thank you for never giving up, giving us hope, and helping see this dream come true. To all our family and friends—thank you for your prayers, fasting, and endless words of encouragement.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">If you are in a dark place, for whatever reason—hold on to that hope that things will get better. One of the leaders in my church spoke about this in the</span><span style="font-size: small;"> <a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/04/the-hope-of-gods-light?lang=eng" target="_blank">April LDS General Conference 2013</a>, Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf said:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">“Yes, from time to time our lives may seem to be touched by, or even wrapped in, darkness. Sometimes the night that surrounds us will appear oppressive, disheartening, and frightening.</span> <div align="center">
<span style="font-size: small;">My heart grieves for the many sorrows some of you face, for the painful loneliness and wearisome fears you may be experiencing.</span> <div align="center">
<span style="font-size: small;">Nevertheless, I bear witness that our living hope is in Christ Jesus! He is the true, pure, and powerful entrance to divine enlightenment.</span> <div align="center">
<span style="font-size: small;">I testify that with Christ, darkness cannot succeed. Darkness will not gain victory over the light of Christ.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I know that is true. </span><span style="font-size: small;">One of my favorite songs is <em>Endless Nights</em> from The Lion King. Simba sings it when he feels lost and overwhelmed by darkness and doesn’t know what to do. The lyrics of this song have echoed through me during many trials in my life…</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Where has the starlight gone?<br />Dark is the day<br />How can I find my way home?<br /><br />Home is an empty dream<br />Lost to the night<br />Father, I feel so alone<br /><br />You promised you'd be there<br />Whenever I needed you<br />Whenever I call your name<br />You're not anywhere<br /><br />I'm trying to hold on<br />Just waiting to hear your voice<br />One word, just a word will do<br />To end this nightmare<br /><br />When will the dawning break<br />Oh endless night<br />Sleepless I dream of the day<br /><br />When you were by my side<br />Guiding my path<br />Father, I can't find the way<br /><br />You promised you'd be there<br />Whenever I needed you<br />Whenever I call your name<br />You're not anywhere<br /><br />I'm trying to hold on<br />Just waiting to hear your voice<br />One word, just a word will do<br />To end this nightmare<br /><br /><strong>I know that the night must end<br />And that the sun will rise<br />And that the sun will rise<br /><br />I know that the clouds must clear<br />And that the sun will shine<br />And that the sun will shine</strong><br />I know<br />Yes, I know<br />The sun will rise<br />Yes, I know<br />I know<br />The clouds must clear<br /><br />I know that the night must end<br />I know that the sun will rise<br />And I'll hear your voice deep inside<br /><br />I know that the night must end<br />And that the clouds must clear<br />The sun<br />The sun will rise<br />The sun<br />The sun will rise</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I couldn’t help but think of this song today as Justin called me Mommy tonight. Yep, I asked him, “Who am I, Justin?” And after repeating me twice he smiled and said, “DADDY” and then doubled over laughing hysterically. He is even teasing us now!! I asked him again and he smiled and said “MOM-MY” and gave me a hug and a kiss goodnight. </span></div>
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Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14260341090025839244noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2146123215093117648.post-9083036361819597552013-10-21T23:08:00.000-04:002013-10-22T08:57:34.111-04:00DIY Board and Batten Fireplace treatment…<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: small;">I had been mulling several ideas around in my head about what to do with this wall in our new house(<em>the Christmas picture from last year is the ONLY picture I could find—I have NOT put up Christmas yet…I am not THAT bad!)</em>…</span></div>
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-uBrW91VvX-M/UmXsvaoYaDI/AAAAAAAAJ0U/Mf2ECcIhVFE/s1600-h/DSC_0128%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0128" border="0" height="426" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Uql9Dbo6uBM/UmXsD-oc9EI/AAAAAAAAJ0c/OSwqbjxMNLY/DSC_0128_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0128" width="636" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The huge plus is that the rock fireplace is awesome, and the white mantel is beautiful!! But the big downside is it just didn’t have enough of focal point for me on the wall when you walk in the room. It’s a super long room with great recessed lights and two windows on either side, but it was BORING! And the applesauce wall color?? Don’t get me started….that is not my idea of a good neutral color.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">So I finally found a great paint color from Benjamin Moore called Ashley Gray—it was perfect. I wanted to do some kind of treatment to the wall that would extend to the ceiling to make the room feel taller. I finally settled on a board and batten type look and it turned out just like I wanted it too!! We painted the wall white first, and then added the boards and battens afterwards—filled the nail holes with putty, caulked the seams, and painted it white and VOILA….</span></div>
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rXikeo5rzP0/UmXsEmD4ftI/AAAAAAAAJz0/DkgDh26l3BE/s1600-h/IMG_4360%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_4360" border="0" height="455" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-F7wKTdxDKCU/UmXsFFUXjRI/AAAAAAAAJz4/amwNq16Szrc/IMG_4360_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_4360" width="299" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">So fun, and adds so much drama to the room for under $65 including the can of paint!! Here’s another view of the room…</span></div>
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<span style="color: #777777;"></span><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-y8_17_EwSlo/UmXsFo8VebI/AAAAAAAAJ0E/Zr0TcAVEzHA/s1600-h/IMG_4443%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_4443" border="0" height="475" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lI93uATsvn8/UmXsGVSxGVI/AAAAAAAAJ0M/-IZ27t2VSbw/IMG_4443_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_4443" width="417" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The ceiling fan is next to go….but until then, I am just happy with the before and after transformation!!</span><br />
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Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14260341090025839244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2146123215093117648.post-39574837999592788022013-10-21T15:11:00.000-04:002013-10-21T15:11:19.561-04:00Paris, Belgium, and Netherlands…<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-EYrOrUJ342c/UmV6_a26GDI/AAAAAAAAJfc/5dtDo3E0wVI/s1600-h/IMG_5006%25255B1%25255D%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_5006[1]" border="0" height="603" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GRkT6VOuKHY/UmV7AoCjeAI/AAAAAAAAJfk/ewy3HH0Bnj4/IMG_5006%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_5006[1]" width="347" /></a></span></div>
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-B0gTb3DkZnM/UmV7BFF3d8I/AAAAAAAAJfs/_sZ1W7rBWiQ/s1600-h/IMG_5030%25255B1%25255D%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_5030[1]" border="0" height="578" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xnmsv8HBpa4/UmV7CporPjI/AAAAAAAAJf0/0NSA-y1-aY0/IMG_5030%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_5030[1]" width="429" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-BNtWYfsnbLo/UmV7DNJS-jI/AAAAAAAAJf8/bRuWxwQ8b_w/s1600-h/IMG_5031%25255B1%25255D%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_5031[1]" border="0" height="506" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9X73_uKooHI/UmV7D0TeVXI/AAAAAAAAJgE/XU-KaLFNKpY/IMG_5031%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_5031[1]" width="376" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sOHXWW7F8wM/UmV7E-rp0cI/AAAAAAAAJgM/MFbOwjYTbug/s1600-h/IMG_5116%25255B1%25255D%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_5116[1]" border="0" height="426" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-w55KRysbZr4/UmV7FmVMsYI/AAAAAAAAJgU/MKSlhqYbwCg/IMG_5116%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_5116[1]" width="568" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tk5taXqtaLQ/UmV7GAeQD1I/AAAAAAAAJgY/pYXdYqv6eJQ/s1600-h/IMG_5109%25255B1%25255D%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_5109[1]" border="0" height="532" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-iqf7-7iflBw/UmV7GjYPmjI/AAAAAAAAJgk/zlwyfROAtVQ/IMG_5109%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_5109[1]" width="395" /></a><br />
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: small;">We had so much fun on our trip, and relaxed!! It was heavenly. It reminded me how much I love my husband—and I love our crazy life together!! I was also reminded of how amazing my parents are…..they took all my kids, ALL of them to build-a-bear. TO THE MALL—that is just asking for trouble, I warned them!! And they ignored me and did it anyway, and it turned out great!! Their crazy courage and their attitude of never backing down from a challenge or hard work is why I love and admire them so much. And it spoke volumes how much they love us to sacrifice their time for us—I know it wasn’t a vacation for them!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!</span></div>
Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14260341090025839244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2146123215093117648.post-86086410169901610742013-10-01T12:49:00.001-04:002013-10-01T12:49:15.609-04:00Taking some R & R….<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: small;">My husband and I rarely get to spend time alone with each other—we’re so busy finding babysitters, or not wanting to pay babysitters, making sure Justin and our kids are okay….we don’t go out on dates very often—let alone get-a-ways!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">But after my husband accrued so many miles travelling last year, we are finally cashing them in and headed off for a vacation!!! And I am so excited…Thanks Mom and Dad for watching the kids!!!</span></div>
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-I0zbb9GaEiM/Ukr8Yn3FIuI/AAAAAAAAJfE/9FAqZ1sQHMo/s1600-h/photo%252520%2525283%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="photo (3)" border="0" height="426" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6fMVm9mS2ms/Ukr8aBibqlI/AAAAAAAAJfM/QdLnOPz23nM/photo%252520%2525283%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (3)" width="568" /></a></div>
Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14260341090025839244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2146123215093117648.post-68789085326636969242013-09-22T22:52:00.000-04:002013-09-22T23:36:36.841-04:00Justin’s part in the Primary Program…<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: small;">Our church has one Sunday a year where the kids are the focus of the congregation's main meeting, Sacrament meeting. It is called the Primary Program and it is always full of tender testimonies and beautiful children’s singing and a few spontaneous kid funnies. I have looked forward to this meeting every year, even when I was a kid!</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: small;">Right after Justin got his diagnosis of Autism, when he was almost 4 years old, we moved to a new state in search of better services for him and a better lifestyle for our little family. I remember sitting close to the front row for the Primary Program that year, very excited to hear all the children….and then I looked at one of the mom’s faces as she smiled proudly as her son bravely walked to the pulpit in front of the congregation and said his part. Her tender smile was so touching and then my heart sank as I wondered what our future with Justin would hold, and whether he would ever be able to participate in the Primary Program….or any other things I had dreamed about. I sat for the rest of the meeting paralyzed with my worries and fears and with tears streaming down my face. I felt so scared and alone in our journey with Justin and Autism.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Now fast forward 6 years to today. This is not a story of full recovery from Autism or a miracle of Justin speaking spontaneously, but it is the sweetest miracle story I know!! It didn’t start out to be a good day, by any means. Justin woke up mad and had several meltdowns all morning. He tried to undo my husband's white church shirt which we thought was most certainly a sign that he wanted him to change his clothes and not go take him to church today!! We took all the kids to church anyway and Justin went in to the building, and promptly had a pretty severe meltdown. He started taking off his own clothes(we should have put him in more comfy clothes today—our bad!!) in the foyer and my husband and I looked at each other and agreed—the Primary Program wasn’t happening for him today, and that was okay!! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">He had made it through two practices already. And I am always in awe at the spirit of love I can feel from all the kids in Primary and their leaders when Justin is around. At one of the practices, they waited for him to come in from the hallway and when he entered the room and walked up to the pulpit—there was complete silence. Not an awkward silence, but the silence of anticipation of something great. I felt like every kid was holding their breath and thinking, “You can do it Justin!” That triumphant, supportive spirit is something I know that Justin can feel. And my husband prompted him word for word through his part. And as soon as he finished, everyone sighed with a smile of pride—<i>their</i> Justin did it!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Once we realized Justin wasn’t going to make it, my husband took him to the car to watch a movie while I stayed to hear my daughter. Justin had the first line of the program, and as the time got closer I decided to go to the car and see if he wanted to give it a try. My husband told me he had already tried to bring him back into the building, and he melted again!! I got his attention and asked him if he wanted to say his part in the microphone. He looked at me and said, “Yes.” So we decided it wouldn’t hurt to try it again. We anxiously waited outside the chapel doors and then as soon as all the other Primary children were seated we motioned for Justin to come to the doors. He ran the other direction and squealed. My husband went over and picked him up and he started laughing. That’s when we knew this might actually work out. He carried him through the doors to the chapel and directly onto the stand and then he walked up to the pulpit and being prompted by my husband word for word said his part into the microphone, “I-KNOW-THAT-I-AM-A-CHILD-OF-GOD.” And then he smiled, and walked out of the chapel.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-eyj1WYuhc7A/Uj-sUADS9QI/AAAAAAAAJes/7N5rYIp_vig/s1600-h/IMG_4909%25255B1%25255D%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_4909[1]" border="0" height="402" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-orHhDaUflXs/Uj-sU2my2TI/AAAAAAAAJe0/B8iU7vNWODs/IMG_4909%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_4909[1]" width="338" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">He didn’t smile for a picture because he was too busy eating his Swedish Fish as a reward—he deserved it!! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I am always so proud of Justin for how hard he tries every day to combat so many obstacles that challenge him. He is such a great example to me and shows me such great determination. I know that he knows he is a child of God. He is not any less of a child of God than anyone else on this Earth. It is such a simple phrase, but it completely puts into perspective why we are here in this life and reminds me that our day-to-day challenges are so temporal. I am so grateful for that pristine moment of clarity today from hearing Justin’s testimony. I love you with all my heart buddy!!</span></div>
Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14260341090025839244noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2146123215093117648.post-56474345130208108242013-09-20T18:50:00.002-04:002013-09-20T18:50:08.447-04:00My favorite Beginner Sewing Machine… Brother XR1300<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: small;">At the suggestion of a friend in bartering for eggs this year, I ended up teaching sewing lessons—who would have thought I would <em>love</em> it so much!! In the process of teaching, I had a student bring her Brother sewing machine and I noticed it had speed adjusted button with “turtle speed” (it literally has a picture of a turtle on one side!!) as an option. My Little Miss tried out her machine on turtle speed and she was in love. She had already used my sewing machine since she was 6, but using the Brother machine with the speed adjuster really helped her feel more comfortable and really enabled her to be more independent in sewing. After that, and because of all the young students I was getting, I started looking to purchase a new machine.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">On a recommendation from a quilt shop owner who I adore and who I took classes from in the past, I tried the Brother XR1300 from Costco.</span></div>
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2iDEmZYH92A/UjzPB_CBq8I/AAAAAAAAJdY/uNF4p9lwFvY/s1600-h/IMG_4748%25255B1%25255D%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_4748[1]" border="0" height="411" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-RFDkYEBghzw/UjzPC1eYfXI/AAAAAAAAJdg/zG_ph7gZGfE/IMG_4748%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_4748[1]" width="589" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I have had this for 6 months now and used it myself, and had several students use this machine…..and I <em>love</em> it. It was about $169 and I bought it online. The best thing is it has the speed adjuster button and so my daughter is in heaven. She can sew independently and because it goes a consistent slow speed she also has the time needed to adjust the fabric and learn how to sew straight consistently. I have had several adult student who like the slow speed as well to start, and then you can adjust it to a faster speed as soon as you get the hang of things.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Here are the other things I have tried, and like about the machine…</span></div>
<ul>
<li> <div align="center">
<span style="font-size: small;">Zipper foot—I have sewn a zipper once or twice in my life before this machine, but this one is very easy to use and I have made several of these adorable zippered pouches (pattern at <a href="http://www.skiptomylou.com/">www.skiptomylou.com</a>). </span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div>
</li>
</ul>
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lPwZSMp83Qw/UjzPDU_7tUI/AAAAAAAAJdo/LuwrHesRxt0/s1600-h/IMG_4829%25255B1%25255D%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_4829[1]" border="0" height="426" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HsqozjpzKAI/UjzPEAF8AlI/AAAAAAAAJds/NdeRF-kfG8s/IMG_4829%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_4829[1]" width="568" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li> <div align="center">
<span style="font-size: small;">Straight stitches and zig zag stitches are easily adjusted in length and width with the digital adjusting buttons. I haven’t had problems sewing burlap and minky fabric on this machine either.</span></div>
</li>
<li> <div align="center">
<span style="font-size: small;">I recently tried out the free motion quilting on this machine and I felt like it was comparable in ease to my mom’s Bernina machine that I have. It also has a mini stippling stitch available to choose on the digital decorative panel—I thought it was a great option for smaller pieces or doll quilts.</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: small;">(free motion example on left, decorative mini-stippling on right)</span></div>
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Og-0YtrlATs/UjzPEqdny1I/AAAAAAAAJd4/VWXA3G4T3eY/s1600-h/IMG_4749%25255B1%25255D%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_4749[1]" border="0" height="426" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ovLM8IhxXHg/UjzPFKAaGHI/AAAAAAAAJeA/vq0L3Hz31Iw/IMG_4749%25255B1%25255D_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_4749[1]" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I went to a local Bernina shop and asked them to show me some of their basic models for beginners and they showed me a great little machine that was $800—that was their <em>student/basic</em> machine. I am sure it was a good machine, but if you are looking for something more affordable to start a new hobby or teach children how to see—I love the Brother XR1300. Enough that I bought another one for my sewing classroom so more students have the option to go “turtle speed!” It is a great beginner sewing machine!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tysnZukiNko/UjzPGJhBmdI/AAAAAAAAJeM/UxP6cpJo2Hg/s1600-h/IMG_4730%25255B1%25255D%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_4730[1]" border="0" height="435" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-EImQl27rwfQ/UjzPGlXJjOI/AAAAAAAAJeU/5F2FVfxuDBo/IMG_4730%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_4730[1]" width="556" /></a></span></div>
Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14260341090025839244noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2146123215093117648.post-8876231474154908672013-09-19T23:46:00.001-04:002013-09-19T23:47:09.803-04:00DIY American Girl doll skirt sewing tutorial…<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: small;">My Little Miss loves to sew, she is almost nine and loves using the sewing machine by herself—and she’s getting pretty good at it!! We have lots of mommy-daughter sewing dates, but she also gets sewing time rewarded to her if she gets all her studying and assignments done. She has been working so hard the past couple of days to get all her chores and studying done that she earned some sewing time today. We had about an hour while the other kids were napping and she pulled out some of her favorite fabric from her stash and asked if she could make a skirt for her American Girl doll. And so we did!!</span></div>
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qO52h6fFOeU/UjvEe1IEnuI/AAAAAAAAJbQ/og6r73AZGDo/s1600-h/IMG_4875%25255B1%25255D%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_4875[1]" border="0" height="554" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bCDm0yK8fZY/UjvEfbYEa9I/AAAAAAAAJbY/66OepU4zXfk/IMG_4875%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_4875[1]" width="341" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Little Miss measured Kirsten’s waist as 11 inches. So we doubled that length to 22 inches and cut a piece of her fabric 22 x approximately 6 inches. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">She sewed the edges of each 22 inch side over about 1/2 inch.</span></div>
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rnkeB-WsZbg/UjvEgOLq0dI/AAAAAAAAJbg/cXUH-NWoPv0/s1600-h/IMG_4859%25255B1%25255D%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_4859[1]" border="0" height="426" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--t4HIwMBRk8/UjvEgjm2dpI/AAAAAAAAJbo/JymzHscLphI/IMG_4859%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_4859[1]" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Then she pinned a row of rick rack to the bottom edge and sewed it in place. She couldn’t decide on which color, so she ended up using both!</span></div>
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OeDpZHfE3Vo/UjvEheFJL_I/AAAAAAAAJbw/mWO5W-0GOL4/s1600-h/IMG_4863%25255B1%25255D%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_4863[1]" border="0" height="328" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9ELzDkYgmSo/UjvEhxR2NzI/AAAAAAAAJb4/tSBxCmBTO8o/IMG_4863%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_4863[1]" width="738" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">She folded the skirt in half and sewed a seam to connect her skirt.</span></div>
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9ULx9lLh6Qw/UjvEivMuYZI/AAAAAAAAJcA/ugWKeCG70Yk/s1600-h/IMG_4864%25255B1%25255D%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_4864[1]" border="0" height="393" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-98fMG2YCrFc/UjvEjWJoNGI/AAAAAAAAJcI/piBUmHA69Zk/IMG_4864%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_4864[1]" width="615" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: small;">Next we cut a 10 inch piece of 1/4 inch elastic and sewed the ends together. I helped her pin the elastic to the seam and then match the middle of the elastic to the middle of the skirt (so the elastic will be stretched evenly when it is sewn).</span></div>
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-s5PTdYLq_sA/UjvEkAJ1khI/AAAAAAAAJcQ/t6ksnGpSeQI/s1600-h/IMG_4866%25255B1%25255D%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_4866[1]" border="0" height="413" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Dg9a5eR5CXU/UjvEkuEImQI/AAAAAAAAJcY/TdawnbmLwEo/IMG_4866%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_4866[1]" width="586" /></a></div>
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HczHfSrKqD8/UjvEltnBdVI/AAAAAAAAJcg/YIVe1fcCfvA/s1600-h/IMG_4867%25255B1%25255D%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_4867[1]" border="0" height="381" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-JxZoA_UzgdU/UjvEmE0ZVoI/AAAAAAAAJck/xd1c5yoS4SY/IMG_4867%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_4867[1]" width="586" /></a><br />
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: small;">To finish the skirt, I helped Little Miss stretch the elastic until it laid flat against the fabric and sewed all the way around the waist.</span></div>
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0RowTZ14vHk/UjvEmqH5ZpI/AAAAAAAAJcw/QAfDTD7no04/s1600-h/IMG_4869%25255B1%25255D%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_4869[1]" border="0" height="426" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rS2weXOqNTg/UjvEnDpBsSI/AAAAAAAAJc4/VjXmvSM1ZvU/IMG_4869%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_4869[1]" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">We spent about 20 minutes on this project and it was done!! And my Little Miss couldn’t be happier with how it turned out. I think I know what to get her for Christmas—a bag of scrap fabric and rick rack!!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwK6S65mWd-KWh93x0OiFKHH2a9veECassnCc6BvznFXUnmFSgNXma3Th95Tjt6CuctupSwvBvAy3pTOTT5PhulyduRlNEsEyzMt7pfgUDkxhaajQ2gZiQqXZqLV_w1DyjAzmkXjKgvPfi/s1600-h/IMG_4873%25255B1%25255D%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_4873[1]" border="0" height="426" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-sOVpdYr0zO4/UjvEou_qMPI/AAAAAAAAJdI/h7pKCvSlA-Y/IMG_4873%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_4873[1]" width="320" /></a></div>
Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14260341090025839244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2146123215093117648.post-77989386253462370502013-09-16T23:31:00.000-04:002013-09-16T23:31:41.259-04:00DIY Chalkboard with Hobby Lobby open frame…<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: small;">I often look in my rear view mirror and see four little faces in the car and think, “I HAVE FOUR KIDS!!” I am the busiest I have ever been—but I can’t think of anything else I would rather be busy doing!! That being said, I have so many different places to be during the week that I sometimes feel like I don’t know whether I am coming or going!! And then I saw it….a beautiful, scalloped open frame at Hobby Lobby. It hit me that I could get some chalkboard paint, paint the wall in my eat in kitchen and frame it!! They had chalkboard paint right next to the acrylic paint at Hobby Lobby. I love the way it turned out!! </span></div>
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RARLQAfNOb0/UjfJJlWd_WI/AAAAAAAAJao/FbERxLXxeQw/s1600-h/brock%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="brock" border="0" height="442" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-yT0wzb9QHfc/UjfJKiNXUDI/AAAAAAAAJaw/5yhq2lfvLOo/brock_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="brock" width="547" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: small;">It usually has a scripture of the week across the top, and Monday –Saturday columns with all the million places and appointments I need to remember. It saves me brain power on trying to remember everything going on in my life. And if that isn’t enough reason to love this thing—dressing up the board for birthdays and holidays certainly is. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">My other favorite part of this board is that it is right next to the dinner table which makes it easy to focus on where everyone is headed during the week and how we can help each other with our family and personal goals. We get to catch up on what everyone is doing at dinner time together! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">This school year has been different than any year for us because I don’t have any kids in school!! Justin is taking a break from school to focus on healing from PANDAS(which is going really well!!), and this is our first year homeschooling Little Miss. I have to say, I love homeschooling—it has been so rewarding! I wasn’t going to give up my ceremonial First Day of School pictures—so I got some of all my kiddos. They turned out so fun using the chalkboard for the background!! Look at this picture of my sweet Justin—see that smile?? Yep, we have been seeing a ton of smiles from him lately—which make me smile more too!! And he has learned how to pose for pictures!!</span></div>
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-SI_hkrkDjkU/UjfJLyEcQ8I/AAAAAAAAJa4/GSHGzN6wCEY/s1600-h/IMG_4657%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_4657" border="0" height="475" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lo-qZNRtJpk/UjfJMTBoMxI/AAAAAAAAJbA/DqiAn9f6g-4/IMG_4657_thumb%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_4657" width="509" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I wrote down each of my kids’ names, and grades and listed three of their personality traits that are their strengths and then included a few things they love at their ages. It reminds me of what sweet kids I have and how all their strengths are needed in our family—I feel so blessed to have these kids making me smile everyday.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /></div>
Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14260341090025839244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2146123215093117648.post-39087868055095329282013-09-10T19:54:00.001-04:002013-09-10T19:54:08.179-04:00Up-cycled Denim Ruffled Skirt tutorial…<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: small;">I don’t like sewing clothes—have I mentioned this?? I am sure I have!! I do love sewing clothes from a blog tutorial or refashions, but if it is a big chain fabric store bought pattern—I am not a fan!! But I love making stuff for my kids—so I just improvise!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I took an old pair of my toddler’s jeans that had a hole in the knee, cut them off, and added ruffles to make a skirt—and it turned out adorable!! I have taught this a few times as a sewing class and the girls love it!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Here’s what you need:</span></div>
<ul>
<li> <div align="center">
<span style="font-size: small;">Old pair of pants you don’t mind cutting up!! (I like denim but any structured non-knit pant will work)</span></div>
</li>
<li> <div align="center">
<span style="font-size: small;">muslin fabric for the underskirt</span></div>
</li>
<li> <div align="center">
<span style="font-size: small;">three, 4-5 inch x 45 inch(standard bolt length) strips of fabric***If you are wanting a more ruffle/pleated look or are making this for an adult, you will need to double the amount)</span></div>
</li>
<li> <div align="center">
<span style="font-size: small;">sewing machine</span></div>
</li>
<li> <div align="center">
<span style="font-size: small;">serger**you can turn over the edges instead if you don’t have a serger**</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-oz2lxxOnZPU/Ui-woFxxSvI/AAAAAAAAJZQ/VCl4Zl4wiJ8/s1600-h/IMG_33666.jpg"><img alt="IMG_3366" border="0" height="418" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gDc20bW1E-M/Ui-wov9FQkI/AAAAAAAAJZY/RWOHIU2v8z8/IMG_3366_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_3366" width="326" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">1. Lay out your jeans and measure from the outside of the side pocket down the side of the pant leg until you reach the same point across from where the crotch of the pants are. Mark with a fabric pen and then measure that same amount from the other side and mark with a fabric pen. Next cut from that outside marked point to the center of the pants and then to the other side so you end up with no crotch in the pants anymore and it looks like a super mini skirt. **Make sure you watch that you are not cutting the back pockets off in the process. If you have lower pockets in the back, than adjust your measurements lower so all of the back pockets will still show once the skirt is finished.**</span></div>
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SaZY_9seHFY/Ui-wpSKxJnI/AAAAAAAAJZg/xbvcg0NQ-VE/s1600-h/IMG_33676.jpg"><img alt="IMG_3367" border="0" height="332" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-p6eSWxdRFBA/Ui-wqK2_m2I/AAAAAAAAJZo/k5-Z2Yg-49M/IMG_3367_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_3367" width="410" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">2. Next take your muslin fabric and measure around the bottom of your denim skirt. Pin to the skirt, right sides together leaving enough extra fabric to create a quarter inch seam down the length of the skirt. Sew to the denim fabric, then sew down the side seam of the muslin.</span><br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sIthijdF_e0/Ui-wqvlA6GI/AAAAAAAAJZw/cAEf0XdyRxc/s1600-h/IMG_33686.jpg"><img alt="IMG_3368" border="0" height="446" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-SOsZrdiglLQ/Ui-wrDM7EZI/AAAAAAAAJZ4/LPrqCXBr298/IMG_3368_thumb7.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_3368" width="305" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">3. Take your 4 inch strips and serge the raw edges on both sides so they won’t fray. If you don’t have a serger, just turn your edges under and sew a quarter inch seam. Sew the short ends together with a 1/4 inch seam so your strip is now a continuous circle or loop.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">4. Slide your circle strip around the muslin skirt and fold over every few inches all the way around and pin it to form “pleats.” </span><br />
<div align="center">
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TWlBJfvaV9U/Ui-wrx2g0NI/AAAAAAAAJaA/L06llifUkXU/s1600-h/IMG_3371%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_3371" border="0" height="295" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-d6_2xDEttIA/Ui-wsjB5pCI/AAAAAAAAJaI/eyR_5JImxiU/IMG_3371_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_3371" width="667" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">5, Sew the strips with pinned pleats on the muslin skirt. Repeat with the two other strips.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> Trim bottom of the muslin skirt and either serge or turn under edge and sew a 1/4 inch seam. </span><br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kX6-uReMPEU/Ui-wtBCxxNI/AAAAAAAAJaQ/OKCZ_oSkqGY/s1600-h/IMG_3405%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_3405" border="0" height="495" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CDlHC_u5YZ4/Ui-wtsGwvxI/AAAAAAAAJaY/fwOcutZIgk0/IMG_3405_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_3405" width="422" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">And that is it!! These are quick and easy to make and look so cute too!!</span></div>
Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14260341090025839244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2146123215093117648.post-62810759020987467052013-09-09T13:50:00.001-04:002013-09-09T13:50:24.267-04:00Fall Burlap Deco Mesh Monogram Wreath…<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: small;">I needed something for my front door, and after a few months of stewing came up with this little beauty…</span></div>
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-D5-Z5jZWpCI/Ui4JvzkGaZI/AAAAAAAAJYY/-nVEilm8fzc/s1600-h/DSC_0199%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0199" border="0" height="501" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-i5C46mHHVNE/Ui4JwrEnKkI/AAAAAAAAJYg/iSwj0oZUZdg/DSC_0199_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0199" width="439" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: small;">Hobby Lobby is killing me with all their fun burlap stuff!! The base of the wreath is made from burlap deco mesh and then I found these beautiful burlap flowers the other day there…</span></div>
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Vnb8TSA3TFo/Ui4JxReUOlI/AAAAAAAAJYo/l7XEv7l7aHI/s1600-h/DSC_0200%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0200" border="0" height="508" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZO0pM4TDTpc/Ui4JyInf6eI/AAAAAAAAJYw/56yEH5MXyEk/DSC_0200_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0200" width="336" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: small;">Added a few fall berry picks and a mod podged monogram wood initial and voila—fall wreath complete!!</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: small;">I think it may need a little hot glue to keep everything in place, but other than that—it looks great on my door!!</span></div>
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-PTlb2zHU7wg/Ui4Jy8kmErI/AAAAAAAAJY4/69mYwKUVaTA/s1600-h/DSC_0202%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0202" border="0" height="471" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-FHF80GZ9-KE/Ui4JzrDl5HI/AAAAAAAAJZA/xIXnLgp_qRA/DSC_0202_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0202" width="433" /></a></div>
Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14260341090025839244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2146123215093117648.post-79969953807505726152013-09-07T04:24:00.000-04:002013-09-07T04:24:42.914-04:00Money Saving, Time Saving, Stromboli…<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: small;">I came across this great pin on Pinterest for <a href="http://www.loveandlaundry.com/2012/06/easy-stromboli.html" target="_blank">Stromboli from Shatzi at Love and Laundry.</a> I modified it a little bit for the convenience of our family and it turned out so yummy!! It only takes about 5 minutes to prepare, and 30 minutes to bake. It is kid friendly, even <em>my</em> picky-eater-kid-friendly. The best part is, it <em>looks</em> amazing too!! It is a great dish for entertaining or taking to someone who is sick.</span></div>
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-QxGQh7rFyqo/UiriVKPei7I/AAAAAAAAJWQ/G7ZXiXwpliM/s1600-h/stromboli%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="stromboli" border="0" height="399" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-OMCJnB8K9dc/UiriVrpHhFI/AAAAAAAAJWY/S7mRyV2K2l8/stromboli_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="stromboli" width="606" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: small;">We use our Zojirushi<a href="http://sewsweetcottage.blogspot.com/2012/03/my-favorite-kitchen-appliance.html" target="_blank"> bread maker</a> to make our dough, here’s the link to the recipe. I use <a href="http://cookingoncloverlane.blogspot.com/2011/09/bread-maker-breadsticks.html?m=1" target="_blank">Cooking on Clover Lane’s dough recipe</a> which has a little bit of brown sugar in it that makes the dough perfectly sweet. If you don’t have a bread machine you can use your own favorite pizza dough recipe.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: small;">Here’s the recipe:</span></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">Stromboli</span></strong></div>
<ul>
<li> <div align="center">
<span style="font-size: small;">Pizza dough</span></div>
<li> <div align="center">
<span style="font-size: small;">Prego Sauce</span></div>
<li> <div align="center">
<span style="font-size: small;">Deli ham, we use Boar’s Head honey maple</span></div>
<li> <div align="center">
<span style="font-size: small;">Sliced provolone</span></div>
<li> <div align="center">
<span style="font-size: small;">Onion powder(only because my kids won’t eat real onions)</span></div>
<li> <div align="center">
<span style="font-size: small;">Sliced olives</span></div>
<li> <div align="center">
<span style="font-size: small;">Egg</span></div>
<li> <div align="center">
<span style="font-size: small;">Parsley</span></div>
</li>
</li>
</li>
</li>
</li>
</li>
</li>
</li>
</ul>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: small;">Cook at 375 degrees for 30 minutes.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: small;">The dough I make usually makes two, small Stromboli. I roll out the dough on a cookie sheet…</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1FCLxa3AsrE/UiriWXDAnGI/AAAAAAAAJWg/egBOuzs7Fco/s1600-h/IMG_46209.jpg"><img alt="IMG_4620" border="0" height="542" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-UBwSEybi83g/UiriW_PUzmI/AAAAAAAAJWo/uwOueYRuhts/IMG_4620_thumb9.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_4620" width="446" /></a></span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: small;">Then spoon some Prego sauce on top and sprinkle onion powder(if you have picky kids like mine) or use real onions;)…</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-DR1ggJzfVlw/UiriXTy1sJI/AAAAAAAAJWw/a-OC7JRX5Mo/s1600-h/IMG_46217.jpg"><img alt="IMG_4621" border="0" height="462" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UOJVFL8Sm7k/UiriX-WJu7I/AAAAAAAAJW4/W9xQTo1MfRA/IMG_4621_thumb7.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_4621" width="344" /></a></span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: small;">Next, spread out a layer of deli ham…</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VKCMKofR2EM/UiriYvIXBXI/AAAAAAAAJXA/xhqz4dmRhao/s1600-h/IMG_46227.jpg"><img alt="IMG_4622" border="0" height="573" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-uWmu5Hn0w7U/UiriZCsK2cI/AAAAAAAAJXI/Mjvc7qp7Trs/IMG_4622_thumb7.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_4622" width="422" /></a></span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: small;">And then a layer of provolone cheese slices and sliced olives…</span></div>
<div align="center">
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-X05UAWHS69k/UiriZgPVANI/AAAAAAAAJXQ/h1mu0bLKmPo/s1600-h/IMG_462410.jpg"><img alt="IMG_4624" border="0" height="443" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rbxHqRyN5F0/UiriaTFtNPI/AAAAAAAAJXY/FGNngsrcE18/IMG_4624_thumb7.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_4624" width="308" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: small;">Fold over both sides so they overlap, and then use toothpicks to hold the edges together. Make sure to tuck and toothpick the ends tightly so that the Prego doesn’t ooze out, and be sure to count your toothpicks so that you know how many to pull out when it is done!! I rub the dough with an egg wash and then sprinkle parsley on top. I bake mine on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet for 30 minutes at 375 degrees.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-iDGLJz8y04s/Uiria9pcwAI/AAAAAAAAJXg/K8Z8Wj2PLTQ/s1600-h/IMG_46266.jpg"><img alt="IMG_4626" border="0" height="398" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3oWq_js3UcI/UiribSKv05I/AAAAAAAAJXo/WoM4oz-8yt4/IMG_4626_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_4626" width="607" /></a></span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: small;">I let mine sit for ten minutes or so and pull out the toothpicks and then slice on an angle to serve.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-B18xoQH9Pw8/UiricB8UjfI/AAAAAAAAJXw/NFpwsTLvHAI/s1600-h/stromboli%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img alt="stromboli" border="0" height="426" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QJQTQ7cJTfw/Uiric1aVo-I/AAAAAAAAJX4/6ADXohdGzwI/stromboli_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="stromboli" width="568" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: small;">Look how pretty it looks!! And it cost less than $8.00 to feed 4 people!!</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-a_zPdq_HpPQ/UiridtxXS0I/AAAAAAAAJYA/l8JxCsDuuzc/s1600-h/IMG_46287.jpg"><img alt="IMG_4628" border="0" height="426" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0iFHRSDM3qs/UirieQBnU8I/AAAAAAAAJYI/tS1Rach5gmg/IMG_4628_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_4628" width="568" /></a></span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: small;">And the leftovers are great the next day, too!! This is our favorite “go to” meal and I love that it is budget friendly!! Couldn’t be a better combo!!</span></div>
Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14260341090025839244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2146123215093117648.post-3958623676766428222013-08-30T07:08:00.002-04:002013-08-30T07:08:39.225-04:00My Sewing Room…<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: small;">With our move to a new house, I was able to take claim of a room in the basement just for me—which became my sewing haven!! It is my favorite room in the house, and is now set up as a sewing classroom so I can teach sewing lessons!!</span></div>
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UYNz6FazmwU/Uh-3dFu_ryI/AAAAAAAAJVo/zuu3B_qO4OQ/s1600-h/IMG_4728%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_4728" border="0" height="426" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1_HWgpA8y1k/Uh-3dx9am0I/AAAAAAAAJVs/bq5ViYRGdFI/IMG_4728_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_4728" width="568" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">It is my little get-away room where I can just be creative and sew without and distractions—it is so therapeutic. I display my product on the walls as decorations and inspiration.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I have a bulletin board that has my patterns for sale, and my class schedule and of course, my Project Runway sign;) I can pretend…it <i>is</i> my room!!</span></div>
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-nKFU0IIvRZg/Uh-3er1KEoI/AAAAAAAAJV0/_B8e8Dk2gaA/s1600-h/IMG_4737%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_4737" border="0" height="426" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NwDtdwW7rp4/Uh-3fBkGWjI/AAAAAAAAJWA/l30xk_1jUKs/IMG_4737_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_4737" width="586" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I love all the new friends I have made from teaching sewing!! I heard one student say to another, “Isn’t it so therapeutic being in this room sewing??” YAY!!! That is the exact environment I was hoping for!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I’d love to see your sewing spaces too, feel free to link to your blog in the comments!!</span></div>
Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14260341090025839244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2146123215093117648.post-51214380790976185482013-08-29T09:57:00.000-04:002013-08-29T09:57:00.327-04:00More Board and Batten….Kid’s Bathroom…<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: small;">When we moved into our last house, the bathroom was sectioned into two rooms with a dividing wall for privacy—I didn’t like it!! Way too claustrophobic for me!! I begged my husband to take down the wall and 2 years into living there he did it!! And it made a HUGE difference.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Here’s what it looked like before…</span></div>
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gghlGimxswo/Uh9ShPG3AQI/AAAAAAAAJUg/a7y9bnQLxjc/s1600-h/IMG_4683%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_4683" border="0" height="496" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-p4mzUpTh-fA/Uh9Shpkc0tI/AAAAAAAAJUo/Gyr_ERgeDZg/IMG_4683_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_4683" width="368" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;">And here’s what it looks like now, all nice and spacious AND full of board and batten with hooks for the kids’ towels.</span></div>
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9gtRhMkETwg/Uh9SiLHC2lI/AAAAAAAAJUw/qj-A4iza55w/s1600-h/115.jpg"><img alt="11" border="0" height="575" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-aIJ7CjeBwew/Uh9Si2l9d2I/AAAAAAAAJU4/ucbr8BBa-HE/11_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="11" width="376" /></a></div>
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-yqi3meAErSE/Uh9SjvJYVbI/AAAAAAAAJVA/kcY9DUw3nCA/s1600-h/Anna_jacqueline-0968.jpg"><img alt="Anna_jacqueline 096" border="0" height="578" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-miCW0cihcQQ/Uh9SkMiEaTI/AAAAAAAAJVI/hwPV9oqnndY/Anna_jacqueline-096_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Anna_jacqueline 096" width="382" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DTm2De1f_Iw/Uh9SkrpprDI/AAAAAAAAJVQ/fXF7pBFtgZA/s1600-h/Anna_jacqueline-0948.jpg"><img alt="Anna_jacqueline 094" border="0" height="525" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-aFIfPfnpsw0/Uh9SlfjOXVI/AAAAAAAAJVY/-poLo_KXPaE/Anna_jacqueline-094_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Anna_jacqueline 094" width="347" /></a> <br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">If a kid’s bathroom is always going to be messy—which mine are, at least I have something nice to look at and distract me from yelling at my kiddos—HA HA!!</span></div>
Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14260341090025839244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2146123215093117648.post-63054716219780371272013-08-27T17:26:00.000-04:002013-09-03T22:17:33.226-04:00Sewing Class Schedule—Fall 2013…<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: small;">I am posting my sewing class schedule so my local friends can easily check the calendar and see what new classes have been listed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">All classes are $15 and usually last about 2 hours. The Anna Tote Bag is my first beginner class (for ages 8 and up) and is the only requisite for other classes. If you have experience with sewing you may sign up for any class in any order.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I now have 2 Pre-beginner classes for ages 6-8. They focus on a little bit of hand sewing, and sewing a straight line, and following a curve.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I teach sewing because I love it, not because I am an expert. My goal is to help my students get excited about creating something independently and feel empowered to try something new—and hopefully continue sewing on their own and use their own creativity to make new things. My classes are designed as project based so that you usually have something to go home with that is finished(excluding the Anna Tote Bag which is takes two class sessions to complete.)</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">All classes require the following supplies:</span></b></div>
<ul>
<li> <div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">a good pair of sewing scissors that will cut fabric</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span> </span></div>
</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"> <div>
<span style="font-size: small;">straight pins</span></div>
</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"> <div>
<span style="font-size: small;">seam ripper</span></div>
</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"> <div>
<span style="font-size: small;">Individual class material lists will be emailed to you when you contact me to sign up for the class. The class materials are usually under $10 if shopping at Hobby Lobby or Walmart.</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: small;">You are welcome to bring your own machine, but my classroom is equipped with machines that are perfect for beginners.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">2013 Fall Class Schedule</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #4f81bd;">PRE-BEGINNER CLASSES—Ages 6-8 years</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: #4f81bd; font-size: small;">(The Pre-Beginner classes are $15, but include all materials in the class fee)</span></i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #4f81bd; font-size: large;">Crayon Roll</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: #4f81bd;">Skills taught: straight lines, how to use a sewing machine(all class materials included with class fee)</span></i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4mAMDQfLrys/Uh0ZJ9eUaGI/AAAAAAAAJHI/bjpwRhwRNK4/s1600-h/IMG_4694_thumb%25255B6%25255D%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_4694_thumb[6]" border="0" height="410" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kj4RtNHJpbs/Uh0ZKqrjL1I/AAAAAAAAJHQ/oXzPrfN_hks/IMG_4694_thumb%25255B6%25255D_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_4694_thumb[6]" width="590" /></a></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #4f81bd;"><b>Crayon Roll:</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #4f81bd;">Saturday, September 14, 2013 9:30-11:30am</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #4f81bd;">Saturday, November 16, 2013 9:30-11:30am</span></span></div>
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</div>
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</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #4f81bd; font-size: large;">Bunny Hand Puppet</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: #4f81bd;">Skills taught: sewing curved lines, hand sewing, sewing on buttons, pinning(all materials included with class fee)</span></i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Lq4N5nuIOn0/Uh0ZLPe2F-I/AAAAAAAAJHY/cX0c609PCBo/s1600-h/IMG_4692_thumb%25255B8%25255D%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_4692_thumb[8]" border="0" height="595" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7h_Yh7nkQTM/Uh0ZLvIFgII/AAAAAAAAJHg/95l8y3k3Pts/IMG_4692_thumb%25255B8%25255D_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_4692_thumb[8]" width="376" /></a></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #4f81bd;"><b>Bunny Hand Puppet:</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #4f81bd;">Saturday, October 19, 2013 9:30-11:30am</span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #9e7c7c;"></span></span></b><br /></div>
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</div>
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</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: x-large;">BEGINNER CLASSES</span></span></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">All class are $15 per student and usually last 2 hours.</span></span></i></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;">Tote Bag</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">(First beginner class and a pre-requisite for all other classes. Taught in two, 2 hours class sessions)</span></i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: #666666;">Skills taught: cutting a pattern, pinning, sewing straight lines, pivot turns, sewing curved lines, backstitching, seam ripping, sewing boxed corners, finishing stitches</span></i></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pGYvk_MI6f0/Uh0ZMSbCdFI/AAAAAAAAJHo/-rFItc9LiLE/s1600-h/IMG_4709_thumb%25255B16%25255D%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_4709_thumb[16]" border="0" height="499" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VMhzTFA2N9o/Uh0ZNErZXuI/AAAAAAAAJHw/_guDIpuay7Y/IMG_4709_thumb%25255B16%25255D_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_4709_thumb[16]" width="442" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Anna Tote Bag</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><i>First Session($15):</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Saturday, September 7, 2013 9-11am</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Thursday, September 12, 2013 7-9pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Saturday, October 19, 2013, 1-3pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><i>Second Section($15):</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b> </b>Saturday, September 21, 2013 1-3</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Thursday, September 19, 2013 7-9pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Saturday, November 9, 2013 1-3pm</span> </div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Ruffle Embellished Canvas Bag</b></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: #666666;">Skills taught: gathering, pinning ruffles, sewing ruffles, straight stitches</span></i></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lpNKBZGVKKI/Uh0ZN_GzreI/AAAAAAAAJH4/siB7oobFUVc/s1600-h/IMG_4707_thumb%25255B6%25255D%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_4707_thumb[6]" border="0" height="420" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IM2_KHYClFY/Uh0ZOmgaVcI/AAAAAAAAJIA/uKnP1Uai0uY/IMG_4707_thumb%25255B6%25255D_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_4707_thumb[6]" width="576" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Ruffle Embellished Canvas Bag:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Saturday, September 14, 2013 1-3pm </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Wednesday, September 18, 2013 11:30-1:30</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Saturday, October 12, 2013 1-3pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Thursday, October 17, 2013 7-9pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Saturday, November 23, 2013 1-3pm</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Up-cycled Ruffle Denim Skirt</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: #666666;">Skills taught: pleating, pinning ruffles, sewing ruffles, straight stiches</span></i></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_KTj_TypZaM/Uh0ZPVlL6eI/AAAAAAAAJII/tYiDhTQHmqg/s1600-h/IMG_3375_thumb7%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_3375_thumb7" border="0" height="512" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-euLR6XyMNgA/Uh0ZP9sX-7I/AAAAAAAAJIQ/P4OBqduIdpQ/IMG_3375_thumb7_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_3375_thumb7" width="410" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: small;">Ruffle embellished denim skirt: </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Saturday, October 26, 2013 1-3pm</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Pleated Zipper Purse</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/2010/04/27/pleated-pouch-tutorial/" target="_blank">Pattern by Skip to My Lou</a></span></i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: #666666;">Skills taught: pleating, basting, sewing zippers</span></i></span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"></span></i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gkD0jAuV8KI/Uh0ZQepyBRI/AAAAAAAAJIY/0c7zJO-g8iE/s1600-h/IMG_4691_thumb%25255B7%25255D%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_4691_thumb[7]" border="0" height="437" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-erKsMw42y5s/Uh0ZRKi2DWI/AAAAAAAAJIg/TLtdaGn1-ZA/IMG_4691_thumb%25255B7%25255D_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_4691_thumb[7]" width="553" /></a></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: small;">Pleated Zipper Purse:</span></b></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Wednesday, September 18, 2013 7-9pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Wednesday, October 23, 2013 7-9pm</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Wednesday, November 6, 2013 11:30-1:30 </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Saturday, November 16, 2013 11:30-1:30pm</span></div>
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</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Ruffle Embellished Pillow</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">(choose one design, <span style="font-size: large;">either 12 x12 or 12x 1<span style="font-size: large;">6</span></span>)</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: #666666;">Skills taught: gathering, pleating, sewing ruffles, finishing stitches</span></i></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-cTSMXQrN4HE/Uh0ZRnB8A9I/AAAAAAAAJIo/zAv-rwij-qM/s1600-h/IMG_3444_thumb7%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_3444_thumb7" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rOe-VjZNmLI/Uh0ZSP5PGoI/AAAAAAAAJIw/4gCBqUv69Io/IMG_3444_thumb7_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_3444_thumb7" width="604" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: small;">Pillow: </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Wednesday, October 16, 11:30-1:30</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Saturday, November 9, 2013 9:30-11:30am</span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /></div>
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</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Lined Pencil Case or Sunglass Case</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: #666666;">Skills taught: lining, button holes, sewing on a button</span></i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"></span></b><b><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tNZWqHNlagM/Uh0ZSt3Yl_I/AAAAAAAAJI4/J9cZlifhD_w/s1600-h/IMG_4697_thumb%25255B6%25255D%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_4697_thumb[6]" border="0" height="525" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sRh0dVZKxY8/Uh0ZTJM8efI/AAAAAAAAJJA/o1m-9Pi9lG4/IMG_4697_thumb%25255B6%25255D_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_4697_thumb[6]" width="390" /></a> </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Lined Pencil Case or Sunglass Case</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Saturday, September 7, 2013 1-3pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Saturday, October 26, 2013 9:30-11:30 </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Saturday, November 23, 2013 9:30-11:30</span></div>
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</div>
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</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Maisy Daisy Necklace</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: #666666;">Skills taught: sewing tubes, knot tying, finished stitches, fabric yo-yo’s(hand gathering), sewing on a button</span></i></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDme1bN8oxgaFTUgvBq0nXiIGy_p-JOubSXZtU7FfFqZPr6szfPCjBkGEmcu4of1mgaBVEHTsw5UU5t7hkw7dLd8FynHFmJLurz7_Q-alReaB1D0Ew4nYEVYClrnTg3DmJjV3AiATSJcGn/s1600-h/IMG_4699_thumb%25255B6%25255D%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_4699_thumb[6]" border="0" height="564" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-DzTr23l6Ka0/Uh0ZUXjC6xI/AAAAAAAAJJQ/O_jwg60Bm5E/IMG_4699_thumb%25255B6%25255D_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_4699_thumb[6]" width="429" /></a></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Maisy Daisy Necklace</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Saturday, October 12, 2013 9:30-11:30am</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Tuesday, October 29, 2013 7-9pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Wednesday, November 6, 2013 7-9pm</span></div>
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</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Sharon Burlap Market Tote</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: #666666;">Skills taught: Sewing burlap, sewing tubes, boxed corners, finishing lining</span></i></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SGNtgVN8qls/Uh0ZU-5rDGI/AAAAAAAAJJY/wHpmj5BPsW4/s1600-h/IMG_4678_thumb%25255B3%25255D%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_4678_thumb[3]" border="0" height="508" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IxTSuJx6pjc/Uh0ZVj6aWmI/AAAAAAAAJJg/wosiirzI8fY/IMG_4678_thumb%25255B3%25255D_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_4678_thumb[3]" width="377" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Sharon Burlap Market Tote:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Tuesday, September 24, 2013 7-9pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Tuesday, October 22, 2013 7-9pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Wednesday, November 13, 2013 7-9pm</span><br />
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<br /></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And here is a list of classes by month, just in
case that is easier…</span></div>
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</span>
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<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="407"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>September</b></span></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="407"><span style="font-size: large;">Saturday, Sept 7--9-11 Tote Bag
I</span></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="407"><span style="font-size: large;"> 1-3 Pencil Case</span></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="407"><span style="font-size: large;">Thursday, Sept 12--7-9 Tote Bag
I</span></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="407"><span style="font-size: large;">Saturday, Sept 14--9:30-11:30
Crayon</span></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="407"><span style="font-size: large;"> 1-3 Ruffle Bag</span></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="407"><span style="font-size: large;">*Wednesday, Sept 18--11:30-1:30
Ruffle Bag</span></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="407"><span style="font-size: large;"> 7-9 Zipper pouch</span></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="407"><span style="font-size: large;">Thursday, Sept 19--7-9 Tote Bag
II</span></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="407"><span style="font-size: large;">Saturday, Sept 21--1-3 Tote Bag
II</span></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="407"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
</td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="407"><span style="font-size: large;">Tuesday, September 24--7-9 Sharon
Market Bag</span></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="407"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>October</b></span></td><td style="text-align: left;" width="407"><br /></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="407"><span style="font-size: large;">Saturday, October 12--9:30-11:30
Maisy necklace</span></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="407"><span style="font-size: large;">1-3 Ruffle bag</span></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="407"><span style="font-size: large;">*Wednesday, October
16--11:30-1:30 Ruffle pillow</span></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="407"><span style="font-size: large;">Thursday, October 17--7-9 Ruffle
bag</span></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="407"><span style="font-size: large;">Saturday, October 19--9:30-11:30
Bunny puppet</span></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="407"><span style="font-size: large;">1-3 Tote Bag I</span></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="407"><span style="font-size: large;">Tuesday, October 22--7-9 Sharon
Market Bag</span></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="407"><span style="font-size: large;">Wednesday, October 23--7-9 Zipper
pouch</span></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="407"><span style="font-size: large;">Saturday, October 26--9:30-11:30
Pencil pouch</span></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="407"><span style="font-size: large;">1-3 Ruffle skirt</span></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="407"><span style="font-size: large;">Tuesday, October 29 7-9 Maisy
necklace</span></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="407"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>November</b></span></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="407"><span style="font-size: large;">*Wednesday, November
6--11:30-1:30 Zipper pouch</span></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="407"><span style="font-size: large;">7-9 Maisy
necklace</span></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="407"><span style="font-size: large;">Saturday, November 9--9:30-11:30
Pilllow</span></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="407"><span style="font-size: large;">1-3 Tote Bag II</span></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="407"><span style="font-size: large;">Wednesday, November 13--7-9
Sharon Market Bag</span></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="407"><span style="font-size: large;">Saturday, November 16--9:30-11:30
Crayon Roll</span></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="407"><span style="font-size: large;">1-3 Zipper pouch</span></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="407"><span style="font-size: large;">Saturday, November 23--9:30-11:30
Pencil case</span></td></tr>
<tr>
<td width="407"><span style="font-size: large;">1-3 Ruffle
Bag</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
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</div>
Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14260341090025839244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2146123215093117648.post-86118608369284910192013-08-24T10:53:00.000-04:002013-08-24T10:53:52.489-04:00Cub Scout Triathlon…<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: small;">It’s Saturday, and I am sitting in my family room, and there is a peaceful quiet hum of children playing…and my eyes are welling up with tears. With two kids under 3 1/2, and a son with Autism who loves vocal stimming and loud squeals—there aren’t too many moments in our house that <i>everyone</i> is content. But this morning, everyone has been happy!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Actually, we had the greatest morning ever!! Justin’s Cub Scout Pack planned a triathlon in a neighborhood for the boys to participate in. We have missed a lot of scouting this year, but Justin has been doing so well lately and so we took the whole family and went to cheer on Justin.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">They started with swimming, which I knew Justin would like because he loves being in the water.</span></div>
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RHdspisuXDI/UhjITb19vII/AAAAAAAAJDM/VSQeCFETuL4/s1600-h/DSC_0150%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0150" border="0" height="503" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vj2OR6LZI0Q/UhjIUHjNS7I/AAAAAAAAJDU/6F8KhW30UDM/DSC_0150_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0150" width="357" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The second leg was three laps on a bike. Justin doesn’t ride a bike often—it has been a year since he has been on it because the training wheels broke!! But he got on without any whining and took off for his laps. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-F4j2Gx5V3ng/UhjIUy2TroI/AAAAAAAAJDc/uorglGSxmbM/s1600-h/DSC_0138%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0138" border="0" height="647" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-chN2640kHuY/UhjIVhv7USI/AAAAAAAAJDk/aaTFosXULHk/DSC_0138_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0138" width="428" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_7i-gLdLd4I/UhjIWTze2sI/AAAAAAAAJDs/8GjP_iBWUDw/s1600-h/DSC_0139%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0139" border="0" height="572" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HR1JQQmpclc/UhjIW3hnF-I/AAAAAAAAJD0/7-Ho6aJT8cI/DSC_0139_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0139" width="367" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> I knew Justin would only attempt one lap, and I was just praying he would make it without having a melt down. Especially since we hadn’t been practicing riding the bike at all!! So the kids and I stayed back and waited for him….and I nervously prayed that he could be happy and enjoy the ride with his dad!! My best friend texted me right as I was worrying: “Just saw Justin!!! Way to go Justin!! They are doing awesome!!!” That meant he made it have way around the loop!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">And then we saw him. I am that crazy lady who cries at the Olympics, and The Biggest Loser, and Little League….yep, that’s me!! I purposefully wore my sunglasses today so I could cry to my little heart’s content without anyone noticing—ha ha!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">And the cheers began…</span></div>
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9akVOS7agRc/UhjIXaql-NI/AAAAAAAAJD8/vEOOxZz9xRE/s1600-h/DSC_0143%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0143" border="0" height="555" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_Gi5pprLlNQ/UhjIX4RzPGI/AAAAAAAAJEE/JxrCtMiaFcc/DSC_0143_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0143" width="471" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HrHn3WwRUPQ/UhjIYpFWR8I/AAAAAAAAJEM/AXf76yuz7kI/s1600-h/DSC_0145%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0145" border="0" height="629" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hKd0YY0r9CU/UhjIZQ3WCHI/AAAAAAAAJEU/m3oSNd1Gfp4/DSC_0145_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0145" width="430" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-O5-hypTGZHI/UhjIZ0fn3jI/AAAAAAAAJEc/H1O6KH9G88g/s1600-h/DSC_0147%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0147" border="0" height="686" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8m4t7HHnTY8/UhjIastxnwI/AAAAAAAAJEk/xqsD5aarNJI/DSC_0147_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0147" width="406" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">He had the cutest little sheepish smile on his face when he rode past all the parents and kids cheering for him!! Several parents came up and commented on how happy he looked!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The last leg was running, but Justin was done and wanted to swim. So he finished up in the pool! We left without any of our kids having a tantrum—I can’t remember ever having such a perfect Saturday morning!! In the voice of Rapunzel from Tangled, “Best. Day. Ever!!</span></div>
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-t5EpTM9uAjs/UhjIbDEQWvI/AAAAAAAAJEs/-Fy8LsSU0JA/s1600-h/DSC_0156%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0156" border="0" height="614" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-uKT0TfUuXkM/UhjIbwazWvI/AAAAAAAAJE0/l-3XmUREJmI/DSC_0156_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0156" width="402" /></a></div>
Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14260341090025839244noreply@blogger.com0