Monthly Archives: November 2005

Middle Son (age: 4yrs, at Nativity Program dress rehearsal)
Dress rehearsal was very scary. Darling son refused to be Joseph this year, so they gave the part to Jason, Jason now has strep. Thus, our son was cast as Joseph, next to a very cute and serene looking Mary. After about 5 minutes he got wiggley and got up and did the “bum-dance” in full Joseph attire. Later, when he was supposed to be singing, he grabbed two of the microphones and burst into a solo debut, (only to be thrown to the ground by two of the shepherds). When the group was supposed to be swaying side to side, our dear boy decided this was the time for his climactic dance number. He started doing karate moves, then did his own dance routine, ended by flashing his belly button, and doing the bum dance again. It was NOT a proud parenting moment. The boy got a taste of stardom and the fact that he got so much attention pretty much seals the fact that he will try this again during the real performance. (I’m gonna die!)

We were reading the book, Catching Their Talk in a Box, by Betty M. Hocket. It is about a young woman that learned to praise God no matter what happened in her life. God used bizarre and disappointing things to bring about blessings and answers to prayer that she had never considered. She kept her attitude where it should be and saw God move in her life in major ways. One of the girl’s favorite reminders to those around her was, “This situation provides an opportunity for good rejoicing practice! ”

We are all sick. All 5 of us have some form of a cold or tummy bug. My oldest is congested and miserable. My middle son has a fever of 101 that keeps spiking if we don’t keep him medicated. My youngest had croup a few days ago which has now gone into a stomach bug, complete with the “burp ups”. My husband and I are experiencing fever/chills and an overall yucky feeling. As I was scrubbing the carpet in the hallway, it dawned on me that we are getting our flu season over early this year. All of us. We should be healthy for Christmas and all the cousins and relatives that come into town. We will be able to focus on all the blessings that God heaped upon us through the sending of His son, Jesus Christ. We will be surrounded with family and friends.

While we were laying around like beached fish, I talked to the children about all the good things we could look forward to. How we would have a much better chance of not being sick. How although our families were scattered for Thanksgiving, everyone would be together again for Christmas. My youngest prayed last night and thanked God for us all being sick. She thanked Him that He gave us our families and chose now to make us sick instead of when all of the family will be gathered together again. Even in illness, this too is a good season for praise. God is good!

Romans 8:28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

I finished my PJ bottoms from class and they turned out great! I decided to implement my new found “tailoring” information to see if I could make my own pattern for my daughter. Everything turned out great until we tried them on after sewing the waist up. Apparently, I had forgotten to figure in that her waist is smaller than her behind and the pants were too small. I altered the seam placement so she could get them on, but I think they will be too close to the edge to stand up to much wear and tear. I give them a week before they begin to unravel. My tailoring skills still leave much to be desired. Back to using patterns for me!

I begin sewing lessons today! We will be making PJ’s and learning how to do elastic waistbands and draw strings. This should be good for sewing pants for the boys too. Two of the children have been sick since yesterday with bad head colds. My daughter had a very bad night since her cold turned into croup. My oldest is feeling better this morning, but my daughter is in “melt down” mode. Darling hubby assures me he will have everything under control!

The sanding is complete! After 2 weeks of sanding and one week of painting, my husband carefully weighted and placed wheels on all the cars tonight. My oldest son drew up his own designs this year. My middle son had grand ideas of an Indy car that he saw in a video game and loved the metallic paint. My daughter chose a dragon theme and enjoyed sanding with me since neither of us knew what to do with the saw. (A dremel is a wonderful thing! LOL) Thank you Grandpa, for helping us paint and sand during your visit, and Daddy who did the boys’ cars with them. It all came together and this is what we ended up with.

1st place design, 3rd place speed

2nd place speed

1st place design

Our winner’s circle

My daughter was just getting to the age to appreciate the American Girl dolls and books. We were quite disappointed to find out that they are affiliated with a company called Girls Incorporated. I checked out the web-site of Girls Inc. and found this:

Reproductive Freedom

Girls Incorporated affirms that girls and young women should make responsible decisions about sexuality, pregnancy and parenthood.
We recognize the right of all women to choose whether, when, and under what circumstances to bear children. Reproductive freedom and responsibility are essential to other rights and opportunities, including pursuit of education, employment, financial security and a stable and fulfilling family life. Restrictions of reproductive choice are especially burdensome for young women and poor women. Girls Incorporated supports a woman’s freedom of choice, a constitutional right established by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1973 in Roe vs. Wade.

As a Christian, I can not, in good conscience support a company that condones the murder of unborn children. (That was just one of many issues that conflict with scripture.) The Bible is very clear on turning a blind eye to what we know is wrong. James 4:17 states, “Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it , to him it is sin.”

We found a wonderful company that supports Christian morals and ethics. Vision Forum’s Beautiful Girlhood Collection encourages Biblical femininity. Their dolls are well made and my daughter loves the doll clothes. The books reinforce themes of God’s love and the importance of a steadfast faith. What a blessing to find a Christian alternative when the secular companies choose paths down which we can not travel!

I have completed my first sewing project! I took my daughter to the fabric store to pick out her favorite fabric and a pattern with “no buttons or bows in the back.” We also made a matching hair scrunchie that she was able to help on. The collar and zipper gave me fits! I finally got the zipper in after 4-5 attempts and some on-line sewing helps, the collar is still not quite right. My daughter loves it anyway, and it is not super obvious unless you look at the collar seam closely. Next dress will be collarless until I get some lessons!