Weighted Sewing

After doing some research into the benefits of weighted blankets (blankets filled with pellets like beanie babies) I decided this was something I wanted to try for my kids. What attracted my to the idea was that the added weight can calm, comfort and relax nerves. It has proven helpful with one of my kids who is particularly active, with the blanket, behaviors calm and focus increases.

After looking into the cost and finding a wonderful tutorial, I took on the challenge of sewing them myself, as four was going to be a bit pricy and I do have a lovely sewing machine. After completing the first one, I realized why they were pricy and would encourage you to look at purchasing from Lora. If you don't need them in bulk or are unsure of your sewing ability, she does a lovely job and is well worth the labor charge. :)

The kids helped select the fabrics and I bought the beads in bulk (two 17# boxes) and made the boys' first. I chose to make lap pads (instead of full blankets) at 10% of their body weight (thus why they each needed their own). They both really liked them and I learned a lot to make Little Miss's much easier. My older daughter decided she didn't want one right now, so I am holding onto her beads for a while in case she changes her mind. Then I had enough left to make one for my nephew, who reportedly loves it!

While I am considering making myself one (possibly trying glass beads, which Lora has begun experimenting with) I don't see myself doing many more. It was fun to try, but they are a lot of work!

For more information on weighted blankets or to order one for yourself:  Lora's Weighted Blankets

For a detailed tutorial for making your own:  Lora's Tutorial

Pinning each section for sewing, as to not break needles on the beads.

 

Memorial Quilt

After learning quilting and exploring magazines and websites, I discovered a ministry called "Quilts of Valor" which are shared with veterans from all branches and are sewn and quilted by people all over the country. I was drawn to the project since I have so many veterans in my family, but knew I could not possibly make a quilt for every one of them. When I found this pattern (Three Tours Quilt) I had this vision of making it a memorial to all of our family's veterans. The center of each of the 14 light stars has embroidered names of veterans from our Dickerson, Jacobson, Clime and Patterson families. I found so much joy in making it and look forward to sharing it with many family members and generations to come.

In memory of my Grandpa, Grand-dad, Uncles, Cousins and hubby's veterans for their service to our country and their sacrifice for us.

Memorial Day

I appreciate and seek to honor my veterans every day, but I especially appreciate this one day set aside to remember. We visit the cemetery and drop flowers in the river, we spend time with family and make memories. This year my brothers helped add swings to the playset and the kids (and cousins) have all enjoyed the results.

Gardening Fun

The kids and I have been enjoying the warmer weather...being outside and gardening! We started a few plants indoors and planted the rest outside once the weather was warm enough. Tomatoes, cucumber, broccoli, cauliflower, beans, peas, potatoes and carrots...yummy! Excitedly weeding and tending the garden (and flowers) waiting for our produce.

Who are we really saving...

Today is Father's Day, the day we remind the men in our lives that we value their influence and inspire them to step up to the needs of those depending on them. But sometimes the influence of "dad" doesn't appear valuable, sometimes there is abuse, neglect, abandonment. How do you celebrate "father's day" when memories of "dad" are painful.

A few weeks ago I watched a movie, Saving Mr Banks, which is based of the true story of the making of Disney's Mary Poppins. The characters are fabulous and the story is told in such an intriguing way, that I found myself caught up in the music and quippy lines. Things like:  "That's what we storytellers do. We restore order with imagination. We instill hope again and again and again." And:  Mrs Travers: "I won't let her turn into one of your cartoons." Mr Disney: "Says the woman who sent a flying nanny with a talking umbrella to save the children." Mrs Travers: "You think Mary Poppins has come to save the children."

That is until nearly the end of the film when Mr Disney and Mrs Travers share a cup of tea and a rather vulnerable moment talking about their fathers. Both realizing that the men they called "dad" were less than perfect, in some ways abusive even, but choosing to let go of the pain they move forward with the story and use their experience to encourage and inspire others. In seeking their own healing, they offer healing to each other and many others.

I must confess I was sobbing at this point, because this is such a huge challenge when engaging with human beings:  they are not perfect! I believe most dads do the best they know how, with what they've seen and experienced, with what a "dad" is to them. The problem is they are human and just like moms and just like you and me...they make mistakes, they can be wrong, sometimes they do hurtful or harmful things. But the mistakes of my parents (or the mistakes of your parents, or of myself as a parent) do not have to define who we become as human beings ourselves. These mistakes may mark us, influence us, change us...but I can choose not to be defined by them.

I can choose to let go of the times I have been let down or hurt or (fill in with whatever) and use those experiences to move forward. Forgive...don't forget...change the story!

Library Groundbreaking!!!

May 14th we all gathered in the small community of Garrison (about 5 miles from us) and celebrated a HUGE milestone...the groundbreaking for the new public library! This has been especially significant for our family, since the old library building was lost in the same storm that claimed out home almost three years ago. Through much effort, the community has raised enough funds to move forward and break ground and our whole family was excited to be a part of this day.

 

 Above:  the community gathering.

Below:  the architect.

 Above:  the library board receiving a donation.

Below:  the library board breaking ground!!!

 Above:  the kids celebrating with cookies and dress-up hard hats. 

Below:  the library board photo op.

The library board asked my husband to videotape the event...below is the Youtube video!

I have been taking photos of the progress and will post updates throughout the summer!!!