Fluffy Rainbow

A friend of mine just posted this photo and I had to share the fluffy rainbow.  (I will admit to jealousy over the clothesline filled with fluff AND the farm.  I'd be happy with even a small yard!)  I live in a townhome and don't have a clothesline so sunning my diapers is somewhat difficult and nowhere near as pretty as this.  There is no comparison to the fresh clean smell of freshly laundered and line dried diapers!  They just smell like sun!  Sun also naturally removes stains from your diapers (if you have a stubborn stain, spray with solution of 1 part lemon juice to 2 parts water, then sun it.)  But MY favorite part of sunning your diapers (feminists don't get angry now, you do your thing and I will do my thing) is that nothing makes me feel more like a domestic goddess than standing in the glorious sun hanging my baby's adorable fluff on the (makeshift) clothesline, the baby toddling about my feet and the neighbors wondering what the heck I am doing.  It just makes me feel like a MOM, which has always been my dream job and now I am blessed enough to be fulfilling my dream.  Thank you Lord and thank you honey for providing!

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Potatoes are NOT bad for you!

Yes!! Potatoes are part of a balanced diet! NO longer villified by low carb dieters, they provide HEALTHY nutrients and help you feel full on less! So serve up a potato bar for dinner (just watch portion size on toppings such as cheese and sour cream...try broccoli and cheese or chicken, corn and black beans with salsa on top!) I welcome potatoes back into my diet with open arms!


http://www.potatogoodness.com/news/research-shows-potatoes-are-one-of-the-best-nutritional-values-per-penny/

My favorite potato recipe has always been potato pancakes but I am feeling frisky (and trying to stay healthy.)  After so long an absence from potatoes, what recipe shall I try first?  I believe I will try this one from Thibeault's Table: Baked Potatoes Filled with Egg & Cheese.  Doesn't that look delightful?  It's like breakfast in a cup!

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My Ray of SONlight

I am a born again, precious in His sight, Child of God.  I was raised in a Christian household by parents both raised in a Christian home and the legacy goes back many generations.  My grandparents were German Mennonites and came to America for the religious freedom.  I pray for God's wisdom and grace in passing on this legacy to my children.

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Ready...Set...SEW (almost)!

Well I have my pattern all laid out for the body of my carrier(s).  I will be using roughly the same template for my TCMT (tablecloth conversion mei tai), TCRT (tablecloth conversion ring tai), and TCOB (tablecloth conversion onbuhimo) with a few modifications on each one so I can figure what works perfectly for us.  For the TCMT I am going to use a contoured body, add seat darts, use padded to wrap straps and a padded waist with wrap straps.  For the TCRT I am going to use a contoured body, a hidden stabilizer layer to which I will attach my straps and use an non-padded waist and for the TCOB I am going to use a straight style body (non-contoured), pad the waist and around where G's little legs will go.  Now I need a table large enough to cut all this out and a hemming foot to help with those 80" long MT straps!

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Guest Blogger: Ring Tai Tutorial (a Mei Tai with rings!)

Hello friends, this is my first guest blogger post! I was trying to decide which baby carrier to make first and came across this Ring Tai on the DIY Babywearing page on Facebook (check it out, but warning it's addictive!  You will feel the need to make and try EVERY carrier you see on that page!)  Heidi Imel laid out very clear instructions on how she assembled her Ring Tai and gave me permission to repost them here. Thanks Heidi!

First lay out your supplies.  There are some missing photos of the supplies but easy to assemble these.  All dimensions below are raw dimensions unless specified.

1. (2) shoulder straps 10" tall (8" finished) X at least 37" long.  If you want to know exactly how long you will need your straps (I am a larger woman than Heidi so I wanted to make sure mine were long enough) measure from your shoulder blade over your shoulder and under your arm to that same point and double it.  My measurement is 42" plus add to that a 5" seam allowance for the part of the strap that stays inside the carrier body. (photo later)  So I cut my straps 10" X 47". Hem both long edges and one short edge, the other short edge can be left raw as it will be hidden inside the body of the carrier.
2. (1) waist strap 10" tall (8" finished) X your waist measurement.  Mine is 40".  Hem both long edges and one short edge, the other short edge can be left raw as it will be hidden inside the body of the carrier.
3. (3) straps for the rings 10" X 7"
4. 3 sets of small rings from Slingrings.com
5. (1) beautiful woven wrap or 100% cotton tablecloth!

Now that you have all the pieces collected, let's start assembling!  We will start with the 3 straps for the rings.

3 sets of small slingrings

  Now grab the (3) 10" x 7" pieces you cut.

Fold one side over (about in thirds) then for the right side, see how I fold the raw edge of the yellow over? That is going to seal in the raw edge.

Then fold the right side over the left side, pin, and press.

Stitch along the fold to seal it all together.  The short edges can be left raw, they will be inside the carrier body.

Put 1 set of rings on each sewn strip.  Fold in half around the rings with the seam toward the inside and pin together.

Set these aside for a bit while we switch to the body of the carrier.

I cut out 2 body pieces of my wrap, this exact shape (not pictured). Here is my inner layer of duck canvas for all my "safety sewing"---this is 1" smaller than the outer body panels. The smaller inner later will allow it to fit inside without bunching up.

Pin your waist ring piece to one side, gather the raw end of the waist strap and pin it with a 3-4" space for X-boxes on the inside. Pin the ring pieces (I prefer a slight angle upwards) about 7" above the waist pieces--this will leave enough room for chunky baby thighs but wont be so high that they'll dip in arm pits or be hard to thread the rings.

I'm assuming anyone who will make this (or any) carrier knows about back tacking and triple stitching---I used black polyester Gutterman thread so you can see my X-Boxes. I stitched X-Boxes at each strap/ring attachment point. I went over each X twice and they are intentionally not sewn directly on top of one another-that can weaken the fabric. Stitching doesn't have to be perfectly straight or pleasing to the eye, just safe, because its on the inside of the carrier. :)

Close up of a couple X-boxes.

With right sides together, pin your 2 body pieces together, making note of the entrance points of the ring straps and shoulder straps. (I suggest laying the inner layer on top of the body pieces BEFORE they are stitched together and using a pen to mark where the holes need to be.) I left a 1/3-1/2" seam allowance. Sew the pieces together at all sides EXCEPT at the strap/ring piece points--see next picture for example.

Here is an opening I left for the waist strap.

Here is an opening I left for a side ring strap.

Carefully feed your inner canvas layer between the body layers, threading the straps through the openings (I used the widest opening at one of the shoulder straps points to feed my whole piece) then pull each strap/ring piece through it's proper opening. Carefully smoosh everything into place, flattening the inner layer and making sure its all lined up and the inner layer edges match up with the "slip cover" edges. (A flat yard stick comes in handy here!) Pin.

Top stitch around the whole carrier, folding under all the raw edges of the strap/ring pieces openings. I'll add some action shots as well!

Thank you, Heidi, I can't wait to get started as soon as my rings get here!  I will post my finished product, friends, please feel free to post yours!  As always take extra care when sewing your carriers, you will be carrying precious cargo and I take no responsibility for anyone's stitching but my own!  Happy sewing!

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I'm Back! (Kind of)

Hello, Friends, it's me.  After a considerable amount of time dormant, I think I am ready to venture into the world of blogging again.  I have a lot of things on my plate that need said and celebrated and I forgot I had a platform upon which to celebrate them!  My loving husband got me a new sewing machine and I promptly set forth to stitch up a couple flannel fitted cloth diapers.  It went better than I expected.  With a trip to Alaska looming, I am turning my thoughts to a baby carrier that can hold my hefty son comfortably for hours.  Should I try the TCMT (tablecloth mei tai) or an Onbuhimo or Podegi?  So many options...I'll get back to you on that!

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It's a BOY!!!

The cake was BLUE, that means we are having a BOY! Andrew was kinda hoping for a little princess but I guess I get MY little prince first. Once Little Gabriel Thomas is here, we will both be head over heels in love (with each little kick, I am ALREADY in love.)  It is a little harder for daddies cuz they can't feel all the little flutters but all that changes once that precious little boy is in our arms.  I for one, can NOT wait.  I am 23 weeks, that means 3 1/2 LONG months to go!  How will I ever make it? =D

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My Little Sis..

Still got 'yer back Bea... now and always!

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I Raise My Eyes to the Hills, Where Does My Help Come From

My Help Comes From the LORD.

You ever have one of those days? Everywhere you turn, someone is handing you something else to do, to handle, so THEY don't have to?  That was yesterday for me.  I found out that 2 more of my co-workers (yes two MORE) are leaving, meaning by the end of this month, we will be short 5 persons in our advertising group.  As I told my husband last night, "Everyone is jumping ship and I'm left holding the oars."  Well I only have 2 hands, I can't hold all 5 oars that have been abandoned (read that as, ordering advertising for 150+ accounts in each of the 4 abandoned account blocks).  So last night I was VERY discouraged.  So my husband bought me Chinese food (meaning I didn't have to ALSO worry about what to cook-Bless you Honey!) and listened to my tale of woe, let me cry it out and started offering solutions.  It makes me so glad to have a husband.  God knew that as a woman, my response to such times is to relieve stress by letting my emotion drip out of my eyes.  It makes ME feel better, but does not really DO much to get me OUT of the situation.  God instilled in MAN the drive to fix things, to get it done, to move ahead, to get the family where they are going. Thank you God!

So this morning, I already feel much better and on the radio this morning played one of my favorite life-got-you-down? songs Voice of Truth-by Casting Crowns and I wanted to hear it again, so I found it on YouTube and whoever put together this collage, did a good job.  And at the end are verses that spoke to me so well, I wanted to share them.

John 14:27
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

This one is the New Living Translation (which I don't always agree with) but this time it used perfect wording:

Deuteronomy 31:6
"So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you "

As long as I have God and my husband with me, I will keep putting one foot in front of the other and soon I will walk out of the valley and bask in the Son-light.

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Kate Quotes

I spent most of yesterday and today with my niece Katelyn.  And today she delighted us several times. It was a treat!  I have included a conversation she had with Papa (Grandpa) while we trekked through the countryside around Norwalk (looking for the car hospital for Auntie B's car) and were finally on our way home.  Then, below that, is Katelyn showing Papa how to play Hide the Ball (the Ball Game).  Such a delight.

Kate: Where are we going?
Papa:  I think we are going back to Grandma's house.
Kate: Auntie B, are we going to Grandma's house?
Aunti B: Yes.
Kate: (to re-assure Papa) she said Yes, we are going to Grandma's house!

Papa you can rest easy, I talked to the source and she says we are going back to your house.  Classic.

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Cribbage anyone?

Andrew and I spent the weekend up in Minneapolis for the Twin Cities Auto Show and spent a lovely afternoon with Larry & Carol.  They taught us (or reminded us, I guess) how to play cribbage.  It was so much fun-Andrew won, grinning like a Cheshire Cat the whole time.  (He looked so cute, it softened the blow of losing CONSIDERABLY!)  So now it is time to practice...a LOT!!

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For My sister

I just wanted to stop by your blog and leave you something...

To me you are:

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A Horse Walks Into a Bar...

And the bartender says, why the long face?

 Sometimes you just need a good laugh (and sometimes even a BAD joke earns a good laugh).  I'm having one of those days where i just need to laugh (or I may cry).  If you have a good joke (or even a bad one!) Comment here.

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Jane Austen Challenge

I found the Jane Austen Challenge on a faithful journey blog and decided to read along.  It has been too long since I have read many of Jane Austen's novels and this is a challenge...that will be a small slice of heaven.  Anyone care to join us?

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Speaking of March 8...

Kay, I couldn't get this to post on your blog as a comment, so I am featuring you on my blog today!  This day in history, a bright blue eyed, golden haired little girl bounced into this world and her sisters have not had a moment's rest!!  But we love you for it.  If you didn't have the energy you do, you couldn't WOW me so much with your strength as a wife and mother!  Keep setting the Gold Standard, Sister!

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God is Good!

Thank you for all your prayers, my Dad is healing well!  He is recovering from home for now.  Next comes the hard part-re-thinking all of our recipes to make them heart healthy!  So now i am elbow deep in recipe research, figuring out what we can and can not use in recipes.  I am so consumed with this (whatever is on my mind comes out of my mouth, so EVERYONE around me knows what I'm dealing with) a lady on the bus loaned me her Taste of Home cookbook which has a Light Recipes section!  That added a little fun to my recipe hunt.  Thank you Lord for putting in my path such caring people, I have been blessed by those around me.

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Today is the Big Day!!

Today is Dad's Triple Bypass surgery and I am a wreck.  I was handling it with minimal tears (an INCREDIBLE feat for me!) until they said they put Dad on the heart & lung machine to breathe for him and pump his blood while they operate to bypass the 3 blockages in his heart.  I wasn't prepared for how much that would affect me.  But the nurse is giving us regular updates and all is going well.  Keep praying that recovery goes as smoothly as the surgery so far.  The big hurdle now is that they will remove him from the heart & lung machine and make sure none of the bypasses leak!  We are not in the clear yet,  please continue to pray!

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God, is my character strong enough yet?

I feel like this last week I have gone through an abnormal amount of "character-building" in the form of one scare after another.  Last Sunday, my little sister had a scare that she might be miscarrying.  We all rushed to her side, and I prayed the whole way to her house, I was so scared.  Then Thursday, my older sister's little girl under went surgery to correct a broken arm that had not healed properly.  Only this time she was halfway across the country and I could NOTHING more than sit at my desk at work and pray.  Then this morning I get a call from Mom that Dad had a mild grade heart attack and they are keeping him in the hospital until Monday when they will do an angiogram.  I'm not sure I can handle anymore character building!!  I'm a weeper, it doesn't take much to set me off and this week has been Niagra Falls!  God, give me peace.  I need your help to get through these emotional times.  Be with my Father in the hospital, how frightening for him and for us, his family!  God, I need to feel your peace.

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I LOVE SparkPeople.com

I LOVE this website! It helps me keep track of fitness and calories burned, keep track of what I'm eating and even has a recipe calculator so I can input my recipes and find out how many calories per serving of my favorite recipes! It even has a sister site, BabyFit.com, so I can stay healthy during pregnancy (whenever that is =)  It's really neat!

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DEFINITELY...a Happy Birthday

Thank you to everyone who made my 31st birthday such a happy one!  My husband took me to a Japanese steakhouse for some hibachi cooking.  My little sister and her husband joined us for the fun.  We had some sushi, had some laughs and then headed over to their house to play a game and some more laughs-ABRACADABRA!  And to top all that off, today (my actual birthday) is Super Bowl Sunday, so I get to eat all this junk food and lounge around in my jammies!!!  What a birthday!  Tomorrow, I took the day off work but I'm having lunch at HuHot with a couple of my girlfriends from work.  Definitely a Happy Birthday.  Thank you all, and I love you Honey!

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