My Happy Little Girl

Who wants out of the crib when there are blankets to play with? The answer would be Caroline. She could play in a blanket all day, in or out of the crib. I found her just the other day in the kitchen cabinet, playing house (as she does quite often) and she had a blanket with her. She doesn't have a particular one that she is attached to, but she has about 30. They were all presents; I didn't buy a single one.

I just love it when she wakes up happy from her nap!


Come on, let's play!


She can make a blanket into a hood, a cape, and sometimes a skirt.

What a happy girl. She is growing up so fast. I can't believe she is almost 15 months-old.

Hugs for Ginger

Caroline is just fascinated with Ginger. Unfortunately, she also likes to pull her hair and squeal at her (she's just saying "Hi"). Ginger is a really good sport about it. A few days ago, Ginger was in my lap and I was sitting on the floor. Caroline walked over and gave her a hug and smiled. It was so sweet! Ginger wasn't sure at first what Caroline's intentions were, but she has continued to hug her whenever she can get a chance (before Ginger gets away!). Caroline has done so much better about petting Ginger lately, too. Ginger really does love Caroline, too. She just never knows if she is going to get squealed at, have her hair or paw pulled, or hugged, so she stays on her toes all the time. (The paw pulling is a new one, too.)

Sewing Spinoff Blog

I decided that my sewing was already taking over our family blog, so I decided to create a spinoff. It's called Sew What's Going On?. I'll try to update it as I finish new projects. Click the link here or on the link on the blog list to the left. If you see anything you like, let me know!

Just Lacks Two Buttons!

As many of you know, I am new to this. I can say that I have sewn before, but I am talking about 8th grade Home Economics. I was inspired then to make several things on my mom's sewing machine, but that was a long time ago. Sewing is like riding a bicycle, though. You don't really forget. You just jump back on. Making dresses is one thing (especially pillowcase dresses), but I discovered a whole new world in making this two-piece outfit. I made it through. It really wasn't hard. It was just a lot of steps I hadn't done before (that I had to analyze thoroughly and make it make sense), like the shorts and the facings on the inside of the top. I was a little intimidated by some of the steps involved, but I would compare it to the book, "The Monster at the End of this Book," starring lovable, furry old Grover. I bought this book for Caroline last year and I remember it from when I was little. Moral of my story: it wasn't that bad like I thought it was at first when I had the pattern pieces laid out (shorts look really odd at first and then they make sense). Now, I am ready to do another one of my two-piece patterns.

It is basically finished. I just need to get two buttons to fasten the tabs at the shoulders and stitch my button holes. Unfortunately, I have a feeling it is going to be a little big on Caroline, but that's better than being too small. I used the size 1 on the pattern, which was the smallest. See more at Sew What's Going On?

Dress No. 3

I finished this dress a few days ago. I just love it! For some reason, it makes me think of candy, so I call it the "candy dress." I can't wait for Caroline to wear it.

Aside from pillowcase dresses, I am working on a two-piece outfit right now. Not sure how this one will go. The top is pretty much done, but I have never done any kind of shorts or pants before (or bloomers for that matter). We'll see. I may end up sticking to dresses. Who knows?

Pillowcase Dresses

Well, nearly a month ago, I bought a sewing machine. I figured I could really get some use out of one right now. Caroline has a few smocked dresses that were just about dragging the floor, so I needed to hem them up now and then I can let them out next year for her to wear again because they seem to be plenty big and there doesn't seem to be a big difference in the sizes, except in the length.
I have seen these pillowcase dresses and love them. I thought to myself, "I can do that," so I went to Hobby Lobby when their patterns were 99 cents and bought several patterns, some fabric, and a few supplies. When I put my mind to something, I go for it. I was so excited to get started. Here are just a couple that I have finished recently. The first one is my favorite and the first one I made. I couldn't wait for Caroline to wear it to church today. I don't mean to brag, but she got lots of compliments. I have another one in the works and several more ideas to come with the other patterns I bought. I am already dreaming up something MAROON and WHITE for this fall!



These are great because she can wear them now as a dress and later as a top when it gets too short. They usually fit a range of 2-3 sizes; just scrunch it up at the top with the ribbon to fit. Also, in the fall & winter, you can pair it with a turtleneck and tights or leggings.

Brewer 4th of July Parade

Since the 4th falls on a Sunday this year, the annual Brewer 4th of July parade was held this morning. We got up and got dressed and went to watch the parade at Stacey, Steven, and Claudia's house.

Caroline's waiting for the parade to start. "Where is everybody?"


Caroline and Claudia playing before the parade began. Oh, and Jeff in the background playing on his iPhone


Caroline and Claudia chillin'. Caroline with her first sucker. There was lots of candy thrown in the parade. The girls really racked up!

Caroline walking with her sucker. For some, this could be a disaster, but she managed to avoid it. She seems to walk really well with something in her hand.

Uh oh, she dropped it in the grass. Oh well, it was good while it lasted.