Coffee for Breakfast

I finally, almost a week later, had a chance to read the operation manual to my new sewing machine. It can do way more than I am ready to do. I will be learning lots of new techniques this year. Some of them may be very basic to experienced sewers. For example, I have yet to install a zipper or make a button hole. I'm also looking forward to the quilting stitches. I can't wait to use the stippling stitch. However, the most exciting feature is that it embroiders. I already know exactly what I would like to monogram. I am just completely intimidated by this machine. I hope I look back at this post in a few weeks and laugh at myself. I hope I find that this is way easier than it looks. I hope. And by the way, I love it already!

Kaitlyn-age 15 Aubree-age 9 Courtney is teaching art classes at the Garden and Art Center. She teaches two classes each week. The girls take her homeschool class. Some months all three take her class, and some months one of them opts out. This month Kaitlyn and Aubree took a cartooning class. I was very impressed with their finished projects.

Thought I would post a few links. This is my list of blogs that I have been reading lately. When creativity is running low I can always find some inspiration. This site has some wonderful ideas. I especially like that she uses mostly thrifted items. I also love her ideas for photos. Another recent find is this. Love her creativity. This site truly "inspires" me. Yes, I would love to copy several of her ideas, but her blog has helped me to create some of my own. (in my mind!) One last blog that inspires me is this! Yes, I know this has nothing to do with the usual creativity I post. This is creativity on a completely different level. I read this blog and start to believe I could do this. I am inspired!

Here are some pictures from Courtney's Childrens Church party.

I'm a little late posting this, but here is the doll blanket and pillow I made for Aubree. I love the little pillow made from ticking. And here is the back. Then with a bit of leftover fabric I decided to make a couple of diapers. These were very quick and easy. I think she will love it. I'm so glad she still loves to play with dolls. So many of her friends think they are too old.

I wanted to share something I read today. I was browsing a few of my favorite blogs when I ran across this article. She is a great writer and this post touched my heart. You know, I think we all can probably admit to planning out our lives. I know I have been guilty of thinking if I do "this, this, and this", then "this, this, and this" will happen. Life isn't like that I have learned. Life can be full of lots of unexpected turns no matter what kind of "plans" you make. I'm starting to realize that I would never grow into the person God wants me to be if I could map out my own life. Lord, Thank You for going before me. I know that You know the plans You have for me, to give me a hope and a future. Each day I walk with You is like opening a gift. I don't know what is inside, but You do.

I had a very rare occurence tonight. I had the house all to myself for several hours. My husband took over basketball duty tonight. I normally can't stand missing my girls' games, but I needed to get caught up on a few things. Besides, we have overlapping tournaments this weekend (in two different states)! I don't think I'll have basketball withdrawals! ;) I don't guess I accomplished all I would have liked to tonight, but it was wonderful. The house is cozy and QUIET. Thank You Jesus for some much needed PEACE. I did manage to make a gift for Aubree. I found a cute tutorial HeRe. I will post pics of mine tomorrow. I hope to squeeze in a few more Silent Nights during the Christmas holidays. I still have several projects in the works.

We are having our first snow day of the season. Heading to Walmart for some snow gear! Aubree will want to be outside all day. Walmart List: Hot Chocolate Coveralls Snow boots Ingredients for Chili