You know the saying "kids say the darndest things". I have a 4 year old soon to be 5 little boy (Davis) who is always coming up with the funnniest things. We also joke that he has a special relationship with Jesus - he frequently is sharing with me spiritual truths. For example we were in a store and he and his sister were allowed to pick out 1 ornament for their small bedroom Christmas tree (2.5 feet high). The tree has a theme - it is decorated with all faux candy and faux gingerbread cookies. At the store there was the fake candy and some crosses. Davis said I want the cross. I reminded him about the tree "theme" and asked if he was sure he didn't want to stick to that. He looked up at me with those big eyes and in a loud voice said "Mama don't you like crosses" I saw a few shoppers glance my way and smile. Needless to say we went home with the cross. Last weekend Davis got in trouble and when I asked him what had happened he said "Mom Satan just gets in my head and gets it all stirred up" he also told me the next day "mom I think Satan puts on a costume and tries to dress up like God so I will do bad choices." Pretty good theology for a 4 year old. The last Davis story I will share happened today. Today Davis was getting in the car and looked up at me and said "mom I love being me". I told him "it must be alot of fun to get to be you", he said "yeah it sure is".
I will share one Corinne story from today ( remember she has been home for almost 2 years). Corinne was in the car today and I thought she said "ai ai" (something she was called in China). I said to her did you say Gui Ai (her chinese name). She said "no, yucky gui ai". I then said Gui ai is a pretty name. She said "no like Gui ai it is yucky" She abhors it if we say her chinese name and then will tell us to only call her Corinne (her middle name is her chinese name). It is another reminder that eventually all of "this stuff" will come out and have to be dealt with. Right now she is dealing with it at a 3 year old level.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Sunday, February 22, 2009
New outfits and older girls and boys
Size 3t Fairy Callie $48
It measures 21.25 inches in Length
This dress is made from "fairy print" with a white background. The hem, straps, chest are made from a matching lime gingham. The chest and hem are also pipped in a pink & white "whipstitch" piping. I have not sewn the buttons on yet, but I will make lime gingham covered buttons. Personally I love the callie. In the spring you can wear a short sleeve tee underneath the dress, but in the summer wear it without a tee. It looks great on all body types. I can make in a size 6m-6
I made this outfit for another little girl last week. I used a chocolate brown tee and trimmed the skirt in large chocolate brown ric rac. I have a few more brown tees and red tees (in toddler size) if you are intersted in ordering this skirt set.
Size 3t Frannie Ribbon dress, $48
This dress is lined. It measures 19.5 inches long. It has red/white ribbon under the arm that gather the dress when pulled and tie in to a bow. You can gather the dress as tight or loose as your want. The back of the dress has one button at the top. I am now taking orders for this dress. I can make it in size 12m to size 8. I can make also make this dress in the apple/pear fabric and the large yellow floral fabric (see auction item in previous post)
I have had people contact me about making boys clothes. As of right now I don't think I am ready to add boys clothing. In a few months I might start making boys shirts with embroidered tees, but as of right now I don't think I can add that to my plate. I want to add here that I have an amazing friend *Beth* who does all my monogrammed/appliqued tee's for me. My sewing machine embroiders fine on fabric but does a poor job on knit. So Beth offered to do all my t-shirt work for me - it is her gift to my family! Thanks Beth - our new baby appreciates you helping us bring her home!
I have also had people contact me about making larger girls clothing. Most of my patterns go from a size 12m up to a size 8. Some patterns only go to a size 6. If you are intersted in other sizes or outfits in different fabris just email me and I can let you know what is available. Below are good options for a dress for an older girl. These are not actually dresses I have made. It is pictures of patterns I can use for a dress.A-line Lillian
Criss-cross halter dress or top
Tiered sundress
Friday, February 20, 2009
Home helping older orphans
I love the Starfish Home and I also love The China Home Foundation. Both of these organizations are similar in that they were both started by people who just "happened" onto the doorsteps of an orphanage and now are changing lives of many.
The China home was started by two amazing young men. I have personally met both of these individuals and I can't say enough about them and their foundation. Here is a brief summary of how it all started and photos
Michael came to China for 5 months before starting law school. 3 years later, in what feels like a different lifetime, he is still here. Michael had been teaching English in Luoyang when he discovered the city orphanage. Curious about orphan care in China, he requested a visit. The orphanage staff agreed for Michael and a friend to take what they believed would be a brief tour of the facility. When they arrived, they were ushered into a large room on the 6th floor and told "you can begin the English class now!". Michael recalls spending the next 2 hours improvising with 50 kids following him around pointing at objects saying "blue" and "dog".
What was supposed to be a 40 minute tour lasted until the kids were going to bed that evening. In that brief time, Michael began to form a real connection with these kids. As the kids prepared for bed, Michael and his friend gave out lots of hugs and said goodbye. Then came the moment that changed Michael's life. Timmy (an adorable then 7-year-old boy) walked up to him and asked, "big friend, will you come back tomorrow?". Michael couldn't say anything but yes, and as he likes to say, he has been going back every tomorrow since. In the years that have followed, Michael has spent almost every day with these amazing kids, and has served the role of Uncle/Teacher/Friend/Mentor/Personal Assistant/Photographer/Cruise Director/Santa Claus. He often says that if you told him that this would be his life 3 years ago, he would have laughed at you, but now he wouldn't trade it for anything. He considers himself a deeply blessed man to have these kids in his life.
In June of 2008, Michael met Mike Shook, who had been working in Beijing with the New Hope Foundation – the end of a two year tour assisting with orphan care projects throughout the world. They immediately formed a deep friendship and later that summer Mike decided to move to Luoyang to join Michael in his work. During a now infamous bus ride to Pizza Hut (yes we have Pizza Hut in Luoyang!), Michael and Mike shared information and discovered that the entire 5th floor of the orphanage would be vacated by its current occupant, however, all of the healthy, older kids would remain on the 4th and 6th floors of the facility. Thus sprung the idea that there may be potential to move into the floor and begin to work with the kids on a larger level.
By the amazing grace of God and the endless generosity of their friends at the New Hope Foundation, they have now been given the opportunity to move onto the 5th floor and turn what was once a dream into reality. In March of 2009 the floor will be vacated and the newly established China Home Foundation will be able to move onto the floor. Our vision is to provide a place that the kids can call "home" and where they have the unconditional love, encouragement, and confidence necessary to be creative and learn skills that will enable them to transition from life at the orphanage to life outside the orphanage when they reach the age to leave.
In June of 2008, Michael met Mike Shook, who had been working in Beijing with the New Hope Foundation – the end of a two year tour assisting with orphan care projects throughout the world. They immediately formed a deep friendship and later that summer Mike decided to move to Luoyang to join Michael in his work. During a now infamous bus ride to Pizza Hut (yes we have Pizza Hut in Luoyang!), Michael and Mike shared information and discovered that the entire 5th floor of the orphanage would be vacated by its current occupant, however, all of the healthy, older kids would remain on the 4th and 6th floors of the facility. Thus sprung the idea that there may be potential to move into the floor and begin to work with the kids on a larger level.
By the amazing grace of God and the endless generosity of their friends at the New Hope Foundation, they have now been given the opportunity to move onto the 5th floor and turn what was once a dream into reality. In March of 2009 the floor will be vacated and the newly established China Home Foundation will be able to move onto the floor. Our vision is to provide a place that the kids can call "home" and where they have the unconditional love, encouragement, and confidence necessary to be creative and learn skills that will enable them to transition from life at the orphanage to life outside the orphanage when they reach the age to leave.
Now Micheal and Mike are developing 2 of the orphanage floors to serve these older children that need "life skill" training. So many of us assume you just know how to cook, clean, shop, save money, attend to a home, ect but so often these are skills acquired through observing. The children residing in the orphanage have no opportunity to observe these skills and they need to be taught. These children are also experiencing being loved and valued. They are also allowed to do extra extracuricular activities. In fact you can donate to send the kids on a "special outing". You can also sponsor a child. You will recieve updates on your child via video! You actually get a video of your child. Their website is still being developed but if you would like more info or would like to donate/sponsor let me know and I can get you the info. They also have a facebook account where they post updates/pictures.
The China home was started by two amazing young men. I have personally met both of these individuals and I can't say enough about them and their foundation. Here is a brief summary of how it all started and photos
Michael came to China for 5 months before starting law school. 3 years later, in what feels like a different lifetime, he is still here. Michael had been teaching English in Luoyang when he discovered the city orphanage. Curious about orphan care in China, he requested a visit. The orphanage staff agreed for Michael and a friend to take what they believed would be a brief tour of the facility. When they arrived, they were ushered into a large room on the 6th floor and told "you can begin the English class now!". Michael recalls spending the next 2 hours improvising with 50 kids following him around pointing at objects saying "blue" and "dog".What was supposed to be a 40 minute tour lasted until the kids were going to bed that evening. In that brief time, Michael began to form a real connection with these kids. As the kids prepared for bed, Michael and his friend gave out lots of hugs and said goodbye. Then came the moment that changed Michael's life. Timmy (an adorable then 7-year-old boy) walked up to him and asked, "big friend, will you come back tomorrow?". Michael couldn't say anything but yes, and as he likes to say, he has been going back every tomorrow since. In the years that have followed, Michael has spent almost every day with these amazing kids, and has served the role of Uncle/Teacher/Friend/Mentor/Personal Assistant/Photographer/Cruise Director/Santa Claus. He often says that if you told him that this would be his life 3 years ago, he would have laughed at you, but now he wouldn't trade it for anything. He considers himself a deeply blessed man to have these kids in his life.
In June of 2008, Michael met Mike Shook, who had been working in Beijing with the New Hope Foundation – the end of a two year tour assisting with orphan care projects throughout the world. They immediately formed a deep friendship and later that summer Mike decided to move to Luoyang to join Michael in his work. During a now infamous bus ride to Pizza Hut (yes we have Pizza Hut in Luoyang!), Michael and Mike shared information and discovered that the entire 5th floor of the orphanage would be vacated by its current occupant, however, all of the healthy, older kids would remain on the 4th and 6th floors of the facility. Thus sprung the idea that there may be potential to move into the floor and begin to work with the kids on a larger level.
By the amazing grace of God and the endless generosity of their friends at the New Hope Foundation, they have now been given the opportunity to move onto the 5th floor and turn what was once a dream into reality. In March of 2009 the floor will be vacated and the newly established China Home Foundation will be able to move onto the floor. Our vision is to provide a place that the kids can call "home" and where they have the unconditional love, encouragement, and confidence necessary to be creative and learn skills that will enable them to transition from life at the orphanage to life outside the orphanage when they reach the age to leave.
In June of 2008, Michael met Mike Shook, who had been working in Beijing with the New Hope Foundation – the end of a two year tour assisting with orphan care projects throughout the world. They immediately formed a deep friendship and later that summer Mike decided to move to Luoyang to join Michael in his work. During a now infamous bus ride to Pizza Hut (yes we have Pizza Hut in Luoyang!), Michael and Mike shared information and discovered that the entire 5th floor of the orphanage would be vacated by its current occupant, however, all of the healthy, older kids would remain on the 4th and 6th floors of the facility. Thus sprung the idea that there may be potential to move into the floor and begin to work with the kids on a larger level.
By the amazing grace of God and the endless generosity of their friends at the New Hope Foundation, they have now been given the opportunity to move onto the 5th floor and turn what was once a dream into reality. In March of 2009 the floor will be vacated and the newly established China Home Foundation will be able to move onto the floor. Our vision is to provide a place that the kids can call "home" and where they have the unconditional love, encouragement, and confidence necessary to be creative and learn skills that will enable them to transition from life at the orphanage to life outside the orphanage when they reach the age to leave.
Now Micheal and Mike are developing 2 of the orphanage floors to serve these older children that need "life skill" training. So many of us assume you just know how to cook, clean, shop, save money, attend to a home, ect but so often these are skills acquired through observing. The children residing in the orphanage have no opportunity to observe these skills and they need to be taught. These children are also experiencing being loved and valued. They are also allowed to do extra extracuricular activities. In fact you can donate to send the kids on a "special outing". You can also sponsor a child. You will recieve updates on your child via video! You actually get a video of your child. Their website is still being developed but if you would like more info or would like to donate/sponsor let me know and I can get you the info. They also have a facebook account where they post updates/pictures.
Monday, February 16, 2009
What I have been working on
I just completed sewing for 2 orders. Two mom's ordered the Portabellopixie apron dress. It turned out really cut. I am going to be sewing more apron dresses and I am going to sew "apron skirts". The skirts are cute. They will probably be tiered skirts with a faux apron sewn on - very similar to the dress. I have a few more orders to wrap up this week and then I will try to sew a "new creation". Thanks again for all the families supporting us. I have especially enjoyed knowing something about the little girls I am sewing for. I am not sure what I will sell the skirts for. I first need to make up a few and see what kind of time I have in each one. In the future I will sell the appliqued apron dresses for $68. I can make in size 12m to size 8
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Sunday, February 8, 2009
New items for sale and future items
The first 10 people to purchase or order an item will receive 10% off.
I have sewn a few things over the weekend. I am also posting a description of items I will be sewing over the next few weeks. If you see something you like but it is not in your size please email me and I might be able to make the item. If you like anything I am making in the next few weeks email me and I can go ahead and make it in your size. Also, I am creating a email list for people who would like to be notified when new items are made. If you would like to be added to the list email me your email address and I will add you. Thanks for looking!
Sold
Red monogrammed Tee with peasant skirt 3T $38
Skirt measures 11.25 inches long, waist 18.5in
I will monogram the tee with your childs 1st initial. I will use the pear fabric for the monogram and I will use a large script -meaning the initial will be large on the tee.
Sold
Yellow Fish bloomer and summer wrap top sz 2t/3t $42. I think this runs large so that is why I list as a 2t/3t. The top measures 15.5 in long. The bloomers waist is 18in. My daughter is on the small size and wears a 2t and 3t and is 24 pounds
Red seersucker gingham & strawberry reversable top with strawberry bloomers $42. I have this in a 2t/3t and a size 18m. The measurements are same as above. The top & bloomers are trimmed in a white ric rac. I did not photo the bloomers because I am still working on them.
This next sundress is something I will be sewing soon. It is a darling sundress. It has side ribbon tie that cause the dress to gather under the arm. It has a button closure in the back at the neck. I will be making the collerless version of the sundress. It is lined.
This is the fabric I will use. I will use the stripe ribbon for the side ties.
I will also make this wrap tie top and capri pant soon. The top has a ruffle that goes around the neck and down the middle where it wraps. It has ties in the front that close the top.
This is the fabric I will use for the above item. I will use the white for the top. I will use the red piping between the top and the ruffle on the top. I will make the pant out of the micro check yellow gingham.
This is a portabellopixie knot apron dress. I will make the dress just like the photo below. This dress requires alot of fabric so it is pricey. I will probably have to charge $70 for this dress. You can go to the following web page to see the item better http://sandihendersondesign.com/catalog.htm?item=2
These are the fabrics used.
These are the fabrics used.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Support another family raising funds - neat T-shirt
I follow another blog that is raising funds to bring home two children from Ethiopia. They already have 4 children (2bio, 2 adopted from China). Gwen has designed a very creative and Poignant t-shirt. See Below. The shirts sell for $25
http://www.oatsvallteam.blogspot.com/
Back of Shirt
http://www.oatsvallteam.blogspot.com/
Back of Shirt
Front of ShirtHere is an excerpt from Gwens blog. "I DESIGNED THEM TO CAUSE PEOPLE TO TALK ... I pictured the Daisy as people would say "You Love Me, You Love Me Not?" and it hit me ... It is a personal choice to love the orphans, but it is a mandate from the Father that we all care for them in some way ... WHAT DOES CARING LOOK LIKE FOR YOU ... It could be adopting, sponsoring a child, helping someone fund their adoption, clothes drives/food drives for orphanages, volunteering at a non-profit, interim care, or simply buying this t-shirt to help bring my children home ... I know I am saying this to the choir... You, my blog family, have been amazing at caring for the orphans, so many of you are ACTING and we are changing this world !!! Let's keep talking about them to others and get more people involved ... "
I hope to have 2-3 more outfits up by the end of the weekend. One will be a 3t monogrammed tee with peasant skirt, the other 2 will be 2t bloomer and top set.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Outfits for sale
Please go down in read my first post to read more about this blog and its purpose and how it works. I did not advertise my blog until the design was completed by http://www.customblogdesigns.blogspot.com/ - she gives some of her proceeds to support the Starfish home in Xian.
I have donated one of my outfits to http://www.justonechildatatime.blogspot.com/ This is an auction - all proceeds go to the Starfish home. Scroll to the bottom of this post if you would like to view the donated item. Or click the link above. I guess they will post it in the next few days.
Here is a list of outfits I have for sale. I will sell the outfit to whoever emails me first babslb@bellsouth.net
Cherry 2 piece top and ruffle pant size 4 $60
The outfit is large on my daughter since she is a 3t. The pants length is 20.5 inches. The pants are made from a cherry print with a light pink background. The double ruffles on the pant and the top are made from a red and white gingham print. The top ties at the neck and has an elastic back .
Gathered Bodice ribbon tie dress size 4 $40
This dress has a gathered bodice. The hem of the dress is a aqua and white gingham. The ties are grosgrain ribbon. The background of the dress is light pink. The dress measures 21.5 inches from the top of the bodice to the hem. Of course it is actually longer if you measure from the ties to hem, but the ties are of course adjustable so I did not measure from there.
Peasant top and capri pant size 3t $45
Sold
This dress is made from 2 Amy Butler coordinating fabrics. The dress ties at the shoulders. The dress measures 17 inches from top of bodice to hem. Of course it is longer when you include the ties. It has 2 lined front pockets.
This dress is made with a matching pink ric rac that goes around the bodice of the dress and hem. I do have more of this fabric and can do a special order.
I have donated one of my outfits to http://www.justonechildatatime.blogspot.com/ This is an auction - all proceeds go to the Starfish home. Scroll to the bottom of this post if you would like to view the donated item. Or click the link above. I guess they will post it in the next few days.
Here is a list of outfits I have for sale. I will sell the outfit to whoever emails me first babslb@bellsouth.net
Cherry 2 piece top and ruffle pant size 4 $60
The outfit is large on my daughter since she is a 3t. The pants length is 20.5 inches. The pants are made from a cherry print with a light pink background. The double ruffles on the pant and the top are made from a red and white gingham print. The top ties at the neck and has an elastic back .
Gathered Bodice ribbon tie dress size 4 $40
This dress has a gathered bodice. The hem of the dress is a aqua and white gingham. The ties are grosgrain ribbon. The background of the dress is light pink. The dress measures 21.5 inches from the top of the bodice to the hem. Of course it is actually longer if you measure from the ties to hem, but the ties are of course adjustable so I did not measure from there.
Peasant top and capri pant size 3t $45
This peasant top measures 11.75 inches from shoulder to hem. Sewn to the hem of the top is a grosgrain ribbon that is soft pink with white polka dots. The pants are pale yellow that measure 18.25inches in length. The pants have a slits on the side and have the same soft pink ribbon sewn on the hem of the pants. The pants also have back pockets that also have the ribbon sewn onto the pocket. Unfortunatly this outfit was hard to photograph to show the ribbon and pant color.
Amy Butler sundress size 2T $48
Sold
This dress is made from 2 Amy Butler coordinating fabrics. The dress ties at the shoulders. The dress measures 17 inches from top of bodice to hem. Of course it is longer when you include the ties. It has 2 lined front pockets.
The item below was donated to the auction site mentioned above. The dress is a size 4.
This dress is made with a matching pink ric rac that goes around the bodice of the dress and hem. I do have more of this fabric and can do a special order.
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