the homemaking project

"A wise woman builds her home"
Proverbs 14:1

Friday, April 16, 2010

Nothing but HEART!

My younger brother Jason is nothing but heart.  He is 17, a junior in highschool (scary!) and is not your typical high school boy.  He is sweet, kind, thoughtful, generous, loving, giving...and the list goes on. 
When Rob and I moved to Holland (and anytime we've moved actually) he didn't hesistate to spend an entire summer day helping without complaining once. 


He enjoys taking part in so many activities.  In high school, he plays or has played baseball, football and basketball.  He loves going to the beach...hopefully we will get lots of visits from him this summer!  He likes going to the park and finding any way to engage in sports.  He does not cause trouble or give into peer pressure. 


This past week there was a tragic accident in West Branch (my hometown).  It is devastating to anyone that heard about it.  A sixteen year old girl was killed suddenly in a car accident, within a mile from her home.  She hit a tree and her car caught on fire and she was unable to escape.  Makes your stomach sink.  Such a terrible, heartbreaking story.  A daughter, sister, friend and so much more gone in a second...She was loved by so many and it is unbelievable how much support the family has gotten.  Thank God!  I could not imagine losing someone in my family, let alone like that.  It definitely makes you hold your loved ones a little closer.  Life is fragile and taken for granted by so many.  Jason did not know this girl, just knew of her because they went to high school together.  But he took this accident to heart.  Her favorite color was light blue, so his baseball team all decided to get light blue shoelaces to wear for their games.  Not only did he get some for himself, he got a bunch of extra pairs just in case other students couldn't get them or forgot.  He did not want anyone to be left out.  And because of him every student had light blue shoelaces!  This is such a small act that means so much!  He put so much heart into it!  The funeral was yesterday and he was there, supporting her family and those that knew and loved this girl that they lost.  He said it was packed and the officiant said "I know it's packed in here, but there is at least 100 more people waiting outside to get in."  Wow!  That is incredible.  Such a small town getting together to show LOVE and support!  (West Branch is an extremely small town)  Prayers have been answered because that family has had so much support, love and encouragement in this devastating time.  Thank you God giving them what they need to get through this!  Last night Jason had a baseball game and what a kid...he kept telling his team that he was going to hit a homerun and sure enough...he smashed one over the fence.  Later that night he told my mom he hit it for that girl!  (She was a softball player too)  If that doesn't make you smile, I don't know what will.  It makes me cry tears of joy to have such an awesome brother like Jason.  17 years old and making such an impact.  God has great plans for him and I cannot wait to see where life takes him after high school.  I sound like my mom, but she is right, he is going to make some girl so happy someday.  He is truly a gift from God and a blessing to our family.  

All of my family is just as great as Jason and I am so thankful for each and every one of them.  Having a big family is so fun!  The love never runs out!  Tell the people that you love just how much you care about them...you never know when you might not get the chance again.


My brothers Kyle and Jason

 
Me with my sister, Jamie

Love my husband!

Two wonderful parents about to celebrate 25 years of marriage! 

Life is a beautiful thing!

Monday, March 15, 2010

Review and Giveaway

My first review and giveaway of a set of Little Washies!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgR2da8pe28

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Time with family and friends

We rarely have company, but this weekend we had lots!  We finally got to meet Graham!  Jen, Joe and Graham came to visit Friday-Sunday and then Jamie and Eric came Sunday-Tuesday.  It was so nice to have time with family and friends. 
We went to downtown Holland on Saturday with Jen & Joe.  Just shopped around all of the cute stores.  With Jamie and Eric, we went to Grandville and ate at Famous Dave's.  Other than that we just relaxed and enjoyed quality time with those we love.
Jen, Joe & Graham

Sweet baby Graham

Jamie and Eric

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Thoughts on working

As I was reading my Bible today, I was challanged to think about work.  Whether it is in the home doing laundry, dishes, cooking, cleaning, etc. or working outside of the home.  I catch myself complaining lately about taking the time to do simple things, like unloading the dishwasher or making the bed.  First, I know I should be thankful that I have the luxery of a dishwasher.  I could be doing them all by hand.  Secondly I know I should be thankful that I have a bed to sleep in and blankets to keep me warm.  I have been trying to find the balance between my growing Etsy business and my job as a homemaker. (Yet to be successful)  But regardless of what task I am doing or need to be doing, I need to do it for the right reason, without complaining!

1 Corinthians 15:58
"So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable.  Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless."

Romans 12:11
"Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically."

Ecclesiastes 9:10
"Whatever your hands find to do, do it with all of your might."

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Progress

I have been so busy with my Etsy shop!  My shop will be advertised on a new blog (coming soon) and there will be a review/giveaway done on my Little Washies on youtube soon.  I was able to start a newsletter to stay in contact with customers and visitors of my shop to be able to offer sales, updates and giveaways. 
So I am very excited with how much and how quickly my Etsy shop has grown!  There are so many wonderful Etsy shops and artists, I could be on Etsy all day.  It has been nice to be in contact with others and to create a few custom orders.  Other than the Little Washies, these Bella Booties have been selling well...
BELLA BOOTIES
SIZE 0-3 MONTHS



This pair of Bella Booties is perfect for your little darling's feet. With chocolate brown zebra print and pink buttons, your baby will be set for style. The booties are finished with an elastic cord that slips over a button for a better fit. All fabric is 100 percent cotton.
Machine wash on the gentle cycle and tumble dry.
These booties come tied with a ribbon, ready to use or give as a gift.
More items coming soon! Thanks for looking!
Please make payment within 48 hours of purchase.
*These booties are made using the Jack and Jill Loafers pattern from Sweet Pea Patterns.

I am trying to focus on getting more Little Washies listed in my shop.  They have been selling so quickly, it's been hard to keep up.  So I am getting up early to sew and anytime I am sitting I am cutting out fabric.  It has been a lot of work because it's not just a matter of sewing.  After sewing, I have to take pictures, crop/resize the pictures and then complete the listing process.  It has been so much fun though!  I am so thankful to be able to stay at home to do it all!

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Fabric Galore

I find so much excitement in getting new fabric...and I got lots of it this weekend!  I am going to be busy sewing new items for my Etsy shop. 




On top of all that fabric, I got ribbon, beads, buttons, fabric paint and fabric dye.  What a patient husband I have to take me shopping for all of this. 



And finally....my newest pair of booties I made for my Etsy shop with my new pattern.



Time to make more!

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Lil' Kickers

Here is my boy version of booties called Lil' Kickers.  I could not believe it, last night my Cutie Booties sold on Etsy!  They weren't even listed an entire day!  So, I was inpired to create these...

SIZE 0-3 MONTHS


This pair of Lil' Kickers is perfect for your little man's feet. With a cute little robot your guy is ready to rock. The inside is soft minky so those toes stay warm and cozy and the outside is made with 100% cotton fabric. The heels have elastic to gently fit your baby's ankles and stay put. The inside seams are zigzag stiched twice around the edges for maximum durability.
Turn them inside out and wash on the gentle cycle in your machine and tumble dry.
These Lil' Kickers come tied with a ribbon, ready to use or give as a gift.

So fun to make, although the little robots were a pain to cut out since they are so tiny.  I love robots for little boys...I may have to make a robot family!