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!

Review and Giveaway

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

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

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."

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!

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!

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...

LIL' KICKERS

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!

Seeking Him

There are days that can be stressful and discouraging.  Whether it's too much to do, unexpected trips to the vet (that seems to be happening a lot lately since Rocky is almost 9), things that need fixed on the car, etc.  We each have our own. 
I never realized how much I tried to control all of these things until I stop for a minute and realize God has a plan in all of this.  Then I give up the worry and stress that comes along with all of these issues.  And when I do, everything falls into place.  Instead of trying to change God's plan for my life, even in the smallest of things, I have been learning that even the hard and stressful moments that we just can't possibly deal with for one more minute, hour or day are turned into good if only I seek God in EVERYTHING!
I turn to prayer, worship, and reading my Bible and can feel a sense of relief when God's Word speaks straight to my heart.  Like it was written just for me in this VERY moment.  My goal now is to continually memorize scripture so it is always in my heart and the first source I turn to in difficult times.

Some of my favorite scriptures that I turn to often:

"For we are God's masterpiece.  He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the things he planned for us long ago."  (Ephesians 2:10)

"Always be humble and gentle.  Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of your love."       (Ephesians 4:2)

"Don't worry about anything, instead pray about everything.  Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done."    (Phillippians 4:6)

"Fix your thoughts on what is true, honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable."  (Phillippians 4:8)

"For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength."  (Phillippians 4:13)

"God blesses thoses who patiently endure testing and temptation.  Afterward they will recieve the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him."  (James 1:12)

"Enjoy what you have rather than desiring what you don't have.  Just dreaming about nice things is meaningless, like chasing the wind."  (Ecclesiastes 6:9)

"Commit your actions to the Lord and your plans will succeed."  (Proverbs 16:3)

"But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.  They will soar high on wings like eagles.  They will run and not grow weary.  They will walk and not faint."  (Isaiah 40:31)

"Don't use foul or abusive language.  Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them."  (Ephesians 4:29)

"I know the Lord is always with me.  I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me."  (Psalm 16:8)

How encouraging it is to know that this is the TRUTH! God's grace and unfailing love is AMAZING!

Sewing, sewing and more sewing

This was my project for today.  I made these little "cutie booties" for my etsy shop. 

CUTIE BOOTIES

SIZE 0-3 MONTHS

This pair of Cutie Booties is perfect for your little darling's feet. With the added touch of ribbon and little flower with a button, your little girl is set for style. 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 Cutie Booties come tied with a ribbon, ready to use or give as a gift.

Now I just need some fabric so I can make more!  Little boys will be next on the list.  FUN FUN!

My Bella Baby

mybellababy.etsy.com

I am currently trying to add to and expand my etsy shop.  So, that means I have been sewing, creating, thinking and designing things like crazy. (Specifically baby items)  The first successful product that I have created are Little Washies.

LITTLE WASHIES

Introducing a different approach to bathing! Little washies are made out of 100% cotton on one side, terry cloth on the other with a layer in between for absorbency/thickness. There is an elastic strap, 1" wide, on the back covered with matching cotton fabric.

These little washies measure a 3" circle. Easily slip the strap onto your hand while bathing your little one and enjoy the option to use the terry cloth side or the cotton side, just flip the strap.
Little washies are the perfect size for your toddler to use when they get to the "I want to do it myself" stage. Give them their own!

Easy to travel with, just slip in the diaper bag. Easy cleaning, just toss in the washer and dryer.

I have sold a few sets in addition to making some for friends.  So far, great reviews!  I am excited about all of the ideas I have on what else I can make and sell in my etsy shop.  This is just a start!

The Giacalone family

Hi and welcome to my blog! 

I created this blog for a few reasons.  I am always doing "new projects", making things, taking pictures, etc. and I want to document it all here.  Also, so our family and friends can share in our everyday lives even though we don't live nearby. 
I am blessed to be able to be a homemaker and I strive to make my home welcoming and a place of comfort for all those who enter.  I enjoy sewing (especially baby items), baking, cooking and reading.  (Check out mybellababy.etsy.com for my latest sewing creations.)
I am focused on living a life pleasing to God and continue to grow daily in His Word.

My husband and I are thankful for many things.  We have wonderful family and friends that we love dearly.
I have two loving parents that will be married 25 years this June.  What an example they are to us as newlyweds!  I have 3 brothers, 1 sister, a sister in law, and a niece.  My husband has three brothers, all younger.  We have wonderful grandparents and extended family that we don't see nearly enough.

We have two pets.  Rocky (our golden retriever) and Kya (our siamese).  They are our "pet children" for now until we have children of our own.  We live a simple life in western Michigan.  Summers are beautiful by the lake and winters are....cold! 

I am excited to be in the "blogging" world now.  It may take awhile to get adjusted, but I hope this blog is a blessing to others!