Birthday Bash

Some people are accusing me of talking too much about sewing in this spot, and that the topic might not necessarily be of general interest. I never promised to be wildly entertaining, or even mildly entertaining for that matter. This is just a hum-drum record of our little corner of the world, and there happens to be a lot of sewing going on here these days. But for you (and you know who you are) I will talk about something else.

Birthdays. That's a topic of general interest. Yesterday was mine, and here are few highlights:

A camera from my dear husband. Our last camera was fabulous when my grandparents gave it to us 5 years ago for our wedding, but technology is changing so fast, and they don't even make a camera with so few megapixels anymore. It is great for still shots in perfect lighting, but if anything is moving (which my 3 little subjects often are) it is hard to capture much more than the blur.

Three of my sisters-in-law were in town to put together a joint birthday party for my mother-in-law and myself, and they went to great lengths to give me a gourmet yet dairy-free spread. AND I got presents, too! Kitchen stuff, house stuff, and even some homemade all-natural soap.

There was some angel food cake and homemade sorbet:
Some fun and much-needed kitchen stuff (yes, Mom, there are still a few things I don't own):

And happy children all around:

It was a good day.

Sewing Meme

June is Sewing Machine Month at a favorite blog of mine, Sew Mama Sew! They've created a little Sewing Machine Meme to learn more about all the machines out there. During the month they also have great sewing tips and sewing machine basics, which would be great if you are just starting out or want to learn more about machines.

What brand and model do you have?

Brother Pacesetter PC-4000

How long have you had it?

13 years

How much does that machine cost (approximately)?

At the time it was about $2400. I recently checked into the resale value to see if I could upgrade and it was worth a whopping $200. It's worth MUCH more to me!

What types of things do you sew (i.e. quilting, clothing, handbags, home dec projects, etc.)?

Mostly home furnishings: pillows, curtains, slipcovers. I've made baby gifts, clothes, and used it for tons of mending and alterations.

How much do you sew? How much wear and tear does the machine get?

I get on a sewing kick and sew all the time, and then put it away for a few months. Lately, I've been sewing several times a week. But throughout its life I'd say my machine has been used monthly.

Do you like/love/hate your machine? Are you ambivalent? Passionate? Does she have a name?

No name. I don't name inanimate objects. I'm boring like that. But I love love love my machine. I've never had a single problem with it. (And just between you and me- I've never even had it serviced. Hoping to remedy that in the next month or two.)

What features does your machine have that work well for you?

I mostly use the basic stitches, although the button-holer makes that project effortless, and there are about 100 decorative stitches.

Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine?

The machine makes a beeping noise when you back stitch. I can never sew quietly.

Do you have a great story to share about your machine (i.e., Found it under the Christmas tree? Dropped it on the kitchen floor? Sewed your fingernail to your zipper?, Got it from your Great Grandma?, etc.!)? We want to hear it!

I got my machine from my step-mother for my 18th birthday. She asked me if I wanted a sewing machine or a used car, and I decided the car would cost me money, but the machine could be used to make money. :) I've never regretted it!

Would you recommend the machine to others? Why?

They don't make this model anymore.

What factors do you think are important to consider when looking for a new machine?

Customer ratings...I'm all about good reviews.

Do you have a dream machine?

I would love an embroidery machine- that's my dream!

Milestones

This is Baby T at 6 months. He is a week away from being 7 months old, but that's how it goes when you are the third baby. He is still full of smiles, a great sleeper, and when I pick him up he burrows his head in my shoulder, like he's hunkering down for a long, cozy stay. He is almost crawling and is pretty content to play on the floor if he's with one of his siblings. The boy also has hair: he's had three haircuts already! His other 6-month accomplishment is that he just started sucking his thumb. All three suck their thumbs/fingers but never started this late. I'm all for thumb suckers (although I know there is much debate on this).

His little will is also starting to emerge- arching his back to get out of my arms or let me know he's done nursing and piercing screaming if he is tired of playing are two of his favorite ways of communicating displeasure. It starts young.

Right now we are beginning what we call "church training," where we practice sitting quietly for a set amount of time in order to one day sit as a family in church. My expectations for him are very different from what I expect from Sweet A, who is also still practicing. :) As a new 2 year-old, she has to sit completely quiet, but is allowed to have a small toy. Baby T just needs to be quiet, and if he is too wiggly (as in, major flailing) I make him lay his head down on my chest (another advantage to thumb-sucking...built in comfort). I expect we will be working on this until after his first birthday, but the goal is to be generally ready for church by about 14 months. With the other two we tried to practice several times a week so that when Sunday rolled around it would be a natural thing for them to sit through a church service. It's doesn't seem very reasonable to expect a small child to sit that long once a week when they never have to do it at other times (it also seems like a great way to condition them to despise church). I am convinced that learning to sit quietly is a good discipline for children and maybe it will teach them to one day know how to sit and think real thoughts vs. always having to be entertained. Who knows- maybe they'll come up with the next life changing invention!

On the flip side, I am amazed at how much balance having multiple children brings. When Coop was a baby it seems like we expected so much of him. Every stage was new and exciting and we were eager for him to get to the next thing. He seemed so smart and capable and we just loved it all, as new parents should! It seemed so babyish to dress him in anything less than little khakis and a button down for church- even when he was 9 months old. Now that we have bigger children in contrast to Baby T, we are aware of- and enjoying more- his babyness. It doesn't bother us as much when he cries...we don't expect him to get over it but we pick him up (not all the time, but a lot). :) I love putting him in boyish smocked outfits for church. I don't even mind waking him up for a 10pm feeding- something I resented and tried to get rid of as soon as possible with Coop. Now I am just happy to have a few minutes of one-on-one time with the baby.

So as with all things, we are trying to maintain a delicate balance of enjoying these children for their childishness, and training them to be self-controlled and mature. And most of all, to love the Lord with all their heart, soul, and mind.