Working on Malachi's Story

I started 2 days ago, but with small windows of opportunity, I haven't gotten very far (I hate typing with one hand). Stay tuned, it's coming! In the meantime, here's his family tree for his baby book. I copied the information from Abby's and changed the look a bit.

Birth Announcements and Christmas Cards

We made the decision to cut our mail out budget, except to family, this year. I had such fun designing them though. I sent digital copies out, and apparently that still counts to some people.

(click on images to enlarge)

I've Been Linked

Evelyn just posted a comment on my nesting post telling me that I was mentioned on the Sew Mama Sew! blog. I feel so honored to be linked. Check out the post here (scroll down). Thanks, Evelyn.

Heavenly Inspired Hair

This is my friend, Julie and she just opened her own salon. I had a quick visit today and her salon is beautiful! If you're in Winnipeg and in need of a great stylist, give her a call! 

Heavenly Inspired Hair

Julie Koppanyi

344 Ravelston Ave 779-2458

Hours of Operation:

Tuesday & Wednesday 1:30-7:30

Friday 10:00-3:00

Saturday 10:30-3:00 

Congratulations, Julie!

Hip Hip Hooray!

I've actually been able to sit down for some creative time! Thanks to my David who has been getting up with Abigail in the mornings and letting me go back to bed after feeding Malachi, I've been able to function without a nap everyday. So, what have I done? First of all, a prototype cover for our new Kobo ereader. I have some tweaks and changes to make, but it's not bad for winging it!

(the elastic placement needs some work)

Next I sewed another notebook cover. I had this one cut out and sitting on my desk just waiting for interfacing. I finally got to sew it together. This little beauty is for sale if anyone is interested. $15 (plus shipping, if not local). $5 of the sale will go to Gateway Church's Ladies Ministries. One of the events the ladies ministry puts together is ladies retreat. I love ladies retreat and the ministry sponsors those who can't afford it, so I'd like to help... even if it's only a little bit. If you're interested email me at mrsgingras (at) gmail (dot) com. I hope to sell a few things throughout this year, so stay tuned if this one isn't your style.

I had a few little projects on my desk that I decided to finish in hopes of clearing up my space. I whipped out 2 pairs of baby leg warmers for baby gifts (no pics) and I de-cluttered my sewing space as best as I could. I really need proper storage (you should see my fabric mess in the linen closet). The important thing is that I know where things are and I have a cleared work surface. We'll see how long that lasts.

This blog has been brought to you one handed - right now, blogging wouldn't be done without multi-tasking! Here's a picture of my little "helper", who kept my other hand busy.

Catchin' UP

Just before Malachi was born I made myself a new diaper bag. I was on the hunt for one that wasn't a box and was cute, but functional. After surfing through flickr, I found this adapted Amy Butler Modern Diaper Bag. I have the book, but never considered the bag because it's so huge. The reduced size makes a much nicer bag (though it's still quite large). I did a lot of minor adjustments of my own and in the end, I like it. The exterior fabric is from recycled dress shirts out of David's closet. I don't know if I'd make this bag again, but it serves it's purpose.

In other crafty news... with a limited budget, but a desire to give some gifts, we made up some jar gifts. Of course we had to try out the recipe, and it sure is yummy. Layered bean soup mix... cute and tasty.

(These were wrapped in cloth bags as part of the challenge)

It's Been a Busy 3 weeks!

Wow! Where do I begin? Here's the I-may-only-get-a-few-minutes-to-write blog post:

Malachi is now 24 days old... unbelievable!

My Mom had 2 weeks to visit and it's already over (insert sad face here)

 (Malachi as Baby Jesus in Bethlehem LIVE!)

Our church's production of Bethlehem LIVE! had 5,347 visitors this year  - Malachi was baby Jesus for 7.5 hrs in total and only missed 2 tours because he needed to eat... he did great! There's a great radio broadcast featuring this Winnipeg treasure here.

CLOTH DIAPERS (started over 2 years ago) ARE FINISHED!!!! This was a huge team effort. David cut, measured, purchased materials and got up early in the morning with Abigail so I could sleep. Mom spent many many hours sewing (including a couple of all-nighters!), also watched Abigail and Malachi so I could rest and even stitch ripped out my I'm-so-tired-I've-made-the-same-mistake-twice mishaps. Mom also purchased mis-measured (the few measurements I made) supplies and late night snacks. What started over 2 years ago is finally done and I don't see myself sewing any more diapers... ever!!!

(Late night sewing with my little helper)

My serger that David found at a garage sale for me last summer was serviced as a Christmas present and is up and running!! Now I just need to learn more than the basic function of it.

Malachi's birth story still coming, and might happen soon (now that things are slowing down... a bit)

• We are hoping to move in the new year... hoping we can get into these apartments in February... in suite laundry - hello!
• With all that's gone on this past month, I feel like I've already had Christmas - full of many many blessings!

I'll leave you with a family picture outtake...

... FAIL! (Twila, we need you!)