I have had a long, emotional day.   I have been prayer off and on throughout this day.   I ask you to join me in praying after you read this entry. 


Tuesday night, on the way home from a ball game, a young family, the Buzzards, and 2 other vehicles were involved in a horrific car accident.  This young family has now lost their little girl, Alyssa.  She has gone on to be with our Lord and Savior at the tender age of 5.  Her brother remains in critical condition. Two other children - a friend, and a younger sibling, are in the hospital in fair condition. 

My heart is breaking for this family.  I do not know them.  Have never before heard of them.  And though I have never been through such tragedy, I am feeling for them as though I know them.  I cannot imagine the pain these parents are feeling.  You can read more about this accident at our local TV station .

Another burden is pressing upon me tonight.  A young mother I know through homeschooling has recently been diagnosed with Leukemia.  She is in the hospital undergoing treatment and has developed Pneumonia.  Daphne and her husband have 5 children.  I imagine these children are hurting deeply right now, missing their mother, and not understanding why she cannot come home.

Please pray for these two families - the Buzzards, and the Davis'.  That God may embrace these families with loving people, comfort their pain, and strengthen them during their struggles. 

Count your Blessings,

Hope

This weekend, I witnessed a familiar event, one that took place in cemeteries across America this Memorial Day weekend.  I watched as 21 former soldiers from the surrounding towns participated in the Memorial Day ceremony at Cross Lake Cemetery, complete with Taps, and the Salute of Arms.   These 21 Veterans went to seven different cemeteries today to honor their fallen comrades - those who died in battle, or during service, or who have since passed on.  

I can remember being a little girl and gathering on Memorial day to watch the Legion members perform this ceremony.  My cousins,brothers and I would scramble for the spent bullet casings and spend the next few days whistling with them.  When I was 17 years old, I left home to join the United States Air Force.  I served just shy of 4 years, opting for an early out to pursue college.  I have great pride in my family heritage, and all people who have ever served in our Armed Forces.

I come from a long line of soldiers.  Fresh out of high school, my father enlisted in the United States Marine Corp where he served for 4 years.  In 1976, he joined the National Guard and he served a total of 21 years.  During this time, he was called to Active Duty in the Army and served in the Persian Gulf war from November 11, 1990 until May 10, 1991.  He is now serving as the Commander of the American Legion Post in Stockholm, Maine. 



Before him, his father served in the Army for one year, during which he landed on the Normandy Beach and he was grazed by a bullet on the left side of his head, nearest his eye.  Growing up, I knew my Grandfather, or Pepere as we call him in our local Franco-American dialect - had served in the war, but it is only recently that I learned he was wounded at Normandy Beach. 



I encourage you to pray for our Soldiers - for those on Active Duty and the Reserves serving now to protect America as well as for those Veterans living around us who have served in years past.  Give thanks to God for those forgotten, fallen soldiers.  And pray for our continued protection as a Nation.

Blessings,
Hope

I spent most of yesterday at a park watching around 20 other homeschool children play together, while us mothers enjoyed the friendship of kindred spirits.

This morning, I am still rejoicing in the blessing of friends.  It was a true joy to see all these children gather together and play.

I recently had a lady on ETSY create a variety pack of Christian cards for me.  Though I haven't received them as of yet, she shared photos of the cards with me, and I am so anxious to receive them.  Her Etsy store is Coasters and Cards.  She has some really great Father's Day cards listed right now!

This morning, I began reading her blog, and I am very quiet.  I have been touched in more ways than I can express in words.  For you to better understand why I am feeling as I am, I wish for you to read her blog as well.  She has been through some trials I have never endured, and I sense no bitterness about her.  

When you are finished there, I encourage you to visit one of the blogs she follows, To Write Their Names In Sand, you will be deeply touched upon visiting.  Please remember to keep this family, the Burgess's, and the families represented on To Write Their Names in Sand in your prayers.

God Bless you,
Hope

Often times, I tell myself something needs to get done (usually while accomplishing another chore) only to forget what it was I needed to do.   Then by the time I remember it, it is when I've laid my head down for the night.  So, I've decided to make a list of goals for the week, starting on Monday. 

Monday:

• process the Fiddlehead Pickles we started soaking yesterday
• laundry
• school the children
• make Maple Granola
• make bread
• finish sewing: XL diaper, Large All In Ones, Wool Covers Order
• drop off Coy's Little League Permission slip

• clean the bathrooms
• sweep the stairs
• set out dinner for the week
• vacuum the floors
• clean the windows
• finish sewing the Longies
• list new items in the store
• school the children

• mailing day - go to the Post Office
• laundry
• work on Custom Orders
• review and pay the week's bills
• school the children
• clean the porch
• clean the children's rooms

• school the children
• clean the play room
• empty Kitty Litter (yay)
• mop the floors
• laundry

• cook for Saturday's Ladies Fellowship
• short school day for the children
• laundry
• grocery shopping

Happy Mother's Day to all....I hope everyone is enjoying their blessings, big and small. 

This Mother's Day, I find myself humbled by my many blessings....and gifts I have received.  Here's a brief list:

• 2 Lilac Bushes (Calvin and kids)
• 1 Gardenia and 1 hardy Azalea (Mom and Dad)
•  A collection of white rocks (Coy)
•  A bucket full of dirt with a smiley face made of rocks and ferns used as the hair (Garrett)
• lots of Happy Mother's Day well wishes (friends and family)
• Carmel chocolates and a card (Calvin)
• AND the greatest gift of all, my son Garrett is being Baptized today.  He accepted the Lord as his Savior last year, and recently began to feel the need to be Baptized. 

My Mother LOVES the scent of Plumeria....lotion, candles, sprays....anything Plumeria.

Imagine my excitement when I found a Plumeria plant to purchase for her!  I ordered it from a fellow Etsian: Kim at Griffith Gardens  She only has a few left, so if you want one....hurry!


As for me, Calvin and the kids bought me some Lilac Bushes...I have wanted some for a while now, but we thought this house would have sold by now...so there was no sense in planting some.  Now that we've decided to stay here a while, I have 2 small Lilac Bushes, just waiting to grow!  I can't wait for them to bloom - though I think I'll have to wait a year before they do.

Blessings,
Hope

We got a kick out of this....link is at the bottom - great grammar practice!
Ladies and gentlemen, on this crazy occasion, it is a privilege to address such a/an funny-looking group of captains.  I can tell from your smiling sandwiches that you will support my mighty program in the coming election.  I promise that, if elected, there will be a/an cotton candy in every band and two airplanes in every garage.  I want to warn you against my horrible opponent, Mr. Coy.  This man is nothing but a/an wide-eyed snow.  He has a/an shaggy character and is working apple in glove with the criminal element.  If elected, I promise to eliminate vice.  I will keep the mosquitoes in the public till.  I promise you magnificent government, damaged taxes, and tired schools.


http://www.madlibs.com/

Blessings,
Hope and kids

I have a webstore.....besides Etsy!!!!

www.littlemoosediapers.com

I have been working hard at finishing the appearance of it.  Since I know virtually nothing about HTML and all that computer stuff, this has been challenging....thank goodness for premade templates!

At present, I have stocked some adorable Pink and Teal wool diaper covers, a few fitted diapers, longies, burb cloths, washcloths....I am so excited to be on the web in a location other than Etsy.  Etsy is great, but I like the idea of having my own domain name.  And with Etsy, I was limited to sell only what I made.  While the majority of my items will continue to be handmade by me, I have also enlisted the help of my mother, Leigh.  She will be doing the majority of knitting and crocheting for me. 

You can look for items from my mom such as Longies, washcloths, slippers, perhaps a few baby items as well...we'll see how much she is able to do!

I am trying to come up with a sale deal....perhaps a free gift with purchase, or a percentage off...not sure yet.   Maybe a few free for shipping items...where all you pay is shipping...any suggestions?

Blessings,
Hope

March 18th is my dear hubby's birthday.  I thank God for blessing me with this wonderfully gentle man. 

In honor of his birthday, the children and I made him some HUGE birthday cards on posterboard, which he took to work.  I made him a Lemon Cloud Pie, one of his favorite deserts - since it wasn't a cake, I put a candle in the center of the pie.  

I also purchased him a new bible.  I think his older one was nearing 15 years, and has been through 3 children so far...needless to say, when a toddler gets a hold of a book, regardless of the value of it, pages get torn.  He was very delighted with his new bible...now to come up with something meaningful to write in it for him.

Blessings,
Hope

I have finally come up with a name for my business.  Yes, I had one, MommaH Diapers, but I didn't particularly like it...so, after much prayer, and debate, I have settled on Little Moose Diapers. 

With this new name, I am striving for a more professional business.  I will be carrying my items in some local stores soon, and plan to attend some craft and trade shows.  I am in the process of closing my MommaH Etsy store and moving things over to Little Moose Diapers. 
Through this new store, I have a custom order for 60 diapers which will be carried in a Baby Boutique in my hometown!  These will be All in One Diapers - fifteen of every size!  What a blessing!

Be sure to sign up for store updates at Little Moose Diaper's Blog, including a Grand Opening Sale for Mid May!

Blessings,
Hope

I thought I would show you all my first serging project - a few cloth wipes.  I am amazed how much quicker it is to make them like this!   In the past, I've been straight stitching them with the right sides facing, leaving about 2 inches open, turning them, and then topstitching. 



In under 10 minutes, I had these 4 wipes cut and serged!  Done!  Amazing...I'm gunna LOVE this serger!

Blessings,
Hope

A few months ago, I was blessed with a used 2000ATS White Serger.  Tha kind lady who gave it to me had all these accessory feet, and had only used the serger a time or two....so, she posted it on freecycle...I emailed her telling her how I would love to have it, and it WOULD be a blessing to me, and she gave it to me!!!   I was so excited....

Then when I went to plug it in, there was no power to it...so my Pastor offered to look at it for me.  He found the cord was cut and he spliced it together, taping it with electrical tape.  I thought I was good to go, but when I serged with it the first time, I bent a needle and it scared the heck out of me!   So, not knowing anything about sergers, I set it on my sewing table...and it sat...and it sat...until this week.  I finally decided to just roll my sleves up and work on it. 

I replaced the needle which broke, and attempted to serge.  I was able to serge a few inches until the thread coming from the needles would break....UGH!   Upon watching closer, I could see that the lower looper was rubbing the needles on the up and down stroke.  I tried everything I could think of to fix it, and nothing worked.  I googled, asked for advice, found a few helpful threads.  Someone said my needles could be too big (using size 90/14).   Another said the timing could be off...or there could be burrs on the loopers. 

I was searching for a repair manual (I even emailed the White company and asked for one - haven't heard back from them yet).  While searching, I stumbled upon this site:
http://www.fixsewingmachines.com/How-to-Adjust-the-Needle-Bar-Height.html which gave me the ide of adjusting the needle height.  As I was looking the machine over, I noticed that the lower looper wasn't all the way down where it screws in.  I loosened the screw, and secured the looper down where it should be, and VOILA - the needles aren't hitting it anymore:)  I was able to serge about 10 inches, and make the notorious chain.

I also stumbled upon an interesting pdf, which is a repair manual - not sure if it is for the  White ATS 2000 or not though:
http://www.pegasus-europa.de/TechManuals/EX(T)51_maintenance%20manual.pdf

So, now that school is done, and as soon as I clean up the mess little Miss I'm up from my nap and playing dress up made (AKA Isabella), I hope to throw some potatoes in the oven for baked taters, wash a load of diapers, and Serge!

Blessings,
Hope

CurrClick offers free downloads as well as great resources you can purchase.  This week they are offering

Math Mammoth Clock - a great lesson which teaches as well as reviews the clock.  I often find with my children that even though we've always taught the clock, there is a tendency to 'forget' how to read one...this will make great summertime work...quick and easy lessons they can do in just a few minutes to keep their minds fresh through the summer playtime!

When I was a little girl, I used to LOVE IT when my mom would Braid my hair.  I taught myself how to French braid, and am so delighted that my little girl's hair is FINALLY long enough to French Braid:


Blessings,
Hope

As many of you already know, I make and sell cloth diapers and other baby items.  I have had fairly good success with these.  Well, I am redesigning and growing my little business.  While I will continue to sell under MommaH for the time being, I have opened a new store, Little Moose Diapers.  You can find my new store here: www.littlemoosediapers.etsy.com .  

I have a new logo, a cute little moose frolicking on a knoll, complete with a passy and a diaper!  I am nearly in love with the little guy.  I haven't much of anything listed at present, but that's because of lack of time to sew and list!  If all I had to do all day was sew, the store would be FULL, but, School MUST come first, then my other little projects. 

I do have three stores (actual real stores, one online and two local ones) who are interested in carrying my diapers, one has even ordered 15 All in ones of each size!  What a blessing!

So, soon as you get a chance, shoot on over to http://www.littlemoosediapers.etsy.com and check it out!

Blessings,
Hope

Ever hear of it?   Surely you have.....and if you've ever had it, you know what I'm going through. 

Wikipedia defines Cabin fever as this: Cabin fever is an idiomatic term for a claustrophobic reaction that takes place when a person or group is isolated and/or shut in, for an extended period. Symptoms include restlessness, irritability, forgetfulness, laughter, and excessive sleeping.

I think I have a case of it setting in.....thankfully, I know it won't be a serious one....and we have begun having playdates and swim lessons again.  Garrett will start his basketball season soon as well...there is sanity in sight!

But, in the meantime, it is snowing - AGAIN. We are expecting 8-12 inches today. 

I am ready for spring.  I am ready for picnics, days at the park, swimming at the lake.  I am READY to feel the warm sun on my skin!  I am self diagnosing ;) myself with a mild case of  Cabin Fever.   And I think it is catching - hubby has the same symptoms!  In fact, we may have an epidemic going on here in Maine!  most people I know seem to have these symptoms....

So, if you happen to be reading this from one of those warmer states, be thankful!  Oh, and feel free to come shovel my drive for me.


Blessings,
Hope    

My wonderful, dear, loving, adorable, and handsome hubby emailed me...and asked me what I want for Valentine's day....can you guess what I responded with?


I believe my exact words were "something with chocolate and caramel - enough to share with the kids"

SO he went to Frank's Bakery in Bangor and bought an absolutely devilish Cheesecake with chocolate and cherries.......he is so good to me!

Hope ya'll enjoyed your Valentines.

Blessings,
Hope

As the title says, I have restocked my Etsy store (see sidebar for some mini pics and click a picture to view it's information on my Etsy site).  I added 2 new diapers which have snaps, and a BUNCH of longies, including my absolute FAVORITE pair - the ones with the American Flag on the sides...they are adorable. 

Longies are wool pants, generally knitted, but can be sewn, which are used over cloth diapers.  Wool can absorb up to 30% of it's weight in moisture while remaining dry feeling to touch, and is super breathable, letting air circulate.  Although I am learning to knit (thanks mom), I have yet to complete the pair of longies I am knitting. 

Blessings,
Hope

I have been right here, just refocussing on the family and that little baby keeps me busier than you think!  It honestly seems like Sarah starts crying just as soon as I get a chore done and think I have time to do something without having a kiddo need me.

We've been busy with my Coy's basketball...he's in the finals!  Amazing how fun it is to watch a bunch of 4-6th graders play basketball!  Garrett starts his basketball in March, and he is more excited than I realized!  He is actually counting down until it starts!  (Which is great, cause he is the non athlete of the boys - or so we thought.)

We've also been having alot of family time lately, going ice fishing, going to family homsechool nights, lots of visits from my parents.

Here's some pics for your enjoyment!

She WILL NOT keep her fingers out of her nose....she's gunna kill me for this picture one day!


We kept Isabella warm and toasty in the ice fishing shack while the boys road AROUND AND AROUND on the snowmobile!






This is Sarah with one of the puppies we have sold - only 2 left to sell!!!

And Garrett - stuffing his mouth with cake!



Blessings,
Hope

http://www.cpsc.gov/
NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 6, 2009
Release #09-120 CPSC

Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

CPSC Spells Out Enforcement Policy For New Lead Limits In Children's Products Effective February 10

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Starting on February 10, 2009, consumer products intended for children 12 and under cannot have more than 600 parts per million of lead in any accessible part. This new safety requirement is a key component of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) aimed at further reducing children's exposure to lead.

In an effort to provide clear and reasonable guidance to those impacted by this important law, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is announcing its enforcement policy on the lead limits established by the CPSIA.

Manufacturers, importers, distributors, and retailers should also be aware that CPSC will:

*Not impose penalties against anyone for making, importing, distributing, or selling

**a children's product to the extent that it is made of certain natural materials, such as wood, cotton, wool, or certain metals and alloys which the Commission has recognized rarely, if ever, contain lead;

**an ordinary children's book printed after 1985; or

**dyed or undyed textiles (not including leather, vinyl or PVC) and non-metallic thread and trim used in children's apparel and other fabric products, such as baby blankets.

(The Commission generally will not prosecute someone for making, selling or distributing items in these categories even if it turns out that such an item actually contains more than 600 ppm lead.)
Sellers will not be immune from prosecution if CPSC's Office of Compliance finds that someone had actual knowledge that one of these children's products contained more than 600 ppm lead or continued to make, import, distribute or sell such a product after being put on notice. Agency staff will seek recalls of violative children's products or other corrective actions, where appropriate.

*Issue an interim final rule effective February 10, 2009, which establishes alternative lead limits for certain electronic devices, in order to prevent unnecessary removal of certain children's products from store shelves.

*Accept a manufacturer's determination that a lead-containing part on their product is inaccessible to a child and not subject to the new lead limits, if it is consistent with the Commission's proposed guidance or is based on a reasonable reading of the inaccessibility requirement. Paint and other coatings or electroplating are not considered barriers that make a component inaccessible.

This enforcement policy will remain in effect until superseded by action of the Commission.

CPSC still expects companies to meet their reporting obligation under federal law and immediately tell the Commission if they learn of a children's product that exceeds the new lead limits starting on February 10, 2009. Companies also should know that the CPSIA generally prohibits the export for sale of children's products that exceed the new lead limits.

As announced on January 30, 2009, the Commission approved a one year stay of enforcement for certain testing and certification requirements for manufacturers and importers. Significant to makers of children's products, the 'stay' provides limited relief from the testing and certification for total lead content limits, phthalates limits for certain products and mandatory toy standards. Manufacturers and importers - large and small - of children's products will not need to test or certify to these new requirements, but will still need to meet the lead and phthalates limits, mandatory toy standards and other requirements. Certification based on testing by an accredited laboratory is still required for painted children's products and soon will be required for children's metal jewelry, as well as certain other products for non-lead issues.


What a Blessing....please be in prayer as to the direction the CPSA will continue to take in regards to protecting our children from harm while making wise decisions in doing so!

Blessings,
Hope