SweetPea Castle

Rejoicing in the simplicity

I promise that there isn't anything drastic going on and I haven't fallen off the face of the earth.  However, I have found that I have to take the proper time and be focused on the tasks the Lord has laid before me right now - training up my young children in the ways that they should go, being a Godly wife, praying for my young adult children and being a Godly example.  This means that I've got even less time than before to be online posting updates.  But, this is a GOOD thing.  However, as I have family and friends that DO keep up with me through this... I thought I'd update a bit.

Dash... he is staying here with us at this point.  Some things changed and Jason decided that he was going to take on the training responsibilities for him.  I think Dash read my email and blog posts... because he totally started sucking up to Jason and stopped peeing on the floor around him.  Totally different pup!  I took both of them to be professionally groomed yesterday and they look like new dogs.  It's amazing how much a bath and good haircut can help things.  ;-)

Noah is doing fantastic with his third grade homeschool studies.  He is my biggest helper and is growing up way too fast.  Eliana is being very patient with me and her kindergarten studies.  I need to be more diligent in spending quality time with her on this.  I'm spoiled because she really already knows most of this work.  Tabitha is studying right along with us.  She is doing really well with tracing her lines and letters.  And they both love having tea parties with me.  Josiah is... a wild boy!  He will be 2 in January and is fearless.  I am happy and yet sad to see him getting big so quickly.  We are going to work on potty learning in the next couple of months.

Speaking of Jojo and being a wild child... he gave me a mild concussion on Monday night and my head is still spinning.  Don't worry... HE is fine!  I was laying on the floor in the playroom, coloring with the girls, when he decided to jump on my back and ride me like a wild horse.  Only, he decided to give me a big bear hug at the same time as I decided he was being a bit rough and starting sitting up.  The end result was that he cold cocked me with his forehead just behind my left ear.  I saw stars and the ground swirled around me.  Jason and I spent a portion of the night in the ER getting a CT scan and being told  what to watch for, while Memaw watched the sleeping littles back at home.  My regular doc checked me over again

yesterday.  As long as the headache continues to go away, I'll be just fine.  But, if it gets any worse I have to go back in for more testing and a referal to the neurologist.  However, in the meantime I'm just supposed to take it easy and not get hit in the head again in the next month.  ;-)

Having to spend all this time just resting quietly on the couch has given me time for reflection and enjoying the simplicity.  I am blessed beyond measure by my family.  I often cannot believe that the Lord saw fit to give us these six amazing children.  And, I love my husband beyond words.  And, I've had an amazing time being able to catch up on lots of teaching podcasts.  God is awesome!

Now, I am truly praying that this headache goes away quickly.  I have a ton of things that have been set aside while I recover... but I am anxious to get back to sewing.  Money is tight and I could use the diaper sales.  However, HE is my provider and I trust that we will have everything we need in HIS perfect timing.

Surgery Follow-up and more

The doctor's report was a mixed review.  He is happy with the repair itself, but not confident that we won't still have problems... either now or later.  Jason and I are taking this to the Lord and taking one day at a time.  I am still in regular pain.  We'll see what God does over the next several months as to what (if anything) we do.

The pups... Ace and Dash are doing great!  They were nuetered on September 10th and are healing nicely.  They get their staples out a week from tomorrow and we can hardly wait.  They are STINKY boys and seriously need to be bathed and groomed.

Homeschool is moving along.  I am looking forward to getting back into our "normal" routine in the next two weeks and being able to maintain it without all of these appointments and stuff.  The SOS curriculum is working for Noah, but I'm just not sure it's what is best for us.  We'll see how the rest of the year goes.

Noah, Eliana, and Tabitha have dentist appointments next week on Wednesday.  This will be Tabi's first visit.  We've also got her speech therapy on Tuesday.

Mudpiebabies... I'm going to start sewing (well, the cutting and prep-work anyway) for my next stocking this coming week.  I have some bills to pay and get under control.  So, I am praying that a few nice big stockings bring back the customers and bring in some new ones.  I need to see if I can get someone to do some banner ads for me.

Knitting... I recently finished a lovely test-knit shawl and will be purchasing yarn for several more.  I frogged back a pair of finished longies for Josiah and added to the rise.  I'm just about to start the legs again and need to be sure they are longer this time.  They would have fit perfect... for about a month... as they were.  But, I wanted them to fit the season.  I've also got another shawl on the needles and a child sweater.  I'm waiting on some handspun yarn to start knitting a sweater for Noah.  And, I just saw a perfect pair of fingerless gloves that I think I'll cast on for next.  I LOVE knitting!

I have a bunch of things to get done today... so I best be getting off here for now.  I have some serious menu planning to do.  If anyone has some recipe ideas that might work for picky littles, please feel free to share.  Between their pickiness and Jason's diabetes... I have my work cut out for me.  But, I am determined to start making proper meals again.

I am most grateful for the place the Lord has me right now.  It isn't comfortable... but I know that He is growing me and drawing me closer to Him.

Healing is a time-consuming process

I am doing well, considering that I'm just over two weeks post surgery.  I am still tired out very easily and hurt if I'm on my feet too much or do things that I shouldn't.  It's the Lord's way of keeping me right where I need to be... resting in His presence.  I've got another 3 weeks before my follow-up appointment with the doctor to see how things have healed.

I started knitting a shawl just before surgery and am making steady progress on it.  It's really going to be lovely.  But, I realized that I need proper fitting longies for Josiah before it starts getting cooler.  And, I have PLENTY of yarn to make them with.  So, I frogged something that I started last winter and started it over.  The yarn colorway coordinates perfectly with an ooga booga shirt that A-Squared Designs custom made for me in the spring.  The set will fit Josiah perfectly for the upcoming fall/winter season.  I'll work on more after these are finished.

I have a pair of socks (or two or three) that I'm itching to cast on for, but they are on hold while I wait for word on doing a test knit for an awesome fellow knitter.  I'm excited about that and the socks can wait.  ;-)

In other news, it looks like things with the CPSIA are starting to work themselves out... in one form or another.  I've still got some intense changes to make this fall... but perhaps I will manage to keep MudpieBabies open yet.  I'm itching to get back into the sewing room.  I've got some new embroidery designs to stitch out for some really cute diapers.

The pups are doing well.  They flunked out of their puppy training boot camp.  But, we've rescheduled it for Mid-November - once they've been neutered and matured a bit more.  They are doing awesome since being home.  It's definitely time for them to be neutered though... talk about testosterone fights.  ugh!

The children are doing fantastic!  I rejoice in every day that I get to stay home and train them up in the ways that they should go.  I am amazed every day that the Lord has entrusted such precious jewels to my care.

Have an awesome week everyone.  God is SO good!

Monday Monday...

This is going to be a very busy week for our house, so not much time to update.

I am finishing up 12 small AIOs for a very dear friend this week.  Then, I've got 12 more and some fitteds and covers to finish next week.  She is due "any day now" and I'm WAY behind.  The next batch will have some embroidered AIOs... the current are just plain PUL.  I'll post a seperate update sometime in the next few weeks in regards to the future of MudpieBabies.

My brother-in-law (and sister-in-law and nephew), as well as my father-in-law and step-mother-in-law, are visiting us this week.  I've got to finish my sewing so that they have enough room to crash.  ;-)  Then, this is month-end weekend for Jason at work.  And, we've got a family cookout to head to after church on Sunday.

I'm working on a pair of beautiful pink x and o knit socks.  Next are some longies for Josiah and a shawl for me... and a few other things that I need to get busy with.

This morning was started with prayer and study in the Psalms.  Now, I'm listening to some Bible teachings on my iPod while I'm busily working in the sewing room.

What?!?  You are wondering how I am sewing and posting?  Me too... so, I'm outta here before I lose complete track of my time today.  Have a wonderful week and I really do hope to post some more updates soon.  God is doing awesome things in my home.

Busy times...

We are still overwhelmed with a multitude of symptoms around my home.  Seriously, we are all really overwhelmed with this cold virus (still... yet again?  I dunno).  But, we are doing our best to get plenty of rest, eat well and keep hydrated.  We are also trying to focus on God's mercy and provision during these times.  Sure, we are all feeling quite lousy.  But, we are all at home and not in the hospital.  The Lord's grace is sufficient.

During this time, I have tried to keep on top of things and not allow idleness to bring my affliction to the forefront of my thinking.  I find that I am MUCH more overwhelmed when I sit still long enough to dwell on how I feel.  I haven't been able to accomplish nearly as much as I would like.  But, I am doing what the Lord wants me to... my best in Him.

Today, I finished my latest custom diaper order.  This wonderful mama has been SO very patient while waiting on this order.  Erika, these are shipping tomorrow.  They weren't "promised" to ship until the 17th, but I had so expected to get these done well over a week ago or more.

And, my flickr galleries have both been updated!  Erika's order is in the MudpieBabies gallery and my latest knitting is in the SweetPeaCastle gallery.  Of course, you can also find my latest knitting projects posted on Ravelry.

I am also VERY excited to have gotten MOST of my knitting supplies that are needed for my latest knitting projects.  I've got one more pattern that I'm waiting on.  It's shipping from the UK and probably won't be here until after Christmas.  But, that's okay.  It will be a sweater for my nephew's birthday in February.

So, let's see here... I've got the following knitting projects in the works:

• Fuzzy Elf socks from the November LTK Sock Club
• Monster Longies for Josiah (might need to frog these and start over)
• Warrior socks from the September LTK Sock Club
• Ridinghood sweater for Eliana
• Ridinghood sweater for Tabitha
• Sweater for Josiah
• Sweater for Trevor (birthday in February)

I also want to do some sort of sweater/cardigan for myself.  But, I think I've got MORE than enough knitting on my plate right now.

As for sewing and more specifically MudpieBabies... well, I have to wait and see how the CPSIA issues work out.  The truth of the matter is that unless something changes I will have no choice but to shut everything down.  This is a really HUGE issue.  The legislation is quite necessary to protect our children.  However, the protection wasn't needed from local domesticly produced items.  It is needed for those items that are imported and had problems.

In the meantime, I'll be doing as much custom work as I am able to handle over the next two months or less.  If you've got something that you want, please feel free to email me directly.

Right now, it's time to go get the baby from his room.  He's finished his nap and wants some attention RIGHT NOW.  ;-)  Enjoy your upcoming weekend.  Godspeed... ~ Tiffani

Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) of 2008

There is legislation that was passed, that is being phased in over the next few years to improve product safety. What this means is additional testing for lead and other harmful chemicals in every single item that we will buy. It means that items at big box stores will have to come with proof of a certification, and it appears at this time that this legislation affects every single producer, regardless of size.

Here are some places to read, that explain it a heck of a lot better than I can:

http://www.cafemom.com/journals/read.php?post_id=1320853&commented=1#comments

http://www.fashion-incubator.com/archive/national-bankruptcy-day/

FAQ:
http://www.cpsc.gov/ABOUT/Cpsia/faq/newfaqs.pdf

CPSC Site (you can find the legislation here):
http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsia.html

Part of this new legislation goes into effect on feb. 10, 2009 that requires items intended for children aged 12 or younger to be tested for lead (and more), and looks to effect ALL persons with the intent to sell, re-sell OR GIVE AWAY said items. So, if you are a seamstress who sells your wares at a craft show, or if you are a parent who sells your baby items at your garage sale or intends to give them away to charity, and you are caught doing so, you coud be fined up to $100,000 per infraction if you don't have it tested for lead (or the other items).

A lot of us are taking a wait and see approach, hoping that there will be some exemptions of some sort for small producers. However, I would urge everyone to talk to your representatives and ask them to take a look at this and take action. I do not believe that they intended for this law to be so strict and limiting, but acted in reaction to all of the problems with products from China.

The thing that is scary for small producers is the fine. While they may not police the small vendors, and they may never come knocking at my door, with fines starting at $100,000, I am not sure that is a risk that I can personally take. And every vendor on HC will be faced with that decision.

Her is a quick link to send letter to Congress about CPSIA ... This is SO easy and fast, take a moment to check it out and send something off... Please post the link or pass it along to as many people as you can!

http://capwiz.com/americanapparel/issues/alert/?alertid=12274476

Please educate yourself and act accordingly.  I've already contacted my representatives and will continue in every effort to work this out.

~ Tiffani

Little Steps...

So far, this has been a good week.  I am feeling a little under the weather... some sort of tummy bug... today.  But, I'm sure it is just a minor inconvenience.

Noah's homeschool work is coming along nicely.  He is doing really well with his studies and with keeping a proper attitude.  That's been our biggest challenge the last week with his cold.

The girls are doing well.  Eliana is doing very well with writing her letters and trying to learn how to write the names of her siblings.  She will be starting Kindergarten next fall.  Tabitha is doing fantastic.  She is potty learning!  I am working more with her on signing.  I think that our next step with her is trying to find a speech therapist that will take our insurance or do this through the county/state.  I need to discuss this further with Jason to see what he wants me to do.

Josiah is a little piggy.  He turned his nose up at ANY form of baby food... until I got him the little fruit puffs... kinda like cheerios.  He LOVES them.  And, he loves the dried apples and the cheese puffs.  This change in eating habits made me remember why I really didn't want to introduce anything other than breastmilk until I "had" to... the diapers are awful!  Yuck yuck yuck!  Now, I need to see how he likes peas and carrots.

I just finished my last custom order.  It will ship out tomorrow.  I need to get pictures of them and package everything up to ship.  I was also just notified that a custom that I shipped to Canada has just arrived!  Nothing like taking a bit.  It was shipped on the 4th... via Express!  I'm going to email the mama tonight and be sure that everything is to her liking and arrived okay.

I'm going to relax and enjoy some knitting time while Josiah is down for his afternoon nap.  Perhaps I should just lay down on the couch and close my eyes for a bit.  I am amazed at just how well the Lord knows me and makes sure that I rest and just enjoy watching my children play around me.  Sometimes we just get too busy and He needs to slow us down.

Psalms 92:4 ~ For You, O LORD, have made me glad by what You have done, I will sing for joy at the works of Your hands.

Temper Tantrums

I'm still around, just very busy and trying to get a handle on my personal attitude these days.

I find that I am struggling with emotions that are rather foreign to me right now.  I feel very out of sorts.  So, I am taking this time to be quiet and study the Word of God for His guidance and healing.

I'm also working on a custom order... getting the fabrics pulled, cut and prepped.  Then, I've got four embroideries to get done.  I'm also planning my instock sewing plans.  I want to have a bunch of instock diapers ready for November.

Knitting is also going along well.  I've got a bit more done on Cheyenne's Swing Thing.  I really dislike this yarn though.

This UTI is kicking my butt.  Yes!  I have ANOTHER UTI... the second one in the month.  Unless they didn't kick the last one with that round of antibiotics.  I've got 10 days of this antibiotic and an appointment with the urogyn office in two weeks.  She will test again to see if it's all gone.

Time to run.  I've got two more PUL cuts to take care of... and I want to get some stuff ready to leave for the ladies meeting this afternoon.  Better get it done while Josiah is still napping.  And, I need to take Tabi to the potty... she's doing AWESOME at potty learning!

One bead at a time...

that is how you bead the decorative embroidery for a wedding gown.  Jenny's wedding is Wednesday and while my mom is finishing up the alterations to the gown, I am beading the trim for the empire waist.

I've got the first of seven sections completed.  Now that my children are all down for the night, I am hopeful to come close to finishing before I finally head to bed.

It is going to look beautiful, but I will be glad to get done with this and be able to get back to my regular sewing and/or knitting.

On another note, I just had to share these pics of Josiah.  He's getting mighty big.  He'll be 9 months on the 3rd of October.  I'm thinking that he might be walking by then... if not, shortly after.  Scaaaary!

 

And here he is off to go get some toy... sporting one of the latest diapers that I made for him.  He IS after all, my "little monkey".  ;-)

Have a fantastic week!

Procrastination

It's not really a good or a Godly character trait.  But, it is one that I struggle with regularly.  While I may indeed work my best under pressure... it's not fair or best for my family.  So, I am working on being a better steward of my time... as always.

I have some embroidered trim that I am trying to recreate for a good friend's wedding gown.  I must confess that this is a little overwhelming for me right now.  It's probably going to turn out to be fairly simple.  But, it's figuring it all out for the first time that is so time consuming and stressful.  I have traced the pattern, scanned it into my computer, and double-checked my months' old instructions for my software.  Now, I have to try to digitize this and make it work.  And, working with my littles underfoot while doing this is NOT proving to be a good thing.  I'm going to get the basics done this afternoon and work on it further tomorrow.

I just finished stocking my store and now need to send out an email to my announcement group.  I am really pleased with getting everything finished that I had planned to.  If it weren't for sick children and this wedding dress trim, I would have worked on more.  But, this is a good stocking.  I am planning to stock on the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month from now on.

The children are still struggling with these summer colds.  And, Josiah was up last night with some sort of stomach bug.  It's just plain painful to have to comfort an 8 month old who is barfing up everything in his stomach... several times throughout the night.  Praise the Lord that he seems to be feeling MUCH better today.  I AM wondering if his stomach upset had anything to do with the oatmeal cereal and pears that he tried yesterday.  Since he did NOT seem to enjoy any of it, we will forgo the whole "babyfood" scene for a while longer.  He is doing fantastic with breastfeeding and doesn't seem to want or need anything further at this point.  We'll consider trying something again in a couple of weeks.

Tabitha is potty learning!  She is regularly going on the potty and keeping her diaper dry.  Most of her "accidents" are just times when we are not being faithful in taking her often enough.  I am on the lookout for some really cute panties for her now as a reward.  She's growing up so fast and is beautiful.

Ooops... speaking of time management.  I really need to go find something to make for dinner or the lot of us might starve this evening.

Psalms 28:7 ~ The LORD is my strength and my shield; My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart exults, And with my song I shall thank Him.