LATEST PROJECTS

I have been project-happy lately. Just finished a new series of art that's called "His Mighty Hand" (thank you Heather B. for the suggestion!) I went round & round with this design and could not get it to work until finally something clicked. Hopefully the manufacturers will like it too!

Also finished another coffee bag made from a burlap coffee sack that I've had for years. I think I got it free from CostPlus Imports. Memory's a little hazy on that one. Anyway, I modified a diaper bag pattern and turned the burlap into a large messenger bag. It's perfect for holding a ton of stuff for day trips! Or extra bags of coffee beans. haha!

Lined inside with BIG pockets!

Back of bag

On a side note, thank you to those of you who donated toward Adrienne & Jim's adoption! So far they have raised over $900 in just a few days! If you want to follow their journey, click on their website here: http://our-journey-to-parenthood.blogspot.com/

HELP OUR FRIEND ADOPT!!

Hi everyone, I have a special request for one of our blogger friends, Adrienne & Jim. This couple adopted a little boy from Russia about the same time that we adopted Nate. They have been trying to have a second child but suffered 6 miscarriages (3 since they adopted their son) and 2 failed domestic adoptions. It has been heart breaking to read their blog, see them get their hopes up only to be crushed once again. 

HOWEVER.......I just read their blog and it looks like they have recently received a referral for a healthy baby girl in South Korea!! We are very excited for them as they were hoping for a daughter. Needless to say, many of you know how expensive international adoption is. They need to raise $25,000 in just a few months and are participating in various fundraisers to help them. After all the heartbreak of losing several children, I want nothing more than to see this family be blessed with this little girl.

If any of you readers feel compelled to help them financially, they have a donation button on their blog: http://our-journey-to-parenthood.blogspot.com/ that you can make a donation through PayPal. As we well know...every little bit helps and without your support, we all would not know the blessing of our own son, Nate.

Please also keep them in prayer...that this adoption will go smoothly and they will be blessed with the funds they need. Thank you blogger friends!!

-Denise

COFFEE BAG TOTE

Several people said that I should market my coffee bag purse. I did a search and found an artist on Etsy who makes these types of purses and I couldn't believe how much she was selling them for! Anywhere from $12 - $50, unlined and with tote bag straps instead of purse handles. She's sold several so apparently people are really into them. This is her website:

Coffee Bag Purses

COFFEE TO GO

I've been searching for a unique purse/tote that was funky and large enough to hold toddler stuff (like a pullup & extra pair of pants, snacks, etc.) But I couldn't find one I liked, so I decided to make one.....out of coffee bags! I saw an example of this in a craft book & since we are coffeeholics, might as well put those bags to use. I did discover that you can't sew a normal seam on coffee bags (since it ripped open after I tried). So, I had use a zigzag stitch both on the seam and the topstitching. I like how it turned out and want to make another one!

Front

Back

Small pocket on front

THE HEAT IS ON

But despite the 100+ temps, we still try to enjoy the summer. It helps that we are house sitting and our neighbor let us use their pool! Nate has also mastered riding his tricycle.

Nice wheels

At the park with our friend's kids

Tacos at Molinitos!

Holding on for dear life.

Mexican Bird of Paradise in front of a Saguaro

4TH OF JULY FUN

This turned out to be a busy 4th. Originally, our only plans were to help some friends move into their house, then chill at home. It was great to move our friends into their 1st home on the 4th of July and have them experience the freedom of ownership! We went home exhausted and dripping (it was horribly hot & humid) and snoozed away the afternoon. Then, on a whim, we decided to see Ice Age 3-D. Nate loved it, although I had to hold up his glasses because he has no bridge on his nose. The area around the theater was set up for 4th of July activities and celebration so we decided to hang around and watch the fireworks. It was a fun and exhausting day but we enjoyed it!

People starting to gather for music & food

Listening to the National Anthem

Some kids really got into the American spirit

Smiley face(s)

Trailer with all our fallen soldiers

GOOD WISHES QUILT...FINISHED!!

Well I finally finished Nate's Good Wishes Quilt! All I'm doing now is adding detail topstitching, which is an ongoing process. I tell you what...I have a huge respect for quilters now. I've always loved quilts. For some reason, I will go into a deep sleep with a good quilt thrown over me and I love the feel of them. I machine stitched this entire quilt and it was driving me nuts. I can't imagine hand quilting an entire one. Not to mention, this was only crib size...not full size. I just have no patience for quilting. However, one day, I still want to try hand stitching the top of one and I have grand ideas for future quilts. Most likely they will remain ideas...either that or take me years to finish. haha. Nate loves his quilt, and it does come in handy for a quick nap on the sofa!

On a side note, this is how Nate puts away his blocks. I discovered today just how much he enjoys being organized. haha.