Sometimes I Wish I Was In France

I just finished reading another book--a record for me! This was Bringing Up Bebe by Pamela Druckerman, who is an American raising a family in Paris. She writes of all of the differences between Anglophone (her husband is from Britain and it seems that they are very similar to Americans when it comes to raising kids) and Francophones on how to raise kids. One thing that struck me is that the French don't think about discipline--it is called education. I'm trying to change my thinking on this matter. But, I'm finding difficulties when it seems like no one is listening anyhow. Also, it is increasingly difficult when either one or the other is complaining or whining about something. It's like I just can't get it right.

Another point that Druckerman brings up that I think is crucial in the differences is that the French have a lot of really great government programs that help out with taking care of the children. They have affordable daycares called creches and preschools that are very well run by wonderful staff that take on the jobs as careers. Most women in France seem to work full time but even if they don't they take advantage of the creches at least part time so that they can get a break. This is huge. Boy, would I be relaxed and relieved to have that kind of quality help.

Also, there is no worry about healthcare because again of such good governmental care. Here in the US, governmental care is synonymous with sub-par for sure. Or, on the other hand is just plain expensive. For example, Finley has had two falls in the past two months which have required emergency room visits and stitches. The ER visit alone with our insurance is just under $400. Then, there is a visit to the doctor's office to remove the stitches, which we just got the bill for the first visit and it was another $40 on top of the $400. So, I watched the doctor removed the stitches last time, so I took care of it myself at home for free. Do we see the irony in this? Very frustrating!

Anyhow, I did learn some tacts to try out that the French use--they haven't worked well yet, but I am going to keep at it. One tact is actually going pretty well and that is the tasting of different foods. Bodhi won't touch a vegetable to save his life normally, but that has changed. He tried an artichoke and beet greens tonight. Of course they weren't loved, but he TRIED it. This is something huge. And he was pretty proud of himself about it too.

I'll end there--on a positive note. Until next time...I've got some sewing projects coming up, mostly clothing refashions, if I can figure out how to put in a zipper.

Friend Search

I just finished reading Rachel Bertsche's MWF Seeking BFF: My Yearlong Search For A New Best Friend. It was one of the few books that I've finished since I've been a mom. Other than the first three books of the Twilight Series, The Help, and a few other titles here and there. The title caught my eye at the bookstore and so I went home to put a hold on it at the library.

It really got me thinking of how to try to make new friends. When I first moved to Cleveland, I had friends from out of town that visited me. Ah, the ease of being single. I also had a close friend that lived here, but moved away. Since then, I still have one close friend that lives in town, but she has a lot of medical problems so isn't always up for getting together or going places. Another friend that I have is in her 50s. We worked together although she has moved on to another full-time job. We do get together occasionally for a Saturday morning coffee. Another local friend, that I met working at a coffee shop, get together maybe twice a year now.

Through Bertsche's story, I can't remember if she poses this thought or if she found it through her research, but it is suggested that friends basically get together about twice a month. And, I think, if I remember correctly, that if you are consistent for three months, then this person really becomes more than an aquaintance and becomes a friend. This is what I'm looking for. I'm looking for someone I can get together with more often than a few times a year. I'm looking for something consistent. Someone that I can call to ask stupid questions like, "why do I have four jars of pickles in my refridgerator."

Then, I thought of starting a book club, a running club, a mom's club, a sewing club, a craft club,  because for some reason I can't find ones that are in my bubble. I realize that this is unrealistic, but I'm starting to think that Cleveland has a lot of people that have grown up here, so they have their friends that they've always had since they were in elementary school. This rings true for my husband. Or, since they've grown up here, they have a lot of family here which also takes up a lot of their time going to all those family events. I don't know.

I do know that I am kind of quiet and not very outgoing, but this book gave me some insight into "putting myself out there" and trying to strike up conversation with others. Recently, I had to get some lab work done at the hospital (nothing life-threatening) and I was waited on by a nice and funny person, Jeanine. She has waited on me before when I've had lab work done in the past and I thought this would be an opportunity that Bertsche would embrace to ask someone out on a girl date. But, I just didn't have the guts. However, at least the thought occurred to me. Next time, if I start chit-chatting with someone, I hope I can have the courage to say "let's get together" and actually follow up on it. Bertsche says people are usually surprised when you do this. I can imagine with all of the backing out I receive and people needing to change plans.

Another point to consider is how much all of this "dating" costs. A lot! Going out to dinners, yoga classes, getting manicures, etc. My route would have to be more along the lines of "lets get the kids together for a play date" or "let's go running sometime" or "lets get a cup of coffee." Inexpensive ways to get together for sure.

Now, I am thinking of joining Girl Friend Circles to be introduced to women my age and within my zipcode! The only part that kind of scares me is the mention of "spending money." I don't want to spend a lot of money and don't think that you have to to make new friends. It's only $29.95 for six months. Hmmmm....I'm definitely going to think about it.

Functional Sewing

I still have my to-do projects on my craft table although it is much smaller than it has been. What I have been sewing mostly, well, is actually, mending. Lots and lots of mending. Our new puppy Coco is putting all kinds of little holes in my boys' clothing. I have mended at least five garments with a wide and narrow zig-zag stitch over the holes.

She is probably five times this size now, but this puppy picture is too cute not to share.

 I also accidentally bleached some light blue stripes out of Mike's shirt for work and fixed that by hand drawing them in with a blue colored pencil. We are being thrifty and are on a spending freeze as we attempt to move forward with a house addition of a dining room and building-in our falling down breezeway. Renovations and additions are quite expensive!

Today I have a guest blogger, who is also a mom. Heather approached me via email and I am glad that she did. I have had my ups and downs lately and had posted some of my feelings and rants recently that I've since deleted. We've all got our issues, but it takes a story like Heather's to really put life into perspective. It's hard to remember when we're in the midst of everyday life and the noise level is so high from rambunctious boys and your nerves are still on end from the emergency room visit for your little one's first set of stitches (btw, he's fine), but take some time to meditate or ponder life and stand in awe of Heather, a fellow mother, who has endured something tougher than nerves on end, and marvel at her positive attitude.

Heather Von St James

www.mesothelioma.com/blog/authors/heather

My Battle for My Life and My Daughter's Future

Cancer is the farthest thing from your mind when you have a beautiful new life to take care of; my only daughter, Lily, was only 3 1/2 months old when the doctors told me about my diagnosis.  I couldn't believe the words that were coming out of their mouths.  The world was forever changed in that moment.  Nonetheless, November 21, 2005 was the day I found out I had malignant pleural mesothelioma.

However, in that one moment, I felt a wave of strength course through me.  I was about to tackle a life threatening disease that was one of my biggest internal fears; but I knew I could beat it for my Lily.

My strength was coupled with hope as I visited Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston.  This hospital employed one of the world's top mesothelioma doctors, named Dr. David Sugarbaker.  With his help and expertise, I was sure that I could live and beat this cancer to see my daughter grow and develop into a lovely young lady.

I was ready to throw the harsh mesothelioma statistics to the side.  When I was diagnosed, statistics indicated that only 2 percent of those diagnosed would live past 5 years.  This number did not squash my hope and determination; I was going to be that 2 percent.  Positive thinking and Dr. Sugarbaker's expert work would surely pull me through.

My life was enveloped into fighting the disease head on for a year after my diagnosis.  The treatment process became a march through my darkest hours, but I was determined to pull through successfully. The cancerous tumor had taken over my left lung, as well as the lining surrounding it.  As a result of the growing tumor, it had to be removed.  This major surgical procedure occurred when Lily was 6 months old; she was living with my parents who were 1900 miles from my Boston hospital.

I fought the cancer throughout Lily's first year of life.  She was shielded from all the chemo and radiation procedures throughout this time with the help of friends and family when I was at the hospital.  Lily's first birthday was a double celebration.  She was the big one years old and I was almost done with cancer treatment.  Just prior to my one-year anniversary of the grim diagnosis, the final radiation treatment was given.  I will never look back.

My perspective on life has changed forever since my cancer diagnosis.  The small things, from a rainbow to laughter, remind me about the value of life and how each day should be lived to its fullest. Appreciate everyone and everything around you.

I will never forget the people that I have come to know and love along this road.  Friends I have lost to mesothelioma, family and friends that supported those in need, and people, like me, that are continuing to battle the disease should be commended.  As a group, they are inspiring; these people are not just actors on a daytime television commercial.  They are real humans with a real disease; mesothelioma awareness is one of my true passions now.

Today, I believe in positive thinking, even on my bad days.  Each day is a gift that should be celebrated by living it to the fullest.

Birthday Crown Tutorial

Birthday Crown Tutorial

This tutorial was promised a long time ago...maybe last summer, spring? I can't even remember and would have to look back through the blog to find out. I promised to send it to Sally over at Jambo Cameleon, but my file was too big to email and we couldn't figure out how to make it smaller without starting the whole thing over and making my picture files smaller. Oh, my computer woes. Little things like that are frustrating! And, so I worked this afternoon on it for a while. Unfortunately, I couldn't find some pictures, but hopefully this will all make sense and if it doesn't, please let me know! Also, be on the lookout for that giveaway, since I still have the test crown that I made for this tutorial. All, I ask is that you follow the blog and that you write a comment here that you would like to be in the drawing. Make sure to leave your email address so that I can contact you if you win! Drawing closes Friday, April 6. Good luck!

 

  Measure child’s head. For this tutorial Finn’s head is 21 inches

 

 

Draft your pattern. Draw a rectangle 21 x 2.5 inches. Fold crown in half to find center or do the math. Draw a triangle on top of rectangle, in center of crown 2.5 inches tall. Fold pattern in half again and draw 3 more triangles 2 inches tall. They do not have to be perfect.

  Cut out your pattern making sure to even out your triangles and round the inner corners. This is the pattern folded in half.

  Place pattern on felt for cutting. I am piecing together 3 sheets of felt here

Place pattern on crown fabric and cut. Pinning is helpful.

  Baste fabric to felt all the way around the crown—top, bottom, sides, peaks, etc. This is my machine’s largest stitch. If you are piecing together felt like me, don’t worry about stitching them together unless you want to—stitching around the crown keeps everything in place.

  Hot glue 1” or larger ribbon around sides and bottom of crown folding ribbon in half so equal sides of ribbon encase the raw edges of the crown. 

Mitre your corners.

  Sides and bottom finished. Now time for the peaks.  

 I had to piece together some ribbon for the peaks, so I started in the center peak, but if you are using same ribbon all the way across, feel free to start at the edges. To finish off a ribbon edge, fold over raw edge and use hot glue to keep if from unfolding.
 
Use 5/8’ – 1” ribbon for peaks. Remember to mitre your top corners. 

Mitering…  
Inner corners are a bit tricky. Here’s where bias tape would come in handy, but I like the look ribbon gives the crown.  
Here’s the back of the crown. It takes some folding and maneuvering to work out a reverse mitre, but it all ends up working out in the end. Not sure how to describe it here. Sometimes mitering doesn’t work well, so just curve the ribbon and glue best as you can. You can always come back later and perfect the gluing.

Work it, work it,…. 

   When you’re finished with all of the edges of the crown, hot glue your decorative ric-rac or ribbon above the bottom edge of the crown, tucking edges under side ribbon. Hot glue your charms or button on the 3 center peaks.

  To the inside left side of the crown pin two 2” long strips of Velcro. Use the “rough” piece of the Velcro. 

  Pin the other “soft” pieces of Velcro to the outside of the crown. I let about half hang off so that the crown can be adjusted to a larger head size. Sew all four pieces of Velcro in place going around all four sides with your sewing machine.  

  It will be fastened like this. And you’re done!

Copyright: Katherine Johnson 2011

The Artful Hausfrau

http://theartfulhausfrau.blogspot.com/

 

Valentine's Day Crafts

This is the second craft that I have done for Bodhi's preschool class. I also made some Halloween felt bags for their treats, but since I never posted it, I am saving it for Halloween 2012. The inspiration for these pouches came from Pottery Barn Kids. Here is what I came up with:

And this is what they looked like after the kids decorated them with felt stickers and stuffed them with their Valentine's Day cards:

What fun they were to make and easy too. Also, I am glad that I can do these things for such a small class of nine.

Time Flies and First Craft Show

I can't believe it's been over FOUR months since I last wrote! Believe me, I've been crafting, just no time to take those pesky pictures or write about it! I was actually in my first craft show on December 16. I found out about it on November 7 and sewed almost everyday until the big day. Thanksgiving weekend was very busy for those four days and with all of my other responsibilities, there was definitely some slacking. But, the show was rather small and since it was at a cafe, I went with mug rugs, coasters, and some greeting cards. Here is picture of my table set up:

I thought it looked pretty good. I didn't sell much and only made $21, but I met a few other nice crafters who encouraged me to do a big all day craft fair. I see one in my future. In the mean time, I've been thinking about opening up that Etsy shop with all of my extra merchandise. I opened one a while ago although it is vacant and I named it Handmade by Hausfrau. Maybe that was a mistake and should have just called it The Artful Hausfrau? Well, what is done is done.