Two Raggy Quilts

In recent days, I put together two raggy quilts

for two precious little people. It was so much fun!
  One side is made up with squares of flannel...

...and the other side is made up of cotton prints.

I used 7 inch squares of fabric for these two quilts.
And, they are both 8 squares by 8 squares in size.

I feel like a kid in a candy shop when I am choosing fabric.
Piecing that fabric together, however, can be a bit more of a challenge.
My sister helped with that process via texting.
Technology can be an amazing tool, can't it?  Thanks again, Janine.  XO

For step-by-step instructions on how to put
a raggy quilt together, click here.  So easy and so forgiving.

The main difference between these quilts and my first one is this ~
the edges of the jean quilt haven't been snipped.  But, I am planning to change that soon.
The quilts in this post have been washed up and are all ready to be given away.

What projects do you have on the go?  Tell me everything!  :)

Have you ever made a raggy quilt?  If not, why not?  Ready...Set...Go!

Happy sewing/crafting!

With Love, Camille

For the Kids

Each year, on June 1st, we have done something different.

We seem to be falling into a consistent pattern when it comes to

Austin's birthday.  We like to remember his home-going day as well.

But, not in the same manner.

It's emerged as being a day to mark for its spiritual significance.

It was, in fact, Austin's best day.  He was called Home to Heaven.

What could be better than that?  It's exactly what we desire for all our children.

Austin just went ahead of our schedule.

June 1st doesn't always involve gifts for our other three.

However, the first year we gave our children each a

copy of "Trusting God ~ Even When Life Hurts".

We subsequently read it together as a family.

Last year, if I remember correctly, we listened to the sermon our

pastor preached the very next morning after Austin's entrance into heaven.
We may have listened to Austin's recorded testimony as well.
We most certainly would have reflected on where our son is and what he is doing.

This year, we gave each of the kids a copy of "Grieving, Hope and Solace". 
Three personalised photo books had been created which were given as well.  
 They were thrilled with them.  Which, of course, thrilled my heart.

Each book contains photos of their growing up years with their big brother.
The journalling which accompanies the photos was created specifically for each one.
Unique memories are mentioned and made note of in order to stir
up more memories, or to draw attention to those perhaps forgotten.

While I was putting the books together, there were tears as well as smiles.
It was most definitely an emotional journey.  But, one well worth the effort.

 

    We look back, and we are thankful.
The Lord has blessed us abundantly, and we praise Him.
His ways are always best, even when we don't understand.
Even when it is excruciatingly difficult.
 
We rest our hearts in His Sovereign plan.   
And, we look to Him.

It won't be long, and we will be together again.
Praising the Lord forever throughout all eternity.
 May the Lord give us grace to follow wherever He leads.
We know that He will be faithful until the day He calls us Home.  

With Love,

  Camille   

On the Topic of Books

My friend was over for a quick visit a few weeks back.

We got chatting about a number of things, as we mamas often do.
One of the topics involved book recommendations for her youngest two.

It's no secret that we love books around these here parts.

I informally promised a post on the topic of books. (Here it is!)

This list has been organised in order of age-appropriateness.
The following recommendations are for approximately ages eight to twelve.

Any novels by Enid Blyton are always a treat.
Our boys as well as Emma have enjoyed her writing extensively.

I've posted about some of her work here before ~ click here to see.

Another series of books involve a talking/witty pig named Freddy.
Again, these books have been enjoyed by all of our children.

Click here to read the post on those books.

Bobbsey Twins novels were a hit with Emma when she was younger.
These are wonderful beginner novels with stories that are age appropriate.
They are great for both boys and girls due to the fact that there are two boys
and two girls in this family of adventurers.

Pollyanna by Eleanor H. Porter ~ a wonderful read from my childhood days.
I remember squirrelling myself away one summer to read this in a quiet place.
The author does a lovely job of transporting her reader into another time and place.

Little House on the Prairie series of nine books by Laura Ingalls Wilder.
These classic books are written in an easy to read and quietly entertaining way.

Our boys all enjoyed the "Shadow" and "Scout" series of books by Piet Prins.
Even our non-readers were held captive by these stories.
Click here to read my previous post on them.

These next books listed are appropriate for approximately twelve and up.
However, I made Emma wait a little longer for the "Anne" titles which
involve marriage and mothering.  As always, it's important for you as the parent
to gauge the reading experiences of your children accordingly.
The following books may require parental involvement and discussion.

Anne of Green Gables series of eight books by Lucy Maude Montgomery.
Anne is a feisty orphan with red hair who wins the hearts of all those who meet her.

The Chronicles of Narnia is a set of seven books by C.S. Lewis.
These are classics that can be read aloud or enjoyed alone.
I remember wanting to create a world through words just like Mr. Lewis had done.
Enchanting and enthralling.  Of course, they have since been made into movies.
But, the books, they paint pictures in the imagination that the screen is unable to do.

All our children loved Little Pilgrim's Progress by Helen L. Taylor.
It's a faithful adaptation of the original classic by John Bunyan.
We've read it over and over again in our family.

Any more to add to this list?
Classics to recommend?  Favourites from your childhood?
Please do share.  We're all ears.

Happy Reading!
With Love, Camille

**I am not in any way compensated for my opinions.
It has always been my policy to recommend what we use and enjoy.

Amazingly Simple Jean Quilt

During our recent visit to my sister's home something I hadn't noticed
before caught my attention ~ the most adorable jean quilt ever.
She had it rolled up in a basket just asking to be used.  Love in a bundle.

I am not a quilter.  Never have been.
However, this looked like something I could do.
I had previously been intrigued by the jean quilt idea.

Jeans were collected and saved.  For years.

But, that quilt never got made.  It was much more involved than this one.

I must admit, I was slightly frightened by the project.  It kept getting put off.

But, the jeans were still there just waiting to be made into something.

Enter Janine's amazingly-simple-I-can-do-this jean quilt.

I took photos and measurements and came home with
renewed enthusiasm for this long ago abandoned idea.

The box of jeans was dug out of the closet.
A partially made flannel nightgown was cut apart.
And, a teeny bit of cream coloured flannel was purchased.  I was all set.

And, the quilting began.

One side is raggedy with all the seams unfinished.

The other side is finished and randomly patched together.
There's no right or wrong to this.  It was a wonderful quilt to begin with.
If you look closely, you will see some of my mistakes.
But, that makes it all the more endearing.  At least, that's what I keep telling myself.

My sister had hearts on her quilt.  I copied.  Cute, don't you think?

Want to know how to make one yourself?  Easy peasy.
Here's how you do it.  Gather together all your jeans with holes in the knees.
Or, do like my sister did, and buy a few pairs from the thrift store.
I just happened to have a big ol' collection in the closet.  So, I was prepared!

I didn't have any quilting supplies.  But, I must say, a rotary blade, cutting mat,
and clear quilting ruler came in mighty handy.  I borrowed the ruler from
my sister and bought the cutting mat and rotary blade as a set.
It was the most economical way to go.

First, I cut off the seams and pockets of the jeans.
Then, the remaining material was cut into 5 inch squares.
I needed 144 squares for each side of my quilt.
My plan was for the finished product to be 12 squares by 12 squares.
The jean side and the flannel side require the same number of squares.

So...144 squares of jean material and 144 squares of flannel were cut.
This is by far the least fun part of making this quilt.
But, what's gotta be done must be done.

If you want hearts...cut those out and randomly
stitch them to a few of your squares.

Once you have all your jean and flannel squares cut out, this is how you begin.
Take one of your jean squares and lay it on the table right side down.
Lay a flannel piece right side up on top of that jean piece.
These two pieces should match up exactly and be right sides out.
Take another piece of flannel and lay it right sides together on top of the last flannel piece.
Then, take a piece of jean material and lay it right side up.

You should have a stack of four squares in the following order:
Jean ~ right side down; Flannel ~ right side up; Flannel ~ right side down;
Jean ~ right side up.  Now, sew a straight line down one side connecting all
four squares together.  Make sure your seams are a consistent measurement.
They all need to be the same in order for the quilt pieces to fit together nicely.

I used just shy of 1/2 inch seam allowance.
You could go as narrow as 1/4 inch if you want less fray.

On a side note ~ It's advisable to use a jean needle for this project.
I broke at least four while putting this quilt together.  I thought it was only
fair to warn you.  Just buy a package of needles and you'll be fine.  :)

Once you have sewn one side...open up to expose the flannel as shown above.
Now, take another square of flannel and place it right side down
directly on top of the square on the far right (the one to the left doesn't get added to).
Place a square of jean directly on top of that flannel right side up.
Stitch together at the far right with another straight seam.  Open up and repeat.

Keep adding to your quilt in this manner until you have
12 squares sewn together in a single row.

One side will be jean with raw edges exposed as shown above.

And, the other side will be flannel with finished seams as shown above.

 Iron your raw edges flat for each row of quilting as you complete it.

Once you have two rows of 12 quilt patches made, sew one of the long edges together.

Press flat and make another row to add to these two.  

Continue until you have 12 rows all sewn together.

Sew the full length of the quilted row on one edge only.
Remember to piece your quilt together with jean/raw edges on one side
and flannel/finished edges on the other as shown below.

Iron the quilt flat between each new addition.

Once your quilt is all pieced together, sew a straight seam
along the outer edges to finish it off.  The outer edges will fray just like the jean side.
It will get cosier with each wash.  According to my sister, you will
need to trim the threads after the first few washes due to all the fraying.
But, that's the charm of it...don't you think?

And, that's it.  It's as simple as that!

My quilt was made up of pieces of jeans collected from
each of the children through the years.  Some were even mine.
I embellished the finished quilt with a label from inside a pair of Austin's jeans.

The pocket from a pair of Emma's jeans made up one of the squares.
Memories are all tied up in this quilt.  It's a treasure.
Get creative with your quilt and customize it to make it extra special.
And, most of all...have fun!

Here it is ~ all rolled up and ready to be put to use.

Any questions?  Clear as mud?
Start collecting those jeans.  Happy quilting!

With Love, Camille

A New Favourite and a Recipe

I have a new favourite around here.

I've always loved to read cookbooks and try new recipes.
Howie surprised me with a sweet cookbook that I spotted
in the cutest little kitchen shop a few years back.
It was right about the time when things were a little crazy in
my kitchen due to cooking so much new stuff for our precious oldest son.
This sweet book was set aside for awhile, but now, it's finally getting put to use.
I've made five things from it, and they have all turned out to be yummy.

Within its pages, you will find everything from starters to desserts, 
muffins, soups and main dishes ~ it's a keeper!  

**Goodness Gracious Cookbook ~ it would make a fabulous gift.
The illustrations are lovely and the recipes appear to be handwritten.
It's picture perfect ~ wonderful for a teacher's gift, Mother's Day,
Birthday, Christmas or *just because*.  It's just so pretty.  

One of my new favourites is found within its pages.
Skillet Dinner is one of the five new things I tried ~ have you ever made one before?
I hadn't.  It was easy and yummy and quick.  How can you miss?
It's not *gourmet*...it's just *down-home-good* comfort food.

Here's what you do.

Take a pound of ground beef ~ I used the organic ground beef
from Costco which comes in 1.33 lb packs.  
Why do they do that, I wonder?
Consequently, I used the full package rather than just one pound.

Scramble fry the beef in your skillet until cooked.
Drain off the fat if necessary.
Add in 2 cups frozen corn kernels,
28 oz tin of diced tomatoes with juice,
2 cups fresh carrots chopped,
 1 cup shaped pasta, uncooked 
(use a little more for a more hearty end product) ~ 
I like using rice pasta in this recipe,
and a sprinkling of chili powder (approx. 1 tsp).

Bring to boil over medium heat ~ add water if it's sticking.
Reduce heat and simmer with lid slightly ajar, stirring occasionally,
until vegetables are tender and the pasta is cooked.
This will take about 20 minutes.
Add a little water as it cooks as needed ~
the end result is shown in the photo below.
I used some sea salt to season at the end of cooking ~
taste and see if it's necessary.
Sprinkle grated cheddar on each serving.  

Serves four generously.

This is on the menu this week ~ it's so easy and yummy.
I hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

Many Blessings,
Camille

*A note to my sister ~ Don't buy one of these cookbooks for yourself
or for any of our family as gifts...just sayin' ~ Love you!  XOXO

**I am not compensated in any way for my opinions...
I just enjoy sharing my finds with my friends. 

Enid Blyton Novels

Emma and the boys have all enjoyed Enid Blyton novels ~
They are definitely for both boys and girls...how great is that?

Have you heard of this author before now? 
I learned about her when I married my Sweetie ~ his family is British.

Enid Blyton lived in England and wrote over 600 novels

for children and young people mainly during the 1940's and 50's.

Her novels often include adventure and mystery in which children do

the adventuring and mystery solving with minimal adult intervention.

They are *old-fashioned* and refreshing while transporting

the reader to a time of long ago.

Don't we all enjoy visiting other times and places and people

in the safety and comfort of our own home or back yard?

Emma has been devouring the adventure series 

of books ~ click on the link above to find them for purchase.

I often find Emma sneaking in a reading time over and above

what is required ~ she'll take a book with her to the 

yard, in the car, in the bath, or curled up in a cosy chair.

It's a joy to this Mama's heart.  :)

Happy Reading!

Camille

**Disclaimer ~ I am not compensated for my opinions, I just share what I like.
Please be aware that these books, being of the *old-fashioned* variety,
 sometimes contain things considered politically incorrect in our day.

Faith-Building Stories for Kids

I've been using these

books for devotional times
with Emma.
We read the suggested passage
of Scripture and discuss it.
The stories provide further
opportunity for teaching
and encouragement.

The boys have,
at one time or another,
used them too.

The stories are based on
true events and are
encouraging and uplifting.
They often reveal something
Great about our
Wonderful Saviour.

He truly is Great.


This "Building on the Rock"
series of books would
make a wonderful gift.
It would also be a great
addition to any home library.


Click Here to find them on
Christian Book Distributors.
At the bottom of the page of the link provided,
you will find the books listed individually
for purchase separately.


We are thankful that
they were given to us! :)

Many Blessings,
Camille

**I am not compensated in
any way for this review ~
I share because these books
have been a blessing in our own home.

A Few Ideas...

In a baking slump?
Need ideas?

Here are a few of our favourites.

Apple Tart

Absolutely the BEST
Cinnamon Buns ~
A Christmas Morning Tradition!

Whipped Shortbread ~
If I only bake one thing...it's these!

Click Here
to get to a post from
last year...
if you need a little
encouragement in the
gift-giving department.

Be encouraged!
It's not all about the amount
spent or on the trappings of the Season.

It really is all about
the LORD Jesus Christ.

Let's prepare our hearts for HIM!

Many Blessings,
Camille

Faith-Building Gift Ideas

Need some gift ideas?

How about one of the following
books/magazines?
I've compiled a list of some of
our favourites below.

Happy Shopping!

A One Year Subscription to "Answers" Magazine ~
this is a fabulous resource for any family!

If you have not heard of
Answers in Genesis,
I would encourage you to go and check out their website ~
you will find that they have so many amazing,
faith-building materials available...
really, it's wonderful!

C.H. Spurgeon's "Morning and Evening" devotional ~
This is a classic and a *must-have*
(in my opinion) for every Christian.
We have found the readings in this devotional
book to be a blessing to us year after year after year.
Timeless.

Jerry Bridges' "Holiness ~ Day by Day" devotional ~
Another classic daily reading that will become a favourite.

"365 Days With Calvin"
is a recent addition to our own
library and has (so far) been a blessing.

If you are a Christian homeschool family,
and you do not have a copy of
"When You Rise Up" by R.C. Sproul Jr.,
you *must* get your hands on one!
It is so incredibly encouraging to those of us seeking to do
this task with joyful hearts as unto the LORD.
I cannot possibly tell you in this little space
what a blessing it has been to my own heart and life.
It really is *that* good!

"Little Pilgrim's Progress"
is a faithful adaptation of
Bunyan's classic work that in no way undermines the original.
If you have children between the ages of 9 and 14, this would
be a great blessing to read aloud with them.

This book is a blessing and
seeks to answer these and many other
questions from a biblical standpoint.

It is such an encouragement
to the weary Christian's heart.


"Both Paul and James speak of rejoicing in our sufferings
(see Romans 5:3-4; James 1:2-4).
Most of us, if we are honest with ourselves,
have difficulty with that idea.
Endure them, perhaps, but rejoice?
That often seems like an unreasonable expectation.
We are not masochistic; we don't enjoy pain.

But Paul and James both say that we should rejoice
in our trials because of their beneficial results.
It is not the adversity considered in itself that is
to be the ground of our joy.
Rather, it is the expectation of the results,
the development of our character,
that should cause us to rejoice in adversity.
God does not ask us to rejoice because we have
lost our job or a loved one has been stricken with cancer
or a child has been born with an incurable birth defect.
But He does tell us to rejoice because we believe
He is in control of those circumstances
and is at work through them for our ultimate good.

The Christian life is intended to be one of continuous growth.
We all want to grow, but we often resist the process.
This is because we tend to focus on the events of adversity themselves,
rather than looking with the eye of faith beyond
the events to what God is doing in our lives....

We are to look beyond our adversity to what
God is doing in our lives and rejoice in the certainty
that He is at work to cause us to grow."

~ Quoted from
"Trusting God Even When Life Hurts"
(Pages 186-87)
by Jerry Bridges ~

May the LORD guide us all
as we seek to follow HIM.

Many Blessings,
Camille

Love Letters

My friend Trisha shared the most
W.O.N.D.E.R.F.U.L.
idea a few months ago on her old blog.

Today, I am sharing her idea
with you here on mine.

I had planned on just linking directly to her post.
But, it took me so long to implement it since
her old blog is no longer available.

The links don't work.
So, I am sending you directly to her main blog.

I am sure you will be blessed by reading
whatever Trisha writes.  She loves the LORD.
She seeks to LIVE her faith.  By HIS grace.
She is a Sweetie.

Love letters.

We often just imagine them

to be between two who are courting.

But, have you ever thought

of writing love letters to your children?

Or how about your Spouse?

The idea is simple.

You get a journal for each child.

You write a note to them in it once in awhile.

Or every day if you like.

It might be on special occasions.

It might be when you notice

that they have done something sweet.

It might be *just because*.

Some ideas.

Compose a letter to your child

sharing a memory from their baby days.

Or, tell them what you think is extra special about them.

Write out a prayer that you have prayed for your child.

Share an encouraging Scripture passage.

Write from your heart to theirs.

It doesn't need to be long.

It is sure to be a blessing!

Thank you Trisha for sharing your

precious tradition with us.

May the LORD use this lovely idea

to be a blessing in the lives of others.

I am sure HE will!

Blessings, Camille

Sweet Indulgence

Born and raised (mostly) in
British Columbia, Canada,
I think I have always
known about Purdy's.

Always.
It seems.

For Birthdays and for Christmas...
the children know the way to my heart.

It's on the top of my list ~
A box of Purdy's.

But, I am also very
VERY happy
with a bag of *seconds*.

They always seem to
settle on a box rather
than a bag.

Oh Y.U.M.

It's a very good thing
that my Birthday and
Christmas are almost exactly
six months apart!

A VERY good thing! :)

Purdy's are my favourite
sweet indulgence.

What is YOUR favourite treat?

Happy Weekend!

May it be very
VERY sweet!
Many blessings,
Camille