Happy Birthday, Pixie!

Those were not the first words out of my mouth this morning, but they were the first ones my little pixie-girl heard from my lips!  Yes, another birthday at our house.  She is now seven.  This little bundle of energy, joy, sunshine, and giggles is growing up way too fast for my liking.  She already has boys standing in line to marry her (three at last count).  I know why, too.  She is such a sweetheart!

I am ashamed to admit it, but this was her first official birthday party.  We have always tried to have a special meal and cake, but when your birthday falls during the week of camp, or the week of moving, it tends to be less than expected.  She has uncomplainingly endured for all these years, and I believe she deserves a little praise for her sweet attitude.

Today was extra special.  We took a trip to a really cool place that I will post about later – been wanting to visit there for years.  Are you wondering??  :)

Here we are, driving down the road (well, Paul was, anyway – we were just along for the ride).  You can see she is wearing her special birthday scarf made by Grandma! 

Here are all the kids sitting down to a delicious birthday dinner of hamburgers and green beans.  Yep. That is what she asked for.  Of course, we had cake and ice cream, too.  Chocolate.  That’s my girl!

She wanted cupcakes, so that’s what I made.  Yummy!

I had left all my cake pans at home, so I had to get a little creative.  Plus, the oven in the trailer is not working for some reason.  Thank goodness for the toaster oven!

Mmm, mmm, good!

Then the opening of gifts.  Such unspeakable delights!  Sour Patch Kids from Daniel!

Socks?!?  Okay, there was a really awesome clearance sale at Wal-mart the other day! :)

There were a lot of other miscellaneous items from all of us, and she had a wonderful time opening and exclaiming over them all.  It was a very fun day for our whole family.

And a new outfit for Polka-dot Baby (that is actually the doll’s name, and yes, I do fear for my future grandchildren!  Other dolls have been named Little Italy, France, and Mrs. No-Head).  Hopefully, the name choosing will improve with age.

Happy Birthday, my sweet Esther!  I love you!  I am so thankful that God gave you to us seven years ago!

Sewing Away

In an earlier post, I mentioned getting all the 18” doll clothes patterns.  Well, I have been putting them to use lately.  I have just a few more things to finish and my sewing projects for this year will be complete.   I am trusting you not to mention this to my daughters – I have managed to keep it a secret so far, sewing late into the night after they have gone to bed.  All the clothes are modeled on the same doll for sake of time.
Disney Princess dress, Ariel – colors of my choosing. Simplicity 5705



Disney Princess Dress, Belle (without drape and gauntlets) colors of my choosing – Simplicity 5705  I intend to make a black shrug for this one, if time allows.



Dress – Simplicity 4654  This one is rather simple, but pretty in a Little House on the Prairie way. :)



Shirt and Poodle skirt – McCalls 8555  This is an older pattern, but I really love the outfits!  The poodle skirt is so easy to make!  I still have to sew the snaps on the back of the shirt, but other than that, it is all done.



What the girls also do not know is that they will each be getting nightgown with a matching nightgown for their dolls.  I found these on sale at Kohls, and with my coupons and discounts, I got them for a great deal!



So it looks as if the girls and their dollies will be well clothed in the coming year! 

Great Deal

I have already admitted my love of sewing, and even confessed to making my own aprons.  I also love making doll clothes.  I have made it a tradition each year at Christmas to make a new outfit for my girls’ first baby dolls.  I have really enjoyed picking out cute fabric and making dresses, PJ’s, and even coats for their special little friends.  This year, however, I have upped the ante.  Esther received a Madame Alexander 18” doll for her birthday(courtesy of Swagbucks earnings) this year.  Jealousy immediately made itself evident in her older sister. “I want one!” said Abigail.  I told her she might get one for her birthday next year (May).  She frowned, and thought for a moment.  “How about for Christmas?”  She’s no dummy! :)
After looking at prices on pre-made clothing for 18” dolls, I fainted.  After I picked myself up off the floor, I knew there had to be a better way to clothe the dolls.  Thus began the search for 18” doll clothing patterns.  I must say I balked at the price range of the patterns - $9-17, depending on the store.  I resigned myself to buying one at a time as finances permitted.  This meant that I would probably have the entire collection by the time my granddaughters arrived!  I was visiting with my mom, and she happened to mention that Hobby Lobby (I love that store) was having a sale on patterns.  All Simplicity patterns are $.99 this week!  I begged her to take me over, and  sure enough, they had the 18” doll patterns.  I bought every single one they had – 16 in all!  I purchased all sixteen patterns for $15.84 with a total savings (figured from the price printed on the envelope) of $210.25!  What a blessing!

Now I have a complete arsenal of fashion – even the Disney Princess dresses.  I cannot wait to start my Christmas projects.  Shhhh!  Don’t tell my girls what is in store for them this year!  I am so excited!  What is the best deal you have come across lately?  By the way, it’s not too late to go snag some $.99 patterns at Hobby Lobby!