Is it supposed to be that way?

Sometimes people scare me.  

A couple weeks ago I bought a book at Walmart.  It was just a basic science fiction paperback.  It was turning out to be a really enjoyable book until I got to the middle of chapter 17, where it jumped to chapter 26.  Oops.  So I  look through it and I notice that not only does it make that jump, but a couple chapters further on it goes back to chapter 20 and then goes on to the end.  So it is completely missing 2 1/2 chapters.  

But like I said it was a good book, and when I kept forgetting to exchange it, I just bought another copy.  Then the other day I finally remembered to return it, and yes to Walmart.  I didn't have the receipt but the publisher had said to return it to the store and they could return it to the publisher.  I wait in line, and I finally get a free clerk.  I explain the problem with the book, and that it is MISSING chapters, and she actually looked at me and asked,

 I quote "Is it supposed to be that way?"  NO!

I did finally get a store credit, but I just couldn't believe she had actually asked me if a book is supposed to be missing chapters.  I really wanted to ask which school district she attended, just to be on the safe side for my childs future.

Opinion Question - please help me decide

My sister-in law had an ultrasound yesterday, they won't know how everything looks until she sees her doctor today, however they did find out that they are having a boy.

So now I have a question for you all.  I have this cute fabric that I want to use to make either a blanket or a quilt for the baby, I just can't decide which.  I'm just torn between a blanky  with this fabric and then a toddler size quilt later out of other fabrics, or a knight themed quilt out of these.  Help what do you think?  What would you do?  What would you like to receive if it was you?

If I make a blanket it will be a simple one with the knight fabric on one side and maybe minkee on the back with the shields as the binding.

If I make a quilt I'll add fabrics, they have a castle fabric that matches, or maybe even one of the patterns that make a large castle for the middle of the quilt.  

Nightgown update

Several posts ago I asked for your opinion on what I should do with the young girls I'm teaching to sew.  They wanted to make nightgowns for their trip to Disney World and the Bahamas.  I wasn't sure if I should teach them to sew using a pattern, or if I should do an easier free form nightgown.

We went with the easier dress idea and I thought I'd post pictures of how they were going.

It's a good thing that we did, the oldest probably could have followed the pattern okay, but it would have been very frustrating for (and with) the younger girl.  

I think they are turning out pretty cute!

Just an opinion question

Alright I have a question for you.  My daughter just got invited to her friends birthday party.  For the last several years they've asked that instead of presents "everyone please bring a filled shoebox or shoebox fillings to donate to those less fortunate through the Operation Christmas Child program", then they gave us a brochure on what can and can't be given.  Now I think that it's a great think that this 7 year old is willing to forgo her presents so that others can get some, however here's my problem.

To fill these shoeboxes it costs about $10 ( more if you want them really full), then in the enclosed brochure, my friend is highlighting the part about us also having to donate an additional $7 for the handling charges for each box.  So now we have a total of $20 that we are supposed to spend, and to top it all off this friend wants us to bring the stuff wrapped or in a gift bag for her daughter to open as gifts and then they'll be given to the charity.

I know this is for charity but this isn't the charity I really believe in.  Don't get me wrong, it's a good charity, but according to my friend these boxes go to children who are "Christian" and come to the missions, otherwise they wouldn't get them.  My other concern is that I think there are enough children in the US who are surrounded by the idea that if you're good Santa brings you gifts, but if you're not he doesn't.  So my preferred charity at this time of year is Toys for Tots, because my heart breaks for the children here who don't get a gift because his family can't afford it, and think it's because they were bad.  I actually shop clearance toys all year long so that I have a large stash of good toys to donate.

So is it wrong for me to feel a little railroaded into this?  This is my daughters good friend, we can't not go to the party.  We can't not bring something, so we have at least the $10.  Is it okay to just ignore the additional $7, since this was their idea to fill these boxes.  With my bargain shopping I find great gifts for way less than this.

Please let me know your opinion.