Our small way to help

After a lot of thinking we (the troop) decided on a small way to help.  This Saturday is our first booth sale for Girl Scout Cookies, so we talked to the Service unit and got permission to donate the troops proceeds to the girls, and instead of collecting $ to send cookies to the troops (Cookies for a Cause), we'll collect for their fund.  In fact a few other troops have agreed to donate some of their profits, so our leader is actually going to open a nonprofit bank account for the family. 

Several of the girls in the troop have also volunteered to give the sisters their share of the cookie count from the booth sales.  I have to say I'm really impressed with our girls since our troop is Daisies (K) and Brownies (1st and 2nd), and yet they are willing to give up some of their prizes from cookie sales to help these 2.

I know these aren't a lot but I hope that this make things a little easier on the family and relieves a little of the stress.

I was still thinking of making them special journals that they can write or draw their thoughts, feelings and memories in.  

Have you said I love you today?

Yesterday was such a normal day!  In the morning I went and helped in Daphne's class.  Picked Andy up for lunch.  Sorted out the Girl Scout cookies to be delivered. Talked to my friend on the phone for way too long (as usual).  Got some stuff together for Girl Scouts World Thinking Day, where the local troops get together and learn about Girl Scouts in other countries, with a lot of food and treats.  I left a little early to pick up 2 sisters that are in our troop, because their Dad just had back surgery and wasn't up to driving them (the Mom isn't in the picture), and we were off.

World Thinking Day was your typical fun and crazy group activity.  The girls were wild and  loving it, and the adults were busy, busy, busy and vowing to simplify next year.  Finally at about 8:30 I dropped of the girls and headed home.  Tucked Daph in bed, vegged a little and went to bed.  Even this morning seemed so normal at our house.  Daph got up early, we fixed breakfast, did some shopping etc.  

Then I got a call from our troop leader.  Remember the sisters I dropped off last night?  Well this morning was anything but normal for them.  Sometime during the night their Dad had passed away and the 2nd grader was the one to find him.  My heart was breaking as Trish told me.  Finding a love one dead is my worst fear, and I just can't imagine if I was a 2nd grader and a kindergartner.

They are afraid that he may have accidentally overdosed on his pain medication.  I just kept thinking about when I dropped the girls off, was he slurring his words was there something I should have noticed, would their Dad still be here if I had?

At least their Grandma and Aunt live in town, and are here for them. But I just can't imagine what they are going through right now!  I suddenly remembered in the car they were talking about how much they had liked Steve Irwin, and how awful the felt for his children to have lost their Dad, and now 12 hours later their in the same spot.

We've told the Grandma to let us know whatever we can to do help.  There are several of us more than willing to do what we can.  But I keep trying to think of something special I can do for the girls.  For my friends I'd send flowers to let them know I'm thinking of them and that they are in my prayers, but is that appropriate for little girls.  What else can I do?  I've thought about offering that when they are ready I would take some of the Dad's clothes and make something for each girl, I just don't know.  If anyone has any ideas please let me know and please keep these little girls in your prayers. 

And remember to hug those important to you and tell them how lucky you are to have them in your life, because this just reminded me that you never know how long you have with them!

We made it!!!

I was so relieved, the girls and I finished the nightgowns yesterday.   Just in time too, they leave for their trip next Wednesday.  The nightgowns turned out really cute.  The girls even got to add some decorative buttons and ribbon flowers.  The only thing I did different than the tutorial was that I tapered the sides instead of leaving them straight.  

And the winner is..... OWOH Giveaway

I can't believe the response I got to my OWOH giveaway.  I never dreamed I'd get close to 300 entries.  I know I had great fun visiting all the blogs, and getting to "meet" you all.   I hope that everyone who came to visit will come back occasionally.

And now the winner of the giveaway is ......... Dragonlady

*** Daragonlady I've sent you an email to find out your fabric choice and get your mailing address.

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!

Here was yesterday's project!

When we first moved into our house, our bedroom door squeaked terribly.  So I had my husband oil it.  Suddenly it no longer stayed open, it didn't squeak but it just wouldn't stay open.  We've used all kinds of things to hold it open for the last five years.  I know we could have fixed it, but why!

While I was reading blogs a couple weeks ago I found this door stop pattern by Oh Fransson, and knew I'd have to make it.  Isn't it cute.  It was also very easy.

My daughter has already picked out her fabric for one and my husband said I should make one for the guest room, since we have a terrible time with our doors shutting when the windows are open.

How awful, now I'll have to spend more time sewing!