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What do you sew a seamstress? What can you build a carpenter? It's always difficult to think of gifts for the crafty sort...but I received the most perfect sewn gift for my sweet baby Ollie that I would have never made myself. Cloth baby wipes! Even having one child's worth of cloth diapers under my belt, I had never considered the idea of reusable wipes – until I was given some. First finding out that they were made from upcycled flannel receiving blankets hooked me on the idea. I then considered the prospect of not having to go to the store in the middle of the night for a case of wipes and was sold – hook, line and sinker. Seven weeks in and the wipes are divine. I even carry my squirt bottle with solution (water, baby oil, lavender shampoo) out and about...the disposable wipes don't even make the short list for trips around town. So when a crafty friend had a new baby just a few days ago, there was only one gift to give/make. Here's what a set of girly wipes looks like: 
Here are the specs:
2 receiving blankets (generic store brand 100% cotton flannel) cut in 6" squares (making smaller wipes from the scraps) stitch right-sides-together, flip, press, top-stitch border So simple and they'll wear like iron. Here are a few additional uses for cloth baby wipes (not that I would be taking these from personal experience): breast milk cleanup nursing pad booger duty big kid faces general household cleaning coasters ...you name it...they're all over my house and the first thing I grab in a sticky situation!
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 It's been four years since I opened my life to cyberspace. Four years from today...at least that's what I thought until just now when I looked back to see that my first blog post was actually August 5th of 2008...not August 28th. But since I've been planning my Blogiversary for today...it will now be my "Belated Blogiversary." Because in my first-ever post I was worried about having something "interesting to say," I will stress no more about that, and will say only things that I know to be "true" – interesting or not.  This mom ↑ would not recognize this mom ↓ . One has evolved into the other through trials, tears and triumphs. Although they may be strangers across time, it is true that they would be friends.   It is true that I grow things because I want to, I cook only because I have to. This is one of our sunflowers...finally in bloom.  In four years I can truthfully say that raising boys is difficult. Making them happy is simple. Having a husband who is employed is a blessing. Not having to work more hours than necessary is worth eating from Aldi and dressing from Savers any day!
Although much has changed in the past four years, much remains the same. The things I love are still constant and dear. Books, trees, the arts, and my children...first one and now two. Four people in my family, one four-year-old, one four-legged friend, and four years on the web. Here's to the next FOUR! 
We're official! Little Free Library #2878. We received our darling sign yesterday and installed it within minutes. I've also registered our library at www.littlefreelibrary.com and we'll be on Google Maps in a week or two. The library seems to be building a following...more books coming and going each day!
About the sign itself – the LFL crew sends them out for FREE. You aren't required to register your library for $25, only if you want to be on Google Maps. The signs are made from 100 year old reclaimed barns and made by an Amish carpenter, Henry. Each one is unique and reflects years of weathering from the changing seasons of the Midwest. 
We were lucky enough to spend some time in Duluth this week. Hooray for FMLA and us being able to spend some time as a new family of four. Here is a pic by the "big lake." Along the way we also stopped by two very darling "Little Free Libraries." We are quite in love with the concept and it's almost like geocaching, or treasure hunting if you will. Plus, every so often Axel gets a new story to read in the backseat which has benefits untold! 
Last weekend I was introduced to the concept of "Little Free Library" (LFL) while visiting my parents in their new home! In their lovely neighborhood, I had my first ever LFL siting and was instantly hooked. The concept is simple, put a book box in your yard inviting all who see it to "take one" or "leave one." I have literally wanted to be a librarian for my whole life. At the age of...almost 30...I have finally decided to be one...on my own terms and turf of course. So, having been introduced to this mind-blowing concept, I put Jahred to work less than 24 hours later. $75 and about 16 hours turned both new and upcycled wood into the cabinesque LFL of my dreams. JUMP ON THE WAGON! I am seriously encouraging all who read this to install a library in your own yard. But you can't stop there, you should register your library at: www.littlefreelibrary.org By registering, you will get an official sign and number, and also be added to "google maps" so destination LFL seekers can find your library and contribute to your passion. 
The theme of our LFL is "Something for Everyone." I hope it will hold both adult and children's titles, works by local authors and also crafty books for the hands-on types.
We've started the box with a book by Kent Nerburn - local author who writes exquisitely about Minnesota and tribal issues, with a copy of my favorite knitting book "One Skein Wonders" - of which I have knit just about everything, and also our extra copy of "The Dog Says How" by Kevin Kling - our friend and favorite storyteller. We've held on to our extra copy of Kevin's book for an extra special purpose and our LFL fits the bill perfectly. So, visit the aforementioned website to map our the LFL's in your area. Catch the fever and install your very own. I'm hoping to bring literacy to the streets and encourage a neighborhood conversation that is both positive and heartfelt! |
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