Back to School

This is a monumental year for us as both kids are in school now. Alyssa is in third grade and Lauren is in pre-school. The first two days for Alyssa have gone smoothly although there weren't any huge changes this year for her. The school was facing budget reductions and had to reduce the teaching staff, so Alyssa's second grade teacher is teaching a 2/3 blend class this year that Alyssa was put in. So, same teacher, same classroom, same hallway..... In some ways, it was a little disappointing for Alyssa as she would have liked a new classroom experience and her very own desk. She is still at tables shared by four kids like the previous grades.

Lauren just LOVES school and enthusiastically gave her teacher a hug when leaving yesterday. She attends three days a week in the morning and spends most of her time at her own desk, front and center, listening and repeating after the teacher. She says three pledges in the morning before class gets started ( to the flag, to the Christian flag, and to the Bible) and then dives into curriculum from the A Beka program.

Big news for Lauren! Last Sunday evening, Lauren asked the Lord Jesus to come into her heart and wash away her sins! Lauren is so excited and happy and has told me several times that she wants to tell everybody about it! Such sweet simple trust and understanding at age four.

Well, today is day 10 for the Amish Friendship starter, so that means baking day. Post to come soon.

Sewing Lesson

For a few months now, Alyssa has been asking me to teach her to sew on my machine. She has already done some mending with a needle and thread, so I thought it would be fun to pick out a simple project for the sewing machine. The craft store had a nice variety of fun fabrics suitable for children's aprons, so I let the girls pick out two each for their own projects. Alyssa went for the cupcakes with the contrasting blue fabric and Lauren went for the popsicles and contrasting green fabric.

After searching out ideas online, we sketched out some designs. Alyssa went for a more straight forward, easy pattern for her first experience, while Lauren picked out something a little more intricate, since her mom would be doing all the stitching.

Alyssa was shown how to take all the measurements, make a pattern out of newspapers and cut out the apron pieces.

Pinning the trim to the main body of Alyssa's apron.

Way to go Alyssa!!

Alyssa wanted big curved pockets on the front.

Alyssa did almost ALL of the sewing. I helped her with the rounded corners of the pockets. Great job!

Since I did all the sewing on Lauren's apron, I made it fully lined on the inside, so it is finished a little more nicely. Someday with more practice, Alyssa can do more difficult projects like that.

Alyssa has also been learning to knit on the round loom. She has knitted a hat for her doll and hopes to make a matching one for herself (Pictures to come). With two crafty girls, we should have no problem finding something to do this winter when we are stuck inside away from the rain. Looking forward to it!