Sewing with Children: Stuffed Rabbit

"Mama, can we sew something?"  Hannah and her friend, Abbi were excited to sew.  These days, great ideas and creative inspiration come from Pinterest.  The girls hopped on the computer searching for a sewn stuffed animal to sew.  They narrowed it down to stuffed rabbits.  They found the perfect little bunny as inspiration.  There wasn't a proper internet link, so they observed the picture and went to work constructing their own rabbit.

 

First, they decided on the size of their pattern. Then they cut the pattern and pinned it to the fabric.  The fabric they used was from the scrap pile.

 Next, they sewed a furry belly onto each of their bunnies.

 Then they added eyes.  Abbi decided on button eyes; and Hannah decided on stuffed doll eyes.

After getting the eyes on, Hannah embroidered eye lashes, a nose and mouth onto her bunny.  Then the girls worked on the ears. 

 They added pipecleaners to the ears to make them stick up and bend.

The bunnies turned out very cute.  I love when kids are inspired to create!  Providing tools and encouragement are all that is required on my part.  Along with a little help when someone gets stuck.

Here's the link to the Pinterest rabbits   http://www.pinterest.com/pin/116601077826343906/
I think the girls added nice personality to theirs. 

Samuel Turned Nine

We had a birthday this weekend! Samuel turned nine and was very particular as to how we were to celebrate. German chocolate cake, decorated by the birthday boy, along with shrimp and scallops for dinner, and bowling, made for an exciting day.  I can't believe this is his last year in single digits.





 

 

 

A Quick Snow and Noah's First Hunt

I awoke in the middle of the night to a beautiful blanket of white shimmering snow. It seems so early. The children would be excited. As soon as they woke, they begged to play outside. Beds made, teeth brushed, dressed, food in the bellies, and Bible lesson completed, the children eagerly searched through the winter box. I was not prepared for this. Digging winter totes out of the basement and quickly hauling them upstairs is a sure way to be reminded that winter is coming and it is time to organize all the coats, boots and other necessary items. 

We knew the snow would not last long. The ground is not frozen. So, outside play before school lessons seemed like a great way to start our day. The play did not last long. Cold hands brought them back in after a short while. Except for one child who presses on sledding and rolling snowballs, hoping to build a little snowman. Eli loves the snow. The others come in, get warm and head back out. I prefer the running in and out for warm summer days when the house doesn't get cold. 

Oh, and Noah went on his first hunting trip.  Several weeks ago, he started an independent hunter's education study.  Once he was finished, he attended a hunter's education class at Cabela's.  He and his Da spent the day together exploring the store and attending Noah's class.  He was excited to receive his Hunter's Safety Certification and Hunter's License.

Last week, Noah and his Da went hunting.  They spent a lot of time walking and exploring.  And, I'm sure good conversation between father and son happened.  It was a beautiful day.  Noah did a great job for his first time.  He came home with a squirrel.  Good job Noah.  I am excited for the next time they go out.  The younger boys are looking forward to the days that they can hunt with Da and Noah too. 

An Autumn Walk

These warm days are gradually disappearing as the cold air comes and the days grow shorter. It's nice to get out, take walks and enjoy the weather before it gets really cold. Of course, then we grab the coats, hats and gloves; but, for now, it is nice to stroll and enjoy without freezing.

As I start my walk, I snap a shot of our huge wood pile. It is just about time to split and stack for next year's heat. This will be a weekend family affair requiring hard work, thick gloves and a wood splitter.

Walking into the pasture, I come across the turkeys and chickens, who are always eager for a snack. Unfortunately, I am not carrying the scrap bucket, so they will have to wait till next time. That does not stop them from following me all around the pasture. 

Next, I pass the sheep, who are also eager for a snack. I do not have grain. They cautiously follow with the birds, curious to see what I am doing in their yard.

The goats are excited to see me. They come running and prancing hoping for neck rubs and a treat. I feel like the gingerbread boy, as more and more critters line up behind me like an animal parade. Poor Nez. I went through the gate to check on the boys playing in the woods. The parade stops for now.

In the woods, I discover the little boys exploring and using their imaginations. Abby joins in on the fun. 

Samuel finds tiny fiddle heads under piles of leaves.

We all head toward the pasture, but decide to continue our walk on the outside of the fence. Cobra, the kitty does not mind. He joins in the animal parade.

The turkeys, goats, chickens, sheep and cat continue to follow us on our walk....from the inside of the fence.  Silly animals walked all around the pasture. I imagine, we could walk down the road and they would follow close behind. I am not going to try that experiment though....well, maybe with the goats.

On we continue to the front of the property to check the mail. The garden is finished, but still needs to be cleaned and covered for the winter.  The trees need pruned. The to-do list grows. The projects never stop. It is all worth it as we look forward to flower buds in the orchard and warm soil for planting.

Almost to the mailbox, we stop and pick up shovels and bikes, left from previous explorations.

Once we get to the mailbox, a little boy becomes eager to put his feet in a cold mud puddle. He enjoys it while he can, because soon, he will be in boots and snow pants looking for new adventures.

Up the driveway and back to the barn, the boys run off, and I stop to visit the baby bunnies. I think they are the cutest addition to our little farm. 

I needed the fresh air and break from the household routine. I hope you are enjoying the Autumn days too.