DIY Fabric Garland

I just got a new tool-a rotary cutter with a pinking blade!  Cutting fabric has never been more fun.  Okay, I wouldn't say cutting fabric has ever been loads of fun, but today was pretty close.

I'm hosting a shower for an expecting friend in a couple of weeks and thought a fabric garland 

would be festive.  I used a tutorial from Twig & Thistle but made my triangle template 

8 inches high by 5 inches wide.  

Anyone else love their rotary cutter? (by the way, they are 50% off at Joann's this weekend!)

We Passed!!!!

She's ours!

Just got the email that said we could learn of our travel dates in 2-3 weeks, likely traveling in early August!

Yippee!!!!! Thank you, Lord!


By the way, if you're interested in the first chapter of Priceless-it's a free download at SheIsPriceless.com!

Books that make you want to do something: A giveaway

I love a good story.  Especially one that moves me.  Often I read stories that move me to tears.  Every once in a while I read one that moves me to act.


In honor of Sorette and our passing court tomorrow (call it faith?), I thought I would share a few books that have impacted me so much so that we will bring home our fourth baby a somewhat atypical way.


I read There is No Me Without You by Melissa Fay Green and knew I could not ignore Ethiopia's defenseless.  I wanted to bring a dozen babies home before I finished the last page.  Read it.  I dare you not to be moved.


Not too long after we began our adoption process, I was sent a copy of Red Letters by Tom Davis.  He is the president/CEO of Children's HopeChest, a children's advocacy organization that helps churches and corporations around the U.S. adopt an orphanage and make a real difference in the lives of orphans.  This great book describes the reality of life for much of the world's orphans.  


A few years later, I heard Tom Davis had written a novel, and not just one.  But his first novel in particular was recommended by a friend.  Scared is the story of an orphan girl in AIDS-devastated Swaziland and a photojournalist who cannot do nothing.  It is a hard sad story, but one with hope and redemption.

And now, Tom Davis has continued the story of the photojournalist, Stuart Daniels, on another mission in a new novel, Priceless set in Russia.  It's gripping from the first page, all the while so eye opening and thought provoking.  Possibly, God-willing, even life-changing.  My heart has definitely softened to the many orphaned girls in Russia because of this story.  


So, now for the giveaway!  Tom Davis has offered a signed copy of Priceless to one commenter on Pajama Mama.  A winner will be chosen on Sunday, June 27th.


Thanks for reading Pajama Mama and caring about the story of our girl!
***************GIVEAWAY CLOSED-Congrats, Shannon!*****************************

A New Court Date

Now we see only an indistinct image in a mirror, but then we will be face to face. 

Now what I know is incomplete, but then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known.

I Corinthians 13:12

It's been that kind of week.  

On Tuesday, as I was flying to my aunt's funeral, I got the email that said our case was not heard in 

court.  It was a national holiday and offices there were closed.  Our new court date is Wednesday, June 23rd.  

A Dresser and a Court Date

We got our court date!  June 15th-one week from today.  I am praying that we pass on the first go 'round and am hoping to hear word that day, as they are 8 hours ahead of us.  Travel could be 8 weeks after court, so nesting is now!  

Sunday night, I found this beautiful chest of drawers on Craigslist just 4 miles from us!  Picked it up less than an hour after I saw it posted.  It's so beautiful-too beautiful to paint pink.  Really I was looking for something more shabby on the outside and still clean on the inside.  This was the closest I could find, but not shabby enough on the outside to justify a coat of pale pink.  It's staying the way it is. 

Girls Room:: Dallas Sources

The girls' room is coming along painfully slow (to me, anyway).  I made it my Memorial Day goal to get fabric for the one window in the room.  And although I finally ended up with a purplish grey printed cotton from Hancock, I found a few new sources for fabric.  

Fabric sources:  Sew Mama Sew Shop (online)

City Craft (small local fabric shop that carries Amy Butler, Anna Marie Horner, Michael Miller, etc.)

I totally thought this was grey when I bought it.  When I stepped outside the store, it was obviously more purple.  But I still like it. 

I'm still on the mad hunt for a vintage tall dresser/chest of drawers/wardrobe thing to paint a pale pink.  In my hunt, though, I've found a few new Dallas shops that sell used furniture:

Lula B's: 2 locations with booths of Mid-century relics, furniture.

Atomica Modern: more Mid-century goodness.

Salvation Army at Harry Hines (although the entrance is on Inwood): the largest SA I've been to, loads of furniture.  

Still looking...

Any local favorites you've found?

Dear Daughter,

Dear Baby Girl, 

We cannot tell you enough how much we love you already. The journey to bring you home is far from over and full of time for me to busy myself with very important tasks.  Tasks like securing your VISA, praying over every concern I learn about and finding the perfect tall vintage dresser.  And while I'm busy waiting, I thought I would introduce you to those who call you family.  

I'll start with myself:  You can call me Mom.  I am stubborn, opinionated, and impatient.  But I am also a dreamer, a doer, and a pray-er.  I have no doubt that at some point you will question why I am your mom.  But I pray that you will see past my flaws to see my heart swollen with love for our family. 

Next to me is my best friend and your Daddy.  Let me tell you my first and most lasting impression of him:  He is a man of the utmost integrity.  I am not saying that because this is read by other people.  It is the truth, which I'm sure you will know and agree with albeit when you are older, because I know realizations concerning one's parents come later than other life realizations.

This is your Big Brother.  He does things his own way.  But it is a kind way.  You can trust him to take care of you.  

This is your other Big Brother.  He considers it his job to make you laugh.  And he will. 

And this is your new roommate and forever sister.  She is an artist and a friend.  That is not a common combination.  But she is a very special girl who will love showing you beautiful things.

Well, back to those busy tasks...Look soon for a package from us with a few photos so you will know what we look like when we come get you-and a lovey from your aunt and uncle and a dress I fear you have already outgrown.

Love,
Mom