Showers of Blessing

Cade Has Arrived!

2008-10-16T21:50:00.000-07:00

Leslie just officially posted the news! Hooray! Check out her blog for details....

Old Baby Snapshots Competition!

2008-10-05T03:19:00.000-07:00

Aaaaw Ladies what a fun and amazing time it seems was had by all (even Nick!) So bummed I couldn't be here to share in all the fun but know that I was thinking of you all, constantly asking what the time was (and stating to Morgan how long it was till 'shower time'), wondering what you would all be up to and humming the theme song 'Find your wings' as I was traveling away from (internet & phone) reception and you all!

With that said I'm sure you want to know which Lovely ladies were featured in our Old Baby Snapshots Competition (and who the winner is!)
so without further adieu... the answers...

Little Miss #1

That 'crafty mumma' the beautiful... Andi Mae

Little Miss #2

Our 'Collector of quotes' sweetest... Chelle
(seriously such a cute picture!)

Little Miss #3

Our shower 'Brainchild' the darling...Dawna

Little Miss #4

Little Miss Mac...Katie Mac that is

Little Miss #5

Beautiful & constantly inspiring...Wendi

Little Miss #6

The Creative & Beautiful ...Fairlight

(is anyone else seeing a little bit of Miss Sadie Rose in this pic?)

Little Miss #7

Caring & gorgeous... Dalia (mumma changa)

Little Miss #8

Stunning and adorable... Jacy
(seriously that little expression, those dimples.. is so little Ryder?!)

see...

I was so amazed by how so close so many of you were to guessing 8 correct answers out of 8! Perhaps the hints were too easy? But I like to think that during this time we have become such good friends and kindred spirits that we were able to pick up who was who by a few simple hints. And that ladies is so special :)

Also thank you to those ladies who sent their baby pictures in for posting up and for those who took the time to come and play.. you guys have made this experience SO.MUCH.FUN!

And our winner with a score of 8 correct guesses out of 8, with "her finger crossed" AND with the fastest time is dearest Jacy! Jacy.. can you email me your address details and I will send your prize out in the post soon :)

kt
x

Welcome to Leslie's Baby Shower

2008-10-03T18:30:00.000-07:00

Surprise, Leslie!!!

This is your "bloggity baby shower", which is being thrown for you by "The Internet".

It all began when some of your blog followers got together and decided to create something that would bless you and your sweet baby, Cade, because you have blessed so many people. A secret blog was created, invitations were sent out, and the result was what you see now: a collaboration of efforts by people who have never met in real life but who were drawn together by their love for you!

The video below tells the story of how it came about, and introduces you to the friends behind this shower. We are opening this blog up to the public tonight, so in addition to the ladies featured in the video, be sure check out the comments here to see what other guests drop by.

For those of you dropping by to visit tonight, Welcome and Thank You for being part of our Showers of Blessing for Leslie and Cade. Please leave a comment as a way of signing our guest book (think of it as a giant greeting card for Cade and his Momma). While Leslie is opening her gifts, feel free to play our shower games (links below) and chat with us on the sidebar.

So, without further ado, let's get this shower started. To throw a proper baby shower you must have:

A Guest of Honor- Leslie

Gifts

sent by the ladies in the video, delivered by Leslie's IRL friend, Susan (Thanks!)

Treats

we couldn't figure out how to "share" these on the blog, but please feel free to indulge in your favorite treat while hanging out with us. Susan made the brownies pictured here to share with Leslie, Leslie's husband Nick, and their daughter Rylan.

Games

follow the links to play along and enter to win fabulous prizes

Baby Word Poems

Baby Picture Guessing Game

How Big is Baby?

Doorprize Drawing (leave a comment below and one name will be drawn at random)

Comraderie, Giggles, and an overall Terrific Time Together

there is a cbox (chat box) on the side bar. If you prefer to see it full-page, use this link.

While you're here, be sure to check out these very cool things:

The Messy Journal

(Andi's brilliant idea which combines scrapbook pages from several of the ladies involved int this shower.)

A List of Things We Love About Leslie

(compiled by the lovely Jacy. If you would like to add your own thoughts, please leave a comment on that page!)

And don't forget to check out the video at the bottom of the page!

So please sit back, relax, and let's have a great time together!

messy journal love

2008-10-03T17:50:00.000-07:00

Dearest Leslie,

A few of your gifts are on their way! I made Mr. Cade a couple of little appliqued onesies (still need to take photos- I will post them later...), I have a couple of books for you, and best of all I have this amazing, beautiful messy journal, created by all of us for you, our beloved friend.

I scanned the pages so that you could get a feel for what it looks like and so that all of the girls could see the completed project as well:

The cover of the journal, as well as the back look like this:

They were made with scraps from sweet Chelle's quilt.

Before each one of the lady's pages is a little page marker that looks like this:

And here are the pages!

Wendi's:

Chelle's:

Dawna's:

Susan's:

Jacy's:

Katie's:

Of course, I completely forgot to scan my pages in the rush to get it all done...but I will post those, as well as photos of the onesies this weekend.

I love you, sweet friend!

xo Andi

Getting Ready to Load the Car with ALL your LOVE...

2008-10-03T16:19:00.000-07:00

Dawna's Mudpie Brownies!

2008-10-03T14:25:00.001-07:00

These are AMAZING!!!! And Dawna's instructions are super clear and wonderful.

I'm no genius in the kitchen, and these came out great! And I now have powdered cocoa and sugar scattered EVERYWHERE.

I'm running out now for a couple hours, so this blog and the mess in my kitchen will have to wait til later ...

Miss Susan?

2008-10-03T13:22:00.000-07:00

I was just curious (as I am sure many of us are!), how you are going to present all this to Leslie. Would you mind filling us in a little bit when you get the chance?

Thank you so much!

The Baby Poem Game....

2008-10-03T13:07:00.001-07:00

WE HAVE A WINNER!!!!!!
CONGRATULATIONS KT MAC!

The initial instructions were listed here. But the response I recieved from you laides was so overwhelming and sweet that I decided to go ahead and reconfigure the whole thing, not once but twice. The touching entries can be found here.

Winner to be announced tonight!

We Love You Because...

2008-10-03T12:14:00.000-07:00

Dawna

I Love your spunk, drive, and very Leslie-ness

I Love your beautiful way of seeing the world and sharing it through your photography

I Love the deep love you have and share for your husband and children

I Love the fact that you are real and honest

I Love your faith in the Lord

I Love your cheerful attitude in the face of difficult things

………………………………............................

Andi Mae

I Love so many things about you, Leslie:

I Love your ability to find joy + humor even in the midst of your trials.

I Love your faith. Always so inspiring and encouraging.

I Love your complete realness. No pretense- the person you meet on your blog is who you truly are in real life- or at least over the phone ;)

I Love your amazing eye for photography.

I Love your beautiful decorating style.

I Love your passion for Jesus, Nick, + your sweet kids. So obvious that they are what is most important to you in life.

I Love your creativity and willingness to try anything. You get inspired to make something and you just do it and don't worry about the outcome.

I Love your sweet little giggle.

I Love how you always look for ways that you can reach out to other people with the love of Christ, even in the midst of your own pain and struggles.

I Love the way you find beauty in the simplest things.

I Love your adorable Leslie-ness.

I Love you, dear friend!

………………………………...........................................

Fairlight

Your Love, for the Lord colors everything you do
I Love the love you have for your husband which inspires me to try a little harder

I Love your joy with Rylan that keeps you going, even when the days are tough

I Love your ability to stay upbeat and cheerful, when the rest of us would be a puddle of tears

I Love your amazing eye, you have taught me to look at the world a little differently

I Love that you are honest, you are real, there is no pretense

I Love that you love life and you live it to the fullest, squeezing out every smidgen of enjoy-able-ness from an experience

I Love your sweet spirit

I Love your spunkiness

I Love your ability to look on the bright side

I Love your smileI Love that you are just fun to be around :)

I Love how you are creative and artistic and you don’t mind sharing the knowledge that you have, with us.

I Love being your friend Leslie!

It's been so wonderful getting to know you and seeing your family grow and watching you grow and change as you go through mommy-hood and life. It's been an honor and a pleasure.Hugs to you friend!

………………………………............................................................

Jacy

I Love that in the short time I have known you, I have come to find how beautiful of a soul you have.
I Love witnessing the love you share for your family, for your children, husband and Jesus.
I Love how your portray such a Godliness about you always being Christ like, even in times when you are going through so much pain and frustration yourself.
I Love the song that plays in your heart when writing a post. I can always here it and smile when I read.
I Love how Jesus shines his light through you and how you share that light with everyone you come in contact with.
I Love how you are genuine, real, giddy and love life
I Love how you are able to find humor in the most humiliating of circumstances (referring to post office instance)
I Love how you find more joy in the simple things in life.
I Love your faith and hope in all things. It has been so encouraging to me.
I Love your ability to create and make beautiful out of anything you touch.
I Love your photographs.
I Love how I feel like I know you so well because you make it so easy to have a friend in you.
I Love that I am able to smile every time I “visit” you. You always bring sheer delight to my day.
I Love how you exclaim over Rylan.
Most of all I Love the fact that I get the opportunity to be apart, even a fraction of your life, and hope that maybe somewhere along the lines I am able to give back to you a little of all the things you have shared with us.
I just flat out Love you, Leslie.

………………………………............................................................

Mamachanga

Oh gosh, so many things about you I Love and cherish...

I Love your optimism and positive attitude (especially through the rough times)

I Love your honest words about your feelings and mommy-hood

I Love your tremendous FAITH and the fact that you share it with us

I Love the beautiful pictures you take which allow us to see your world through your eyes

I Love the strong love you have for Rylan, Nick and Cade and how it shines through in each and every post

I Love the fact that you are so creative and multi-talentedHow glad I am to have been blog hopping and found you!

Your words, positive thoughts, photos, love for your family and faith have kept me coming back daily! Hugs & Blessings!

……………………………….................................................

Chelle

Your fierce Love for Nick, Rylan, and Cade

I Love your amazing creative eye for any sort of design and photography

I Love the incredible way you express yourself in writing
I Love how stinking ambitious you are...taking on any task or craft with such energy and giftedness.
I Love how much you love to entertain and how open your home is to friends.
I Love your ability to laugh at yourself ( as you tell us about your skirt wearing post office, one year old in tow most recent embarrassing moment )
I Love your awesome recipes!
I Love that you are a money saving wizard!
I Love our, two, three or more always encouraging, often funny,email conversations

I Love getting to hear you laugh and tell stories and hearing your voice on the phone

I Love your passion for the Lord

I Love how much fun you are

I Love that you keep it real, while always keeping spirit of thankfulness about you

I Love your inability to be on bed rest ( i.e. sit still )

And I echo what Dawna said about your spunk and drive and Leslieness...

I Love and adore all those things about you!

………………………………..........................................

KT Mac

I Love the way you walk with God through trials and difficulties but continue to glorify and praise him

I Love your spunk that comes out through the words and pictures on your blog

I Love your photographs that inspire me so

I Love your crafts and scrap booking pages

I love your love for life and finding joy in the little things

………………………………............................................................

Wendi

I Love the love that is displayed in your family

I Love the awe that you express over life’s special things and life’s special moments

I Love the way that awe is contagious

I Love your love for the Lord

I Love the sweet relationship between you and NickI Love Rylan's amazing smile

I Love how you have hope through tough stuff

I Love your inspiring positive attitude

I Love your superb photos

I Love your amazing decorating and crafting

.........................................................................................................................................

Susan

I love your tenacious, fierce, yet thoughtful and intentional LOVE for your family.

l love that you praise Jesus through good times AND bad times.

I love your humor.

I love your creative eye! And the way you see/find beauty in the simplest stuff.

I love that your house is a HOME. And a welcoming one at that.

..........

Leslie

We love you because it is just one hundred and ten percent impossible to not love you.

With that said, dear friend may God bless you and keep you and continue to wrap his arms around you with his loving grace and mercies.

We love you, we pray for you, we think of you often, we wish you all the good things in this life. We hope that everything happy falls into yours and your family's path. That sunshine is always above your head.

We love you Leslie Autumn, and we always will.

All our love,

Dawna, Andi Mae, Fairlight, Chelle, Dalia, Susan, Katie, Wendi, Jacy

and all the girls who have put in a big roll in hopes to make this day the most special and cherished in your heart forever.

Today is the Day!

2008-10-03T12:02:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

Can you believe the day of the shower is finally here?! I am so excited I can hardly stand it. Thank you to each of you for sharing your time and talents to make this happen. You took a simple idea and turned it into something much greater... something magical. You are an extraordinary group of ladies and I feel blessed for having had the chance to be a part of this with you.

According to Susan, the shower will take place at 8pm tonight (Pacific Time). Since I'm a list-maker by nature, here's my to do list for today:

*Streamline the blog a bit - I plan to take it down to only one post showing, which will be a welcome post for Leslie and the guests. That post will include links to the baby shower games and the blogs of everyone involved. I will also remove the personal information for Leslie and Amanda. Of course, anyone who is interested can cruise through the older posts. I will also include the url for the chatbox which pulls it up full screen, in case anyone is interested.

*Write the welcome post. Chelle, would you like to help with this one?

*Test the links.

*Write my personal blog post about the shower (everyone should do this one) and wait until 8 pm to publish it. I think you can schedule a post to publish at a specific time so it will do it automatically... If you use blogger, there is a "Post Options" link at the bottom of your post next to the Labels box. When you click it you can choose the time it will publish (make sure you adjust for time zones, if necessary), then hit "Publish Post". I will also be including the amazing link button that Wendi created. (Thanks!)

*Make the blog public at 8pm.

Am I forgetting anything? At 8:00 when all of the blogs are published, you might pop into your friends' blogs and invite them to stop by Showers of Blessing and leave a comment for Leslie. Then, sit back and chat. Can you imagine how fun and crazy it will be with all of us online at the same time? I can't wait.

Have a blessed day! Hugs, Dawna

Last Chance!

2008-10-03T11:15:00.000-07:00

Nine or so hours until the shower begins! I wish there were some way where we could all here each other's screams and giddy girlish giggling because right now, that is what I have doing lately.

Benji came home last night :) And from a little comment that Chelle made earlier on my blog, Thursday DOES so happen to be my favorite time of the day...all because he arrives home to us :)

Okay so anyway, just wanted to make sure I didn't leave ANYONE out on "the List" for Leslie, telling her all the things we LOVE about her. So far I only have eight ladies including myself and I know there are more of you so I wanted to go ahead and announce it one more time just in case it was missed. I have the list ready to be published but wont be publishing it until the shower goes public, but since BENJI is home with us, we'll be soaking up daddy time as much as possible and will probably be outside for most of the day here on out. I'll check back a couple hours prior to the shower to make sure and if there are more, then I'll just add them really quick :)

Does this sound all okay? I hope so! I can't wait I am getting so excited and I hope all your girls know just how much I love each and everyone of you and just how thankful I am to have been apart of this experience with you all. Having friends like you girls have been the biggest blessing!

Love you ALL and can't wait oh I so can't wait!

More on the Baby Poem Game...

2008-10-03T09:27:00.001-07:00

On account of the sheer volume of all your sweet poems I am thinking the best way to do this...is to set but a post for the game on here, that links to each of your personal blogs. So if those of you who wrote something up for Leslie wouldn't mind posting your verse or verses somewhere in your shower post tonight or even separately and then sending me the link I will try and put that all together. I think it is the easiest way to to do this. Also later on in the evening Annabelle will be randomly pulling one of your names out of a hat and I will then announce the winner of this Baby Poem game. Thank you ladies, I hope this is not too confusing.

Ok, Lovely Ladies - We have Clearance...

2008-10-03T08:01:00.000-07:00

The shower (barring any complications discovered during a boatload of doctor appts. today) will be

Tonight!!! Friday, October 3, 8pm (PT)!!!
Please let me know any instructions you have for me ... other than the obvious delivering of goodies & cheer!

Detail questions

2008-10-03T07:15:00.000-07:00

Hello ladies! That slide show is amazing!!! It will be treasure!

Sorry for asking a question which I am sure has been asked before and probably answered, but I am wanting to make sure that all of this goes smoothly and beautifully. So, my understanding is that we are to write a message to Leslie on our own personal blogs - is that correct? Oh and I'm curious too how she will ultimately find out about all of this? Will Nick be telling her? Susan? Or will she find out on one of our blogs?

I have my message written and saved on my blog to be published when I get word of a time. I have also put the button (that I made and posted here) at the beginning of the message and have it as a link to this site. I informed my readers of what it's all about and if they click on the image they will be brought to this secret shower blog. :) I think it will be a great encouragement to others just to see it and read about it. There is so much love here!

I recently helped do a birthday tribute for a bloggy friend where about 7 or 8 of us were involved. We each wrote a tribute to her and posted a video of her. In our message we linked to every one who was doing it, so others could see each one. Would you all want to do that too (link to each blog posted about Leslie tonight in our personal messages?) - or is that too much work? I don't even know how many are involved and will be doing a message tonight, but I do think it could be neat for others to see all the love. Perhaps just coming here would be enough though. Any thoughts?

Since I am putting the button linking to here on my blog (probably to be published tonight?) and we are now going public, this may be a good time to take addresses off (Amanda's and Leslies).

Also, Chelle, I sent a poem contribution to your email but it was sent back to me. I will leave it as a comment on this blog post instead.

Old Baby Snapshots Competition!

2008-10-03T06:00:00.000-07:00

Hey Ladies (& Miss Leslie),

I hope you are having a ball at the shower! And Leslie I hope you are feeling so blessed! I am so bummed I could not be here to share it with you all (we are traveling today for a weekend away) but know that I am thinking of you all!

Ready to play another party game?
Here's our Old Baby Snapshot Competition!

The following pictures are of some of the amazing ladies who have been involved in making this shower happen and some of the creative brain's behind this event so lets see if you can work out who these cuties are ...

Here's how this game will work. Send an email to me at ktbearxox@hotmail with your answers to who you think each lady is. Each picture also has three helpful hints. The lady with the most correct answers will win a ''Kt Mac apron' (made with yummy Amy Butler Fabrics) and a few other goodies. If there is a tie I will get back to you with what will happen but it will probably be the lady who guesses the most correct in the fastest time. I will reveal the winner on the blog within the next couple of days (and post up the correct answers).

Have a tonne of fun ladies
Kt xxx

Little Miss # 1

Hints:
1. Mama of two.
2. Recovering perfectionist.
3. Lover of paper + fabric.

Little Miss #2

Hints:

1. you don't know me by my first name
2. i am a collector of quotes
3. i am addicted to making mosaics out of my flickr favorites

Little Miss # 3

Hints:

1. I have three babies of my own.

2. I love to cook and bake.

3. I'm very close with my grandmother.

Little Miss #4

Hints:

1. I love to sew and craft and always have too many projects going on at once
2. I have a love for old photos
3. something rather exciting is happening for me soon

Little miss # 5

Hints:
1. I know a thing or two about being mommy to boys
2. My husband just had a birthday
3. I volunteer once a week at a job that I love!

Little miss #6

Hints:

1. I like photography
2. I'm a stay-at-home mom of two
3. I like to do lots of crafting

Little Miss #7

Hints:

1. Mumma of two little miracles
2. i am currently a SAHM but was previously a teacher
3. I enjoy crocheting

Little Miss #8

1. mamma of two
2. My husband and I have been married for four years
3. I have an in-the-closet monkey fettish

How big is baby?

2008-10-03T05:07:00.000-07:00

So Big!
Time to guess Baby Cade's weight!
How much will he weigh when he's makes is arrival?

Leave you guess in the comments section
Whoever guesses the closest to his weight
will win a "simple tote" made from vintage barkcloth
with a matching "no cash" wallet.

Start guessing ladies!
You have until Sunday night 9pm EST to enter!

I'll announce the winner
after little man makes his arrival.

image found here

Tweaking the Baby Poem Game

2008-10-02T21:17:00.000-07:00

Because I have recieved such sweet and touching poems from many of you I am going to change my original idea of making one great big poem out of them and instead post them each individually. They each stand alone so beautifully and you all did such an amazing job! Wow. I am so thrilled for Leslie to read them...I know they will bless her...

I am so excited to get to be in on this party and for Leslie to find out about all this tommorow that I can hardly stand it and am afriad I am going to have a hard time thinking about it tonight...she is going to be so absolutely stunned and blessed and awed by it all ladies. And I have a feeling the timing is going to be perfect and it is going to be just the cheering up she needs, going into next week. I hope so. Oh I hope so!

Shower Timing...

2008-10-02T20:26:00.000-07:00

Hi All!
Sorry for the lack of update. Leslie's aunt is flying in to town either tomorrow night or Saturday some time (to take care of Leslie - yay!!). I'm still waiting to hear from Nick to find out when her flight is arriving. If it's at shower time, we'll probably bump the shower time til later ... or pick a different day.

When I spoke to Leslie this morning, she still didn't know when her aunt was arriving.

I'm so sorry to leave you all up in the air like this. As soon as I know anything, I'll post...

One last thing...

2008-10-02T17:18:00.000-07:00

I can't believe how everything is coming together like it is!
Each day I am amazed by the love and concern for our dear friend, Leslie.
AManda too, as I know that she is probably dealing with a lot of unanswered questions at the moment. But praying that God sees everything through according to his will.
That her sweet baby is healthy and okay.

A while back I mentioned making a "List" for Leslie. You can find the first post here
I know that this is a last minute thing and I have been around some, but just minutes at a time. My little guys keep me so buisy and really if you saw our calender for the next three months then you would totally see where our spare time goes :P

I think Leslie is truly going to be blessed with everything that we have already done for her. I can only imagine and picture her reaction when she comes to this blog.
I thought it would be fun to make a list of all the things we LOVE about Leslie, and her family. If you ladies think we are just too short for time, I totally understand.
If not...instead of emailing me with your list of things, which would be way too time consuming, you could just simply leave a comment here and then they would be rewritten in "The List"
Does this sound too cheesy?
I love the thought of a list, but I'm so afraid that maybe I'm not the man or in this case the women for the job lol...If you guys have a better idea feel free to shoot!

Let me know what you think!

Slideshow 2.0

2008-10-02T13:14:00.000-07:00

Here's the latest version of the slideshow. I've added a few things (be sure to check out mamachanga (aka Dalia) and Andrea. We finally know what they look like, and I assure you they are beautiful ladies indeed) and also I fixed the timing issues... I think. Please take a moment to check it out and let me know what I still need to fix. I am still not having luck with making this a full-screen video. I've converted it to every file type imaginable (wmv, mov, flv) and inserted it into various media programs, including onetruemedia and GOM. The problem seems to be that blogger prefers to use Flash MediaPlayer. My brain is fried from working on this (I hear sizzling and I'm almost certain that's bacon I smell), so if anyone has any flashes of brilliance on the subject please, please tell me now. (Does anyone hear '80's music?) In case you can't tell, technology is not my first language but I welcome help and/or translation. :-)

PS- Don't forget to pause the playlist.

I told you my little brother is a genius! Check out the BIGGER version of the video at the bottom of this page and let me know what you think.

button

2008-10-02T11:12:00.001-07:00

Hi girls! I made a button to add to each of our personal blogs on shower day - if you all like it and want to use it. Oh - and if it's okay with Susan that I used this picture. :)

I am very likely the least technologically savvy one here... and I'm sure you all already know this stuff.:) but, if you want to add this image to your side bar blogger will give the option of adding a link. You can add the link to this blog (http://showersofblessingforcade.blogspot.com/) then whenever any one clicks on this image it will bring them to this blog. If you want the image in your post all you have to do is add it as an image into the post, then highlight it and do the add a link (control, shift, a) thing. Wow, I feel like I am rambling. :) Those of you who know way more than me are probably laughing right now, because I'm sure there are easier and better ways, but that's my two cents. :)

Baby Poem Game

2008-10-02T11:11:00.000-07:00

Here is how this works. Take up to five or so of any of the words from this word cloud, add your own and make a verse or two up that ryhmes for a collective poem. I will then put the verses together to make a baby shower poem as a keepsake for Leslie. Silly , serious or sweet, it's up to you.

For every verse you write your name will be entered into a drawing for a customized banner for autumn to hang on your mantel, in a window or to cozy up a bare spot your the wall. The banner will read Give Thanks, unless of course you would prefer it to say something else, ( Life is Sweet, Take Joy, etc. for examples ) I would be happy to do any short phrase for you, and in your choice of autumn colors.

If you have any questions you can email me at seachellgirl@msn.com
I know this is short notice but if you could have your entries in by Thursday evening so I can put them all together in time for Friday's possible shower, I would dearly appricate it.

Thanks so much to each of you beautiful wonderful ladies, and have fun with this!

Game signup..

2008-10-02T05:46:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder for those of you who missed the post about our first game 'Old baby Snapshots competition' - details found here.

I still only have 2 baby photos from you ladies and will need some more sent to me to get the game up and running in time for the shower on Friday (that is if it goes ahead)

Remember the winner will receive an apron (made from some gorgeous Amy Butler Fabric!) and some other fun goodies too :)

Hope to get your photos soon ladies.

kt x

more on the messy journal...

2008-10-01T21:44:00.000-07:00

Hey girls!

So the plan was to try and send the messy journal (plus my other gifts- appliqued onesies + a book (Mitten Strings From God- a really, really great essay type book on being a mama)) to Susan via Express Mail overnight tomorrow, so that it would all get to her in time for the shower. But no can do. It would literally cost me almost $40 to send it that way! So I am going to try to send it via Priority Mail, so that she will get it by Saturday or Monday.

I thought about sending it all to Leslie, since it will get there after the shower, but just in case the shower gets postponed again, I am going to just send it all to Susan.

I am so sorry that all of your beautiful pages will not be there in time for the shower! I feel horrible about that. But I am going to take photos or scan them all and post them here so that you can all see them, and more importanly, Miss Leslie can see them!

More on Amanda (plus a little housekeeping)

2008-10-01T19:18:00.000-07:00

I know many of you have been praying for Amanda today and some of you have expressed an interest in contacting her. I asked her for permission to share her information and she agreed, as long as we take it down before the blog goes public.

Also, several of you have raised good questions about what will happen on the shower day. Remember that we're making this up as we go along (so far, so good); I'm thinking that everyone will write a blog post(can be done ahead of time) and publish at the same time. In that post will be a link to the shower site, which we will make public at that time (does anyone know how to create a link button?). We'll have the chatbox up and running (I'll repost the direct link if you want it larger so its easier to read), and anyone who's available can hang around and chat it up with Leslie. It sounds like Susan will be visiting Leslie to deliver treats and presents, and I'm guessing we could twist her arm and talk her into taking lots of fabulous photos. There will also be some on-line baby shower games going on, with fabulous prizes from Chelle, Fairlight, and Katie (we've seen how creative and talented this group is... who wouldn't want to win one of their prizes?!). If anyone has any suggestions for making the shower more interactive, please speak up. Like I said, we're making this up as we go along.

I'm still making changes to the video, so if you want to add anything please try to get it to me by noon (PST) on Thursday 10/2. Onetruevideo isn't liking my file, but I'm still working on a solution for getting the video to play full-screen. Again, suggestions welcome.

Hugs and Blessings to you all! ~Dawna

FRIDAY night!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-10-01T14:00:00.000-07:00

Of course, this is assuming Cade doesn't arrive between now and then.
;-)

Nick and I are still working out the time... I'll add specifics to this post as I get them.

There might be one thing on the horizon that delays Friday night. Stay tuned...

Yippeeee! I just got QUILTS!

2008-10-01T13:31:00.001-07:00

Ok, so I sent off an email to Nick. I asked him if Friday night, Saturday morning, or Sunday afternoon/evening would work for a shower. As soon as I hear from him, I'll let you all know what I know...

Amanda - I'm praying. Exciting news (Congrats!) and scary news all at once. I pray God comforts your heart and gives you peace that surpasses understanding...

Blessing and Prayers

2008-10-01T09:33:00.000-07:00

Bless you Amanda! Bless you and your dear little family. Just have the assurance that God is here and with you. Knowing that this is a privilege to carry this little life even for a second. God is a God of peace, grace, miracles and so much more!

Katie, CONGRATULATIONS! How very exciting life can be. You will be great and do great things!!!! You already do, so, just think of what you can accomplish with a little nudge and direction!

Loves to each of you, and remember I am here and PRAYING!!!!

Here are a few pictures of the "so Far's". :)

Front Center Front

Back Center Back

Strap (one of the two)

Leslie, if you are reading this, and have yet to recieve this item.....know it is coming!!!! Muahs!

Just received this email from Amanda this morning

2008-10-01T05:43:00.000-07:00

carrie...wanted to pass this along to you in hopes that perhaps you could pass it along to the other girls doing the "shower of blessing"...we are definitely looking for prayer! we found out last week that we are pregnant (exciting)...and then just a few days later started bleeding quite significantly. at this point the doctor has given us a 50/50 chance of delivering a healthy baby and put me on complete bedrest...meaning i can't even sit up to be on the computer for more than 10 minutes or so. i am not posting on my blog, as i just don't want to put it out there that much, but definitely feel so close to so many of you ladies on blog-land and would covet your prayers. we have an ultrasound scheduled for tuesday morning next week assuming the bleeding has stopped...and we should find more out now.

prayer requests...

1. peace and trust in God and His faithfulness
2. life for our baby...
3. God's will to be done and that He would be glorified regardless
4. on a practical note the biggest prayer right now is that the unexplained bleeding would stop

....and that i wouldn't go crazy tied to my couch and bed...craziness! :)

our for now...

2008-10-01T04:48:00.000-07:00

ladies. while i would LOVE to be in the midst of all the finishing touch details...alas, i have been abruptly put on bedrest (for a pregnancy we just found out about last week). i sent carrie an e-mail with some details and prayer requests to hopefully pass on to you all...but for now i am stuck to the couch and bed except for about 10 minutes a day...and trips to the bathroom. we are not posting on my main blog about this...simply because we are still struggling to come to terms with where we are ourselves. but we would covet your prayers as we face the unknown.

love, amanda

Sorry I've been MIA...

2008-09-30T22:54:00.001-07:00

Hey dear friends!

Sorry I have been completely MIA over here lately! I got really busy with Audrey's birthday/purple party planning stuff, then last week I was so tired from it all (+ having out-of-town guests), that I didn't really do much blogging. So here are a few things on my mind...

01. I have not gotten a chance to go back and comment on all of your posts about your finished gifts, but let me just say that I am in awe! You guys have all done an amazing, beautiful job on your gifts and I absolutely love how Chelle's quilt scraps have been tied in to them. I can't get over how stinkin' creative this group is!

02. Messy journal update: I am not quite done with it yet. I did a little patchwork type thing for the covers out of Chelle's scraps that I really, really love- I just need to finish that up and finish up my own pages for it. I am hoping to have it all sent by Friday, unless I am missing anyone's pages...I think that I have everyone who wanted to partipate, but let me know if you sent me something in the last week or so that I maybe haven't gotten yet...

03. Are we planning on having the shower this weekend??? What's the latest? Geesh, I feel so out of the loop...If we are doing it this weekend, I will take photos of the journal and post it on the blog so that she can at least see it. I'm so sorry, girls! I just wanted to make sure that everyone's pages were included...

04. Isn't Dawna's slideshow AMAZING? Totally made me cry!

05. I seriously cannot wait for Leslie to see all this!

2008-09-30T21:31:00.001-07:00

Old Baby Snapshot's Competition:

If you would like to join in please email me:

1. Your name.

2. Your blog url address.

3. a baby photo of yourself.

4. 3 hints as to who you are. These hints are things that can be found on your blog, things that you have written about yourself, your life, your likes, dislikes, hinted at etc within the last month, or are easily seen on your about me section.

My email address is ktbearxox@hotmail.com.

On the date of the shower at a specific time I will post up the baby photos and the hints. If you wish to play along you will then email me your answers. As per Dawna's request (good idea Dawna) the lady who gets the most correct answers and emails them through the fastest will win a 'Kt Mac Apron' and some fun other goodies too. So lets have fun getting to know each other more, jumping on each others blogs, checking out everyone's cute baby pics -maybe even seeing some similarities between them and their kids? and sharing the amazing love that is on this blog :)

Chelle and hopefully Fairlight (when she gets my email hehe) will be running the other 'party games' so stay tuned.

Can't wait to see your pictures ladies!

much love Katie x

First Draft of Slideshow

2008-09-30T21:03:00.000-07:00

Ok. Here's my first attempt at the slideshow. I've tweaked things about 150 times, but I'm guessing there are probably that many more things that still need to be adjusted. I'm still missing a few photos (Andrea, MamaChanga... do you really exist??? I couldn't find photos of you) and I know Katie is sending one; I tried to dig out everyone's current photos and quotes from all the sources (emails and posts) but I'm sure I'm missing some. Please email me anything you've got (mudpies4all@gmail.com). I'm also willing to make changes if you don't like the way I've set up your slides (flower choices, colors, layout, etc.) Please let me know what I can do to make this better for everyone. Thanks, Dawna PS- Don't forget to pause the music on the playlist (sidebar) before starting the video.

games?

2008-09-29T18:20:00.000-07:00

Going back to the original posts and side bar which mentioned games and door prizes I was wondering if you ladies still planned on going ahead with this at all? That is if we still have time..
If we are still all going to try and come online at the same time maybe we could play some simple baby shower games/competitions and tweak them so we can play them online.

Ideas:

* guessing baby Cade's weight competition.
* We give each lady a word, or words to fit into a poem or writing piece for Leslie? Each person gets a word cloud??
*Old baby photo guessing competition? bring out those cute snaps of you? Maybe to make it easier with so many of us each person gets baby photo of someone else and some hints as to who they are (maybe 3?) The answers can be found by browsing all our blogs. Which would get us to mingle more and find funny quirks of each other.

Any ideas/input on this ladies?
I would be happy to get a few prizes together for the winners.

And feel free to also scrap this idea, no offence taken I promise.
Hope you girls are having a lovely evening, back to work for me urrgk!

another word cloud

2008-09-29T05:56:00.000-07:00

not as good as Aunt Tea's, but something else to add to the blog.

Thanks to http://wordle.net/

Quotes...

2008-09-27T23:39:00.000-07:00

Quotes for Leslie and Cade:

On Miracles:

“The child must know that he is a miracle, that since the beginning of the world there hasn't been, and until the end of the world there will not be, another child like him.” Pablo Casalas

“Miracles happen to those who believe in them.” Bernard Berenson

“Miracles occur naturally as expressions of love. The real miracle is the love that inspires them. In this sense everything that comes from love is a miracle.” Marie Lloyd

“Out of difficulties grow miracles.” Jean de la Bruyere

On Babies:

“A baby will make love stronger, days shorter, nights longer, bankroll smaller, home happier, clothes shabbier, the past forgotten, and the future worth living for”

Roll Call...

2008-09-27T19:47:00.001-07:00

I'm thinking that nearly all the gifts are in. For those of you still finishing your packages, do you think you'll be able to have them in the mail by Mon or Tues?

Just wondering, in case there's a possibility of throwing this shower next Friday, Saturday or Sunday... (maybe even as early as Wednesday night??)

Of course, none of know when Cade will actually be delivered. But in case the doctors continue to hold off til Oct 15, I think Leslie could use the cheering up sooner rather than later...

2008-09-24T02:46:00.000-07:00

I don't know how y'all do it. So busy and crafty and thoughtful. You ladies amaze me. Bless your hearts! All of the activity here reminded me of "wordle" a word cloud generator. Here is a picture of the words on this blog page...
(click see it larger)

Back to lurking and praying. Love to Dawna.

Another prayer request...for another precious friend.

2008-09-23T15:18:00.000-07:00

Our precious friend Dawna, who's heart/brainchild this shower is,

incase you didn't know that...

is to say the least having a really rough day and could

use all our prayers right now.

Really, really.

We love you Dawna...

Thank you more than we know how to say for dreaming this amazing shower up.

Not only are you a beautiful example of what a giving heart looks like

but you are more of a blessing than you will ever know.

The group {{{{ hug}}}}}goes to you today, dearie...

Ready for the postman

2008-09-23T10:57:00.000-07:00

So, I made it! I'm all finished!
It's been a blast thinking up lovely gift ideas and working on them,
but I am thankful to be done. :)

I made a word pillow for Rylan and Cade's nursery.
Leslie really liked my girly word pillows,
but decided against them until she found out if she was having a boy or a girl.
Good thing too since they would have gone the way of all the other cute pink things
from Rylan's room.
Their new pillow simply says "Play"

I made a patchwork back from all the left over scraps
from my other scrappy projects made from the sweet package of scraps
from Chelle.
(Did I say "scraps" enough?)

Detail of the button closure on the side.

I also made a little fabric ball for Cade and Rylan to play with.
There is a jingle bell or two inside so it makes a sweet noise when played with.

And I made Leslie and Cade two stacked coin burp clothes that mimic
the quilts.

Here are all our gifts together, along with Rylan and Cade's book.
A collection of Virginia Lee Burton's most famous stories.

Sorry, no picture of me/us with the gifts...yet.
Maybe later tonight.
This has been so much fun!
Love to you guys!

Hooray, It's Finished (Well, Almost)...

2008-09-22T17:06:00.000-07:00

It's done, except for tucking in the tails. I'm so happy with it!

New Feature

2008-09-22T08:14:00.000-07:00

Hello, dear friends. I have been working this morning to make it easier for everyone to stay updated on what is going on with this shower. I've never done anything like this shower before, so I am definitely learning and making things up as I go, but here's what I did.

I went through all of the old posts and added tags, and on the right you will see a list of blog posts by tags. I know the list isn't perfect, but I tried to be consistent. Now if you have questions about the messy journal, you should be able to find the posts related to it. Same for other topics.

I hope this helps. I know it's been tough for those who joined later to get caught up and I'm sorry I didn't do this sooner. If I have any of the posts mislabeled or you have a suggestion for something that will work better, please let me know. Special thanks to Wendi for the nudge to do this, and (per her suggestion) it would also be a great idea to use the links when discussing an idea.

Have a wonderful week! ~Dawna

Beating the Bedrest Blues...

2008-09-21T15:17:00.000-07:00

Now that Leslie is on bedrest, I'm wondering if everyone is close to finishing their gifts so we could bump the shower back up to before Cade is born to bring Leslie a little cheer and lift her spirits.

Chelle, how are the quilts coming? Has everyone sent their messy journal pages to Andi? And Aminta, how much time do you need to finish the D.B. (diaper bag!)? I don't want to rush anyone or cause undue stress, but if we could get this together in the next two weeks I think Leslie could really use the pick-me-up.

I spoke with her this morning and doctors are still debating a due date. Sounds like a toss-up between the 7th and 15th (I think those were the dates she gave me), although there is one doc pushing for next Friday. It sounds like the baby is pretty small so I think they want to give him extra time to grow while doing what is best for baby and mom.

Let me know how you're coming along and if you think we could pull this off by, say 10/3 or 10/4.

Love and blessings to you all, my dear friends. ~Dawna

2008-09-21T06:59:00.000-07:00

Hi Girls - I have been gone from the blogging world all week after a terrible storm took out our power, so I feel a little out of the loop! But you girls amaze me, sending Leslie flowers and keeping the great ideas flowing for the shower!!!
I mailed my gift off to Susan last week, but I forgot to take a picture of it before I shipped it for the slide show! Any ideas of what I can use instead - I really want to contribute to it some how but I at a loss for ideas!!
And just in case you were wondering what my gift was, I made a basket of goodies for Cade - an outfit, a book, a stuffed animal, and some baby lotions and creams.
Thinking and missing all of you and so so glad to be back....
Love - Lisa

2008-09-20T20:32:00.000-07:00

Hello Ladies!
I just wanted to make sure no-one was planning to make Leslie a diaper bag before I do. :)
Thanks EVERYONE!
Hugs,
Aminta

Leslie's-Twitter-Reads....

2008-09-20T15:58:00.000-07:00

I just got flowers from a whole bunch of ya'll.

I can't even believe it!

You guys are too good to me!

Thank you!

Lookit who I got to hang out with this afternoon???

2008-09-19T20:18:00.000-07:00

And ... A CLOSE CALL!

Isn't she a doll? My boys and I had much fun goofing around with Rylan.

But. BUT ... Leslie & Nick didn't call before dropping by to pick her up. And when they arrived, my youngest son had just pulled Rylan into the room where I'm storing all your lovely gifts. I totally tried to keep my cool head while quickly, without appearing guilty or panic-ed, herding the kiddos OUT of that room before Leslie could scoop Rylan up for hugs!!!

Leslie, by the way, looked great. I know she's happy to be spending the night at HOME.

Mission accomplished

2008-09-19T14:36:00.000-07:00

It has been so fun seeing the pictures you guys have posted. What a bunch of talented ladies you are! I am so excited to bless Leslie and Cade. I finished this today and wanted to add to the happiness:)

This is sooo much fun! I love a really good secret:)

Shower date?

2008-09-19T07:56:00.000-07:00

Hey all, I know I've just missed this post somewhere, but when are we planning on doing the shower? What is the deadline to have gifts mailed? Do we mail them to Leslie, or somewhere else? Forgive my ignorance! LOL

It May Be Slow, But It's Made With Love...

2008-09-18T23:22:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm still working on the last bit of my gifts, I didn't anticipate that it would take this long because I didn't expect to encounter any snags along the way (which I have). The hats were quick, it's the crocheted blanket that I've had to frog a few times (I'm relatively new to this crafty stuff, but I know how much hand made items mean to Leslie, so I'm doing my best). I had hoped to have it done by tomorrow, but it's looking more like Saturday or Sunday (since I'm such a slowpoke), so I'll have it shipped hopefully by Monday to Susan. I have really enjoyed working on it, and end up sort of in a meditative state praying for Leslie and Cade and her beautiful family. I've shared her story with my family, as well as my gratitude for being able to feel like I'm doing something for her. They are praying along with me for them, and know all too well that prayers are the greatest gift we can give someone. Now and then, Da'Gorgeouses will reach out and touch the blanket and say, "It's for the baby!" The other nice thing is, that even without intending to, I picked the pattern that my grandma (who just recently passed away) first taught me how to crochet (visually without a pattern) and it's brought back such wonderful memories, so it's been a double blessing!

Once I'm finished I can post and take some pics!

Keeping Leslie, Nick, Rylan and Baby Cade in our thoughts & prayers.

Hugs & Blessings!

Don't Forget

2008-09-18T16:11:00.000-07:00

Hello, wonderful ladies. I have had so much fun meeting new people through this blog! As I was getting a little more familiar with a few of you today, I noticed the Showers of Blessing blog is visible under your profile. I'm guessing that Leslie doesn't get to do much blogging right now, but just to be safe you might want to hide it until the shower date. Directions are provided here:

http://showersofblessingforcade.blogspot.com/2008/08/arent-we-sneaky.html

And if you have any questions feel free to post them (here or in the chatbox), or email me or Chelle or Fairlight.

Thank you so much, ladies, for being such a blessing not only in Leslie's life... but also in mine. Leslie once said to me that blogging friends "get entwined in each others' lives and know each others' hearts". Eloquently put by our dear friend. Blessings to you all! ~Dawna

Update

2008-09-18T13:53:00.000-07:00

Leslie's still in the hospital. They're still running tests. Her contractions stopped. Cade's heart rate is good.

just a thought.

2008-09-18T11:04:00.000-07:00

There has been so many lovely ideas to treat Leslie with.

They are all such sweet thoughts and it once again amazes me; the love that each one of you entail for her.

I know there are a lot of buisy ladies out there putting last minute touches on gifts, sending them out, making cards, and just getting things ready to suprise the socks off our friend...

But I had a little thought.

I realize that this little blog of ours will soon be public for Leslie to come and join in on the fun and catch up on all our secrets,

so what if we went ahead and made...

a list.

A list of all the things we LOVE about Leslie...maybe even a letter from each of us?

It might keep things from seeming a little "fishy" or giving it all away?

Oh, please let me know what you all think and wether or notif it's a good idea because I do know that not all of us can "edit" so we could leave that up to Chelle, Dawna Fairlight or Andi Mae, just a thought!

Another Dear Friend In Need of Prayer!

2008-09-18T09:09:00.002-07:00

I just read this and wanted to alert the rest of you dear ladies to it right away.

Lisa has been such a precious, precious and oh so attentive friend to Leslie

and the so many of the rest of us.

But gosh, it sounds like they could use our prayers.

I wonder what we could do to help?

Great Big Thank You.

2008-09-18T09:09:00.001-07:00

The flower money fund is running strong at $67.00 right now and that's not counting the checks in the mail. What a blessing you ladies are. I have no way of knowing if Leslie has found out about the flowers or not. I am assuming not since she has been gone to L & D since early yesterday afternoon and the lady on the phone told me that they would be delivered sometime before five pm. But maybe someone will think to tell her about them or even bring them to her room at the hospital ? Or maybe she'll be doing so much better today that she'll be able to come home and rest and they will be waiting there for her when she walks in the door? Whenever she finds them I can only imagine the smile they will bring to her face.

Here's Leslie's Latest Update - She's at the hospital tonight.

2008-09-17T22:43:00.001-07:00

Im currently admitted to L&D we are trying to avoid getting shots of Terb to stop contractions, his heart rate dropped a little but its perked up.
They are keeping me for tonight and in there words for "awhile".
We should know more tomorrow...

I hope.

Im about to take a sleeping pill to help me rest tonight... I pray it works.
I miss Rylan, she can call me "mom" if she wants too.... :)

Prayer.

2008-09-17T20:08:00.000-07:00

Leslie's afternoon appointment was lengthened as the doctors ordered a battery of tests and are trying to determine the best course of action.

Pray for their collective wisdom, that they would be in agreement, that the best, safest course of action is pursued.

Pray also for Leslie's peace of mind - as you all know, it's been a very trying couple of days.

This is on it's way...

2008-09-17T11:23:00.000-07:00

To cheer up Leslie's day.

Thank you so much ladies, for your generosity. I have listed the details and cost for the this beautiful bouquet below.

You're Special Bouquet
39.99
Delivery Charge
8.99
Sales Tax
3.80
Total Charge
52.78

Letters for Leslie

2008-09-17T10:50:00.000-07:00

I love the amazing hearts that I'm witnessing here
on this secret of secret blogs.
The love and caring that I see each person bestowing upon Leslie
is so breathtaking.

Our dear friend of the heart is going through
such tough times right now
we thought maybe we could send her a little something each day,
in the mail, to bring a smile to her face.
A sweet card, a beautiful postcard, or a little box of goodies.
Anything to let her know that people who love her,
even from around the world,
are thinking of her and praying for her.
Below is a sign-up sheet, starting tomorrow
and if you leave a comment of which days you would like
to send a little something to Leslie,
I'll add your name to that date on the list.

Thurs, Sept 18 -
Fri, Sept 19 -
Sat, Sept 20 - Fairlight
Mon, Sept 22 -
Tues, Sept 23 -
Wed, Sept 24 - Chelle
Thurs, Sept 25 - Jacy
Fri, Sept 26 - Andi
Sat, Sept 27 - Andrea
Mon, Sept 29 - Aminta
Tues, Sept 30 -
Wed, Oct 1 - Carrie

You have all be so generous.
It's been a delight working with all of you,
getting to know you, and making new friends.

Pps. If you don't mind slipping a little bit extra into Chelle's paypal so that maybe next week we can send her another little pick-me-up or when Baby Cade arrives?

Just had an idea.

2008-09-17T05:59:00.000-07:00

Okay. What do you girlies think of collectively sending flowers to Leslie? TODAY???
Cause it really sounds like she could use a little cheering up. I am sure by now most of you have already read this?

I was thinking maybe something like this, or this or this, this, this, this, ??? Knowing you ladies you will be more than happy and wanting to donate the $ needed to cover the bouquet. In that case, you could either send $ 5 dollars to my pay pal account or send me a check in the mail and I will order them up today??? I was thinking of something cheerful and happy, so of course that led me to think of sunflowers...but we could send whatever you ladies think Leslie would like best.

What do you think? Is there a bouquet that jumps out at you that you think Leslie might love most? And should we send them anonymously for now and reveal later who they were from our do we put all our names down now or hmmmm? Begging for your beautiful input ladies.

For Da Baby

2008-09-17T05:10:00.001-07:00

Eek! I didn't come here for a couple of days and I missed A LOT! You guys have some adorable, awesome, SO creative! things you've made.

I have to be honest, I didn't make anything. I wished I could make a quilt but alas never learned. Could have sewn an outift or two but haven't mastered how to follow a pattern. I could loved the idea of the softblocks but since I saw the idea on HERE...figured it wouldn't be a good idea LOL :)

Anyway, I decided to just go ahead and purchase a gift for Cade instead. I had it shipped and it has apparently arrived safe and sound, thanks Susan!
So, here is a picture of the (I thought so) super cute pillows that I hoped would match the baby's bedroom. Kind of vintagy, sort of funky. And too cute IMHO ;)

Quilt Tops Complete

2008-09-16T15:55:00.000-07:00

Cades:

Opps...I am afraid I might have hung it upside down to take pictures.

orry about that.

Please forgive the naked baby in the picture...but it's HOT here today.

Rylan's quilt.

Now to finish them both! If all goes well maybe even by the end of this week???

My contibutions~

2008-09-16T07:48:00.000-07:00

Hoping to get these in the mail today or tomorrow. :) Made this fun little bag for Cade - it's a great size for books. I heart golden books, so am sending one for Cade, "Baby Farm Animals" and one for Miss Rylan, "My Little Golden Book About God".

I'm crazy about details, so loved adding these buttons!

SO much fun! I prayed for Leslie, baby Cade, and the whole family as I stitched. This is going to be so neat!

more gifts

2008-09-15T21:20:00.001-07:00

Wow ladies. Seriously that is all I can say. Wow wow wow! It's been so exciting logging on here throughout today and seeing you all post up pictures of the items you have made.Seriously I've been on a buzz all day just thinking about it. It makes it seem more exciting and actually like we are really are pulling this all together! Here are the rest of my projects that I included in my gift:

Minky baby blanket. I tried to go retro and primary colours to tie in with Rylan and Cade's room:

hand towel bibs:

And while looking for the hand towels to make the bibs I happened to walk past the baby shoes - which were on special and at such a great price I couldn't resit throwing in these too. ooh and remind me they are size 3-6 months so I can let Leslie know (as I took them out of their ugly packaging for postage and forgot to add a little size tag!)

love to each one of you
Katie :)

sending it off tomorrow!

2008-09-15T19:12:00.000-07:00

just sealed and addressed the box and plan to ship it out tomorrow...but, of course, i had to take some pics before tucking it all away for the journey to leslie and cade. (can i mention how excited i am about all the amazingly lovely gifts each of you have posted pictures of...and described...incredible talent!).

two sock monkeys...had to toss in something pink and cuddly for miss rylan...and a brown cuddly friend for mister cade...

some soft soled shoes made from the assortment of scraps the lovely chelle sent...

and two hooded bath towels. i embellished them with a strip of the leftover scraps from chelle...and was quite happy with the results...but, ugh, taking a picture of a hooded bathtowel and getting the right effect is hard! i suppose i should have had the girls model them. one is yellow with a red hood, the other red with a yellow hood...just to mix it up a bit!

of course...in my excitement i completely forgot to enclose my card...so susan, i will send that separately! :)

Making an Executive Decision...

2008-09-15T16:36:00.000-07:00

No shower this weekend. Let's do it after Cade arrives.

That gives us time to get all the lovely gifts here. Timing won't be so tricky. Then Nick can resume his sly sleuthing and we can pick a date.

Leslie is going to be thrilled no matter WHEN the shower happens. :-)

My Gifts

2008-09-15T15:40:00.000-07:00

I finally got my package sent off today. Even if we don't have the actual shower for a few weeks, I'll feel better just knowing that it's taken care of. I haven't started on the slideshow yet, but now that my gifts are mailed I can focus on that next.

For Cade, I made a little soft ABC/123 book with the beautiful quilt scraps Chelle shared with me. I didn't have a pattern, but I'm pretty pleased with how it turned out.

For Rylan, I made a dolly. (She's holding a bouquet of pretty lollies; I'm not sure mom will thank me for that... lol). If you turn the jammies and hat around, dolly has a sleeping face on the other side.

I wasn't sure which book I was going to choose for their library until I got to the bookstore and saw Chicka Chicka Boom Boom. My two older kids love that book, and now they enjoy reading it to Emma. When the kids saw it sitting on my sewing table, they both insisted on reading it before I could convince them to go find their own copy on the bookshelf. Our family really loves that book, so I hope Rylan and Cade do too. (I forgot to take a picture before I wrapped it.)

I also tucked a few goodies in for Momma Leslie (a teacup and tea, a tube of Camille Beckman French Vanilla lotion, and a package of chocolate covered gummy bears).

I can't wait to see what the rest of you have been up to. So far I have definitely been impressed!

feeling the need to post...

2008-09-15T14:27:00.000-07:00

Can I just say how impressed I am to see how beautifully this is all coming together. You ladies, each one of you are so, so gifted and lovely. And I know this shower is going to bless Leslie in the biggest way. She is going to be beyond thrilled and feel so, so incredibly loved. Good work ladies and thank you, each one of you for making it all so perfect. This may sound silly but this is one of the most amazing, most fun events I have, ever been a part of. Ever.

messy journal status and other random things on my mind today...

2008-09-15T13:57:00.000-07:00

The messy journal:
So I currently have three people's pages, and I know Chelle's is on it's way. Is anyone else planning on participating? Please let me know asap! My email is theasbeesATyahooDOTcom. I don't want to send it to Leslie unless I know for sure that everyone who wanted to was able to contribute! The pages I have gotten so far are really beautiful! I can't wait to see them all together.

My gift:
So I am planning on sending a little package of my own in addition to the messy journal- including a couple of appliqued onesies + a book + a treat or two for Miss Leslie, but there is no way that I can send them in the next couple of days. I think I can get them out at the very earliest Friday, at the very latest Monday (a week from today). Audrey's 3rd birthday is on Wednesday and her party is on Saturday, so I have quite a bit going on project-wise this week. I'm sorry! But please don't let my late gifts stop us from having the shower when we need to to make it work for Leslie and Nick and Cade's arrival. I am fine with whatever works!!

How I know Leslie:
So as I was looking through older posts, I realized that I never commented on the one asking how we all knew Leslie! I met Leslie online about two and a half years ago- I am pretty sure it was via my friend Misha's old blog, but it could have been Chelle's blog...who knows! We started reading each other's blogs and I remember being so excited when she found out she was pregnant with Rylan-she wanted a baby so bad! Leslie has always felt like a dear, "real-life" friend, even before we had ever emailed or spoken on the phone. We have still never met (hopefully some day!), but I love her so much and am so grateful to have her in my life.

Other random thoughts:
So, I promise to post some pictures of the messy journal when it is all done, as well as my other gift. All the gifts that have been posted so far look amazing and beautiful. I can't wait for Leslie to hear about all this! She is going to be SO surprised!!!

xo Andi

IF a shower can happen this weekend...

2008-09-15T13:44:00.000-07:00

Would everyone be able to get their packages in the mail by tomorrow or Wednesday?

On its way!!!

2008-09-15T12:04:00.000-07:00

Just thought I would go ahead and post up a few pictures of the gifts I whipped together!

Everything was sent out this morning to Susan!

I was initially going to send her a few Eric Carle Jr books, but after looking through some of her photos, I seen she had several.

So I sent her

Heaven is Having You, by Giles Andreae

I bought several for Noah and Ryder and Noah really seems to love them!

Also a little tin full of chocolate candies

Here are the baby blocks I made out of the scrap fabric that Chelle sent me from the quilt!

I loved how it all turned out.

I hand stitched them all in different sizes because I thought they might be more fun to play with.

or if she just wanted to use them for looks...either way the different sizes give it a nice balance i thought...

This was the first time I made fabric blocks, so they definitely didn't turn out perfect, but I'm still proud of myself :)

Can't wait to see what everyone else made!

Love you ladies

Jacy

any news on dates....

2008-09-15T10:50:00.000-07:00

just curious whether anyone knew more about cade's arrival...OR a shower date. i finished up my gifts but would love to do some embellishing with applique on the sock monkeys if i have extra time...but clearly should get them in the mail asap if we are still looking for a sept. 19 deadline for gifts getting to susan. do we have any news!?

2008-09-15T06:55:00.000-07:00

Hey girls! Wendi from Every Day Miracles here. Just popping in to say I think you all are amazing and this is such a great and caring idea!! I'm a little late to the game here, but hope to be involved in some way. I hope we can all coordinate it so that the shower is a great success!

If I find the time and get the supplies very soon I thought of making a little bag like the one I made in this post: http://miraculouschaos.blogspot.com/2008/07/100th-post-motivation-for-domestication.html only with boy colors and perhaps a "C" appliqued on the side? That way she can have a little bag to throw toys in - or it can be used as a small diaper bag for those times when you don't need to brings every thing + the kitchen sink. :)

Also, I have a friend who makes really awesome nursing cover ups. I may try to grab me one of those for Leslie. I seem to recall a slight nursing in public issue... :) The nursing cape I used was perfect and I was totally comfortable using it when people were around.

So those are my two cents... :) If I do get these things accomplished am I supposed to send them to Susan? Is there a certain date we are shooting for at this point? Just trying to get all the details figured out. :)

big sister..little brother

2008-09-15T03:41:00.000-07:00

Whilst chatting with Dawna last week (love our little chat box!) she asked if I was going to post up pics of what I had made seeings they were finished. So here are the little overalls and overall dress for your ooing and aahing pleasure cause they are oh so cute! (they are from the simplicity pattern I posted up awhile ago). I'm so happy how they turned out - very cute little pattern for you sewers out there that have little bubs.

I also loved the patterned cotton I found for Cade's overalls because if you look closely you will see they have little emus and kangaroos on them - rather fitting for where they've come from :) although I think they may have been a tad confused because there is also elephants and zebras?!

4 master Cade:

& 4 Miss Rylan Mae:

Can't wait to see what you ladies have made - photos of any completed projects anyone? :)

News Flash!

2008-09-11T15:48:00.000-07:00

I was just IM-ing with Leslie and she dropped the bomb that they may be taking Cade c-section next week! Yikes!! She is supposed to know in the morning.

Just thought I'd let everyone know so a) you can keep them in your prayers and b) we're ready to adapt if necessary.

If anyone hears the verdict before me, feel free to drop us a post! Thanks. (PS- this surprise is sure hard to keep!!)

Would you consider Sunday, the 21st instead???

2008-09-09T00:26:00.000-07:00

Hello sweet friends!

Sorry I have been off the shower blog lately...I have some catching up to do! And I will try to post an update about the messy journals tomorrow.

But I just wanted to write a quick note and ask if we could maybe consider doing the shower on Sunday the 21st rather than on Saturday the 20th. I will not be able to participate at all on Saturday- my daughter's 3rd birthday party is that day and I also will be hosting family from out of town all that day (they leave on Sunday am).

I completely understand if it cannot be switched- the more people who are available the better, and if I am the only one who cannot make it on Saturday, then no worries. Just wanted to mention it and see if there were any other options...

xo Andi

We have the ever-so-sly Nick working on our behalf...

2008-09-08T20:14:00.000-07:00

As soon as he lets me know when he can "lock-down" Leslie at home (not before Sept. 20th), I'll let you all know. :-)

Let's try this again....

2008-09-07T17:36:00.000-07:00

MSN Messenger worked... sort of. Not everyone could get it to work right, and I have been receiving error messages too. Since we have a little time to play around before the shower date (have we decided on 9/20? 9/27? I know we're trying to work around her dr. appts.), I thought I'd try another option. On the sidebar is a CBox chat room. When you get a moment, please try it out. If it doesn't work the way we want, we'll try something else. (My computer genius brother will be home from Liberia around midnight tomorrow, so I can always ask him.) I will find a way for us to communicate!!!! Thanks for your help, ladies. :-)

PS- If it looks like it works fine, we can add a link directly to the chat in our individual blogs using this link: http://showersofblessingfor.cbox.ws/ . Just remember to wait until the day of the shower to post the link so we don't spoil the surprise.

MSN Messenger

2008-09-05T19:20:00.001-07:00

You may have noticed that I have added a new button for MSN Messenger on the sidebar (thanks for the great idea, Katie!), now I just need someone to test it out since I can't IM myself. I believe you need an MSN id to sign in (hotmail, live, or msn e-mail address) but you can sign up for one for free if you need to. As soon as we know the button is working correctly, we can move it to a more aesthetically pleasing location on the page.

Let me know if it works and what you think.

What Would You Like the Shower to Look Like?

2008-09-03T07:19:00.000-07:00

Expectations???

In the comments in the last post, we loosely started tossing around the "when" and "hows".

Here's what I'm initially thinking: to have a hard, fast date & time (when you all can "hang out online" at the same time), it will probably have to be a Saturday or Sunday (perhaps the 20th or 21st?). Weekdays are too "iffy" with all of Leslie's doc appointments. If it's a weekend date, I can pull Nick into the secret to guarantee Leslie's presence at a particular time.

So, what say you all?? What would you like this to look like?

I'm fairly flexible in terms of timing (I'm only unavailable mid-late afternoon weekdays).

Mailing Address...

2008-08-31T22:44:00.000-07:00

For anyone wanting/needing my address (for sending shower gifts for delivery), please email me:

s u s a n k e l l e r @ s b c g l o b a l . n e t

(take out all the spaces, of course :-)

softie book

2008-08-31T08:33:00.000-07:00

First of all, I just have to say that seeing these shower plans unfold has warmed my heart. This whole idea is so kind and thoughtful. You ladies absolutely amaze me. Leslie is going to tip over with surprise & delight! I'm so thrilled to be a part of this! And yet I feel like it's the least we can do--I can't even imagine what she & her family are going through. I admire her faith so much and am praying for her continued strength & deliverance.

Lately, I've been mad at work finishing up these softie baby books for the children on our cradle roll at church. Am planning to make an extra one for Leslie + Cade + Rylan. I have a few other ideas brewing. Will keep you posted!

Introductions

2008-08-30T21:56:00.000-07:00

As I was typing the Works in Progress entry on the sidebar (that I'm hoping everyone can edit) I realized I don't have everyone's names and sign-in names/blog titles straigtened out. Would everyone mind if we took a moment to introduce ourselves? (Name, sign-in, blog title and address, how you met Leslie?) Thanks!

Updates: Shower Date and Slideshow

2008-08-30T21:05:00.000-07:00

Wow, ladies! The energy and love in this blog is pretty amazing. You are all amazing. And I am grateful to be a part of this process!

I earlier suggested Saturday, 9/20 as a potential date , but Saturday doesn't work for many of you. As a teacher, workdays don't normally work well for me; however, I am now off work recovering from surgery for the next three weeks and I would like to propose Friday, September 19 as a possible date to be considered (or some other day that week). I am hoping to maximize the amount of time we have to put our gifts together, while still getting things to Leslie well in advance of Cade's anticipated arrival.

As for the slideshow, I'm glad to hear that many of you are interested in adding things to it. I can build the basic slideshow before I get all of your pictures and well-wishes, then add them as you e-mail them to me. If 9/19 will work as a shower date, how about 9/15 as a deadline for photos and quotes. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I would love to have a picture of each lady with her gift (we won't reveal the slideshow until she has received her presents), and also any sentiment you would like to share with Leslie.

One more thought for the slideshow.... I love the photo collages that Chelle and a few others have made. I would love to have a collage with the quilt in the middle and the pictures of all of the ladies involved around the outside to use as the opening/closing slides for the slideshow. Do you think that would work and, if so, would someone who is good with collages volunteer to put it together?

Count Me In!

2008-08-29T22:56:00.000-07:00

I didn't even think about posting here since I sent off a reply e-mail the other day. I'd love to do something for Leslie and Cade. I'm not super crafty, but I think I can come up with something to make (more than likely crochet), and no matter what it is, it will be made with lots of love and blessings for them. Thanks for including me!

Me too!

2008-08-29T10:31:00.001-07:00

Oh my goodness, I didn't look on here for like 3 days and now there is all kinds of stuff to catch up on. I haven't had time to look through everyones posts (its the first full week of school!), but you can count me in.

A little late to the party...

2008-08-28T19:20:00.001-07:00

Hey all! Thanks for inviting me to jump in on this awesome opportunity! I'm so excited! I haven't been online much, and am just now making my way over to this blog.

I saw the sign up sheet - I'm not sure of the details of the quilt project, but I would love to help with that. I greatly enjoy quilting (ok, it's a sickness I have, really) and would love to participate in this. Or in anything that y'all need help with. Just let me know!

Plead for prayer...

2008-08-28T18:31:00.000-07:00

{ the following is an email we recieved from Leslie last night,

and of course I want to pass it on to the rest of you,

some of you I am sure have already read it }

Dear Family and Friends,

As most if not all of you know, we are gearing up and getting ready to welcome another baby into our lives. A son. Cade Nicholas Patopoff. He is scheduled to arrive in October and so the weeks are winding down the tummy is getting oh so large and so are our hearts for him, and as it went last time we are hitting a lot of complications.

I would love to urge you on our behalf to pray for the safety of Cade and his arrival. We have multiple obstacles at this point.

1. Kidney Stones as usual. I currently have a kidney stone stuck that they are considering removing via surgery next week. They will preform an x-ray prior to the procedure and the risks of that scare as they would any parent. Please pray for protection against the radiation, etc. My dr.s assure me that should this all be necessary internally he is developed and his exposure would be no different than x-ray'ing a newborn baby. He will be 33 weeks gestation.

2. Blood Issues/ Severe Anemia - This is a new one with us, I have always had anemia but not in this severity. I have had multiple iron injections and yet still have no stored up for my delivery which is a c-cection. This prompted my doctors to look into other issues and it seems I have a blood clotting disorder as well which we are concerned about. I am meeting with a blood specialist hopefully very very soon. (You have to love HMO's) So please pray for enough Iron for his delivery and for this other "fears" to be non-existent. Also that if I should have to have the transfusion which they are predicting at delivery that all goes smoothly.

3. Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy - (I have included a link with some information) I did have this also with Rylan and so many of you prayed, it appears to have set in last week and Im officially really suffering as the medication has yet to give me solid relief and its very draining. Mostly though I fear for Cade's safety as stillborn is a very very high risk. Please pray for discernment from my dr.s. He will be monitored 3x a week for now and as it progresses we will watch him closer. The rough patches of this are complete loss of appetite, insane itching, and loss of sleep. I have also started to see busted blood vessels which means I know the medications are not controlling the issue. Its simply maddening.

These are my major areas of concern right now. I think you all for being there for our family I know a lot of times we keep so many out of the loop. We are VERY excited to welcome Cade into our home but I truly feel as I did with Rylan that he will be nothing short of a miracle to overcome the obstacles set before him. The Lord defiantly has a plan for him and his life, and I'm excited for the day not far off when he will be in our arms. A dear friend caught some pictures of our family right now and I thought I would pass them along as we are so waiting on our little man. Rylan is as excited as anyone and constantly roams the house looking for "ba-by", its going to be amazing to watch the two of them.

In His Grace,

Nick, Leslie, & "big sister" Rylan

I just love little outfits!

2008-08-28T17:38:00.000-07:00

Thought you lovely ladies might like to see the pattern i brought to make a little home made outfit for Cade:
As it's going into summer over here now (yay!) It was hard to find a winter outfit pattern so i am going to make these little overalls for Cade out of corduroy which Leslie can pair with long sleeved shirts and little jumpers. Amanda also had an idea of making coordinating little outfits for Rylan and Cade. What do you ladies think of this little dress for Rylan in the same fabrics? This pattern is great cause it has sizes new born to 18 months.

Also I need some advice from the mumma's of this site with sizing :) I am thinking of doing Cade's in size 1-3 months (Nov/Dec/Jan) and wondering if the 18 month size (21-24 lbs/31"-34") would fit Rylan, she's around 15 months right? Any advice/ideas would be great.

p.s. Doing a quick google search I came up with some ladies who have made this pattern if you'd like a quick squizz click here, here and here - so cute!

2008-08-28T10:04:00.000-07:00

Girls, I have got to tell you I am over the moon with excitement for Leslie - I just know she is going to love all of your wonderful ideas and gifts!!! As most of you know I am headed out of town until next Thurs and as excited as I am about our trip, I have to admit I am a little bummed, wondering what I will miss out on around here...
Keep up all the great work, and hopefully I won't miss out on too, too much!!!

Andi - count me in on the journal. I will e-mail you next week!!
Dawna - I would also love to be included in the slide show, hopefully I won't miss the deadline!

I still have not come up with my gift - that is next weekends project! As soon as I have something I will be sure to share it with all of you.

I hope you all enjoy the holiday weekend - don't miss me too much....

Love to all of you wonderful ladies - Lisa

Slide Show

2008-08-27T21:56:00.000-07:00

For the slide show, I would like to include something from each of you ladies. I would love to have a quote from each of you along with a picture -- almost like an animated greeting card set to music. What do you think about pictures of each lady holding the gifts they are sending? Since Leslie hasn't met everyone in person, this may help her make connections. We would just need to make sure that her gifts are delivered before the slide show is unveiled, which shouldn't be a problem. (I'm not sure if this link will work, but this is the slideshow I created for my daughter's birthday. It was a quick one I threw together in a very short period of time, but it will give you an idea of what I have in mind.)

I'll be away from my computer for a few days, but then I'll be back and ready to work on this. If you don't love the idea, let me know and I'll do something else with no hard feelings (I've already discovered that this group is amazingly creative and talented and has much better ideas than I do!!!). Otherwise, feel free to email anything you want included in the slideshow to me at mudpies4all@gmail.com.

Thanks, Dawna

messy journal details

2008-08-27T20:31:00.000-07:00

So I am having a really hard time decided which style of messy journal to go with! I really love the look of the sewn one, but I think for a collaboration work, it may be easier to use the jumper rings...Is everyone okay with that?

Here are the details I am thinking, as far as putting it all together goes:

* For your pages, please use paper that is no bigger than 8x8 inches and no smaller than 3x3 inches.

* Please leave a 1/4 inch to 1/2 margin open on the left side without any writing or detail work on it. This way none of your lovely work will be cut off when I put it all together.

* Feel free to create as many pages as you want! I think with using jumper rings, I will not have any trouble fitting in everyone's work.

* You may use one side of the paper, or both. Both sides will be visable in the journal.

* Feel free to use any kind of paper, fabric, pictures, whatever to create your pages! I think that the beauty of these journals is in fact that they are made up of all kinds of random textures and color.

* You may include anything, as far as writing goes, on your pages. Some ideas: words of wisdom, quotes, poems, verses, photos/pictures, letters to Leslie...

* The deadline for sending in pages is: Wednesday, September 10 (that's 2 weeks from today).

* Please send me an email (theasbeesATyahooDOTcom) to sign up and I will send you an email reply with my home address.

I can't wait to see all of your beautiful pages!

i am dying of excitement over here!

2008-08-27T16:47:00.000-07:00

So I talked to Leslie this afternoon and I cannot begin to tell you how excited I am to give her this shower. She seriously has no idea. No clue. I wanted to let it slip so badly, but of course I kept quiet! She is really struggling with health issues and worry about sweet Cade being safe until her scheduled c-section (which at this point is mid-Oct). Please continue to pray for them both. And know that all the work and heart we put into this shower and all of our lovely little gifts are going to surprise and bless her so very much!

P.S. Her CA friends are giving her a little shower 2 weeks from this Saturday, so that day is of course out for ours...

P.P.S. It sounds like she is working at making the nursing cover, so I don't think she is going to need one of those.

Step Right Up.

2008-08-27T11:13:00.000-07:00

This is a sign up sheet. We are in great need of one of these. :) I am going to go ahead and get it started. Please do add on to this list, sections that I have forgotten to mention, and/or put your name by each section that you are either in charge of or contributing to.

Add your name here if you want to be a part of either of these most fabulous group gifts:

Messy Journal - Andi Mae, more details see here.

-KT Mac

-Chelle

Baby Cade's Quilt - Chelle
-Fairlight

Books - Fairlight

-Andi

-Chelle

Gifts Bought-

-Chelle, Little brown leather slipper shoes, size 16-24 mo.

Handmade Clothing and Accesories- Amanda
some ideas : * receiving blankets* a hooded terry bath towel edged (I think Amanda said she would make this) with a contrasting fabric* burp clothes* a sling* a softie* fabric blocks or balls

- Andi (2 or 3 appliqued onesies for Mr. Cade)
- KT Mac

Day of the Shower - Someone to coordinate this and all the activities involved

Shower Games - ( doorprizes ) need someone to be in charge of this

Slide Show - Dawna

Go to Girl - Susan

Rylan's Gift-

Chelle- quilt

Just a thought.....

2008-08-27T09:52:00.001-07:00

What would you ladies think if we gave each girl a task - for example Chelle - quilts, Amanda - shoes, Andi - journal, someone else Rylans gift, maybe someones else could send Leslie something special, etc....
That way each of us can have a "job" and we do not have too many duplicates!
Any thoughts or ideas.....

You have got to see this...

2008-08-27T09:44:00.000-07:00

This ( post and pictures on Lelslie's nursery for two )

helps a lot! Wouldn't you say?

bitty booties

2008-08-26T21:19:00.000-07:00

Wow Ladies this is the best and sweetest idea I feel so honoured to be apart of it!Going back to Dawna's post on shoes here are some free online patterns for baby booties if anyone is interested...
Heather Bailey's Bitty Botties pattern (she has a new born size too) and these soft baby shoes (which I have made and are super easy but are 6-9 months).

Are we going to get a list up of who's making what so we don't double on on too many things?

Seriously, all these ideas are keeping me awake at night - so exciting hehe

miss rylan mae

2008-08-26T19:08:00.000-07:00

Do you guys think we should include a little something for this sweet girl in our shower package?

* The photo of Rylan is via Leslie's blog, of course...

more on the messy journals...

2008-08-26T18:47:00.000-07:00

I am so excited that everyone likes the "messy journal" idea! After I posted about them last night, I remembered another example that both Emily and Miss Cathy Zielske posted on their blogs a long time ago. Here are some photos of those ones...

Cathy's:

Emily's:

So two questions...

01. Which style do you like better? The ones I posted photos of yesterday (seen here: http://showersofblessingforcade.blogspot.com/2008/08/just-few-random-shower-ideas-and.html), with the pages folded in half and then sewn in the middle to bind them?

The photos from this post, with the pages held together with jump rings?

02. How much time do you think you need to get your page(s) done?

Please leave a comment on this post and let me know your answers! I will post something tomorrow night finalizing all the details and definitely want all of your imput before I do that!

Thanks ladies! I am really, really excited to see what we are going to come up with!

Book List

2008-08-26T11:16:00.000-07:00

The Happy Man and His Dump Truck by Golden Books

Doctor Dan, the Bandage Man by Helen Gaspard

The Fire Engine Book by Tibor Gergely

The Little Red Caboose by Marian Potter

Hairy Maclary and Zachary Quack by Lenley Dodd

Schnitzel Von Krumm's Basketwork by Lenley Dodd

Dear Zoo: a lift-the-flap book by Rod Campbell

Time For Bed by Mem Fox

A Frog in the Bog by Karma Wilson

Showers of Blessing

Cade Has Arrived!

Old Baby Snapshots Competition!

Welcome to Leslie's Baby Shower

messy journal love

Getting Ready to Load the Car with ALL your LOVE...

Dawna's Mudpie Brownies!

Miss Susan?

The Baby Poem Game....

We Love You Because...

Today is the Day!

Last Chance!

More on the Baby Poem Game...

Ok, Lovely Ladies - We have Clearance...

Detail questions

Old Baby Snapshots Competition!

How big is baby?

Tweaking the Baby Poem Game

Shower Timing...

One last thing...

Slideshow 2.0

button

Baby Poem Game

Game signup..

more on the messy journal...

More on Amanda (plus a little housekeeping)

FRIDAY night!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yippeeee! I just got QUILTS!

Blessing and Prayers

Just received this email from Amanda this morning

our for now...

Sorry I've been MIA...

First Draft of Slideshow

games?

another word cloud

Quotes...

Roll Call...

Another prayer request...for another precious friend.

Ready for the postman

Hooray, It's Finished (Well, Almost)...

New Feature

Beating the Bedrest Blues...

Leslie's-Twitter-Reads....

Lookit who I got to hang out with this afternoon???

Mission accomplished

Shower date?

It May Be Slow, But It's Made With Love...

Don't Forget

Update

just a thought.

Another Dear Friend In Need of Prayer!

Great Big Thank You.

Here's Leslie's Latest Update - She's at the hospital tonight.

Prayer.

This is on it's way...

Letters for Leslie

Just had an idea.

For Da Baby

Quilt Tops Complete

My contibutions~

more gifts

sending it off tomorrow!

Making an Executive Decision...

My Gifts

feeling the need to post...

messy journal status and other random things on my mind today...

*IF* a shower can happen this weekend...

On its way!!!

any news on dates....

big sister..little brother

News Flash!

Would you consider Sunday, the 21st instead???

We have the ever-so-sly Nick working on our behalf...

Let's try this again....

MSN Messenger

What Would You Like the Shower to Look Like?

Mailing Address...

softie book

Introductions

Updates: Shower Date and Slideshow

IF a shower can happen this weekend...