First off, an update to the homeschool thing: It's becoming less of an "if" and more of a "when". I've been talking to friends, researching on the internet and brainstorming for ideas of just what curriculum I'm going to try with him. I still have not been able to get a straight answer as far as getting him therapy along with homeschooling, but I'm not giving up. I know that when it comes to dealing with the school system, especially the SP-ED department, persistence is key.
There is a possibility that it might be sooner rather than later that we start homeschool. Calum has been running fevers off and on again, and has swollen glands as well. His doctor has been out of town all week but we have an appointment for Tuesday Morning. If you ask me, it looks like his Mono is relapsing, but of course, I'm not a doctor. If we're going to deal with this kind of thing again, it means more missed school and threatening letters. Joy. If it comes down to it, I will just pull him out early, although I REALLY would like him to finish out the year there and graduate Kindergarten.
Ok, enough about that. On to the next exciting thing going on:
A couple of weeks ago, I did something that was partly out of frustration and partly out of creativity: I made Gabrielle some baby shoes. I was getting tired of her shoes not fitting her. She has tiny feet (she still "fits" a size 1) but the top of her foot is really thick, so even though a size 1 is the right length, she can't fit in them. Size 2 gives her enough room at the top but falls off her foot because it's too long. So I was bit by the creative bug, and I searched online for some baby shoe patterns. I found a couple that I thought would suit her, dug through my stash of fabrics and went to town.
Even though it was a bit awkward sewing something so small, I managed to make her two pairs of baby shoes. The first one was a loafer-style shoe, made out of pastel pink and green polka-dots. The second was a pair of slippers that resembled a toe shoe. (ballerina slipper) They turned out absolutely ADORABLE and I was quite pleased with myself. Eager to show off my latest accomplishment, I posted pics of them up on my Facebook account. And then something amazing happened:
I began getting messages, comments and emails from people who wanted to know if I was interested in selling the shoes. I kept the idea in the back of my mind all the while trying out new patterns and even making up my own designs. Over the next couple of days, I continued to sew and post pictures of baby shoes. The more positive feedback I got, the more I kept thinking about selling them.
I have always wanted to start my own business. It's been a dream of mine to make and sell the different things I have sewn/created down through the years. Now, it seems like the opportunity is really presenting itself.
I bounced the idea off of Nick, I talked with friends and family and I prayed--A LOT. The last few days have been filled with sewing, praying, brainstorming and contemplation. At first I was doubtful. And then as I was looking to scripture, as I do when I'm really searching for an answer, I felt compelled to read one of my favorite passages-- in Proverbs 31. *
As the words of that passage played over and over and began to sink in, I felt that God was telling me to give it a shot. I went through my whole fabric stash and selected all of the fabrics I had that would be suitable for making baby shoes. I counted up my thread collection, along with notions and embellishments--bias tape, ribbons, bows, buttons, etc. I looked at what each item cost me, and what the fair market price would be for them now. I added it all up and that was my "magic number"...the cost of all the materials I had on hand. I decided that if I can sell enough shoes to reach that magic number, I will take it as a sign to really go for it.
I came up with a price for the shoes and set to work, learning new styles and testing out new ideas.
God works in strange ways...the day after I made the decision to try and sell that "magic number", I received my first order for shoes. And not A pair of shoes...enough pairs to reach that magic number--on my first order!
I'm feeling excitement, anticipation, and even though I am anxious about it (of course) I feel peace, as well. I feel that God is giving me an opportunity to do something with the gift he's given me. My head is swimming with ideas; they just keep coming to me! Right now I'm racking my brain (and those of my friends) trying to come up with the perfect name for the business.
I've already received more orders since the first one and it's only been two days, so I think this is really happening. I'm loving it, too. Finally I feel like I can help chip in, income-wise, and that makes me feel good. I love being a stay at home Mom, but sometimes I wish I could do more that was "tangible" for my family.
Anyway, please pray for me as I begin this venture. Pray that I am able to do this as God is leading me. Pray that I don't fall back into my rut and try to control everything, and pray that God will bless my work.
Below I have posted the passage in Proverbs 31 (NIV) for you to read. This is one of my favorite passages in the bible. I see it as words to live by; an example of what God wants every wife/mother to be. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
Blessings,
~Michelle
* " A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. 11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. 12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. 13 She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. 14 She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. 15 She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls. 16 She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. 17 She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. 18 She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. 19 In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. 20 She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. 21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. 22 She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. 23 Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. 24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. 25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. 26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. 27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. 28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 29 "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all." 30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. 31 Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate."
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