Packed & Moved..Disboutiquers Part 6 Kids Disney Boutique / Customs Clothes we sew

[Tnkrbelle565]

I have always wondered this, can you easily donate to foster kids some how? Each year we buy about $1000 worth of toys to donate and we have always wanted them to go to foster kids or the like vs just the salvation army or toys for tots. Can you donate clothes? Thanks for any help/answers.

I am in for whatever is decided, if we can just please post a BIG message so I don't miss it. I gotta admit I don't read it all all the time! I try though. Even if the foster kids couldn't wear the customs at disney I am sure they would love owning them.

Of the couple of foster parents I personally know, I know that it took alot of effort on the foster parents part to get permission for the kids to leave the state, so much to the point that they just chose not often to leave. The hassle was horrendous. Not sure if the type of visitation the birth parents have matters at all in a situation like this. These people were adopting both the little girls and up until the day of the final adoption they couldn't even cut their hair. It was up to the mother how their hair was and how/when she got it cut. Thank goodness now everything is finalized, such beautiful little girls!

Just wanted to comment that yes, it should be fairly easy to donate to your local CPS office. Just call and talk to them. Most toy donations are accepted around the holidays. But if you personally know any local social workers, you could donate other things too. I drive around with a bag of stuffed animals in my car in case I have an upset child. It's amazing what a stuffed animals to hug can do. We had a local church (who happened to have a few budding artists) come in and paint our visitation rooms, make them new curtains and benches, and just make them look generally more "homey"


I'm sorry to hear that you had some foster parents who decided not to take a trip with their child. It really shouldn't be any additional work for the foster parents (besides the work of actually TAKING the children ). Sounds to me like the social worker wasn't helping enough. Yes, if the bio family is visiting, they do have a say...especially if they are going to miss visitation if the children go (but not the final say). As a social worker, it's our job to gently convince the parents that this is a life experience that they may never get otherwise.

The haircut thing is true. If bio families ask for children's hair not to be cut while they are working on reunification, foster parents can't cut their hair (or pierce their ears, etc). That's due to cultural reasons.

 

[mommyof2princesses]

BIG GIVE OUTFIT


Here is my little one modeling it:

That is awesome! I love all the princess! You are really talented!

Lookee what I just bought! I think it's from the UK. Bambi was my mom's favorite Disney movie

Love the babmi material! I haven't seen any of that anywhere!

I know, I read about it a couple of weeks ago, right after we got home from the pool. Scary!

For the big give, does it have to be clothes? I can do clothes, but right now I'm mainly doing hair pretties. LOL BTW hope you guys don't mind my "butting" in.

Here's my latest hair pretty. It's my first try at it, so it's no perfect, but when I do my next one, I'm going to put a minnie mouse resin in the middle.

Very nice! I may try my hand at some bows if I get all outfits done ahead of time!

We heard about the drowning last week...we only live a state away! It was freaky to hear about and we are at the pool all the time.

Here's another dress I made today.

Very pretty. Love the little watermelon at the top!

OK I can only skim again today but awesome
I'll have some pictures of my own to post at the weekend (hopefully) but in the meantime, I thought i'd share my sister's final project from the art course she's been doing. She got a distinction (highest mark you can get) It's fairytale themed and Alice in Wonderland features heavily!

WOW! That is great! Love them both!

 

[Twins+2more]

I can definatally see that the ladies (and man) on this thread are kind hearted and love to give. Thats great. But I am one to think all that hard work you should want to help people out in your town. I would stick to going to shelter, hospitals such as ronald mcdonald house, or children services. Its always to nice help out those around you. Just my opinion....sorry if you don't agree with it.

I can see helping out a fellow boardie also. We are all "friends" around here, so it can also be very rewarding to stick together and see the benifits of the giving.

Thats all I will say for now. GOD BLESS!

 

[Stephres]

That's a pretty sophisticated and aggressive response from a young child. I don't think I could come back with something like that. That's pretty scary. I wouldn't feel bad about not making something for her.

Yes, she has always been able to out talk Megan but it was the first time she popped off to me like that. It didn't even matter that it wasn't true. They spent two years in the same preschool and one year in next door kindergarten classes. I wasn't even upset about it not being true, but the tone she took with me. So teenagerish!

WOW, I thought maybe this trip had something to do with it. Now let me get this straight....are you really saying that the 4 of you guys stay with 4 more relatives in a ONE BEDROOM cottage ALL TOGETHER????? Okay, that is just too close for comfort. I need more space than that too. I am totally feeling your pain....

You are so smart. I didn't even realize it myself until my husband mentioned it. It really isn't bad for the first couple of days but by day 5 I just want to be by myself and take a proper shower!

OK I can only skim again today but awesome outfits as always! Mousetriper I am just blown away that you painted the princesses, they look incredible
I got my degree results a couple of days ago, and I passed! I feel so relieved to be done with education
I'll have some pictures of my own to post at the weekend (hopefully) but in the meantime, I thought i'd share my sister's final project from the art course she's been doing. She got a distinction (highest mark you can get) It's fairytale themed and Alice in Wonderland features heavily!

Congratulations! Your sister's project is so cool! I love the little felt playing cards. The whole thing is very impressive.

Love that nightgown and your big give outfit is great! Where did you get that material for the nightgown. My dm and I have been trying to find it!

I hope you are feeling better. I have the crud. Trying to avoid it at all costs!

I found it at JoAnn's. It was with the snuggle fabrics but it was on sale when the character stuff was on sale so I picked it up. I think Heather asked if it was hard to sew, and it really wasn't. Some pins fell out here and there but because it was only slippery on one side I was fine.

 

[HeatherSue]

OK - for the NEXT ROUND of the BIG GIVE. I know that someone mentioned something about making customs for foster children. I have a question about that. Are foster children allowed to go on vacations (across state lines) with their foster families? I know that probably sounds like a dumb question, but for some reason, I thought they couldn't?

It may have been mentioned - I wonder about setting up some sort of thing for children that are going to Disney with Make A Wish. I wonder if there is a way to set up a thread here where people who are in that situation could "sign in" and make requests? I guess the biggest difficulty would be in the verification that whoever is requesting has actually been granted a trip with Make A Wish.

Anyway, just a few thoughts.

Yeah, most foster kids probably don't get to go to Disney. That's why they speak to my heart so much. They really need a little magic in their lives. Many of them feel forgotten and unwanted. I just wanted to be able to find out what their interests are and try to make them an outfit in that theme or something.

I like the Make A Wish idea, too. Maybe we could do that for a few months, and then move on to trying to help foster kids.

Foster kids can absolutely go on vacation with their foster families. It just requires a note from their Social Worker (preferably signed off by a judge) saying that they can go on vacation and have permission to be out of state with their foster parents. I have a foster child going to Disney next month.

However, it is very rare that a foster family is able to take children on such a trip. I would say that maybe customs for the Holidays would be more appropriate and get used more.

Heather- you asked about setting this up. It would require a call to a local CPS office to see if they are willing/able to accept donations for a foster child.

I also love the idea for making something for the Make a Wish children....great idea Revrob. Isn't there a Make a Wish thread on here somewhere?

It sounds like everyone wants to do the Make A Wish donations first. But, I'd still really like to help out kids in foster care eventually.

Prince Charming....

I'm looking for a pattern for Prince Charming. Has anyone made one or knows of a place I can find a pattern??

Of if you have made one, I'm looking for one that is reasonably priced.

HELP!

I made Prince Charming! Look in the photobucket account (link is in the first post in this thread) under the Prince Charming tag. I give the pattern number and what I did to modify the pattern in the description.

SO, do we want to try to work on the Make A Wish Big Give idea? I wouldn't mind helping out with this (though I certainly don't want to take over something that someone else is already working on). If it's something that we want to do, I wonder if it wouldn't be wise to set up a few guidelines before we jump in. A couple of things that come to mind for me:
1. Verification of involvement with Make A Wish (already discussed this - we could have the parent email a copy of their acceptance letter or something)
2. Set up a number of outfits that we feel that we can provide for each child. Depending on how many kiddos we're talking about, we may want to provide just a couple per child, or maybe no more than one per day - again depending upon how many children we're talking about helping!.

Any other suggestions?

I think those are great ideas and I'd love it if you wanted to be in charge of this!

I like the idea of making, at most, 1 outfit per day. We'll need to ask the parents if they want that many outfits, though. This way we'll be able to do it for more than 1 child.

Should we have them look through the photobucket account for some ideas, or just ask what their favorite characters and styles are?

For the BIG GIVE for Foster children. Why not just make them clothes. What I'm trying to say is that these children have been through alot in their short lives and I'm sure any sort of kindness would be appreciated. I'm sure that any size clothes would be appreciated by these children. I think just receiving a random gift from someone might help to restore their faith in adults. Just a thought.

I'm with you on that. That's how I was thinking. I just wanted to make them some special clothes to wear, wherever they may be.

Absolutely

I know for certain that holiday clothes or halloween outfits would be really appreciated by most. I can't tell you how many children I have on my caseload who go without something as simple as a halloween costume.

That's a great idea, actually. Maybe we could make some Halloween costumes around October!

I am definitely in on the big give. What if we tried to do a different "charity" monthly or every other month. I was thinking children's Miracle network they always love things like pillowcases and blankets and such for the patients. I know it isn't clothes but it maybe something we can do that would be an "in between" Big Give, and less time consuming for some. I know the U of I hospitals CMN is always accepting those donations. Just a thought, as it will reach out to many at a time.Let me know what you think.

That's a great idea, too. I'd like to try and focus on each project for 2-3 months.

I read about this last week on the internet but totally forgot to put it here for everyone to see (if you haven't seen or heard about it yet). It is about dry drowning. A 10 yr. old boy in SC died a week or so ago after he had been out of the pool for over an hour and they said he had drown. There is an article and a video as well. It is something that everyone should be aware of -- I had never heard of it before!

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24982210/

My mom told me about this!! I worry enough about kids drowning while they're IN the pool. Unfortunately, I know 4 kids who have drowned in pools or ponds. Most of them could swim, so that's no guarantee.

 

[Chelle's Belles]

Hi everyone! I hope you don't mind a cheerful lurker barging in. I am a novice seamstress and I LOVE coming to this thread and seeing the gorgeous things you ladies make! It inspires me to keep learning. I also want to think teresajoy for sharing her bookmarks! They are such a resource for me!

So here is my question: Can any of you help me find a Mickey/Minnie head applique pattern to use on my embroidery machine? I need a PES file. I've googled all over the place and cannot find one to save my life.

If any of you have any leads on where I could find this I would be forever grateful.

Thanks for letting me interrupt and keep up your amazing work!

 

[HeatherSue]

I can definatally see that the ladies (and man) on this thread are kind hearted and love to give. Thats great. But I am one to think all that hard work you should want to help people out in your town. I would stick to going to shelter, hospitals such as ronald mcdonald house, or children services. Its always to nice help out those around you. Just my opinion....sorry if you don't agree with it.

I can see helping out a fellow boardie also. We are all "friends" around here, so it can also be very rewarding to stick together and see the benifits of the giving.

Thats all I will say for now. GOD BLESS!

It would be nice to help out local organizations. But, I know I'm too socially phobic to actually make those calls and set it up. So, it'll work best for me to have someone else do that legwork and I'll just sew and mail!

I know, I read about it a couple of weeks ago, right after we got home from the pool. Scary!

For the big give, does it have to be clothes? I can do clothes, but right now I'm mainly doing hair pretties. LOL BTW hope you guys don't mind my "butting" in.

Here's my latest hair pretty. It's my first try at it, so it's no perfect, but when I do my next one, I'm going to put a minnie mouse resin in the middle.

That would be a GREAT help! I don't like to make bows, so another helpful Diser made hairbows to match my Big Give outfit!

Here's another dress I made today.

That is a sweet little dress!

How do I always end up so blasted far behind? Even now that I have more time lol. I had a stomach flu the last few days first time I have been sick in years but I did it BIG lol.

First thank you all for the sweet thoughts. I greatly appreciate teh prayers. We feel like God led us to fostering for 3 reasons and all 3 are well worth all the pain and heartache we went through because of it. The cool thing is I can now name all three reasons! First Shelby and Halie (my first little blond haired model) we helped fight for them go to thier Grandparents. I feel honored to have taken care of them for the short time we were with them. Then there is Princess April. Who we saved her life twice and if I told you the stories of how many people she has profoundly affected in her short little life you would weep. She is a beautiful child who without a doubt is meant for great things.

I will freely admit we were selfish and wanted something to take with us to hold forever from our time but honestly now that I have stepped back I see that we took three things. I am a VERY blessed foster parent. Most never see thier children again. I have 3 that I can see anytime I want, and can continue to love them and be a part of thier lives. I think that God still has a plan for us to be parents more than just twice and I fully believe that we will be led down the path that we need to be led. I am just unfortunately an impatient person and God is apparently working on that with me.

For those of you that have contemplated becomign foster parents. It is not for the faint of heart. It is a long journey and while the children are well worth it you have to be completely devouted to that because the system is horrible.

Now that I have written a book I will tell you all something you all probably know! I wanted to find some of those cardboard thigns that they put fabric on to put all my fabric on my shelves with. Well I found some on for a pretty high price when you factor in shipping. I thought ofr a while and decided to call Hobby Lobby and Hancocks to see if I could order some from them! They throw the blasted things away! She told me to come get all I wanted! I got a ton tonight and I thought I without a doubt had enough to put up all my fabric. It is looking like not so much now. I will have to make another trip to the fabric store in a few days ... you know I am really dissapointed. DH just kind of looked at me when he saw all the fabric though. I don't think he knew how much I had as long as it was all shoved in the bottom of my hall closet.

Thank you for the idea on getting the cardboard bolts from the fabric stores! If I ever get a sewing room, I'm going to do that!! Then again, that could encourage me to buy the whole stinking bolt when I see a fabric I love!

OK I can only skim again today but awesome outfits as always! Mousetriper I am just blown away that you painted the princesses, they look incredible
I got my degree results a couple of days ago, and I passed! I feel so relieved to be done with education
I'll have some pictures of my own to post at the weekend (hopefully) but in the meantime, I thought i'd share my sister's final project from the art course she's been doing. She got a distinction (highest mark you can get) It's fairytale themed and Alice in Wonderland features heavily!

Congrats on your degree!!!!

Your sister's project is fantastic!!!!

 

[minnie2]

Thanks. I know little girls say things like that but I couldn't believe that she wouldn't take responsibility when I called her on it. When I was a kid I would never speak to an adult that way.

I know Megan is a little immature for her age and I probably encourage it because she's the baby. Making her a birthday outfit is a nice compromise: I did that last year too.

Kids today are unreal with their mouths! I am with you never in a million yrs would I have been fresh to an adult! I get that some kids say fresh things hey they are kids BUT to me the important thing if for a parent to teach the what is right and wrong. you know? My DD8 just came out knowing manner and how to be polite then you have my son where everything is a struggle but you know what imo it is my job to make sure he learns manners.
It is funny i can't tell you how many time I have had this conversation with some of my friends. Every time it gets me upset about some parents.
Ok off my soap box now!

Here's another dress I made today.

so pretty!

How do I always end up so blasted far behind? Even now that I have more time lol. I had a stomach flu the last few days first time I have been sick in years but I did it BIG lol.

First thank you all for the sweet thoughts. I greatly appreciate teh prayers. We feel like God led us to fostering for 3 reasons and all 3 are well worth all the pain and heartache we went through because of it. The cool thing is I can now name all three reasons! First Shelby and Halie (my first little blond haired model) we helped fight for them go to thier Grandparents. I feel honored to have taken care of them for the short time we were with them. Then there is Princess April. Who we saved her life twice and if I told you the stories of how many people she has profoundly affected in her short little life you would weep. She is a beautiful child who without a doubt is meant for great things.

I will freely admit we were selfish and wanted something to take with us to hold forever from our time but honestly now that I have stepped back I see that we took three things. I am a VERY blessed foster parent. Most never see thier children again. I have 3 that I can see anytime I want, and can continue to love them and be a part of thier lives. I think that God still has a plan for us to be parents more than just twice and I fully believe that we will be led down the path that we need to be led. I am just unfortunately an impatient person and God is apparently working on that with me.

For those of you that have contemplated becomign foster parents. It is not for the faint of heart. It is a long journey and while the children are well worth it you have to be completely devouted to that because the system is horrible.

Now that I have written a book I will tell you all something you all probably know! I wanted to find some of those cardboard thigns that they put fabric on to put all my fabric on my shelves with. Well I found some on for a pretty high price when you factor in shipping. I thought ofr a while and decided to call Hobby Lobby and Hancocks to see if I could order some from them! They throw the blasted things away! She told me to come get all I wanted! I got a ton tonight and I thought I without a doubt had enough to put up all my fabric. It is looking like not so much now. I will have to make another trip to the fabric store in a few days ... you know I am really dissapointed. DH just kind of looked at me when he saw all the fabric though. I don't think he knew how much I had as long as it was all shoved in the bottom of my hall closet.
.

Sorry you are so sick please feel better!

That is such a sweet sentiment. I pray you find those other children be it through IVF or adoption but know you are blessed with the ones you have and I know any more that come into your life will be incredibly loved.

Tahnk you. I painted them free-hand. I have always loved drawing. When I was younger I always wanted to grow up and become a Disney animator. I still think that would be the ultimate job...! I did illustrate a children's book that my Mom wrote. We are now in the process of self-publishing it. It was a lot of fun!


Thank you for the sweet comment on my BIG GIVE outfit and my little one. She is getting big so fast....where does the time go?? Yes, when you get your wee little one...give me a hollar. Hahaha!!!

How wonderful about the book! you are very talented! My cousin has a few books out he is a cartoonist and I love reading his books! So when it is published youw ill ahve to make sure you let us all know!

My DD8 wrote a book through her school's young authors program and they kept a copy in her school library and it was one of the most checked out books of this past yr! Now of course I LOVE the book but she was so excited that all her friends checked it out and other kids she didn't even know checked it out. Maybe it is the mom in me but in the back of my mind part of me wants to try to get it really published. I really think it is a great story line. It is about a Fairy whole helps gets kids to do things that may be hard for them and in the end they all have fun with a party to celebrate good work! But of course they need the clean up fairy to help clean up!

 

[mommyof2princesses]

If we doing a charity that isn't just Disney outfits, my mom can help too! she actually runs her own charity where her and a group of ladies make outfits and they send them to hospitals. She does alot of premiee clothes and gowns for those that don't make it. Also does clothes for 6months and younger in case little ones come into the hospital and need an outfit.

 

[HeatherSue]

You're not a lurker, you're a window shopper! You're not barging in, we love newbies around here!

I don't have any help for you on the Mickey applique file. But, I'm glad you like my sister's bookmarks! It really makes her day when someone says they're using them!

Hi everyone! I hope you don't mind a cheerful lurker barging in. I am a novice seamstress and I LOVE coming to this thread and seeing the gorgeous things you ladies make! It inspires me to keep learning. I also want to think teresajoy for sharing her bookmarks! They are such a resource for me!

So here is my question: Can any of you help me find a Mickey/Minnie head applique pattern to use on my embroidery machine? I need a PES file. I've googled all over the place and cannot find one to save my life.

If any of you have any leads on where I could find this I would be forever grateful.

Thanks for letting me interrupt and keep up your amazing work!

 

[~*~Michelle~*~]

How do I always end up so blasted far behind? Even now that I have more time lol. I had a stomach flu the last few days first time I have been sick in years but I did it BIG lol.

First thank you all for the sweet thoughts. I greatly appreciate teh prayers. We feel like God led us to fostering for 3 reasons and all 3 are well worth all the pain and heartache we went through because of it. The cool thing is I can now name all three reasons! First Shelby and Halie (my first little blond haired model) we helped fight for them go to thier Grandparents. I feel honored to have taken care of them for the short time we were with them. Then there is Princess April. Who we saved her life twice and if I told you the stories of how many people she has profoundly affected in her short little life you would weep. She is a beautiful child who without a doubt is meant for great things.

I will freely admit we were selfish and wanted something to take with us to hold forever from our time but honestly now that I have stepped back I see that we took three things. I am a VERY blessed foster parent. Most never see thier children again. I have 3 that I can see anytime I want, and can continue to love them and be a part of thier lives. I think that God still has a plan for us to be parents more than just twice and I fully believe that we will be led down the path that we need to be led. I am just unfortunately an impatient person and God is apparently working on that with me.

For those of you that have contemplated becomign foster parents. It is not for the faint of heart. It is a long journey and while the children are well worth it you have to be completely devouted to that because the system is horrible.

We are in the process of adopting & I just wanted to let you know that your post really touched me. I'm glad there are people out there like you guys who are wiling to take these children in.

THAT is your FIRST BOW? WOW! You're good! That is a beautiful bow.

It's not my first bow, just my first bow like this Trust me, I had MANY trial & errors!

What a head of hair! Gorgeous! the hair and the bow! Great first try!

Thank you!

That is really pretty! Ok once I master sewing I might have to try to make these!

lol...thank you

Very nice! I may try my hand at some bows if I get all outfits done ahead of time!

We heard about the drowning last week...we only live a state away! It was freaky to hear about and we are at the pool all the time.

Thank you

Hi everyone! I hope you don't mind a cheerful lurker barging in. I am a novice seamstress and I LOVE coming to this thread and seeing the gorgeous things you ladies make! It inspires me to keep learning. I also want to think teresajoy for sharing her bookmarks! They are such a resource for me!

So here is my question: Can any of you help me find a Mickey/Minnie head applique pattern to use on my embroidery machine? I need a PES file. I've googled all over the place and cannot find one to save my life.

If any of you have any leads on where I could find this I would be forever grateful.

Thanks for letting me interrupt and keep up your amazing work!

I think I actually have one, send me an e-mail jessicas.mom at gmail.com

 

[minnie2]

OK I can only skim again today but awesome outfits as always! Mousetriper I am just blown away that you painted the princesses, they look incredible
I got my degree results a couple of days ago, and I passed! I feel so relieved to be done with education
I'll have some pictures of my own to post at the weekend (hopefully) but in the meantime, I thought i'd share my sister's final project from the art course she's been doing. She got a distinction (highest mark you can get) It's fairytale themed and Alice in Wonderland features heavily!

Your sisters project is great!
Congratulations on your degree!

 

[disneylovinfamily]

Hey everyone! I am back from the beach and have so much to catch up on! It will take me forever so I may just have to start fom here and look at the pages from last week a little at a time. I now have to get working on my big give outfit and orgainizing my house because I know that DHs homecoming will be upon me before I realize it!

 

[SallyfromDE]

Found a "wish trippers" thread. I don't have time to check it out right now though.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1606643

I had a chance to go take a look. I found one that is a pre trip report for August. HeatherN. Here is the link: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1852434

Here Daughter loves Cinderella. And they have a son also.


Would it be possible to ask Wendy, who started the thread, to add an email address or something, for approved Wishers, or friends of Wishers, to ask for a Big Give? Maybe have a link called the Big Give for Wishers/friends to link onto?

Then we can see what we can do? I really wanted to join in on the last give, but I just didn't have the time. I'd like to join in on a few of the futue gives.

 

[revrob]

I had a chance to go take a look. I found one that is a pre trip report for August. HeatherN. Here is the link: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1852434

Here Daughter loves Cinderella. And they have a son also.


Would it be possible to ask Wendy, who started the thread, to add an email address or something, for approved Wishers, or friends of Wishers, to ask for a Big Give? Maybe have a link called the Big Give for Wishers/friends to link onto?

Then we can see what we can do? I really wanted to join in on the last give, but I just didn't have the time. I'd like to join in on a few of the futue gives.

I think that's a great idea!

I'm planning on working on this today to try to iron out some details. I'll be posting a little later today - hopefully with some details.

 

[jham]

I had a chance to go take a look. I found one that is a pre trip report for August. HeatherN. Here is the link: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1852434

Here Daughter loves Cinderella. And they have a son also.


Would it be possible to ask Wendy, who started the thread, to add an email address or something, for approved Wishers, or friends of Wishers, to ask for a Big Give? Maybe have a link called the Big Give for Wishers/friends to link onto?

Then we can see what we can do? I really wanted to join in on the last give, but I just didn't have the time. I'd like to join in on a few of the futue gives.

I just read her pre-trippie. Sounds like a wonderful family! They would be fun "Big Give candidates" if they were willing. Their trip is soonish so we'd have to be quick about it! Let us know what you come up with Shannon!

 

[kpgriffin]

I think that's a great idea!

I'm planning on working on this today to try to iron out some details. I'll be posting a little later today - hopefully with some details.

Thanks for getting this started. I have a close friend whose daughter was born with a severe cleft lip and skin disorder. She commented on how hard it is to have children (and sometimes adult ) react to seeing the baby and not understanding her condition. It would great to also include organizations like Operation Smile, etc.

 

[o2bacelt]

I just have to find a memory card for the camera and then I'll have a couple of pictures to post. I just finished up the Wall-e shirt to go with the skirt I finished earlier on in the week.

I'll have to post a picture of my little sewing space now that things are cleaned up around here.

I finished the 4th of July Hello Kitty skirt for Delaney but I have to do the top still.

I also picked up the fabric I'll need to do a dress for Delaney to wear to The Lion King, my mom got us tickets for the show at the Kennedy Center 4th of July weekend. It should be a lot of fun.

I ran up to our local movie theater to exchange our tickets for Wall-e for another time, I had forgotten that this Saturday is one of the Lowe's kid's workshops, so I wanted to be able to do both, because Delaney loves doing the projects at the local home centers.

I'd better get going, I've got to go pick Delaney up from camp, she's having such a great time.

 

[sahm1000]

OK I can only skim again today but awesome outfits as always! Mousetriper I am just blown away that you painted the princesses, they look incredible
I got my degree results a couple of days ago, and I passed! I feel so relieved to be done with education
I'll have some pictures of my own to post at the weekend (hopefully) but in the meantime, I thought i'd share my sister's final project from the art course she's been doing. She got a distinction (highest mark you can get) It's fairytale themed and Alice in Wonderland features heavily!

Wow, that is really neat!

Just wanted to comment that yes, it should be fairly easy to donate to your local CPS office. Just call and talk to them. Most toy donations are accepted around the holidays. But if you personally know any local social workers, you could donate other things too. I drive around with a bag of stuffed animals in my car in case I have an upset child. It's amazing what a stuffed animals to hug can do. We had a local church (who happened to have a few budding artists) come in and paint our visitation rooms, make them new curtains and benches, and just make them look generally more "homey"


I'm sorry to hear that you had some foster parents who decided not to take a trip with their child. It really shouldn't be any additional work for the foster parents (besides the work of actually TAKING the children ). Sounds to me like the social worker wasn't helping enough. Yes, if the bio family is visiting, they do have a say...especially if they are going to miss visitation if the children go (but not the final say). As a social worker, it's our job to gently convince the parents that this is a life experience that they may never get otherwise.

The haircut thing is true. If bio families ask for children's hair not to be cut while they are working on reunification, foster parents can't cut their hair (or pierce their ears, etc). That's due to cultural reasons.

I understand the cultural reason for not allowing people to cut hair, pierce ears, etc. Especially since I am here in Texas where they took all of the Fundamentalist Mormon children for about 6 weeks and later gave them all back after they found their reason for taking them was possibly unfounded (although I suspect there was some abuse somewhere and if what they suspected, sexual abuse and rape horrifies me, I would hope that it just was not within EVERY family with minor children). But you do have to question whether a parent who has had their parental rights taken away should have any say over anything pertaining to a child. I am sure this might get me flamed but really, how many times should one person get to screw up a child?
As a former teacher I cannot tell you how mad it made me to have a student who had had older siblings taken away by CPS and she was left b/c they didn't think she had been abused. Yet she walked in to school one day with a perfect semi-circular burn on her face from having it put to an electric stove coil burner. I actually couldn't see straight I was so upset.

Please, for those of you who are social workers, please don't think that this is aimed at you. I feel you are hard working and over worked. I truly believe that it is the court system that lets most of these children down. I heard Oprah say once that you get one chance at harming a child and after that society should be done with that person, and I believe that should be the case a majority of the time.

Okay, off my Off Topic Soap Box now. Back to our normal sewing chats! Sorry, and don't forget that I am a little hormonal right now!

 

[Dreamer & Wisher]

Wow, this thread has been busy. I have been keeping up but haven't had a chance to post.

We had Vacation Bible School last week it was so busy we had 18 kids in our Kindergarten class! Luckily I had my sister in law and a high school helper. But we had a lot of fun.

I am finishing up my big give project. I think it turned out cute and I hope they like it. I will post pictures tonight or tomorrow.

I have loved all the latest outfits.

That pirate ship backyard play set was Awesome My son would love that.

Stephres, I love your Marie outfit and the nightgown. Sorry the neighbor kid is such a stinker.