Prayer is one of the best free gifts we receive

This came as an email where I was supposed to pick 12 women who have touched my life, and who I think that if this group of women were ever to be in a room together, there is nothing that would be impossible. I loved the message and decided that rather than forward it to 12 women I'd post it here. (I actually think that if you put any 12 women in a room that nothing would be impossible!)


"May today there be peace within.

May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be.

May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith inyourself and others.

May you use the gifts that you have received, and pass on the love thathas been given to you.

May you be content with yourself just the way you are.

Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul thefreedom to sing, dance, praise and love.

It is there for each and every one of us."



We're fools whether we dance or not, so we might as well dance. ~Japanese Proverb =

Tie Dye Flower Child Hippie Dippie Baby Shower

Maria asked that the theme for her shower be tie dye/flower child. As you can probably imagine, there are no commercial baby shower party supplies in a hippie theme. (Perhaps an untapped market...) I was able to find some basic tie dye paper products, but we really developed the tie dye theme, by tie dying onesies at the party.

I didn't get photographs of all of the specifics, so I'll describe the party to the best of my ability. There was a clothes line with some white onesies hanging on it, as part of the decorations for the party. There were other onesies soaking in the soda ash solution. Guests picked a wet onesie out of the sink, wrung out the water, and set to creating their design with rubber bands and adding dye from bottles. We then bagged each shirt to let the dye set for a half hour. While those shirts were getting done, we took the other shirts off the line to soak in the soda ash solution.

We took the shirts into the bathroom and hung them on a clothes line in the shower to dry and catch the drips... The final product can be seen at the end of the slideshow. As you can see Maria now has 15 one-of-a-kind, made with love by family and friends - onesies for Alana.

Next, we played a couple of games - Baby Scattergories and Baby Express Yourself. Everyone was a good sport and had fun despite being squished into the living room. Maria was very anxious to start opening the enormous pile of presents.

You will notice the gorgeous assortment of tie dye gifts Maria is opening in the slide show. These are all from my Niece-in-Law, Tara Stonier. Tara tie dyed fabric to make the quilt and diaper bag, and dyed clothes and burp clothes as well. We all think Tara needs to go into business making tie dyed diaper bags. It is such a work of art!

There were other hand made treasures - a sweater and blanket, hand knit by Dean's Grandmother, Suzanne. A blanket crocheted by Mima (aka me). A frame decoupaged by Dean's mom, Wendy. Alana has the most wonderful new wardrobe, with a large selection of items in the chocolate and pink color scheme. She got more beautiful clothes than I can begin to describe.

Some of her other gifts included a baby monitor, a front/back baby carrier, a Boppy seat, port-a-crib, a crib/youthbed, butterfly bedding, and so much more. We ended with the Tie Dye/Flower Child/Hippie Dippie cake, compliments of Bernie Ratelle. Bernie's is Maria's dad's secretary and long time friend. She really pulled the theme together nicely.

We had a wonderful time. It was a great opportunity to meet Dean's family. His mother and grandmother, step-mother and step-sister were all able to attend. Maria was truly surrounded by lots of friends and family who literally "showered" her with an abundance of beautiful gifts. It was a day to remember as we get closer to Alana's arrival (around March 26th) and the real fun begins!

Maria's Shower