3 Special Gifts

These coordinating pleated purses are going to 3 very special sisters overseas!









They were all made out of fat quarters, one for the outside and one for the inside and strap. I downloaded the free Buttercup Purse pattern from Made by Rae, and it was pretty easy to follow. I made a few alterations, like attaching interfacing to the entire outside fabric so that it is sturdier. I also made the strap a little bit longer than suggested so that it will fit nice and snug on their shoulders. The inside of each purse is the same fabric as the top and strap. There is also a pocket on the inside made out of the outside fabric. Coordination all around!

Made by Rae also has a tutorial on how to make this pleated purse a little bit bigger, so it will be perfect for an adult size!

Newest Family Member

Damon August Singletary Parker

Born at home to David and Caroline on Wednesday, March 23, 2011. He was 8 pounds exactly!

He and Amelia are exactly 5 months apart, and I can't wait to watch them grow up and play together!

If you want to read Caroline's fantastic birth story, it is on her blog, which you can get to by clicking here.

The Completed Nursery...FINALLY!

Well, Amelia is nearing 5 months, so I figured it was a good time to put the finishing touches on the nursery and call it complete! It was a process trying to figure out what to do in there. Originally, since we didn't know her gender before she was born, we were going to do everything in neutrals. Well, once she was here, I couldn't help but want to put some feminine touches in her room. So, the base of the room is still neutral, but most of the accents have that touch of pink, which could easily be swapped out for a more masculine look in the future if needed!

This is the 9-months-to-refinish crib that Amelia's daddy put so much love, time and energy into! It turned out fantastic!

The frames above the crib have coordinating scrapbook paper and silk flowers that we used in decor at our wedding! Ah, sentiments!

This butterfly mobile cost me less than $5 and 30 minutes to make! I catch Amelia reaching up and trying to catch the butterfly's sometimes!

This was my splurge item in the room! The comfy chair is a definite must for the nursery!

We opted to buy a dresser instead of a more typical changing table. This way, once we no longer need the changing table, she will already have a dresser, we won't have to buy another piece of furniture, and I won't have to worry about storing a cumbersome changing table!

Above the dresser are frames that hold a birth announcement, scripture verses, and a box of roses that "the aunts" brought to the hospital when she was born.


This was a super simple way to add a personalized touch. Scrap burlap and left-over felt!

And to hold her growing collection of hair accessories, a frame from hunny's grandmother, and wrapping paper from Amelia's first Christmas gift from her Aunt, Uncle and Cousin!

Baby Essential Set

A few weeks ago, I completed an order for a matching set of burp cloths, blanket and nursing cover. The momma doesn't know the gender, so these are neutral enough to be used for a baby boy or girl! Here's how they turned out:

Blanket & Burp Cloths

Burp Cloths (set of 3)


The Blanket & Burp Cloth Set

Amy Butler Nursing Cover (LOVE!)

Owl Baby Shower

This past Sunday afternoon, a group of women gathered in our home to pray for the Smith's new baby! The Mommy & Daddy did not want to find out the gender, and they are not giving away the name quite yet (parents after our own heart!). Customarily, we only have true baby showers, with gifts and all, for a first baby. This is the Smith's 3rd child, but we of course still want them to feel special and show how excited we are with each and every new child! So, our solution is to have a time of prayer and fellowship. These showers are a special and beautiful time for everyone!