Doll Clothes

I have officially started making doll clothes! I'm excited about this to potentially be profitable because it will be a perfect pairing of two of my favorite interests: small clothes & historical fashion! I plan on making outfits that are more regular historical outfits, as well as these more frilly "princess" dresses (they are a lot of fun!)

This is the first dress I finished (I made a petticoat slip as well, but that doesn't really count). There is a hat and shoes to match. And all the materials of this dress were ones I had on hand (remnants and scraps of trim that I've picked up over the years for just such an occasion!) There will definitely be more to come!

"She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchant."
- Proverbs 31:24

Also, in other news: I joined the church choir today! It's been a long time since I was a part of an organized choir, so I wanted to come back and sing again. Our church has a Worship Director on staff now, so we now have a regular choir in our church - occasional Sunday mornings as well as the traditional holiday concerts. I'm looking forward to it!

"I will sing and make melody to the Lord."
- Psalm 27:6b

Divine Pruning

Just when I think things might be turning around and getting better in an area of discouragement in my life right now, I'm once again dissapointed by things outside of my control. I have to constantly come back to knowing that God is in sovereign control over everything. Knowing that He has the big picture - that He hasn't forgotten about the troubles that weigh on my heart - is the only thing that keeps me going. My devotional this morning was on the Vine and the Branches in John 15, and was especially encouraging to my heart:

"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit be prunes so that it will be even more fruitful."
-John 15:1-2

"Pruning is painful but profitable. James tells us that trials are occasions for joy because they will test our faith and develop in us perseverance and maturity (James 1:2-4). We need God's help even to desire to yield ourselves to his pruning. May God bring people and events into our lives that will sanctify us so that we might bear true spiritual fruit for his glory and his kingdom's sake."
-Carol L. Baldwin

Celebrations

Well, we have been pretty busy lately! Lots of comings and goings over the past week. Last week, I got my hair cut in layers for the first time ever, so I'm getting used to a new do!

On Labor Day, Nathan and I went up north to San Luis Obispo county to celebrate our fourth anniversary (which was almost a month ago now!). We used a Stash tea certificate to get a free night at a bed and breakfast. We had decided to go to this area since we had stopped here for a little bit on our honeymoon, but didn't spend time seeing the sights.

This first picture is up north of San Luis Obispo on San Simeon beach. There's sometimes elephant seals here, but when we were there, there was only one and he wasn't cooperating very well for a good picture. :)

We went to Hearst Castle also while we were there. It was quite the experience. I enjoyed the outdoor gardens and pools the best.

We visited Cambria and Moonstone Beach, which was actually very overcast that day. There were some tidepools that we enjoyed - saw some sea anemones and starfish.

This picture is in the garden of the bed and breakfast we stayed at - Abella Garden Inn in Arroyo Grande.

Then, the day after we get back, I turn 25! We both had to work all day, but we got to celebrate my birthday at family dinner that night. Very fun, as always!

Now, we are trying to get settled back into the normal routine - trying not to be sad about going back to work regularly! The time off was so nice and relaxing! We're thankful that God provided the means for us to spend this time away together.

"Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh." Genesis 2:24