Carrying on the tradition

Growing up, my mom was (is) the master of church activities. I can't even tell you how many times I saw her load up our minivan with half her sewing room in order to teach a craft or sewing project, decorate a cultural hall, organize a temple Youth Celebration, or direct a stake play.  We're talking big time activities here.  She is the master organizer, planner, and presenter. Nothing is too big or too much work for my mamacita. She firmly believes that her commitment to the gospel fully encompasses everything she can give to every calling, activity, and assignment that comes her way. Those of you who know her, know what I'm talking about. It's impressive.

So when I was put on the (now called) Relief Society Committee in my married ward, I must say I felt a little hidden intimidation. Firstly because I've never had this calling before (and the unknown is always a bit more daunting than the known), and secondly because there are some high expectations coming down through the generations.

Last night my training (as Cindy Torgerson's daughter) was put to the test. I was in charge of my first "small group" (of what was formerly (HFP) Enrichment) activity. The craft group.  If you haven't noticed, my world these days seems to be taken up completely by All Things Baby (honestly, when was the last time I post something philosophical? They are few are far between, that's for sure).  So obviously, the theme carried over to our activity. I've learned in the last few months that these little guys carry a pretty hefty price tag (all worth it, of course). But if there are ways and places you can cut the cost corners, I try to find them.  There are somethings that I just can't make for little Raymond John... but the things I can, I do. I needed to share my money-saving baby-making skills with all the new (and soon to be new) mamas in my ward.

I brought supplies (yes, half my sewing corner, I swear was packed and hauled to the church in Cindy Torgerson fashion) and patterns for baby: bibs, burp cloths, plush balls, and soft rings.  Only about half the crowd expected came, but those who did, made some beautiful new baby things. Success! I can't even tell you how much good it did my little heart to see all those sewing machines a-whirring.  I have learned to really love to sew lately (as meger and simple as my projects are).  Almost everyone who came had their own machine, but admitted to hardly ever using it. Fingers crossed, all those pretty little Singer machines put to use last night won't be tucked back into the closet, but put out on the desk and loved.

We made some:

Plush balls

Soft Rings

burp cloths

and bibs.

So fun!