Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Almost There.....

On Monday, I announced that I would be taking 35 more Flitterbug orders to fund our final adoption expenses......and then would be finished sewing Flitterbugs for this season in life.  
Since then, 20 orders have come in!

Thank you, thank you!

You ladies all love the same fabrics.....of all 20 orders placed, a total of 2 different fabrics have been chosen. Can you guess which ones they are?!?!

My wonderful hubs is cheering me on in this last sewing stretch, and we are going to do a "mini" week of school next week.......as I finish these final orders.

Thank you for allowing me to sew for your little ones......I'll take 15 more orders....and that will be the end for now. Pop on over to see the available fabrics and styles if you would like to place a final order.


Thank you for being a part of Flitterbugs and our peanut's journey home!

Monday, August 29, 2011

Change of Plans....Not Finished Yet..........

 A couple of weeks ago I announced that I was going to quit sewing for a season....time to be just wife and momma in my home. I took several last orders....sewed all weekend.....and was ready and happy to put the Flitterbug patterns aside for awhile!
Just as I was taking my *last* order....our final, final expenses related to the twins adoption came in. In all honesty, my first thought was "nooooo! I am finished....ready to give my 100% of my time to my husband and kids!"  After a quiet time of prayer, and good insight and encouragement from the hubs, it became apparent that necessity would demand I sew a little bit longer.
In a nutshell, we are 35 Flitterbugs away from being finished with the peanuts adoption:)

As He always does, the Lord has given me the strength and energy to finish strong, and as he always does, the hubs is cheering me on!
I have no idea how many more days of sewing lie ahead.....I know the Lord can bring the last 35 orders in a matter if minutes if He sees fit.  As soon as I reach my goal....the sewing is done for this season!
I am going to do things a bit differently for this last big push.I typically purchase all of my fabric before posting them.  In order to not end up with any extra fabric that must be sold to cover expenses, I will be purchasing fabric as the orders come. I have chosen mostly Christmas fabrics....as I have had numerous requests for some holiday sewing! I have also changed the style selection to better fit winter/Christmas garments. Pop over to the home page to see what is available!
All of the fabric is high quality designer fabric, and because I will paying full price for these fabrics....I cannot offer sale prices on the garments. The prices listed on the home page is what I will need to sale them for!
Thank you for all who have ordered a Flitterbug over the past 2 years and have helped to bring our babies home. We are now 35 Flitterbugs away from the finish line........an unexpected last hump, but one we know the Lord can carry us across quickly!
Thank you for giving me the privilege of sewing for your children!

Friday, August 26, 2011

Winding Down.....Ready To Ship SALE.....

These are new, ready to ship dresses. I will continue to add more pictures of sale dreses and remove pictures of garments as they sell throughout the day. I still have several fabrics left, and you can place a customer order throughout the weekend. (Read more HERE.)
***UPDATE: You can also order a custom long sleeve dress for $28 sizes 1-4 and $30 sizes 5-8.
 All prices listed below on these sale dresses include shipping costs.
To order, email me with the dress you would like....and I will ship it out this afternoon. (jubug231 @ aol.com)
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Long Sleeve Flitterbug Dresses- $28
(Right to left)

Size 3- Pretty Bird Flowers-SOLD
Size 5- Aqua Christmas-SOLD
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Short Sleeve Flitterbug Dresses- $23
 (right to left)
Size 2- Sweet Divinity-SOLD
Size 2-Meadowsweet
Size 3- Bite Me-SOLD
Size 4- Mod Paris-SOLD!
Size 5-Whimsy

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Ruffled Sundresses- $25
(Winter and Christmas prints.....wear with a turtleneck or blouse! My daughter also loves to wear theses a few sizes "small" as a tunic top with leggings/jeans:)


(right to left)

Size 4/5- Sherry Berry
Size 4/5- Red Flakes-SOLD
Size 5/6- Poinsetteas
Size 6/7- Aqua Christmas-SOLD

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Thank you, thank you!

Monday, August 22, 2011

Last Week......$25 Shipped......

This is the last week to purchase a Flitterbug!
 The fabric stash is dwindling........
 Pop on over to choose your fabric before they are gone!

For this final week.....any Short Sleeved Flitterbug Dress or Katie Dress.....
$25 Shipping included.


To place an order,
Simply coose the style you would like.
Pick a fabric, then email me your selection.

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Thank you all for the sweet words of support and encouragement I have received over the past few day!

Thursday, August 18, 2011

To Everthing...A Season

I love to sew.
I have loved sewing Flitterbugs. Every step, from choosing fabrics, drafting patterns, cutting out and constructing dresses, packaging and shipping.....and finally seeing a little one in a Flitterbug has been my joy and delight. Flitterbugs greatly helped in funding the adoption of our twins, and has opened up the door to many beautiful friendships and relationships made along the way.
It has been a sweet season of life....a blessing. I thank each and everyone of you who have been a part of this season!
 Sewing has always been a love of mine, and from the time I was in high school and began smocking and heirloom sewing for customers.....it has been a large part of my days.
 I have now come to a very different season of life. A beautiful, blessed season which involves holding teething babies, teaching phonics and watching little eyes light up when it all makes sense, science experiments and read alouds, bread to bake and warm meals to serve, kissing boo-boos and calming quarrels, laughing with my husband and asking about his days.....
a good, beautiful season. One which I would not trade for anything.
For the past 2 years I have been able to balance and blend the needs of my family with sewing, but that season has come to an end, for the time being. After finalizing our adoption I had envisioned sewing for others on the adoption journey, hurting friends or Christian ministries close to our hearts.
 However, there are only 24 hours in each day, and it is too easy for me to set the demands of sewing  ahead of training and instructing our 5 precious gifts and the needs of my home and husband. Those of you who know me know that 5 years ago I came dangerously close to loosing my life after a miscarriage and "freak" massive internal bleeding. That scare was a gift of the Lord....it has caused me on numerous occasions to stop and consider how I am using my life and spending my days.....as I realize how quickly it can all be taken.
 Pouring into the lives the Lord has brought into mine is of far greater value than any garment I could ever sew!
 For this season of life...
~Raising 5 littles
~Encouraging my husband as he plants a church
~Homeschooling
....and focusing on those He has brought into our lives...
I need to lay down my love of sewing and close that chapter for awhile.
 I need to focus on these precious little ones and my responsibility to them, because in a blink this season of life will pass....and I can never get it back.
 If the Lord blesses our family to once again pursue an adoption...when that time comes, I know He will provide the strength and perseverance to once again enter a season of sewing to help bring a little one home.

Until that time, I must give my days to this blessed season!
I am going to continue the Fundraiser for the Browns adoption through this weekend.
Next week, I plan to post a large stash of dresses I have been working on for a sale....plus have a sell on any orders placed to help clear out the lovely fabrics piled high around my house:)
After that, I will not be taking order for...I'm not sure how long. I may occasionally post garments I have made for sale on facebook......there are lovely, rainy days which are perfect for gathering the kids up to listen to a book on tape....sewing machine humming throughout:)
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So, if you would like to order one last Flitterbug.....you have this week and next to do so! After that.....sewing is going where the smocking, tatting, knitting, crocheting, heirloom handwork and scrap booking have gone.....on the back burner:)
Thank you all for your support and encouragement in our Flitterbugs season of life!

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Flitterbugs.....for the Brown Family!

I would like to introduce you all to the Brown family! Aren't they beautiful?
The Browns are a family of 6.....yes,  4 daughters...and they are in the process of adopting 18 months old girl/boy twins from Uganda. We love our girl/boy twins, and can't wait to see the Browns home with their little ones. The Browns are currently waiting for a court date in Uganda. Once a court date is set, they will travel and stay in country for 4-6 weeks before bringing their twins home. The Browns have been hard at work for the last several months fundraising. They have about 13K left to raise in order to bring their babies home. Promise 686 has offered them a matching grant of up to $6,000....so your gift can be doubled!
Would you like to be a part of these little one's journey home?!?!

From today through Wednesday, August 17th,
80% of all Flitterbug profits will benefit the Browns adoption!

Pop on over and choose a style....then pick your fabric.
Email your order to me....and I will get started!

I typically try to have dresses made and in the mail within 2 weeks of your order, but depending on the number of orders received for this fundraiser, it may take me as long as 3 weeks.

Thank you for being a part of Flitterbugs and the Brown Family adoption. You can visit their blog here to learn more about this soon to be family of 8, and watch their journey unfold!

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Still going.......

Our weekend in pictures:)
Sweet Jordan in on the move...and he is fast.
I'm beginning to think that right eye is going to stay bright blue...hasn't changed yet!
The kids love painting anything. This particular day...they painted rocks:)
My sweet little girls...who are pretty much inseparable!
I love my hubby! Tomorrow is our 9th Anniversary!
The peanuts are the little prince and princess of the house....the big kids spend a lot of time pushing them around in the laundry basket:)
Sweet Landis....after painting the rocks....he set up a "store" and sold his to me. I now have no money and a stash of blue rocks:) 

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I am going to keep taking "Flitterbugs.....for Africa" orders throughout the remainder of the week and weekend. Thank you to all who have placed an order! I am trying to get the dresses made and to you just as quickly as possible. I'll be sewing for a few more weeks...then take a break as our new homeschooling year begins!

Thursday, July 28, 2011

New Fabrics.....Sewing for Africa

Several new fabrics are up......so cute!
Pop on over and have a look.
All profits from this weeks orders go to help the Horn of Africa.
Thank you for your support!

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Flitterbugs....for Africa

You have probably heard of the horrific drought that is affecting the Horn of Africa. Approximately 12 million people in Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya, and surrounding countries are being ravaged by lack of rain....and now lack of food.
We have been sponsoring a young girl in Ethiopia through Compassion International for almost 9 years. Her name in Shitaye, and she is now 14 years old. Last week we received news that Shitaye is in an area which is suffering greatly from the drought. Compassion International is working to respond to to this great crisis, and to aid children and families with not nourishment, but the love and hope of Christ.

I am sure like many of you, my heart breaks at the images of hungry children....suffering peoples.

Starting today....and until I get the maximum amount of orders I can reasonably finish.....

 80% of all profits from Flitterbugs will go to Compassion International's efforts to help the Horn of Africa.

Compassion has been within these countries for years, and is wise and effective in the manner in which they distribute aid.

Pop on over and pick out a dress for your little one.....and each time she wears it, pray for those so greatly affected by this drought!


Friday, July 22, 2011

$25 Ready to Ship!

Little Stash of Sale Flitterbug Dresses......made and ready to ship!
To purchase, leave a comment or email me ......let me know which dress you would like.
$25, shipping included.....all profits go to Sallee!
I will mail the dresses out in the morning.
(Size and description from left to right)

Size 2- Sweet Divinity
Size 2-Meadowsweet
Size 3- Feelin' Groovy-SOLD!
Size 4-Pretty Bird Flowers-SOLD!
Size 5-Whimsy

Thank you!

(And thank you for all who prayed for our birthmother meeting yesterday. It was wonderful! Our hearts are full!)

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Not Too Late!

(Eliana helping me sew:)

I was going to end the "Flitterbugs for Poppy Dip" on Wednesday......
But I'm almost caught up on orders and decided to extend it a few more day!
All profits from any order you place through Sunday will go to the Couch family.
Lots of cute fabrics are up....pop on over and take a look!

(Sweet Ansley in her "Katie" dress)


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Kenny, the twins and I are off to a few special visit this morning.......
A much prayed for opportunity to meet Jordan and Eliana's birthmother!
I am excited, but also nervous. We would really appreciate your prayers. We pray today will be an opportunity to share the love of Christ, and to let this precious young woman know how deeply we care for her. Thank you for praying!

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Run for Adoption!

Do you love adoption? Are you interested in adoption....or just love life and want to spend a special morning celebrating life?
Would you like to meet this sweet face......
.....or this one?!?
Covenant Care Services is the agency that loved and cared for our birthmother during her pregnancy, and placed Jordan and Eliana in our arms. Covenant Care offers all services free to any woman who seeks their support or assistance, while also maintaining some of the lowest adoption placement fees in the state of Georgia. How do they accomplish this? Fundraising. Year round, Covenant Care works diligently to make care available to all women around the state and also adoption affordable to families seeking their services.

On Saturday, August 27th, Covenant Care will be hosting the "Ridge Run" in Macon, Georgia. 
My mom racing with my nephew Pearce in last year's Ridge Run!

This is a 5K Run......there will also be a Kiddie Fun Run!
The cost to enter is $15 if you register before August 20th....$20 after the 20th up until race day.
You can go HERE to read more details and register online for the Ridge Run.
Race proceeds will benefits women in unplanned pregnancies, bithmothers, adoptive families.....and those seeking the counsel of Covenant Care!


If you are not able to come to the race, but are interested in the work of Covenant Care Services, you can follow their facebook page HERE. They regularly post videos of families meeting their children for the first time......which I can never get enough of:)

Come out to the race and meet the peanuts.....we would love to see you there!

Saturday, July 16, 2011

Sweet Littles

How precious are these littles in Flitterbugs?!?!?


Thank you to all who have placed an order! "Flitterbugs for Poppy Dip" will keep on for several more days.

Several new fabrics are up.....pop on over and have a look!

I so enjoy sewing for your little ones.....thank you for giving me the opportunity!
Have a Blessed Weekend!

Friday, July 15, 2011

New Fabrics........Flitterbugs for Poppy Dip!

Several cute new fabrics are up......fun for back to school!
Pop on over and have a look.
I'm sewing for Sallee this week.......order your Flitterbug for POPPY DIP!

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Flitterbugs For POPPY DIP!

Not too long after starting our adoption journey, I met Sallee. From the start I have loved following the Couch family......and have so much in common with Sallee. We both love to sew, homeschool our kids, have twins, love adoption and both of our hubbies are cabinet builders.
Sallee and her husband have 6 children....3 bio and 3 adopted from Ethiopia. (Aren't they beautiful!) Sallee runs POPPY DIP, and over the past 2 years has sold something like 2,000 POPPY DIP dresses to bring their precious Samson Jude home. Isn't that amazing?!?! This lady can sew!
Only a few short weeks after bringing Samson Jude home, Sallee unexpectedly found out she has cancer. She has undergone several surgeries, hospital stays, complications and now chemo. Tough, hard chemo. Not only has the Couch family had to deal with the emotional, physical, spiritual and logistical details of bringing a little one home just weeks before discovering cancer........now the medical bills are piling up. Piling up high. Can you imagine? In a way I think none of us can imagine.....but in a way I think we can let ourselves imagine this situation. We just don't want to, because it is gut wrenching and terrifying.
Would you like to help the POPPY DIP family?!?!
You can!
Flitterbugs for POPPY DIP!

From today until Wednesday, June 20th (or until I get so many orders I can't keep up:)
All profits from the sale of Flitterbugs will go to Sallee's family!

Pop over to my HOME page to choose your style, them pick your favorite fabric (I will be posting new fabrics throughout the week).  Hopefully many, many people will order a Flitterbug for POPPY DIP.....I'll sew as fast as I can and hope to have all order shipped to you within 3 weeks!


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This is my first "fundraising" endeavor other than our adoption....and I have no idea how much it will raise. Maybe a little, hopefully a lot....guess it depends on you:)
If you don't have a little girl....pop on over to Sallee's site and leave her a word of encouragement. Please pray for Sallee. Her blood levels are so low at the moment that they have had to postpone her current chemo treatment. If you do not want to order a Flitterbug but would like to make a donation to Sallee....let me know and I will help you get it to them!
Praying for you Sallee!!!!!

Monday, July 11, 2011

SALE!

(So thankful for my little family.....I can't imagine being more blessed! Later this week we will head down to the courthouse and stand before the judge......the twins adoption will be final,official, complete!)



SALE!
Clearing out fabrics....making room for more!
All Flitterbug Dresses and "Katie" style dresses.....
$25 Shipping included.
Pop on over to pick your fabric.
This sale will run through Friday!

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(And thank you to all who have emailed me and left comments about fundraising with Flitterbugs! I am working on a few details, and will let you all know soon!)


Friday, July 8, 2011

Interested in Fundraising with Flitterbugs?!?!

Eliana's new "cheese" face. I could just eat this baby up!

We are a week away from finalization and the end of our (first:) adoption journey.
So many of you have been a part of our twinnines journey home.
So many have prayed, celebrated....and purchased a Flitterbug!
I have prayed and thought for a while now about using Flitterbugs to help others in their adoption fundraising journey. I have some ideas rolling around in my head on how to make that work.....but am wondering if any of you in the fundraising process would be interested??!?!
Leave a comment or send me an email if you would like to partner with Flitterbugs in your journey........
I'll see what the interest is like and let you know what we come up with!