Mela Kamin – 4:10 Ministries

I’ve linked up with Sara (@GitzenGirl) for her YOU:create project.

I’m doing an online Home Ec class through the Freckled Nest. I’m a pretty good sewer, having learned a lot from my Mom, but I thought it would be fun to have some projects to use up my fabric stash. Also, I have not yet mastered sewing a zipper – I know … all zippers come with directions, but honestly – I’m not a good written-direction follower.
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The really cool part of class is that my sweet & sassy 11 year-old daughter has joined me. Well, she doesn’t really know it – I’m trying to be covert. Ssshhhh.
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She doesn’t like to admit we have things in common – sure she loves her Mommy, but her strong-will keeps her from easily going along with my suggested activities. She likes to arrive at things by her own thinking. So, I’ve just been working and playing, dropping hints, giving invitations and hoping.
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And yesterday she reluctantly went along with an impromptu lesson. I told her it’d be quick and she could show it to Grandma. I’ve learned, when in doubt, always drop the Nana card.
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After a quick lesson on how to sew a square – with necessary sewing machine how-tos, she set off to do it. A few minutes later, she was done, pleasantly surprised that she enjoyed some of it and we moved on.
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And, today – it happened … after dinner, she asked if we could sew together again – if we could “make something.” [insert happy dance here] I said “Sure,” in a fake nonchalantness.
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Truth be told, I was beaming inside, but didn’t want to reveal it and spoil the moment.
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We worked on a bag – she decided on fabric, size, one handle or two and we got to work.
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She loved using the iron (who knew?!) and wanted to know the reason behind each step, which was great for me to explain things I often breeze through because they’ve become second-nature.
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I didn’t take photos of her sewing it, because again – I didn’t want to blow my cover and she was enjoying herself … let sleeping dogs lie, people!
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But, this is the bag … and I couldn’t be more proud.
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She didn’t gush about it or thank me immensely, but she was happy, learned a lot and did it with only a little guidance from me.
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I don’t know if she’ll want to try again, but today, she did – and I’ll take it.
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As lovely Robin said over at her blog, “By the time your Littles celebrate their 10th birthday, they will already have lived over half the life they’re going to under your roof.” Ouch, Robin – ouch! But, it’s true. My not-so-little-anymore is headed into 6th grade, getting braces in a few weeks and does math problems in a flash that still leave me scratching my head.
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I need to embrace these moments – because they are fleeting.
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More importantly is embracing my daughter for all that she is, not who I thought I could make her into. It was never my job to be the Creator. He did an amazing job with her already and it’s just my responsibility to keep pointing her to Him.
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I love creating and while music is what I’m called to create in this season, flexing my creative muscles in other ways is good for my disposition, my sanity and my soul. It’s very soothing for me to create, even if it’s just a moment of bonding between Mommy and daughter.
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Oh, and here are the cloth napkins I made yesterday – easy peasy, but totally gratifying and these babies are practical too – even better. We used them for dinner last night and I felt very grown up.
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So, what have you created lately?