Leather Punch Tool

http://www.tandyleatherfactory.com/en-usd/search/searchresults/8066-00.aspx

   This is a link to the tool I used to slit the leather for sewing.They also have a single punch. Nice for going on a curve or smaller places. I uh... speed through stuff. I only have used it once.
    We bought our tools from Tandy Leather Factory. Great store! I hope get in there again soon!  I am ready to make something else!

Momma

Making Jew Bee some moccasins...

I need to decide how to tighten up the ankles and they are done. I am not a fan of shoes. I think they are bad news on young feet. But he needs something warmer for his feet.  I was dreading this project yet excited about it also. It was really fun!  But now I am worried about how to tighten the the ankles up. I have a couple ideas but not sure which is best and how easy one would be...
    Over all I think they are really cute! I want to make some for other children but want to complete these first.

   Hand sewing leather is fun! I used 1 long string with a needle on each end. You can see in the 2nd picture kinda how I did it. Being leather all holes had to be pre punched. Which was fun. I could really get stuck on leather working! Daddy has made some nice stuff and I have a little Brother Fonte's age that also loves working with leather.
   We HAVE to get good at tanning hides!

Momma

Able Bodied Children...

My children can do anything. We know this and want them to also. Nothing is too hard. They can get it done. Tubby saw his sisters sewing and making things and joined in. He made this 'Cowboy thing' for his brother. He was so proud and worked on it a long time. All his design.
   Our children are each responsible for the daily pick up in a assigned room. I was explaining what we do for school to a friend and Tubs chimed in "AND WE DO JOBS MOMMA!We do jobs!"  He picks up the bathroom. He knows he is needed here. He has a worth.  He helps keep a eye on JewBee. He hauls in wood for the wood stove with his sisters. He can climb ladders. Color draw write. Sing, memorize.
   Build with Legos, wood, clay.  And sew. He knows how to use a needle and thread. And a sewing machine. He can do a lot in the kitchen. He is a super cheese grater.  He loves to serve food for others.
  He was 3 almost 3 months ago. We are raising our children to be hard working, self motivated honorable people.  At least we are really trying. ;)
   I have never purposed to teach a child how to tie their shoes. (yet all 4 girls can do it - Tubs has no reason too. Cowboy boots are easy ;)  ) Or to teach colors. Or how to do most things in the kitchen. But all but Jew Bee (11 mths currently) can make several things in the kitchen. They have built forts. Taken care of animals and much more. They like work most always.
   Before being a Momma I taught Preschool. Some children shocked me. They didnt think they could do anything. They were told they couldnt. They were told they were to little to do things. I hated that. I have not interest. I have done that on occassion when tired or sick. But really try not too. If work is not allowed when they are little and want too. They wont want to help later. I have seen so many parents say my children wont help. I dont know why! But when asked when they started chores and the like they give answers of 5 or 7. and said it was all forced.
    Let them work while they want too. It works.
Momma

Pear-o and Tubby painting for Christmas presents...

Pear made clay items to paint and Tubby decided he wanted in on painting. So he was given a piece of paper. Crafts are a near constant thing here. Someday I plan to have a school/craft room so it can always be out. <3
Momma

Ran A Dan and her Christmas Peanut...

 She found the prize Peanut after church Sunday. She loves fun different things. Though She did say it tasted the same as the rest. :) Always need a Brown sack of peanuts with a orange and candy cane. Otherwise the earth will fall off it's axis. ;)
Momma

JewBee,

We are working on keeping his fingers out unless it is bedtime. Mostly he is fine with it. (Due to the art of distraction)  But it is not a easy habit to break. Anyone reading here done this? We want him to be totally done with it in a couple months. Don't want messed up teeth or a big kid with a mouth full of fingers.
   Other than removing as a game I dont know what to do to speed up the weaning. ideas are welcome. ( I am ignoring how cute it is!) I dont like him doing this in the winter with all the sickness going around. Touching the grocery cart, floors etc.

Mostly raw coconut truffles. SO YUMMY!

I used melted dark chocolate chips to dip in. And the pecan is roasted. But these are so good!

Basic recipe I guess ( I dont use recipes, that can be good and bad...Mostly bad ;) )

1 cup soaked and drained dates.
1 cup un sweet coconut ( I would say non sweet personally. How do you UN sweet something/)
3/4 cup extra virgin coconut oil.
2 TBS dark cocoa

Put through food processor til mixed well. I then used a cookie scoop and made balls. Topped with a pecan. Set in the fridge to cool then dipped in the melted chips.

SO yummy! And they fit the food allergies here! BONUS!! Will be making these again!

YUMMY!
Momma