Being a Grandmother

I added a new persona last week.  I became a Grandmother for the first time.  It is absolutely the most wonderful and exciting moment when that child comes into the world!

There are many things that change over time in baby care and one of the best things is the "new" use of cloth diapers.  Many mothers now are concerned about the effect of disposable diapers on the environment. Many are using a "different" kind of cloth diaper.  This diaper can be made at home.

After several trips to the store, ordering on line, and reading on line, I learned how to make a layered diaper that is a one-piece cloth diaper.   The new fabrics used in the diapers are absorbent, breathable and waterproof.  The diaper in the picture has a pocket in the back in which a soaker pad can be placed in the pocket between the special fannel fabric and the waterproof PUL fabric.  Patterns for the diaper can be found in Babyville Boutique books,  in fabric stores and on several sites on the web.  I am still trying to decide whether the special hook and loop tape or the plastic snaps are more convenient.  The diaper in the picture has adjustable snaps. If two hands are available, I like the snaps.  It takes a little practice sewing the PUL fabric but after making one diaper, the others are easier to make.

Life Happens

I loved my career as a science teacher, though I didn't start as a science teacher.  I started my career as a Family and Consumer Science teacher.  When I started teaching, the position was called a home economics teacher.  In the late 80's, I returned to school and spent the equivelent of 4 more years taking science and math courses to become a science teacher.  It was a good choice for me.  My completely right brain became more left brained.  My last twenty-five years of teaching were spent teaching chemistry, physics, physical science and earth science.

When I begin thinking about retiring, I wanted to teach part-time.  So, I prepared myself to begin teaching science online courses for -- and that is as far as I got.  My mother became ill and needed 24/7 care. Since retirement, I have spent most of my time at the coast of NC taking care of my mother.

I have several other interests besides teaching.  I like to read for fun.  That was almost impossible while I was teaching.  I was serious about keeping those papers graded and tutoring students who needed help to understand the science courses I was teaching.  But now, I have started making dolls for ragdolls2love.com.  I also enjoy making blankets for the Project Linus.  I knit, crochet, or quilt the blankets for all ages.  I have been able to work on these projects and also take care of my mother.  I crochet and knit hats for the Coats for the Children project.  For now, these projects give me a since of helping others.  In the process, I am also using up my mother's fabrics and yarn in her sewing room.  My mother had to have a no to low sodium diet.  To help with this diet, I learned how to use many spices

In this new adventure, I thought that I might find a way to share the ideas and lesson plans and science activities.