Progress on the Big Family of 10 -

I went out shopping on Saturday and bought a few more things - like toilet paper and a small packet of paper towels. I don’t use a lot of paper towels - so I figure they can get along without them as well. LOL Actually I will make sure they have some - but also washable cleaning cloths. Sometimes you just need paper towels, I know.

Then I sat at the computer and ordered more things. I ordered a waffle iron, a deep fryer, some other small appliances and pretty much anything else I need to order. I can’t keep ordering and expect things to make it on time so I had to make some decisions about what I wanted to order and what I was going to try to find locally.

Oh…you will smile, but I ordered them a basic sewing machine!

I think it is a great idea. There are 6 ladies in that house and while I know guys can sew - it does tend to be a female thing.

I got them a Janome Juno. It reminds me of my Pfaff Hobby - which is STILL a good machine. This one had good reviews. I think that maybe even if they aren’t sewists now, maybe one or two of the girls might want to take it up if they had a nice machine to work with. We all know it is frustrating to work with a machine that doesn’t want to sew. A machine that sews nicely is a joy.

While it’s hardly a $1000 machine (it was $150), the reviews are decent for it. I’ll also get them an assortment of other things they need for sewing like thread, needs, seam rippers, etc. plus a case to keep their stuff in and a pair of scissors that will cut thread and fabric.

I might even try to find a sewing magazine in Polish that I could include along with it. Internet isn’t an assumed at this time with this family - but they are working on it, so including this kind of information would be good, I think.

On Sunday afternoon we got the rugs. This has a story behind it.

I had found a nice big table second-hand that was about an hour and 15 min. away but the color was medium.

We were supposed to go get it on Saturday but then I found a different one on Friday for cheaper - and it was the right color - darker than the first one - and made an arrangement with the guy to bring it to us. So, he will do that. Then I cancelled the original one I was supposed to go and get but the lady had two rugs which she told me about. I had already told her I was interested.

To make a long story shorter, we got them.

They brought them to us.

Each of these mammoth rugs was about $61 which included delivery to our house. They are a nice quality and in overall good shape. There are two here.

I found some perfect kitchen towels. They do not have chickens, but they are farm related. I got two sets of the cows ones (they have a small family farm - dairy).

I also ordered more boxes. Ewa and I packed up a lot of boxes the other day - and I used up most everything I have of the decorated kind. I am trying to use the decorated ones for the food and chemicals, if possible - just to keep from having to wrap up food and cleaning supplies in pretty paper. I just visualize disappointment when people (esp. kids) open food. However, if someone has suffered food deprivation, then maybe it would be the best present ever!

I got in half of the flatware I ordered - hopefully the rest will come ASAP. I wrote the lady - and she answered right away and send she’d send it. She realized her mistake.

I did take all of your advice that you gave me the other day and have tried to make sure I have everything that we think they need. I still need to find a can opener - though most of the cans these days have pull tabs - a can opener is mighty handy when one of those breaks off as you are attempting to open it.

Since they all wanted hats and scarves, I ordered them - I think they will all be in on Tuesday. I also got each one a little cosmetic kit that they sell already pre-packaged. I find the prices pretty good on those - better than buying the pieces individually.

I’m also preparing a sewing kit as mentioned above, a first aid kit for the home and I’ve asked my husband to help me make a basic toolbox for the house - just basic things like a hammer, screwdrivers, a pair of pliers, etc. Not too much - but things we actually USE and figure maybe they would as well.

I’m also getting the girls all leggings. They are on sale this week at Lidl.

And there you are. This is my progress so far. I’m busy with the packing up and organizing the family groups. I feel very good about h ow things are going - and will go ahead and completely finish up two or three of the groups before you know it - all the little things like writing the cards and make sure things are taped up.

I will be writing up Christmas cards to stick in with each present and let them know who we are and also to let them know who YOU are, since you paid for it. All I’m doing is the running around!

It snowed over night, so I took a photo this morning. This is at 9:45 am Sun. Not very bright, but the white snow does make things start to be a bit prettier than it would be without.

And there you are! An update - this is a work in progress - so I’ll keep you posted as to what’s happening as I can - the next few days - I’ll let you know what I’ve been doing since so many of you have donated towards this project!

Have a great day wherever you are reading this! Thanks for coming along with me on my quilting/sewing journey!

Becky Petersen4 Comments