Shaffer Sisters

November 12, 2012

Try Again Mom & Three Year Olds are Hard.

This month has been hard, I have had a hard time with how to be a good mom to Ryder. We have had lots of missed naps, outbursts in the store, running off at the store, destruction and plum disobedience. I felt like my mommy world was spinning out of control. I had reach my done point. I knew I couldn't wake up the next day exactly the way I had before and Ryder and I be happy.

I felt inspired to go to the Lord and hear what he would have me do. I then came across "Of Regrets and Resolutions" by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as I read his words I knew that I needed to change my actions and how I parented. I needed set aside time to just mess around with my kids doing the things they love, instead of focusing just on their physical needs (food, clean shelter, clean clothes, etc.), I needed to make a critical choice to look for those things that they need emotionally.
Goals I took out of this talk were to:
Purposely living each day ~ I usually do a pretty good job with filling my day with things to do, but purposely living is something that I need to start doing early in the morning when my kids first wake up (usually about 6 am). I decided to let Ryder help with some of the physical needs and spending emotional time together just talking, like making breakfast. We made waffled french toast which worked really good for breaking it up between the two of us and the kids love it.

source: Waffled french toast from Wafflizer

Pay attention to those you are with and not always multitasking~ Yikes, this one is very hard for me because I love multitasking but I have come to realize that often it means that I am doing only 50% of a bunch of jobs. I know that when I am focused more with those around me and less with the technology that is around me I am happier and more efficient person.

Make those around you feel important and loved~ One of Ryder's needs that I have been ignoring is his need to get outside and play, because it is often cold and I don't want to deal with all the drama of getting the kids ready. Because he hasn't been getting his outside time he was emotionally but not physically exhausted when it came time for nap time. This week I tried to plan one outside activity a day so that Ryder could wear himself out. Though this outside time took anywhere from 1 hour to 2 hours of time out of my day it saved me so much time in disciplining because he was getting his desire and need met. This simple addition to our day showed Ryder that I love him and I respected the importance of his desire to be outside.

I am so grateful that I get those terrible weeks that humble me so that I can go back to the mommy drawing board and try again. I am so blessed to be able to squeeze and hug and cuddle these precious babies and I don't want to get done with this stage and feel like I missed opportunities to let my kids know that I love them.
Ryder just rolled out of bed and ran out here with the biggest smile, so I better get to some hugging and cuddling, see you all later.

November 10, 2012

My Country Tis of Thee

by Al, in inspire

Patriot: a person who loves and supports his or her country with devotion.

(Warning: this may be blunt, but that's what I am. These are simply it's my reflections and experiences)

I am so grateful to be born a citizen of the United States of America. I love the freedoms that we have been given. I love that America's founding was in part so that there could be a place to practice freedom of religion and partially so that leaders could be elected and chosen by the people. So much of what the founding fathers put into the constitution affect my life on a daily basis. Although I didn't study political science like Scary, I still really love the process of politics. Between going to Girls State, working as a legislative page in Boise, and being raised in a family where it was engrained in us that every vote counts regardless of difference of opinions, I couldn't help but love it.

The last year has been frustrating for me. Facebook is probably the source of most of my frustrations. I have seen friends: write things on their status saying Obama should be shot, create groups that boycott the 4th of July by wearing black instead of the typical red, white, and blue, and other kinds of anti-American actions. I have avoided facebook as much as possible until now.

America is not defined by the president we have, but by the people we are and the freedoms we possess.

On November 6th, Scary and I went to vote with our kids. It was a little crazy with 4 kids and 2 adults, but we did it. Scary and I ended up at booths across the room from one another. Needless to say, Ty and Rhett were wanting to be together. Lucky for us, Rhett had a coat with a hoodie and Ty had on bib overalls so they didn't escape. There was one point where Ty had fallen to the ground so I put her on my back, Heber was in the baby wrap on my front, and I was trying to focus to fill the correct circles. We survived and finished our ballot. I am grateful to live in a country where the surviving that I speak of is more of an emotional thing than a literal thing. How often on the news do you hear that people in other countries were killed as they were trying to vote?

That night Scary, her kids, and I went to the grocery store. On the way home Scary talked to Rhett about the elections. She asked Rhett who mom and dad voted for. He said, "Vote for Mit Raw-ey." Then she asked who would win the presidential elections. He said, "Umm...Bock O-Momma." He is a very astute three-year-old.

About ten minutes later we went to a meeting with some sisters in our ward. When the meeting had ended, the elections were mentioned. Scary's academic approach to politics were less than appreciated. She made the prediction that Obama would win the electoral vote and if anything Romney would get the popular vote. Jaws dropped and it was obvious that she had said something unexpected. Haha. I live in a city that is a majority Republican; they are not only republican, but the reddest county in the nation.

Comments throughout the next 24 hours of Obama's win had dooms day written all over them. The discussion the previous night was mild compared to the next day. Most were sure that it was the end of the world. Scary made a comment that made me chuckle, "If it was the right time, Christ would still come whether it was a republican or a democrat in office."

Yes, we should be prepared for the worst, but not because of what man is in office. Seeing Hurricane Sandy made me more aware that we need to prepare for difficulties. Whether that be a hurricane, blizzard, flood, unemployment, or anything else. The teaching of the church, my parents, and experience have taught me the need for preparation. Scary and I have been working on preparedness and trying to figure out what we would need to survive without power for a week.

Many of my friends suggested we need to get rid of the electoral college and go by popular vote. What I don't think they realize is that the electoral college is to protect the small states. It's good enough to be the system of Republic that governs our nation. Electoral votes are based on how many seats we have in congress. Also, this process was set up in the original constitution.

The founding fathers took wisdom, careful consideration, and guidance from the spirit to create something that was lasting.

I love this country and all it stands for. Even if state and national elections didn't go exactly as I would have liked, I am satisfied. It's all part of the fabulous adventure that I love.

The first day I ever voted. Scary came home from college so that she could vote with me and go to my basketball game. It feels so good to hear, "_____ has voted."

November 02, 2012

Political Wisdom from Momma Shaffer

by Scary @ Shaffer Sisters, in voting

I (Scary) graduated in Political Science so I often take an academic approach to politics. I try and hear both sides of an issue and then weigh it in my mind until I have settled on the side that I am most comfortable with. Right now in the State of Idaho we have 3 resolutions that are referendum, most of the advertising has been in support of these three pieces of legislation. I was talking to Momma and I learned so much about the other side of the issue that I asked Momma to join us today and express her opinion.

I believe this is most important election in which I have ever been able to vote. On the national level, we have huge contrasts between the candidates for President and it is our responsibility to study, pray, and vote our conscience. The man who is elected will not only lead our country and set the course of history throughout this century but he will also appoint up to six new Supreme Court judges. As I read my scriptures and ponder and pray over those truths, I realize there will be great or grave consequences to our decision.
At the state level, our vote is no less important. There has been much propaganda broadcast on each side of Propositions 1, 2, and 3. Much of this is designed to deceive people and confuse the issues. (See sources 1 and 2) HJR 2 and SJR 102 have largely been ignored. This too can confuse us about the issues. I am sharing this post because my daughter asked me to share my opinions on the propositions.

I must admit that the first time Tom Luna ran for Superintendent of Public Instruction, I voted for him. After seeing many of the disheartening and unproductive changes he was making in the schools, I did not vote for his reelection. Those who have taken the DWA and the DMA know that they were far better measures of proficiency than the untimed multiple choice ISAT. I have seen students put their heads down and push computer keys without reading the questions. At the time Mr. Luna ran for reelection, he campaigned on how well the state of Idaho was doing. Soon after his election, he began the push for the “Students Come First” initiatives.

We educators have always believed that “Students Come First!” These initiatives are not the way we believe we can actually put students first. We are not in education because we can become rich but because we love children and young people and believe that we can help them to grow in confidence, skills, knowledge, and performance to become the citizens and leaders of tomorrow. I don’t believe there is a limit to what a child can or should learn. We give them the tools and teach them how to use and sharpen them and then shine light on the possibilities that lie before them.
For the record, I began my teaching career in 1974 and took two and a half decades off to raise my children to be good citizens and contributing members of society. I am not and have never been a member of the teachers’ union. I asked for input from some of the teachers and administration with whom I work. One of them is a member of the IEA.
Following this, I asked those personally involved with the issues addressed in HJR 2 and SJR 102 about their understanding of how that legislation would affect them and the rest of us. This may come across as a bit dry to some of you but all of this legislation will ultimately affect you and your children. I would also suggest looking to see who owns your local media and how that may be affecting the messages you are receiving on the ballot issues.
Proposition 1

My opinion:

I feel this is a dangerous proposition because it takes away the protection of due process. If an educator has upset an administrator or if a disgruntled parent starts rumors in the community about him, he could lose his job. This law would also make it illegal for educators to negotiate about safety issues or overcrowded classrooms. This week, I was in Boise at a conference filled with educators, and one of the teachers from Pocatello shared some interesting news. Because of budget cuts, their district had let teachers go which in turn increased class size, now the district is in trouble with the state inspectors for overcrowding in the classroom.

From Ryan:

Proposition 1- Anti Union Bill. Idaho is a right to work state and has been since 1985. About 60% of Idaho’s teachers belong to the union. This prop limits the power of teachers to negotiate with the school board on anything expect for salary and benefits. I am not affiliated with the union and don’t always agree with the union but I do think all sides of any issue should be accorded a voice and acknowledge that the union has done much good for Idaho. It is amazing to me that nearly all of the ads that I have heard promoting these three props do not discuss the underlying merits but instead attack the union and focus on prop 1. This is a wise political strategy by the state because if the citizenry looked at these propositions outside of any political influence the props would be dead in the water.

Prop 1 also claims to get rid of tenure so that Idaho can get rid of bad teachers. There actually is no tenure for any teacher in Idaho as per state law. There are some due process protections for teachers who have a renewable contract that the state is seeking to change. I am a big fan of due process. A renewable contract simply means that you can expect to have your job the following year after three years of good service unless the district/school informs you otherwise. It is in no way a guarantee that you have a job for life. Teachers’ contracts are for one school year only. As it is, administrators can dismiss a poor teacher by putting them on probation after documenting deficiencies. Once they come off of probation they can be let go even if they showed improvement. If there are poor teachers at a school it is the administrator’s job to get rid of them. If there are poor administrators at a school it is the school boards job to get rid of them. If there is a poor school board member then it is the community’s job to replace that person.

From Wayne:

Teachers are some of the lowest paid professionals in the state. Thanks to budget cuts, many are making less today than they did three years ago. Some have to take a second job just to pay their bills. Yet many teachers still dip into their own pockets and spend hundreds of dollars every year just to provide the basics in their overcrowded classrooms — like pens and paper– because Idaho’s schools have been shortchanged by Luna and the legislature.

Proposition 1 takes away teachers’ freedom to speak up on behalf of Idaho’s students. It makes it illegal for our teachers to discuss classroom funding issues with their own school administrators and it bans them from talking about overcrowding in their classrooms or school safety issues during contract negotiations.

Proposition 1 restricts the voice and limits the rights of Idaho’s teachers. This complicated, top-down mandate puts Idaho’s students last. In the year since Proposition 1 took effect, class sizes have gone up, and the State Department of Education reported that nearly twice as many Idaho teachers left the profession as in previous years. Proposition 1 prevents teachers from negotiating with their school administrators about anything except for wages and benefits. It prohibits teachers from speaking up about class-size limits, student safety protections, lesson-planning time, or funding for basic classroom supplies.

Proposition 1 takes away teachers’ voices. They’re in our children’s classrooms every day; they know what our kids need to stay safe and succeed.

From Neal (School Superintendent):

I’m voting no on Proposition 1 When we take negotiating power completely away from teachers we are no longer treating them as professionals. In most cases we have destroyed the positive working relationship between teachers and management.

Proposition 2

My opinion:

I would love to be paid for good performance but this is another misnomer. Excellent teachers in a poorly rated school will be penalized and poor teachers in excellent schools will be rewarded. We are being told that our wages will not be cut to pay for “pay for performance.” I must admit that from 2009 to 2011, my wages increased $480.16. This actually did not even cover the cost of the six credits I had to take to renew my teaching certificate and the fee for my teaching certificate. The state salary scale was moved backward for a year and then we were not moving up as we had previously done for any additional education we had obtained or additional experience.

I have seen the effects of positive community and educator input. I have personal knowledge of and have worked in a school where 90%-100% of the students throughout the school are proficient or advanced on their ISAT scores and juniors and seniors are averaging a score of 4 points above the state average on ACT tests. This school has received a 4 Star rating from the state. I also have personal knowledge of and have worked in a school that has received a 5 Star rating from the state with very few proficient or advanced ISAT scores and juniors and seniors that are averaging far below the state average on the ACT. This school received a 5 Star rating because of growth. Improvement is being counted as more important than continued excellence. I know for a fact that data has been manipulated to make things look good for the State of Idaho and Mr. Luna. One school that has received only a 4 Star rating but deserved a 5 Star is the Carey School, which has been chosen as one of only nine schools in Idaho to be honored by the State Board of Education. I am not able to get the state website to work so I can bring the results up to view at this time but I have seen them before and they are deceiving.

“Pay for Performance” has no way of evaluating and rewarding all disciplines fairly. It takes the history teacher, the health teacher, the music teacher, and every member of the team to have a school of excellence and an outstanding student body. All of us working together with positive role-modeling parents help to develop successful students. Choosing to minimize teacher pay with the empty promise of merit pay will make it very difficult to recruit and keep quality teachers in Idaho who do not have other strong ties in the state. I could not afford to teach if my husband didn’t have a job.

Many teachers’ children qualify for free or reduced lunch even though the teacher and spouse work during the summer as well as the school year. I have a master’s degree and have worked in every setting from a one room school to a junior college in Utah. I have taught kindergarteners through college sophomores. The truth is we are not greedy! We see ourselves as part of a very important team that has the well-being, growth and future of your children as our life mission. We teach because we love the children and young people we work with and because we believe we can be a positive force in their educational lives. Please try to put yourselves in a teacher’s shoes when you consider your vote on this proposition.

From Ryan:

Proposition 2- Pay for performance for teachers. I like the underlying theory, but the way the state is applying it does not reward teachers who work harder and do more. Prop 2 is based on a school’s performance on standardized testing and only covers three basic areas in two subjects. Those areas are Reading and Language as per high school English and then math for the third area and second subject. What then for the teacher who teaches history, science, computers, PE, etc.? This is a school wide pay for performance plan determined by those three areas. There are some other ways to get pay for performance, but they all are dependent on the schools ISAT scores. This does not reward individual teachers for hard work. There could be a terrible teacher at a great school who gets pay for performance and a great teacher at a poor scoring school that does not get pay for performance. In addition, pay for performance was originally funded by cutting teachers’ salaries. Currently there is no funding for Prop 2 except for as found in Prop 3 which is by far the weakest link.

Pay for performance’s direct connection to Reading, Language, and Math scores on the ISAT penalize high achieving schools. The states measurement for pay for performance is based solely on growth and not on overall ISAT scores. High achieving schools that score in the 90^th percentile and above will not be able to exhibit much growth. Schools scoring much lower will have much more room to grow. This is the case for the school that I work at. We have always scored well on the ISAT. Neighboring schools have struggled with their scores but will be rewarded with pay for performance because their growth from the 45^th percentile to 55^th percentile is higher than our growth from the 90^th percentile to the 92^nd percentile. Even though our school scores substantially higher that is not recognized by the state. This would be like rewarding valedictorian honors to a student who raised their grades from F’s and D’s their senior year to C’s instead of the student who had the highest overall GPA.

From Wayne:

You don’t choose a career in teaching to become rich — especially in Idaho. You do it because you care. Teachers are more than just educators. They’re advocates and mentors for our children. They know what our kids need to succeed. Proposition 2 forces teachers to teach to the test instead of allowing them to inspire more creative thinking in our children.

Each child is unique. It takes a dedicated, caring and highly-trained teacher to reach them. We don’t want to treat students like widgets on an assembly line. We want to make sure our kids are good critical thinkers, not just good test takers.

Proposition 2 unfairly links teacher pay to misleading standardized testing, much like the failed federal No Child Left Behind law. This one-size-fits-all plan puts Idaho’s students and teachers last. Measuring teacher performance is important, but this is the wrong way to do it. With these rules, even more emphasis is put on a single test score, and students are treated like widgets coming off an assembly line. The fact is, each child is unique, and it takes a dedicated, caring, highly trained teacher to reach them. We need to make sure our children are good critical thinkers, not just good test takers.

This one-size-fits all mandate penalizes our schools and our kids because it will discourage the best and the brightest teachers from working in the schools that need them most.

From Neal (School Superintendent):

I’m voting no on Proposition 2. A weak teacher in a good school can get a full amount of pay for performance from the accomplishment of others. While at the same time a master teacher teaching in a lower achieving school could receive no pay for performance money. The pay for performance money is only money that was deducted from the salary schedule.

Proposition 3

My opinion:

Students are already taking online classes. As we do not offer every class that students wish to take at our school, they currently are taking classes available through IDLA, IEN, CWI, and CSI. Although many students already have an IPAD and/or a laptop, we have the students work on these classes in the school computer lab. There are firewalls and other protections for the students’ safety installed, observed, and maintained by a highly trained school official. Supervision is already provided by a staff member to help maintain integrity and honesty. Even with these security measures there are problems that arise. Some students cheat by having someone else do their work for them outside of the school day. Other students are not able to complete their work without help from teachers at our school because they do not understand the instruction they have been given online, do not have enough supervised practicing of the concepts being taught, or do not receive a timely answer from their teachers. Online classes are a great tool to be used in addition to classroom teachers but not a good alternative. The problems our students run into are not a result of not knowing how to use the technology but more a result of needing to be able to bounce their ideas off one another and interact with teachers for further clarification. Also, a school still needs to hire individuals to supervise online students while they take these classes; however, the whole ADA for those periods when students take online classes goes to the providers and not the school. We have many more students who are weekly failing online courses than those who are taking classes from the in school teachers. They usually end up passing the classes in the end because the due dates for the online classes are much more lenient. I do not believe this helps prepare students for college where deadlines are generally set in concrete. I spent two days in Boise this week, where college representatives from throughout the state and community business leaders addressed the skills needed to be able to successfully complete college, not one of them said the students needed to learn to use or rely on more technology to be successful in college or work. The consensus was that they need to be given rigorous classes with the assistance needed to succeed, develop emotional maturity, and to learn to talk with and interact with people that are present instead of texting someone else.

From Ryan:

Prop 3- Laptops for all. If you like Obama-Care you will love this prop! There are at least 180 million reasons to vote against this prop. Tom Luna signed a contract with HP that will cost the state of Idaho 180 million dollars over the next eight years to rent laptops. It breaks down to about $300 a year to give each student, teacher, and administrator in every high school across the state a lap top. (That comes out to $1200 per laptop for the typical high school student over their high school career and $2,400 per teacher over the life of the contract.) This is big government spending at its best. It creates another entitlement that tax payers get to foot the bill on. The first year of funding for this project is from cuts to teachers pay which is tax payer money. As tax revenue fluctuates over the next eight years, where will this money come from. There is currently no revenue source earmarked for this expenditure. Also the 180 million does not take into account lost or damaged laptops that the state will have to replace or repair. Does this sound like fiscal conservatism? If you vote yes on Prop 3 make sure that you pick up the phone to call your senator and house rep to encourage them to be more supportive of Obama-Care.

Prop 3 also creates a graduation requirement for all high school students to take one online class during high school. Every school in our neck of the woods big or small has a lab set up for students to take online classes. Buying each student a laptop for one online class is the equivalent of buying each student a car to drive to school when we already have a fleet of busses that will get the job done.

Probably a third of our students at our school are taking, or have taken an online class with very mixed results. For most students online classes in high school are a step backwards in instruction. For example there is no immediate response from a teacher or classmates when the student has questions. My daughter, Kelsie, is currently taking an online class that our school does not offer. She has waited up to a week for a response from her teacher when she has emailed him with a question. In addition to poor communication this is a learning forum that promotes cheating. Students are allowed to use the Internet on quizzes and tests. They can also take assessments multiple times until they are satisfied with their grade. We have had issues with students doing other students assignments and turning them in to which the online provider turned a deaf ear. Online classes, done right, do have their place in education for self-motivated students but not as a once size fits all mandate.

Prop 3 also wastes money on providing teachers and administrators with a laptop. Schools provide each teacher with a computer. Why would they need a laptop in addition to a classroom computer to get their job done? In general, administrators have a computer in their office in addition to a laptop/tablet or both. Big government spending and Prop 3 do not take this into consideration.

The irony with Prop 3 is that it is a liberal proposition that was created and promoted by conservatives. I think much of our national and state political problems come from party loyalty instead of loyalty to our country. Too often both the Republicans and the Democrats are more interested in the furthering of their party than furthering our country. Prop 3 is a good example of this. Many Idaho Republicans will vote for it solely because it is a Republican proposition and that is enough. Folks need to think outside the Republicans and the Democrats and evaluate these propositions solely on their merits. The consideration needs to be what is best for our state, not what is best for our party. If this is done, Prop 3 would be voted down in a landslide and politicians who are behind it would be held accountable for wasting our time and money.

Feel free to read the 362 page contract here: http://media.spokesman.com/documents/2012/10/SCF_Contract.pdf

Instead of creating a searchable PDF contract that would be easy to search through the state created this old school scanned PDF document that is not searchable and takes twice as long to download. With the state pushing technology like they are it would nice if they could lead by example.

From Wayne:

Proposition 3 imposes a largely unfunded mandate that takes away local control and dictates how and what we teach our kids. Forcing local schools to buy expensive technology and to pay for replacement parts will be much more costly than the backers of the laws claim. Kids are kids. Hardware will break. Taxpayers will be left to foot the bill.

Using computers to teach students is good, and already occurs in every school in Idaho. But we shouldn’t have to lay off teachers to buy laptops. We need teachers in the classroom to help our kids learn how to make the most of technology. One of the major providers of online courses in Idaho sent students’ English essays to be reviewed in India. The last thing we should be doing is outsourcing teaching jobs and our students’ education overseas.

Proposition 3 forces your local schools to spend your tax dollars on expensive, unproven technology before they spend money on essentials like reducing class sizes, purchasing basic classroom supplies, or protecting student safety. Because this state mandate was left largely unfunded by the legislature, it could lead to higher property taxes for all of us. It also requires all students to take on-line courses in order to graduate from high school. One of the online course providers that benefits most from this law, K12 Inc., was even caught sending students’ English essays to reviewers based in India. The last thing we should be doing is using our taxpayer dollars to outsource Idaho teaching jobs and our students’ education to another country.

This costly, top-down mandate is the wrong way to develop a 21st century education.

From Neal(School Superintendent):

I’m voting “No” on Proposition 3 a limited use of technology which schools already have is working now and can be gradually improved. Data shows that most of the online charters are achieving well below regular schools. Also with our teachers being paid so poorly it seems criminal to spend 180 million dollars on technology.

HJR 2

From my husband (a sportsman):

I talked to my husband about this bill. He is voting yes because it puts the right to hunt and fish in the state constitution which can protect these rights if an overzealous federal government tries to take them away.

SJR 102

From my brother (a public defender):

Yes means the state (Idaho Department Of Corrections) does felony probation only leaving misdemeanor probation to the counties which is how it's done now in TF and Lincoln Counties. I think yes is good for local control of minor offenders and for distinguishing supervision levels and control/authority level for minor from major offenders. No might make for more uniformity across county lines but it could also inflate IDOC's local presence.

1 1) www.localnews8.com Campaign advisor comments on controversial education ads By Jessica Crandall POSTED: 10:11 PM MDT Oct 17, 2012 UPDATED: 11:02 AM MDT Oct 18, 2012

2) www.spokesman.com October 28, 2012 in Idaho Pro-Proposition 1, 2, 3 ad uses Romney anti-teachers union quote Betsy Z. Russell

November 01, 2012

Our Halloween Costumes (Goldilocks & The Three Bears) and (Incognito Family)

by Scary @ Shaffer Sisters, in Scary

Hope your Halloween was as good as ours!

Goldilocks and the 3 bears

Al made her top and Power Shoes full outfit. Ty's costume was made by Momma Shaffer out of a dress she used to have! And Heber's is a hand-me down from Rhett's first birthday/Halloween.

I was Carmen SanDiego, Slim Jim was Waldo, Ryder was Big Foot, Boston was Pink Panther

My Costume was a red rain coat and the hat I got at a thrift store in Helena for 1 dollar it was bright pink and I spray painted it red. Slim Jim's costume I used a white shirt and spray painted the strips on with Painters tape. And the poof on top of the hat is done from t-shirt. Rhett's Big Foot Costume you probably recognize. Boston's Pink Panther costume I made using some Leggings as a pattern for the pants, the feet of the pants I got from some footy pjs, and the sweatshirt was from a hooded sweatshirt she had. I didn't have any pink rib nit so I finished the arms and bottom of the sweatshirt with fuschia colored elastic.

The babies were happy to be along for the ride.

Kids walking up to the door.

Ty doing the robot.

Happy Halloween

October 29, 2012

A long time coming… table

by Scary @ Shaffer Sisters, in refinishing

Yep Celina jacked this from your Facebook Account but you will still love me.

This week we are going to be highlighting some refinishing done by us and some of our cute amigas. Today we are happy to have Celina; who is bubbly, sassy and just fun. And we LOVE Spending time with this crazy girl.

My husband’s parents gifted us an old table a year or so ago, and we welcomed it gladly(hey, who doesn’t like free stuff?). The thing with this table is, I can really only think of 2 words to describe it: “eye” and “sore”. No, really. I might describe the color as ‘royal green’ (it’s REALLY green!) and needless to say it's the only thing of its kind in the apartment anywhere. Something needed to be done. I really actually like the style of the table, but the green (and don’t get me wrong, I LOVE green) kind of kicked me in the eye every time I walked by. So I decided to refinish it.

First, we sanded ‘er down. BOY. There was WAY more paint on that table than anticipated! It took all day. And that’s no exaggeration. We started around 11 in the morning and didn’t finish til the sun was setting. I already liked it so much better! I almost considered staining it rather than painting it.

Buuuuut I already bought the paint! So we went ahead and primed and painted her black. A coat or two of oil-based primer/sealer/stainblocker, a light sanding, and she was ready for paint. 3 light coats of a water-based “satin black” and it was lookin perty. We (and I keep saying “we”, but let’s be honest: I did most the work ;) ). Topped it off with a Polycrylic finish, 2 coats, and that’s a wrap!

In retrospect, this was a really fun project! I’d totally do it again. And I probably will, what with other inherited furniture around just wanting to fit in.

October 26, 2012

CailaMade: PR&P Sewalong Recap

by Caila, in sewing for girls

We are ecstatic to have another talented seamstress and joyful mom. I found her blog the week she made the Jess dress I loved how she combined different fabrics and textures to create something beautiful. One of my favorite things she has made is the Jess Dress cardigan and I was excited when she posted a tutorial for it on her blog. Last week she showed how to make a peasant dress with long sleeves which I was relieved to have a tutorial for because Idaho winters are cold and we live in a city with the nickname Iceberg. It will be so nice to make a long sleeved peasant top for Brooklyn. Go check out her blog, you should probably follow it she is making some pretty rad stuff and uses the cutest fabric.

The Jess Cardigan Tutorial

Long Sleeved Peasant Dress

Hello everyone! I'm Caila from CailaMade and I'm so happy to be here at Shaffer Sisters today. Some of my favorite things in the world are my children, fabric, and bright colors. You're going to see all three of those today. Thanks for having me!

I was asked to share a little bit about my experiences from sewing along with Project Run & Play. It was such an exciting and stretching experience--I can't wait to do it again!

Bias & Buttons Dress for Week 1
Tutorial

1. What was your favorite thing about participating in PR&P?

I think my favorite part about the PR&P sewalong was that it pushed me to try things I've never done before. While sewing my Bias and Buttons dress, I honestly did not know if it was going to work! The whole time I kept thinking, "If this works out, it will be a miracle!" I'm so glad the dress turned out so beautifully, because it taught me to go with my instincts and be courageous.

I have one more favorite, it that's allowed, and it was sewing along with so many talented sewists. I seriously cannot believe how much talent convened in one Flickr group!

2. What was your favorite clothing item you made this season?

I love how striking the Bias and Buttons dress is, but honestly, The Jess Dress is my favorite piece. It was much more technical than Bias & Buttons and I'm somewhat proud of myself for pulling it off. Just a few months ago I wouldn't have been able to design and make this dress from scratch. My daughter, Abby, never wants to take it off and there's something so pleasing about the way the skirt hangs.

I wish I had participated in more of the PR&P weeks, but I launched a blog series and participated in KCWC at the same time. Alas, I only have so many hours in the day. Next year, I plan on doing more. For now, I'm enjoying what I did accomplish.

If you would like to see more of what I've sewn, head on over to my blog, CailaMade! I love making new friends and taking shop about sewing.

1. Bias & Buttons
2. Little Cap and Raglan Tee
3. Long-sleeved Peasant Dress
4. Gold Fever Shorts

3. Lastly, what is your favorite part about being a mom?

This may sound cheesy, but my favorite part about being a mom is being my kids' mom. I think my three children are fantastic people. I've never met anyone I liked so much as I like them! I feel privileged to be a part of their daily lives and to be the one they look to for guidance and love. Mothering is hard work and there is never any rest, but I have gained so much in return. I'm really a lucky woman.

Thank you so much for having me, Shaffer Sisters! It was so wonderful getting to know you and many other talented sewists/designers during PR&P. I look forward to the next one!

October 25, 2012

Precious and Few: PR&P Sew-Along Recap

by Shannon, in sewing for girls

We are pleased to have a Shannon here today. I was blown away by so many members of the Project Run and Play Sew Along Pool, I was impressed by how she made stylish but still functional items. Then I went to her blog and I was blown away by what a fun family she has, if you haven't you really should check out her blog.

Hi, I’m Shannon from over at Precious and Few. I want to thank the Shaffer Sisters for asking me to be a part of their PR&P recap. I have always enjoyed making things and, although sewing has been one of my primary mediums for creating since I was 10, sewing clothes for children is one of my newest endeavors.

What your favorite thing about participating in PR&P?

My favorite thing about participating in the PR&P sew-along is that I could. Back in February of this year, I recall checking out the PR&P season at that time (I have followed PR&P from the beginning), and desperately wishing that I had the time to participate in the sew-long. However, at the time, I was filling every spare moment with studying for licensing exams. Between kids and establishing my career, I had had little extra time for anything else since they had been born. Fast forward to this season of PR&P. My licensing exams are over and I now have more time for family and friends, church activities, and my hobbies. I began with the first week of the sew along. It was 8pm the night before the first project deadline, and I thought to myself, I can do this! Sewing clothing for little girl truly fed my soul over the past few months.

What your favorite clothing item you made this season?

I think it would be the grey bubble dress that I made for the fall holiday challenge:

I spent a lot of time thinking about what I might do for this project and, to be honest, was relieved that it all came together! I combined aspects of two patterns: Anna Horner's Handmade Beginnings Baby-in-the-Hood Jacket and Growing Up Sew Liberated Crossover Tee (which only came in sizes 2-4T so I had to alter it to a smaller size). I then added a bubble skirt which I mostly figured out from looking at one that my daughter had in her closet. For the legging, I was able to upcycle a t-shirt that I have had on hand for at least a year that I had picked up with the intent of making leggings for ‘A.’ I am a complete newbie to altering patterns so I was very pleased when the project worked out.

Following the picture are the links to my blog for my PR&P projects:

Bias Skirt Pattern Week, Fashion Icon Week, Fall Holiday Wear Week, and Signature Look Week

And your favorite part about being a mom.

My favorite part of being a mom is the love I feel towards my two little ones and the love that they give back. ‘O’ (my 4-year-old) frequently says “I wuv you sooo much,” and I recently started saying back, “I wuv you too.” He then says in a matter-of-fact way, “Why did you say that?” referring to my pronunciation of love (completely unaware of how he says it). ‘A’ recently started giving kisses. She also frequently pats me on the back when I pick her up and repeatedly says "mommy" is the sweetest little questioning voice whenever she is riding in the car.

October 25, 2012

Good Laugh

by Scary @ Shaffer Sisters, in Scary

Warning: Jo don't read this blog post while Hubbins around unless you want him to turn a permanent scarlet.
In preparation for next season's Project Run and Play, I was looking up needle felting. The first video I found was this one. I love this lady's fun energy and then at 2:34 she realizes what her initial demonstrative piece looks like:

Al and I were sitting her crying as she tries to fix her accident.
It was a good reminder not to take yourself to seriously when things don't work out quite right!

October 23, 2012

Project Run and Play Round Up of Sew Along Challenge {Fall 2012}

by Scary @ Shaffer Sisters, in Project Run and Play

Wow I feel like the last eight weeks have been a whirlwind with the Project Run and Play Sew Along Challenge and extended family fun. While participating in the sew along challenge I drove to Utah twice, half way across Idaho, into Montana to meet my sister with her kids, to visit Jo and her family in their new house (which according to my calculations is 2040+ miles, luckily most of that was on the interstate so it went a little faster). I also planned, crafted and hosted Rhett's 3rd birthday party which was a homemade fall carnival.
Even with everything that was going on I felt like Project Run and Play Sew Along challenge taught me that one day I would really like to compete in the real Project Run and Play competition. Though at times it was stressful I think it was good for me to sew on a deadline. Often times I find myself tweaking project until I am satisfied with the results, but that process can take months. With such a tight deadline I had to set aside time, plan my projects and execute them. With that I also had to change my mind if I realized that I wasn't going to have time to finish a project.
My favorite thing about the Sew Along Challenge was watching other people design and create. It was neat to get compliments but even more rewarding to give them in return. Here are a few of my favorites from the six weeks:

Quilted Autumn Play Dress

It's Okay to be Biased Skirt

Getting "Twiggy" With It.

Jess Dress and Cardigan

Purpledicular Dress (this was made from white sheet!)

18 month old Jacket (white sheet again!)

There were so many boy crafts it excited me because it gave me so many ideas for Rhett beyond shorts, tie shirts or ties. Don't believe me check these out:

Jeans, Sweatshirt, Slouchy Beany (great ideas for a boy even though her model was a girl)

I love this outfit for an older boy

Thanksgiving Dinner Time

Crocodiles and tortoises

Rebel Without A Cause

There are so many talented designers I tried to share as many as time would permit but I have already spent way too much time on this post and way too little time on sweeping and mopping my floors (when the kids are asleep momma will clean). Here is a link to the pool you should go look for yourself what amazing gals (their might be some guys but I don't think I have come across any yet).
I was talking the whole experience over with Al last week and I felt so renewed in that I had been able to survive and pretty pleased with some of the things that I was able to create. Here they all here for you to look at:

Optical Illusion Skirt with Matching Shorts and Tie for Brother

Dior Inspired Dress

Surely Stylish Scarlet

Leaf Monster Suit {Mini-Ghillie Pancho}

Thank Goodness for Little Girls Pillowcase Dress

Contemporary Mock Wrap

If you enjoyed our sewing projects for Project Run and Play you might enjoy some of our other kids sewing projects.
We have some exciting things planned for next week with some refinishing furniture projects and maybe by the start of next week we will be able to show off some of our Halloween costumes for your viewing pleasure.

October 18, 2012

Scary's Signature Style: Cozy Contemporary Mock Wrap

by Scary @ Shaffer Sisters, in sewing for girls

This is the last week of Project Run and Play Sew Along Challenge (well for this year anyway) and I have really enjoyed every project I have made. I am hoping next week to do a round up of my favorite Sew Along Challenge Peers.
I love being cozy, so much that more than 50% of waking hours I am found in t-shirts and workout clothes. But when I get dressed up I really like to dress up, I like dramatic colors, textures, patterns. So I used scraps from a few refashioning projects to make this little number.
Miss Boston looked so beautiful in this little number but a few minutes after she put it on she came down with stomach flu. So we decided to give her the day off from modeling and throw it on her 3 month younger boy cousin. We were glad that Heber was willing to model this little number. And Al took the pictures so I could take care of my little bird.
The top is made with a Caftan (yep love caftans, like I did here). If you want to make your own Caftan check out Simple Simon and Co. tutorial about it. I then used the ties from the dress that the damask fabric came to make the ties for this little dress. This will give Boston lots of growing room but also allows for great fit.
Then I used the bottom of a dress that I had cut off to make a dress. It is all super stretchy soft knit. And the project cost me NOTHING, since it was made from scraps. The flower on the top of the dress is a removable broach so it could be replaced by any color flower or accents.

October 16, 2012

Jo & Hubbin {Just Another Day in Paradise Photography with a Large Family}

by Scary @ Shaffer Sisters, in Scary

Jo & Hubbin have the most energetic family of 7, I have ever been around. Jo stays crazy busy with homeschooling the 3 oldest and loving the 2 youngest. The last time I had a chance to take their family pictures was when her 3rd was a baby, when I was headed to Montana to visit her she requested that I take her family's picture. When I asked her what poses/pictures she would like she said that she had no expectations but that I should just go with the flow and really try to capture the spirit of her family.
Here is my easy going photo shoot (or little to no-posing) of Jo's family. With the older 3 boys I tried to give them themes and then just shot what ever actions they made.
Warning: this post is going to have a lot of pictures

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A long time coming… table

CailaMade: PR&P Sewalong Recap

Precious and Few: PR&P Sew-Along Recap

Good Laugh

Project Run and Play Round Up of Sew Along Challenge {Fall 2012}

Scary's Signature Style: Cozy Contemporary Mock Wrap

Jo & Hubbin {Just Another Day in Paradise Photography with a Large Family}

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