Book Review: A Sane Woman's Guide to Raising a Large Family

Title: A Sane Woman's Guide to Raising a Large Family
Author: Mary Ostyn
Published: 2009

Right away, the title of this book drew me in. There are lots of days when I feel down right crazy for having as many kids as I do and feel like there is no way I am going to survive one more day. It was very comforting to pick up a book, read about someone with a similar life, and know that they are going through it all as well. The author has 10 kids! Having a big family is something that Jason and I feel God has called us to do, but that does not always mean that it is easy!

This book is written in a very straight forward and entertaining way. I found myself anxious turning the pages to see what other tips and anecdotes Mary had to offer. She talks about things from saving money on clothes and food to how to take vacations for less money. She also talks about managing different school options as well as fostering sibling relationships, and ways to make each child feel special. Basically any questions or concerns I have about having a big family are addressed in this book. I find myself flipping through it often.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who currently has a large family or is planning on one in the future.

Easy Summer Dresses

After having 4 sons, I am having a ton of fun dressing my daughter. I don't really like anything too frilly but I do love just nice, simple dresses for her. Sometimes that is hard to find! Seems like everything for girls is covered in glitter and licensed characters! Totally not my style!! I have seen these dresses made before and I thought I might wing it and give it a try on my own. I didn't use a pattern or follow any instructions so bare with me as I try to write down exactly what I did! For about $8, Elliot now has 2 new dresses!




*For each dress you will need a onsie , 1/2 yard of fabric, and some elastic.

*Cut the onsie off about an inch or so below where the arm holes are.

*Cut fabric so it is 2 times the length of the circumference of the onsie.

*Cut a piece of elastic that is the length of the circumference of the onsie.

*When you are read to sew, this is what you should have:



*Sew a hem down one of the long sides of the fabric.

*One the other side we are going to sew a hem and sew the elastic on at the same time.

*Fold the hem over and place the elastic on top of it.

*As you are sewing, stretch the elastic out. You will notice that as it comes out of the other side of the machine and the elastic un-stretches it will gather the fabric for you.

* Your finished skirt portions will look something like this:





*Now all you have to do is turn the onsie inside out and sew the skirt part to the onsie part.

*As you sew be sure and stretch the elastic out a little.*Turn the dress right side out and you are done!