Gracie's Birthday Gift

Is done! woohoo, join me in a happy dance now!
what began with a picture turned into this. I saw a tote just like this decorated on another blog,see the fist pic not sure what she used it for, no inside pics but loved the idea...Which stewed in my head for awhile (honestly it's amazing anything comes out of that recess I call a brain) the result a tote to hold art, papers, and report cards for each year of school, with a spot on the front of the folder for stats for that year....1st day of school, teacher, age, friends...Later years classes, activities. And of course a place for her signature...Don't you just love watching how their handwriting changes over the years. There is also a place for a 1st day of school pic. I had a blast creating this, I finally just had to put it away for fear of over embellishing it. the next two pics are of the inside and a close up of one of the folders. Next I plan to make one for Anthony. This tote has generated much interest I'm afraid with people wanting one of their own... At first the request was for me to make it...ummmm where to find the time? So I have convinced them they too can do this, translation....A (for lack of a better word) class here with me "helping" them achieve the same affect....Why do people doubt their skills truly this was a simple project. Why am I reluctant to term it a class? Who am I to teach...I'm usually just winging it and happen to get lucky sometimes with a pretty cool outcome....No one notices the mistakes and trust me there are many.
to switch directions we now have a date for the baby's trial and grandma's request for custody. It is in may..They will be doing it at the same time.this is a day we have been waiting for, on one hand it needs to be done...She will be 10 months by then, a decision should be made, but with the date set comes the realization that we will be getting a decision...Scary. They could go with grandma, in all likelihood they will, she is family, and that is a very awful feeling. So in as much as the decision needs to be made, I now find myself wishing for the vagueness of no trial date. Silly I know when I've been saying forever it needs to be decided...But now faced with the decision and possibility they may leave, leaves me frightened beyond words. I hold onto the fact that God brought them to us for a reason, and whatever decision is made, God will continue to protect them. I put my trust in prayer that the decision made is in the kids' best interest, not what is in my best interest. Staying with us is what "I" want and it may not be the "best" thing for them. I'm prepared for any outcome, as prepared as one can be to have your heart possibly broken...I find strength in knowing we haven't traveled this road alone, many have helped us, God has guided us and I know that no matter the outcome God will guide us thru that also. Please pray for these little people who have touched our lives and so many others, that the people who will be deciding their future do so keeping in mind what is best for the kids and that the issue doesn't get clouded by politics and race and all the other adult things that complicate life.
Debbie