New Year, New Hobby

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New Year, New HobbyAs a busy mom, I rarely have time to focus on hobbies like I used to. Most of my time is dedicated to my kids, but every now then I find an opportunity to learn and actually enjoy a new craft or skill. My sister bought me a sewing machine for my birthday last year and I really haven’t started to use it until recently.

After a lot of encouragement from my sister, I finally unboxed the machine and started learning how to sew some basic things, and now I’m hooked!

I’ve recently made some cute toddler blankets for the car, revived old clothes that were too short by adding a decorative lace hem, and even made some adorable puppy bandanas for our frenchie puppies. So far, I’ve loved the bandana project the most because it was relatively easy and looked adorable on our pups for their go home day. I didn’t know how much I’d enjoy repairing old clothes and making small things like dog bandanas because I have a hard time sticking with an activity if I don’t feel it’s productive or going to help my family in some way. Sewing has been an awesome compromise because it can be as useful as you make it to be. I’m not sure if I’ll get good enough to make a complete set of clothes, but setting goals for the future of my newfound hobby keeps me excited and engaged as I grow my knowledge and experience.

I’m so grateful for my sister and her thoughtfulness for reminding me of my love for crafting. She has always been so good at encouraging me along my motherhood journey, and I’m glad that she reminds me to take time to do something for fun every once in a while. She is actually the one who took up sewing first; she has always been creative and artistic, so it’s good to have a mentor who is better at my hobby than I am (especially a sister!). She has really run with it and makes beautiful cloth dolls and even opened up her own Etsy Shop called Cozy Clover. Her video explaining the creation of her shop and the dedication to her late dog Clover is absolutely adorable, so if you love precious pet videos this one is for you: Cozy Clover Dedication

My sister has made each of my daughters a doll with hair and eyes like them, and really made them feel special. I love her joy for crafting and making something unique and special for her nieces. I’m so proud of her and can’t wait to see her make more doll patterns and other items for people. I wish every child had a relative that loves on them like an amazing auntie. My kids were certainly blessed with two awesome aunts and it’s so wonderful to see the love they have for my kids. 

If you are considering learning to sew or another craft, go for it! You never know what joy you may find doing a new skill if you never jump in and try. With the new year in full bloom, now is the time to try that thing you’ve been putting off.

 
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Bethany Wesson
Hey Y’all! I’m originally from Texas but I got to Tennessee as quick as I could! I love most things southern including the great food and I’m enjoying the similarities that Texas and Tennessee share. I’ve been told Texas and Tennessee are like cousins and I’m loving how wonderful it’s been living here in the Volunteer State. I earned my bachelor’s and master’s degree in education from Texas State University and then went for my doctorate in education at the University of Mary-Hardin Baylor. I taught elementary aged kids at a public school in Lockhart, Texas before staying home full-time with my own kids. I am a teacher at heart, and I love learning. I’m married to my high school sweetheart, so we’ve literally gown up together. Life’s mountains and valleys have been so fulfilling next to the love of my life. We have five kids and one on the way. My husband and I absolutely love our big family and all the entertaining/eventful days we have together. We lean on our faith and ask God for wisdom in raising up all these beautiful souls He’s entrusted us with. Our children enjoy singing, dancing, gymnastics, basketball, and learning to play new instruments. We are a homeschool family and enjoy the flexibility that we get throughout the year. I cannot wait to enjoy all the new activities and traditions our family will create in the coming seasons here in East Tennessee. As past residents of Texas, seasons are a new thing we are looking forward to experiencing for the first time. I’m so grateful God has called my family to lay down roots here and explore all the state’s natural beauty. I don’t have much free time but when I get the chance I love reading, writing, and exploring new family activities and attractions. I have lots of dreams and aspirations for myself and one that I plan to start this year are my children’s books. As a teacher I am extremely passionate about learning, and I’ve always had a soft spot for children’s literature as it is the gateway to becoming a lifelong learner. I have written several children’s books but haven’t taken the next step in publishing them yet. As a mom of five (soon to be six) it’s a lofty goal but one I’m sure I can meet with determination. In the coming year there are so many new things to experience and new friends to meet! I’m thankful I have my family to keep me grounded and remind me to take life day-by-day. I’ll always love my biggest and most important calling as a wife and mother and I cherish the life God has given me. Through His grace I am able to wake up every day and strive to meet the needs of my family and others I meet along life’s journey.

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