First things first…I finally semi-launched Darby Jane Designs!  I had someone put a blog together in blogger but I still have yet to figure out the tabs and links.   Mom and I had several bags & coasters just laying around, though, so I really felt the need to go ahead and send something out to some friends & family so that we could at least give those things an opportunity to sell.   We only have 2 bags left out of the 6 that we originally listed, several sets of coasters sold & a few custom orders placed!  I was really encouraged by feedback & creative input we received, too.  Recently I was inspired by a tote that one friend brought over, so I tried making a couple and think they are going to be a great addition!  I can’t wait for y’all to see them.

Just a few things…DJD started because mom and I love to sew and wanted to combine that passion with our love of Anchor of Hope, a ministry that ministers to street children in Rwanda.  I’ve been on the board of this precious ministry since 2005, after I took a couple of trips to Rwanda, D.R. Congo & Burundi.   When someone buys a bag or tote we will cover our costs and donate the proceeds (approximately $10 per item) to Anchor of Hope. 

Our bags are made out of 100% cotton, the most current designers, fully lined…and fully washable.  The pockets are deep and generous and I’ve found are great for a mommy/toddler bag, as they easily fit all mommy supplies as well as an extra cloth diaper, wipes, snacks & sippie cup.   The original bag is made to just go over the shoulder (like a normal purse) but we also make messenger-style that have even easier access.  Check out the blog for the available bags, as a couple of these have already sold (we are also in process of making more):

And coasters.   They are just too cute, practical, affordable & make great gifts!   Each coaster is lined with insul-brite which is absorbent and reflects the heat/cold back to it’s source. They are washable & paired with a sweet mug they are perfect for a tea or coffee lover.  I love them, can you tell?  This is just a sample, so click on our blog if you are interested in seeing more designs.

Thanks for reading & participating in our efforts! 

Darby loves Elmo, which comes out like “Memah” which conveniently sounds like “Mama”.  I get confused all the time on who she wants but I try not to take it personally   I recently purchased the most adorable, wonderful shoes she’s had so far in her life & she grew out of them.  By recently I mean four weeks, which wouldn’t be a big deal were it not for the fact they were $37 (on sale).  Ouch.  Call me crazy but I’m a little sensitive about her tootsies.

From about 12-17 months she really didn’t have a favorite toy.  I feel like for the most part her favorite things were books & walks and me, that is until Elmo came along.  Just recently she’s really played well independently in her playroom, especially with her tea set where she blows on the “hot” tea and makes swishing sounds as she pours the tea into the cups.  She is also loving the Mega Blocks that Miss Claire Bishop gave her.  Still though, her most favorite activity is walking outside along our sidewalk hoping that we run into her best friend Sandy (a gorgeous retriever mix) and her owner, Don.  On a normal day at least one neighbor will pop their head out to say hello and we fall in love with our little neighborhood each time this happens. 

Recently we’ve started finger painting & markering  

We are still meeting with our little playgroup that started from Square One (a first-time mom’s ministry at Watermark).  What a blessing these kids & moms have been to us!  One of the mom’s has a gorgeous home with a breath-taking backyard where she hid Easter eggs for the kids & they all had their first hunt!  It was pretty precious. 

Now that I’ve had 4 posts in a week I’ll see y’all in another 6 months!

I mean, look at it.

Best daddy ever.

But she didn’t like it.  Can you tell?

The after party…safe & warm watching daddy through the window run laps in the wintry bliss.  Too bad I don’t have pics of that!

Overall Darby wasn’t a fan of being in the snow but she loved it through the window  So far in her life she’s only known a white Christmas, and that’s a fun memory to have (for me at least).