Keeping Quiet in the Pew

With 7 children of our own, it has been obvious that some productive entertainment is necessary for many families to have along in the church pew at Mass, weddings, funerals and other services. In the past year I've been developing products that are great Catholic accessories to have in your own church bag - or "Quiet in the Pew" bags as I've named them. Items that will enrich their experience of the Mass, not deter from it.

Catholic Seek and Find Card Set

  

Each set of 30 colorful and child-friendly cards comes as a Digital (PDF) File for you to print as many times as needed. (I currently do not have these premade to ship on my shop).

Catholic Seek & Find Cards 14pg PDF File

For Personal Use $8.00 USD For Classroom Use $10.00 USD

More ideas to add to your bag can be found here:

Quiet in the Pew Bags

I've really enjoyed sewing many totes over the past years, including a little more than a dozen for our parish. These are holding all the fun Catholic books and activities they need to keep occupied and engaged in the Mass. They also make great gifts for Baptism and First Communion.



This bag is a basic quilted front panel (Fabric: Timeless Treasures "God Gave Us") with a corduroy back panel. Lined inside with fleece for softness and padding. Both styles of bags are padded so there is no thumping on the wood pew throughout the Mass, wedding or funeral.

These bags are easy to make with pre-quilted fabric, ribbon handle and a Christian fabric top edge. 

These may be available in my Modest Mommies Etsy Shop,

filled with the custom items I've designed. Visit my shop - or request a special order!

The Church Bag Stand

And finally, for those who wish to have these in your home parish, we designed a church bag stand that is inviting and functional for holding all those great quiet bags! I couldn't find anything I liked online, to purchase or ideas from other churches. So I made one up myself! A Modest Mommies original.

"Let the children come to me…"  Mark 10:14

I would like to price these for sale, but until I have a spare moment for woodworking.... I thought I'd share the basic design. It's more important that these are available in churches around the world. Please excuse my casual, non-carpenter descriptions!

*This design is copyrighted, this design/pattern is not to be made to sell without permission. However, you may make it for your home or a church donation as we did.

First, build your cross.

1. Using a 10 ft 4x4, cut a 4.5' section (verticle), and a 4' section (horizontal).

2. Line up the horizontal piece 2ft down on the verticle piece. Mark board width on both pieces.

3. See photo for layout. Cut to interlock, cutting half way into the 4x4 the width of your pencil marks. Make it a tight fit.

4. Do any joint sanding now.

5. Piece two sections together, with wood glue in the joint. No screws. (A rubber mallet helps)

6. Sand again, rounding edges.

7. Drill a hole in the bottom of the cross in order to insert a long bolt from the base into the cross.

Next, build your base.

8. Cut two sheets of 1/2in MDF to 2'x2' and screw together.

9. Drill a 1/4" hole in the middle. Put bolt through hole in base and into the cross. Add long screws in corners for stability.

10. Layer 2x4s on top of base. Add mitered trim around cross base.

11. Use home base trim around the sides, and caster wheels on the bottom.

12. Woodburn if desired. Sand and Varnish entire piece.

13. Add hooks on bottom side of horizontal 4x4. Add posts on front and back for extra hanging. These are actually coat hangers and shelf brackets found at Menards.

14. Our finishing touch was an invitational sign so people knew what it was.

I hope you've enjoyed these ideas and products to keep yours or other children content and Quiet in the Pew! Please comment with a link if you've seen these items in your church, if you'd like to order something, or have seen similar posts.

God Bless!

Adventures in Cloth Diapering

After using disposable diapers on my first 4 children, I didn’t think starting cloth diapering would pay off. Also, I just wasn’t ready for the idea of it. But now pregnant with our 6th child, I’m all set for a cloth diapering adventure with my almost two year old and newborn when she arrives. Why? We need to save money and we hope to potty train earlier than age 4! Everyone has their reasons, but those are our top two.


So after hours of surfing online at Craigslist.org, DiaperSwapper.com, GreenMountianDiapers.com as well as many other websites – came up with all of this. When all is said and done, diapering supplies for two children will have cost us around $350 or so. Depending how crazy I get with sewing more!


People know how much I love to be organized. I can’t wrap my head around any concept if it’s not organized. After wasting time looking at thrift shops for baskets, I broke down and bought cheap but new containers at Walmart. The two white and two green baskets cost $10. Glad I did. Found in the kitchen and office supplies. The blue basket was a gift my sister found in the Target dollar section once upon a time. It works nicely.


We chose to use prefolds and covers for our children, fitteds at night with doublers. Why? I guess I love the natural, soft cotton fiber against their little bums and how easy it will be to wash and dry these. Our son, age 20 months, has this stash of gently used quality prefolds (26), size large, and Flip and Econobum diaper covers. Our daughter, due Mar 2014, has Econobum prefolds (24), Snappis sz 1, and diapers covers from Econobum, Flip and WAHM (RattleMyCrib).


The bottom bins hold our extra prefolds, fitteds and changing pad covers. The fitteds (contour diapers with snaps and elastic) are intended for nighttime wear. They are gently used MotherEase, Tiny Tush and Kissaluvs. Some have doublers, but I know I’ll need to make more. I hope to order some hemp fleece from DiaperSewingSupplies.com. I also plan to sew a few of my own, especially newborn size, using all the awesomely free patterns at Prefold2Fitted’s blog.


I made several waterproof pads for co-sleeping and diaper changing. Basically it’s a square of flannel backed with white PUL (PolyUrethane Lined), leakproof fabric. To make the typical changing pad cover, I used stretchy cotton jersey and fitted with elastic using measurements of my foam pad. I’d love to make one or more for you!


I never thought I’d like butt wipes so much! I told my husband if we’re going to cloth diaper, we’re going the whole nine yards with it. Wipes included. My friend advised me to size these prewashed/shrunk at least the size of my hand. Our monster poop wipes are flannel lined with terry, and pee wipes are flannel doubled. So easy to sew on a serger, my young daughter might be making more for me. I’ll be filling a spray bottle (tucked away between uses) filled with water and essential oils (Melaleuca Oil for us) to spray onto the wipes when ready to use.


Where do I plan on throwing all of these diapers? For basic wet diapers, they’ll go into a wet bag attached to the side of the changing table. Others will be rinsed in the toilet and thrown into this Dekor diaper pail (CL find $10) fitted with a pail liner I made.

I followed the directions from RunsWithSpatulas Blog: Wet Bags and Pail Liners


Not sure if we’re going to cloth diaper on the go, but I am totally ready for it. Only difference is we’ll be taking along disposable wet-wipes. (In our Thirty-One Organizing Utility Tote) It has a few fitteds, prefolds, covers, changing pad, wet bag and wipes.


Hoping I can share my fluffy cloth diaper butt photos with you all very soon! In the meantime, my hubby will be working on building a clothesline for me before the frost sets in the ground!

More Cloth Diapering Ideas on my Pinterest Board!

The Lullaby Luau

After planning a luau inspired baby shower for my sister, I decided it would be fun to share all my ideas with my online friends! If you’re looking for the ultimate summer fun combined with the excitement of a new baby - this is the party to host. I have not seen a party plan like this one ANYWHERE. Please be sure to send me any other ideas you might have!
Looking for a fun new theme for a baby shower? A tropical baby shower might be just the thing!
* Lullaby Luau * Aloha Baby * Baby on Board * Tiki Baby * Nursery Rhyme Island *

FULL SHOWER PLANS DOWNLOAD HERE


[Sibling Shower ideas found at this link]

INVITES & DECORATIONS

 

INVITATIONS are simple, either print out my version or grab any luau invite online or in stores. One of my online favorites of is found here: Aloha Baby Invite with coordinating Mahalo Thanks Cards. We decorated the envelopes with beach theme stickers that included surf boards. Next to the stickers we wrote "Baby on Board!" You could also use stickers from tropical Hello Kitty or Sponge Bob.
* Lullaby Luau Printable Invitation (above)
* Add Gift Registry



AMBIANCE
Decorations are typical luau fun you can find at Party City, Oriental Trading Co, Target, JoAnns, etc. I started with the idea that a pink flamingo, instead of a stork, should carry the baby! When searching for images, I found a few decorations at EZPartyZone.com, but the rest was up to me. We had the typical lawn ornament pink flamingo and drilled a hole in it's nose. We cut shapes from a sheet of craft foam or felt, using pink or blue for the blanket and appropriate skin color for face. For the "Aloha Baby" we glued on foam letters, and added lines/shading with a permanent black marker. Then securing together with a zip tie through the hole and center of the knot. Have the flamingo's face pointing in the direction for cars to turn! Collect them after the party - ours were stolen overnight. Free pattern in my downloadable party printout.

 

Don't forget to add your favorite Hawaiian music with steel drums and soothing sounds! Make a Lullaby CD for a gift that includes some of these songs from artists like Enya, Beach Boys, and Bob Marley.

ARRIVAL

ALOHA BABY

Welcome everyone with a flower lei and say "Aloha" which means Hello in Hawaiian. Secret: "Baby" sticker or word written on the flower of one lei for a door prize! Mid party, ask guests to find who has the "Baby Lei."

THE TIKI NUK

Send everyone to the Tiki Bar for a drink or "Mocktail" by Crystal Light, since mommy can't drink alcohol. LaCroix Coconut or Fiji Water. Hawaiian Punch / Tiki Punch. Have a drink list for guests. I found an inexpensive dry erase board, drew lines on the green frame to mimic bamboo, then added a few window clings and drink list.  I also found a Flamingo cup just for the new Mommy.



GAMES
or
*Printables available, but you can also get one dollar long note pads to hand out with pencils/pens to guests. 1-2 sheets was enough for these games. Children's books are a great surface for writing on!
 
BABY ON BOARD

This was a group favorite activity! Collect baby photos of guests now and add to the (cardboard) surf board randomly and number. Respecting anyone who brought an original photo, by paper clipping it to the edge. Later, when everyone gets to know each other, have them guess who's who. Prize Ideas:  Photo frames or albums.

LITTLE FISHIES

Any little girls can play "Guess how many gumballs in the bottle?" Winner takes home the bottle! I also created a basket of fun for them including play dough, stickers and hair accessories. They can make their own lei out of fruit loops, gummy lifesavers and red licorice laces.

SURFS UP!

The day before, add plastic babies into ice cube trays, fill half way and freeze, then add chilled water to top and freeze. When everyone is present, hand them a cup with an ice cube. First one to have their WATER BREAK and hold the baby wins. Now you may want to set some rules, like no microwaving the baby! I thought this would last at least one hour - it lasted about 5 minutes tops! But many were patient and told us when their water broke two hours later. Prize Ideas: Fun-shaped Silicone Ice Trays, Watering Can, Dish or Hand Towels. Consider several prizes for the first 3-6 winners.
<She melted it in her mouth!
I thought it was weird enough to freeze these mini babies, but to suck on them… People were SO excited when their water broke… good memories.

THE BELLY DANCE

How big is that belly? While the new mommy does a little hula dance, everyone gets a chance to guess the size of her belly with either a ribbon/yarn they cut to size or a store bought game ribbon. Then each guest can wrap their ribbon around her belly to see who's closest! If mommy isn't into being THAT close to others, she can have a ribbon precut to the right size for comparison. Prize idea: Aprons, Belts, Bracelets


NUM-NUMS

What's for lunch, Mommy? Everyone gets to look, smell and even taste the baby foods and guess what flavor it is. I added a meat jar for some interesting reactions! Use wooden spoons or popsicle sticks for an inexpensive taste-testing experience. Num-Nums Printable Guest Sheet included in my free download!
 

HUMPTY DUMPTY DIAPER DUTY

What's that smell? Everyone tries to guess what candy bar has been melted into a diaper. I added a bonus diaper of Dijon mustard for a realistic newborn diaper! Use a sheet of paper for guests to number and guess, or use this Humpty Dumpty Printable Guest Sheet!


TOY COAL WALK

In the tropical tribes, a person entering a new phase in life must pass a challenge, such as walking across hot coals. In this case, bring out the bucket of Legos, Cars and Blocks for the brave new parents or guest to walk across. Of course, asking the swollen-footed pregnant woman to do so may be asking a bit much - so offer the challenge, don’t push it.
 
Hold off on the LIMBO, to avoid premature labor pains. Or have the guests strap on a pillow baby bump to even the playing field!

GIFT OPENING

Our gift table was covered in a blue (water) tablecloth. The diaper cake centerpiece was labeled "Lullaby Island." I also bought and decorated a keepsake booklet to write in shower details, list of gifts and best wishes to the new Mommy from all the guests.

If both the mother and father are at the shower - begin this time with a drink!

Have the new mom and dad have a chug-a-lug contest of a drink from a baby bottle. For a prize, have a little something to give them at this time from you, the host. Perhaps bibs, a diaper cake, baby bottle set, etc. If dad isn't around, you could encourage the new grandma to take his place!

HUSH LITTLE BABY BINGO
Have guests randomly fill out bingo sheet with what they think the new mommy will be opening. Prizes: Dollar items in a basket, wrapped or not. *Baby Bingo Printable Guest Sheet included in free download


PRIZES
Tissue Paper Wrapped Prizes around $1 or so each.

*Tissue paper then baby theme cellophane (clear plastic) tied with curly ribbon.

or my fancy gifts…

I got cute bags in the dollar section, and used the existing tag to tape on a label (included in my free Lullaby Luau Download)! Prize ideas included in each game instruction.

SEND HOME GIFT

Made little "you fill it" to-go boxes as a parting gift. Print my free labels onto full sheet label paper, cut out and stick onto boxes…. or print onto cardstock and cut as tags for other ideas you might have!


TIKI BABY BUFFET
The meal planning can be baby shower or tropical themed, or just a brunch/potluck.

We’re having Sweet & Sour Pork Balls, Glorified Rice, Fruit Salad, Hawaiian Sweet Rolls with Ham, and drinks.

For dessert you could have pineapple upside down cake, a trifle, cupcakes, or slushies! I made cupcakes with blue "Cotton Candy" frosting, blue pearl candy bubbles and mini rubber duckies I found in the party section at Walmart.

I hope you enjoyed these fun baby shower ideas, as our guests did! If you or someone you know is hosting a baby shower, be sure to pass along this blog or the FREE PRINTABLE DOWNLOAD!