Can you say, “Humanitarian Project?"

Merrell and I spent President’s Day with three of our grandsons: Connor (9), Tyren (10), and Chandler (13). The boys had a Sunday night sleepover at our house. Because they didn’t go to sleep until 11:30 p.m., we thought they’d sleep until at least 8:00 a.m. Monday morning. Ha!

After promising a yummy breakfast of pancakes, etc. etc., Merrell and I left to make a quick trip to the Rec Center for our daily putter around the walking track, throw a few weights in the air, and bike a semi- lap. We were hoping to return before total boy chaos resumed. Ha!

The boys spent their time together playing games (including Monopoly which they decided was much too long), giggling, eating, wrestling, watching a DVD while munching popcorn, chasing, gulping root beer, throwing snowballs, and in general enjoying each other. Oh yes, two boys picked out fabric at Wal-Mart and completed a wonderful humanitarian project, while the third worked on his unfinished pillow project.

Before I continue, let me give you a definition of a Humanitarian Project. {A worthwhile four hour activity created by a Gramma to teach her grandsons how to sew flannel baby blankets designed to benefit the homeless, promote the welfare of humanity, eliminate pain and suffering, boost the economy, and… ultimately the whole thing turns out to be a PROJECT.}

It did turn out to be quite the project and took a bit of learning:
• Right sides together (Try again.)
• Sew a 5/8 inch seam instead of a 3 inch seam (Unpick.)
• Cut off the selvage in a straight line (It’s OK if the blanket’s a little smaller.)
• Thread the needle (Need help?)
• Pin both sides of the fabric together (Match the edges.)
• Press the pedal not too fast and/or not too slow (Sure you can do it.)
• Always watch out for the needle (Watch it!)
• Iron the seam (Keep the iron upright!)
At one point Chandler said, “Gramma, you should be a home economics teacher!”

The end certainly justifies the means. It turned out to be a fun cousin day full of accomplishment and memories. Who knew baby blankets, sewing, and boys would go together so well! They were so pleased when they presented their finished blankets to our ward humanitarian specialist. So was I.