Little Candle

Recently...

2012-01-25T08:12:00.000-06:00

Look at these two. :)
They are in Tae Kwon Do together and loving it.

Guess what?

2012-01-23T11:04:00.000-06:00

Look what happened soon after I blogged last night...
My wish came true.
Just a dusting, really.
But that is all I wanted.
I got caught up last night on episodes 2 and 3 of Downton Abbey.
So in love with that show.
Homemade granola bars are in the oven right now.
I have never attempted making them before.
They smell delicious.
I'll let you know how they turn out.
Well, back to the to-do list...
that bathroom isn't going to clean itself.
Wouldn't that rock?!

Weekend...

2012-01-22T18:56:00.000-06:00

Typing labels.
Looking at houses.
Knitting scarves.
Napping.
Doing dishes.
Eating oranges.
Wishing for just a little snow (sorry).

I hope your weekend was lovely.

Christmas hand mades...

2012-01-18T21:07:00.000-06:00

A few little hand mades that found their way under the tree at Christmas. I enjoyed making something special for each of the kiddies.
I sewed Evelyn a 1930's style purse. The lining is from sari fabric (no picture, sorry) with a lovely woven gold edge. It has a magnetic snap closer and sits on the wrist for carrying.
I made Rubia a felt board for quite play. The back has two pockets to keep all of the shapes and pieces safe and sound. Evelyn has had fun with it as well.
Lastly, Elijah got a box of marbles. I found an unfinished wooden recipe box, painted it and put stickers on the front and top that I thought had the look of marbles. Then a coat of modge podge and done.
Fun projects and I actually started early enough this year that they where done with plenty of time to spare! Whew!

The business of the new year...

2012-01-14T22:02:00.001-06:00

With the start of a new year, there are always those things that must be attended to:
Start thinking about tax filing...sheesh, not fun, but then there is the more fun and satisfying things such as...getting a new calendar updated with Spring dates and all the year's birthdays,
Christmas thank you notes...the kids and I have been working on this. They draw pictures and stamp their name...I do the rest.
Birthday party planning. I'm trying to decide if I want to do one or not for soon to be Mister-5-Year-Old.
Birthday card making. My grand plan this year is to make all of the birthday cards for family and friends now so I have them all ready to go throughout the year...so far so good.

Stamps I made the kiddies

Thank you notes

The beginnings of Birthday Cards

I also made up one chore chart each for Elijah and Evelyn. I came up with a list of things that they could do daily and then a special chore for each day of the week. This will help them learn responsibility. They will also be receiving a small allowance as well. A portion of which they will save, a portion they will give, and a portion they will keep. I hope that this will start to teach them about money, how it works, how to manage it, and what can be done with it. The first week has gone very well. They are eager each day to do their chores and they are (so far) doing them cheerfully.
Each day they have to: Get dressed, make their beds, pick up their clothes, clean their rooms and brush their teeth. We were doing these already, but I think it helps them to stay on top of things when it is in black and white on a chart. The weekly things include: cleaning the bathroom sink, washing the glass on the backdoor, helping me wash dishes, and sweeping the kitchen floor. I am so impressed by the pride they are putting into each task and I am glad that they are beginning to learn what goes into keeping a home.
At the request of my Mid-wife I have been moving more...namely going for walks around the neighborhood. The weather has still been fairly warm, for January, so I am taking advantage and trying to get my butt moving. I am also trying to eat the best that I can. Aside from the gallon of chocolate ice cream that I begged David to buy for me (I didn't eat it all in one sitting), I have been doing pretty well. Things like brown rice, kale, and beans have been tasting pretty good. Going back to my former vegetarian ways is not such a bad idea. That combined with the exercise has been helping my sleep better and be more energetic.
These Winter days do not feel so wintery yet...I would like to make big pots of soup and bake like crazy, but it is amazing how warmish days sap the motivation for those sorts of things. I'm not even in the mood to knit or sew...however, I am certain that snowy days will come and I will find myself content to be tucked in doors baking and loving on my children. Spring and the new baby will be here before I can blink...so a few slow days wouldn't bother me a bit.
Oh, and lastly...is anyone else in love with Downton Abbey as I am? I am so tickled that season two has started. Love, love, love that show!

Rearranging...

2011-12-25T23:02:00.000-06:00

So I have been tidying and updating the ol' blog.
Hate the header...hate, hate, hate how big the picture is.
No techno savvy at all, so my apologies at having to look at a circa 2005 blog design.
I stink at these sorts of things.
But, I updated my lists, changed the color etc.
Christmas was lovely...kids far too spoiled.
A bit glazed over really.
Now the great annual purge and reorganization of the rooms begins...myself included.
Although I must admit that I took a van load of stuff to Goodwill while packing up the house.
That felt good...let me tell you.
I think I can do more.
My sweetie spoiled me yet again this year...books, spa day, Steelers bling.
What more do I need?
He's busy playing his new PS3 games while I blog...happiness means different things to different people and he is happy...I did good.
Pondering the new year and what it will bring...
A certain boy turning 5,
new baby,
new house,
Trying find my rythym.
I hope to work on myself by practicing gratitude and praying with regularity.
I need to be better about it.
Keep my mind on higher things.
Keep my mind on the positive.

Going, going, gone...

2011-12-23T10:31:00.001-06:00

Well, it is done.
The house was packed and loaded.
Everything now in storage.
The lights are turned off.
The heat turned down, all ready for the new owners.
I hope they will take care of that little house.
It was strange and a wee bit bittersweet to walk the empty rooms and say goodbye.
We bought that house knowing it was not our forever house.
I never got truly attached to it because of that fact.
I never loved it, but how I love the memories that were made there.
So many sweet things happened that make me hold that house in high esteem.
Meals made, babies brought home from the hospital, children learning to walk and talk
I tried to find a picture in my current archives for you to see, but no luck. All my others are now in storage...oh well.
So we are back in our new digs for the Holidays.
Today we are making jingle bell bracelets.
Cookies need to be baked for tomorrow.
A few last packages need to be wrapped.
Ingredients bought for a Christmas morning french toast bake.
A cradle painted.
Suitcases un-packed.
Plans made for the two weeks of vacation ahead of us...children's museum, zoo, library...a movie too. We'll see...

Tea, oranges, and 5 kiddies...

2011-12-15T21:55:00.001-06:00

Wrapping gifts, not my favorite thing, but I love the result. I have been watching my nieces for the last couple of weeks...5 kids under 4 years old = tired. But, despite my growing rotundness and bum 95 year old woman of a hip (that's how it feels, just a pregnancy perk), we have painted and baked cookies, made recycled crayons, and made ornaments. Tomorrow might hold jingle bell bracelets for us. We'll see.

Holiday gift making is done, packages sent. Decided against Christmas cards...maybe New Year's cards would be the way to go.
Craving oranges and chamomile tea these days...also bowls of Malt O Meal. Is there anyone else out there that loves that hot cereal as I do? A hold over from childhood I guess...loved it then too.
Evelyn and Rubia are going through rough discipline stages right now. They are so much faster than me these days. Elijah hasn't wanted to eat his lunch at school lately...working with that too. Starting to see progress. Consistency is tough.
I am dying for a good book to read...any suggestions?

Winter's goings on...

2011-12-05T16:46:00.000-06:00

Sewing, sewing...what is it about sewing that seems so right this time of year? Knitting too, but that has been a bit of a disaster I won't get into. I'm afraid I have made a mess of my Mother-in-Law's dining room table in the sewing process, but, I am almost done with my projects as they need to be shipped off in the mail. I can't wait to have a sewing/crafting room of my own. Please, oh, please let our next house have one!
We had our first real snow on Saturday...the whole day soft, white flakes fell to the ground, muffling all the sounds around us. It turned into a rightfully lazy day. Today was a whirlwind to make up for it. Wal-Mart how I loath thee, but sometimes it can't be helped. Going down the aisles at Michael's made up for it, however. I am making such fun little things for my kiddies this year...little goodies for their stockings and for under the tree. If only these headaches that are coming with this pregnancy didn't keep slowing me down! I would have so much more done by now.
Elijah is obsessed with learning to read and write. Saturday morning he sat at the table while I sewed and asked me how to spell words. He can write most of his letters in what I consider to be excellent fashion for being only 4. He made his wish list for Santa and promptly requested an envelope in which to mail it to the North Pole. I promised him I would see to it. I really just tucked it away for safe keeping. It is much to precious a thing to mail away. I must keep his first handwritten letter to Santa, don't you agree? After all, I do know the truth about the jolly old fat man and I'm sure Elijah's list will be attended to...{wink, wink}.
We are counting down the days until Christmas with a red and green paper chain. Evelyn glued and I stuck it together. Each day the kids remove another loop with such glee and begging to know, "How many days now Mama?" Oh, the magic of Christmas in little ones. I am trying to see to it that they know the real reasons for why we celebrate...Jesus after all is the whole reason. Elijah has more of a grasp then the girls, but, I know they hear.
I don't like posting without any pictures...my camera suffered a mishap, but, thankfully my husband had the foresight to get one of those insurance things when he bought it. It has been repaired and returned to me, but I haven't gotten back into the habit of taking pictures.
Oh, dear...it's nearing the dinner hour and I have yet to start the making...dance class is tonight, best be going!

A long time coming...

2011-12-01T10:48:00.001-06:00

Well, hello there! I never intended to be gone so long. We are all well here, just living life, doing the things everyone does. Honestly, I haven't had the motivation to blog these past few months. We have been in such a state of transition, that I just haven't wanted to sit down and write. Don't worry things are good. David and the kids are all well and thriving...I'm holding my own too. But, today is truely joyful, we sold our house and now we can begin to move into the next phase of our lives. I feel like I have been holding my breath and now I can breath again. The rollercoaster that is selling a house these days is truely grueling. The ups and downs, the lowball offers, the living apart from my sweet husband. It's come to a close. So happy!
So what have you all missed?
Elijah started pre-school and loves it. His teacher is amazing.
Evelyn is taking dance once a week.
Elijah played soccer in the Fall. He was quite good if I do say so myself, despite me being his coach.
Miss Rubia talks quite a bit.
Cool Fall days watching the squirrels.
Costume creating...I challenged myself big time this year: A Clone Trooper, A Purple Fairy, and Little Ruby Riding Hood.
Learning the landscape and the heartbeat of a new city and state.
My Dad and Step-Mom came for a wonderful visit.
Oh and the biggest news of all...baby #4 is on the way...I'm 20 weeks along. This will be our last as far as we are concerned. But, we are very excited nonetheless.
Big things, happy things.
I hope to be back regularly now. I have missed you little blog...yes, I have.

Black and White...

2011-07-28T08:00:00.001-05:00

My Sister-in-law Maxisue and I did the decorating for our mutual Sister-in-law Nicole's Bridal Shower. What fun we had!
It was vision of black and white with paper lanterns, take out boxes full of nibbly candies, tea lights, fortunes and fortune cookies.
We even wore black and white to be totally kitchy and match the party.
If you ever need to fine cool stuff for an Asian themed party, find a local Asian market...wonderful goodies are to be found on every aisle.

This Week...

2011-07-26T22:42:00.000-05:00

This week I have been...
Crocheting dish cloths
Sorting through a stack of mail as high as Mount Everest
Reviving an African Violet
Craving Strawberry Shortcake

Sorting through shoes
Sewing curtains
Loving on feverish children
Wishing the heat would die down just a smidge

Wondering about that lone green M&M up there
Kicking myself over a lost receipt
Hot-gluing magnets
Watching far too many re-runs of Fraiser

Preparing to send my boy to preschool
Perusing a brick and mortar Blick Art Materials
Cutting out patterns
Washing dishes

Finishing off The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
Reading a real letter from a friend
Watching Ruby Red take many, many, many independent steps
What are you up to this week???

Kick your kids out...

2011-07-14T16:19:00.001-05:00

...outside that is. And don't literally kick them, just opening the door will do. But the point is to get them outside. Kids these days are deficient in Vitamin D. Milk isn't enough, they need to get it from sunshine too. My Aunt who is a nurse, encouraged me to have my kids out in the sunshine everyday for 10 minutes sans sunscreen. This short time would be enough for their bodies to produce the needed vitamin. I then whisk them back inside and slather on the sunscreen if we plan to be out longer.

Kids also, just need to be outside exploring nature and using their imaginations. I bought the book 15 Minutes Outside by Rebecca Cohen several months ago. It just so happens to have been reviewed this week over at Simple Kids. It has some wonderful ideas for play and exploration outdoors throughout the year. It has been a great jumping off point for me in getting them out and about.
But, it doesn't have to be complicated, especially this time of year when the weather is nice...for the most part. Do things that you normally would do indoors, outdoors...

Have a Snack Alfresco. Load up your kids plates with their snack and park them outside to dine. I am convinced that dining outside makes food taste better and the usual eating battles become non-existent when eating under a maple tree.
Fold a Paper Airplane...and send them outside to fly it. The plane not only has much more room to fly, but any passing breeze seems to take the plane higher and farther...thrilling for any child.

Go Fishing. Our state fish and wildlife department is hosting family fishing days throughout the Summer. They provide the rods, reels, tackle, bait, and instruction and the kids get to have a blast. We went last night and even managed to catch a small Bluegill...can you see it down there? I couldn't get Elijah and Evelyn to touch it, but they were thrilled with the accomplishment. Will continue to work on it.

Find a Local Nature Center. Most areas these days have natural areas to visit. Many have native animals to see and trails to hike. These are a wonderful resource that are often free.
Walk to a Park, Blow Bubbles, Paint...Something, Anything. Just getting outside helps my kids be happy and healthy. Don't worry so much about messes and getting dirty. They won't learn about the world unless they explore it and that often means getting dirty. I have had a hard time with this, but I work on it from day to day...remember there are always baths and always clothes to clean, so whats a few more at the end of the day?
Just get them out there!

That sweet boy of mine...

2011-07-06T13:11:00.000-05:00

This is my boy...4 going on 22.
He is cerebral, literal, and methodical.
We play checkers most days when the girls are napping. I play to win, because I want him to learn how to play properly as well as how to win and lose with grace. When he loses I don't let him mope and when he wins I don't let him gloat.
We play badmitton in the backyard.
We draw pictures with pastels.
We have deep conversations about Jesus, Salvation, Heaven and Hell.
He's not afraid to ask the hard questions.
He loves Star Wars and can spend hours with his action figures.
We sing: "Coming 'Round the Mountain," " Singing in the Rain," "Old Man Tucker," "Found a Peanut."
He loves a good knock, knock joke.
He is ecstatic about going to pre-school in the Fall.
He is independent, but will still cuddle with me most days...thank goodness.
He makes me so proud.
I love my sweet boy.

She is 1...

2011-06-25T16:15:00.001-05:00

A certain little girl turned one year old last Saturday.
We ate New York, Chicago, and Seattle style hot dogs.
We had a bubble party...lots and lots of bubble blowing.
I made nine gallons of bubble solution.
It was poured into a kiddy pool and the kids went to town.
They used tennis rackets, a hula hoop, and bubble wands of all shapes and sizes.
Here is the bubble recipe...it's easy peasy:
1 24 ounce bottle Dawn dish soap
1 and 1/2 cups corn syrup
3 gallons water
Mix, let sit for 2 days, then blow bubbles!
The Dawn dish soap is perfect because it already has glycerin in it and the corn syrup is the special secret. The glycerin and the corn syrup help the bubbles hold together and allow you to make giant bubbles with a hula hoop.
After the kids were done with blowing bubbles, a make shift slip and slide was created.
The kids slid and slid until all were soaked and enormously happy.
We then went inside to eat banana and caramel cupcakes.
Gifts were opened and naps were taken.
Kiddies took home jars of the bubble solution and homemade copper bubble wands.
It was good...
very, very good.

Hello Again...

2011-06-17T15:11:00.000-05:00

We are here. Getting settled. The kids are having their ups and downs, but they are starting to adjust. Rubia turns 1 year old tomorrow...I'm not sure where that year went. She's also teething, so she goes from happy to mad in about 2 seconds.
We are having a little, tiny party for her tomorrow. I will certainly be sharing about that. I have been enjoying getting things ready...little gifts, homemade cupcakes, sweet little favors, and fun things for all the kiddies to do outside in celebration of this special girl.
I haven't found my rhythm yet in this new place, but, I know as the days and weeks move along, things will fall into their places as they are meant to. My posting may continue to be sporadic for awhile...my apologies.

Be Back?????

2011-05-19T08:43:00.000-05:00

Packing, organizing, getting ready...
The big move is this Saturday.
I'll be back when I can.

Doll for Evelyn...

2011-05-13T13:14:00.001-05:00

I finished up the last present for Evelyn's birthday. It will be tucked away with the other things I made for her until August when she turns 3.
I would have adored this doll when I was a little girl. It is along the same lines as a paper doll, but with fabric. It is a pattern from the incomparable Wee Wonderfuls book that I have blogged about before.
I made several outfits for the doll to be able to change as mood strikes and there is a pocket in the back to store all of the outfits when play is done. Each outfit is backed with felt, the doll silhouette on the pillow is made from felt...and since felt sticks to felt, it works! As long as Evelyn doesn't sprint through the house while carrying it that is.

I enjoyed making the outfits so much that I really could have kept going and going. But, with the move about to happen, I wanted to finish it up so that the pillow could be tucked away safe and sound. There is everything however, that any stylish doll must have at this point: 2 t-shirts, 2 blouses, 1 pair of cords, 1 pair of jeans, a swimsuit, an understated dress, a party dress, a rain jacket and hat, 2 clutches, 2 purses, and 1 tote bag. The basics really. I think that if Evelyn really likes playing with it, I will make more clothes for her for Christmas.
I had to of course test the doll and all of her outfits first...just to make sure everything worked. It's all about quality control. ;)

Taking a step back...

2011-05-11T21:57:00.000-05:00

Today I packed up Evelyn's dress-up basket, the kid's bedding, and the rest of my paired down sewing and crafting supplies. I still have much to do, but I had to stop and spend some uninterrupted time with my babies. We played outside, read books, ate chocolate chip cookies, and did puzzles.
I began to feel a bit blue at leaving this little house of ours and I needed to just "be" with my babies for awhile. So many memories have happened here, so much growing and changing in the lives of my little ones...walking, talking, playing.

I thought of all of the meals I have cooked, and all of the times I have begrudgingly cleaned the bathrooms (my least favorite chore). We have grown and changed as a family and while David and I are ready to move on to what is next, I think back to our years here with fondness.
So while I looked back a bit today, the to-do list will wait for no-one. Next weekend and the move will be here fast and furious, so organizing and crossing things off of my list continues tomorrow.

Elijah's projects...

2011-05-05T13:44:00.000-05:00

Elijah gave up naps a couple of months ago. At first I was sad to see my alone time go, but now I see it as time that he and I get to spend with him one on one. Sometimes we do a little, sometimes we do a lot, or sometimes we each do our own thing. I find myself forgetting that he is only 4 years old sometimes. He is one smart cookie and we have the best conversations. Plus, he is a capable kid that is able to do a great deal for himeself and on his own.

I have mentioned the magazine Family Fun before. Over the last couple of days he and I have made one of the projects found in a speciual Spring issue of the magazine. He spotted the tube racer and asked if we could make one. I like to keep recycled materials on hand, I never know when I might need something for a project or activity.
Some of my favorite things to stash away are:
good pieces of cardboard
cardboard tubes
plastic bottle caps
styrofoam food trays for painting (from veggies, not meat)
glass jars of all sizes
oatmeal canisters
spice shakers
Other things I like to have on hand are:
coffee filters
straws
toothpicks
marbles
and of course the usual art supplies as well.
Anyway I digress...
Elijah and I raided the supplies and while I helped him at certain points he did most of the work in making that tube racer up there. While a fun project for us to do, it is not something that held up very well during the active play of a 4 year old. The wheels had to be re-attached several times before he gave up and started pretending that it was a crashed car that had fallen off a cliff.
Oh well. I hope that these kinds of activities help him see that with a little imagination something fun can come from what would seem to be junk.
Tomorrow we might make a magic fish aquarium.
Note: I tried to find these projects on the website so as to link, but they don't have them listed...frustrating.

Scenes from a day...

2011-05-04T07:19:00.000-05:00

Much going on here...
A Daddy on the road,
Packing,
Cleaning,
Cuddling,
Recovering from a wicked virus,
Wishing for warmer days
and knowing they will come.

Easter Basket Loot...

2011-05-02T21:02:00.000-05:00

I enjoy making things by hand for my kiddies and this Easter was no exception. I made them each a set of wooden bead critters...a bunny, duck, and caterpillar. I got the idea from Family Fun Magazine (love that magazine!). I worked on them while the kids were around and they kept trying to get me to spill what I was working on...I love building the anticipation.

I also made them each their own zippered pouch. Each pouch is fully lined in a fun fabric and I stamped each child's name on the front. I then tucked in fresh new pencils to complete the package. These were then tucked into their baskets with chocolates and a few other little surprises. The best part (for me) is the fact that everything I used to make the bead animals and the pouches came from my stash...I didn't have to make a craft store run...even once. I love that, but not as much as my kiddies faces when I get to spoil them just a wee bit with Mama-handmade goodness.

To Do: Nature Scavenger Hunt...

2011-04-30T07:58:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was finally a warm, sunny day with no wind or rain...we spent as much time outside as possible. I even managed to get my first sunburn of the year.

Then I decided that we should do a little scavenger hunt. I like them to notice nature as much as possible, so I gave them each a list of simple things to find: rock, stick, flower, grass, leaf. I had drawn a picture of each item, but, also wrote the word, because they recognize letters and want to know about words lately. Off they went.

I enjoyed talking to them about what they found, asking about the rocks, and other goodies they came across. I wsked them why the chose the things they did and tried to help them notice the differences and similarities of things.
I think we will do this activity again at a park and I will come up with a longer list of items to find.

Rubia was also on hand to watch the goings on.

To Make: Butterfly Snack Bags...

2011-04-29T17:17:00.002-05:00

Elijah and I had a super secret project that we did for the Easter Bunny.
He is all about secrets these days. He loves a secret whispered into his ear or whispering his own into mine...so without a word to anyone, just he and I made a little something to stick in the Easter baskets of his cousins.

We made a spring snack mix:
8 cups Multi-Grain Cheerios
2 cups spring M&Ms of your choice (we used peanut butter)
2 cups yogurt covered raisins (or one bag)
1 cup golden raisins
2 cups pastel colored marshmallows
Mix together and munch.

We then filled snack sized zipper bags about 3/4 full.

Then we clipped them down the middle using clothespins we had decorated with glitter glue, googlie eyes, and pipe cleaners...voile! Butterflies!
Easy, so fun and Elijah was so proud of his own project. He was an awesome helper too....I love that kid!

Preparing...

2011-04-26T12:58:00.000-05:00

In three weeks the kids and I will be moving to our new city and state...
I am awash in lists.
Tubs are all over the house in various stages of packing.
Figuring out what to pack for now is a challenge.
The kids are watching too much tv so I can get things accomplished ( I will deal with this issue once we are settled).
David will be traveling for much of the next three weeks.
I have found a pre-school for Elijah next fall.
I had so much fun making a few things for the kid's Easter baskets.
I hope to post pictures and details.
I must return to the chaos...be back when I can!

To do: Feed a friend...

2011-04-15T06:30:00.001-05:00

I week or so ago I the pleasure of preparing and delivering a meal for a friend and her family. She is very pregnant and due to some health issues at the end of her third trimester, she has needed help with making meals. It seems so simple and benign to create a meal for someone, but, it can have such a huge impact. I would like to encourage us all to do this on a more regular basis.
Make a meal for someone who is sick or perhaps for a friend who has had a long week and could use a break. A meal could be made as a gift to someone as a simple act of caring for no reason at all.

This idea could be taken one step further. You could purchase the ingredients for a simple meal such as spaghetti or tacos and take these things to a local food bank. I have been taking my children with me regularly as I deliver groceries to the food bank because I want them to see and understand that there are many people that don't have enough to eat. I believe that it is our duty to help as we can. I also want them to know how blessed they are to have food in abundance. I think Elijah is starting to better understand what we are doing and why.
What an impact we could have in our communities by just providing a meal to someone in need! In this world of being consumed with our own lives, let us reach out to others with the simple act of providing nourishment and make someones world just a little better and a little brighter. Who knows what positive things may come of it?

These Days...

2011-04-13T21:49:00.000-05:00

In between making and keeping lists, packing tubs for the move, and the miscellaneous projects to be wrapped up, we have been playing a lot here. The weather turned nice and we have been spending afternoons out on the deck.
We...
blew bubbles,
flew kites,
kicked balls,
built a fairy house,
played with friends,
sang songs,
ate snacks,
tried out new flip flops,
and soaked up some much needed vitamin D.
I never seemed to have the camera in hand, so these happy moments went by undocumented. But I have the sweet memories.

When we move we will be living with family before we buy another house. Therefore, I have been having to make decisions on what to take with us and what needs to go into storage. This is one of those times when I have been able to reevaluate what is important and what I need around me to be happy. I certainly need my Sweetie and my kiddies, but also my need to create is such a part of my life, that I know that I need to have me sewing, knitting, and crafting goodies at my fingertips as well. But, as far as other things that tend to clutter a home, I am more and more at peace with the idea of selecting a few well loved and special family pieces and clearing out the rest. After all, I work with my children to purge their toys on a regular basis (as those things tend to breed like rabbits)...shouldn't I do the same? I hold on to things because they have been given to me or because they have some sort of memory attached and I am learning as I get older that what that amounts to is just a lot of clutter that needs to be maintained and dusted. I have a feeling that this move is going to help me lose some of the excess weight that possessions can have and to streamline my "stuff."
Well, that was a tangent that I hadn't planned on, but as we get closer and closer to moving, it has been on my mind a great deal. But, it's not all lists and packing...playing and projects are big on the to-do list. I have been making some cool things for the kiddies Easter baskets and of course a couple more goodies for Evelyn's birthday are just about done as well. Such fun I am having...I can't wait to share!

Baking as play...

2011-04-06T22:19:00.000-05:00

Evelyn is often busy in her kitchen.
Baking cookies is often on the docket.
Although sometimes brownies are in order too.
Therefore I have become quite adept at pretending to eat said treats whether I am hungry or not. :)
The chef's hat is from her dress-up basket.
I can't wait to see what other goodies she bakes for me.
I love to hear the clankings and rummagings that mean she is hard at work.
She often chatters and sings to herself as she goes about her business as well.
To be a fly on the wall...but, I'll have to settle for a seat in the hallway so as not to disturb and distract.
I can deal with that.

Sewing, sewing, sewing...

2011-04-05T21:29:00.001-05:00

So I have mentioned that I have been sewing a lot lately...here are some of my completed projects. I got the book Wee Wonderfuls by the incomparable Hillary Lang for my birthday and I adore it! I was a pattern tester for one of her patterns in the book and while I had hoped there would be a few things that I would want to sew, I never thought I would enjoy sewing dolls quite so much. I want to make just about everything in the book. The little love I made above was given to a neighbor girl for her 5th birthday. It is the Tag Along Doll in the book.
That was the first one and it has snowballed from there.
I have since made 2 more of the same...

...this love I made for Rubia's 1st Birthday in June. I have to say it is my favorite of the 3 I have made. I only had little bits of the purple fabric in my stash so I had to do some piecing. It's hard to tell in the picture, but there is a strip down the side of another print and I really like how it looks. Plus, I love the yellow and purple combination. I only had to buy a bit of brown felt for the hair...everything else came from my stash.

These sweeties are the Sleepover Pals from the book. I finished them last night and I am in love! Each one is a little different and I love how there is a sleeping bag to tuck them into. As I was sewing them the childhood song Playmate kept going throuh my head...

"Playmate, come out and play with me,

and bring your dollies three..."

I made these for Evelyn for her 3rd Birthday in August. I will tuck them away and save them for her big day. I might just go lock my bedroom door and play with them for awhile myself first. :)

Every fabric I used were scraps and bits and pieces from my stash. I didn't have to buy a single thing for these beauties.

And when Evie is done playing with them, she can tuck them each into their pocket...

...and roll them up to put them away.

I just love that.

This is a great book and I have one more project from it that I am working on it for Evelyn's birthday...I don't want to rush time, but, I can't wait for August!

How do I have all of this time to sew you ask? I have been squeezing it in in-between all of the craziness that is life these days...it's keeping me sane, so how can I afford not to?

Getting out when we can...

2011-03-31T22:34:00.000-05:00

A couple of weeks ago the kids talked me into an impulse/checkout line purchase of a mega box of sidewalk chalk.
It has been fun, but it has been so dang cold that we have only gotten outside a few times to draw.
Seriously, it's nearly April and we are still rocking temps in the 30s and 40s for highs...crazy.
Elijah is dying to play hopscotch.
I want it to be warmer before I go there.

We accidentally left a purple stick of chalk outside and then it rained that evening. The next day we discovered it and tried it out on the sidewalk. When wet, the chalk turns into more like a pastel. It goes on thick and with an almost silky feel.
I will be soaking more chalk in water to do this again...if the weather ever gets warmer and we can get outside again.
Meanwhile I have been in a bit of a sewing frenzy...so many cool things coming off of my sewing machine these days. I will sharing, if I can ever stop long enough to take pictures.

Love to Teachers...

2011-03-30T09:04:00.001-05:00

Because of the impending move, I pulled my kids out of the home school co-op a few weeks early. I wanted to give something to their teachers to say thank you for taking such good care of my little ones. I saw this idea somewhere awhile ago and I thought it a good one. Each teacher got a clipboard and a gift card.
I bought a pack of clipboards at Office Depot. Then I rummaged through my scrapbook papers and I settled on using three art deco designs that I have had for a few years. I have always loved these prints, but had never found the perfect place to use them until now. I measured the clipboards and cut the paper to fit. I planned to use Modge Podge which works as a glue and as a sealant. In order to be able to work out any bubbles or folds, I cut the paper again into strips that I attached one at a time with the Modge Podge, a paint brush, and my fingers as needed.
In order to get the top areas by the clip covered, I placed a piece of paper where I wanted it to be and then using my finger nail I traced and made indentations around the metal pieces. I cut them out to fit and followed the same technique as I had with the rest of the clipboard. Next, I allowed each to dry fully before clipping on the gift card, a vellum quote, and a thank you card. I was very please with how each one turned out.
I hope that this fun gift that will also be useful for each of the wonderful ladies as they continue to home school their children. Teachers, no matter where they teach need a little love after all.

Oops, I screwed up...

2011-03-29T13:17:00.000-05:00

So we had a birthday party to go to last Saturday...so I thought.
It was the wrong day...I was off by a week.
The kids were bummed and David was disappointed about not getting any birthday cake.

So I said, "I'll bake a cake for dinner!"
Cheers erupted from everyone.
I asked for imput on the frosting color.
Blue was chosen and I added Strawberries for a hint of nutrition.
Plus, they set off the blue butter cream nicely.
We were all in sugar comas by bedtime.
Yay, we get to have cake again on Saturday the actual day of the birthday party.
Things just keep getting better and better!

Spring Cleaning...

2011-03-21T07:19:00.000-05:00

There is always much talk about Spring Cleaning this time of year. This year I gave myself up to it completely. David was out of town for work for a few days and I whirled about the house like the Tasmanian Devil - cartoon version of course. ;) Perhaps our impending move was part of the motivation, but also events in Japan have made me so grateful for my safe home that I am blessed to be able to clean...I have been having so many thoughts like that as of late.

I have seen articles and websites with tips on how to take a deep spring cleaning such as tackle one room at a time, but I don't operate that way. I like to start one task and complete it through the entire house before I move on to something else. Otherwise I feel like I am starting and stopping too much and I lose my drive. I also focused on tasks that don't get done very often...if ever...and I completed those while I had motivation.
Here was my list:
Dust and wash all ceiling fans and light fixtures
Take down, wash, dry, and iron all curtains
Dust curtain rods and brackets
Dust door and window moldings
Dust bevels in all doors
Find and deal with any cobwebs lurking in corners
Using vacuum extension tool, vacuum all edges along walls
Wash doors and sides of all cabinets in bathrooms and kitchen
Wash all windows and window sills/ sliding door track
Dust lamp shades, *tip - use a sticky lint roller to do the job, works great!
Test smoke detectors

I also managed to change all sheets, and deep clean both bathrooms as well as keep my children entertained and fed. With the removal of the grunge of winter, it was as if a weight was lifted off of my shoulders. It was rewarding mentally to be a good steward over this house that I have been blessed with to take care of.
I still plan on:
Vacuuming and washing all heating and cooling vents
Washing the outside of all windows
Sweeping the front stoop, sidewalk, and deck
Washing all winter bedding and switching out to Summer versions
Washing and storing winter coats, hats, scarves and mittens
Wiping down and storing snow boots
Cleaning (if necessary) and storing winter clothes
Sorting through the kids clothes, removing anything that is too small and making a list of Spring and Summer needs

While I have been doing all of this cleaning, I have been collecting things to donate and I have a nice sized pile growing in the basement. There is nothing like a move to get me to get rid of things.
What's on your Spring Cleaning list? Any tips and tricks you would care to share?

Moving...

2011-03-18T08:56:00.000-05:00

We have been busy around here...Spring is in the air and we have been able to go outside a couple of times to play in the last week. May it continue! We all have cabin fever.
We got some news about a month ago, David's company is going to relocate us to another state. Luckily it will be in the same state and city as David's family. We haven't had anyone here where we live now as far as family goes, so it will be wonderful to have that back in our lives. Things will be happening pretty quickly as we want to get the kids settled before things start up again in the fall. We will be putting Elijah into Pre-school and both older kiddies will be doing AWANAs in the fall as well. So we want to get settled. So while I move through our days I am constantly thinking about packing and logistics for this move.
Big and exciting things for us...more to come!

New favorite song...

2011-02-22T16:02:00.000-06:00

All us peeps in this house are totally jamming to this song. Enjoy!

To do: paint coffee filters...

2011-02-20T20:12:00.000-06:00

Before Valentines Day I had the kids spend some time painting hearts that I cut from coffee filters. I pulled out their watercolor sets, filled up little glasses with water and off they went. Coffee filters are nice and absorbent and when hung in a window after drying the hearts are reminiscent of stained glass. Elijah was very slow and methodical in his painting while Evelyn was quick and done in about 10 minutes. Next time I plan on using cone coffee filters, cutting them down both sides to look like a butterfly of sorts when laid flat. I think the kiddies will enjoy painting those as well.

While Elijah and Evelyn painted, Rubia was in her highchair playing. Here is one of the shots I got...

Her smile turns me to mush every time.

To do: play with clay...

2011-02-18T09:15:00.000-06:00

Elijah received a bucket of clay and a wonderful apron from his Papa and Nana for his birthday. Nana made the apron for him to use for crafts, painting, and projects that he loves so very much.

He is now obsessed with playing with the clay everyday.
Yesterday, he and Evelyn sculpted and formed that clay for over 2 hours!
I don't think they have ever played with something for that long a stretch before.

Towers were built, bears made from pieces pressed together, and various whosits and whatsits and I-know-not-whats were created.

I love to see their little fingers at work and to see their tongues sticking out in complete concentration.

And here's a little glimpse of a project I am working on.

We keep busy these days, what are you working on?

Elijah turns 4...the cake and favors.

2011-02-17T16:44:00.003-06:00

Elijah requested a Clone Trooper Helmet for a cake. David undertook the challenge of constructing it...I baked all the cakes and whipped up two batches of butter cream and David did the rest. He spent hours...and while he will tell you that there were lots of things that he wasn't happy with, it turned out amazing in my book. Elijah is a fan of Star Wars and he was absolutely thrilled with the end result.

It tasted pretty good too...although I am 100% not a fan of fondant. I just peeled it off my slice and ate the rest.
I wanted to send a fun bag of favors home with the kids, but, I didn't want to fill it with cheap plastic toys or junk. I didn't decide what I wanted to do until a few days before the party, but, fortunately I had everything on hand that I needed once I figured it out...

I whipped up a quadruple batch of homemade play dough. Again, being inspired by the snow, I left it the natural white color and I added glitter and peppermint essential oil. My didit smell nice. I was inspired by this post over at the Artful Parent. I thought the glitter and essential oil ideas to be brilliant. Then I formed 8 snowmen out of the dough and placed them into mason jars...another nice way to package things and not use plastic.

I also whipped up chocolate covered pretzels for the children to take home as well, but these I rolled in colorful sprinkles for a whimsical touch. Then I placed them in cellophane bags closed with twine.

Then I packed everything up in paper bags big enough to hold all of their treasures: the painted cookies, snow globes, play dough, pretzels, and even packets of hot cocoa.
I enjoyed putting together this little party for my boy. He loved it and is already plotting next year...we'll see, birthdays growing up were always just a small family affair except for one or two birthdays where we had a party for friends. I want to celebrate my children's birthdays certainly, but, I don't think I'll be doing a party every year. Although, I had must admit, I had a great deal of fun doing all this.

Elijah turns 4...the snacks.

2011-02-16T12:58:00.000-06:00

For Elijah's party I put out an array of his favorite things to eat:
Peanut M&Ms
Goldfish Crackers
Donuts
Chips and Uncle Dan's Ranch Dip
Strawberries
Biscuits
and
Mini Meatball sandwiches.
For weeks before he would make suggestions for this list of goodies. If I made something for dinner or lunch that he particularly liked he would say, "make this for my birthday Mama!" Some were practical, some were not like grilled cheese sandwiches or pancakes. I distilled his wish list into something tasty and practical as much as possible.

To go with the nice winter weather outside, I served hot cocoa and marshmallows with chocolate covered pretzel sticks for stirring. I had whipped cream in the fridge, but I forgot to put it out...sad. Oh well, I will find a use for it. Then I had pop for those that might not want cocoa.
Guests grazed in between activities, which is how I like it.
As a side note: I made the chocolate covered pretzel sticks myself. This is so simple and easy...melt the chocolate in the microwave, 30 second increments at 50% power until melted and then dip in the pretzels. I used a spoon to spread the chocolate over and remove any excess. Then placed to harden on a cookie sheet lined with wax paper. I also made a gussied up version of these for the kids to take home...but, more on that next post.

Elijah turned 4...the crafts.

2011-02-14T06:41:00.000-06:00

The party has now come and gone. It was a nice day, simple, nothing too elaborate which is comepletly my style. It was no theme party which is also my style. I don't do themes. I don't want to be a product placement ad for some children's charater or TV show, partly because I think kids need to use their imaginations and own creativity more and I feel like I should be getting paid to be a billboard instead of the other way around. Anyway, I digress...the party had a lot of winter elements, but, mostly what I hope was just fun. It was all about Elijah and his little friends.

I don't think I have ever failed to mention how much my son loves projects, crafts, art, and activities. So I knew that those things needed to be included into any party I planned for him this year. I put together two crafts for the kids to do...Recycled Snow Globes and Painted Sugar Cookies. The snow globes were a Christmas idea from Martha Stewart, that I thought would work well here. I saved up my glass jars for weeks and then a few days before the party I spray painted the lids a lovely red and then attached the little animals (a bag of 12 for $1 from Target) and plastic greenery using waterproof glue. The kids helped add the water, glitter and glycerin to the jars and then I glued them shut.

We also painted round unbaked, frozen sugar cookies that I had prepared a few days before. I just made up a nice buttery sugar cookie dough, then I cut out enough circles for each child to have two to paint and then froze them so that they would be nice and hard for painting. The paint is merely food coloring thinned with a little water and then the kids used q-tips to paint whatever they wanted on the cookies. After they were done painting, I baked the cookies, allowed them to cool and then I packaged them up to go home in their goodie bags. I think the hardest part about this was trying to remember which two cookies went with each child.

I didn't get any good shots of the finished snow globes. For all the prep I did, it's amazing how much running around is still required, things do not happen effortlessly...at least in my world. :) So I didn't get all the pictures I had intended...oh well. More to come on the rest of Elijah's big day!

Sleeping is always a good choice...

2011-02-10T06:30:00.001-06:00

We've been doing a lot of this...
Because outside it looks like this...

Those are rabbit tracks through the snow. I never see the critters making their way, just the aftermath. I wish I could get a peek...I don't know how they make it with it being so cold and all. I did catch a whole flock of Robins in our trees one morning a few days ago. I had never seen that before...usually I get my first glimpse of Robins in late March or April and then only a handful at a time.
I went back after the kids ate breakfast to look at them again and they were gone. I have heard that Robins show up when it's just about time for Spring. Maybe they made a mistake and decided to move on to a better situation...or maybe I was just paying better attention this year to see their migration. Whatever the case it was interesting to see 50 or 60 Robins fluttering about.

Feeding the Birds...

2011-02-09T09:17:00.000-06:00

With such cold temperatures as of late, I don't like to forget our feathered friends. We did this last year of sorts, so it was time to do it again. My brother had sent me a box of pine cones from Oregon just for this purpose...so I was excited to use them this year.

I laid out two pine cones each that I had tied with string for hanging (it's easier to do it pre-peanut butter), plates of a high quality nut, sunflower seed, Millet, corn bird mix, and cups of almond butter and a plastic knife. I almost opened a new jar of peanut butter, but I remembered a jar of just expired almond butter in the fridge. Now, I don't know for sure if birds go for almonds, I took a chance here, so we'll see if anyone eats it.

They smeared on the almond butter and rolled the pine cones into the seed mix. It was goopy and messy, which is always fun.

Then we headed out into the snow to hang them on our pine trees. I haven't seen anyone eating them yet, but, the weather here has been brutal and not much is out and about, including us.

This Year's Valentines...

2011-02-08T14:25:00.000-06:00

We have made and sent our Valentines for 2011. The Kiddy Kats had fun working on them this year. Anything that involves paint is always a hit. I once again was trying to use what I had on hand, so I found red and taupe acrylic paint in my paint tub. The red was perfect as is and I thought the taupe would be a nice contrast, but I also wanted a pink of some sort, so I mixed the red and taupe until I had a nice rosy color.

I cut out a slew of white paper hearts and using a folded piece of masking tape I stuck them to two box lids (one lid for each child)...I didn't want the hearts to move while painting, but I wanted to be able to remove them from the lid in the end, hence the masking tape.

Next, I rolled up sleeves, put Elijah and Evelyn in aprons, handed them each a plastic spoon and a large marble. Elijah had painted with marbles before, but Evelyn had not. So I gave her a quick tutorial on how to put her marble into the paint, use her spoon to roll it around to get it covered, to place it into her box lid and then to shake the lid to roll it around to paint.

Elijah also used his marble as a paint brush of sorts too. I let them go until they were happy with how their hearts looked. Then we left them overnight to get nice and dry.

I then removed the hearts from the box lids and using a glue stick I stuck the hearts to squares of pink and red construction paper that I had cut out using scallop edged scissors. I then wrote a little message using a fine tipped Sharpie and wrote the kiddie's names.

Here is the finished project. We gave the valentines and heart crayons to cupid to deliver. So now they are on their way to little ones to enjoy.
I am busy here getting ready for Elijah's 4th Birthday and party this weekend. I am excited about the activities, crafts, cake, and snacks that we will be doing. A post to come on that next week...back to it I go!

Butterfly Sandwiches...

2011-02-05T16:20:00.001-06:00

The other day I had the kids decorate their sandwiches. We love peanut butter and jelly in this house, but I decided to mix things up a bit. I cut the bread into triangles and then smeared each piece with peanut butter. In hind sight smearing then cutting would have gone faster, but, I don't always think of the most efficient way of doing things at the get go...just ask my husband. Anyway, then I made the traingles look like a butterfly on the plate. Next I placed all kinds of yummy things into a muffin tin and let the kids put whatever they wanted onto their sandwiches...they loved it. Raisens, dried fruit, kiwi, oranges, Kashi cereal, peanuts, etc. Evelyn was most partial to the kiwi fruit as you can see in the above picture, while Elijah was more concerned with placing things just right before digging in. I don't think I had to remind them once to eat...so mixing it up from time to time works for us...and it was fun!
Tomorrow is the Super Bowl...we are ginormous Steelers fans...Go Steelers!!! Let's go get trophy number 7!!!

Outside...

2011-01-25T06:30:00.001-06:00

This is how it looks outside and the temeratures are frigid...so frigid the-snot-in-your-nose-freezes kind of cold. It's hard to drive in, hard to walk in, hard to do anything in. I never want to go anywhere and the darker days just make me want to sleep all of the time. I am up to nearly three cups of coffee throughout the day and I have always been a one cup first thing in the morning type of girl.

It's is snowing in these pictures, but I couldn't get a decent shot. Could be that I opened the door two inches, stuck my hand out with the camera and pushed the button had something to do with it. I wanted to lose as little precious heat as possible, but I wanted to share the winter wonderland outside our doorstep.

I did get the kids outside for about a half hour a few days ago. But after sledding down a hill two times, they were done and begging to go back indoors...it was much to cold, but they needed the fresh air more then anything.

The messed around in the snow a little with a neighbor friend down the street and then we headed back inside. I had had hopes of them making a snow man, but that was just not going to happen.

Spring, I think we're more then ready for you!

In the high chair...

2011-01-24T09:38:00.000-06:00

A little photo shoot I did the other day.
I love this little girl!

Enchilada goodness...

2011-01-23T22:14:00.000-06:00

I made my Mother-in-law's enchiladas a couple of days ago.
Sauce made from scratch, there is nothing better.
So good, so comforting, so proud of myself that I was able to pull them off.
I was so busy stuffing my mouth that I didn't take a picture of the final product.
But never fear, I slathered them with sour cream and went to town.
Thank you Virginia for showing me how to make these. They were not as good as yours, but at least now I can satiate the craving in between visits.
I could eat these every other day.
And now I can!!!!

Kitchen Bowling...

2011-01-20T06:30:00.001-06:00

What do you do when it is too cold and snowy to spend much time outside?
Why kitchen bowling of course!
All you need are cardboard tubes, balls, and kids needing to get the wiggles out.
Total bliss for them and for this Mama.
I have a feeling we will be bowling a great deal in the Winter weeks to come.

Note the Rubia in the background watching...so cute!

To make: Homemade spiced play dough...

2011-01-19T08:00:00.001-06:00

Evelyn and I made our own play dough last Thursday. She loves to pour, dump, mix, and stir so it was a perfect activity for her to help with. Firstly, I outfitted her in a beloved apron that was given to me by a wonderful group of blog friends! Morsel loves the pocket and the red ball fringe on the bottom edge and I do too. Anyway, I digress...We mixed and kneaded until we had the perfect spiced play dough. It keeps for up to 6 months, so it is something we can keep using for awhile and Evelyn was so happy to be helping in the kitchen.

She wanted to help knead the dough but, it was a bit hot to the touch for her, so I worked it until smooth and by then it had cooled down enough that she could play.

Here is the recipe that I used:

Play Dough
1 cup water
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/2 cup salt
1 Tablespoon cream of tartar
2-3 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup flour

Combine water, oil, salt, cream of tartar, and spices in a saucepan and heat until warm. Remove from heat and add flour. Stir and knead until smooth. The cream of tartar makes this dough last up to 6 months or longer, so resist the temptation to omit this ingredient if you do not have it on hand. Store this dough in an airtight container of freezer/zip bag.
I adapted this dough recipe from the one in the Toddler's Busy Book by Trish Kuffner. I added what I felt was a good amount for the spices and it really does smell lovely while the children play with it. If desired you could omit the spices and add food coloring as desired to make a colored dough.

I know play dough can be a messy venture with children, but mine love it and to me it's worth it to have to pick it up off of the kitchen floor at times. I love making our own dough too, because then I know what is in it and it's not a toxic-I-have-no-clue-what-is-in-this dough. I'm always a fan of things like that.

Simple Women's Daybook...

2011-01-18T08:46:00.001-06:00

I haven't done one of these is awhile, but I have been wanting to get back into it...here we go!

For January 18, 2010

Outside my window...there is lots of snow. It snowed all day yesterday and while beautiful, it is very chilly today.
I am thinking...about many things: menu plans, etsy, finances, preschools, and how I need to mop the kitchen floor.
I am thankful for...my children. We are in the middle of such wonderful yet challenging years. I am trying to be cognisant of this fact and to strive to be the Mama that they need me to be. This means being nurturing of course, but also focusing on training them up in the way they should go i.e. discipline and structure. These are two things that are hard for me to consistent with, but, I am working on every day. I have never felt more human than I have since becoming a Mom, or more flawed. But, I am so thankful for the opportunity to learn and grow from being a Mama to these happy, spirited, rambuncious, intelligent children.
From the learning rooms...learning through play. I am still working on doing something structured with them each day. Yesterday we talked about Martin Luther King Jr., I haven't quite settled yet on today's activity.
From the kitchen...I baked my favorite bread yesterday - Honey Whole Wheat and I can't stop eating it! Today we are having Spaghetti with homemade meatballs.
I am wearing...Black satin lounge pants, a gray t-shirt, and cozy black sweater...oh, and bright blue socks. All my sport socks are in the dirties.
I am creating...invitations for Elijah's 4th Birthday party.
I am going...to the post office and the library at some point today
I am reading... a young adult fiction book about Marie Antoinette from the Royal Diaries books.
I am hoping...to get some better sleep tonight.
I am hearing...Rubia cooing and jabbering and Evelyn "cooking" in her kitchen.
Around the house...Still working on the end of the year filing and rearranging the living room. We are going for something different and I am excited about getting in done.
One of my favorite things...clean sheets on the bed, clean towels hanging in each bathroom, and clean children fresh from a bath.
A few plans for the rest of the week: Homeschool Co-op, AWANAS, and spending more time tucked in at home staying warm.
Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

A whole bowl of juicy Clementines. Evelyn loves eating these and I love how she says the word Clementine.
You can read more day books here or post your own!

To make: heart shaped crayons...

2011-01-17T08:43:00.001-06:00

The kids and I recycled our bag of broken crayons...I save everything that I think can be used for something else, even if I don't know what for yet at the time. We made heart shaped crayons for their friends for Valentines Day. Saying heart-shaped might be kind, it might take a little imagination to see the heart, but they turned out fun and cute nonetheless.
The most laborious part was peeling the paper off of the crayons...after that it went pretty quick.

I can't for the life of me find where I got this idea, I swear it was in a recent magazine, but I can't seem to locate it. Anyway, place the broken crayons in foil cupcake liners ( I found a package of 24 for .89 cents) and preheat the oven to 275 degrees. To make the "heart" place a piece of rolled foil between the foil liner and the muffin pan to form a V. Then place in the oven for about 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool before handling...then give out and color away!!!!

It's really neat how the crayons melt together to form interesting mixes of color and pattern. I had several brands of crayons that I used and some melted better then others. So a few of the hearts have a stripe of solid color from crayons that didn't melt. All in all, a very cool craft, easy and a great way to recycle and reuse.
We made these so early because we have to send them off to cousins on the West Coast in time for the holiday. We will still be making paper Valentines in the next week or so and I will share about those too when we get them done...the kids are going to have a fun, messy time with them too!

Star Wars and Clothes Pins...

2011-01-15T10:17:00.000-06:00

Another activity we did recently was hands on and crafty. The kids and I spent a good hour working on these projects...each had their own thing to do which helps with the difference in their attention spans.
Elijah received several Star Wars action figures for Christmas and I had given him a basic shoe box to keep them in. I decided he might enjoy decorating the box to fit the contents that it holds. I wrapped the box in white butcher paper and taped down the inner edges with sticky tape...the lid and the box. Then he set to work coloring, drawing and placing stickers from his Star Wars sticker books all over the box. I love how he felt that the inside as well as the outside needed to be decorated and he liked to put the stickers at the top edge and then fold them over, so they are half inside the box and half outside. I try so hard not to impress my ideas about how things should be done on the kids...I don't want them to think there is a right or wrong way when it comes to drawing, coloring, crafts etc. How else would anything new ever be created? So I hold my tongue a lot.

While Elijah worked on his box, I had Evelyn going on her own thing. I had saved a milk jug from the recycling that I washed and dried. Then I gathered up our wooden clothes pins and set her to work. It is a simple activity where she drops the pins in the top of the jug, rattles them around, shakes them out and then does it all over again. It's great for a toddler's gross motor skills, but most important (to the toddler) it makes a delightful racket! I also gave her stickers to stick all over the jug to make it her own. She still carries the jug around and I have found that she has started putting other things in it as well...buttons, wooden acorns etc.

My kiddy kats love to work on projects and this filled the need for that day. Elijah still talks about his box and wants to put more stickers on it, here and there. I like that his action figures are safe and cozy in there own personalized home. And all we needed for these two projects were things that I already had on hand...no expense what so ever. The shoe box, milk jug, and even the butcher paper were all recycled from other things. Elijah's stickers were a favorite Christmas gift, while Evelyn's stickers were new and unopened packages that I bought at Goodwill several months ago for just a few cents each. We've done several other fun activities this week...check back, I will be sharing about those in the next few days, including a fun crayon recycling project for Valentines Day.

A wee reshuffle...

2011-01-14T08:00:00.002-06:00

I took inspiration from Heather over at Beauty that Moves. She was rearranging things in her home to make way for her Christmas tree and made space for linens and cookbooks with apple crates. I decided it would be a good solution for me as well. After I cleaned up from Christmas I pulled out these two crates that I have had for years and made this little nook. It freed up some nice space in my linen closet and it is nice to have the table clothes and napkins close at hand that I use the most in the kitchen. I also made room on one of my other book shelves my placing my favorite and most loved cookbooks in the bottom crate. It is nice to have them close at hand in the kitchen as well. I am forever trying to make this house more efficient with storage and I like things to be cozy and pleasing to the eye as well. This idea fit my style, but what I am most excited about is the space that was made available by this simple project.

On top I made a new home for the nature shelf. It's a little bleak since it is winter. I was given two nests by readers of this blog (did I ever share that?) I love them both. Here is one with a paper Cardinal nestled in it, since we have those beautiful red birds year round and a candle to remind of the early evenings and darker days this time of year. I often catch one of the kids stopping and feeling the nest or picking up the Cardinal and given it a twirl before setting it back in it's home. I like it to be hands on and accessible. In the next few months, I will start to make little changes to the shelf to symbolize the changes that will be happening outside and to signal the coming of Spring. I will try to continue posting on the progress we make. I also put out fresh food for the birds that frequent our back yard last week. Now is a good time to get seeds and nuts out to our feathered friends to help them make it through the cold days ahead. I placed raw peanuts and suet packed with black sunflower seeds to give them a little boost. The bonus is that I get to watch them dine from my back window. It's enjoyable for me and the kids and fun to see nature doing it's thing.
My mind has already begun whirring with ideas for valentines to make this year. I can't start thinking about these things too soon, so as to make sure there is enough time to create and then send them off in the mail. I am also plotting with regards to a certain little boy's 4th Birthday that will be coming next month. Maybe a little party will be held...we shall see. I have lots of ideas, I just have to whittle them down to a manageable to-do list. It may be Winter, but that never slows us down too much. We have a relaxed business about us and I don't mind that at all...manic and harried are two things I work hard for us not to be.
Oh, and Rubia had her check-up today...she is charting out to be tall and slender just like her brother and sister and she is healthy in all other ways. Thank you Jesus for that!

Nothing a recipe can't fix...

2011-01-13T08:00:00.002-06:00

Here's my little buddy with her little buddy Raggedy Ann. Rubia is a busy bee most days...moving, rolling, grabbing, jabbering. She is getting her two bottom teeth, so she has a case of the crankies too. She likes to hang out with me wherever I am and if she gets fussy, but isn't hungry or interested in playing, I read to her. She has an affinity for cookbooks. She will lay by me and listen as I read aloud how to make risotto or pumpkin cheesecake. A future chef in the making? You can never start too young, I say. What a kick it would be if her first word is radicchio or cardamom instead of the standard Ma Ma or Da Da. Like I said, raising readers that's my goal.

For the love of books...

2011-01-12T08:00:00.002-06:00

Once a week, every week we go to the library. It is one of those activities that I don't think the kids nor I would survive without. We all read voraciously. My plan is to bombard them with words and books with the hopes that they will continue to read throughout their lives. I can still remember learning to read and I still have the first book that I ever read by myself. I have loved reading books for as long as I can remember and it is such a big part of my life that brings me nothing but joy...I want my children to have that too.
So every Monday we go to the library. We pick out picture books to look at and read each day and at night before bed, new books on CD are selected too. They listen to these to go to sleep at nap time and bed time...just another way I like to get them plugged into reading and words. While at the library, Elijah always goes and looks at the non-fiction. He has really gotten interested in books about animals, pirates, and Star Wars. Evelyn still likes a good picture book, especially those that have girls in them wearing princess dresses.
While they look about, I push Rubia over to the young adult fiction section. I have been reading a great deal from this area lately. Throughout each day while I nurse Rubia, I find that it is the perfect time to read. She likes to nurse for a long time and I have nothing else that I can do in those 45 minute stints but bury my nose in a book. It doesn't bother me in the slightest either. I have found a wealth of lovely books that I can't wait to check out for the children when they are reading on their own.
Anything by Ann Rinaldi is wonderful, but I especially love Time Enough for Drums and The Girl in Blue. I have been reading her books since I was a young adult.
The Seven Wonders of Sassafrass Springs by Betty G. Birney
The Royal Diaries from the Dear America books, I really enjoyed the book on Catherine the Great.
Journey to the River Sea by Eva Ibbotson. She also writes for adults and I have long loved her writing.
The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall
and
Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett, the whole series about Calder is excellent, this is the first one.

These are just a few of my current favorites, but I keep finding new ones, so the list will continue to grow.

Activities...

2011-01-11T18:56:00.000-06:00

I am loving the little bit of green that is peaking out from my window sill. That’s basil on the left and cilantro on the right. I started the seeds growing before Christmas and it has taken them awhile to get going. I am thinking maybe because of the cold, I know I don’t move very fast when it’s cold.

Our schedule has started back up with earnest this week and although it has been busy, it has been nice to get back into things after a long rest. I think the kiddy kats were ready too…there was a wee bit of cabin fever going on. I am trying to be more intentional with the kids as well by doing planned activities with them each day. Something simple, I try not to put a ton of pressure on myself to be elaborate. A few days ago we spent a half hour throwing balls into an empty tub. Once they got comfortable with a certain distance, I would move the tub farther away to give them a new challenge. They loved it. Evelyn gave up after about 10 minutes due to her 2 year old attention span, but Elijah was happy to keep going.

Yesterday, I pulled out this Button Art set that I had gotten Evelyn for Christmas. Both kids enjoyed matching the colors. It was fun for them to do together and great for their gross motor skills. Plus, with the cold it is nice to have these kinds of bored busting activities to pull out, especially while I’m making dinner.

What do you do to keep the kids busy while you work?

Southern Comfort...

2011-01-01T23:27:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year!
Illness, has swept our house..I was the last to get it...yuck. But now I am on the mend.
I was feeling well enough by the end of today to prepare my take on the traditional Southern New Year's meal. I made a pot of black eyed peas with Turkey ham, an oven roasted sweet potato, corn bread, and sauteed kale. It was good and so comforting and nourishing to my weary body.
I made Rubia homemade baby food today. She has not been crazy about the Gerber varieties she has been sampling. So she had sweet potato which elicited smiles and then she had pureed persimmons...which she flipped over. She was in love, so I think I am on the right track with making her food. I found an online source that has a lot of ideas that I am excited about...Weelicious.
The tree is almost de-ornamented, Rubia and Evelyn are now together in their room and Elijah has his own space, MOPS and AWANAs are starting up again, and all of our snow has melted. Lovely things are happening in our little neck of the woods. Bring on the new year!

Sesame Street: Will.i.am's Song "What I Am"

2010-12-30T08:36:00.000-06:00

My kiddy kats saw this on Sesame Street a month ago or so and fell in love. It is a catchy tune and they bee bop around the house when I play it on Youtube...truth be told I do a little bee bopping myself. I love how Burt and Ernie's hair is coiffed to mimic Will's...makes me giggle.

Look who came to dinner...

2010-12-28T13:17:00.000-06:00

Look who joined us at the dinner table last night?

Everyone was in a dither and distracted by this new addition. Evelyn kept asking what Rubia was eating and if she was done yet...while Elijah kept trying to make her laugh. Not helpful when trying to spoon baby food into a learning mouth. The family favorite of homemade pizza went cold on plates as we all were busy with the business of Rubia.

Rubia seemed thrilled to be included and a mere second after this picture was taken Elijah knocked his milk over. Oh, well, not his fault, I distracted him. Rubia didn't care for the delay in eating due to clean-up, however.

After the 3 Ps...Peas, Peaches, and Pooping (in her diaper), dinner was done and she was off for a much needed bath.
It was so nice to have her at the table.

The Importance of Gratefullness...

2010-12-27T14:05:00.001-06:00

It has been and age since I was here last...I have wanted to post many times, but with the craziness of the season I haven't made the time.
All the gifts have been opened, most of the mess cleaned up, part of the suitcases unpacked, and there is a beautiful blanket of snow on the ground. I think I'll stay tucked in doors for a wee bit longer. I have no pictures to share today...honestly, I just haven't downloaded them yet. It's on my to do list.
I am grateful for all of the good things that were given to us this Christmas. So much generosity, but honestly it was too much. I know that family likes to spoil, the kids especially, but when I look at the pile of things that I now need to find homes for, I feel tired. But, mostly, I feel overwhelmed and thoughtful of the kids that didn't receive anything this year. I want to raise grateful children. Children that appreciate what they are given. Children that do not feel entitled to receive everything they ever wanted and more. Children with compassionate hearts for those who have need.
So here is what I am thinking:
Asking family to cut back the gifts to each child.
And if they feel they want to do more, then say, one gift per child...perhaps they could put money in their saving accounts or buy them savings bonds for college. Or even buy a gift in the child's name for a someone in need.
There is no need to buy me a thing...they should spend that money on something they need instead.
I know my kids are happy with all of their new things and it was truly a joy to see the excitement on their faces when they opened their gifts. However, when it was all said and done I could tell they were overwhelmed and a little glazed over...and oh so hyper.
Plus, I want more of the focus to be on the whole reason we celebrate Christmas...Jesus birth. I dropped the ball on that this year...my busyness got in the way. They bounced from toy to toy, leaving chaos in their wake.
I think this year helped me realize more of what I want for my children and family...Christ centredness, instilling the value of gratefulness, and being about the business of helping those in need.
I am going to make it my mission to create the advent celebration I long for, for next year. To focus on the family things and less on the material aspect of it all...That's what I think my children will remember the most as they grow.

Halloween wrap-up...

2010-11-01T17:24:00.000-05:00

Halloween was fun...I was running around like a crazy person. Things seemed to pile up on me and yesterday was a little harried...I was in bed shortly after 9 p.m., I was so very tired.
I got Elijah's Jedi costume done...I was quite proud of it and he certainly felt the part. I decided on Friday that I wasn't going to get Evelyn's costume done, so she and I took a field trip to a big box store. We picked out Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz and even managed to find ruby slippers. If I had had my wits about me, I would have tried to find a Toto dog for her to carry...but, that didn't happen. I thought she was sweet just as she was however. Her Princess Leia outfit that I was working on will due for next year I think. It was coming out much to big and was requiring more time then I could devote to it unfortunately.

Rubia was a flower. In this picture her petals are askew, but, she was very cute and unencumbered by costume frilliness. There will be time for that in the future, now all she cares about is comfort. We went trick or treating with the neighbors and it was fun albeit a bit chilly and what with my broken toe and all, we didn't stay out too long. The kiddos got plenty of candy, so all was right with the world.

I was my usual kitty cat and Elijah asked me if that was all I was ever going to be and I said yes. He asked why and I told him it was because it was easy. He replied that I should think about being something else next year...I told him I'll would think about it.

On Saturday, we went to the show Mickey Mouses's Magic Show in Chicago. We normally don't go for this sort of thing, but we went with some friends and it was a nice. The kids had fun, but all Elijah could think about was popcorn. He has decided that one really must have popcorn whenever one goes to a theater...once that nessesity was satisfied, he was all about the show.

A rare picture of my Sweetie...I love it! I may be biased, but don't we have cute kids?

In and Out...

2010-10-29T12:38:00.000-05:00

I am ever so behind...
So much to share, but it will have to wait until another day.
I am trying to get my children outfitted for Halloween...things always take longer when you have three babies to keep track of:
A Jedi and Princess Leia...what was I thinking? Rubia's flower costume is all done...so she gets to go trick or treating for sure...the other two? The jury is still out...must get back to sewing so as not to disappoint. Be back next week to share all of our happenings and pictures.

This Sweet Face...

2010-09-17T16:39:00.000-05:00

This is my Squeeky Girl.
She is nearly three months old...I'm not sure how that happened.
She has the softest, squeezable cheeks.
I want to put her in my pocket and carry her everywhere.
I'm not sure how I ever made it through all of my days without her.
Rubia Adele rocks my world!

Just Desserts...

2010-09-16T12:54:00.000-05:00

A full calendar

Library reading program

I watched the new show Top Chef Just Desserts last night.
They were making chocolate desserts.
About the middle of the show, I couldn't take it anymore...
I devoured the head of a Lindt choclate bunny left from last Easter.
I had just worked out on the Wii Fit...so all that went out the perverbial window.
I don't think I can watch that show anymore. *Smirk* (to borrow from Leslie)

Lentils...

2010-09-15T16:32:00.000-05:00

A couple of weeks ago I made the family a gooey lasagna. I am off of dairy in general because it seems to give Rubia issues. It is amazing how much I want something when I can't have it, that of course means cheese and ice cream. I do sneak it in occasionally, like when David buys me a blizzard, but, i try to be good on a regular basis. Anyway, while they had a lasagna, I made myself a big pot of lentil soup. I love lentils, having grown up eating them often, they are a comfort food. I feel like it is my magic dish that resets my palate and realigns things for me, if food can do that. I love to eat, so I suppose that works. Here is my favorite recipe for lentil soup:

Egyptian Lentil Soup
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 cup finely chopped celery
1 cup sliced carrot
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1 cup dried lentils
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bay leaf
2 cups chicken broth
1 tomato, peeled, seeded, and chopped
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper

Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. When foam subsides, add celery, carrot, onion, lentils, garlic, and bay leaf. Saute, stirring occasionally, until veggies are tender, but still crisp; about 10 minutes.
Add enough water to cover veggies. Heat to boiling, reduce heat, simmer uncovered, 30 minutes. Add stock, tomato; simmer until lentils are tender, about 20 minutes. Remove and discard bay leaf. Stir in salt and pepper. Puree soup. I don't

It has an earthy, chunky warmness that I find to be so satisfying...it's happiness in a bowl for me. And it epitimizes Autumn to me as well. the cooler days make me want to eat it all the time.

Around the house...

2010-09-14T08:28:00.004-05:00

Nature Shelf bedecked for Fall

Morning Bed

Our latest love...books on CD

Baskets of books are everywhere

Shelves of them too

We have been easing into Fall around here. We have started doing a bit of school everyday...sign language, crafts, numbers and letters for Elijah, shapes and colors for Evelyn. We have been talking about weather, dancing to music, and listening to Books on CD. The love the Arthur books by Marc Brown and the Mercy Watson books by Kate DiCamillo. We get new ones each week to listen to in the car or to fall asleep to at night. We collect things for our nature shelf...acorns, pine cones, leaves. My dream is to find a real birds nest. My Mom is on the hunt for one in Alaska. If anyone has one and is willing to part with it...I'll pay the shipping!
These days Elijah is finding his artistic self. He spends hours at the easel drawing and creating stories about what he is drawing. He drew his first people a couple of weeks ago. They looked just as they should by a three year old...amoebas through and through. As soon as he finished with his sheet, I snatched it up, labeled it and filed it in his art folder. Does anyone else out there obsessively keep their children's creations? I can't wait to give the folders to them when they are older. It's hard not to keep everything, they are prolific creators of pictures and crafts, so I have to be selective and toss the rest, which is hard for me. I see genius in each and every piece. I know that is just because I am their Mama.
I think we are going to go pick apples soon and perhaps throw a harvest party for the neighborhood kids. We'll be wearing our pjs around the house more and eating oatmeal and drinking hot apple cider. What's on your Autumn to do list?

Two...

2010-09-06T12:36:00.001-05:00

She's 2.
My Little Morsel is not so little anymore.
She is independent, spunky, and very extroverted.
Pretty much the opposite of me. ;)
She is loving and ready to hug, then the next minute she might throw a soft punch if mad. (Yes, we are working on that.)
She'll eat fruit of any kind all day long if I'd let her and she loves to color...on anything. Yesterday the couch got it. (yes, we are working on that too.)
I would face anything for this girl and I look forward to the young woman that God has planned for her to be. For now I will enjoy her twoness and try not to get too worked up when she throws her fits...after all she is still a beautiful work in progress and what is 2 without tantrums?! Just not too many please. ;)

8-24-10

2010-08-24T08:24:00.003-05:00

Rubia smiles much these days. Around six weeks old was the first glimpse of her sweet dimples and muppet smile. Though I have tried, I have yet to capture a picture of her grin. And even at my tiredest, if she begins to smile, I stop and smile with her...I don't want to miss a single one.
I warm my hands around my coffee cup and think about yesterday. Yesterday was a day that I would like to cash in for a do-over...a day I am not proud of as a Mama. Such a hard day with so many challenges. I hope that of all the days that they may remember, it will not be one of them. I am going to chalk it up as one to learn and grow from. Not only are my children learning how to be, so I continue to as well. Life long learning is always going on I guess. I am leaving it behind me and moving on...today is a new day.
The kids are busy playing in their room and I am thinking about many things ahead of my family...David starts his new job soon. I hope and pray for happiness for him in this new company. For opportunities for him to grow and be challenged.
I am looking forward to the new Sunday School class I will be joining in a couple of weeks...Intentional Parenting. I need this one and I have heard good things about it from other parents of little ones that have attended it. I have signed up my babies for Sunday school as well and Elijah for AWANAs. I am thrilled with the church home we have found. I am feeling fed spiritually, shored up in fellowship with other believers, and I love that it is only two blocks up the street...There is something so right about being able to walk to church. But, mostly it is the content of what we have found inside the building than the location of the building that has brought so much to our lives.
I am thinking on the Home school Co-op we joined and about how I want to approach this home school thing. It's not totally foreign to me...after all I was home schooled, but, now I am in my Mama's shoes and to take on caring for my children's education fills me with joy and a sense of urgency and pressure...as well it should. This is something I need to do right and do to the best of my ability. The Co-op seems to be a place of support and learning. I look forward to building relationships there as well as to be able to expand my children's learning.
While I sit in this creaky, old chair, not all of my thoughts are turned to heavy things. I am thinking of the two up-coming David Gray concerts that my Sweetie and I are going to...tomorrow night and Sunday. Two dates together, alone, sharing two of our favorite things...Live Music and David Gray. I am cooking up ways that I can bless the neighbor that will graciously watch all three of my babies tomorrow night.
Now my thoughts turn to the house...it is time to clean and organize my spaces...I think I'll blog walk a little first as I finish my coffee...then it is time to crank up the music and channel the Tazmanian Devil. There is much to be done.

In a minute...

2010-08-19T19:34:00.002-05:00

Elijah ate two carrot sticks at dinner tonight with very minimal complaining...woot! This is huge people...huge!!
Inside I was doing a little dance. I started to gloat and think to myself that "I've got this...I'm awesome...I rock as a Mama!"
The next moment my bubble was burst as Evelyn peed in her seat, at the dinner table, causing there to be a rather large puddle on the floor. Still refusing at times to tell us she has to go.
Parenting is like that...highs and lows...sometimes in the short space of a minute. Plus, it's never wise to gloat...he's only three, I am certain I have my share of proverbial "puddles on the floor" moments to come with all of my babies.

Jam...

2010-08-18T20:24:00.004-05:00

A pot of basil grows on the window sill...a little sad, but still growing.
The half jar of Hoisin sauce was used for dinner tonight.
The counter is full of dishes.
They watched Cinderella for the first time today.
We made raspberry jam.

The mosquitoes just about ate us alive while we picked.
Actually, I picked and the children ate...popping raspberry after juicy raspberry into their scarlet mouths.
I still managed to pick four pounds, even with them sneaking.
We will be making peach/raspberry tomorrow.
I love feeding my freezer.
They love eating the jam.
It will be a glorious thing during a mid-west blizzard in January.

8-16-10...

2010-08-17T08:03:00.003-05:00

She smells of milk and lavender with her downy head tucked into the pocket made by my collar bone and chin. She squeaks and sighs, somewhat contented. My hand on her back feels the occasional gas bubble release causing discomfort followed by relief.
It is late, nearly midnight and I look forward to a few hours sleep until her shrill cries and demands for milk wake me to tug and pull on my now conditioned yet sometimes sore nipples. The house is quiet. I can hear my other loves as they sleep. The toss of an arm or the intake of breath.
Now in her crib, she cries before she sleeps, attempting to drown out the sounds of Spring Rain on the noise machine. It is meant to sooth, but doesn't seem to always work. I keep it on just in case and it soothes me. Perhaps she would like Summer Night instead, I debate on whether or not to change it.
Tomorrow we will pick berries. I have promised B that we will make jam. The thought of this excites him as he loves to help in the kitchen and he is a jam fiend. I hope for little trouble from mosquitoes and for the bumper crop of Fall raspberries as foretold by the old guy at the U-Pick two weeks ago. We will also stop at the small library for new picture books, a vegan cookbook, and maybe some books on tape. Morsel enjoyed listening to Geronimo Stilton to fall asleep while staying with cousins last week. It is something I want to try here at home. Then groceries of course. An empty fridge will not work around here.
After a week and a half of travel I am hopeful to get back into a steady rhythm. I am hopeful to find a solution to Squeak's gas issues even if it means drastically changing my diet such as losing all dairy. I am hopeful of many things in the months ahead and grateful for the fullness that is held today.

To-dos aren't that bad really...

2010-08-04T22:12:00.004-05:00

We are finding a bit of a routine around here...sort of.
There are certain things that I try to get done each evening after dinner...
I adore a clean kitchen, but, I hate to do the dishes. Two opposites in conflict...but, I do them anyway. I love to wake up in the morning, walk into the kitchen to make breakfast and to find it neat as a pin.
So I load the dishwasher and hand wash any dedicates or super crusty pots or dishes.
I wash down the counter tops and table top.
I sweep the floor and mop if needed. All to the sounds of my laughing family playing the Wii or wrestling around on the living room floor...nice really.
Bed time is pretty easy around here...pjs, brush teeth, kisses for Daddy, tuck in, pray...sweet dreams. Lately Elijah tries to keep me in the room as long as possible with question after question. I want him to feel like he is always welcome to ask questions...I never want to quash his inquisitiveness, so I answer all as best as I can all while creeping towards the door.
Rubia on the other hand is still struggling with being in her crib. She hates being in there, but for my own sanity I needed to be able to sleep again in my own bed next to David and not on the couch. She cries and cries, but, I have to leave her be knowing that she is fed, burped and wearing a clean diaper. I put a noise machine in the room and that seems to be helping her...Little Miss likes to have noise while sleeping, no quiet room for her. Spring Rain seems to be a happy sound for her to drift to sleep to...
So it goes...today I found myself feeling relaxed and just happy to be where I was at that moment...I love being a family of five, it's a nice feeling.

Taking Care...

2010-08-01T19:36:00.002-05:00

It's so easy as a Mama to put myself last...I think we all do that. I have so many balls in the air that anything to do with myself often gets placed to last on the to-do list. I am trying to change that in my life, not to put myself ahead of my family of course, but to make room for taking care of me.
I plucked my eyebrows the other day, not something I have been on top of, but, instead of standing looking at them with a sigh I took five minutes and cleaned them up.
I am really motivated to get myself back in shape. I am making healthy food choices and making sure that I have options on hand when hunger hits. I make up batches of Wheatberry Salad, I cut up fruit, and I drink lots of water. My OB pleaded with me to wait two years before getting pregnant with baby #4. She asked me to be good to myself and to give my body a break as I was obviously wearing it down. I have really taken that to heart. My body is tired and was starting to show it through several issues that had begun to crop up. I want to be able to run and enjoy my children and that means making smart choices. Plus, I feel so alive when I am taking care of myself.
I hope to be running again soon, I have missed it so much. I have been going for walks and the exercise feels tremendous.
I got a pedicure on Saturday. My David is awesome. He took all three kids and sent me off to the salon. I refused to feel guilty and I enjoyed the pampering and time alone.
I am still eating chocolate however. After one particularly hard day David got me my favorite chocolate/ Health Bar Blizzard and I proceeded to consume the entire thing...those empty calories were so worth it and the next day I was right back to eating my quinoa and fruits and veggies.
I am allowing a few minutes here and there for doing things I enjoy. I have started knitting a cardigan for Rubia and I plan to make one each for Elijah and Evelyn as well. I read while nursing Rubia when I can. I love reading and I have missed having my nose stuck in a book.
I am allowing myself just be from time to time and that seems to be making all of the difference. This post feels a little disjointed and rambling...congratulations if you made it through the whole thing, I can't seem to compose my thoughts well these days and that is hard for me as a writer it's what I love to do. But, I know once I get more sleep, it will all come back...hang in there with me won't you? :)

These days...

2010-07-20T21:49:00.003-05:00

*Sigh*
These days are flying by so very fast.
I have been doing bits around the house:
Cleaning months of flotsam and jetsam of paper misc off of the fridge.
Re-arranging some furniture.
Re-decorating parts of the house for super cheap. I put new linens on our bed and hung artwork that Elijah and I created together. David said our room was now like a hotel...*hmmmm* is that a good thing or a bad thing? I hope at least a high end hotel! He refused to elaborate.
Crossing things off of my mile long to-do list. Fun things that involve paperwork and phone calls (being sarcastic of course).
Reading Max and Ruby books to the kids.
Baking...my super-charged sweet tooth didn't leave when I gave birth to Rubia...eek!
Listing goods on Craigslist and Freecycle.
Thank you notes.

Now if I could just get the birth announcements done and the Master bath cleaned I would feel a million times better.
Much has been eclipsed by Rubia's birth that are in and of themselves huge accomplishments. Evelyn is potty trained and not yet two years old. She still has accidents now and a again, but for the most part is doing beautifully. She is also now cozily tucked into her own twin bed. We don't do toddler beds in this house, we jump right to the big size. She only fell out a handful of times...she is doing very well. She talks constantly and is starting to tell stories which is great fun.
Elijah and I have been working on some writing skills. We trace letters, numbers, and shapes in a pre-school activity book that I got him. I don't push him, he is eager to learn right now, so I am rolling with it. The age of 3 is a hard one with him. He is really pushing the boundries and trying me in ways that make me want to scream some days. He is also incredibly thoughtful and loving as well. He is really into non-fiction books from the library...sharks, pirates, space. Those Eyewitness books are wonderful and there is one for just about every topic we can think of. I *heart* that hard/sweet boy.
Rubia had her one month check up yesterday. She put on over a pound and has grown an inch in a mere three weeks, yet she is not rolly polly. None of my babies would have ever been considered chunky, just plump in small ways. She is awake more and more each day with a strong dislike for tummy time and baths.
These days are so hard and wonderful at the same time. Some times I come to the end and I wonder how I got anything accomplished, but, I am trying to focus on the non-tangibles like hugs and laughter. Those are the things that make memories after all. And midnight vanilla pudding with whipped cream and chocolate sauce with a certain 3 year old boy. ;)

Camping...

2010-07-16T21:38:00.003-05:00

We went camping the other day...in the living room.
Complete with a tent, a fire, popcorn and s'mores, and stories.
The tent was made from a sheet. I channeled my childhood honed tent building skills while the kiddos brought me books and heavy things to weigh down the corners.
We made a fire from card board tubes with red and yellow tissue paper tucked in to imitate flames. And then the snacks: homemade popcorn and s'mores ala microwave. Sadly the fire was cute, but not functional, so the microwave had to do. While they feasted I read them story books aloud and Rubia napped on a blanket next to me.
I try to muster the energy each day to do something special with my two older Sweeties since the baby takes so much of my time these days. Rubia is starting to sleep for longer stretches, so the house doesn't feel like such a disaster. So we move along...tomorrow we will head to Joann's for a few art supplies for a painting project. I'm looking forward to it.

A Baby...

2010-07-12T13:31:00.002-05:00

She's been here for 3 weeks, but I haven't even turned the computer on until today. She loves to eat = no sleep for me, hence no blogging. She is beautiful and I get the feeling she is an old soul like me. I can't tell you how I know that, I just do.
Here are the vitals:

Rubia Adele
June 18, 2010
8 lbs, 3 ozs
18 1/2 inches long

She waited until her due date to make her appearance. The birth was so fast compared to my first two, with no complications. Our family is adjusting nicely. Be back when I can.

Books and such...

2010-06-11T21:38:00.003-05:00

Waiting, waiting, still waiting...
I went for a walk this evening and then I proceeded to weed a flower bed. But, besides necessitating the need for a bath, little else happened, such as the much looked for contractions. This baby seems quite content where it is. I keep telling it things are much nicer out here with me, Daddy, and the siblings, but alas to no avail...yet. I tell myself that I won't be pregnant forever and that it will happen when God intends it.
I finished reading my third book in a week and a half yesterday, So let me put on my literary critic's hat for a moment and tell you about them. All three were good and enjoyable for me.
The first was In Defense of Food by Micheal Pollan. His books are tremendous. His compelling, easy to read style makes the reader want to jump up and make instant changes in their diet. This book focused on how the Western Diet of highly processed foods filled with cheap calories and little or no nutrition is the cause for so many of our current health problems. He proposes the need to return of a traditional type diet filled with real food instead fast and processed foods. He encourages shopping the perifory of the grocery store, forgoing the middle aisles, and choosing farmers and local foods markets as well. I garnered a great deal from this book and highly recommend reading it.
Next I read Savage Lands by Clare Clark. It is a fictional account of the true story of 23 women that were sent by Louis XIV of France in 1704 to marry soldiers and settlers in the Louisana colony. It is an interesting tale of the struggles and hardships that these women had to endure. I found several things interesting: in Europe the New World was painted as being a land of little work, streets paved with gold, natives that would beg to be enslaved, and fortunes to be easily acquired. This was of course false. Instead there was flooding, disease, starvation, and constant threat of attack from surrounding tribes as well as the English. It made me grateful for the ability to drive down the road if I need something like flour or a sewing needle, instead of having to wait months or years for ships to bring supplies. It was very well written and I polished it off in three days.
Lastly, I read Romancing Miss Bronte by Juliet Gael. This was also a fictionalized account of the life of Charlotte Bronte. It begins about the time she and her sisters Emily and Anne decide to write and be published in order to earn a living. None of them were married and with an aling father that would be able to leave them with nothing to live on they needed to think of their futures. It weaves around the birth of their now famous novels and poems, but, most of the focus is on Charlotte and who she eventually comes to marry. I have enjoyed reading their novels over the years and this was a nice glimpse into what their lives were most likely like. I was taken with what it meant be a woman in the nineteenth century and how little options there were for women with no money or family to support them. Plus, above all it is a love story, which I always enjoy.
Next up for me is Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay. I have downloaded the sample to my Kindle and plan to start reading it tonight.
Can anyone recommend any good reading to me? My time will soon be limited, I know, but I do love to have at least one book that I am working on even if it takes me months to finish. So this literary critic is signing off...updates of any baby news to happen evenyually. :)

Goo, Craft Kits, and Birthday Gifts...

2010-06-05T23:37:00.004-05:00

Tonight David and I went out for Sushi. I love a good veggie roll with any combination of cucumber, avocado, and cream cheese etc. We ordered a Mexican roll filled with cilantro, tomato, onion and jalepeno and I think that it was just about the best thing that I have put in my mouth for a long time. We sat at the bar, me with my Arnold Palmer and he with his Knob Creek as we waited for a table. We soon gave up on that and just ordered our Sushi there and proceeded to consume it faster than I thought possible. I wore sparkly earrings and little heels with David in his deep red shirt from Mexico that I happen to adore on him and we sat and laughed, people watched, and enjoyed an unrushed date, much like it used to be before we had babies. I was full to bursting, my heart and my tummy as we made our way home.

We made Goo a couple of weeks ago and my, my was it fun...
We made long strings and piles...we broke it into small pieces and then clumped it back together again.

It is not quite a liquid and not quite a solid. It conforms to pretty much anything you might put it on. It drips and pools and creeps. The kids loved playing with it and although a bit got on their clothes, I pulled off what I could and the rest came off in the washer with no detectable stains remaining. It is recommended to store it in the fridge between uses, but it still doesn't last too long, just about a week or so.
Goo Recipe
4 oz white glue (standard bottle size)
3 oz water
food coloring (optional)
4 tsp Borax
5 Tbls. water

Mix the glue, 3 oz water, and food coloring in a disposable bowl. Mix the Borax and 5 Tbls. water in another bowl. Stir to dissolve. Pour a little of the Borax mixture into the glue mixture. Stir until a blob forms. Remove the blob to a third container. Pour a little more of the Borax mixture into the glue mixture, stir until a blob forms, remove the blob as before. When all of the glue mixture has been used up, knead the blobs together in your hands (doing this over the kitchen sink is a good idea). It may be rather wet at first, but will come together and dry out a bit while you are kneading them together. You will have one nice sized blob in the end. Store in the refridgerator between uses.

I stocked up on a few bottles of glue from the office supply store and plan on whipping out this activity from time to time this Summer, especially if it is a rainy or unbearably hot day.

I think I mentione awhile back that I made up some craft/activity kits to do with the kids throughout the Summer. Just things that involve cardboard tubes, pipe cleaners, tissue paper and the like. Anything that comprises the uses of glue and sticky tape are always a hit.

I did a web search and I found a couple of sites that had easy and fun sounding crafts. Most of what I gleaned I got from here and here. I then gathered all of the supplies I needed and I put my kits together. Universal supplies that would be needed for most things went into the basket. Things like tape, glue, scissors, staples, paint brushes etc. Then I put craft specific supplies into individual ziplock bags along with the printed instructions. Next I labeled with a sharpie, stashed them all in the basket and placed in the closet. Now I just have to grab, dole out supplies and set the kids to work. I wanted to have them also, so that when my Mom is here she can pull them out to do things with the kids too while I am with the baby. I also put together a basket with sidewalk chalk, bubbles, a kite, etc for grabbing to take out side. I find I am much more likely to do crafts if I am more organized to begin with. If I have to spend an hour gathering supplies, I find the mood has past and it will be awhile before I attempt it again. This way I hope to do more with my Sweeties in the months to come as the new baby allows.

Since the kids are gone, I will be stepping in as a poor in comparison substitute at a 5 years old's birthday party tomorrow. I can't after all, run around and play like Elijah and Evelyn would, but I can at least come bearing a gift.
A few days ago I pulled the sewing machine back out and I sewed up a quick gift. I made up a colored pencil roll and I decopaged a drawing pad for the birthday girl. Tutorials for the pencil rolls have been floating around on blogs for awhile now and I had been wanting to try my hand at one. I used the instructions from here. I added a second row to accomodate 24 pencils and I increased the height from 4 to 10 inches. I also think that 4 inches might have been a misprint and perhaps they meant to put 8 inches instead. My thoughts anyway.

I used linen for the front and three purple prints from my stash. She is a girly girl that likes her pinks and purples. I used a dove gray satin ribbon that I had on hand for the ties and useing fabric ink, I stamped her name in purple on the outside.

I then glued a piece of card board to the front of a drawing pad to add strength and then decopaged squares of paper to it. After it dried, I added a square with her name and a few retro cat stickers that I had on hand as well with another layer of decopage glue. It was a quick, easy, and very inexpensive birthday gift. Although, she is only tunring 5, I think these are things she can use as she gets older.

Well, it is time for bed...well, maybe ice cream and then bed, if I am to be honest. ;)

Getting some rest...

2010-06-03T09:24:00.002-05:00

OH where have I been? Here at home mostly.
My Sweet little ones are at their Grandma's and Auntie's until the baby comes. It has so far been a very restful break for me, but it seems unnatural and strange to be childless at the moment. To have all of this time be my own seems wrong somehow and almost decadent. I feel like I have blown off responsibility and there is a wee twinge of guilt there too.
But, in all honesty I am enjoying it too. I puttered around at several yard sales last weekend and picked up a few little things. One of my favorite scores being a large pile of nice clothes for Evelyn for only $6. I also hit the library for a few books and movies. The first time I tried to read on Friday, I had to put the book down and find something else to do, it was much too quiet in the house and I couldn't concentrate. I had not realized how in tune my ears are to the children and to the noises that they make. Not hearing them playing or even sleeping is strange. I have gotten more accustomed to it the last few days and I have been able to read and not be quite so distracted. But, oh how I miss them.
I have worked on a few projects as well and have done a bit of cleaning. The bathrooms still need attention, but golly I hate that chore and I find myself putting it off. I need to just get in there and do it. I did get all the sheets changed and the kitchen floor swept and washed. I just need to ready the guest room for my Mom's arrival when the baby comes and a few other housekeeping duties...washing the car seat cover, bring up the baby swing and bouncy seat from the basement etc. But, my bag is packed and the baby's diapers and bed are all ready and waiting.
Having David all to myself has been nice too. We laugh so much and are our happy, goofy selves. Last night we polished off the last of our episodes of the show Chuck. It is a silly show about an accidental nerd of a spy and his handlers. We enjoy it. We also have Netflix that sometimes takes us weeks to watch, so hopefully in the next couple of days we will watch our latest selection, Letters from Iwo Jima. I love a good World War II movie. I just hope it is not too graphic and violent. I tend to get a little queasy while watching those kinds of scenes...Saving Private Ryan's opening scenes of D-Day were really hard for me to watch because of that. I know that it was even worse for those that lived it, I struggle with visually seeing what man is/was capable of doing to each other. I think I feel a dark sadness more than anything while watching such things. Humans are so cruel to one another especially in the name of war.
Wow, did I ever digress...sorry.
I hope to get back on here soon, I have lots of pictures to share...the kids and I playing with Goo (it's so fun to make, I will share the recipe), the craft kits that I made up for this Summer, and I want to talk about a couple of books that I just read. I have two weeks until my due date...I'll keep you posted about that too. :)

Yellow Dress...

2010-05-18T22:29:00.005-05:00

Here is the last dress for Evelyn that I talked about awhile back. I finished it a couple of weeks ago and she has already worn it to church...she wore it with stripy tights and looked adorable. I decided several months ago that I wanted to make her a yellow dress...the idea just sang to me and I had a vision in my head of what I wanted and not being a pattern maker, I thought my best shot would be a pillow case dress. I would post pictures of her wearing these creations, but the girl does not stay still. She is 21 months old and a great deal of her recent pictures are blurry. I keep them anyway, so I can remember this stretch in her life.
Anyway, I made this pattern up. I took what I thought would be around the right amount of fabric for a pillow case dress and then using my armhole curve I just guesstimated how I would like indents for the armholes to be. It turned out much too large, so I had to take it in. Instead of threading ribbon through the casings around the neck to be tied as bows when worn, I taught myself how to make spaghetti straps and then made a loop and button closure instead. I was foreseeing that ribbon ties would be continually coming undone. Like I said before, she is always on the move, jumping, running and throwing herself off of things. The system that I came up with worked well when she wore it and there were no clothing malfunctions.
The pink flower is a ruched fabric pin that was made for me by a co-worker a few years ago. I had set out to recreate one for Evelyn's dress, but then I thought the pink looked perfect with the yellow and I pinned it on and love how it looks. It will be easy to remove for washing and just adds a nice touch of whimsy.
As the dress was on the hanger to to photographed I kept thinking how cute it would be as a top for say, me. So after I have this baby and start to get my figure back, I think I will have to make a version for myself too...wider and longer of course.
After I finished this dress I made a little pair of pants out of the same fabric for the new baby's coming home outfit. Being as we don't know the sex, I thought yellow would work well. The sewing machine has now been put away. I am still shocked at myself that everything I wanted to get sewn, got sewn. Many times I start things and then take months to finish them...this has to be the nesting kicking in. Now I just have the yard sale to get done this weekend and a few other odds and ends like making up activity craft packets that I can throw at the kids when I am busy with the baby. I had also decided to whip up a bunch of meals for the freezer and I now have 12 or so stocked away waiting to be put to use after the baby comes. I think they will come in handy. I worked on them piece meal throughout the last few days and I am happy to have those done as well. Again, that has to be the nesting...I am normally not this organized, I promise.
Well, It is time for sweet sleep, 6:00 am, will be here before I know it.

One Thing...

2010-05-17T20:45:00.003-05:00

Some days, who am I kidding? Most days, it's all about the little things. One of my favorite things involves crossing things off of my to-do list. My piano teacher in high school once gave me the same advice that her mother gave her when she married:
"Do one thing every day that you wouldn't normally do and you will always get things accomplished."
I have been taking that to heart more recently. Trying to do those things that are so small that they often get looked over time and again, yet they nag me and lurk in the back of my head taunting me. They can be as simple as hammering one upholstery tack back in place on the rocking chair, or switching the direction of the ceiling fans for the coming warmer weather...things that take two minutes to complete yet clear up a mile of space in my over crowded mind. I find that getting one of these things done breeds me accomplishing more then I had set out to do throughout the day. And I am fostering a sense of accomplishment.
Now I challenge myself daily to find that one thing and cross it off my list for good...my mind and my house are finding themselves a lot more orderly these days.
It's a great feeling.

Rabbit holes...

2010-05-13T21:30:00.002-05:00

I wonder often these days, as I am sure many a pregnant woman does, what day this baby will be born. I think of Elijah's and Evelyn's birthdays and how they used to be just days, nothing special really and now they are very special. I wonder at how many times I coasted through those days unaware of the significance that they would one day hold for me. Were they mostly good days with a few bad ones sprinkled in? Did I live them to they're fullest? Did I enjoy them as I do now? This gets me thinking about living in general. How many times do I just get through a day? I spend my days like I have an infinite number ahead of me and even though the day may be "just another day," I still need to treat it as a special gift. I need to get back to mindfullness, but, as we all know that is a hard to state to stay in constantly and consistently...it's rather exhausting really. Maybe we are not meant to be aware totally all the time that our days are numbered and that we should squeeze every amount of joy possible from each moment. Then wouldn't we feel a sense of urgency and obligation that would deflate us and take that same joy away? Maybe we are suppossed to take the good, the bad, and the ugly (excuse the cliche) and go with it...not to over think it.
My mind likes to go in all kinds of pretzal rabbit holes these days. There is nothing like a looming event of huge significance that I have no control over or say in to get me thinking. I had an ultra sound this afternoon and the baby smiled. What a lovely thing that was...made my day really.

Not to complain or anything...

2010-05-10T20:56:00.004-05:00

My Joann's Shopping Bag of goodies from a few months ago.
(Entirely unrelated to this post)

Goodness, you all are so nice. I guess I hadn't realized how long it had been since I posted a picture of me. The flower hid a multitude of things. I must be honest and state that I am not in my most favorite condition these days. I have hormone induced acne, so a glowing pregnant woman I am not. And I feel like a beached whale most days. I hobble about like a 90 year old woman because my hip bones and sockets are in perpetual pain because of where the baby is resting. I don't sleep well because that's when this baby likes to kick, I'm boiling hot most of the time, and my appetite comes and goes.
I hope to not come off as complaining, so many other woman have a much harder time being pregnant than I, I know this...but, I also know that I am ready, ready for this baby to get here, ready to know if it is a boy or a girl, ready to start running again, ready to get through the sleep deprived weeks, ready to nurse...but mostly ready to hold the little one in my arms and to count fingers and toes.. I will be 35 weeks on Friday...so close.
So I guess through all of this I am trying to say that I don't feel so picture worthy these days. However, aren't I my own worst critic? Will I want to see a picture of my pregnant self 40 years from now? I don't know...maybe, I'll ponder it for awhile. The thought that I am being selfish today towards my older self years from now begins to wrap my brain into a pretzel.
God is so sweet in his plans however. All of the discomfort and pain builds the beauty of the end result. It makes it all that much more worth it.
So I leave you all with that, I must go try to sleep for awhile...

Oh and P.S.
Elijah didn't care for the homemade lemonade...oh well, I'm digging it. :)

Spring Flowers...

2010-05-08T15:27:00.002-05:00

My Sweet ones made these flowers at story time last week...paper plates, flower petals of construction paper, and Popsicle sticks lovely.

Elijah took this picture of his silly Mama...not bad at all.
Have a great weekend friends.

I "heart" David Gray

2010-05-05T19:56:00.001-05:00

This is a song I am loving right now. I heard it for the first time at the concert we went to in March. We now have the CD and it is on heavy rotation at our house and in the car...turn it up and rock out!

More Nesting...(A whole lot of random).

2010-05-04T19:46:00.006-05:00

Lots more sewing has happened around here. Let me preface this by saying that most of the fabric was from my stash and I made these clothes instead of having to buy many things for my growing children. I do enjoy it yes, but also I had our budget in mind as well. Also Spring light is so persnickety, so forgive the poorish quality of the pictures. I made Elijah and Evelyn both several pairs of pajama bottoms for this coming late Spring/Summer/Early Fall seasons. Lightweight cotton, elastic waist...simple. I used Simplicity 2826 for all of these.
Planets, Doggies, and Pirates for Elijah...
Butterflies, Appley Checks...
and fun florals for Evelyn. The above two pairs were made from a couple of vintage sheets that I got at a tag sale last year.
Another pair of Summer overalls for Evelyn as well as...
A dress made from my leftover pillow fabric. And...
A dress made from a sweet bird print from my stash. These were made from the vintage pattern mentioned a couple of posts ago.
I do have one more dress to complete. I made a pillowcase dress that still needs a couple of things done on it and then I am done with the sewing until perhaps this Fall. I know with a newborn I can't hope to complete much. That is why I have been pushing myself so hard to get it all done.
Evelyn is turning into a little girl as she loves wearing skirts and dresses and she enjoys wearing an array of bead necklaces that she has been given.
Elijah thankfully didn't need much in the way of Summer clothes this year. He has been blessed with lots of clothes that his cousin has grown out of.
I rounded out the outfitting with swimsuits and new shoes. Their drawers have been purged of too small items and everything is organized and ready to go. Our weather has been quite nice, so many things have already been put to use.

We try to keep busy in other ways too. I uncovered to boxes of colored pencils from when I was in high school and the kids love putting them to use. We color on the backs of used papers and the pencils are stashed in an old Mason Jar when not in use. It has the old metal lid they used to come with. Perfect if you asked me. We still hit the library for Story time and new books and DVDs to check out each week as well as get-togethers with other little friends and MOPS. Gosh I love MOPS. It will be ending for the Summer soon and I am sad to see it go. Those ladies have been such a blessing to my life. I also have started going to a church with my neighbor. We both had been wanting to start going, so we made up our minds and did it. We load up the kids and go and so far we are both thrilled with what we are learning and the fellowship as well.
I made homemade lemonade today. I got a bag of lemons on sale and I told Elijah we should made lemonade from scratch. He was all for it. The recipe actually makes a syrup that it mixed with water a glass at a time. We haven't tasted it yet, but it looks and smells perfect. The recipe is from Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy by Sarah Ban Breathnach.
Boil two cups of granulated sugar with one cup of water with the rinds of three ribbons cut into thin strips for five minutes. Let the syrup cool and then add the juice of eight lemons. Strain and store in a covered container in the refrigerator. Use two tablespoons of the syrup for every glass of ice or carbonated water to make lemonade.
I also made a wonderful Baked Raspberry Custard from Martha Stewart's Everyday Food April issue. I ate it so fast that there are no pictures to share, it was that good. I topped it with a dollop of sour cream and went to heaven eating it. I think it would be good with any berry. I have some strawberries so I think another one will be made this week.
I am also eating Watermelon like it is going out of style. This new craving can stay as I know it isn't as bad for me as all those Blizzards. I guess we have already embraced Summer around here.

A list,( I love lists)...

2010-04-25T20:21:00.003-05:00

Wow, I was gone for a bit!
We had to do more traveling soon after my last post.
2000 miles put on the new van...
Oh, yea, we got a van.
I swore I would never get a van,
I'm not a mini van kind of Mom.
But, with soon to be three babies in this house,
there aren't many options other than Mom vans.
Shhhhh, I like it, but don't tell anyone.
I don't want to blow my cover.

Things are good here:
I'm 32 weeks and counting,
The new baby's bed and clothing are all ready and waiting,
Basil and Cilantro are growing in little pots on my kitchen counter,
More Summer dresses have been made for Evelyn,
Fabric is washed and ready to be made into pajama bottoms for Elijah,
Tulips are growing in my flower beds,
Brownies have been baked regularly (craving),
Chocolate ice cream/Heath Bar Blizzards have been consumed (serious craving),
Pricing for a yard sale has begun,
De-cluttering and house organizing continues...
Nesting, I am seriously nesting.
I will try to be more regular in my posting, but no promises.
Most days I just don't feel like getting on the computer and I take a nap instead...
Naps are heaven these days...resting up for the the sleep deprived days to come.

Spring/Summer Sewing...

2010-04-05T19:27:00.003-05:00

It seems we have been all over God's green earth lately. Lots of time spent in cars and on freeways and expressways. We arrived home tonight with no plans for long distance travel anytime soon. I am ready to stay put for awhile and be home.
In between road trips, I have been able to do some sewing. I must apologize for the pictures, I can't seem to find a location I like with good lighting. I finished the overall/shorts for Evelyn two weeks ago. The pattern is an old Butterick 3684 that I am sure is out of print. I did a web search and turned up nothing. I couldn't spot a print date on it anywhere. My Mom brought it to me on her last visit. I love how it turned out and I think I will have to make another one for Evelyn. The fabric is "We Are Family" by Heidi Grace made for Joann's.
This is Evelyn Easter dress. It again is an old pattern that I got for 25 cents. It's Simplicity 9211 from 1979. It's hard to tell but there are two little pockets in the front. The fabric is an exclusive for Joann's, no name was given. These two little outfits have given me some great practice on handmade buttonholes. I don't use my sewing machine to do them as I can never seem to get them to turn out. I had to rip out the first three, but then I found my stride and by my tenth I had the technique down. Instead of dreading them, now I say, bring them on!
These two bags, I made for Elijah and Evelyn for their "Easter Baskets." I knew that we would be away from home for Easter and I wanted something portable, but also, I really wanted some that they could each use for years to come. I used instructions for a bag that my Step-Mom had given me a few years ago with a few modifications of my own. The bags were given out yesterday stocked with art supplies and the customary chocolate bunnies and jellybeans. They are made from a nice cream linen and the same fabrics from above. I am very happy with my endeavors thus far...more on the docket for this week.
Easter was low key and quiet. I spent some time outside on my in-laws deck watching the babies play and thinking about what this Easter means. The renewal in my heart, they joy, the peace. There is a scripture I have been meditating on these last weeks that captured my mind again yesterday:
"Forget the former things;
do not dwell on the past.
See I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up;
do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the desert
and streams in the wasteland."
Isaiah 43: 18-19

I find such power and such hope in those words. I feel and perceive new things in my life. Not just this new baby, but in my relationships, my attitudes, my goals etc. Jesus is hope and joy...his gift, his love, his sacrifice is astounding. I hope to continue to focus on these things and not move on because Easter is over. It's relevant for everyday don't you think?

I "heart" book sales...

2010-03-25T17:53:00.003-05:00

I stumbled onto the library book sale last Monday. We went for Story time and walked out with a glorious stack of new treasures...all old, worn, and full of great stories and illustrations.

These book plates were on the free shelf...drawings by the author of "Where the Sidewalk Ends?" His names escapes me and I am too tired too Google it.
Here is a glimpse of the first outfit I am making for Evelyn. I will share better pictures and details soon. I got the buttonholes done Tuesday night and now I just have to hem the pant legs and then on to the next little dress.
I have been away the last couple of days. David surprised me with a concert to see the phenomenal David Gray last night. I didn't even know where we were going until we got there. We drove to Indianapolis, left the kids with a dear friend and then had a wonderful evening just the two of us. (Sorry Amanda, if I had known where I was going I would have at least given you a call...so close we were!) The concert has to have been the best I have ever been to. I adore his music anyway, but live, David Gray is absolutely amazing! We were five rows from the stage and I couldn't have asked for better. My husband is so incredible...really, really good to me.
We will be on the road again for a few more days starting tomorrow for family reasons. So I will be gone from this space, but I will be back next week.

New Pillows...

2010-03-21T10:46:00.003-05:00

I am in love with blue, red, and brown as a combination these days. We have brown walls and a blue couch, so I am now bringing in touches of red throughout the room. I made these these pillows for our blue couch in our living room and I love them. I wanted something fun that would be nice for Spring and Summer and just adding these brightened up the room. I made them with envelope backs for easy removal for washing.

This is a before shot of my beloved rocking chair. My Dad salvaged this chair from the drama department of the local high school where I grew up. They were throwing it away. He refinished it and got it done shortly before I was born. It has always been a fixture in my life and when I moved out on my own, Dad gave it to me. My Mom was forever changing the fabric on the seat to suit her tastes and decor at the time, so it has always been a changing canvas. When I got it, I put on the above green fabric and made the gold pillow. It fit perfectly with my apartment, but hasn't worked in our current home for awhile now. On Friday I changed it.

I used a creamy linen that I already had on hand and I repurposed the golden pillow and another one of the same size thats fabric also no longer worked. It is now bright and a perfect fit in the living room. I was surprised that it only took my about an hour and half total to get the seat recovered and the pillows made. I thought it would be a project that I would work on throughout the weekend, but I had it done on Friday night.
My sewing motivation continues. Now I am cutting out the pieces for a few Summer outfits for Evelyn and working on a few things for the kid's Easter baskets. I am having such fun and it is so nice to be interested in creating and crafting again. I also managed to cross a few mending things off of my to do list this morning. They had been camped on there for awhile: restitching the binding on a blanket, reattaching the stem on a felt strawberry, and reattaching one of the birds that had come off of Evelyn's bird mobile. All done and no longer sitting around begging for attention...feels good to have those done.
As you can see my little ones like the changes to the rocking chair...I'm with you Pussycats, I with you! :)

What's old is new again...

2010-03-19T10:34:00.003-05:00

I bought this little bench several years ago. It was painted white and had a truly awful tapestry fabric on the seat. When I set out to recover it I found the above retro print under the tapestry and I loved it! I painted it a gray/ green and I have been happy with it since...until the last few months. I just felt it needed a change...an update...
I am very pleased with the end result. It feels bright, clean, and new and I kept the same color paint. It's amazing how a small amount of 50% off fabric can bring a new feel to a piece of furniture. Now that it is tucked back safely in the bathroom, I have hopes to recover my precious rocking chair and make a new pillow for it as well. That is my project for the next couple of days. This pregnancy is making me want to redo and freshen up everything to get ready for the new baby. I hope I can get it all done!

The Hunt for Green...

2010-03-18T07:58:00.004-05:00

The shamrock craft...glue, water, brushed on with green crepe paper

From our "Green Hunt"...

Grass

Plastic around a tree

Street sign

Glass

Mailbox

Green letters on a sign

Green shutter on a house

Green background on a sign

Paint

Garden hose

And look at those beauties. They are popping up in my flower beds and making me so, so happy. Elijah loved the hunt and insists that we do other colors too. Will do!
Off for another walk while the weather holds. The forecast is calling for possible snow on Sunday...say it with me, "yay."

A birthday gift...

2010-03-17T08:42:00.003-05:00

It's finished and has arrived safely to it's birthday boy, my nephew Chase. I had been working on this little driving quilt for around a year in starts and stops.
It's intended for driving cars on and it's a nice portable size to be able to take on road trips.
I think the block pattern is called drunkards path. I couldn't find a good working pattern so I made my own on graph paper. That had it's own problems. Sometimes the proportions were a little off, but I made it work as best as I can. I used all the bright and colorful fabrics I could round up from my stash, embroidered the bright yellow dashes down the blacktop road, and machine quilted it with a soft cotton batting. I also made my own bias binding from a bright orange and white polka dot cotton.
If one imagines hard enough they are surely fields, ponds and lakes...a nice scenic route for a matchbox car to take.
Now it's off to make new pillows for the couch and to recover a couple of chairs.
And a happy St. Patty's Day to all! We are all decked out in green and we are going to for a walk later this morning in search of green things. I also plan on having the kids do a Shamrock craft after nap time this afternoon. Tonight's menu will be oven roasted corned beef, mashed potatoes, cabbage coleslaw, and yeasty, buttery rolls. I might make a batch of homemade vanilla pudding to round out the feasting. Anyone want to come over? There will be leftovers for days!

My new favorite thing...

2010-03-16T12:52:00.002-05:00

I found this 1960's Adler manual typewriter on Craigslist.
The keys stuck a bit, but after use by me and the kids it is working like a charm and the ribbon is still in good shape.
The kids enjoy tapping away on the keys and I love the "ding" of the bell when it's time to move to the next row.
I thought this would be a fun component to our days. Plus, now the kids will be able to relate a little better to how things used to be.
Plus, it just makes me unabashedly happy to have it in the house.

A little bit to see...

2010-03-15T20:23:00.004-05:00

Things were better the next day after my sob story last week.
Sleep and prayer make all the difference.
I attended the Hearts at Home Conference last weekend. Wow, over 4,000 moms communing in Christ together...that's powerful.
We have been playing around here, enjoying the warmer days. My crocus and tulip bulbs are coming up.
Walks, story time, MOPs, crockpot meals, getting up early for quiet time...I have been re-energized.
Anyone else making Corned Beef for St. Patty's day? I can't wait...

Not my best work...

2010-03-10T17:58:00.003-06:00

Today was one of those seriously hard days...no reason to cause these troubles except maybe my attitude.
I woke up dog tired...not sure why and then proceeded to barely drag myself through the day.
I yelled at the kids way too much.
I was/am grumpy.
The master bath is still not cleaned...sheesh.
No inspiration to cook.
No inspiration to be the mama and wife I want and need to be.
The new pillows didn't get made,
nothing got knitted,
no walks were taken outside.
Tomorrow will be better...
Just writing that gives me a sigh of relief.
It has just been one of those days.

Late Winter Delights...

2010-03-05T19:21:00.004-06:00

The Juncos, Cardinals, Woodpeckers and probably a squirrel or two will thank us.
Take two really old bagels
slather on peanut butter
sprinkle with bird seed.
loop through with twine
hang from a tree that will allow bird watching
wait...

It was so nice today that when we were done we crunched through the remaining snow and soaked up some serious Vitamin D. I even found a lady bug that I can't imagine how it has survived through the Winter. I placed he/she on the sunny side of a tree and wished it luck.
We also put out fresh peanuts in a our mesh hanger and a suet block for the woodpeckers. I just have to clean the large bird feeder and we should be ready for Spring...now if I could find a super bird bath for super cheap, that would make the birds and this Mama thrilled. Craigslist? I'm going to go looking.
I have had such a soft spot for birds these last couple of years. It strikes me as silly since I remember as a child and young adult not understanding why anyone would want to watch birds and learn their names. Now I can't get enough. I have bird books, binoculars, and I am always plotting ways that I can entice more birds to our yard. I want to share nature and the outdoors with the children and this is an easy way to learn about the world from our sliding door. Whether or not we can get outside on a given day, this is a way that we can have nature close by. Elijah is starting to learn some of the names of local birds. I am thinking that we will do a unit of study the Spring and Summer where we learn about birds and maybe native prairie plants as well. We could do coloring pages, make paper mache birds, learn bird songs, take field trips, plant more native plants in our yard...we'll see how I do being pregnant and all...but, I am excited and interested, can't you tell?

Menu Planning...

2010-03-04T19:31:00.005-06:00

See that up there? That is evidence that the sun was shining into my kitchen window yesterday. It felt so good to feel it on my skin as I walked to the mail box and out to collect the bird feeders. Spring, oh, Spring...come quick!
Menu planning...oh my, it has been my saving grace these last months. I can't believe that I haven't been doing it for years. It just makes things so much easier. I spend a couple of hours each month planning for the next month. I use a blank month sheet that my Mom gave me a large tablet of. I usually only plan for dinners as lunch is leftovers or things like Macaroni and Cheese or PB and J. I don't lock myself in either, depending on what's on sale or what we are in the mood for, I feel free to switch things up as the month goes along. Once I do my planning I attach all recipes needed and the month sheet to a clip board that I hang next to the refrigerator. It's a good place for me to reference what's up coming.
Then each week when I get the Highlander and Logli ads, I review what I have listed for the week, what's on sale and I then make any changes. I usually only do the major grocery shopping every two weeks, but if there is a killer deal on something I will stop by the store. Plus, we usually need a staple item, like milk or yogurt from time to time on the off shopping week. I have sworn off Walmart all together. The stores I now frequent do double coupons and tend to have great sales on meat and other items on a regular basis. I just have to watch and then stock my freezer to tide us over until the next sale. I have saved lots on things like chicken and bread this way and I have a nice pantry full of canned goods because of shopping sales. These methods have helped me plan our meal more effectively as well.
On a rolling cart that I have in my kitchen I stash all of my latest food magazines and any recipes that I have come across that I want to get into the meal rotation. It's a great place for them for easy reference and to keep clutter off of my table and counters. I file away the magazines or recycle as needed.
This weeks menu is:
Creamy Tomato Penne
Asian Beef Stew and Rice
Shredded Apricot Pork Sandwiches
Big Salads
Royal Round Steak
Leftovers

I always allow for a least one dinner of leftovers to clean out the fridge and to try not to waste any food. I am also using my crock pot a great deal more which makes things even easier. I may only list the main course, but we always have vegetables and/or fruit as well. I try to keep us balanced, but sometimes grilled cheese and chips is all I can manage and I try not to feel too bad about it.
I file away past months menus for reference, plus I try to make notes as to how the recipe was recieved and if it was something that I should make again or never dare to think of making again. This doesn't always happen, but I do try to make an effort.
What tricks or tips do you have that makes cooking easier? I would love to know.

A lot of a little...

2010-03-02T13:41:00.002-06:00

We have been having beautiful days here...it is sunny and warmish today (35 degrees, great for here) and I am thinking of bopping out to get the bird feeders to give them a good cleaning. Seeing the sun and feeling it on my face gives me a jolt of energy, plus I slept deeply last night with no wake up from the little ones, which is the norm.
I think I see a few starts for my crocuses and though I haven't seen any other signs of Spring yet, I know they are on their way.
I haven't tackled the microwave or the oven yet, but I do have Asian Beef Stew going in the crock pot and all my meals planned out for the next month. It has really helped me to cut our food budget this way and it's nice not to have to come up with meals on the fly everyday. That way I have more time for knitting and sewing!
I am finishing up a Winter hat for Evelyn (a little late, but it will fit her next year too), a maternity sweater for me, and I am furiously trying to finish sewing my Nephew Chase's birthday gift. He turned two on Sunday and I hate sending it late, but, alas that's the way it is. I will post pictures of it when it has been sent. It's been a fun project.
Tomorrow I hope share more of my kitchen ramblings, how I meal plan etc. Plus a list of upcoming meals and possibly a recipe or two. See you then!

Into the kitchen...

2010-03-01T16:55:00.003-06:00

Kyrie over at are so happy has declared March as the month of the kitchen. Brilliant! I will join her. This will include recipes, cleaning, organizing etc. It's perfect timing as I was already in that mode so to speak. I'm seriously nesting!
I have been knitting. I have made lots of these dish cloths...for other people. I was in true need of some new cloths myself so I pulled out scraps of leftover cotton yarn and set to work. I made four, which should tide me over for a couple of years...glorious. They scrub well and don't seem to stain. The pattern is from the 1st Mason Dickson knitting book...the pattern name escapes me. I will post it ASAP, if anyone wants to get the book and set to work themselves. It is a great, easy pattern.
Other then that I have been deep cleaning nook and crannies of the kitchen that tend to get neglected...the fronts of the oven and dishwasher, the range hood, the track of the sliding door, going through and recycling a huge stack of cooking magazines etc. I hope to clean the microwave and the oven this week and maybe inventory the freezers if I can manage it.
Tonight's dinner is tacos/burritos/quesadillas using leftovers...yummy.
Won't you join in the fun?