Jars of Giggles

Long Weekend!

2012-02-20T18:41:00.000-08:00

Oh how I love long weekends but this one... this one I am willing to give back. Spent the first two days moving from the couch to bed and back again and today so behind on the weekend work (laundry, toy pick up, weekly planning) hat I completely overdid it and feel the need to go back to bed!

In the midst of all of the required to function rest my darling husband decided he needed a haircut and then Logan wanted the same.... The only way to describe it is in pictures which will have to wait until tomorrow...

I rest in the knowledge that they both have good shaped heads and that hair grows back.

5 and 6 of 48

2012-02-16T19:23:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the absence sometimes it seems time gets the better of me. I posted about a birthday we attended for a sweet little friend. Well aren't you dying to know what We made her???

A banner for her room (purple is her favorite color mom... That one because it's purple and that's her favorite color)

A bag ( that one because it has purple in it and you know mom her favorite color is purple. I made her a necklace because you know it will be her favorite because there are purple beads on it. Oh can you add a purple button because she will like that better.

Umm sure but we need to leave in 10 min.

Yeah I know so you have to sew fast Mom because she needs a purple button.)

Oh my little lovely! I do so enjoy that she now participates in the process and she is so right on track when it comes to ideas. I really did like the bag better with the buttons. Next time note to self... finish the gift a few days before the actual party so if she wants changes... which I know she will... I have time to make them.

Lovely

2012-02-12T13:25:00.000-08:00

With a busy run around kind of day I dropped off David and the kids at one store so I could run to another. I stopped they jumped out ... holding hands they ran into the store.

I sat a few moments just watching them go in....
Sometimes I just wonder how I got so lucky,

Pretend

2012-02-08T07:39:00.001-08:00

Dressed in my niece Daria’s poncho that was made by my aunt Mary, with her new Dora backpack underneath giving her a psychedelic hunchback appearance, carrying a black studded purse that she got for Christmas from her Auntie Hillarie and pad and pen…. never without her pad and pen Sophia says….

“Mom I am going to school now.”

“Ok, how are you getting there?” I say cutting the vegetables.

“Taking the bus, hold on I have a call.” She pulls out her current phone which happens to be made of legos. “No I am going to get a ride with my boyfriend.”

“You’re not old enough to ride in a car with a boy.”

“Maaaooom (add the tone of impatience) it is only for pretend I am 6 in pretend.”

“You have to be 18 to ride in a car with a boy.”

“Ok I can be 18, see you after school mom. Love you.”

Plant the seed early and pray for sun!

Climbing

2012-02-04T19:47:00.000-08:00

Today Sophia went to her buddy Sydney's birthday party.

Sydney is a doll and her friends were so sweet.

Sophia had a wonderful time and Mommy did too because the parents ROCK! (pun intended)

The girls before their adventure.

Yep that's my girl!

The parents even got to take a trip up the wall.

What a trip down memory lane for me, really good fun.

Here she is in all her glory. It was really a delightful party!

Happy number 6 Sydney!

Take Two: 4 of 48

2012-02-03T07:50:00.000-08:00

Key Chains

If I don't pick bigger projects this 48 projects deal is going to be a bust!

This though I do love and I may just make a bunch more for fun. I made myself one last year so this one is David's. It's a cotton webbing with fabric scraps sewn on. Sounds very boring but alas it is just the sort of brainless project I love, add to that the fact that I use it everyday just tickles me a bit.

Toggles I got online from the Ribbon shop last year but I believe they still have them.

Birthday Boy

2012-02-01T18:21:00.000-08:00

"Happy Birthday Honey"
"30 this year"
"You mean 34."
"I'm not 34 I'm 32!"
"That's right you're 32 Honey."

Who says I'm not sly!

Happy Birthday David!

Bad For You

2012-01-31T08:47:00.000-08:00

"Mommy today we made snowmen at pre-school with candy cereal, you know the round ones like cheerios but the kind that's bad for you."

"Cool."

"Yeah but I left it at school, can we go back and get it so I can eat it? I will eat vegetables later."

"Why sure."

She loves pre-school. We stop in to pick up her snowman and the teachers come over and great us and take time to catch me up on what's happening. It's such a lovely place we are soooooo lucky!

Take Two: 3 of 48

2012-01-30T16:37:00.000-08:00

This was a bit lame but it counts as stash sewing so here goes....

Sick of 15 plastic bags when you come back from the grocery store? Make a couple of these fruit bags. This was a mesh type fabric that I got from Mary and it's better looking in person though the dimensions I came up with are dorky. I made 3 of them. I need vege and bulk bags too but I think they need to be out of cotton. I used them this week for apples, oranges, and onions.

Drawing With Phia

2012-01-29T10:17:00.000-08:00

Sophia was drawing these amazing birds and I asked her to show me how. Watching her explain it to me was like wow!!! I grabbed my camera and said show me again. Watch this...

I know I am totally bias, but is she not totally freaking amazing or what!
Do you see the swell of mama pride encompassing the planet? I'm sure you do!

Sno....nope

2012-01-28T22:48:00.000-08:00

Last week or there abouts we got a bit of snow.

Now if there is one true deal about me...I am nuts for the stuff.

I love it.

So at 5:00am when I awoke without the aid of my alarm clock because of the snow hush. What did I do? I got my kids up and in their gear and out into the back yard (yes I am sure my neighbors do not like me).

It was awesome and true to Washington form by 6:00 it was raining.

Look at that beautiful mushy mess!

This Little Boy

2012-01-27T13:20:00.000-08:00

This little boy is always in motion. Always building and creating, and sometimes destroying. He has spent hours banging those little pieces in and out of those boards, and even though we will no longer be able to play the games as it was intended, the amount of creative play he has enjoyed is so worth it.

Work Work Work

Play Play Play

The Vegan Times

2012-01-26T11:37:00.000-08:00

Veganized Bran Muffins

These were great the kids snarfed them down!

I am not much of a cook. Never have been. My brother got my mom's mad skills in the kitchen and I got my Dad's. (Sorry Dad) Yearly I go to a candy making party with some great friends at her parents farm. We spend the day yakking and making candy. This lovely group of ladies know me. I stumble around, read the recipes about 30 times, and even though in the past 9 some years I have improved I am the weak link of the group. Well this year we got a special treat. Maggie's Dad supplied me with a massive and I truly mean massive amount of potatoes and acorn squash.

We have eaten them every which way but up and I have to say we are not sick of them. I still have a little stash left and they are the best tasting and bizarrest shaped babies you have ever seen.

My point oh yeah... so we went to a vegan restaurant last weekend and they had a poorboy sandwich that was potato salad in a sandwich so what has David been eating this week?

No idea what's up with the color there but this was yummm! This whole vegan adventure has been good for me. I have taken more cooking chances and had more cooking successes then I have ever had before. I will definitely walk away with a few more recipes to add to my box.

Birds

2012-01-25T13:30:00.000-08:00

We have a heap of birds in our area and the kids love to watch them. On a cold afternoon we went for a walk and found pine cones. Added bird seed and peanut butter and tada instant Bird attractors. (Squirrels like them too.

Knitted Bowls

2012-01-24T08:34:00.000-08:00

I made knitted bowls fro Christmas this year and loved them so much that I just made myself two of them!

Here it is ready to get felted.

It's stretched over a bowl so you can see it better.

Then magically they both vanished only to be found yesterday as a doll hat :(... I will get you a new picture when I can steal it back and throw it in the washer to felt it.

Tails... Socks...Shake-it

2012-01-23T15:15:00.000-08:00

What do you do on a rainy day???

Steal your mama's socks right off her feet and take them out for a tail shakin'

That's right those would be my worn socks hangin out on their bums.

Again why do they have toys??

Take 2 2 of 48

2012-01-22T14:11:00.000-08:00

Bag number two was made for my boy. He needed a bag for his motorcycle.

Spidey fabric anyone???

The pattern was from this book that yes, was sitting on my shelf.

Sorry for the glare but you can sort of see the picture.

Very easy to put together took me about an hour from cut to last stitch.

Lovely Leaves

2012-01-21T12:12:00.000-08:00

This photo was taken back in November but it is my current favorite!

This is so them! It's hard to believe how much they have grown. I wish they would stay little just a bit longer.

Vegan Times

2012-01-20T10:34:00.000-08:00

Oh yeah David was diggin' these and then I broke it to him... they are soy dogs in them there corn dogs...He was totally cool with it and asked if they could eat them for lunch sometime! Wow have we come a long way. Don't get me wrong we miss subway (me cheese and him chicken) sandwiches and Youskyme our local fav but we are doing well and halfway so I am very confident we will make it!

David has also been Pepsi free for 3 days. YEAH DAVID!

Auntie Visit

2012-01-19T15:37:00.000-08:00

We had an awesome visit with Aunt Hillarie and Dylan.

A little nail painting.

Truck playing.

Gift opening.... Check out the amazing dream catchers... If you are in the market for one I know a talented aunt that could make you one!

Drawing of said aunt.

Racing cars and hangin' with Dylan. Was an awesome visit hope they come again soon!

Zoo Lights

2012-01-17T19:10:00.000-08:00

We got these shots on our new camera before Christmas and I never got back to them... Sooo a bit of Christmas lights in January what the heck!

Not sure why this is sideways in my browser it isn't....oh well.

Fabric Stash

2012-01-16T19:03:00.000-08:00

This is messy OK I get it, please remember I am a full time working mom of a 2 year old and a 5 year old. The fact that I even know where my fabric is ... is a miracle. The right shelf from top to bottom and the bottom three to the left are all fabric... I know beautiful and inspiring right! So as stated in my challenge I would like to USE enough of this that by next year I will be all on one shelf.... doable?? We shall see!

Those lovely Hobbit feet are David's :)

Sewing for Birthdays and a new challange!

2012-01-15T20:40:00.000-08:00

Well Sophia got invited to a bowling party today! FUN! She had never been bowling before and wow it was a hit. I can see taking the whole family sometime. She had an amazing time with her buddies which is always fun to watch.

Part of the time they used this wire contraption and part they did it on their own.

For Kellan's gift bag I made a hobo sac http://www.danamadeit.com/2008/07/tutorial-the-hobo-sack.html

Kellan has this superman shirt and he looks just like superman in it (ADORABLE) so a superman logo with a K inside was in order. David drew it out and Sophia picked out blue cord material from my stash. It is long so it would fit the remote control dump truck she picked out for him.

Sisterly love!

I liked the way it turned out and both kids said they wanted one soooo looks like I will be doing a little more sewing.

I think this was a good way to start my newest stash busting challenge. Here goes... One project a week from only stash fabrics. This would be 48 projects this year.

RULES YOU ASK???

I can of course purchase notions, I can accept donated fabrics and I can buy muslin if necessary for lining but no purchasing any other fabrics. I can also use recycled fabrics only if they are already owned or donated. Sound good?? Any loop holes you think I can finagle?? OK full disclosure tomorrow I will take pictures of the amount of fabric I have... it is almost embarrassing though in my defense lots of it has been donated to the umm cause I mean me.

BB Bags

2012-01-14T10:18:00.000-08:00

I got this pattern from my Mother in Law Mary two summers ago I think, and I made a fatal error when putting it together and couldn't get it figured out. Put it away and couldn't find it. (not sure how that happened as I am so organized I am almost Martha Stewart... NOT) While she was here over Christmas she looked it over and true to form figured it out in a flash. I love it, will be great for traveling. Sorry the pictures are sort of sketchy.

Just a random note. Mary liked the pattern so much she got fabrics out of my stash (I am so proud) and made herself one. Not to brag or anything but she whipped that second one out in an hour give or take. Lets just say I went up to put the kids to bed and by the time I came down it was done.

Here are pics of her bag

Here's to a new year of finishing projects and more sewing!

Lists

2012-01-13T09:46:00.000-08:00

Looking at a new year is always so appealing to me. With library books and some birthday books on hand I started my list of things I would like to take a crack at this year.

Vegan

Sewing

Blog

Crafting with kids

Writing

Home projects

Art

I could go on and on.... I read a book over Christmas break that really helped me get it all organized.

"Getting Things Done" by David Allen

One of his tips is to get it all down on paper so it's not all floating around in your head.

I got this awesome journal for my birthday from a dear friend and I put it to use. I added tabs with categories and I started writing things down as they came up. I added a sticky note to the back for work items (then I can just take the sticky out and add it to my work list and put in a new sticky.

Wow has it made a difference. I am noticing that as I have written things down when I see something that relates I know just where to put it. I also have a few projects started. The next thing he recommended was putting down the next action step. For example I always have clean house. No no no... now I have sweep front porch. (which I did today and got to check off) So as I did this I started noticing themes of things I need to do and those I want to do. Blogging more would be on the want side. So I started a plan in that little notebook. From those next action steps I needed to do some research so off to the library I went. Here is what I came back with. There are also a few Christmas books in there.

I must say armed with information and next action steps I actually feel empowered and not overwhelmed.

So let's just see how far Mr. David Allen can get me this year.

The vegan times...

2012-01-12T11:53:00.000-08:00

We have a a few successes this week in the cooking department and a few all out flops. I am not following the plan posted on 21 days as many are not things that I can get everyone to eat soooo as this is a journey I am tromping off trail to discover my own way. Here is one meal that is always a hit.

This chopper stirrer thinga ma bob ROCKS! It was a Christmas gift from my Aunt and it is pampered chef. This is onions, garlic and morning star meatless sausage and it was yum!

3 cans of beans (whatever you got)

1 can corn

2 cans chopped tomatoes

1 can tomatoe sauce

1 loaf fresh bread

Even this I can't mess up.

I would like to not be using meat substitutes but hey whatever works to get us to our goal is ok with me.

Oatmeal mishap

2012-01-10T06:39:00.000-08:00

What do you get when you add a tired mama and a new recipe?

Do you see my error?

Grape juice instead of apple hmmm. Sophia and David thought it was disgusting. I felt it was edible. Logan ate 3 bowls. Who knew??

p.s. that is one cup oats not twelve I was reminding myself to double it.

Little bits

2012-01-08T16:39:00.000-08:00

This is the reality of having young kids. Sometimes... well many times it makes me nuts. Little bits of this and that strung through the house. As you are cleaning up one mess another is being created right behind your back. It truly is amazing how things go from zero to 500 in the amount of time it takes you to use the lou.

The other day Logan was playing in the junk drawer and I just about had a fit. David looked at me and said just watch him. So I did I sat down on the floor and just watcher as that little boy turned all sorts of nothing into something. A "bobot" (robot) to be exact. A thank you was said to my husband and even though I still feel the hairs on my neck raise when I see the mess I also remind myself to breath and look at it all through the mind of a child. They are only little once, don't let the mess drag you down.

Busy hands means messy fun!

2012-01-07T16:12:00.000-08:00

We had a late start this week which meant I got to drive Sophia to school and come home and play. I asked Logan what do you want to do and he said "day yo" luckily he signs this one clearly (whew). He didn't want play dough out of the container he wanted to "ak momma ak." So we did. It brought back so many memories of when Sophia was 2. It's hard... I think back to all the lovely times I had with Sophia crafting and doing with two well life seems to get the better of ya. I know he learns way more from her then he does from me, luckily she is a good teacher.

urr momma urr

"dada"

(Momma has to stir it on the stove and if you haven't discovered nesting bowls that won't break are and awesome toy)

cut cut cut ash ash ash (cut and smash)

A day alone with the wee one was really just what the doctor ordered.

Crafty Wonderland

2012-01-06T13:50:00.000-08:00

Before Christmas we went to Crafty Wonderland in Portland in the Oregon Convention Center. It was amazing and this picture does not do it justice. 250 vendors selling homemade wonderfulness! We took the kids and it was a bit too much for them. Next year I will be attending if anyone is up for it let me know!

Dinner Party

2012-01-05T08:22:00.000-08:00

We go annually to a dinner party of a friend and get all gussied up.

Don't ask me...

Matching outfits made by Mimi.

Peacock Lane

2012-01-04T17:56:00.000-08:00

We took our yearly walk down Peacock Lane. This year no rain but the mist in the air made the pictures an awful mess.

Can you even see the house back there?? It was a great night and no rain.

Haircut--race car---movie?? Anyone?

2012-01-03T14:48:00.000-08:00

This place was the bomb!

Looking dapper.

and sweet.

Thanksgiving in January

2012-01-02T16:29:00.000-08:00

Pics from a very nice Thanksgiving day. Spent with Baba cooking and eating.

Flashlight and picnic basket with Baba's phone inside.

Rolling rolls!

Helping out.

Setting the table.

It was a lovely day.

Gone Vegan Day 1

2012-01-01T22:02:00.000-08:00

So here it is... day one of a new year. So many things I will need to post from Christmas and sadly back to Thanksgiving but today being a new year I wanted to start with our newest quest.

21-Day Vegan Kickstart / a Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) site

That's right we are doing the 21-day Vegan Kickstart ummm slightly modified. The rules are no animal protein for 21 days. David is also kicking his Pepsi love affair. It's all a bit overwhelming and exciting at the same time. I have also signed up with a friend for Whole Food Kitchen ~ Online Workshop through beauty that moves. The goal is healthy eating and regular exercise.

Our first dinner was buckwheat and blueberry pancakes. I know pancakes for dinner but I thought it would be an easy sell. Well...

The overall reaction was YECK!

The frozen blueberries on the other hand were a hit.

David was not a happy camper but... Bagel and vegan cream cheese later and he was OK.

December 31 ,2011

2011-12-31T10:59:00.000-08:00

I see it all.
They say hindsight is 20/20.
I see the kids taller and more agile, I see the absence of diapers and baby things. I see the thinking behind the eyes as they are asked questions. The scream of last years Santa was replaced this year by a very robust "big bike no baby... like Tia" half signed half spoken.

I wonder where the year went. Where my time was misspent and well spent. I wonder where I will be sitting, what I will be feeling and thinking next year at this time.
I will be turning over some new leaf's I am sure but there are many more that I hope stay unturned just a little longer.

Wishing all a wonderful and safe New Years

Cheers to 2012!

Birthday Bliss

2011-11-21T11:54:00.000-08:00

Well we had a little 5 year old Birthday Bliss. Sophia was so delighted I had to tether her down to keep her safe from the light fixtures. As her birthday was on a Thursday she had our family birthday and then the friend birthday. Today is all about friends!

The gang's all here!

Beading name necklaces.

A little help from a friend.

Orion Love! (look at that cutie patootie)

Girl Bags

Gabe and the boy bag.

Aww the cake. Kai (Kellan) in the middle visited Sophia on her first day of life in his Mommies tummy. This is one of Phia's favorite birth stories.

If you know Sophia you have heard of Sydney. Two peas in a pod!

The barbie palace! Yes there are super hero's in there.

Barbie Fairies... Thanks to Mom for supplying real food on the side for the adults to eat. This cake was swweeet!

We had a bit of a blowing out the candles fiasco but there she is our 5 year old doing her stuff!

Special Thanks to everyone for coming. We are so lucky to have such special friends!

At the end of the night we were in Logan's room and Sophia said this was my best birthday ever but wow my room is a mess. After Logan had his jama's on he disappeared and we talked about all the fun stuff of the day and then David came in and said why is Logan cleaning Sophia's room? Huh... we both went into her room and sure enough he had put all the toys away and was working on making the bed. That little two year old heard his big sister and flew into action. She gave him a big ole hug and said wow Mom this is the best birthday ever and Logan you can pick both the books tonight for momma to read.

Ahh all the crazy does lead to bliss doesn't it!

Normal Sunday

2011-11-06T18:12:00.000-08:00

What's a normal Sunday?? HMMM well they are never the same lets take today for example...
My day to sleep in... Wake up at 7:30
Go for a 5 mile run... come home and realize its daylight savings and it's only 7:30 could have slept another hour
Make a to do list.. Clean all three bathrooms, sew for Sophia's Birthday, work on pile of laundry
Check off bathroom number one
Wash windows and mirror's downstairs (side track number one)
Take a shower (start thinking about Phia turning 5)
Decide Phia's room needs some attention (side track number 3)
Start cleaning get a couple ideas for organizing
She asks me for a mural.....hummmm mural... rope in David who has completed his list of three
Hit IKEA for baskets for organizing her stuff
Come home David has drawn the mural
I paint and paint and paint.... oh we missed dinner...
Paint and paint
oh wow it's almost time for the kids to go to bed wow never completed jobs 2 and 3 oh well better finish that mural.

Happy Sunday All! Hope yours was productive.

Failure to launch

2011-11-05T22:16:00.000-07:00

Alright so I posted on the first and then well I just got busy! Birthday's mine last week and Sophia's coming soon... Sick kids and a busy week at work. I do have several pages of my children's book written and will maybe post a piece this week. Anywhooo we are alive and well. Hope to post more tomorrow!

Halloween Fun!

2011-11-01T21:50:00.000-07:00

Logan I mean Luke before he breathed out and sent the belt flying. But look at how awesome it is I just have to extend it.

Of course Mimi made the costumes and they are amazing!!!

Check out the matching bags!! AWESOMNESS ALL AROUND!

Pit stop to pet the kitty.

The candy aww the candy! This little bugger was up until 2:30 am uurgh what a night thank goodness it's only once a year.

NaNoWriMo News... My goals are small this year but still worthy! I will write 2 children's books and write in my bag daily. More to come on how I wrestled the rest of the candy from their grubby little hands!

Just Hangin' around

2011-10-26T20:58:00.000-07:00

We were out enjoying a cold but clear sunny night. We had just enough blood flow to build a fairy house so a few laps and of course hang around.

Wine Bag

2011-10-23T16:19:00.000-07:00

I made this quilted wine bag for my aunt Becky and though I thought it turned out cool I am thinking it would be neat to make a purse using the same method.
You can find the patten herehttp://www.needleandspatula.com/2011/01/quilted-wine-tote-sewing-tutorial.html.

Fall

2011-10-22T07:22:00.000-07:00

I love fall. The smell of newly sharpened pencils, wet falling leaves, pumpkins and hot coffee. We have this beauty near our backdoor and look at that sparkle of sun peeking through the trees. Ahh just lovely!

Fridays with Baba

2011-10-21T17:50:00.000-07:00

Fridays we are lucky that my mom Baba can drive down and take care of the kids while David and I work. I have been sneaking quietly in to catch them playing "nap time" "Store" "house" as well as drawing and a million other things. Here are a few shots I got before they realized I was here.

It's such a treat for me to come home and see the kids so happily engaged in play. David and I know how truly lucky we are to have her help and even more than that we know how blessed the kids are to get her time and attention on Fridays!

We love you Baba!

Blog Break

2011-10-19T21:16:00.000-07:00

Well it happened again. Time ran away and I well.... I ran helplessly after it. What have I been up to? Well I have been following weight watchers on my phone with words of encouragement from Mom and from a couple of supporters at work. I am now up to 4 miles in the running arena. Still biking to work 2 times a week about 9 miles total round trip and I have been taking the hardest workout class I have ever encountered. A guy named Junior who in our home is known as Mr. OW. David goes once a week and I go twice. So lots of exercise and lots of point counting and not a lot of weight loss but but but.... I did not lose my girlish figure over night I am being persistent and consistent!

I have also been doing a lot of this...

Coupon clipping!! I got a cute coupon holder from my awesome Aunt Becky that I have been using. You can see it in the picture pink zebra print. I can only say this.... It is time consuming and I have not figured out how to do it well but I am improving and last week saved a total of $40.00 yeahhh... though Monday morning I realized I had not purchased bread or more importantly apples which if you read my blog you know signals a total house meltdown. What did I learn??? In your list include not only sale items but necessities! So that's the happs here we are plugging away!

Low Fat Granola

2011-09-28T17:25:00.000-07:00

I am slightly obsessed with good low fat granola. This recipe has been modified so many times to try to get the right mix of crunchy and sweet so the kids will eat it. Here is the best dang low fat granola ever!

4 cups oats

2 tablespoons water

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 to 4 tablespoons maple syrup

1 cup nuts your choice

preheat oven 275 cook for 45 min stir every 15

If you want to add dried fruit... mix it in when the granola is cool or you will end up with fruit rocks as my daughter called them

This is super tasty and kid approved pour it over some home made yogurt.

School clothes

2011-09-24T22:13:00.000-07:00

This was the first and then forgotten outfit for school! Top is a free pattern by Dana Made it. Pant is Patchwork kids I believe. In all honesty she does not dig the pants. She likes leggings or tights... pants are just not her thing. The pattern was great though they will probably sit in her drawer until they are too small.

Singing in the Park

2011-09-23T18:58:00.000-07:00

Here is our version of a concert in the park.

Stepping into fall

2011-09-21T17:59:00.000-07:00

We are lucky enough to live a block away from an elementary school. We take nightly walks over to let the kids blow off steam. As the summer has wound into fall I find these walks almost dreamy knowing the rains will come and we will be holed up in the house enjoying the warmth of the heater instead of the sun.

Great Grandma's Hat

2011-09-19T19:39:00.000-07:00

A stop at Baba's house always must include a quick sneak into the guest room.

Why you ask?

Well of course to wear the hat that Great grandma wore to Baba and Pop's wedding.

and to brush the dog that momma bought Pop for christmas long ago with the brush that was Baba's when she was a baby.

... and of course to sit in the princess chair.

You see this is all very important to a girl of 4.

Day at the farm

2011-09-18T11:01:00.000-07:00

My dear friend Christiane and her Beau Patrick invited us for a day at the farm.

Drawing happily in the car.

The Cows

"Momma why don't the cows like me? I want to pet them."

Our gracious hostess in Logan's cap.

You know Logan and his apple love. I think he ate most of 4 of them while we were picking.

Patrick filling our bags.

Phia and Daddy in the tree.

Logan on the ladder doing his own form of picking.

Pears and apples galore!

What a truly lovely day. Clean air, fresh fruit and veges and my first BBQ beets.

It was a beautiful day to remember all winter long while we eat our dried apples, pears, apple butter and frozen pears. We are truly blessed to have such wonderful friends.

Niece Love

2011-09-16T19:21:00.000-07:00

My beautiful niece came for a visit. Sophia just adores her.

Wish we lived closer so we could see her more often!

Outfit 4

2011-09-15T18:33:00.000-07:00

She's got her cowgirl on!

This was again the Sienna Lil Blue Pattern with a bit of stenciling on the front back and sleeves. Super simple, happily comfortable and with leggings she good all winter.

Ode to Blue

2011-09-14T21:43:00.000-07:00

We lost a valued, loved part of our family this week. His heartbeat in our house is so greatly missed it is hard to imagine him not coming home.
Blue our faithful, trusted companion and first child for 12 years is gone.

It's so hard to describe the important place this chubby stubbornly sweet dog took in our lives.

He was David's ears barking and creating a fuss when people came to the door.

Phia's first and most patient playmate allowing her to dress him in the most ridiculous outfits.
Logan's first frenemy above Blue gave him a nice kiss to get him to move over so he could snuggle with Phia.

My walking buddy annoyingly happy to walk at 5:00am in any type of weather.

Arriving home from the vet I put the kids in the bath and sat down on the floor to take a breath automatically reaching over to the empty space that was Blue to pet him.

Woke up in the middle of the night to a quiet room without his bear like snore.

Stepped out of bed in the morning and stepped over his empty place.

Made my way down the stairs for a run holding the door open for the emptiness that didn't need to go out.

Arrived home from work and opened the door to a quiet home and reached in automatically to get him a dog treat.

Followed Phia in and out of the bathroom since Blue isn't there to keep the monsters at bay.

I won't miss picking up poop, the constant water puking and the ridiculously bad tooting but I would take it all back to have our guy back.

He was the best food vacuum, he was quick to come when needed and most importantly he was a much loved member of our family.

Today when we were coming back from the park we saw a rabbit running willy nilly through the field and I am quite sure it was Blue giving him a good chase.

Good Boy Blue! Get that rabbit but don't bring it home Mommy's allergic.

Orange Outfit 3

2011-09-10T19:49:00.000-07:00

What do you want next Sophia?
"An orange dress and I want oranges on it not just the color."

Coming right up! Here is her orange dress.

Well shoot no orange printed fabric but hey an artist for a husband. "Sweetie do you mind drawing me up an orange?" So off he went to draw me up an orange on some master carve rubber that I had left over from my nieces gift last year. I carved out the stamp and using fabric paint stamped then splatters some juice on it.

Pattern is Lil blue boo Sienna dress (super simple, great directions, great blank slate for modifying)

used Lil blue boo free Beret patten for the hat.

She loved it!

Moral of the story if you ask a 4 year old what she wants, be ready to get creative.

as an aside Lil blue boo also did an orange dress but she silk screens hers which makes the pattern really sharp. We did not see hers until after ours was completed though I think ours turned out super cute as is.

Sewing School Clothes outfit 2

2011-09-09T11:16:00.000-07:00

I did it I made Sophia a full weeks worth of clothes using what I had in my stash and a few t-shirts of mine that were on their way out. I got a couple lil blue boo patterns as well as a couple others with my friend Kerianne and went to town.

We have the wrap skirt from Patchwork Kids and a Target $4.00 t-shirt that I then appliqued the cut out flowers on.

I added an extra panel to the skirt for a bit more swing.

Be courageous

2011-09-08T19:08:00.000-07:00

There she stands the tallest in her class my little girl growing and learning with all her might. She stands at the ready excited and loving that she alone, is going to school. (Little brothers are not aloud you know). I miss the excitement of that first day, but she tells me all the important things. She is the "Rock Princess" as her shirt announces and that her skirt is perfect for being a pirate. All her old friends have gone on to kindergarten but that's ok because now there are new ones. Except Sydney who she wishes "was just a little more her age and not bigger." She tells me that a mommy liked her skirt and she told her that I could give her the pattern because I made it and then she could make one for her little girl. That Mr. Tonio (Antonio) doesn't have a toehawk (mohawk) like daddy said and that he is still very tall. That she likes her new teacher and that she wants to write "a newsletter for Daddy but don't tell him it's a secret." That her favorite word is still courageous and that she liked playing kitchen with the boys.

I listen...
children maybe born to us or raised by us, but they are really only ours for a short time. The world is ready for sweet Sophia and she ready for it, even though I am not ready to give her up. I guess though, I am happy to share her.

Be courageous Phia, Mommy is watching.

Yogurt in the crock pot!

2011-09-03T07:21:00.000-07:00

It works I have made it twice now and will again this long wonderful weekend!
http://crockpot365.blogspot.com/2008/10/you-can-make-yogurt-in-your-crockpot.html

I have been eating it for breakfast with granola.

It is thick but hard to see in this photo.

I added a tablespoon of vanilla and 1/3 cup sugar the first time and maple syrup the second time both were yumm! Kid approved though it is not as thick as normal we put my homemade low fat granola on it!

Also added our strawberry jam/syrup one morning.

Cowboy Coffee

2011-09-02T19:44:00.000-07:00

Got this from somewhere and I looked and can't locate it anymore. I did not come up with this but it's brilliant! Bag of coffee...

In a huge pot of water over night (stir it then leave it to sit)

Strain the gruel.

Store in the fridge for as long as it lasts :) Makes a rockin' iced coffee and saves me one extra step in the morning! I LIKE!

Chalk Paint

2011-08-31T06:19:00.000-07:00

Half water and half cornstarch with a few drops of food coloring.

Quick to make when you need a few minutes of quiet!

Water Play

2011-08-29T17:54:00.000-07:00

David took this plywood and added plastic bottles and tubing to make a neat water center.

Sorry not a great picture, but fun non-the-less.

Color play

2011-08-28T07:14:00.000-07:00

This was fun! Three drops of color in a plastic bag and let them mix the colors.

Cut open the back and then let them smear on paper.

Super cool butterfly!

Lots of Paper

2011-08-27T17:11:00.000-07:00

We use lots and lots of paper. Drawing, painting, coloring, cutting, gluing and tape we do it all.

Here is what Daddy was working on.

A volcano!

Tree pick me up

2011-08-26T07:42:00.000-07:00

Love evergreens in the forest but honestly in our tiny yard it's a beautiful tree but kind of a drag. The needles are poky and nothing really grows back there but ivy. We dressed it up a little and David dug out an area and added some sand. I made some streamers (with a cut up plastic bag)

There is a birds nest in the tree made from a papermache bowl made by Sophia.

These bird houses are actually fairy houses or alien houses in my son's case.

This little bad boy was following us around for a few weeks but we now (knock on wood) have a potty trained 2 year old and this little bugger stays in the bathroom!

Fruits of their labor

2011-08-25T06:30:00.000-07:00

Christiane my dear friend brought us garden bounty! It's been lovely!

Look at that beautiful beet color!

Why Not??

2011-08-24T21:30:00.001-07:00

Pancakes with strawberry syrup for dinner!

Rabbit

2011-08-21T10:29:00.000-07:00

Sophia's friend Gabe and his mommy came over and Gabe brought Phia a carrot.

This is her interpretation of a rabbit. "What's up doc?"

Family

2011-08-20T06:55:00.000-07:00

There are moments as a mother that I wonder what in the world did I get myself into? When the kids are fighting, the food is burning, laundry is flooding out of the laundry room and the bills need paid... then there is a moment generally more than one in the day that I look around and say yep I am doing ok. Then there are moments like these when I realize I am better then ok I am complete.

"Logan you want me to read you a book?"

"Book Book Tia."

All is right in my world, what about yours?

Homemade Pita Bread!

2011-08-19T09:27:00.000-07:00

Found an awesome recipe for pita bread at http://smittenkitchen.com/2009/03/pita-bread/

A few didn't rise but were yummy flat bread anyway.

Little ham and cheese?

Chicken?

= happy husband!

Bug Book

2011-08-17T17:30:00.000-07:00

Sophia was spotting all kinds of bugs so we thought it would be fun to make a book so she could document her finds.

We made three of them.

She has had a lot of fun looking for bugs and drawing them.

Ride to the park

2011-08-15T08:12:00.000-07:00

Our nightly trip to the park has been one of my favorite times of the day this summer. Its cool and lovely out.

Logan is quite the scooter boy!

Sophia's serious singing on the equipment.

Ahh summer!

Favorite Breakfast

2011-08-14T07:45:00.000-07:00

Oddly this is my kids favorite breakfast. It is the biggest deal when I whip it up. We had some rain here at the beginning of the summer and the kids were asking for this everyday.

A dab of maple syrup on the top heaven!

Safety first

2011-08-11T08:53:00.000-07:00

You never know when a little yogurt or granola might flip into your eye while you are eating. Our little genius has the answer.

Bird Cookies

2011-08-10T07:09:00.000-07:00

http://blog.imaginechildhood.com/imagine-childhood/2011/02/-barn-stories-bird-cookies.htmla

I found the recipe for bird cookies above. The kids really enjoyed cracking open the eggs and it is a great way to practice without worrying about the shells falling in as you add them in anyway.

They lasted in the yard about two days and the kids loved seeing the birds gobble up the treat they made them.

The tent

2011-08-09T08:28:00.000-07:00

The kids have spent most of the summer camped out in one form or another in the back yard. After washing and re-washing a bazillion blankets I decided something needed to be done.

With David a saw and drill we have ourselves....

A tent

There it is in all it's sloppy glory! The kids love it!

p.s. I am still washing a bazillion blankets but I have a plan for the floor mat stay tuned!

stilts

2011-08-08T07:11:00.000-07:00

http://madebyjoel.com/2010/07/toddler-stilts.html

Made by Joel had these cute toddler stilts that David whipped up.

Sophia could have used something higher but they were just right for Logan.

I have been looking at some version of this in the back yard all summer.

Birthday gift

2011-08-07T13:10:00.000-07:00

So our wonderful little buddy just turned wonderful ONE! For Orion we made little fabric balls and a bag to go with it. Phia did most of the stuffing and I did the sewing what a swell team!

These turned out so well both the kids want their own set.

Bag is reversible with orange corduroy on one side. If I make the back again I will line it with stiffener so it stands up better as a hoop.

There it is hangin' on the door.

As a side note we had Hummingbird cake at the party that was gluten free and absolutely delish!!!

Made from the cook book "Blackbird bakery gluten free" by Karen Morgan.

Last Week

2011-08-05T18:31:00.000-07:00

We Had Rain!

Island

2011-08-04T12:54:00.000-07:00

David's version of a desert island.

Gotta love to toy choices.

We try to come up with some type of activity for after Logan's nap time. David really comes up with some creative ones. They had fun with this until Logan decided he was King Kong and tipped over the pool.

We Love Berries!

2011-08-03T17:40:00.000-07:00

We have been going for the past several years to Bi-Zi farms for their pumpkin patch and this year we discovered their summer farmers market.

Check out the raspberry juice on his "No". He snarfed down like three huge handfuls before we could get the box in the trunk.

If you are in the Vancouver area it really is excellent!

Robes

2011-08-02T07:28:00.000-07:00

Made the kids robes from a pattern by Dana made it.

http://www.dana-made-it.com/2008/07/blog-post_01.html

The kids love them! They were simple to make but in the next go around I will do a tie using the hood lining fabric and not have to use so much of the bias tape.

Beverly Cleary Sculpture Garden

2011-08-01T17:41:00.000-07:00

We went to this park based on the recommendation from our "Out and About" book. Cute park but too far and too crowded for us. The statues were adorable though!

Ramona

Of course our favorite statue well named "Daddy"

Apple smiles anyone?

2011-07-31T07:40:00.000-07:00

These were a hit will definitely do again! Apples, raisins,craisins , and peanut butter.

YUMM!

Rookie Mommy Mistake

2011-07-30T10:42:00.000-07:00

So Mommy made a herself a huge mistake. There was one of those little carnivals new our supermarket a few weeks ago. Well... without thinking we decided to pull in and put the kids on a few rides. There was a little roller coaster, cars and a bear ride. The kids were so so so excited Logan was giggling in delight at the idea of riding the bear. Well we marched our happy behinds up there and my heart just broke. Alas Logan was too short to ride any of the rides. I had already talked with Sophia that she could only ride the ones Logan could and she was fine with that. When we realized though that he couldn't ride anything well lets just say I had a moment.

Sophia bless her 4 year old love filled heart, she looked and David and I and said "Momma don't worry we can just go to the carousel at the beach." (Jantzen Beach) Signing to David hurry Dad horses. Then she took her brother by the hand and talked about how we would go "and maybe we could get ice cream after if we are real sweet." Well Logan had himself a full on 2 year old tantrum (and rightfully so in my mind he wanted to ride the dang rides) and Sophia just went right along telling him how it was OK and that we would do something else fun and not to cry. (Have I said how proud I was? I actually sat in the front of the car all teary eyed listening to her.)

...and I'll be damned if she wasn't right we did have a great time.

...and they were real sweet and did get themselves an ice cream

I think he forgave his Momma for the little error in judgement.

p.s. we did drive clear around that supermarket until the carnival was gone... good riddance I say (I hope he is tall enough next year!

Books for summer fun

2011-07-29T15:57:00.000-07:00

Spent a little time cleaning my office and ran across some great summer fun books!

Found a little park using the "Out and About with Kids in Portland" book. It was cute but crowded.

sewing oops

2011-07-24T21:45:00.000-07:00

Got going on this cute little bag and was a bit tired. Accidentally put the handles on the side instead of the bottom. Bag is very long.

Does hold tall soda bottles well, and its very pretty!

Ode to the little helper

2011-07-22T08:56:00.000-07:00

This little one is always "helping". If there are tools involved it's that much more exciting. He is almost always carrying one tool or another (that later then becomes some type of weapon). We recently went into a store and there was a burnt out light and he made sure to tell the checker. "Broke, Broke"

"Broke MINE Help MINE"

Green Volcano

2011-07-21T08:05:00.000-07:00

Green Volcano! White vinegar, food coloring a tiny bit of liquid soap and then a tablespoon of spark with the baking soda and you have a fun little volcano!

What don't you know any gross concoction must go in the plastic pool?

Vancouver Public Library

2011-07-20T08:28:00.000-07:00

We went to the friends and family sneak peek of the downtown Vancouver Library. Sophia's best bud Sydney's lovely mom works there and got us tickets. It is amazing! The building is beautiful and though I would have liked to have pictures of the rest of the place we spent most of our time in the kids area. I don't remember all the details but they have an children's exhibit that I think is permanent, though not owned by the library. It is out of this world cool!

The upper deck has a fab view but I was slightly worried (horrified) Logan (our climber) was going to take the railing at a single leap and test gravity.

This is Brian Sydney's Dad reading the kids a Spiderman story. Scaling buildings anyone??

I LOVE THIS!

2011-07-19T06:55:00.000-07:00

Ok as embarrassed as I am at the state of my sewing room there is nothing better then sewing with Mimi!

Yes it is still this messy though I do intend to actually clean it up sometime this summer.

Road Trip

2011-07-18T10:41:00.000-07:00

Took a little day trip through the gorge to a lake then up through Mt Hood. Beautiful!

Pit Stop for ice cream.

Wading with Mimi.

Rockin out with the goldfish in the back seat!

Baking with Mimi

2011-07-17T07:37:00.000-07:00

"Mimi I want to make cupcakes!"

Messy, fun, and delish!

4th Fun

2011-07-16T09:04:00.000-07:00

This year we didn't make it to Longview in the morning (next year) so we spent the morning hanging around the house.

Then it was off to the annual party at the McArthurs!

Love Logan's outfit? Yep made that! Tea dyed t-shirt with applique and my quick short pattern with a flag pocket.

Here is the kiddos in the bouncing house they rented for the occasion! Super fun!

Logan spent the evening in the house fireworks were not his thing this year.

Happy fourth!

SnAkEs

2011-07-15T09:03:00.000-07:00

If you know my husband at all you know how he is about bugs and snakes. Loves them! He hates bees (and screams like a girl when he sees them.. sorry Hunny but it's true) Though he has no fear (here is where I scream like a girl and run) of picking up the ugliest, nasty and even slimy bugs and yes here is proof snakes.

The kids dig it! I do from a distance. Mimi took the pictures... she, like her son digs that stuff.

More pics from the farm

2011-07-14T07:41:00.000-07:00

Super fun!

Dog days of summer...

2011-07-13T17:38:00.000-07:00

Well if we are talking grayhounds then I would agree. I feel as though the days are screaming by. My next few days of posts will actually be from last week when our family was visiting. Here are two of my absolute favorite pics from their visit.

Picnic in the wind

2011-07-12T08:10:00.000-07:00

When Curtis and Great Aunt Mary were visiting we went to the river.

It was windy and cold but the kids had a blast anyway. Brought back a lot of memories of when we were kids and we would look for a tiny break in the clouds and run for the parks. I can remember many a picnic spent under the covered tables playing just so we could be outside.

New Use

2011-07-10T09:31:00.000-07:00

I made a few shirts for Logan using David's old shirts. I had a lot of problems with the collar and after about five seam rips I figured out an easy way to get rid of all those little threads!

Tada! A lint roller works fab at getting all those little strings off!

Yeah my hand is black and blue, I wacked it between two carts putting books away after they replaced the carpet! OUCH!

KA KA KA WA WA

2011-07-09T10:16:00.000-07:00

Working in Baba's yard watering ..."Wa Wa Wa"

and cutting "Ka Ka Ka"

Happily out and about in Baba's yard.

Organizer

2011-07-07T15:29:00.000-07:00

The mess before...

ahhh This was a super simple purse organizer. Made my husband happy as he is typically routing around in my purse for keys.