iCraft

1.3.12

2012-01-04T08:36:00.002-06:00

sometimes life moves too fast. but if we get in there and live it, we will be part of the moments rather than letting them pass us by.

1.2.12

2012-01-03T07:39:00.001-06:00

i saw the light fading and told them goodbye, i'll be back in a few minutes. i love it that they don't even question my motives.

New craft medium for a new year.

2012-01-02T12:35:00.001-06:00

Over the last few days, my girls and I have been a little, well, obsessed with a new craft medium. Polymer clay. Oh, don't get me wrong - I have had it in the past and have attempted to make a few things but it has always ended up tossed aside and forgotten. This time it might be different, however, because I have young helpers that have plans for what they make. And I can't help but get swept up in their enthusiasm!

It all started a few months ago when Cake Boss became Lauren's favorite show. We got rid of cable and now rely solely on Netflix streaming for all tv show viewing. Cake Boss is available streaming, all 73 episodes of Buddy and his gang of bakers exclaiming, "this is how you do it Hoboken-style, baby!" But I digress. I have enjoyed watching it with them and I love the creativity factor that is upped in each episode. Lauren informed us that when she is old enough, she plans to move to New Jersey and work for Buddy as one of his cake decorators, specifically as one to sculpt with cereal treats (aka Rice Krispies) and modeling chocolate.

That's great, but how do I encourage my 9 year-old daughter in her sculpting aspirations? (Cuz I'm just not willing to do so with Rice Krispies and modeling chocolate - at least not yet). I decided that Sculpey (polymer clay) was the answer. I put together a little gift for her for Christmas, with a set of colored clay and a little project book. She then spent some Christmas money on tools and we sat down for our first sculpting session a few days ago.

From there we gained momentum, and I have to say that it's been Grace to really go like gangbusters! Upon seeing Lauren's first little figures, she decided to spend some of her own money on a set of clay for herself (because really, why would Lauren ever want to share with her sister?) and a bigger (and better) project book. It's quite cute, especially for tween girls. Grace and I did a little freehand work our first evening and had so much fun making miniature foods. So cute and fun! Burgers, hot dogs, cupcakes, lollipops, etc.

And now, those cute little foods are being turned into jewelry. If you're a mom of a tween girl, I'm sure you've seen similar pieces in Justice and Claires. We are making our own instead! In all of my crafting years this is my first time doing earrings. Even better that my girls are totally into it, and want to be spending their time making stuff rather than watching TV.

Buddy, are you listening? I have two up-and-coming cake decorators for you...I'll send them to you in New Jersey in about ten or twelve years!

New year.

2012-01-02T11:53:00.001-06:00

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. Revelation 3:20

Thanksgiving.

2011-11-24T19:11:00.001-06:00

So many things to be thankful for today! Wishing you all a happy and relaxing Thanksgiving!

I was hostess this year (as I have been for quite a few years), and I wanted to share a quick craft/idea to go along with your Thanksgiving table. A few years ago I made a plain table runner from a piece of muslin (cut to desired length, stitched one inch from each edge, then frayed the edges for a finished edge...a hem would have worked too). Anyway, I then traced each of our kids' handprints and wrote whatever they said they were thankful for. I also included their name and the year. The first year was rather sparse, but after 4 years it is filling in nicely! The runner is impossible to get completely wrinkle-free, but I love it. This year one kid was thankful for "love," one for "life," and one for "God and my family." Yep, they covered it all!

Again, happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

Sky.

2011-11-13T21:35:00.001-06:00

November sky in Nebraska...the only thing that makes it more perfect is when there are geese honking and flying low overhead.

Knitting, the next generation.

2011-10-29T17:51:00.001-05:00

I have been trying to spend more time unplugged lately, so the knitting needles were pulled out this week after a long hiatus. I started working on a chunky gray lace patterned scarf for myself, and while doing so I heard, "Mo-o-o-o-m??? Can you teach me to knit?" This from Grace...how could I say no? We sat down and I taught her the basics of a knit stitch. Poor yarn choice and skinny needles equaled quick frustration for both of us! So, today we tried again with thick needles and chunky yarn and she has been going like gangbusters all day. I'm so proud of her! Less than 24 hours and she is well on her way to a knitted scarf. Of course, Lauren decided to get in on the action too so needles are flashing and clicking all over the place. It
pleases me to know that my girls are learning at the same age I did, and my mom before me.

Good tunes, good times.

2011-10-27T22:11:00.001-05:00

Good, good stuff! Thoroughly enjoying browsing through my favorites on this album tonight. Browsing through memories, too. Dancing to "The Longest Time" with my favorite guy in my dorm room, singing along to "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant" with friends, sleeping at a total strangers' house in Ames after a Billy Joel/Elton John concert, and singing along at the top of our lungs to virtually every song the last time we saw him in concert here in Omaha. Truly, if you want an amazing concert experience then Billy Joel is one not to miss. Just wait til the encore when he sings "Piano Man," or rather 10,000+ concertgoers sing it to him. Awesome.

1820.

2011-10-17T17:02:00.001-05:00

Best. Coffee. Ever.

And yes, it is from Costa Rica. We finally used up the stash we brought home from vacation, so it was Amazon to the rescue. It has become our "weekend" coffee, otherwise we'd get through the entire kilo much faster!

And...back to crafting.

2011-10-09T09:50:00.001-05:00

I guess this blog is titled iCraft and not iSunrise, so I thought I'd share a recent craft project completed. Thanks to Nicole, (with props to Martha), we made some of these lanterns the other night. So cute! I decided to make a few more at home, since I have more jars than I know what to do with! And we had a double sleepover last night so this made a great craft to do with all of the girls. They painted the insides of their jars, transferred the faces onto tape, and helped peel the tape as I worked the xacto knife. After it was dry I did the wire also. Total supply cost was less than $10 for wire, paint, a few brushes and masking tape. Go to the project link for complete instructions. Ours will be out on our porch on Halloween!

Progression.

2011-10-04T07:38:00.001-05:00

Or obsession?

It makes my heart happy that my girls have learned, quite on their own, to watch the sunrise through bleary eyes at the breakfast table. This morning: "Look Mom, it's gonna be a good one today!" As for the boys in this family, well, they are up and out before the sun even tries to bound up into the sky. Missing out, I tell you.

Sunrise, again.

2011-09-29T08:00:00.002-05:00

Today I was ready with my camera, when I first saw the pre-dawn clouds stretching across the sky. Unfortunately, the clouds and the timing of the sun just never quite became spectacular. Ah, well. Upon looking through my camera roll I see that I captured another one a few weeks ago that was remarkable. Agreed?

2011-09-23T23:25:00.001-05:00

for all of my friends who enjoy a good sunrise...

9.5.11

2011-09-05T15:50:00.001-05:00

there is something deeply satisfying with picking berries in the golden light of September, when the sky stretches forever and the ones you love more than anything are close within your sight. life is so fragile; cherish it.

More retro love.

2011-08-27T19:24:00.011-05:00

Ah, the wonders of the internet...

More trips down memory lane with the help of Google images!

My first grade lunch box:

A random toy I loved, yet another example of the rarest of occasions when my mom relented and purchased something for me spur-of-the-moment; and they are selling these again! I am totally getting one:

Another favorite item, I just loved this little set.

Of course Cabbage Patch Kids were the ultimate toy.

And no, my parents wouldn't dream of standing in line or paying an exorbitant amount to secure one for me just because I wanted one so badly. Instead, they gave me $1 and let me purchase a raffle ticket for one being sold at our neighborhood bazaar. Guess who won? ME! I cried literal tears of joy! Mine looks just like this only his jumpsuit is orange. (Yes I still have him, are you kidding me?) The name on his birth certificate was "Amery Delmar." Blech. I changed it to "Ricky," after this guy:

(I would like to point out that I must have had a good eye, because 25 years later he is still hot.)

Of course my husband still has all of these toys (our kids have all played with them and we will hang onto them indefinitely). My brother had a lot of those too, and we had these...I think I liked them not only for the characters but also because they had different color groupings (am I hardwired for the rainbow thing?)

My 90 year-old grandma still calls me "her little Strawberry Shortcake" when she saw this toy of mine and declared it was very cute:

And, I used to pretend that these guys lived in my backyard. The recent movie creeps me out...I like the 80's version better.

So what were your favorites? I know I have probably only just scratched the surface and could probably come up with pages and pages of retro loves. Though as fun as it is to search for these things, there is a sad little part of me that cringes when I typically have to type the word "vintage" before my search item. Hmph.

Retro rainbows.

2011-08-27T08:29:00.004-05:00

You know how Google sometimes takes you to curious places?

Well, a little while ago I found myself Googling "vintage Trapper Keeper." Say wha..? I know, weird right? I was initially searching for a cool birthday present for my awesome cousin (who has a, ahem, rather significant birthday coming up), and the other day we were discussing the awesomeness of the Trapper Keeper from our youth. Hence my Google search.

Did you have a Trapper Keeper? They were the ultimate in back-to-school NON-necessities! I'm sure teachers hated them, with the velcro rrriiiippp every time they opened. I think I was heading into fourth grade when my mom, out of the blue, said my brother and I could pick one out. So unlike my mom, the kind of gal that would never buy us anything "just because!" Obviously we didn't give her the chance to change her mind and probably ran full tilt to Osco Drug to make our selections.

Mine was a no-brainer:

Awesome, right? Now I'm just waiting for the day that they bring back the retro Trapper designs and sell them! Except my fourth grader would undoubtedly tell me, "uh, Mom? Yeah, that's totally NOT cool." Sigh.

So my Google search didn't stop there, because I had another set of rainbows in my past that I remember fondly as well. I had an entire wall in my teeny tiny Ohio bedroom that was papered in rainbows. Google didn't let me down when I tried to find it:

Yep, that's the exact wallpaper I had! Can you imagine a whole room in that stuff? I think that's why my parents only did one wall, so I wouldn't fall down dizzy every time I entered the room. I found this photo as a listing on Etsy, where someone had sold an entire roll of the stuff. I would love a swatch of it, but an entire roll? Thanks, but, no thanks. I think I'll stick with my rainbow Trapper.

8.26.11

2011-08-26T21:58:00.001-05:00

i realized tonight i am not a carnival person; rather, a sit next to a sleepy dog, book-in-lap kind of person.

Bistro chair.

2011-08-25T21:11:00.003-05:00

In love with this chair! (And thinking how nice it would look as an alternative to our current awful folding chairs, especially at holidays and big family meals). Justifiable, right?

Just like old times.

2011-08-18T16:41:00.002-05:00

19+ years ago I fell for this guy while working in a landscape nursery. His shirts were expertly rolled for maximum tanning, his hair was bleached from the sun, he was frequently found either carting heavy objects around or else driving a forklift, and he usually carried a walkie talkie while answering to the call "5-car." Honest to goodness, I love the smell of fertilizer because it brings back fond memories! It was with great humor a few weeks ago that we found ourselves back there. I just couldn't resist the photo op, complete with rolled sleeves. Unfortunately, I couldn't seem to conjure up the hair...:) But oh, we both had to inhale deeply when we walked through the fertilizer aisle!

8.13.11

2011-08-13T17:28:00.001-05:00

i told them the water would be cold, they didn't believe me. one step in revealed that yes, it was indeed cold. but they didn't care and had a grand time anyway.

Beach road.

2011-07-13T09:03:00.001-05:00

South Beach, this was not. Only a muddy, bumpy road, a few cinderblock homes, barbed wire fences, and farm animals. We drove to the beach in a golf cart, back and forth across the road to avoid the mud puddles. It was such a quiet little stretch and finally by the end of our week I hit the road on my own with cameras in tow. Were it not for the mosquitoes I would have spent more time framing shots.

Moo

I love the contrast between the delicate flowers and the fence

Cock-a-doodle-doo

Photo editing.

2011-07-12T21:42:00.001-05:00

I am thoroughly enjoying editing vacation photos! So many cool effects that take a decent shot to another level.

After the boat.

2011-07-08T15:34:00.002-05:00

Dramatic, right?

It was. But after an earnest talk with each other, and then with resort management, we sat down to dinner. And then we went to bed.

The next morning we woke up to jungle sounds and strong coffee, and had several more chats with management. We had some hard decisions to make - stay and try to make the best of it, or throw in the towel and go home?

We opted to stay.

I think we absolutely made the right decision. Had we gone straight home, we would have forever had entirely bitter feelings about the experience that is Costa Rica. We would have left in a state of fear and anxiety. Our kids might have learned that you never try to find healing and beauty after pain. They might have learned that it is always better to live in certain safety than to embrace life with all of it's twists and turn.

So we stayed, and the adventure continued. I do have more stories to tell. Would you believe me when I say that we even went on another boat ride? It was on a calm lake rather than the ocean, and the kids made certain there were life jackets for all... :)

The boat.

2011-07-07T22:06:00.002-05:00

Friends, I will admit this was a tough one to write. I have been telling this story in my head for about 10 days and honestly, it was not easy to put into words. I believe we endure trials not only because it strengthens our character, but also because we can share the story with others...

Imagine, you are in a foreign country. You don’t really speak the language but the people are friendly and you are overcome with how beautiful it is. Pictures don’t do it justice.

In this foreign country the ocean is near. The Pacific. You feel your vacation doesn’t really start until your feet are touching the salty water.

In the morning you play on the beach. It is deserted. There are butterflies flitting over your head, the waves are crashing against your legs, your suit is full of sand and you can’t believe you are finally, after all this time, here.

In the evening you get on a boat. Sightseeing, of course, at sunset. You have to walk through the water to climb on, because there is no dock. After all, this is a foreign country and they do things differently here.

As the boat takes off you notice the waves are choppy. The boat rocks back and forth and it’s not as comfortable as you thought it would be. It is small. And, there is no upper deck like you had been told. You know things can get lost in translation so instead you focus on the green hills in the distance. They are beautiful.

After awhile you see something in the water. Sea turtles. They are mating. You can’t believe you are actually witnessing this, a miracle of nature that you only read about in the encyclopedia.

The men driving the boat stopped the motor so you wouldn’t disturb the turtles. After the boat is past the turtles, the motor won’t restart. So the boat drifts along, past a sandy beach and closer to some rocks. It is quiet except for tink, tink, tink, tink, tink as they try to get the motor going. You try to focus on the green hills in the distance, although you notice that the wind has picked up and the clouds are building over your head.

Time goes by. They drop the anchor to keep your boat from drifting too close to the rocks. Sprinkles of rain hit your knees and you wonder how long you will have to sit here before the motor will be fixed. You are nervous and try not to show it, though if someone looked at your face closely they would see the concern building in your eyes.

Things get more frantic. The boat is getting closer to the rocks and you can hear the waves crashing against them. It is not a gentle sound. The men on the boat are acting more frantically, too. They are trying to get the anchor set along the ocean floor to keep the boat away from the rocks. One is pulling with all of his might against the anchor’s line, the other dons snorkel gear. And then dives in.

He dives down, moves the anchor. He surfaces, and catches his breath. Then the other man pulls the rope taut and the boat shifts a few inches in the water. The rain is coming down harder now and you are wet. But you don’t notice, because you are too busy watching the men perform this back-and-forth dance, dive-surface-breathe-pull. Dive-surface-breathe-pull.

You look behind you and the rocks are so close. They are sharp and slick and would not be a forgiving surface, were the boat to come too close. You are scared but still try not to show it.

Now, imagine you are a child on this boat. You might be six, or nine, or eleven. You are so scared that you are crying. You hear one of the men ask your daddy to jump into the water, to help move the anchor. Dive-surface-breathe-pull. You are terrified that he will not surface if he helps. You cry out and say, no daddy, don’t help! Please stay in the boat!

Imagine you are the daddy. You have been asked to help save this boat from the rocks and you will do all you can to help your family. But when you hear the cries of your children, you stop and reconsider. You say no, please, the children are too afraid for me to go. You look back at the rocks and wonder how the boat is staying away in the wind, the rain, and the choppy darkening sea.

Imagine now you are the mother of this family in peril. Your grip tightens around your children. Fear can clearly be read in your eyes, in the furrows on your brow, in the thin tight line of your lips. You hear the cries of your children and you hear your husband be asked to jump into the water. You silently say, no, please, don’t get in the water. Stay in the boat with the rest of us because you are terrified that he might not surface.

As the mother, you have to say something and through it all you have tried to explain that the motor doesn’t work and the men are trying to pull the boat to safety. Your grip is a vice on their thin arms. You hear the men say, the radio no work. You understand they do not have a phone and you are acutely aware there are no houses, no boats nor people anywhere. You are desperately alone. Your children are crying in earnest and it is all you can do to keep from crying, too. They ask you, mommy, what can we do?

Good question.

You answer, pray.

Just pray.

Dear Jesus, save us.

Your stomach drops as one of the men begins to pull life jackets from a compartment on the boat. He pulls out one, two. No more. You are shaking as you pull it over one child’s head and have to tie the strap in a knot because there is no buckle. You put the second one over your smallest child’s head…that one has no strap at all. It is only foam hanging loosely around her neck. You hear the man say in broken words that there are no more life jackets. There are seven people on board, but only two jackets.

The motor is broken. The radio is dead. The boat is barely anchored only yards away from slippery, sharp rocks that would surely cause damage to the boat, to bodies. There are not enough life jackets, and then one of the men says something that causes you to say oh, dear God.

He says to your husband, I’m sorry sir, but we’re going to have to swim.

As in, swim the children one by one through the open water and onto the slippery, sharp rocks. Swim you onto the rocks next. Then, if he's not too tired, get himself onto the rocks too. Then what? You don’t believe your children could navigate those rocks on foot. And even if they could, where would you go?

Your children continue to cry. They say they don’t want to die. They don’t want you or their daddy to die. They want to go home. And you wonder what it might be like to have a child drown. You try desperately not to cry. So you tell them, just pray.

You have them bow their head and fold their hands. You pray to Jesus. Please send help. Please save us. Please keep daddy safe and help these men and keep the boat away from the rocks and let it stop raining.

Please save us.

Your husband takes off his hat and shoes and begins to don snorkel gear and flippers. He will save his family.

But the fear can be read in his eyes, too.

Then, in the rain and the wind and over the crashing of the waves the Lord begins to answer your prayer. He whispers in your husband’s ear, have them test it first.

So your husband tells the men to go test the waters. Swim to the rocks and see if it would be safe before any children get pulled into the darkening sea.

One of the men listens, and swims to the rocks. He looks so small in the water. He comes back, breathless, and talks to the other man in a language you can’t understand.

The Lord is still working. His hand is in the middle of this and you know that but it is so hard because you are so scared. He whispers again to your husband, ask them to go for help. In his broken language he tells the Lord’s message to the men, get help. You swim to shore and get help. We will stay safe on the boat and wait.

The man agrees. It is so hard to watch him swim to shore and know that he is safe and you are not. You see him skim across the rocks in his bare feet. He is so good at it and he goes so quickly. Your husband sees him running farther up the shoreline, then out of sight.

It is dusk and the rain is now a downpour. You are soaked, and chilled, and trembling. You have not released your grip on your children who continue to cry. The other man, the one on the boat, finds a tarp and covers the children with it. Small mercies.

You all shift your positions a few times to shelter from the rain. You are thankful for hats that can shield your face. You pray silently in your head, please save us. Please save us. Please. Save. Us.

You look back and you see that the boat is farther away from the rocks. It’s like Jesus is in the water, guiding the boat with his hands. And He’s holding it steady, away from danger. You know Jesus is near you because you have no other hope but in Him.

Time goes by. The rain continues but you are used to it by now and you know it is one of your lesser concerns. You watch the horizon, where the sun is setting behind a haze of clouds, and wonder if a boat will come. You think you see something but you don’t. You shift around again and wonder when the nightmare will end.

Your prayer to Jesus is a mantra in your head. You know He is holding the boat away from the rocks and you know that he is the Savior not only of the dead, but of the living as well. Your hope in Him is the only light you can see by.

And then. A boat! The promise of safety! It is a small blur on the horizon that grows larger in the darkening night. Slowly, so slowly. But it is coming and you thank Jesus, thank you, for the man who went for help and sent a boat. Thank you for saving us.

You help your children climb into the new boat and help them stay safe among the knives and heavy anchors rattling on the floor and the dark men that all speak a language you don’t understand. You hope they know Jesus, too. You endure the ride back to shore while thinking this isn’t over until it’s over.

Finally, land. Your children are lifted onto shore by the dark men and you are helped, stumbling, through the water and onto the rocks where you climb, still trembling, to the van with blazing lights that is waiting to drive you away from this place.

In the van you weep. It is your turn now. Your hand clutches your husband’s hand. You can tell he wondered about the same things you did while on the boat. You are grateful that he was so willing to get in the water. You are grateful that his prayers echoed yours. You are grateful for your Savior, who heard your cries and came to your rescue.

Falling on my knees in worship
Giving all I am to seek your face
Lord all I am is yours
My whole life
I place in your hands
God of Mercy
Humbled I bow down
In your presence at your throne
I called you answered
And you came to my rescue and I
I want to be where you are
In my life be lifted high
In our world be lifted high
In our love be lifted high

The muddy road.

2011-07-03T19:40:00.005-05:00

I'm thinking it makes sense to tell my Costa Rica stories in chronological order...so here goes!

We were so excited to finally get to Costa Rica after months of planning - going in June we knew we would be there in the rainy season. We couldn't wait to get our first glimpses of the country from the air to see the green hills and volcanoes and blue coastline! Our plane descended through clouds, clouds, clouds...and we landed in the pouring rain. Pouring. The airport is not quite as "modern" as ones in the States, so even the big planes empty onto the tarmac and you walk around the building to go through customs - basically a big hangar that is open on either end. We slogged through ankle-deep water (with each of us toting our carry-on suitcases), went through customs, and finally found our driver to take us on the 1.5 hour drive to get to our resort.

Our kids quickly lost patience with the rain, because you couldn't see much along the drive. They nodded off and Kirk and I tried our best to see bits of the countryside - the city Liberia, cattle farms, hills in the distance, and once or twice thinking that maybe we saw a volcano or two. We hit the town La Cruz and ended up on a dirt road - one we had read about as being long, bumpy, and probably 45 minutes worth of our ultimate drive time.

It was at this point that we had a new perspective on the landscape, realizing we hadn't seen anything yet. We were looking out onto misty mountainsides and deep valleys that were absolutely breathtaking.

About 20 minutes into this part of the drive we came to a stop. There were a few cars parked ahead of us, with their occupants out in the rain looking over a ridge. Women and children were walking past us in the opposite direction, many wearing outfits that most definitely were not meant to be worn in the mud (white pants and heels? yeah, not so much). Our driver got out to see what was going on, and as we craned our necks we realized there was a bus that had gotten stuck in the mud further down on the steep hill. It was turned just enough that cars could not get past. Just our luck, right? We are 20 minutes away from our final destination and while we are not exactly stuck, we might as well be!

Kirk made a comment at this point, something to the effect that wouldn't it be great for our resort to send someone else to pick us up on the other side of the bus? I agreed but privately was glad that at least the kids were being quiet and were old enough to handle waiting in a parked car for awhile.

No sooner had Kirk made the comment, however, when from a distance we saw a young, blond guy walking up the hill - Kirk leaned over and said, "Oh, that guy just looks American. I bet he's coming for us,". Sure enough, he soon tapped on our window and leaning in said, "Hi, I'm Mike and if you're willing to get out and walk just a little way, we have a truck waiting on the other end of the bus." He even had 5 umbrellas in his hand. Saved!

We hauled out of our van, grabbed our luggage (so smart of us to pack lightly, thank you very much), and proceeded to navigate our way down the wet hillside. Grace stepped onto a piece of rusty barbed wire (oh-my-goodness-when-was-her-last-tetanus-shot? was running through my mind at this point) but onwards we slogged, out into the muddy road and finally down to the waiting truck. Also smart of us to be wearing our all-terrain wet/dry sandals rather than flip flops!

It took another 20 minutes or so before we were finally pulling into our resort, Recreo. Steep roads (but gravel, not mud!), pretty flowers, and a nice dry villa awaited us. We knew we were signing on for some adventure in planning a trip to Costa Rica - we chalked up our muddy, rainy roadside rescue as just one of the unexpected adventures that we would experience!

Vacation.

2011-07-02T09:16:00.002-05:00

After a week in the Costa Rican countryside we are home again. Costa Rica is stunning and pictures just don't do it justice! We are especially proud of our kids who were rock stars all week...from navigating a muddy roadside to facing fears on a zip line, from crossing the border into Nicaragua to enduring a terrifying rescue on the ocean. The majority of our trip was fun and relaxing and beautiful, so I will make sure to share many stories and experiences from that aspect. Only one story in particular (terrifying rescue) is hard to tell and I need to compose my thoughts before I put that one into words. Rest assured we are fine, with no more than a few scrapes, a little sunburn, lots of bug bites, and many memories!

Arizona, closeup.

2011-05-01T08:43:00.001-05:00

The roses above are in the church garden where my grandma's ashes will be interred. The church photos are San Xavier Mission, an old Spanish mission church dating back to the 1700's. The bright white church can be seen from the interstate, out in the middle of the desert like a mirage. And the car...well, for a minute there I thought that maybe Thelma and Louise didn't end up in the Grand Canyon, after all. :)

Arizona.

2011-04-28T16:46:00.002-05:00

I traveled to Arizona (Green Valley, south of Tucson) to be with family and to attend my grandma's memorial service. I went alone, which under normal circumstances I consider solo travel a luxury. However, this time it was a bit lonely. I missed Easter festivities and a big 5th grade band concert, and Kirk and the kids all missed the opportunity to memorialize a beloved grandma/great-grandma. We chose my solo travel plan purposefully, but really we all missed each other and I couldn't wait to get back home.

Since I was alone, I had lots of time to reflect on life, love, and what "home" means. I was away from my family. Yet, I was with my family of origin. A weird moment for sure when my brother and I found ourselves in the backseat of a car, with my parents in the front. They all agreed it was weird, too!

Once upon a time, "home" actually was Arizona for me. I was in third grade when we moved from Toledo, OH to the Phoenix area. We only lived there for a few years and I remember I loved it, I think in part because it was so different from anything I had ever known. By the end of 5th grade we moved from Phoenix to Omaha and that is where my home has been ever since.

Still, on this trip I was struck, as I always am, by how different the landscape is in Arizona. Desert. Rocks. Cacti, from prickly pears to Saguaros. Mountains. Blazing blue sky. Foreign and exotic. Beautiful and barren. Lush blooms and dust.

I had a window seat on my second flight yesterday, rising up out of Phoenix and it's red, rocky mountains. Over northern Arizona and it's forest of evergreens, over the Rockies still covered in snow, finally crossing into the plains with verdant fields and farms. Home.

Easter weekend.

2011-04-27T09:23:00.001-05:00

my grandma passed away last week. i'm thinking that holy week must have been a grand time to be welcomed into heaven.

End of March.

2011-03-28T18:11:00.001-05:00

so much for 'out like a lamb'

Winter, in spring.

2011-03-25T15:36:00.001-05:00

many complained. i thought it was rather pretty.

Crafting, and a good book.

2011-03-13T21:02:00.004-05:00

I'm so excited to share a craft project I've been working on over the past month or so. Alas, I cannot just yet, as I am waiting to reveal it at an upcoming dinner at church. Let's just say I have mastered an ancient art...pictures to come, probably after the dinner.

And, I have had the great pleasure of enjoying a really, really good book this week. The Art of Racing in the Rain is the lovely story of a family...as narrated by the family's dog. Poignant, funny, sad at times, with more than a little truth about the lives we lead and share with our animals. It was a joy to be immersed in fiction again.

On a side note related to fiction: after moving to our new house, we are now in a new county and have to PAY to have a library card. It's $75 bucks a year! Highway robbery, I tell you!

Spring?

2011-02-17T21:09:00.003-06:00

warm(er) breezes
morning birdsong
muddy grass
retreating snow
later sunset
+
kids on bikes
chalk drawings
open jackets
=
spring, i think.
if not yet, then soon?
i am ready!

Costa Rica.

2011-02-11T16:24:00.005-06:00

In just over 4 months, we will be heading waaaaaay south for a little relaxation...

It's always hard to choose a vacation destination, and after last year we really wanted something lovely, relaxing, and interesting. No Disney, no Gulf coast, and no Mexico! We were thinking about something all-inclusive in the Caribbean but then the more we learned about Costa Rica, the more it won out! So, we found this amazing looking place on the Pacific Coast of CR, a resort of private villas that each have their own pool and personal chef. Seriously, I was sold on the latter part alone. That will be my true vacation, having someone cook for me for a whole week and I don't have to go to restaurants to do so.

We plan to relax, hang out on the beach, ride horses, and go on a few excursions. I have always wanted to go ziplining (high on the bucket list), so that is definitely on the agenda. We have heard the wildlife is pretty cool too, including monkeys in the trees and turtles on the beach. Add in some sunsets, distant views of volcanoes and even Nicaragua, and it should shape up to be very memorable indeed!

Oh, and did I mention that kids are going too? Not sure what they are more excited about - getting passports, seeing monkeys from the breakfast table, or spending a week pretending to be castaways on Survivor!

Here.

2011-02-10T21:39:00.003-06:00

So sad I have neglected this space for such a long time. Sorry, friends! Life is clipping along I guess. Here are a few general updates for the time being...

1. The house is sold. Done, gone, finite, adios. I still have nightmares (for real!) but we are happy, happy, happy to be back to being a household with only ONE house. Whew!

2. The job is going well. I am busy. I am tired. But it's good, it's all good.

3. We are Costa Rica bound in June. Pura Vida!

More to come soon.

XO,
J

Thankful, 2010.

2010-11-24T08:30:00.002-06:00

love of, and for God
family + friends
good health
love, of each other
love, for those less fortunate
life group
a warm and comfortable home (x2)
jobs, mine + his
a love of school (x3)
food + gas + clothing = plenty, all the time

*what are you thankful for?

11.15.10

2010-11-15T16:36:00.000-06:00

Happy Monday!

Halloween 2010.

2010-11-01T07:40:00.004-05:00

Looking back on the blog archives, it seems as though I haven't posted much since last Halloween. Oops. We had a good trick-or-treat haul this year and now that it's over (thank goodness!) I figured I'd share our costumes once again.

First, the youngest had been claiming she wanted to be a butterfly. I didn't really want to round up all of the pieces for that (costume+wings+headband+tights+???) so instead, I convinced her to be a bride. We had these old-ish flower girl dresses given to us from a one-off/damaged goods truck and the girls have always used them as dress-up gear. I've been getting sick of them laying around (they are large and puffy, thus take up mucho floor space), and I almost donated them until I realized they had prime Halloween potential. Add a $5 veil, and voila...instant bride! She looked so good it was almost scary in that oh-my-goodness-someday-she-really-will-be-a-bride kind of way.
Middle child also went with my well-placed suggestion, to be a zookeeper like last year. Looks like I detailed her outfit in this space a year ago. It's simple but I still love it, and she agreed because none of the friends at the new school had seen it before.
She had a fun project this year for school too, which was to "disguise" a pumpkin without carving or piercing it in any way. Together we found the idea of doing Oscar the Grouch and he turned out really well. A plain paint can, green spray paint, some felt, and an awesome black boa from Michaels. You know me, I love a good craft challenge.
And finally, the eldest has reached the "tweens" with a fierceness that we didn't quite expect. He really didn't want to be anything for Halloween. Boo. Being in 5th grade, though, they still do a party and I told him he wasn't going to be "that kid," the only one out of 80+ kids without a costume. So, after much thought and "What about a ____ ?" or "How about this one...?" we decided that he should be a contestant on the Amazing Race. This one did take a little time to find images online for the various clue cards/logos (Route Marker, Detour, Fast Forward, The Amazing Race envelope, etc). I luckily found some realistic images on Wikipedia. Print, laminate, punch a hole, and hook on a binder clip to his fanny pack and backpack...add a head bandana and a couple of foreign maps/language books hanging out the back of the backpack and he was done. He won "best dressed boy" at a Halloween party we attended. Too bad Mr. Tween had already gone home so his sisters claimed his prize!
As in past years, I'm glad Halloween is over. And now please let us all remember that Thanksgiving comes next...it's not Christmas yet, people! :)

Completion.

2010-09-26T16:04:00.002-05:00

We did it, 13.1! An adventure for sure! It was hard, yes, but we agreed that we would absolutely do it again. Some shots from the morning:

Waiting in the pre-dawn, minutes from the start

Me and Erinn, ready to go!

The Bob Kerry pedestrian bridge in downtown Omaha - this was around mile 12.8 so we knew we were getting close!

Mile marker 13, a welcome site!

The finish line! I hope the runners behind us (who were finishing the entire marathon) didn't mind me snapping a photo at this point.

Other observations from the morning:
1. We never expected that we would have to take 3 pee breaks, 2 of which were during the race. Don't like porta-potties, but thank goodness they were there!
2. If you are a member of the "50 States Marathon Club," you are awesome. Period.
3. You are also awesome if you are running an entire marathon.
4. It was cool that runners and walkers cheered each other on as they passed.
5. It would be very challenging to run a marathon with a cowboy hat strapped to your head (yes, we saw this and don't get me started on the potential chafing issues!).
6. The 4 year-old water volunteer was the cutest of the day!
7. Experiencing something like this was made better by far by doing it with a good friend. MAP friends, we are recruiting for the Lincoln Half next spring!
8. Next up, Everest. (Just kidding, Sherilyn!) :)

Preparation.

2010-09-25T11:17:00.004-05:00

Tomorrow, I'll be walking in a half-marathon.
I never, ever thought I would say that.
A good friend is walking with me.
We have trained together, walking over 50 miles,
in preparation.
Through oppressive heat and misty chill, we have walked.
We have shared stories and testimony,
family history,
challenges and praises.
And tomorrow, we walk again.
13.1 more miles, together.

Shop changes.

2010-09-18T09:51:00.004-05:00

OK friends, I think I am going to close up shop! But first, I have some fabric to sell off and I would love to unload sooner than later! I've had this in mind for awhile, basically since the new job started. But wouldn't you know, yesterday I got a shipment in from Westminster and now I have even more fabric to sell...lucky for you, it's some pretty good stuff. Here is what came yesterday:

Amy Butler Wallflower in Cherry - 5 bolts

Amy Butler Morning Glory in Linen - 4 bolts

If you are interested in purchasing, you can either go to my Etsy shop or feel free to send me an email and we can coordinate a sale via email. You'll also notice I reopened my shop, so I'm hoping to sell off anything listed there as well. I did have to change my shipping policies, and now I am only able to ship domestically in the US. Sorry, international friends! I just can't swing international shipping anymore with a full time job and full time mom-duties.

I have enjoyed running the fabric shop...but now with life changing pace a bit I am looking forward to spending my more limited free time in crafting for myself! Shocking, it's been so long since I've made things just for me!

Like riding a bike.

2010-08-28T17:51:00.002-05:00

I'm pleased to report that the new job is going very well. I feel like I'm riding a bike after a long, long, break...my hands and feet seem to remember what to do even though I can't always articulate exactly how I'm doing it. After all these years, it's amazing to see how the job of being an Occupational Therapist is coming back to me. My brain is starting to think in terms of goals and treatment plans, occupational components and purposeful activity, impairments and functional ability levels.

So what am I doing? Well, my time is split between working at a clinic with kids and adults that have developmental disabilities, as well as going to workshops and day facilities that have the same adult clientele. I really enjoy getting to go different places...it makes the day go by so quickly! We also have a pool in the clinic and that is a new experience for me. I did a little bit of aquatic therapy years ago, but not at the level with which we do at this clinic. Truly, my brain and hands are like sponges at the moment, learning and soaking up the many things that others are teaching me.

Here are a few random things I've realized, over the past couple of weeks:

1. It is nice to work for a place that requires employees to wear the company logo on their shirt. I have 5 t-shirts and a few embroidered items...I never have to think about what I'm going to wear the next day.

2. It is a little weird to keep a swimsuit at work. It never dries out.

3. Even though one of my kids has a physical disability, it is obvious that he is very, very fortunate to only have a physical disability.

4. There is something awesome about hearing people - adults with developmental disabilitles and their caregivers - have a karaoke showdown on a Friday afternoon. Tina Turner and Neil Diamond never sounded so good.

5. A paycheck is a good thing. (OK, I already knew that, but it's nice when I get one as a therapist rather than a school para!).

Have a wonderful weekend, friends.

Update, part deux.

2010-08-05T11:01:00.002-05:00

It's official, I can legally sign my name with "OTR/L" and will actually be doing so very frequently in the near future. I have been hired as an occupational therapist for a local private therapy company, working in their pediatrics clinic. I'm looking forward to working with kids (I will see some adults too) and having an actual professional career once again! I feel very lucky to have the chance to ease back into OT after all these years. Truly, 9+ years is a long time to be away and I'm pleased my new employer has the confidence and faith in my abilities. And the best part? I got to pick my schedule so I can still be there for my kids before and after school. That is huge.

So for now, I am enjoying the last few days of my summer vacation before the kids go back to school and I start work. Lots of swimming and book-reading seem to be in order...

Update.

2010-07-14T08:53:00.003-05:00

Summer is more than half over (really?), speeding by like a runaway train! I thought it would feel like a slower pace without travel or summer camps on the agenda, but in reality I think it seems to be going even faster than usual.

The first piece of this update is that yes, we still own two homes. We like to joke that we have a vacation home, or an "east" and a "west" property. Or better yet, a "his" and "hers." Any joking on the matter is actually an attempt to somehow deal with the stress of it all! We've been lucky to have an awesome agent, and traffic has been busy this week. We continue to pray for the day when it is sold, closed, and the check is in hand. Hopefully soon.

The other piece of the update is sort of on the job front. While I still have my job as a para at my kids' elementary school, I came to the conclusion earlier this spring that the time is right for me to pursue renewing my Occupational Therapy credentials. My goal was to have all of my continuing education done by July, and wouldn't you know it - I finished up my last course on June 30th! I now have my national certification renewed (NBCOT certification, meaning I can sign my name "Jenny Hofer, OTR" ... and my state license for Nebraska is going to be issued on August 2nd. With that in hand I'll be able to sign "OTR/L."

So what do updated credentials mean for me? It will give me the ability to legally practice as an Occupational Therapist in my state, and therefore any job opportunities in the field will be open to me. Don't get me wrong, I actually love my job at school. But I think God is pushing me to open my heart to new horizons, whatever they may be.

It's scary being in a continual state of flux. My baby went off to kindergarten last year, we built a new home, I started a new job, we moved, we sold our house, now we're selling it again, and in the middle of it all I'm feeling like God has bigger plans for me that I just can't quite see yet. I'm not sure I remember what life was like when it was simple and predictable! So I wait, trying to learn my lesson in patience, and I trust God, knowing that His plan for my life was decided long, long ago.

7.10.10

2010-07-10T19:12:00.002-05:00

they asked me if they could keep borrowing paper bags...how could i tell them no?

Puppy love.

2010-07-08T12:07:00.003-05:00

A new puppy (well, dog, she's 2) is here.
Her name is Daisy.
She is all white, weighs 5 pounds.
Pure love.
And puppy kisses.
A Havanese, so she won't shed.
No barking.
No chewing.
Her favorite place? A warm lap.
Favorite person? Me.
The kids are over the moon, and so are we.
Can you blame us?

6.24.10

2010-06-24T17:42:00.001-05:00

funny, legos gain new life when you move them to a different room

6.21.10

2010-06-21T21:51:00.004-05:00

late evening reading time has become a favorite for all of the girls in this house. yes, i love that they love these books too.

6.20.10

2010-06-20T17:44:00.004-05:00

father's day. a challenge to be more gentle. rain. afternoon visits. a peek of sunshine. us open. pizza. a good day for the dads around here.

6.17.10

2010-06-17T20:34:00.002-05:00

all she wanted was a bike for her birthday. can you tell what her favorite color is?

This crazy life.

2010-06-17T16:21:00.003-05:00

To quote Reed's favorite movie,

Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get.

Pretty much sums up life these days.

We sold our house 3 months ago. The new house was built, and we moved in. Now, in mid-June, the sale has fallen through and we are back to square one in the sales process. Frustrating? Yes. Bitterness? Yes. Could life be worse? A resounding, Yes.

So, it's our challenge this summer to live life more simply...lots of books, lots of swimming, eating dinners on the deck, growing a garden, trying to find joy in the everyday. For today it's enjoying Lauren's birthday with presents, cake, and celebrating the fact that we are here, we are healthy, and we love each other very much.

Makes me smile.

2010-02-28T20:56:00.003-06:00

My stress level has been sky-high lately...what with still getting in the groove of working full time, keeping up on the endless house showings, and tracking the multitudes of details that are still coming together on the new house. I actually cracked from the pressure this week. Not a pretty sight for sure.

Anyway, I'm all about finding little things to make the day a bit brighter. A couple of weeks ago we were at Target, wasting time in the books and magazines area as we waited for our showing to be over. I saw this magazine cover and it put a smile on my face. Even better was the picture of Leo ironing. I showed it to Kirk, and asked him why he doesn't look like that when he irons. He just scowled.

Is it just me, or does he seem to be aging nicely? :)

The long winter.

2010-02-15T10:10:00.002-06:00

OK, so I maybe lied on that last post. Keeping iCraft open this last month or so proved too taxing to my already stressed mind, so I closed shop for awhile. It's just been a lot lately, what with working, keeping on top of new house details, (still) trying to sell our current house, and the never-ending piles of laundry, dishes, etc.

Added to all of that, of course, has been this dreadful, dreary winter.

If you're from around these parts, you know what I'm talking about! The cold, the snow, the blizzards, the mini-thaws followed by more and more and more snow. Temperatures that are lower than in Greenland (yes, my friends, that is correct!); friends carrying groceries and supplies in on foot to other friends who are literally stranded in their own neighborhoods; other friends who break down in tears every time they attempt (and fail) to climb their own icy street; kids who cry at the mention of snow days and who announce daily, "I'm sick of winter." No kidding, we're all sick of it.

To cheer myself up I continue to turn to one of my favorite blogs, Little Brown Pen, and gaze at her lovely Parisian photos. I have even dreamed of Paris the past couple of nights, wishing I could go back, wander around, and soak up all of that awesomeness. Better that than dreaming of snow, right?

Times, they are a-changin'...

2010-01-12T20:41:00.003-06:00

Obviously, life has been pretty different around here these last few days. Quiet and lonely for sure. We miss our puppy! And yet, in spite of the pang of that loss, we are thankful that she didn't suffer long (an hour, maybe?). The vet seemed to think she had a massive stroke, which is how she went from being a happy-go-lucky dog one minute (begging for attention and food!) and the next minute so badly ill. We're okay, just still sad that she is gone.

How else has life changed around this house in the last 72 hours? Well, the kids started their new school and I started a new job yesterday. The bonus for me is that the job is at their school, so I can drive them, go in to work, see them (occasionally) during the day, and leave together in the afternoon. No before/after-school care, no coordination of drop-off and pick-up, etc. As a former Occupational Therapist I have known for awhile that I would not want to work in a hospital again. The school setting is more my thing, so for now I can get back into the swing of working (after a 9.5 year hiatus) in the setting I prefer. Will I go back to OT? Maybe. I know that for now, I am where I am supposed to be!

The kids have loved their first two days of school. New friends, new teachers, new routines...they are soaking it all up and thankfully are excited for more. It has been such a blessing to check in with their teachers periodically during the day to ease the transition further! Truly, that is an answered prayer.

So, despite the home-front atmosphere changes, I am planning to continue operating iCraft on the side. Fabric sales only for now, I think. The only minor changes in operation will be that I will only be able to answer convo's (Etsy messaging/email) after 4:00 pm central time, and that international orders will be mailed on Wednesday and Saturdays only. So please continue to shop, I love the business and your awesome feedback!

Goodbye, sweet friend.

2010-01-10T21:27:00.002-06:00

Today, we are sad. We said goodbye to our sweet Lucy last night, quite unexpectedly. She was such a good dog. We only hope that now she is enjoying her just rewards in heaven with lots of attention, pats on the head, and the comfiest pillow imaginable.

Today.

2009-12-13T21:39:00.002-06:00

slept in
went to church
took the youngest shopping, then proceeded to whack her in the head with the cart (oops)
made fudge (with a secret ingredient! if you're my friend on facebook, you may know what it is!)
ate fudge
watched some 30 Rock episodes on Netflix
dozed on the couch
had a spur-of-the-moment showing on the house
drove through the misty evening (while the house was being shown)
bought a Christmas gift at Starbucks
had a cocktail
made dinner
ate some more fudge

realizing that, today, life is pretty good

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-26T07:43:00.003-06:00

Today I am humbled by the many, many things I have to be thankful for. It can be easy to remember the big things in life, but how often do we really ponder our basic needs and how lucky we are to have them?

Today, I am thankful for the simple and quietly normal life I lead.
I have a solid house that is comfortable and safe.
I can turn the heat up when it gets cold.
I can go to the grocery store and pay for a cart of groceries any time I want.
I am not hungry.
I have a reliable car.
I can pay for gas in the same way I pay for my groceries.
I have wool socks on my feet.
I have a bin full of hats and scarves and gloves.
I have a husband who loves me.
I have three children who love me, too.
We are all healthy.
My husband has a good job.
I have wonderful friends.
I live in a free country.

I could go on. I am blessed to live this life, and sometimes I question why I am allowed to enjoy a simple and comfortable life when others cannot. I guess instead of questioning why, I will instead simply trust God in His plan for my life and continue to be thankful every day!

Coming along.

2009-11-18T16:46:00.007-06:00

The new house is coming along, as you can see! Of course I continue to operate iCraft, though I admit that my "job" recently has been to oversee the hundreds (thousands?) of details that will go into making this board and concrete and Tyvek-wrapped creation a home. Daunting? Yes. But fun too!

Also getting geared up for another craft show the Saturday after Thanksgiving. If you're in the Omaha area that day, stop by Millard South High School (I'll be in the gym) for some Christmas shopping!

Unrelated, I am hosting Thanksgiving for the second year in a row! The only thing I don't like to do is clean the turkey and cook the innards for gravy. Blech. However, I plan to do like I did last year and cook my potatoes the night before, then put them in the crockpot on Thanksgiving day. Super-great time saver! Because really, who wants to stand over a pot of boiling potatoes when they can be watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade?

Halloween costumes (part 2 and 3).

2009-11-05T21:06:00.005-06:00

So I know it's like a week after the fact, but please bear with me as I have been battling a cold and lost my voice for several days. Even now, you'd think I smoked a pack a day for the last 10 years judging by the gravelly, Kathleen Turner-ish quality of my voice! (For the record, I don't smoke!)

Halloween was a huge success around here and since I shared Lauren's costume I am compelled to share the other two. Earlier this fall I convinced Grace that she should be a witch for Halloween. As a preschooler, I wore the same witch's costume for probably three years running, so I was thinking it would be nice if at least one of my daughters followed suit! She agreed, and we put together an outfit consisting of a black and purple tutu (handmade), sparkly witch's broom, and hat. We also figured a black and purple witch-themed Halloween t-shirt and a pair of black leggings would be good to round out everything (thanks, Target, for the broom, hat, and tee!). Here she is in the Halloween parade at school - totally crummy photo but it's the best one with the whole ensemble:

I must note that she wasn't thrilled with the witch thing after all. I think there were a few too many in her class, and she ended up pleading with me to let her wear fairy wings with it for trick-or-treating, to be a "Butterfly Witch." Luckily she sort of forgot that request by the time they were running out the door, so I didn't have to track down the wings after all. Whew!

And the other costume? Well, that involved quite the decision-making process for Reed (the boy who has a tough time getting excited about any Halloween costume)...and as you can see, he decided upon being abducted by an alien. We expect him home any day.

Seriously, this costume was work. But it was worth it, even though he didn't care for the scores of moms who took his picture at school because they liked the costume and wanted to save the idea for next year. He told me, "Mom, that must be what it feels like to be a celebrity, with the paparazzi taking your picture all the time." I know he secretly enjoyed the attention and he was pleased that so many people were visibly taken aback by the illusion of the costume. If you want the skinny on how to accomplish this look, go to Family Fun and take a gander at the instructions. I will warn you - it involves paper mache, paint, and lots of safety pins.

I have to admit that I am glad Halloween is over. I enjoy the event itself, just not all of the hoopla that leads up to it! I guess I'm a traditionalist and I want to properly enjoy each holiday in its own time! Which means I am looking forward to Thanksgiving, and will not put up any Christmasy thing until at least the day after Thanksgiving. Call me old-fashioned...

Halloween costumes (part 1).

2009-10-28T10:02:00.003-05:00

The first of 3 costumes this year is done, thank you very much! With two days to spare before the class Halloween parties! I have to say I am pleased this year that all of my kids decided (well, more like agreed) to have at least a portion of their costume handmade. I am a big fan of pulling together a costume with what you have, not so much by going out and buying a prepackaged get-up. Don't get me wrong...we've had plenty of those (Thomas the Train, Mr. Incredible, Minnie Mouse, Superman, The Cat in the Hat, I could go on...). The prepackaged ones were actually great when they were littler - easy to put on, the effect was instantaneous, and it was, well, easy. Not everything can be easy with 3 kids all just 2 years apart.

Anyway, this year we came up with some good ideas I think. Lauren is going to be a zookeeper, which fits well with her love of animals and her current second-grade ambition to become a zookeeper someday. The costume was SIMPLE! I spent a grand total of $2.50 at Goodwill for a khaki shirt (which is corduroy, luckily she didn't care) and a greenish-khaki bucket hat. She has a laminated name tag from a zoo camp she did this summer, and plans to carry her favorite stuffed tiger, "Cubby."

The final piece of the costume? She requested patches for the shirt. Hmmm. I considered going to the zoo and looking in the gift shop, but at the last minute had a brainstorm to see if I could make patches myself. Here's what I did:

Got online and found images of several logos for our local zoo. I then copied them over to a blank document in Publisher, and included a khaki-colored box behind the image (my first attempt didn't include the box, but then the "patches" ended up being too white). I printed the images onto "inkjet fabric sheets" (purchased at Joann's awhile ago, so I had these on hand), then followed the instructions to make the ink colorfast. Next I sewed each image onto a piece of fusible interfacing, then trimmed and ironed onto the shirt. The final touch - a tight zigzag stitch around all edges to firmly attach to the shirt. I think they turned out well, and I know my little zookeeper will love the extra detail!

The great thing about these patches is that you could adapt this to a lot of different costumes. Flags or NASA images for an astronaut comes to mind, or anything that needs a logo to look more "official." If the inkjet fabric is too complicated, you could easily print it out on paper and run it through a sticker machine to adhere to the costume...you could even sew paper or cardstock onto the costume. Just remember that if you use a logo, it truly has to be for personal use - not for anything you'd consider reselling!

OK, one down, two to go...

More minky to share.

2009-10-24T17:44:00.002-05:00

Kudos to Chelsey Brakke from Itzy Bitzy Baby for creating this gorgeous Minky blanket! I love the addition of the loops along the edge...so fun for a baby to play with! And I am seriously loving the argyle print with the lovely chocolate brown. It's a little known fact that I am a sucker for argyle! Check out her shop, she has lots of goodies for babies including more of the minky "loveys," headbands, bows, and super-cute leggings. Thanks for the photos, Chelsey, you did a fantastic job!

The big dig.

2009-10-15T10:43:00.001-05:00

Construction has begun. Hooray!

Minky blanket.

2009-10-15T10:34:00.004-05:00

Check it out, Tamara in Kansas City made this gorgeous Minky blanket for her niece! Excellent job, what a lucky girl to receive this!

As I've said before, I would LOVE for you to send me photos of your creations, either from a tutorial or from fabric you've purchased from me. I'll post the photos and link to your blog or shop as well!

I'm pleased that so many of you have found my tutorial helpful. I have a few other tutorials in mind, including a zippered pouch, a simple tote bag, and an easy strap for a bag. What do you think, which would you like to see first?

Work.

2009-10-12T08:36:00.004-05:00

I remind myself that I am lucky. I sit here in my pajamas, coffee by my side, snow outside the window (again, sigh), while conversing through my laptop with a woman in Ukraine about a fabric order. Later I will cut and package an order to be sent to France, another to go to Singapore. Am I really a worldly woman of international business? Or just a gal in pj's with some fabric to sell?

I love this little business of mine. Yet, with all three kids at school and a college degree sitting dormant, there is a part of me that is feeling left behind. I've been looking into re-entering the official work force and truthfully, it scares me! I have been home for almost 10 years! I feel like a 34 year-old dinosaur with very few qualifications. I can make a mean PB&J, and I can predict how high a fever is quite accurately with just a kiss to the forehead...but I don't think those skills will translate well to a resume.

I am lucky. I know this. I don't have to find a job today, and I can be picky in regards to what I want to pursue. And in the meantime I can sell some fabric, all from the comfort of my pj's.

For real?

2009-10-10T12:09:00.001-05:00

Last time I checked, it was still October...but it looks like December decided to make a surprise visit in the night!

Coffee break.

2009-10-09T11:09:00.003-05:00

i brought the Starbucks, he gave me a tour of the remodeled bathroom. then, we talked houses and jobs. love spending time with my dad.

Good Folks quilt.

2009-09-30T08:46:00.004-05:00

My iCraft fabric shop on Etsy has been on vacation lately, have you noticed? With everything going on with the house, and with the sewing flurry for the upcoming show, it just made sense. I am a terrible multitasker (if you don't believe me, ask my kids!) and I do SO much better when I can focus on one thing at a time. Hence putting iCraft on vacation.

But while I have been away it is evident that great things are coming from the pretty textiles I sell. Take a look at the gorgeous quilt made by Linda Hall, using blues and greens from Anna Maria's Good Folks collection. Such talent!

House, craft show, and other random things.

2009-09-28T21:18:00.004-05:00

House - So, if it wasn't official before it certainly is now - we are building a house and selling our current one! We own the lot (see previous post photo), the construction will begin soon-ish, and the For Sale sign is up in our yard. Now that the house is perfectly clean (as in, dusting-with-a-toothbrush-clean), it hasn't been too bad trying to keep things tidy for open houses, etc. It does beg the question of why I don't just keep things this clean on a regular basis? Hmmm. Guess it's not really in my nature.

Craft show - If you're an Omaha local, come visit me this Saturday at the Millard West Fall Craft Show from 9 to 4! I'm knee-deep this week frantically trying to get things in order, making sure I have enough of everything, and trying to remember how I had it organized in the spring. I admit I am most looking forward to spending the entire day with my mom again - she was an awesome help last spring! And so rare for us to spend that much time together at once.

Other random things - Read this book last week and LOVED it. Couldn't put it down. Haven't seen the movie, and frankly can't imagine it being as good as the book (are they ever?) I'm still thinking about it days later and wishing I had another good one in its place! Secondly, I love, love, love this YouTube video...this kid is amazing! I will admit that it took me a good minute (or two, or three) before I realized it was the same person, edited together to look like an a cappella group. Duh. Also, despite my aversion to all things Rachael Ray, I have watched a few episodes of 30 Minute Meals while eating lunch lately. I am planning to make this and this soon. The true test will be if a) I actually make it, and b) it really takes 30 or so minutes. I may continue to watch more episodes, but I will likely press "mute" when she starts going off on "EVOO."

Does this make it official?

2009-09-05T20:11:00.003-05:00

The sign says it all, as it sits on a nice stretch of land that will be ours very soon. Yes, that's right, house construction is in the works! More to come soon!

Keeping busy.

2009-09-04T15:45:00.005-05:00

Blogging has gone by the wayside lately as I have been finding a new pattern for my days. My quiet days, ahem. Between work and continuing household projects I'm frankly amazed how fast the days go! I'm also equally amazed at how much I can get done between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm. Seriously, amazing.

Anyway, lots has been happening around here. I finally finished the huge project of the week which was painting Reed's room. It had awesome navy blue walls - really dark, but really cool for a boy. However in light of trying to sell the house, we knew it was time to brighten the room back up! So, one coat of primer and one coat of incredible paint (who knew I could cover that blue in such a little amount of primer/paint?), and it's done. And looks awesome. Can you see me patting myself on the back?

With that done, I'm now moving on to iCraft central and trying to declutter my fabric scraps. What I really should do is package them up by type and sell scrap bags. Would this interest anyone out there? Because as you can see, there is a LOT of excess laying around!

a happy little stack of Denyse Schmidt fabrics

and some Echino I forgot about...

and my mannequin, who is double-bagging it for the time being

Paris.

2009-08-21T15:44:00.004-05:00

This slideshow is making me happy. Oh, how I would love to buy a couple of plane tickets right now! When we were there 10 years ago we saw many of these sights, but not all. I have been loving all things French, particularly all things Paris lately. For a wonderful glimpse at real-life, on-the-street Paris, check out Nichole's blog, Little Brown Pen. And don't forget to look at her "More Posts from our time in Paris" link.

New Alexander Henry.

2009-08-19T14:04:00.006-05:00

Boule in Multi

Petite Boule in Multi

Petite Boule in Amethyst

I have had a lot of questions about these new fabrics, and realized I haven't featured them yet on the blog! They are new Alexander Henry prints - "Boule" features large circles (6") and "Petite Boule" features smaller circles (1"). Artsy, modern, and certainly colorful. Enjoy!

A creative outing.

2009-08-18T20:34:00.004-05:00

I have to admit, I am digging this being home by myself business. The quiet is, well, quiet. I can think. I can eat lunch while reading a book. I can work on iCraft or Jenny Hofer Designs (which re-opened today!) or I can continue to plug away at household projects. Weeds sprayed? Check! Rose bush planted? Check! Kids books organized by size and genre? Check, check, and double check!

Yet I still have the need to get out of the house on a daily basis. I mean, the dog is great and all but she doesn't exactly hold up her end of the conversation! My sanity definitely involves getting out. However, when there are no particular errands to be run I am stuck thinking, "I want to get out. But what do I go do?"

Today, I got out and did some product photography, kind of on a whim. I went to a local arboretum with a handful of tote bags, searching for the perfect place to get some good shots. I felt a little self-conscious when the landscaping crews kept driving back and forth around me, but maybe they're used to seeing women carting around colorful bags and propping them up on trees! Anyway, it was fun. Getting out of the home element of my studio space and racks of fabric is a perfect way to feed my creative spirit.

Here are a few of my favorite shots. Of course I couldn't resist the landscaping either!

A new chapter.

2009-08-12T20:15:00.004-05:00

My baby went off to kindergarten today. I must admit, I have actually been quite excited to get to this point, particularly last year when the afternoons got long and my mothering fuse was short. So many times Grace and I would sit on the front steps, waiting for the bus to go by, and I would tell her, "What am I going to do next year when YOU are on that bus, too?"

Well, today was that day, and I was sitting out front all alone.

I do harbor a piece of myself that has been increasingly sad over the last few days. Not so much for Grace to actually be in kindergarten, but moreso for myself and acknowledging the passage of time. To think that my days with babies are over. There will be no more nap times, or preschool programs, or playgroups. I am done with babies and toddlers and preschoolers and yes, a part of me is mourning the idea of saying goodbye to that time in my life.

Yet, with this sense of sadness comes excitement at the idea of change. What will happen in our lives during this next chapter? What lies just over the horizon? How will we grow, and change as a family? How will God help us lead our family through the new waters before us?

So much to think about.

Alexander Henry.

2009-07-18T12:52:00.003-05:00

Camden Fair

Camden Chain

Avedon

Finally, some Alexander Henry to brighten the day. These are so, so lovely! More AH to come later this summer, but for now, enjoy!

Summer hiatus.

2009-07-05T21:42:00.003-05:00

Life moves at a pretty decent clip, and we are doing our best to capture the magical moments.

Hope you're having a wonderful summer!

Clutter busting.

2009-06-06T17:57:00.003-05:00

When we bought our current house, we were impressed by the large amount of storage - a plethora of walk-in closets, a wall of cupboards in the laundry room, and two storage rooms. Sounds great, right? It has been, for the most part, until now when we contemplate selling this and moving to a new house. Because, friends, all of that storage space means that lots has been stored in there. A lot! Some stuff even made a lateral move from our old house, from one dark corner to a dark cupboard, never to be seen again. And now we have started the process of clearing the clutter, trying to make everything appear spacious and new-buyer-worthy.
Some things go straight to the trash, a lot of stuff goes to Goodwill, and a few things have been going to a "Will-we-or-won't-we-keep-it" halfway house set up in our bedroom (the closets are getting cleaned, but that room is a mess!). As I go through the mountains of stuff, I am occasionally sad - like when I found the sweet bug pj's that Reed wore when he was one. Or the tiny gray wool clogs the girls wore when they were two. Yet other things, like the random tapes (yes, I said tapes, not CD's) I had in junior high were easy to toss. (Question - why do I even still have those?) I'm not generally a pack rat or overly sentimental about our things; I guess having lots of storage just means you're never really forced to decide what is truly important to keep, and what things have served their purpose and need to move on to a new home!

p.s. That photo above? That's stuff to go to Goodwill, from Lauren and Grace's closet, plus the laundry room cupboards.

Loving this.

2009-06-05T17:28:00.003-05:00

I have kids who drink water - and lots of it - and enjoy having it on the go (or sitting next to them while they watch tv). We had a few cheapy water bottles from Target but after a year they were chewed up and leaked horribly. I decided to spend a little more and get a better quality product this year, ending up at Scheels to make my purchase. I bought this - the CamelBak Better Bottle - and got it in 3 colors (each of our kids is assigned a color - avoids fights!). They have been great! The blue part of the straw is one you actually have to bite on to be able to suck water through. Thus, no backwash. For a family with kids known for a nasty backwash, this is a huge bonus! Now mom or dad can share water with a child and NOT say, "ewww, gross." I paid $12 a piece, but I see online they're cheaper. No leaks, BPA free, and the straw stays nice since it's meant to be bitten.

Lucky 13.

2009-06-01T20:56:00.003-05:00

It was a good day today. Trip to the bookstore, a new library card, some painting supplies from the craft store, a haircut and color, fudgesicles with Grandma, an impromptu playdate for the boy. Later, a family dinner of pizza followed by strawberry wedding cake. The latter in honor of our anniversary, number 13. Funny, they've all felt pretty lucky.

Summer is here.

2009-05-25T09:23:00.001-05:00

A view of my world for the next three months or so. When I'm not cutting fabric, that is.

Rainbow.

2009-05-22T18:11:00.002-05:00

Have a happy, rainbow-filled weekend!

New.

2009-05-21T19:29:00.007-05:00

Anna Maria's Good Folks, as promised. Much, much prettier in person than any image found online! Whole yards to be listed tonight, with full yard and half yard sets likely posted tomorrow. Enjoy!

Boy art.

2009-05-21T11:05:00.003-05:00

This morning I was going through Reed's gifts and cards and took a moment to actually read the ones from his friends. Both were handmade (love that) - and yet one featured a gun, the other featured a flame-thrower! Leave it to a boy to draw a flame-thrower (and label it as such) on a birthday card. If it had been for Lauren or Grace (and had been drawn by a girl), it certainly would have featured a rainbow, a heart, or two smiling girls holding hands!

Slumber party.

2009-05-19T17:35:00.003-05:00

The night before Reed's birthday was devoted to a slumber party. Small-ish (2 friends + Reed) but fun nevertheless! He was SO excited, as were the other boys - they spent the week prior figuring out what movie to watch, which video games to play, etc. Besides, how can you go wrong with pizza, cake, presents, a sun-filled evening, and no time limits on gaming? They finally hit the sack about midnight, and promptly awoke at 5:00 am to resume the gaming (thankfully, they were in the basement). Reed came into our room at 5:30 am to report on something (I forget what) and we both said, "Happy birthday, buddy, but get the heck out of here!" He was totally exhausted for the rest of his birthday, but certainly perked up for more presents and cake later!
That's some major air after jumping off the swing!
Me: What kind of cake do you want? Him: I want it from Target. And with Wolverine on top. Or Star Trek. Me: (after calling Target) sorry, buddy, I had to do a military cake. Him: Cool!
A new nerf gun. This one has "bullets" that stick to glass, so they were getting shot at the fireplace all afternoon. Then, to check out if they were really glow-in-the-dark, he took the gear into the bathroom, turned off the lights, and proceeded to fire them all onto the mirror.

p.s. How can I be old enough to have a nine year-old?

May 16th.

2009-05-16T14:55:00.003-05:00

10 years ago, on this day, I was here:

It was every bit as amazing as you might imagine. We stood on the deck and looked out over Paris, with nothing pressing on the agenda other than "where do we go from here?"

9 years ago, on this day, I was here:

My first baby. At 11:11 am Reed made his way into this world and our lives were completely and amazingly changed. We love this guy and it has been a privilege to watch him grow up, to share our lives with him and to help prepare him to find his own way in the world someday.

7 years ago, on this day, we mourned:

Kirk's mom, Barb, passed away suddenly on Reed's 2nd birthday. She was his biggest fan and unfortunately never met her granddaughters Lauren and Grace. She was a wonderful woman who was incredibly proud of her two sons. She loved to cook. She could crochet and knit with the best of them. She always had her nails painted. We know she is our guardian angel, and we miss her dearly. Not a day goes by that we don't think of her.

One date on the calendar, May 16th. Much like one might describe a "loaded word," May 16th is like that for us with so many memories and bittersweet emotions attached. On this day we remember the love and laughter of one of our moms; we remember the excitement and overwhelming love that surged from us as we entered into parenthood; and, we remember the sunny day when we stood on top of the Eiffel Tower, looking out over Paris, and our whole future stretched before us.

Finally.

2009-05-14T17:39:00.003-05:00

It has been a long wait, but the UPS man finally came through for me. I was so, so pleased to track my Michael Miller shipment this morning and found out it was out for delivery a day early! I ordered this stuff WEEKS ago, and I have been anxious to get some new pretties in the shop. Right now I have all of today's shipment listed in the shop (there are still 6 more to come, I think) - and later tonight I will be getting the full yard sets and half yard sets listed. Oh! And I finally ordered some Anna Maria Horner Good Folks today. Now I can be anxious for that shipment to come!

Goodbye, preschool.

2009-05-13T14:50:00.003-05:00

My baby has graduated from preschool. While I am excited for the next year, the adventure of kindergarten and having all of my kids in elementary school, I am sad as well. How did the time fly as it did? She was an infant just yesterday, I swear. I nursed her and sang to her and pushed her in the stroller, and somewhere along the way she grew tall and learned to sing her own songs back to me. Today was her last day of preschool, and I am sad.

Her teachers sent this letter home today, and I count them in my blessings and realize how fortunate we have been to have a wonderful preschool with teachers that have loved each of our kids - almost as much as we love them. Here is what the letter said:

Dear Parents,

We give you back your child, the same child you entrusted to our care last fall. We give her back pounds heavier, inches taller, months wiser, more responsible and more mature than she was then.

Although she would have attained this in spite of us, it has been our happy privilege to watch her personality unfold day by day and marvel at each new achievement, each new success, each new expansion of self. We give her back reluctantly; for having spent nine months together in the classroom, we have grown close, have become a part of each other and shall always retain a little part of each other.

We have lived, loved, laughed, played, studied, learned and enriched our lives together this year. We wish it could go on indefinitely, but give her back we must. Take care of her for she is precious and only one of a kind. Remember that we shall always be interested in your child and her destiny, wherever she goes, whatever she does, whoever she becomes. Her joys and sorrows we will be happy to share.

Please call on us if there is anything further we can ever do for her.

Her Preschool Teachers,
Mrs. W and Mrs. J

I know this sadness is fleeting, like a torch being passed from more experienced mothers, to me, now to others with littler ones than mine. I will always treasure the years when preschool was part of our lives, looking back on them with fondness and remembering the sweet pattern of days.

Mother's Day.

2009-05-11T12:22:00.004-05:00

Did you (or your mom) have a nice Mother's Day?

I did, despite the rocky start. Funny how a simple thing like changing what time you go to church can thoroughly mess up the internal happiness quotient in 2 out of 3 kids. Let's just say that by the time we got to church, I was more than happy to have them go to Sunday school! And then I promptly felt guilty for wanting to ship them off after watching a Mother's Day video which made every single mom in church (myself included) weepy and grabbing for the kleenex. The kids were at least back on an even emotional keel after church and managed to stay delightful through a lovely brunch with my parents. My mom is the best and I love her to pieces!

At this point of the day it was only noon, so we then all headed out to look at a few model homes. Kirk and I are in the beginning stages of planning to sell our house and likely build another...there is so much to consider it can really get my brain spinning! Fortunately, the kids have loved visiting models and enjoy picking out which room they would have. I like the fact that there is generally nothing breakable for them to encounter! Since no one lives in the house, there is no feeling like you're intruding on someone else's space. Anyway, it was fun but by early afternoon I was wiped out!

I did get some great presents - tissue paper flowers from Grace, an artwork plate from Lauren (and a card that she made which read, "You've won 2 million dollers!!!!!!!!) and Reed gave me some original poetry. This is what it said:

J ust plain kind
E tsy addict
N ecessarily nice
N ervous when I get lost
Y oung always

I like the "young always" part! Tell me, how was your special day?

The compost bin.

2009-05-06T14:47:00.003-05:00

A few weeks ago, I mentioned that I had purchased a compost bin for our family. I got a lot of flak from Kirk, thinking I had wasted a ton of money and reminding me I would have to twist his arm (and the arms of 3 children) to actually make use of the thing. Well, it's been up and running for over a week so I am here to report on it's initial use.

Firstly, why get a compost bin? I started researching them after my cousin got one and decided we could try it out, too. The question of 'can we really turn our garbage back into dirt?' is intriguing! I decided on getting a tumbler bin and ended up purchasing The Envirocycle. It is smaller, less expensive (although not cheap by any means...the price I pay for experimentation) and simple enough that the kids can easily help as we go.

So, The Envirocycle. It comes assembled and you literally lift it straight out of the box and plunk in down in your yard. It has two parts - the drum which is where you dump the garbage, and a base that has wheels on which the drum rotates. The base also is an empty vessel that collects "compost tea" - basically the liquid that drains off and is a natural liquid fertilizer.

My method so far - I have been collecting kitchen scraps (fruits/veggies, coffee grounds + filters, egg shells, and other food waste but NOT meat or dairy) and I place them in a bowl on the counter. I then cover the bowl with a plate to keep garbage out of site. There is no smell (I empty the bowl daily), and yet I will probably not do this long term. You can buy crocks and various containers (prettier than a bowl and plate) that are made for this job, but even they are kinda pricey. Another alternative (and what I plan to try next) is to keep a container in the freezer and empty it when it's full. Supposedly the freezer helps the waste start to break down a little before it even enters the compost bin.

The other stuff that can be composted is virtually any non-glossy paper (shredded is best), cardboard boxes, paper napkins, used kleenex (gross, but true!) and even drier lint. Of course yard waste is also compostable, from grass clippings to leaves. Best to leave out weeds and sticks, unless the sticks/wood are chipped.

The downside to the bin? It's small, so we will not be able to compost all of our grass clippings (we get 2 full trash cans a week in the summer) and once it's 3/4 full, we will have to stop adding more and keep it turning for a few weeks (months?) until it is all turned into compost.

But the upside? It's a great learning tool for the kids. We have frequent conversations about what can be turned into dirt, what can be recycled, and what happens to the regular trash. It is also helping me become mindful of what I used to blindly throw away (or down the disposal) and how it's really not hard to separate a few things here and there. We do that anyway by recycling, so this is just taking it one small step further.

Will we get compost? I hope so. I will keep you informed of our progress as the season progresses!

Captured.

2009-05-05T14:23:00.002-05:00

Note to self: bring the camera more often, because you just never know when the light of heaven will shine down on your path.

A-line skirt.

2009-05-03T09:56:00.002-05:00

About a month ago I was inspired to make myself a new spring skirt from Amy Butler's fab Optic Blossom. Naturally, the weather has been chilly enough that I haven't been able to wear it until today. It's a simple A-line, made from no particular pattern - I literally traced the lines of my favorite skirt onto the fabric and cut. This book helped too, I highly recommend it. It has a zipper on the side (had to put that in twice, guess that's good practice right?) and a narrow bias tape waist band. Super simple.

Hello, Sunday morning shadow.

And those toes? Those are happy toes. Welcome back spring, these toes have missed you!

May 2nd.

2009-05-02T15:33:00.004-05:00

Seventeen years ago, a boy took a girl on a date. They went for pizza, then he took her home to meet his mom. A movie followed. At the end of the night he walked her to her door and asked permission to give her a kiss goodnight. She said, "Of course." Then, they bumped noses when they kissed. It was sweet and new, the beginning.

After that night, many things followed. A courtship, distance, a proposal, a wedding. They traveled and planned, gained a mortgage and then kids. Together they lost dear ones but gained perspective. And the common thread through all, more careworn and golden but still sweet and everchanging was love. Love for a life shared, for better or for worse, for each other and the family they created.

Thank you, Kirk, for that first kiss seventeen years ago. And yes, you may kiss me again. Love you.

Happy Earth Day!

2009-04-22T21:16:00.005-05:00

I was greeted at 7:15 this morning with a chipper "Happy Earth Day, Mom!" from Lauren before she was even out of bed. Later in the morning I was in her classroom teaching Junior Achievement and all of her fellow first-graders made sure to point out to me that "today is Earth Day!" (Side note...the lesson was about needs and wants, and when I told them we would be discussing two important words, someone said "I know - Earth and Day!" Um, no, but good try!)

So, many of you know that I recycle as much as possible and I make my own all-purpose cleaner. This is hardly a green-living household but we are making small efforts where we can. I have been researching compost bins and finally made a purchase today. I got the Envirocycle, which is a tumbler bin that also collects "compost tea" that one can use as a liquid fertilizer. It should arrive next week, so I will report more on the process then!
And finally, my kids have been anticipating Disney's "Earth" movie that came out today. I decided to take them to see it after school. It was great! It covered a large range of topics, from migration to global warming to season changes and even the simple life and death of animals. The cinematography was simply stunning and Reed, Lauren and I really enjoyed it. Grace, however, was more interested in sipping her lemonade and forcing me to take her to the potty. Twice. If you decide to go, it's probably best for the kindergarten and up crowd!

Tell me, did you do anything in honor of Earth Day today?

The shoe solution.

2009-04-21T14:29:00.004-05:00

About eight or so years ago, we had one child. He was pretty small. And he had one pair of shoes. Life was easy.

Then came another child, a daughter, and although she too was small, she had more shoes than the first.

And yet another child came into our world, another daughter, and the shoes seemed to multiply. There were tennis shoes, and sandals, and slippers, and flip flops, and more sandals, and then brown boots and snow boots and black boots. Don't even get me started on the crocs. Now, these didn't all belong to the third child, so we won't blame her, but we're pretty sure that the fact that she was a girl had something to do with the deluge of shoes.

Thus, a problem. Where to put them all?

Our house may have a lot of closet space, but there is no space devoted to the taking-off and storing of shoes. We have tried many solutions, from a simple shelf to an overly-complicated over-the-door shoe rack (which required jimmy-rigging from a super ugly, yellow nylon rope). I was nearly at my wit's end a month ago, when, thanks to the ever-changing weather we had every shoe in the house piled by the door, from flip flops to snow boots.

So with high hopes I decided it was time to try to solve the problem again. This time I bought a ClosetMaid Cubicals unit, 4 squares high by 2 squares wide. I also bought one cube container for each person, thinking that everybody could dump their shoes in their own bin, then slide the bin into place.

And you wanna know what?

It is awesome. Life changing. (I know, there might be a few single or childless people out there reading this snickering and thinking, 'life changing? C'mon, you're being dramatic. Shoe storage that works isn't life changing.') ... Fine, snicker if you must but know that someday you just might have shoes coming out of your ears and you will realize that it really is a big, big deal! I do have fantasies of the next house having something like this...but in the meantime, this will do just fine!p.s. Men's shoes, size 13, definitely do NOT fit into the cubes. But, they do stack neatly on top or in one of the 3 open sections!

Coming soon.

2009-04-20T10:43:00.003-05:00

New Michael Miller prints are on their way! I am hoping to get them in the next few days and will list them as soon as they come in. In the meantime, here is a sneak peek of just a few of them!

Old and new.

2009-04-14T09:58:00.000-05:00

a family party. she is old, he is new. both were perfectly content to be together, giving the most striking sense of love, of family, of the passage of time.

Let me feature you!

2009-04-07T14:50:00.004-05:00

The new fabric shop is doing well - thank you to everyone who has checked it out and even made a purchase or two! I am loving it, big time. I can't wait to continue adding more inventory, which is coming little by little.

Lately as I have been cutting lengths of fabric I keep wondering what cool projects you're all working on. Clothing? Bags? Quilts? I would LOVE to know what you're making with fabric you purchase from me, so I am asking you to send me your photos of completed projects (or even projects in the works!) and I will feature you and your photos here on my blog. If you have an Etsy shop, well, even better because I will link back to your store as well!

I hope I hear from some of you soon! I would really enjoy this being a regular blog feature. And, if it happens to grow I might do a Flickr group as well as a feature. So send me those photos, people, and let me know what yer makin'!

9 year-old musings.

2009-04-06T17:14:00.003-05:00

There are days that I have to stop and remind myself that Reed is almost 9 years old. How did that happen? Today was one of those days, yet it hit me from the "wow he's really growing up" aspect rather than "what happened to my baby?"

There were a couple of things that touched this off today. First, we were shopping at the mall - who knew shopping with Reed and Lauren, sans preschooler Grace - could be fun? We were in a kids clothing store and I was looking at a polo shirt. Brown, with stripes, etc. The conversation went thus:

Him: Mom, that shirt is sweet!
Me: What?
Him: I said it was sweet!
Me: You really like this?
Him: Yeah, it's cool.
Me: So, you want me to buy it?
Him: Yeah. (insert cool head-nod here)
Me: Um, OK, but since when did you start deciding which clothes were cool?

Then, awhile later (while looking for dress slacks for Kirk, I'm sure the kids were having a blast) Reed started another conversation;

Him: Mom, there's some 'Eagle' store that's supposed to be cool.
Me: American Eagle?
Him: Yeah, that's the one! It's cool.
Me: How do you know about American Eagle?
Him: My small group leader at church. He got a gift card to that store. Can I buy stuff there?
Me: No, it's for teens. And adults, trying to look like teens. I don't think anything would fit you yet.
Him: Well, when I'm big enough will you take me shopping there?"

Really, this is all huge because my boy generally could care less about what he looks like or what he's wearing (gray camo pants and a kelly green polo are right up his alley), so for him to suddenly be struck by clothing that's cool...well, I think my guy is growing up. A bit.

(Longest post ever, I know, but there's more!)

So then, at lunch, he completely cracked me up by doing a dead-on impersonation of Aunt Bethany from Christmas Vacation. It was totally out of the blue when he said, "Clark, is this the airport?" and I about snorted my tea out my nose. He has apparently memorized the whole Christmas dinner scene, complete with Uncle Louis screaming at Aunt Bethany about saying grace ("Grace? She died 30 years ago!") which then leads into Bethany saying "I pledge allegiance, to the flag, of the United States of America..." That movie makes me laugh, every time...I was just not quite prepared to have Reed appreciate some of the finer points as well!

And, finally, in the car on the way home from swimming lessons, he nonchalantly asked me, "Mom, is there such a thing as adult diapers?"

Oh, I am still chuckling over that one!

How much funny stuff will the next nine years bring me?

Cast on.

2009-04-04T17:38:00.001-05:00

My favorite needles, Number 10 bamboo, have been sadly empty this winter. I have wanted to start a new knitting project for ages and have gone into the yarn store hoping to hit paydirt - but I always end up leaving empty-handed. No solid inspiration and no specific project have called my name, thus no yarn has whispered "buy me!" when I have idled in front of it. So, it was with surprise and delight that I was contacted through Jenny Hofer Designs awhile ago by a client wanting a Victorian Neckwarmer. She knew which yarn she wanted and it turns out it could only be found in one shop located in the Pacific Northwest. It is beautiful stuff! A silk/merino blend that is so soft and is knitting up nicely. It won't take long to complete, but I have been happy to have a reason to cast on, especially with such a gorgeous fiber. And for a day like today (40's, windy, snow on the way) - well, knitting is a nice way to pass the time!

Thursday afternoon.

2009-04-02T15:46:00.000-05:00

a spring dress. over winter pants and shirt. with sister's shoes. sometimes galloping around with a pony on a stick, sometimes sitting quietly and trying to brush pony's hair. Yippee-yi-yay! she yells. and I just sit and wonder if the quiet will bother me next year.