Wednesday, April 5, 2017

Warning, Mama Down

Sadly, I woke Monday with an awful head cold. I am feeling a tiny bit better today, but still struggling to breathe and everything I eat gives me heartburn. As soon as I can sit up without my head pounding from the pressure, I should be able to get back to creating.

Many blessings this fine, (is it bed time yet,) night.--Kate

Sunday, April 2, 2017

A Down Town Hike

 
 
 
 
 We went on a really beautiful, but chilly and windy hike today downtown.

How was your Sunday?

Many blessings this fine, refreshing day.--Kate

Saturday, April 1, 2017

Another Dance Competition

Today my girl had another of her dance competition, this time in the next state over. It was a much smaller competition at a quite large venue. This was the third time they competed and they did amazing, earning lots of awards. Since we were farther from home and there were a lots of dances before the awards ceremony we were able to watch some of the other dances from her studio. It makes me glad we choose the school we did. The senior dancers are amazing, earning tons of top awards, and several of the choreographers also earned awards and accolades for their routines.

She still has two more competitions this season. I am excited to see how they do. Every competition they get better and better.

Many blessings this fine, boogieing  night.--Kate


Friday, March 31, 2017

Pretty Cool Little Town

One of the thing I really like about where I live is that it has a lot of fun opportunities for kids. Our local library has lots of learning and creating programs. One of the gymnastics studios is open to the public for two hours on Mondays and Fridays at a very reasonable price. There are fun and fabulous seasonal festivals and parades and the community center has some really awesome programs and classes. My oldest two just finished their first round of swim lessons there. Which I found to be well taught and reasonably sized and they truly loved, (and can not wait for more.)

As I mentioned previously, this week has been Spring Break. Which does not really mean much to a homeschooling family, except that there are definitely some places to avoid, if you do not like crowds. It also means that the community center really ups their game, with camps and extra programs for kids. This whole week they have been showing movies for free. Yesterday's movie was "Big Hero 6". A movie that we all love as a family and I thought they would enjoy on the big screen. They definitely did, even the baby, until he fell asleep. It was the perfect outing for a soggy day. All in all it has been a very nice "Spring Break."

Many blessings this fine, "Spring" night.--Kate

Wednesday, March 29, 2017

Two More Projects Done

As predicted I finished the shawl just in time for spring weather. With all the rain it is definitely still cool enough to use it though. As I said when I first posted this project, this pattern is from one of the knitting mystery series that I enjoy reading, Maggie Sefton's, Kelly Flynn Mysteries.This pattern is called Easy Triangle Shawl from "A Deadly Yarn."
 
I also finished Olivia's pajamas. Of course my girl is already planning what outfit she wants me to work on next.
Many blessings this fine, misty day.--Kate

The sweet boys are feeling a little better.

Tuesday, March 28, 2017

Ill Little Boys

We have had a few quiet days here because the boys have caught a gross tummy virus. This was the best week to get sick, since it is Spring Break and the calendar is open. Poor boys though. It is awful to feel so miserable and to have to miss out on playing and eating.
 
 
Wish us luck! Let's hope the girl stays well. She has another dance competition this weekend.

Many blessings this fine, fevered night.--Kate

Saturday, March 25, 2017

Olivia's Pajamas

One of the very first things we did when Olivia joined our family back in December, was go to the fabric store and find a pattern to make pajamas. Much to my daughter's frustration it has taken me a very long time to finally get around to making them.

Today, there was a women's craft day at church. Where you could either bring your own project or work on one of the projects they provided. Admittedly the projects there were super cute. A little herb planter made from a mason jar. Some spring themed projects like a little bird house, a garden sign and a floral felt coaster. As well as some Easter crafts, twine wrapped eggs, handmade Easter cards and a fabric cross. Though greatly tempted, I decided to work on the projects I brought, (much to the relief of my husband, I am sure.)

Though there was plenty of space for me to bring my sewing machine, I decided I would just work on cutting out the pattern at church and leave the sewing for home. Of course, even though I remembered my fabric, the scissors and even my marking chalk. I managed to forget the pins at home. It all worked out in the end and I did in fact get the pajama pieces cut out and ready for sewing.

Once home, I did get the pajama tops completed. My hope it that I will have the bottoms finished tomorrow and little Olivia with finally have some warm and cozy flannel pajamas for tomorrow night.

A huge thank you to Martha and Allison for hosting the craft day today. It was a lot of fun and a much needed (creative) time away from the kids.

Many blessings this fine, late night.--Kate

Friday, March 24, 2017

Sweet Brothers

The relationship between these two is so special. I hope that they will always be best friends.
Many blessings this fine, lovely night.--Kate

Wednesday, March 22, 2017

Easter Egg Planters

In our MOPS group we made cute little planters for succulents out of half of an Easter egg. It was a super simple project and a great way to bring some Spring into the house. Thankfully succulents seem to have a much higher tolerance to my poor gardening skills.

This project only requires a few items; Easter eggs, potting soil, and the succulents. Then a little piece of tile and hot glue to secure it. Finally you need your decorating supplies. Ribbon, lace, glitter, paint or Washi Tape to decorate the top edge, or what ever you would like to add your own personal touch.

The best part of this fun little project was that one of our Co-Coordinator's planned and purchased everything for this project so I was able to just be a regular participant.

Many blessings this fine, occasionally sunny Spring day.--Kate

Tuesday, March 21, 2017

Sunday's Adventures

We had a very full day on Sunday. We left the house at 9am and did not return until just after 8pm. Our day began with Sunday school and church. Then it was a quick stop at the theater to purchase our evening movie tickets before we headed out of town to meet up with Grammy at painting.

The paint project was hosted by Pinot's Palette, but they can not have painters under 21 in their building. So the painting event was in the gymnasium at the Girl Scout's building. It was a huge crowd, probably at least 50 people. The picture was an owl on a branch. It is always interesting to see how each person puts their own interpretation into the painting. I think my girl's turned out pretty great. Grammy was just there as the assistant this time. She was not sure if there would be other adults painting. There were probably as many adults painting as kids, so I would imagine that she will definitely be painting next time too.
While she was with Grammy, the boy (including their dad,) and I went out to lunch. Then all of the boys went to the Mobius Children's Museum and I went to pick up the girl. The children's museum is awesome and the boys stayed their until closing. They played the instruments, dug up some dinosaurs, tossed bean bags at targets, kicked some soccer balls, dressed up as firemen, played on the water table and pretended to be squirrels.
 
 

During all of their awesome activities, us girls headed back home to watch "Beauty and the Beast." We met our mom and daughter friends at the theater early, afraid that we might have to wait in long lines. Both girls got a little restless waiting for the previews to start. Everyone enjoyed the movie, maybe the moms more then the girls though. It is pretty much the animated version come to life. Which I loved, and my girl liked, but she did say "Mom, we have seen this before." The only thing is, if I was to watch it again, I would definitely do so in 3-D. The movie was visually stunning and of course the music was amazing. For anyone who loved the animated movie I highly recommend this one.

So that was our Sunday. Anyone else have any big plans?

Many blessings this fine, rainy, Spring night.--Kate

Monday, March 20, 2017

Fruit Kabobs

The girl was desperate to try another recipe from her birthday cookbook, "Cooking Class." Once again a breakfast recipe, fruit kabobs. These ones were made with banana, apples and mini oranges. It was another fun kid made breakfast, with dad acting as sous-chef. Thanks kids!
 
 
 Many blessings this fine night.--Kate

Sunday, March 19, 2017

Day Packed with Fun

Today has been 12 hours packed with activities, excitement and wonder. Church, painting with Grammy, Kid's museum, and Beauty and the Beast. I have tons of photos and memories to share, but I am also exhausted. So all will have to wait until tomorrow.

Many blessings this fine, filled day.--Kate

Saturday, March 18, 2017

Another Fun Sunday.

Almost exactly two years ago. We surprised the kids by taking them to see "Cinderella" at the theater. I figured my girl would be most excited about the "Frozen Fever" short at the beginning, but actually loved the whole experience. Her brother was probably a bit young and got quite restless before the end. Both were very well behaved and we took them to several more movies after that before their baby brother was born.

Well now, two years later, the new "Beauty and the Beast" is in theaters. This time the girl and I are going to go on a mommy-daughter double date with a dance buddy and mom who have both become good friends. This is only one of two activities my girl has on the calendar for tomorrow. She is also going to a painting event with Grammy. I am excited to share all the detail tomorrow.

Also the Sloths are done and will be hitting the road on Monday for their new home.
Many blessings this fine, misty afternoon.--Kate

Friday, March 17, 2017

Newest Restaurant in Town is Called "Red"

Thursday was a long, strange day, but it had the sweetest ending. My husband and I got to try out a new restaurant. It was not quite a date night as baby was at the table with us. The dining was casual, the seats were small, the menu was limited and the wait staff/owners were clearly trying their best, but could have used a bit more experience. At one point my husband had to go to the kitchen with them to wash a few plates and work the microwave. Boy were they cute though, and the effort was not missed by us. The menu was hand lettered and surprisingly easy to read. The decorations were hand crafted, and thankfully stayed put during the entire meal.

Though it was a bit rough around the edges, the entire meal was well thought out. There were complimentary chips and salsa waiting on our table when we arrived. The baby had toys to play with in his clever seat/corral and we had a nice selection of books and other reading material brought to our table while we waited for our meal. There were three entree options, spaghetti, pizza and sandwiches with a variety of vegetable sides and ice cream for dessert. We were offered "whatever was in the refrigerator" to drink, which actually boasted a fairly good selection. Once all the meals were warmed and brought to the table the wait staff/owners joined us for the meal, which gave it a really cozy "at home" feel. Sadly my husband and I did have to bus our own table and I did get roped into scooping the ice cream, but I can honestly say that it was one of my favorite meals. Hands down a wonderful evening, good food and charming company. I would highly recommend "Red" to anyone who loves their servers a bit short (and inexperienced), their meals to be leftovers and the intentions to be truly heartfelt.
 

 

Many blessings this fine, flavorful day.--Kate

One thing you must understand about my daughter, she spends much of her time dreaming up elegant events, moving musicals, touching theater and champion community celebrations. All of which "must" happen at the very last minute. In the last year alone, we have delivered Valentines to the block, had a lemonade/snack stand, had a Christmas concert (with Grammy and my sisters family), had a band concert, pulled all the dining room chairs together for a fashion show/dance performance, had a wedding for our two cats, (including outfits and photographers,) and so much more that I can not even remember right now. This girl keeps my life interesting.

Thursday, March 16, 2017

Sweet Siblings

I have been thinking a lot about siblings in the last two days.Thinking about how much I cherish and miss my siblings. My big brother who lives clear across the country in Boston, and who I have not seen since my little sisters wedding four and a half years ago. Though my sister lives much closer, I still do not see her as often as would be nice or talk with her as much as I should.

I spend much of my time marveling at the sibling relationship growing, changing and strengthening between my three kids. Sometimes in the small quiet moments when the oldest two are coloring pictures for one of their frequently planned event extravaganzas, or helping in bath with their baby brother. Sometimes in the loud moments when they're playing imagination games. My daughter nearly brought me to tears when she cheered her brother on for being brave enough to swim with his face in the water. Most nights the baby wanders up the stairs with the big kids as they are getting ready for bed. Just to be with them a little longer. Once they are securely tucked in he wanders back downstairs to start his own bedtime routine. These three are amazing and it is my strongest desire that they always find reasons and time to love and support each other.
The biggest reason siblings are on my mind though is because my mom's brother is dying. My sweet Uncle Butch. A man I had the privilege to get to know better during my college days. Who rejoiced when learning I was going to marry and gave my soon to be husband a hard time about being sure to treat me right. He and my Aunt Sheila always opened their home to us when we where traveling and visiting in the area. He delighted in each of my three babies and they still welcomed our growing, rowdy, noisy family into their home. He has meant the world to me, so I can not even imagine how my mother feels.
My mom is the only girl with three brothers. Sadly this is not the first brother they have lost. Thirty years ago this fall, their middle brother passed. My grandfather was in the military, so my mom (and her brothers) moved a LOT as kids. Her siblings would be the only friends she could take with her. To all those new states, new cities, new schools, new neighborhoods. Through all those "new" experiences her brothers would be there with her. I realize by this point in their lives they have grown up, grown away, grown their own families and watched those children have children of their own. Still a sibling is your first friend, the first to know who you really are and choose to love you anyway.
 
Many prayers and blessings this fine and reflective night.--Kate

Wednesday, March 15, 2017

Mystery Novel Shawl

I really enjoy reading mystery novels, I also really enjoy knitting. A few times now I have read knitting novels. One series I have been enjoying, is the Kelly Flynn Knitting Mysteries, by Maggie Sefton. At the end of each book the author includes a recipe and a knit pattern.

One of my current works-in-progress is the pattern from her third book, "A Deadly Yarn," it is the, Easy Triangle Shawl. It has been living up to its name. It is easy and it is a great project to pick up anytime I have a few minutes. It has also been another great way to use up a few more yarns in my yarn stash. This time the purple and green yarns are a super soft nylon/acrylic yarn called Fantasy by Dark Horse Yarn. As well as a third purple/green/brown variegated yarn by Ella Rae, called Seasons.

I was not sure when I started if I would like the final product. Though I liked all three separately, I was not so sure when I began using them together. Now two, thirds of the way into the project, I am really starting to like how it looks.
I should have it done just in time for winter to be over and the warmer weather to be here. Although with the way this winter has been going we may have lots of cold weather opportunities remaining.

Many blessings this fine, knitty night.--Kate

If you are interested in the pattern but not looking for a knitting mystery, you can always find it on Ravelry: Maggie Sefton Knitting Mysteries, A Deadly Yarn.

Tuesday, March 14, 2017

Sloths In The Works

I am experiencing a rare few hours of quiet. The big two are off with their dad, and the baby is taking a nap. During this moment of peace, I am getting some chores done. Laundry, tidying up and a little bit of writing. I am also getting some work done on my baby sloths, who have homes out there waiting for them.

Here is what I have so far. They are quite near completion just need faces and the final construction and then they will be off in the mail. This has been a fun project and I thank all of you who took a few moments to comment. Your babies are on their way.

Many blessings this fine, snooze full afternoon.--Kate

Monday, March 13, 2017

Road Trip Boredom Busters

This past week at MOPS our craft was a few activities to help entertain kids during long road trips. Let me just start by saying there are so many amazing ideas of what to do with kids to help make long trips, (by both air and road,) a more pleasant experience. There are thousands of creative ideas to be found on Pinterest or parenting blogs, just type "Road trip boredom busters."

The most frequently suggested item was an I Spy bottle or bag. We also made a Tic-Tac-Toe board with a lacing snake on the back. The lacing snake is to practice buttoning and the felt pieces can be used on the Tic-Tac-Toe board. The last item is hook and loop tape constructing sticks.
 
This craft project had a lot of prep work that was done ahead, but it made it so that all three were easy to complete and there was a lot of personalizing involved.

Many blessings this fine night.--Kate

Thursday, March 9, 2017

Using A New Birthday Present for Breakfast

One of the new birthday presents my girl got from her grandparents, was a cookbook for kids, "Cooking Class" by Deanna F. Cook. (Thanks Gram and Gerati!) My two big kids love to help with the cooking, when they can, and my girl always ready to try the most dangerous and challenging steps.
 

This morning, when trying to decide what we wanted for breakfast, I hear the exclamation, "I know", and out comes the brand new cook book. The recipe choice this morning is crepes. Even though I initially had some concerns since we did not have any thing to use for the filling. We remembered a delicious caramel we purchased at a local Micro Creamery, The Caramel Kitchen. The flavor we used was Pumpkin Spice.
The kids, were able to help with all the steps, except turning the crepe. I think their favorite was cutting the bananas and arranging them on the crepe and then folding the crepes in half. It was a fun and delicious breakfast. The kids did such a great job that we will definitely be turning to this cookbook for future family cooking ideas.

Many blessings this fine and flavor filled day.--Kate