a little inspiration

Happy Valentine's Day

2012-02-14T07:15:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day. I always like a holiday dedicated to eating chocolates and telling people how much you love them! This morning I was nudged awake at 6am sharp so that I could hear a singing card. The Bug had gotten it in the mail yesterday from his Nana and Pappy and Aunt Carolyn (they have a little tradition with the singing cards. Remember this?) It is obvious that he had slept with the card and had been waiting all night to share it with me (I didn't come home for dinner last night, I was at meditation until after he was in bed.) It was the sweetest way to wake up way too early I've ever experienced. He said, "You want to hear it again, Mama?" Of course, darling, of course!

After that I sent him down to find Papa so I could pull myself out of bed and head downstairs to make breakfast. You heard me. I. Made. Breakfast. Crazy talk!!
In all fairness, I cheated. I made a Dutch baby, from this recipe. I did change it just smidge; I used half whole wheat flour and threw in a few hand fulls of blueberries so it took longer to cook. It came out like a dream and was gone before I could snap a picture. Yum, easy, liked by all. Perfect.

I gave Senor his gift last night when I came home (because I can't wait.) Anyway, I knew he could use it right away. He only got about 20 books for the holidays and his birthday. Now he can keep his place. He gave me lovely felted wool slippers this morning. Dreamy!

I hope your day is full of love and kindness!

Hiding out

2012-02-13T10:06:00.000-08:00

It isn't intentional. I have been busy, busy, busy over here. Making and planning, sleeping and dreaming. Not taking any pictures. Of anything. But I am determined to change all that. I am making a little Valentine's gift for Senor. My love, my hero. I will put it up tomorrow after he gets it.
This week, on Friday, the Bug has his first "Winter Show" at school. I am not sure what this means exactly but I am excited to see how it goes. To laugh and maybe cry a little and give him plenty of big hugs afterwards. He is changing so much, becoming more and more an emotional creature as he nears Three. Many people tell me it isn't Two you have to watch out for. Three is really the hard one. (I fear they are going to tell me, as we approach Four, that that will be harder. And it will continue that way Forever.) But it also makes for so many sweet moments everyday.
He tells me he loves me and wants to cuddle into my arms. He would like to sit and read books with you whenever he isn't throwing things. He likes to snuggle in the morning. He laughs hysterically and cries hysterically. He asked me what cute, throw up and laugh all mean yesterday. He has been crying and not wanting to go to school in the morning. He is so sad that it makes you cry with him. He never wants to leave school at the end of the day. He ignores us when we come to pick him up. If he doesn't talk to us he might not have to leave.
Sometimes he does the sweetest care taking kind of things. He'll look at me and say, "You want water, Mama? You need water? Ok! I get you water, Mama." (It doesn't matter what my response is.) He will take your face or hand in his little hands and say, "You feel ok?" He will put his tiny, freezing hands on you and tell you he is trying to keep you warm. He actually is recognizing when he is tired now. "I tired, Mama," he says. As if I don't already know.
Three might be hard, but I can see that it will be so rewarding too. These little conversations are so amazing. These emotional exchanges are so sweet they almost break my heart. Over and over and over. But it is better to have a broken heart in this way- it makes your heart grow bigger and bigger.

My secret

2012-02-01T07:57:00.000-08:00

A couple Mondays ago I got up and got the Bug off to school and then bundled myself up with long johns and mittens and a fuzzy scarf. I got into the car a drove a couple hours northwest even though the weather was bleak; foggy and with intermittent freezing rain falling from the sky. I love days like that though. Fog makes it possible to imagine so much more. What is or isn't beyond your little limited view. And the air always feels full of magic to me. I will admit to not loving freezing rain or the temperatures that go with it very much.
As I made my way deeper and deeper into the countryside it felt as if the magic was getting stronger. The perfect little vistas with barns and old farm houses. All cuddled in a blanket of ice covered snow. I'm not usually the kind of person to say such things but it brought tears to my eyes a couple of times seeing such picture perfect places and thinking, however briefly, of all the lives that have been lived in each home.
I found the driveway I was looking for and turned down it. It went on forever. I kept thinking, "This must be it!" and being wrong. When I finally made it to the end I knew, without a doubt that I had arrived. I went to the door and was greeted by a lovely woman named Sarah and the largest dog I have ever seen. His name is Tundra. I think his head is wider than my waist and just as tall.
After a little tea and getting to know each other we headed out to the barn. Sarah gave me some hand warmers to keep in my pockets so I would be able to use my hands and touch everything. As we came in I got some curious looks. Sarah told me if I stood still their curiosity would overcome them and they would come check me out. The barn was full of mamas and crias (babies) about 3 months old. It was here that I finally got to meet my first alpacas. They came in all colors: black, silver, brown, fawn and creamy white. Many were wet from standing outside at the trough. They were smaller than I expected. That day I learned to catch them, helped give some shots, helped mark down the weights for the crias and even got to see orgling and an attempt at mating. I got to see what the fiber looks like when it comes off in the spring. I felt the foot pads. It was a great day.

I had gone to see if the little fantasy I had always harbored of having a few alpaca for fiber was something I really thought I would like. I came away sure that if it was fun and interesting on a cold and gloomy day I would love it every other day too.
Thank you Sarah and Long Acres Alpaca Farm for spending the day with me. We are planning a return trip in March for the next batch of crias and so Senor and the Bug (and Moriah too!) can come meet all my newest friends.

Ps- I took only a few, not very good pictures. Go to the website of the farm to see how amazing it really is there.

Quilt Pictures!

2012-01-24T07:15:00.000-08:00

I've been working on a quilt. With wool on the inside to keep me nice and toasty. And big summer flowers on the outside to keep me cheerful all winter long. I got this fabric about year ago. The wool that I used for the batting in actually a fabric someone gifted me from an old stash. It was a huge plaid I couldn't imagine ever using but it is so warm and such a nice wool. I knew it must have some use. And 60" inches wide even after washing!
I practiced my embroidery to keep it in place. I finally got the chain stitch down. I think it is funny I waited so long.... it is so easy and pretty. (I always say this. Why did I wait so long to try x? It is so easy!)
Desi liked the quilt from the beginning. You can see the evidence on all the pictures.... That white hair really does stick.

(ps- there are even more pictures if you click on any one of these.)

Bagel Muffin!!!

2012-01-18T08:26:00.000-08:00

We had a great weekend in Raleigh with some of our very favorite ladies. The Bug had a blast in the giant tub with jacuzzi jets and a "fishing" activity that kept him very, very clean. There were about a thousand dolphin shows. :)
We were also spoiled with amazing homemade food every day. Have you ever had fresh made english muffins? We had them two days in a row. The Bug now calls them "bagel muffins" and the first day home woke up crying that needed them.
We also went to Monkey Joes. Oh, my! We all had way too much fun there. Don't believe what they say about adults not being able to play. We all went down the big slide several times.
The next day we went to the Natural History Museum and saw dinosaurs, butterflies and many other bugs. He cried more when we left there than the jumping place.
In the mean time I am trying to get pictures off of the camera but the little converter has been broken (hmm, wonder by who?) so I have to wait.
But I wanted you to know I haven't fallen off the side of the earth.
Loves!

Finding my way

2012-01-07T09:28:00.000-08:00

It is interesting to step into new chapters of life knowing you are on a particular path. Of course, you can only see the parts of it you are planning and so you don't get to see the whole picture until afterwards. I never think of myself as the type to plan much (but I think that may not be reality either) and so I feel especially neat and powerful when I am looking ahead with intention. Even if all the things I see are hanging in an ever changing tapestry and what is completely true today will be completely untrue tomorrow. It only matters that the dreaming goes on and the effort to live right now is done with intention of your path held also in your heart.
In trying to quiet the many voices vying for attention I have started spending one evening a week in meditation with others (called a sangha.) This gives me the chance to set aside the time and choose to silence the competing dreams so that I may more easily follow the path that is best for me (and therefor best for my family and community.) It feels just like magic. The next day things are clearer. I am a calmer, more present parent and wife. I can see the future without grasping for it in the now.
Senor gave me a wonderful book for Christmas that helps me keep the magic each and every day. Each day is about a page and has suggestions for meditation at the end. All are simple and clear so far. Things you know already, presented in a way to deepen your understanding of the importance. If you are looking to add a little peaceful reflection to your days I recommend it.

A moment with you.

2012-01-02T11:14:00.000-08:00

I've been dying to share this Christmas gift. I have such a hard time keeping secrets.
Our little Bug is very Papa centric. He often tells me to go away when they are playing together and I show up. One day when Papa was out I pulled out this big canvas and had him paint the whole thing yellow. After waiting for it to dry I asked him what color he'd like to paint with over the yellow. He said purple. I mixed up some red and blue and came up with this color. I let him paint however he wanted until the paint was gone and then directed him to other paper to get the rest of his painting desires out.
I had the goal of keeping the canvas simple and not turning it a sea of mixed brown paint. I had gone through a whole bunch of quotes looking for the best one. When I came across these words I knew it was the right thing. I printed it out in a font that looks like my handwriting, only neater. I pulled a light box out and traced the words in a silver pen. After a week or so of looking at it I decided it needed a little black outline.
It came out better than I ever imagined. I feel like it looks like a small group of people tied together by the halo around them.

Water

2011-12-31T08:56:00.001-08:00

Water, originally uploaded by Mr & Mrs Speeed.

You know when you have that wonderful feeling that it is going to be a great year? I have it right now. I love it. I cultivate it.
I am lucky in so many ways and so I have never been tested as so many people I know are. I have everything I need and most of what I want. I have started a meditation practice in the last month and found a doable yoga class to fit into my schedule yesterday. I have lovely people in my life. I even have a cute dog.
I know 2012 is going to be a landmark year. Full of new experiences and challenges. My goal, my only goal, is to flow like water through it. Powerful, graceful water. Moving through the hard places with strength and speed, lingering and stretching out in the peaceful moments.
Thank you all so much for being with me in 2011. I hope you'll flow with me in 2012.
Happy New Year!

December 29th, 2011

2011-12-29T17:34:00.000-08:00

Home again, home again. Camelids on the brain.

December 28th, 2011

2011-12-29T17:33:00.000-08:00

We followed tradition and ate at Gillies before we left. He told the waitress (loudly) what he wanted to eat all on his own.

December 27th, 2011

2011-12-29T17:31:00.000-08:00

He burned his hand on a light under the tree but that didn't keep him away. I always love seeing her, she is such an amazing person.

December 26th, 2011

2011-12-29T17:29:00.000-08:00

He talks about how Oma makes the big fires. I love that this will be part of the story of his childhood. I love that she is so cool.

December 25th, 2011

2011-12-29T17:27:00.000-08:00

We laid around and lined up ducks all day. And train tracks. It was a good day.

December 24th, 2011

2011-12-29T17:25:00.000-08:00

We stopped at the river to throw in some rocks. It was soooo cold and totally worth it.

December 23rd, 2011

2011-12-23T04:29:00.000-08:00

Drive, work, wander, haircut. Presents!!! Tomorrow we leave. I'll be back to fill in the gaps in this space next week. All my love to you all! Merry Christmas and be good to one another.

December 22nd, 2011

2011-12-22T04:27:00.000-08:00

It was a hectic day. Full of excitement and sadness. A dear fuzzy friend left us. I was sad for her loss and it made me think of our Zo Bear.

December 21st, 2011 and a hat

2011-12-21T06:58:00.000-08:00

This morning I was told it was "santa hat day" at school and asked to whip something up. I didn't have any red or white around that would do the trick. Only an old black sweater someone had felted by accident and handed over to me. I had just read the other day about machine couching and so I grabbed some red wool roving and added that. Senor insisted it needed a pom-pom so I made two.
The scarf is his Solstice gift. I cut into some beautiful wool and cotton blend plaid from Liberty of London that had been gifted to me from a vintage stash. Papa got one and I made myself a shawl. Now we all match! I am so happy to have found something so everyday useful for this beautiful fabric.
After getting ready for school we had to drop by a neighbors house and give her a Christmas card.

Happy Solstice everyone!!

December 20th, 2011

2011-12-20T16:31:00.000-08:00

This morning the sky was a perfect peach. I noticed so many tiny details and was able to enjoy each moment of my walk. The day after the sangha is magical too.

(ps- happy haunukah! A bonus picture is here.)

December 19th, 2011

2011-12-19T06:27:00.000-08:00

The crisp, golden light you find on winter mornings is unlike any other time of year.

December 18th, 2011

2011-12-19T06:25:00.000-08:00

It was a lovely night. We met a boy who is so much like the Bug I feel like I already met his 6 year old self. I liked the rest of the family very much as well.

December 17th, 2011

2011-12-17T05:35:00.000-08:00

(Two today because I missed yesterday completely.) I love Saturdays better than any other day. First e helped Papa making waffles in the big kitchen, then Papa helped e make rubber duck soup in the little kitchen.

December 15th, 2011

2011-12-15T06:56:00.000-08:00

I had been feeling very good about myself. But then she mentioned it was only ten days to Christmas. And I realized there are some important people that I have only thought about and done nothing for. Now I have to remember to breath.

December 14th, 2011

2011-12-14T06:35:00.000-08:00

They sky looks like a giant's bed of pillows. My socks are also so very pillow-like. I am embarrassed when people look at the camera hanging around my neck. I can't quite figure out why.

December 13th, 2011

2011-12-13T09:30:00.000-08:00

The sun was bright and harsh but oh, so welcome. The leaves were still wrapped in microscopic glittering shells.

December 12th, 2011

2011-12-12T07:46:00.000-08:00

A dolphin show makes any day better. I ~~think~~ know there is something going on that we don't understand. I hope we figure it out soon or it gets over.

December 11th, 2011

2011-12-11T05:39:00.001-08:00

Today he takes her home. It has been nice having her here. He will enjoy the quiet time with her in the car and the luxury of the drive back all alone. I'll try not to go crazy.

December 10th, 2011

2011-12-10T05:36:00.000-08:00

This is cheating. I didn't take this picture. But I thought you might like it anyway. Thanks Papa!

December 9th, 2011

2011-12-09T05:27:00.000-08:00

Stockings were hung with care. And glitter too. I've found that, recently, sparkle has become very important to me.

December 8th, 2011

2011-12-08T18:17:00.001-08:00

Another day where I was afraid. But the night wrapped up nicely. It was much too exciting to stand still.

December 7th, 2011

2011-12-07T14:27:00.001-08:00

A dozen lavender and chamomile eye pillows off to doubledutch Boutique tomorrow. Buy local. Support handmade.

December 6th, 2011

2011-12-06T20:13:00.001-08:00

We drove both ways in the rain. It was nice to talk about everything. Now we celebrate with champagne.

December 5th, 2011

2011-12-05T18:40:00.001-08:00

I finally went. It was different than I expected. I was the only woman. It was really nice.

December 4th, 2011

2011-12-04T05:59:00.001-08:00

He wanted a tea party with candles before breakfast. We are looking forward to a busy day and his first time meeting Santa.

December 3rd, 2011

2011-12-03T05:57:00.000-08:00

We cleaned and rearranged the living room. I think it is a success.

December 2nd, 2011

2011-12-02T07:00:00.001-08:00

dec22011.JPG, originally uploaded by Mr & Mrs Speeed.

It was really busy all day. I met another mom with a child born the same day as e.

Decmber 1st, 2011

2011-12-01T13:20:00.001-08:00

This morning he said, "Mama is crazy." He was right.

Mindfulness

2011-11-30T14:16:00.001-08:00

Lucas over at Baltimore Health Coach asked me to write an article for him a few weeks ago. Go here if you want to see my thoughts on beginning a mindfulness practice.

I'll be back tomorrow with the first post in my December photo project. See you then!

And, done!

2011-11-21T09:04:00.001-08:00

Ok- here they are. Surprisingly, they came out just as I had imagined (when does that ever happen?)

I am excited to see the boys use them.

This blog has been really quiet this year. I expected to have more time for it after e started school but somehow I've managed to over commit myself outside of the home. I've also taken so, so few pictures this year. I'm still not really comfortable with the "new" camera even though I have had it for a long time.

In an effort to work on both of these issues I am going to do a December photo project a la habit blog. Every weekday a picture and a few words. It is my birthday present to myself. A way to be more present in the small moments. (hopefully, it will be nice for you too ;)

Feel the fear. Do it anyway.

2011-11-08T13:27:00.000-08:00

I rarely have pattern ideas drifting around in my head anymore. Mostly because I think there isn't room for them with all the rest of life rushing by me. The other day, however, I was trying to decide what to make for the Bug and his two cousins for holiday gifts. Because we all get together for Thanksgiving, I always need to get a jump on these things. And this year especially because I am working so much outside of the house.
The Bug has a new, wonderful, fascination with stickers and markers. Senor and I now can sit through dinner and chat or enjoy the food (imagine!) if we have a sheet of stickers handy. Markers are more interactive, often requiring one of us to be directly involved. But still, generally a quiet, low banging activity that can last ten or more minutes.
On our upcoming Thanksgiving trip we will be spending more than 24 hours in the car total. Twenty six I think. Le sigh. We love all you people and can't wait to see you. But that is a lot of hours in the car with a 2 year old.
I came up with something which I think will help both issues. The idea isn't original, but I did go ahead and buy my own supplies and draft the pattern myself. Amazingly, it worked perfectly. I made three without much more effort than one would have taken. Two days of concerted effort. Three amazing, useful gifts for little boys.
There are a couple finishing touches and then I will share final pictures. Here is a sneak peek.

I wanna:

2011-11-01T11:15:00.000-07:00

: make a perfect jumper and turn it into my 'uniform' for the season.
: make a bunch of long sleeved shirts to go under it.
: make some pants for e. Easy up and down ones without all the hassle of snaps and zippers. (What's up with that- he is two for goodness sakes!)
: add a few more hours of useful time to each day. That means, hours when it is still light out.
: remember to be grateful everyday.
: see my friends more often. Hello friends! Are you out there??
: take good pictures again. remember when I used to do that?
: have a child who is healthy for three to five days straight. Not even a runny nose.
: Stop this list before it gets out of hand.

What do you want?

At 2.5 years~

2011-10-28T09:04:00.000-07:00

You:

:love to play your "dukar" guitar. You have band practice every night you can with Papa.
:love Papa the most. When I walk in and you are already home with him you tell me to go away. It makes me giggle.
:always want to go see the bands on the weekend.
:are really good at jumping and you love to do it. Especially off the radiator cover in your room. You even "stick" the landing now and stay on your feet most times.
:like to stay up late. Sometimes we make you jump 100 or 200 times on your bed in an effort to wear you out. It doesn't seem to work.
:still love applesauce and yogurt.
:are getting pickier about food. Luckily your back up dinner is still peas.
:Cannot pick up a stick without making it into a microphone.
:are entertaining everyone.
:really like stickers and markers. This has been really wonderful, we even sometimes get a quiet dinner because you are peacefully stickering.
:have just switched over to being able to get to sleep on your own. It is amazing and makes me so happy.
:are really out of control most of the time. Whew, what a whirlwind.
:love school and your teachers Miss 'Lena and Miss Sofia.
:send us back and forth through love and frustration so fast we can hardly keep up but oh, boy, do we love you to pieces.

Wellness Wednesday: Curried Butternut Squash

2011-10-19T09:23:00.000-07:00

Here is a recipe I made up last week and we have been enjoying. It is perfect for rainy days and the dark fall evenings. Enjoy!

2 smallish butternut squash, peeled and cubed
2 cans coconut milk
1 container of extra firm tofu, cubed
1/2 cup water
1/2 inch ginger, chopped
2 tablespoons coconut oil (or sesame oil)
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 teaspoon curry powder*

salt and pepper to taste

Add oil to large cooking pot. Turn heat to medium. Toss in garlic and ginger and heat till fragrant, about 1 minute. Add curry and stir for 30 seconds. Add squash, coconut milk and water. Cover and turn heat up to medium high for 15 minutes.

Uncover and turn heat down to simmer. Add tofu. Simmer until squash is tender (about 15 more minutes.)

Add salt and pepper and serve like a stew or over your favorite whole grain. This makes enough for two people to eat a few times and freeze a little too. That way you cook once and eat three or four times. Awesome!

* I love the taste of curry but am a big old wimp with "hot" spices. We get our curry from the local halal market and I think it is way hotter than grocery store versions. This makes an extremely mild dish. Please feel free to add more if you like the heat :)

Out takes

2011-10-13T18:32:00.000-07:00

I spent a while this morning trying to get a good picture of my new 'do.

It was just me and the auto timer.

Set in the normal place on the bedside table.

But I was aiming for just the head really.

And using the zoom, which I don't usually do.

So it was a little tricky. And the light was bad...

Turns out the first one was the best.

Dolmen Comfort

2011-10-11T19:05:00.000-07:00

I have been on it over here. New clients, good food, crocheting and sewing. In addition to working in my favorite two boutiques in town. How lucky am I? Completely.

There are a number of items from the store that have made there way into my closet and it is a constant source of inspiration. After only getting out with out the child one day a week (at most!) for well over 2 years it feels great to be picking items which are both practical for my daily adventures and fashionable. Imagine! And while looking good isn't so important to me philosophically, feeling confident is. And if looking good leads there- well, there are worse things!

When new things come into doubledutch and I unpack and steam them or help write up descriptions for the website (don't mind the type o's) I find myself falling in love with so many of the pieces that it would end up with me paying them to work there if I let it get out of control. So I take home the things I can't live without and don't feel able to make. Like the Kut from the Kloth skinny cords in these pictures. (That I resent having to take off to wash because I love them so much.) I just recently made something for the first time with a direct inspiration from an item in the store. I loved this dolmen sleeved teeshirt and resolved I could easily make one with the gray slub cotton knit I already had at home waiting for a purpose.

I can't emphasize how fabulous this fabric is. And the basic idea of the shirt is so, so comfortable. I changed the size of the sleeve cuffs and shouldn't have. I need to go back and make them smaller. I didn't get a perfect seem on the collar but two tiny bumps were not going to stop me from wearing it every time it is clean. I love the drape and softness of the fabric. It is like wearing a light sweatshirt almost with out (I hope!) looking much like that. And it is a little sheer, so worn without a tank top underneath it is very sexy. Hello girls! hehe.

Right now my favorite things in the shop are: this blouse, this coat, and this awesome dress.

PS- I am cutting my hair off tomorrow. Like really short! yay!

Sweater Season

2011-10-07T08:15:00.000-07:00

Today Desi got a sweater. She is so cold she sleeps under the covers with us. Happily. Zo was so much harrier! I can see Desi's pink skin right through her hair on most of her body.

I was looking on ravelry to find something new to do with the yarn I had been knitting into a sweater. Yeah- that whole knitting thing didn't really work out for me. Maybe the next thing I try will be smaller. I definitely can't count :) Here is what my sweater looks like now:

As I was looking I stumbled upon the pattern for a granny square dog sweater and figured- why not? With crochet I can easily finish something like this in a couple of hours and whala! Here you go.

Isn't she sweet? Her transition into the household is really going well. I even bought her some balls to play with because she is finally getting playful. And frisky. And she isn't too afraid of the Bug as long as he doesn't have a drum stick in his hand. She doesn't like that at all.

Fall Sweater

2011-09-27T10:16:00.000-07:00

I have been making things over here. When no one is looking. Sometimes I sit and watch movies and crochet all afternoon with only my bladder to interrupt. It really is quite amazing. So different than the last couple years.

I found a pattern that was kind of like this but in knit and realized that though I know the basic stitches I can't read the patterns and don't know how to do anything that isn't called knit or purl. So, while I wanted to make this sweater for the Bug I knew I was going to have to resize the pattern. I couldn't even tell where you were starting on the pattern so I didn't know how to go about resizing. But I know how to make a baby sweater in crochet. I know how to resize. I even taught a class on making fake ribbing in crochet. So I had everything I needed.

This was going to be all blue. But I ran out. Wow did he get big! I know this should have been expected but I had no idea. This has about 4 skeins in it. Granted, the ribbing takes up a lot of yarn... but still, people! I made him a vest last year that took exactly one skein. One.

I haven't tried it on him because it has been too warm. I really hope he'll wear it. I love how it turned out!

ps- I finally found a good place to take pictures. On the front door. Who woulda thought?

pps- click on any picture to see more.

ppps- Remember this crochet cuteness.

Cha-cha- changes...

2011-09-21T08:16:00.000-07:00

I just love hearing the Bug talk so much. Instead of a g sound at the end of words he does a t sound and it cracks me up. I know it won't be long before he drops that and starts sounding even more grown up so I am enjoying it now. Where's papa go-int? What's mama do-int? I'm cook-int. I'm sing-int!
We've also been hearing a lot more singing. He sings Twinkle, Twinkle over and over and the "Abcd's" too. One morning on the walk to school he was watching the sky and pointing out airplanes and clouds when he saw the moon.
"What's dat?"
"Hmm, what is that?"
"Yea. Dat the moon!"
He then commenced singing Twinkle at the top of his lungs. It is pretty awesome. Very punk rock. It totally melts my heart.
Earlier in the morning when he came into our room he told us, "I need to sing!" and went back to his room to pick up his uke ("dougar") and just strummed.
School seems so wonderful for him. There have been some tears in the mornings but they change into not wanting to leave at the end of the day and asking to go back all evening. I get the impression he likes it. Last night on our walk he said he wanted to go see one of his teachers. It is so wonderful to feel so good about the program.
He is also finally counting using all the numbers in order. It was "2, 5, 6!" here for a long time. He looks at papers and tells us if the characters are numbers or letters. He stays up very late from being so excited.
We just changed the bedtime routine so 9 is bedtime. And we count down. 30 minutes, what do you want to do? 5 minutes, time to brush teeth! 2 minutes, let's get cozy! John and I are just sitting by the bed instead of laying down with him now and there is absolutely no talking after lights out. I don't know that it is working though. He still is awake until 10 most nights. Just laying there quietly in the dark trying to sleep. I'm not sure what the solution is though.

Finding a new normal

2011-09-07T12:59:00.000-07:00

We are all in a constant state of change. Here, as I am sure it is in many of your homes, things are changing so rapidly I can hardly keep up. School starting, a new job, building my health coaching business, a new dog, and on top of all that Fall is in the air! That means what I want to do most is sew, crochet, and now knit too.

I think I'll take a break from Wellness Wednesdays being every week and let them pop up when the mood strikes and focus more on the everyday living. If you have anything you'd like to talk about concerning wellness feel free to send me an email at little anilia at gmail dot com.

Once we settle into the new rhythm I'm sure you'll be hearing lots about food and wellness again. A couple people had emailed me after I announced I was taking clients for September asking if we could work over the phone and I wanted to let you all know that yes, we can! I have one spot left if you are interested!

In the mean time, here are a few pictures of what I've been doing with my time!

Inturruption of Service!

2011-08-30T19:19:00.000-07:00

Hello friends! It is great to be back after the hurricane. All is well here but it took extra time to get our internet back up and so I am not even close to ready for a post tomorrow. We are also expecting a new addition to be delivered to our door in the middle of the day and I am so excited!!! So many exciting things to share with you soon including fun lunch options, how school is going, a commissioned quilt and a sweet new dog love. I'll be back later in the week.

Wellness Wednesday: Packing Lunch (part 1)

2011-08-24T04:35:00.000-07:00

Next week our little Bug starts "school." This will mean lots off changes but the most constant new thing is that his lunch will have to be packed every day. And that means we have to be ready. Every. Day. This is not really my style.
Also, even though I have been feeding him nearly everyday for over two years (sometimes I let him starve ;-) I still feel unsure about how to pack a lunch. Because we eat a little here, a little there. We eat messy leftovers and lots of apple sauce. And fruit, tons of fruit. But not so much sandwiches or whatever. Hummus and crackers. Things that seem a little hard to pack with out a) mess and b)waste. Two things I don't really like. I'm sure we'll get though it and I'll be a pro in no time but right now, I'm a little obsessed.
I started with trying to figure out what kind of containers would work for a toddler to be able to get into and out of easily. This is really hard. (and turns out, not too important. his teachers will be helping him a whole lot. whew!) I found two really fabulous things: one is called "lunchskins" and is perfect for nuts and crackers and grapes. We have been using these the last few weeks and we all like them. The velcro goes all the way across and keeps things very neat. They can be a little tricky for small hands because of that.

Even better are the sandwich/snack wraps my sister-in-law is making. I put in an order as soon as she announced she was selling them. Very easy for a small person, doubles as a place mat and a napkin. Freaking brilliant. We already use them daily.
You might want to know why I didn't just pick ziploc bags. They are easy but then you have all that waste. Something like 300 days a year we will pack lunch. That is way to much to trash. (Also, plastic bags aren't cute and teach your child that it is normal to make trash every time you eat.) Erica told me that her son's school encourages the kids to be good stewards of the planet, so they remind parents to use reusable containers and waste-free packaging and to pack healthy lunches. They'll even send home junk food if it appears in a lunchbox. All of his lunch items are in reusable containers, including his water bottle, and he even has a cloth napkin. Isn't that what we want to be doing for ourselves and our children?
Now we just have to figure out how to pack a rainbow every day. I'll be back next week to talk more about what we are actually packing and how it is going.

What do you pack for lunch?

ps- I also just ordered this for hot/cold/or messy things (like quinoa. how much are the teachers going to hate me??)

Our Bathroom Redo

2011-08-20T15:12:00.000-07:00

If you wanted to see what we did you can check it out over here.

Came and Went

2011-08-19T07:12:00.000-07:00

Thursday came and went. I'm still waiting for that post for you all so when it gets here I will put it up.
In the mean time things have been fast and fun here. Readjusting. Learning new skills. Finding our rhythm again.

He has discovered scissors. And gotten more interested in drawing. Look at those papers. Multiple colors and lots of lines. This is very new. Before it was one or two lines and then eat the crayon or marker.
The scissors are his favorite. It seems to be going around right now. Soulemama and Meg from Sew Liberated are also posting these kinds of images. He tells me, "I need cut." and "Trimmy, trimmy, I need trimmy."
And of course, stickers. He is able to take them off the sheet and place them all by himself now. It is quite amazing really. When you watch someone trying this for the first time and you see just how hard it really is. Amazing these things we do everyday and don't even think of. But really, it is so complex. Walking. Stirring. Peeling stickers and putting them on another piece of paper.

In the gifted time he sits and diligently works at this table I have been knitting. My sister in law, Erica, taught me how on Saturday. I decided I was ready to learn. And it turns out, it is so easy. I went to the yarn store and told the lady working there that I needed to get yarn and needles because I was going to learn to knit that day. She asked if I wanted yarn for a scarf. I said I was planning on a sweater. She asked if I had a pattern. I said no, just an idea. She tried not to laugh. It was funny. I would have totally responded the same way. She did help me and was lovely. This is the sweater shape I am doing. See? You don't need a pattern for that.
This was what I did on day one.

Have a lovely weekend!!