Backfired

Tuesday night I tucked the girls into bed telling them that I had something fun planned for us the next day. I didn't tell them what but just let them absorb the idea of the surprise. I was quite giddy myself over this day I had planned, I am normally not adventurous enough to try to go new places on my own. (Kevin does all the driving and navigation to new places and I just sit and knit on the ride. I could probably get lost in my own neighborhood. Not kidding.) It was our first 'outing' of the summer too so there was much excitement in the air.
I made a promise to myself that night that I would give myself to my children 100% on our adventure and not let time, responsibilities or anything else enter my thoughts and distract me. I prayed that night that I would really be able to pull it off.

I went to bed early so that I would be well rested and ready to take on the day. In my perfect world that would have happened but despite my early bedtime I barely got an ounce of sleep. Baby L was up all night and nothing seemed to make him happy*. When I woke up the next morning I was not feeling my best, for sure. I got up and opened the door. The girls were already awake and greeted me with happy faces. I gave them hugs and then mumbled something about getting coffee to them. I head K say to C "I wonder why we are all so cranky when we first wake up in the morning" as I walked past. Oops. Not the start of the day I had planned. I didn't let myself dwell on it though, like I normally would (one thing going wrong can actually throw off the whole day for me, if I don't keep my emotions in check). I got coffee in my system and moved on much, much happier.

After our shaky beginning, our day was going really smoothly. We stopped at Panera for lunch (thanks to Nana!) and had the sweetest conversations while we ate outside enjoying the warm(er) air. There was no quarreling or bickering - just giggles and hugs. It felt like perfection. Why oh why couldn't it always be this way? I realize that is not reality and we need struggles to grow, but oh my did I enjoy that moment. After our lunch I took them to the historic Belmont Firehouse. All three of my children love to look at firetrucks and this place had all of Portland's firefighting history all the way back to when the pioneers came here. Also, my girls have a fear of fire alarms so I was hoping if they saw why we need them it would help to ease their minds. The museum was small but great. Baby L was very patient with us as he stayed on my back the whole time. K literally had me read and show her everything in there and listened with great detail over every bit. I have never seen her like this before so I went with it (of course I edited out anything that may have been a bit too much for her little ears to hear). She seemed so very interested to learn everything she could there. In my mind, the visit really could not have gone any better. We left as they closed and went home, me on a high of sorts over how great of a day we had and C and K playing firefighters all the way.

But then that evening it all changed. After I tucked the girls in bed they came downstairs crying saying how they were really scared. I asked them what they were scared of and they responded that riding the firetruck simulator scared them because they thought they were really moving. I gave them lots of love and talked to them about it and then it seemed like things were ok. But then they were upset again saying they wish I never took them to the firehouse and that they are too afraid to go to sleep now. They asked me to get rid of the fire helmets we brought home because they would remind them of how scary it all was. This really confused me as we all seemed to have such a great time. There was never any indication that it was too much for them. I started to let my pride get in the way instead of listening to their hearts. I became almost offended in a way that they were scared that night. I planned all of this for us, we had such a good day...how did all of this backfire? Trying to help calm their fears (that I created!) I offered to bring Nara up to sleep with them. They liked that idea and as I brought her up Kevin came home. I felt awful for causing my little ones so much distress and was so happy to see him. We talked with the girls together and he did more talking with them, as well. After a few hours they were able to go to sleep and it seemed like maybe I didn't scar them for life. (God, I hope not!) Kevin and I sat and talked about it afterwards to try to get a better understanding of it all.

When they woke up this morning it was as if the night before never happened. I forgot to dispose of their fire helmets but they spent the day happily playing (and squabbling) with them, so I guess it was a good thing I forgot. I still feel really badly but most of all that could just get so caught up I let my pride get in the way. This day reminded me that I am always a student and my children are my greatest teachers.

* p.s. Today I discovered why Baby L was up all that night - He was preparing for more first steps! As I was putting him on the ground this afternoon he held his legs straight out, landed on his feet and literally took off down the hall!

p.p.s I hope this post made sense. I realize I am too tired typing this up and that I don't think I am articulating what I am trying to get across here.

Backfired

Keep Calm Craft On {crafting on}

*Sorry this posted earlier as I was still editing it!*

During the week of the girls' swimming lessons I wanted an 'on the go' knit that I could work on while watching them swim. Then I remembered that beautiful robin's egg blue yarn I shared with all of you awhile back. I went over all of your beautiful hat suggestions again and ended up choosing one of Julie's suggestions - Lina.
For some reason or other I have a tendency to knit for myself in my 'knitting off-season' (summer). Last summer I knit up my Shalom as well as my butterfly hat. I am hoping to knit myself some other winter necessities this summer as well, but just the bare minimum. Maybe my hat and some mittens. Leg warmers would be really nice, too but we'll see if I get to them.

I can't seem to fit myself into my knitting plans during any of the other busy seasons, but I don't mind that. I honestly would rather be knitting for others - my children, family, friends and those in need. Our handwork teacher (at school) once reminded me that I will have all of my life to knit for myself but only a brief window of opportunity to knit for my children (as well as others). I agree with her and take that to heart.

The fabric arrived last week for my and K's upcoming sewing project. I look forward to diving in with her.

What are you working on? Happy creating!

If you would like to link up and share your current works in progress (or finished works) please leave your link below. It can now be either to your specific blog post or Flickr photo. There are no rules, only that your link is current and something about a craft project (of any kind) you are working on. Don't forget that there is now a KCCO Flickr group for you to share your crafting photos at anytime.

Please remember to link back here so that others who may want to join KCCO can find us.

It's as simple as that. Remember your post can be from any day of the week, it doesn't have to be today. We all love feedback so if you have a moment please leave a comment on some of the KCCO posts you may visit. I know from my own experience just how much your comments really motivate me! Now please share and inspire us all!

Keep Calm Craft On {crafting on}

Phoebes on parade

After weeks of anticipation the day of the Tillamook Dairy Parade arrived.
The girls wanted to ride their bikes in the parade this time around. They got the idea to decorate their bikes in red, white and blue after seeing it done (for 4th of July) in one of my Martha Stewart Living magazines. We bought streamers, pinwheels, bows and more from the dollar store so they could go to town with their creations. I admit that I got in their way at first trying to show them how I thought it should be done but then I caught myself and graciously stepped back, letting them have at it. They had so much fun decorating them and making their visions come to life.

There was a last minute change of plans with how Kevin and the girls would be in the parade resulting in Baby L and I having to walk in the parade as well. I am your typical wallflower so I struggled with that idea, but I knew how much this meant to my little ones so I made myself get over it. Well, I had help in getting over it -Kevin had to fly drive the 'mini jet' in the parade and oh my I had to fight back giggles over that. He was a bit embarrassed but he has a lighthearted way of dealing with humiliation by poking fun at himself. I could learn from him. When I snapped the picture above he was pretending to be Maverick (Top Gun)giving the thumbs up. Anyways, we marched on. Of course in typical Oregon fashion, it rained on and off. The girls wore their dresses I finished up the night before and their Phoebe sweaters but they had to cover them up with raincoats. That didn't stop the endless comments on their Phoebes, though. I seriously have never had anything get as many compliments as these Phoebes do, but then again it's not hard to see why! It's such a beautiful design.



After the parade we briefly stopped at the Tillamook Cheese factory on the way to the beach. C and K snuck off to look at lollipops. C told me, "Just to look at, Mama. I know we can't have them." But I am curious to know how 'looking' means licking the wrapper with your tongue...











The beach was nothing but perfect, as expected. We hadn't been back since last September and were really missing it. Baby L was able to get down and play, much to his delight. He kept doing his little knee walk/crawl as fast as he could to try to catch the waves. He got wet but kept going back for more. The waves were a bit too rough for a baby to be playing in (for my taste, at least) so we placed Baby L behind a large piece of driftwood and stacked rocks with him, instead. Daddy found a large piece of driftwood of his own to nap on, but that quickly changed when the girls found him. Something tells me he didn't mind.

Tillamook is such a treasure in Oregon. I hope to bring my children out to visit a few more times this summer. Now I just hope I am brave enough to stick with that idea!





About their dresses: The girls really wanted fabric with stars and stripes and what have you but I talked them into this pretty red, white, and blue (and pink) calico instead. I wanted them to be able to wear their dresses all summer long. Since I only had three days to whip out two dresses I knew I needed a simple, fast, tried and true pattern. So I went with the CLAIRE by Portabellopixie pattern. I made the peasant dress version (the same one I sewed for C's birthday dress), but omitted the elastic shirring to make it more loose and comfortable. I know most people can sew up a dress or two in an evening but for me this was really a struggle and an unrealistic goal. It all worked out in the end though.(phew!)

Phoebes on parade

Decompression

I remember spending the last week of school preparing my girls for the transition to summer living. I told them that we would take the first week 'off' and just use that time to decompress, catch up on sleep, plan our summer activities and just relax with no where to go (We are all big homebodies). That plan ended up changing and now I am eating my words. I found out that our local community center was hosting a week of free swimming lessons. I think most of you may remember how badly I want my children to learn how to swim, so I couldn't let this opportunity pass us by. The catch to getting your child in to these free lessons was that you had to sign up in person and it was on a first come, first serve basis. So Saturday morning I woke up and tried to get myself to the center early before the 8:00 am opening, but as usual I just couldn't get out the door. I arrived just as they opened and the line already wrapped around the building. No worries, though. Kevin had all the little ones and I had my book.

I have a little story about my 2 1/2 hours in line. I got quite a bit of reading done but I also realized that in (mainstream) Portland, my family and I are very different. (And if you live here or have been here you would understand why that's odd.) I wasn't being nosy but I couldn't help but hear some of the conversations between parents in line as I tried to concentrate on reading (I blame it on ADD).

one parent - "Well, we didn't let our son watch t.v. until he turned 5"
other parent's reaction - "What?! That's crazy! 5?! Why would you do that?!"

We don't own a t.v.

another parent - "My daughter wants to go vegan but I am not sure about it."
other parent's reaction - "No! Don't let her do it. You can't eat anything as a vegan. She'd be eating twigs and berries"

I was vegan for almost 15 years and both my girls were raised vegan until recently. We ate quite well, I might add.

a parent speaking to her friend - "Blogs just aren't real to me. Those blogging Moms just make everything seem too perfect. Maybe I am too much of a conspiracy theorist but I don't think the people running these blogs even exist. There is no way they can!"

I hope I don't make things seem perfect on here, because believe me they aren't! I am just being me and don't try to make my family or myself out to be anything that we are not. I do enjoy trying to remember and record the positive things from our days, though. If anything I feel like I whine and complain too much!

Hearing those conversations opened up my eyes and my heart more. I know I was meant to hear them for a reason. But I do have to admit they made me giggle just a bit.
On the flip side of that I met an incredibly kind and sincere reader who recognized us in the locker room. (Hi Christine!) What a dear experience. I hope our little ones get to play soon.

Needless to say, we have been spending our week at the pool. It brings back memories of my swim lessons growing up as well as swim team (summer camp) memories as a teenager. I knit and watch with Baby L on my back while C and K have their lessons at the same time. I knew K would love it but I wasn't sure how C would be. She has never had swimming lessons before. Plus she is my little koala bear and clings to my side. I thought for sure she wouldn't get in the pool without me but she jumped right in on her first day and hardly looked back at me. They have both made so much progress over these past four days, I just can't get over it. And my goodness - the happiness they are experiencing. They are literally beaming with joy. It would be nice to be able to afford swimming lessons for them so they could experience this all the time (and stop my nightmares of us drowning). I pray for a solution and I am certain one day it will present itself. Until then we will enjoy these days and try to retain all that we learn. Maybe next week can be our decompression week...



In unrelated news, K reminded me yesterday that I promised to make them special matching dresses for the dairy parade this year. The parade is this Saturday. Gulp Wish me luck in pulling this one off!

Decompression

Keep Calm Craft On {crafting on}

Well, the last day of school has come and gone. I am slowly coming back to life after a couple of weeks of exhaustion. While I normally use crafting as my stress relief and way to 'keep calm', I don't have any projects currently going. I felt the need to take a mini break and spend time reading a good book. So this time around it's all finished projects. I hope you don't mind.
I do already have a few ideas in my head and will probably start on something before this post even goes up. I'm not an addict, I swear!

I finished up the Waldorf doll socks for K's kindergarten classroom as I was hoping to. I did want to make more sets for them (they have quite a few dolls), but I suppose a girly set and boyish set will suffice.









Our lotion ending up working out after all. I drained the extra water and then mixed it up again. This time it stayed silky smooth. Phew! The color is a bit greenish from the olive oil but the smell of the lavender and the feel of the lotion on your skin is quite heavenly. I think I will have to make a batch for myself now.

Also inspired by the same book, we made flower prints with random flowers we had. The girls seemed to get a kick out of smashing a flower with a hammer. C's sensitive little ears weren't quite as keen on the noise of it, though.
After they did a few of the flowers we had on hand we thought we would decorate the teachers' lotion label with lavender prints. K soon discovered an added bonus to using lavender - it makes the paper smell nice!



We went a bit crazy with an unintended lavender theme and made them lavender sachets, too. I stayed up until two in the morning the day they were due to knit these quick hearts. I used some of our leftover hand dyed yarn for them. (Love!) Once they were knit up I sewed the two sides together about 3/4 of the way, stuffed them with fresh lavender and wool sprinkled with lavender essential oil, and then finished sewing them up all the way. For a final touch to the whole thing, we made beeswax dogwood flowers to remind the teachers of our school grounds.

It doesn't seem like a whole lot but boy did it feel like it as we were making it all!

What are you working on? Or perhaps have finished? Happy creating!

If you would like to link up and share your current works in progress please leave your link below. It can now be either to your specific blog post or Flickr photo. There are no rules, only that your link is current and something about a craft project (of any kind) you are working on. Don't forget that there is now a KCCO Flickr group for you to share your crafting photos at anytime.

Please remember to link back here so that others who may want to join KCCO can find us.

It's as simple as that. Remember your post can be from any day of the week, it doesn't have to be today. We all love feedback so if you have a moment please leave a comment on some of the KCCO posts you may visit. I know your comments really motivate me! Now please share and inspire us all!

Keep Calm Craft On {crafting on}

Oregon adventures (and Happy Father's Day!)

Our forest backyard has really been coming to life these past few days. Kevin and I think it may be even more lively than usual because we decided earlier this year to stop mowing back there. It's all woods and barely any grass to begin with, so there is no point in it really. Now we have all kinds of (new to us) wildflowers and creatures visiting us. Last night we brought a field mouse up to see the girls and the day before that a mole came visiting, not to mention all kinds of bug friends!



You see this tree in our backyard? Take another look...



if you look closely enough you'll the see the heads of two baby birds sticking out of the 2nd hole from the bottom. Kevin discovered them the other day. We have only briefly seen their Mama but we think they are a type of sapsuckers. (I forgot the exact name and our bird bookis upstairs with the sleeping Baby L, so I can't look it up at the moment)









We celebrated Father's Day today with a couple of handmade gifts. K made Daddy the card in school and she needled felted him a crab with her new needle felting kit. K, C, Baby L and I made him the family tree. I was up late last night painting the tree and then this morning I painted my little ones' hands and had them stamp them on as leaves. The girls liked doing it but Baby L didn't like the feeling of the paint. On a side note : don't use leftover crayola paint for a painting project like this. What a pain it was! I wish I still had my paint from my artsy days. This little project made me miss painting (like I need another hobby!).























Of course it wouldn't be a 'Daddy Day' without dogs. After Mass today we loaded up the van and headed out to Sandy for a sled dog meeting. My children and I really enjoy going to these meeting, although we don't actually attend them. While the meeting goes on inside the home of a dog sledding mentor, my children and I explore her amazing outdoor surroundings. We just love it there and never tire of wandering around with our heads in the clouds. (I also really adore everything about her house, too. Such a sweet place.) This time around we found wild Salmonberries (Baby L's favorite discovery) and fields of buttercups.

I hope Kevin enjoyed his day. I know the rest of us did!

Oregon adventures (and Happy Father's Day!)