March 5th, 2009 § 5
season is Spring!
I love the burst of fresh colors, the long-awaited warmth, and the promise of new life. The ducks have been chasing each other around for weeks, and I’ve assured the girls that we’ll get to see some ducklings in the coming weeks.
To see what other people’s favorite things are, click here!
March 4th, 2009 § 4
Lately, when I have a moment to relax, I’ve been chillin’ in my bed. Snuggled up under a pile of blankets with something soft and bright on my needles. Perfection.
To see where others relax, click here!
March 2nd, 2009 § 4
My glasses are broken. Again. This time the arm actually snapped off so I can’t just go and super-glue them back together.
Very irritating.
To see what’s irritating others, check out Jenny’s photo challenge for today.
March 2nd, 2009 § 3
I am inspired by my family more than anything else. I know this is totally predictable and dripping with cheese…but it’s true.
My kids inspire me to be a better mom and a better Christian. They inspire me to be less careless about how I care for our home and our belongings. They inspire me to create things that I never would have even thought of before. They are a HUGE source of inspiration for me every single day.
My husband inspires me to be a better wife, a more thoughtful person, and a better communicator. He is the best of everything that I am not, and it’s a testament to his character that I can look up to him while walking beside him.
I know I was a fine person before these people entered my life, but with them here I continue to grow into the person I am meant to be.
Ok…enough drippy sentiment. To see what inspires other folks click here!
February 26th, 2009 § 2
With Spring-like days becoming more and more common, we’ve had some especially blustery days. On a whim, I decided to “try” to make a kite with the girls. It was very spur-of-the-moment and I had no idea how it would turn out, but it ended being a wonderful way to spend our morning.
The photo at the top is the original kite. I took pictures of a step-by-step later using a brown paper bag…both flew just fine, but I think I should have made the width a little longer on the latter.
Materials
Paper (I used cardstock and brown paper bag)
Scissors
3 Straws
Ruler
Twine
Tape
First I marked the same distance from the corner to either side of the paper (7-8 inches is probably best).
Then I used the ruler to meet both marks down to a point. It figures I don’t have a picture of this step…but you’re making a diamond, so I think you can figure it out.
Then I taped two of my straws end to end.
And attached the last straw with tape and twine. Eyeball on your diamond-shape to see where the straws should intersect. Leave a long tail on your twine…this is how you are going to hold your kite.
Tape to your diamond shape….and you have a kite!
Now wait for some good wind to come along and watch your children delight in the physics of nature!
That was Annabelle after my first demonstration of the kite…dying to have a turn!
And the kite DID fly…although it was hard to get a picture.
Of course, nobody wanted to come inside after such a fine morning, so we had a picnic!
And then I pretty much had to drag two very reluctant toddlers inside for their naps. 
But, the kites have held up and they still ask for them sometimes when we go outside…we just need some more windy days!
Hope you make a kite!
February 24th, 2009 § 3
A few days ago the girls were *begging* to paint, but I just frankly wasn’t up for a big mess late in the day. So…I let them paint with water. 
It was perfect. They painted their little hearts out all over the driveway and my car until they had their fill, then jumped around in the water puddle left by the spilled water bucket.
They were then able to move on to things like examining a spider (it’s small, but it’s there)…
and jumping off anything higher than two inches off the ground.
We’ve been spending alot of time outside as of late, so I’ll be sharing some of our outdoorsy fun with you in the coming days. See you soon!
February 23rd, 2009 § 4
I am celebrating tonight, not only because I’ve completed my first knitting project, but because I actually finished a gift project!
I have more unfinished projects that were intended as gifts than I care to admit. It’s truly embarrassing. Thankfully, this little hat had alot going for it: It was quick and easy! The pattern is from the Stitch N Bitch book which has to be the world’s best “how to knit” book ever written. After videos and classes, I was still clueless until I read that book. I just checked the book out on Saturday and learned how to knit in the round using round needles and multiple needles, how to bind off, how to increase and decrease, and how to read patterns.
The hat was quickly whisked away to its new home and will rest atop newborn Baby, Eli’s sweet little head. The parting was bittersweet, but I know little Eli needs it more than I do.
`
My next project will likely be for an upcoming baby shower. Think I can whip up a whole blanket in about two weeks?
February 16th, 2009 § 1
A few days ago, after numerous requests by Charlotte (the little one) to go outside, I finally gave in. It’s her favorite place to be and she usually asks several times per day.
We’ve had some really beautiful days around here lately, so I have no idea why I was so reluctant. Anywho, once outdoors I fiddled around with my camera while she entertained herself by picking up leaves and plucking blades of grass. I love how kids this age are so fascinated by their surroundings.
Sometimes I forget to make the most of the time that I have with my kids. This was not one of those times. I put the camera down and made a game of her newfound interest. I separated them into piles for her and she quickly caught on.
This little game would be easy to adapt for older kids. You could incorporate more natural elements, such as rocks and sticks. You could sort by color, size, shape. You could even sort by type of leaf. I think the main things are to use what your children are interested in, follow their lead, and have fun!
February 13th, 2009 § 4
As much as I’m loving sharing my finds on OCP, it’s a huge timesuck…so much so that my creative time has been cut back dramatically. I think this is why I found myself letting loose with the sprinkles last night after my daughter finished decorating her cookies. I had a blast and it was just the fix I needed….Ahhh. Back to work now!
February 12th, 2009 § 2
Me to 2yo: What do you want to give your friends for Valentine’s Day: lollipops or heart-crayons?”
2yo to me (head cocked and eyes squinted in deep thought): “Well, they already have crayons there, so….probably lollipops.”
Such a practical soul already. She gets her sensibility (and her sweet tooth) from her mother.
Ever the procrastinator, we’ll be making about 20 of these tonight for Annabelle’s Valentine’s Day party at daycare tomorrow. I went ahead and made up a couple, but Annabelle will be gluing the faces on most of the hearts. It should be interesting to see how they turn out!
I didn’t set it up this way on purpose, but doesn’t it look like the guy heart is totally checking out the girl heart and she’s just rolling her eyes like, “What-evarrrr!”
*Big thanks to JC Handmade for the heart face inspiration!
