kidding around

PS- Check out under “Pages” my first shipment of loot I received on Monday. Thanks Eden!

Meet Hazel (the name I wanted to give Penelope, but it got the axe from Nathan) and Clementine. These girls are special Valentine treats for my daughter and niece. I never thought I would name them- but I couldn’t resist, they were so much fun to make.

I get to thank my son Simon for the inspiration. He drew this little guy last year in preschool and I have kept it hanging in our playroom walls ever since. Like every mother out there, I love my kids’ artwork and hope that I will have piles and piles of their artwork once they arrive to adulthood.

I wasn’t the only inspired one around here. My daughter Ellie came up with this little friend completely on her own. She has been having a ball with her sewing machine. I have kind of let her just make things on the machine with no pattern and just a lot of imagination. You know what? She loves it. She loves going through my stash of scraps and making pillows for every stuffed animal in the house!

The trio I began in January is now complete. I used a combination of freezer paper stencil and a collaging of fabric and thread. I really liked the way they turned out. Now I need to get the nerve to figure out how to frame them- I have a few old frames picked out, but there’s a few things I need to resolve. I’ll be sure to share the final end, but don’t count on it within the next few days!

I’m not sure why the camera captured brush strokes, in real life you can’t see them.

I totally loved using a needle and thread and just relaxing with these pieces. I have always admired collage and I think using fabric and thread is just my kind of thing- I hope to make some more “silhouette- inspired” pieces.

I like Valentines Day. Not because I am a romantic or I expect expensive jewelry, I just like the day. I like the red/pink combo. you see all over the stores and I especially like it because my soon to be 6 year old’s birthday is the 15th (he was my late Valentine!).

I also like this day because it brings out the “homemade” in people. Cards, candies, thoughtful gestures making people feel special. I don’t even expect anything from my husband- although a card is nice.

I know some people hate it. Thinking it’s a “Hallmark” holiday, but it’s a nice diversion in the middle of winter for me.

Anyway, I made these little necklaces for my kids- to wear close to their hearts knowing I always love them. I also plan to make little pillows for their beds and maybe some chocolates to share!

Have a Happy Weekend- I know I will, now that I feel MUCH MUCH better!

I find myself always trying to figure out how to juggle personal time with all 3 kids. I came up with a notebook/journal idea for my oldest daughter and I to share. We correspond with one another on nearly a daily basis. I hope this is something that we can do that will last throughout her childhood and help with communication. We have been discussing recently the use of acronyms, why her bro. has thrown up so much this week (due to coughing a bit too much!), what I watched on TV as a kid, and what we like to do in our spare time.

Ellie is quite the night owl and loves to read and write in her “lounge” before bed. Because she shares a room with her baby sister, she can’t read in bed like she once used to…so, we cleared out her fairly large closet and now it’s her own place. I think she is headed for a writing career…with late nights reading and writing it’s a natural thing for her. Besides, I like taking time out of my day to sit down and think of my dear girl who is just getting old too quick!

Anyway, I thought I would share this idea. I also think it would be great between spouses and friends. I love writing real notes back and forth. Reminds me of highschool and the fun of a passed note.

So I have made about an 85% recovery and it’s time to ease back into life and routine again. This virus hit me in the knees big time and I was literally in bed for four days. I thought I was feeling better and fever free on Friday, so I catered a party. Later that night (while sleeping) my fever came back and it was not going to ease up.

My husband was a true champion and took off work. Not an easy thing for anyone to do, but as a teacher he had to do a lot of lesson writing and such. Plus we have had literally an arctic blast (it’s 2 degrees out, as I write….but the sun is out!) here in Chicago and it was his job to keep 3 kids busy and happy while I napped…oy, thank you Nathan!

I will be updating the China stats over the next day. I think we are well into 225 gifts offered! I will be also contacting each of you who have written me and haven’t heard back. Be patient, I’m still trying to get over this nasty nasty bug.

By the way, the above photo is of my daughters’ window. The white filmy stuff is beautiful ice crystals just clustered waiting to get inside! It really is cold here, but gorgeous!

Hey- I am really feeling terrible today. So much that I don’t feel like posting a photo. I have a fever and a wicked headache, so it’s back to bed for me.

I hope to respond to everyone this weekend, please bear with me.