kidding around

Today I will be spending the day with my sweet son. Lunch and then some pizza making are in the plans. This card he made for his teacher and I wish I could keep it!!

Time really does fly…we moved back to Chicago when I was pregnant with my Simon and I can’t believe I am now having conversations about the solar system and that “oo” makes an “oooo” sound. Age six is a pretty fantastic age. The world is opening up through independent reading, making more choices, more responsibility. Not that things are perfect all the time, but life with Simon Ariel is a joy.

Speaking of joy, this cake gets me happy! I made the cake from Ina Garten’s newest book and the frosting is Swiss Meringue Buttercream. Isn’t the frosting beautiful?! So easy to make and it looks just like a delicious cloud.

Hands off, Peppy! We still have about 9 hours before chow time.

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!

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.

It seems like the 2nd half of the school year my kids are invited to a lot more birthday parties. Although I do purchase some of my gifts, I do like to make them as well (if time allows). Anyway, I thought an apron would be great and this will also be included in her gift…perfect for a 9 year old in the kitchen!

Okay, and now I need to share something that worked for me this morning that has me SO happy.

The time I detest the most is the morning when we all have to rush out the door by 8am to get to school. My kids’ school has no bus service so I take them everyday. Anyway, I often get agitated and the worst comes out of me mostly in the morning. I hate it. I created a schedule for my 2 oldest kids to refer to and know what is expected from them.

I know this is nothing new. I realized my agitation stemmed from the fact that I was the only one looking at the clock and my kids were just going in slow motion with no cares in the world. It was beautiful today. Just the way I like the morning- bustling, but no crying, frustrations, and most of all me agitated! Besides, kids love to know what is expected of them and keeping themselves accountable…whether its to a clock, parent, or whatever. This method also encouraged my kindergartner to “tell time” and read.

So if I can recommend this to anyone whether you use it for yourself or for kids- you will be much happier or at least on time.

Don’t forget my MADE FOR CHINA effort. More details and projects will be revealed next Tuesday.

Did you know that when you play the card game WAR, there is no way you can let your kid win? Yesterday Si and I had an emotional round of cards- I won 98% of the deals and he was not cool with that…

I thought at least these cards would make it fun. Apparently letting him all of the time is best.

This past weekend, I did the majority of my Christmas shopping online. Now, I am receiving all the goods and it is so much fun…I feel like I am having my own little Christmas morning every afternoon.

I noticed this book in Magic Cabin’s catalogue recently and knew I needed to get this for Ellie. We have Tina Davis’ Look and Cook and have really enjoyed it- especially all of the illustrations.

I was so giddy with excitement while thumbing through the book. It’s perfect for Ellie and she will be so excited- especially since she is getting a real sewing machine this year. She always wants to sew with me and make projects and I do believe she is ready and the perfect age. I hope she will take this skill and enjoy it for the rest of her life…really, I love to sew and wish I could all of the time.

I highly recommend this book- it’s full of great tips, both machine and hand sewing…whether you have kids or not, it’s just charming and useful. How can you pass it up?

We have had an absolutely spectacular Fall weekend here in the midwest. The past few weekends have been pretty shotty and so we are trying to take every moment to enjoy. All sewing plans have gone out the window!

Another nice part of the weekend is not only the days my kids have off of school, but my sister and her kids came in (from Ohio) as well. The only bad thing is that my sweet Simon is on a camping trip with Poppy (my husband)- but somehow I think he is having his own fun. Last I heard they were sled riding down sand dunes in Michigan.

To start off this nice weekend, Ellie pulled out her first tooth on her own! Finally after waiting and being the only 3rd grader with no missing teeth, she has joined the ranks of “funky teeth”.

Happiness is spending a day with your 3 kids. Taking the train. Seeing the city. Being together. But…

it can also be extremely frustrating and test a Mama’s patience. This little sas had her moments…can you tell by my expression. I wasn’t impressed. But I did have fun and the kids did too. I have come to the conclusion that although it is important to take these sort of adventures I personally can not enjoy them. Maybe when they are older- but until then, we will tackle our day together and get through it.

Happy Weekend.

Sorry, more shameless photos of my new niece. I swear tomorrow there will be something else! These shots are for all the family and friends that can’t be near to meet our Tizzy.

I had to drag myself away from her today and actually be a mother to my own kids. Oh well, that girl has enough love and arms wanting to hold her…I suppose it’s only fair to share.