Thursday Things That Make Me Happy

• Counting-down on paper chains.

(The Girl made this... she is counting down days until she see her Paw and Grannie. Only 44 chains left!) 

• Banana treats...

•  ...for a monkey boy.

...and his mother.

• Sweet smelling soaps that make me want to clean.

• Wildlife in my own back yard.

• Two Bambies. Love their spots.

• Teaching our kids to play poker. 

•  Traditions - I told the kids how my dad taught us how to play poker on camping trips. They want to play with him but are hoping to play like the "olden days" (a.k.a - when I was a kid)...we didn't bet with pennies. We played for m&m's.

• Crocheting a poncho... with a name that's like my own.

•  Being almost done...

• Quiet times.

•  Lego mansions.

• A teenage boy who is generous with his smile.

These things. They make me happy.

A Bowl of Cherries

I am so grateful for this past weekend. It was the first since early spring that all four of us were at home with nothing to do.

The cherry on top?

It rained.

A cool, steady, drenching rain.

Nearly all day Saturday.

It was perfect.

So with an empty calendar and a cloudy sky, I thought of what I might do...

I started a new crochet project. My niece shared a pattern with me last fall called the "Kellie" poncho.

(i'm not even kidding, that's really the designs name)

It's like, kismet... that poncho and me. We were meant to find each other on a rainy Saturday afternoon in August.

I'm doing it in a shade of aqua, to match the wool felt flower I made last week. I'm hoping to post pics sometime soon.

While I was hooking (oh! That makes me giggle.) I watched about six episodes of Gidget (Sally Field) with The Girl.

So fun, and frivolous... and wonderful.

And can I tell you a secret?

On Sunday afternoon we came home from church, ate leftover pizza for lunch, took the nap-of-all-naps (you know, the one where you wake up with pillow marks on your face) and had ice cream for dinner: cookies and cream. Two big scoops. And I didn't even feel guilty for it. Not even for half-a-second.

Seriously, the weekend was perfect. I should have taken pictures.

But I didn't, so I'll just say that our home this weekend.... Was an overflowing bowl of cherries.

Flying

Time is moving so quickly these days.

Its really just flying.

This week has been good.

But I've come to the realization that my job is changing... and yet the foundation stays the same.

Gone are the days of working hard all day with young children. Of waking up tired from holding sick babies all night and chasing/cleaning after preschoolers.

I am now one of those moms I used to envy. You know the one... she shops without her kids, sips latte's without sharing, isn't wearing gooey graham cracker on the front of her shirt. I have become that mom who can read poolside while the kids are swimming.

But, let me tell you what I am reading...

I'm reading on how to encourage my teenager toward healthy and strong relationships. I'm reading up on how to keep the heart, mind, and body pure in a world that treats relationship (and dating) as something that isn't revered, but looked upon as conquest.

I'm reading on how to help them be excellent communicators (and listeners) when our media-filled age is all about 140 character or less... when conversations that should be held face-to-face are texted-- when words that should be private are splattered all over Facebook.

I'm reading about how to help them see the value in who they have been created to be; to be content with the gifts and talents they have been uniquely given for their good and the to the glory of God. I'm trying to learn how to help them find a way in a society that praises the mean-girl and emasculates the good-boy.

I'm reading up on how to keep my kids spiritually and mentally healthy in a world that offers nothing of sustenance on which to feast, and then glorifies the emaciated mind and body.

I'm trying to gain knowledge and wisdom, help steer the way, but it isn't always easy and often the lessons learned are not just for them... but for me.

I have prayed, and prayed, and prayed again for wisdom. For understanding. For a life-line.

Ten days ago, while I was sitting at the table teaching English and wondering how this whole teenage parenting thing was gonna work out, I received answer to that prayer.

It wasn't what I was expecting.

It was a thought so very clear in my mind that I had to write it down to be sure it was true.

"Be present with those you're with."

Three days later, nearly to the hour, as I anticipated the crossing-off of To-Do lists; in between grocery lists and papers to grade I got caught in the cross-winds of a storm I didn't know was brewing in my heart: How am I supposed to navigate this crazy time of hormones and history papers? How am I to nurse the whiplash that comes in the battle of snarkyness vs. neediness that can happen from the same child within a ten-minute span? How do I mentor and mother? Teach and Talk? Listen and learn? 

Two little words calmed the raging storm. Hope came to soothe my heart as a dozen(ish) letters bled from my pen. 

Job description: Be available.

That's a hard one for me. It always has been. 

 Over and over again I have had to choose to be available. 

Why did I think it would change now?

This Wednesday we had our usual Family Night. We started this tradition over a decade ago when I realized that The Mister and I needed a night that we could count on... a night when we could spend some time with the kids, and then after tucking them in bed, could have some time together. It's been our date night, and with the exception of a half-a-dozen very good reasons, we have kept that date. 

Not every night has been sweetness and light. As a matter of fact there have been some Wednesday evenings that we all should have just crawled into bed at 6:00 pm and stayed there. But our choice to be available to one-another every Wednesday over the period of a decade is beginning to show its fruit. And to be very honest with you, two nights ago it was of great encouragement to me.

Why?

Because choosing to be available again, and again, in the face of discouragement - when family night felt more like a lesson in patience; when others around us discouraged us, didn't understand us, sometimes even asked us to change our date to accommodate things they thought more important; when I just didn't have energy or desire to plan and prepare and my attitude reflected it -  there was still blessing in being available. 

This Wednesday my two worlds collided: that world of choosing availability when my children were little (even when I couldn't see the fruit) and realizing how important it will continue to be as I navigate these sometimes-murky teenage waters. 

Maybe, even more important.

This week Family Night was a quiet and tender gift ... just for me... although, at the time, even I didn't know it.

I made a dinner that everyone loved. The bread came out just perfect. The Girl set the table with added touches. Everyone was happy and communicative. The wine tasted delicious. 

Laughter and Joy and Love was set before us. As we looked across our big walnut table at the faces of this family, we got to taste and see what is good... and it helped me glimpse into the future. 

This. This one moment that took eleven-years to build is what comes of being available, but this isn't the end. Its just the beginning. 

Time is flying... but I don't need to worry... when all plans fail... when I think I am failing... 

I will choose to be present with those I am with... 

I choose to be available.

Random (Flowery) Thoughts from Kellie's Brain

I'm sure by now you've guessed that I have an obsession a passion for flowers.

I love them, but I also really love to make them. Paper, yarn, fabric, tissue, beads, all flower-making medium is fair game... and this week wool-felt is my textile of choice.

I found this picture through Pinterest, (Go on, CLICK HERE to see the picture and then come back, I'll wait.)

OK... So glad you came back.

Seriously, if those beautifully colored felt dahlia's don't make your heart just swell with happiness, well... I'm worried about you.

Then again, maybe you should worry about me, because that picture made me want to run warp-speed to my studio/office and start making these bold, blooming, blossoms by the dozens.

Yesterday, I did my very best to muster up enough self-control to get two things done: teach some school, and finish up my last crochet project (pics below).

But then, without stopping at Go (or fixing lunch,) I found my wool-felt stash and sat to work.

My first attempt turned out all right. Not quite as neat and tidy as the picture, but give me a couple days and we'll see what happens...

Speaking of blue flowers....

I didn't give too much info on our beach trip. I plan to write more tomorrow but i will say I had forgotten how much I love the sea. I was surprised how blue the Atlantic ocean looked. Especially in the morning, when the sunlight was filtered through marine haze.

I must have been inspired by that azure hue because not only did I come home and make blue flowers, I bought one too.

I'm not really a souvenir type person, but when I saw this bracelet in the hotel gift shop, it was... just waiting there for me to pick it up... sitting there so pretty in all its flowery-blue goodness.

If happy were a wool-felt flower, or a beaded bracelet, this is what it would look like.

I mentioned that I finished my tea cozy project... Here it is.

No matter how hard I tried, I could not get the picture to show the true color red. in the picture it looks very orangey, but in real life its a beautiful blue-red. Mrs. P. This should be living in your kitchen within the next 5 business days! Hooray!

Well, I would love to sit and chat all day... seriously, I would. But I want to try to make one more flower before this afternoon gets away!

Happy Wednesday!

By the Sea

I took a little blog-hiatus last week to get prepared for our family weekend away.

The Mister had a long-weekend so we whisked away Friday for an overnight trip to Atlantic beach.

Originally we had planned to camp on the beach at a State Park, but axed that plan at the last minute. Which was good, because after 7 hours of playing in the surf and sand, we were all ready to come home.

Today I come back to reality. Its not gonna be easy. First thing on my agenda (The bad news): a dentist appointment. The good news is that when you start your day with the dentist, it can only get better from there.

Happy Monday Tuesday!

black, white, red, giraffe

At the moment I have a lot of black, white, and red happening in my house. 

I think my favorite thing from the garden this year are those twin-cherry tomatoes, so perfectly colored and shaped. Little gifts from a poorly tended garden. 

I almost didn't eat them they were so cute... but I did eat them. 

They were tasty.

This is a commissioned tea cozy, meant to be finished late last week. I'm struggling with the flowers. Not with the making, but with the size, the placement, the kind... it'll all come and fit together like it wants to be, but in the meantime I'll fuss... and then set it aside. Rearrange... then put away.  I know the moment will come, when I'll put it together and it will all be right... perfectionist? Nah. I like to think of it as art.

Speaking of art...

As a family we are working on a project this year that will require each of us to keep a composition book.

I've never liked composition books because they are so drab looking... so I've decided a little decoupage is in order... but first I needed to get the cover looking like I wanted it to.

Have you ever used Graphite paper? Its one of my very favorite crafting supplies (you can find it in the drawing and painting sections of craft stores.)

I used scrapbook paper to make my numbers and background, then I found my favorite computer font for the written word 'thanks'.

Then I placed the 'thanks' where I wanted it on the cover with the graphite (black side down) in between. 

 I traced over the letters with a pencil, checking twice that I'd gone over all the lines, its impossible to place in the same spot once you remove the graphite.

The graphite leaves a faint line.  I traced over the line with my favorite permanent marker (the one I hide in my office where no one can find it... I'm not even kidding.)

Then I used a glue stick to place the cover over the composition book. After I've given it a little time to dry I will Mod-Podge the cover so it all stays in place.

As a non-black/white/red side note:

You can also use graphite paper to trace onto canvas.

I am not the only one in this house that L-O-V-E-S graphite paper. The Girl is a big fan too. 

She is painting in the kitchen as I type.
I offered to put the easel on the floor so she could sit in the chair.
She declined.
Artists.

Last year a friend recommended the Color-Me-Online website. They have all sorts of printable animal drawings and famous masterpieces geared toward teaching your kids about art (and its free!) It is really a great website, good for artists of every age.

The Girl's first project was to print out  this black and white giraffe. 

I helped her transfer the giraffe with graphite paper and she set to work painting.

Isn't that fun?

Happy Tuesday!

Always

taidyoriginal

Today I rejoice that my family is once again together under one roof. 

Would love to hear what you are rejoicing... 

Maybe its easy for you to think of a something...

Maybe... today is a day when rejoicing will be an act of your will choosing to hope, choosing to see, choosing to give thanks in a place not comfortable... 

Today my rejoicing is easy, but I've been there... when rejoicing felt like a sacrifice of my heart; when choosing to be grateful for things unseen, unknown, felt like carrying a boulder up a hill.

There is joy in gratitude... 

So tell me. What are you thankful for today?

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

Philippians 4:4

Quilt Accomplished

"Listen! My Lover! 

Look! Here he comes,

leaping across the 

mountains,

bounding over hills.

My lover is like a gazelle or

a young stag.

Look! There he stands,"

~ Song of Songs 2: 8-9

 He comes home today. After a week of leaping mountains in northern New York. 

In my Bible I have the scripture above underlined, and in the margin is written: Reminds me of The Mister!

I don't know when I wrote that note. Which is strange, I almost always write a date... but I guess that's how love should be... timeless.

While he was away, I had several goals - make dinner every night (when he's gone I'm tempted to eat toast or cereal for dinner), watch lots of movies with the kids, and finish the 16th Anniversary Quilt. 

I managed to accomplish all three. (Smoothies are a meal, right?)

I'm most excited about the quilt. My mountain-man enjoys a good back-packing trip. He loves his ultra-light and warm sleeping bag on the trail, but at home he enjoys a good quilt.

Several years ago, he kept hinting that I hadn't made anything for him, and that he would love to have a quilt for his office. So I made him this one....

Its not beautiful or fancy, and it isn't even "quilted" but its a favorite and often in the winter on weekend afternoon, I'll peek in his office and he'll be napping on the floor... wrapped up like a quilted burrito. 

Makes me happy. 

This week I only needed to bind the Anniversary Quilt. I tried to do it the "correct" way. By hand. But in the end it was all machine sewn. I'm a quilting newbie... plus, I was running out of time and just wanted it to be done.

When the last stitch was sewn I put it on the bed, just to see what it looked like...

...and, of course, take some pictures...

I kept thinking to myself... I can't believe it I did it... I can't believe I finished it... I can't believe it all came out... just the nearly the way I wanted...

Its made from fabrics that have been repurposed so its already amazingly soft and light.

I spent a good chunk of time looking at it, admiring it. Wondering if The Mister will like it too...

...and then I took it off again.

Because I won't sleep under it until I'm with him.

Taking My Own Advice

It always happens around this time of year.

I get asked for homeschooling advice.

This flatters me and makes me scared all at the same time.

What makes me nervous is when I hear: You must be so organized... You always have it all-together. Or more recently, You seem like you're a pro!


Oh that those things were true!

But they aren't.

Which is why I get twitchy.

Unfortunately my response to this young mom was probably not what she was expecting, and in re-reading my reply, was more vague than I intended.

Homeschooling isn't half as romantic as I thought it would be, but its ten-fold the blessing, which I never expected! Remember that some days are going to be AWESOME! And some, well, they're just gonna be hard and you'll wonder if your kids will end up dumb as stumps... but its ALL worth while!

 I think its great that you are going to homeschool! As far as advice... practice grace - with yourself, with your kids. Expect things to take less time and more time, all at once! Remember that home education is not like traditional schooling... your kids will learn so much more than their A-B-C's, things that cannot be measured or tested, and many won't understand...but that that is OK! 

Prayer is the one thing that gets you through, and the first thing you'll set aside... pursue prayer! You can't live without it! (that is true for traditional or home education!)  

What I should have said was this:

On more days than not every table in the house is covered with something...

it might be books,

or laundry,

or (many) unfinished projects.

(I act like it doesn't bother me... often it does.)

There are usually clean dishes left drying on the stove top (which is a terrible place to dry your dishes... but I do it anyway.)

... not to mention open cupboards and popcorn on the floor.

Organization happens, but it isn't done quickly, and is often done in short increments of time over many days... like this pile of new school supplies that have been laying in the hall way.

Most days... I can't find my red pen (even though I have a dozen):

I don't often wear make-up when school keeps us at home,

... but I wear a furrowed-brow more than I should...

You may have to click on the picture to see the furrow-ness... it's there, I promise.

I'm impatient.

Quick to assume the worst.

I fail to see the good things when there is so much good to be seen.

I make schedules that I can't always keep.

My projects often don't work.

I waste precious time on things that aren't important.

But the biggest mistake I make every blessed day?

I forget that I am called to this gig with dual purpose... I am not to simply teach my kids, but to train them. Teaching is when I impart my knowledge (or that of the text in front of me) and it is important.


But training is when I come along side them and actively help them  to "develop habits, thoughts and behavior by discipline and instruction" and it requires (a lot of) time, (a lot of) grace, and (a lot of ) repetition.

Training is often where I fail.

Time, grace and repetition are places in which I am the most greedy, the most selfish... and its what my children need of me the greatest.

I am quick to compare, and slow to prayer.

Oh! the struggle is fierce in this place, not just in my role as a mother and an educator, but personally as well.

In the midst of all that is imperfect, I forget to be thankful.

I stumbled across a blog post this week that expressed much more eloquently what I was trying to say...

When we give thanks, we gain joy. All of us. These daily lessons looking for grace is the way we see God even here.

Because what will the math really matter if they are bitter? If the house is immaculate — but my attitude a mess? If they can count — but they don’t know how to count all things as joy? If we get the lists done, but have lost happiness in Him? How can any grammar skill outweigh the fact they don’t know the language of grace and thanks? What good will it be if they can recite all the major British battles — but they don’t know to see beauty? What am I teaching our children if I’m not living simply, quietly this: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Phil. 4:8). Focusing on what is beautiful, good, true –isn’t this the truest education? - Ann Voskamp

Ultimately I want my students, my children, to learn what they need to know to be successful in life, but if I do not train them to see the Joy in life, to see passed the to-do lists and the syllabus, then I have failed them. Those things are chaff on the wind, here today and gone tomorrow, they add nothing to the value in the hearts of my children. Or mine!

If I'm honest I must tell you that I struggle with these things. I want the romance of homeschooling, and I am surprised when it is not. I want the facade of the clean house and perfect kids, but it just doesn't exist.

This is my homeschooling reality. Its my life.  And you know what? Its been an amazing experience for our kids, our family, for me.

Still looking for advice?

Me too.

This morning I'm right here with you. Refilling a prescription to my own medicine:


The romance of homeschooling is in the hindsight vision... but the joy of homeschooling is giving thanks in advance.

May I live this out in the coming year.

Little Yellow Schoolhouse: 2011-2012

Well, its official.

The Little Yellow Middle School is open.

First year without any elementary aged children... and it feels weird. If you have preteens/teen in the house you know what I mean.

For the record, I am enjoying this age and stage with my kids. I know a lot of people don't consider these awkward middle school years their "favorite." I get it, I do. But, I think this stage is kind of fun; most certainly, its funny.

Yesterday, I took the obligatory first day of school photos.

The Girl, who is VERY excited to be starting school again was up and dressed and ready to go.

It just goes to show that wether schooled traditionally or home-educated, fashion is still of utmost importance to the preteen girl.

The Boy, isn't quite ready to be back...

He asked me to take pictures of him looking sad/mad about going back to school.....

He couldn't keep it up for very long... he's a smiler, that Boy. (He's is looking so much like my youngest brother these days... its kind of spooky!)

So there they are the 2011-2012 middle school class.

One sixth-grader.

One eighth-grader.

One teacher.

Living on a wing and prayer.

Scathingly Brilliant Idea (and it wasn't even mine)

She wants everything to be blue.

I'm not sure why.

I mean, since the moment I knew she was a girl-child I bought-up every pink hair bow and outfit I could find.

Maybe its 'cuz I painted her nursery and several rooms pink without even asking. 

Maybe its 'cuz blue is the farthest you can get away from pink.

 I don't know. I just know she's all about the color blue.

Blue.

Blue hair streaks, blue bedroom walls, blue curtains.


She likes her blue.

I still dabble in pink here and there - in fabric, in yarn - but I've learned that where The Girl is concerned its better to allow her own style shine through. However, when she came to me and told me that she wanted to paint the table her Poppa built for her over a decade ago in her favorite color.... I. just. couldn't. do it.

She loves that table. I tried to convince her that she should get a desk to match her bed and dresser. That toddler size table doesn't quite fit anymore. But she doesn't want to give it up. Not yet... she just wants it to be blue.

So, I was thinking of how could we change the color without permanent damage when The Girl approached me with a scathingly brilliant idea!

(ten points if you can name the movie that quote comes from...its one of my favorite movies (and quotes!))

Nowadays duct tape comes in all sort of fashions and colors. She figured we could cover the table with tape and someday, if she ever loves the color pink purple. We could change it. Or if she will ever allow me to haul it out of her room for a bigger desk and chair, I can uncover the blue tape, take some alcohol wipes to the duct tape stickiness, and have a white table for the grandkids to play on in the (longtime) future.

And, in the pitch that won the game she said, "Its like a craft project we could work on together!"

That Girl, she knows me.

How could I say no?

We bought the tape and rushed home.

We wiped down the table and let it dry. Then we turned it over and started with the legs. This part was more difficult for her to do on her own without the tape bunching up (it was difficult for me too) so she worked on another project until I could get that done.

Then we turned it over and started with the top.

The whole process took about an hour. And we didn't have to prime or clean paint brushes after!

The Girl and I were so excited about it that we are trying to figure out how to do the chairs as well---although honestly, they look overwhelming with all their spindles and curves.

Maybe. Maybe chairs...

We decided to do the legs and trim in silver to give it that 50s formica feel.

She loves it.

And I may have a new crafting obsession...

When The Mister came home and saw our completed project he applauded our efforts in that quiet way he has -- I looked at him with a twinkle in my eye and said, "Yeah! what else do you think needs covering with tape?!"

To which he chuckled and said, "Uh oh. Here we go again..."

At $3.50 a roll, its the cheapest of craft supplies I own!

Happy Friday!

Birds of a Feather

Weeks ago I read a blog post that solved my Great Dilemma.

I have a daughter who is cultivating a two-year fascination with mermaids.

Two years ago we saw a movie called Aquamarine about a mermaid of the blonde persuasion who had a lovely blue streak in her hair.

This little blue lock of tress made quite an impact on my (then) nine-year old and the campaign for azure adornment was born.

For two years she was denied.

Just when she had nearly worn me down I came upon this post and instantly I knew: Feathers were the answer.

So I did what any mom of a tween-ager does: I Googled it.

Within days I had The Girl sitting in a posh salon where, for three-minutes and twenty-bucks, you could have your blue streaks... and your feathers too. It's quick, and easy, and best of all not permanent.

I watched the stylist put this thing in her hair and the mantra I have on a day-to-day basis began to chant in my head: I could make do this!

All it took was a feather, some hair, a small crochet hook, a pair of pliers and a special bead to attach it with...I had everything but the feather and bead.

So I came home and ordered some.

They've been sitting on my bathroom counter for a couple of weeks.

One of the great joys of my life is to think up things to do and say that will make my kids laugh.

Yesterday morning after drying my hair I had a brilliant idea: put one of those dark feathers in your hair and see how long it takes for the kids to notice.


(This was going to be WAY more fun than that time I put googly eyes on their toothbrushes.)

As I was putting in my purple plumes I had a flashback to my college days when I had come home and was searching for snack in my parents kitchen. My dad walked in and asked about my day, when i looked up he had a small gold-ball piercing... in his nose.

In the moments that passed (that felt like hours) I contemplated my response... this was the man who told my brothers that if they ever came home with a pierced ear they better be wearing a dress. This was the man who had long let us know that his preference was that we keep our tattoos and piercing down to a minimum... but here he was with a ring in his nose.

But before I could say anything he started to laugh in the quiet way my daddy does... laughing, laughing laughing... while I wondered if he was having a crises. Oh, he was tickled with himself.

Turns out he had found a magnetized earring and bought it. Hours later I was in my room studying when I heard my brother walk in the front door and say, "Dad! What is that in your nose?!?!"

And the laughing commenced... still makes me laugh today.

All feathered and ready I ran downstairs waiting for someone (anyone!) to find it.

They are subtle...

Nobody noticed until late in the night and by that time I had forgotten.

They laughed (a little), and declared it looked "cool."

I guess for big laughs nose-rings are best.

I had decided I would take them out, but The Boy said, "Why mom? I think they look nice." So I am going to keep them for a day or two... or at least until co-op starts in September.

Who knows? Maybe I'll start a trend with all the other housewives and home-educators. You know what they say.....birds of a feather.

~~~~~~~

PS: It was recently brought to my attention that I make a "funny scrunchy-face." When I asked The Mister if this was true he said, "Oh yeah, that's classic Kellie."  So Becky, this is for you: