this Moment

Just a few things...

I found this awesome chair at Salvation Army for $8.75! It matches perfectly to a desk I picked up a bit ago, and it is comfy to boot! I also scored an old dairy container, that says "Greig's Dy Kalispell" painted green - totally awesome to remind us of this wonderful place when we have to move.

(he is thinking, "Will Mom notice if I grab for the kitty? I don't think so!!!")

For some reason, I have been away from here. Kellen has been teething, so not a whole lot of sleeping going on (well, continuous sleep anyway), crafting has been done, physical therapy is gone to three times a week, and we are all anxiously awaiting hearing about our next assignment. Among other things.
I guess the simple answer is that I have been avoiding the computer for the most part other than a check in here or there. And that is okay.

But here are some updates::
Ayla started school with Colton, and so far (after two weeks) we are EXTREMELY happy with our decision. Colton has opened up at school and actually is talking to his teachers (he had not said a word to anyone there for the whole schoolyear!!!) Ayla is absolutely loving going and learning... I think she is going to be one of those kids that just loves school (I was that way as a kid). So... we feel like it has been a very positive thing. Also, I get to spend two whole days (9-3) with Kellen. I think he really likes that part :)

I finally got out my sewing machine. I put it away before Christmas, and it has been sitting in my closet, not even calling my name. And then the first day Ayla went to school, I thought to myself "Kellen needs a blanket that can be attached to him that will keep him covered at night." And this is what I came up with. No, this doesn't help his little icicle paws in the wee hours of the night, but it does make my mind rest at ease when I don't have to worry about the blanket being on his face or him being cold! (we just started knocking the heat setting down to 62 every night).I think it turned out fabulous. It seems to serve it's purpose, and it is really cute! Can't go wrong with that, right? I used what I had on hand, and the inside is wonderful organic fleece - so soft!!

The kids have been really into art projects, and I thought I would try one that Heather mentioned. The kids seemed to like the process, but after we pulled off the tape, Colton wanted to paint the white space! Ha! I love this picture though... my little goofballs.

{This Moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see. ~ Amanda Soule

My Shalom Sweater

How cute is this little guy?! He is the sweetest little boy, even as he is teething!

A couple weeks ago, I decided it was my turn for a sweater. And every since Amanda Soule blogged about her first and second Shalom sweater, I knew that I had to try it. So a couple weekends ago, I got some fabulous butternut squash colored yarn and started in.
After I was this far, I tried it on and discovered that, alas, it was too small over my chest. So it was unraveled.... sad but true. It was hard to do, but I realized it was better than completing it and then discovering it was too small... so I have come to terms with it. Kind of.I have restarted and added 15 extra cast on stitches, we will see how it turns out :: so far so good!

the pattern is free here! The pattern is actually pretty easy, and even though it was small at the fitting, I found it to be completely adorable! Try it. Really.

The washer

This boy has a SERIOUS fascination with the washing machine. The minute the laundry room door is open, even a crack, he is rushing in there to see his washer spin around. The diaper cycle is his favorite because it is the longest :) He sits in there and just watches, casually touching the door every once in a while to try to figure it out.
My sweet baby boy. He is getting his second top front tooth (he has his bottom front two and one top one) and is kind of fussy... but he is sleeping in his own bed at night, and only nursing twice during that time!! This is a major accomplishment for us. Right after my surgery, he was still sleeping with us and I think I was nursing him 6-8 times a night, just because it was easier. But we decided it was better for us all if we got him to sleep in his own comfy bed. And although I miss his sweet little snuggles, we all really do get better sleep.
Happy Sunday!

This Moment (just for mom)

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see. ~ Amanda Soule
Have a great weekend!

My love for crafting

I have a confession:: I love to make things. It is usually a problem. Well, maybe not a problem... just an obsession. I would say on any given day that you would find me having a few treasured moments to add some stitches here, or cut out a pattern there. It brings me joy. It brings me peace.
I read a beautiful post today over at Shivaya Naturals (by the lovely Heather) and it made me think. Why do I craft? And do I really have the time? So this is what I came up with.I craft, mostly, to keep my sanity. I feel like I can totally immerse myself in my craft of choice and come out on the other side more relaxed. AND, I also craft because I love that I can figure things out and make something with my own two hands... and I like to think that I am pretty good at it. I REALLY love seeing my finished product and giving it to someone who will use it. But my favorite, is seeing my kids (or husband or myself) wearing something I have made (or using it). It fills my heart with joy and accomplishment. Luckily my husband is very supportive and seems to appreciate my craftiness. He doesn't usually appreciate the mess quite as much, but he knows it is a necessity :)To answer the question of "do I really have the time?", I find that I make time for this. Every spare second I have, I find myself reaching for my knitting or gravitating toward my lovely sewing machine. I also don't deep clean any of the house on a regular basis. I surface clean and use the theory of stacking, but I leave the serious cleaning to a whirlwind cleaning bug or to my husband! I do cook on occasion... no, I cook everyday. But dinner time menu is my nemesis. I am constantly looking for a good way to figure out dinner. It has been kind of nice these last couple of weeks to not have to think about it too much (my husband did most of that!) So I guess it would be like those "other" people who spend their free time working out or cleaning. Now, I think they are crazy! Just kidding.Often, I get the comment, "You must be so busy".... and I have to admit, I am. I have 3 kids that require a lot of time and attention, I have a husband who I adore and try to spend as much time as I can with, I love to read, I love to blog and read other blogs, I have lots of outdoor activities I enjoy, and I love to knit and sew. Of course I am busy. And I wouldn't want it any other way.


Here is the new sweater vest I made for Kellen. I think it is the most adorable little thing. Usually we don't put a sweater over PJ's, but it is pretty cute anyways.

Some Random Stuff and Shops I love

Colton's kitty drawing (his first one!)

Pretzel fun

I made this hat for Bianca while she was here... love it!! (Remember it?)

I thought I would share with you some of the shops around this whole internet thing that I love and wish I could frequent. Also ones that will help me fulfill my goals. My criteria for most shops is that local is best (I consider Oregon and Montana local), green is a must (for most things), and I TRY to pay attention if it is made in the US.

So here goes:
CLOTHING
Gaia Conceptions (Etsy is a WONDERFUL place to find small local companies that are AWESOME)
Kate Quinn Organics
Happy Green Bee
Little Lark (Portland)
Hannah Andersson
Abe's Market
Sweetgrass
Earth Creations
Wooly Baby
Handfull (Eugene)
Blue Corduroy (California)
SheShePDX (Portland)
Starry Knight Designs (Montana)

JEWELRY::
Seaworthy :) (Portland)
Lisa Leonard
Eager Hands

TOYS::
Natural Family Supplies
The Enchanted Cupboard
Little Sapling Toys (ID and UT)
Natural Earth Farm and Fiber
Imagine Childhood

ART SUPPLIES::
Natural Family Supplies
Stubby Pencil Studio (Portland)

NATURAL FAMILY CARE::
Natural Family Supplies
LuSa Organics
Winkydinks

CRAFT::
A Little Sweetness (Seattle)

And I know I am forgetting a whole bunch of shops that I love, but maybe I will just expand on this as I remember them!

Dog Sledding in Montana

Since we are leaving this beautiful place this year, we decided to spend some money on something we wouldn't have otherwise... dog sledding!We had the perfect excuse:: out of town guests! One of my best friends, Bianca and her boyfriend Chris came to visit for the weekend from Wisconsin. So since Chris and I had bum knees, we couldn't really do the normal winter stuff that most people enjoy here in Montana. I did some research and found Dog Sled Adventures. It was such a great time! The dogs were WELL loved and the ride was fun. Colton sat right in front of me and even though he is a boy of few words (in the presence of others) he giggled and laughed along the way. Kellen fell asleep snuggled on Tyler's chest behind me, and Ayla even got a little catnap sitting in the other sled on Bianca's lap!
I strongly encourage trying this out if you are in this area.When the sled ride was done, Ayla (who is more of a cat than dog person) pet almost all of the dogs that pulled her sled. She was so cute with them, and they all were really sweet! The owner said he rescues about 30% of his dogs, and he had 110!! All healthy and happy looking.Right now the two older kids are playing "dog sled" with their dog stuffed animals.... so cute!On another note, I am thinking I need to make a goal for myself. On my friend, Marisa's blog (owner of Seaworthy) she made a comment on how she would like to write more letters (yes, actually hand written letters!), so I am responding to her by saying that I will definitely do this and my goal, which may sound pathetic, but I think it may be doable is two letters a month.
Isn't it just so nice to receive a hand written letter from a friend or relative? I absolutely love it, but it doesn't happen often! So to 2011, I will write more letters (along with Marisa). Will you? Post your pledge here and I will remind you every month on this blog to get your letter(s) written. Who's with me!?

This Moment

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.~Amanda Soule

Today:: The beginning of 2011

(Ayla took this picture! This is my new haircut to start out the new year!)

Today is the beginning of the year for me. I know, you say it is the 4th; what are you talking about?

Well... The doctor told me today that I can walk on both my legs now. My knee is healing beautifully he said, and even though I have a lot of physical therapy ahead of me, this news makes me oh-so-happy.
I haven't been able to hold my baby boy in 4 weeks and walk him to soothe him to sleep. I have felt so helpless in the whole realm of the house because all I could really do was crutch around. I know, many others have way more obstacles to overcome. This was mine though. Being responsible for 3 little ones and not really being able to meet any of their needs is hard. Really hard. I am so thankful for my husband and all the work he has put into this family in the last 4 weeks. He has been truly amazing.
I can only hope that I can repay him someway. I try to be very easy going and handle things. He has been going at least once a week to the gym with the neighbor to climb the rock wall a couple times, also a weekly soccer game is a recent thing too. At least it is something.

So having all this time to sit and stew... I have made a couple of personal rules to live by for at least the next 6 months; maybe a year.

#1:: No buying clothing for any of the immediate family members, unless they fit in this criteria :: have to be handmade in the USA :: or second-hand.

(this is huge. I have a problem with buying clothes. well, not all the time, I go through spurts, but it is never pretty :)

#2:: Try really hard to hand-make items for people's special days (i.e. birthdays, christmas, etc.) I don't think this one will be too hard, but this will help me use up the fabric and yarn that I already have, plus, people love hand made stuff, right?! HOWEVER, I will give myself an out here and give the option of buying something hand made if it comes to crunch time. I don't want myself to go crazy! So etsy will surely be a place to look.
These afore mentioned people include my hubby and kids. Kids are not a problem, but Tyler is another story! He did mention he would like a robe.... but seriously, not easy!

Let's hope I can at least remotely stick to these rules. One of the tabs I have open right now is a clothing shop that does not meet this criteria... and I have 13 items in the cart! So this is going to save me money for now... until I make that purchase from Gaia Conceptions :)

Have a great Tuesday! this week sometime, I am going to list some of my favorite shops that are either local (for me, that means Oregon or Montana) or just plain awesome. Maybe I will make some shopping matches :)

Year in Review

Our Year (2010) in Review

I got this idea from a different blog, and thought it was fabulous. Also a good way to reminisce about the year that has passed and look more forward to the year ahead. So here we go::

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::JANUARY::We started One Small Change (more meatless meals) :: hurt my back (again) :: made a list of 50 things to do in 485 days (We accomplished 24/50 so far) :: celebrated Colton's half birthday :: couldn't sew much, so knit alot :: tried my hand at a picture a day :: won a giveaway ::

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::FEBRUARY::Finishing Ayla's quilt :: very itchy during the last weeks of pregnancy :: tried our hand with family cloth for the One Small Change for this month :: Ayla got her hair cut :: Valentine's Day hike up Lonepine :: made some super cute things for the soon to be Kellen (if I do say so myself!) :: clarified our savings plan (I love this post and the comments that came!) ::

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::MARCH::Welcomed Baby Kellen into the family!! (This is my favorite thing of the whole year) :: March One Small Change was lowering the thermostat :: Participated in a Vintage Swap :: Lots of family visiting :: started walking and eliminating things from diet to help Kellen :: Kellen's first bath ::

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::APRIL::One Small Change is take a plastic bag for garbage on walks and hang laundry out (didn't do too well on either of these :( ) :: Put our house up for sale :: Easter egg hunt and books :: start of the bypass construction :: started up some post-baby projects (niece Natalie was turning one!) :: gave up dairy for Kellen's sake :: started the Green Smoothie challenge (I need to go back to this!) :: playing in the park in the sunshine :: bought some 5 finger barefoot shoes :: kids craft with old sewing machine :: Kellen is starting to smile

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::MAY::Tyler ordered me a Lisa Leonard necklace that I LOVE! :: local photographer, Alicia Brown, took newborn pictures of Kellen :: actually made a couple more things for the family :: Tyler turned 28 (I love this post; makes me tear up) :: won three different blogging giveaways! :: kids playing a lot of doctor themed play :: made some weight loss goals :: our first (and Kellen's first EVER) camping trip of the season :: farmshare started :: hiked alot with friends :: considered training for a half marathon ::

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::JUNE::hurt my knee (tore the meniscus) :: went camping in Glacier and saw our first moose! :: kids got stomach flu on said camping trip :: Kellen reached 16 lbs. :: knitted alot with Kellen on my lap :: Colton learned to ride a 2 wheeler (with no training wheels) :: fun in the sprinkler :: mosquito infested camping trip! :: messes revealed in Truthful Tuesday's ::

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::JULY::Kellen had first taste of solid food :: another moose sighting :: more camping :: visitor's from Oregon (Granna, Papa and cousin Jaden!) and my brother and boyfriend from Maryland came too! :: Colton turned 4! :: kid's journals :: Our grizzly bear encounter! :: and even more camping

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::AUGUST::went rock climbing with our wonderful neighbors (now Tyler is hooked!) :: made homemade bagels :: made Kellen some AWESOME new pants :: crossed over to Canada for a camping trip; saw lots of bears :: picked lots of raspberries :: hosted my first giveaway :: went to Yellowstone and to Grand Teton with good friends (pics here and here)

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::SEPTEMBER::Lots of homemade goodness for Ayla's birthday :: Colton started preschool :: I turned 30! :: Kellen turned 6 months old :: we got family pictures done by the lovely Alicia :: Ayla turned 3 (here, too) :: me and the kids headed for a trip to Oregon sans Tyler

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::OCTOBER::shared our Oregon trip here and here :: volunteered :: went to the pumpkin patch :: got an itch to get rid of things :: Tyler went to Vegas for a couple of days :: we got our beautiful pictures back :: went to Glacier for an impromptu fishing trip as a family, and met up with a train :: went to Mexico! :: had a great Halloween

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::NOVEMBER::found a great high chair for a great price :: trying to simplify dinner plans :: won another giveaway! :: knitted some sweaters for Christmas :: chugging along on my Christmas gifts :: made family tree pillows :: Tyler shot a deer :: Kellen's first encounter with snow :: :: went to Oregon for Thanksgiving (once again bringing a pretty decent cold and not being able to visit as much as we want)

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::DECEMBER::hurried to get Christmas presents done early :: MORE pictures from Alicia! :: went sledding before the surgery :: had knee surgery :: Ayla's doll got a washing :: got our Christmas tree early (a little too early!) :: the kids really enjoyed the decorating for the season :: lots of knitting being done :: made lots of snowflakes and hung them up around the house :: Kellen started crawling/scooting :: Tyler made a tutu for Ayla :: Christmas was wonderful :: tree was taken down on Christmas day ::

we have been so lucky to have such a great year. Hopefully this next year is just as awesome! I have a feeling it will be. Life is good. I hope your life is as wonderfully full as ours is; everyone should be this lucky.
(right now i am snuggled on my bed in the living room (because of the knee) with a kitty in the crook of my arm, my kids playing around, my husband tending both the kids and the house.... all I need is some chocolate and a cup of chai... perfection!)