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.