looking and finding

I found myself looking for things to be thankful for yesterday knowing that I had promised to share some with you each time I post.  Indeed they were everywhere to be seen. Here are a few I found:

Lovely trees that flicker in the breeze and sprinkle down golden leaves.

Boiled eggs. By far one of the most nutritious, compact (with biodegradable packaging), kid friendly, easily packed whole food around.

"Adventure hikes" by the river, where Hannah leads (only possible because Emma was at school) and Laurel doing what she does best- picking up rocks and dirt. Hannah wouldn't let us linger very long in any one spot...she kept saying, "c'mon mom- keep it movin' ".  Just like her Grandma Karen.

The opportunity to Introduce Laurel to her shadow. I couldn't catch her waving.

And finally, a few stolen snuggles and smooches from this girl.  Anyone recognize her?

Thank you all so much for sharing your own personal grattitudes with me.  I love reading your comments and look forward to it each day!!

November= Thankfulness

I am as excited as the next person about the coming of the Christmas Holiday. I love giving and receiving gifts.  I eagerly anticipate gathering with family.  The jubilation my children express when the first snow arrives is contagious.  Their faces light up as each tree ornament is pulled from the box and rediscovered.  On and on I could go about the miracle that is Christmas.  However, what the heck happened to celebrating Thanksgiving?????  Already we are bombarded with ads in the newspaper and on TV telling us about all the great deals to be had on the "stuff" that has somehow seemed to replace the true meaning of Christmas.  My neighbors actually put up their Christmas lights last weekend. (They haven't turned them on yet...and they may not be all that stupid putting them up when it is not 9 degrees outside- but still.) 

 

I made this little banner a while back and now that it is officially November, I put it up last weekend.  It wasn't my idea...I hacked it from here. I hesitated in linking that picture because their version is way cuter.  I made the squares from wool felt and the letters were cute using a stencil and fat quarters that I thought looked autumn-ish.  I sewed them on raw edges and all.  It is hanging from a garden twine rope. ( a bit uneven too- the ladder was fairly wobbly, I wanted to get off it as soon as possible.)

Above our door it hangs in the hopes that it encourages us to be grateful for ALL that we have.  So many times we take simple things like a new toothbrush or clean socks for granted.  The big things slip by too- health, family, freedom.  I want my family to slow down and really give thanks for what has been given to us. 

So, for the rest of November (or at least until Thanksgiving) each time I post I would like to include at least one thing- and a picture too, of something (people, moments, and yes things) that I am thankful for. 

First up, I am thankful that my girls like to wash dishes for me. I do hover somewhat nervously as the water gets splashed about, and some food bits get passed over (good for the immune system right?) but I am thankful that they are willing to help out.

It was funny to watch the progression of wetness take over.  First, they wanted their sleeves rolled up.  Next, the socks came off.  Then, we lost the pants.  Finally, when I turned my back for moment Hannah actually disrobed completely and was sitting in the sink (she put the plug in the drain.)  That is where I drew the line.  Washing dishes in the buff is too much for me.  Its important to me that we work as a team and all pitch in.  This is a great way that they can play work :)  What are you thankful for?

serious sewing

Wow!  What a girl can do with a whole extra hour in her day!  I love daylight savings time because kids don't have a clue...they still get up at the same time only it is 5am instead of 6am.  Super!  Sunday afforded me an opportunity that I have been waiting for going on 3 weeks now.  Some serious sewing. 

By serious, I mean pulling your hair back in a bun with a headband serious.

Serious sewing means setting the mood for creativity, and clearing off all the unnecessary clutter.  Careful though, that last step may eat up all your time :)

(that cup was  filled with hot cider- for about 2 minutes apparently Hannah didn't get the memo that stated I was doing some serious sewing ALONE.)

Serious sewing is usually devoted to projects that will be given away.  When I sew for myself I wing it.  Everything is a bit more reckless.  But, when you are doing some serious sewing- there is much more measuring and careful cutting, more pinning and ironing. More thought and planning are involved thus more concentration is required.  One has to be in the right mood for serious sewing.  Tedious, not adventurous.

Here is what came out of my "serious sewing"

Two lovely slings for two lovely mamas.  They provided the fabric-I provided the seriousness (and the sewing).  Whew! Sewing a big rectangle takes a lot of concentration these days.  The last couple of projects were the "I-am-flooring-the-presser-foot-and-it-is-still-not-going-fast-enough" kind of projects. (I promise that I don't drive like a sew- at least most of the time).  So, slowing down, taking one's time, really plotting out the course pays off. Something that actually turns out! Serious sewing.