Springerle! Yum!

Norah and I made these beautiful and delicious cookies yesterday.  Springerle is becoming a tradition in our home, in it's 2nd year! This year we have anise, peppermint, and orange.

On the table is a cutter from Eric's Grandma.
My Mom sewed up my apron.
My Grandma Wiens made the best German Christmas Peppermint cookies/bars, called Pfeffernusse.
I grew up savoring them and saying them as "Pay-puh-nates".
No handed down, word of mouth recipe comes out successful; this is my closest attempt.
The mixing bowl is a gift from previous and dear coworkers.
The rolling pin was given to me from a community band-mate when I relayed a story of using a flashlight as a rolling pin during my graduate school years.
The table is my parents' from long ago, I sat at it as a little girl.
The little curly girly L.O.V.E.S. this project.
Lots of hands and hearts in this tradition.
Last night was pure joy and truly fun!
(The boys were watching hockey, by the way.)

Springerle Definition:  A German anise-flavored Christmas cookie with an embossed design on top. Flavored oils allow for variety of tastes.  (Molds and information here.)

She has my hands!

She has my love for projects!

End results!
Drying the cookies preserves the image when baking.

110 cookies drying, waiting to be baked.

One tuckered out little girl!

A Lovely Lady

This lovely lady, did an incredible act of kindness.

She is a friend, of a friend of mine.

Her act of kindness was mostly for that said friend of mine.

I also was a recipient.

The scarf she is wearing and the ornaments in her hand, are only a small token of belated thanks, for her incredible act of kindness.

Believe me, when you think and act outside of your typical habits, for another person at heart, it will be treasured and remembered. 

Possibly unpayable.

Act in kindness.

It will touch someone's heart.

A lovely lady, indeed!

Let Advent Begin!

I know there is a lot of chatter of no Christmas until Thanksgiving.  I whole heartedly agree!  Except, when hand-made-ness in involved, then Christmas "things" are allowed.  I have completed my set, I now need to plan the devotions.  I purchased small brown bags, Christmas gift tag stickers,  and ribbon. Each ornament will hide in a countdown bag under the mantel, along with a devotion.  This year, our Advent daily devotion will be a true devotion, a song/carol to read and listen to, one of our wonderful picture books to read,  or an act of kindness.  I'm still creatively thinking about how to include the Santa, Santa hat, and stocking. I'm thinking along the lines of generosity and surprises for topics.

Here is a description of the last batch of knit ornaments:
Manger - brown "container" with hay-like insert

Baby Jesus - knit in the round, yep, I'm a pro now. (This is part of a wee nativity set, and Mary is almost done; she is tricky.  There is Joseph and a donkey; I may table this for another time.)

Santa Hat - knit in the round, which I've discovered hats are easiest to roundly knit

Bells - very fun, as I am a bell ringer, and believe it or not, knit on 2 needles (not round)

Snowman - this broke my rule of buying yarn for this project, I really wanted fluffy white

Santa - A red triangle with lots of pieces added, not my favorite end result, but oh well.

Stocking - my first sock, I now know how to make a heel flap and how to turn the heel (socks are trickiest to knit in the round)

Bauble - a fun, traditional ornament

Mitten - my first knitting in the round ornament; the thumb isn't perfect, but I now know how to make sure the stockinette stitch is carried throughout in the round vs. on 2 needles. Not really interested in re-doing it.

Gingerbread man - a very nubby stitch, had to make 2 and stitch the front and back together, lots of parts and processes

Star - to be placed on the top.  5 points made individually, then joined together and cinched at the end for the center. I may add shiny beads for a little extra

Just imagine all the yarn ends to weave in at the end.  Each one has a crocheted hanger to attach and hide ends.  These were great little projects, but I am glad that I am now done.  I have learned a lot and am a more comfortable knitter!

Advent will be fun, I can't wait to show you how these will be used!

Round and Round I Go

I have finally figured out how to knit in the round.  The last few ornaments in my Advent Garland depend on knitting in the round.  I am now approaching, and really not yet overwhelmed with starting the thumb gusset.  But just wait until I have to put 8 stitches on a safety pin to save for later, you know, for the thumb.  We'll see how this goes.  I initially thought making such a tiny thing in the round would be more clumsy than it really is.  But then, I realized that it would be a short project to complete, without making two.  Since it is an ornament, I don't need a pair.  I shall see how this progresses.

Still deciding on whether or not to make the pudding ornament.  Do you know of anyone that makes and eats Christmas Pudding?  I would like to consider crocheting or knitting some of the Nativity, baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph, and maybe a shepherd.  I would also consider making the holly and the ivy larger that is part of the pudding ornament.

Getting there, on schedule - which is pleasant!  Only 4 3/4 ornaments left to make!

Friendly Food Swap

I have been doing a lot of cooking, as of late, or so it seems.  But, not so much of eating what I cook.  I recently went home to MN to visit and help my parents in any way that I could.  One of those ways was to cook.  I literally made up my mind to just cook them meals there, since I can't pop on over on a weekday and just deliver a warm and tasty meal.  So I shopped as soon as Aldi opened, and showed up with my cousin's crock pot and bags of food.  I told my Dad that it was cookin' day, and I did not buy them groceries - I brought them meals.  So I planned out timing wise what order to prepare all the meals, and in what container and what cooking method.  We had 2 crock pots, two Dutch ovens, some things on the stove and some things in the oven.  After cooking, all meals were portioned and frozen flat in baggies.  Oh, and in between all that, we carved pumpkins and roasted the seeds and I met a cherished friend for a coffee visit!  A very welcome break.  Then there was dishes and mopping - I was grateful for all the helping hands!  I was tired, but the meals are in my parents freezer.  If they have not yet been enjoyed:

beef stew
pork roast with sauerkraut
chili
marinara sauce
shrimp with vegetables
shredded chicken for tacos

Then, when I returned, we put on our Halloween spread.  Treats are given to our neighbors as we trick-or-treat, and this year we gave mini-loaves of pumpkin chocolate chip bread. We serve hot dogs, have a huge crock pot full of chili, some fixins' and hot chocolate.  Good thing I helped myself to a bowl, because it was GONE by the end of the evening.  We had about 100 trick-or-treaters or friends stop by.  Our house is becoming a known stop.

Eric, today, went to the Bears game with his buddies, a yearly tradition where he always brings the chili for tailgating.  He makes it, not me.  But he starts it at night and when we awaken, the morning welcomes us with the aromas of chili. At 7:00, on a Sunday.  Chili for breakfast, anyone?  Not me.  But the guys seem to enjoy it by 10:00.

Then, after washing out that crock pot, I made a large batch of chicken enchilada filling.  Multiplied the recipe by 9, exactly.   Friends from church and I are doing a food swap, to help with the upcoming holiday preparation season.  We are each making one meal in a large quantity.  And then we will meet and swap, so we will get 9 portioned and different meals for the freezer.  Sounds like a good thing to me.  Ever buy that many ingredients at the store?  Well, it is interesting and I did get some funny looks and comments.  But when my freezer is full, I'll be content - and well fed!

Ornament #14 - It took enough time to have its own post

While these 4 strips were easy to crochet (um, I altered knitting with tiny needles to crocheting with a tiny hook as my hands are more accustomed to the latter), adding the embellishments was quite time consuming.  Sewing on buttons or replacing buttons is not exactly considered a good time by me.  So, these 17 buttons and 8 beads are attached and staying put!

Beads have been on hand with Norah wanting to string beads and her beaded crochet socks. (I crochet the beads onto socks, I do not crochet her socks.)

Buttons were courtesy of my Mom again, she very generously let me take any buttons I wanted when I was last home.  Now, these buttons will be seen each holiday season.

I am pleased with the final product and the shine and shimmer the snowflake has.   Just not yet wanting to see the real ones fly.  The sunny and chilly days have just started, no need to rush fall.

Ornaments 5-13

I have had a few of these ornaments made for awhile.  The start of the school year is always an adjustment at our house, as I also go back to work.  I have recently picked up this project again, and am enjoying the quick little projects.  But let me tell you, some of these take longer and are more intricate than one would think!  I am still only using yarn that I have on hand!

I feel like I will manage finishing these to use by the start of Advent.  Remember, each ornament will represent a Christmas carol, picture book we have, Bible lesson, or act of service for each Advent devotional.

I like the angel; I may have made her wings shorter.   The devotion will probably be about visiting Mary or the shepherds hearing the angels.

The tree is longer than I thought, perhaps I should have sewed the layers a bit closer together - notice that it is 3 shades of green.   We will read "The Tale of the Three Trees".  A favorite in our house!

The mouse is by far the largest ornament.  Not sure what happened there.  I think I was supposed to use smaller needles, but size 2 needles was tricky enough on the body.   We will read "Who is Coming to Our House" (the tag line is someone, someone, says mouse".  May also include how God made all creatures great and small.

The heart is sweet.  The button is courtesy of my Mom.  The devotion will be about love of some sort.

The basket will hold a doll-house baby and will be used with the story of Moses. Norah is telling me to knit the naked baby some clothes, it fits in the basket.  Not sure that will get done.

The Wreath was tricky to keep round, as 2 knitted pieces were twisted together.  The sparkly decor provided by my Mom again.   Devotion not yet determined.

The gift was easy-peasy.  Just a rectangle, folded in half, stuffed, and sewed together.  With a chain of yarn for a ribbon.  Perhaps the gifts of the Holy Spirt, or discuss God's greatest gift. Or leave a small gift for someone we know.

The candy cane was easy to make, just a bit tricky to twist around and secure to the pipe cleaner.  But, I prevailed.  We will read "The Legend of the Candy Cane."

I am close to finishing my 14th ornament, and then after that only 10 more as included in the pattern.  I will, however, find a baby Jesus to knit up from some nativity pattern yet to be discovered on Ravelry.  I feel like I am getting close!  

The largest obstacle will be knitting a few ornaments in the round,  still dreading that experience.  

Helping Hands

These little "helping hands" made our "kissing hand" cookies on this last of our "lots of Mommy days". Their little hands will be kissed tomorrow, and I may need to take a kiss with me as well!

10 Sleeps 'Til Kindergarten

When Simon went to Kindergarten, I wrapped about 7-8 books about going to school.  He was given one each evening at dinner, with a number taped on top.  Each number was a "sleep", counting down the number of sleeps until Kindergarten.  The only rule was that within the book, the mother could not be sad and crying and the child could not be overly hesitant about going to school.  That message entering my child's head defeated my purpose.  I wanted to give him the biggest pep talk about going to school.

It was lovely.

It is now time to do the same thing for Norah.  On August 16, we will begin our "10 Sleeps 'Til Kindergarten".  Last time, I scoured used book stores and even wrapped up library books.  Here is the line up of books:

10.  Countdown to Kindergarten by Alison McGhee

 9.  Pete the Cat The Wheels on the Bus by James Dean

 8.  Froggy Goes to School by Jonathon London

 7.  We Share Everything by Robert Munsch

 6.  Pete the Cat Rocking in My School Shoes by Eric Litwin & James Dean

 5.  Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems

 4. If You Take a Mouse to School by Laura Numeroff

 3a.  Boomer Goes to School by Constance W. McGeorge 

 3b.  David Goes to School by David Shannon 

 2.  In My Heart by Molly Bang

 1.  The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn

This handmade kissing hand will be given with the "1 sleep 'til kindergarten" book, and tucked into the front pocket of my Lil' Miss's backpack. A little Momma's love with her at all times! (It is my hand).  I may also make hand and heart shaped sugar cookies, for a special kindergarten send off.  If you yet don't know Chester Raccoon and The Kissing Hand, it is a classic to hold dear to your heart.

I love my little girl.  I am soooo excited that she is able to attend Kindergarten as all parents dream, in regular education.  I would be so very sad if her educational career began with more of a struggle.  She is developing as she should, and the joy of Kindergarten will be hers daily.  But, still, my baby girl is going to get on a bus and ride away from me, and spend part of her day with others.  

If you know my precious Norah, you will know that she adores and loves to chat, sing, and play away the day.  That she finds joy in almost any object, that her imagination is huge, that she will befriend anyone young or old, and that she is happy.  I am sad that her little early childhood is ending.  Not so much yet, but I know what all day in first grade brings.

Here she is, with her new backpack packed with her school supplies. She is ready to meet her teacher (Aug. 23rd), and start Kindergarten (Aug. 26th).  She loved school supply shopping, by the way.  She did not realize that we only bought what was on the list, not every interesting item!

Please God, let this next year slow down, just a little bit.  For this mother's heart.  And keep her a joyous little girl.

Bags

This will be a trip with bags!  To help me stay organized.  I am taking the kids to MN - for the summer trip to see Grandma and Grandpa, to see my sister and her husband who are visiting from Japan, and my High School reunion.  We will be staying at a few places over the course of the trip.  Since I am solo in schlepping our stuff, organizing our events, driving, and caring for the kids - I need bags to organize myself.  It keeps me calm.  Items belonging in dedicated compartments, ahhh - bring on the peace!

Bag List:
1.  Sunday night bag - with our pajamas, Monday's outfit, and toiletries for our hotel night.
2.  Clothes bag - a total of 3, one per person.
3.  Swimming bags - with suits and towels, sand toys provided by Grandma's bath toys
4.  A cold weather bag to stay in the trunk - with a sweatshirt, pants, and socks per person for a potential chilly evening
5.  Car bags - with a few kid-picked items to entertain during the multi-hour journey back and forth
6. Snack bag - to munch on during the multi-hour journey
7.  Project bag - FOR ME - always have to have something to read and some yarn project to keep my hands busy
8.  Gift bag - can't arrive empty handed!

That may be all!  I always say I'll pack light.  But somehow, it's not always that light.

Ornaments 1-4

I was supposed to make 2 ornaments a month.  This project began on July 26, 2013.  Four ornaments are now completed, only 21 to go!  I love this project; quick completions with new skills learned.  I think I have figured out slip slip knit vs. knit 2 together.  I also learned the picot bind off (the snow on the house).

The goal of this project is to spend no money.  The pattern was completely free from Ravelry.com, just search for Advent Garland, designed by Frankie Brown.  I may have purchased the ivory yarn, because I did not have that and would use it often throughout the project.  But all other yarn to be used must come from my stash.  So far, it has - reminding me of projects made and given!

Our Advent calendar is under way!  Eric will design a wooden tree to place these ornaments each day.  I will plan out devotions that coordinate with each ornament.  Either a Bible story, verse, book to read ("The Legend of the Candy Cane" - for the candy cane, "Who is Coming to Our House? - for the mouse", "Room for a Little One" and "The Tale of Three Trees"- for the tree), a kind deed to do for someone, song to listen to from Christ in the Carols, etc.  We did Christ in the Carols last year.  We read the meaning and history of the song, then listened to the song while reflecting on the words.  It was a beautiful Advent.  Since I am thinking about the devotions, I altered the chain ornament.  I was supposed to make 4 chains, but since I want to tie the devotion to the Trinity - I made only 3.

We only have to figure out how to "hide" or present each ornament and directions of what to do that day.   I am thinking of having the trunk flip open to place the ornament and devotion for each day.  Or string simple numbered bags across our fireplace to remove each day.  Much better than The Elf on the Shelf!

School in the Sea

Look what we found!!!

A dolphin pencil case.  Last year Simon had a metal tin case for his pencils, crayons, markers, scissors, etc.  It returned home on the last day in okay to fair condition.  In 1st grade, we had to replace his plastic supply case mid-year.  I am all about the tin case.  We went to an office supply store solely to buy my academic calendar.  On the way out, my eye caught this!  A 3D dolphin case.  This picture doesn't really show the depth of the image, it is way cool.  So with his shark pouch holding some supplies, his dolphin case will hold the rest.  Quite exciting for an 8-year old boy.  I prefer this over super heroes and other popular characters and what not.

Oh, and that calendar.  Came home and discovered the one I chose was for 2013, not academic 2013-2014.  Ugh, I'll have to go back.

School Supplies

It is not even August yet, but we are preparing for school supplies!  I have seen my first "back-to-school" t.v. ads.  I have printed Simon's and Norah's school supply list.  I have purchased jeans and long sleeves, with great "new-to-me" prices; with knees in tact and room to grow!

AND -
One school supply item has been secured.   Rather, hand-made that is.  Yep, we are prepared to store pencils, markers, or whatever Simon decides to put into his shark supply pouch.  I secretly like that there will be a part of "Mom" in his desk every single school day, with love in every stitch.  I secretly hope that he is happy with his Mom-made shark pouch.  I bought the yarn one day, and the next day Simon asked if I was done.  Once I completed it, he put it on his bed.  I think he likes it.

The pattern was great, free, and easy to follow.  I used nylon crochet thread, in hopes that the pouch is more sturdy.  The pouch does not have that soft, fuzzy yarn feel.  I am hoping that it will not get fuzzy, pilled, or ripped as easily.  I really like the sheen and finished feel of the fabric - very shark-like.   I added a few touches for more embellishment.  I slip-stiched around the tail and fins to make them more sturdy and substantial. I single-crocheted around the whole jaw for a more finished look.  Each round I was supposed to chain one and turn.  I didn't like the look of the chain one, so I just turned.  This project was crocheted in the round, but joined and turned at the end of each row.  A bit trickier, but made for a consistent look since the jaw parts are crocheted back and forth.  The only thing I am not the most pleased with, are the teeth.  Mine seem to stick straight out and not point up.  Minor, but a small annoyance.  I don't think Simon even notices. The zipper was hand-sewn in with not much difficulty.  I, perhaps, am becoming a pro at zippers.

Of course Norah wants one, but school supplies in Kindergarten and first grade are community property.  She may have to wait until 2nd grade for her own.  She told me I could make one and stuff it to be a "furry friend".

An Article Worth Sharing and Reading

The Invisible Mother

It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response, the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I’m on the phone and ask to be taken to the store. Inside I’m thinking, ‘Can’t you see I’m on the phone?’

Obviously not; no one can see if I’m on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see me at all. I’m invisible. The invisible Mom. Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more! Can you fix this? Can you tie this? Can you open this?? 

Some days I’m not a pair of hands; I’m not even a human being. I’m a clock to ask, ‘What time is it?’ I’m a satellite guide to answer, ‘What number is the Disney Channel?’ I’m a car to order, ‘Right around 5:30, please.’

Some days I’m a crystal ball; ‘Where’s my other sock? Where’s my phone?, What’s for dinner?’

I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied history, music and literature -but now, they had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again. She’s going, she’s going, and she’s gone!

One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a friend from England . She had just gotten back from a fabulous trip, and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in. I was sitting there, looking around at the others all put together so well. It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for myself. I was feeling pretty pathetic, when she turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package, and said, ‘I brought you this.’ It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe. I wasn’t exactly sure why she’d given it to me until I read her inscription: ‘With admiration for the greatness of what you are building when no one sees.’

In the days ahead I would read – no, devour – the book. And I would discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after which I could pattern my work: 1) No one can say who built the great cathedrals – we have no record of their names. 2) These builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never see finished. 3) They made great sacrifices and expected no credit. 4) The passion of their building was fueled by their faith that the eyes of God saw everything. 

A story of legend in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, ‘Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof, No one will ever see it And the workman replied, ‘Because God sees.’ 

I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place. It was Almost as if I heard God whispering to me, ‘I see you. I see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does.

No act of kindness you’ve done, no sequin you’ve sewn on, no cupcake you’ve baked, no Cub Scout meeting, no last minute errand is too small for me to notice and smile over. You are building a great cathedral, but you can’t see right now what it will become.

I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great builder. As one of the people who show up at a job that they will never see finished, to work on something that their name will never be on. The writer of the book went so far as to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in our lifetime because there are so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree. 

When I really think about it, I don’t want my son to tell the friend he’s bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, ‘My Mom gets up at 4 in the morning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bastes a turkey for 3 hours and presses all the linens for the table.’ That would mean I’d built a monument to myself. I just want him to want to come home. And then, if there is anything more to say to his friend, he’d say, ‘You’re gonna love it there…’ 

As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if we’re doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible mothers.

—Anonymous

School Supplies

Wouldn't this be too cute for pencils?  

And this just perfect for markers?

I may just have to add this to my project list!

What do you do to stay cool?

What do you do when it is over 90 degrees and very humid, one of the hottest stretches of the year?   One would think of swimming, sprinklers, staying inside, keeping the shades pulled, running the AC constantly, eating popsicles/ice cream, wracking your brain for no-cook meals, playing in the cool basement, etc. etc. etc.

Well, this is what I have done the last few days:
1.  Went to Goodwill solely looking for jeans for the upcoming school year.  Because who is looking for cold-weather clothes right now?  Nobody.  I figured the used jeans would not be picked over and the knees would be in good condition.  I prevailed! I found 2 pairs of size 6 jeans that fit Norah well now (because all of her size 5 jeans are above her ankle).  And 2 pairs of size 6 jeans that are quite long, so she is allowed to grow a bit, if needed.  A long sleeve shirt with a snowman on it and a long sleeve dress for school.  We also found a pair of size 8 jeans that allow for a small bit of growth for Simon.  All other size 8 pants fit perfectly, and I would not take the chance of a growth spurt.  My concern is the next size is 10/12 for boys - what happened to size 9?

2.  Used the last of our fresh-picked raspberries from MI to make our own raspberry sorbet.  It is a sweet and refreshing frozen treat.

3.  I returned some items to a Lands End store, and could not resist perusing the back rack of not-quite right items and returns.  I left with a down vest, a turtle neck, and a long sleeve shirt - when it was 90-ish degrees outside!  I have been wishing for and looking for a down vest, but could never found one I liked for the price.  I just needed summer!

4.  Finished knitting a collegiate scarf for our neighbor.  She is off to Valapraiso University this fall, and this will be perfect for football games and walking to class on brisk days.  It is knit in the round, using a jogless jog.  I love that this is a stockinette stitch, and I knit the entire project!  No purling - thanks to knitting in the round.  The fringe makes it fun.  A very warm scarf; I would repeat this project.  Pattern inspired from Ravelry.

We honestly tried to go to the pool, 1 1/4 blocks from our house.  Two days ago Norah took a monster nap and yesterday Simon took a nap.  Then a rain spell rolled through.  Perhaps today, but storms may likely thwart our plans.

Hope you are nice and cool!

Two A Month!

Oh, and I forgot about this project! I'll have to make two each month to make it to Advent devotions this year.  The pattern is completely free on Ravelry, and I am predicting I have enough yarn on hand to make it!

Six Months for Others, Now Time for Me

After six months of volunteer crafting, I am ready to craft for me!  This year, so far, has been spent knitting the afghan for the women's hospital in Africa.   Just after that completion, I started crocheting the offering coin pouches.  Of course I have snuck in smaller projects that were quick.   I am now ready to craft for me or my kids.  I took about 2-3 days off of NOT touching yarn.  I am ready to go again.

Projects in the line up:
1.  Continue knitting a 2-colored scarf on the bias,  ribbon and super soft yarn purchased from the best yarn shop ever in MN, pattern included.

2.  Start knitting (again) a linen stitch scarf, purchased with super soft and brightly colored yarn purchased from another yarn shop in MN

3.  Continue sewing and crocheting my crochet-fusion blanket for my girly.  Project started from the influence of my Aunt Cindy!  I believe I have 2 strips completed.

4.  Decide on colors and start crocheting a Lego blanket for my boy.

5.  Continue crocheting a tea set for my Lil' Miss.

6.  Use some bulky yarn to make gifts for random people at holiday time.  What's nice about teachers, is you get new ones each year so similar gifts can be remade but given for the first time!

As you can see, I have enough to keep me busy as a bee, for me!!!!  Of course I can always sneak in other unplanned projects on the whimsy of an idea.  That's how it goes and sews!

Pitch

A highlight of baseball games for Norah is to play at the nearby playground.  I don't always like to, because then I am away from the game.  On Wednesday was such the occasion, and Norah went to the playground with some of the other girls and parent.  I went to join them after a bit.  On our walk back to the game a lady asked us if by chance we had seen a Mother Duck anywhere.   It's not everyday you hear that question.  She was holding a baby duckling, who happened to waddle right up to her and seemed to follow her.  She was concerned for it, and could not bring it to the forest preserve because she had to work the next day.

Now I was completely available the next day, however; I was going to be car-less the next day due to car repairs.  But I didn't let that stop me!    I decided that we had to take the duckling.  I figured we would drive Eric to work, take the duckling to the forest preserve that takes orphaned or injured animals, then return the car.  We named it Pitch.

The kids loved having a duckling overnight, they wanted it to sleep in their room; it did not.  We only gave it water.  Norah set up the bin with her doll blanket and stuffed goose.  The duckling actually climbed all over and snuggled next to the stuffed goose.  When we turned the light off and took the goose out for night, did Pitch ever squawk.  So, the light stayed on and the goose stayed in.

Eric joined us for the morning. We brought the duckling to our sitter early in the morning to show Norah's friends the duckling.  And then we took the duckling to it's new home at the forest preserve.  Norah was quite sad to say good-bye.  We learned that it would take 60 days before Pitch could be released to a natural setting.  Pitch will be taken to a forest preserve with lots of water when he/she is ready along with other ducklings.

At random times throughout the day Norah stated that she really missed Pitch.

I believe this will be a summer highlight not forgotten.

TWO HUNDRED SIX!!!!

Done!

206 offering coin pouches have been made and delivered to church (In the locked VBS cabinet).  Waiting, for Monday, to be distributed in the take home bags for all the children attending Kingdom Rock VBS.  I cannot wait to see how the children will use and enjoy them throughout the week.  A variety of colors were made, plus I put a name tag in each one to reduce the risk of loss or difficult identification.

I am glad that I had help with 80-90 of them.  I COULD NOT have finished without the help of my fellow crocheters.  I really enjoyed making all of them; except the last 20-25 were a mountain to climb.

Since one crocheter delivered her batch of 20 to church, pictured are 185 plus the offering basket to match.

Whew, and double whew that they are done before June 24th!  I hope to remember to pray over them on Monday so that God will bless the giving.

Simon and Norah are into this year's mission because they have seen me make so many pouches and now the posters.  Simon asked what our goal would be.  I said that I would love for every child to give from their heart.

VBS Missions is almost ready to go.  I just have to finish attaching some photos to poster board and paint a castle.  Kingdom Rock is looking to be a blast.

W.W.W.W.W.

Now, all we have to do is Watch, Water, Weed, Wrap, and Whisper to our garden.  I love the full-of-hope feeling after planting our vegetable garden.   This year, Norah and Simon helped decide what to plant, map it out, and shop for the plants.  I had some helpers in the planting process.  My garden soil is the best it has ever been, thanks to 3 big barrels of wonderful compost tilled into the clay clumps.  This year I discovered how lovely it is to buy the lettuces already started rather than from seeds.  They pull apart into several plants.  I have never had good luck with getting lettuces and spinach from seeds. Here is what will hopefully grow for us to harvest and eat:

green onions
red onions
cilantro
basil
mini-basil
oregano
curly parsley
Italian flat leaf parsley
chives (after transplanting from kitchen window sill)
dill
red leaf lettuce
spinach
arugula
swiss chard
green beans
sugar snap peas (climbers, trellis yet to be purchased and plants wrapped onto after growth)
cucumbers (climbers wrapped on trellis against fence)
pickles (climbers wrapped on trellis against fence)
green and yellow zucchini (climbers wrapped on trellis against fence)
roma tomatoes
cherry tomatoes
carrots
celery (after transplanting from our grocery store cutting that is sprouting)
strawberries
raspberries

The kids love the garden and all the activity it brings to our backyard.   I will enjoy this hopeful feeling, at least until the next round of weeding is needed!

Rainy Day Roo and a Little Boo Hoo

It's a good day to be a roo!  This Halloween costume is still used during dress up play.  I love that she still loves being a kangaroo.  I will be a bit sad when she grows so much this does not fit. She was a kangaroo for Halloween in 2011, when she was 3 years old.

Today is Simon's last day of 2nd grade.  The first and last days of school are always difficult days for Simon.  Last night he was a bit sad and scared for his last day; he is going to miss his class and his teacher.  He had a great teacher this year, and he loved school so much.  He NEVER complained about going.  I think classrooms become such neat little communities that work like a well-oiled machine.  Sometimes it almost like a little family.  They do spend a good amount of time together Monday through Friday.   He is happy for summer, but he's not all "school's out school's out teachers let the monkeys out" ecstatic.  He gets off the bus in about 20 minutes, I shall see how my brand new 3rd grade is handling the good-bye to 2nd grade.

It's cool and rainy, so not a good park or pool day.  It really does not feel like summer.  We wore jackets and cuddled under a blanket at yesterday's baseball game.  Not quite summer feeling yet.

End of School Years

It has been an intense end of school year this year.  Excitement has not barreled in yet.  My year ended with IEP's right up to my last minute of work.  The feeling when leaving was sort of anti-climactic.  Strange, for me.  Perhaps it has something to do with Simon still in school.  He is done this Thursday.

Norah finished before me.  I feel like I have been ending school years for about a month now.  It's a bit emotional and exhausting.  We said good-bye to preschool in high excitement. A bit of sadness for me, as early childhood is coming to an end.  Norah's Kindergarten year will be fun and exciting and I'll get half days with her.  After that, it is all day school and homework and reading and just different.  Norah's two very lovely preschool teachers have yet to receive their teacher gifts.  Just have to write the nice note and card.  Since Norah's preschool has a giant frog sign, and is affectionately referred to in our house as the "Frog Preschool", we found frog planters and chose a pretty plant to grow inside.

Since our sitter is fabulous and we get to take the summer off, hold our spot for next year part-time, and not pay extra - a small "Happy Summer" gift was in order.  We found a rain gauge yard decoration and a butterfly plant stick.  A lot of time is spent in their yard chasing butterflies and experiencing outdoor play.  No picture was taken.  Norah did stamp and decorate the sheets of paper for wrapping as well as colored the brown paper sandwich bag for the glass tube of the rain gauge.  Hope they feel appreciated!

Simon did not have great ideas for his teacher's end-of-year gift.  Simon grew leaps and bounds in his reading and his love of reading does not end, even at bedtime.  I like to make a handmade gift at the end of the year, but since I am making the VBS offering coin pouches, energy and time has been minimal.  Last night I scoured Ravelry for bookmark patterns, and found 3 adorable and easy bookmarks.  That, paired with a local used bookstore gift certificate, teacher gift is set.  She can pick out her own summer reading or boost her classroom library.  Whatever she wishes.

Just have to get Simon to write a card and a few things he likes about his teacher.  Never an easy task for my tight-lipped boy.  He likes facts, not the inferences.

Not one mug, smelly lotion, candle, chocolate, or apple this year!  Planters are common, but Norah was beyond ecstatic when she found them at "her" garden store (another local business).  Whew, I think maybe we did good.

HAWKS WIN!!!!

TWICE!!!!!!

In a fitting end to the long time Original Six conference rivalry, 

the Blackhawks beat the Red Wings. 

My household is so excited.  Not that I really know.  Norah is asleep in her bed.  Simon is asleep on the couch, with a bad cough and a fever.  Eric is out with the guys post soft-ball game.  I am home, keeping quiet-ish.  I awoke the boy at the winning goal with 2+ minutes left in regulation.  Only to have it taken away.  He couldn't even whoop it up at the win.  He's excited inside, I know it.

Pumped

Tonight is the first chance our new water pumps are being put to the test in our basement window wells.  After the last severe storms/flood, we purchased 2 pool pumps to drain the rain water that collects in our basement window wells.  With the hope of minimizing the spraying water into our basement when the ground is saturated.

We are under severe thunderstorms tonight, and possibly tomorrow.  This storm/rain system is from the devastating tornado in Oklahoma.  Since the last flood/storms were also due to the warm Gulf air, I have become more aware of the locations where our storms generate from and dissipate to.  The radar line from the Gulf or Oklahoma to and past Chicago is impressive, in the weather sense.  It boggles my mind that weather can be that severe, devastating, and wide spread.

We'll see if the kids sleep through this one . . . .

Mothers Day

Mothers' Day began with my two little blessings jumping on the bed and wishing me a happy Mothers' Day.  Gifts were even dragged into the bed to immediately open.  I opened the handmade ones from school and the sitter.  Simon painted a flower pot for me, and made paper flower chore coupons.  I will enjoy his offers of raking leaves, cleaning the bathroom, doing dishes, doing laundry, and making breakfast.  Norah gave a little jar she decorated filled with fake flowers.  She also made a picture frame with crayons glued around the edges and a picture of her, with a fake flower poking through her hand.  It looks like she is really holding the flower!  So precious.

Then, I opened my gifts that Eric helped them pick out.  Norah ALWAYS wants to give me a pretty necklace for ANY gift.  So, I got another wonderful necklace and earring set. This one is silver, so I am able to wear it with anything.  I love it.  I also received some summer dishes.  Fun plastic plates, cups, and a tray to enjoy lunching and dining on the porch and for simple clean up.  

We made it to church, on time even!  It was a lovely service.  The songs and music were especially pretty and the message was touching.  And then we were off to the Art Institute of Chicago!  Simon is doing a country research project on France for his class.  We have been looking at library books on Monet, Renoir, and Seurat.  I made a comment that I would love to see his face when looking at these paintings for real in the museum.  So we went.  Saturday night, Simon declared what he wanted to do for his birthday.  He stated that he wanted to go to the Art Institute of Chicago, because a book showed a painting that was there.  I firmly told him "no".  When he asked why, I told him we were going the next day.  This was the first major museum trip with the kids, and they did great.  We enjoyed the Picasso show, the French Impressionist paintings, and the Miniature Rooms in the lower level.  Norah loved all the tiny rooms, she was so excited.

While entering the Art Institute off of Michigan Avenue is an incredible experience with the stairs and the lions, we entered through the new modern wing that has a bridge to connect with Millenium Park.  So convenient.  That is where we took this picture, at the "bean".  

We enjoyed a late lunch at 11 City Diner and then headed home, which ended up being over an hour long traffic filled ride.  Norah napped in the car and continued her nap on the couch, over 2 hours.  She was tuckered out.  Simon worked  a bit on his France project, and we ended the evening watching a few episodes of the Muppets show.  A very fun day. I love spending time with my two very special children. 

Ironically, Norah asked me last night so very sweetly:
"Mommy, did you wish for me?"

I scooped her up, whispered in her ear, "Yes, I absolutely wished for you."  And gingerly kissed her on her sweet cheek.

Today I told her that not only did I wish for her, but I prayed for her and God gave her to me!

Crochet Project Clean Water

I have signed on to plan and coordinate the missions portion of VBS this year.  I actually loved doing this last year, and am looking forward to working in this area again.  I just may have found my VBS niche.  Some of you know, I layer with meaning.  I put as much thought as possible into most things that I do and give, and I usually pour my heart and soul into all that I do.  Or so I attempt.

This year's mission project is Project Clean Water; providing water filters to children, families, and communities in Cambodia, Haiti, and rural China.  More information here.

In planning for Missions, I design and set up a display in the Narthex.  This increases awareness, educates, and displays daily totals of the offering.  I write up a blurb and add a daily total to send home in the take home bags.  I also like to include a take home item or activity each day.  Of course, budget friendly and spending as little money as possible.  It seems silly to spend money for giving money.

As a child, I loved those rubber oval shaped wallets with a slit down the middle.  You squeezed them to open them up and they were perfect for coins.  I did a search to see the cost of buying in bulk, and it is just too expensive.  Sooooo, of course I popped over to Ravelry and searched for a free pattern for a coin purse.  I found the Hundred Yen Pouch, crocheted in 13 rounds.  Remember my Lenten Project?  Well, it is done.  (AND before you ask for a photo, today is the warmest and sunniest and driest day I have had to take outdoor pictures of a knitted afghan/shawl.)  Well, I have quite a bit of left-over yarn.  And a purpose now to use it, how exciting!  I will be making, and maybe enlisting other church member crocheters, 200 of these:

Why 200? We usually have 200 children in our VBS.  These will go home in Monday's take home bag for them to use to carry their offering throughout the week.  

One down, 199 to go.  My new crochet project, for Project Clean Water.

Hundred Yen Pouch

Materials:

•   About 20 yards (not sure on this) worsted weight yarn

•   H (5 mm) hook

(US pattern conventions used.)

Note: do not join rounds unless indicated.

Rnd 1: Ch 2, make 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook. (6 sc)

Rnd 2: [Sc inc] around. (12 sc)

Rnd 3: [Sc, sc inc] around. (18 sc)

Rnd 4: [Sc 2, sc inc] around. (24 sc)

Rnd 5: [Sc 3, sc inc] around. (30 sc)

Rnd 6: [Sc 4, sc inc] around. (36 sc)

Rnds 7-8: Sc around. (36 sc)

Rnd 9: [Sc 4, sc dec] around. (30 sc)

Rnds 10-11: Sc around. (30 sc)

Rnd 12: Sl st. Ch 2, dc in same sc, dc in next st. [Ch 1, sk 1 st, dc in next st] around. (30 sts) Join. 

Rnd 13: Ch 1, sc in each dc and ch-sp around. (30 sts). Join, finish off and weave in ends.

I am still figuring out Round 12, so that there are an even number of CH-1 spaces/eyelets for weaving the drawstring.

For the drawstring,  I chained 30 stitches.  Weaved through eyelets, twisted once (like the first step in tying your shoe), then tied the ends of the strings together.  This way it cinches shut but the drawstring does not pull out.  With 200 children, I need ease of use and prevention of loss.

(variation of drawstring on Ravelry)