Yarn Along with Ginny at Small Things

I am currently reading "Simplicity Parenting" by Kim John Payne, M.Ed.  I reference this book in this previous post.  I am currently knitting a fairy doll for a foster niece of mine.  The pattern for this can be found in "Knitted Toys" by Zoe Mellor, a copy of which I am giving away to a lucky blogger!

If you would like to particapate in the Yarn along, visit Small Things.

this moment}

- A Friday ritual as inspired by Amanda (Soule Mama). 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' here and with Soule Mama for all to see.

Book Giveaway!! Has ended

The winner for the Giveaway is:   Nadja M.

This is my first Giveaway!

The giveaway if for a knitting book I loved so much that I bought it twice.  I love the book so much that I would rather give the extra copy to another knitter than return it.

The giveaway book is the amazing "Knitted Toys" by Zoe Mellor.  It has wonderful patterns that are easy enough that a beginning knitter could produce some beautiful items.  I have made the fairy doll from this book and it was so popular that I have been asked to make 2 more.  

Leave a comment for this post in order to be eligible for this giveaway.  I will leave the giveaway open until Friday.  I will then randomly draw the winner and ship this wonderful book out! 

Enjoy!  Happy crafting!    

"I am shy"

Logan in the fort we built this weekend.  Him and Rose stayed in it all day on Saturday.

There are so many things racing through my mind today.  I have had a couple days in which I have just been dying to get the this page and type, but all the things I have previously planned have been placed on the back burner for I must share with you the reason that every mother (or parent) has the strength to continue with this job each day.

My wonderful husband/ partner in parenting and I switch off putting our kids to bed each night (meaning that if I put Rose (age 4) down, he puts Logan (age 7) down at the same time.... the next night we switch)  that way each child has some special one on one time with just one parent.  Our kids really love it and look forward to the differences that each of us have to offer.  Last night, I was given the gift of putting Logan to bed.

After spending our typical 15 or so minutes of reading, I starting tucking him in to bed.  When I was done doing his routine of special kisses, hugs, and high- fives.... the following conversation took place:

Logan:  "Mom,  I am going to tell you that thing that is really hard to say...."

Mom: "Logan, what makes it hard for you to tell Mommy something?" (I was thinking.... oh, crap!  He is only 7, and there is already something hard for him to tell me..)

Logan:  "I am shy... but I'll tell you the letters the words start with.  They are Y, R, B"

Mom:  "Hmm, You Rock Buttercups?"

Logan: with giggles "No, you know what it is...."

Mom:  "Sweetie, I have no idea.  There are too many possibilities"

Logan:  "It's that You aRe Beautiful"

I must say that I was so touched in the moment that I had some tears in my eyes.  He was so sweet and tender and even brushed the side of my face as he told me.  I am very proud that we are raising such a sweet, sensitive boy.  

Enjoy the small tender moments.  They will be gone before you know it.
Have a beautiful day!

This Moment

this moment}      - A Friday ritual as inspired by Amanda (Soule Mama). 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' here and with Soule Mama for all to see.

This Moment

this moment} - A Friday ritual (my computer was on the fritz yesterday, so I am first doing this on Saturday) as inspired by Amanda (Soule Mama). 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.

Redesigning a Family

We are in the process of building a house, but I find that I am so thankful for this little temporary home that we have found ourselves in.  It is the place in which I re-discovered what it means to be a family and where I gather a deeper understanding of what it is to create a home.  Sharing small spaces together and having our bare minimum of possessions has brought our family closer than it has ever been in the past.  Our children have become more patient, generous, and creative. 

As parents, we have become more tuned in to what is best for our family and we are using this new knowledge to help in designing our new home.  We have made major changes so that we can have a home that brings us more together as a family instead of pushing us further apart.

I am currently reading Simplicity Parenting by Kim John Payne, M.ED., this is a wonderful book written by a fellow family therapist whom takes his inspiration from the Waldorf Education philosophies of childhood exploration and learning.  It is a beautiful read that has encouraged me to get rid of the television/ cable in our lives (although my husband and I are really missing The Daily Show and The Cobert Report… neither of which are on hulu).  Our children are spending much of their time in the kitchen cooking, or crafting, or off helping each other make forts.  This is a beautiful space and our lives are really full right now.   

   

Self In Bloom

About 18 months ago, my husband and I decided to shift from our career focused and slightly isolated lives in Florida, to a more family focused life back in our home state of Wisconsin.  We made the move to Madison 6 months ago.  I found that once we moved I was immediately free from any of the self-prescribed labels I had within the 14 years we lived in Florida.  What an amazing opportunity.

If you know me well, then you know that I am no stranger to self-reflection.  I thought I already had a very deep understanding of myself, and the things that brought me joy…. but since our move, I have been on a journey that even I would never have expected.  One of my closest friends somewhat jokingly wrote to me: “Florida had you all wrong”.  I think the truth is that for the 14 years that I was in Florida, I grew and transitioned many times.  Each transition brought me closer and closer to my authentic self.  This latest transition is just another step.  The key is staying open to the opportunities that change can bring. 

The question is:  Who would you be if you moved across the country to a city where no one knew you?  What would you do with your life without the expectations of others (and yourself) hovering over you?