go on and get crafty

giving handmade gifts are a love of mine...

I love to just give and give and give....

my husband~ not so much.

he asked me what I wanted~ and he has already been working hard towards the main things I wanted.

a new deck (old is being torn down)

a rain water system ( he still thinks I wont use it..... its free water- why wouldn't I)

a chicken coop (plans to use the old wood from the deck being torn up)

so what does one like me want????

I actually asked for a "craft day a month"

one day a month where the kids and he are out of the house- and I get to craft my little heart out.

not clean.

not organize.

not cook.

just craft.... and craft..... and craft.

I AM GIDDY WITH EXCITEMENT THINKING OF WHAT I GET TO DO THIS MONTH! GIDDY I TELL YOU! GIDDY!

I have a small antique rocking chair collecting fabrics (for PJ pants) , dolls (with brains coming out), and other ideas to get started on. The important thing is to get to all those "I could use this" fabrics and make all the planned projects that have been waiting a long time to be made. You know, all that yarn that is perfect for this or that... but remains in a skein of fiber and those quilts that have been set aside ( like this one, and this one).

Julius Caesar once said "It is better to create than learn. Creating is the essence of life"

He must have seen my craft supply closet and knew that I was not in my essence of life.... so, this year my resolution (if I had any) is that I am going to create, and live in my essence!

anyone else wanna get their craft on with me?

things are...

Falling!

the colors found during Autumn in the Pacific Northwest always have me in awe.

I wouldn't trade experiencing this season with anything.

not even a large cup of coffee.

Simple Woman's Daybook

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY- June 16th
Outside my window... grey gloom and "they say" thunder is a-comin'

I am thinking... the more swollen my foot, the slower I get.

From the learning rooms... how to entertain all day long, without school.

From the kitchen...the smell of fresh baked cookies and a chicken ready to be roasted.
I am wearing...things keeping me warm.
I am creating... the last of my snail mail secret!

I am going...to pick up Odin, and to pick up shipping boxes, to pack up the last of the kids luggage.

I am reading... (nothing yet.... but, I have a few books in the works!)

I am hoping...that my foot gets better quicker than it is..... this swelling is driving me nuts! I limp around like the hunchback of Notre Dame.

I am hearing...Phoenix- 1901. "fallin, fallin, falllin"

Around the house... a hidden cast pump, and all sorts of knicky knacks!!!!

One of my favorite things... a snuggle nap with my dog Stumpel.
A few plans for the rest of the week: pack, mail and leave!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing:

staring off and eating my honeysuckle flowers.

Simple Woman's Daybook

Simple Woman's Daybook

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY- June 4th
Outside my window... rain, rain and even more rain.

I am thinking... I am ready.

From the learning rooms... still at potty training 2010 for B and O wants to learn how to tie shoes.

From the kitchen... BBQ for 40 T-ball families
I am wearing... linen pants, peasant top and my bathrobe ( it is almost 2 pm)
I am creating... a snail mail swap surprise!

I am going...to see O' spring fling performance.

I am reading... some knitting magazines and getting some ideas.

I am hoping...that the sun comes out soon.

I am hearing... B play airplanes and a squeaky chair.

Around the house... every room is in order and clean (except the master bedroom- where all the stuff went)

One of my favorite things... (story time) B and O have just begun to take notice in chewing gum..... they ask for it every-so-often. Both have been really great in not swallowing it ( they are 7 and 5 years old- they'd better be!). But B, who is limited with language, when he is done he says " thank you for chewing my gum, please, mommy" and that is one of my favorite things.
A few plans for the rest of the week: what I am calling "Bend~over~backwards"! explanation coming soon.

A photo I want to share with you:: my B playing guitar

Simple Woman's Daybook

Simple Woman's Daybook

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY- May 12th
Outside my window... spring sunshine, longer daylight and lots of kids playing.

I am thinking... tonight is going to be a ME night.

From the learning rooms... potty training 2010... this is our 5th attempt to get B trained (one thing that has me thinking how much Autism sucks!)

From the kitchen... dishwasher running.
I am wearing...my first skirt of the season.
I am creating... a lot of things... tiny pants, quilts, and beanies.

I am going...to get these boys to bed, drink a cosmo, and sew my little heart out!

I am reading... nothing right now.... no spare time.

I am hoping...to sleep well tonight.

I am hearing... dogs barking, kids playing, and music blaring

Around the house... fabric, pins, and thread.

One of my favorite things... sinking my feet in the warm sand.
A few plans for the rest of the week: quilting, sewing, quilting, sewing, knitting, gardening, and more quilting.

A photo I want to share with you::

he did it! the little decided to take off his training wheels and ride like the big boys do!

Simple Woman's Daybook

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY- April 29th
Outside my window... spring showers (April showers being May flowers... or as they say here in Oregon, April showers being May showers)

I am thinking... someone needs to get the house clean for the in-laws this weekend.

From the learning rooms... how to sleep through the night (I dont know how B does it... he wakes at 2am, and is up the whole day!)

From the kitchen... leftovers!
I am wearing... jeans, t-shirt and a thermal
I am creating... a few knitted baby beanies, a baby quilt for Mrs. Hiatt (O's teacher)

I am going...to teach my first after school garden class today.... I am all nervous and stuff, and excited!

I am reading... still The Wonderful Weekend Book by Elspeth Thompson and A Homemade Life

I am hoping...to have fun this afternoon, and to get some things finished

I am hearing... nothing.... silence is golden around here.

Around the house... downstairs clean, upstairs... not so clean.

One of my favorite things...the new Neflix on Wii ( I am a sucker for a good Documentary)
A few plans for the rest of the week: quilting, visiting with grandma and grandpa, a rest (or two) and gardening.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing:

the joys of having a cold winter... Lilac Blooms. The past three years my bush had but one flower on it... this year~ a bounty. I have vases full of them all around the house.... I love sitting on the couch, knitting, and getting the aroma of this sweet smelling bloom.

Simple Woman's Daybook

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY- April 16th
Outside my window... spring sunshine

I am thinking... that I love easy going days.

From the learning rooms... explore the outdoors

From the kitchen... thinking some ham tetrazzini and maybe some cupcakes
I am wearing... lounge wear... no much on the horizon today.
I am creating... a baby quilt for the Sagers.

I am going...to walk with B around the lake.... and play all day.

I am reading... The Wonderful Weekend Book by Elspeth Thompson (yes, Emily I got my copy! a fabulous read!)

I am hoping...to have a nice calm weekend outside

I am hearing... my dogs shaking

Around the house... not much.... after last weekend, everything is still in order ( I know, amazing!)

One of my favorite things... a good conversation and coffee
A few plans for the rest of the week: gardening, a bottle of wine, rest and a bit of walking.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing:

a sneak peek at some photo I took of B by our front creek..... more will be shared next week!

Simple Woman's Daybook

The Simple Woman's Daybook
FOR TODAY- April 5th

Outside my window... rain, no rain, rain.....

I am thinking... today is a great day

From the learning rooms... Odin:: organization, Bjorn:: using letters
From the kitchen... nothing (we have friends taking us out to eat~ a treat for sure!)

I am wearing... guess~ black pants, and a t-shirt

I am creating... guitars, guitars, and more guitars
I am going... to be sewing all week long!
I am reading... the same as last week.
I am hoping... that we sleep through the night tonight
I am hearing... Blasting music- the classic Norah Jones- great fora mellow day.
Around the house... places that need cleaning- but really, dont care.

One of my favorite things... listening to Bjorn sing Jack Johnson's People Watching ( I will video it for you guys~ it is hilarious!)

A few plans for the rest of the week: piano lessons, birthday prep, the party on Saturday..... lots of fun memories to be had.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing: The Kids Easter photo!

Simple Woman's Daybook

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY-March 30th

Outside my window... wet, wet, wet!

I am thinking... there is bunches to do... but does it really need to get done?

From the learning rooms...O is working on money and time:: B is working on letter sounds and using a pencil "pinch"

From the kitchen... we just finished bagels... dinner plans are for veggie pie
I am wearing... lots of black!

I am going...to the post office, the library and clean the house.

I am reading... Morality for Beautiful Girls by Alexander McCall Smith

I am creating... 15 stuffed guitars for Bjorn's Rock Star birthday party

I am hoping... that my newly planted seeds withstand this torrential rain

I am hearing... Bjorn sing the "WinterHawks" hockey fight song.

Around the house... things that need a little dusting

One of my favorite things... a good night of sleep.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing:

remember I mentioned the boys starting T-ball, well... little B is the youngest on the team, as well as the smallest. Here is a photo of him in his uniform (that is WAY to big!) super cuteness all around!

Simple Woman's Daybook

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY-March 22nd

Outside my window... spring weather

I am thinking... today was only day on one spring break....?

From the learning rooms...BREAKing for a week

From the kitchen... fish and cabbage tacos
I am wearing... jeans, t shirt and jacket.

I am going...to bed soon.

I am reading... Morality for Beautiful Girls by Alexander McCall Smith

I am creating... a few stuffed guitars for Bjorn's Rock Star birthday party

I am hoping... we stay healthy around here.

I am hearing... Bjorn filter through legos.

Around the house... spring cleaning under way- and feeling good.

One of my favorite things... watching the boys play T-ball (we had our first practice today!)

Here is a picture thought I am sharing: GO DODGERS!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

The Simple Woman's Dayboook

FOR TODAY- Feb. 23rd

Outside my window...we have had warmer (57-62 degrees) weather the past week... everything is blooming... but today we have sprinkles and chill. a typical winter Portland day is outside my window.

I am thinking... that waking up at 4am is not my cup of tea.... it is not my cup of anything really.

From the learning rooms...Bjorn is "regressing" right now, it seems that his brain input has had enough and is on "shut down" so we are back tracking and working on behavioral management (it is like having a 2 1/5 year old in an almost 5 year old body... poor little buddy!). Odin is loving math, and the number 100. Today is his 100th day of school!

From the kitchen... delish carrot muffins and a tall cup of coffee.... a stripped chicken waiting to be prepared for dinner and a cabbage head calling out to be eaten.
I am wearing... the typical pony tail, jeans, t-shirt and scarf.

I am going... to stay home, spread my compost tea, finish my second quilt and maybe rest (oooo... a nap!).

I am reading...Animal Vegetable Miracle ( LOVE IT!!!!)

I am hoping...that B has a low key, low emotional day.

I am hearing...the hum of the computer and the ticking of the keyboard.

Around the house... a small stack here, and small stack there.

One of my favorite things... a note from a friend.

A few plans for the rest of the week: IFSP tomorrow with Early Intervention, Observations and testing on Thursday and a weekend with a teenage girl living with us.... another girl in the house- I cant wait!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing: this was from last weekend, in Washington Park.... I love how much these two love each other. My little prides and joys!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY-February 10th

Outside my window... rain, and really hard!

I am thinking... that having a dad around for the boys is a really really great thing.

From the learning rooms...Bjorn-adjusting to busy days and learning letter forms ...

Odin- swinging into school again, and on how not to talk back (this little guy can have a smart mouth!)

From the kitchen... meat loaf, cabbage and fruit salad ( zucchini bread in the oven)
I am wearing... jeans, t shirt and fun scarf (slippers to top!)

I am going...to hug Bryan.

I am reading... still searching for a title that will suit me... any ideas???

I am creating... Odin's valentines shirt, the second project Linus quilt and a large mess.

I am hoping... that this cough goes no further.

I am hearing... my Pandora... Rufus Wainwright (foolish love) ahhhh..... music.

Around the house... lots of dog hair, toys and pure messiness.

One of my favorite things... a good night of sleep, and waking to the smell of coffee.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing:

two sleeping friends.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY-January 29th

Outside my window... winter perfection

I am thinking... I am getting old (38 tomorrow)

From the learning rooms...Bjorn-adjusting to new school routines and potty training (again!)...

Odin- still getting well (two weeks out of school, brings cabin fever!)

From the kitchen... white chicken chili mmmmm!
I am wearing... jeans, t shirt and fun scarf.

I am going...to take it one step at a time.

I am reading... still love blog hopping!

I am creating... my love monsters, finishing the quilt, and valentines candies (guitar suckers).

I am hoping...that my birthday tomorrow will be kind to me.

I am hearing... Bjorn play "Tinkertoy Hockey" in the halls.

Around the house... everything, everywhere.

One of my favorite things... a nose the breathes easy (yes, I got sick too!).

Here is a picture thought I am sharing: red velvet goodness!!!!

Simple Woman

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY-January 21st

Outside my window... dry and grey (which is better than what California is getting these days)

I am thinking... that I should get going through this day.... its almost noon.

From the learning rooms...Bjorn-adjusting to new school routines and potty training (again!)...

Odin- learning to use getting well techniques (like to cover mouth when cough, and blow the nose into a hankie)

From the kitchen... baked potato soup and homemade bread (it smells amazing!)
I am wearing... things that are warm.... very warm.

I am going...to drink some coffee, make some cookie dough, clean and sew some valentine t-shirts.

I am reading... a lot of blogs these days.

I am creating... the aprons, some quilts, valentines gifts and other what-nots.

I am hoping...that my children get well... the cold stuff is going around this week.

I am hearing... our washing machine and Odin cough.

Around the house...unmade beds, a few scattered toys and some dust.

One of my favorite things... a break.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing:

Odin loves to be silly- and here is one of his silly faces.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY-January 6th

Outside my window...wet ground, dry skies- but grey.

I am thinking... that this day has gone by quickly

From the learning rooms...Bjorn-adjusting to new school routines and potty training (again!)... Odin- mathematics.

From the kitchen... Wild Rice with peas
I am wearing... slippers, socks, two shirts and a wool sweater- it is cold out there!

I am going... to clean a bit (maybe!)

I am reading...still nothing.... am not sure what to start

I am creating... finishing up the scarf and starting some quilt ideas.

I am hoping... to get a rest today.

I am hearing... Bjorn make up songs in the other room.

Around the house...the usuals.

One of my favorite things... frosted sugar cookies.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing:

dolphins from our Hawaii trip! they are beautiful!

The Simple Woman's Dayboook

FOR TODAY- December 31st

Outside my window...patches of really wet snow, and rain.

I am thinking... that 2009 was a really great year for us. Really Great!

From the learning rooms...Bjorn- we are working on drawing a square/ letter B and Triangle ... Odin- reading and writing.

From the kitchen... Pea Soup, Cornmeal muffins and spiced apples
I am wearing... lots of clothes... just short of putting on gloves.

I am going... to make some deodorant today (future post to follow)

I am reading... nothing right now.... and I am okay with that.

I am creating... a knitted scarf and some Iron-on bags.

I am hoping... that we will get to see the BLUE MOON tonight (rain, rain go away!)

I am hearing... the fire crackle.

Around the house...everything in its place, and simplified.

One of my favorite things... a warm latte, beeps from Bjorn, and playing "NUTS" with Odin.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing:

the ornament I made this year for family and friends.