Little moments

I've been thinking a lot lately

just about how summer's nearly over

wishing that perhaps we'd done something big

take a trip

have an adventure

but then I got to thinking

we had a really good summer

made up of so many rich little moments

I loved it

and I wouldn't trade it for a trip or an adventure

they're so happy being home

with such simple pleasures

I know it won't last forever

and soon they won't be as easy to please

a few weeks ago Mike took Micah down the big slide at State Fair

he was all smiles and me and Eden loved watching

but as soon as he realized it was over

he wasn't thrilled

he actually threw a fit

it must have been quite the thrill

then there was the moment at the fair where I just had a moment of my own

such gifts

as hard and difficult as they sometimes make something

they make life so beautiful

enchanting at times

 then I saw this picture

and I almost ran upstairs with a scissors

thinking I'd just cut his hair in his sleep

then I realized it's Eden's hair

and she's just sitting next to him

phew

I was so scared that I could be that oblivious

these little moments though

they're just everywhere

in nearly every picture that I look back on

there they are

I'm in awe

thrilled

and so glad that I'm not the only one that thinks so

Silly love

 Every few months our church hosts family events. Last Saturday, it was Veggie Tales. We went, and did have so much fun. It's funny because I went with no expectations, thinking I'd only hang out with my little ones. But I had a wonderful surprise, in having a fabulous talk with a dear friend AND getting to hang out with my little ones. Plus, who can beat free face painting.
p.s. Micah cried when his "moostache" had to be washed off. And by cried, I mean wailed. Poor little guy

Nothing happened here today

This week seemed crazy for me. I wish I had a mind that I could turn on and off, but I feel like it's constantly going. I noticed today that I'm never just sitting and talking, I'm always sitting and working on a project, or standing and doing laundry, or even eating standing. I need life to slow down a little. It's not hard for me to say no to things, but I put expectations on myself and things I think that I need to do, and those are the things I find it hard to say no to.

 On another note, it really hit me this week how grown up Micah is. I took both the kids to a little Christmas activity at a friends church. As I was getting him dressed, his shirt got stuck on his head. I quickly pulled it down and said "boo" in a gentle voice trying to get him to smile. I think he's outgrown this babyish phase as he said to me "mommy, don't scare me. Be nice to me."I wish he'd stay little.

 Speaking of staying little, it's not happening with Eden either. I noticed the other day that her size 5 pants are getting short. GASP!

 My heart has been pretty anxious lately and I told a friend this week how badly I wanted a baby. It's such a longing feeling, and I felt shocked to listen to myself say those words. Never would I have imagined myself going through what we've been through lately. It would have been in the next couple of weeks that we would've had our 20 week ultrasound. I try not to think back and then forward, but I can't help it. Man, children are such a gift. And you should consider yourself so blessed if you've never had that longing, it's painful.

 On a fun note, the kids and I did a little project today. I was reading this blog post last night, and thought that the kids would love it. (little side note- I love her blog, it's what originally inspired me to start a smash book). I was right, they did.

 Eden got so intense. I love how she holds her face when she's concentrating. I've noticed that Mike does the exact same face when he plays guitar.

 She did such an excellent job, but most of all I love how proud of herself she was.

 I cut some of the string I bought from Anthropologie and just sewed a tiny stitch through each one. It turned out beautiful.

 I kind of want to make one for myself.

 We made a quick stop at the library and picked up some new books. Eden was sitting on the couch reading and the next thing I know she was at the table with a book, a pencil, and a piece of paper.
She told me that she was writing a letter, and I watched her as she copied the little note in the book, letter for letter, word for word.

"Nothing Happened Here Today".
I cut it out and put it on the fridge.

Christmas smells

I'm on a roll with blogging lately. I think it's because I've made a point to photograph our projects.

If you like Christmas smells, you'll absolutely love this. You'll need cinnamon sticks, sliced lemon, fresh cranberries, and cloves.

 I let my kids be very hands on for this, mainly because you boil it.

 So I let them lick, touch, and grab whatever they like.

 They put in all the ingredients.

And you're almost done. (See the wet cinnamon stick- that's from a kiddo's tongue). 

And lastly, pour in some water, so that your ingredients are covered.

And voila! you're done. Boil, then simmer. And enjoy Christmas smells throughout your home (or kitchen at least).

Really big smiles and a slime recipe

The kids and I didn't leave the house today. Sometimes I feel so overwhelmed with all I'd like to do and need to do, that I don't think I'll ever be able to leave the house and stay on top of it all.

I love doing projects with the kids, and do nearly every day.

Sometimes it's just coloring, and other times it involves many ingredients and is pretty messy.

For their sake, they love messy.

 Our library is amazing, and I highly recommend it to anyone who lives remotely close to me. They have craft grab bags and science kits available. All the ingredients are in it, which is so wonderful.

 Several weeks ago, Eden picked a slime kit. And finally today she requested it. I sometimes get a little intimidated by messiness, but kids thrive on that kind of stuff and seeing their joy... well, it makes me feel like I could care less about the mess.

 You'll need:
a bowl
a spoon
7.65 bottle of glue (we used Elmer's)
food coloring
1 tsp of borax
1/2 cup of water

The kids emptied the glue in a bowl. Next, fill the empty glue bottle with water, put the cap on and shake. Have them empty that in the same "glue" bowl.
*
In a separate cup, combine your borax and 1/2 cup of water. Stir it a little.
*
Put a couple of drops of food coloring in your "glue" bowl.
*
Pour, a little at a time, the borax solution into the glue bowl. Don't pour it in all at once. (I think we only used half of the solution).
*
Have fun

Another side of me

I think blog posts without pictures are boring.
This one is gonna be boring.
But maybe a little exciting.
I realized today that I never post anything on here about things I make, projects I'm working on, or crafts I do with the kids.
So, I'm going to.
And, I've been working like a crazy lady to get my etsy shop up and running again.
Soon.
And project posts soon.
Goodnight.

It trumps the beach

My kids and I have a new favorite, something we like better than the beach.

No, it's not doritos, though I do love them.

Boating.

If "joy" had a picture, pretty sure this would be it.

It would explain why Micah asks to go boating every day.

I wish, little man, I wish.

For now, we're happy with the memories, and we're still thankful for the beach.

Right Micah?

Our new favorite

The kids and I have a new favorite thing: the beach.

The kids have inherited my desperation for water when the temp is hot and the air is humid.

Being the first summer we don't have access to a pool, the beach it is, and it's my favorite... actually, our favorite.

In the past week, we've been there three times. Not all the same beach, no matter, but tomorrow we'll make that four. I think that those have also been our favorite days of the week.

There's sand everywhere. On the floor, in our shoes, in the carseats, you name it--there's probably sand on it. Ha! But like I told the kids, those are just a few reminders of our favorite memories. Sand castles, little swim dips, scouring for little snails and fancy rocks, and snacks never tasted so good when sitting on a dry towel with our wet toes in the hot sand.

So, I was thinking, this summer that I planned to not be busy, it will be, but only with going to the beach.

Favorites, lately

These are my favorites as of lately, they change daily you know:

working on getting my etsy site up and going, I'll keep you posted

 children loving the outdoors and their big backyard

 alone time with books

 this book

 this camera

 smashbook. it's a messy person's alternative to scrapbooking, not only that, it's like an explosion for my eyes

Sunday picnik