A memory quilt

It started with little pieces and scraps from the past 4 years... Pieces of mama-made dresses, skirts and other clothes that I stitched into a crazy kaleidoscope of colors one square at a time.

Along the way I added some favorite wise words,

A piece made by a special friend,

"her" number (because this really was supposed to be completed in July!),

and some special blocks that she helped create...

In the end it became this fantastic, very imperfect project that I hope she will cherish for a long time, for now it is best wrapped around her sweet, little shoulders on these blustery, winter days...

Playing in the snowflake season

Winter is still being embraced with such joy around here. Each new snowfall has brought out our adventurous spirit and we have had many walks through thick, falling snow to explore the trails of the farm. AnaSofia pluck and energy on skis makes me smile (and groan, I can never say no to an outdoor activity, but man, am I sleeping well!)... On that same note, I am often asked to build a snowman and we all know that the science of building a snowman requires just the right conditions. But I would never tell the kids, "no, we can't go out and build a snowman" for fear they won't want to go outside anymore, so do we instead we go out and try in frustrating conditions to get a ball of snow to form? It does feed the scientist in me to lecture about various weather related phenomenon, but I also don't want them to not go outside because building a snowman is frustrating.
So the other day a friend gave me a really cool idea that you can do in any snowy conditions. Just use a shovel and little mittened hands to throw snow into a pile of whatever shape you wish. You can then mold it if conditions are right and even add colored water in a spray bottle (using food coloring) to embellish the shape. We are having so much fun with this project and have made fish, a mermaid, a cow and other things. It even looks cool a few days later when it gets snowed over and there is this huge shape of a person (or mermaid) lying in your yard. I am loving it!





Winter is definitely a season we embrace, aren't they all?! Each day working on our trails to ski and snowshoe on, building forts and feeding friends reminds me of why I am thankful for this quiet season to get work done inside and enjoy being outside.

Feet, what do I need you for when I have wings to fly? (F. Kahlo)

The year of two is full of adventure and imagination. Big sister was given her cape soon after her 2nd birthday so it seemed necessary for another superhero to be properly attired. He is so happy to be able to play and run just like Fia without the cumbersome towel or blanket we have been tying around his shoulders. Fly high, Super K - you are my little hero!

I have made a few different versions of this cape for friends since Fia's and each successive one is a little smarter as my sewing skills have progressed. It is such a simple little project and loved by the little dress up king and queen in our house!

Calm and joyful...

Ah... It is the time of resolutions and starting with a clean slate. Lovely in many ways and quite stressful and stifling too, don't you think? I often must remind myself to move forward and not reflect so much on the past (translation: don't lay awake at night in tears over a silly, bad exchange I had with one of the kids today and instead get enough sleep and focus on making tomorrow a better day!).

Since I was little, I have always been moved by words of others. It could be a sentence in a book, a simple sign or word that help shape my days. A recent Facebook post from a friend reminded me to "be a calm and joyful mother..." Yes! A sign reads: Live simply. Yes! These words can be interpreted differently by each of us, and can be the solace to my busy mind on these crazy days.

I am not one to make a huge resolution, for instance like trying to not eat sugar for a year (this was a goal), because I end up binging on sugar for days and feeling really guilty about it after. Instead this year I plan to wake up each Monday with a new phrase written on the door of the pantry, something to remind me of who I am and where I want us all to be as a family. This year it is about stages, small projects, the little things and hopefully it will build into one beautiful, cumulative piece (or should I say peace?). Yes, I think it will be a good year.

Now if I can just get that pink, lead painted pantry door covered over to start this process we will be all set... A small project to start the year of small projects...

But progress is being made in the rest of the kitchen. I am starting to feel like it is a lovely little space to spend some time in.

Happy New Year!