Wednesday, April 29, 2009

the blogging thing

I'm a reader of blogs-quite a few actually. I tend to read blogs that deal with mothering, creativity, food making (and sometimes politics) because this is what is most pertinent to me and my everyday life. I have alot to chose from, blogs are everywhere-so why I wonder have I chosen to start a blog (about 2 weeks ago) when there are so many out here in the big universe of the world wide web? Well I think I may have a few reasons-

1) I think blogging may give me a better perspective, by this I mean that it can serve as a diary of sorts. Allowing me to see our days in a different way, and not totally just relying on my memory (which is a little sketchy at times, but I have the nagging tendency to remember the less than stellar moments of a day-yes I'm working on this). If I can just capture some of the regular low key life moments in words/pictures- perhaps everything won't seem to just happen in a blur (seriously it seems like each day goes so fast-see its already Wednesday!)

2) An outlet-blogging is an outlet. As a mom at home sometimes I have limited adult interaction during the days, so it is nice to see the voices of other moms out there just talking (rather typing) out thoughts, ideas, and questions. I have seen alot of positive support in the blogging community, and I think this such an important result of sharing one's own story, one's own ideas, even though we may have varying circumstances/situations.

3) It will help with my writing skills (I can hope right:)

4) I can share-so I think I should (like I was taught in kindergarten). I have received alot of inspiration from the blogging community so I think I shouldn't just be getting inspiration without giving any.

I guess thats about it with my list (I'm a total list person). So lets all continue to tell our stories, always remembering compassion along the way.

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

playin' in the backyard

This weekend, in between the spring rains, we were able to venture outside for a bit, and it was good. Many days (too many I think) we stay couped up in the house trying to figure out what to do (a syndrome of many who live in the midwest). So to get outside is wonderful, freeing, and a sure way to lighten any mood. In fact one of my goals this spring/summer is to let the girls get outside more and to just experince good old fashioned outdoor fun-do you remember that? Now days outside play just has so much competition (computer time, videos, playstation) that it becomes a little difficult to convince the kids that outside play is worthy of their time (way more so than the forementioned items). I think that activities like tent building, jumping rope, kicking ball, running should be part of their daily summer play.





My motto this summer-"lets take it outside."

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

log cabin it

Sewing up more squares-yes thats what I'm doing. Really I have no quilt in mind when making these squares, I'm just simply trying things out. I decided to make a log cabin square just because it looks so neat and is easy! Can't beat that. So I got all my strips cut out and then headed to the sewing machine (well headed to the sewing maching the following day). Once the center block is sewn together the strips are then just added to the block in a clockwise fashion. As I was reading about the log cabin squares I found out that the center represents the hearth and then the strips of fabric are layered aroung "the hearth"- I like that. Making this was fun and I'm sure I will make some more. I just like seeing how everything comes together at the end-how all those crazy patterned strips/colors come together as one cohesive piece, which kinda reminds me of family(:

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

hidden treasures


Yesterday I was able to go out and do a little thrifting, which is mostly always fun. The great thing about my thrift shop trip is that I was able to go to a shop that I had never been to before, a little treasure of a place. The shop is owned locally by the Mennonite Church and it has so many vintage goodies. Even vintage fabric, sold for a dollar a yard! I could have spent so much time there but I had to get home. Also I found fabric scraps that are sold by the pound only for a few cents (which is great for a novice sewer) and I'm already planning a visit for next week.
See I guess sometimes you don't have to look very far to find something new (or in this case something old).

Monday, April 20, 2009

photos-monday morning



breakfast dishes still on the table



seedlings growing, waiting for warmer weather



sunlight, bright




He has made everything beautiful in its time. Ecclesiates 3:11

Happy Monday!

Saturday, April 18, 2009

sew simple, right?













I like crafts that I can just dive right in to-I do try to read instructions but really thats not my forte'. When I do read instruction books sometimes the words become a jumble and really the only way for me to work it out myself is to do it-you know what I mean?


So lately I've been doing a little sewing. As a novice sewer I have come to realize that sewing in a straight line takes lots of practice-lots (I for one didn't think that would be so challenging). Although the straight line definitely has not been perfected by me, I'm still sewing-still keepin' on. So I was able to sew up a simple spring bag (Simplicity pattern 2750), probably this pattern would take most people a day to make, however it took me about 5 days (working on it a little each day). I was able to repurpose an old sheet in order to make the bag. I've also been drawn into making some pinwheel squares. They are fun to make, but that quarter inch seam is something again that is challenging me. I've put tape on my machine to mark the seam allowance and that has helped alot, but sometimes the squares still come out a little off.

All this sewing has got me wondering how it would be so awesome to learn from some one (family, friend) than from a book and on my own. Most of us now days live far from extended family-you know the auntees, grandmamas, and the other loved ones who may be well versed in a craft or two. I think missing this type of crafting mentor/relationship only places in my heart the yearning to learn even more (even if by reading books and looking at an online videos)-simply with the hope of one day sharing some of what I know with my own girls.

So quarter inch seam, watch out, here I come!







Friday, April 17, 2009

spring-new beginnings




We've been waiting for spring for awhile now it seems. Some days fool us with temps in the 70's then only to be accompanied by highs in the 40's or 50's the next day. I want spring to come and just stay awhile. I want to enjoy it before the heat of the summer beats us down. So in preparation of spring we have been doing some seed starting, flower planting and just dreaming of the garden to come of course. Last year the garden didn't do as well as we all wanted, but oh well thats how it goes sometimes. So now I'm looking forward to the promise of another chance-another chance for a harvest. I'm thankful for this and if my harvest comes out less than I desire again, its good to know we have a great farmers market (: