Post-holiday happenings

Our holidays don't seem to be as restful as we'd like.  It's just with a big family and many friends - all great blessings in our lives - there is a lot of entertaining and being entertained.  It is nice to catch up with old friends though, so I'll take it.

After the holidays were through, we settled into a more relaxed rhythm.  Everyone helping around the home, doing a little academic work together (mostly math and writing), and some excursions to round things out.  The kids did a lot of baking with me, including those cheese pies.  Come to think of it, I don't think I did much besides the prep work.  They pretty much put them together and I stuck trays into the oven.  Done.  It's actually a wonderful feeling to have helpers in the kitchen.  It's taken a few years of "training", lots of messes, plenty of patience and encouragement, but they seem to be well on their way to self-sufficiency in this area.  

 J is working on math now.  She is a playful monkey, so it's tough to stay on track usually.  I have to keep reminding myself that the work she's doing doesn't matter nearly as much as our time together and how we connect.  Not easy.  She is chugging along however and has mastered the collective exercises for addition.  We are working on carry-overs now.  She and Michael partner up for this, and I am the happiest mom watching them work together.  I think J likes it because we make a big deal whenever someone says "ten" as they count beads.  :)  

I have to say that most of our work is done in 10-15 minute increments.  It's very manageable.  In fact, many times the kids move on to a second round of work, or else they do a little extra,  I like that aspect immensely about Montessori.  It doesn't take much.  The trick is to do it as often as possible - if not daily then at least 2-3 times a week.  This repetition helps to cement concepts in a profound way.  I find that even if a child does not grasp every single aspect or angle of whatever the lesson is, they still understand the concept.  

This little munchkin is growing like a weed!  She is past one and walking.  Climbing is more like it.  She climbs everything.  We've had to be creative with this one, she just can't help it.  She loves to by a part of whatever's going on, which usually means getting up onto the dining room table, or climbing all over the sofas and side tables.  She's so happy and so full of zest as she goes exploring, we can't help but kiss those cheeks!  

When evening arrives, the best way to calm down rowdy kiddies is to read with them.  I was so glad when D captured this moment.  I don't think we have any recent shots of us reading together.  Here we are reading "The Quiet Little Woman" by L.M. Montgomery.  The kids love it, especially the older two.  

There is always work to be done in the kitchen.  As per usual.  I don't think we've been terribly creative on that front, but I have had more spurts of energy, so we have had less sandwiches and more hearty fare.  I am trying to stay away from cold cuts, which is difficult because a) it's convenient for lunches, and b) the kids love it.  I've made them steak sandwiches, pulled beef and turkey (from leftover turkey) that I've stashed in the freezer.  I think that's going to be my new system.  Once we have something like a roast or turkey, I will freeze a certain amount to use for lunch meat.  Finally got this down!  

I painted this icon years ago, but the gold starting peeling off thanks to a bad metal size I used.  (Of course!)  Thankfully, we found an experience iconographer to fix it.  I will never use that size again.  Yeesh.  Thankfully, all's well that ends well.  

So, I bring this little update to a close.  It's sounds an awful lot like a point by point rehash of bits of our days, but right now, that's all I've got.  Didn't want to keep postponing it.  Wishing you a great weekend!

Christmas crafting

Just stopping by to share some of our Christmas crafting.  A foxy messenger bag (which will probably not be ready by Christmas...), pine cone ornaments, Christmas cookies with my elf, peppermint bark jars, a chef's apron for M (shhh!).  Yesterday, I taught the two older ones to finger knit, so they have been knitting garlands to decorate our home.  J has taken to it surprisingly well, though I don't have a photo here to show.  She really loves handiwork, especially when it's something do-able for her little hands.  

Lots of family festivities going on around here with cousins, aunts, uncles and friends.  Which feels exactly right for this time of year.  Baby M loves being passed around the group while napping in various arms.  (Honestly, just holding her feels like Christmas to me - look at those cheeks and those little lips!)  I have embraced the chaos and we are coasting along: doing what can be done and not worrying about the rest.    

Now is when we really dive into the last bit of baking and cleaning.  And of course the wrapping of all these goodies.  Wishing you a blessed Christmas season!

Snuffy and some Christmas cheer

Little M has hit her first growth spurt.  And caught her first cold too.  We call her snuffy nowadays, but she isn't a happy camper that's for sure.  Her lovely sleeping habits have shifted, of course, and instead of a 5-6 hour stretch at night, she only sleeps in 2-3 hour spurts.  Poor little darling!  I hope it doesn't last too much longer...

We are well into Christmas makings around here.  The kids have little gifts going on for their teachers, and I have put in some time for them while they're at school.  We finished a couple of pine cone owls too since I took that picture.  I am so glad I came across this idea by Lia Griffith.  

I finished a sweet little apron for S.  (I just love the lace with denim... so tempting to make into a dress!)  I had to try it on her for sizing since I had to make up the pattern.  She loved it!  I couldn't get it off her!  And of course, that makes me feel as though she's been getting the short end of the stick most of her 2-year-old life.  I guess it's time for her to have some handmade love from mama.  :)  I think I will try to finish a messenger bag for her too, but let me not get ahead of myself here!  

I have plans to make an apron for M.  A true chef's apron that is, because this little boy like to help in the kitchen too.  (And did I mention that this little boy, for some reason, is so much more prone to making huge messes?)  Thus, my thoughts (oh so naturally) run to aprons.

That there above is my second quilt.  I'm not too sure about that vibrant green I included.  I mean, it works, but I'm not convinced it wouldn't have been better with something less "electric".  Anyhow, J has claimed it and it sits on her bed when not in use on the couch.  They are so handy to have around for cuddling under while reading in the evenings.  And I've added to my wish list a sewing machine that can free motion quilt.

Stay tuned for more Christmas makings in the coming days.  :)

"For a long time it seemed to me that life was about to begin - real life.  But there was always some obstacle in the way, something to be gotten through first, some unfinished business, time still to be served, or a debt to be paid.  Then life would begin.  At last it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life.  (Alfred Souza)  

Number 4

She finally came.  Our baby girl.  Our tiny number 4.  Our little M.  And for someone so small, what great joy and sweetness she has brought with her.  I am so completely in love with this newest little one of ours.  Even her mewling cries are sweet.  The others are over the moon too, especially the kids!  They are forever asking to hold her, burp her, change and bathe her.  She has a beautiful story too, quite different from her siblings.  

By the way, that gorgeous green hat was knitted by my dear friend Kim.  (She even included a felt flower to sew on in case it was a girl, which she was!)  Thank you so much for thinking of us my dear friend.   You are a sweetheart.    

So little M.  She came late, but she came quickly.  I am so thankful that she was born on her own with no interventions and no drugs.  (My midwives were just wonderful - I couldn't have done it without them, and I'm not just saying that.)  It really has made a difference in the speed at which I've been able to recover and get back on my feet.  For the most part, I feel like I am living in a bit of a bubble nowadays.  Not so much because my head is buried in the sand but because this baby sets my routine.  Lots of feeding, changing, and snuggles.  It all sounds so rosy, but it kind of is right now.  (I'll let you know when that changes!)  I am in the "honeymoon" phase where the sleeplessness and crying doesn't bother me at all.  In fact, I'm rather enamoured by it.  :)  Honeymoon indeed!  

Perhaps the reason for this is because D and my mom have been a huge help.  Between cleaning the house, making food, taking the other kids, soothing baby when needed so I can rest, they have literally spoiled me.  Little M is not the only one who's being taken care of.  I am too!  I was so anxious before, but now I feel a little like a queen.  If this is how women used to be cared for in the old days, it's no wonder they had so many kids.   

I have been able to spend time sewing this past week.  J's dress is done except for those buttons at the back.  Such a pretty jumper.  I think next time though, I won't do the gathering for the skirt.  At least not with corduroy.  It's too thick and bulky of a fabric to really work well that way.  Still, I do love it, and so does J, who keeps at me to finish it so she can wear it to church on Sunday.  I think it's because of the pink sash.  She really wanted the whole thing to be pink, but I don't think she minded it at all once she saw that sash and little rosebud.  :)  

I am also finishing off the binding for that much-talked-about quilt.  Except I keep forgetting to take a picture.  So you'll have to wait for me to show it off next time.  I have promised the kids we will do a little pine cone craft tomorrow, so the quilt may have to wait until during the week.  No problem by me!  

While I was in the hospital, I started working on two crocheted birds.  Turtle doves actually.  I'm hoping to make a crocheted wreath for a special someone this Christmas.  I don't think she checks my blog out, but I'll wait to post pictures until later.  Besides, I keep forgetting to photograph that too!  (Mama brain is not a myth, my friends!)

Since baby M's arrival, we stopped reading together for a few days.  I missed our routine so much though, I couldn't wait to get back to it.  It's a little more challenging with 4 crawling all over me, but we're managing.  As long as they have a snack to distract them when baby interrupts, the older ones do just fine. 

And that is where we are right now.  Getting back to our routine as much as possible and enjoying our little blessing.  And enjoying each other too.  These little monkeys are so precious!  I can't believe how they have grown.  

Before I sign off, I wanted to share a beautiful quote I found yesterday.  It really resonated with me.  I felt like, yes, this is why we need to slow down and simplify.  

"The more people deviate from the natural simple life and move toward luxury, the more human stress increases.  And as worldly politeness expands, simplicity, joy and the natural human smile are lost."  (Elder Paisios of Mt. Athos)  

Yarn along

Following Ginny's lead, here are all the Rapunzel hats I made for gifts this year.  Such a fun project. I had some pretty happy girls around Christmas time.  :)  Kids really seem to love dress-up and costumes.  I'm hoping to run with that for a bit in the coming year with my kids - wolf, bear and lion ideas are already fermenting in my brain!

Wishing you a wonderful celebration of 2014 and looking forward to 2015!

Joining Ginny and friends for this week's Yarn Along.  

Festive snapshots

While the holiday season is not technically over, we have been enjoying many festivities thus far.  With family (from near and far) around us, every day feels like Christmas!  

All projects were wrapped up (literally and figuratively) by the time they needed to be, and I can't say I've enjoyed a more relaxing feast.  :)  Especially given that most of it was handmade.  Perhaps that added to our joy in a intangible way.

Once gifts were opened, the kids spent time playing together.  They received some really lovely presents - they especially loved the dress-up parts!  Aside from the handmade gifts I mentioned here before, we got the kids a set of Lincoln logs.  M has been really big on building houses since and even J will bring along her animals to play with the logs.  (S is more into the cleaning up or taking out and giving to us process.)  It was a great investment. 

The photo above is of M playing with a model human torso he received from his Godfather.  I never believed a kid could be so happy with an educational toy, but this toy blew him away.  He is studying the human body now and can name most of the major system components and their function.  Thank you Uncle Alex!  

And here is the promised photo of my little dragon/dinosaur.  He just needs a tail now.  (Maybe for his birthday?)  

Wishing you a Happy New Year!  

Culinary arts and other creative pursuits

Obviously most (though not yet all) of the making going on here is edible.  And most of it gifts.  My little elves have been involved in mostly everything we've been doing, as you can see.  Such a help, these babies!  I've noticed that, though things get messier and require more time to complete, when I let them help, we all end up feeling wonderful.  They with their sense of accomplishment and confidence, and me with the joy of working alongside my babies.

:: Peppermint bark was a smashing success based solely on the chocolate-smeared faces of my girls.  (And so it starts... girls and chocolate.)  The candy cane smashing was pretty intense and I had to sweep it up before things really got out of hand.  (Imagine candy cane floors!)  The  joys of making things with kids usually preclude photography.  But we did snap a beginning and a final shot...

:: Petit fours.  At least, they will be with a smear of jam and a dip of chocolate.  (The candy sprinkles, ground nuts, or chocolate drizzles are optional, but pretty traditional in our home...)  And of course, some more Christmas cookies by the little ones.

:: Yule logs.  My little man actually did most of the work.  I just folded the batters together and popped them in the oven.  He insisted on spreading the filling and helping coat them.  It was lovely.  And he even did the dishes afterwards!  (My hero!)

:: Gingerbread cookies.  The kids wanted reindeer.  I kind of prefer the little men.  Oh well.  To each his own.

:: Meat pies.  Hard to resist "testing" them.  So hard.  However, they are now safely tucked away in the freezer.  *Whew!*

I think I might have mentioned that while we have bought a few gifts this year, most of our gifting is coming from our hands, especially the kids.  Regardless of why, I find that is has given us more time to experience the Advent journey together in true peace of soul.  It is a lovely feeling to be able to focus on the Nativity of Christ without so many distractions and craziness.  So easy to be sucked into that vortex.  So easy to forget the reason for this time.  The kids love reading about the Wise Men, learning the hymns and carols of the feast, sitting and talking about Christ coming to earth.  We've had so many profound conversations, which I don't think would be possible if we were running around shopping or so unconsciously focused on consumerism.  I am so thankful for this time, for this experience.  It is completely different experiencing this feast with children and each year I am reminded of my blessings.

Wishing you much joy and peace in the kitchen and everywhere in your homes and hearts.

Slow and steady

As I sit here with bits of gingerbread dough on my shirt (it gets messy baking with kids), I can't tell you how excited I am to be be almost finished M's gift.  Dragon (or dinosaur if you wish) leg and arm warmers.  They match his hat, the one I made several months back.  Anyhow, I think they're just adorable and I can't wait to see his face on Christmas morning!

I am hoping to get some crocheted tea towel hangers done up for a special lady, but this week is baking week for us, so that might be a tad ambitious.  Today is Gingerbread day.  Tomorrow and thereafter is for Yule logs (Bûche de Noel) and all our festive and traditional Christmas treats.  We work while listening to carols, or audio stories, which the kids just love.

Next week we'll get to the heavy cleaning and cooking - at least that which can be done ahead of time.  And all the last minute strings will (in theory) by tied up.  Goodness, it sounds so nice and organized on paper.  In reality, far from it.  The babies are sick - all three to varying degrees: barking coughs, runny noses, a fever, a sore throat or two.  Our humidifier is running non-stop, saline rinses are a daily routine, lots of fluids and lots of tea.  My house is a terrible mess, though (thank God!) I managed to wash the floors finally.

I don't know what my odds are for getting everything done, but we are working slowly as best we can.  I am reminded at various moment during the day to ease up, let go of a project, be mindfully present with the little ones more, and just slow down.  This is the theme of my life, it seems.  Slow down.  Always, and especially at this time of year, the pull to join in the busy dance going on all around is very strong.  But when I can disconnect for a period, it's easier to just let go.  Breathe.  Refocus.  Remember.  

PS - I wanted to include some photos of our kid spaces around the house.  (They were taken last week when the house was a little tidier, as you can see!)  Our kids just love them.  

Joining Ginny and friends for this week's Yarn Along.

My babies and some of our Christmas preparations

I  keep having to remind myself to write in the blog.  It's become a once-a-week affair these days.  So many things to do and being done that I don't have the energy to maintain this space quite as efficiently.  It makes me sad because so many precious moments have slipped by without any note for posterity.  I treasure the times I have with the kids when they just fill me up with sunshine - especially when they're in a talking mood.  Oh my.  

J loves to chat with a willing listener.  She'll talk and talk and talk.  Sometimes she makes no sense.  Sometimes she's hilarious.  She has imaginary friends (the effect of hearing M's school stories) and they feature abundantly in her stories.  She loves to repeat the lessons (usually moral) or stories we read together during the day.  It's beautiful to listen to a 3 year old uttering profound truths.  And it's kind of, I don't know, comforting in a way to know that we can impact her life so profoundly. 

M is just gold.  That boy makes me laugh and cry at the same time.  He is so sweet inside that I can't help hugging him whenever I can.  He watches over his sisters very seriously whenever we are away, and it is comforting to know that they have such a gallant protector.  Of course, he does love to tease them too...  ;)

As for S, that little one never stops.  She's so different from the other two.  Mentally very organized - she that each thing has it's own place and likes to keep it there.  She loves to clean up, loves to follow instructions (even sometimes when she doesn't want to do it!), and loves to give kisses.  She has a special greeting for D when he comes home and for me when I come back from an errand.  It's like winning the lottery when she smiles and runs to your arms singing "Mama!".  

Next week is baking week for us.  Cookies, Yule logs, savoury pies, peppermint bark, sea salt chocolate caramels.  We have some favourites here, that's for sure!  And of course, then it's really down to the wire with cleaning, cooking, decorating, wrapping and such end of the line preparations. 

I am up to my elbows in yarn for now.  I am trying to finish with the Rapunzel hair hats (two more left).  Also, I have a gorgeous red scarf I am trying furiously to complete on time.  I've added a couple more projects (which of course I can't talk about), and so I doubt very much a day will go by where I am not crocheting.  I want so badly to whip up a warm pair of socks and a pair of dinosaur mittens for M to match his hat, but I am sceptical as to the probability of me finishing it all.  So they have question marks beside them on the list.  I'll keep going right to the end and just hope they're all done for Christmas.  :)

As for reading, that's absurd!  No books.  No time.  My hands aren't free to turn the pages.  :)  It's all yarn for me.  I would LOVE to read A Mother's Rule of Life.  Perhaps in the New Year?  It's on my Christmas list anyhow.  

Well, I must be off.  Lunch and dinner need making, and I have some yarn calling me...

Joining Ginny and friends for this week's Yarn Along.