Space jam

I am crocheting right now as I sit with D, waiting for the yogurt to finish setting.  We generally still make our own yogurt - sometimes even with some raw milk, though usually without.  We go through a lot of yogurt.  If the kids aren't eating it as a snack, we are serving it as part of the meal.  Love yogurt.

So, I am crocheting hearts and stars for the kids out of various colours of yarn.  A little Valentine from mama.  :)  Nice to use up some leftover yarn too!  My stash is getting out of hand, at least for the space we have.  I have left yarn work for a long time because I just didn't have the desire.  But suddenly, just as inexplicably as she left, she was back, knocking at my door again, begging to start a cozy stripped afghan and bring a little joy to my babies.  So here I am with new projects tucked into little corners and nooks around the place.  :)

Forgot to add this photo from Christmas time last month.  Just too cute to pass up, so I posted it now!  

The weather this winter has been unseasonably warm so far.  Many many days above the freezing mark, no snow, lots of rain.  Very odd, at least for the Canadian winters I'm used to.  You'd like this would be incentive to take the little ones out more, but I am still guilty of not taking the kids as much as I feel I should.  Fresh air always makes me feel better, but at this particular time period, I am struggling to get at it!

We rearranged some of our furniture in the main living area of the condo to accommodate a much-needed workspace for the kids.  We have a small desk for the computer, but it's full of, well, the computer!  The kids, particularly the older two, are old enough to need a space to work on their work, on their projects, or just spread out without needing to clean up for a bit.  As you can see, even baby M has her own space now under that table.  :)  Anyhow, I have more plans for that table.  I think this is something I enjoy doing every so often, the rearranging part I mean.  I can't yet decide if it's just a nice change in scenery, or if it's a bid to optimize space.  Maybe a little of both?  

This is our dog.  ;)  He is the sweetest little feathered friend!  D has trained him to lie on his back and be groomed or "petted".  Actually, he LOVES being groomed around his head.  He'll fluff right out and just zone out.  Hilarious to watch.  Really does remind us of a dog in some ways.  Little Romanos has brought a lot of joy to our lives right along with the kids!  

Anyhow.  I'll finish here because I'm just having a hard time keeping my eyes open!  Past my bedtime I think.  Sweet dreams!  

Goodness

Yesterday we were at the park - it was sometime in the evening.  M was blowing bubbles, J was swinging on the swings and I was sitting on the grass with baby M.  S came over and wanted to swing, but there were no more swings free.  The next time I looked over, J had gotten off her swing and was trying to lift S up to sit on it.  (I had to help with this step.)  Then, she happily pushed her for what seemed like a very long time.  They were laughing and playing as they went.  It was the most heartwarming and beautiful scene and I'm almost positive my heart swelled two sizes bigger.  Amidst all the evil in the news - all that suffering - this scene of a little girl happily sharing her swing with her younger sister was such a bright ray of hope.  Truly, God made man good and for goodness!  

"Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure and whether it be right." (Prov 20:11) 

We have had many lazy summer days together so far.  Lots of Saturdays spent in the park with the BBQ, great food and lots of sand and sun.  Getting to the park requires a bit of work, sometimes a little rush for last minute items.  Once we arrive though, everything melts away into a lazy summer day.  Complete with lounging kids and an afternoon siesta.  Well, maybe not an actual nap, but at least some time digesting.  (Kids have crazy amounts of energy that someone needs to find a way to bottle up for the rest of us!)  And here you can see baby M enjoying the delight that is ice cream.  She loved the corn on the cob too.  

The kids also enjoyed a church festival too earlier this month.  As if you couldn't tell from those faces...

I mentioned our new routine in my last post.  It has solidified somewhat over the past weeks and I believe we are actually enjoying it!  It's not a perfect system - still some tweaking to do I think.  I am actually trying to work more on NOT having to stay on them to finish something.  I hate nagging, and I'm sure they do too.  I saw this fantastic system and I am trying to find a way to make it myself.  The kids would love it, if not for ease of use than its simple beauty.  Hopefully in the next few weeks I can finish it so we have some time to use it before school starts.

As for other projects, I am currently working on some tea towel toppers.  I don't have much energy these days to really delve into projects.  D has been working overtime a lot and being on my own with the kids has really depleted my energy levels.  ;)  However, last night J asked me sweetly to make her something.  So there you have it.  Another project!  It's actually a joy to make stuff for these darlings.

Wishing you a wonderful Family Day weekend!  (And can I just say how much I love the sound of "Family Day"!?)

A much belated update

S washing dishes

My, how I've neglected this space!  Time just seems to fly by and priorities shuffle around accordingly.  Which is to say that I haven't been here because I haven't had the time, nor found it incombent to make the time.  :)

S with the sandpaper letters

There has been just too much going on.  I am simultaneously reading three or four different books.  Simplicity Parenting, Siblings Without Rivalry, and Square Foot Gardening.  I have three crocheting projects that are just missing ears, and I have a cape pinned up and ready to sew.  Schooling has been the main reason though why I haven't been here.  The kids have quite a bit of homework on a given day, and when they don't (or when they're done) I don't want to waste the precious time I have with them.

The two older ones and I went skating this past Monday outside at Celebration Square.  Oh how fun it was!  I have forgotten the joys of skating.  And those two were just priceless.  My phone is full of photos from our morning skate.  In the end, I had to drag M off home.  He just didn't want to leave.  And boy, you could tell how much he loved it!  Trying to speed skate around the rink and falling every so often when he lost balance.  I can't say how often I laughed gleefully for the pure joy of watching those two learn such a fun sport!  We are planning a repeat for today while the cold weather lasts.

Last weekend we managed to get to our favourite retreat - Dormition monastery.  Such good timing.  And how we've missed it.  Whenever we get back, we notice how we feel more uplifted and how the kids have sort of re-calibrated, if you will.  It's beautiful.

S and J scrubbing potatoes

S colour matching while J sorts beans

These days, it's S keeping me busy during school hours.  She is motoring along with her "work" and I am following her lead as best I can.  I wish I knew what I know now earlier so the other two could have enjoyed similar activities and attention from mama.  I am doing my best to make up for it though.  J loves working in the kitchen, and it's not hard to get M in there either.  All is not lost.  The other day, we took a much-needed break at home to recuperate and recharge together.  While not perfect by any stretch, I found the day to be very profitable on so many levels.  And that just makes my heart sing.  :)

Little J turned 5 early this month.  She loved all her gifts, and they were all very hands-on, which is where this little one is right now.  She loves to make things and play dress up.  She has gotten a lot of use from her new "bead box" and has been very generous sharing with M and S.  There has been a lot of bracelet and necklace making going on.  

And baby M was baptized on the 31st of Jan.  (Two more reasons I haven't been around, incidentally!)  Speaking of baby, she is a doll.  Laughing away whenever someone takes the time to notice and talk to her.  She talks right back to us too!  This is actually a sore point, because I so often have little time to give her, and I feel so guilty!  It's no wonder I try to make up for it while I'm waiting in line at the store!  Those old ladies must think I'm a new mama the way I go on with her.  :)  C'est la vie, je crois.

J sorting the items in our nature box

Right now, we are turning our attention to plants.  Tomatoes in particular.  And cucumbers.  Some seeds need to be started soon and I am unprepared on so many levels.  But, here we go again.  Diving into another growing season with our sleeves pulled up and ready to get dirty.

M and J completing their Montessori sun together while S looks on

M experimenting with mixing colours

Another item on my list is organizing this space.  I think I mentioned I was trying to organize the kitchen.  Well, that has spilled over into the entire house.  It's a big job.  Bear with me.  It won't be done this month.  Probably not this spring.  I just have to be realistic with four kids and a full, full, full life with them.  (In trying to find an adjective to describe our lives, I really think "full" is the most successful...)

The cape I must needs finish and my little sewer stitching her little fox purse

Anyhow, excuse me as I have a cape to sew and a poster of the life cycle of a frog to start.  And if I was being honest, I'd have to say that I'll probably have to wait on the poster for next week.  Kids do need to eat, I'm told.  So dinner trumps poster.  But not cape.  Funny how that works, eh?

Wishing you a wonderful and preferably peaceful weekend.

Quieter pursuits

Things have been a little quieter on the home front this past week as the kids started school.  Its always a little confusing for me.  Just as we finally get into a rhythm that feels good we have to up and change again.  More than that, I have mixed feeling about them starting school again.  On the one hand, I miss them and I miss all things we could be doing together - that we should be doing together!  On the other hand, I am thankful for a quieter and tidier space.  (I'd trade the latter for the former any day mind you.)

To calm my confused and somewhat low spirits, I have picked up my crochet hook and knitting needles.  Nothing like yarn to match a contemplative mood - and it really does bring me to my happy place!  That there above is going to be another hooded cowl.  Haven't decided between rabbit or wolf or perhaps another cat?  Speaking of wolf, there is a wolf hat I have in my unfinished project bag waiting for me to get to it.  Maybe I'll make this one a wolf too and we'll have a pack?  (Oh the possibilities!)  Also, when you're feeling off, chocolate cake can't hurt.  A sour cream chocolate bundt cake.  Preferably drizzled in a delicious chocolatey ganache.  

This is my 3rd in action.  (She is literally my Montessori poster baby... thrives on routines that one does.)  She is cutting up a banana for her morning snack.  I ended up eating it for her since she preferred to munch on carrot sticks and broccoli trees.  We're flexible like that.  :)

 I finished (I think?) a watercolour robin yesterday.  The kids all did watercolours alongside mama.  They are all marked as gifts.  I will ask them if I can share their work here for the next post.  I'm going to frame theirs either way.  I was so happy to break out the paints.  An impromptu art session.  I miss art.  

Here's to more art in 2016!  

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)  

Cookery and some yarn projects

I've been finding that life is pretty messy these days.  It gets to me insofar as I feel powerless to do anything about it, but otherwise, I have been trying to embrace it more.  (Hurray for progress!)

The kitchen is still our main hub of activity.  Food is always needing to be made, eaten or preserved.  We have been on a bit of a pizza spree for the past month.  Translation: we've made pizza about 4 times so far.  This is a spree for us.  I think this is mostly because I've been wanting to perfect a pizza recipe for a while.  I took a base recipe and tweaked it a bit here and there.  I don't remember where I got the original recipe, but with the modifications, it's a really great one.  (At least we think so here...)  Anyhow.  You can bet my little sous chefs have been involved in these adventures.  In fact, on Saturday they made the pizza themselves.  I did the dough and then took a nap while it was rising.  Afterwards, I gave each kid a lump of dough and they did the rest.  It was actually pretty neat sitting back and letting them go.  I have to learn to do that more often.  I thought J would have problems with the rolling, but she was great!  All her own elbow grease and no mama help.  Just what a 4-year-old needs for confidence!

By the way, making pizza is messy, even without kids.  Imagine how much more so with the kids doing the work.  That's part of what I mean about life being messy.  And I'm ok with it.  Because hey, my kids made dinner for me!  And because they were happy doing it!  And because learning to take care of themselves and others is a priceless skill.  (We just need to work on the clean-up part afterwards...)

Right now in the kitchen, a pot of soup is simmering on the stove - a savoury beef and chunky vegetable soup.  Just the thing for a crisp, cold autumn day.  Also, precious little can beat a good bone broth in my books.  We also have a tray of granola cooling on the counter which S and I whipped up this morning.  This time, we're trying granola bars, not just the usual loose granola.  (It's a first for me.)  I figure we'll be needing some snacks for around when baby decides to debut.  We put in peanuts, raisins, and dark chocolate chips.  (My kids will eat anything if it has chocolate chips inside, so I try to take full advantage of that fact.)  It looks like they turned out great, so I just need to package them up and store.

Outside of the kitchen, M has some upcoming projects for school.  This has kept us busy and promises to do so for the coming week.  Thankfully, we have split things up into manageable chunks instead of cramming it all into one day.  But still, I've promised myself that I'm throwing in the towel after this!  (Hello, new baby coming!)  I miss my quiet, uneventful routine!  Waaa!

I've gone back to knitting.  That is, I've been alternating between crocheting some hooded cowls and finishing the sweater for baby.  The cowls will be Christmas gifts, so I won't share them here.  I am happy to have at least a few handmade items for this year.  I don't think we'll come close to last year, but that's ok.  There is still time and lots of love to go around regardless.  I don't know if I mentioned it before, but my darlings unraveled most of my previous knitting.  I couldn't salvage it, so we finished the job and I started over.  Thankfully, I sized it properly this time around.  (It was too big before.)  I have made a note to try and keep my knitting out of reach for now, but I do like to take it out at frequent intervals when I need to sit down, so it always manages to end up on the side table or sofa.  I am tempting fate, I suppose.  But those little hands are curious, and those little brown eyes so sweet and honest when caught unravelling stitches.  Somehow, I didn't mind as much as I thought I would.

And since it feels like this blog sometimes reads like a to-do list, I thought I'd add that I am looking into putting up some pumpkin and squash before the season finishes.  It's just so nice to have some on hand for soups in the fall/winter.  I'm starting to genuinely loathe canned food.  And it's not only about the taste, although there are worlds of difference in taste between fresh/dried/frozen vs canned.  When I read about what they line the cans with, I think to myself, "No wonder we're struggling with all these health problems!"  There is something to be said for putting nutritious, wholesome, real food into our bodies.  And that desire is fuelled even stronger when you are responsible for little ones.  Every season, every year, we try to do something else to further our journey towards eating properly and truly enjoying God's bounty.  

Now if only I can motivate myself to exercise a little more!  I suppose running around after 3 will have to suffice for now.  

It broke.

My sewing machine is broken.  What a lamentable day!  I mean, thankfully, J's bag is done.  Minus the little fairy jewel I need to sew on by hand that is.  (Such a pretty button!)  At least there's that.  But, of course, I have another two bags I'm working on too!  Which means they will have be put aside for now until I find the time to a) tinker with the machine or b) take it in for a tune up.  I'm a little nervous to think about trying a) right now.  

Haven't been working with yarn too much these days.  Trying to finish this chick hat along with the other two.  It's been in the bottom of my bag for a looooooong time.  I actually found it on our trip this past weekend and did a bit of work on it.

The kids have been busy with their own work.  Lots of making from the treasures we collected during the summer.  And lots of painting for M.  He loves the texture, the feeling of the materials sure.  But what he really loves about painting is mixing colours.  He tries several combinations, and the endpoint finds him with everything all swirled together - an irresistible impulse.  J is more about cooking and baking.  She likes to stir.  And she likes to make sweets.  Hmmm.  I wonder who she takes after.

I've mainly been busy with school work for the kids.  So much to make, organize and research.  I am trying to put together our French "program" for the summer.  It is a huge task.  And one I feel somewhat unqualified to do.  Oh well.  Isn't that the story of a parent's life?  Unqualified, but called none the less.

Yesterday some new materials I ordered came in.  I am especially in love with the stamp game.  It is so beautiful.  Really!  The little chips, the number tiles, the pegs.  All organized in their proper colours and slots.  Ah.  I can't wait to show it to M.  I know he will love working with it!  And of course, with the gathering of new materials, I am now in need of more storage space.  I need a bookshelf - preferably with drawers or doors at the bottom.  A new wish list item!  (And pretty much at the top too!)

There's something about being physically (and metaphysically) organized that speaks to me.  I need it.  I crave it.  When I see clutter, I suddenly have to clean.  It's been like that for as long as I can remember.  Whenever I had to hunker down and study for an exam in university, the first thing I did was clean my room.  Procrastination, you say?  Perhaps.  I just couldn't really focus otherwise.  Those days of studying may be over (or not), but the other part has remained.

This is not to say that my home is immaculate.  Most of the time, it is strewn around with toys, books and whatever creative projects we are all working on.  But, at the end of the day, everything has it's place.  Everything has a home.  And when it is put away, I am mollified.



Joining Nicole and friends for this week's Keep Calm Craft On, and Ginny and friends for this week's Yarn Along.  

Yarn Along: tying up loose ends

A busy week, and a busy weekend coming.  Busy with wonderful projects, family gatherings and a much-needed retreat to Michigan.  :)  

Right now I have a couple projects already halfway, so I am trying to tie up the loose ends.  I have completed J's messenger bag!  It is a sweet bag!  I will share it closer to her birthday.  I am also still working on those hats I mentioned last week.  I haven't had time for them amidst everything else, so they are still waiting for me.  I am hoping I will get at least something done on the car ride, but since it'll be dark for most of the drive, we'll see.  

I am reading a book called ScreamFree Parenting.  It is really a wonderful book.  At least, I feel more empowered to be calm with my children come what may.  One of the kids had an incident where they made a poor behavioural choice and were not happy with the consequences of that choice.  There was definitely a fit involved.  Afterwards though, you would have found us together, curled up on the floor reading a book together.  (In the end, that child's resignation and elasticity helped them get over it pretty quickly!)  But the real miracle was that throughout it all, I found myself staying calm and connected.  That was the big part.  Usually when meltdowns occur, I run for the hills emotionally!  I realize not all parents suffer from the same shortcoming, but this book is so helpful for me in learning to leave reactivity behind and embrace inner calm when dealing with my children.  

Wishing you a wonderful and calm Wednesday!

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