Celebrations and Homemade Gifts

This time of year ALWAYS seems to set a fire under my bum. You know I really wanted to say ass, since I am pretty sure I know everyone in real life whom reads this! But, if I am not kidding myself that there is indeed a somebody whom I do not know in real life I apologize for using profanities. I really love using them and sometimes you just have to pop one in for the full effect of what one is trying to get across. Ok, back to "this time of year"!
Beginning in August our lives are full of celebrations until mid-January. Seriously, our whole family has birthdays including extended family and friends during this time. I think it is around 6 or 8 family and friends who celebrate birthdays in June and July! Totally crazy times for us accompanied by the Holidays.
Holidays are not what they were for me as a kid. I am so OVER the consumer Holidays that I almost do not want to celebrate them at all. I know you know what I am talking about. What the hell is Christmas doing in October??? BUY, BUY, BUY!!! It is all about obese spending and buying.
I would like to celebrate Holidays in the true meaning of it's celebration. And, let me tell you folks, I may even celebrate every named Holiday if I could pull that off and stay in line with our families values and morals. I guess I better get a few history lessons in before next year.
As our family has grown we have become more and more aware of what our priorities are and where we really need to buckle and down and not waiver. Our personal values and morals is just the place we started. Some of this was brought on by unforeseen circumstances and the rest just sorta followed suit. At, this point we do not want to instill consumerism into our family.
To begin the end to the vicious cycle we began with making a few homemade gifts. Of course like most things in my life I had a rather lofty goal to make everything homemade for a few years before I realized: 1- that is just impossible. (Too bad I am not superwoman) and 2- I mine as well be buying gifts if I am going to mass produce thoughtless, I have to gifts.
The next step in this very slow process that I have not yet perfected was to slim our Holiday gift giving list way down, which had already been slimmed for a few years past. It is so slim that I think I can count everyone on my own two hands and feet at this time. When it comes to birthdays we generally do one gift from our whole family. I had to let go my ego that I have four kids and the hosts are including all of them. My polite apologies at this time if you are one of the families that has fell prey to our gift giving ideals.
That being said, I try to make make all of our gifts at home. I would LOVE for my children to be way into it every step of the way, and sometimes this happens and sometimes it does not. The best effort I have had so far with including my kids in the gift giving process is to include them in the plans . I usually let the kiddo closest to the age of the recipient do most of the choosing and if it is an adult it is just kinda a free for all.
There are plenty of times when we have not prioritized making a gift in a timely manner, so YES we high tail it on the way to a celebration into some big box store and buy a gift within our price range that we have set before hand.
Because I am me, and not Superwoman, I have to work pretty hard on scheduling times to fit everything into a day I would like to accomplish. Some days it all gets done and I go to bed with a huge smile plastered on my face. The days that I do not get it all done, I put at the top of tomorrows check list and rest easy. To do lists are my savior. I use them to help me prioritize my days and things I hope to get done.
For the first time during these crazy few months to ensure we make most if not all of our gifts homemade I have been making my "Gift To Do List" according to the next celebration we are looking forward to. This way I can focus on that gift and not worry about the future gifts. It allows me to stay focused and enjoy the process. I want to enjoy our celebrating and not dread the day to come as I "have " to finish up a gift. What kind of joy is there in something you "have' to do. A homemade gift is only a homemade gift if it comes from your heart. I do not know about you, but I do know that it is so very important to me that the gifts our family gives come from a happy place not a dreaded place.
Mid-November and my "To Do Lists" are working out perfectly!!! I know myself all too well, so I did give myself bumpers (or extra days) just in case they were needed. Life with a family of 6 needs much lee way as you never know what each day might entail. Also in line with our ideals is not prioritizing gift making/ giving over the current needs of our family. If it means putting our current needs on the back burner or ignoring a cranky kiddie whom needs a bit of snuggle time, in the end it is just not worth it for us. I would rather postpone finishing the gift and make that infamous stop on the way to celebrate.
Ideals are just that ideals! We can only strive to meet them and sometimes we need to do a little adjusting to find the spot that is a better fit.
Looking forward to many more celebrations in the next couple months :)

This Moment- A Friday Ritual

Inspired by Amanda Soule of http://www.soulemama.typepad.com/

{This Moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

I Answered the Door Not a Minute too Early or Late

Are you familiar with that feeling that sneaks up on you, but you want it to go away? It comes from a deep place within you, a place that NEVER lies. I had such a feeling visit me a few weeks ago while out for an afternoon with my dad. I kissed him good bye and began our drive home. The whole drive I felt that feeling creeping up on me, kinda knocking on my door. But, I gotta be honest, I was not answering the door. I ended up hearing that familiar knock frequently throughout the following two weeks.

Every now and than I would ask my mom, "Hey, what is up with dad, he sure is not being himself? Is everything ok? I am really concerned about him, he has mentioned he does not feel good and he is really tired." She would answer, "All is well, he is a bit off, but you know he has had this happen a few times before and he always rallies back". "I am going to give him a few more days", was our last conversation.

Than the door pretty much came a knocking down. BOOM, BOOM, BOOM! Oh yeah, I was still not going to answer it. My mom called to let me know they had been at the Emergency Room all afternoon because my dad's blood pressure was really low and he was currently having a CT Scan.

Our next conversation allowed me an even larger grace period as my dad had pulled all of his Leeds out upon hearing the Dr. recommend he be admitted for observation and an MRI. I was sure he was fine at this point, as he still had his vigor. I mean he had enough still in him to diligently sign away the AMA paperwork. I love this about my dad. He does not waiver from who he is. Never has liked being patient and never will.

That night, I talked to my husband and friend. I kept saying I am not sure if I am heading down there with excuse after excuse after excuse. Like, I mentioned I was not going to answer the door to that awful deep pit in my stomach feeling that was now causing me physical reactions. Funny thing is, I knew I was going, but I could not say that out loud. I needed more time to think, to get things straight in my mind, to take a deep breath and prepare myself.

I am so happy I did. It took me till about 11am the next day to make my final decision. From that point I was moving as fast as a jet plane. We were on the road an hour later. With four kids, this is clearly amazing to me.

If you asked me that afternoon why I was going, I would of shared with you my phone conversation I had had with my mom and listed plenty of reasons why. All of them pertaining to my mother.

Tonight, I can share with you, that I went for myself and my children.

My eldest daughter, Coral turned 12 today!!! My father was the right there watching her emerge into this world, he helped me to raise her for the first years of her life while I still lived with him and my mom. She needed to see him if not more, as much as I did. We needed to see him where he was yesterday and today, we needed to assure him and ourselves that he will rally back some and continue to be apart of creating our memories.

Is my dad in bad shape, yes! Is there a silver lining to all of this that we can all see, yes! It will be time just as the past times needed, but he will heal, I believe he will.

A few WIP's and a few (cheering) I am all dones

I am way excited and also currently holding my breath for the final outcome of this rug. It is one of two rugs I crocheted for my eldest daughter who will be turning 12 in just two days. I had planned on sharing her presents in a single blog post, but just could not resist sharing a few tonight. I finished the last round of this rug just this afternoon while crocheting two or three stitches and than reading two or three sentences of Dr. Seuss to Nishan while waiting for Lillitha at ballet. Totally hysterical. He is sitting with the book on his lap patiently listening to this very broken storey while I keep thanking him and apologizing while also keeping an eye on Zari. She was having a time of trying to love on a little girl also waiting for her big sister, but was not so keen on catering to the little one who was ready and willing to play right then and there.

I was super determined to get this rug finished and not have to make another trip to the store for yarn. So, as you can see I completed the last forty or so stitches with a look of it's own.

I will indeed be sharing pictures of both rugs once they have been washed and dried.

Lillitha is taking ballet with the All American Ballet Company here in Ventura. She has been cast in and accepted two parts in The Nutcracker playing a Baby Mouse and a Little Girl in the party scene. As a parent you are required to sign up for two volunteer jobs. I decided with four kiddos it was probably best I do something I could do in the comforts of my own home and in my own time. So, I signed my name up for Alterations and Back Stage Mom. My definition of alterations and theirs are very different. I am in the process of finishing up the three dresses below when I will than be making two Big Mice jumpers. We are talking from start to finish no directions, just a here is the fabric and you take it from there.

Thankfully, a wonderful friend of mine who knows me well, took my kiddos off my hands for a few hours yesterday when I got the dresses to where you see them pictured below. I never ever thought in a million years I would feel refreshed after dropping my kids off and going home to sew dresses that I really had no intention of doing anyway. But folks, let me tell you, it was not only refreshing, but it felt really really wonderful!!! Thank you dear friend for knowing that I needed the shove to get my fingers sewing. You were right it was not as hard as I had thought, and it was totally rewarding.

Having a rather large family I find that I am pretty selfish and do not make the time I would like to give back to the community. Although, this is not what I ever imagined I would be doing as charity work, it is just that. All American Ballet Company is a non profit organization, they offer scholarships to families and right now this is where I can help out a little bit. Maybe later when we are all grown we will be serving food to the Homeless on Christmas.

The same friend I mentioned above created her first pdf and emailed me the directions to make Fall Harvest Necklaces. Her boys and her have decided to make Fall Garland using dried Indian Corn, Carrots, Beans, a few other things.

The kids and I decided today after realizing our cranberries are rotten as I had intended on doing this a few weeks ago, we are going to use just the corn and make necklaces. Our kernels are currently soaking and I cannot believe how much fun they had taking them off the cob.

Taking care of "Business" tends to be troublesome in our family at times, creating more turmoil than I would like. So again, under the shared thoughts of that wonderful same friend I decided to make an "Our Business" chart. I really wanted it to be something that was not an eyesore to me because I felt it needed to be in a common area of our home.

The beginning of the two rows that belong to each kiddo has their name next to it and each pocket has the letter that begins their name in hopes to avoid any confusion. In each pocket it a picture relating to one piece of business they are responsible to take care of. Once they have finished that thing they can move that "job" to the last pocket. At the end of each day we talk about and look at what they did or did not do and discuss any changes that may need to be made.

I am not totally happy with the way the chart turned out on my end, but it does seem to help a bit when the kids decided they just do not feel like doing something. It is just enough incentive for my 4 and 6 year old. My eldest just kinda ignores the whole thing along with ignoring some of her jobs.

In the world of accomplishing things.

Here are a few pictures of this and that:

A little corny but the kids and I love the scary, furry, monster.

Zari loved Trick or Treating and carried this little bag further than my husband and I could of ever imagined. She really really worked hard for her rewards!

Lillitha used her Witch bag to collect her Halloween loot. I think my attraction to it is far more than hers. I just love the little boots, the front

and back.

My favorite is the lining!
"Trouble Gum", "Coffin Drops", and "Baby Ruthless"

Lillitha and I had picked out yarn and pattern for a sweater for her to wear on Halloween over her Ballerina costume. Unfortunately I am not Super Woman and it did not even get started.

On the afternoon of our Halloween Party I decided to throw this little coat together. For the pattern I cut up and old long sleeve t-shirt and cut a pattern from it. I am in love with this little thing. Lillitha not so much! She actually balled it up and stuck it into the trash can.

I guess the saying goes,"You win some and you lose some". I think I should of better prioritized my crocheting and busted that little cardigan out for her.

Holidays are coming and that sweater is on the top of the crochet list.

Before the Holidays there are few birthdays and some more crafting to be had!!!

Mornings

Mornings are my favorite time of day. All of my babes wake up ready to conquer the world, and Zari is no different. After she nurses till her eyes are open wide with wonder, she sits up and gets down to bussiness. Lillitha and Nishan a few years older each take to my sides and snuggle in as deep as they can get. Nishan may not ever leave that warm little nook, he would love it if I would stay in bed and read to him ALL day. After a few minutes Lillitha is off to join Zari in morning bed sillies. Those two have a ball together in the wee hours of the morning. We call wee hours 6-7 am over here. I am still extremely groggy and you can generally catch me falling back asleep only to be woken by two giggling girls. It is exactly those giggles that finally force me to pry open my sleepy eyes to catch my gals in action with my son keeping me warm.

It is getting cold here and finally feeling a bit like Fall, my favorite!!! Love waking up to the cold and being forced to throw on Uggs and big old comfy sweater before making it out of the bedroom.

When we begin having so much fun that we cannot contain our excitement we make our way downstairs where we will be out of ear shot of Coral. We try to let her sleep as long possible as she is really grouchy if she does not get enough sleep. As, a side note I am way grumpy when I am tired too.

This is where the best part of the morning comes in, Coffee Time!!! As soon, as my two feet hit the bottom stair I am off to make coffee. I LOVE coffee in the morning. I love that first sip, I love how it tastes, how it warms me up, and most importantly how it wakes me up. Once I have swigged down a cup, 2, 3, or sometimes even 4, I am ready to rock the day. Too, bad my rocking usually hits a crash landing around 2 or 3.

Mornings, are the best, they involve coffee, bedroom giggles, bedhead and jammies. When Coral makes it downstairs still bleary eyed after 1o hours of sleep, I stop for a moment and take in my four kiddos all in the glory of morning time. For as long as I can remember there is just some distinct morning feeling that I LOVE!!!

I feel so blessed that I have four kiddos to share and treasure this time with. Mornings rock, they are a beginning of a brand new slate, the beginning of a new day, and everything GRAND always had a beginning.

Weekending

Here are a few pictures from our Halloween Weekend.

We enjoyed our usual fun~Halloween Party to kick off the weekend, Pumpkin Carving the day before Halloween, and FANTASTIC friends to Trick or Treat with.

Hope you had a fantastic weekend too!

We love this handsome little guy. I shower his soft baby skin with kisses more than he might like.
After Trick or Treating the boys are reaping the rewards.

Friends!!!

Super Friends!

A Very Very Mad Hatter!!! Only her mom would know the real truth and she is definitely MAD!

Jason's pumpkin and Nishan's

I am biased, but are these not just awesome?

I of course think so!

Getting into the mindset to eat chocolate covered bugs. Umm...GROSSE!!!

And he is the first one to chomp one down.

So proud of himself to solving the dilemma of hating the feeling of pumpkin goo, but not letting it stop him from the carving fun.

She is a funny girl this one. Zari will do all on her own, with no help. As her mom, I declare a little crazy right now and I felt the above picture is enough said!Ohhh, but here she is just like and Angel.

Momma is a piggy, Nishan is a gun toting Shakespearean, and Zari's self expression says it all.

The weekend ends amongst our fantabulous friends and a bit of trick or treating.

This Moment

Today I am inspired by Amanda Soule of http://www.soulemama.typepad.com/ to give {This moment} a try.

{This Moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.