Gratitude Sunday, Hedgehogs, and Love.

 Happily joining in with the other Taryn of Wooly Moss Roots for a Gratitude Sunday post.

A few days ago, I mentioned to Todd (half joking and half not) that I really wanted a pet hedgehog. I mean, seriously, these things are cute. I just pictured Phoebe in a gnome hat, our pet hedgehog, and our small urban home magically turning into an enchanted forest castle. It could happen, right? But anyways, Todd and I were talking about hedgehogs and the very small possibility that I could get one. Finn must have overheard me, because last night night before bed he said "Mom, I heard you wanted a hedgehog and so I made you this"

 

Seriously, how sweet is that? I am so lucky to have such a sweet, thoughtful (and talented) 6 year old. Plus this morning, after Phoebe woke up, she ran up to Todd and said "Daddy, I love my mommy!". That may not seem like anything crazy, but for 2-plus months, Phoebe has been on a daddy kick, and all she ever really says to me is that she wants her daddy and that I should go to work. So hearing those words out of her mouth almost brought tears to my eyes.

What (or who) are you thankful for today?

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Yarn Along

Joining with Ginny of Small Things today for another yarn along.

I finished Phoebe's plain tunic a couple of days ago. I am really happy with how it turned out. Super cute and it was quick and easy. I left it to soak in some water to help soften it up, and it has finally dried. Hooping to get it on Phoebe, and take a few photos, in the next day or two. I will share them when I do!

In the meantime, I have been knitting up a bunch of modified versions of these. They are going to come in handy for holiday gifts.

I am still reading Sometimes A Great Notion. Still! And I still have quite a bit to go. Man, it is going to be a great accomplishment when I finally get through this one. It's not like I don't like it- I do, I swear! I just haven't been able to really sit down with it for more than 10 minutes at a time.

What are you reading? What are you knitting? Pin It Now!

A 6th Birthday Sleepover

Last Thursday, my little guy turned 6. In the past, Finn has always wanted huge parties where he invited all of his friends. This year, however, he asked to just have 2 of his very best friends over for a sleepover. Nothing crazy. No 25 kid guest list.  I didn't have to have tons of food for a bunch of kids and parents, I didn't need my house to be spotless, and I didn't have to spend much money.  It sounded perfect to me.
We decided to make it an indoor camping party. We put the tent up in the living room (and it took up our entire living room, literally). I made some paper trees to make it look forest-y, and his birthday bunting said "CAMP FINN".
Dinner was beans and rice and quesadillas, per Finn's request. A very camping-esque dinner, right? I made s'mores cupcakes (chocolate cupcakes with vanilla buttercream frosting topped with graham cracker crumble, mini marshmallows, and a square of chocolate). They were a huge hit. I also made marshmallows dipped in chocolate and graham crackers, just because it sounded fun.
Party bags were handed out after cupcakes, as each one included a flashlight, a couple of glow sticks, and an autumn gnome doll in a sleeping bag.
After eating, playing many games of hide and seek, and some flashlight wars, the kids got to watch some movies from inside the tent. And they were laughing, screaming, and having a good ol' time. In fact, everything was great except the actual sleeping part. I finally got them to quiet down around 11:15 and then the three of them were up and at 'em at 5:30. 5:30! We definitely had some tired and cranky kids after that.

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Six.

Finn is six today. Six. It just sounds old, doesn't it?

It was only a few years ago when Finn was a funny little munchkin who stumbled when he walked and had us in laughing fits with the silly things he said.... now when I look at Finn, I no longer see a little boy, but instead I see an amazingly creative and contagiously sweet little man.

I am so proud of my guy. He has grown leaps and bounds over the past year, overcoming social struggles at school and gaining confidence in himself. I know this kid is going places, so watch out world, here comes Finn!

Happy 6th Birthday Mr. Finn!

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Slowing Down

Now that autumn is REALLY here, and the rains with it, I am reminded that it is that time of year for me to slow down. To spend more time at home, enjoying the presence of my family, working on projects, turning my attention inwards. My natural tendency is to always be exploring and searching for new experiences, but during the rainy months I am much more content to explore my backyard, my street, or a box of craft supplies long untouched. It may not be as fun or adventurous, but it is the time when I learn the most about my children, and myself, the time when we can focus more on who we are rather than where we are going. Pin It Now!

Phew.

This weekend I heaved a big sigh of relief that Halloween was over. Don't get me wrong, I love Halloween. Actually, it's one of my favorite days of the whole year, but, it happens to be a lot of work: visits to the pumpkin patch, making costumes for a family of 4, carving pumpkins, decorating the house.... it is all fun and creative work, but work nonetheless.
This year I kept the Halloween costumes pretty simple (you can see our family Halloween photo here). Finn wanted to be Darth Vader (apparently he has moved to the dark side). We already had a mask and a black cape from his Batman costume from 2 years ago, so I just did a freezer paper stencil on a black shirt to make Darth Vader's shirt. You can see instructions for how to do freezer paper stencils here.  It's super easy and slightly addictive. Todd decide to be a clone trooper. We splurged on a mask for him, and I made him a clone trooper suit out of a painting suit with felt "pads" glued on. Sadly, the hot glue didn't work very well on the knee area and he lost a few pads along the way.. if I would have had more time, I would have sewn it on. Oh well.
Several months ago, Phoebe saw bee wings and a bee antennae headband at the craft store, which inspired her to be a bee for Halloween. We bought the wings and antennae (as I knew those would be hard to make) but I made her an easy no-sew tutu in black and yellow glittery tulle and knitted her some striped leg and arm warmers. Simple, but boy did she look cute. I was a beekeeper, which I pulled together from things I had around the house. I didn't get any good photos of Phoebe Bee on Halloween eve, so I made her dress up again the day after, and we did a photoshoot outside.....

Anyways, my big sigh of relief was short lived. Finn's 6th birthday (and birthday party) is Thursday, and even though he is having a small, simple party, there is still lots to do. And, I recently decided to sign up for a craft fair at the end of the month in hopes to earn a little bit of extra holiday money... and I have absolutely nothing made. So, I need to step it up into high gear. Pin It Now!

This Moment

{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. Inspired by Soulemama.


Cheating and sharing a series of moments......

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