La Vida Betsy

Treasure

2012-02-01T06:00:00.000-06:00

Want to see a real treasure?

When we had Streit Christmas, Uncle Chuck brought an envelope full of letters and cards from Mom to Grandma Anna.

Nice, newsy letters, from young Betsy years to young Susan years to young Abby years.

Seeing her handwriting and hearing her voice in my head has been a delight.

There were even two cards from my Grandma Madge to my Grandma Anna. She said I was "sweet as sugar". It takes my breath away, to remember how much love I've been blessed with.

Happy Kansas Day!

2012-01-30T06:00:00.000-06:00

It was yesterday-but surely states deserve a Birthday Week just as much as the rest of us!

We had an incredible sunset here. I just enjoyed it, didn't take any pictures of it.

Here's a super-tough KS day quiz.

Good Luck!

Controversy = Comments

2012-01-27T06:00:00.000-06:00

You know what I learned yesterday? Controversy = comments. And I like comments.

So...remember that Jesus video from last week?

Here's a rapping priest.

Happy Friday! Comment away! :)

Only...actually...yesterday everyone pretty much agreed with me and left nice comments. so...maybe this is a bad idea...I"m nervous.

Controversy!

2012-01-26T06:00:00.000-06:00

Not really that controversial, really.

Last week it seemed like everyone I knew liked this article about Motherhood. Because so many people loved it, I know it really struck a chord-and I don't want to say that it was a bad article, or that people who liked it are bad and wrong. And it could well be that I read it in a certain kind of mood and that is the problem. I just have another idea-which can probably coexist.

I liked the part at the end about Chronos time and Kairos time ( A LOT!), but I have some different thoughts about the rest of it. Not better thoughts. Just different ones.

What if, when people who are older stop us in the store and tell us to enjoy every minute (which has never happened to me, by the way-am I scary looking?), what if it's not that they have forgotten how hard it is, but that they actually KNOW, better than we do, that this IS the best time of our life? I hate to discount the wisdom of age, especially when it's a stranger, seeking me out, to tell me something wonderful. I'd rather believe they know what they're talking about.

"Be happy, it's one way of being wise." -- Colette

And even though an all night puke fest is no picnic-what a gift of service, what a blessing of work. And maybe I can try to choose joy, and keep choosing it. And when things are awful and terrible and icky and hard to bear, I can offer all of that up to heaven.

"The greater part of our happiness or misery depends on our dispositions, and not on our circumstances. We carry the seeds of one or the other about with us in our minds wherever we go." --Martha Washington

Please don't think I do this well! or often! (And feel free to smugly remind me of this when I stub my toe or spend any amount of time on the phone with customer service). It's just something I think about. And then I read this article--maybe the problem is that we don't have ENOUGH children! ;D

***EDIT*** Here's a post that has the same idea, but presented eloquently. Via Clover Lane, one of my new favorites. Thanks, Sarah, for the tip!

Cleaning Things

2012-01-25T06:00:00.000-06:00

This year my January rampage hit the kitchen.

Looking at these clean cupboards makes me feel ridiculously happy.

That's why I took pictures. So I could look and smile and sigh.

I love clean things. :)

St. Francis de Sales

2012-01-24T06:00:00.000-06:00

"Be who you are and be that well"

One of my resolutions for the year was to learn more about the Saints. I decided we would do that by choosing a Saint each month and learning about him or her, what they did and taught, how they lived, etc.

"Be patient with everyone, but above all with thyself. Do not be disheartened by your imperfections, but always rise up with fresh courage."

St. Francis de Sales is our January Saint, and today is his feast day. St. Francis de Sales died in 1622 and is the patron of attorneys and educators and writers and the deaf. He wrote Introduction to the Devout Life-which you can find for free! here in print and here as an audio version (read by a nice lady, not a machine. I'm going to listen next week.) Here's a nice (long) biography.

"Nothing is so strong as gentleness. Nothing so gentle as real strength."

We've been reading this book
and really enjoying it. It's very simple, practical, common sense advice and encouragement for living.

You learn to speak by speaking, to study by studying, to run by running, to work by working; and just so you learn to love God and man by loving. Begin as a mere apprentice and the very power of love will lead you on to become a master of the art.

He's said so many things that I've loved for a long time that I never knew came from him.

"Bloom where you are planted."

That was one of my Mom's favorite sayings. He said that! I'm hoping that today I will have the chance to plant a little something with the girls and talk about that-blooming where we are planted. Such a lovely image.

Do not fear what may happen tomorrow. The same loving Father who cares for you today will care for you tomorrow and everyday. Either He will shield you from suffering or He will give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace then and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginings.

Thank you St. Francis de Sales, for your example and wisdom! Happy Feast Day!

Sociolinguistica

2012-01-23T06:00:00.000-06:00

My new class started last week. This is the super scary textbook.

This semester I have this class and I turn in my portfolio-my culminating activity for this Master's Degree.

As usual, I'm a panicky mess because it's the beginning of the semester and it's going to be really hard and I'm not going to have enough time and, and, and...

But I'm so close! I have this semester and one next summer and that's all.

What will I do with all that time? I have an idea...

Rejuvenate!

2012-01-20T06:00:00.000-06:00

My dear friend Chelsea is hosting a year long blog series: 52 Weeks to a Rejuvenated Spirit.

Join me on a year long journey to rejuvenate your spirit and relationships.

Follow my blog and receive weekly tips on how to change your life and your relationships from the inside out.

The economy may be depressed, but our spirits don't have to be.

Find out how to mentally, emotionally & spiritually recharge yourself one step at a time.

www.TheSpiritOfTherapy.com Chelsea E. Brandenburg, LMFT

*Photography by Beth Mercer

Twisted Laundry

2012-01-19T06:00:00.000-06:00

Help a girl out?

Every other time I was overalls, the hook gets caught on the lint trap and the entire load of laundry twists itself into a tight ball of wet clothes.

What am I doing wrong?

Time for Christmas

2012-01-18T06:00:00.000-06:00

At the beginning of December I was feeling rushed and overwhelmed and I wished for "Time" for Christmas.

Then, the week before Christmas, we got two snow days, and I got my wish. It was delightful. I didn't leave the house for a week and had time to make lots of little presents for my family.

A camera case for Abby from an old sweater sleeve.

Complete with a button I made myself! I think I was using up the leftovers from a Sculpey project one day.

Hair Bows for Anna from some pretty bows I had been saving.

But they fell apart right away so I need to rethink the barrette attachment...

A frame for Susan and Steven from the envelopes from their wedding. I think it's fun to see all the familiar handwriting.

This funny little thing was from an earlier FAIL. I was trying to make a pom pom from an old t-shirt. It didn't work but then I put the pieces into a baby food jar and added googly eyes and it made me laugh.

I also made my Dad some hanging towels for the kitchen, and Anna made some ornaments, but I guess we didn't take pictures of those.

Time is the best gift of all.

I love January

2012-01-17T06:00:00.001-06:00

The best thing about January?

I saw these plastic boxes on sale for $2, and I knew I wanted one, but I wasn't sure why yet.

Then I saw this on Pinterest.

And then I made my own.

And then-because it's January-I cleaned that yicky area behind the wooden screen.

It's yicky because usually I only clean JUST enough to keep me un-cranky.

But in January-extra bonus motivation comes from nowhere, and then cleaning yicky spaces is actually fun.

And THAT's the best thing about January.

Closet Cleaning

2012-01-16T06:00:00.000-06:00

Yesterday MJL gave me such a wonderful January gift.

He cleaned out his closet with me.

2.5 bags, 2 boxes ready to go to someone who needs them more than us.

(And yes, that's my pink tree. It's staying up through Valentines Day. Because it's pink and pretty and MJL loves [and humors] me.)

When we feel guilty about disappointing our children.

2012-01-13T06:00:00.000-06:00

"How we deal with the big disappointments in life depends a great deal on how the people who loved us helped us deal with smaller disappointments when we were little."

--Mr. Rogers

When we feel guilty about saying no to activities.

2012-01-12T06:00:00.000-06:00

"One thing is certain: Children need lots of free, quiet time to get used to all that's developing within them. Have you noticed that unhurried time by yourself or with someone you really trust can be the best setting for your own personal growth? It's no different for children."
--Mr. Rogers

When we feel guilty about taking time to do what WE want to do.

2012-01-11T06:00:00.000-06:00

"If you like to make things out of wood, or sew, or dance, or style people's hair, or dream up stories and act them out, or play the trumpet, or jump rope, or whatever you really love to do, and you love that in front of your children, that's going to be a far more important gift than anything you could ever give them wrapped up in a box with ribbons. And what's more: The last thing in the world you have to be is perfect at it. It's the spirit that gives that kind of gift its wings."

--Mr. Rogers

When we feel guilty about not doing enough.

2012-01-10T06:00:00.000-06:00

"Start by making your own home a place where happiness and love abound, through your love for each member of your family and for your neighbour. Try to put in the hearts of your children a love for home. Make them long to be with their families. So much sin could be avoided if our people really love their homes.

Mother Theresa

Pedaling for Environmental Education

2012-01-09T06:00:00.000-06:00

My friend Lindsay, from KSU Rowing days, is biking across the USA. And blogging about it here. And stopping at my house!!!

Follow along!

Pedaling for Environmental Education

2012

2012-01-03T22:03:00.001-06:00

Resolutions:

1. Focus on enjoying my time with the people I am blessed with.
2. Forget about "shoulds" that are really not important. Do not waste energy and time feeling guilty about ridiculous things.
3. Learn some more about the Saints
4. Pray daily and more. Remember that something is better than nothing. Use the moments I can find.
5. Use my snippets of free time to do what I actually want to do. Make things instead of reading about making things on the internet.
6. Finish my Master's degree! :)

Oh- and I want to make this too-hopefully in the month of January.

Pic and link from Creating Clever via Craftzine

And-I would really like to make something each month-just a small seasonal thing-because that makes me happy-but I've got to remember that it should be fun-and not actually "necessary" or "important".

Declutter 2012

2011-12-29T06:00:00.000-06:00

Always in search of better organization and less clutter-here's a daily calendar I'm probably going to follow diligently for 2 weeks and then forget about. But for two weeks...!

My Simpler Life

Good luck!

It's true

2011-12-21T12:48:00.003-06:00

This made me cry today. Babies talking about baby Jesus-too sweet.

Merry Christmas!

A Neighborly Christmas

2011-12-20T06:00:00.000-06:00

Our almost-niece Jenna introduced us to the band Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors and we're hooked.

It's one of the Christmas Albums on heavy rotation this year.

A Neighborly Christmas

Joy

2011-12-16T06:00:00.001-06:00

Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day. — Henri Nouwen

Have you been looking at the Busted Halo Advent Calendar? It's been fun.

Fun from the Craft World

2011-12-15T06:00:00.000-06:00

I've not been looking at my craft blogs lately, because there's no time and sometimes I feel overwhelmed with ideas and no time to see anything through. But tonight I played a little and look what I found.

1. They are going to have a Crafting reality show. I can hardly wait.

2. This website makes me laugh a lot. I especially like the one about stepping on a pin.

3. There are too many wonderful things on the internet and too little time. I'm off to go work on a real project now. (But I should be off to bed)

Junior Show Choir

2011-12-14T06:00:00.002-06:00

Eternal Gifts

2011-12-13T06:00:00.000-06:00

A new favorite Christmas song this year.

(The video has mostly pictures of Leigh Nash, so you might want to just listen while doing other things)

Eternal Gifts

Santa knows what I want for Christmas
but Jesus knows what I need
it can't be purchased wrapped up and placed
under an 8 foot tree

I need patience, kindness - virtues like these
to bend on my knee at the manger

Santa may bring these that last for a year
but eternal gifts come from the Savior

some days come where I'm plain selfish
I can't think of no one but me
then I think of all that I'm blessed with
and how it's always best to give than to receive

I need faithfulness, love, generosity
to open my home to a stranger

Santa may bring things that last for a year
but eternal gifts come from the Savior

I need patience, kindness, generosity
to bend on my knee at the manger

Santa may bring things that last for a year
but eternal gifts come from the Savior

Santa knows what I want for Christmas
but Jesus knows what I need

Katie Giggles

2011-12-08T16:35:00.002-06:00

After an escape, Katie enjoys being followed. Sorry for the shaky camera. It's hard to crawl and film!

Katie Escapes 2

2011-12-08T15:57:00.002-06:00

This one is quite impressive. It took about 17 minutes (don't worry, the video's not that long). I sped up some of the footage and took some out. I think what's left is entertaining, but I won't be offended if that's just my Mommy bias and you're bored to bits. (But you don't have to tell me so).

Katie's Escapes: 1

2011-12-07T23:08:00.003-06:00

It's a constant battle to keep Katie contained.

She is beating us more and more these days.

Thy children will swell the cry!

2011-11-23T06:00:00.000-06:00

Another perk of the Rowing Reunion was that Katie and Anna got to go to their first game!It was really fun. Anna wondered when Willie would get to play.

She learned to do the Wabash and sing the Fight Song and Eat 'em up, Eat 'em up, KSU!

Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.

Go Cats!

K-State Rowing Reunion at the Game!

2011-11-22T06:00:00.000-06:00

KSU Rowing Reunion 2011

2011-11-21T06:00:00.001-06:00

Remember Labor Day Weekend? I went to Manhattan for the Rowing Reunion! Here are some pictures.With my Ford Hall roomie and rowing buddy Laura-in the amazing team center that they have out at the boathouse. With lockers! And showers! And a training room! And bathrooms!

It was fun to show Anna the boats. I'd never mentioned rowing to her-pretty foreign for a little farm girl.
I got to see Maggie! That was wonderful wonderful. I love that girl.

(I couldn't help but wear workout clothes to the boathouse-couldn't shake the feeling that I might end up running up and down the hill, which is paved now, by the way!).

Here are some of the "Hale Era" rowers-but not all of them. It was great to see these girls again.
Maggie and I got oars! Someday the basement will be all done and I think this will look super cool on the wall.

A bit more tomorrow. :)

2011-11-18T06:00:00.003-06:00

I know it's old news, but I just finally got the chance to play around on Pinterest.

It's pretty fun.

I transferred all of my links (250+) from delicious and sorted them all into boards. I like it because I can see all of the projects, which hopefully will help me remember what I wanted to do. I also really like how easy it is to pin things-just add the "pin it" button to your bookmarks bar and you're set!

Here I am - if you're interested.

Fair warning--don't start playing if you're busy!

"after the wedding"

2011-11-07T06:00:00.001-06:00

Today begins a magical time---I don't think there's a single person in my life who hasn't been put off with the phrase-"after the wedding". (Now Sus, don't feel bad-I loved helping make your day lovely and special) Here's a partial list of the things I'm now going to do:

1. Teach Anna to crochet.

2. Go to a Bible Study with one of the teachers from school.

3. Finish my class!

4. Put away the Halloween stuff.

5. See Katrina.

6. Call Chelsea back.

7. Play around on Pinterest.

8. Make Spencer's Quilt!

9. Get out Katie's next size of clothes.

10. Buy some pants that fit.

11. Change the battery in the smoke detector in my office so it quits that INFERNAL BEEPING!

The nice thing about being really busy is that normal busy all of a sudden feels luxurious. Aaahhh...

Wedding Week Countdown...1!

2011-11-04T06:00:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow... Yay for Susan and Steven. And Go Cats!

(And who took all these lovely photos? This guy)

Wedding Week Countdown...2!

2011-11-03T06:00:00.000-05:00

2 days until English majors outnumber the rest of us.

Wedding Week Countdown...3!

2011-11-02T06:00:00.002-05:00

This year our Thanksgiving bracket will have 7 players! 3 days...

Wedding Week Countdown...4!

2011-11-01T06:00:00.004-05:00

4 days until I get a new brother!

Wedding Week Countdown...5!

2011-10-31T06:00:00.001-05:00

My sister's getting married!

Early Halloween Fun

2011-10-26T06:00:00.001-05:00

Cousins.

Peanut Butter Challenge

2011-10-25T06:00:00.000-05:00

This summer this giant tub of peanut butter showed up in my house. (You know how it is with big parties)

Of the 6 lbs, about a cup had been used.

I don't think you can read it, but it says "Best by November 2011". That's my kind of challenge.

We made about 200 of these cookies, and they were tasty, but that didn't use nearly enough.

So we started making corn flake cookies, a Grandma Anna staple. So yummy and easy.

We've tried 4 different recipes. (I need to just find Grandma Anna's recipe-I'm sure someone has it). This one is pretty good-but increase the corn flakes to 6 cups at least.

A couple more batches... I think we're going to make it!

Jackson Quilt

2011-10-24T06:00:00.000-05:00

3 years ago I agreed to make a quilt for a sweet little boy.

His smart Mama asked lots of friends and family to decorate squares to welcome him.

(See anyone you know?)

Yay for baby boys and for getting things done!

Bearers of the Good News

2011-10-21T06:00:00.000-05:00

I listened to a couple of wonderful podcast episodes last week.

I generally enjoy the Among Women podcast-a Catholic show that has interviews with all sorts of interesting women.

But these two I think were good enough to share. Dr. Mary Healy speaks about women in the Bible. Part 1 is from the Old Testament and Part 2 from the New. Each podcast is organized into 2 segments-in the first part Pat profiles a Saint, and in the second part is the talk from Dr. Healy. I thought it was fantastic.

Happy Weekend!

My third favorite season

2011-10-20T06:00:00.001-05:00

The teachers at school love fall. It's not my favorite, but it does come before Christmas, and there's baking and Thanksgiving and football, I suppose.

Mostly, the best thing about fall is getting out my favorite pair of shoes.

I estimate that I've worn them at least 200 days a year for the past 12 years. 2400 days.

I love these shoes.

Some kind of irony

2011-10-19T06:00:00.000-05:00

Something like 10 years ago I was setting the table in our little apartment on Hackberry and it occurred to me that our dishes were heavy, and that small children would not be able to help set the table if the dishes were too heavy. I started looking for a pretty set of plastic dishes at Goodwill.

I finally found them! A full set of eight - plates and little plates and bowls and cups and even a sugar and creamer.

I love them. I would wear them as clothes. I like to take them out just to look at them.

I have them in the pantry where Anna can reach, so she can help herself (and help me!)

Now, we've been so very fortunate, and in 12.5 years of marriage, we've only broken one bowl of our wedding dishes. (Knock on wood)

I've had my pretty pink plastic "safety" dishes for two weeks...

I'm down to 7 plates and 7 cups.

Shopping Bags!

2011-10-18T06:00:00.001-05:00

For Susan's wedding shower, I wanted to make her some shopping bags. I've had the fabric for these for... 3 years? (So actually, I've been meaning to make her some bags forever, but the shower was a good motivator).

I ended up finishing them early in the morning with a baby alternately wrapped around my legs and sitting on my lap. (I timed myself as I was making them, got the last one sewn in 12 minutes!)

That's how easy they are to make. Here's a good tutorial. (It's a little fancier than mine-I don't have a pocket, and I just use webbing for the handles, or, as it was with these, whatever bits of anything that I had laying around. Some webbing, some ribbon, etc.)

They are truly lovely to shop with. So much nicer than plastic.

Baby Backpack

2011-10-17T06:00:00.001-05:00

We used my old college backpack for Anna's diaper bag, and it was my plan to use it for Katie too, but after the third repair, I decided it was time to trade it in.

Luckily, we had another old backpack in the basement, so I just moved my Girl Scout Child Care badge and our Kansas Association of Wheat Growers patch to the new one and we're off!

On days when I have time for a tiny project, it feels like all is right with the world.

Fall List 2011

2011-10-14T06:00:00.002-05:00

I'm a bit behind on this post-For some reason 2 kiddos + working + Practicum + Susu's wedding = not very much time to play computer. Right now I'm enjoying a few minutes of playing in between printing research articles and cutting out tablecloths for the wedding while the two girls sleep and before responsible teacher self says that I have to go to bed too.

Summer 2011 List: (I did much better than I had anticipated!)

~~1. Finish organizing craft room!~~

2. Make Spencer's blanket.

~~3. Make Finney and Trisha's blanket.~~

4. Make something pretty with Abby for Lainey.

~~5. Make Anna Back to School Dress.~~

~~6. Anna Hall Photos~~

~~7. Anna 8X10's for year.~~

~~8. Finish Summer Class.~~

9. Plymell Spanish Facebook Page

~~10. Try to choose fun over "work"~~

Fall 2011 List:

1. Make things for Susu's wedding; Petticoat, veil, flowers, tablecloths; and have fun with sisters.

2. Finish MJL 12th anniversary present.

3. Spencer Quilt

4. Secret Sibling gift

5. File the giant pile of papers.

6. Finish Practicum.

~~7. Get out Baby Toys.~~

8. Lainey something with Abby.

9. Chelsea Wedding Book.

10. Pull some of the giant weeds.

I will be very happy if I get most of these things done. I will also try to remember what Fr. Rene said on Sunday-the Good is the enemy of the Best. I will not sacrifice what is best for what is merely good. (Best = snuggle cute girls, have fun with MJL, relax, enjoy this life, pray)

Happy Fall!

Quick Quilt

2011-10-13T06:00:00.000-05:00

6 of one, 1/2 dozen of another

A long time ago I finished a quilt for a wedding that happened even longer ago.

A snuggly/picnic blanket.

Every quilt's cuter with a Katie on it.

Congratulations, Finney and Trisha!

Back to School Dress

2011-10-12T06:00:00.000-05:00

We didn't quite get it done for the first day of school, but "Back to School" surely lasts for a couple of weeks, right?

This year, Anna helped make her dress! We made the Sophia Tunic Dress from SewSweet Patterns on Etsy. We took the sleeves off and made it a bit longer. She chose the fabric.

Anna sewed the shoulders and side seams all herself! (On my lap) She wanted to run the machine ALL by herself, but I'm not quite ready for that step.

I think she was pleased. I was thrilled. Someone to sew with! :)

A favorite cup.

2011-10-11T06:00:00.000-05:00

Two years ago I bought some nice mugs from Goodwill to keep my Popsicle sticks in at school. (I have sticks for all of the students so I can call on people randomly.) One mug for each class, which was wonderful because then I had a reason to buy nice mugs at Goodwill.

I had a favorite.
One day I thought "I really really like this mug. I'm so glad I got it. It makes me happy every day." 2 seconds later I dropped it and it broke.

Last week I found one just like it at Goodwill. Thanks, world!

8 month Katie

2011-10-10T06:00:00.000-05:00

8 month Katie does not like to have her picture taken.

She likes to MOVE.

Taking 8 month old portraits was a little difficult.

So we built a big tent.

Happy Birthday Katie! (10/06/11)

GC Apology

2011-08-19T21:00:00.002-05:00

Today I accidentally cut in front of someone at Dillons.

I say accidentally because surely I didn't mean to cut, right? I haven't been teaching elementary school for so long that I find cutting acceptable?

I was at the self check, and I had Katie on my hip and a container of Crisco in my hand and I was thinking to myself "Hurry!" because Katie was D.O.N.E. shopping and ready to let the world know.

So when the line opened, I zipped over and started to check out, realizing as I scanned my Crisco that I had been standing BEHIND someone else in line.

What do you do at this point? I figured it was quicker to just get out as soon as I could so I did, not EVEN turning around to apologize but just hustling out, head down. I've been feeling guilty ever since.

I'm sorry, man in Dillons buying a greeting card. I'm sorry, sweet hometown.

As penance I'm posting a link to a webpage where you can vote for a new logo and tagline for Garden City. And I'm not getting on my soapbox about hiring people from "bigger" places and how the entire culture has to change in order to change for the better and there's nothing wrong with living in a small place and if we don't figure out how to value that we will never lose the stigma that we perpetuate by hiring people from bigger places. I'm hardly going to talk about it at all.

I'm just going vote for a logo(#2) and tagline(below) and be happy about where I get to live.

"Welcoming the World"

Studio 3: Fabric

2011-07-27T06:00:00.001-05:00

I spent a lot of time thinking about how to organize fabric.

Here's what I came up with: Small boxes for tiny scraps, medium boxes for larger cuts, and big boxes for things like old sheets and big or thick pieces. It's working right now, and I'm hoping that being able to see things will help me to use what I have. I'd like to get Mom's fabric stash from Dad's house and add it to mine, but I'm afraid I might have to use some things up before it'll fit...

The small bins are organized by color and fabric. That was Anna's idea. She arranged the boxes and then I put them up on the shelf.

I have ribbons and notions here too, and little room to grow, but not much!

Above the cutting/quilting table I have these great racks from The Container Store. The left side is fabric tools, the right side paper tools.

I especially like having my buttons in jars. That seems like an important part of a sewing room.

Studio 2: Storage

2011-07-26T06:00:00.000-05:00

Months ago I got some white storage drawers at an auction. It was wonderful to finally put stuff in them.

This one has paper goodies: wires for the bind-it all, paper, cardboard, trash (packaging that I want to make something out of), Anna art (that I want to make things out of), and bits of paper left over from other things that I've made (that I want to make something else out of).

This other big set of drawers has all sorts of crafty things. Three of the drawers are just labeled "crafty bits". That means little things that I want to make things out of; old crayons, puzzle pieces, nice wooden boxes, etc. I discovered in organizing the room that I like the word "bits".

I also have a drawer for Anna, and (eventually) Katie. It has coloring and project books and paper and crayons for kid projects.

My Studio!

2011-07-25T06:00:00.000-05:00

Really, we refer to it as my office or the craft room. But I like the word "studio". Makes me feel like an artist.
Here's the view from the door. Of course there are already projects everywhere.

This is the "office" area. For paying bills, filing, correspondence, life organization, and photo management. This is probably the most important and least "fun" part of the room.

This is the cutting table/quilting table/paper crafting area. The big table is up high so it's comfortable to cut fabric. It has good light, thanks to my desk lamp from Junior High. I can spread out a big blanket and baste it or tie it, and I have a stool for doing sit-down work. (Like maybe catching up on years of scrapbooks?)

This is the sewing area. I need a better chair, hopefully someday one that swivels, so I can put the serger on one side and the sewing machine on the other. When I'm not in the middle of sewing something, Anna works on things at this table.

More details tomorrow. :)

Cookie Plate

2011-07-21T06:00:00.000-05:00

This blue glass plate is from my Grandma Madge.

Filling it with cookies makes me happy.

Thanks, Mary!

2011-07-20T06:00:00.000-05:00

My sweet sister-in-law gave me this beautiful yellow bowl for Christmas.

I wanted to show you all how gorgeously it catches and holds the sunlight.

Thanks, Mary!

6 year old firecracker

2011-07-07T06:00:00.000-05:00

07/04/2011

5 months old!

2011-07-06T06:00:00.002-05:00

1st 4th of July

Two little firecrackers

2011-07-05T06:00:00.001-05:00

4th of July Photo Shoot!

Homework

2011-07-01T06:00:00.001-05:00

One of my favorite Kindergarten papers.

My best bargain yet.

2011-06-30T06:00:00.001-05:00

People ask me what the best thing I've ever found at Goodwill is.

It used to be this wallpaper in Katie's room.

But then, just when we needed it, we found this dress.

With a little alteration, it was perfect.

My best bargain yet. $15.99

Name that notion

2011-06-29T06:00:00.000-05:00

In cleaning out and organizing my craft room, I've been trying hard to let go of things. I have these two rolls...of something.

I do not know what they are.

Do you?
I can't let them go without at least trying to figure it out.

Sleeping Beauties

2011-06-28T06:00:00.000-05:00

Last night we moved Katie to her crib. (sniff)

After I crept in to take her picture, I wanted one of Anna too.

Sweet darling sleepy girls.

Come Down O Love Divine

2011-06-23T06:00:00.000-05:00

Fernando Ortega has a new album!

(He's my favorite)

Here's a video about it.

Come Down O Love Divine from fernando ortega on Vimeo.

and if you want to, you can pre-order it here. (Or after July 12, you can buy it at The Family Bookhouse) :)

Yay!

(official) Summer is here!

2011-06-22T06:00:00.001-05:00

So how did I do on the Spring list?

1. Organize Craft Room (I never know what to call it-office? studio? sanctuary?)**ALMOST!!**

~~2. Make Katie Christening Gown.~~

~~3. Make Anna Birthday Dress.~~

4. Start Swimming again.

~~5. Finish organizing MJL's office.~~

6. Plant a garden. **gave these both up-on purpose**

7. One small landscaping project.

~~8. Keep up with photos.~~

~~9. Do something Kansas Explorer-y with the girls.~~

10. Enjoy the three weddings, ~~showers,~~ ~~prom,~~ ~~wedding shopping,~~ ~~two graduations,~~ three birthdays and ~~Easter.~~ Remember that these times are special, and hectic just means there are lots of people to love.

Not too bad.

The Summer List is funny-half summer and half the beginning of the school year. I'd better aim WAY low.

~~1. Finish organizing craft room!~~

2. Make Spencer's blanket.

~~3. Make Finney and Trisha's blanket.~~

4. Make something pretty with Abby for Lainey.

~~5. Make Anna Back to School Dress.~~

~~6. Anna Hall Photos~~

~~7. Anna 8X10's for year.~~

~~8. Finish Summer Class.~~

9. Plymell Spanish Facebook Page

~~10. Try to choose fun over "work"~~

Happy Official Summertime!

Bridesmaid practice

2011-06-21T06:00:00.000-05:00

This weekend I found a dress and shoes for Chelsea's wedding. yay!

I asked my fantastically fashionable niece Joanna how to learn to walk in heels. She recommended practice and youtube videos. This one made me laugh.

3 years.

2011-06-18T06:00:00.002-05:00

No video this year-too busy with sweet kiddos.

I miss her every day.

A song.

Old news

2011-06-17T06:00:00.000-05:00

The professional pics from Lainey's wedding just came out, which reminded me that I got a few nice pictures that I never shared.

Bride fixing flower girl's hair.
Pretty Anna.
Anna, attended by bridesmaids.

Anna and Bride. Blurry but sweet.

We had such a fun time-and we're off to another cousin wedding this weekend!

Congrats Finney and Trisha!

4 months update

2011-06-16T06:00:00.002-05:00

Last week we took Katie to the Dr. for her 4 month checkup.

13lbs 9 oz

24 1/4 inches.

and sweet.

Katie at the Courthouse

2011-06-15T06:00:00.001-05:00

One day last week I took Anna and Katie to see Mom's flowers and benches. Everything is growing beautifully. In a few more years, there should be snowballs on those bushes!

Summer Hair

2011-06-14T06:00:00.001-05:00

This summer I went for something a little different.

Blue hair.
I still like pink best,

but I'm having fun with the blue.

And P.S. Matthew's doing well, surgery went fine, should be home today! And on to the very difficult job of not working too hard. Or hard at all. In the middle of summer. And Harvest. Yikes.

Surgery, Take 2

2011-06-13T06:00:00.004-05:00

MJL is having another back surgery this morning.

But look what Katie can do!

Movies?

2011-06-09T06:00:00.000-05:00

With MJL once again mostly relegated to lying on his back; we've been watching more TV together.

I'd like to watch some of the great movies from when we were kids, but none of the ones I remember (The Swiss Family Robinson, The Parent Trap, The Chipmunk Movie) are available on Netflix instant. Alas, no Esther Williams movies either.

Lately we've been watching mostly The Cosby Show and Phineas and Ferb.

Have any recommendations for us?

M&M's

2011-06-08T06:00:00.000-05:00

Back in March, when we were in Oregon, I saw something that I tried mightily to ignore.

15 lbs of M&M's for 4 dollars. Even with shipping-that's a deal.

So I asked Eric to mail me a box. It was very nice of him. They came in one giant sack.
Don't you want some?
M&M's freeze well, so I bagged 'em up, about 2.5 cups per bag.

They should last me a while. :)

Flora's Very Windy Day

2011-06-07T06:00:00.000-05:00

Today we went to the Library and got signed up for the summer reading program. It's one of my favorite things about summer and I especially enjoy making Abby do it with me. Today I left her in the car with sleeping Katie and signed her up without her permission. Ha!

One of the books we brought home was Flora's Very Windy Day. I picked it up just because we also have VERY windy days, and was so pleased when we read it. It's about a girl and her little brother, and has a very positive sibling message (something I'm super aware of at the moment) and absolutely wonderful illustrations.

It's the sort of book that makes me want to search out other books by Jeanne Birdsall and look up Matt Phelan to find out what else he's illustrated so we can get them too.

Have you read anything great lately?

Summer Plan

2011-06-06T06:00:00.000-05:00

I'm starting to get settled into the summer, trying hard to do only the things I need to do, to decide which chores I can skip and which things keep me sane. The beginning of the summer always feels a little overwhelming to me-as though it'll be quickly wasted if I don't plan ahead. Having a schedule helps me feel better. I'm going to try to do a better job of going to bed and feeding everyone. Here's the plan for Summer 2011.

6:00 am Feed Katie, Get UP! Work out, eat breakfast, say prayers, get dressed.

8:00 am Work in office-organizing or doing projects or working on class.

10:00 am Feed Katie, Do chores, outside with girls.

12:00 pm Feed family.

2:00 pm. Feed Katie, go to town.

3:00 pm. Pool! Sno cones

6:00 pm Feed Katie, T-ball or head home.

7:00 pm. Feed family, play with girls.

9:00 pm Anna bed.

10:00 pm Feed Katie, Go To BED.

Today=Summer

2011-05-25T06:00:00.002-05:00

And this summer I will:

swim

eat sno cones

play outside with my girls

play inside with my girls

take naps

enjoy extended family

do some things that make me happy

And I will NOT:

worry about not "getting things done"

plant a garden

worry about not giving handmade gifts

focus on the busy instead of the fun

Bring it on!

Equity (the movie)

2011-05-24T06:00:00.001-05:00

Join the Equity Team... from Chance Mullen on Vimeo.

We went to High School with Chance, and now he and his wife live in NYC and are making a movie!

Equitythemovie.com

Today, for $10 (or more) you can have access to all of the fun and super-secret video director's blogs (The "Starter Home" package-discounted from $25).

Matthew and I have been REALLY enjoying the blogs-there's so much that goes into making a movie that you'd never think about. (Or at least we never did). It's educational and fun and entertaining and you can feel good about supporting fellow Buffaloes (Wildcats, Kansans, fun people) in the Big City.

$10 Tuesday! Join up!

6th Birthday Dress

2011-05-23T06:00:00.001-05:00

Thankfully Anna's actual birthday was "dress as your favorite book character" day at school and so I got an extra day to finish.

I had this fabric in my stash, I think I got it 6 years ago! at Hobby Lobby for $2 a yard.

This is the 5th time I've made this dress, I think maybe I've finally got it down. Just in time for her to outgrow the pattern.

I wanted to break up all that pink a little and so decided on a black dot ruffle and found ribbon to match. I added an inch to the ruffle-I'm really happy with that decision.

Happy Birthday, Sweet girl--thanks for posing!

16, 32, 64

2011-05-20T06:00:00.000-05:00

I remembered just in time before my birthday.

16, 32, 64.

Definitely photo worthy.

6 years old

2011-05-19T06:00:00.000-05:00

It makes my heart feel achy.

Katie

2011-05-18T06:00:00.000-05:00

Katie at 3 months.

Cute and smiley,

furrowed brow-y,

walking that line between happy and sad.

Anna

2011-05-17T06:00:00.000-05:00

A few pics of Anna at almost 6...

So big.

I can hardly believe it.

Anna 'n' Katie

2011-05-16T06:00:00.000-05:00

I tried to take some pics of the two girls last week. I didn't find the auto-focus until the girls were almost out of patience, so there are several that would be good, if they were in focus. Boo.

It's hard to catch them both at the same moment. This is the only one I got.

But maybe that's not that important.

Getting closer...

2011-05-09T22:14:00.002-05:00

Back into the school routine--as soon as I got there, it felt right and happy and I wasn't a bit worried about Katie. Silly night before worries.

Done with my class this semester. Definitely the longest assignment yet-34 pages! Sub-documents! I'm giddy with excitement to be done.

So I'm thinking I can get the office put back together and get some blog posts put up and make a dress for Anna and plant a garden and...and...and...

But maybe now I should eat some dinner. or go to bed.

Back to Work

2011-04-25T21:06:00.001-05:00

*sniff* I'm feeling very nervous about tomorrow.

(Excited to see the kids and teachers)-but mostly sad and nervous.

Excuses, excuses.

2011-04-07T06:00:00.001-05:00

One of the reasons I'm so far behind is that my office is still a mess. But I have a plan...

This was the very beginning.

And so far, my progress. Sheesh.
One of these days it'll all get done... right?

Katie update

2011-04-06T00:04:00.002-05:00

Katie's 2 month stats:
11 lbs 12 oz, 23" long

and laughing!

Spring 2011?

2011-03-29T06:00:00.003-05:00

Sheesh, it's like I have a new baby and a sick husband and just got back from a big trip or something. I'm way behind.

So my Winter List was pretty unambitious (or realistic) and I did well.

~~1. Enjoy Christmas.~~

~~2. Have a baby.~~

~~3. Get sub plans done.~~

~~4. Move MJL office.~~ It's not quite organized yet, but we're close. It was hard to get anything done during those weeks when he couldn't sit down.

~~5. Move Craft Room.~~ Moved, yes, but it is a giant horrible mess.

~~6. Move Anna.~~ Done and lovely, though I would like to make her a bulletin board. Impossible because my crafts are all in a pile. See above.

~~7. Set up Tummy's Room.~~ Done! and before Katie's arrival even.

~~8. Make some things.~~ Made Anna's quilt and pillow and an angel ornament.

~~9. Enjoy being home with baby.~~ Yes. Much cuddling has been done.

~~10. Spend good time with Anna.~~ I hope so, but this is hard. I definitely have not figured out the two kiddo thing yet.

For Spring, I think I'd better continue to aim low (or realistically).

1. Organize Craft Room (I never know what to call it-office? studio? sanctuary?)

~~2. Make Katie Christening Gown.~~

~~3. Make Anna Birthday Dress.~~

4. Start Swimming again.

~~5. Finish organizing MJL's office.~~

6. Plant a garden.

7. One small landscaping project.

~~8. Keep up with photos.~~

~~9. Do something Kansas Explorer-y with the girls.~~

Don't cry, Mama...

2011-03-12T06:00:00.000-06:00

Just take a picture.

Katie's cord fell off before she was even two weeks old.

I feel like the growing up is harder on me this time around. It seems to go so much faster, time feels more slippery and precious than I remember with Anna.

We spend a lot of time cuddling, which is a good thing.

Snow Day!

2011-03-11T06:00:00.000-06:00

We finally got some good wet snow,

and a snow day complete with reading good books,

and taking good naps.

Ash Wednesday

2011-03-10T06:00:00.001-06:00

Tonight was Katie's first Ash Wednesday Mass. Even the man distributing ashes couldn't help but smile when he told her to "Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel".

Ash Wednesday is my favorite Mass--here's one of the great songs we sing.

My Lent this year: (Because if I say it, I won't be tempted later to pretend like these were not my goals)

No Craft Blogs.

Pray with Anna before school.

Pray on my own.

Fast from secular music. (Since a food fast is out-nursing baby = hungry mama) I think I'll miss my Spanish music the most.

Oscar Night

2011-03-02T06:00:00.000-06:00

Sunday night we watched the Oscars. For the record, I thought James Franco was hilarious and Anne Hathaway was pretty and wore lots of dresses. What else do people want?

Matthew has a big post with lots of pictures about our weekend over at The Plowman's Folly.

Photo Shoot: Sisters

2011-02-25T06:00:00.001-06:00

I was most pleased with the shots of the sisters.

This one makes me laugh.

I love this little smile.

I like Anna in this one.
And I like something about this one, even though it's dark. Thanks for lending us the camera, Poppa Marion! We had a great time.

Photo Shoot: Katie

2011-02-24T06:00:00.000-06:00

I had a much harder time getting good pictures of Katie, which is silly, because she doesn't move!

But we have millions of pictures of Katie anyway- so I'm not too worried.

She is awfully sweet.

Photo Shoot: Anna

2011-02-23T06:00:00.000-06:00

We didn't make it in time for Valentine's Day, but we did get our annual February photo shoot done. I kind of like the series of funny faces she made. I have angry, sad, sleepy, and I don't know what emotion this is, but it's a face we see sometimes.

It's still hard to catch a genuine smile, so I was happy to snag this one.

Reading is the big news this year, so we took some with books. Also because once she had a book, she was happy to sit still for me.
All in all, I was pretty pleased.

Katie goes to the doctor

2011-02-22T06:00:00.000-06:00

Katie had her first Dr. visit today.

Dr. Koko liked her duckie outfit. And he said she was perfect. Of course. :)

She weighs 9 lbs (my guess exactly!) up 9.7 oz. from her birth weight. And the vomiting--nothing to worry about. She probably just eats too quickly. (Phew!)

A new lullaby

2011-02-21T06:00:00.000-06:00

I heard this on Sinfonia the other day and loved it. I don't vouch for the video, just listen.

Arvo Part: Spiegel im Spiegel

Uh-oh

2011-02-18T06:00:00.000-06:00

Katie's not a bit interested in the binky.

But she will happily find this thumb.

Which we cannot take away when she's three.