Five Family Trip- Wisconsin Dells

Last year, Paul planned a trip to the Wisconsin Dells with 4 childhood friends and their families.  He based the trip off of the movie Grownups, and we had such a good time, we did it again this year.

It was surprisingly easy, and since we stayed a giant house it gave every one their own space, while being able to come together for meals, and games, and general merriment.

A few tips:

Plan ahead.  We didn't do this as well this year, but have times and places lined up.  You can sometimes get a discount and otherwise, you spend a bunch of time trying to figure it all out during the vacation.

Each family was responsible for one meal and the clean up.  This makes it so that everyone gets a break, and when it is your time to cook, it is really fun! (I had a hard time staying out of the kitchen, though.)   Oh, and use a crock pot if you can.

Bring board games, art materials, bubbles, outdoor toys and put them in a community bin for kids to use as they please.  (I always think no one will want to play with all the stuff I haul, but in the end, the kids loved it!)  This game was a hit.

Have one evening for parents only game time.  (This was the best part of the trip!)  Paul made a 3 part game this year, with "How well do you know your spouse" questions, Girls vs Boys questions, and then the tie breaker of the Flour Game, which we totally did incorrectly.

Project 22: Cake!

I used to think that I preferred boxed cake mix to homemade cakes.  I realize now, that I just had the wrong recipes!!  I have made 2 cakes in the last week that have been positively yummy!

The first is a Chocolate Guiness Cake, which I used to eat at the Jika Jika cafe in Bath.  I have been meaning to make it forever, and finally had occasion.  I am glad I shared it with others, because I really, really could eat the entire thing.  I recommend making vanilla buttercream (softened butter, vanilla, powdered sugar, tiny bit of milk) instead of the cream cheese frosting, as we thought it was too tart.
http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/chocolate_guinness_cake/

The second cake is my neighbor, Janice's recipe.  She told me that it is so easy, she makes it whilst on vacation because you don't need anything special.  The only addition to the recipe, is that I sprinkled cinnamon on the top before baking.  You basically mix all of the ingredients together and sprinkle with topping.  Bake 350F for 25-30 minutes.

Project 21: Reusable Gift Bag

I love a pretty, wrapped package, but I do hate how much waste it creates.  My son, Tate, had a birthday party to attend, and I had a few spare hours, so I made a reusable gift bag.  I love it!!

I used StayzOn ink and stamped the cupcake on the twill ribbon, and hemmed the edges.  I know there is a company who makes these and you can track where in the world they travel to!!  Here is where you can find them.  Or, if you ask me, I might make one for you:) 

Stay At Home Mom

Lately, I have thinking about my occupation.  I call myself a "Professional Stay at Home Mom".  I chose this job, and I take it very seriously.  I have done many other things (USAF pilot, Sales Account Exec, and High School Teacher) and this has been the hardest for me, but I embrace it.

I was recently sewing for an upcoming craft show, and my baby (age 2) who is always quite delightful was being...mmmm, not so delightful.  After some reflection, I realized that my priority had shifted.  I was now short with her in order to "get things done".  Our days consisted of a grumpy mommy trying to get the house in show order for potential buyers (we are moving), while doing "work" and she was not feeling it.  I am not an advocate of over doting and spoiling my child, don't get me wrong, but more so, she could sense my flusteredness.  (Is that a word??)  I was not "in the moment" and I was not at peace.  I can picture my wrinkle in the middle of my forehead getting deeper and deeper.

Firstly, I realized how hard it is for a parent who works from home.  I am sure they feel constantly torn between their job and the child.  I have to give it to them! (Also, I totally misjudged the whole take-care-of-kids thing when in my 20s...)  For me, since I don't have to work, I decided that I don't want my child to feel like I don't want to be here.  I don't want her feeling my frustration, with being pulled in two directions. I want to embrace my experience and the NOW.

I am a big fan of working side by side, but in a peaceful manner.  She will happily create with her crafts next to me for an hour, while I sew and we listen to music.  I love looking online for fun activities that we can do together (and avoid the TV). And my favorite? I love to bake with her.  And, yes, she can play on her own for a bit, but the balance of it all was off.  I was doing way more of the stuff that I thought needed to be done, and putting such pressure on myself, and forgot to slow down and enjoy the journey.

This isn't a parenting post, really.  This is more a post about me and about embracing the now and living more peacefully with what you are given.  In that regard, a friend of mine really changed my mind about another part of my job.  She said to "Beautify corners" instead of cleaning.  For some reason, just the change in how I see it has made cleaning wayyy more enjoyable and, crazy enough, has made me do more of it!

Take a deep breath, folks.  What isn't working for you?  (I sound like Dr. Phil.)  Nothing is stopping you from changing that, if even just a little :)

Inspired by... SPRING 2013

Some days, I walk around and am inspired by lots that I see.  Thank goodness for the iPhone....I take a ton of pictures to remember later.  When I need some ideas and feel the need for creative vibes, I go window shopping, go to Barnes and Noble and leaf through new magazines, or seek out a cute bakery that I have never been to before.  Luckily, I have a very cute sidekick who loves these types of trips. 

Since we have been showing the house, and we need to be out and about, we have had been out A LOT.  So much, in fact, that I just want to settle into my craft room and not leave for a few days.  I shouldn't complain... I want to sell our house, but I am realizing that I am more of a homebody than I realized.  

 Angel Food Bakery. AMAZING.  The staff was ridiculously attentive and very nice, and there is a long glass counter where you can watch them make all of the day's treats.  I had to pull Soleil out of there!

 Coffee was really good.  (It is Peace Coffee, my favorite.)

 My pretty writing materials for "Ease into Spring" by Bella Cirovic.  She sends daily emails with activities, inspiration, thoughts to think about, etc. She has another ecourse scheduled for June and you can find it here.  I am loving her current course!

Oh and I made this.  Another Apron... I am not claiming it as Project 21, as you guys have seen 2 other aprons already!  (I love making them....) 

What will you be doing in 5 years?

I just recently was asked that, and wow... for the first time in my life I don't know, or care!  When I was younger, I was the person that planned ahead every moment, every goal, etc.  etc.

The constant moving has helped me this whole plan-every-moment thing.  If I am always looking ahead, I can't be here now.  Or I should say NOW.  I kind of dig enjoying the now. Like right this second, Paul has the kids, and I am watching Unique Sweets on the Cooking Channel, and I couldn't be more content! (Stuffed Beignets? Pineapple Upside Down Pancakes?  some crazy fried cake thing?)

But really, like today when we were doing some shaving cream marble painting, and the kids were making a total mess.  And Tate just wanted to play in the shaving cream.  And I was giving him instruction as to how to do the painting.  His response; "Mom--You're going to tell me HOW to do ART??"  You are right, kid.  That is so wrong of me!  And I let him go....

And this morning, when I thought I would be cleaning the kitchen and both kids came dancing in to "Every Day You're Shuffling", I just had to join in.

Project 20: Random Kiddo Activities

I guess this is Project 20....I have been horrible about blogging lately.  This is where 2 kids is wayyyy more than1 kid.  I look back when Tate was the age Soleil is now, and I think I may have been blogging daily!  

It is Spring Break here and we are chilling at home. I am grateful that I am not sitting on an overcrowded plane with overtired and/or overexcited kids!  I think with the move coming up, I like to hunker down in my home and just feel that cozy homey feeling.  

This woman I found on pinterest makes themed baths for her kids.  They are totally cool.  I  thought they were just for the toddler set, but every time I copy one of her baths, Tate (age SEVEN), loves it and requests one for the next day.  Here is what we did for St. Pat's day, with some help from our local dollar store. 

Food color, green toys we already had, foam shamrocks that stuck to the side of the tub, and green bath safe molding sand (Baking soda+food color+teeny bit of water).  

This is an idea from Family Fun magazine and inspired by the toy Perplexus, one of Tate's faves.  You make a maze out of legos for a marble.  Pretty cool until your little sister decides that she can improve the design...

And I didn't make this, but I am going to!  We were at Minnesota Children's Museum and they have the greatest animal costumes that the kids can don while they play.  Tate loved this bird costume and it was really cozy.  I should start NOW for Halloween...

And lastly, a project that I actually DID make myself.  Tate's friend, Sebas, loves Narwhals.  (Whale +horn=pretty cool.)  His dad asked me to make one, and I was honored!  This was my first time making a 3D stuffie, and it was not easy.  I loved that I learned a new skill, and made a kid happy.  Of course, then Soleil wanted me to make her animals of all sorts, now that she know that I can make them.   

This guy was my 4th attempt and he looks like he ate a few too many plankton and has deformed flippers, but he was wayyy better than the first few attempts.  

If you want to make your own Narwhal, the pattern can be found here.

And since I am being random....anyone else completely tired of being cold?  I am very ready for spring.

Spring has Sprung! Project 19: Felt Bunnies

I feel it right around the corner!  I love the seasons and doing things differently for each season, as suggested by my friend, Bella.  Firstly, I needed a bathroom update.  Soleil and I went to Homegoods and pretended we were on a HGTV show, and got everything we needed to change the bathroom into a spa.

 While we were there, I found this amazing Amy Tangerine ribbon collection!

Paul needed some quiet time this weekend to handle some important business, so I took the kids to the Minnesota Arboretum to get out of the house.  The temperatures were not that bad (above 32F!), and they were featuring Fairy Houses and Maple Syrup tapping, and we were dressed for the weather.  Tate just loved launching himself into the giant piles of melting snow.

....And Project 19:  Felt Bunnies!  I can't stop.  Version #1:  Find Bunny template online, cut out, stuff, and sew together, by hand or by machine.  Version #2: Needle felt little bunny shapes.  Google it.  It is soooo easy, and perfect for one if you have been just exhausted lately with moving plans, and buying houses, and etc etc etc.  

On the Move

Transition is hard.  Our family has experienced a lot of that in the past couple of years, and we are getting ready to be on the move again.  When I started this blog, I had a new baby, was living in the 'burbs of St. Louis, and it was my very necessary outlet with the outside world.  Since then, we have moved to Michigan during Paul's deployment, back to St. Louis, to London, to Bath, to Minneapolis, and we are headed to Washington DC in July.  We plan to be there for 1.5 yrs, before FINALLY settling in Michigan.  Hopefully very close, if not in, Ann Arbor.

I am really, really, really ready to settle and grow some very deep roots.  I want community, I want consistency, I want a very boring life :)  I plan on establishing my dream business (more on that soon!) and plant a garden, and more specifically, some raspberries.  Why raspberries?  Because they take a few years before they yield fruit, and we haven't had that opportunity in awhile.

from http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/raspberry/care-of-raspberry-plants.htm

We have been watching a lot of HGTV around here, and even Tate has made his "Forever House Wish List".  (This kid LOVES HGTV, more than a little kid should! The Property Brothers are his favorite.) I am also addicted to "pinning" cool stuff on pinterest.  I love planning things, so this time is quite enjoyable, even if I have to wait to start creating my dream home.

The one thing that makes these changes easier, is my craft things.  Even when we had a little apt. in Michigan, I left most of the furniture behind, but brought most of my crafty bits along!  When Tate would go to sleep, I would watch really bad tv and craft, craft, craft.  It is my therapy.

What makes things better for you in a transition?  I'd love to hear:)

Project 18: Easy Child's Apron

I thought the last apron was pretty do-able.  I was quite surprised at how that all worked, to be honest!  

Soleil wanted an apron as well, and this one was even easier!

Ok, here is the quick overview.  

1.  Trace apron shape from another apron-FABRIC 1.  (Or just draw your own on newspaper)

2.  Trace same shape as the top half of the apron on FABRIC 2

3.  Make small rectangle of fabric for pocket on FABRIC 2

4.  Cut ties from ribbon.  Judge your own length--enough to tie around neck and a set for around body. 

Now how do you sew it together?  It isn't perfect, but this is what I did.

5.  Sew pocket on.  (Fold & iron edges in all the way around and top stitch on.  Easy Peasy.)

6.  Hem the bottom and the 2 lower sides of FABRIC 1 (Pink stripe).  Leave top and top sides (shaped like a trapezoid) unhemmed.

7. Hem botton of FABRIC 2 (Pink damask) top section.  

6. Trim FABRIC 2(Pink Damask) top section to match size of top section of FABRIC 1 (Pink stripe).  

7.  Pin RIGHT SIDES together, with straps sandwiched in, on top section (for neck straps) and sides (for side straps) and sew around sides and top. **Look at finished product to see what I mean**

8. Flip right side out.  

9.  DONE!

And while Soleil was waiting, I gave her some dried out markers, a little bowl of water, and a coffee filter.  When it was dry, I used a pipe cleaner and made it into a flower!  You could also make it into a butterfly.  

And later that day...  we had science experiments.  To start, we had a science kit from my friend, Claudia.

After the "real" science,  I gave the kids each a muffin tin, and they could mix whatever they wanted from food color (that I added), corn starch, salt, baking soda, vinegar, and water.  I used little condiment bottles and spray bottles for the liquid.  This was a hit!!! 

I also saw something on pinterest where you fill cake pan with baking soda, and give them many containers of food color dyed vinegar to add as they please.  I might do this next time :)

Project 17: Upcycled Sock Hearts

My mom knits me socks.  They are awesome.  But the socks from her first batches may have been a tad too small... and I may have worn holes in them.  I know that it takes A LOT of work to make them, so when they became unwearable, I couldn't throw them away.  I added them to the pile of clothes made from good fabric/patterns that I don't wear anymore that are stashed in my craft room because I know I can use them some day....

That "some day" was this week, when my little one looked me in the face and said "Craft, mama?"  I almost died of happiness.

The (clean) socks are almost felted, because of being washed so many times, so when I cut them open to make useable fabric, it didn't unwind.

This is what I did:
1.  Made heart shape from magazine paper as pattern.
2.  Pinned to flattened out sock.  Cut 2 hearts out of sock material, using pattern as guide.
3.  Put Right Sides together and pinned.
4.  Sewed around 3/4 of heart.
5. Turned right side out.
6.  Stuffed.
7.  Hand sewed shut.
8.  Gave to baby to play with. :) :) :)

This took less than an hour.

Project 16: Modern Penmanship

In the past, I have dabbled in a little self taught calligraphy. So when a friend of mine, Crystal, set out to teach a course in Modern Penmanship, I didn't hesitate to sign up! I loved it. She is a font designer for Tart Workshop (see her button to the side) who creates beautiful letters, and I was inspired.

I love the practicing. It is so relaxing and therapuetic. I ran out of ideas of what to write, so I grabbed this month's Martha Stewart Living and started to write the titles, advertisements, and random words that spoke to me. I ended up with this little sampler. Oprah is another great magazine to get some beautiful and inspirational words to copy.

 Our final preject was super fun. We chose a (chocolate covered) fortune cookie that was themed for love or for friendship, and wrote the sentiment on paper doilies! I loved mine. I cannot wait to write and write and write! If you write me a real snail mail letter, you will definitely get one back from me :)

If you want to try, just grab a basic calligraphy pen set and some ink and have a go.  It was wayyyy easier than it seems.  We used a Speedball calligraphy pen and the Speedball Basic Black India Ink.  Just dip your pen and PLAY!