The Train To Crazy

My children looked through the World Vision catalog last year and chose to pool their piggy banks to buy something for people less fortunate. They had saved for an entire year for just the occassion. Together they had $115. That's a lot for a young bunch.

I asked them a simple question. 

"What do you think is the best gift in the catalog?"

They thought for a while. Then my 5 year old daughter answered.

"I think a home for an orphan family would be best. Imagine what it would be like not to have a mom or a dad. (pause) And what if it rains?"

I agreed, that would be a wonderful gift. The problem was that they had saved $115 but that gift costs $5,100. We were $5,000 short.

In my mind I debated what I should do. I could easily steer them toward a gift that was closer to their price range. I'm sure they would have been excited to give a couple goats. Instead, I asked how they thought they could earn $5,000.

This is when my oldest daughter's take charge personality kicked into high gear. She got out a clipboard and they began brainstorming. There were two full pages of ideas. Mostly very bad ideas but there were some great ones as well. 

Part way through the second page my second daughter said,

"Stop! Put pray on the list. We should pray now."

About then my heart began to explode and I decided we were going to see this through. So we prayed.

Then we told friends and family that we were selling little handmade felt ornaments for $10 each. Within a day we had more orders than we knew what to do with. My memory is a bit fuzzy but I think it was around $1,500 worth of ornaments. So we cut and sewed and then it began to feel a bit like child labor. It wasn't fun anymore. It wasn't easy or exciting. It took up too much time and I started hating those cute little ornaments. The girls really hated them. But we kept going. 

By Christmas we were about halfway to our goal. I was never so excited to put the ornament making supplies away.

But they didn't stay away for too long. We got lucky and my grandmother came for a visit in January. She was a total rock star and cut out hundreds and hundreds of red hearts for our Valentine's Day project we were about to start.

This time we chose something easier. Sort of. Do you know how slowly children sew?

Then we moved on to lemonade stands.

We added some more money when the girls decided to quit gymnastics for 2 months to put that money toward the orphan home.

And finally, we added procedes from pattern sales and some more donations from friends and family to complete our goal.

So they did it. They earned $5,100 in 12 months to buy a home for orphans to live in so they won't have to live on the street or get rained on through inadequate housing.

But my kids aren't spectacular. They aren't unusually nice or kind. They are average kids who had a big idea that didn't get shut down or shrunk. It was difficult and at times I wished we hadn't started. But I'm glad it wasn't easy. I'm glad they felt like they had to sacrifice something.

So, with our deepest gratitude:

Thank you for helping provide a safe home for orphans and encouraging these kids to help others. 

We just spent 2 weeks on vacation in Northwest Washington with the kids. I know what you're thinking, vacation and kids is an oxymoron. You might be right. Fortunately for you I have 5 tips to help you stay sane during your vacation.

5. Vacation with relatives or other people who are more than happy to play with your kids so you can do fun things like sew. Which brings me to…

4. Always make sure you have a sewing machine on hand during vacation.
(that's my totally awesome friend modeling an upcoming pattern for me! I sewed it while on vacation, clearly) 
(This one I made for my neice. She's so wonderful to put up with her crazy aunt! She's too old for ruffles, in case you wanted to know. The dress has since been de-ruffled.)

3. Eat s'mores. 

2. Beg those people mentioned in #1 to watch your kids so you can go out and catch a movie or eat a quiet dinner at a restaurant. You'll enjoy being able to read the whole menu, eat slowly and not rush out the second the check is paid. 

1. Play outside the whole time you aren't sewing. Unless, of course, you skipped #4.

(you should also eat fresh crab)

Notice those two Go To Signature Dresses??

 

More importantly: Take healthy kids and keep them healthy while you are there!!Whiny, sick kids are not that enjoyable to be around. Though they do tend to be snuggly, which I like.

This trip I took along Culturelle Kids. These probiotics boost digestive health which in turn has a positive impact on overall health and immunity and provides ongoing maintenance for a healthy digestive tract. Yay! I didn't know this before, but 70% of your immune system is in your digestive tract so a healthy and balanced digestive system plays a vital role in strengthening your child’s overall health and well being. And, according to Culturelle Kids, it is trusted by parents and pediatricians. In fact, our pediatrician recommends we give the kids probiotics.

We had the Kids Packets (under 6 years) and the Kids Chewables (6+ years). Both super easy to take. For the Kids Packets just stir the powder into a drink.  Easy peasy!

So what are your vacation tips with kids?

Small Print: I was compensated for writing about Culturelle Kids. Just a perk of blogging! The top 5 list is all mine =)

I don't put a lot of family stuff on this blog (okay, okay, except yesterday's vacation photos) but I can't help share this. My girls have started a new website to sell their handmade felt ornaments. They are raising money to buy a house for an orphan family through World Vision. Please check out Heart & Felt!

I'm THRILLED that EMJ Design has offered to donate 100% of all profits for the month of December to Heart & Felt. WHAT?!? Who does that?? Thank you! Thank you! Go check out EMJ Design immediately! 

Ho ho ho! I'm busy busy busy but here are some fun photos from our family reunion in Mexico last week. It was a blast and so fun to see family that we live so far away from!

There was lots of swimming.

And tons of walking on the beach.

Sand, sand, everywhere

And tears too.

And lots of laughs with family.

There was even some burying going on.

And jumping contests.

Silly faces!

cousin squeezes

Bird holding

Dolphin riding

Dolphin jumping!

And ornament making (more on that very soon)

And now it is time to prepare for Christmas. I'm making all the kids' presents this year so I should probably get off the computer and back to the sewing machine!

Are you making any gifts this year?

I love them

… that was fun

Perhaps you can relate…

Perhaps this has happened in your house…

It's gone. We are a paci-free household now. The baby doesn't take one and now that the two year old has bid hers a (not so fond) farewell we're devoid of pacifiers.

Never will I crawl around in the dark feeling for a pacifier at 2 a.m. ever again. That, my friends, is cause for celebration.

There are SO many great summer ideas around right now! I’ve gleaned a little from everywhere and created our “To Maybe Do” list for the break. This was, of course, inspired by Whatever.  Just a rough list of things to choose from each day. A little creating, a little playing, a little adventuring, a little reading, a little memorizing, a little learning. I love a good schedule but I’m not good at keeping them. I actually really like Megan’s idea of how she is scheduling their summer. I might have to try that. I have 3 more days of school to figure this all out. I’m excited to surprise the kids with our plans! I’ve got a fun presentation idea up my sleeve.

How are you planning, or intentionally NOT planning your summer?

We took a long weekend to San Diego. We put 6 people in one little hotel room and lived to tell about it! No really, it wasn't that bad. We had loads of fun.

I don't have a sister so watching my girls grow up together is so exciting. 

The bond and love shared gives me so much joy to witness. I can't wait to watch them grow up.

We have a large lemon tree. It produces an insane amount of lemons.

We picked a few yesterday. There are plenty more left on the tree.

What would you do with all these lemons?

Yesterday was my birthday. So far 33 is treating me well. My girls made me breakfast all by themselves. The most peanut buttery toast I've ever had! So tasty. Then they brought me the presents they wrapped by themselves. I suspect they were actually from my husband. Thank you honey! The flash I've been wanting and great camera bags so I can protect my camera while still throwing it into my usual handbag.

And I got these from my mom.

Eye candy. So many cute things I'll make some day. Oliver + S Little Things to Sew: 20 Classic Accessories and Toys for Children has a bunch of sewing projects for beginners to intermediate sewists. From aprons to vests to tutus and messenger bags it is full of things you'll be itching to sew. A few of my favorites…

 Are you kidding me? How cute is that??

And sweet bucket hats in sizes up to 8. I'm definitely going to be making a bunch of these for summer!

Wee Wonderfuls: 24 Dolls to Sew and Love is also packed with sweet cloth toys you'll love. From simple toys like balls to dinosaurs to dolls it is full of goodness.

An apron that carries your doll? Perfect! And how cute is that doll? 

And I'm thinking I know someone who needs this little dude.

Yep, this guy. (who is getting mighty big I might add!)

Speaking of that little guy. My dear husband took the day off work to watch him and I got a pedicure and a haircut. It had been over 6 months since my last hair cut. It was so, so needed. And I have to admit my new do is fabulous.

Then we finished the day off with this delicious cake my husband slaved over ordering.

I can't really describe how perfectly delicious it was. Just be jealous. So yes, 33 is treating me well.

I know I've mentioned how busy I am. It probably gets old. But I'll say it again. OH MY I'M BUSY! Sure, the kids keep me busy, but my husband is also on week 3 of not being able to walk or drive. So that's fun for everyone. The kind of fun that's no fun at all. I'm spending a good portion of my day driving people to and from school and work. Then of course there is all the feeding, rocking and cleaning. Have I mentioned the cleaning? Whoa nelly. And let's not forget the laundry. I currently have about 4 loads to fold. When I find a spare moment. Possibly next week.

Well yesterday the house was semi clean so rather than let my blood pressure rise while watching the little tornadoes mess it up I took them outside for the day. The thing I love about our neighborhood is that there are parks and playgrounds a plenty. Good ones too. Our neighbors have backyard swing sets but I can't imagine why we'd possibly want one. We spend a lot of time at the perfectly lovely park a block and a half away from our house. It is beautifully shaded so on cooler days we keep on walking. There are 3 or 4 other playgrounds within a half a mile so it's an easy jaunt for everyone.

Yesterday we hit up this one.

(seriously, who has time to take off a helmet when there are monkey bars to be conquered)

Baby was doing this in the ergo while the girls played.

Then we picked up my husband for a totally romantic dinner for 6 at In-N-Out. Oh yeah.

(see all those dishes I didn't have to wash? PERFECT! And yes, there is a dissenter who does not like cheeseburgers so she had a taco from that taco place next door)

So, all in all, it was a great Valentine's Day. How was yours?

P.S. I'll be doing another review from CSN Stores. Whenever I figure out what I'll be getting this time. Any suggestions for outdoor toys? 

It may not be technically correct, but I love using the ultra wide angle lens for close ups.

Three months. I can hardly believe it.

Jack is here! Our sweet little guy made his appearance October 17th. We are home recovering and figuring out how to be a family of 6.

Thank you so much for all your well wishes! We'll be doing a lot of eating and sleeping in the coming days. I'll be back when I'm a bit rested!

Tonight we'll light the first Advent candle.

We had a multitude of illness on Thanksgiving so nome of our guests could come. We made this turkey. He turned out well and the silver lining is that we'll still have some on Christmas!

 Are you decorating for Christmas?

Capturing children's happiness is rather easy when they are playing.

Watch out below!!

Capturing your own happiness is a little harder, unless there is chocolate and bananas involved.

Don't forget to sign up for the Growth Chart Giveaway! 

For more pictures of "happiness", visit You Capture at I Should Be Folding Laundry.

Daphne's birthday was off to a bit of a boring start so we decided to scrap nap and go apple eating picking. Fortunately it is a bit of a drive to the orchard so naps did happen. We had a blast running around, looking at animals, working our way through mazes and picking apples. The fresh doughnuts there were good too.

(This is from her birthday party last Saturday. Rest assured, we did not eat cake for breakfast this morning. Though, we have enough left maybe we should have.)

Happy birthday to my not so little girl. Today is Daphne's 3rd birthday. She woke up asking when her friends were going to come over. I've told her at least 8 times that we had her party on Saturday so her friends aren't coming over today. Poor girl. I've tried to convince her to go out for dinner and ice cream tonight but she insists she wants tacos. I've asked 4 times just to make sure. I'm pretty sure when I serve her a taco she'll ask if we can go out to dinner. Isn't that how it works?

The twos were rough for Daphne. She really wants to be independent but some of her motor skills don't agree with her. She's also a sponge and can never get enough attention or snuggles. That is hard as a middle child. Even with all the tantrums and cries for snuggles Daphne's beautiful personality has shone through. She is very loving. She asks almost daily if we can keep Maggie because she loves her. She loves holding hands with Naomi and couldn't think of anyone she'd rather be with. She follows her everywhere but still, miraculously maintains her own distinct opinions. She has a sweet tooth. A BIG sweet tooth. I might have an idea where she got that. 

Our little birthday girl is a joy and a delight and I can't wait to see what the next year holds. 

I hope all your wishes come true.

You can say what you want about having children close together but the bond that forms really is magical. A best friend for life.

Because a sibling is forever…

For more "friends" check out I Should Be Folding Laundry.

With the lack of computer and the busy life I forgot to mention that we had company for 8 days. Arthur's parents stayed with us in our apartment and it was, unfortunately, rainy half the time they were here. 

We were able to make it to a Red Sox v. Mariners game and do a bit of sight seeing. They even brought little Mariners shirts for the girls to wear to the game.

The girls just loved having company and can't wait for their next company to arrive!