tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-378917257664100512024-03-13T23:17:11.895-04:00wonderfully crazyangiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00583630700818596562noreply@blogger.comBlogger279125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37891725766410051.post-67919828662396709332013-03-25T15:41:00.000-04:002013-03-25T15:41:42.915-04:00A "Springy" Kind of Day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The vernal equinox came and went with a good old fashioned Nor'easter last week. We got about a foot of snow to celebrate this mighty day when the earth's axis points neither toward nor away from the sun. I'm pretty sure last year we were experiencing an early, warm spring while this year it seems to be taking it's sweet time.<br />
Ah, but today...the sun was warm, so warm I pulled out a chair and sat on the deck knitting while the kids busied themselves with the beginnings of a tree fort.<br />
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Lucky for my little early riser the neighbors didn't mind his banging one bit. We've been looking through our books for a couple weeks now. We really like <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tree-Houses-You-Actually-Build/dp/0395892732/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1364239512&sr=8-1&keywords=treehouses+you+can+actually+build"><i>Tree Houses You Can Actually Build </i></a>and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Handy-Dad-Awesome-Projects-Dads/dp/081186958X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1364239589&sr=1-1&keywords=handy+dad"><i>Handy Dad</i></a> for lots of useful information. I also scored <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Private-Parents-Keep-Austin-Stevens/dp/0899090141/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1364239702&sr=1-1&keywords=private+parents+keep+out">this book</a> at a book sale last summer and It is so fun! The author weaves the story of his own childhood adventures of building a tree house (among other things) while giving directions on how to do it yourself. The idea of a tree house has been in the plans for some time now, but now that the monkeys are a bit older they can really take part.<br />
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A nesting bird has been discovered (can you see her hiding?) and Corey is looking forward to tracking it's progress (I think she's sitting on eggs) daily. We're still trying to figure out just what kind of bird so we'll keep you posted...oh how I love homeschooling.<br />
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This day has been splendid, for the first time I feel spring in the air and I'm ready to be outside all the time. Well, almost all the time. As I write the sun has gone in and I am warming my bones next to the fire. But it has been a most "springy" kind of day.</div>
angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00583630700818596562noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37891725766410051.post-70491714538468134552013-03-12T11:26:00.000-04:002013-03-12T11:26:14.417-04:00In Our Living Room<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I like the living room. I went through a phase where I wanted to call it the <i>family room</i>, or the <i>parlor</i>, the hip phrase I hear lately is the<i> great room</i>. But this room whatever you wish to call it has some serious living going on at all times! </div>
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Last night I truly enjoyed watching some music lessons happen. We are all so fortunate to have this wonderful papa in our lives. After a full day of work at the office on Mondays he heads strait to <a href="http://www.darkhollowbottlingcompany.com/">band</a> practice, then comes home and is still happy to give a lesson to some anxiously waiting children! I just sat here, enjoying the warmth of the wood stove and breathed in every smile, giggle, and cord I could...there is nothing quite like it. <br />
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Looking around the room, clearly the animals don't care one way or the other, a simple fire in the wood stove and family around is enough to make them...well fall asleep...sign of a truly content pet I'm assuming? <br />
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Of course there is always a changing display of artwork, right now there seems to be a dragon theme, I'm sure you can guess who is into this right now. </div>
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And here again this morning as I was thinking about a blog post we are again in our usual spots. Kids in front of the fire doing schoolwork, cat sleeping in the chair, and me breathing all this life in, enjoying every last bit. <br />
Soon the seasons will shift as will our "living space" to outside but for now; I like it here in our living room.<br />
Whats going on in yours?</div>
angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00583630700818596562noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37891725766410051.post-13797263091248087272013-03-07T19:58:00.001-05:002013-03-07T20:04:40.825-05:00Looking Back on the Week<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It seems I can't post more than once a week lately, but know that I think about it often. <br />
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Have you seen this wizard? This was a joint effort between Molly and I. She learned how to freezer paper stencil over at <a href="http://dragonflyfarmmaine.com/">Dragonfly Farm</a> and now we are hooked! What a fun easy way to dress up anything. Being huge Harry Potter fans in this house Molly found this on line and we had to make a pillow for the couch.<br />
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Then I decided a foxy pillow was in order. I'm super in love with this one. <br />
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Molly is in the midst of getting a new pet (more on that to come), Greg and I have been really impressed with her determination. She has done all the research and has been saving her own money to make this craziness happen. She spent a good portion of the day yesterday assembling the cage without a bit of help as she really wants this to be all her. You go girl! <br />
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Of course we've got to fit some school work in as well. Have I mentioned how much I love their kindle fires? A christmas gift from their special Tita last year and it's fantastic for school. See it right here next to him on the bed? He's looking at the vocabulary in his science textbook that is on the kindle! Don't get me wrong, I love me a good paper book but for some of our school work that little tablet has been amazing.<br />
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Of course we've always got time for our little friends. I think we all enjoy our day with the littles, there is so much to discover and learn. I think Corey especially loves playing in that magical world that children live in for so long.<br />
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My niece spent a lot of time looking at the world through binoculars yesterday! I'm not sure she saw anything in focus, but she was indeed a happy little lady.<br />
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We were blessed with a quick weekend visit from a very special grandma last weekend. It worked out perfectly as Molly had her best gymnastics meet of the season and is now going to regionals! Loud applause...<br />
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And finally Greg finished his album for the <a href="http://rpmchallenge.com/">RPM challenge</a>! It's amazing, you can listen and download it for free <a href="https://soundcloud.com/greg-b-klein/sets/bed-of-coals">here</a>...I do love that man of mine.<br />
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I'm heading into a busy work weekend and hoping a dear friend goes into labor while I'm there. Also hoping to find time to see both my boys play an open mic night in Damariscotta.<br />
Have a great weekend! </div>
angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00583630700818596562noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37891725766410051.post-32587464554298214232013-03-01T08:55:00.000-05:002013-03-01T08:55:19.828-05:00This Moment<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Joining <a href="http://www.soulemama.com/soulemama/2013/03/this-moment.html">Soulemama</a> for <em>{this moment}</em> - 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.<br />
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have a lovely weekend!<br />
<div style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
<em>{this moment}</em> - 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.<br /> - See more at: http://www.soulemama.com/soulemama/2013/03/this-moment.html#sthash.VSPKW0gi.dpuf</div>
<div style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
<em>{this moment}</em> - 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.<br /> - See more at: http://www.soulemama.com/soulemama/2013/03/this-moment.html#sthash.VSPKW0gi.dpuf</div>
<div style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
<em>{this moment}</em> - 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.<br /> - See more at: http://www.soulemama.com/soulemama/2013/03/this-moment.html#sthash.VSPKW0gi.dpuf</div>
<div style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
<em>{this moment}</em> - 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.<br /> - See more at: http://www.soulemama.com/soulemama/2013/03/this-moment.html#sthash.VSPKW0gi.dpuf</div>
</div>
angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00583630700818596562noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37891725766410051.post-65273393252969596202013-02-21T08:30:00.001-05:002013-02-21T08:30:50.137-05:00Making and Doing<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It seems we can't sit still around here these days. If you do find any one of us in the same place for a few minutes there is a good chance some sort of creativity is going on.<br />
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One of Corey's big projects lately has involved trips to Goodwill to purchase old answering machines and the like. He's got two new books: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Robotics-Discover-Technology-Projects-Yourself/dp/1936749750/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1361449775&sr=8-3&keywords=robotics">Robotics</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005AK6KTK/ref=oh_d__o00_details_o00__i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1">Unscrewed</a>. The first is a how-to for making robots about of recycled electronics, the second is all about taking apart and salvaging parts from old electronics safely. He hasn't made a robot yet, but he is learning so much about the way things work. I am excited to see what he finally comes up with...<br />
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Molly on the other hand has been expressing her opinions on t-shirts. She recently learned how to do freezer paper stencils with our dear friend at <a href="http://dragonflyfarmmaine.com/">Dragon Fly Farm</a>. There have been a few t-shirts made but this one is my favorite. Molly has been a vegetarian since she was about 7 and hasn't really wavered one bit. This particular t-shirt was made for her and she also made one for the <a href="http://dragonflyfarmmaine.com/meat.html">grumpy farmer</a> himself to wear while he's caring for the pigs he raises for us and lots of other folks. He does give those pigs lots of love, which in my opinion results in some of the best pork I've ever had and we will continue to eat meat much to our sweet girl's dismay.<br />
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Greg has been spending every spare moment recording an album for the <a href="http://rpmchallenge.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=844&Itemid=290">RPM challenge</a>. Musicians are challenged to write and record an entire album in one month. He has been doing great, hopefully I can post a link to some of the songs soon as they really are quite good. Oh this man of mine is talented indeed! <br />
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As for me, I haven't been super creative lately...maybe that would explain my somewhat grumpy mood. Between school and recent burst pipe that has resulted in a relocation of the craffice I just haven't had the time. I did recently decide it was time to finish the quilt I started for Greg and I last year. While I love Amy Butler Lark I am doing the backing with some solid cottons that were a bit friendlier to my wallet. Hopefully I'll be finishing that over the next few weeks and not just talking about it.<br />
We are all looking forward to spring around here. Though I'd like to get one more snow shoe in before all the snow is gone I am feeling an itch to dig in the garden.<br />
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angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00583630700818596562noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37891725766410051.post-15409586993063248032013-02-14T08:24:00.000-05:002013-02-14T08:24:10.435-05:00The Beach in Winter<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Last week right before our big blizzard hit the kids and I took a short trip to the beach. We were in search of some specimens for microscope viewing. Boy oh boy it was cold, the trip was quick and there was lots of running and jumping to stay warm. It's amazing how beautiful our ocean is even in the bitter cold. Even so, I am more than ready for spring...a bit soon I know but I've got gardening on my mind.</div>
angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00583630700818596562noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37891725766410051.post-52381202374114158642013-02-05T07:58:00.002-05:002013-02-05T07:58:59.012-05:00The Science Lab<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I've been away from this space a lot, and though I've thought of it often I haven't found my way back nearly enough. It feels that since we've come back from the rush of the holidays finding a good school rhythm has been anything but easy for any of us. Finally, in the last week or so; I dare say things are falling into place. Part of the predicament (this whole school year in general) has been finding curriculum that we are happy with that is at the appropriate level for each child. Along with this is my continued wavering somewhere between a solid classical education and complete and total unschooling...a bit extreme I know but some days I stand on either side of that proverbial fence.<br />
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One thing that is clear is that we all really like science...A week with a science lab (or two) is a good week. It seems that getting through a math lesson is that much easier when kids know a microscope is coming next. The <a href="http://www.nhusd.k12.ca.us/node/52">CPO Focus on Life Science text and investigation</a> workbook have been a super find for us. I know I mentioned them at the beginning of the school year but now being in the middle of it I can say I'm quite happy with the curriculum. It takes a bit of creativity sometimes as it is a school based curriculum and the chapters of the California text available on line are lined up differently; but it is thorough, engaging and full of extra activities. There is a plethora of teaching material available for free on their <a href="http://www.cposcience.com/home/ForStudents/MiddleSchoolLifeScience/tabid/247/Default.aspx">website</a> (another bonus).<br />
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Some of the supplies we have gotten from <a href="http://www.hometrainingtools.com/Default.asp?">Home Science Tools</a> they are reasonably priced and ship fairly quickly. Other times I have changed things around a bit, In the beginning of the year there was a lab with a marble launcher (very expensive for two homeschoolers and one lab experiment). Luckily I was able to find directions on line to build one with a few things from the plumbing department at our local hardware store for around $5.00! So presto, just like that we had to labs in one, as you can imagine building it was just as fun as the experiment.<br />
Now we are in the thick of cell biology and really having a blast. Who knew looking at your own cheek cells could be such fun. <br />
We've got some live protozoa coming next week to view under the microscope before moving into some genetics and then evolution (something I'm especially looking forward to). <br />
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What do other folks use for a science curriculum? Are you having fun? I'd love to hear about it. </div>
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angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00583630700818596562noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37891725766410051.post-26057031372170672882013-01-16T14:52:00.000-05:002013-01-16T14:52:05.307-05:00These Days<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We are moving so swiftly through these days here in the new year, at times it seems hard to catch a breath. I find that more than ever I am struggling with finding a solid rhythm that allows ample time for school, work, blog, housework and the like. We are happy in all of this and it feels as though things are slowly starting to fall into place.<br />
That sweet hubs of mine got me a new camera, it's so amazing and I have been spending a lot of time trying to figure out how to use it! I've found some great tutorials on line and hopefully before long I'll feel confident with my shots. Here are some that I've been taking these days:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">begging me to stop taking pictures</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Corey loves having his dad coach</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">some papa snuggle time</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">capturing the action during a basketball game has proved to be quite tough</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">figuring out the macro lens</td></tr>
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I really want to get better at catching the action when the kids are at their various sporting/dancing/singing/who-knows-what-else events which of course seems to be the most challenging.<br />
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We are watching out the window as the snow falls here on this chilly afternoon, thank goodness because this boy of mine was pretty sad with all the melting of snow lately. I'm hoping for some more snow shoeing and generally enjoying some time outside with my sweet family this weekend. <br />
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angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00583630700818596562noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37891725766410051.post-42203153739373792532013-01-10T07:59:00.000-05:002013-01-10T07:59:10.138-05:00a field trip<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We took a little trip yesterday with our favorite little friends. A field trip to the Museum of Science in Boston to see the Mammoth exhibit...none left disappointed.<br />
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Well, honestly when you are a 12 year old girl, posing in front of the saber tooth with a bunch of boys isn't the most exciting thing...right?<br />
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Everyone jumped into a design challenge! What a fun activity for these kiddos to do. We didn't even hit the entire museum (a return trip is in the making)before everyone was ready to have lunch and continue on our journey.<br />
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After lunch there was a stop at the Lego store to use up some holiday gift cards, and of course a bit of shopping for my girl (the biggest reason she wanted to come). These boys were quite patient while she browsed and tried on clothes. Sitting and reading every Lego package, every detail, and planning the building that would follow. <br />
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It was a great day all around, tired kiddos and two mamas that got to have some quality time together. What more can we ask for?<br />
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Have you been on any field trips lately?</div>
angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00583630700818596562noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37891725766410051.post-63425152880970246152013-01-04T08:44:00.000-05:002013-01-04T08:44:00.336-05:00This Moment<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
joining <a href="http://www.soulemama.com/soulemama/">Soulemama </a>for <em>{this moment}</em> - 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.<br />
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angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00583630700818596562noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37891725766410051.post-43399275166066532362012-12-31T13:38:00.003-05:002012-12-31T13:38:27.374-05:00Happy New Year<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It seems hard to believe that we are spending our last day in 2012! So much has happened, and so much is yet to come...We are off to <a href="http://dragonflyfarmmaine.com/">Dragonfly Farm</a> for some festivities in the snow, but to all of you from all of us Have the Happiest of New Years and we'll see you in 2013!<br />
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<i>btw: amazing photo above taken by Erin of <a href="http://alovesupremephoto.com/#/special/splash/">A Love Supreme Photography</a> and <a href="http://bluebirdbaby.typepad.com/bluebirdbaby/">Bluebirdbaby</a>.</i><br />
<i>Everything about this woman is amazing!</i> </div>
angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00583630700818596562noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37891725766410051.post-5067090020346463942012-12-03T09:18:00.000-05:002012-12-03T09:18:21.285-05:00The Weekend<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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This past weekend was a fun one around our house, busy as it may be sometimes:</div>
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We got our holiday tree. Something I truly love about this season, it's in the stand, getting used to the environment, but we had to throw some sweet beads in to get it started.</div>
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This may be my favoritest tree ever! I love this curve half way up its trunk. Of course no matter what we do it looks crooked somehow, but I love it.<br />
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An early birthday present for this sweet boy of mine. He turns 11 tomorrow! But since the gift was the Star Wars Lego advent calender it only felt right to give it to him on the 1st. Nothing beats seeing his smile in the morning when he opens up a new tiny Lego to build. This is the second year with one of these and it's been great so far.<br />
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Extra gymnastics practice as we near meet season.<br />
There was also a very girly sleepover involving make-overs and many giggles throughout the night.<br />
There was a first basketball game of the season won!<br />
A viewing of<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0319343/"> Elf</a> with the kiddos...this movie makes me laugh out loud every time I watch it!<br />
I snuck in some knitting, Greg had a gig and here we are Monday morning ready for another week.<br />
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How was your weekend?</div>
angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00583630700818596562noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37891725766410051.post-79299264553462868812012-11-30T07:00:00.000-05:002012-11-30T07:00:14.862-05:00This Moment<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Once again joining <a href="http://www.soulemama.com/soulemama/">Soulemama</a> for <em>{this moment}</em> - 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.<br />
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angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00583630700818596562noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37891725766410051.post-60369337397927713432012-11-27T08:37:00.001-05:002012-11-27T08:37:30.117-05:00The Finger Puppets Started It<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
That's right, the finger puppets started it all. Last week the boy and I started discussing what to make for friends and loved ones this holiday season. There are several little cousins now and we thought that a set of finger puppets would be a perfect gift; I quickly hit <a href="http://pinterest.com/">pinterest</a> for some tutorials and of course was not let down.<br />
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All by himself that sweet boy whipped up these 3 finger puppets along w/ a little pouch to store them in complete with an embroidered heart. I found the owl <a href="http://www.playingwithwords365.com/2011/11/owl-finger-puppet-tutorial-and-fingerplay/">here</a> and the frog and elephant <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/81039063/animal-finger-puppet-patterns-pdf">here</a>. He used the basic owl body on all three to make things simpler, as well as googly eyes...seriously can you stand the cuteness.<br />
So next he informs me that we need more wool felt, apparently the stock is low. Well being that I am trying to use materials that are already overflowing the <a href="http://wonderfullycrazyhome.blogspot.com/2011/04/making-our-house-home.html">craffice</a> I dug up the bin of felted wool sweaters and before long and idea was born:<br />
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All these sleeves, perfect base for a hand puppet!<br />
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As often happens around here, when one person starts making, it's not long before others join in! So these two spent a good portion of the afternoon yesterday making puppets, I'm thinking a pattern and tutorial is in order, cuz these cuties are oh so easy and fun! So far there is a monkey, frog and unicorn. A giraffe is almost finished and I'm sure there will be more today. I have no doubt that these gifts will be loved by all who receive them.</div>
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What are you working on for holiday crafts? </div>
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angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00583630700818596562noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37891725766410051.post-10373694011740186922012-11-20T08:33:00.001-05:002012-11-20T08:33:57.140-05:00And Here We Are<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It's been a month since I've visited this site! Amazing how life can just keep you so busy from wake until sleep. I've thought about posting often, but then something else would come up and another day would go by. Then I started worrying that I needed an explanation here in these words...a valid reason why I haven't been here...However, a dear friend pointed out recently that I don't need an excuse, I'm a mom who is busy, as are we all. So there it is; the truth that I'm sure most can relate to. Trying to find balance in life with this blog world when it is not your "job". <br />
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We have been plotting right along through this wonderful autumn season we have been blessed with:<br />
A first snow that has come and gone.<br />
12 years celebrated for our sweet girl (who as you may have noticed isn't wanting to be in pictures on the blog right now).<br />
Enjoying a little nature corner again in our home, something we haven't done in the last couple of years.<br />
School is harder this year with a bit of a heavier middle school load, but both kids are doing well.<br />
Soccer season came and went.<br />
The hubs is busy coaching basketball for the 6th year.<br />
We've had a slight gymnastics injury and a girl looking forward to getting back to practice soon.<br />
A bit of house painting.<br />
Some boardgames.<br />
The usual busy life of a family. I'll be back hopefully soon with more of what we've been up to. Wish me luck as I try to learn to balance all of this. <br />
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angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00583630700818596562noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37891725766410051.post-582676549846667842012-10-16T09:13:00.000-04:002012-10-16T09:13:04.226-04:00My Handyman<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This week without Miss Molly has thrown our rhythm into an upheaval (not that we'd nailed a solid autumn rhythm yet). The boy and I have enjoyed our time together, he has been such a help around the house. tidying up, walking dogs and well...fixing the washing machine!<br />
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Yup! Sorry the photos aren't better but I was quite busy passing this sweet guy tools and holding the flashlight. We've had a few home owner struggles lately; Our oil tank has sprung a leak, and while it is temporarily patched it needs to be replaced pronto. When you live in a house built on a ledge in the late 1800s with a dirt floor crawl space this is no easy task. So as you can imagine we were feeling a bit discouraged when our washing machine appeared to die over the weekend. As much as I'd love to replace this old machine with a fancy new front loader, it's just not in the cards right now.<br />
I was doing a bit of Internet research to see what the problem could be and took a huge guess (gotta love google).<br />
We went down to our little local appliance shop and purchased a motor coupling for $20, took the machine apart, crazy I know! turns out your can take the whole outside "jacket" right off the thing with a screwdriver and a bit of muscle. Talk about homeschooling at it's finest. We found a how-to on YouTube and with a bit of team work, laughter and a lot of "ewwwww" I've got laundry running right now. How fun to see the innards of this thing and to see that we could ourselves fix the problem. My boy was amazing, He watched the tutorial and got quickly to work, I'm not kidding when I say I was the tool passer-flashlight holder in the team, he was so proud of himself, and his mama is proud of him too! <br />
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angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00583630700818596562noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37891725766410051.post-84554159795336244402012-10-10T12:34:00.000-04:002012-10-10T12:34:09.908-04:00Far Off Adventures and More Sewing<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Yesterday found us leaving our sweet girl at the airport to fly to Georgia with her grandpa. She's been very excited to take this solo trip for a while now and as much as I miss her already I know she is having a blast and enjoying every bit of her time there. We got a call saying they had arrived safely and were waiting for her grandmother last night; and today as the boy and I enjoy some one on one time in front of the fire on this chilly fall day in New England I'm guessing she is lounging poolside and feeling pretty "terrifical" as she would say.<br />
Have fun my sweet girl...please stop growing so fast.<br />
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As for the <a href="http://www.elsiemarley.com/kids-clothes-week-fall-2012.html">KCWC </a>I managed to get these pants finished for the boy, though he needs about three more pair to combat his current growth rate.<br />
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I've been saving this fine brown corduroy for a while, the original plan was to make myself a skirt, and there may still be enough left. The pattern is my go-to for pants for him right now. Heather Ross' pajama pants from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Weekend-Sewing-Projects-Inspired-Stitching/dp/B004Y6MWC0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1349886350&sr=8-1&keywords=weekend+sewing">Weekend Sewing</a>. He likes the ease of pull on pants and I like the ease of making them. I added front pockets and a side pocket all lined with fabric from his <a href="http://wonderfullycrazyhome.blogspot.com/2012/10/morning-sewing.html">kindle case</a> and some bright green thread just cuz. I also threw in a loop for carrying tools, swords and the like. He is loving them and and so far they have passed the climbing test with flying colors!<br />
Another successful day of the challenge! <br />
Unfortunately the housekeeping that is being ignored for this challenge is calling my name right now.</div>
angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00583630700818596562noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37891725766410051.post-64070995276225055222012-10-09T07:08:00.003-04:002012-10-10T12:35:04.200-04:00The Challenge<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I'm joining my dear friend over at <a href="http://dragonflyfarmmaine.com/">Dragonfly Farm</a> for a challenge within a challenge. You see, it is once again <a href="http://www.elsiemarley.com/kids-clothes-week-fall-2012.html">kids clothing week challenge</a> and my friend suggested we use fabric only from our stash! Hah! What a brilliant idea. She's already made a sweet little vest for her boy from a thrifted wool skirt (too cute, maybe I'll get permission to post a pic).<br />
So my first project is the summer blouse from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Weekend-Sewing-Projects-Inspired-Stitching/dp/B004Y6MWC0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1349780555&sr=8-1&keywords=weekend+sewing">Weekend Sewing</a> by Heather Ross.<br />
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She asked for 3/4 sleeves which was an easy fix, however being a tween isn't easy on sewing patterns it appears. She doesn't quite fit into child's sizes much any more and sometimes the adult patterns are too big. As was the case with this one, I sewed a bit of elastic in the back and she seems happy with the results. Honestly I wasn't thrilled with the pattern and will make a few alterations next time to the placket, but in the end she looks great and is happy with the results.<br />
what do you think?<br />
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angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00583630700818596562noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37891725766410051.post-6929634681179644312012-10-05T10:34:00.003-04:002012-10-05T10:34:51.416-04:00This Moment<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Joining <a href="http://www.soulemama.com/soulemama/2012/10/this-moment.html">Soulemama</a> for 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. <br />
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angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00583630700818596562noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37891725766410051.post-17060162435268297482012-10-03T11:13:00.001-04:002012-10-03T11:13:44.780-04:00Morning sewing...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I managed to get my self out of bed a bit earlier this morning so that I could get a few projects out of the way. It seems that with all the chaos lately I haven't found time to get things finished, or started even. So I started off with this sweet little earbud case from <a href="http://erinerickson.com/2011/11/circle-zip-earbud-pouch-tutorial/">dog under the desk</a>.<br />
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Can you stand the cuteness! This sweet little ditty whipped up in no time and Molly is thrilled to take it to Georgia next week. The Georgia trip is what started it really. I am planning to make her the <a href="http://erinerickson.com/store/patterns/two-zip-hipster-pdf-pattern/">two zip hipster</a> to take on the plane (perfect size for kindle, iPod and a book I figure), but when I found this free tutorial I couldn't resist giving it a try (much easier than the bag). <br />
Well this project was so quick I decided I'd let the girl continue sleeping a wee bit longer and let the boy keep playing with blocks while I finally got around to making him a kindle case.<br />
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I've been promising him this simplicity for a while now and it took no time at all. I am thinking about putting together a tutorial in case other folks are looking for something similar. He is thrilled with the result and Molly has put her order in of course. That's the morning sewing I got in...how exciting is that? There is much to be done around the house and I'll get to that...but for now, while the kids are busy with math I'm going to squeeze myself between the two of them on the couch and finish a tank top from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Alabama-Studio-Sewing-Design-Hand-Sewing/dp/158479920X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1349276871&sr=8-1&keywords=alabama+studio+sewing+%2B+design">Alabama Studio Sewing + Design</a> that I started a while ago. How was your morning? Any sewing or stitching of another kind?<br />
I keep wondering as the weather turns chillier when a real knitting bug will strike, but for now it's still the sewing bug for me.</div>
angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00583630700818596562noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37891725766410051.post-54699787015037334482012-10-01T08:29:00.003-04:002012-10-01T08:29:52.879-04:00The Weekend<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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This past weekend was full of rain, exactly what this household needed I think.<br />
With the coming of October so soon we changed over the calender, filling in all the busy schedules around here.<br />
We did a lot of much needed house cleaning, both big and small (see above). There are some big changes going on around here in the future months, rooms are changes and things are feeling a bit chaotic. So it was nice to try and get a bit more organized through it all.<br />
Greg and I hemmed and hawed over a curriculum that I was interested in using, in the end we decided to stick with what we have as trying to rearrange the other to suit our needs would be too much work for this mama.<br />
We all geeked out to some <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112178/">Star Trek Voyager</a>, what fun this family has been having traveling through space with the crew of a star ship.<br />
Greg of course played some music, lots of fun things coming up for The <a href="http://www.darkhollowbottlingcompany.com/">DHBC</a> in the near future and that hubs of mine is super excited...if not a wee bit distracted.<br />
There was <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/chicken-tikka-masala-recipe-00100000072578/index.html">chicken tikka masala</a> in the crock pot.<br />
There was chess with dad, I do think if Corey continues to go to his weekly chess club meetings that it's only a matter of time before the hubs loses to this boy.<br />
Of course there was crafting, when is there not really? Viking shields, new beds for the doll house, some books are being worked on.<br />
We didn't get outside much in this rain, but there was plenty of snuggling and I think everyone is starting off this week feeling well rested and accomplished.<br />
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How was your weekend?</div>
angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00583630700818596562noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37891725766410051.post-67858994584380209582012-09-25T11:46:00.000-04:002012-09-25T11:46:16.354-04:00Space The Final Frontier<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Many years back I bought some pattern blocks from <a href="http://swiftrivertoys.com/">swift river toys</a> in anticipation of helping the kids with math. There are great resources <a href="http://guidedmath.wordpress.com/2010/11/04/math-manipulatives-galore-using-pattern-blocks-in-guided-math-groups/">on-line</a> for using them w/ learning fractions, symmetry, even music. They have been helpful for both kids over the years and I believe they are well worth spending money on...however, I would like to share here with you what they have always and continue to be used for most of all:<br />
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This is a fleet of space aged star ships in the midst of a galactic battle of one sort or another. I can't tell you how many things these simple little blocks have been used for over the years. Dinosaurs, viking boats, people, houses, cars...the list goes on. The intricacy of his shapes, each one seeming to have a specific purpose, sides that move to change direction. It's clear that we haven't outgrown these and quite frankly I am in no rush...<br />
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How bout you? What do your kiddos use over and over again for so many games?</div>
angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00583630700818596562noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37891725766410051.post-43234371127947932832012-09-21T08:00:00.000-04:002012-09-21T08:00:00.888-04:00This Moment<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Joining <a href="http://www.soulemama.com/soulemama/">Soulemama</a> for <em>{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.</em><br />
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<em>Have a lovely weekend. </em></div>
angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00583630700818596562noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37891725766410051.post-68297824221378074922012-09-19T11:37:00.001-04:002012-09-19T11:37:22.581-04:00Summer's End<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It's funny, once September hits and we are schooling I automatically think fall, even though technically it is still summer (for a few more days at least). So in the midst of busy schedules including all the fall activities: soccer, gymnastics, more gymnastics, oh and soccer, throw in some school and try and find a time between Greg's work, my work and gigs to have a bit of late summer fun.<br />
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I did a bit of complaining and whining over the weekend I must admit; I had my heart set on a far away adventure. Over two hours of driving one way for some beautiful hikes, water falls and the such. It is not often that my weekend off coordinates with Greg being gig free so I was a bit over zealous to say the least. That sweet man of mine remained calm through all of my tantruming and somehow convinced me that we could still have a lovely "get away" without venturing far from home leaving us time to still get some project progress around the house.<br />
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Well, what can I say? When he's right, he's right. The kids got in what was most likely the <br />
last swim of the season, one dog swam and played fetch, the other dog ran wild in the woods and this mama got exactly what she craved: A perfect afternoon with the family outside surrounded by natures beauty. And the real beauty here is that this spot is less than 10 minutes from home! That means The hubs got "stuff done" around the house with a bit of help from our favorite<a href="http://www.dragonflyfarmmaine.com/"> farmer</a> (thank you). I even got in a flea market with my mom and Miss Molly...Pyrex heaven was found.<br />
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Oh we are a perfect match that man and I, he keeps me grounded when I need it and knows when to let me wander. Thank you love for a wonderful weekend...<br />
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angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00583630700818596562noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37891725766410051.post-54657753546689389432012-09-17T22:16:00.001-04:002012-09-17T22:16:52.316-04:00I Could Get Used To This<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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So the end of last week found Greg and I getting up very early and
driving down the coast while the kids stayed with Nana (thanks Mom) for a
conference he needed to attend for work. Spouses were invited and I
was assured I'd have a lovely time at <a href="http://www.cliffhousemaine.com/">The Cliff House</a>.
Greg immediately had to check in to the conference while I checked into
our room only to find this stunning view from our balcony!</div>
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I seriously considered plopping my bum down right there, pulling out my knitting and not doing another thing...But, it was a beautiful day and I decided I should probably get outside and really enjoy the ocean (after all it will be crazy cold before long in these parts). As I first rambled down onto the rocks I felt twinges of "aw, the kids should be here, we could be having so much fun exploring all of this". Then I sat down and just let my body relax for a minute. How rare is this moment when I can sit by myself, completely undisturbed? Once I did pull out my knitting I knew this alone time could be very tolerable.</div>
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After a few hours of knitting, walking along the shore and enjoying the sound of crashing waves I found my way to the spa for a wonderful massage (OK, a bit of guilt as the hubs was stuck inside listening to computer talk). Oh but this is a lovely way for a mama to spend the day.<br />
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After lunch with Greg over looking the ocean he had to go back inside and I had to find this lovely little gem of shop!<br />
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The <a href="http://www.portsmouthfabric.com/">Portsmouth Fabric Company </a>was an absolute treat to visit. Full of lovely fabrics, books and super friendly staff. I may have left with some Anna Maria Horner <a href="http://www.annamariahorner.com/productfabric.html">fabric</a> for Miss Molly. It's Coreopsis in Coral, but really for all intensive purposes it's pink and orange...her current favorite color combo.<br />
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The evening was a trade show that was goofy fun followed by a lovely dinner and some quite couple time (another true rarity). The next morning had me back on the rocks listening to the waves with another craft project in my lap. Look it may have been a mere overnight trip but Greg will tell you that when we go anywhere for more than an hour I pack enough projects to keep me and a small crowd busy for at least a week. I say you never know what you'll be in the mood for.<br />
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Our trip home was a blast, we took the "long cut" as we like to call it, avoiding the highways, found some yummy fish sandwiches and a glorious vintage Pyrex! Oh yes, I could get used to this! <br />
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angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00583630700818596562noreply@blogger.com3