Please note that my child, who up to this point hated reading to the point of weeping and wailing at the mere mention of it, cannot seem to put her book down long enough to rollerblade! Hallelujah!
Sunday, 26 February 2012
Please note that my child, who up to this point hated reading to the point of weeping and wailing at the mere mention of it, cannot seem to put her book down long enough to rollerblade! Hallelujah!
Friday, 24 February 2012
There in the middle (the only one with facial hair) is my dad. No, not my dad. My daddy.
This picture, taken at Christmas bring tears to my eyes. I have the best daddy in the whole entire world. He doesn't want you to know it, but he's a big ol' softie. I mentioned ages ago that if he grew his beard out "like Santa," we'd come for Christmas. He made sure to call and remind me of that fact around Thanksgiving. He kept his word. So did we.
The above picture represents 8/19ths of his grandchildren. I like to pretend that he likes my contributions to that number the best. Each of his grandchildren would probably tell you that he likes them best. That's the kind of awesome Jumpah (Lucas's name for him) he is.
Love you Daddy. Miss you so much!
(I'm told the beard was removed promptly after we left).
Wednesday, 22 February 2012
I have always maintained that roadtrips with my children do not qualify as vacations. The kids may refer to them as such, but the adults involved are never fully relaxed and therefore are not, in fact, on vacation.
In case that wasn't clear: Any excursion where you bring your children along is not a vacation, it is a trip. With the possible exception of a Disney Cruise (where they take your kids away for the majority of the day). Don't even get me started on how badly I want that!
At any rate, we took a trip. For the Christmas holidays we traveled to Pennsylvania and stayed at my sister Jenny's house. My entire purpose for taking this trip was expressed to my husband several times: I just want to go knit with my sister.
And so it was. And it was good.
Of course we did a lot of other things too. It literally took the entire of Christmas Day to open the presents for 9 children (Jenny has four, herself) and 6 adults (my Mom & Dad were there too!) We went shopping. We ate a lot of amazing food. We scolded each other's children...
We sat and talked endlessly. If I squinted really hard I could almost imagine that it would always be this way...
Tuesday, 21 February 2012
Recently, my oldest daughter, Abbie, celebrated her tenth birthday. This baffles me. She isn't supposed to be ten. I'm not sure what she is SUPPOSED to be, but it isn't ten and it isn't a fourth grader.
But I suppose if you're going to be ten, you couldn't be a better ten. She's the kid who is liked by everyone. She's the kid who other parents say things like "Abbie is welcome in my home ANYTIME" about. She's the kid who doesn't give me a moment's worry about her grades. She's the witty, hilarious kid that everyone wants to be friends with, including me. She's the helpful, empathetic older sister, the tremendous girl who thinks of others before herself and puts her trust in the Lord. She is a reminder to me of why we were sent here to this Earth...so that we could know of the Godlike power of creation and the ability to love someone so unconditionally. And yes, in the ten years I've known her, I've learned that.
Happy Birthday to my dear daughter, who made me a Mother.
Sunday, 15 January 2012
Doing a quick PFMP update (that's Pictures from my Phone) for those not in the know.
I am sick and tired of not being able to find exactly what I want in the way of Sunday clothes for me... so I've resorted to sewing my own. This fabulous skirt cost me less than $12 and that includes the price of the reusable pattern. Love. Abbie is so jealous that she has requested I make her some church clothes too.
Lucas is crazy! One moment he's got you laughing your heart out and the next moment you're tearing your hair out. Yes, it feels a bit bipolar. He's 3.5 and I'm ready to ship him off to college most days.
Abbie decided to get brave on Black Friday and broke her arm. Awesome. In all actuality it wasn't that bad as far as injuries go. Nothing to do to set the bone, cast for four weeks. She had it removed on December 22nd right before we left for our Christmas vacation to Pennsylvania.
Speaking of Christmas... every year I make each of my kids a handmade gift from me. This year, Anna was the big winner. She received this sweater. The Pattern is Gondry. She loves it. Me too.
I took the time, even though I am not a big fan, to make sugar cookies with my children. I ended up enjoying it so much that I made a second batch a couple days later. Yum. I've been converted.
Libby, sporting her handmade by mom Christmas present. She loves her little hat. Wears it all the time.
For any of you out there who are on Operation HowLongIsAlissaGrowingHerHair. The answer is still longer.
Abbie and I won a game on New Years Eve. Toothpicks and Marshmallows. It was a blast.
And then while I was at a totally sweet Goodwill in Roanoke VA, I scored this vintage American Tourister bag for $2.99! I love thrifting.
My Christmas present from me to me. Love these mittens and I would absolutely knit this pattern again. Can't recommend it highly enough. The pattern is Wintergreen.
And Lucas wears his Christmas hat which was knit entirely on the trip. I started it in Florida and finished it in Pennsylvania. Space Invaders themed too. Fun stuff.
Miles took some time this week to design a bunch of inventions. This was my favorite. Apparently, he felt it would be helpful to me.
And finally, this week I put on my big girl pants and learned how to make curry. It was yummy.
I hope you enjoyed this random smattering of goings on in our world.
I am sick and tired of not being able to find exactly what I want in the way of Sunday clothes for me... so I've resorted to sewing my own. This fabulous skirt cost me less than $12 and that includes the price of the reusable pattern. Love. Abbie is so jealous that she has requested I make her some church clothes too.
Lucas is crazy! One moment he's got you laughing your heart out and the next moment you're tearing your hair out. Yes, it feels a bit bipolar. He's 3.5 and I'm ready to ship him off to college most days.
Abbie decided to get brave on Black Friday and broke her arm. Awesome. In all actuality it wasn't that bad as far as injuries go. Nothing to do to set the bone, cast for four weeks. She had it removed on December 22nd right before we left for our Christmas vacation to Pennsylvania.
Speaking of Christmas... every year I make each of my kids a handmade gift from me. This year, Anna was the big winner. She received this sweater. The Pattern is Gondry. She loves it. Me too.
I took the time, even though I am not a big fan, to make sugar cookies with my children. I ended up enjoying it so much that I made a second batch a couple days later. Yum. I've been converted.
Libby, sporting her handmade by mom Christmas present. She loves her little hat. Wears it all the time.
For any of you out there who are on Operation HowLongIsAlissaGrowingHerHair. The answer is still longer.
Abbie and I won a game on New Years Eve. Toothpicks and Marshmallows. It was a blast.
And then while I was at a totally sweet Goodwill in Roanoke VA, I scored this vintage American Tourister bag for $2.99! I love thrifting.
My Christmas present from me to me. Love these mittens and I would absolutely knit this pattern again. Can't recommend it highly enough. The pattern is Wintergreen.
And Lucas wears his Christmas hat which was knit entirely on the trip. I started it in Florida and finished it in Pennsylvania. Space Invaders themed too. Fun stuff.
Miles took some time this week to design a bunch of inventions. This was my favorite. Apparently, he felt it would be helpful to me.
And finally, this week I put on my big girl pants and learned how to make curry. It was yummy.
I hope you enjoyed this random smattering of goings on in our world.
Monday, 31 October 2011
Because I feel the need to brag, I have decided to post something.
I know. I'm filled with humility.
I have probably talked before about how when I grew up my mom didn't usually help with Halloween costumes. You were on your own. Not because she didn't want to, but because she had nine kids...
Basically, it has lead me to believe that the very best costumes are the ones that come from the bowels of your imagination. Pieced together with duct tape and elastic. Yes, the homemade ones.
This year, I did have one child elect to use a costume we already had on hand (that we were given about 4 years ago and which FINALLY fit).
I present Anna as Mulan.
Might I add that she doesn't actually like the movie Mulan; she thinks it's too scary.
And yes, she's wearing makeup. In keeping with the tradition that my mother allowed, my girls are permitted to wear makeup one day per year: Halloween.
Lucas's costume was an easy recycle from a couple of years ago. Totoro.
He's such a little squirt that the hat totally swamped him and no one knew what he was... which didn't bother me in the least. I like the obscure.
The only instruction I gave Abbie on choosing a Halloween costume this year was to encourage her to choose a literary character. Having just read both Little House in the Big Woods and Little House on the Prairie, she immediately selected Laura Ingalls.
And while I realize that her costume isn't exactly period correct, we sure tried. And also, yikes. I'm in trouble. Check this girl out:
9 going on 19, eh?
Miles wore an entire 14 piece ensemble that I spent a really long time agonizing over and working on. I sewed him a vest and gun holster (of my Dad's design). We borrowed chaps, boots and a gun. He also had a hat (not pictured because it was in the back of Matt's car who wasn't home from work when these pictures were taken).
He would like you to know that he is NOT Woody. And yes, it is time for a haircut.
And finally, my crowning glory. Libby as Octopus. Wait, you're on Pinterest, right? If so, follow me!
At any rate, I found this costume idea from a link on Pinterest.
I must admit, I think my execution is better. Also, their octopus has 10 legs.
I filled the polka dotted socks I had lying around (supposed to have been turned into Babylegs for Lucas) with grocery sacks (I'm so green) and used safety pins to attach them to a harness I fashioned out of elastic. Safety pins, so I can use the socks again. The hat was whipped up out of some rib knit and felt.
It was pretty much the most hysterical thing anyone had ever seen. It helps that Libby's so tiny that it blows people away when she runs up to their door, holds out her bucket and says, "Trick Treat" just like a big kid. Then a "Thank You!" and a "Bye!" with a wave! I love this girl so much.
Her joie de vivre is infectious. Absolutely.
I know. I'm filled with humility.
I have probably talked before about how when I grew up my mom didn't usually help with Halloween costumes. You were on your own. Not because she didn't want to, but because she had nine kids...
Basically, it has lead me to believe that the very best costumes are the ones that come from the bowels of your imagination. Pieced together with duct tape and elastic. Yes, the homemade ones.
This year, I did have one child elect to use a costume we already had on hand (that we were given about 4 years ago and which FINALLY fit).
I present Anna as Mulan.
And yes, she's wearing makeup. In keeping with the tradition that my mother allowed, my girls are permitted to wear makeup one day per year: Halloween.
Lucas's costume was an easy recycle from a couple of years ago. Totoro.
The only instruction I gave Abbie on choosing a Halloween costume this year was to encourage her to choose a literary character. Having just read both Little House in the Big Woods and Little House on the Prairie, she immediately selected Laura Ingalls.
Miles wore an entire 14 piece ensemble that I spent a really long time agonizing over and working on. I sewed him a vest and gun holster (of my Dad's design). We borrowed chaps, boots and a gun. He also had a hat (not pictured because it was in the back of Matt's car who wasn't home from work when these pictures were taken).
And finally, my crowning glory. Libby as Octopus. Wait, you're on Pinterest, right? If so, follow me!
At any rate, I found this costume idea from a link on Pinterest.
I must admit, I think my execution is better. Also, their octopus has 10 legs.
Wednesday, 7 September 2011
Can you believe we've been doing this for four years?
Here's this year's information:
$25 per child.
How it works:
I spend 5-10 minutes with each of your children. Just time enough to get 3-5 great shots of them. Your pictures will be fully edited and presented in an online gallery. The $25 pays for the sitting and ONE fully edited full-resolution file on a Data DVD with rights to print. If you decide you would like all 3-5 files, the cost is only $50 total (or an additional $25, make sense?)
Why?
Have you seen your children's school pictures? Last year, I used my own daughter's picture to demonstrate. Here, I'll show you again (much to her embarassment.)
Here is the picture that was sent home from the ACTUAL SCHOOL PICTURES.
Oh Mah Gosh.
Seriously.
I think you've all seen my daughter.
You have, correct?
She's not usually so demonically possessed.
I promise.
No really.
Here is a picture I took of Abbie around the same time.
Here are some more samples.
Here's this year's information:
The Better School Picture Day
Saturday, September 24, 2011 from 8am - 11am at a location TBA in the Longwood/Lake Mary Area$25 per child.
How it works:
I spend 5-10 minutes with each of your children. Just time enough to get 3-5 great shots of them. Your pictures will be fully edited and presented in an online gallery. The $25 pays for the sitting and ONE fully edited full-resolution file on a Data DVD with rights to print. If you decide you would like all 3-5 files, the cost is only $50 total (or an additional $25, make sense?)
Why?
Have you seen your children's school pictures? Last year, I used my own daughter's picture to demonstrate. Here, I'll show you again (much to her embarassment.)
Here is the picture that was sent home from the ACTUAL SCHOOL PICTURES.
Oh Mah Gosh.
Seriously.
I think you've all seen my daughter.
You have, correct?
She's not usually so demonically possessed.
I promise.
No really.
Here is a picture I took of Abbie around the same time.
So yeah. Not really even the same child.
Please Email Me or send me a Facebook message if you're interested!
Because honestly, you do not want Regular School Pictures to happen to you, and neither do I.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
