Crafting - with a Friend {Soul Therapy}

My friend Tanna and I have found a really satisfying way to spend a couple of afternoons in recent weeks. It begins with a playdate with the kiddos (she has a just-turned-one-year-old), which turns into naptime for them and craft time for us.

The first time we turned a clipboard into a decorated dry-erase board by covering it first with scrapbook paper then with clear contact paper.  They are a great idea for a message board, to-do list, or I made mine for Lily so she can practice her letters or drawing.

If you look closely at the pictures, especially that one of Tanna, you can totally tell that we're moms attempting to do this around the needs and schedules of our children.  Can you spot the container of formula on the table or the highchair tray in the background?  I know, I gave you a small, cropped picture, so it's hard to tell.  But we noticed that once our kids awoke from naps, our pace of completion slowed dramatically.  We had lots more times of trying to do things one handed as we held a child and more pauses to feed them snacks or start them on their own project (Lily) in an attempt to pacify and occupy.  But the project results weren't bad and the friend time was even better.

The following week we made hooded toddler towels, which are the easiest things ever.  In fact, we were almost a little disappointed with how quickly they came together.  As you can see by the picture below, the one I made is big enough for me, so shortning the hood part might be beneficial.

Again, an afternoon well spent! It just feels so productive - quality time with a friend and a little project completed, too.

Our most recent project was the decorating of Tanna's son's first birthday cake. You can see a picture of it here.  I helped out a bit with tools and tips, but she could have totally done it on her own. Turned out pretty cute.

I feel that many more projects are in our future.  Hope she doesn't mind!

Sideshow #5

After containing Liam on my lap for as long as I could on Sunday morning, he eventually had to get down and explore the narrow space between our pew and the one in front of us.

His curiousity was quickly satisfied and he ventured to the end of the pew that opens into the aisle.  And to my shock and suprise he then crawled across the aisle to Donnie, an older and actually, to Liam, a fairly unknown parishioner. Liam pulled himself to a stand at Donnie's knees, was immediately picked up and promptly laid his head on Donnie's shoulder, snuggling contentedly with him through the next song.

Is this the same kid who has been living with us for the past four and half months?  The kid who hasn't wanted anyone but his mom to hold him unless she's not around and he has no choice.  And if you've been the lucky one to have him when mom isn't around there's only been about a 50/50 chance that he's been happy.  Seriously, is it the same kid?  I couldn't believe it.

But I'll admit.  I won't be too sad if this separation anxiety thing is coming to an end.

Liam Turned One

Well, the big day has come and gone (Feb. 14) and it's about time I posted some pictures.  We just kept it low-key as Liam still wasn't too crazy about having lots of people in his space at this point.

I made a couple of fish cakes, which were WAY easier than the princess cake I made for Lily in November.

He wasn't sure what to think

but eventually decided it was pretty good.

He liked the balloon too

and his cup looked worse than he did.

Presents were fun too, with a lot of assistance from Big Sister.

Our family has a one-year-old again. We love it. We love him!

Lily's Profound Question of the Day

"Who's the daddy of God?"

and her funny one from the other day,

"You were just joking about there being a new boy, right, Mommy?  Cuz I really jus' want to marry Liam."

(this after a discussion from a couple of days before about how brothers and sisters don't get married, but that someday there will probably be a new boy who is not in our family that she will marry.  I guess she really didn't like that idea.  At least she loves him!)

Just Because I Need to Post a Picture

I thought I'd post about Liam's birthday tonight, but instead I ended up playing around with my background and layout, trying to make it cuter.  Clearly I failed.  Oh well, once I get a question or two answered, I'll try again.  In the meantime, here are a couple of pictures to tide you over.  Can't have too many all-text posts!

 

I feel like I should clarify...

...and my need to do so indicates that I'm definitely no good at this blogging thing.

Too self-concious about what I say, about how it will be taken or interpreted.

Nonetheless, still I must clarily something from my previous post.  I feel like I said that it's unusual for me to spend an hour with my kids.  Now, obviously, since I am a stay-at-home mom, I actually spend hours at a time with my kids.  But it is true that I rarely give myself to them for an hour of uninterrupted playtime.

But I should more often.  The three of us were all better for it, and nothing around the house was worse off for not being done in that hour.

Ok, I've explained myself.

Not that it really matters.  I think only about three people read this.  But among you three, I now feel better understood.

Time Well Spent

I just spent one hour with my children.

Playing. Laughing. Tickling. Cuddling.
Wrestling. Reading books. Having a tea party.

One solid, uninterupted hour.

It was great. 

I don't give them that much uninterupted play time too often. It's usually a little here and a little there interspersed with wiping off counters, fixing meals or snack, putting in a load of laundry, answering the telephone.

Like I said, it was great.

They liked it too.

Now they are napping.

And that is great too!