Christmastime...

The homemade advent calendar...

The boys are busy helping their mama get ready for Christmas!

.

Turn up your volume... here is a quick little Christmas Carol from Caillou!

Our Thanksgiving...

A couple of pictures from a past Thanksgiving when my only child had fur and a tail!

Thanksgiving turned out quite well. The evening before Caillou helped with some of the cooking. He really enjoyed making deviled eggs, there weren't many left by the next day! He ate them as fast as we could make them! Caillou was completely in charge of mashmallow placement on the candied yams, there were many many marshmallows. Thanksgiving dinner was served at noon, my favorite was the mashed potatoes and gravy, sooooo sooooo buttery! Jasper loved the cresent rolls and stuffing and homemade cranberry sauce. And Caillou of course was happy with eating nothing but deviled eggs! Neither of the boys cared for the turkey too much, just like mama... turkey never has been my favorite! The boys enjoyed toasting with sparkiling apple cider... and mama had some laughs from the loud toddler burping that followed! We had some free movie passes and went to see The Fantastic Mr. Fox! We loved it!!!! Very cute! During the end scene, some lively music came on, and Caillou jumped out of his seat and began dancing down the aisle of the movie theater!!! We came home, and the kids ate some more leftovers and we brought out the pumpkin whoopie pies... these for sure will be a new Thanksgiving tradition for us! I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Thankful....

I am thankful for little boys that love their mama's baked goods...

and for healthy happy children.
I am thankful for being a stay at home mama, being able to enjoy simple happy moments.
Even if it does involve half dressed little men playing architect on my dining table...

I am thankful for the yard my children have to play in...

And for their new little baby brother or sister that is on the way!

I am thankful that I was at home, where a mother needs to be, and that I was able to witness the miracle of my children taking their first steps.

I am thankful for the beauty of God's creation.

And for special outings, and snuggly blankets.

I am thankful for my children's shining happy faces. For the sound of their laughter and their noisy footsteps running throughout the house.

I am thankful for my home. For the homemade goodness that fills our home, and the sunshine and joy my children fill these four walls with

Tomorrow evening I will begin preparing for our Thanksgiving festivities. I am going to do as much of the cooking as I can after the boys are in bed, so that I can spend Thanksgiving morning playing and loving them. At first I thought perhaps I would cook something unconventional for Thanksgiving, but in the end I decided to share with my boys a traditional Thanksgiving feast. This will be Jasper's first year actually partaking in Thanksgiving dinner, last year he did get to try rice cereal for the first time though! On the menu... A turkey breast with gravy, homemade mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes with ever so many marshmallows, a few deviled eggs, cranberry sauce, stuffing, southern creamed corn casserole, sauteed zuchinni and sqaush, cresent rolls, crumb top apple pie, and pumpkin whoopie pies. It will be quite the spread for just little ole me and the boys, but I want them to remember holidays and have wonderful memories and love them and cherish these special days. Now if the morning sickness does become extreme, and heavens forbid I throw up on the turkey, KFC will be open until 4pm! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving everyone...

In the hallway....

Allright, so this is my little space in which I create things. In my hallway, wedged in between our dooway and the china cabinet. It is a bit messy, but it is hard to contain my crafty supplies in such small quarters. Our hallway is a bit wider than some, but I am worried, that as my stomach grows, I may not fit in my sewing room any longer!!! It is already a tight squeeze! But for now, while I still fit, this is where I sew. In the day time, the boys crawl under my chair, over the treadle, unplug my machine, unwind ribbon and wrap it round and round the chair legs, hop over me to get to the kitchen or potty, and then crawl under me to get back to the living room. It is a wild adventure to sew with them. In the evening, I am sandwiched smack dab in between two sleeping boys, with only a thin wall in front of me and behind me to keep them from waking, and if I wind a bobbin to fast, they do wake up!!! They have become accustomed though to the sounds of Mama's sewing machine, and for the most part, don't mind my night sewing. Occasionally, Caillou will come to his doorway and ask me what I am making, and then goes back to bed. I love my dollhouse full of my favorite fabrics, and my treadle table that serves as my sewing desk, there is a treadle machine inside, but being cramped on space, I had to pick one machine to sew with, and the one with a zig zag stitch and electronic features won! So there it is, my little sewing room, messy and tiny, but I thought I would show y'all anyway!

Yesterday...

Creative Days...

I have been quite busy with projects, too many going at once. Working on a quilt for Caillou, making a Christmas countdown calendar and matching garland, adding a few rows here and their to a crochet project... I finally finshed Jasper's crochet blanket! And made the boys two warm and cozy little hats. I am working hard to get ready for the holidays, sewing as often as I can!

About a week ago, Caillou asked me if he could paint. I got all his supplies out for him, and this is what he created! I was so impressed, this really was his first true picture, or at least the first one that Mommy was able to recognize something in the picture, not just scribbles and dots!

Have a happy day!

Reckless, rugged, rowdy, never sitting still...

Screaming, yelling, growling, such a strong strong will.

Jumping, climbing, running, bouncing off the walls....

Chasing baby brother, not listening when mama calls.

Pushing, hitting, biting....lectures and time outs....

Mama sits and cries, while the angry toddler shouts.

Session with the toddler shrink, list of things to do...

behavior charts, and discipline, nothing is getting through

How do I reach my unruly boy, and tame his wild ways,

and help him to do what is best each and every day?

How do I get him to listen,

and learn to be gentle and kind,

I search and search for the answer...

and this is what I find....

Kiss him when he is angry, hug him when he is sad,

shut my mouth when I want to yell,

and try to not get mad....

Have patience, all though it is hard to do,

and always give him love,

and remember no matter how naughty he's been,

He is a blessing from above.

Today was a particularly trying day with my Mr. Caillou. On days like today, I become so discouraged I feel as if I want to give up and run away and hide. I love my dear boy so much, I just wish he would calm down, listen to mommy, and stop doing such atrocious things. By mid afternoon I was so mad today, I was ready to throw in the towel. I am without a car, and we needed to get to the other end of town... soooo, I put them in the bike trailer and began pedalling. Well, morning sick mama, towing 65 pounds of little ones behind her, was going quite slow. Then Caillou began slamming his helmet into Jasper's helmet. By the time we got to the bank, the yelling, biting, screaming " go away mommy" had begun. It was as if I was talking to a wall, no matter what I asked him to do, he just would not obey. We left the store, and had a timeout, which of course he out powers me, and escapes from. Then I had the joy of putting them back in the bike trailer. We pedalled slowly to Jack in the Box, I was hungry, and pissed at the bank, ( bank account negative $55 bucks) and took my bag of coins in and ordered a late lunch for us all. The screaming began again, and then the biting, and the time out, and more screaming, and not staying in his high chair. Finally the food came, and after much ranch dressing consumption between both the boys, it was time to get back in the bike trailer, and of course nobody was listening to Mommy. By the time we got home, I was exasperated, and then there was a mud battle. Every time we leave the house, I come home feeling defeated, and physically drained. Yet, he is so wild here at home, that sometimes we need to just get away from the house, give the house a little break, have a change of scenery. I try everything with this wild boy, Nanny 911 would need a good therapist if she ever came to visit my house. Today I was just plain mad, tired, exhausted, and upset. But tonight as I look at Caillou sleeping in his bed, I can't be angry. I realize I can't be mad, I can't give up, I can't yell no matter how much he yells at me, I just have to keep on praying and trying and loving this little boy. Love conquers all, right? So, tomorrow I am trying a new approach, I am vowing to stop yelling, I am vowing to hug and kiss, when I really want to spank his rambunctious little bottom, I am going to sit on time out with him, and most of all I will muster up patience, even when I feel I am going to explode. Because I love this wild thing of mine. And he needs to know I love him, and that mommy will always be there no matter what.

A party in the planning....

Little Caillou, isn't so little anymore. In just a couple of weeks we will be celebrating his 3rd birthday. He is very excited this year about his birthday. He knows the Happy Birthday song, he knows there will be cake, and a present or two, and he understands that " Thanksgiving comes first, and then my birthday party Yay!" He has grown so much in this past year. His talking skills have amazed me. He holds conversations with me, he tell me funny stories, and he knows so many big words. I love what a wonderful time this is in his life, and how open he is to learning new things and having new adventures. Yet, I long for the days when he was little. When I could just snuggle him in my arms all day long, and he was a good boy all the time! I really can't stand the defiant phase he is going through. I am exhausted at the end of the day from all the time outs, biting, toy throwing, who is the boss battles, and naughty doings. I long for a peaceful day with him, the way it was when he was little. But I cannot turn back the clock. I just have to do my best each day, try to be patient, and keep encouraging him to choose good behavior. And try to stop mutterning bad words under my breath when I am exasperated, because this kid is a parrot!

Devilled Eggs for my little Devil....

Okay perhaps, devil is a bit too strong, let's just say... my not so angelic at times toddler! He loved them! Jasper was disgusted by the whole look, squishy feel, and taste of this special snack. But Caillou, oh Caillou loved them. Seeing his face light up when I brought them out, and hearing him "mmmmmm" and "yum" as he greedily gobbled them up, made it well worth stinking up the house with the stench of hard boiled eggs.

Halloween Pictures... FINALLY!

Caillou decided on being Max from "Where the Wild Things Are"

and little Jasper was my baby gnome!
I am sorry it took me so long to post these photos. I had been having a good deal of trouble with my internet, and just couldn't seem to get the photos to upload. I had a fun time making the boys' costumes, and they had a great time collecting candy all throughout the town!

The new look...

Allright, I decided I would not create confusion and change blog addresses. Instead I am doing a bit of sprucing things up. Spring cleaning so to say, in the Fall! So, I hope you all enjoy the new look and some of my plans to come for this little old blog..... Much of my life involves homemade goodness. Whether it be cookies in the oven, sewing an outfit or a new snuggly creature for the boys, keeping my hands busy with crochet during our Sesame Street mornings, or snuggling in a hand sewn quilt, our life is full of things homemade, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I love the process of creating something for my little family, knowing that I am making something unique, something all our own, and infusing tender memories, a mama's hopes, and intended love, into each stitch. With each seam completed, or each row of crochet finished, I have puposefully created something out of love for my children. I love that feeling. With two boisterous boys, it is difficult to find the time and energy to create, but when I do, there is a sense of calm, a sense of purpose, and a renewed feeling of love and happiness that stirs in my heart. There are also exasperation and frantic pleas.... Caillou put the scissors down, Caillou stop winding bobbins, Caillou stop unwinding bobbins, Jasper stop licking fabric, Caillou stop poking me with pins, Jasper, please don't eat thread, Caillou where is my presser foot? Don't do THAT to the yarn!!!!! Please do not put a button in THERE!!!! My most peaceful and productive creative experiences come in the evening when they are in bed. I also love to help my boys create their own little projects. Which that too can be stressful, I shudder to think of how many crayons they have eaten this past year, far too many to count that is for sure! But the point is I want to fill my childrens lives with creative experiences, and homemade goodness. So, I will be posting a little more around here, some of that homemade goodness. Recipes, projects, patterns and tutorials, and even hope to get started some homemade swaps. So, I hope y'all enjoy the changes around here. Have a great night!

I promise I am still alive...

Okay y'all sorry for the disappearance. My morning sickness got the better of me, and I went to the hospital last tuesday. I am now on some really good meds that are helping me to be able to eat! I have tried to post a few times, but for some reason blogger isn't letting me post any of my photos!!!! So, I thought I would at least post a little note to let you know that I am still here! I am very excited about Christmas time approaching and planning on doing a lot of sewing. I also have a secret project underway, and may be changing my blog. Yes I know again! And for those dear sweet friends who keep on following me with all my indecisiveness and blog changing... I love you! I have just been visiting soooo many blogs that inspire me, and I want to spruce mine up a bit. A bit of a makeover so to say, and the makeover will go hand in hand with my secret project that I am going to start. So, I promise I will keep y'all updated. oh and since I am horrible about leaving comments....

p.s. Boo-bah ....your house looks pretty! And if you go camera shopping, I will come with you!

p.s Shelley..... your grandson's birthday party looked like so much fun. I just realized that he and Caillou are only a month apart in age! I bet they would have a roaring time together!

p.s. Chrissy ..... keep up all your hard work, you are an awesome mama, and you are truly doing the Lord's work!

p.s. Cindy..... I think your cat and Caillou should join forces in their block tower building endeavors!

p.s. Brianna..... I could take the gnome to a few fun places!!! Does he like mexican food?

allright y'all goodnight

Halloween Sneak Peek...

In our little town, all the Halloween festivites are being conducted today. The excitement in our house is very adorable! All morning Caillou has been practicing, " Trick or Treat" .... "Thank you, Happy Halloween." At 3 pm, as Caillou puts it..."let the wild rumpus begin" we will be going up and down main street, trick or treating at all the little shops. Daddy is coming home from work early, and meeting us along main street, then we are going out to dinner at our most favorite little taco shop. Afterwards, we will go to our church trunk or treat, for more candy collecting, some games, and a cup cake walk. Caillou is dressing as "Max" from "Where the Wild Things Are" and Jasper is going as a little gnome! I finished sewing their costumes last night, and they are quite giddy about the whole thing. The above picture shows their headpieces, after tonight there will be many more pictures to come!

That Mommy....

This morning I woke up and decided no matter how tired, dizzy, and morning sick I felt, I was going to be "That Mommy" you know, the one who makes a huge hot breakfast for her kids, the one who does everything perfectly, the one whose motherly deeds are remembered for generations to come. So being "That Mommy" this morning.... I made hashbrowns, sausage, toast, and scrambled eggs... laid by our own chickens, yes I am quite proud of our chickens and their egg making wonders. I can't tell you how many times I ran to the bathroom morning sick before breakfast made it on the table,but it did make it to the table. I layed on the couch, enjoying seeing my family eat, then ran to the bathroom again. But.... determined to be "That Mommy" I then asked Caillou to join me in the kitchen to bake cupcakes for his Sunday School Nursery class. We made little white cupcakes with homemade cream cheese frosting, which I of course didn't want to just spread on, I want to pipe on with a pastry bag and special star tip, then we put a candy corn in the center of each one and sprinkled yellow and orange sprinkles atop. Then I put together Caillou's behavior card. In attempts to help him overcome some of his misbehaviors, we have begun introducing some new methods of teaching around here. One of which being, short term behavior cards. He gets a sticker on his card for doing good behaviors and gets a sticker for not doing bad behaviors. I am making them for him to use when we a meal out, a special play date, a trip to somewhere fun, and for his time in Sunday School. This one focused on no hitting, no biting, no yelling, following directions, sharing toys, listening to the lesson in class, and being kind. Okay, so breakfast done, cupcakes done, behavior card done, Jasper napped, Caillou dressed for church, mommy dressed for church, okay all of us successfully on time to church. Now before you think that I am wonder woman, getting all this accomplished in time to be to church bright and early, let me just shatter that illusion, our church starts at 1pm. So, no... not wonder woman. Got through the first hour of church, didn't throw up on anyone. Now that is quite the accomplishment, I am one of those pregnant ladies that just throws up without any warning, throws up in very un-throw-uppy places.... in front of the meat counter at the grocery story, at the drive-thru of McDonalds, in the pet store, in a trick or treating pumpkin. It is quite terrible. But, I made it through the hour. I got Caillou off to his class, handed Jasper off to Daddy.... and then I snuck out of church and went to Quiznos for a bowl of brocolli cheese soup and returned before anyone ever noticed I was gone. I know it was very naughty of me, but I was really quite hungry, and I am growing a baby, so I felt entitled to my craving. 3rd hour of church rolled around, and Iwas sooooo tired and feeling queasy once again. I really wasn't feeling like "That Mommy" was going to make an encore appearance this evening. So "That Mommy" became "This Mommy" the one who laid on the couch and couldn't change any diapers, couldn't cook any dinner, and couldn't get up if my life depended on it. I tried very hard to get Caillou to request in his sweetest of voices.... " Daddy, Sizzler.... salad bar, all you can eat buffet?" I totally understood what he was saying, but Daddy thought he was requesting a trip to the desert. No luck, no Sizzler. Finally Daddy, got the idea that I was not leaving the couch, and he fixed dinner. I did manage to play a game of Candyland with Caillou while I laid on the couch, and snuggled little Jasper before he fell asleep, but that was it. This is a hard time for me, I always want to do so much, bake yummies for my littles, sew them special things, take them on adventures, then when I get so sick that I don't feel up to all these things, I feel like a terrible mommy. I am trying to learn to pace myself, and not feel guilty or inadequate, but I struggle. I am also working on not being so grouchy. Feeling sicky brings out the grouch in me. Well, thanks for listening to my rambles.... Goodnight!
P.S. There would be pictures of our little cupcakes but my camera is broken. Another reason in which I am grouchy. I feel like I am losing memories by the hour, not being able to take pictures of my precious ones. I am praying that the tooth fairy will leave me a new camera under my pillow. I'm not holding my breath on that one.

We love Autumn...

Living in Southern California, it is so hot in the summertime, that our scenery is usually very brown and dry. But in Autumn, things begin to green up, and there are pretty colors all around to be seen. The weather cools down, (sometimes) and I don't complain to much about being outside, in fact I actually love it! I really can't stand the heat, my kind of weather is crisp cool air, thunderstorms, and I adore springtime! Planting seeds, having hopes of a wonderful garden, baby chicks and ducklings at all the feed stores. Okay, but this post is about Fall... Fall makes me think of warm pies cooling on the counter, apple picking, cozy sweaters, making quilts, sewing halloween costumes, planning a yummy Thanksgiving feast, snuggling the kids under a warm blanket, drinking hot chocolate, making scarecrows, and picking out the perfect pumpkin. A couple of years ago, I became a bit obsessed with pumpkins. When Caillou was just a tiny baby, I planted a pumpkin seed. We watched it grow and grow and vine across the lawn of our little rental on Ivy Street. One fall evening I wrapped little Caillou up in a blanket, and we sat next to our pumpkin and read a book about how pumkins grow. We moved out of that little house before Autumn time came, that little pumpkin came with us. The following two years I begged my mama and papa to surrender their backyard to my pumpkin growing fancies. And for two years they suffered very high water bills, for my pumpkin crazies. This year we had our own little pumpkin patch. Due to hungry, pumpkin loving chickens, only one pumpkin fully grew and ripened up into a deep orange ready for picking. One large, lovely pumpkin! We have been getting our fill of pumpkins, going to pumpkin patches, and everyday my little Caillou asks me to bake a pumpkin pie. And I will bake that pumpkin pie... I promise, I am just waiting until my morning sickness is a bit better! I hope everyone is enjoying this nice season! Have a great week!

I love love love this picture, it just captures Caillous fun loving little spirit perfectly

makes me want some salsa!

If you look closely at this picture, you can see a reflection of me and my silly striped stockings in the glass window!

Who is missing from this photo??? Caillou, he is busy snuggling a little cat, and Jasper is looking down watching him.

HAPPY FALL!