I Want Things

I try to not be materialistic, because I know when we leave this life, we can't take our belongings with us. But still, there are so many things I want.

Like a Swedish Mora Clock. I absolutely love furnishing my home with pieces that have particular meaning to our heritage. My husband's heritage is mostly Swedish. In fact our last name, so short and easy, simply means "Oak" in Swedish. A Mora Clock would be a wonderful addition and family heirloom. I've seen a couple on Craigslist, but have passed them up for one reason or another. I hope to add one to our home someday.

I'd also really like a nice digital camera. I love film photography, it's where my passion is. But I'm terrible at capturing my busy son in a decent film photo. He just moves too fast, and film and developing can get so expensive.

Burl and I also just saw this boat at the Marina. Some day, I think I most definitely must have this boat.

Oh, and I still really really want a spinning wheel.

What are some things you'd like to have? If you're anything like me, I'm sure there are many on your list.

Birthday TeePee

I have an awesome mom. She taught me how to sew, how to cook, how to love, respect and be kind to animals and humans. She taught me how to be a good person and a good mom.

For Burl's Birthday, she made him a teepee, that he absolutely loves! Any sort of activity that can be done inside the teepee, has been. And if it can be done with me inside with him, even better. And if daddy can fit inside with us, even the more better.

She didn't follow a pattern, but it's very similar to this one here. There's also a great tutorial on Sew Mama Sew. As he continues to grow and has a need for a larger teepee, I'll make him another one. One that the whole family can fit in, for sure.

Two

We celebrated the two-year birth of our little one over the weekend. Would you like to know a little more about him?

He loves cats. He doesn't talk much yet, but he signs a lot. His gross motor skills are remarkable, especially in the climbing, balance and throwing departments. He's kind and passive. He doesn't snuggle much. He hates wearing shoes. He loves being outside, no matter the weather. He's a mama's boy.

He's amazing.

a little bit of letterpress

I've always had an interest in the art of letterpress. I recently purchased one for myself, a Kelsey 6x10. It was a deal I couldn't pass up, and knew I would regret it if I did. I'm not quite sure what I'll be doing with it yet, mostly what I've done so far is just stare and dream about it. I did manage to make some decent blind impressions.

There's a timelessness about the art of letterpress that intrigues me. I feel a sense of melancholy as I learn more about this dying art. I also feel fortunate now to call this beautiful piece of history my own.

Some inspiring letterpress artists and sites out there:
Heather Smith Jones
Adventures in Letterpress
Pistachio Press
Satsuma Press
Briar Press

Do you have any letterpress links to share?

Hooded Tunic

Raveled.

I can't say enough how much I love this sweater! It's so, so, so soft! And fits my sweet boy perfectly.


The details:
I used the Child's Hooded Tunic #232 pattern by Knitting Pure and Simple. The pattern was very simple and I love how the finished product fits. The yarn colorway is "Stephen", hand dyed by Angelina of Zen String, aka Wildflower Whimsy. It's certified organically grown Merino wool.


Burl loves it and constantly wants to wear it. I can't decide if I want him living in it and acting like a toddler in it, or if I should only let him wear it for special occasions. I think I'll let him live in it and get food and dirt and mud and other essential little boy substances on it.

Meal Planning

A quick search on google produces many links on food and menu planning.

Our system has been pretty simple and effective for our family.
First: We made a long list of all the meals we enjoy. And we continue to add to this list.
Second: We choose 4 meals per week.
Third: One day a week, we go to the store as a family and purchase ingredients to make the four meals.

We don't have a specific day planned to cook each meal, just whatever we feel like eating that particular day. On the nights of the week I don't prepare one of the four planned meals, we eat leftovers or use leftover ingredients to make a spur of the moment meal. For lunches, we eat leftovers, sandwiches, fresh fruits and veggies and other snacks. Breakfasts we usually have oatmeal, cereal or granola.

The key for us is to only go to the market once a week. This is where we're able to save money on our family budget, by eliminating frequent trips to the market. We have a higher food budget because we buy mostly local and organic, which is more expensive but important to us. We shop mostly at our local food Co-Op, Top Foods, PCC, or Whole Foods. During the warmer months, I visit the Farmer's Markets regularly.

What are some tips that help your families save money on a food budget?

Burl's Little Nook

I created this little corner, just for Burl. I wanted him to have a comfortable, inviting corner where he can sit and read some of his books. I'm encouraging him to look through his books and take small moments throughout the day to sit here and rest and read. It's difficult for him, he's so busy and constantly on the go. And he's still in the stage where he loves to rip and peal his books apart. I spend quiet time with him here and encourage him to slow down a bit.

My parents recently gave me my childhood set of "Illustrated Stories from the Book of Mormon", copywrite 1970, and a series of 16 books. Burl absolutely loves them! I remember being captivated by them when I was little. I'm reading him just one at a time, and he's already developing a love for them. My parents spent quite a bit of money on these when my sisters and I were little. I find the complete sets on ebay, from $70 - $150. I recommend them to anyone who's interested.