Everyday Simple

Everyday Simple tag:,2008-01-26:/1 2009-01-07T05:46:26Z Inspirational musings on parenting, spirituality, creativity and all things woman. Movable Type Open Source 4.1 Handkerchief Quilt, Personally Interpreted tag:www.everydaysimple.org,2009://1.207 2009-01-07T05:06:53Z 2009-01-07T05:46:26Z

Sara http://www.everydaysimple.org
Due to the delicate nature of the handkerchiefs (most of which are much older than me), I backed them with Wonder-Under and the comparable alternative for which I don't have a name but was all I could find when I made a mad dash back to the fabric store for more, only to find they were out of the W-U.

I laid out the kerchiefs in the order they fit best within the dimensions of the quilt -- 45"x60". It's a crib size quilt, but perfect for a lap quilt, too. The smartest thing I did was take this photo. I could refer to it later when the kids helped with arranging the kerchiefs they way they thought they should be arranged. No, not very helpful.

I then ironed the hankies onto the front piece, a nice soft flannel. This is why Wonder-Under is so wonderful. It's just an adhesive interfacing to hold your applique in place until it's sewn; it also helps prevent fraying.

Once everything's ironed into place, I took time to sew around all the kerchief edges and once around the middle to make sure it is held in place. For sake of time, I didn't want to have to do a lot of quilting, so this at least gave it more of a quilted appearance.

Time to layer. The flannel I chose for the front was also used for the back, except with the wrong side out. The wrong side is a solid beige, unlike the front that has a faint petite floral pattern (which unfortunately mostly faded in the wash). The middle layer is natural cotton batting, crib size. I pinned all three layers and trimmed the edges to make attaching the binding easier later.

I used the machine to quilt. Obviously, I was in a time crunch and honestly have not taken the time to hand-quilt anything as of yet. Using a wavy stitch on the machine I just ran through the quilt between all the handkerchiefs, starting from the middle and working my way out. In my haste, I made mistakes and had a couple of gathers, but for this casual quilt, I think it will be fine -- much like the purchased mocha-colored binding. You can make your own binding, to be sure, but for sake of time and considering it was on sale for 30% off, it couldn't be beat.

And neither could the expression on my mother's face, knowing she would love the quilt even more than me.

The other halves of the handkerchiefs are saved, not to worry. I promised my daughter I could make one for her someday, too. As a finishing touch to the above quilt, I added a couple of embellishments. One is a strip of ribbon that says "family ties," which I knotted on either side and hand-sewed it into place toward the top. At the bottom I made a "homemade" tag and sewed it into the binding. Sometimes these little touches add even more personality. Personality is something women in my family definitely have.

]]> Plugged In, Tuned Out & Back Again tag:www.everydaysimple.org,2009://1.206 2009-01-05T14:53:41Z 2009-01-07T04:09:32Z

Sara http://www.everydaysimple.org

For me, procrastination is an issue, but when I really need down-time (the time when responsibilities are on hold, the dishes can wait and I don't have to think about anything seriously), I tend to pop in a movie. Let's just say I watched quite a few movies over the weekend. I even took a mommy date to the movies, alone.

The movies are over and the responsibilities resumed, but I notice a common theme in the movies I watched and the movies I love most. They're all about women's lives, the emotions, the trials, the triumphs, the friends and the families.

Driving home from seeing Four Christmases, I thought about movie moms. Now, in all honesty, I had also just watched The Women at home before I left (since it was due back that day). When was the last time a movie truly captured what being the average mother is like? And by average mother, I mean someone who doesn't have six-figure income, a live-in housekeeper (or one at all) or a nanny. When was the last time a major motion picture actually depicted a true birth and what a mom really looks like hours after the baby is born, the awkward first attempts at breastfeeding? (Though I must give thanks to Four Christmases for giving breastfeeding such prominence, despite the negative connotations.)

I'm grateful that we have films like The Business of Being Born and Orgasmic Birth to highlight true birth. I'm sure there are films out there about real life, true mothering, that I just haven't seen because they haven't made it into mainstream. It's too easy just to grab the latest blockbuster than to research a truly good film that might actually invoke thought during the movie.

That's not to say I don't appreciate the drama of the movies, that which adds fiction or exaggerates an aspect of life to make it more interesting, comedic and/or romantic. Honestly, I don't think I would have loved Under the Tuscan Sun so much had the movie just followed the book. And even movies about ridiculously wealthy women, I suppose, gives me insight into another way of life. Perhaps some day I might shop in Saks or drive a Lexus, but I won't consider myself a failure if that day never comes. After all, why watch a movie about real life when we have our own lives to live?

Next time I movie binge, I'll try to remember that the movies I watch will affect me in some way, no matter how tuned out I may think I am. That's just the way energy works. Hopefully I'll be encouraged to live even better.

full disclosure of movies watched this weekend in order of my preference:
Amelie (in foreign films section)
The Women (the new version w/ Meg Ryan as Mary Haines)
Four Christmases
Becoming Jane

the kids watched:
Horton Hears a Who
The Wild
Aloha Scooby Doo (because my kids' life isn't complete without some Scooby)
]]> Access to Birth tag:www.everydaysimple.org,2009://1.205 2009-01-02T20:54:39Z 2009-01-02T21:20:59Z

Sara http://www.everydaysimple.org
For local birth-related topics, please visit BirthNetworkNWA's website.

For good birth advocacy commentary and info, visit Birth Activist.

Other good "birthy" sites include, CIMS, Midwifery Today, Childbirth Connection, Unnecesarean, and a slew of others if you go searching around on your favorite search engine.

Birth . . . an every day miracle.

]]> Happy 2009! tag:www.everydaysimple.org,2009://1.203 2009-01-01T20:27:35Z 2009-01-02T20:34:12Z

Here's a cheers to the new year and hope for all the best!Enjoy this day with your family and friends.Eat a bite of black-eyed peas, and remember that what you do this day may indicate what you do in the...

Sara http://www.everydaysimple.org
Enjoy this day with your family and friends.

Eat a bite of black-eyed peas, and remember that what you do this day may indicate what you do in the year to come. At least, that's some of my family's superstitions. I also heard that who you spend new year's eve with will be someone with you through the new year. Fun stuff.

Blessings be yours!
~Sara
]]> Life of This Parent tag:www.everydaysimple.org,2008://1.204 2008-12-31T20:34:45Z 2009-01-02T20:49:58Z

Sara http://www.everydaysimple.org

New Year's Eve doesn't mean a fancy night out to dinner and then a huge party with friends, drinks and loud music for this parent. In fact, I don't think I've ever had such a celebration on the last night of the year. Maybe that's why, with four kids in tow, I'm not terribly resentful that my plans for the night include a homemade dinner, sparking grape juice, a dvd and leftovers from a 6 pack of pear cider (my fave) for the hubby and me.

Everything in due time. It's a good lesson for me. Be patient. Enjoy every moment. Take my time. If I can't enjoy it, change my perspective until there's something to be grateful for.

I'll toast to that, if we're still awake.

(photo from everystockphoto.com, by a_glitch)
]]> List of Lists tag:www.everydaysimple.org,2008://1.202 2008-12-30T18:41:30Z 2009-01-02T19:29:59Z

Sara http://www.everydaysimple.org

Home
Cleaning : Chore lists are going to be key this year. The kids do better when they know what they're supposed to do and don't feel like we're just making up things for them to do. I'm going to listen to FlyLady. She's got a good thing going, and if I want to keep things decluttered around here, I'll have to take it seriously. Of course, one of my favorite magazines has wonderful, printable resources -- visit Real Simple for some real inspiration (there are categories and lists for everything, so make sure your ink cartridge is full!).

Outside : I want a productive garden this year. I'm going to outline my tasks and actually try to get them done this year. I'll be looking to our local extension office for guidance. Yours is a valuable resource, too. I'd also like to check out this book on "Edible Estates" and implement some designs therein!
Family
Kids : It's mainly their activities I need to keep track of to plan my chauffeur schedule. Also needed are necessary home practice times. We're also working with Earth Scouts. Even if it's just our family, we want to make this a part of our kids' awareness, so we'll have at least monthly activities. Asking the older kids what their priorities are makes sure that we're all on the same page and will reduce friction later.

Parents : We're busy, too. Aikido, BirthNetwork, church, etc., all take time. We need to make sure we coordinate our times or have a sitter available. Calendar sync, anyone?
Food
Menu, menu, menu : Preparation, communication and dedication. No junk food this year. I have an extra 40 pounds that tells me I can and must just say "no." :) I'll defer this back to a previous post. Ideas are always welcome, and I found another site (SavingDinner) I'll have to explore. There are always wonderful cookbooks, too, and the bookstores usually have a plethora on the bargain book tables.
Work (for me, this is mostly birth-related and/or volunteer-based)
Discernment : This year is the year I decide what I'm doing with my life. This is almost as important as what I'm being. Both are crucial, will take time and insight. I have clues; it's the putting it all together part and implementation that are the kicker. I also have to decide if I'm doing too much, not allowing myself enough time to be. I hope I'm not the only one with this issue! Keeping a list of all I'm involved with and committed to truly helps me be fully aware and not fall too far behind.
Self-nurturing
Exercise. Creativity. Retreats. Dates. Self-discipline. While this category is self-explanatory, it is also the one that most often falls to the wayside. This is the one where we need absolutely everyone around us to cheer us on, help keep us motivated. This is probably where our daily schedule comes in more handy than a list. We deserve at least an hour a day, right?

May we all be inspired to be organized and motivated. May we go forth and continue doing all the good work we do.
]]> Season of Christmas tag:www.everydaysimple.org,2008://1.201 2008-12-29T19:36:12Z 2008-12-31T19:52:39Z

Sara http://www.everydaysimple.org
Where to go from here?

Quite obviously, I took time away from the blog-front to finish up the last-minute gifts. Now I have to deal with the consequences of house neglect and the incoming gift explosion. But more than that is the continual contemplation of my life as it is. My husband says this next year is "the" year. It's his 30th. I think I thought the same for my 30th, too, but that has come and gone. I'm hesitant to say life is what it is with a sort of resigned sigh, but that's what comes to mind.

Unfortunately for me, I have a hormonal challenge to overcome this week of weeks to bring back the optimist in me. I hope to make the right lists, the right resolutions and the right choices. I'm barking at the kids to make the right choices. They know what is right and wrong (i.e. be kind, put things back,etc.). I know what is right and wrong, too, supposedly. Often, though, I don't make the right choices, either.

So, here's to getting the funk out of the system, to making the right choices and to living lovingly and simply. Our T days this week will include lists, lists that I hope will help me in the coming year. If they help you, consider it a late gift. :)
]]> Time for Scarves tag:www.everydaysimple.org,2008://1.200 2008-12-18T17:45:22Z 2008-12-18T17:52:52Z

A scarf might have a negative connotation as a gift (perhaps people got burned out on them), but I'm glad they're making a come-back . . . at least in my book!Several evenings, this was what awaited me.Now, my current...

Sara http://www.everydaysimple.org
Several evenings, this was what awaited me.

Now, my current projects aren't of the knitting variety, but they have me at the ironing and cutting board and at the sewing machine. Instructables has a cargo scarf that I hope will bring a smile to a couple of faces this season. (pictures coming . . . after they're finished!)

]]> What We Really Have tag:www.everydaysimple.org,2008://1.198 2008-12-17T13:52:39Z 2008-12-17T07:08:32Z

Sara http://www.everydaysimple.org
FACT: No matter how much money we have or don't have, there will be others who have more (assuming you're not like Bill Gates, JK Rowling or the like!) and others who have less.

FACT: Energy is neither created nor destroyed.

FACT: Time is a constant. Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. No more, no less.

On this day when I'm wishing I could sleep less and do more, wondering why I don't just buy neatly packaged pre-made gifts, wishing I had the money to do so if I wanted to, it somehow helps to remind me of what my reality honestly consists of. There are facts I often do not take into consideration, mostly because they are taken for granted.

It is worthwhile to remind myself every now and again that how I view my place in the world may just have an affect on how my place is in the moments to come. Am I complaining about my gift-making? Is that why suddenly I find that I don't actually have all I need at the moment? Do I think there's not enough time to clean the house? Has that increased the explosiveness factor on the mess that erupted in the last 24 hours?

How about if I start this day visualizing everything getting done that needs to be done, with realistic expectations. My list is made. My mind is clear.

I know how much money is in the bank, and I consider myself richly blessed.

I will exhale the negative energy and inhale the positive, rejuvenating energy, keeping a steady pace.

I have 24 hours this day to eat, sleep, be and do.

No more. No less.
]]> Holiday Mayhem, I Mean Merriment tag:www.everydaysimple.org,2008://1.196 2008-12-16T15:01:18Z 2008-12-16T19:57:52Z

Today I wish everyone warmth and love.May your holiday yummies be shared,May your gifts be well-received,May your eyes twinkle and shineand may your heart be filled with gratitude,peaceandLove.xoxo...

Sara http://www.everydaysimple.org

May your holiday yummies be shared,
May your gifts be well-received,
May your eyes twinkle and shine
and may your heart be filled with
gratitude,
peace
and
Love.

xoxo

]]> Not-so-snowy Snow Day tag:www.everydaysimple.org,2008://1.195 2008-12-15T22:09:15Z 2008-12-15T22:19:45Z

Sara http://www.everydaysimple.org
So, the kiddos are home today . . . inside. Thankfully, one went off for the day with a friend. A friend of mine joined us for half the day, adding a few more boys to the mix. We spent the morning cooking and conversing. As lovely as it was, I have the sense of dread that my sleeping hours are going to become working hours as I struggle to finish these gifts I have planned. June. I must start Christmas in June! There's a reason for the "Christmas in July" phrase, after all. Hopefully I'll remember that, and you will, too, so you can hold me accountable for next year!

But it is a wonderful time of year. I have lots of materials to work with. Our heat is fixed. Slowly, a few gifts are appearing under the tree. I baked bread and cornbread this morning. The beans are cooking, and the house smells warm and yummy. Christmas carols get played every so often, either on the CD player or on the piano. May my temper subside and let me revel in our abundance of life and love.

May your family be so blessed.
]]> Angels Around Us tag:www.everydaysimple.org,2008://1.194 2008-12-10T20:37:50Z 2008-12-11T16:28:39Z

Sara http://www.everydaysimple.org
"What's that red thing?" Avery asked as I opened the door and closed it again to unlatch the lock.

What red thing? I thought in complete disregard, maybe even annoyance, grabbing miscellaneous item and fifteen thousand bags. That's what it felt like, anyway.

I opened the door, and there at the doorstep was a drum-like basket, fluffed with red tissue paper, containing oranges and holiday mini-snickers (my favorites!).

I looked around at the other houses. Did they have baskets, too? Not that I could tell. I dropped a few bags and set the basket on our entry table, quickly scanned for a card and decided I didn't have time to wonder about it now. Off we went.

When we returned home hours later, the basket still remained. The kids ran around playing, and I decided to further investigate this holiday mystery. I felt to the bottom of the basket, below the tasty goodies, and there was paper. Between red paper was a card for my "sweet" family. That alone melted my heart. When I opened the card, hoping to find a name for this kind soul, all I found was money.

I couldn't cry, for it was too rich a blessing, too kind and good. I could only smile in disbelief.

Surely the spirit of Saint Nicholas prevails, alive and well. I only I hope I live to return the blessing to others in the future. For now, I give thanks to our angel.
]]> Arctic Adventure tag:www.everydaysimple.org,2008://1.192 2008-12-09T19:05:12Z 2008-12-10T20:37:25Z

Sara http://www.everydaysimple.org Tricycle Theatre for Youth this morning! I rushed with the kids out of the house on a dreary but atypically warm morning to make the little jaunt to Bentonville. We parked close to the theatre and were greeted with smiles.

My 5yo and 2yo got to "bake" cookies, "go" ice fishing, "ride" in a sleigh pulled by a seven-foot polar bear, crawl in an "ice" cave, build with "ice" blocks, enact a story and more! Two hours of solid fun for them, and I could be as involved as I wanted or not, when I needed a breather. All this as part of their Arctic Adventure theme that's only here for a little while. After all, weather in Arkansas is utterly unpredictable, and we brought the arctic here for sure; the temp dropped nearly 20 degrees while we played!

Please support this wonderful opportunity for children!! Below is the recipe used to make the cookies the kids played with. Whip up a batch and continue the play at home! Be sure to thank Kassie at Trike!

Baked "Salt Clay"

Stir together:

2 cups plain flour
1 cup salt
1 o 1 1/2 cups cold water
2 tablespoons cooking oil

Instructions:
Knead well until it forms a soft ball. Line a baking tray with aluminum foil. Make the shapes you want or use cookie cutters, and bake in a 300 degree oven until hard (about one hour). You can use food coloring to color dough before you bake it, or you can paint it afterwards. A finishing coat of shellac or clear acrylic will make your salt clay products last longer.

Have fun!
]]> Trees, Trimmings and Reminders tag:www.everydaysimple.org,2008://1.191 2008-12-08T15:04:46Z 2008-12-08T16:16:23Z

Sara http://www.everydaysimple.org

In time for St. Nicholas, we got our tree, trimmings and decorations up in the house. Rather than stress about buying a delightfully rich, prickly, aromatic tree, we're recycling my 'n-law's older artificial tree. I must say that putting it together with the older kids was much more fun than our usual tree run. The tree was put together earlier last week.

Saturday evening I made several trips into the attic, bringing down our miscellaneous outdoor adornments and our plastic tubs full of decorations and accessories. Plastic in attics acquires this greasy, sticky coat of yuckiness. Christmas carols in the air or not, my hands were coated. I pulled the stuff out of the tubs. Plush, singing animals, fake garland, embellished towels, figurines, etc., etc. The kids were excited and hurriedly put the items in their place. This is our fourth year in this house.

It occurs to me that in much earlier times, most people didn't have the kind of storage we have. Real Christmas trees were as much out of necessity as anything, let alone the lack of plastic. Perishable decorations and real candles were of necessity, too. When the holiday passed, set it out for the animals, chop it up, return it to the earth in some fashion. No attics full of boxed trees and mangled lights. Surely there was a trunk somewhere that had the Christmas linens and a few other tokens of the holiday, passed down through the generations.

Yet even with my grimy hands, I nostagically read past Christmas cards and letters from friends and family, wondering who I would hear from this year and whether I would get mine done on time. I washed my hands and made the family some hot cocoa, not from a package mix. The carols still played. The kids were still excited even at 9:30pm.

As I stirred the milk in one of the mugs, my dearest hubby leaned against the refrigerator, watching me.

"So, is this what Christmas is to you?" he asked.

I grinned, thinking he's being sincere, wanting to be sure my holidays are being fulfilled. "Well, I suppose. Warmth, carols, hot chocolate, Christmas movies, twinkling lights and candlelight. . . " I could have continued all the things I love about winter with the magic of the season, but he heard a pause and broke in.

"Well, I know you buy into this whole commercialism thing," he says with authority and a puffed out chest, "but for me, it's all about the birth of our Lord."

I laughed out loud, and he grinned mischievously. You have to know us well to appreciate the humor of it truly, to understand why I called him a smart ass and pushed him away, still laughing.

I made the hot chocolates. I admitted to myself that, yes, I've bought into the commercialism. But now the advent wreath sits in the middle of the table all day, and I await the celebration of a most special birth.

(Beautiful photo from everystockphoto.com, by jynmeyer)

]]> Creative Moments tag:www.everydaysimple.org,2008://1.190 2008-12-04T14:44:33Z 2008-12-04T15:14:37Z

For you mothers out there, please visit Mother Words today for some beautiful poetry and solidly good recommended reading.For you moms with children asking what to give their friends this holiday season, let me share what I told my oldest:...

Sara http://www.everydaysimple.org please visit Mother Words today for some beautiful poetry and solidly good recommended reading.

For you moms with children asking what to give their friends this holiday season, let me share what I told my oldest: recycle. For some this may sound offensive, and if it does, please ignore. We don't, however, have the means to buy a new gift for each child-friend we have. If the friends would be offended, we'll go without giving a gift, but for those who would appreciate a thoughtfully put-together present, we'll gladly do so.

My suggestion: a couple of books in new condition, topped with a never-played-with small stuffed animal, tied together with a pretty ribbon, set in a box and wrapped with love. Perhaps even a DVD in between or atop the books. Instantly, a $30+ gift with no out-of-pocket expense.

Feed your soul this season. Appreciate your abundance even if your accounts look grim. There's no better time to be creative.

Much love.
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