New Beginnings

Baby Alpaca's First Milk -- We got to witness this little miracle on our annual trip to Victory Ranch in Mora, NM this past June.

I am here......barely, but here.  I am anxiously anticipating fall.  So many new paths intersecting here with me and my family.  

Today, the older of the "little guys" had his first swimming lesson.  It was so precious.  He was so excited.....his biggest accomplishment you might ask?....splashing his teacher, Mr. Hong.  Eventually, I will have to break his little heart and tell him that they don't promote you for splashing.  

I had a full day working on some possible grants and making new contacts for my little business.  It is so exciting, but a little overwhelming.  When I woke up this morning, I questioned if I would have enough time and energy to pull through.  I am thrilled to say, "I did it."  

Lately, I have had some discord among some family members who seem to think I am crazy to think that I can have it all, work and serve my community while still raising my children one dirty diaper at a time.  I am here to say, I can do it and I am doing.....oh yeah, I will continue to do it.  

One more first.....between the Olympics and the Political Conventions I am about to finish my FIRST sweater.  So exciting!

 

Back and Better Than Ever

So, this is how I left my old house.  I small gesture to the new owner to enjoy.  We are finally moved into our new house.  Things are starting to get back to normal and we are really enjoying life.  I have so many plans for this new home.  First, I have been working on my "studio."  I love it.  The boys and I spent some time out their this morning..."letting the creative juices flow".  I think they will enjoy it almost as much as I do.  I purchased some great mid-century furniture from a good friend.  I think we will move it in tomorrow.  Anyway, I can't wait to get everything set up.  I am recommitting myself to this blog.  I have so much to share that I think I will have to take it slow so I do not get overwhelmed.  Those of you who have asked where I have been....thanks.  It is nice to know people are reading this. 

I need a "Studio"

since I began my new life as a SAHM, I have been doing all kinds of arts, crafts, and writing. I keep telling my husband that I need a "studio". This is how I will turn my new hobbies into "real money making ventures." He laughs. Now, I have a GREAT idea....I will knit a studio. :)

Breaking Down the Walls

I have been very into the Creative Moms Podcast. I listen to it while working out a lot...if I loose the 30 pounds I am going for I owe it partially to Amy of Creative Moms.:) Today I had listened to the most recent podcast, so I went back and downloaded the first one. Since then, I have been thinking about the walls that are around me and those that I might help build around others. Several things came to mind.

My grandfather was dying of lung cancer and I became very interested in recording some family history that I felt like was dying with him. I made up a questionnaire and gave it to several family members to fill out. I also asked that they include some pictures. I had a great response and they shared wonderful insight about my themselves. I was so excited. Then I sat down to write....the plan was to weave the stories together into something compelling to read. I began with my Grandma Brown and some of her stories. When I was finished with the first draft, I gave it to my dad to read. He hated it. He said that I had all of the facts wrong. I was crushed. For one, how do you get the facts wrong, when they are sitting right in front of you? I don't think I have sat down to write down anything outside of personal journals and papers for school. I still have all of the questionnaires, but I have no idea what I will do with them. Regardless, I was motivated today to keep writing...good, bad, or otherwise writing is a passion and something I can really pass down to my boys.

Hence this blog. It is an attempt to expose my writing gently.

The podcast also got me thinking about my interest in sewing, knitting, etc. I have always considered myself creative, although I am not sure anyone else would describe me in this way. I am definitely not an artist and it may be a stretch to be even consider me artistic, but like Amy I do not like to think of myself as a crafter. The word that best describes me is creative. In my mind the things I create are as much of a part of me as my children. I think about them and work with whatever medium until it takes the shape of something that reflects something in me. I cannot imagine putting a price on my little creations.

Currently I am really interested in holiday decorations. I love transforming my living room for each holiday. It makes me smile when Adam comes out and points out the new additions. Here is a picture of the Valentine Banner I made.....I am happy with it, but more than anything, I learned a lot of different tricks and got a lot of ideas for more projects.

I also really enjoy creating the "perfect" rooms for my boys. Vintage Airplanes is the theme for Adam's room and Nursery Rhymes the theme for Nathan's. Here are a couple of pictures. I will write more about the details and how I developed these rooms. I love them!

Adam's Airplane Room

Nathan's Nursery Rhyme Room