And the answer is....?

This morning, as Rachel was reading through her word list, she asked me what "rob" means. I tried to explain that it is when someone takes something that is not theirs. She looked at me and said, "like when Mommy takes my toys?" ?!?! The honesty and directness of children still causes me to marvel on a regular basis. How was I to answer? Little did she know that just yesterday, when I was cleaning their room, I discretely threw away about one whole toy-box of miscellaneous "stuff" that no longer has a place or purpose in our home or their room. After a few seconds of frantically searching my memory bank for a good answer for her, I just tried to explain that actually, her toys are Mommy's and Daddy's, too, because we paid for them. Lame, I know, but what else was I to say?

Sewing Mom

I never thought I'd be one of those moms who stay up late sewing for my kids, but I think I have officially made the leap. Last night I was up until 1:30 a.m. in preparation for Easter morning. It's time to confess that I....have become a sewing mom. Surprisingly, I think I like it. I LIKE knowing that I have more time than money, because of other choices I've made. I LIKE the satisfaction of knowing I can clothe my kids in cute outfits I've made from clearance scraps. And, I LIKE the feeling of connection it gives me to my past.

I find myself living out the traditions of my mom and grandma more and more. More often than not, I recognize it after it happens - much of it comes as a natural result of general lifestyle choices, rather than a decision to be like them in some way. I'm a stay-at-home mom. Because of that, I was able to make the girls matching nightgowns and fleece robes at Christmas, and for the second Easter in a row have made their spring dresses. It's not planned or contrived. It just happens. I think one of the things I like most about it is how I have found connections to others, including ancestors long gone, through continued traditions. By this, I mean the ordinary things, the everyday "traditions," more so than the big moments, like how we celebrate Christmas, etc. Because I have chosen to prioritize my family and being at home with them, I find myself doing things my mom, grandmother, and great-grandmother did. Not because I am trying to be like them, but because I have chosen a set of values that directs me to a path that, in spite of the separation of years, technology, and societal changes, we have all shared, whether by choice or by circumstances.

Margin

Margin is, truly, a beautiful thing. There is absolutely no way to seize all those wonderful moments in life without it. This week, margin has allowed me to spend 3 afternoons outside with my girls in absolutely gorgeous, unseasonable weather. After 2 grueling winters, we all need the break. I feel sorry for all the people around here who have no margin, and are therefore unable to enjoy this treat in the weather.

Spring!

Yes, it is officially still almost 3 months away on the calendar, but we all know that real "spring" comes much sooner. I start celebrating when my canaries begin their annual breeding season, and this morning we got our first two baby birds! So, spring has officially arrived in our household. Birds nesting in the dining room, seedling plants getting a head start in the kitchen, front porch half-way cleaned for afternoon tea hour, ice and snow absent from all the porches and sidewalks, and the van officially "spring-cleaned." Who cares about the 3 foot snow pile on the front curb? IT'S SPRING, I say!

Definition

Kae*lin (Ka/lin), n. 1. kitten 2. little girl adj. 1. frisky, playful, mischievous, cuddly, unpredictabale, irresistible

Guilt, Grace, and Gratitude

Undeniable guilt plus undeserved grace should equal unbridled gratitude. Is the gratitude that flows out of your life as abounding as the grace that has flowed into your life? -- Unknown

Not Just a Hobby

I had a revelation the other day. I now know why I love hand-work, as opposed to sewing crafts. Because, quite simply, they are not so messy! They fit on my lap, and can be put away in seconds. On the other hand, sewing projects take over an entire room, and clean-up is such a chore. Not to mention, the monotony of hand-work allows my brain to be free for other things. Sewing requires a lot of concentration for me.

I also discovered why I am passionate about what I do, and why I do not consider it a waste of my time. First, I simply love to create beauty. Second, I believe in the art of sitting still, and being relationally available to my family, especially my children, during those quiet afternoon hours. I have memories of my own mom and grandma sitting quietly while doing hand-work. They were AVAILABLE at those times. I could talk all I needed to, and feel heard, which gave me a sense of validation. A large part of my emotional development is directly attributed to those hours they gave to quiet hand-work. Having my hand-work as a passion and a hobby allows me to create an atmosphere of peace and quiet in my home and be available to my children for "chit-chat," while still being somewhat productive. These are both dying arts - the art of relationships, especially within one's own family, and the art of handwork.