Hot Wax, Vats of Dye, and Many Small Children

I hope that someday my children fondly recall "Remember that crazy time Mama decided to  . . . " as opposed to just thinking I was boring or just plain nuts.

Anyway.  Last week, my brother and his family were visiting and my newest niece wore this cute onsie that said "My Midwives Love Me" and had a cute little design on the bum.  It was super cute and my sis-in-law commented that her midwife had "batiked" it.  Of course, this intriged me and I decided that I had to try my hand at it.

So I ordered supplies from Dharma Trading Company, got a stack of tshirts from Goodwill, and convinced my sister to join me!

It was a little messy and took some time to get the hang of it (ok, maybe I never actually got the hang of it), but it was really fun and pretty easy!  My lack of artistic ability showed, but somehow the free form mess I made looked ok in the end.

The basic concept of batik is to draw on the fabric in wax and then dye the fabric.  The wax acts as a resist so that where there is wax, there is no dye.  Once the wax is removed, the design shows through.

For some reason, some of my colors turned out a little funky after I washed them.  It was interesting that despite the fact that we only used two dye colors, all of the shirts came out completely different.

Most of them turned out cute, some (mine!) were a bit ugly, but overall it was a fun project.  And the kids were great!  No one got scalded with hot wax and no one spilled dye all over the house -- success!

Yarn Along

~ Two of my favorite things are knitting and reading, and the evidence of this often shows up in my photographs. I love seeing what other people are knitting and reading as well. So, what are you knitting or crocheting right now? What are you reading? Take a single photo and share it either on your blog or on Flickr. Leave a link below to share your photo with the rest of us! ~

I *think* I have taught myself to knit "in the round" with circular needles.  The true test will come when (if??) I ever finish this project I currently have on the needles.  It is an attempt at a dress for Isabella.  She has a knit sweater type dress which is adorable and I am trying to replicate it (sans pattern).  The yarn is a pretty cotton and mohair (? I think?) blend that I picked up at Goodwill a while back.  It is not the most fun to work with, but I am getting used to it.

As for reading, I picked up "Natural Dying" at the library and it is a fun little read.  I got it, mainly, for the information on Batik (that's another whole post!!), but the info about natural dyes are fascinating!  Someday!  Oh the many projects for someday :)

For more Yarn Alongs (or to add your own!) visit Ginny at Small Things.

Winner Announcement!!

And the winner is . . . . 

BETH!

Thanks to everyone who played along!  It was great fun.  And if you want to order a copy of the book, they are available through Amazon or at your local book retailer.

And just so no one leaves feeling the loser, here is a video of the author and the real life insanely cute (and my God-daughter!) Zita, singing "Whiskey in the Jar"

Always an Adventure!

Eight kids eight and under have been ransacking my house for almost 24 hours.  So fun!  Life is always an adventure!  No time for blogging, just popping in to say DON'T FORGET THE GIVEAWAY!

Now, back to all of those kiddos!

Yarn Along

~ Two of my favorite things are knitting and reading, and the evidence of this often shows up in my photographs. I love seeing what other people are knitting and reading as well. So, what are you knitting or crocheting right now? What are you reading? Take a single photo and share it either on your blog or on Flickr. Leave a link below to share your photo with the rest of us! ~

This picture is actually from last weeks "Yarn Along", but due to technical difficulties, it never got posted.  I am knitting a "Noro Hat" using my sisters pattern and the amazingly fun to work with Noro Yarn.  I am further along now than I was when the picture was taken.  I can see a few mistakes cropping up, but overall I think it will be very cute.

Unfortunately, my book has been returned to the library.   I was really enjoying it!  It is called "Gentle Healing for Baby and Child".  It is chock full of ideas for herbal and natural healing, but is very practical and well balanced at the same time.  The authors general tip is "use remedy xyz, found at your local health food store" so I coupled this book with another (title forgotten and since returned to the library!) which gave recipes and method for making your own remedies.  It was a great combo!  I will have to go re-check them both out at some point.

And here is a gratuitous shot of an adorable baby, because I can't resist those big blue eyes!  

And don't forget to enter the giveaway!  Everyone needs a signed copy of Zita the Spacegirl!!

An Easter Octave Giveaway!

In honor of the Easter Octave, and because my brother is visiting and, therefore, accessible, I am hosting my first ever GIVEAWAY!  What fun!

My brother recently published a new graphic novel.  It is a great story of adventure for any 7+ child.  My kids love it!  This is your opportunity to win your very own SIGNED copy of Zita the Spacegirl!

To enter, just leave a comment before noon on Sunday April 30.  For extra entries, post a link to here on your blog or Facebook (or both!), but remember to come back here and let me know!

And here is a little extra fun to get you more excited about this great book!

Zita the Spacegirl: Trailer from Ben Hatke on Vimeo.

Happy Easter! Rejoice!

Happy Easter!  This is the totally wild bunch of cousins on the trampoline.  All eleven together, but it is impossible to get eleven kids ages eight and under to look at the camera at the same time!

And Greta eventually got fed up and ran away.

Parties, Potties, and Potty Parties!

Over the weekend, we went to a Bar-b-que "contest" at are neighbors house.  Coincidently, my sister was asked to play music for the party.  My neighbor didn't know we were sisters, he only knew how well she can sing!

The party was cold and rainy, but still really fun.  PeterXavier won the contest!  His daddy makes the best bbq, but he wins the most votes.  That kid can really play a room.

After the party, Annie and Martin and the girls came over to play for a bit.  And too use the little pink potty.

It was a fun time!

Hey looky, a video!

My first embedded video!  Go me!

Check out our always so eloquent President.  Start at the two minute mark to get the best of the best.  This guy's a real winner!

Three Years

Isabella turned three last week.  It was much anticipated, as she was so eager to be three just like Anja and Julia!  We decided to mark the occasion with a very special gift -- a wonderful wooden play kitchen (also, just like Anja!)

And it was even extra, super special, because Andrew made it himself!  I am so proud of him!

Andrew is a rather amateur woodworker, so this fantastic kitchen is quite exciting.  Before Christmas, we were drooling over all of the fantastic toys in the Nova Naturals catalog and lamenting the fact that we couldn't afford to buy everything!  So instead, we decided to by a bandsaw and Andrew tried his hand a wood crafting.  It turned out the be a great investment.  Now, we not only can give the kids great wood toys -- they are even better because they are handmade specifically for them, with great love!
(For more pictures, see Andrew's FB page!)

Our day in pictures

 Studying the recipes -- rewritten in her own hand, after the ingredients are assembled.

Grace is becoming quite handy in the kitchen -- she bakes cakes and cookies, almost unsupervised!

"Reading", drawing, eagerly awaiting finished cookies!

Yarn Along

~ Two of my favorite things are knitting and reading, and the evidence of this often shows up in my photographs. I love seeing what other people are knitting and reading as well. So, what are you knitting or crocheting right now? What are you reading? Take a single photo and share it either on your blog or on Flickr. Leave a link below to share your photo with the rest of us! ~

I have been trying for weeks to join the "Yarn Along" and finally got to it!  I am currently working on this kimono style sweater for Avila.  It is worked as all one piece and easy-peasy, if I could just find the time to work on it!  The yarn is Lion Brand fisherman's weight virgin wool.  And I think it's u.g.l.y.  Can't wait to cast off and toss it into a big vat of dye.  I am thinking a nice moss green.  We shall see.

I am reading Nina Plank's Real Food, which I love.  But it is coming along about as slowly as the sweater! Andrew borrowed "Food Rules" from a colleague, so I am flipping through that as well.

Check out Ginny's delightful blog for more yarn along or to join the fun!

Playing the Lent Game

The other night, we were discussing what we could "give up" for Lent.  Many different things we mentioned -- sweets, TV, video games.  Then, of course, some rotten monkeys mentioned things like "playing with my little brother" or "doing my morning chores".  Sorry, kids.  That's not going to fly!

But as "candy" and "Daddy's iPhone" became options, Bella huffed in defiance and announced:

"Then I'm NOT PLAYING!"

Nine Months on the Ninth!

Time flies when you want it to stand still.  My sweet little baby is getting way. too. big.  I keep telling her to quit, but she's as naughty as the rest of them.

Isn't she cute though?  Don't you kinda want to eat her up?

Funny thing, with your first child you just can't wait until they reach the next milestone.  With the fifth, you just want them to quit already.  I was thinking about it this afternoon and figured it was just because I now know how fleeting it is, how quickly they grow, yada yada,  . . . and then it hit me.  When my kids get bigger, I get . . . pregnant*. 

So come on time, slow down!

(I am NOT.  Sheesh.  I don't need my mom calling me about that one!)

It's a Fat Fat Tuesday

After a bust of an errand running afternoon, the day redeemed itself with a lovely Fat Tuesday meal.  The table was set and these two sat down early and proceeded to bicker like an old married couple.  

Much to the entertainment and delight of the rest of the family.  Which is to say, they were ticked about something and we just laughed at them!

I came up with a great plan this evening.  One that will make my life infinitly easier in years to come . . . so long as I survive until then.

Teach Grace to cook!  Then I won't have to!  (Actually, I like to cook, but wouldn't it be nice to have options??)

This is Grace presenting her Mardi Gras cake, before we rolled it up.  It was delish!

Seven Late Takes

~1~

In a family of this size, with the energetic monkeys that we have, even most quiet and peaceful days can end poorly.  To day was so nice -- the sun was shining and the air felt like spring.  The kids were so cheerful and were playing so well.  The next thing I knew, PeterXavier was screaming and dripping blood.  Two hours later, Andrew is STILL in the ER waiting room, waiting to get the poor little guys finger stitched up!

~2~

Earlier this week, the kids and I took a field trip to Olive Garden.  It was great fun, very informative, and best of all --- they handed out kids eat free coupons to all of the kids.  We are comforting ourselves after a day at the ER with Olive Garden for dinner.  Works for me!

~3~

In the last couple of weeks, a few people I know have started blogs that are totally worth reading.  Check them out -- you won't be disappointed!  For comical adventures in a family of eight kids, go read what Mrs. B. has to say!

And for a little deeper read, sprinkled with levity, check out what's on Dr. Janero's mind.

~4~
Since it is now Saturday and I am JUST now sitting down to finish this, I can report that PeterXavier is all fixed up after FOUR HOURS at the ER.  And we had a lovely dinner at Olive Garden.  Hooray for Friday being over :)

~5~
The weather here has been fantastic lately.  It has contributed greatly to the cheer factor in the house!  Sunshine and warm breezes will do that to you.  Andrew and the kids went on a bike ride earlier.  The big kids were convinced that it is imperative to teach PeterXavier to ride a two wheeler before he turns five.  I am not quite sure about the urgency, but I am happy to see everyone excited about it!

~6~
For any locals -- if you are interested in learning more about cloth diapering and baby wearing, CHOICES is having a demo night this Monday at 5:30 at the WL Library.  I will be there with my slings, as will a bunch of other awesome Mamas!  Come learn more about these great aspects of mothering!

~7~
Tonight Andrew and I are getting gussied up for a night on the town.  Actually, it will probably be an hour on the town.  Or at the "Heart Ball" more specifically.  We are going to leave Miss Avi with my parents -- so I am not sure how long it will last!  But we'll have fun either way :)

For more Quick Takes, visit Jen at Conversion Diary!

Epiphany Celebration

We ended up with an extended celebration of Epiphany, which I think is fantastic.  Grace's "Little Women" groups hosted an Epiphany Party for the "Little Flowers" group.  The big girls put on a cute Epiphany play (Avila was Baby Jesus!), had games and decorations, and even gave gifts to the Little Flowers!

The girls also had lots of food, punch, and a King Cake for everyone to enjoy!

We celebrated at home with a nice dinner and then gave the kids a set of Waldorf Element Stackers, which Andrew had made for them.  They were so excited!

Remember, the Vatican continues their celebration until February 2 -- keep the party going :)

Celebrating the Season!

We have spent a wonderful week celebrating the Christmas Season with Andrew home from work and tons of fun family time!  We spent quiet days at home enjoying movie and books and food as well as fun adventures in Indy and around town.

Of course, PeterXavier's idea of Heaven is permission to scale the walls!

Christopher did a great job, outclimbing both of his parents!

We spent one lovely afternoon ice skating with friends.

Once the snow melted, we headed indoors to make festive marshmallow snow men!

And today, it was back to the old grind.  Daddy headed back to work while the kids and I broke out the school books.  It is nice to get back to routines, but the freedom of break is always missed!

Christmas Joy

Our family celebrated a wonderful Christmas.  Our usual tradition is to attend Midnight Mass as a family. Our parishes Midnight Mass is the real deal -- starting at the strike of midnight and lasting until the wee hours of morning, the joy of Christ coming is palatable.  Trumpets sound as we joyfully celebrate the Christ Child.

This year, with a few family members feeling under the weather and Christopher scheduled to serve his first ever Mass at 7:30 AM, we had to forgo our tradition.  I was sad to be missing one of my favorite Masses of the year, but was excited to celebrate Christmas with my son serving at the alter.  So well before sun up, Christopher and I headed out into the deep and glistening snow.  Our short walk to the Church in the silent darkness was a wonderful reminder of the dark cold night when our Savior came.  The moon was full and the snow shone in its light.  It was really beautiful!

And my favorite part of Christmas was seeing my little boy serving.  He was so sweet!

And after Mass, we got this nice family photo.  We never get good family pictures, so this was quite a gift!

(All photo credits go to my AWESOME new Nikon-- Christmas gift from my parents and Andrew!!)

Buried in Yarn and Frosting

It's the final push -- so much to get accomplished before Christmas!  The kids and I made two batches of cookies this morning and they both turned out well.  This is a big deal considering the lack of gluten, egg, and dairy they contain!  We still need to cut out the last bit of sugar cookie dough and frost the ones that are cooling right now.  Fun, fun!

I am buried in crafts right now, as well.  I need to get moving or some people on my list are going to receive half finished items, which isn't very exciting.  Opening a half finished glove and a ball of yarn on Christmas morning might bring laughs, but probably not much gratitude!  Maybe I can included knitting needles and offer a free lesson?  I could start a whole new market "Finish Your Own Christmas Gift"

I think it'll make me millions.

Oh Christmas Card

I am finding it ridiculously difficult to get five kids to smile all at once.  Do you think half dressed kids are inappropriate for a Christmas card??  Because I really like this bottom picture.  The top one is nice, but Andrew took it with his phone so it is a bit fuzzy.  (Or maybe it's "vintage".  I can pretend I took it with my old school SLR 35mm)

Do I even have time to do Christmas cards?  Talk about procrastinating.  No wonder the Church, in Her mercy, gave us twelve days of Christmas!

Fun Feasting!

Oh my. Aren't these little girls the cutest?? My nieces were princesses at our Gaudete Party last night.

A great time was had by all. We were a bit low on numbers, due to weather, sickness, and general bad advertising by the party planner. (ahem)

And now we have an abundance of food. I guess I won't be cooking for a while - woo!

And a joyful Gaudete is follow quickly by a Happy Santa Lucia today! I didn't have the energy to do the full early morning baking and wake up, but some cinnamon rolls might be in order later today. Especially given the beautiful snow fall, afternoon baking will be so cozy!

Gaudete!

Rejoice! Light your pink candle!

Taking a quick moment from party prep to print some activities for the kids. I love Gaudete Sunday! I hope you find a moment to Rejoice today!

A few fun Advent links:

Coloring Sheets

More coloring!

And these totally amazing Creches!!! (thanks, Jessica!)

Despite a few glitches -- like a husband who drank the party beer and a ham that wasn't a ham, we are hoping for a joyful Gaudete!

Where did the time go?

I can not believe that it was a whole SIX months ago today that our sweet little Avi was born! The time has flown by.

I have never known a child so dearly loved by her siblings! People always seem to think that children are going to be so jealous when the new little one arrives. I think this is just a culture-driven fallacy. This little girl is so loved that she never gets a break! But she loves her older siblings and doesn't mind (too much!) when they dote on her.

And rarely is she set down. In fact, just today, I layed her down and when I came back some unknown older sibling had set her up in a sitting position and she could stay in it for quite a while! I don't know if I should be sad that she learned to sit with no one noticing or happy that she is snuggled so often that she never really had the opportunity to practice!

Happy Sixth Months, Sweet Baby!!

brics for Mary

We took the kids for ice cream last night to celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Not only a fantastic solemnity worth celebrating, but also the "name day" for Bella Concetta.

In this fuzzy pic, the kids have polished off their ice cream and are playing a game with Andrew.

We went to this super cute ice cream shop called brics in Indianapolis. It's in an old train depot and was very charming, albeit in a modern way.

It was a fun and cozy way to celebrate the day!

We're Alive!

Wozers. This is one neglected little corner of the internet! Is anyone even reading anymore??

My cute kids did their own impromptu photo shoot the other day. I'm not sure where PeterXavier was...probably causing trouble. Hopefully it didn't involve the knife drawer.

Holiday madness has ensued. I always decided to make way more gifts than I can handle, but we are enjoying the challenge. The kids have really taken to it as well, so it is fun to all create together!

Our little Avi, as you can see, isn't so little anymore! She is charming us everyday. Her siblings love her to the point that I sometimes have to ask them to stop! She is almost six months old now (what?? NO way!!), outrageously interested in the world and delighted to be alive. She can almost sit up and I am fearing that her immobile days are waning.

This last photo pretty much sums up my life. I'll let it do the talking.