A little one is welcomed and a mama tries to "behave"

It's been about a month since I have written in this space.  Enticing writing prompts have been delivered to my inbox and tucked away with the thought of possibly writing if I ended up with the time.  Honestly, a little time may have come but the energy, motivation and inspiration were all used up at that point.

Oh, it's not that I haven't had some creative outlet...I don't know what I'd do without that.  Thankfully, crocheting is such a relaxing activity that I can be creative and restful all at the same time.  Even being able to do at least one row is often enough to satisfy my creative urges.  I have found a favorite stitch by the way.  The "raised rib stitch".  I seriously think I have found the stitch of my dreams.  For all of you crocheters out there, you know what I mean.  ;)  I will definitely be using it again in the future.

Another creative outlet has been all of the painting projects in the house.  These projects managed to get all of their paint before I went to the hospital but they are still not quite complete.  My dear husband has had much to take care of in my absence and pulling out power tools just wasn't on the list...that is...not until today!  Once they are complete with all of the hinges and doors in place I will definitely share some pictures with you!  :)

The days leading up to my C-section were spent in a bit of a frenzy, well, as much of a frenzy that a nine months pregnant woman can get into!  I'm telling you, I really wore myself out!  Much time was spent wrapping up projects that I knew I would not have the wherewithal to accomplish after Samuel was brought home.  And getting things painted and put in place was actually needful so that we could put other things in their place.

And now, post C-section, I find that there is whole lot that my mind and heart would love to accomplish, yet I am still limited.  I still remember the words from a caring friend in my last week of pregnancy.  As we spoke about the coming days and my upcoming surgery, she said "You're going to behave, right?"  Those words have rung in my ears more than once.  I make it my aim to sleep when the baby sleeps as much as possible and to be the one who does every possible job that can be done sitting down.  Today, that means folding laundry while I instruct the other children in doing things that require standing for longer periods and bending down and lifting up.

Honestly, "behaving" is not very hard when you feel like a small fire has been lit in your belly as soon as you've done a little too much.  Sorry if that is "T.M.I." but it's enough for me to call in for reinforcements and my dose of Motrin. :)

This morning, my husband is out doing his morning routine of lifting weights with a friend, the children are still asleep (every single one of them!) and I have been up since 6am.  Every moment is a treasure, you know.  As I sit here and type, I am fully aware that the next word may be my last if little Sammy wakes up.  It's like a little alarm you anticipate going off at any moment.  We kind of chuckle about it but it seems that as soon as someone either hands me a plate of food or I open the pages of a book, the baby cries.  It rarely ever fails.  But it's so worth it.  This little guy is a high priority right now.

Isn't he a cutie?

And by the way, he is doing very well.  He is so small, so soft, and so sweet.  It's amazing how little newborns are.  It seems I always forget that and then I am so stunningly reminded.  We all chuckle at his serious little face as he looks around at all of us, just taking it all in.

We're not a perfect family, Sammy but we are so glad that God has made you a part of it.  Welcome to our home and into our hearts.  We are so glad you are here, little man.

P.S.  Taking care of you helps me to slow down and rest like I'm supposed to.  ;)  You are pure therapy.

Current crochet projects

[pacy clip | moss stitch]

Phew, busy day today.  There was much to accomplish and it felt overwhelming at times.  I haven't crocheted a single stitch today but I did manage to get some photographs of the projects I am currently working on.  

Like this pacy clip I made for Izzy.  I enjoy making these.  I love making things that are useful and this is definitely one of those things!   

[Isabel's favorite blanket (completed) | waffle stitch]

[a blanket for Brienne | seed stitch]

I decided that I wanted to branch out from making a small baby blanket and try making a bigger one.  Brienne and I went to Hobby Lobby together and she picked out these colors.  The yarn is "I love this cotton", the same yarn I used for Isabel's.  It's so soft!  

I have had this project going for some time now.  Although, I did decide to take a break from turquoise and enter the land of yellow for a while!

[ another variant of the moss stitch]

I also got the yarn for this one at Hobby Lobby.  It's called "I love this yarn".  You get more bang for your buck with this kind.  The cotton brand is more expensive.  And when I saw this wonderful color I knew it was meant to be.  Changing up the color a bit makes the project more interesting and exciting for me.  Once I complete the middle section in yellow, I'll add a big white stripe on the other end and finish off with a little yellow.  I love the way this one is coming out.  It's a very easy stitch.

[sedge stitch]

This is the newest addition to the bunch.  When I saw this "Caron, Simply Soft" yarn at Walmart I got all excited about these colors!  I hunted around online looking for a stitch to do it in and I found a video tutorial for the "sedge" stitch.  I am a little stunned at how fiery that orange looks in this photo.  It is a bright orange but I don't think this photo is doing it justice.  I plan to do just a few thin stripes in the orange.  The stripes will be different sizes.  I really do need to get a plan down on paper and figure out how thick and how thin I want each stripe to be.  I can only wing it for so long!

I like to keep each project in it's own tote bag.  That keeps things organized and also makes my projects easy to grab and work on or take out with me.  I found the one above at a thrift store recently and got it for a couple dollars.

The bulk of time that I spend on crocheting is usually on the ride to and from church on Sundays.  Church is about twenty minutes from our house so I am able to make some progress.  I will probably have all of these projects going for some time to come.  That's ok, I'm not really in a rush.  I'm just enjoying the journey.

Some ladies in our church will be getting together for a monthly crochet/knitting guild, starting this March.  I'm so excited about this!  The idea has been kicked around by some fellow crocheters for a while now and it is exciting to see those seeds come to fruition.  Amera and I are planning to be there.  It will be a mixed group of women.  From those who have plenty of experience to those who have none. It's exciting to anticipate fellowship with these ladies and sharing with each other the things that we have been blessed to learn.  

Fun on Christmas break

It's still dark outside and I can hear the comforting sounds of rain.  I am taking a bit of a risk as I begin to write.  Isabel has already woken up twice this morning and then gone back to sleep...will she interrupt my happy typing with her cries?

I have been enjoying Christmas break immensely.  The "extra" time to get more accomplished and to finally make some things that I've wanted to make for a long time.

Like this...

[ Skip this part if the details about my pacy clip bore you ;) ]

I crocheted this pacy clip using the "MAM" attachment from the store-bought clip.  I love these pacy's but I do not like the clips that are sold for them.  The neat thing about this pacy is that you never have to be concerned that it is upside down unless you are particular about the picture on it.  I love the designs they have too.  

I found the metal clips on Amazon.  I like this clip much better than the "MAM" one.  It stays in place and it's not so bulky.  So anyway, I'm pretty happy with my end result here and look forward to experimenting with other designs.

And these...

{the only thing I might change would be the seam on the hood...hmmmm...how to do that on the next one?}

I found the fabric for these at the thrift store for a few dollars.  Amera searched online for a tutorial on how to make a child's cloak and we were on our way.  She cut the fabric out and I did the sewing.  You should have seen Manny the first time I put it on him.  He was so excited  and happily ran around the house in it.  His brother, Javi, was out with his Dad and sisters when I made them.  So it was very exciting to surprise him with the finished product when he got home.  I love how the cloaks came out!!  The boys look so cute together don't they?

My next plan is to use a king sized sheet to make a cape for Brienne and Clara.  The sheet is plum purple and I also found it at the thrift store.

I still haven't found the top sheet for the duvet cover I am planning to make.  I am looking for something in a light color with a pattern...the search continues.  Target maybe?

It's been so fun to create!

It has also been fun to wrap gifts and anticipate giving them...I love how the kids are all excited to give their gifts to each other.  What a blessing!  I enjoyed wrapping these things I found for Joelle.  It was fun to write little clues in an attempt to intrigue her even more as to what they contain.

I look forward to waking up in the morning and gathering in the living room in our PJ's to open gifts while a french toast casserole bakes in the oven.  I wrapped a little booklet with a tag that says "The greatest gift of all, Ephesians 2:8-9".  The little booklet is similar to a wordless book but it has a verse on each card to share the gospel with the kids.  Javier and I are looking forward to the opportunity to emphasize how God's gift of eternal life through his Son Jesus Christ is the most precious gift we could ever receive.

This Christmas break has included so many fun memories of being together.  Shopping for something special, creating things together (our latest kick: earrings), watching movies at night and not worrying about getting to bed because we know we can sleep in, snuggling on the couch, and laughing at all the funny things the kids do!  I love my kids!  And soon I will finally do a little holiday baking.  In fact, I think today is a good day to pull out the cookie cutters and bake some sugar cookies!

Merry Christmas to all!  

for the love of a waffle...

   This is the "waffle stitch" blanket I started for Isabel.  It's bigger than the other one I made and will probably fit on a toddler bed.  I tote it around with me whenever I know I'll have time to work on it, like when I'm waiting in the doctor's office every week. 

    I wanted to start a project that I could bring with me to the hospital for my C-section.  It will be wonderful to keep my hands busy when I'm recovering in a hospital bed.  I have found a yarn that I really like.  "I love this cotton!" from Hobby Lobby.  It's a little more expensive than other kinds, but it's worth it, especially if you want a really soft blanket.  I like how the blanket feels when you scrunch it up, it's very ...pliable ( I think that's the word I'm looking for).  In other words it's squishy and soft, rather than stiff.  I would have loved to use a charcoal gray color, but since they don't have it, I decided on chocolate brown and this cream color with little peach and blue speckles.  I really like this waffle stitch and I can't believe how easy it is!  The only thing I count is the first chain, but after that I just follow the pattern.  At first, I wasn't sure about it, but I decided that I like the way the transition between the colors looks too!  

Speaking of waffles...

   We are the proud owners of a waffle iron!  I'm so thankful for a very thoughtful friend (she blogs at "une bonne vie") who gave this to us as an early Christmas gift.  We were finally able to use it for a family brunch yesterday.  They were delicious!  I'm so glad that Javier woke up in the mood to make them.  I was busy homeschooling at the table.  One thing we learned, we don't need a triple batch like we do with pancakes.  These things were quite filling.  I could only eat two of them!  

   ................................................................................

   Jav and I decided to go out for Chinese on our date.  Chinese food is a special treat for me, I think because it's not something I attempt to make at home.  We had a good chuckle with the lady who seated us.  The first thing she said was "Are you having a girl?"  When I said "Yes", she was quite proud of herself that she had guessed it just by looking at my tummy.  So anyway, we sat down and then she was all smiling and saying that we should enjoy this time while we can because we'll soon be parents and "believe me, I know, I have three!"  We were quite amused that she thought we were first time parents!  You should have seen the shock on her face when we told her that this baby would be our seventh.  We all had a good laugh!

moments to hold on to

   Our days are filled with the constant endeavor to make sure that each child completes their schoolwork, and that our home is clean and tidy.  It takes constant effort, and perseverance.  And in the middle of it all, I am learning to hold on tight to those little opportunities for closeness that could all too easily pass my by.  Yes, there are many things that need to be done in a day, but I find that I rarely regret it when I make the time to connect with the ones I love.  It's possible to go through an entire day, busy about what must get done and not really busy about connecting with the people I love most.  I want these days to be fewer and fewer in number.  I try to take advantage of even the smallest opportunities to connect and show my love.

   I do find that sometimes it is hard for me to achieve balance.  My children are with me just about each and every day, sometimes I feel tugged in so many directions.  Sometimes I need time to just be alone and not talk for a little while.  I have to be careful to discern when I really need this and when there might be a need they have that I should be meeting instead.  I remember to think of Jesus, who didn't see people as interruptions, especially not children!  Still, there are times where it is good for them to learn that sometimes they might just have to wait for mommy's undivided attention.  

   But then, there is the other side of the coin...I read somewhere (I think it was in one of my parenting books) that when a child is talkative and open to sharing things with you, you should take the time to listen to them.  Right there in that moment, not letting it pass you by.  I am learning to heed this advice and not put off talking about it, if at all possible.  It's better to talk to them about things when those things are pressing on their hearts and minds than to try and get them on the topic later in the day.  I've put off talking just because I was feeling the pressure to hurry up and get my kitchen clean and then found that my child was not as open to talking when I got around to it.  I am learning to be a better listener to them.  I am learning to give them more of my attention when they speak to me.  To pause what I am doing and make eye contact.  I am teaching them to do the same with one another.  It's one of the ways that we show our love.

Clara's baby dress that will soon be Isabel's

   I guess with both aspects considered, it's really comes down to mutual respect.  Each situation will have a unique approach.  The questions are, will I handle it with Christ-like love when I am interrupted and aim to put my loved ones first?  And, will my family handle it well when because of the circumstances, they have to wait for my attention?  We are each learning mutual respect and love in our own unique ways.  Day by day, we are growing to together as a family.  Oh, to be like Christ in every way!

   Yay!  I completed my first crocheted blanket!  This is the blanket that I started several months ago for Isabel.  It is so wonderfully soft and most of us have had our turn snuggling with it.  : )  I've already begun my next project...more on that later.  

   

music to my ears

   As a mom, I often wonder if I am getting through to my children.  Each and every day is filled with opportunities to train them to think, and act in a way that honors God.  I try to be patient when I must teach the same lessons to them over and over again.  It can be frustrating at times, but it is definitely worth the effort.  

   Recently, one of the things I have been stressing to the kids is that how you obey your parents matters.  If they go and do the thing I told them to do, but they do it with slumped shoulders and pouty face, that shows a lack of submission and a lack of willing obedience.  

   In Brienne's "Health" book this week, the lesson was about helping your mother, particularly in the kitchen or with setting the table and things like that.  I took the opportunity to help her to see the difference in responses she might have to being given a task.  We acted it out.  I demonstrated to her how sweet it sounds to say "Sure mommy, I'd be glad to!"  It shows a willing obedience, an attitude of service and it shows love.  

   She must have thought on this a bit, because yesterday when I told her to do something, she responded this way.  In two separate instances she cheerfully said "I'd be glad to mommy!"  Wow!  I love it!  I admit, it is not always easy to teach children to respond in the right ways or say the right things at the right time.  It is a constant work in progress.  And we have sooo much work to do.  But it was neat to see how she took this to heart.  

  

   Yesterday, I was sitting on the couch folding laundry.  Brienne came over and sat next to me.  Much to my surprise, Brienne began matching up the socks and tossing them into the clothes baskets.  I sat there smiling to myself and thinking "Wow, this is great, I didn't even tell her to help."  

   

Then she spoke up and cheerfully stated "I'm doing what my teacher said to do."

To which I replied "Oh?  What's that?"

"I'm taking initiative!"

God bless Sunday School teachers for laboring to back up what we are teaching at home!   

one stitch at a time

Amera's latest crochet project.
(It's going to be a shawl with some flowers on it.)
Love, love, love the charcoal gray!

    Yesterday morning Amera and Brienne were not feeling well, so I decided I would be staying home from church with them.  Manny had a slight cough the day before, so we concluded that this throat thing must be spreading.  Normally our little ones are up between 6:30 and 7am, but yesterday morning they were just getting up as Jav and Joelle were leaving the house for church (around 8:20).  Although things were a bit abnormal yesterday, it turns out that we are not as sick as we thought we might be.  I think all we needed was some extra rest.  Thankfully, we are feeling much better today.

   Last night I was able to do something that I have been meaning to do for a while now...sewing projects!  I mended a pair of my husband's slacks, mended Brienne's skirt that had torn at the slit, but these things were done after I had my fun sewing a soft blanket for Isabel.  The fabric had been washed and folded and sitting on a shelf in my room for months.  It was finally time to sew it together.  I asked Amera to pull out my machine that was passed down from my grandmother.  I'll never forget the time she made my sisters and I satin pillows for our beds.  I loved my white satin pillow!  Now, I make satin blankets for my little ones.  :)

     I am very happy when I am sewing.  Once I'm doing it, I often wonder why I waited so long to get out the machine.

   I even had the energy left over (it must've been that nap I took) to prep a french toast casserole for a Monday morning Men's Bible Study that my husband goes to.  Once a month I try something new, and see what the men think.  This was my first time making this and I have no idea what it tastes like!  My husband said it was really good and we'll definitely have to make it again so our family can try it.  I probably should've made two of them.  When I woke up at 4am, I was so glad for a casserole that I had prepped the night before.  All I had to do was sprinkle on the topping and bake away!  I needed that time to cook the sausage links.

   You just gotta love online tutorials.  I wanted to learn a new stitch and this "crinkle" stitch we learned tonight  is so much fun to do.  It took me a few tries to get the hang of it.  Amera amazes me with the ability she has to grasp new things like this so quickly.  Admittedly, I get slightly intimidated with new instructions.  I'm not exactly sure why.  I shouldn't be.  I know I'll get it eventually.  I think I just wish I'd "get it" faster.  Anyway, it's very helpful to have Amera right beside me to guide me along when I'm not so sure if I'm doing it right.  She really has a knack for this.  We sure had fun learning this new stitch tonight.  I plan to crochet a blanket with this crinkle stitch someday soon, perhaps with that gray yarn I love so much.  :)

Amera does her stitches nice and tight, she says she tries to loosen up a bit.

Sometimes, I think mine are a bit too loose so I want to tighten mine up a bit.  Practice makes perfect!

I love the crinkle stitch!  Amera and I are planning to learn new stitches more often!

   

The little children He has given us

   I have been observing Javi mature a little more each day.  He is learning to work hard without complaint.  He is learning that not all tasks are fun, but you have to do them anyway, and with the right attitude.  I remind him that the tasks that he has are God-given and he should do them as unto the Lord.  I remind myself of the same thing.  It's so easy to forget isn't it?  Javi is learning not to rush through his work to get on to the next thing.  Sometimes, he would work through the front page of his lesson and push his seat away from the table with a resounding "I'm done!"  He was so anxious to just be done with it.  Now, he is doing better at taking the necessary time to do it right and to do it well.  This has come through having my patience tried as well as his.  :)  I am still so thrilled about Javi learning to read!  It's the most amazing feeling of accomplishment when you've worked so hard to teach someone and they are now getting it!  I keep telling him how excited I am for him, that soon he'll be able to read his Bible all on his own.  How wonderful is that?!

   I had planned to surprise Brienne with a sparkly scarf of her favorite color for her recent birthday.  But attempting to finish it after she went to bed this past week, posed a challenge for me.  I was basically crocheting myself to sleep!  It was a last minute idea, so I didn't really give myself enough days to accomplish it.  I did recall that I had finished up a scarf in one night once, so it was with that hope that I began this one.  Anyway, her "surprise" is no longer a secret, but I have discovered a time when I can work on it.  Sometimes when I am sitting at the table and working through a lesson with Javi, I find that I am sitting and waiting while he reads , writes or colors something.  I am able to fill in the spaces where I would otherwise be waiting for him to get to the next step, and crochet.  I love it!  It's so easy to pause when I need to and then get back to it.  And Javi still feels like he has my attention, because all I need to do is look up from my work to give him guidance when he needs it. 

Clara loves going over her "Truth book" each morning.  She gets so happy about '

quoting the Bible verses and catechisms.  She has this cute little chuckle after she

says each one.  There is just something so sweet about her precious little voice

saying "God's Word is true, because God tells only da twoof."  

We hope you never forget it sweetheart!

Would you whisper a prayer for these two?

Pray that they trust in Christ as their Lord and Savior very soon.

Pray that they would serve him wholeheartedly all the days of their lives.

As their parents, we recognize that we cannot control their hearts and

the choices they make, all we can do is continue pointing them to Christ.

...Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me and do not 

hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven."

Matthew 19:14

Growing pains

   It's remarkable how the absence of Manny's pacifier has brought about changes in his disposition.  To begin with he has not asked for it since the day we put them all away, sealed in a Ziploc baggie, high up in the cupboards.  He has been asking for me instead, and more so than he did before.  

   He gets upset very easily these days and he cries for me when I leave the room.  In fact, he cries when I am in the room too.  He just cries...a lot.  He is hard to please.  I am often coaching him..."Manny, tell me what you need...what is it ?...tell me why you are crying."  Sometimes we make progress and he tells me and the problem gets solved.  Sometimes he just cries and the reason why eludes us all.  More and more I am learning to discern when it is an issue I need to correct (poor attitude) and when there is a legitimate need he is having trouble expressing.

   My little guy who once LOVED going outside, can't seem to decide whether he cares for it anymore.  He still gets very excited about getting his shoes on, but after his brothers and sisters run out the door he stands there frozen, just looking out at them.  The door is shut, they tried to get him to follow but he wouldn't go.  He stands there crying saying "Side!, Side!" (outside) but when I open the door for him he stands still.  At this point I'm really hoping he makes up his mind soon.  I walk with him out the door and onto the porch.  He comes with me but he's still crying.  Now he wants to go back inside!  The only conclusion I could come to is that what he really wants is to have me be his perpetual sidekick.  I guess that pacy brought more security than I had realized.  I decided to go out on the porch step with him and hold him on my lap for a little while.  Yes, being a mom can be rather inconvenient at times, but when you sense a need you aim to meet it.  I kissed his sweet little buzz-cut head and squeezed his precious little frame.

Yes, Manny is experiencing some growing pains...and the rest of us are too.  

It's amazing how much little ones help us to grow into Christ-likeness, is it not?

This little blanket I'm making provided some relaxing productivity as I was sick the past couple of days.

I'm happy to say I am on the mend and feeling so much better today!