::right now::

::right now:: A weekly Soulemama tradition. 

right now, I am ...

:: marveling that it is almost July. One month until we move into our new home. One month, one month...

:: revisiting memories of my summer pregnancies as I rejoice with my sister and brother (in law- but I'll keep them) about their new little life that will be a girl. Their daughter. My niece. The cousin of my children. 

:: plotting plans for our new home. New rooms and places of love and refugee. And yet I still realize that its not about the new 'things' we have but the love and memories that we will share there- which is what really matters. 

:: finishing the old toys round-up and purge. The twinge of mothering guilt stings less and less each day as I discover that my children do not miss them and are better for it. 

:: stopping myself from running off and spending the new money on lots of new toys, instead getting one heirloom toy , table, bedset, and a rug! 

:: wondering if the baby bluejay that adopted me this evening will make it through the night. Shalom. What will be, will be... by God's grace. 

:: loving my sweet precious daughter whom came home early at 10pm tonight from her overnight stay with Omi because she "missed me and daddy and babyey Jonas Bonus". As I tucked her into bed and gave her lion kisses with my arms wrapped around her, she told me that "this feels much better, this is the right place to be". Oh dear heart and soul be still and savor this. Breath her life in and keep this moment forever. 

:: listening to the cicadas hum. Ah yes this is the song of summer. 

:: thanking the Lord for providing us with a free bed and mattress for my baby Emil Jonas, who is moving into his big bed in a months time. Thank you Nicole Carroll. You and your family are blessings from the Lord to us and our church. 

::weeping as I realize my baby Jonas isn't a baby anymore. They're tears of mixed emotions. Happiness that he is experiencing new parts of God's world. Sadness because of my realization that he will never need me as much as he once did anymore. And immense all encompassing gratitude that the Lord has given me such a beautiful gift, deemed me worthy to receive it, and kept him from harm thus far. 

:: feeling very connected to the needs of my family right now. Mommy needs to hold a bit more this week and clean a bit less. 

:: loving my daughter's heart for those in need. She still prays every night for her friend with CF and his Mommy. 

:: hoping that she keeps her sweet caring spirit with her all her life. 

:: wanting to go back to my mother's house and to the beach. I love the beach. The ocean is just what I needed this weekend! 

:: thinking about the fun musical time we get to have with family tomorrow night- and wishing Craig could be there! 

:: reminding myself that this period is a part of my God's perfect plan and is purposeful. 

:: making lovely home school plans for the Autumn...while I drink more lemonade! 

:: wishing you a lovely summer's eve and a beautiful start to your weekend!  

Sleeping. The poor baby was tired. I must have the touch! 

The silicone dishware giveaway I own, love the MightyNest! 

Spoonflower fabric that I designed and had print. Yep, I am a fabric designer ;) 

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Tree of Life and Wine

Tonight was another date night- since it is the only day off my husband has fully had in 14 days. So instead of going on our normal coffee and movie date, we went to Norfolk. In Norfolk there is this awesome indie film theater called the Naro. It has been around since the 1920s and they have saved it and restored the theater back to its 20s glory.  


So on a whim we went to see the film "Tree of Life". I loved the movie, it was touching, beautiful, gripping, and makes you relive parts of your childhood while watching the film. If you're a believer it takes you through the existential quandaries we as believers experience when we suffer a deep loss. When we question God's goodness- or if he is even there. 


So I loved it. Craig not so much. He thought it was pretentious! Que sera, sera! 


So now I have had my glass of wine, and Craig is giving me "that look". So I will bid you adieu with promises of crafty goodness and updates tomorrow! 

Daily Verse or Quote: 

 Job 38 4-7 

“Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation?

Tell me, if you understand.

Who marked off its dimensions? 

Surely you know!    

Who stretched a measuring line across it?

 On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone— 

while the morning stars sang together and all the angels^[a] shouted for joy?

Weekending: Kimono

The PJs

This weekend has been filled with busyness, love, sun, and joy. Friday I got to have some great sewing time with my mother-in-law, whom helped me make my way through the Oliver and S storytime kimono pajamas! The pattern was easy once I had someone help me through it and translate the lingo for me. The pattern had us do the sleeves a new way- which now I really like since they're much easier than the previous ways I had done them. Once I am done with my other projects (Red Ridinghood cape, log cabin quilt, quilt bindings) I will make some more for the kids. 

Saturday was a glorious day at the beach with my mother and the kids. Everyone got along and the kids loved the ocean. Plus I have been craving the ocean- literally. The ocean was such a staple of my childhood and teen years. Most of my happy memories involve the ocean in one way or another. And being able to share that love and connection with my kids is subliminal. 


So.... we went back today! Deirdre spent the weekend with Grandma Cindy and so instead of having my mom drop her off at our house, Jonas and I went down to the beach with them and then home (Craig was working a double). Again is was another great day and I even got to take Deirdre body boarding! 


Sunday was also a great day! I had my first log cabin quilting class at Bella Fabrics in Carollton! Ah I am so in love with the log cabin design, I am so excited to get cracking! 


So needless to say I am full, tired, and excited for this week. How was your weekend? 

My favorite thrift find

So excited for her Huffalump PJs

{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual created by Amanda Blake Soule. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week (or month- and sometimes for me whats on your mind at the end of the week) A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

Have a lovely weekend!

Wine and Date Night

Cocoon baby at the Living Museum

Finally, despite being called in for two hours on his only day off in 11 days, we had family time. Sweet, pure, blissful family time. Not rushed nor unappreciated. The day was not prefect, the kids were not on their best behavior, and neither were we! But that is not what we consider a perfect day, just being together and being ourselves unfettered by worry, now that's perfect. 

Today we were all a family. We were fully present and involved. We all connected. And it was worth the eleven day wait. 

To complete the day we also had a sitter come after bedtime so that we could have our 'special' date night. So now I miss bid you adieu, my husband is giving me that look :) 

Ah I love that one oh so much.

No verse or quote tonight.... just sweet photos from our day :) Why don't you share you're own in our comments! 

Butterfly exhibit at the Living Museum. We decided to get our own caterpillars in conjunction with this new exhibit as part of our summer home preschool. 

Loving Dada- Jonas missed him so! Two peas those two are! 

Deirdre told me that the gnomes left these for her as a gift for our compost!

Please Petunia I want a hug! I am your Mommy, not my Mommy! 

A few more years I think Jonas! 

::right now::

Right now, I am... (a tradition birthed by SouleMama aka Amanda Blake Soule)

:: trusting in the Lord about my husband's work and job security. God has always provided for us exactly what we have needed and I need to not doubt that now. 

:: feeling a little helpless to help ease his stress. He works so hard for us and I have no control over how his day at work is. Not to mention I have been feeling a little sick... heat exhaustion probably! 

:: doing a lot of fun stuff with the kids to keep their minds off the fact that they have seen their father for only about 10 hours in the past ten days. 

:: beginning to pack up our home and transplant it in our new home in the next four weeks. Ah the excitement,  sadness, and memories all wrapped up in one this brings. 

:: sewing the finishing touches on Craig's suede apron and beginning pajamas! 

:: knitting (still) the Tomten jacket. Oy! I will not be defeated! 

:: missing my husband. He truly is my other half. Daily life with out him is just not as bright.

:: knowing that this is only a season in life. A quick fleeting season. Nothing more. 

:: wondering what fun things the kids and I can do tomorrow! I think water play of some sort is in order with Omi! 

:: eating much better now that I have a monthly meal plan, huge step forward there!

:: giggling at home since all my animals literally think I am their mother. And how they, like my kids, fight for unnecessarily my attention. 

:: loving my children and all of their new personality quirks. Walks by the fountain are so much fun with them! 

:: continuing to transition my home into a better rhythm amid this moving/working chaos. Good-bye chintzy plastic toys. Ah and yet it is so hard to let go when they cost so so much. Am I depriving my kids...? Stay strong, stay strong! 

:: appreciating the people in my life who help me out and pray for us. (Thanks MK, Chris, and our HG)

:: thanking the Lord for is all. The good and the bad. I am blessed and content. I am at peace. 

:: wishing you a blessed week and peace. 

Jonas had his 15 month check up today and he was a champ!

Daily Quote or Verse: 

Phil 4:6: Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Midsummer's Eve...

...and & El Dia de San Juan 

Petunia loves to cuddle and lay her head on my shoulder when I pick her up! 

Today was another hot and glorious day! I like to have a little celebration on Midsummer's Eve-or Summer Solstice- to celebrate with the kids the longest day of the year. Craig also worked a double today, so having extra special fun helps keep the focus off of "where is Dada"! In the morning we played outside and finished a rainbow ring knitting craft. Then before lunch we made a nice batch of blueberry ice cream with fresh blueberries from our garden. I am sad to say I had planned to take photos of all of this but I could not find my camera until later in the day- thank you Mr. Sticky-fingers Jonas! 


Then at nap time I dropped the kids off to nap at my mother-in-laws house so that I could meet with my dear friend Chris for a bible study. (I promise to write more about Chris one day since she is a huge part of my life and my walk with the Lord).  Afterwards my kind in-laws invited us to stay for a tasty dinner and "a how to make a button-hole tutorial"! 


I also had planned to take the kids out to catch fireflies and to have some nighttime fun, but to my surprise both kids fell asleep on the way home and remained asleep. I brought them in and got them into bed all by 6:45. Wow! They didn't even wake up when I put their PJs on! So no extra fun tonight! Just a nice relaxing night for Mama with some yummy tea! 


But my blog does not end here! It was four years ago today that I first visited Spain. I was four months pregnant with Deirdre. I had, before I knew I was pregnant, planned to complete my cultural exchange in Morocco, to do independent research in Europe, and then study abroad in Ireland for a year. Blessedly I got to do the first two parts, but came home before study abroad in late August. (I did however make it to Ireland and Belgium the next summer for more research!) 

Santiago de Compostella

After spending a month in Morocco, Spain was a daunting change. It was the first part of my trip alone backpacking. Thankfully I spoke, and still can speak, Spanish very well. When I got to northern Spain, Galicia to be exact, I was in for quite I surprise. 


I went to Spain and various parts of France to study their folklore, and more specifically their Celticity through their folkloric depictions of women. In ancient times Celts moved through Europe settling in different places. While today there are only six recognized Celtic nations, I argue that Galicia should also be one due to its folkloric similarities to other Celtic nations. I also asserted that a nation should not be defined as being Celtic based solely on it speaking a true Celtic language alone and that a nation's mores and folkways, as depicted through their folklore, was a better litmus test to Celticity.... ANYWAY :) 

On the beach in Tarifa before I got to Galicia- how I love the Med.

I arrived in Galicia on El Dia de San Juan. It is an old pagan festival celebrated near the Summer Solstice. In celebration Galicians make bonfires in the streets to ward off evil spirits and meigas. During the day the women go into the countryside and gather various herbs. Then they hang the herbs over their doorways and in their houses, shaking them all throughout the house first and sprinkling them with water. So here I am trying to prove that Galicia is a Celtic nation and I arrive on the day of of their biggest pagan festival, that everyone including Catholics celebrate. Not ot mention they were also playing their national instrument, the bagpipe! Needless to say I had a blast. That day was one of the many highlights of my trip and I will never forget it. So on the 24th, I think I will have a bonfire and drink some Queimada to reminisce. 

(For a more apprehensive explanation visit the Wikipedia page which is really good at summing it all up: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Midsummer%27s_day#Spain)

So enjoy the photos of Spain and me in the garden with my baby goose Petunia after the kids were asleep. I wish you all  a blessed Summer Solstice-Midsummer's Eve-& El Dia de San Juan! 

Torre de Hércules

Galicia wants to be an independent nation

Coast of Galicia- La Coruna

Celtic megaliths in Galicia 

Come on tomatoes! 

Squash 

Petunia 

Verbena 

BLUEBERRIES

Rainbow knit project, all done by Deirdre!