onwards and upwards

You guys are awesome :)  Thanks for your comments in my last post.  I do apologize for my borderline hissy-fit.  Your readership here really means a lot, even if I don't express my appreciation via generous giveaways and whatnot.  ;) 
You never know, though...! 

The kids are in school now!  We have Week 1 under our belt, and I'm still getting in the groove of it all as we embark on Week 2.  I am getting accustomed to picking up my girls on time at afternoon pick-up... let's just say I've been late more than once, and I feel terrible for it.  It is a struggle.  I don't enjoy the 30 minute commute to and from school, nor do I enjoy waking up Masha from her afternoon nap to get in the car.  I always wait until the last possible minute to wake her up, because once she's up, she's UP... she never transfers sleeping into the carseat, nor does she ever sleep in the car, period.  Fortunately she's happy, happy, happy once she's awake (she really is amazing).  But I hate cutting into her sleep routine.  I should experiment with moving her nap earlier in the day. 

At least I don't have to take them to school in the morning-- Job is able to do that on his way to work.  And, I am thankful that they go to such an amazing Orthodox school.

That said, this year I chose to simplify my life just a touch by sending Joseph to a little pre-school up the street.  We would've loved for him to join the Montessori program offered at our Orthodox Academy, but I can't handle being in the car 2 hours a day, just for school commute (he would have been half-day, meaning a 12 pm pick-up time).  No, no, and no again.  He really likes his pre-school though, the class is small and his teacher is a very experienced, sweet lady! 

  My hat is off to all of you homeschooling moms.  I know it's not all Waldorfian rainbows and peacefulness 100% of the time, but I really do envy y'all.  I wish I had it in me.  That said, I am glad that my kids are where they are.  Meanwhile I'll still work hard at getting back into the groove of being "on time" and whatnot. 

Sewing?  Yes, I have been creating a lot lately.  I can't say I've been great about photographing my projects, but I'll try and get some goodies posted for funsies. Over the past few weeks I've had the happy opportunity to sew a baptismal dress for my newest goddaughter, and I'm currently working on something special for my brand-new niece, Lydia.  Speaking of which, I need to add the final touches this evening-- maybe I'll finish it tonight!  I don't want to spoil the surprise, I'll post pictures later :)  

Yesterday Masha and I went to celebrate "Panagia's birthday", aka, the feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos with Divine Liturgy.  It was the first time I'd ever gone to liturgy with just her.  It's been nice to have some special time with my baby a few hours a week while Joe is in pre-k.   

 For now, I leave with you with a few grainy pics from our late summer festivities.  I am too lazy to upload our "First Day of School" pics.  Ha! 

Forgive the graininess in some of these shots; I simply like the feelings of warmth that they particularly evoke. 

I hope you are having a blessed September; a fresh new Church year, a fresh new school year!  Much love to you all!  XK 

August

Rosemary, Queen Anne's lace, Japanese maple twigs.

Sue cleans and rearranges the icons.  Another rosemary bouquet adds lovely fragrance.

Raspeberry Pie for Job's birthday, made with fresh, local raspberries.  It was a hit!

I haven't posted much this summer because by the end of the day, my brain is fried and I'm too tired to write.  I'd rather read other blogs.  And sew, while watching Project Runway reruns.

I've also been a little disheartened with the pursuit of blogging; it takes up time, and there's not much return on it, other than some sweet comment from a dear reader or two (maybe three :D).  I am interested in knowing who reads my blog, and the "largeness" of the internet sometimes overwhelms me and makes me self-conscious.  I see from my statistics that my blog is being read.  But who's reading?

With the kids home all day, every day, my time is limited.  And yet, I still have a strong creative drive to do SOMETHING.  Maybe it's time to start chaneling my creative energies into something more focused, with a more purposeful "pay-off" (whether monetary or some other beneficial gain).  I don't know.

I appreciate my readers, and I love it when blogging instigates a conversation of some sort, or at least a small sense of familiarity with my readers.  And I appreciate those who take the time to comment, even if it's not with every blog post.  I suppose I become the most confused- maybe hurt in the mildest possible way?-- when someone has been reading my blog for a long time, and never says a word.

I guess there are some deep philosophical questions I'm wrestling with right now when it comes to blogging :)  Why do we blog?  What are we hoping to accomplish?  What do I share/ not share with the world?

We'll see where the rest of summer takes us, and whether my desire to blog is renewed in the autumn, once the kids are back in school and I'm able to think just a bit more.

For now?  I'm still sewing.  I'm knitting, too.   Reading when I can.  I'm taking the summer to focus more on my kids, and to work on managing my stress levels and finding the balance in it all.  My health is, at this very moment, okay (from what I can tell).  No strange bruises or bleeding issues.  I.T.P. is still a part of my life, but I think things might be at a leveling point for now.  I thank God, and I have made a new friend in St. Veronica (the woman with the issue of blood who received healing from Christ in the Bible).  I'm just thankful for each day that nothing abnormal occurs-- and I try not to worry about tomorrow.

We've been enjoying our summer, swimming lessons, blackberry-picking in the backyard, time with friends and family, and the recent addition of evening Paraklesis services during the Dormition Fast.  So lovely-- such a gift!

Last night we celebrated the Feast of the Transfiguation in anticipation. It was a lovely Divine Liturgy, and it was great to celebrate with a potluck afterwards.  We truly are blessed with a lovely church community!  And today, our little crew of mail-order caterpillars emerged from their chrysalides and morphed into butterflies!!!  It was amazing!  Such a great gift for all of us to witness on this lovely Feast day!  It was certainly unexpected considering we just got our caterpillars in the mail 8 days ago!  We thought it'd take much longer.  Sorry, I didn't think to take photos, I just took video. 

The perfect summer dessert?  Berry Pie.  Such a plain name... it deserves some title much more elaborate.  But it is just that.  Super simple, and super yummy.  All you have to bake is the crust (or not, if you buy one ready-made from the store).  Mine is gluten-free and Lenten (vegan), and technically could pass as Paleo.
  

"Just because" pie, made recently with fresh raspberries and frozen blueberries

  
Almond Crust:
     slightly modified from Nourishing Traditions (p. 558)

1 cup Almond Meal
3/4 c. arrowroot or corn starch
3/8 c. coconut oil
1/4 c. coconut sugar/ rapadura or granular sweetener of choice
1/4 tsp. sea salt
1/2 tsp. vanilla

Process all ingredients in a food processor until smooth.  Or, just stir it all really well in a large bowl.  Press into a 9-inch pie dish and back at 325 degress for 30 minutes.

Berry Pie:
       slightly modified from Nourishing Traditions (p. 560)

4 c. of berries, fresh or frozen
1/2 c. water
1/4 c. maple syrup
2 Tbs. lemon juice
1 Tbs. gelatin ( dissolved in about 5 TBS water over low heat)
1 Tbs. chia seeds

Place half of berries in food processor with water and maple syrup.  Process until berries are liquefied.  Add lemon juice, chia seeds and gelatin mixture while motor is running (or between pulses, if, like me, you have don't have a fancy processor).  Place remaining berries in cooled pie crust and pour gelatin mixture over them.  Refrigerate several hours before serving.  

Happy Father's Day!

V. and Job, Feb. 2008

"Newborn" Sue, Job, V. and real-life messy room

My Dad, a mover and a shaker :D

One of his many, many talents...!!! 

My FIL, Larry, on the left, with V. and Uncle Dave.  We miss you Grandpa Larry!  Memory Eternal. 

Wishing all the Dads out there a Happy Father's Day!  God grant you many years in His love and wisdom!  I wrote a bit more on the subject of fatherhood on my latest post on the OCN "The Sounding" blog, feel free to check it out! 

A whole lot of celebrating (and sewing!)

Birthday Girl #1!

Birthday girl #2!

Upcoming birthday boy, and little sis (my only autumn baby)! 

Man oh man, a lot of work goes into celebrating!  Two posts ago we were entering Great Lent, and now it's two weeks past Pascha (Easter).  I hope your celebration was truly blessed and full Light and Life!  Christ is Risen!  Christos Anesti!

Getting ready for the Pascha picnic

 Against better judgment (and some heavy sighs from DH), I did manage to crank out some Pascha dresses for the little girls in my life... or at least, some of them :)  I made three baby dresses for my 2 goddaughters and Masha, and then a dress for Vasi (she's wearing it in the photo above, but you can't see it well).  Susy's godmother is a a very talented seamstress, and she offered to make an adorable dress for Susy (worn here, over the... polo shirt?  Ok ;D).   Joe looked spiffy in a 2nd-hand striped button-up. 

Two Pascha dress for my goddaughters, and a purple spring dress for Masha.

 

The day AFTER Pascha, I kid you not, was Vasi's birthday.  Since her school observes Bright Monday, she had the day off!  So she was able to invite friends over for a birthday party.  It was lovely, except I'm slowly realizing that "go with the flow" is no longer an effective approach to parties for young ladies.  I'm realizing all of those organized and seemingly petty party games are REALLY a method for keeping a gaggle of 8-9 years olds from killing eachother in a battle of emotions and drama.  HOLY COW.  What happened to cute toddlers running around in the grass, eating cupcakes?  Okay... No, it wasn't that terrible.  And I must clarify, most of the drama stemmed from the birthday girl herself.  Thank goodness for DVDs (Frozen!) and rubber band looms-- they saved the day in terms of providing good distractions.

The Travel Bag!

Bright Tuesday?  I dove into a collaborative art project for Vasi's class (above).  I had the students design and draw a travel-themed patch, which I then appliqued to a handmade messenger bag (the Colette Cooper).  I filled it with travel-themed items, and it was all donated to the school's silent auction.  It was a really fun project, and I was so pleased with the end-result.  It took me all week to make-- phew!  The kids really did a great job with their badge designs-- I was very impressed!

Filled with goodies!

As soon as the bag was completed and turned in, I started to make my dress for the aforementioned silent auction/ Gala fundraiser for the school.  Well, no, I didn't "start" the dress.  I started researching dresses, which almost took more time than sewing the dress itself.  Since the gala theme was the "1920s", I googled and stared at pictures of dresses from that era until my eyes were crossed and my brain was complete mush.

I would then look through all of my patterns and evaluate which ones had potential to alter or augment, because I was DETERMINED to use patterns and fabric from my own stash, and to not spend a penny on new materials/ patterns/ notions.  I sketched out lots of ideas, but kept coming back to this color-blocked, art nouveau-ish "gown."
  
Although a simple flapper-esque shift could have been so much easier, I didn't really want anything too short.  And those dropped-waisted dresses are very "in" right now, but I didn't want anything that looked too costume-ey or boxy.  So I merged two patterns together, and came out with this:

Gatsby-inspired Gabriola merge... "Gabs-by"?

The bodice is from See & Sew B5794 (View B), and the skirt is Sewaholic Gabriola Skirt.

I converted the skirt's waistband into a 6-inch midriff section, which joined the bodice and skirt together.  Using contrasting black fabric helped me economize older fancy-ish scraps from my stash, and the skirt was... well... a thrifted gray cotton sheet.

Getting ready to do the Charlston

Although I knew I was taking on a lot when I settled on this design, not to mentioned squeezing it out in 4 days time, my excitement fueled my focus and really drove me to get'er done.  You know what they say on Project Runway; just go with your gut.   

This skirt pattern is so lovely and swishy.  No one has ever accused me of being a "girly-girl," but I will say this skirt has a very princessy-feel to it.  I think it stands alone beautifully as a skirt, but I could also see myself attaching it to a variety of different bodices to create a variety of dresses.  

My handsome guy and I.  Behind us?  The Portland Timbers soccer field!  How random!

The evening itself was a whole lot of fun, and most importantly, some money was raised for our beloved school!   Job looked very handsome in his black dress-shirt that I found at Value Village the day before (I also found my gold necklace and black t-strap shoes there!  It was a pretty awesome trip to Village of Value). 

You thought the fun ended there, didn't you?  No!  There's more!  Today (the day after the Gala) was Susy's birthday!  Right after church, we came home and had a small party for her.  She had three guests, and although there was a bit of drama initially, they all ended up having a great time together.  Even if I did have to pull out the nail polish and eye shadow to keep the girls busy :)  Happy Birthday to my sweet Susy!  It's so hard to believe that my little girls are really growing up!    

Wow.  What a start to spring!  Pascha, two birthdays down, another one later this month (go Joseph!), and a lot of manic sewing in between (not to mention a spring virus or two, making life extra fun).  I'm already beat!  I hope you are well, and enjoying the Paschal season, spring weather, your family and loved ones!  I'm off to bed!

V for Victory!  I was so proud of my girl.  Can you guess who she played in the school Christmas program last week?  She also sang a solo!  Although we had a rough start to the school year, I think this role was a great confidence boost for my sweet girl.  She did a great job, and I'm proud of her hard work.  I *do* have a picture of S. around here somewhere; she was the most adorable angel :) 

Watching the girls' school program was one of the highlights of December.  You see, this year has had it's up and downs.  November was wrought with the unexpected stress of a foot injury for Job, which required double "MOM DUTY", since Daddy couldn't be up on his feet much, or drive anywhere for that matter.  I had to do all of the family driving... boo hoo, I know, right?  :)

Then at a routine follow-up appointment with my hematologist earlier this month, I had a surprisingly LOW platelet count again (12,000- yikes, I know).  Which is something I really wasn't expecting, since I was not experiencing a lot of fatigue, bruising and bleeding like I had with my initial diagnosis of I.T.P. earlier in the spring.  I had been eating fairly well (with a few "cheats" on Thanksgiving), although sleep and exercise were a little harder to maintain with the added stress of November.

My doctor wanted to see me the following week, which was last Friday.  I was hoping to see an increase.  I was hoping the first lab draw was just a bit of a fluke.  I was hoping I wouldn't have to burden anyone with more prayer requests, since there are other people out there suffering so much more than I am. 

But Job came with me to my appointment, which was a great help.  I had a great talk with my long-time friend Amy the night before (she's an oncology/ hematology nurse who shared some helpful and optimistic information for me regarding my condition).  I was glad I went into the appointment with good head-space.  Because... I was flabbergasted that my platelets decreased in half (6,000... not good at all).  So.  The next morning, I was back steroids, and I have been for the past 2 days.    

I'll take the steroids to reduce inflammation for the next 4 weeks, which will theoretically give me enough time to wean my sweet baby Maria... (pause to sob)... so that I can go on to the next treatment option, an IV infusion called Retuxin. 

I won't bother you with the details.  All I know is that this next procedure should "do the trick", and if it doesn't, then a splenectomy might be in my future. One or both of these procedures is very successful, so that is very encouraging.

Please keep me in your prayers.  I'm so thankful to have good doctors who encourage me to live my normal life (just no ice-skating, biking, wrestling with kiddos, or any other activities with potential head-bonking trauma).  I'm thankful for a supportive family and good friends who show concern, love and offer their prayers. As you might imagine, it makes me extra thankful this holiday season.

The past few years, I haven't always entered the Nativity season with the best attitude.  The level of expectations seemed so hard to meet.  Making Christmas perfect for "EVERYONE" was daunting.  It all left me overwhelmed, over-ambitious, overly-negative and stressed.  But this year, I'm just thankful to celebrate another Christmas with my sweet family.   I'm thankful that my kids had a year of fairly good health.  I'm thankful that my hubby's badly sprained foot is healing, and that he can drive again... and SO thankful that his accident was not much worse (no broken bones!).   I'm thankful that my "affliction" is not terribly worse, and yet it's been "enough" to open my eyes and teach me a lot about myself this year.  To be a mom, and a wife, is the biggest blessing for me, ever.  God forgive me if I ever took it for granted!!! 

Tonight, I say good-bye to "year 30" of my life, and step fully into my thirties :)  Yep, my birthday is tomorrow.  Which is not something I share to gain attention, but something I sort of want to publicly bid "adieu" to.  I'm eager for 2014, and for adding another year to my age starting tomorrow.  I hope that my 31st year is full of God's healing, direction, joy, love, strength, togetherness, growth and GRACE. 

Thanks so much for reading, and thank you for your support and prayers.  Much love to you all. God is good!!!!     

Wishful hoarding

The J-Boy-- so silly!

Parade in Washington state

Big deal!

Masha helping Uncle M. lick the bowl clean of freshly whipped cream-- I don't think she actually ate any, but she didn't seem to know

                                 
 Thank you all so much for your prayers and your comments in my previous post!  I was very touched to hear from you, and by your prayers, I know that God has granted me strength in a time when I have felt otherwise very drained.

Two Fridays ago I had my last appointment, and my platelets were up.  Just a little (43,000-- still not great, and still considered "severe", but up 5,000 from the previous week).  But I'll take it!  I'm down to 40 mgs of prednisone.  I go in for another appointment this Friday, so we'll see how that goes!  Glory to God, all things considered, I'm feeling better and more like "myself" to some degree.  Slowly recuperating.... such a process...

The "Paleo" diet is going fairly well.  Although there are some days where I wake up and feel like crying big fat crocodile tears over my breakfast skillet of meat and veggies... sometimes a big bowl of cereal-- even just a bowl of the blandest, hippiest granola-- sound soooo appealing.     

Anyhoo!  The girls have swimming lessons this week.  Vasi will be attending a day camp next week too, so we've been keeping busy!  It's been so nice to have everyone home, although it gets hectic (and MESSY!) here quite fast. 

I just finished a custom-made bridesmaid dress for a friend this past weekend.  I made Simplicity 2582 (dress F), and it was a fairly straightforward pattern that yielded a very lovely dress!  We used a shiny, platinum lace over a silky/ shiny silver underlining and some added yellow details (wedding colors were grey and yellow).  Amidst all of that, I was able to crank out 6 pairs of simple shorts for V. and S. (3 pairs each), and I'm so pleased to see how quickly they've made it into their everyday wear rotation.  Truly, sometimes the simplest items are the best loved, especially when done in cheerful, happy prints. 

This week I'll be sewing items to sell as a vendor at our Glendi Greek Festival later this month.  I'm excited to share a booth with a friend, who will be selling gorgeous handmade earrings and girls' skirts.  I'll be selling tiered girl's dresses and little "church bags".  If I have time, I'd like to also sell some table runners, greeting cards and potholders.   Truly, I've got my work cut out for me since I still have a lot to do in the next two weeks.  But it's my hope-- Lord willing-- that I can use my sewing abilities and exuberant stash to help raise money for our Church's new building fund... even in a very small way.

 I'm very, very eager to sewing something (ANYTHING!) for myself, but it looks like I'll just  have to acquire/hoarde fabric until then (is there such a thing as "wishful hoarding?"  The deception that, "If I buy it, I'll have time...").  If only I could buy time instead of fabric...  I look into my closet and see a sea of dark colors-- grey, navy blue, earth tones... which, I suppose, are "my" colors.  But I've been craving a bit of variety in my wardrobe this summer.  I need some BRIGHTNESS.  Yellows, reds, fuschias-- skirts, shirts, dresses!  Much more summery and uplifiting.  Alas, it will have to wait.


Well, that's the news for now here in XK land!  I've got a little lady here who is in serious need of a haircut!  Let's just say that swimming lessons + poor (non-existent?) hair-grooming habits + super-easy-to-tangle hair makes for an unfortunate combination.  V. has amassed a frightful head of dreadlocks that seem to have a mind of their own, and they need to come off.  Did I mention she hates having her hair combed?  She has the most sensitive scalp of any child I've ever met.  I'm thankful that Susy has completely different hair... but still, I can't help but wonder why the good Lord blessed me (of all people) with 3 daughters.  Baby Masha, I can tell already, has Vasi's easy-to-tangle hair, and already has had a couple of matted baby dreadlocks in the back of her head.  Ay yay yay!  Lord have mercy.  Yes... where was I?  Haircut time!

See you later!  I hope you're having a great summer.

P.S.  Our computer is acting weird.  I haven't been able to properly upload real photos, but I do have some finished sewing projects that I'd like to share, once Job and I have that figured out.  For now, you can enjoy some cruddy little camera phone pics ;) 

2011, All but Everything

2011 is, as Joseph would say, "All done." I can't believe another year is over and out. It was a blur, from beginning to end, and I didn't take much time to journal, blog, or reflect, in general. Which is too bad, because I think I really need the outlet.

Goals for the New Year?

* Say "NO!" to fear
It seems ever since I had Joe, I've experienced a lot of fear and anxiety. His birth was very fast, but not really in a "merciful" way, but in a terrifyingly fast-my-brain-can't-keep-up-with-my-body- way. It was strange. Then he was born and didn't make a peep... he had a perfect APGAR, but I was still blown away by his quietness. Then, on Day 3 of his life, the midwife came for a home visit and grew worried by his low heart rate. She had me hurry to the pediatrician, "just to be safe." I cried maniacally the entire drive, while reading the Paraklesis service. Thanks be to God, our pediatrician checked him out and reassured us that he was as healthy as he was handsome.

Add on an endless string of sicknesses (you name it, we had it-- including my wee babe), a move, and my first-born starting school last January... you could say my Mommy Nerves were adequately rattled. My panic-ridden mind was constantly expecting the worst. It isn't until now that I'm realizing these intense thoughts of fear do NOT have to enter into my mind and heart. Thanks be to God-- and with His help-- I do have control over them... instead of the reverse.

There is a popular bumper sticker that says, "Do not believe everything you think." I saw it on Saturday, and though I'd seen it many times before, it caused me to simultaneously chuckle and open my eyes at my own struggles. We are blessed with an intellect, and we do have to make judgments on certain things. But when it comes to the whims, feelings, fears and impulses that dart though my mind at lightening speed; I don't need to stop and give heed to each and every one of them. I can give it to God! It sounds so cliche, but it is so freeing.


And so, back to my resolutions...

Say no to fear. Choose Christ's peace, regardless of my surroundings and the state of the world.

Live in the Moment. Stop fantasizing about the "ifs and whens" of the future... the "next" house, the next job, the next purchase. This is tough! I can't tell you how many times I've driven past others' houses, from charming craftsman-style homes to sweet, tiny bungalows, to even the simplest of apartments, thinking: I wish I lived there. Anywhere but my own home, with the too-small kitchen and the stained carpets and the single-paned windows and the second-hand furniture. Isn't it funny how you're much quicker to overlook the imperfections of someone else's home, but the ones in your own home drive you nuts and keep you from joy and gratitude? Lord have mercy.

Back to Earth, Xenia. I get distracted easily. I need to work on continually calling on God and asking myself, "Is this what I'm supposed to be doing?"

Use up fabric in my stash and use patterns I haven't used yet

Sew some long skirts and some blouses (I could have a closet full of impractical dresses, but I actually need some seperates, which isn't as thrilling, for some reason).

Cut back on thrift store outings. It pains me to think of how much money I've probably wasted by "saving money" at thrift stores!

Get rid of clutter and, on a regular basis, commit to organizing and x re-organizing the house. Even if the house gets crazy-messy again and again, to get back on the proverbial horse and keep at it. Cutting back on thrifting should aid in the "junk acquisition" department. Fortunately Job is just as motivated to accomplish this, if not moreso. He got a good start on hoeing out junk and taking it to Goodwill over the holiday break.

Take more photos. Thanks to some commission work, I was able to get a new camera. It's amazing how taking photos and reflecting on them as the months and years go by help give perspective on my life and the many blessings I have.

Draw/Paint my kid's portraits and frame them. If I were to wake up blind tomorrow morning, I think I'd regret not painting my kids' portraits the most. They are my real "works of art!"

Quilt, quilt, quilt! Do you know how many of my friends are having babies is 2012? EIGHT. I think that's a record! Needless to say, it will be a busy year for quilting :)
Invite people over more. This is a hard one, especially when you already battle over-comparativeness and fear rejection.... or, if you just have three kids five and under with unpredictable moods that can potentially cause a lot of embarrassment. Lord have mercy! I shouldn't be so prideful. My aunt wrote a book, Table Life, and in it she encourages readers to practice the art of hospitality, in whatever capacity you are able. Whether you use paper cups and serve leftovers with love, or go "All out" with your good china and dining finery. It is a very good and encouraging read, I recommend it! And not just because my Aunt is awesome :)


Work on my posture. Seeing the above picture of me and and my kids, I reminded that my posture leaves much to be desired! :)

Persist in the spiritual life and, hopefully grow closer to Christ. Work on being punctual to church services. Read more spiritual books, and maybe take more time to write poetry and reflect.

I'm sure I could think of more, but I'd better tune into reality now.

Christ is Born, Glorify Him! I hope your new year has gotten off to a terrific start!

Good intentions

Today I woke up, started the day as usual. Job took the kids to school (HURRAH! I'm the luckiest woman in the world), and I fed Joe his breakfast, which oftentimes looks something like a three-course meal, topped off with a large portion of my own breakfast. *sigh* Such is the life of a mom.

Then I actually got PRODUCTIVE, folks! I decided to fix our living room icon corner/ bookshelf. I took down all of the books, read and unread, that belong to other people. I stuck post-its on them, with the names of their respective owners and I'm determined to return them! Then I plucked books we've never read off of the shelves, and I put them in a bag to sell at our local bookstore. And I even did it! After picking up Susy, we went to the bookstore, and I sold some books. Don't ask me which ones, though, okay? After sharing my accomplishment with my dear hubby....well, let's just say I *might* or might not have to return tomorrow to try and get a book or two back. Gulp. Good intentions, right? I tried.

Because I was clearing out my bookshelves, I became engrossed with a book I hadn't read before. Just as I was about to chuck it, I gave it one more glance-over, and I was hooked. So hooked that I lost track of time, and I was late for picking up Susy at preschool. I felt terrible. I still feel terrible, actually. If this were just a one-time event, I wouldn't feel so bad. But being on time is a huge struggle for me.

So it was a busy day, and I can't believe that it's already 10:30 pm. It was nice to have a break from sewing or obsessing about sewing today, though. My house can only handle so much neglect, afterall. Ick.

I was hoping to finish the dreaded jumpers I've been hacking away at for the past two (three) weeks. But my energy is dwindling.... You see, I had this great idea that I'd sew Vasi's school uniforms this year. I made her blouses and two skirts for school, and they're worn just about every day. So, two months later, it's high time I have something else added to her uniform repertoire, right? The jumpers are made out of the same navy stretch twill as her skirts, but the pattern is so nit-picky and scattered... sort of tricky to follow. I haven't had much success with the Project Runway pattern line by Simplicity. I keep making really dumb mistakes, and my motivation has slid a great deal. But, they are almost done... so I can't quit now, right? I did get a confidence boost when I saw some Lands End-brand school uniform jumpers in Sears yesterday, and realized mine didn't look too shabby in comparison.

I might need some more (stevia-sweetened) vanilla tapioca to get me motivated, though...

I wonder if I'm growing...

This boy is getting big! At 16 months, he's strong enough to stand on his own... but he still uses a wall or table to lean on. He just needs a little more confidence. It won't be long, though, and then he won't just be standing, but walking. Here he is, testing his courage at the top of the stairs. What can I say? This kid likes to take big risks. It's a good thing I found him before he took another step (literally).
And this one? She's a bona-fide preschooler now. It did feel a little strange, sending my 3 year old to preschool. I had never planned to do so, initially. Afterall, I listened to Dr. Laura solidly for the first half of my mothering years (I stopped because some of the content is, I believe, unsuitable for "little listeners," and I only listened to it in the car when I was with the kids). But we thought we'd give it a shot, knowing full-well that we can always change our mind. So far, though, so good. She only goes half-days, and she seems to like it, more or less (in other words, she doesn't throw a fit at drop-off in the morning). Fortunately she's in a great class, in a very familiar environment, with kids she's known just about all her life.


And THIS one! She's a big kindergartener now! Not only that, but she fearlessly decided to ride a pony recently, while visiting our koumbardes'. She did great, too! Job and I were very impressed, especially as she usually veers on the side caution with most new things. In addition to adjusting to full-day kindergarten (yikes! I know... another adjustment for "mama", too), she's growing so much. In fact, yesterday we realized she could reach the kitchen faucet all on her own! This is a huge, particularly sentimental milestone, especially since we've been fans of this Raffi song since she was a wee baby.


I'm so thankful for my three gifts from God! I can't believe they are growing so quickly.

Please excuse the poor-quality pictures! We're making do with our phone camera, but I'm hoping to acquire a better point-and-shoot very soon.

As promised-- sewing projects

So, here are the sewing projects that I've completed since May. (above) Vintage Vogue pattern shirtdress, made with a navy bedsheet. You can't see it, but there are some calico turquoise details. See my flickr stream for more details on any of the dresses.

This is a modified dirndl dress (a "dirndl" is a traditional German peasant dress, like the stuff you see Oktoberfest barmaids wear). I found the pattern and instructions on the BurdaStyle website. As enamored as I was with the dress (TOTALLY had to make one, immediately), the finished product still needs a lot of modifications, which is the last thing I want to do after working hard on a dress and trying to follow all of the directions. Still, I could wear it "as is" with a cardigan, and it would cover up my mistakes just fine. Despite the shortcomings, though, I do like this dress and I look forward to wearing it.
Colette Sorbetto-- a free and wonderful pattern available for download! A lot of people tell me they would like to start sewing. Well, this is the perfect pattern to start out with! It comes with fabulous instructions, and it only takes one yard of fabric and some bias tape. Even if you're experienced, you'll love how quickly this pattern comes together, and how flattering it is! It's also a perfect blank canvas for embellishment and endless modifications (I add the lace and the buttons myself)
See and Sew B5166 wrap dress pattern. I use this as a "summer robe." Much lighter, and it is quite useful when darting out of bed and corralling a certain screaming 5 year old off the front lawn after daddy leaves for work. Since we're already waking up the neighborhood, I might as well do it in style, right? I actually really love this, and I'd like to make a dress out of it... even if I am a bit terrified of any item of clothing that has "wrap" in the title... As a mom to little ones, I'm just asking for trouble wearing something like that.
Colette Ginger skirt, in vintage upholstery-weight damask. I finally, finally took in this skirt, as I initially made it too big. I look forward to wearing it and having it actually fit!


another Colette Parfait, only lengthened. I was going for a "vintage Gunne Sax" dress look. Have you ever stopped to marvel at how modest (at least compared to today) the dresses were in the 70s? Like, my mom wore a floor-length, long sleeved, high collared dress to her prom in the seventies! And that was the style! Even in the age of "free love". Ironic!

So, that's what I've been up to in regards to sewing! I haven't been sewing much the past few days because... we have lice (which means all that hair you see above is gone! I cut it!). There, I said it. Now you'll be itching all weekend, won't you? I can't believe we've had this for a week. And pink eye. But no biggie. Just add it to the list of communicable maladies we've had this year, back to back, since August of last year (viruses, hives, strep, strep, strep, croup, stomach bugs, pneumonia, pink eye-- oh my!) ... Boy, oh boy, has this ever been the worst year of my life. No wonder I haven't blogged very much! Really, I'm doing okay, and God is good and His grace is sufficient. But that doesn't mean I/ we couldn't use some prayer. If your parish holds Paraklesis services this week and next, please add our names to the list! We would so appreciate it.

So now you know the truth. It's not that I'm super crafty and ambitious and a fabulous time manager... it's just that sewing has been a small coping mechanism, a creative outlet, for when it seems like I can't get anything else accomplished in my life. At the risk of sounding like a self-pitying whiner (oh, who am I kidding, I totally am), I feel like most everything I do is a big fat fail, especially keeping my family healthy for more than 2 seconds.

Lord have mercy! Panaghia mazi su!

Look out, world!

I know I've talked a lot about my kids and their spring birthdays lately... it most definitely is that time of year! And now, if you'll humor me, I just can't believe that my baby boy will be a year this Saturday. Yes... yes... May 21, 2011 has gotten a lot of fanfare this year, due to the fact that Rapture is supposed to also take place on this day. Oh boy. While the Orthodox don't believe in a rapture, or that one person can prophesy when "Judgment Day" will take place at all, it is indicative of this crazy world that my little man has been born into, and how it's not necessarily getting any better. A reminder of just how much I need Christ and the Church, and the sacraments, both for my own strength and healing, and to strengthen and guide my own children as they grow. Having been raised in a Christian family my entire life, and having been Orthodox for the past 9 and half years, it's so very easy to shrug off the life of the Church as burdensome and taxing. The temptation is strong to question one's devotion and ask if it all just a product of guilt-induced habit. But the truth is, I can't live without it-- otherwise I start to feel so hardened and out of control. This is a refuge from the world, the Hospital for the soul. Jesus came to heal the sick, and I have to remember how very much in need of healing I am. The little church we made one evening, complete with a Bishop (sitting next to the altar), parishioners, and a presvytera at the chanter's stand (behind the Bishop)

Wow, how was that for a diversion? I guess I've been thinking of a lot more than just my kids and birthday cupcakes lately :) We just gotta keep fighting the good fight, you know? I know I get so distracted from that simple truth.

And then, on a lighter note, there's sewing.

This is silly, but remember that dress I made? I actually really like it a lot now. I'm in love with cotton lawn, it's so soft and comfortable to wear, yet has a elegant drape to it.




This is Carrie's dress. The purple marks are just washable marker spots from when I needed to make buttonholes. I have tailor's chalk and water-soluble fabric pens, and two fabric pencils... and yet, I keep coming back to my trusty washable Crayola markers. Go figure.


And here's my "Sunday of St. Thomas" dress, since it wasn't finished in time for Pascha. I felt self-conscious in it at first, but then I got some nice compliments on it, which always boosts the ol' ego a bit and helps me relax. (favorite quote, Michael Scott: Michael: "Do I need to be liked? Absolutely not. I like to be liked. I enjoy being liked. I have to be liked. But it's not like a compulsive need to be liked. Like my need to be praised.")


Here here! A shirtdress that finally worked for me.

I haven't sewn very much since, because, well, my third child has elevated from "bump on a log" status to "active, viable, energetic child" status. And, he's a BOY, and boys get into everything. Seriously, it happened overnight. Now he's eating everything, finding hidden jellybeans and dirt clods in the most forgotten corners of our house. He's also crawling everywhere and quite proud of himself for it all. Now I know why God gave me two girls first...! Yikes. So most evenings are spent either a) accidentally falling asleep early, in my clothes or b) cleaning or c) vegging out. But tonight, I'm hoping to sew. Wish me luck.

Hope you are well! Christ is Risen (we're still in the Paschal season!).