Rainbow Bird Magazine

We have been in the throws of a very gross stomach virus over here. I had it all week, last night Barry came down with it, and today I had Jonah and Ian puking along with other gross stomach virus-y things. Hence the blog neglect, which is sad because we’ve got an Easter dress to talk about and a birthday, not to mention the homeschool convention I attended this weekend! Geesh!

But, today I will leave you with this:

Poor Brenna was desperately bored without her constant companion (Jonah) by her side. She worked hard on this to cheer him up. I think he’ll be excited about it tomorrow. In his delirium today he didn’t have much to say.

(Mush-mush is a little toy mouse.)

Click here for details of the birds.

Happy Easter!!

In honor of our twittering friends that are finally returning to our yard I made these little birdies for my kids for Easter. They are felted wool stuffed with wool batting with Barry-engineered copper wire feet. I also got this book. It has been hiding in my closet and I can’t keep my hands off of it when the kids are in bed. It is way, way cool.

Snow has been fluttering down here all day, but still thoughts of rebirth and renewal are at the forefront this weekend. My mind has been so full of mental clutter. It seems like the “We’re moving” thoughts are bulky and distracting– taking up so much space, sucking up my time in thoughts of getting the oven fixed, researching carpet prices, finding a match to the white paint on our baseboards and doors. And while these things are necessary and even exciting in their own way I’m excited for tomorrow, the Sabbath, the most important Sabbath. I am thankful for the time to focus and reflect on what life is really all about.

It seems the things I read, the lessons I learn from my children, the conversations I have with friends, the sad, painful experiences of loved ones in my family highlight so much what this season of rebirth is all about– love. Pure, selfless love. Knowing, believing, seeing that we are all of infinite worth, of infinite potential, full of infinite beauty. That is what Spring teaches us–and that no matter how bleak and gray and cold the winter is, no matter how dark and deep we are buried, there is rebirth. The little green shoots will poke their heads up again. Blossoms will bud, meaning fruit will grow.

There is an infinite source of good, of peace, of renewal, of love. The sun will always rise, there will be warmth and growth, because the Son did rise.

I hope you have a wonderful Easter!

out the window

I am so ready for spring, but March hasn’t been very spring-y in these parts.

Our favorite window looked like this a couple Saturdays ago. Yikes!!

But, things are looking up. We’ve made a new woodpecker friend and Mr. and Mrs. Sparrow are setting up house. It is so funny to see Mr. try to force his head through the little door with his mouth full of sticks and grass.

And today…THE FIRST ROBIN!! He sat and soaked up the rain for a good twenty minutes this morning.

Other things running through my head–

–Did you know Denver boasts 300 sunny days a year?! Good bye gray winter. I will miss green grass and trees, but I will not miss gray skies from November to ~~February~~ ~~March~~ April.

–I had Ian in a disposable diaper this evening and when I went to pick him up and carry him upstairs for bed the whole thing fell out his pant leg. What? How?

–You have to check this out. I am having serious chicken envy.

February crafting catch up :: necklaces and a shirt

I put together two more ginkgo leaf necklaces:

T he bigger one up top there has little wooden beads on it and will replace the necklace that got lost in the mail. This bottom photo is a close up of my new favorite. We got the kids a rock tumbler and rock drill for Christmas. I’m not sure what kind of stone the little green rock is, but I used the drill to make a hole in it and used silver wire to attach it to the back of a tiny leaf. I really like how it turned out.

This shirt was made from everyone’s favorite Built by Wendy pattern, I just used knit fabric instead of woven cotton. From the measurements on the pattern I needed a 10(?) and it was humongous. I ended taking it in at least 2 inches. So I should have made a 6. Has anyone else had similar sizing issues with this pattern, or was just the fabric? I really like it– flattering, but not too tight. I’m getting excited about sewing clothes. This is the first shirt I’ve ever finished for myself.