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#30daysofgratitude 2016

Posted by Carolyn on November 3, 2016 Leave a Comment

Oh yay!  It’s November!  It’s time that I get to post my gratitudes every day!

Gratitude is a big part of my life.  I did 365 Days of Gratitude in 2014 and I was interviewed about it by the lovely Hannah.  Every November, I take the time to photograph and post one thing for which I’m grateful.  I’m pretty sure this is my fourth year practicing gratitude in the month of November.

I know that it’s important to me to begin to slow down at this time of year.  September and October are both busy, hectic, loud months with school starting, routines being developed, Halloween excitement, all that.  In November, we begin to pause, we begin to quiet down.  We get ready for Advent and the meditation and introspection that comes with that season of preparation.  It gets darker and darker as the days get shorter and shorter.  Nature starts to shut down and pack up for the winter.  November is just a natural time to turn inside and give thanks for those things that surround us.

So, please join me in giving thanks for the month of November.  There are so many hashtags on Instagram that point to gratitude, but the ones I use the most are #30daysofgratitude to be part of the larger community of gratitude, but I also like to do my own #30daysofgratitudeATT (for And Then They…) so I can keep track of my, and my friends’ posts more easily.  So, if you post some gratitude posts this month (there are no rules saying you have to do it every single day), please add those hashtags so we can all follow along with each others’ months of gratitude.  I’m carolynfwilliams on Instagram if you want to follow along.

I’m grateful for you!

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Posted in: gave thanks., gratitude | Tagged: 30daysofgratitude, gratitude

35 Gratitudes

Posted by Carolyn on February 23, 2016 1 Comment

IMG_6295I’ve missed listing my gratitudes, after having done it almost weekly for an entire year in 2014.  I’m coming up on my 35th birthday, so I thought it would be fun to think of 35 things for which I’m grateful.

Yesterday, I went and had a crepe and a cup of coffee after getting a new crown and thought I would take that time to write down a list of 35 things.  I tried not to think too hard, just to write whatever came to mind.

Today, as I type it up, I will add some thoughts and reflections on the 35 things I thought of yesterday.

  1. Jesse. This one was easy and obvious.  I am so grateful for my husband and the 15 years I’ve had him in my life.  He is such an incredible partner.
  2. Alma. My sweet four-year-old who is becoming cooler and cooler every single day.  I am grateful for her affection, her stories, her laughter, her light.
  3. Harriet. My funny 2 1/2 year old who is seriously hilarious.  She knows it, too.  One of her favorite things to do is to do something funny, then say, “Me nunny!” which obviously means ‘I’m funny!’  Her personality is really coming out and it’s a wonderful mixture of hilarity, organization, adventure, and affection.
  4. Mom and Steve. These are two of the greatest parents and grandparents on this planet.  Mom is my best friend and I know I can always count on her.
  5. Dad and Deena.  Two more of the greatest.  Watching my dad with my kids is one of my favorite things to do.  He always had the best advice and has always been someone I can lean on.
  6. Dave and Maureen.  Two more fantastic grandparents.  Maureen always has fun ideas and projects to do with the girls.
  7. Alma’s relationship with my Grandma. I am so happy that Alma got to spend time with her great-grandma.  She’s been gone for almost 3 years, but Alma still talks about (and to) her.
  8. Cousins. My cousins, my kids’ cousins.  All cousins are fun.  It’s such a unique and precious relationship.
  9. Coffeeshops. I have such an affinity to coffeeshops and the hours they provide me to think and write.
  10. Preschool.  We are lucky to have such a fantastic preschool that values play and exploration.  As I look toward kindergarten, I get anxiety about the expectations, but I know that our girls are in a good place right now, with the right expectations and values.
  11. Subbing. I love my time with middle school students.  I love going to a class, seeing kids I know, learning with them, then leaving them.  I love not having papers to grade or standards to worry about.  Subbing is the best.
  12. Eugene. My hometown is the best.  We have museums, concerts, restaurants, nature, it all.  I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.
  13. HearthStone. My guilty pleasure.  A super nerdy computer game and time suck.
  14. Church. Our church community is practically perfect.  And not at all, which makes it even more perfect.
  15. Sunshine in February. I have always loved having a week of sunshine right around my birthday.  It’s like a cheerful reminder of springtime.  But then it change back to:
  16. Rain.  During the summer, I start to get seasonal affective disorder, but it’s because all the sun is ugly and overwhelming.  I long for rainy days to wash all the summer dust off everything.  I like the February sunshine, but we better get some more rainy days before summer starts (not like last year!).
  17. Snow. We get far too little snow in the valley.  More trips to the mountains are needed.  I’m excited to get the girls on skis in the next couple years.
  18. Flowers.  I love how every flower seems like a beautiful surprise this time of year.  It’s not like we don’t know they’re coming – it’s just such a blessing when they pop up.
  19. Bikes.  Alma is all about her balance bike these days, and Harriet is all about the stroller, so we get to go on lots of walks.  The February sunshine helps.
  20. Language.  I love watching the kids pick up on the English language.  Alma loves trying out big words and I love it when she gets them wrong.  It’s so fascinating.  Harriet doesn’t have a whole lot of words, but she can sure make herself understood.
  21. Peace Corps.  In general, and specifically my experience.
  22. Azerbaijan.  My home on the other side of the world.  I think about it daily and wish we could go back.
  23. Jefferson Memorial.  The words on these walls are what our country is all about.
  24. Hamilton, the Musical.  If all American history could be taught through musical theater, I would be an expert.  Now if only I could find a way to get to New York, and my hands on a ticket…
  25. Friends.  Not the show, the people.  We just had a weekend with some of the best.  We are surrounded by some of the best people in the world.  I love my friends.
  26. Our House.  It’s perfect for us.
  27. Fresh eggs & produce.  Growing my own food is so great.  Cooking eggs from our chickens can’t be beat.
  28. Instagram.  Sure, it’s a time suck, but it is so inspiring.  It is like a huge creative community.
  29. Writing.  Taking the time to write has been so special to me.  I have ideas and dreams of writing books, but for now, getting my ideas down on this platform is wonderful.
  30. Reading. I am in the best, most enlightened, book club on the planet.
  31. Gel Pens. Love ’em.
  32. Music. Couldn’t live without it.
  33. Patience.  Mine, and from others.
  34. Hobbies.  My hobby is sewing.  Jesse’s is brewing.  I love that both of our hobbies create things out of nothing.
  35. Obama.  I’ve seen the stats.  He’s been a successful, inspiring president.

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Posted in: gave thanks., gratitude, one little word | Tagged: gratitude, Gratitudes

Dear Daddy,

Posted by Carolyn on February 8, 2016 1 Comment

Dear Daddy,

Yesterday was your birthday and I’ve been wanting to tell you something.  I write to the girls on their birthdays, but I think it’s important to write to you, too.

I have always admired you, daddy.  You always worked hard to give all of us a wonderful life.  You worked hard, but you were always home for dinner and present in our lives.  On Sunday mornings, I would wait to see you get up, then I’d follow you to the living room so you could read the comics to me.  You were always up to play in the backyard, or play a game of Pente.  You came to my recitals even when it meant missing a track meet.  You taught me how to ride my bike on two wheels.

One of my favorite memories of us is from a bike ride.  I can remember exactly where this conversation took place, right around the corner from where I live today.  We were riding ‘around the block’ and you told me that you hope I will always call you Daddy.  I remember thinking that was absurd that you would even ask.  Of course you’ll always be my daddy.

You have another name now.  You are also Papa, and I am so glad that my girls get to have a Papa like you.  They light up when they see you, and honestly, you light up, too.  You are such a great grandfather.  You get down to their level to play with them.  You spoil them just the right amount.  I know that I can count on you to take wonderful care of them.

Happy birthday, Daddy.  I hope you know how important you are to me, and how much I love you as my Daddy, and as Alma and Harriet’s Papa.

Love,
Carolyn

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Posted in: CHOOSE, gave thanks., learned., parented., story telling, STRONG, writing | Tagged: birthday, Dear Dad, gratitude, letter, Memories, Parenting, writing

MERRY CHRISTMAS Banner Now on Etsy – Plus Giveaway Winners Announced!

Posted by Carolyn on November 23, 2015 2 Comments
MERRY CHRISTMAS Banner Now on Etsy - Plus Giveaway Winners Announced!

andthenthey merry 3First off, I want to share my new listing on Caro Made Company!  It’s another felt banner – this time Christmas themed.  The example I have says ‘MERRY,’ but you can totally customize it.

andthenthey merry 2Wouldn’t this be a great way to display Christmas cards or other special mementos?  I love how it looks over the fireplace with the stockings.  Go check out the listing at Caro Made!

andthenthey merry 1Now, on to the winners from last week’s giveaways!  Thank you to all who answered my questions and took the time to enter the giveaways!  It was fun to spend a whole week sharing these fun items and working with Megan and Katrina.

The quilted table runner goes to – hmv
The gift bag goes to – Jacque Goss
The wood burned ornament goes to – Lauren Sharpton
The Christmas countdown chalkboard goes to – Nicole Trautman
The Goodness Gnomes go to – Becky

I will send each of you an email, but if you don’t hear from me, please contact me!

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Posted in: CaroMade, created., decorating, gave thanks., giveaway, holidays, sewing | Tagged: Christmas, create, decor, felt banner, gratitude, holidays

A Day In The Life – November 11, 2015

Posted by Carolyn on November 12, 2015 Leave a Comment
A Day In The Life - November 11, 2015

8:47 – I want to remember our mornings when we have nowhere to be.  We eat breakfast in the sunroom, run to Starbucks (despite their horribly offensive red holiday cups this year… I kid), the girls watch Sofia the First or Daniel Tiger while I sew.  We are usually so busy that it’s nice to have a special treat of eating in front of the TV.IMG_031710:02 – I want to remember this time with Harriet.  I totally hate this age when she has so much to say, but she doesn’t have the words to say it.  This moment, she had something terrible to tell me about this ball, but I just couldn’t figure out what she was saying.  Then she spent my entire shower yelling at me to help her find her backpack (that ended up being on the floor in the hallway…).  She is whiny and screechy.  I’m not sure why I want to remember all of this, but I get the feeling it will be funny to look back at it all.  Right? IMG_0330 10:48 – I want to remember how difficult the girls are in the car these days.  They always want what the other one has.  You can tell by how firmly Alma is holding Hodor and Bear.  Obviously, Harriet was whining and screeching about wanting just those things.  Driving is frustrating these days, but maybe in the future, I’ll miss it.  Maybe they won’t need me or want anything to do with me or their cute little toys.  Maybe…?IMG_0336 10:57 – I want to remember their wonder (and their happiness at being out of the car).  Right here Alma said, “I don’t want to smell the flowers because of allergies.”  The she smelled the flowers.  She doesn’t have allergies, by the way.IMG_033811:03 – I want to remember all the beauty of Autumn.  Snowberries are a favorite, and it was fun to be able to share them with the girls.  We also call most wild berries ‘bird berries’ because I want the girls to know not to eat them – they are only good for birds.  So far, this has worked to keep them from eating random poison berries. IMG_0339 11:05 – I want to remember how Alma asked literally every person on the sidewalk from our car, past a dorm, to the museum the same question: “Do you go to college?”  Everyone chuckled and answered that yes, they were going to college.  It was sweet, and I loved it because it’s helping to plant the seed that college is something that she should do.IMG_0344 11:17 – I want to remember these sweet friends.  I love that our kids won’t remember a time that these kids weren’t in their lives.  Since it was a holiday, a lot of my friends (and their kids) had the day off of work and school, so we made plans to meet at the Museum of Natural and Cultural History.  I’d never taken the kids there, so it was especially fun.  Not to mention the cool backpacks that each kid got to wear.  And the fact that Harriet’s was almost bigger than she is.IMG_035012:03 – I want to remember how these kids were curious, engaged, interested, and awesome.   The museum is set up so well, and our kids did a great job exploring.IMG_037212:05 – I want to remember how this girl tries (and succeeds) to keep up with the big kids.  She’s difficult these days, but watching her learn and grow is a joy, truly. IMG_0378 12:30 – I want to remember how big these kids seem to me.  I know I will look back at this day and think that they look so tiny, but right now I want to remember how big they seem.IMG_038012:32 – I want to remember these friendships.   IMG_038412:48 – I want to remember how we got lunch at one of the dorms, and ate outside.  I’d like to forget how crazy it was trying to wrangle two girls (plus the others), pick out food for us, order it, pay for it, and not lose either kid.  But I want to remember how, as we were leaving the food court, Jane said, “And as they leave, they throw condoms to the audience.”  I’m sure watching all of us with our kids was enough to inspire abstinence in at least a few of the college students. IMG_0387 1:07 – I want to remember how Harriet pouts.  It’s adorable and sad and pathetic.  This was a particularly lovely pout.  It was actually nice because I knew where she was as I got Alma into her carseat.  After this, she didn’t want to get in the car, so I called her bluff and said “Bye!” and got in my seat – she jumped right up with a big smile and got into her carseat with no problem.  One point for me!IMG_0393 3:49 – I want to remember how Alma likes to take my camera and take photos.  This one worked out because it’s nice to have photos of me in these posts, since I’m the one usually taking the photos.  I also want to remember how busy I’ve been getting some Christmas things ready.IMG_0417 4:41 – I want to remember how, whenever Rory comes over, it becomes a dress-up party.  They change and play and run and dance.IMG_04494:45 – I want to remember how Harriet says Sofia: Yii-a.  I want to remember how Harriet says unicorn: Coa.  I want to remember how Harriet says Alma: Malma.   IMG_0457 4:53 – I want to remember Poppy’s sweet red curls and how much Alma loves her.  She’s funny and happy.  Having friends over is Alma’s favorite thing, and to be honest, we all love it, too. IMG_0460 4:57 – I want to remember these three.  Right now they’re the big kids (Poppy will catch up soon) and they are the best.  I want to remember the way Harriet still sucks on her fingers and rubs her eyelashes.  I want to remember Alma’s dramatic flair (look at those pinkies!). IMG_0471I want to remember how I forgot to take any more photos because we were just having a good time with our friends, getting pizza, eating pizza, talking about god and God, and Heaven and heaven.  Sometimes it’s better to just put the camera down and live and remember.

Other Days In The Life:
May 12, 2015
September 9, 2015

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Posted in: a little moment, day in the life, learned., nature, one little word, parented. | Tagged: day in the life, family, gratitude, Oregon, Parenting

Little Red, The Big *Bad* Wolf, #30daysofgratitude

Posted by Carolyn on October 30, 2015 1 Comment
Little Red, The Big *Bad* Wolf, #30daysofgratitude

andthenthey pumpkins 1The end of October brings two things:  Halloween and November.  First things first, let’s get to Halloween. It was Alma and Harriet’s first time carving pumpkins this year.  I have to admit it went much better than I expected!  The promise of cinnamon rolls probably helped.

andthenthey pumpkins 2This year my girls are Little Red Riding Hood and The Big Bad Wolf.  I made Alma’s dress using the same Shwin and Shwin pattern I’ve used before (here and here and here) for my base, but really altered it.  I made a circle skirt and added a petticoat layer.  The dress is so fun and twirly.  I also did snaps instead of buttons or a zipper.  Snaps are my jam these days.

andthenthey little red 1For the cape and hood, I used Oliver + S’s pattern from their Little Things to Sew book.  I used a cozy flannel for both the dress and the lining of the cape.  The outside of the cape is red velvet because it doesn’t get more Little Red Riding Hood than red velvet.

andthenthey little red 2
Grrrrrrrrrrr

andthenthey little red 4Harriet’s costume is a little more thrown together.  I made the hat with wolf ears (that sort of looks like Yoda ears) using a pattern from the same Oliver+S book.  It’s made out of flannel, with a plaid flannel lining.  The vest is borrowed from Harriet’s friend Elsa.  The makeup is by me and my eyeliner pencil.  The tail is just a bunch of yarn I combed and pinned to her pants.  She loves growling these days, so a wolf is kind of perfect. andthenthey little red 3andthenthey little red 5Today they got to wear their costumes to school.  Hopefully they come home with all the parts and pieces.andthenthey little red 6

Grrrrrrr!
Grrrrrrr!

andthenthey 30daysSo, next up is November!  My favorite because we get to anticipate the anticipatory season on Advent, which is my favorite!  It’s kind of like how Thursday is fun because you know Friday is coming up.

I’ve been doing the #30daysofgratitude project on Instagram for at least 3 years.  I love being mindfully grateful (as evidenced by 2014 and my 365 days of gratitude).  During my year of gratitude, I would write down one thing each day – one word only.  This November project is more fun because it can be a full sentence, a story, or a word – in addition to the photo.

The thing about these hashtag projects is that they are much more fun when friends play along (thanks for joining me with my #93summerdays, Meredith!), so please join me this year!  I know I’ll be joined with hundreds or thousands of strangers, but it’s fun to have friends and readers play along, too.  I’ll be using the tried and true #30daysofgratitude hashtag, but I think I’ll add #30daysofgratitudeATT (for And Then They), just to keep things separate.

If you want to practice gratitude next month, please use both #30daysofgratitude and #30daysofgratitudeATT, so I’m sure to see your posts.  Also, share your Instagram name in the comments, or comment on my posts so I can follow you! (Mine is carolynfwilliams)

Happy Halloween, and thanks for reading!  I’m grateful for YOU!

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Posted in: created., gave thanks., gratitude, sewing, sewing for my daughters | Tagged: creating, Daughters, gratitude, halloween, oliver + s, sewing, sewing for my daughters

Playgroup Pumpkins

Posted by Carolyn on October 5, 2015 6 Comments

Our Fourth Annual Pumpkin Patch Playgroup.  I could write a lot about this, but I’d basically just say the same thing I’ve said before (here, and here, and here, and here, and here, and here).  I won’t put you, the reader, through that again.  I’ll just say that I love raising my kids with these people.

Before I post the photos from this year, let’s take a little trip down memory lane, shall we?

2012:  So many Ergos, so few people.  This was one of our first organized outings.  We have grown in families and children.  Most kids weren’t walking yet.  Leia and I were almost pregnant, but this was it!  Seven kids in this photo!

andthenthey pumpkin 2012 2013:  Quite a bit bigger.  A few pregnant moms, two new babies, eleven kids.  andthenthey pumpkin 20132014:  Even more!  More families, more babies, more pregnant moms!  Just more! Fifteen kids (I think!) andthenthey pumpkin 20142015:  Wow!  So many kids!  So many people!  No pregnant women (as far as I know!) Nineteen kids! andthenthey pumpkin playgroup2Today was one for the books.  We were planning on going to our usual, traditional farm.  Someone (Jane I think) checked their website and saw that they didn’t open until noon.  We were all on Facebook discussing what to do.  My family was already in the car, ready to go, so I suggested a change of venue (after changes of time and other ideas had been thrown out there).  Everyone agreed and spread the word.  It might not sound impressive, but it was quite amazing to watch 10 moms discuss and agree and mobilize all within about three minutes.  I told you this playgroup was special.  I love these people.

andthenthey pumpkin playgroup1 andthenthey pumpkin playgroup3 andthenthey pumpkin playgroup6 andthenthey pumpkin playgroup5 andthenthey pumpkin playgroup4 andthenthey pumpkin playgroup7 andthenthey pumpkin playgroup8 andthenthey pumpkin playgroup9 andthenthey pumpkin playgroup9a andthenthey pumpkin playgroup9bHayride, pumpkin picking, corn mazing, fun, fun, fun.  It was an oddly beautiful day.  I love these sunny, crisp days, but I have to admit, I’m getting anxious for the rain to come (and stay for a while).  Call me crazy!

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Posted in: a little moment, gave thanks., gratitude, holidays, parented., playgroup, story telling, STRONG | Tagged: autumn, children, gratitude, kids, Oregon, Parenting, photography, playgroup, pumpkin patch

30 Days Hath September – Whole30 Reflections

Posted by Carolyn on September 30, 2015 1 Comment

So, it’s September 30th.  this means a lot of things.

October is tomorrow, and Autumn is really, truly here.  I can really see this on my walks.  The trees are beautiful.  There’s a chill in the air.  The students are back on campus.  I’m drinking hot tea instead of iced.

It also means we’ve technically made it to the end of our first Whole30.  I say technically, because it has now been 30 days.  But, really, it’s just the beginning (and not really an ending).  It was a great experience, and we learned a lot about food, nutrition, our bodies, and what we’re capable of.  I lost six pounds in the 3 1/2 weeks, Jesse lost 14).

This past weekend, we had a couple birthday parties to attend, so we decided to relax the rules since we were almost done.  I ended up having a tiny portion of Yumm (locals will know that this means beans, brown rice, veggies and Yumm sauce).  I instantly – I mean instantly – got a stomach ache and it became a gut bomb for the rest of the day.  I was bloated and uncomfortable.  Jesse got instant heartburn.  Now, I always feel like Yumm is a healthy option, and I still think that it is (way better than fried foods, greasy meat, etc), so this surprised me.  I realized that ‘healthy’ doesn’t necessarily mean ‘good for you.’  I’m not sure what it was that wasn’t good for me, but with the bloating and discomfort, I’m going to guess it was the beans.  Suffice it to say, after a day of discomfort, I went back to the Whole30 way of eating for the rest of the weekend.

On Monday I wanted to try something else, so I got one of my favorite pumpkin muffins from a local bakery.  I figured I had done really well, and deserved a treat on my walk.  I bought it, started eating it, anticipating it to be the best thing I had ever eaten.  I ate about half of the muffin, and was full and done.  I didn’t feel gross like on Saturday, but I just realized it wasn’t worth it, so I didn’t finish it.  I didn’t get any headaches or pains, so I’m going to assume that grains are okay for me to eat.

Since then, I’ve been back on the Whole30 plan.  From here on out, I’m going to stick to it, but not strictly.  I mean, if there’s something that looks good, and isn’t too unhealthy, I’ll have some of it.  During this past month, I’ve learned ways to snack healthier, choosing an apple or a few banana chips.  I’ve learned that I don’t need as much food as I previously thought.  I feel like I’ve slayed my sugar-beast.  At the parties this weekend, I could have had cupcakes, but didn’t, and truthfully, I didn’t really miss them.

I know that the Whole30 plan is crazy restrictive and overwhelming.  I get it.  There were days that were really difficult.  There were things I really wanted to eat.  But, I kept going.  It’s easier than counting calories or points.  It isn’t just some fad diet that has crazy things like tons of grapefruits or cabbage soup.  It really felt like everything I put in my body had a purpose and was making me feel healthier and more energetic.  I learned that a microwaved apple with cinnamon and nutmeg is a wonderful dessert, but that I didn’t always even need to have dessert.  I learned that if I was feeling a slump, some tea or a handful of cashews would do the trick.

Most of all, I learned that I’m strong.  My will is strong.  My body is strong.  Today, on my walk, I walked through a beautiful oak grove and couldn’t help taking a selfie.  When I looked at the photo on my phone, I thought I looked great.  My hair is just in a braid, and I’m not wearing makeup, but I still thought I looked great.  I know it’s only six pounds, but I feel like my face looks thinner.  And my skin is clearer, my hair is shinier, my eyes are brighter.  Usually, I’ll take 100 selfies and kind of like one of them.  Today I took about 20, and liked 10 of them.  I know it sounds silly, but to me, that is strength.

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Posted in: 35 Until 35, ate., gave thanks., STRONG | Tagged: autumn, food, gratitude, one little word, strong, whole30

A Day In The Life – September 9, 2015

Posted by Carolyn on September 11, 2015 4 Comments

6:40 – I want to remember this changing morning light.  Shadows are getting longer, colors are changing.  I meant to do A Day In The Life during the summer, but it’s already slipping into Autumn.  At least I am doing this before summer officially ends and school starts back up.AndThenThey September00 6:54 – I want to remember these mornings when Jesse and I play a game of chicken – who can last the longest before getting out of bed to get Harriet, or to get some milk for the girls.  This morning I lost, but I usually win.AndThenThey September017:02 – I want to remember these breakfasts of smoothies for me, Jesse, and Harriet.  Alma doesn’t care for smoothies.  Jesse also doesn’t really care for the chia seeds I put in the smoothies, but I’m not going to stop doing it.   I love the weird little gooey seeds. AndThenThey September02 7:21 – I want to remember how Alma could eat a ‘peanut butter sandwich with honey’ for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  Sometimes she could eat two.  AndThenThey September037:48 – I want to remember how much the girls love ‘talking’ on the phone, usually to their grandparents.  This morning it is a princess calling her grandparents.  I also want to remember these moments when the girls are entertaining themselves and each other.   AndThenThey September04 8:44 – I want to remember these moments I get to create for my girls.  I know it will be too soon before a mama-made backpack won’t be cool enough.  For now it’s the coolest thing ever and I appreciate that.AndThenThey September059:18 – I want to remember how daunting most sewing projects seem before I start, then how I get in a groove and really enjoy seeing something appear out of nothing.  It’s magic, and I love magic. AndThenThey September069:44 – I want to remember how these girls love Sofia the First, and can usually agree to watch it.  I also want to remember how much I actually like it too.  The songs are so good, and the messages are lovely.  Sofia is a strong, smart princess.  I feel bad turning on a show so I can get something done, but at least it’s a good show.AndThenThey September0710:14 – I want to remember how my mom sometimes brings books to share with the girls.  Today it is Ladybug Girl and Llama, Llama, Red Pajama. I also want to remember how the girls attach themselves to all their grandparents and soak up all the love being given to them.  They are lucky girls. AndThenThey September08 11:03 – I want to remember how brave Alma got this summer.  In the beginning of the summer, she wouldn’t feed the animals on her own, now she finds corn husks, grass, fallen food, and rocks to give the goats and see if they like it.  I’m proud of my big girl.AndThenThey September0911:04 – I want to remember the adventures we took this summer.  We went to the farm a lot, to lots of parks, the library, and to concerts all over town.  It wasn’t boring, and it wasn’t hard, thanks to lots of grandparents who were around to play with us, and help us out. AndThenThey September1011:07 – I want to remember how Harriet is still a little scared of the farm animals.  I mean, she loves them, but she doesn’t want to have their mouths anywhere near her.  I think this is a healthy fear, and she’ll outgrow it quickly.  She loves the animals and never wants to leave them.  If I mention the goats, she says, clear as day, “goats!” and holds her hand out like she’s feeding them, then says “money?” because I often don’t have quarters to feed the goats.  She’s a planner, and I want to remember that.  AndThenThey September1111:21 – I want to remember how the girls play together and help each other out.  Harriet loves when Alma involves her, and Alma is realizing that Harriet is a playmate who can actually play.   AndThenThey September1211:28 – I want to remember the taste of Detering’s Apple Cider.  It’s a memory of my childhood, going out to the farm, getting the sample cup, begging my parents to buy a gallon to take home.  It’s still just as good, and takes me right back to childhood.  I love that it will be a memory of childhood for my girls, too. AndThenThey September1312:07 – I want to remember how Harriet is eager to help with the chicken chores.  She loves to feed them, gather the eggs, and most of all, carry them inside.  She even likes to eat them, so that’s a huge plus.  I also want to remember her sweet pudgy arms and wonderful cheeks. AndThenThey September14 1:11 – I want to remember this time of year, when the light starts to shine in through my sewing windows.  It means Autumn is coming and the Earth is spinning and rotating and hurtling through its seasonal orbit.  Just as it should be.AndThenThey September152:16 – I want to remember Alma’s first haircut and how she chooses to have me trim it up.  She looks so sweet and grown-up. AndThenThey September163:25 – I want to remember the letters the girls get from their new teachers before school starts.  Both girls are so excited today to open mail addressed to them.  Alma ‘called’ her teachers and talked to them, and pretended it was school for a good hour after opening her letter.AndThenThey September17 4:06 – I want to remember how my mom came over or watched the girls at her house so often this summer.   I appreciate her as much as my girls do.  It makes the day so much better to have a grown-up to talk to.  She also generously helps around the house, doing laundry, helping with the dishes, and entertaining all of us.AndThenThey September18 5:07 – I want to remember these last moments before Jesse gets home.  I’m certainly watching for his car to drive up, and I think the girls are anticipating it, too.  I’ve been trying to get the girls interested in doing something so they’re not just whining, which is what they usually do.  Today it is dancing and playing with babies.  I also read a lot of books between 4:30 and when Jesse gets home.  Harriet loves Pigeon and Llama Llama books.  Alma likes pretty much anything.AndThenThey September195:54 – I want to remember how Jesse takes the girls and plays with them while I make dinner.  They usually do funny things like pretend to sleep, and he is right there with him.  He is seriously the best dad and husband. AndThenThey September20 6:13 – I want to remember these family dinners we have.  Even though we’re in the middle of doing a Whole30, we are able to make food that the girls will eat (most of the time).  I also want to remember all these healthier ways we are eating now, and use them forever and ever amen.AndThenThey September21 6:59 – I want to remember how good it feels to get the dishes done before the kids are in bed!  Usually we wait until after, but tonight we finished dinner early, so we just did the dishes as the kids played.  Phew, that feels really good. AndThenThey September227:05 – I want to remember how we all cuddle in bed for a story before we put the girls to bed.  I want to remember how we do kisses before bed, each person giving each person a kiss, then one big kiss all together.  Then, Jesse and I trade off who puts whom to bed.  Harriet is easy – a song, then in the crib, tucked in, and out of there.  Alma is a different story.   She won’t go to sleep unless one of is sitting in her room.  I know that this isn’t the best routine, but for now it’s better than having her come out over and over and over again.  We’ll figure out another routine soon.  It’s also kind of nice to just sit in there with her, and catch up on Instagram and blogs. AndThenThey September239:34 – I want to remember how I feel and who I am right now.  I have a good, happy life.  I have a warm, comfortable home.  I have a loving, funny family.  I have support, guidance, friends, and love.  And that’s good enough for me. AndThenThey September24See my other Day In The Life post: May 12 2015.

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Posted in: a little moment, day in the life, gave thanks., learned. | Tagged: day in the life, family, gratitude, Parenting, summer

Family Portraits

Posted by Carolyn on May 16, 2015 Leave a Comment

When Alma and Harriet were babies, they had portraits done.  That’s the only time I can think of since our wedding that anyone in our family has had portraits done.  For my birthday this year, my parents gave us a session with a wonderful photographer for family portraits.

Courtney Theim was amazing to work with.  She was incredibly flexible as we waited for a break in the weather to head up to Hendrick’s park.  We met her early one morning and she took some beautiful family portraits with magical light and the incredible backdrop that is the park in springtime.

Here are some of my favorites.

IMG_3826I’m not often in front of the camera, so I’m so happy to have these.  I could write a whole blog post about body image and moms missing from family photos, but I’m sure you’ve all read it before.  The main thing is that I don’t want to look back at my life and not see myself in the photos.  I also don’t want my daughters to see me missing. IMG_3847 IMG_3900 IMG_3922My beautiful, silly girl, with those sweet freckles. IMG_3959 IMG_3966 Come on, seriously.  Harriet is so lovely.IMG_3977I love Harriet’s closed eyes here.  And our strawberry blond curls. IMG_4096 IMG_4104 Look at Harriet looking at Alma.  So much love and admiration right there.  Believe me that it is mutual.IMG_4270 Courtney wanted to try this hand photo, and Harriet didn’t want to play along.  I’m astonished that Courtney was able to catch the split second all our hands were stacked up.  That’s talent, folks.IMG_4390 IMG_4405a IMG_4414 IMG_4467Please contact Courtney if you need some photos done.  She’s wonderfully professional, and was great with the kids.  And the proof’s in the pudding.  The photos are amazing.

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Posted in: gave thanks., nature, parented., STRONG | Tagged: children, grateful, gratitude, kids, Oregon, Parenting, photography
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If God said, ‘Rumi pay homage to everything that has helped you enter my arms,’ there would not be one experience of my life, not one thought, not one feeling, nor any act, I would not bow to. -Rumi

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