play is the thing

not the end...

2009-06-17T16:21:00.000-07:00

...but a new beginning!

I have loved being here with blogger, but I've decided it's time for a change. So this blog will be moving!

Please bookmark our new blog site:
wholegrainbaby.squarespace.com

Hope to see you there!

:), Varenia

our days

2009-06-15T15:18:00.000-07:00

braids

2009-06-10T18:19:00.001-07:00

, originally uploaded by varenia.

Piper's favorite way to pass the time with me lately is doing hair. So I thought braid wednesday would be just up her alley. I don't know how creative I'll be able to be with her itty bitty baby hairs, but I'm up for the challenge.

woo hoo!

2009-06-08T09:40:00.000-07:00

I finally did it! After many urgings from internet-land, I have completed my first print at home pattern, The Little Mod Dress.

The process was completely foreign to me, and was definitely an amazing learning experience. Who knew how long it took to write instructions?! But now that I've done it, perhaps it's time for a tutorial or two here on the ol' blog.

2009-06-05T18:36:00.000-07:00

Have you touched your toes today?

far far away, work in progress

2009-06-03T09:29:00.000-07:00

So, I have another creation in the works. Ever since Far, Far Away arrived at our house, it has been the topic of conversation among the little girls. After finishing Apple's princess and the pea dress, she almost immediately started asking for something with the pink frogs. And Piper slooowly draws the green unicorns off the shelf, oh-so-delicately, wraps herself up in it, and twirls around crying "wheeeee! preeeeetty!"

I searched through my stash for the perfect compimentary fabric to the green unicorns, and the task proved much trickier than I originally thought. Finally, I decided upon a green and blue floral from Jackie Shapiro's (now discontinued) Botanical Pop, one of my all-tiime favorite lines.

I can't wait to finish this creation and see it on! I already have plans for something similar for the shop, and possibly even in other colorways. Stay tuned.

fashion flashback

2009-06-02T22:04:00.001-07:00

flashback #2, originally uploaded by varenia.

After hours of recovering photos and files from my old hard drive, I also found some old photos of my father-in-laws from when my husband was a boy. I just looove pictures of him from his childhood, and that mischievous twinkle that permanently resided in his eye!

I really love this shot taken in Honolulu, I believe in either '76 or '77. Richard's legs and socks slay me. (Although the legs still look pretty much the same, darn him.) And look how stylish my mother-in-law was (is.) Love her round-yoke dress, just the picture of 70's glamour. Tres chic!

duck duck goose

2009-06-01T12:09:00.000-07:00

Inspired by my birdie girl, who especially loves ducks. I knew as soon as I saw this wonderful fabric by Lizzy House that a dress needed to be made. It'll be in the shop this evening.

thank-you bag

2009-05-29T20:52:00.000-07:00

In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, the girls and I whipped up a couple of drawstring bags, one for each of Rye's teachers. I was inspired by the bags in Heather Ross' Weekend Sewing, although I did not use the pattern in the book, rather I just cut a couple of rectangles and sewed my own little version together.

Since I only had about an hour parts of the bag turned out a little bit wonky, but perhaps that just adds to it's charm. At least that's what I'm telling myself today.

We stuffed them full of homemade cookies, and notes and drawings from the children, and presented them along with some flowers from the garden. All in all, I think it turned out pretty well. In fact, I'm thinking of sewing up some more little bags just to keep on hand to use for last minute gifts. I always have the intention of giving handmade, but sometimes I just don't have the time. This way, I can still give a little handmade and tuck a store bought item or some yummy baked something inside and voila.

By the way, this was my first time using Heat 'n Bond to applique the initial onto the bag... can I just say I love that stuff? It made the letter look so crisp and neat! I definitely see more applique-ing (is that a word?) in my near future.

mamas, please read this post

2009-05-26T16:10:00.000-07:00

" "Death by hyperthermia" is the official designation. When it happens to young children, the facts are often the same: An otherwise loving and attentive parent one day gets busy, or distracted, or upset, or confused by a change in his or her daily routine, and just... forgets a child is in the car. It happens that way somewhere in the United States 15 to 25 times a year, parceled out through the spring, summer and early fall. The season is almost upon us.

Two decades ago, this was relatively rare. But in the early 1990s, car-safety experts declared that passenger-side front airbags could kill children, and they recommended that child seats be moved to the back of the car; then, for even more safety for the very young, that the baby seats be pivoted to face the rear. If few foresaw the tragic consequence of the lessened visibility of the child . . . well, who can blame them? What kind of person forgets a baby?" ~ The Washington Post, 2009

What kind of person forgets a baby? A person like me. A person like any one of us.

I've heard of these tragedies where parents have accidentally forgotten their children in cars, with horrendous outcomes, but I must admit, there was always a small, tiny portion in the back of my brain protesting: "But I'm a good mother! How can anyone really ever forget about their child?"

Today I found out.

Today was a day like every other school day. I gathered the girls and Jack, and we drove to pick up Rye at kindergarten by 1:30. We were actually running a few minutes late, because Piper was tired and fighting me the whole way. We got Rye, and I noticed Piper was almost asleep, but probably needed a few more minutes so I decided to drive through and get an iced tea and go home. By the time we reached home, both girls and Jack were asleep. The outside temperature felt like mid-80s.

It's not uncommon for some or all of the kids to be asleep when we get home. I usually take them into the house one by one. I got Rye settled inside the house, went back for Apple, who was awake, got her settled inside, and went back for Piper. I knew Piper was exhausted, and that she'd stay asleep, so I immediately took her to her room and put her to bed, and then started helping the older kids get a drink and a snack. I got myself a snack. I started listening to Rye's funny school stories from today. And then I looked around.

It just hit me. Where is Jack?

Immediately, I ran out to the car parked in the driveway. It had already been probably somewhere between 15-20 minutes that we had been home. I have never been more scared.

Jack is okay now. He's safely sleeping and has probably forgotten the whole incident. But I will never forget. I will never forget his red, sweaty face and body, and his almost resigned moans. I can't help but wonder what could have happened if he'd stayed in that car for even 10 more minutes.

There are many articles on the subject, but the reason I like this Washington Post article in particular is that it really shares with us that this is a phenomenom that really can, truly, happen to anyone.

I am taking what happened today to be a wonderful gift, a lesson, urging me and my very busy brood to slow down. I am hoping you will all think about my story, and the infinitely more tragic stories of those who have lost children, as you buckle up your little ones this summer.

something new

2009-05-22T12:12:00.001-07:00

A few of you have noticed the new "Shop Whole Grain Baby" icon in the sidebar to the left, and have probably been wondering if I am (redundantly) linking to my etsy shop.

Well, I'm very excited to give you a sneek peek into the creation of the website we've been working on for a few months! After (much) urging, primarily on the part of my husband, and much researching, we will be experimenting with maintaining our own site, as well as the etsy shop.

This was a very difficult decision, particularly with the desire to be cost and time effective for a small home-based business like this one. One of the things I love about the new site is that fact that it is sooo user friendly for the customer, and therefore, for me! I think it's going to save tons of time emailing back and forth, clarifying sizes, payment issues, etc. And along the lines of payment issues, one of the biggest requests I've had from customers is the ability to enter a coupon code for discounts, in lieu of the emailing back and forth (etsy-style) and then have to offer the discount as a refund, or spend (precious) time creating special reserved listings. All of this is eliminated with the new site! The ability to just enter a discount code upon checkout and automatically receive the savings I think will be a huge improvement!

The site is still bare-bones at this point, as we add items and work on layout, but it is live. We anticipate on adding at least 5 (new!) items to the new site over the next 5 days (that will not be added to the etsy site), so I'd love it if you'd stop by and check it out! And just for following this blog, enter the code PLAY15 and receive 15% off your total order! (Since the site is still new, if you have any issues with the discount codes please let me know.) I'd love to hear all of your feedback as well, or any suggestions!

Memory Jog

2009-05-19T12:09:00.000-07:00

Did you ever participate in a Jog-A-Thon when you were in school perhaps? I know I sure did! But I don't think it was quite the event it is at Rye's school, complete with tres chic Jog-A-Thon t-shirts and a groovy tunes to motivate the runners to keep going!

Look at how hard these kids are running! I was so impressed by all of their persistence (and sheer energy!)

Look at this face! I'll think I'll start calling him Rye Prefontaine.... a future Olympic gold medalist, maybe?

Of course no event would be complete without spectators. While the girls and I cheered, high-fived, and ate lots of Cheez-Its, Jack ate lots of grass and squealed with excitement.

Finally, the running was over. Time to cool down and head over for some refreshments.

The girls were so tired you would think they were the ones who actually participated! Luckily my double stroller can easily accommodate three, so not only did Rye get quite the workout, but so did I. What a win-win day.

i got it from my mama

2009-05-10T22:34:00.001-07:00

Hope everyone had a wonderful (and relaxing!) Mother's Day! We spent the weekend in a little cabin in the Yosemite Mountains, and I can't think of a better way to celebrate this special day than to sit on a porch all day and watch my little ones come and go.

We had grand plans of hiking the falls, exploring the meadows, and sniffing out animal trails, but most of the plans were vetoed (by the smaller Jensens) and we mainly stayed close to "home" this year.

There were creations to be built.

There were stories to be read.

There were quality outings with Grandma.

There were games to be played.

There were sights to be seen.

There were babes to be snuggled.

Happy Mother's Day to all.

baby pants

2009-04-28T15:15:00.001-07:00

As soon as it started to get sunny I knew Jack was going to need some lightweight long pants that wouldn't be too hot, but keep his sweet little baby skin protected. So I turned to this book, which I've had forever, but most of the projects seem to require much more time than this mama of four has these days. So these little kimono pants, they're called, seemed like something quick and easy, and something he desperately needed.
I repurposed an old tote bag that I made for Rye a year or so ago, and he never really got into using it. The bag was made with three quarter yards of coordinating prints on each side, so the middle seams of my pants were already sewn together, I just had to cut the right amount for the trim, and I chose to alternate the prints (so the trim on the front is opposite the back, and right opposite the left) because I do love any sort of pant that reminds me of clown pants. Yes, I do. Everyone needs at least one pair of busy pants, right? I may tone it down a bit on the next go around, though.

I found the pattern really simple and easy to follow. I made the 9-12 month size (Jack is 6 months old), added an inch in length, but am finding the crotch/bum area to be a little more fitted than I would like. Something to consider if you have a round little one like mine, or if you cloth diaper. I'll definitely add a little more room to the crotch when I make this again, but I'm pretty happy with how they've turned out.
And look what else is new here! Front teeth! Yep, the little guy now has top and bottom chompers. He's had an awful time teething, probably more so than any of my others, and could probably use a lesson or two on the things we bite and the things we don't.... but like most milestones, I'm sure it's a much bigger deal to me than to him. No more toothless grins, another of the newborn characteristics that I see fading every day. Luckily my boy seems to be in no great hurry to grow up (or even sit up) and that is perfectly all right with me.

princess & the pea

2009-04-26T14:06:00.000-07:00

Finally! We had some cool days and I really wanted to photograph this dress outside, but we made do. Apple actually had a brilliant idea: "Mommy, why don't we get a bed and you can take my pictures like I'm the real Princess-in-the-Pea!" So cute. And I only cringed a little bit when she wanted to lie on all of my precious Far Far Away fabrics with her sandy toes.
It was so much fun to see this fabric take life, and I love the drape of the double gauze. So fun, especially if you have a girl who loves to twirl.

In hindsight there are a lot of things I'd do differently with this dress, and with the double gauze in general. I think in the future I'll really put more thought into the pattern I'm using to make sure the double gauze would be the best choice. I really wanted to use it on this dress, as Apple and I both love this style, but since the halter top requires lining I wouldn't do it this way again. I lined it with a coordinating Heather Ross polka dot, which really shows through the top and takes a little bit away from the beautiful outer fabric. I'd probably suggest if you choose a project that has to be lined to line it with a solid color double gauze, which I found at Superbuzzy. It's expensive, but I think the results would probably be worth it.

I've also heard a lot about the "stretchiness" of this fabric. It does have quite a bit more give than a quilting weight cotton, and even though I prewashed the fabric, I still encountered some problems, particularly in parts of the dress that required fabric cut on the bias. I normally never have any problems doing a simple hem, or side seams of a skirt, but I really had to almost fight to keep my fabrics aligned when sewing the skirt of this dress together, because of the bias cut. Something else to keep in mind when choosing a pattern.

All in all I'm pretty pleased, and can't wait to try double gauze again, maybe in a dress for myself for summer.

Ribbit!

2009-04-23T14:57:00.001-07:00

froggy, originally uploaded by varenia.

Rye is studying a unit on frogs, can you tell?

Oh, and by the way, it's Wacky Wursday! We are wearing our finest wackies today, how about you?!

birthday girl

2009-04-23T09:19:00.001-07:00

Apple's other special request, a yellow dress with a "touch" of pink and red. She loooves how this dress turned out, and even slept in it yesterday. I, on the otherhand, had a different idea I guess, because I wasn't thrilled with the dress. I like it, but somehow the end product isn't quite in alignment with my vision, although I have yet to figure out where I went wrong. Oh well, she likes it, and in fact is already putting her order in for her birthday dress when it's her "five birthday".

Her birthday wouldn't be complete without some "apple" gifts, and the sweet blouse (above) was a custom creation from Victoria of Free Range Baby. I discovered her shop while searching for some birthday gifts, and am so impressed with the quality, craftsmanship, and beautiful packaging.

Rye worked forever on such a special card for his sister, complete with all of the things she loves: piggies, flamingoes, apples, hearts, flowers, balloons, sunshine, and cake. I am loving that the children are getting old enough to make and plan and surprise each other. Probably my best memories of this birthday was all of the "hush hush", planning, surprising, and thought that went into it, especially by Rye and Piper.

I honestly never imagined four years ago that this girl would be so amazing.

birthday prep

2009-04-22T21:53:00.001-07:00

baking, originally uploaded by varenia.

Last night we stayed up sooooo late (like, 9 pm! hey, that's late for my sleepy kids) finishing Apple's special cake. She's been asking for this cake for about 6 months, for her birthday. A chocolate cake with a very yellow frosting.

So Richard, Master Cake Baker, planned, purchased, and baked with the littles til the wee hours. After a whole evening's excitement and looking forward to her Birthday Dinner, Apple eagerly dove into her yellow-and-chocolate concoction. And hated it.

I had a feeling she would, as she gets older I can't help but notice how similar we are, even down to our tastes in food.

Anyway, Happy Happy Birthday to my Apple girl. Because, you know her feet touch the ground now when she's sitting at the picnic table. And to her that means four.

More birthday goodness to come... later. Must nap now.

bib dress

2009-04-16T14:14:00.001-07:00

bib dress, originally uploaded by varenia.

Sometimes my favorite shots end up being the outtakes... I really can't use this one to showcase the dress, but boy, does it make me smile! Even when the girl herself is having a knockdown, dragout meltdown (as she currently is at this exact moment that I am blissfully ignoring~ oh, wait... yep, she's asleep now) I can look at a photo like this one and see that cheeky little smirk and those golden highlights some people, ahem, would pay good money for~ and I feel so lucky to have a daughter like her.

a birthday in the works

2009-04-14T14:24:00.000-07:00

So, I finally cut into my coveted Far, Far Away Fabrics. Apple's birthday is next week, and I've got many things in the works. Like four dresses. (For four years old, of course). Two of the dresses she knows about, being her special requests: this one (princess and the pea) she's been asking for ever since she saw the fabric, and she has requested a "yellow sun dress with just a touch of red and pink, Mama". The girl knows what she wants, so I'm going to try to give it to her. Then there'll be two more dresses she's not expecting, one based on this book (which she is also receiving) and then an apple themed dress, for obvious reasons.

Here's a couple of peeks at dress number one. I cannot get over how cute that little princess is. She slays me. I took great measure to place her perfectly in this dress too, even though it ended up costing me more fabric than I wanted. She was worth it.

I'm glad I chose this print on the white background instead of the pink; Apple's skin is already so tan and toasty just from being outside the last few days, I think the light color is really going to pop on her.

Here's the inside of the bodice, more Heather Ross fabrics. I love the two together, the only thing I'm not loving is the fact that the double gauze is quite see through, and you can see the dots through the front of the dresses bodice, which I'm not crazy about, but I had to line it because you see, Apple really is the Princess and the Pea. The most sensitive kid ever. As much as she loves the fabric there was no way she was putting it on her tummy because it was too itchy. (Nevermind the fact that this fabric is the softest thing ever). I'm hoping I can ease her into the idea with this one and then make her another dress using double gauze and won't have to line it. But until then...

spring fling

2009-04-11T15:18:00.001-07:00

spring fling, originally uploaded by varenia.

Finally...

The shop is not empty anymore! I had to re-take these photos, and although I'm still not 100% in love with them, they are much better than the original photo shoot.

I'm hoping to have more women's goodness (home goods as well as apparel) in by the end of the month.

sleeping bunnies

2009-04-10T09:24:00.001-07:00

sleeping bunnies, originally uploaded by varenia.

See the little bunnies, sleeping in a row
Oh the little bunnies, how I love them so.
Oh so still, Are they ill?
NO!
Then hop up little bunnies, hop hop hop
Hop little bunnies, hop hop hop
Hop little bunnies, hop hop hop
Hop little bunnies, hop hop STOP!

Go to sleep, bunnies.

Does anyone else sing this rhyme with their kiddos? It's my children's favorite (and one of those rare few things that they all enjoy, whether they're 6 or 6 months.)

weekend sewing wip

2009-04-08T22:12:00.001-07:00

weekend sewing wip, originally uploaded by varenia.

I'm working on the Kai Shirt from Heather Ross' Weekend Sewing. LOVE that book! I still need to add the buttons and hem it, but I'm pretty happy with how it's turned out, despite a few collar complications along the way. This is the 12 month size, and despite the fact that Jack is wearing 12 months on store bought shirts, this is still far from fitting him. My guess is that it will probably fit him closer to when he actually turns one.

Summer of 69 Thrift Store Refashion Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-04-07T17:24:00.000-07:00

Summer of 69 Thrift Store Refashion Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

And I must win this dress for me!!!

Modern Pirate Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-04-07T14:06:00.000-07:00

Modern Pirate Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

How cute is this dress?!

new dress, new sizes

2009-04-05T20:48:00.001-07:00

plum picnic, originally uploaded by varenia.

Finally, a new dress for the shop. And new sizes, too. I have been inundated with requests for dresses in smaller (infant) sizes for baby showers, christenings, and birth gifts, and I'm so excited to be able to offer them now.

I love the unexpected colors and large scale print in this fabric, so unique and exquisite.

Far, Far Away Giveaway

2009-04-04T08:11:00.001-07:00

Here it is, some of the beautiful new fabric from Heather Ross' Far, Far Away line! I am completely smitten with these prints, and even more so after discovering there may not be a new line for a while...

If you're looking to get your hands on some a.s.a.p. Whipstitch is hosting the most clever giveaway ever. You must check it out! (Snail racing is all I'm gonna say!)

I spy

2009-03-30T21:34:00.001-07:00

Piper's quilt top, work-in-progress. As I was busy sewing and piecing, the girls created the most wonderful game of "I spy" out of it. Apple loved to be the "asker" (Do you spy any..... BIRDIES?!)... and Piper would squeal with the delight of a 2 year old who you would think invented birds (Birdie, Me! Birdie, ME!)...

Although I don't get much "real" sewing done in the daytime, I am loving our special creating time we have while Rye is at school and Jack sleeps. It also makes a huge difference that Piper is starting to show much more interest in projects, and frankly just sitting still for more than 5 seconds at a time. She loves to do anything Apple and I do, and I love to eat up all of the girl time we get together making.

new shoes.

2009-03-26T16:19:00.001-07:00

Oh, See Kai Run, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways....

One, two, three, four!

They were on sale! So of course, even though he can barely roll over, I felt it my moral obligation as a proper mama to adorn him with not one, but four pairs of shoes. Some common sense did prevail, however, and I at least had the foresight to buy them in staggered sizes, for growth. Or at least that was my rationale for buying the lot.

I love baby shoes.

the good, the bad, and the snugly

2009-03-25T18:31:00.000-07:00

Hello friends!

Good news and bad news. Actually, I think it's more like bad news, good news, some more good news, and a little more bad.

Bad news on the family front: We are all sick again!!! Did I say again? It feels more like still. Since, like, January I feel I've been wiping noses and soothing coughs, lowering fevers and hugging babies. Ugh. It is really starting to get old. Especially since my kiddos have hardly ever been sick, but I guess it's due to the exposure of kids en masse at Rye's school that is really running us through the gamut. Please also forgive my lack of photos with this post, I had planned some, but they are waaaay over there, on my desktop, and Jack and I are all snugly right here, on the couch, and exhausted. Nuff said.

Now for some good news! Beth from the Sew, Mama, Sew blog has posted a little ditty about my mermaid blouse on the blog this evening, along with a few other really beautiful creations from some really talented ladies. Which leads me to the other good news: it looks like they have completed restocked Heather Ross' Mendocino line, so snatch it up while you can! I have already noticed a few prints are getting harder and harder to find. Which leads me to the bad news: apparently once the Mendocino is gone, it's gone. According to TrueUp, when Heather sold her company, Munki Munki, she signed an agreement stating she wouldn't design fabric for another label for a certain period of time, which you know makes me so sad as I'm a lover of all-things Heather Ross. So if you, like me, were intending to purchase a little (or a lot!) of her latest line, there's no time like the present!

everyone's a winner

2009-03-02T11:13:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to the winner of the Ruffler Dress Giveaway, Melissa Sews!

And thank you, truly, to all who entered. I really enjoyed reading all of your comments and blog posts about the dress, and wanted to do something special for all of you as well... so... I'd like to offer all of the contestants who commented on the giveaway a 10% OFF coupon to use in my shop! Just mention the giveaway when you checkout, and I'll refund the difference to your paypal right away.

ruffler dress giveaway

2009-02-19T21:20:00.003-08:00

I think it's just about time for a giveaway, it's been much too long since we've had one of those!

I've decided to give one of my ruffler dresses, brand new for spring... and the winner can specify the size they'd like, from 1T through size 6. Wanna play? Here's how to enter: Just link back to this entry on your own blog or website, then leave a note in the comments on this post letting me know how I can find your post! That's it. Easy peasy. Want a second entry? When you leave your comment here, let me know your favorite item from my shop, and why you love it, and you'll double your chances of winning!

I'll accept comments through 2/27, and announce the winner on the 28th!

Good luck!

birdie & birdie

2009-02-19T21:16:00.001-08:00

birdie & birdie, originally uploaded by varenia.

happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you...

We've been celebrating Piper's second birthday throughout the week, including a fun outing yesterday to the Long Beach Aquarium with Grandma & Grandpa. My little sand-Piper loved feeding the lorikeets! {Although she didn't really want to hold them... too close!}

On Tuesday, which was her actual birthday, my mind was boggled all day by the fact that she's only been here two years. I just couldn't get my brain wrapped around the fact that I brought her home just two years ago, and to make it even harder to believe, that since bringing her home from the hospital, I've brought another baby home! Craziness.

Richard and I have noticed over the past few months how much her language and vocabulary have just exploded, but this week I've made a discovery I'm none too happy about... since when has my sweet girl stopped calling me Mama and started calling me MOM? Yup, that's right. All week it's been "MOM! MOM! Look!" or "Coo Mom". {Coo= Cool. Yes. My 2 year old says "cool". Especially when she has new birthday shoes that are bright pink and shaped like ducks. They are pretty cool.}

Happy Birthday, Birdie Girl.

2009-02-09T18:05:00.000-08:00

My boy is SIX!

We had a wonderful party at the zoo...

{Even despite the fact that Mom, Dad, and Rye were loaded up on Day-Quil.... but it's all good)...

Thanks to all of the friends who made this a special day for Rye, and to Jami for the sweet photos!

in his own little corner

2009-02-09T17:58:00.001-08:00

in his own little corner, originally uploaded by varenia.

little p & the bunnettes

2009-02-09T17:56:00.001-08:00

little p & the bunnettes, originally uploaded by varenia.

{on the mend}

2009-02-09T17:54:00.001-08:00

{on the mend}, originally uploaded by varenia.

ruffler dress

2009-02-02T23:04:00.001-08:00

ruffler dress, originally uploaded by varenia.

I'm still here! It's been soooo crazy lately with kids and sewing, illnesses and upcoming birthdays... February just started and I already feel like it's flying by so quickly!

In response to the overwhelming requests for a dress with a similar collar to the mermaid blouse, I've created this one... it turned out much lovelier than I anticipated, and I'll be finishing up some samples of this style in other colorways and post them soon.

And can we just take a moment and remark on how big and grown up my sweet girl is getting?! (No, she wasn't in a bad mood, this is her "model face".... watch out Tyra!) Hooray for little girls and little dresses.

green!

2009-01-12T18:24:00.001-08:00

happy new year!

2008-12-31T15:48:00.001-08:00

Wishing everyone a super-sparkly New Year!

Front Page!

2008-12-30T15:26:00.001-08:00

Etsy Front Page 12/30/08 NeverEver, originally uploaded by Etsy Front Pagers.

My social climber dress was featured on the front page of etsy... and I missed it! Can you believe it?! However, thanks to the awesome flickr group Etsy Front Pagers I was able to see a screen shot of the lovely yellowy treasury... thank you Etsy Front Pagers!

more dresses...

2008-12-28T21:04:00.001-08:00

, originally uploaded by varenia.

In the process of putting together some color combos and designs with Piper's upcoming birthday in mind, I've come up with this dress... I love the new Amy Butler fabric with the Anna Maria Horner, makes it somehow more cheery and more spring-y. I don't know if this is exactly what I want for Piper's birthday, but it's close, especially the colors. Piper LOVES purple and orange. Especially together. Some may say she has her Mama's love of color.

I'll also post a photo of her Christmas dress soon, it turned out so cute... as for Apple, I made her a dress but she always has another plan. She opted for a t-shirt from Santa (pink of course) and a summer skirt. That's my Apple.

silent night

2008-12-24T10:28:00.001-08:00

silent night, originally uploaded by varenia.

We are continuing the festivities at full throttle today, gearing up for a cozy Christmas eve... plenty of cookie baking, story reading, and last minute preparations to finish. May all of your Christmases be magical and merry!

smiles & snuggles

2008-12-22T20:02:00.000-08:00

Jack's been smiling on and off for a couple weeks, but they've been of the sporadic "catch-me-if-you-can" variety until today. Upon wakening and being charmed by both my sweet little love and the early morning light I grabbed my camera and was able to capture a few of these precious firsts.

Hey, Jack, would you like some ham with that cheese?!... Oh, that face. I thought for sure I'd be a mess at this age, as it means unofficially, of course, that the newborn stage is over. But when I see those smiles... I had also forgotten how amazing it is once babies are able to stay quietly alert during feedings. Although I loved those first nursings, they all ended up with Jack induced into the "newborn coma" and now he wants to nurse just to say hi to me, to stare at me, to have me hold him while we both say so much, and nothing at all, all at the same time.

Life is good.

quilted baby blanket

2008-12-13T08:07:00.001-08:00

quilted baby blanket, originally uploaded by varenia.

A gift for one of my sweet customers who has a new baby boy about the same age as Jack... It's really more of a patchwork blanket, than a "quilt", as there is no batting between the layers, but it is pretty thick as it's backed in super-soft vanilla fleece. I love how this turned out, and hope the new baby loves it, too.
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what it's like

2008-12-12T18:01:00.000-08:00

At least once a day I'm asked two questions: "How do you do it?!" and "What is life like with four kids so close in age?!"

The answer to the first question is simple: I don't. I would like to volunteer more at Rye's school, and in his classroom, but I know that that's really not possible for us right now, so I just try to juggle what I say "yes" to... I don't feel compelled to cook every meal myself-- Richard actually does more of the cooking in the evenings than I do, and on the weekends. I really just try to enjoy this fleeting, magical time of early childhood, even in the midst of meltdowns and diaper blowouts, because I figure the cooking and cleaning will always be there.

And the answer to what it's like? Of course it's ever-changing, but there are some constants that we can count on:

There's always someone there to comfort you when you're crying...

And on the flip side, if you're not crying, there's probably someone who can oblige with that, too...

... and we try to remember that even when we're not putting our best faces forward...

there's always beauty to be found in the messes that we've made.

Yes, some days are easier than others. But when all is said and done, and all four babes are tucked in at night, and the house is finally quiet, all I really know is that we've been truly blessed by these four kiddos, beyond any expectation that I ever could have had.

spin, spin.... spin the blue circle

2008-12-10T12:39:00.001-08:00

spin, spin.... spin the blue circle, originally uploaded by varenia.

piper love.

pilgrims wear vespas

2008-12-10T12:37:00.001-08:00

pilgrims wear vespas, originally uploaded by varenia.

yes, another of rye in his pilgrim hat... i couldn't resist. note i finally finished his scooter pants ;).

evergreen

2008-12-10T12:36:00.001-08:00

evergreen, originally uploaded by varenia.

skirts and such for the shop...

here, kitty kitty

2008-12-10T12:35:00.001-08:00

here, kitty kitty, originally uploaded by varenia.

hi-jacked

2008-12-09T15:28:00.000-08:00

Getting so big! 2 months old now...

I love how he still clenches his little fists, but he is starting to reach out and swipe at things~ mostly my hair. Ouch.

ruffler blouse in mod dots

2008-12-01T09:54:00.001-08:00

, originally uploaded by varenia.

New blouse for the shop... I can't decide how I like the sleeves best... this blouse has elasticized sleeves, and the mermaid ruffler has elbow length flare sleeves... Hmmmm. Decisions, decisions.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T09:22:00.001-08:00

"I'm thankful for still having candy from Halloween... and going to the zoo and having a new baby brother! And I waiting for Thanksgiving and it's here now! I have another thing I'm thankful for... cause Grandma and Grandpa gives me ZooNooz every time!" ~ Rye, 5

"I'm thanksful for I love the cat, I'm thanksful for I love Jack! I'm thanksful for we got a new tv! I'm thanksful for we move into a new house." ~ Apple, 3

" 'Da ball." ~Piper, 1

" {insert soft cries here} " ~ Jack, 8 weeks

What are you thankful for this season?

*** special thanks to the Stepniak family for the sweet photos ***

ruffler blouse in blushing mermaids

2008-11-23T21:27:00.001-08:00

, originally uploaded by varenia.

chocolate mint...

2008-11-20T10:27:00.000-08:00

What a beautiful collection of browns and greens... how fun!

bubble mini in rosegarden

2008-11-16T19:55:00.001-08:00

bubble mini in rosegarden, originally uploaded by varenia.

My Piper.

This 21-month-old amazes and exhausts me. Usually at the same time. She is into everything... really. Everything. I've raised two toddlers before her and have worked with countless children this age, and I can honestly say I've rarely seen anything like it. So inquisitive, so insistent...

Usually Apple does at least 90% of my shop's modeling, because she's three, can follow directions, and loves getting dressed up. Oh, and she loves being "paid" to model (in the currency of lollipops, that is!) Apple has modeled so much, she has the routine down: wipe her hands clean, don't mess the clothing, set up the back drop, etc. What I didn't realize is how often Piper has watched us do this, and that Piper, too, had the whole routine down.

She was so excited when I asked her to try on this new bubble dress, she immediately started banging on the cabinet where I keep my camera, and then on the back door to be let out to model. It was so cute watching her trying to set the backdrop up, and dragging the quilt we use against it... and she was actually pretty agreeable during the photoshoot, and only ran away grinning a couple of times :)...

I guess my lesson learned today was that everyone should have the right to re-invent themselves each day. Even though I try really hard to refrain from "labeling" the children with attributes and characteristics, I find myself habitually bracing for battles and confrontations with my third little one. I guess because there have been so many. Yet today she showed herself to be so kind, cooperative, and just genuinely wanting to be a "part of"...

As she grows up sooo quickly it was an affirming reminder today that I need to be growing, too.

when pigs fly

2008-11-15T21:11:00.001-08:00

flying pig, originally uploaded by varenia.

continued piggie obsession...

she needed a wing so she could fly.

concentration

2008-11-15T21:10:00.001-08:00

focus, originally uploaded by varenia.

the makings of a blue cheetah...

Square Neck Dress in social climber

2008-11-10T16:11:00.001-08:00

HIp to be square

2008-11-07T19:20:00.001-08:00

My creation, originally uploaded by varenia.

Square neck dress in wallflower... I love this neckline. I'll definitely be making more of these.

Four weeks old...

2008-11-03T20:21:00.001-08:00

4 weeks old, originally uploaded by varenia.

Already.

brothers

2008-10-28T17:46:00.001-07:00

brothers, originally uploaded by varenia.

sisters

2008-10-28T16:09:00.001-07:00

Ring-a-ring of rosies...

Pockets full of posies...

Ashes, ashes...

We all fall down!

Twirling in "spinning dresses" and ring-a-ring of rosies is occupying much of our days lately... So funny how the dynamic in the house has changed now that Rye is in school and the little girls rule the roost! Love them in their "sister pinnies" as Apple calls them... {Piper's hand-me-down pinnie is my own creation, and Apple's is from this lovely shop...}

the bubble mini

2008-10-27T11:26:00.001-07:00

bubble mini in inkblot, originally uploaded by varenia.

I've been wanting to make some bubble dresses for a while now... and this poly-rayon jersey seemed perfect. So soft and has a wonderful drape to it. How cute would this be with boots and tights?! Piper loved modeling this, she just kept petting the fabric and saying "sofffff..." which is the 20-month-old version of "soft."
She gives it two-thumbs-up.

fall shift dress in blooming sky

2008-10-22T21:32:00.001-07:00

fall shift dress in blooming sky, originally uploaded by varenia.

My new absolute favorite fabric... at least for this week.

autumn activities

2008-10-22T19:56:00.001-07:00

autumn activities, originally uploaded by varenia.

Cozy indoors art...

slung

2008-10-16T08:59:00.001-07:00

On the way to school...

He grunts with each step I take, faintly resembling the quacking of a duck...

No matter how many times I wrap him in the sling or cover him, he insists on one hand peeking out at all times...

Putting him in the sling each morning I can really gauge how much larger he's grown since the day before...

shift dress in berry forest

2008-10-15T13:14:00.001-07:00

shift dress in berry forest, originally uploaded by varenia.

More winter good-ness... heavy weight cotton dobby and a "lollipop" print?! Good times. Only two of these available in the shop...

little party dress

2008-10-14T15:57:00.001-07:00

party dress, originally uploaded by varenia.

I'm listing some one-of-a-kind creations while on maternity leave from my shop... and this is one of my favorites! It's a little big on Apple, but I love the contrast of the reds and greens, and of course that little keyhole closure in the back. Apple keeps insisting that the bows should go in the front, and who knows? Maybe I'll try that next time...

you are my son-shine

2008-10-09T16:17:00.001-07:00

What an amazing eight days!

Jack Sawyer surprised us all with a much-earlier-than-anticipated arrival on October 1. And it has been a roller-coaster of a week...

We were so blessed that our little guy was basically hearty and healthy, although plagued by some of the ailments that a lot of preemies face, primarily a minor heart condition and severe jaundice. It seems the heart condition is self-correcting, one more thing to be grateful for. And the jaundice... is slowly getting better. Ridding this poor little guy of excessive bilirubin until his liver is able to take over on it's own has been my only mission for the last four or five days. It's been so hard to have to leave him on his phototherapy and not carting him around as I'm so accustomed to doing, or snuggling him in the sling he loves so much.

This is part of our daily routine, a home visit from the nurse, and weighing, along with checking his bilirubin levels. After being threatened with admittance back to the hospital if his levels didn't come down drastically, I opted to bottle feed him in lieu of nursing for 24 hours, and it made a huge difference. Jack is now almost rid of his jaundice, and was actually able to go outside today for natural light therapy instead of phototherapy for a little while.

As for the rest of us, we're adjusting to life as a family of six, and eating up this little baby every chance we get. I have to negotiate with the children just to get a turn to hold my own kid! So much love for baby Jack...

autumn spice

2008-09-24T19:55:00.000-07:00

Now available in the shop! The "opposite" version will be listed soon, as well, with birds for sleeves and the leaves for the bodice. I love this one for Fall. What a great pumpkin patch dress!

newest creations and third trimester rambles...

2008-09-21T15:22:00.001-07:00

As my tummy grows bigger... and bigger... I'm finding it harder and harder to get anything done. Especially things that require foresight, like charging the batteries to my camera so I actually have photos to post. And a million other things. I really am trying to keep up with my blogging, but somehow it seems to slip away most of the time! I have a feeling after the little one comes home and Rye is more settled in kindergarten I'll be back to posting more often... Until then...

I've been doing some sewing. "Some" is quite the understatement, actually, as the rest of my house will attest too. But no complaints here! The shop has picked up quite a bit after a little summer slump, keeping me quite busy cutting and serging away, and I've been trying to complete some new fall dresses as well, which are almost done. The first of the batch is the fall shift in mint chocolate:

Richard and the children have been keeping busy as well, devoting every weekend to landscaping our new backyard. We took this pic right around the time we moved in:

And a little snippet of that corner of the yard now:

That's a Buddha's Belly variety of bamboo, and one of my absolute favorite new things in the yard. So pretty, it makes me smile every day. The other things making me smile are Sha & Ba (new pet turtles for the koi pond... we did have one casualty already, however, Turtle Parrot didn't make it...) and Tantu & Zen (aka "Animal") the koi. We're building quite the little ecosystem back there, and I must say all of the neighborhood animals are loving the water feature. I plan on posting some koi pond pics once the new pets get settled, they're still pretty skittish and getting used to their new home and the pond itself isn't quite finished. Almost.

I'll leave you now with a shot of Apple helping out... (who says 3-year-olds and large, sharp tools don't mix?!)...

i'm still here!

2008-09-07T17:59:00.000-07:00

I know I've been M.I.A. for awhile, but I've been busy, I promise. Some of the exciting things going on around here:

I was featured in this lovely treasury... and also on the front page of Etsy chosen from a seperate treasury, below:

The overwhelming response and support of my swing coats has been amazing! Thank you to everyone for your very kind words!

There's been much sewing time, too! These three are some of my newest creations, another fall dress and some skirts. I am really loving all of the home dec. weight fabrics available right now, and so many of them are perfect for a little extra body in our fall wardrobes. Both of the skirts use a medium weight cotton from Denyse Schmidt's Flea Market Fancy line, combined with a regular cotton poplin from the amazing Garden Party line from Anna Maria Horner. Love love love that Garden Party.

Probably the most exciting, monumental, and unforgettable has been Rye's foray into kindergarten! He has officially finished his first week! Here he is on the first day:

Notice all the green? His favorite. And the shirt with the number "5" on it, because that's his number. All personally chosen by the kindergartener himself. Let me tell you, finding that green backpack with an animal on it was no easy task, but just what he wanted... It's been a roller coaster of a week, with my slow-to-warm boy adjusting a bit better to his new classmates than I anticipated. It's still a struggle to get him to say hello and goodbye to people, but I've heard he's actually engaging with some kids in the classroom and on the playground, so that's progress.

And can you believe just a little over a month until our newest little one is due? And can you believe that I still haven't made anything for him yet?! I will, it's just so hard to decide exactly what I want (or need) and what amazing fabrics to use since I seem to be inundated with amazing fabrics these days! I did pick up Amy Butler's Little Stitches for Little Ones, and there's a pattern for a very snuggly blanket-wrap-type-thing that I think I'll give a try. Seems perfect for an October baby.

That's all the news for now! I cross my fingers I'll try to post more often :)! Have a great week!

weekend getaway: apple's story

2008-08-25T18:00:00.000-07:00

It's from our vacation. I was jumping on the bed... ten times. I was showing you you can jump on the bed, too.

I was swimming in the pool with Grandma. Piper was swimming with me. It was my yellow frog!

It was the one I was seeing the flamingos at the zoo, and we were going to the zoo with Grandpa. I was looking at them, the flamingos were standing on one foot!

Grandpa said I was in the mouse house and I was seeing the mouses and Grandpa said when children get out and then we went looking at a different animal.

I was loving the pigs. I love the pigs, and then I got to a different animal at the zoo.

I walked on rocks at the beach.

Mama hold me at the beach.

I was lying in the bed, I like it at the vacation.

boy love

2008-08-21T13:42:00.000-07:00

I found this wonderful surprise waiting for me on the kitchen table a couple of days ago, a little token from my growing-more-amazing-each-day 5 year old. Lately both his dad and I have just been awestruck by Rye's abilities, especially the way his artwork has developed, drawing pictures with so much detail (scales on lizards, little "horns" on his giraffes, always questioning what kind of ears does so-and-so animal have...) and equally amazed by his writing, both by the amount that he can write on his own now, and his quest for learning more, more, more each day. Constantly it's, "What spells e-i-e-i-o?" or "how do you spell 'Earth shake'"? (Can you tell we experienced an earthquake recently?)

In this crazy trial-and-error role as a parent, I am delighted that we trusted our instincts, and our experiences, and really allowed Rye to enjoy learning at his own pace and in his own way. We've never forced him to sit down and write letters, or numbers, although I see this all the time in the local preschools, children as small as 2 and 3 years old required to sit down and "practice" writing their names, etc. I've always known when he was ready he would seek it out, and although he's been writing basic things, like his name, forever, it's rewarding and so promising to see this explosion of literacy now, and his pride in being able to communicate in such a sophisticated way.

As my firstborn enters kindergarten (less than 2 weeks!) I find myself wondering what this new journey will bring for him, and for us as a family. Any of you veteran Mama's out there have any funny/endearing/heartwarming stories to share about your child's first day of school, or a memorable kindergarten experience? I'd love to hear them!

swing coat in japanese maple

2008-08-19T14:46:00.001-07:00

swing coat in japanese maple, originally uploaded by varenia.

Inspired by the beautiful colors of the maple we planted when apple was born...

I love the violet polkadots for the lining! They're from Anna Maria Horner's Garden Party line, which I think I've become seriously obsessed with. Definitely more fabulous fabrics from Ms. Horner to become new creations for my shop this fall.

piper picks a peck of peppers

2008-08-14T16:00:00.000-07:00

Oh, the hot pepper garden. For the most part it's tended to, without incident. But every once in a while, some curious toddler decides they must pick peppers, and eat peppers, stomp on peppers, and smash peppers. When this happens with almost anything we grow, I can take it in stride, for the most part, at the expense of a few sprouts lost and a few lessons learned. This is usually not the case, however, with the hot peppers.

Richard grows severely hot peppers, some of the hottest (yes, the top of the rating scale... can you believe there is a rating scale for such things?) peppers in the world. And we use them. It's one of my husband's favorite hobbies. But you would think by the third little one I would learn: babies and hot peppers do not mix.

It's the oil, that the peppers produce on the outside of their skin, that can burn someone without even ingesting them. That's the real problem. When Apple was Piper's age I remember her screams coming from the backyard. I looked out and saw a few scattered peppers, and her standing there in the midst of them just wailing. I was surprised, since her palate is just like her Dad's, and she had already proven to be hot pepper contest material, she loved to eat them that much. Then I saw her eyes. The problem wasn't her eating them, it was the rubbing of the eyes after picking... turns out she actually burned a couple layers of skin around her eyes and looked like she had been in a boxing match for days.

So when I looked out the window today and saw Piper in the hot pepper garden I immediately threw her in the sink! I wasn't taking any chances with remnant of pepper "oil" anywhere on her hands or legs. She loved the impromptu bath, and had fun spraying herself with the "mist" button on the faucet.

Never a dull moment with these little ones!

newest little swing

2008-08-13T10:38:00.001-07:00

swing coat in aqua bloom, originally uploaded by varenia.

I really like how this one turned out. Not really Apple's favorite (only due to the very obvious lack of pink, lol) but I'm seriously considering making a Mama-sized one like this. The pictures don't do the colors justice, this aqua outer shell is so fantastic.

divine baby quilts (perfect for any little dictator!)

2008-08-11T21:47:00.001-07:00

I came across this great new shop... Napoleon Quilts... on Etsy while doing some new-baby shopping. I love these quilts! I just imagine all of the time and love that went into them, and am inspired to give my own a try one of these days... So sweet.

the poppy swing

2008-08-11T19:12:00.001-07:00

the swing coat in poppy, originally uploaded by varenia.

Preview of my new line of reversible coats... the swing coat (in poppy.) This one is now on "sneak peek" in my shop, more prints to debut later this week...

an 80 degree autumn

2008-08-08T19:36:00.000-07:00

It's hard for me to even think about fall when it's sooo warm around here (I'm sure the extra 50 pounds I'm sporting doesn't help) but yes, it really is time for one of my favorite times of year, back to school, and the embracing of the coming autumn season. This is my first "fall" since starting Whole Grain Baby, and I've had so much fun dreaming of colorful ensembles for the little ones, and all of those great jackets, coats, and layering pieces.

The dress above is the first in my fall collection, a little shift dress in black zinnia. I love how all of the colors came together, and long for the weather to cool down enough to see one of my little ones putting it together with some great tights and a pair of boots or wellies!

And on a completely seperate note, for those of you who may have noticed my prolonged absence (*awww... shucks*) I'm attempting to keep my posting regular, but I'm just moving s-l-o-w-e-r these days, and am getting sidetracked very easily. So forgive me. And know I have lots of new creations in the works just waiting to be completed and posted, so I'm sure you'll hear again from me soon!

i'm on the front page of etsy!

2008-07-30T14:35:00.000-07:00

Etsy :: Your place to buy and sell all things handmade

Look! There's my sweet Apple in the midsummer's daydress... what a nice surprise to find today!

I also found my raglan dress in the children's gift guide... I had no clue it was there until today, although I always wondered who picked all of those cute little gift ideas. How fun.

biker babes and bibs

2008-07-27T12:37:00.001-07:00

Total baby cuteness. Need I say more?

And I've been working on piecing these very sweet quilted bibs together. I wanted something sort of "heirloom" quality for my newest little Jensen, but with clean lines and the modern fabrics that I love so much. I experimented with these Amy Butler prints and I'm very happy with how it turned out. I even managed to find some vintage binding in the same shade of pink for the trim. This one is going to the shop (we're having a boy! we probably won't have much use for a pink bib) but I have a few ideas in mind for some precious little quilted bibs for my own babe. Rye's requested green elephants, naturally, for his new brother, and Richard insists on something nautical. We'll see what I come up with!

big sale saturday

2008-07-26T08:05:00.000-07:00

Big sale in the shop today, including these new pieces! These raglan mini's are one of a kind and ready to ship!

a boy, a hose, and some blooms

2008-07-25T08:52:00.000-07:00

Rye was in 75 ft. hose heaven! He sprayed the yard (and anyone who approached!) to his heart's content for over an hour. Need to entertain a 5 year old boy? Get him a really powerful hose and watch out! Richard and I thought he looked like a miniature firefighter.

Our veggies and peppers were transplanted from our old yard, and these are some of the ones that survived the transition. Purple piquins and Anaheim peppers. Unfortunately, we suffered a lot of casualities: my gorgeous, huge green bell peppers, health nut tomatoes, spring onions, strawberries, and several species of hot peppers. We didn't even attempt to transplant the cherry tomatoes.

All of the little flowers in the collage were already calling our house home before we were, and I wanted to shoot them because I was surprised to find little bits of such loveliness in the much neglected mess of a yard that it was. So much of the landscaping was dead, too overgrown, and not cared for for many years, but in the midst of all of that you will see little blooms of hope, struggling to thrive again.

(almost) wordless wednesday

2008-07-23T11:02:00.000-07:00

this

plus this...

equal this...

happy wednesday!

and the mini-dress goes to...

2008-07-22T15:56:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to seemommysew, the winner of my very first blog giveaway! And thank you again to all who entered! I had so much fun with this one I think I'll do another giveaway really soon!

And thanks to Rye and Apple who were hoping for a special mention for helping draw the lucky winners name :)

baby games

2008-07-21T21:16:00.000-07:00

Although I'm sure Piper doesn't fully understand the impending ramifications of my HUGELY growing waistline, she knows it's "baby" and has mastered quite the game of peek-a-boo with my belly. This mostly involves her lifting my shirt and laughing uncontrollably (hey, I probably would too!) and ends with a tummy hug and kiss. Hard to believe my newest little bean is already a good 2 pounds and as long as an english hothouse cucumber! This has been the fastest, most fly-by pregnancy ever. Hopefully I'll still feel that way throughout the home stretch :)...

a midsummer's daydress

2008-07-20T14:02:00.000-07:00

"I know a bank where the wild thyme blows,
Where oxlips and the nodding violet grows
Quite over-canopied with luscious woodbine,
With sweet musk-roses, and with eglantine:
There sleeps Titania some time of the night,
Lull'd in these flowers with dances and delight..."
~ A Midsummer Night's Dream

another cute dress giveaway

2008-07-19T11:59:00.000-07:00

Check this out, a really cute shirt-dress giveaway from the blog, Grosgrain.
Train Stop Shirt Dress GIVEAWAY!!!!!!!

wow and whew!

2008-07-18T21:07:00.000-07:00

Wow! I am so overwhelmed and pleasantly surprised by the amount of entries into my very first giveaway. Thank you for all of your sweet comments, I wish I could send a dress to all of you! And it's not too late to enter for those who haven't. See this post for details.

and...

Whew! We are finally all moved, and have been in the new house since Wednesday. We're definitely not settled, but it's starting to feel more like "home". Maybe one of these days I'll find where I packed my USB cord, and I'll be able to post pictures again! Until then, you'll just have to imagine a bunch of dirt-covered gardening kids and a really exhausted but happy Mama and Daddy. Particularly happy now that our telephone and internet are now in working order. I feel like I can re-join the land of the living. I had no idea that the woman who lived in our "new" house for over 20+ years did so with no telephone line, no dryer, and without a lot of other amenities. I'm impressed. But I'm still not giving up my internet, lol.

ch-ch-ch-changes

2008-07-11T09:31:00.000-07:00

You know the old expression, "the more things change the more they stay the same?" That's been on my mind all morning as I'm preparing this family to move. The contractors let us know last night that fingers-crossed our new house will be ready to move in by the end of today, albeit sans kitchen cabinets. Those won't be in until next week.

I'm so excited to claim the new space, there's always such a creative energy in the air when you move, deciding where to put what, like a brand-new fresh start. I'm also grateful that it's happening before the new little bub arrives, in plenty of time to unpack and feel settled. But there is a large part of bittersweetness in this move, as well. We've lived in our little place for 4 years now. Rye was just a small toddler when we moved in, and both of our girls were born here. This is the only home any of them know. This is the place that has their heights etched in the kitchen cupboard, the place Apple and Piper took their first steps, the place they were all potty trained, and Rye lost his first tooth. It's the home where Richard and I have grown as parents, have grown as a couple, and have experienced the joys and griefs that have shaped us into the family that we are today.

Rye was about 17 months or so in this pic, right after we moved in four summers ago. You can still see the moving box in the corner of the pic, we hadn't even completely unpacked yet, but there he was, painting away under the kitchen table. Hard to believe this is the same little one who is eagerly anticipating kindergarten and soccer in the fall.

And then there are the things that stay the same... This was me, when we moved in or shortly thereafter, but could just as easily be a pic of me now. (Just imagine everything a bit chubbier-- hey, this is my fourth kid in five years)! As crazy as being pregnant and moving at the same time are, there is a familiarity that is comforting to me, a predictability, and a rhythm to it that I know.

We aren't the same family we were four years ago. We've grown in number (and in size!), we have different jobs, some of us different goals or different hobbies. But the core of us, what we value for ourselves and our children is very, very much the same.

giveaway!

2008-07-08T16:22:00.000-07:00

Sorry, was trying to think of a more catchy headline, but then I'd figure I would just stick with the obvious. It's giveaway time, finally! I know I've hinted at one a while ago, and you must forgive me, I swear this gestating baby has sucked up every last brain cell, bit of memory, and tad of concentration I may have had left after the other three kiddos!

I'm giving away a Raglan Mini Dress from my shop, just for one lucky reader! Take your pick from the raglan in "sunny days" (pink & yellow) or the raglan in "tangerine" (orange dots), custom made in the size of your choice, 1T, 2T, 3T, or 4T. Would make a great birthday, baby shower, or just because gift!

All you need to do is link to this post on your own blog or website (let's spread the giveaway love!) and leave me a comment here letting me know where I can find your post. Winner will be picked at random and announced on July 22. Good luck!

UPDATE:
This giveaway is now closed! I will be announcing the winner later today, thank you so much to all who entered!

demo and watermelon

2008-07-05T09:49:00.000-07:00

Since we're in the process of renovating our new house, we spent most of the holiday tearing out bushes, weeds, and the unwanted from our new yard. Not the most relaxing, but definitely fufilling to get some of the work done.

Even though the yard was a mess by the afternoon (and we haven't officially moved in yet), we decided to picnic there, which worked out really well considering picnics that include a 5 year old, 3 year old, and 1 year old are usually pretty messy affairs to begin with.

Hope everyone had a great holiday! Enjoy your weekend!

thank you, hazel & clio!

2008-06-29T21:49:00.000-07:00

I stumbled upon a really sweet review of my shop at the new go-to modern mommy blog, Hazel & Clio. Created and maintained by two mommies, you must check out their other sweet and fabulous finds for babes and toddlers.

sweet moments

2008-06-28T18:12:00.001-07:00

I love toddlers. I really do. Even the wild, independent, orange-haired variety. Okay, especially the wild, independent, orange-haired variety.

Teddy bear picnic and some ball time with Daddy today. Sweet moments to treasure.

elephants, i like elephants...

2008-06-24T12:45:00.000-07:00

Inspired by Rye's two most-favoritest-things (besides mama, of course)... GREEN and ELEPHANTS! I decided to give the design a go in baby Piper's size first, for practical reasons (she needed pants) and to make sure Rye liked the design enough to make big boy pants out of it. Needless to say, he loves them, and is a little perturbed she got elephant pants before he did, but he's being patient with me!

Also available in my shop!

Do you like elephants as much as we do? Click here to listen to the current family favorite :)

i swore off any more pets, but...

2008-06-20T10:59:00.000-07:00

... our trip to the local zoo just MIGHT be swaying the whole "Mom can I have a (fill in the blank here)..."

I don't have a photo of the guinea pigs, but they were amazing! So, so cute. If any animal could sway me right now, it just MAY be a snuggly little guinea pig... I never realized how really and truly adorable they were, and kid friendly. Rye "collected" bunches of guinea pigs, setting them all in a line with their salad mix, and eventually had almost 20 little guineas in a bundle all to himself. He was in animal-lover heaven. I've never been to this particular petting zoo, only the children had with their grandparents, and I was really impressed with the staff and their encouragement of the children handling the animals. Almost anytime we have encountered anywhere with bunnies, or little chicks, the children haven't been allowed to pick them up, because of the fragile and skittish nature of the animals. But this petting zoo was so open, and you could really see the difference in the animals... I've never seen bunnies run to greet us (and our baskets of carrots!) so eagerly!

I also loved the llamas, but doubt I'll be getting a llama as a pet any time soon! But maybe Piper and I should get llama-inspired haircuts??!...

field trip

2008-06-18T20:53:00.001-07:00

I feel so blessed that the little ones are generally well behaved, at least in public, and always feel a little guilty when expected to "be good" for too long a period of time, especially when having to run mundane activities that even drive me crazy, like waiting forever at the DMV, or waiting in the doctor's office. Since we're visiting the doctor quite regularly these days, I try to reward them with a fun field trip to look forward to after all of the "being good and sitting still" is over.

So this week we hit the local arboretum. Of course, immediately Rye wanted to know what kind of wild animals we would encounter, and was quite disappointed to discover the arboretum was more of a plant place than an animal place. He was game, though, and was thrilled to find PICTURES of wild animals all over, describing what naturally inhabits each type of environment that was created.

My favorite of the day were the beautiful community gardens. It was amazing to see the different individuals, or groups personalities shine through their choices of color, texture, and various accessories. Some of the highlights for me were this birdbath and this adorable little wooden house.

The kids let loose in the Redwoods environment. Rye created a fascinating game of golf, gathered up piles of pinecones and putted around with a huge stick. Four!

And the girls loved the pinecones, the little treasures, as well. Apple, the passer-out-of-cones, and Piper, the collector and horder of cones.

All in all, a great afternoon, and a place we could all enjoy (even the unborn little bundle! probably greatful for the excercise, ha ha!)... looking forward to many more trips to the arboretum.

going home, originally uploaded by varenia.

more flower power

2008-06-11T09:44:00.000-07:00

Piper's feeling better! Yay! Thank goodness it only seemed to be a 48 hour fever, so she's back to full throttle already. As promised, here are pics of her twirly skirt, and a new one (love that canvas weight hippie flower fabric!) that Apple is modeling for the shop. I had fun making the skirts, partially because skirt making is very straightforward and somewhat mindless, and fast to create. I have that thing about instant gratification. But... I think that just about exhausts my desire to make any more summer skirts, at least for a while. On to something different and more challenging... just not sure what yet!