Share Birthday

We decided to have one party for both girls this year, and the girls started calling it a "Share Birthday." They really latched onto the sharing idea in a way I hadn't anticipated. For all the effort of trying to teach them, beg them, force them to share... sometimes it just flows naturally - and isn't that beautiful? And maybe I should remember to stop lecturing and just spend more time baking with the kids, eh?

When we prepared the cakes, we baked  the batter in tuna cans, making two very small, very tall cakes. I thought this was a lot of fun, but I was also worried - how exactly do you slice and share a very skinny cake? My mom, my trusty baking guru who is always on the other end of the phone, suggested cutting each layer in half, height wise - making the layers shorter and making more layers. Enough so that each guest could have their own little cake.

I told the kids about this idea, and explained that they could pick what color layers each guest received - so it would be a little gift they gave their guests. They pretty much thought that idea was AWESOME, and immediately had me call everyone to find out what their favorite color was.

[A couple of side notes about the cake:
1.) Making the layers shorter also meant that the birthday girl cake layers were a little neater and straighter and made the cakes tidier all together. Nice.
2.) One cake mix made about 14 tuna can size cakes, which I cut in half, so we had 28 layers. Each birthday girl had 6 layers, and each of the 5 guest cakes had 3, except for Daddy who got an extra 4th layer. You could also make nine 3-layer cakes.
3.) Even the small 3 layer cakes were really too much for a guest to eat in one sitting - it would have been super cool to have a little take-out boxes for the guests to take their extra cake home. Alas, we kept the leftovers.]

After choosing the colors and arranging the layers, I finished icing the cakes on my own. But the girls wanted to do more. They wanted to make more surprises for their guests! As I was icing the cakes, I realized I was going to have trouble telling them apart - so I had the idea that the girls could make cake toppers. I drew a set of circles on cardstock and had them draw a picture of each guest (and themselves) in a circle. There was probably a neater way of assembling them than what we did - but with a little scotch tape, blue paper and some grilling skewers we ended up with these cute cake toppers.

Our guests were also super gracious when I required each of them, one by one, to carefully cut their cake in half and pose for a picture with their cake and cake topper. It was exciting for me and the girls to see them opened as well, since they were pretty messy looking pre-icing, and so lovely when cut neatly open. Each cake got some oohs and aahs.

The cake toppers made nice party favors for grandparents and aunts. I think they would be cute in a potted plant. I love the set of our family that each girl made, and will probably do something with those soon...

I had a lot of fun doing all of these things with the kids - baking and scheming, color matching and drawing.  It seems to be the best of parenting, the easiest and most fun part, and the part too easy to forget at times - the being together, sharing our days. This was so hard to grasp in the beginning, but its becoming clearer to me now. Here's to togetherness and the passing of time. Many years, my not-so-little ones!

Please, let me know if you have any cake questions. Although I wrote more about the cakes here and there are a million rainbow cake tutorials on the web. Much fun and great wow factor - I definitely recommend it!

Baking Together

We're getting ready for some birthday celebrating this weekend, so the girls and I baked their birthday cakes today. Usually, I like to make the cake a surprise, but this year the girls both wanted rainbow cakes, and since that wasn't a surprise I thought they'd like to play with the food coloring with me.

We'll celebrate both birthdays together this year, so we're making two cakes. L is having a true rainbow, and J chose a pink value scale. This was a fun follow up on the recent color wheel lesson we did. I think they'll both be beautiful!

We used one cake mix (yes, friends, a mix!) and baked 12 little cakes in washed tuna and pineapple cans. I put a 1/4 cup of batter in 12 little bowls and we added food coloring, then baked them 4 at a time (because we couldn't eat 12 cans of tuna on such short notice).

After baking, I sliced off the rounded tops with a bit of thread so they will stack more neatly, and the girls and I ate the little cut off pieces. I will decorate and assemble them later so that there is at least a little surprise - but I'm glad we did this part together.

The girls and I thought that even the mess we made was beautiful. It's nice to have something to celebrate when there has been so much sadness in the news and from friends lately. In the picture below they each just happen to be wearing their favorite colors, which nicely match the cakes we made. I can't believe how quickly they grow, and how precious and beautiful they are! 

Pink Dog, Wild Animals and Three

If your'e following along with our family's pink dog saga, you may remember that J's favorite toy is Blue Dog. Blue Dog is Pink Dog's counterpart, and the way I remember it Blue Dog became J's favorite because Pink Dog was L's favorite and that's how sisters are. 

Still, as J has gotten older, she has clearly chosen pink as her favorite color. One night, as I was tucking her in bed with Blue Dog, she asked me, "Mommy, where is my pink dog?" I understood the philosophical ponderings of my two year old, because clearly her beloved dog should have been pink. Ah, the misfortunes of life. 

For this birthday we welcomed a new little pink dog into the family. She hasn't gotten an official name yet - I'll keep you posted. We also got another excellent game from Eeboo. I like this one a lot, and it was a good fit for J who isn't big on following rules.

We also had some wild animals to prepare us for our zoo trip, which we've all been jazzed about. The cake (brownie) wasn't too fancy, but I liked that each person got to choose which animals was on their slice. 

Celebrating Five

I love my kids' birthdays.  I try really hard to make it a whole day of celebration. I don't want the day to be lost in the presents you got, the ones you didn't get, or the struggle to share new toys. I don't want birthdays to be about the stuff they're going to get, but to be a celebration of who they are, what they mean to our family. As a parent, it is an opportunity to find deeper ways of showing them how loved they are. Here are some ways we emphasize celebration over gifts:

Decorations! We hang streamers or bunting, pick flowers, and use table cloths and set up games, so when the girls first wake up, they know today is special. I don't necessarily buy decorations, we mostly use our special occasion linens and buntings, but we do like to pick up a few fun party favors. I usually lay out special clothes for the kids, too, because they still love dress up.

Memories. We talk a bit in the morning about growing up and all of our old memories. This year I was glad to be able to pull out our family albums and show them pictures from each of their past birthdays, and we talked about the ways they have changed - getting taller, longer hair, learning new words, writing, etc.

Food! Of course there's the birthday cake, made in a silly shape. But, I also try to make a whole meal (or two meals) of special foods the girls like, or things we don't have often. This year, Lou requested sausage balls like we have at Christmas.

A meal. We had a little tea party this year, so the entire meal felt like a special event. We ate finger foods, and had chocolate milk in our teapot and tea cups. John and I drank our coffee in little child size tea cups, too - which added another layer of fun. We also used our best (silliest) polite voices and everyone helped everyone get their food (rather than me fixing their plates). We eat together most days, so it is important to make this meal feel different than our usual family dinner.

Games! Kids love to play games, but more importantly, they love to play with us! So we spent the day playing together. I made a hopscotch game on the floor using painter's tape. John and I had to google the rules, and we had an awesome time learning and teaching it to the kids. This has become one of my favorite parts of birthdays - a whole day that I give them my attention and play with them without being distracted by all of the other things I need to do.

Presents. Of course, there still are a few presents. Not very many, but we spent much of the day playing with the presents with the kids. The joy wasn't so much about the thrill of opening too many packages but enjoying learning new games, playing pretend, and reading new books together. (Here the girls and I played with eeboo's awesome Tell Me a Story card game.)

L's one birthday present request was that mommy make her another dog.

Family. Our family lives far away, so its special to get to speak to so many of them on birthdays, to know that this is a day when people remember you and love you.

How do you celebrate little birthdays? How do you de-emphasize stuff and emphasize love?

Family Portrait

We Wilsons

I don't think we've ever had an official family portrait made - something I really meant to do this summer... But here's the one L made for John's birthday.  I had to remember to get a picture of it when I was at the library where it hangs in his office.  Its always fun to stop and look at something like this again and see all the choices she made.

So a bit about how we made it. I've been really encouraged by the way Brooke at Inchmark gives her kids a simple starting point with their art projects. It provides a structure to keep their freedom from turning into chaos.  So I drew the oval head shapes and simple diagonal lines for shoulders, then she drew the eyes nose and mouth in pencil, and painted in the rest.  I think it turned out so amazing - those noses just make me so happy. 

Dinosaurs

The only structure I provide for the two year old is rinsing out her brush occasionally. She isn't too interested in painting yet, which gives me all kinds of unnecessary anxiety. She's just got to like painting, right? But looking back at this and seeing the different colors she chose and all the different marks she made calms me.  This is it. It's happening.

Horses and Unicorns

I haven't had a chance to share the horses I made this summer.  J, my littlest, loves horses - almost as much as the big one loves dogs.  I love to see them love something - it reminds you how different we all are.  Anyway, I wanted to make J a horse for her birthday. 

I made the brown one for J, but it was made of old stretched out fleece that didn't hold its shape well, so I also made her a white one.  It is made from new flannel and held up super nice.  And the hair - whew, that was also a bit of learning experience.  Let me just say, after having a hot sweaty toddler nap on it the first day, the wool yarn hair looked a bit more like dread locks.  Okay, let's do more than say, let's show - crazy haired horse below.  Funny, that same yarn is what made the squirrel tails so awesome.  The white horse has cotton yarn hair, which hangs nicely.

But you know how my kids are.  She loves the brown one despite the crazy hair.  She loves the white one, too.  They're friends.  I love her cute face as we opened the package. 

I had a bit of fun making them, too.  At some point, I decided my kids really needed to learn about unicorns, so I added a horn to a few horses.  And then of course, I couldn't resist playing and nuzzling them - ouch!  #NightSewing is the best.  It's like grown up play time (occasionally with tweeting).  You can find the pattern in the shop. 

Pink Dog: a toymaker's confession

Of all my daugther's toys, many handmade and specially designed for her, made from my favorite fabrics and cute little trims - this is her favorite toy.

Pink Dog

She loves all the animals and dolls I've made her, in all seriousness.  But this is the one she carries around, takes to the grocery store, and snuggles with at night.  This pink and white dog, given by a kind co-worker and promptly named Pink Dog.  Sigh.  I can admit it.

I'm jealous.

I wish she loved one of my toys the best.  Yet, it isn't just Pink Dog, L has somehow developed a bit of a dog collection.  It started with John's hand-me-down Bernard.  But it really began when we saw some dog movies: Milo and Otis, Mist, and, well, okay, Hotel for Dogs, and she was given Pink Dog.  Later, when I was sick John got them each a sheep dog from the drug store (each named for the movie: Mist).  Then another co-worker gave them dogs. And there were yard sales, bribery, and grandparents involved.  Now her dog collection looks like this:

Top Row: Coffee Mug, Black and White Dog, Bernard, Pink Dog, Mist, Baby Blue Dog;
Bottom Row: Teacup, Clifford, Grey and White Dog, Hound Dog, Coffee, Biscuit)

At one point, I thought I would just have to design the perfect dog to trump all other dogs.  But now I realize there are too many kinds of dogs, and she's too invested in the community of dogs, and Pink Dog in particular.  We've had dog birthday parties, and made Dog Hotels.  There was the official Dog Meeting, and many dog bedtime stories.  They each have names (some cute, some unconventionally descriptive) and special memories.  I don't love the idea of her collecting every cute factory-made dog in the world, or collecting anything at this age.  But here we are.  It's too late.  She loves them.

And now I do, too.

Because every day I see how fiercely she remembers and cares for them.  You may have to teach children how to talk kindly, share toys, and ask nicely.  But you don't have to teach them how to love.  It will need some guiding and expanding over the years, I'm sure.  But the urge is already there, and that's a beautiful thing.

NOW.  Let me introduce you to J's favorite toy.  She calls her Pink Dog.

J's Pink Dog

little birthdays and uncaptured lives

The night before L birthday, as I was realizing that the rainy weather was going to mess up my plans for our outdoor activities - my cupcakes bombed.  The younger one started to get a fever and a friend wasn't sure he'd make it to the party. 

I was frustrated and getting grumpy.

But thankfully, I had a moment of clarity.  Celebrations are happy, and little people are happy.  And Lou won't care if I use a cake mix.

So, I ran to town to get a cake mix from the store and a dog shaped cake pan from the public library (how cool is that?).   While the cake was baking, I cut up a flannel pillowcase and some felt and made a quick felt-board type Pin the Tail on the Dog.  Seriously - this is a quick in a pinch.  Cut, topstitch and tape to the wall - the felt tails will stick on their own if you pat a little.   John and I put up some decorations (a felt bunting, and several yards of ball fringe trim, a white table cloth and fresh flowers) and I laid out her crown and a pink dress.  I love for her to wake up to a decorated table - it just seems to make the whole day exciting.

And then, as I finished icing the cake and applied some chocolate chip spots, I vowed to finish up tonight.  To celebrate tomorrow.  To give her the one thing she wants (and I struggle to give) the most: my attention.

The next morning, as I was trying to get a nice picture of my pretty table setting, I thought, "Wouldn't it be nice to just enjoy this, and not try to document it?"   I thought how lucky people without blogs are. So I started over.  I decided to celebrate, and give L (and sick J) my attention. 

And we had such a beautiful day. 

There are days, when I want to completely disconnect from all of my online platforms, to just walk away from all of it.  I'm not quite ready yet, but I think one day I will.  For now, I think I'll take the summer off.  With John taking time off, the weather being (sometimes) beautiful, and me sewing top-secret book projects - now just seems like a good time.

I hope your summer is full of celebration, and I'll see you in the fall. 

30

celebrating with the girls with Pac-Man and Frogger

For my 30th birthday, John took me on a weekend trip to Memphis, which was kind of a big deal. It was our first get away since we became parents, so it was a big step for both of us.  We go to Memphis every now and then, so we didn't feel pressured to sight see - we were just able to enjoy the city without kids in tow.

Illustrated guide to the weekend for the girls

I loved getting to slow down and look at paintings, eat a lot of great food, have a little fun on Beale Street, sleep as late as I wanted, and pray without interruption. 

I also loved coming home to my girls on Mother's Day (who, by the way, also had a thrilling weekend with grandparents).  Now, I am relishing each little moment of the girls dancing or talking in high pitched little pretend voices. I'm making ginger sage hot tea and playing in the garden with the girls.  

I am thrilled about where I am right now: 30, working really hard on a book, being changed every day by motherhood.  Growing.    

Crowns

There is one month left for the crown project (and subsequently, until my 30th birthday).  I've been busy with my other projects, so I've gotten a bit behind on sewing crowns.  I'm spending today catching up, so if you've requested one recently, it's coming!  I promise.  :)

If you haven't seen the gallery lately, go check it out.  How fun are all those crowns together? And if you'd still like to request one, please do!

Weasels! (a give away)

Sometimes we call L, "Weasel."  I know, it's a goofy nickname.  But there it is.

I wanted to make a plush weasel for her birthday, and I got excited about it, so I'm way early. This is a pretty simple pattern.  I used some old blankets so they're really soft and cuddly.  (And who doesn't want to cuddle with a weasel?)

I used the last of my wool stuffing in three of the weasels, and I used polyfil with the rest.  I've decided to stop using wool, but I was disappointed a bit with the poly-fil.  It isn't as firm and doesn't hold the shape as well, although it is nice and squishy.  You can see the difference in these two weasels.  The white one's face is pointy, and his legs are firm; the brown one's face is puffier, and his lays splay out a bit.  I've ordered some cotton, and I'm eager to work with it, but I was too eager to finish these to wait for the cotton to arrive.

 The pattern is free to download here until Thursday at noon.   The give away has ended, you can now find the pattern in my shop.  Please remember to send me feedback for the pattern!
 
Also, I'm adding 6 weasels to the shop right now, and don't forget about the EARTHLINGS coupon code (40% off!)  available through Friday, April 1st.  Go watch the movie!

Nicholas Crowns

Give a crown, share some joy.

Whenever I sew, L always asks, "What are you making for me?"  It always makes me smile, because this is how a three year old thinks.  So this weekend, when I was sewing some dress-up crowns, I told her, "I'm making crowns like yours.  But these are for some other kids.  Other kids who don't have crowns."

"They don't have crowns!?"
"Nope." 

And then I realized maybe this was a chance to teach her about something bigger than sharing.  Maybe it was a chance to teach her compassion.

L likes to dress up in her crown (and tutu and mittens) and pretend she is a princess, because it makes her feel special.  I wondered if there were other kids who might need to be reminded that they are special too.  So I asked you guys if you knew any kids who might need a crown.

By the end of the day, you introduced me to three beautiful families with children who might like a crown.  Two children who are very sick, and one little boy whose mommy is very sick. It reminded me that life hits us hard sometimes, and it doesn't show favoritism.  Children suffer and grieve like the rest of us, and this is harder to bear.

As we packaged our crowns to put in the mail, I was telling L about the children.  She asked about one girl, "why is she sick?"
I told her, "I don't know."
"But this crown will make her feel better."
My heart sank.  Will this crown really make any difference for that very sick little girl?

I don't know.  But I am learning that compassion is the beginning of love, and without love we are nothing.  Will it make a difference?  Let's find out together.

For the next three months, you can submit the name of a child who has an extra need to feel special, and I will send them a crown. (Now closed, thank you everyone!) That's it.  A silly, simple, dress-up crown, that they can put on and become a Princess or King, Victor or Olympiad, Superhero or Fairy, or whatever special person they imagine.

Read the details below.

_______________________________

About the Nicholas Crown project:

1.  What is the goal of the Nicholas Crown project? 

(a) With your help, to give away as many crowns as I can to special children,  (b) spreading a little bit of joy to those who most need it; and in the process, (c) to learn about compassion together with my children. 

2. How can I participate?

I need your help!  Here's what you can do: (the project has now ended.  Thanks so much to everyone who participated.  You can still make crowns yourself to spread a little joy.  The free tutorial is here. Or if you know someone who still reeeally needs a crown, send me an email.)  

3. Who can receive a crown?

No one will be turned down. 

4.  What information do you need?
All I must have is the child's name and a mailing address.  You can give me the parent's email address and I will contact them for permission, or your own address and you can deliver it.

5.  Who has received a crown already?

I'll be keeping the recipients anonymous. However, I've assembled a gallery of crowns.  This way, we can all enjoy the cheerful crowns, and remember that each represents a special child.

6.  How long will it take to get the crown?

I will try to mail the crowns within a week.  We'll see how it goes.

7. Why is the deadline on May 4?

May 4th is my 30th birthday!  Help me celebrate by spreading joy and compassion.

8.  Who is Nicholas?

I learned this year about the Kindness Project.  The idea is to perform acts of kindness in the name of a loved one who was lost too soon.  In this way you create a legacy for them.  This is for my Nicholas.