bright week, bright life
Christ is risen, dear ones. We had the most joyful and rejuvenating Pascha. Michael loved holding his candle and icon as part of the procession, and hasn’t stopped wandering around the house singing Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death! We didn’t get home from church until around 4 am, exhausted and elated. We also had a beautiful Easter Sunday dinner with my grandparents and great aunt, and Beatrice and Michael had a blast with a small egg hunt orchestrated by my mother. Michael loved finding every egg and immediately emptying the candy into his mouth…
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flexibility
We’ve had a busy time over here: we have successfully embarked on potty-training. It’s been an over a week sans diapers with remarkably few accidents (only 2?) even during our very busy weekend and long drives. Now we rarely have to ask him if he has to go — he’s been confidently heading to the bathroom of his own accord. He successfully made it through a friend’s birthday party, church, and a play date without any accidents. I have to admit I’d been dreading potty-training, but so far, this has gone much, much more smoothly than I’d expected. We aren’t…
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bea’s first birthday
Our sweet, fiery, loud, hilarious, adventurous Beatrice turned one this week. My goodness, she’s such a joy. I was really proud of the cake I made her: a simple yellow cake with cream cheese frosting (both delicious recipes from Sally’s Baking Addiction), decorated with blueberries and mint leaves. Sally’s recipes never fail me. I’m so glad my sisters-in-law introduced me to her website! Like I did for Michael on his first birthday, I made her two things she can have as a keepsake: a little felt bunting she can hang in her room, and a birthday crown. Her actual birthday…
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our last summer hurrah
As our last summer hurrah, we all took a family vacation to Maui just like we used to do when I was young. It was a trip with all four generations! I challenged myself to cast on a project on the plane and see how far I could get during our vacation. I didn’t have very much knitting time except on the plane while the kids slept, but I made some pretty good progress on my Sunflower Socks by Charlotte Stone. Almost done with one sock — over a week of distracted work! The trip was amazing. We swam with…
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unhurried rituals
August had quite a busy start. We just got back from a whirlwind trip to Minnesota to visit my grandparents and celebrate both of them turning 90 years old this year. The flights both there and back went much more smoothly than I expected! Michael had his own seat for the first time and very much enjoyed watching Cars with his own headphones and holding Grandpa’s hand. Beatrice slept for 90% of both flights. It was so special to have my grandparents meet Beatrice for the first time: even more so because one of Bea’s middle names (Margaret) is named…
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choosing delight
July has had record heat for us: it’s been a challenge to navigate keeping the garden happy, the children from overheating, dinners from making the house a sauna, and our energy bill from skyrocketing. It’s months like these I feel my Swedish heritage reminding me I’m probably more genetically inclined to be a Viking in cold temperatures rather than these hot days. To keep the household running, I’ve been keeping a daily to-do list in a small notebook I had lying around. It’s helpful to see tangible evidence of progress. Much of the work I do week-to-week is repetitive, which…
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indoor sanctuaries and a seaside escape
When people say you can’t get seasonal affective disorder in the summer, I laugh at them and tell them to live in the Central Valley for the months of June-August. We’ve had two weeks of solid 100+ degree temperatures, up to 115 degrees. All the windows and blinds are sealed shut against the heat, the garden wilts by 10 am, and there are only so many layers of clothing you can shed before being arrested for public indecency. So, to battle my tendency to melt into a depressed puddle at this time of year, we came up with some creative…
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summer’s here
Even with summer solstice half a month away, we definitely feel like summer is here. We’ve been under an excessive heat warning with temperatures up to 105 in our area, so we hunkered down inside with box fans, popsicles, and the blinds drawn against the sun. This season is always a bit of a struggle for me. It’s easy to feel trapped in the dark house because of the extreme heat: outdoor playtime is usually only possible between 7 am and 11 am, and the house gets too warm if we leave the blinds up to let light in. Cooking…
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may days
It feels like May just began, and somehow it’s basically over. Time just seems to pass more quickly every year. Spring weather is slowly creeping into summer weather here: we’ve officially had our first few 90 degree days. My tomato plants are enjoying it, even if I’m not. I’m sad to have my knits packed away until October. However, I’m relishing the mild mornings: I’ve been waking around 5:00-5:30 am with Beatrice, who seems to be a morning person. So I often get up, open up the windows to let the breeze in, and start a pot of coffee. It’s…
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two months of beatrice
On Pascha, our little Beatrice turned two months! It’s amazing to see just how much she’s grown. She’s an adorable chubster with rolls upon rolls, the squishiest cheeks, and the most intense and varied facial expressions. See below! Like her brother, she is afraid of missing out on things and loves to be held so she can see all that’s happening around her. However, unlike her brother, she is a champion sleeper and even slept through the night a few days ago. I’m grateful! She got rave reviews at her recent two month pediatrician appointment. She’s 11 lbs 11 oz,…
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five acres four generations 