tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40567012656026528622012-01-14T09:53:45.425-05:00Making Time for Creativity in the Midst of MotherhoodJanikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13624135916061444439noreply@blogger.comBlogger531100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056701265602652862.post-23996999056775351612010-01-21T04:32:00.003-05:002010-01-21T04:56:41.148-05:00

My cute friend, Ellen, just opened an etsy shop to sell her photocards. Aren't these Valentine cards the cutest? Ellen has a camera with her at all times (or so it seems to me!) and captures the spirit of New England like nobody else. Now I just need to recommend that she take a shot of some conversation hearts that are made right here in Boston at the New England Confectionery Company (NECCO!)

Janikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13624135916061444439noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056701265602652862.post-66052865455274987242010-01-17T07:10:00.003-05:002010-01-17T07:27:48.284-05:00

This morning when I arrived home from an event, Little Mr. greeted me with his grand idea--to make a lion out of candy. He described in detail what it would look like and how he would make it. After the Mr. and girls left for ballet, I agreed that we could try to make his wish come true. So, I girded my loins and we walked down the hill to the neighborhood store and collected the goodies to

Janikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13624135916061444439noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056701265602652862.post-55144953952956827612010-01-12T06:04:00.000-05:002010-01-12T06:17:07.123-05:00

Janikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13624135916061444439noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056701265602652862.post-58964477330954254312010-01-02T14:29:00.007-05:002010-01-02T14:50:29.310-05:00

A few years ago friends invited us to a family New Year's Eve party and asked us to bring a dessert. I wanted to bring something both entertaining and festive, and so the idea for our Happy New Year cookies was born. I brought the sugar cookies pre-baked and let the kids decorate their own set with frosting and sprinkles. They were a hit and have been requested by my kids every year since. I

Janikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13624135916061444439noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056701265602652862.post-73889048589173521292010-01-02T14:17:00.003-05:002010-01-02T14:28:51.427-05:00

This year we ran out of time to make our gingerbread houses before Christmas. I felt guilty about that for a moment, and then said to myself, "Why not do that after Christmas?" So, when doing all my Christmas dinner shopping I picked up supplies for the houses and promptly packed them away. A few days after Christmas when all stocking treats were long consumed and boredom was just about to set

Janikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13624135916061444439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056701265602652862.post-43893055836860899832010-01-02T08:20:00.002-05:002010-01-02T14:16:48.355-05:00

We were lucky to spend Christmas through New Year's at our good friends' lovely home in Vermont. Our friends traveled to Canada for Christmas and generously offered to let us enjoy their home while they were gone. Despite schlepping our entire Christmas up and back, we had a great time! Sledding, baking, crafting, sewing, movie-watching, etc. made for a truly relaxing break. Oh, and here are

Janikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13624135916061444439noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056701265602652862.post-58211028254258200062009-12-21T06:28:00.003-05:002009-12-30T01:31:09.060-05:00

Hoping all your Christmas wishes come true and that you have a very Happy New Year!

Janikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13624135916061444439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056701265602652862.post-84297095290534745282009-12-20T16:18:00.002-05:002009-12-20T16:33:52.060-05:00

Look who was trotting through our neighborhood today? Just as the Mr. and kids were shoveling out from our lovely snowstorm last night, who came trotting along through the neighborhood, but Mrs. Turkey?!! We heard rumors that wild turkeys live in our neighborhood, but it wasn't until today that we spotted one for ourselves. A wild turkey chase ensued as we tried to "shoot" a photo. Luckily

Janikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13624135916061444439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056701265602652862.post-62768607584355394932009-12-19T22:43:00.005-05:002009-12-30T01:23:46.044-05:00

True to character, little Tinkerbell appeared on the scene with a bit of a pout on her face. Snow White tried to cheer her up and Superman attempted to save the day--to no avail. Luckily storytelling, a magic show and popcorn and cookies were on the horizon to turn that frown around. The light green skirt is from a failed attempt at a bridesmaid skirt for my brother's wedding. The dark green

Janikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13624135916061444439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056701265602652862.post-50812475935293912262009-12-19T22:19:00.003-05:002009-12-19T22:43:03.971-05:00

It's Superman! He can climb lightposts with a single bound! The Little Mr. was thrilled beyond belief when we ran across these "muscles" in the giveaway pile at our local Family Network. Let's just say the superpowers were definitely included! He wore the costume to accompany his sisters to ballet in the city and got several shouts from passersby (some even across the street!), "Hey, look!

Janikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13624135916061444439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056701265602652862.post-15266455936459044612009-11-25T11:24:00.004-05:002009-12-30T01:24:56.838-05:00

Sometimes I feel like the worst mother ever. Like when I offer to make my kids Halloween costumes and then don't even get them made in time for Halloween. This has happened more than one year--ugh! The one costume that got done in time for the ward trunk-or-treat was the gypsy. The red wig threw everyone for a loop. The other three costumes may look familiar as they have been worn anywhere

Janikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13624135916061444439noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056701265602652862.post-9720991787622163622009-11-25T11:06:00.002-05:002009-11-25T11:22:24.996-05:00

Wow. I haven't posted in a long time! We are still here--still having fun, just too busy to post! Not too long ago we discovered a newly redesigned favorite park near the Boston Ballet. My kids love the playground, but what I love is the gorgeous garden design. See the weeping willow in the background? And the purple flowers (anyone know what they are?) and the wrought iron fence? Perfect.

Janikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13624135916061444439noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056701265602652862.post-4306668780382866072009-09-29T00:27:00.003-04:002009-12-30T01:20:49.794-05:00

So, this morning when Twin #2 woke up I happened to be sweeping the floor (a strange thing to be doing at 6 a.m.!). She paused for a moment and then asked, "Mommy, when you were little--like when Joseph Smith was alive, did they have dust pans back then?" I answered that yes, I thought they did have dust pans, waaaay back then when I was little (in 1840 something!ha!). Way to make me feel

Janikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13624135916061444439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056701265602652862.post-90808988801195912882009-09-26T10:10:00.004-04:002009-09-26T11:04:38.258-04:00

The girls had a half day of school so we celebrated this gorgeous September day by going to the Drumlin Farm. Boy was it fun! Horses, pigs, cows, sheep, goats, chickens. The whole shibang. Highlights included "riding" on the old tractor, a photo display of "how baby cows are born," and seeing wild turkeys. It made me realize how urban my kids have become. Though I didn't grow up on a farm,

Janikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13624135916061444439noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056701265602652862.post-32201278345204453592009-08-16T14:13:00.001-04:002009-08-16T14:24:14.072-04:00

With the school year fast approaching we were so delighted when our "Vermont Cousins" called out of the blue, said they were headed to the beach and invited us to meet them there. We left dinner and bedtime routine behind and zoomed to the beach. I must say that early evening is my favorite time to visit the beach--no blazing sun, no obnoxious crowds, only warm water and the whole beach all to

Janikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13624135916061444439noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056701265602652862.post-35846765760620006812009-08-16T14:07:00.002-04:002009-08-16T14:12:57.086-04:00

Why didn't I think of this sooner?! The perfect (if not only!) way to keep the Little Mr. absolutely still for more than two minutes! Too bad they don't allow beaches inside churches.

Janikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13624135916061444439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056701265602652862.post-43442721806993340722009-08-16T13:20:00.006-04:002009-08-16T14:07:11.075-04:00

One of my very favorite things about the Boston area is the Lowell Folk Festival, usually held the last weekend in July. It's at the top of my list because it combines several of my loves: history (held in the midst of the historic Lowell Cotton Mills), food (the festival invites ethnic groups from all over the area to sell food) and folk music (we saw Irish, Brazilian and Greek groups). It's

Janikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13624135916061444439noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056701265602652862.post-58545477942028944862009-08-06T13:07:00.003-04:002009-08-06T13:29:31.415-04:00

Ladies and Gentlemen, before your eyes is the first real quilt I've ever sewn. Yes, I've bound the edges of fabric before, but never pieced and machine quilted before. It was so much fun! I relied heavily on Denyse Schmidt Quilts book for tips on binding, machine quilting, etc. The back of the quilt was totally inspired by Denyse's use of off-center and slightly wonky lines. My favorite

Janikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13624135916061444439noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056701265602652862.post-40438446695810370172009-07-23T11:13:00.002-04:002009-07-23T11:24:34.002-04:00

We've been "out of town" for a month now as we've shuttled the oldest to full-day violin camp in the South End. With a great excuse to hang out in Boston, we've had such a fun time exploring old and new favorites. But, boy oh boy am I ready to just stay home for a few days. It's exhausting being a commuter with 4 kids in tow!

Janikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13624135916061444439noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056701265602652862.post-44915555923736383232009-07-15T19:21:00.001-04:002009-07-15T19:23:09.759-04:00

See here for a cute photo of my twins in their new birthday dresses (thankfully, not suits!)

Janikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13624135916061444439noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056701265602652862.post-88095008986815443012009-07-12T07:27:00.004-04:002009-07-12T07:42:54.663-04:00

Dear Charles River,Just to keep you from feeling a bit too big for your britches, the guy in the middle there, (the one with the belly button), thinks you are the best "Pond" he's ever seen. Sincerely,An Adoring Fan

Janikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13624135916061444439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056701265602652862.post-70715777745185756962009-07-07T07:00:00.006-04:002009-07-08T10:55:21.146-04:00

Several months ago my good friend, Whitney Johnson (of Dare to Dream fame), invited me to interview and guest blog about one of my heroes, Laurel Thatcher Ulrich, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and Harvard University history professor. Laurel was so gracious to share her wisdom on working "inch by inch" everyday to become the kind of writer she hoped to become. And now, for your viewing

Janikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13624135916061444439noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056701265602652862.post-2010264580773402412009-06-25T11:03:00.003-04:002009-06-25T12:56:59.207-04:00

As you can see, we have a lot of boredom at our house that luckily gets cured with some interesting antics. This particular cure is best for the "after church blues," you know that space between exiting the car and sitting down for lunch. That time when you should be changing your clothes and waiting patiently and reverently for some nourishment. Instead of boredom, simply hitch up the wagon to

Janikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13624135916061444439noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056701265602652862.post-57949979699104789192009-05-11T08:03:00.008-04:002009-06-25T12:48:12.809-04:00

Here is my lovely Mother's Day surprise:The best part is that they (with Daddy as film director and executive producer) filmed and edited this while letting me luxuriate in a 3 hour afternoon nap! I have to say this is the best clutter-free Mother's Day present I've ever received.

Janikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13624135916061444439noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056701265602652862.post-68158926879936419372009-04-20T09:01:00.005-04:002009-04-20T09:15:44.843-04:00

By far one of the most delightful things about living in Boston is Patriot's Day. This morning I peeled the rascals out of their beds at 5 a.m., loaded them in the car and made it to Lexington in time to see and hear "the shot heardround the world." As you can see, the Little Mr. was in fine form and looooved the event. He's been talking about those "Redcoats" all year since the last

Janikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13624135916061444439noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056701265602652862.post-41273737718194000012009-04-15T12:59:00.002-04:002009-04-15T13:11:00.177-04:00

This year our oldest celebrated her 11th birthday by inviting a few friends for a scavenger hunt in Harvard Square. The girls had a blast going to Pinnochio's Pizza, Curious George's Bookshop, Out of Town News, an "ancient" cemetary, the Irish Potato Famine statue in the Cambridge Common, counting the rocks in front of Harvard's Science Center and lastly sketching their favorite animals at the

Janikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13624135916061444439noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056701265602652862.post-19876366562606676222009-04-15T12:45:00.004-04:002009-04-15T12:59:32.019-04:00

Today for "Boys School" I had each boy make a pizza in the shape of the first letter of his first name. The boys had a great time and oh my, did that crust ever turn out deee-licious! It seems like when I make a full pan of pizza the middle pieces turn out a bit soggy. Well, this is the solution--monogrammed pizza! The chef hats were also a hit (while they lasted!).Pizza Dough Recipe: Mix

Janikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13624135916061444439noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056701265602652862.post-77487587481998084442009-02-26T11:30:00.006-05:002009-02-26T14:57:11.504-05:00

A few years ago on the eve of the "Boston's Best Day" (aka Patriot's Day), a stroke of genius hit and I decided to sew all three of my girls mob caps to wear to the 5:30 a.m.  re-inactment of the shot heard round the world.  Well, much to my dismay NONE of the girls would wear them!  I was so disappointed and stuck them in the bottom of the dress up box.  Just the other day while rummaging for

Janikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13624135916061444439noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056701265602652862.post-28622809850462397842009-02-23T10:56:00.004-05:002009-02-23T11:12:22.162-05:00

We celebrated our oldest's 11th birthday this weekend.  Among other festivities, she asked to take in cupcakes to her classmates.  Just to spice things up a bit we decided to make them earn their cupcakes!  In order to get a cupcake, each student had to compute their favorite equation.  Apparently some of the kids grumbled as they figured the equations on their napkins before getting the cupcake,

Janikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13624135916061444439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056701265602652862.post-45368659486366252762009-02-06T18:40:00.002-05:002009-02-06T18:51:22.422-05:00

Once again, to prove that I do stitch in addition to running around taking everyone everywhere, here is a fun birthday present I made.  The Twin's little friend loves High School Musical and Camp Rock, so they thought it would be fun to make her a guitar pillow for her bed.  I just sketched out the design for my pattern and used scraps already in my stash.  As you can see it was quite a hit!

Janikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13624135916061444439noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056701265602652862.post-81759688056201017462009-02-06T18:26:00.002-05:002009-02-06T18:39:45.713-05:00

One of my favorite things about Boston is that folks put seriously good stuff out on their sidewalk for those of us with no pride to take and enjoy for FREE!  I hate to admit it, but much of our home has been furnished by really great curbside finds.  Well, now our winter fun has been furnished by a kind gentleman (in a fancy suburb) who set out this vintage 10 ft. toboggan for our sledding

Janikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13624135916061444439noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056701265602652862.post-20531770348008180912009-02-06T18:06:00.003-05:002009-02-06T18:25:33.728-05:00

1. Rummage in your mother's "de-clutter" pile2. Unearth 2 mis-matched plastic Easter eggs that never made it to the Easter bin last year.3. Discover that half an egg fits perfectly over a kid-sized nose.  Note that 2 eggs divided into four parts is just enough to cover all siblings' noses.4. Attach to sibling's faces with scotch tape5. Make goofy faces6. Beg parents to digitally document the cure

Janikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13624135916061444439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056701265602652862.post-47348179551836377032009-01-15T08:45:00.004-05:002009-01-28T11:44:55.199-05:00

Despite my best intentions and last-minute efforts, I just haven't figured out how to manage both creating a fun Christmas for my kids and sending all the holiday wishes I would like.  We either seem to get the letter written, but no photo, or, in this year's case, a photo, but no letter.  So, just so I don't feel too guilty, here it is.  Here for your viewing pleasure is our Christmas 2008

Janikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13624135916061444439noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056701265602652862.post-19432370934820946892008-12-26T14:28:00.003-05:002008-12-26T15:28:00.178-05:00

We had the funnest Christmas gathering for the Little Mr.'s preschool buddies.  We met at one family's apartment for soup and salad and then traveled downstairs to another family's apartment for gingerbread house decorating.  I was up to my ears in royal icing the night before making the houses (from scratch--yikes, what was I thinking?!!), but it was totally worth it when I saw the look on my

Janikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13624135916061444439noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056701265602652862.post-57862996953879093322008-11-26T13:04:00.006-05:002008-12-08T10:41:48.091-05:00

[Note:  oops, forgot to post this earlier! ]Oh, boy.  I felt like the WORST mother EVER yesterday.  The Pilgrim Play was at 2 p.m.  and all was set to go.  I wasn't feeling well and thought, "I'll set the timer and take a quick nap before we go."  Bad idea.  I must have been really tired because I woke from my nap with a start, and would you believe it was exactly 2:00 on the dot?!!  I rushed to

Janikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13624135916061444439noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056701265602652862.post-30386299885615820002008-11-06T14:12:00.003-05:002008-11-06T15:08:00.456-05:00

Did you know that Tuesday was also election day at the Little Mr.'s "Boys School" (a group of five moms (and boys) that take turns teaching preschool)?  Kristen C. is the teacher for the next few weeks and had the boys mark their ballots and insert them into the ballot box.  Each candidate had either a donkey or an elephant next to his name.  Apparently the donkey was the favorite and won the

Janikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13624135916061444439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056701265602652862.post-31206883488789645522008-10-31T09:12:00.002-04:002008-10-31T09:22:29.770-04:00

So, I was walking in the South End (as you can see in the reflection) and came upon this amazing bench in an office window.  I just love how the white paint highlights the curves of the bench and how the white and grey contrast each other.  I am not an animal print kind of gal, but those pillows really call to me.  Maybe it's the pairing of modern and traditional that make this such a striking

Janikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13624135916061444439noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056701265602652862.post-826299285993926422008-10-31T08:58:00.006-04:002009-08-07T17:49:34.948-04:00

Here we have a very cheerful princess, a Unicorn and the little Knight in Shining Armor. Our ward's trunk-or-treat was absolutely the best. Soup and bread dinner provided by the ward, a photo booth, a few games and trunk-or-treating. Best part--all the festivities were done by 7:30 p.m., just in time for bed. Perfect. And if you think that I don't "stitch" anymore--here's proof that I do!

Janikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13624135916061444439noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056701265602652862.post-30598876516701699292008-10-27T09:47:00.003-04:002008-10-27T10:03:29.754-04:00

Have I ever mentioned how much I love Boston?  It's not just that I "like" Boston-- it's that I am absolutely, unabashedly head-over-heels in love with Boston.  We've lived here over eight years and it really was love at first sight.  Though I do admit that sometimes in February and March my love wanes.  Luckily, the blossoms of April bring me back full force into my love affair with this city.  

Janikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13624135916061444439noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056701265602652862.post-81069517008223919192008-09-29T11:16:00.003-04:002008-09-29T11:30:49.970-04:00

Our wonderful friends and their three boys visited from Pennsylvania for a whole week.  While the girls were in school, the Little Mr. and I tagged along on some Boston adventures.  This is a shot of the boys AFTER climbing up and down the 294 steps of the Bunker Hill Monument!  Can you see how much excess energy these little guys have?!!!!  I must say that the boys fared better than the moms

Janikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13624135916061444439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056701265602652862.post-38621036614317922122008-08-05T00:23:00.002-04:002008-12-10T10:53:04.056-05:00

So I think I've been doing more run 'n playing in the sand than stitchin' these days.  All is well.  Just storing up lots and lots of ideas for the fall when I will have a little more time on my hands. Got to enjoy these kiddos while I can.  Don't you love how they just naturally formed a triangle in which to play with the sand?  I love the looks of concentration on their faces!  Something about

Janikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13624135916061444439noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056701265602652862.post-53053158189888695052008-08-04T23:59:00.005-04:002008-12-10T10:53:04.707-05:00

I've said it before, and I'll say it again--I am a very faithless gardener.  I really have this gut feeling that nothing I plant will really grow at all, let alone thrive.  Planning a garden in February (as Martha and my uber-organized husband recommend) almost sends me into a panic because I just know that nothing will grow in this rocky New England soil.  Thankfully this year I have been proven

Janikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13624135916061444439noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056701265602652862.post-84483440607907293552008-08-04T23:29:00.004-04:002008-12-10T10:53:05.551-05:00

Every morning when the Little Mr. wakes up I have to ask him, "Who are you today?"  The answers range anywhere from Batman or prince charming to a fireman, but usually it's simply, "I'm Bob the Builder." Of course there is a prescribed uniform connected to each persona that must be strictly followed.  Only one pair of jeans qualifies as Bob's jeans--and mismatched boots and a hard hat are a must.

Janikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13624135916061444439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056701265602652862.post-21568904913136835532008-08-01T13:23:00.006-04:002008-12-10T10:53:06.050-05:00

So earlier this year (January to be exact), my twins announced the theme for their birthday (in early July): a Red, White & Blue birthday.  We then spent the next six months gradually collecting plates, cups, flags, activities, etc. that matched those colors.  As we got to the park to set up for the party, we noticed a few raindrops and then by party time it was a full-blown thunder and rain

Janikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13624135916061444439noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056701265602652862.post-81573107961837310492008-08-01T13:08:00.005-04:002008-12-10T10:53:06.310-05:00

Though very late in posting, just thought I'd show what we did on the last day of school.  I saw this cute idea in Family Fun magazine and just had to try it.  I painted the words, "Welcome to Summer," "You Did It!" and "Way to Go" on white rolls of paper.  I then hung them in front of the stairs and door and let the kids break through them as though they were finishing the Boston Marathon.  They

Janikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13624135916061444439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056701265602652862.post-31351834256692936082008-06-09T08:32:00.001-04:002008-12-10T10:53:06.935-05:00

So, last night the Mr. and I had the "Talk," you know the one.  The one where we discuss how in the world we'll keep the Little Rascals busy, happy and progressing all summer.   Luckily we have three birthdays (well, technically 2 thanks to the twins) during summer break, so that's two guaranteed days of fun and games.  There's a wedding and some visitors for a few days, so three more days taken

Janikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13624135916061444439noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056701265602652862.post-11171198618891637662008-05-20T12:21:00.004-04:002008-12-10T10:53:07.310-05:00

Last summer while in Utah we visited my wonderful grandparents and among other treasures, my Grandma gave me a bound piece of my mother's 1950s childhood quilt.  I could spend hours just looking at all the different prints and dreaming of snuggling under this super soft quilt.  I love how modern and fresh the colors and prints are after 50 years.  Isn't this a brilliant way of sharing a special

Janikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13624135916061444439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056701265602652862.post-82156815090401120812008-05-07T14:18:00.010-04:002008-12-10T10:53:08.027-05:00

[SPOILER ALERT for New Mexico Cousins!!]I made this reversible smock for my darling little nephew Miles, who is now officially a big brother thanks to the arrival of new Baby Otis!  The Little Mr. was kind enough to model it before we send it off today.  Love this jungle fabric and thought Miles would enjoy showing off the first letter of his name!  I made up this pattern from looking at some

Janikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13624135916061444439noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056701265602652862.post-68880209683557388772008-05-07T04:41:00.003-04:002008-12-10T10:53:08.507-05:00

A few years ago my favorite charcoal gray winter coat finally wore out.  The ends of the sleeves were threadbare, the buttons (several times re-sewn) had taken big chunks of wool with them when they popped off for the last time and the collar began to look lumpy instead of crisp and neat.  I begrudgingly put it in the Salvation Army pile, but then realized that NOBODY would want it!  Even

Janikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13624135916061444439noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056701265602652862.post-7678141715560785592008-05-06T17:37:00.000-04:002008-12-10T10:53:08.746-05:00

A few years ago my friend was throwing out a pile of upholstery fabric samples and asked if I would like any of them.  Of course, I had to take a look!  Many of these fabrics were obviously from the 70s and 80s and oh so cool.  One of my favorites was this butter yellow/chartreuse/cornflower blue floral bit 'o fabric.  Also in her give away stash was this wonderful pompom trim reminiscent of my

Janikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13624135916061444439noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056701265602652862.post-21483806401627289612008-05-06T16:28:00.000-04:002008-12-10T10:53:09.318-05:00

In the past my oldest daughter has had big birthday parties.  And I mean BIG. One year she invited her entire class plus church and ballet friends.  I think 35 kids showed up!  We held our own olympics, complete with an opening ceremonies parade (with flags!), gold medals and lunch fit for champions.   So this year I was so relieved to hear that she wanted a small party.  Really small.  Just two

Janikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13624135916061444439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056701265602652862.post-85295422615939406242008-05-06T15:00:00.000-04:002008-12-10T10:53:09.502-05:00

I have looked high and low for a toy storage solution that is:a) Inexpensiveb) Sized to fit our space constraintsc) Attractived) Flexible (not as in the material it's made out of but in terms of use in a variety of spaces)e) SturdyI've finally come to the conclusion that I just need to make the "solution" myself!  I just ran across these baskets made out of vinyl (brilliant, just brilliant!) from

Janikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13624135916061444439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056701265602652862.post-54610638131441976222008-05-06T13:18:00.000-04:002008-12-10T10:53:09.647-05:00

As a five year old I remember sitting at my grandma's dining room table while she and my mother wrestled with the delicate paper pattern pieces to sew me the most delightful skirt I could imagine: a reversible wrap skirt with denim on one side and red gingham on the other.   As I watched them unfold the red and denim yards of fabric I remember being so confused at how those large pieces of

Janikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13624135916061444439noreply@blogger.com3