Scrap Owls, sewing lessons and what to do with your 3 year old when they stop napping.

I think this is it. I really hope not, but this might be the beginning of the end. Have you noticed how I haven't had much new art work up lately? Yes, I have had family in town, and I have been busy with the shipping/packing side of things. But the biggest reason? Addie has decided she "doesn't sleep in the day." I spent the first half of the week panicking. This is MY only time in the day to really WORK, and I have been in denial that this day would come. She still needs a nap, and I really hope we can fit in a few per week before they dissipate completely. (I may sound really calm...but behind this computer screen, tears of agony are streaming down my face!)

So Friday comes around, and after 45 minutes of trying every creative way to sleep my toddler, we sit on the couch and read together. She picks up "Pottery Barn Kids" (which by the way, I am becoming more and more impressed with!) and after a few pages, spots an Owl Softie on a model bed, and says "Mommy, can we make this?"

As upset as I was that I was losing precious work time to my stubborn toddler, my heart melted! Don't most kids say "Can I have this?" I am sure I did. The fact she knew that she could make something like that got me really excited. And since I am used to working hard and creatively during nap time anyways, I said "YES!"

So, I dusted off my sewing machine (literally!) and we got to work. Addie and I drew a pattern with green crayon, And she helped me cut it out, helped me pick the fabrics from my scraps, place the pins, and she proudly sat on my lap while I sewed it on the machine. (Oh, and yes, Addie is "wearing her skin" as she calls it. We cannot keep clothes on this child. She does however have a wicked tan line that could easily pass for a shirt!)

I digress. Please people...don't look close here! I am a sloppy sewer, and with a very impatient and very wiggly three year old on my lap ("Mommy, let's make her wings now!! Now!!") I was in no mood for perfection. By bed time, she was all but stuffed, but Addie still slept with her anyways! We stuffed her this morning, and they haven't parted since! For a girl who dreams of princesses, mermaids and sparkely jewels, I was tickled that she would be so attracted to Owls (very trendy girl, eh?). She did, however, name her Owl Ariel.

So, here we have Ariel, the nocturnal (wink wink), motherly, orange and pink bird who seems to me to have quite a sense of humor! She must since she is so tolerant of her big over-sized beak, crooked head, floppy legs, button eyes I stole from a sweater, and the fact that we made her pregnant...or motherly...depending on the location of the baby owl in her poscket. We sure love her though! She fits my Addie to a T. And though I am in no way celebrating a napless afternoon, I am celebrating that Addie is learning that good things don't grow on trees. Somebody had to make that toy, or doll, or car or brownie. She is so interested in sewing, and though I am not a proficient seamstress, I am just glad that her 3 year old eyes can't tell! And now, I may just be back to getting up before the crack of dawn to get my work done...but at least Addie has nocturnal friend to stay up with when she should be sleeping!

Happy Site Friday: Shinzi Katoh

Today I start the weekend with an incredible illustrator with products you'll want a passport for. Shinzi Katoh is one of the most famous illustrators/artists in Japan, and has a fabulous company sporting everything from bags to lunch boxes, stationery and fabric . His site is very protected from downloading, so there is lots more at the site you will love to see. I glean so much inspiration from this style...and though my own personal style is a little different, I learn so much from his color, hand printed look and composition. Not to mention that I REALLY want one of those tote bags! Have fun looking around, and have a great weekend!

xoxo

sarah jane

If babies aren't happy, ain't nobody happy.

We have some new friends that have kept us very very busy as of late. We don't answer the phones. If there is a knock at the door, we gladly ignore it. We have nearly forgotten to eat! Last week we went on a family outing to the toy store and picked up a bucket of THESE. They have demanded our full attention and it is no wonder that they have been around since 1913. They have been around for 95 years for a reason! I am sure we are the last family on earth to finally have them in our home, but seriously, they are the greatest toy invented! And best thing yet...Addie and Ian have been so busy and so happy all week! Toys that have never ending possibilities for play are my favorite! And for the first time in a while, I actually don't mind the constant mess on the floor. Well...almost. Let's rephrase that..I don't mind the happy toddlers I have had this week!

au revoir!

My little brother (well, he isn't so little any more) is leaving to serve a mission for our church in Geneva Switzerland tomorrow. He will be in Switerland for 2 years teaching and giving service and I couldn't be more proud of him. I am the oldest of five kids (this pic was our last siblings picture taken at the beach where we all crammed into this massive hole the Christopher dug...Christopher is the second from the right) and I love my family so much! We are a bunch of weirdos, but we sure have a lot of fun! We will miss you terribly Christopher, but we love you and can't wait to hear about your amazing experiences!

Oneity Sale!

One of my favorite stores just declared that they are shutting down their retail store, and focussing on their online selection. Well, to give you some background, this company supports international artisans providing handmade clothing for a fraction of the cost. At the same time, they are supporting individuals and families (in Africa and elsewhere) by bringing their goods to the states. So with clearance of 50-70% off right now, you can't beat this! I just got Addie and Ian's church outfits for the fall, each being $16!! Have fun!!

www.oneitystore.com

Mantra's from a dreamer.

I am a dreamer. I have always been a dreamer. But I find that as I am getting older, reality sets in, and I find myself more bound by time, money, and physical limitations. There is something that happens between childhood and adulthood that keeps us from thinking we can do anything. Well, I catch myself in these dull boring moments of reality (cause that is what they are...dull and boring!) and I have to remember, that life is meant to be lived to the fullest...not for settling into what we can't do. Last night, my husband very profoundly stated:

Anything great ever done in this world, happened because somebody was dreaming.

Isn't that so true? James Madison dreamt of a new government. The Wright brothers dreamt of a flying machine. Edison dreamt of an electric light. We all have so many dreams, and I think that as adults, we have to try even harder to keep those dreams alive! Real life has a way of telling us we can't do things, and I am sick of listening to that stream of thinking sometimes. My children have the biggest imaginations, and I am constantly being reminded that my daughter is a mermaid and my son is a tiger. So, in the spirit of the Olympics this week, keep dreaming. Keep thinking you can. That is my determination this week...to live the visions I have inside. The only person who can stop us from doing what we REALLY want to do is ourselves. Think about that.

And so, to end my post and to start my week, I leave you with the words of one of my favorite dreamers:

If you can dream it, you can do it.~ Walt Disney

That is so true. I am a singer and spent most of my highschool and college years in voice lessons. One my favorite teachers of all time said, "If you can squeak it, you can sing it." Meaning, if you have it in you to even just squeak that high note, you have it in you (with a whole lot of practice and hard work) to sing it beautifully some day. If there is a glimpse of it, keep working at it and the dream will become reality.

Can you tell what is on my mind today? I am determined to overcome this pesty habit of letting reality dampen my curiosities and dreams. So, with that, happy dreaming everyone!

xoxo

sarah jane

Jaw Dropping.

I don't usually post on world events, or stuff you can read about any where else...but considering that my jaw didn't close for nearly 4 hours straight...I have to mention this. This left me in tears by the end, and I have to say that it was the most incredible performance I have ever seen, EVER! (And I have seen some incredible shows). Click here for incredible photos. I really don't know how they did it. Ancient Chinese secrets I guess.

I really am speechless, and that is saying a lot! Wow. Wow. Wow. Talk about making a statement to the world. Let the games begin!