out here'n two rock

From Our Hearts.

2012-02-14T15:42:00.002-07:00

We folded.

And cut.

And pasted with all our hearts.

(JCrew catalog pages made the best paper hearts!

All those fancy stacks of sweaters, men's shirts and

shiny ballet flats gave us a rainbow of colors.

Plus, they were easy cutting for little scissors and hands.)

Now we are feelin' the love.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Our Weekend.

2012-02-13T14:11:00.001-07:00

Hope you had a great weekend!

Be back tomorrow for some looove-day stuff...

Checking In and A Moment.

2012-02-10T20:19:00.002-07:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. -Amanda Soule (SouleMama)

*******

Some notes....

Minna and I are pro heart cutter-outers.

Now, what to do with them by V-day.... ?

Also....

Yesterday was my 300/365 round-a-day!

I know!

I haven't posted today yet so really, I am not up to date.

But I had to share. I hit 300! That' something right?

(Have you seen this stitch-a-day project? Good gracious!)

Anyway, I am heavily depending on my kid's art to inspire my stitching these days.

I can do 65 more. I know I can.

As long as I can keep peeking in sketchbooks at the 11th hour.

There will be some cool stitchy book art along soon too.

We got some goodies to read in the mail this week.

Fun-fun! And happy weekend to you!

saturday and sunday

2012-02-05T21:46:00.000-07:00

This Moment.

2012-02-03T05:00:00.000-07:00

***

I am back to work today after a 6 week break.

Looking forward to yummy cookie smells and friendly faces.

Happy weekend!

Illness And Hope.

2012-02-02T22:00:00.003-07:00

Minna and Fwa have the Chicken Pox.

What are the chances?

Minna is taking very good care of her baby.

She looks much worse than she feels, which is a relief.

The very handsome boy below, feels way worse than he looks.

Bad enough that a doctor visit may be in order to find out what is up.

No fun.

We are always so healthy that it throws

me for a loop when illness creeps in.

He is wearing the 6th "Hansel" to come off my hook.

Looks so good on him. He likes it a lot.

I know this because he wore it to bed.

Speaking of hats, I am stacking 'em up for Craft Hope. Making totes next. The kids and I have had great chats about doing and making for others. They have been really affected by the fact that these will be going to kids just like them.

"It means a lot when you make things instead of just buying things from a boring store. It's so much better and like, it's like, special kind of. Really special." -Colyer

It clicked with them. I love that.

***

So, we will be just hanging out. Resting and healing.

Don't worry about us...

...soon everybody will be back to the normal, high-flying, busy business.

Hope everyone is well!

One Of Those Days.

2012-01-31T22:16:00.003-07:00

Today,

There were extra kids playing in all of our extra snow.

And, not even the arrival of chicken pox...

could keep this girl from her regular business hours.

We tried something new.

Today- freshly milled flour for cookies. (Tasty failure.)

Tomorrow- freshly milled flour for bread. (Wish me luck!)

These kinds of days are good.

sunday

2012-01-29T23:06:00.001-07:00

saturday inside

2012-01-28T19:34:00.000-07:00

this moment.

2012-01-27T23:44:00.002-07:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

-Amanda Soule (SouleMama)

No One Escapes... THE HOOK!

2012-01-25T21:36:00.002-07:00

Not even this guy...

He prefers to escape the camera and the blog too.

Not gonna happen.

He likes his hat though.

He was actually complaining that I hadn't made him one yet.

I think it looks darn good.

(It's The Hansel Hat. Again.)

***

So, I will be putting my hook to real life good use for the next few weeks.

I am sending some hats and lil' bags along to Craft Hope

for Project 16 :: The Littlest Warriors.

For children of all ages battling cancer, they are calling for beanie style hats in all kid/teen sizes and simple activity tote bags to carry stuff to do at the hospital. The only requirement is that they be handmade. (Sewn, knitted, crocheted, etc.) And if you want to make something too, get it to me and I will send it all along for you in a big box, from our little island.

Sound good? It does!

The deadline is March 12. I am just gonna work my hook and make as many as I can and hope to send off a box the last week of February.

Comment on this post,

find my face here,

or email gnataliet@yahoo.com,

if you want me to send something for you.

Have a great night!

Making Ice Work.

2012-01-24T11:51:00.003-07:00

This is our ice yard. Back where the someday-goat will roam.

The kids have been skating on it.

The other night all I could see was

Sully's silhouette gliding, weaving around the trees.

Crazy cool.

We have been making that ice work for us

by making hanging ice ornaments.

(Got the idea here.)

Try not to trip on the bundt pans and tins filled with water

on the doorstep if you happen to come by.

We will be freezing many hearts for Valentine's Day.

Maybe even hanging 'em up around town.

Getting crazy with the ice!

(Ice bombing?)

This is what I see out the dinning room window. Kinda fun.

They all have a pile of snow on top of them now though.

Sometimes they catch the sun and look

like they have a little twinkly light inside.

Crazy neat.

Our Weekend. Exposed On Monday.

2012-01-23T17:30:00.001-07:00

this moment.

2012-01-20T09:20:00.001-07:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

-Amanda Soule (SouleMama)

Happy Friday!

saturday

2012-01-14T21:26:00.001-07:00

this moment.

2012-01-13T11:34:00.001-07:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

-Amanda Soule (SouleMama)

Happy Friday!

We got lots of wind and a little gal's first dentist appointment today.

She has her support system ready to go.

(And a hot chocolate to look forward to afterwards.)

Have a wonderful weekend.

RING. RING. "It's me, Minna..."

2012-01-11T15:54:00.003-07:00

"Get this...

my mom has been crocheting like crazy!"

"She finally finished my dress! Yes,

The Mina Dress. Almost like my name!"

"Pretty much fits like a glove."

"She made a hat that almost matches. It's The Gretel Hat."

"I wear it a lot."

"She also made a billion pairs of slippers.

She never makes stuff for herself, but she made a gray pair of her very own."

"Does your Mom crochet this much?"

"Have a good day!"

saturday and sunday

2012-01-08T21:56:00.001-07:00

This Moment.

2012-01-06T09:58:00.003-07:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

-Amanda Soule (SouleMama)

We are buttoning up for a blizzard.

Movie night and lots of yarn and blankets ahead for us.

Happy Weekend to you!

Walking On Water.

2012-01-02T19:56:00.002-07:00

Did something today that I swore I would NEVER-EVER-EVER do.

I mean, NEVER!

I let my boys and the dog walk on a frozen lake.

Like, in the middle!

Then I let Minna do it.

Yes. Yes I did.

Then I let myself do it. (I know!)

I really truly meant it when I said I would never do it.

Too scary.

It's just not right, I thought.

Downright crazy.

Well... it was kinda scary.

But I lived to tell the crazy tale.

And, it was all right after all.

Yeah, we walked on water.

Jan-yew-lary First.

2012-01-01T16:10:00.003-07:00

2012. New calendar. New goals. New ideas.

I made everybody write or draw some

goals/dreams out and tell me about them.

ME- Plant a fat garden and actually take care of it. Find my kitchen mojo again. Enjoy our own chicken eggs and maybe sell some. Complete my 365 and hang them somewhere...public. Re-decorate our bedroom in an awesome yet, thrifty way. Get strong and flexible.

JEFF- Finish teardrop. Take steps towards providing our own food completely, by growing, hunting, raising animals, canning, etc.

MINNA- Go fishing with Dada. Practice dance things.

COLYER-Play soccer. Do gymnastics. Play more video games. (Well, these are dreams too.)

SULLY- Learn to hunt with Dad. Earn $100 by selling flies or being a handyman. Practice archery. Eat more vegetables and fruit. (Not kidding you here. Proof above!)

Off to a good start.

Welcome 2012.

Farewells...

2011-12-31T12:05:00.002-07:00

We had to say goodbye to Grampie.

Super sad.

But we get to say,

"See you this Summer!"

We say goodbye to 2011.

And, see you soon 2012.

Happy-hopeful-super-fun-super-safe New Year!

Final "Moment" of 2011!

2011-12-30T12:39:00.001-07:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

-Amanda Soule (SouleMama)

Happy last weekend of 2011!

Can you even believe it!?

He's 10.

2011-12-29T23:34:00.001-07:00

That.

Was awesome.

This kid.

Is awesome.

Double Dog Dare...

2011-12-28T22:40:00.003-07:00

Tongue stuck to a pole.

Christmas Story style.

There wasn't too much blood.

And we didn't call the fire department. Or the cops.

Guess who turns 10 tomorrow?

Par-tay Planning Committee.

2011-12-27T21:45:00.001-07:00

(first 3 photos taken by the almost-birthday-boy!)

The Day After...

2011-12-26T19:42:00.001-07:00

Happy Christmas. Merry Birthday.

2011-12-25T23:55:00.001-07:00

Christmas Eve...

2011-12-24T20:52:00.001-07:00

With Sprinkles.

2011-12-22T19:38:00.000-07:00

Windy-Wet Gingerbread House.

2011-12-20T11:15:00.000-07:00

Grampie Magic.

2011-12-18T13:48:00.000-07:00

Trimming.

2011-12-12T15:42:00.004-07:00

We got the tree up!

Minna rushes down each morning to check on it.

I turn all the non-tree-lights off all the time.

White twinkly lights and a ton of inexpensive red snowflakes

are where it's at this year.

From here until after the new year,

I think I will just occasionally make some "wordless" posts.

We are readying for our very first island visitor

coming at the end of the week.

(See you soon Grampie!)

Plus all the family Christmas merry making goodness

that's going on is keeping this gal bu-sy...

in the very best way.

Have a wonderful, lovely, fun-fun-fun Holiday.

this moment. (late, but posted as if on time...)

2011-12-09T15:18:00.002-07:00

My moment of the week.

Didn't get it up in time for Friday, but too darn good not to.

That boy played his heart out later in concert with his alto.

Him and his partner bebopped and swayed in unison.

So hilarious and adorable.

Have to remember these moments of my oldest...

on the cusp of pre-teen.

Hope he bebops forever.

Lit.

2011-12-08T22:33:00.002-07:00

Starlight.

Gate-light. Very little daylight.

Coop-light. (Of course, coop-light.)

Inside, heavy-duty work light.

And dim, night-time-making light.

(In effort not to wake the sleepy girl in my bed.)

Good night.

What's The Haps?

2011-12-01T22:09:00.001-07:00

We have been busy out here!

How was your Thanksgiving? Ours was lovely.

Since our wonderful day of thanks...

we strung up our star-lights and pulled out the holiday books.

(It's official, the spirit has hit our house.)

We have played lots with all our friends, both human and animal.

We have chosen some COLOR for the walls of our house!

Very exciting.

Then called in the experts to handle the painting of the colors.

(Yay, COLOR! Even on the ceiling!)

And I, personally, have been stitching away in crochet and floss.

There are lots of crochet stars around here that

will be mailed all over the place shortly.

Plus, I just updated the old 365.

I have been keeping up with the stitching part,

but have a hard time with photographing

amidst these short daylight days of ours.

I will keep at it and photo/post when I can.

Only 135 to go!

Nice to see you and hope you are having a great week!

A Week Of Simple Thanks and This Moment.

2011-11-25T16:27:00.002-07:00

Thankful this day for-

This Moment.

And every moment for the past (almost) 10 years of being their mama.

Blurry, funny Holiday card out takes that are totally "us".

Chickens being considered family.

Four people to live with that always play along with me,

and are usually really good sports about it.

So thankful.

Happy Friday!

A Week Of Simple Thanks.

2011-11-24T20:44:00.001-07:00

Thankful this day for-

Pink cheeks after the first skate of the year.

Along with the rink we have...

mountain tops,

rivers,

lakes,

beaches,

trails and trees...

all at our fingertips.

And the sun lit it all up, all day long.

A Week Of Simple Thanks.

2011-11-23T22:35:00.003-07:00

Thankful this day for-

Awesome families that became fast friends

and open their warm homes to us.

Friends that get a good work-out

spinning and airplane-ing my kids around.

(All night. Over and over...)

Friends that scavenged the island for candy corn

to make turkeys for us.

A Happy Early Thanksgiving indeed.

A Week Of Simple Thanks.

2011-11-22T21:33:00.002-07:00

Thankful this day for-

A beautiful blanket of the white stuff.

Chicken feet,

rabbit paws

small boots,

big boots,

motorbike tracks,

and an unknown rodent...

making there mark on our little corner out here.

(Yes. Thankful even for the rodent.)

And now, being safe and warm

after battling the sometimes dangers that white stuff can bring.

Have a lovely night!

A Week Of Simple Thanks.

2011-11-21T17:17:00.001-07:00

Thankful this day for-

Pretty yarn to crochet with.

Ever improving crochet skillz.

Cute hats to make.

A dear, dear friend about to have a baby.

(This photo is in the Habit Flikr group for 11/17/11.

Didn't make the blog, but fun anyhow.)

Happy Monday!

sunday

2011-11-20T20:51:00.001-07:00

saturday snow day

2011-11-19T17:00:00.000-07:00

this moment.

2011-11-18T00:29:00.001-07:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

-Amanda Soule (SouleMama)

Weekend, here we come.

Happy Friday!

A Day Of...Excitement.

2011-11-14T21:29:00.003-07:00

Exciting Monday out here!

Excitement over the soft pretty snow that came down all day long.

Excited (and relieved) to see how well all the animals are handling the weather.

Probably a little TOO excited to get this box of goodies in the mail.

Any idea what I might be doing with all these 3 inch hoops?

(Hint-I still need 334 more.)

I wasn't very excited about Minna's new haircut.

That she gave herself.

Shucks, we can see those pretty eyes much better now.

It's all excitement and it's all good.

This Moment.

2011-11-11T15:42:00.002-07:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

-Amanda Soule (SouleMama)

So... it's snowing/raining/slushing out and some of us out here are still perfectly comfortable hanging in our undies. I would say we got Kodiak in our blood now.

(To be sure though, not all of us hang out in our undies.)

Happy weekend!

How Was Your Day?

2011-11-10T19:15:00.001-07:00

Ours was a little rocky.... ;)

Firsts For The T-Birds.

2011-11-09T22:30:00.003-07:00

Last week there was some excitement in the coop.

The chickens were all gossipy and giddy

because one of their own went to school.

Sully brought sweet Milo in for pet day.

Surprisingly, he was the only chicken there.

It was mostly dogs and hamsters.

Milo likes being unique anyhow.

Plus, Milo and the rest saw their first snow.

They seemed totally cool with it all.

Glad we got such easy going birds.

Happy half-week!

Monday Mailbag.

2011-11-07T20:58:00.002-07:00

Well, the chickens haven't had as many pen-pals as I had originally hoped.

But we have had many lovely, heartfelt notes from Miss Minna.

She is surely the most devoted chicken-note-writer.

But we had a surprise the other day!

Notes from Sully!

The above note is so awesome that if it's the last they get,

and their mailbox gets rusty, the chickens and I will be content.

And they will be happy enough to party for sure.

(Never when the boys are working hard at school though of course.)

With Minna around there will be no shortage of love notes though.

Sealed with love and lots of stickers and happy tape.

What more could a bunch of chickens and crazy me ask for?

Not much.

Happy Monday!

this moment.

2011-11-04T09:55:00.000-06:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

-Amanda Soule (SouleMama)

Happy Weekend!

Sights Astride A 4-Wheeler.

2011-11-02T21:33:00.001-06:00

With the landscape changing so quickly as we careen into Winter, I wanted to post some shots from a ride we took a bit back. It was before we knew snow was coming, like, the following week! We were still feeling Fall and wanted to be out in it.

The fam even got me on a 4-wheeler. My own, 4-wheeler. I almost kept up. I don't feel bad for being slow. I don't think many can keep up with those boys of mine anyhow.

I was more interested in taking pictures anyway. No green to be seen. Lots of dramatic browns and grays.

I am always amazed at how Roo just blends into the ground and the brush and the sand. That dog was totally meant to be a Kodiak dog.
We rode past the skeletons of the Summer invaders. Standing tall but, brittle.

And we played by the water. Made boats out of litter. Kind of yuck, but kind of cool.

The kids climbed hills and rocks that are clearing as the foliage dies away and gets ready to begin again in Spring. So much more room to climb. (More on my climbing monkeys to come.) All the trails are becoming more accessible, easier to explore.

This time last year, I was afraid of the trails and the rivers. I was always on the look out for bears. I am a Mama bear myself after all. This year, being out there, I am much more comfortable. Learning the ways of the area and it's wildlife over the past four seasons has made it possible to relax and really see everything.

I can enjoy it and see it all the way my kids do now.

That's the only way to go.

Happy Wednesday!

Halloween, Part Two-Little Pink Riding Hood.

2011-10-31T01:16:00.002-06:00

"Once upon a time...

there lived in a certain village, a little country girl,

the prettiest creature who was ever seen.

Her mother was excessively fond of her.

This good woman made a little pink riding hood for her.

It suited the girl so extremely well that everybody called her…

Little Pink Riding Hood."

This was so fun to make! Minna was supposed to have her little pink riding hood last year, but I didn't have my sewing machine, (or a house) in time to make her one. We remedied that this year. I am so pleased with how it all turned out and I know my girl will get lots of use out of each piece. The dress is a prairie type chemise. I am hoping she will sleep and play it long after Halloween. The cape is a good standard cape and the apron was just made on the fly. The dress and cape were inspired by two fun McCall's patterns.

Trick-or-treating tonight! Wonder if we will be snowed on?

Not gonna stop me, my zombies or my girl in pink.

Have safe and fun night!

Halloween, Part One-Zombie Rock.

2011-10-31T01:00:00.000-06:00

So, my boys wanted to be something scary.

Specifically, they wanted to be The Grim Reaper. I wasn't down with the Reaper and for some reason Zombies seemed more acceptable. Don't ask me to explain my reasoning. I couldn't. I ended up with two Zombie Rock Stars for Halloween.

All I can say is... who knew Zombies could rock so hard?!

They got the rock star look.

The sound.

The moves.

And every rock star, alive or re-animated, needs a groupie.

They got one of those too.

Happy Halloween!

(Part two coming soon...)

sunday

2011-10-30T16:49:00.000-06:00

saturday

2011-10-29T21:47:00.001-06:00

this moment.

2011-10-28T08:23:00.000-06:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

-Amanda Soule (SouleMama)

Happy Weekend!

Got your costumes ready?

Fall Decor-Newpaper Style.

2011-10-25T09:14:00.002-06:00

I think everyone knows how much I love to paint on newspaper. I am not alone in this. Luckily Minna loves it as much as I do because we made a bunch of newspaper leaves to hang!

We drew a variety of basic leaf shapes and pulled out the paint. Why were maple leaves so hard for me to draw? They just didn't look right. I was even looking at leaf pictures for reference. Oh well, nature does it best anyhow.

Then we picked out a Fall-ish pallet, and painted away. Just layering colors. Or dabbing colors and swirling colors. Very relaxing actually. I needed to relax after the maple leaf frustration.

Minna did a lot of the cutting after they dried. She is getting good!

We have had some debate on whether or not we actually made leaves, or hearts or "weird things", as one of the boys insists. I can see the "heart" argument. There really are heart shaped leaves in the world, so I will take it. "Weird things"? Sure, why not? I will take those too.

We used floss and small label stickers to tape 'em up all over and I like it. That was Minna's idea. I am so proud of my easy-going crafter.

A windy storm blew off the last of our real leaves outside last night. Now I am really thankful for our "weird things". :)

Hello and goodbye Fall.

We are holding onto you just a little bit longer in doors.

Have a great day!

saturday and sunday

2011-10-23T21:35:00.001-06:00

This Moment.

2011-10-21T11:03:00.000-06:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

-Amanda Soule (SouleMama)

At the beginning of the week we had clear skies and outdoor fun.

Here at the end,

we have some darker skies and those heavy winter-ish rain drops.

So... we are having some indoor fun instead.

With banana bread too.

Happy Friday!

The new Flat, Part 2.

2011-10-19T16:07:00.002-06:00

Happy Wednesday!

I feel like I have so much to share.

I am talking chickens today.

Again.

Here is the coop with the completed covered run.

The T-Birds were living in the coop with their

heat lamp and they were loving the extra space so much!

Then,

early one morning,

we opened the coop door which turns into a ramp.

(Genius design.)

We expected them to fly right out. But no...

They weren't so sure about this wide open, fresh air thing at first.

With a little coaxing and reassuring.

One brave Buff just went for it!

Didn't take long for the rest to follow.

They love life outside!

Now it is hard to get them back in at night.

Awe, my feathered babes, out in the world and lovin' it.

Hope the week is treating you well so far.

Getting chilly yet?

this moment.

2011-10-14T15:07:00.002-06:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

-Amanda Soule (SouleMama)

Fair Friday to you!

One Of Those Days.

2011-10-13T22:11:00.003-06:00

Today...

...we made great use of all those leaves!

Goodness me. The leaves!

Two brave gals begged us to cover them "all the way up!"

So we did.

(Can you see any sign of them?)

The first pair of mitts made their appearance for the season.

We got a kick out of the three amigos perched up there.

And we welcomed a new family member.

Meet Hazel.

(Surprise, Daaaaad!)

These kinds of days are good.... even, for Dad. :)

Hope you had one of those days too.

Short Day.

2011-10-12T14:37:00.003-06:00

Wednesday is short day at school.

Today it's also "Friday" for us because we get a long weekend.

Lots of busy fun ahead.

Right now though...

we are just paper airplane-ing it.

Happy short day to you!

Our First Year In About Four Minutes.

2011-10-10T01:30:00.002-06:00

Last year on this day exactly, we landed in Kodiak.

Whoa.

Here is a little movie with a year's worth of fun and adventure. Mostly my photos. A couple of Jeff's and a bit of video taken by Jeff too. If you only knew how obsessed I got about finding a good song to help tell our story, you would probably worry about my mental health. (It's "When U Love Somebody" by the Fruit Bats.) Even now that all is rendered and compressed, I still have reservations about the song because it says the word "blood" in it so many times. It also says "love" a lot so I figured it all worked out in the end. I am sure you wouldn't have really noticed if I didn't say anything about the blood part. All part of being kind of obsessed.

So! Without further crazy-lady talk...

here is year one.

Now onto living year two.

Have a great Monday!

sunday afternoon

2011-10-09T23:12:00.002-06:00

(fly photo by sully)

saturday evening

2011-10-08T22:35:00.001-06:00

This Moment- Brought To You By, This Morning.

2011-10-07T09:16:00.003-06:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

-Amanda Soule (SouleMama)

More on our chicken's brave new world next week.

Until then, we got clear skies,

gold on the hills,

thick sweaters to pull on,

field trips (to Dad's work!)

and coffee dates ahead for us today.

Kodiak at her best.

Happy, happy Friday to you!

A Fall Glow Goin' On.

2011-10-06T21:50:00.003-06:00

I am off to sit down under a cozy blanket and work a bit on my first garment of crochet. It's a dress for Minna. I am very excited about it even with the doubts I have in my skill level. We all just have to wait to see how it turns out. Luckily that girl of mine really can wear the heck outta anything and I am sure a wonky crochet dress will be no exception.

(It's this pattern. How perfect is the name?)

But before I go grab that hook...

here's some glow-y...

warm and pretty...

rusty colored...

orange-y, random Fall photos I have floating around.

Happy end-o-the-week everybody!

A New Flat in The Flats.

2011-10-04T21:09:00.002-06:00

Flooring is in.

Light fixtures installed and functional.

Homey, personal little touches here and there.

The new feathered residents happily eating, sleeping and rearranging things.

I think they threw themselves a housewarming party already. You should have seen how they were carrying on. Flying, flapping, jumping all over. I know they were chirping things things like...

"Hey guys! look at this over here!"

"No way lady! This is my nesting box."

"Yippee! Watch me stretch to my complete wingspread!"

"This place is wicked awesome!"

They were a happy bunch of pullets, I tell ya.

Plus, their mail box is up.

They would love a note.

Nothing like getting mail sent to your first place.

If you would like to send along a note, here is their address,

The T-Birds

P.O. Box 1681

Kodiak, Ak 99615

If you would like to send a note to one bird in particular, by all means, you may! We are still learning everybody's names but so far we know...

Suzie- A loud nervous Maran

Bobby- The smallest Maran. sleeps in Colyer's shirt.

Milo- The clumsy, runty, big time lovable Buff

Paris- Pretty Maran, named for her French origin (not Hilton)

Pita- Lovely Australorp (or Speckle Face) with bright white wing feathers.

Kutamala- Minna's love, and could be any one of the remaining Speckle Faces.

Biff- Biggest of them all, undoubtedly a Buff rooster. Oh so soft and amazingly tame. Jumps on my shoulder and walks onto my hand if I put it out.

(Noooo, of course I don't have a favorite. Ahem.)

I will let you know as we learn more names and personalities. I am sure that with the extra growing room, we will be able to get to know them much better.

And Jeff gets his workshop back, free and clear of chicken dust.

Ahhh....Coop, Sweet Coop.

This Moment.

2011-09-30T08:43:00.000-06:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

-Amanda Soule (SouleMama)

Happy Friday and fun wishes for your weekend!

Like This And Like That.

2011-09-29T21:27:00.004-06:00

So it's been looking like this out here.

I should have been trying to make heads or tails outta this...

...and weeding and prepping all this.

There are veggie beds under there somewhere.

I think.

But instead, I played around with this gal all day.

Together, we fooled around with these guys.

It was their second time outside.

They loved it.

(In a few days they will have a new address

and be ready for correspondence.)

Happy chickens and lil' girls itching to be running and exploring are making it easy to neglect our future garden. I am sure I will be digging and crouching in freezing rain trying to ready the beds for Winter and our first try at growing next Spring. Hard to think of much other than the sun and the blue sky when we have it out here.

And with all of this and that, it was a good day.

Hope yours was too.

A Purple Purposeful Pack.

2011-09-28T15:39:00.003-06:00

Minna and I made something!

We decided that Fwa needed a carrier, stat!

Fwa is the mystery baby that Minna has below. We don't know where Fwa came from. I don't remember buying her and I can't for the life of me remember Minna receiving her as a gift. Please forgive me if she did, and thank you, if you gave her to us. Minna adores her. I pulled her out of a moving box last year and said, "Who is this? Where did this baby come from?" I was really confused. Minna just casually replied, "Dat Fwa, Mama!"

So... that's Fwa.

And she needed a carrier.

We used a bandanna. I just love making things out of bandannas. Remember these? We make bags with them too. Love 'em. Bandannas everywhere. I want to perfect the construction of this bandanna creation and finish it really well. Then, maybe I could put together a tutorial for other dollies out there.

It's has been a HUGE hit with Minna, Fwa and...

Sara!

Sara was mine when I was a girl. My Mom made her.

I love that Sara is always just hanging around with us these days.

Minna dances around with the carrier.

She climbs stuff with her babes on her back

and wore it out running errands with her dad yesterday.

It can be worn in the front or in back

and the babies can face any which way.

Do I really need to mention how cute it looks on?

Nah.

I made the armholes a little roomy on purpose because before you know it, Minna and her babies will be in their winter coats! You see all that Fall going on in the background? It's here. The smell and the crunch of it is lovely.

It's a short, short season for us.

We are crunchin' it up.

Happy Wednesday!

sunday

2011-09-25T21:54:00.001-06:00

saturday

2011-09-24T22:24:00.001-06:00

This Moment.

2011-09-23T11:16:00.003-06:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

-Amanda Soule (SouleMama)

We have some days off of work to use up,

friends to see,

sun to chase,

Fall to welcome

and some fish to catch...

Happy weekend to you!

Hanging With The Teens.

2011-09-22T22:19:00.002-06:00

So the T-Birds are totally teenagers now. I am taking care of 16 teenagers in the throes of puberty.

Their feet are a little disproportionate. There is fuzz growing out of funny places and in all different directions.

Everyone is a little clumsy, endearingly awkward and curious about the world. Thinking they are all grown up already, I am sure.

They are curious about their bodies and each other. And each others bodies.

Most importantly, they are making bonds that will affect the rest of their lives. Getting to know the people that will shape them and be there for them into adulthood.

Remember those days? I am having fun being reminded by watching these guys grow.

Teenagers are cool.

One Of Those Days.

2011-09-20T15:43:00.001-06:00

Today, the sun poked through.

For a minute.

And instead of raking leaves,

I bought a ton of floss for a new project that's in the works.

And I took pictures of it.

Of course.

I mean, doesn't everybody do that?

Then some of those pictures made their way into collages.

Now I feel like I was just at the toy store,

and the candy shop,

and had a double scoop of ice cream.

Doesn't floss make everyone feel like that?

I thought so.

These kinds of days are good.

A Stormy Sentimental Note On Brothers.

2011-09-19T22:12:00.002-06:00

Today we had a windy, wet ride to school. In the rear-view I see my boys heads, covered with rain hoods. Minna in the middle, under a blanket, between her "bo-bos". All are cozy and quiet. Three years ago, pre-Minna, the boys sat next to each other and on dark mornings like this, looked like one little being.

"1-2-3!" They yelled in unison after cramped hugs and kisses goodbye inside the truck. Then the doors flung open and off to the front door of the school they go. One boy slightly taller. The other, slightly skipping. They moved quickly together. One body and two little hoods.

Brothers. My boys. In the rain.

These two are less than 3 years apart and the age gap has become much less apparent. Colyer is almost as tall as Sully. He can run as fast and ride as fast. He may even have an edge on Sully in the daredevil department. That creates so much competition and determination inside of their little hearts that it frightens me sometimes. (er, all the time.) It causes hurt feelings and at worst, injuries.

I am reassured when I see something else coming from their little hearts. I see a partnership that I will never fully understand. I know it is there. They show me in little ways everyday.

When one goes, he makes room for the other.

They do the scary stuff together. Always.

When one challenges the other. The other takes it on.

Then challenges right back.

They teach each other. They learn.

When one asks for help. The other helps.

And with four hands, they make things better.

They run in the same circles.

Have the same besties from Kodiak to California.

Honorary bo-bos.

They share everything.

Love of the outdoors, a soft spot for animals, their baby sister,

a passion for Legos, building, inventing and ever so often,

they share sleep.

I wonder if they will have a rocky teenage relationship as their Dad and Uncle did? How will Colyer feel when Sully goes off to college first? Will they always ride side by side, racing but still together?

No one can know.

So what helps this Mama of a pair of smart, driven, daring, confident young men rest just a little easier? The way they look like one little being on the school bus as it drives up to our house. My boys on an almost empty bus, huddled together in one seat.

Brothers. My growing boys. In the rain. On the bus.

saturday n sunday

2011-09-18T21:25:00.000-06:00

this moment.

2011-09-16T09:54:00.002-06:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

-Amanda Soule (SouleMama)

We can almost see through our protective wall of lacy leafed trees.

Sweaters are coming out, and actually staying on.

Bed warmers are clicked on at night.

Feeling all Fall-ish.

Happy Fall-ish Weekend to you!

T-Birds- The Chicks While They are still Chicks!

2011-09-13T19:37:00.003-06:00

With the rate that these little peeps are growing, plus the fact that I am working part-time now, you will be lucky to see pictures of them before they start laying eggs. I am feeling silly posting these shots that I took last week because they are double the size! No joke!

I will use these shots to talk about the breeds we have though. They will be good for that. No one minds a coupla cute little baby chicken photos anyhow.

So, above is a sweet specimen of a Black Australorp. They have pretty speckled faces and will most likely grow to be completely black. I am not so sure because many of the wing feathers that have grown in over the past few days are bright white!

These guys are sweet and seem to be the most mellow. We have 5 of them and they all have different markings on their faces. They consistently sleep together in a cozy Australorp pile.

Here are the Buff Orpingtons. We love these guys. They are easy to hold and super curious which makes them funny to watch. They are kind of like the cool older siblings of the bunch. They do everything first, get all the neat stuff first and are bigger with the most feathers. But they love all their little siblings and when they are older will probably sneak them into R-rated movies and protect them from bullies. Just kidding. They are just cool.

The two biggest Buffs fly right out of the brooder and like perching on the window sill. Today one flew up at my neck trying to perch on my shoulder. He kinda got tangled in my hair. That is when I discovered they have pretty good claws now too.

Here is one of the Cuckoo Marans. I feel like this little group of six are the spoiled celebrities of our little chicken world out here. They are always squawking and freaking out. They are picky about being held too. Only Colyer seems to have the touch. It involves being bundled in his t-shirt and rocked a little. Then they fall asleep. When they wake up, they flap around and make a big fuss.

The one above, now has a comb developing and full wings that are about 3 inches longer. The growth just amazes me! Well, she wouldn't look at the camera and refused to stand on the same spot that the other guys did just minutes before. So choosy! They lay the dark chocolate brown eggs with speckles and expect special treatment. I guess I don't blame them. I know those eggs are gonna be my favorites.

This one settled on hanging out on the Dish Network receiver that was left in the workshop. I think we want to sell that thing. (Anybody need a receiver? Selling cheap. Call me.)

Well, regardless of breed or temperament, these guys are settled and a wonderfully special addition to the fam. In two more weeks they get to move into the coop and will start their new lives as teenager chickens. They will have access to the outdoors under a covered run and as they acclimate to outside temps, they will be released into their big enclosed run.

Even at this feverish pace, I can't help but be excited about it all.

Have a good night!

A Little Face For The Name.

2011-09-12T14:16:00.003-06:00

After the sadness and remembrances of this weekend, I think some talk of a new baby and the excitement of birth is in order, yes?

One of my longest, long-time friends had her first baby this month. What a loved and deeply wanted baby she is.

I got to meet her (still in mama's tummy) when we went to California this summer. I just love seeing my friends as lovely, happy pregnant gals.

Along with a little outfit and a sweet toy, handmade by one of my new friends, I made her a little scrappy garland. Unicorns on the back and her name embroidered on the front.

There she is!

(Thanks for sending along a photo guys! Can't wait to photograph her in person one day.)

And here is her garland.

Welcome Pesenti!

So very excited that you are here.

today...

2011-09-11T11:46:00.002-06:00

Remembering that day.

Reminded of the good that has come from the past 10 years.

this moment.

2011-09-09T05:00:00.002-06:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

-Amanda Soule (SouleMama)

See you next week for more chicken talk and

a finished sewing/embroidery project from waaaay back.

Happy Friday!

Just One Of Those Days.

2011-09-07T16:09:00.003-06:00

Today...

Someone got a new pair of shoes.

And met a nice new teacher and learned some new stuff.

And soared through the air while her friends cheered her on.

Then strutted her proud stuff all the way home.

And... kind of made her mama think she was just a teeny bit taller than yesterday.

These kinds of days are good.

Fanfair.

2011-09-05T22:10:00.002-06:00

We went to the fair this weekend!

It was the perfect small town style fair.

Just my size.

I loved that there were no rides with height requirements.

No rides at all actually.

No kids begging for cotton candy.

No sunburns or stroller struggles.

Just a casual, checkin' out our first Kodiak Fair kind of day.

With horses.

A petting zoo with lots more animals.

And the best part of all..

...pony rides!

Look at Minna's teeny hand-me-down cowboy boots hanging down!

(I have no words for that one.)

There were a few game booths and some baking and crafts. We stuck to the animals mainly. We saw some goats. Really liked the goats. We will see how this chicken thing goes and you may end up along for the ride as we make my goat-dreams come true too. You never know...

Have a great start to your week after a long weekend. I, personally, have a big day tomorrow.

I got a grown-up job! Like, away from the house and my babes! Ah! It's part-time and only when Jeff is home to be with them. That's the only way it is worth it for me.

I got equal parts nervous and excited going on out here.

Wish me luck!

fri-sat-sun

2011-09-04T18:55:00.002-06:00

(Totally wearing my pink shortie robe with my chicken boots, that used to be my cow-pile boots.)

Chick Moment.

2011-09-02T07:07:00.001-06:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

-Amanda Soule (SouleMama)

Have a great weekend!

You know what we will be doing...

T-Birds-The First 48.

2011-09-01T19:56:00.003-06:00

The chicks are here! AND, I managed to keep them alive!

I have been reading and bothering my knowledgeable neighbors and friends about chicken care for weeks. I felt I knew what to do. I was pretty sure we were ready to raise little tiny baby chicks. But it wasn't until this morning, after a very sleepless night, when I found each and every one still alive and peeping happily, that I for real knew we could do it.

We are in love out here!

They came in this teeny box. We drove them home from the post office chirping on the front seat. We waited to peek at them until we got home.

They were all crazy and jumping and thought they could fly already. They calmed down after they were fed and had their fill of water in their new cozy warm house that Jeff re-set up in the workshop for me. The green house was too drippy wet.

We got 16 chicks total!

3 different breeds.

From left to right-

(6) Cuckoo Marans

(5) Black Australorps

(5) Buff Orpingtons

Minna was devastated that I wanted to wait 24 hours before we started lovin' them up. She was so sad! That kind of sad is hard for 3 year olds to get over. She got to pat their little backs though.

But today...

...she got to love them all day. She is really good with them and coos and talks to calm them. They are good listeners. Those Buffs are particularly patient.

We had some friends over to meet them too. More pictures of those visits to come. We had three boys cooing and falling hard for the chicks. No one is immune.

What a wonderful, exciting, special gift these little peeps are for us.

Now for 16 perfect chicken names...

The T-Birds- A Most Glorious Of Debuts.

2011-08-31T15:27:00.002-06:00

Yes.

They are here.

More talk on them tomorrow...

Monday Memo.

2011-08-29T22:27:00.002-06:00

Well now, with the boys back at school, the rest of us have to busy ourselves so we don't miss them so much.

Minna and I cleaned and redecorated her room. Goodbye size 18 month clothing! See ya later stacking blocks and puzzles meant for babies. We need a big girl room! A 3 year old room.

This 3 year old likes how it feels.

We smoked some pinks today. I don't know what smoked salmon is supposed to look like. It doesn't look that great but it tasted and smelled really good. We will keep at it and try different brine concoctions. When I say "we", I mean Jeff. I didn't help. At all. I was a good taste tester though. The best part is that we got the electric smoker with the house. Might as well try our hand at smoking stuff right?

*Speaking of fish- check out part two of "North By Northwest" over at The Great Read. Fun reading recommendations and more of my pictures. Plus, another Avett Brothers video. Go for that at least!

Also, I started collecting egg cartons already and stacking them on top of the fridge. The chicks will be here by the weekend! Yay! We won't have actual eggs from our soon-to-be chickens for months and months though. I want to be ready.

Of course I took a picture of them...can you tell I am slowly but surely losing my strong natural light (not, my mind) in the house? The days are getting shorter and leaning toward the dim side.

We are rollin' with it.

You have a good start to your week?

saturday, sunday

2011-08-28T23:58:00.001-06:00

This Moment and The Avett's And I Are Kindred.

2011-08-26T10:21:00.001-06:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

-Amanda Soule (SouleMama)

So I think I am overly excited about this post. (Thanks again Michele!) I know I mentioned it yesterday and I am sure everybody has already seen it. I just love it though! Did you watch the video of The Avett's singing "I and Love and You"? Did you see the 4-wheelers and chickens and vintage cereal bowl? How do the Avett's know me so well? :)

Have a great weekend!

Notes And Some Mud.

2011-08-25T19:24:00.002-06:00

First week of school, almost over! The boys are off to a great start. Very excited and motivated so far. Feels good.

Been rained on all week. Except one day when I got to take some yard pictures. We came home from our vacation to a lush, green, crazy overgrown spread. Just the way I like it! The tunnels and forts in the brush behind the greenhouse are epic.

Along with all the green and surprise flowers and weeds, we also have lots of mud! So much mud. Mud is only fun for Minna when wearing her fanciest dress. Can't do anything about that. Except photograph it.

Fun news regarding my muddy-girl... she is going to start ballet soon! The class is actually a creative dance class designed for 3 year olds. It's in the sweetest kid-sized home studio that overlooks the ocean. I hope she loves it. More importantly, I hope they let me take pictures all the time.

One last little note- Michele over at The Great Read let me put together a collection of library finds that she may be featuring along with some of my photographs tomorrow! Fun! She creates these wonderful library collections that blend perfectly and include a book, a movie, a cookbook and a music selection. Her idea is to make going to the library an exciting, educational and well-rounded experience. Really, her choices are SO good.

My collection was inspired by our first summer here in our new home. They remind me of coastal/island life, dreamy, romantic summer days spent in the trees, hidden swimming holes, simple, honest living, passionate fishermen and soaking in the outdoors as much as possible. It's all in there.

And it's all here.

She may do a second feature including Alaskan/coastal inspired reads on Monday. Hope you go check it out and look through all of her beautifully balanced collections.

Bet you find something good...

Gotta Feeling About These Two...

2011-08-24T19:43:00.001-06:00

One of our big reasons for taking our trip this summer was to attend Jeff's baby sister's wedding. What a romantic and sweet and genuine wedding it was! That new brother-in-law of mine magically made tents and umbrellas wrapped with matching hand towels for each guest appear the morning of, as rain pounded the location. Amazing. Even more amazing was that the sun peeked out just as the bride started her walk down the staircase. No joke.

Anyway, I knew I wanted to stitch something for them as part of their wedding gift. My original idea was to embellish an overhead view of the map I found of the gardens where they were marrying. I even drew it out all fancy, traced, retraced and put about 10 hours of stitching flowers into that idea before I decided against it. It wasn't even bad. I just decided I hated it.

So, instead, I used the pretty leaves and birds from their invitations and tried to recreate them on a little panel. I used three shades of the light, yellowy green and a natural colored piece of linen from our local yarn store. (The owner happens to be an embroiderer herself. :)

Then, I just stitched in the wedding date and bound it with brown. I was happy with it. Especially the birds flying towards each other. Romantic touch, I thought.

I was sooooo nervous giving it to them. Sweating, actually. They seemed to love it and like that it was drawn from their invites and stuff. Phew!

I really loved making it and I love them. That's what it's about right?

Also, I keep meaning to share that we had a fun limo ride to the wedding. There were 11 people all dressed up and excited crammed in there. That song, "I gotta feelin', woo hooo, that tonight's gonna be a good night..." (Black Eyed Peas) came on and all of us, with our various ages and rhythmic abilities started toe tapping and dancing in our seats. It seemed so fitting and hilarious and perfect.

The only downer is that I learned exactly how old and out of touch I am. The boys wanted to get that song to dance to at home and I kept asking everybody, "What was that new song that we all danced to in the limo yesterday?"

Well, yeah, it was new... in 2009. Oh brother.

But it's got the kids and I dancing here and now in 2011. Plus it will always remind me of us giddy in the limo, riding and dancin' in style. It really was a good night.

Chickens and School. (Not In That Order.)

2011-08-23T17:13:00.002-06:00

My boys went back to school today.

It seemed to be a very long day for us left behind. For them, I am told, it flew by. I remember the first day of school and how exciting it was. I am glad they feel that way too. Takes the bite outta missing them, just a little.

The rest of us went out to breakfast and worked around the house. Minna fluffed the bedding in the chick brooder as she does every day. Some days she is fully clothed. Others, a little less so.

*NOTE* I can assure you, that if you happen to come by to visit the chicks after they arrive, Minna will be mostly clothed. Promise.

Sadly, the batch of chicks that our wonderful neighbors were hoping to hatch for us didn't make it. We were bummed, but quickly perked up because we were able to find 15 that can come live with us! They get here on September 2nd! I will let you know how it goes because they are coming to Kodiak... by mail! Can you even believe it?

Minna and I were inspired by this pretty yellow, green, orange combo outside the brooder area window. Which is in the greenhouse right now. I want them to be in the house, but space and cooperation from the husband are lacking. Can't complain, J has been very cooperative about all the other chicken stuff so far. I won't push it.

Anyway, we love that green and orange and made a little garland for the chicks. Minna helped me sew. She is so good at lifting and lowering the foot for me. Lets me sew forever if she gets to do that part.

It means "hello, we love you, welcome home!" in chicken language. Can't wait til they get here. Sully can't wait to bring one in to school on "pet day". Minna says she is naming one "Pita" and one "Suzie". Sound like perfect chicken names to me.

Happy first day of school everybody!

friday-sunday

2011-08-21T13:54:00.000-06:00

This Moment.

2011-08-19T21:25:00.001-06:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

-Amanda Soule (SouleMama)

It's our last weekend before school starts. (What?)

Gonna make it count...

Have a great one!

"Kodi", For Short.

2011-08-17T22:20:00.002-06:00

So here is a story I have been meaning to share for a year now. I am glad I waited (or was lazy) because I have such a good follow up! With pictures too!

Meet, Kodi.

It stands for Kodiak. Kodiak is kind of a masculine name for a teeny girl kitten. So, Kodi it is. Sully found Kodi, with her eyes still shut, on the floor of the hay barn out in Two Rock. A huge truck had earlier moved hay bales out of the barn and we think, may have sadly disturbed a mama and her kittens.

We searched, and waited all evening for any sign of a mama cat. Nothing.

It also happened to be our very last night in that house by the hay barn. That same day, all of our stuff had been packed and prepped to ship here. Kodi needed a home. And Grandma willingly gave her one.

She was fed from a teeny bottle that Grandma wrapped with a piece of an old woolly sweater. Kodi would grab it and knead with her claws. Genius! Besides grandma, no one loved (loves) Kodi more than the boy who found her. I always say he saved her. One more day and he wouldn't have been there to hear her little mews.

Here she is one year ago, learning to be a cat.

Here she now! We stayed at Grandma's house on our trip to California and got to see her all grown up!

She doesn't love to be held as she did when she was a kitten and the camera kind of scared her. So we just watched and enjoyed having her around. We liked telling stories about when she was a baby.

Sully somehow got to hold her and get a few purrs out of her. He just has a way. Oh! How he loves her and ALL cats, really.

She knows.

Three Down. Three To Go.

2011-08-16T21:09:00.000-06:00

So we came home with SIX suitcases. We had to bring home a bunch of almost free books and a friend gave the boys tons of outgrown clothing. Love cool free clothes. Of the six, I have unpacked three. Not much else besides sleeping and recovering from a stomach bug has happened indoors for the past few days.

That is because it has been calm and windless and sunny and warm and amazing out.

Instead, we have managed to learn some new fishing skills.

And cast and cast and cast.

And make fishing look so easy.

Can you believe we can walk to this river?

I only believe it because I did it today.

It took about 5 minutes.

Those last three suitcases will be unpacked eventually. They will just wait for me. The sun won't. Neither will school. I think I have my priorities in order.

Have a great evening!