Berlin's Whimsy

june through july.

My kids' birthdays are six weeks apart. Yet, somehow, that span of time between June and July feels so much shorter. So much so that their Dad & I decided to hold a few "combined" birthday parties for them when they were younger. We promised bigger and better birthday parties; but, no matter how much effort was put into the bigger and better party, one or both kids usually felt slighted. And in the end we were all overwhelmed----- Hmmm, how many of those birthday party nights closed on a 2-year old tantrum fit--- and that wasn't just the kids!

But that was then. 

I recently read this past post about my daughter----who turned 15 over a week ago: In a State of Grace. To this day, my daughter bemoans her name--- the common association of her name, Grace (being graceful---- which, she is not!).

But the name, and my daughter, are so much more than the typical definition of Grace. In fact, when I read through that previous post, I nodded in agreement. And I felt so much appreciation for the grace that she brings to our family's life. 

She might not look like that girl I wrote about four years ago. But as much as things have changed, there are many things that have stayed the same. There were the same friends here for her birthday. She requested the same ice cream cake that's been served on her birthday for seven years.

And really, it is the perfect cake for her----- the lover of ice cream with a birthday in the hottest part of the year.

It's a simple cake and the recipe comes straight out of Cooking Light Magazine. I still have the torn-out page from all those years ago....

 

 

 

Conversation.

This was my view for much of a recent hike with my son: his lanky frame in front of me between the curves of our trail. It was a rare just-you-and-me moment for us---- few and far between these days. And those moments always put a lot of pressure on me---- should I bring up all the important subjects at once?! Or let things develop?

He was extremely quiet. In fact, he often is. I don't know that it's his age or just his personality--- I'm quiet, too. With my kids the age they are, my experience is that full communication is as unpredictable as trying to forecast a rainbow. Forget about it. But when it happens---- when they are receptive and open--- I listen. And I ask. And I'm present.

My son wasn't ready for long conversations today.

I asked him about potential colleges. About driving. About his friends. About the plot to his newest story he's writing. About the book I brought home for him to read. His answers were one to two words, at most. I asked him how he felt about going to college in a little over a year and his answer was, "nervous."

Frankly, it was all okay with me.

At his age, I remember all too well adults trying to pry information from me (they called it communicating)----- how their "let's talk" voice alone sent shivers up my spine. And advice---well, it was plentiful. I remember adult family friends telling me of my "vast potential" and that I'd have "all the time in the world to pursue relationships" after I'd settled myself into a successful career. Yet, those words fell on young and stubborn ears. The ears of a young adult who had not experienced the far reaching cause and effect of adult decisions yet. I had my own agenda. And frankly, don't we all? Don't we all have our own custom-made, personal lessons to learn from our choices in life? I know I did. 

So, on this evening with my son, rather than pushing the point, I waited for cues from him. Cues that weren't there. He politely waited for me when I lagged behind----as I was taking too many photos of the beautiful views--- but moved on when I caught up. He asked me when we would return to town because he wanted to go to the local festival, wondering if it was still going on. He had his own agenda that night.

I've learned that so much of parenting older kids is about choices: "reading" their moods and being there when they're receptive. Guiding rather than telling. Backing off when you need to. And all the while, I'm sure that I'm facing more of my own lessons as their parent, as well. We often learn through teaching.

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let go or be dragged.

Pimento Cheese Dip & 17-year olds

It's been a very busy week around here.

This happened.

And he is growing up too quickly. This post was just yesterday, right? And yet, in many ways, he is still that same kid. Now, I'm very much enjoy his developing intellect--- we have interesting discussions (GMO foods, politics, poetry, philosophy). I'm amazed at his thought processes and he's an excellent debater---- kind, and willing to listen to other opinions.

My daughter is growing up fast, too. Chunks of my time are spent wondering how she will cope when my son goes off to college. In the meantime, she is always ready to help me in the kitchen and it's very welcome (including greasing the cake pan--- above. Ha)!

And after 17 years, birthday celebrations are pretty routine around here: the same friends, the same party, the same German Chocolate Cake. It might seem boring, but after all the changes my kids have gone through these past few years, I believe routines are welcome.

One of our snacks was this version of Pimento Cheese Dip. I make it with this homemade Mayo that I always have in the frig. Made with that mayo, this dip is SOOOO good! Tastes much more complex than the ingredient list would make you think! And if you have the mayo already made up, this dip comes together in minutes. It's excellent.

Pimento Cheese Dip

1/2 C. grated extra- sharp cheddar

heaping 1/3 C. green olives stuffed with pimento, coarsely chopped

1/2 C. this Garlicky Mayo

1/8 tsp. paprika

A couple grinds of black pepper

Method:

Into the bowl of a food processor, place all the ingredients. Pulse just a couple times until mixed but still coarse in texture. Refrigerate for an hour to allow flavors to develop. Enjoy!

patient kids

My kids are so patient with me. They put up with my chores, frenzied demands, deadlines, healthy foods, and yes, my worrying. Sure, they make messes, put off mowing, sleep until 12:30 when no one's home, bicker, and maintain a level of mess in their rooms that would make the cast of Hoarders cringe.

But, they bring so much humor and levity to my life. They talk me into forgoing the vacuuming to go out for a swim at the river below their Grandma's house. Something I didn't do at all last summer!

They talk me into bringing home DVDs of funny tv shows from the library and we sit down and LAUGH!

They introduce me to new music that I wouldn't have been aware of otherwise. (And thankfully, we all like! No rap, mercifully).

And even more so, they remind me that life moves forward and they have their own dreams and goals for the future and it fills my heart to see them becoming their own unique individuals--- people that I am proud to have in my life.

 

 

Celebrating the Now.

Sometimes it is difficult for me to take the time to stop the ever forward movement of our lives long enough to celebrate the milestone that click by along the way. My life is often a hectic flurry of doing the things that are right before me, demanding attention. Often, my hands are so busy with other things that I don't use them to pat my loved ones, and myself, on the back.

So, I'm trying to make a concerted effort to stop. Take a breath. Notice. And celebrate.

 
This year, my son began high school. Adolescence seems to bring on a whole new level of speed by which your children grow up and away. Believe me. For here is my son--- as impish and charming as ever--- yet the future young man is so very quickly taking shape. I can't stop it. Yes, before I know it, he will embark on his own life. If ever there was a time to remind myself to embrace each day with my children, it is now. Savor the moments, I tell myself. Over and over.

Thankfully, I have others who remind me of this, too. Recently, my son won academic awards at his school. It was a night I won't forget. Sitting on the rooftop of his school, as the sun went down behind the awards podium, his name was called. Twice. And we weren't expecting it. The sweetest of all, was the special English & Literature Award he received from his teacher, along with a very flattering letter. Later, at home, P said to me, "Amber, these are the times to celebrate. Savor this moment." And though I was enjoying it all, I hadn't really stopped to take notice---- not in that way of reflecting on all these years of parenting and the years ahead, and thinking this is a night to cherish. This moment.

 
This summer, I finish up the first part of my educational goals. No, I'm not done, but it's a transition from one school to another. I look back on these quarters of school---- all those classes---- and allow myself a little pride in my accomplishments. I've primarily received good grades, but those math classes have been a challenge for me. Slowly but surely, I've plugged away at learning what felt like a foreign language to me, and this term I received an A in math. A major milestone!  And this time, I'm allowing myself a little time to recognize what I've accomplished. What we've all accomplished. And it feels good.

Smoothies for Dessert.

 
My kids love treats. When the clock chimes 7 PM, I'm asked, "Can we have a dessert?"  Where they got the impression that one eats dessert every single night, is beyond me. Is it in their genes?

 
Well, lately I've gotten into the habit of making a healthy smoothie, frozen fruit "ice cream," parfait, or some other similar concoction when the dessert desires occur. But the trick is to make the kids think it's a treat.

 
Presentation is everything (in fact, that goes for almost any cooking for kids). I have my various methods of presentation. I have fansical (that's a word, right?) dessert and parfait glasses. I have super special glass straws. I have a blender that will blend most anything until it no longer resembles its former self (eg. kale).

 
On this particular occasion, I blended equal parts yogurt, soft tofu, frozen strawberries, a squeeze of lemon and some agave nectar until smooth. I poured it into parfait glasses and topped it with a hemp granola. Voila, dessert!

 

Reflecting.

Our holidays were good. Yours? We laughed with family. We tore open presents with the refinement of those older ages of childhood. We felt grateful. We spent another year together.

 

Looking forward to another year of drinking frosty smoothies, I gave our family reusable glass straws in their stockings. Though they are guaranteed for life, I made little felt sheathes to protect them (plus, it adds to the charm, don't you think?). We all love our smoothies and a straw only adds to the occasion; however, I loathe adding another plastic piece to a landfill. Enter Glass Dharma and their super special straws.

 
They are made from glass similar to Pyrex and they'll make our smoothies that much more of an occasion in the coming year.

Though I miss my kids' younger years and the awe that they brought to the holidays, I also enjoy my childrens' ages now---- that they are excited to receive a reading device with plenty of books to read in the new year; and take it upon themselves to make presents for their family; and encourage me to remember our family traditions and memories.

 
I feel thankful for their growing responsibility as an important part of our larger family---- growing into their own.

When I reflect on all of our holidays, I feel so wholly fortunate to have so many great memories that seem to blend into one big funny and joyful memory. Welcome 2011.

Happy Halloween 2010

 

Of course, Halloween is a popular holiday in our household. Requests for costumes start sometime in August. I made my own request this year: find a costume to utilize those capes I made last year! Thankfully, both my kids obliged.

 

My daughter chose to dress as Artemis, the Greek Goddess. She requested a simple dress to wear under her cape. I used the Burda 7509 tank top pattern to draft a full-length linen dress. To cinch up the neckline and sleeves a bit, I used the FOE technique. It worked perfectly! And she can wear the dress as a nightgown after Halloween.

 

My son is at that awkward age. He still loves Halloween, but because he's in high school now, he didn't have any school parties to attend and it's also questionable as to whether he "should" trick-or-treat. The desire is there--- don't get me wrong--- but some of his friends have deemed trick-or-treating off limits now. Nonetheless, my son is still very much a kid at heart, so he's hitting the sidewalks with my daughter and her friend again this year. He's dressing as King Arthur.

Happy Halloween!

Woodland Hooded Scarf

When I spotted this new sewing pattern, I knew I had to make one----or many! It reminded me of something out of 'Lord of the Rings,' which is always a draw for our family. This is my first take on The Hooded Scarf by Jamie Christina and my daughter has claimed it.

The pattern offers a few options: a ruffled, drawstring, or pleated version (there's also one with cat ears). I made the pleated one. Both my daughter and I decided it was our favorite. So far.

The pattern only calls for 1.25 yards of fabric so it's a great way to use some fun fabrics. For this scarf, I used a fuzzy cotton flannel for the outer fabric and a woodland animal print for the liner. I also sandwiched another flannel in the hood for a little more warmth and thickness there. The finished scarf reminds me of the woods and nature and gathering acorns in the cool fall weather.

I plan on making my own scarf as soon as my fabric arrives. Mine will be a little more "sophisticated" (I know,boring, huh?!) in a dark gray wool knit fabric and jersey knit liner.

I'd like to sew my son one, as well, and I'll probably use the drawstring option with a striped black and white knit fabric... Something more teenager-ish...

So, we're getting close to being ready for those cool fall days but now our temps are back up in the 80s! Not for long, though...

Deconstructed. The Reinvention Skirt.

Well, on the list of inexpensive back-to-school clothes, this one has to be at the top. It's made from two t-shirts I found at Goodwill for less than $5 total.

I used Mayamade's Reinvention Skirt pattern. I made a similar skirt last year, but Mayamade's pattern offers some very creative and useful ideas (the frilly border on the bottom of the skirt comes from her pattern suggestions). She also includes an idea for a headband made from the t-shirt leftovers. There are so many possibilities with this technique!

I went for a "deconstructed" look, with exposed seams and such. If I were to do it all over again, I would add two more exposed seams down the front and back to pull the look together a little more. I used my serger quite a bit for this project but it's not written for sergers----you can use your regular sewing machine for the whole thing.

My daughter loves it and I plan to make more!