Our Week With a Spot of Sewing

Hey look!  I sewed!  And it's NOT A MASK!  

I bought several bee themed fabrics when Zach and Heather announced that Kasen was going to be a boy.  And they've been holding down my sewing room table ever since.  But having met the little sweetheart, and seeing his grinning face every time I open my phone, I finally got inspired to make a little something for him.  Just a taggie, so far, but maybe it will be the start of more sewing.  Yellow side is minkee, which is super soft, white side is flannel.  I'm all out of velvet ribbon, so the tags are a mix of satin and grosgrain ribbons.  And I put one of Grumman's rattles* in before I sewed it shut.  

*Grumman has favorite mice.  And they have rattles in them.  Only he's chewed the mice open and the rattles have fallen out.  So, sucker that I am, I bought a bag of 30 replacement rattles so we could hand sew his ridiculous little mice back together with rattles.  Because he won't chase a silent mouse.  So, just to be clear, this is a NEW, non-catified, rattle inside Kasen's taggie.  

Speaking of Grumman, he so often doesn't act like a typical cat that it sometimes surprises us when Fiona does.  She likes bags and boxes.  

Quick stop at the library while the girls and I were out.  First time they've been able to select books from the city library shelves (as opposed to our computer) for a while.  

So, I saw this idea online.  And I thought I'd be a cool mom for a moment.  Only our store didn't have Green Hawaiian Punch, so I substituted limeade.  

I did the thing.  (Which is big, since sometimes I manage to buy the stuff, but I don't manage to do the thing.)  Unfortunately, nobody liked it.  Ah well.  I tried.  

Pandemic greeting cards are a thing.  Life is weird.  

This weeks treasure dredged up from the boxes.  I'm still plowing away at the boxes and boxes of unprocessed books in the library.  This was an interesting find.  

I've settled into the routine of usually having a coloring page that goes with the story I read to the Preschool, Kinder, 1st, and 2nd grade classes.  The preschoolers are busy, so they take their coloring pages to go, but the older kids usually color during library time.  This was a fun one, as they designed their own gingerbread person.  

I'll have to get a picture of the finished project.  I found the book Merry Christmas Rainbow Fish for $5 bucks at Kohl's (love their Kohl's Cares program!  Cheap books and kid lit stuffies!) then I bought mermaid scrapbook paper and fired up Crikey to cut fish bodies and fish heads and starfish.  I pulled out some construction paper, and some craft sand, and did a whole ocean scene thing.  

Some weeks, it's a coloring page, some weeks, it's a craft.  

Our one book picked up from the city library that day.  Katie enjoyed this one.  

I still haven't put ribbons on them yet, but I did Crikey up the year and glue those on.  I'm using one of the camo print ones as the gift tag on Miss Adorable's present this year (Eli's girlfriend).  

Grumman has a shoe fetish.  I caught him with his whole head in there.  

Little weirdo.

Sam did a thing, and it earned him a new stick on on my frame.  

I hadn't shared much about Sam since he completed his enlistment in the Marines.  He tried civilian life for a few months and decided there was a lot of adulting involved.  In August, he went off to Army training.  

And now, this amazing creature is an Army corporal.  I'm crazy proud of him.  

You know how some schools have required community service?  We have required crafting around here.  Katie's glitter toothpick star.  

Katie's frozen experiment.

"Hey mom, I need a Bible character costume for AWANA Wednesday."  I fired up the sewing machine again--and discovered my serger is not working, boo hiss.  We're not done yet.  There's a crown & a scroll coming, but it's a start.  

Nativity scene craft.

It must be cold.  Grumman invited himself onto my lap, which is not like him.  

We had a big storm here, and school was dismissed early when the power to the elementary (and the well pump) went out and stayed out.  I was thrilled, because it flickered off 4 times while I had the middle schoolers in the library, and that was... noisy.  So, we came home, ate, and took naps.  I knew I was going to nap.  I did not know that Katie would also be napping.  But this is what I found when I went to check on her.  

I think our next cat should be transparent.  So I can see through him when he gets between me and the computer screen.  

One more work day for me, 3 more school days for the kids, and then it's Christmas break!  

Have Yourself A Christiansen Christmas #bookreview

 

You ever read a book and wish it would never end?  You just want to keep reading about these characters you've come to know so well?  Back in 2014 & 2015, I reviewed some of the books in Susan May Warren's Christiansen Family series.  So when she asked for reviewers for Have Yourself A Christiansen Christmas, I jumped at the chance.  

I got a few pages in and thought, "I barely remember who's who.  Maybe I should just start over."  

So out came the whole series.  (Almost.  I couldn't find my copy of Evergreen, so I requested it from the library.)  Very little else got done around here as I devoured them all over again, remembering why I enjoyed them so much, even though they made me cry.  The Christiansens are a strong, close-knit family with a good balance of faith and humanity.  

The next time I picked up Have Yourself A Christiansen Christmas, it was with eager anticipation to catch up with old friends.  HYACC takes place after a gap of about 7 years since the last Christiansen Family book.  The babies are kids, and the kids are teens now.  The young adults are (mostly) mature married folk now.  

One of the things I liked about Have Yourself A Christiansen Christmas, is that the characters are more mature than your typical romance.  A lot of books have all the fireworks of initial attraction and how a couple comes together.  This book shows the longevity of deep relationships and the hard work of living out that togetherness.  I think I appreciate that more because I'm no longer in the fireworks season of life, and while I still appreciate a good fluff romance from time to time, this book resonated with me more.  

The 7 couples (including Ingrid & John, the parents) deal with a variety of issues in this book.  Blessings, losses, good and bad surprises, misunderstandings, secrets, and opportunities.  But they face these challenges with a strong family support network.  I'm not supposed to share specifics, so as to not spoil anything for you, but I really enjoyed the book, and I hope author Susan May Warren will update us again in the future.  

Holidays with a Tail #bookreview

As we chug along through the "Christmas season" sometimes it's good to take a moment to remember there are other winter holidays out there.  This book is a good tool to start those discussions with your kids.  

The premise of the book Holidays with a Tail is that a boy chases his dog through the neighborhood, and in the process, runs across various neighbors celebrating Hanukkah, Kwanza, and Los Posadas.  In discussing these with his mother, he tells her that one of the kids in his class at school celebrates Diwali.  

As a white mom with Asian kids, I appreciate books that normalize differences.  In the end, that's what this book celebrates.  

 

Young Alex is beyond excited on Christmas Eve. He knows that Christmas celebrates the birthday of Jesus Christ, and he cannot wait for tomorrow to come - he wants a puppy of his own to play with and love. On Christmas Day, he opens a large box with, yes, a puppy inside. Alex names him Zipper! However, when grandparents come bearing gifts, Zipper bounds out of the open door. Mother and Alex then begin a neighborhood adventure as they search for a runaway dog and meet neighbors with different winter holiday celebrations and traditions: the Hindu Diwali, the Jewish Hanukkah, the Latinx Las Posadas and the African-American Kwanzaa. Alex then returns home for a Christmas feast, happy with his new canine companion and the knowledge that his neighborhood is filled with amazing people who are more alike than different.

"Kelly Darmofal takes her readers on an unexpected Christmas journey that leads her readers to discover the beauty of our diverse winter holidays! Holidays with a Tail: A Tale of Winter Celebrations is a book to read aloud to all!" -- Debbie McIntyre, Principal of Jefferson Elementary School 

"With warmth and cheer, Darmofal captures Christmas Day in Holidays with a Tail. A day of adventure for a boy becomes a day of learning and connecting with others for a deeper understanding of cultures and traditions that differ from his own. A great holiday read!" -- Emily M. Cagle, Media Specialist at Meadowlark Elementary School 

"With vibrant illustrations and easy-to-understand language, the author introduces us to five holiday celebrations enjoyed by families of different cultures. This book is non-judgmental and depicts appreciation for the differences among us. While it is intended for children, parents might also learn something new. Holidays with a Tail is a valuable resource if we plan to raise our children with an acceptance of diversity." -- Dr. Laurie Zelinger, Child Psychologist, Author of Please Explain Vaccines to Me Because I HATE SHOTS! Learn more at www.ImLostInMyMind.com 

Another empowering book from Loving Healing Press www.LHPress.com

Available to buy from...

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Enjoy these excerpts!

More books by the author

Amanda's Fall, with charming illustrations by Bijan Samaddar, depicts an event common in schools today. Young Amanda gets a concussion after falling and hitting her head during recess. While she can hear people talking, she cannot respond. Amanda is taken to a doctor for evaluation. Wisely, her parents ask for a prognosis, which in Amanda's case, is a good one. Author Kelly Darmofal offers readers her third book on TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury), encouraging parents and caretakers to alert schools and, hopefully, doctors when any child is concussed; side effects can then be ameliorated. 

Studies show that Traumatic Brain Injuries represent the leading cause of death and disability in young adults in industrialized countries. According to the CDC, at least 564,000 children are seen each year for brain injury in hospital emergency departments and released. 

Available to buy from...

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Lost in My Mind: Recovering From Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) (Reflections of America) 

Lost in My Mind is a stunning memoir describing Kelly Bouldin Darmofal's journey from adolescent girl to special education teacher, wife and mother -- despite severe Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Spanning three decades, Kelly's journey is unique in its focus on TBI education in America (or lack thereof). Kelly also abridges her mother's journals to describe forgotten experiences. She continues the narrative in her own humorous, poetic voice, describing a victim's relentless search for success, love, and acceptance -- while combating bureaucratic red tape, aphasia, bilateral hand impairment, and loss of memory. Readers will:

- Learn why TBI is a "silent illness" for students as well as soldiers and athletes.

- Discover coping strategies which enable TBI survivors to hope and achieve.

- Experience what it's like to be a caregiver for someone with TBI.

- Realize that the majority of teachers are sadly unprepared to teach victims of TBI.

- Find out how relearning ordinary tasks, like walking, writing, and driving require intense determination.

Available to buy from...

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101 Tips for Recovering from Traumatic Brain Injury: Practical Advice for TBI Survivors, Caregivers, and Teachers 

Kelly Bouldin Darmofal suffered a severe TBI in 1992; currently she holds a Masters in Special Education from Salem College, NC. Her memoir Lost In My Mind: Recovering From Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) tells her story of tragedy and triumph. Kelly will be teaching "TBI: An Overview for Educators" at Salem College. Kelly’s "tips" were learned during two decades of recovery and perseverance; they include:

- Ways to avoid isolation and culture shock post-TBI

- Tips for staying organized in the face of instant chaos

- Strategies for caretakers and teachers of TBI survivors

- Life philosophies that reject despair

- How to relearn that shoes must match

- Why one alarm clock is never enough, and

- A breath of humor for a growing population with a "silent illness"--TBI

Available to buy from...

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About the Author

Kelly Bouldin Darmofal is currently a freelance writer, wife, educator and stay-at-home mother. Despite her 1992 severe closed head injury, she graduated cum laude in Communication from Salem College (2000), later receiving a Masters in Special Education from Salem (2006). She studied Spanish in Merida, Mexico and took courses at UCLA, UNC-CH, and Wake Forest University. Kelly was employed by the Winston-Salem, NC chapter of the American Red Cross as volunteer coordinator before working in ESL at Reynolds High School, followed by a semester in Special Education at Thomas Jefferson Middle School. Kelly worked personally with Dr. Bethanie Tucker, Averett University, to be trained in Tucker Signing Strategies for Reading (2005). In 2005 Kelly joined the Forsyth Country Day School faculty in the Johnson Academic Center as an LD Specialist. In 2007 Kelly accepted a 2nd grade position at Summit School, and taught there four years until the birth of her son. She currently tutors children as a Wilson Reading Specialist and is a published writer. 

Her article on traumatic brain injury (TBI) and education was published in English Journal in 2005; "Our Teachers Are Not Prepared" won an Edwin M. Hopkins award in 2006 (NCTE). She is a feature contributor to Lost Treasure magazine, and has been a speaker on the subject of TBI at Wake Forest, Salem College, and the Summit School. With the publication of online articles related to TBI in addition to her memoir, Kelly continues to advocate for the TBI of America - especially students. "No teacher in high school or college was trained to work with students like me," says Kelly, the first TBI-certified student in her high school. She admits the American military and sports organizations are now attempting to address the TBI issue. However, IDEA, or the Individual with Disabilities Education Act, has made TBI a certifiable disability category (in 1990) without assuring appropriate teacher training. She remarks on this "black hole" in education whenever possible, and relates her early TBI experiences with hopes of affecting change. 

Kelly has found canine care and rescue to be both a rewarding and healing hobby. Currently she owns two rescue mutts - Mitzy and Buddie.

You can also follow the author here...
Website    Facebook    Twitter   Goodreads   Amazon Author Page   Audible Author Page

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Our Meet the Grandbaby Week

First up, proof that I finished the silly bulletin board I showed unfinshed last week.  

I used Crikey to cut the ornaments, and then I glued on printed book covers of various Christmas books we have in the library.  

Since I only needed about 10" of the second garland, I hung the rest on the stair rail at home to add a little festive touch.  This morning, I found it taken down by the cats, and then I found sparkly metallic cat hork later, so I guess that was a bad idea.   

Josiah and Miss M on Thanksgiving.  

Thanksgiving was a low key affair, and this was the only picture I took, lol.  Turkey was had.  Combs and shaving were optional.  

But the weekend after Thanksgiving, we got a whirlwind visit from Zach & Heather & Brayden & Kasen.  Kasen was asleep when they arrived, and it took a lot of self control to wait to get my hands on him, after already waiting over 4 months.  

There he is!

I know it's required by the grandmother code of conduct to think your grandkid is the best, but Kasen really is a happy, sweet, good-natured baby.  

You can even ask grandpa.  

So we visited, and we had lunch...

...then we played Snake Oil, and when Kasen started to almost make fuss noises, 

I did the Nai Nai bouncy sway thing for a bit.  

And he crashed out on me for over an hour.  :swoon: 

Then we had some dinner,  

Gave the tree a little pat, 

and all too soon, it was time to say goodbye for who knows how long.  :sigh:  

Fired up Crikey again this week, to make a star topper for my militree.  "Your what?"  

My militree (military tree).  It's got Air Force and Marine Corps and red & blue ornaments on it.  I've decided I want a bigger one next year.  I'll probably go 4', since my strand of red/white/blue lights isn't terribly long.  

The morning after putting it up, 3 ornaments were down, but the cats have pretty much let it be since then.  I think I've put one more ornament back on it since then.  

The girls each made a craft from a library book during Thanksgiving break.  They're now on the front room tree, which we have yet to decorate, because Fiona likes to climb it.  I feel like we really should give it a try, though.  

Josiah's phone died, too, so he bought his very first iPhone.  

While I was in Crikey mode, I started some ornaments.  They're not done yet.  The vellum (music notes) reacted poorly to the glue I used, so that one is trash, but I'm going to use scraps to test a couple different adhesives and see if I can find one that works better.  Paul suggested "Hodge Podge," so Mod Podge will now be called that forever.  Hobby Lobby didn't have piano or music note paper, or I would not have purchased the vellum.  I was trying to make an ornament for Hannah's piano teacher at school.  

I've talked about the website Art Projects For Kids lots of times, and shown the drawings Hannah & Katie have made from their directions.  I sprang for one of the murals, and used it with my students this week.