Teenage Ninja Turtle Handmade Ornaments - Simple Craft, Keepsake

When our cousin came to visit for a month from Guatemala, I had four kids at home for christmas. It was also one of the coldest Chicago winters in a long long time. Winter is a good time to craft. I take a break in the summer because, well its warm and we are outside mostly. So Winter Solstice brings out crafts.

TMNT are all the rage this year with the kids. There is a new cartoon on netflix, and the movie was available on DVD, which they love. Event baby girl gets into it. You would think she is the "girl" ---nope. She is Leonardo. Partially because he loves blue. I explain to her he was a great artist. As were all 4 of the Renaissance turtles (you knew that right?). 

Making the TMNT Craft ornaments.

• These were once clear bulbs, thrifted. 

• I had acrylic paint in the basement and I filled each bulb and I'd roll the paint around inside the bulb. returning every 40 minutes to roll the paint around. 

• Even once the bulbs were finished, and hung on the tree, I continued to Roll the Paint around inside the bulb --- it takes forever to dry. 

• I used permanent marker to draw in the faces.

• Felt pieces from other crafts served as their masks. 

If you are reading this post, please post a comment below on what you liked - or didn't  - about this read. Does the topic interest you and you want to know more? Submit a question and I am happy to tackle it.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Handmade Ornaments.
Notice the different smiles.

Names and Dates on the Ornaments.

In addition, the elf left us a cute note this year before he
left for the North Pole on Christmas Eve.

Chrispy Cold Dragon Breath, frozen boogers, cold Chicago
Christmas 2014.

Make Mistakes, breathe, reflect, Laugh.Out.Loud.

Baby Girl Pinned Dragonflies Stink Bugs and other Insects at 3 years old

We spent the weekend in Indiana and of course enjoyed some bug collecting! I walked my moms entire garden, and after some very wet weather (early May) we had a limited amount of bugs.

However, dragonflies were about!! She lives near the dunes, with lots of wet and marsh areas. Heaven for some dragon and damselfly species.

Baby Girl Pinned Dragonflies Stink Bugs and other Insects at 3 years old

Baby girl pinned 3 0f our 9 Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs collected Indoors. They are invading our room and walking along the ceiling - ewe!Also a yet to identify Spider, stinging fly and a golden abdomen weevil found on the UNDER side of a plants leaf.

Learn more at our blog Areyousureaboutthatblog dot blogspot dot comPictured here is a Jewelwing Damselfly. I don't use a regular spreading board - altho I will soon enuf. I make some indentations in styrofoam to fit the body and allow the wings to lay flat.

Dont Be a Perfect Mom (or Dad or Guardian), Your Screwing Up Your KidsFuture!

Back when I was planning my older sons 8th birthday I blogged about the ease (and pain) that comes along with making memorable birthdays. Which "memorable birthdays" could be a post all their own. I do t think our parents generation put that much pressure on themselves "making" a great day beyond friends and cake.

So as I logged the days successes and failures I realized that being "the Perfect Mom" who doesn't make mistakes is screwing up our kids! Where in life is there continual perfection? Of course there are the perfect blooms in flowers and amazing perfect sunsets. But is everyday that way? Doesn't the flower wilt? Isn't there smog or clouds to hide the setting sun? And so goes parenting. 

My closing thoughts from that blog post highlight the need for lack of perfection as a mom and dad. We pick up here after the days review of what went well in planning my sons birthday experience, and didn't go so well with near HUGE errors... When it hit me:

"But then I was thinking, it's a good thing that I screw up. 

Not such terrible screw ups, to completely ruin the day, but it's also not the perfection that the "Facebook pictures" or pinterest make it seem to be. Because one day my sons will want to find a partner in life, and if boys look for girls similar to their moms, I CAN'T be "perfect" because then he will never get married!?! What things will she need to perfectly do for him? Never burn his food? Never miss buying a gift? Always ironing clothes and making elegant bento box lunches? Who is perfect? 

And do I want a perfect Daughter-in-Law? No thank you. I do not want Barbie figure, Martha Stewart cookin, Nanny Jo rearing at my house! I want her to be normal. Not high maintenance perfection.

(Even Martha Stewart has a "team" helping her along the crafty way.) 

It's healthier ti live in reality, to laugh at her Making Mistakes that will be on the road of life, and more importantly to learn from them. I want her to Laugh.Out.Loud. & to be honest to herself and him when things go crazy.... And things will go wrong,... they have to, because that's Life.  Forks in the road are everywhere, she will beed to have some coping skills to deal with it if my son will have sanity in his life. Hopefully the partner t-he-y marries stays calm at a dilemma and can see an adventure instead, an opportunity for trying something new, and not a pitch fork!

I admit that I mess with my own kids for this very reason: Life doesn't always go the way we want. And when it doesn't I don't get to just freak out, scream, cry, blame them, rant or rave. They are watching - intentionally or not - to see how mom handles that life challenge/dilemma. And hopefully when the time comes I have set enough good examples that the boys will pick a girl who adjusts easily. 

On our growing up journey, I'm continually being honest with the boys 

1. because that helps build their character 

2. they won't say I lied to them while they were growing up

3. and I'm praying my honesty will lead to less "mom you screwed me up because..." 

So ladies (and dads striving at perfection, this applies to us all) Don't Do It! Don't be the perfect mom. Daughter-in-Law's thank me later. 

The days are long the years are short. Make mistakes." A lot of mistakes. 

YOUTUBE CHANNEL INFO

Our family has had many adventures through the years. Mom, the @Minstr0Interior had an a-ha moment . . .  Suddenly I See what we will have filled our life with, ADVENTURES! We travel, craft, sing, dance, collect insects and spend loads of time together. Sometimes too much time together. Our kids have recently begun to document their own adventures, and so this channel was born. Enjoy our adventures. Or not. WANT MORE? If there is a blog post accompanying this video we will share it here. Sometimes we will include the ingredients list of the craft or recipe, or the itinerary of our trip. In the meantime click play. 

From our family: 👍 + 🙃 + ❤️ ( Thumbs up, emoji face, hearts! )

See It Live >>> 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2mGpujQIVgxdfTImFnQuLA

Make mistakes, breath, reflect, and don't forget to laugh.out.loud. 

Five Great Lessons for Montessori Elementary - An Introduction and Lesson Idea List to Supplement School Work

We love learning. We mostly love fun learning. Sometimes the kids come up with the idea of what we will explore, and other times mommy plans a lesson. I'm a huge advocate of supplementing school work. While I cannot replace the 7 hours of school work and experience that happens during the day, I can add value to what they are learning. 

And so I research approaches and ideas that work for our lifestyle.  School curriculum tends to give information in "bite size pieces." I don't feel the boys are immersed in learning, or getting in depth understanding of subjects, especially if the solar system lasts on e chapter. I also think that since there is so MUCH we can learn - that ongoing hunger for information keeps our discussions going. 

While I am not going to tackle homeschooling, for reasons listed in another post, I do love to supplement their learning at home. And that's where this type of research comes on.

I read a lot of science based texts. I read National Geographic monthly, I watch nova and nature on PBS, and when my husband is watching his marvel comics or new hero shows, I am in the other room not watching them. 

"I gather a stack of books at the library and

the kids pick which ones we take home. We

read thru them, discuss certain photos, and

I google their questions ... a lot."

I am the nerd at the party who cannot share her bug collecting amateur entomology, most find it gross. (But I will say many people who follow our insect collecting do find it interesting.) And so I share with my captive audience, my kids. Next is astrology because we got an AWESOME TELESCOPE.... that's for this summer 2016.

Dad's EASY Cat in the Hat Costume

Husband needs a costume for school...surprise! Every year it is an adventure with him. He takes for-evah to decide what his costume will be. I love helping and making it... I would just like to start sooner then 1-week before it's due.

Shopping for material or digging thru bins, measuring him, once then twice. And finishing touches. I mentioned the constant children interruptions for drinks .snacks, wiping something, etc. etc. etc.

Anyway this one was easy.

Supplies:

• Felt for the hat - white and red strips.
• Left over stuffing for some light filler - so it wouldn't tip over. 
• Extra red felt for the bow tie, with one single tail hanging down.
• White felt circle for the stomach.
• Plain black long sleeve shirt.
• White gloves (left over from being a pal bearer ( I know they are supposed to go in with the coffin, stop yelling at me,... he know he knows. I even offered to bury his grandmas funeral gloves in the back yard and he insists on keeping them NOW because they paid off - - - as a costume accessory!)

Cat in the Hat costume in progress. Felt pieces for hat.

Cat in the Hat costume completed. What an awesome trooper. 

YOUTUBE CHANNEL INFO

Our family has had many adventures through the years. Mom, the @Minstr0Interior had an a-ha moment . . .  Suddenly I See what we will have filled our life with, ADVENTURES! We travel, craft, sing, dance, collect insects and spend loads of time together. Sometimes too much time together. Our kids have recently begun to document their own adventures, and so this channel was born. Enjoy our adventures. Or not. WANT MORE? If there is a blog post accompanying this video we will share it here. Sometimes we will include the ingredients list of the craft or recipe, or the itinerary of our trip. In the meantime click play. 

From our family: 👍 + 🙃 + ❤️ ( Thumbs up, emoji face, hearts! )

See It Live >>> 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2mGpujQIVgxdfTImFnQuLA

Make Mistakes, breathe, reflect and Laugh.Out.Loud.

Getting to know your kids, interview questions

Getting to know our kids can be a little easier than usual. Sometimes we adults struggle with what to talk about with kids. They really are similar to us adults. They have interests, desires, want attention and respect.

I came across some first / new date questions to ask when you are getting to know someone. I narrowed them down to a version for "getting to know my kids."

Pick one question, or two, go ahead and interview you kid/s, and know that their answers will be fun and hopefully you'll learn something new.

I keep this list as a note in my iPhone. When we are at a restaurant or bored in the car and we need a distraction... I will reference the list. Really, this has been such a fun occasional activity. Go ahead - try it!!

These questions have also encouraged conversations to guide the kids naturally on situations that happened at school. Like fighting, arguing, or hurt feelings. And how to cope and talk it through. 

1. What do you like to dream about?
2. What is your best memory this school year?
3. Who is your hero? Why?
4. How would you describe your family?
5. If you could change anything about yourself, what would it be?
6. What are you most proud of yourself for?
7. Who is the kindest person you know? Why?
8. What do you like most about your best friend?
9. What is one thing you would like to learn to do well?
10. If you were an animal what one would you be and why?
11. When is the last time someone hurt your feelings? How did you react?
12. Do you know someone who is going though a hard time? How can you help them?
13. What is the scariest thing that happened this year?
14. If you could keep only one thing, out of everything you have, what would it be?
15. Who do you think is really successful? Why?
16. What’s the best thing about your teacher this year?
17. When do you feel misunderstood by grown-ups?
18. What three words best describe you?
19. What’s something that makes you angry?
20. What’s the best compliment you ever received?

Young Son and Baby Girl on our daily walk. They took off talking on one question without mom.

Make Mistakes, breathe, reflect and Laugh.Out.Loud.

When you talk to your kids, what can you talk about? A list of Questions to Keep and Use

Talk to your kids, that's all we hear. My classic go to line instead of how was school is "did an alien visit your class today?" I always get a giggle and it leads to "no, but what did happen was...." I still ask this questions 10 years into parenting - -

I found these questions not long ago. It was actually from a dating article on how to get to know your partner better. I love these questions on getting to know someone better. Even when it comes to my kids. Talk about getting their perspective. And getting to know them on a deeper level. Or event my own partner. My husband and I discussed a few of these one night. And it was nice, pure fun.

"Did an alien visit your class today?" 

Get ready to open a new new perspective on your kids. The answer I heard were pretty awesome. The first time I sat with older son he asked me one Question and I asked him one. However when I took younger son out for "mommy and me" breakfast he loved these questions - and we went thru the whole list!! 

• What do you like to dream about?
• What is your best memory this school year?
• Who is your hero? Why?
• How would you describe your family?
• If you could change anything about yourself, what would it be?
• What are you most proud of yourself for?
• Who is the kindest person you know? Why?
• What do you like most about your best friend?
• What is one thing you would like to learn to do well?
• If you were an animal what one would you be and why?
• When is the last time someone hurt your feelings? How did you react?
• Do you know someone who is going though a hard time? How can you help them?
• What is the scariest thing that happened this year?
• If you could keep only one thing, out of everything you have, what would it be?
• Who do you think is really successful? Why?
• What's the best thing about your teacher this year?
• When do you feel misunderstood by grown-ups?
• What three words best describe you?
• What's something that makes you angry?
• What's the best compliment you ever received?

Charlie Brown on Exhibit at the Peggy Notebart
Nature Museum, Nature Based Excerpts. Sometimes my conversation
with the kids goes the same route...

Make mistakes, breathe, reflect and Laugh.Out.Loud. and Ask Lotsa Questions!

Baby Girls Birth and Older Sons Questions over the Phone

Older son was at my Babcia's house when I called him to announce the birth of our baby girl. We knew when she was coming. That morning mom and dad went to the hospital early and his Tia took him to school. After class aunt picked him up and walked him over to grandmas. 

He usually doesn't like talking on the phone. He is 7 years old. The enthusiasm I experienced from talking to him was so wonderful.

Here were his questions that mom had the pleasure of answering:
From the boy who doesn't like talking over the phone:...

How is the baby?

Can u take a picture of her and bring it home for me to see?

Can we print a picture for my 1st grade teacher cause she wants to see her for sure (with emphasis)!

What did she eat? "Mom's milk" I said, and he asked: "well when can she eat a banana?"

When can I meet her?

Mom - you know that song, (mumble/hum and sings) "My baby is one day old,' [Five Days Old from Laurie Berkner cd] 'mom you can sing it to her... No sing her mama's don't let ur babies grow upto be cowboys..."

Mom: "I think you should sing her all of those" - son said OK

Ok bye mom - the whole phone call was crazy happy!!

Welcome to our lives Baby Girl! 

Make mistake, breathe, reflect and Laugh.Out.Loud.

Crazy Easy No Bake Granola Bars

My dear cousin passed along this recipe. cannot even think of how many times I have made these. I am posting them here because I lose recipes and other notes all the time. . . the blog serves many a purpose. I am forever indebted to my cousin who passed this along from her co-worker. All I had to do was ask at our cousins weekly play dates.


No Bake GRANOLA BARS

Ingredients: 

2 C Oats (Quick or Old Fashioned)

½ C Chopped walnuts

2 T Flaxseed

4 T Wheat germ

2 C Unsweetened puff cereal

1 C Dried fruits

½ C Peanut butter(creamy or crunchy- add a little extra if using chunky)

½ C Brown sugar

½ C Honey

1 t Vanilla

Spray 9x13 pan with cooking spray. Mix all dry ingredients, add dried fruit.
In a pan on the stove melt together brown sugar, honey and peanut butter. Stir for a few minutes while bubbly. Pour over your dry mixture and stir. Pour into the pan, spread out and pat down firmly. Cut into bars, can be refrigerated.


Yeah - I know, so easy! 

More ways I get recipes. I just need the ingredients list and
I can figure out the ratios. . . Listed from most to least in quantity
in the recipe. Happy Eating. Yum. 

Make mistakes, breathe, reflect and Laugh.Out.Loud.

Once Upon a Time a Butterfly came to visit... landed on my purse

My grandmother lives just a hop away from my place. And in the summer when we have lotsa time, we walk over and see her pretty regularly. En route to the park, back form the park, or just to go by her place. The new spring like weather has inspired this post. I was reviewing my flickr photo hosting page, for this blog, and realized I hadn't included these photos from a few years back.

Now we all love grandma, but she can be a bit overwhelming. You think I talk a lot? HA! And we have these great little moments, when I want quiet, to observe the kids, or answer their questions - and here comes Babcia yelling from the other room the start of her story and she will continue and finish as she approaches wherever you are. 

One afternoon in late summer - baby girl was about one years old, younger son was four - we returned from the park and visited Babcia. And as we walked up the back stairs a Butterfly landed on my purse. Baby girl noticed first. We were in awe. 

We stood there observing the little creature, catching some sun, and not afraid at all. So we sat on the deck, quietly, and we didn't tell grandma we were there yet. I love grandma but she would come out all full of life and commotion and our new found friend would fly away. 

Baby girl first noticed this swallowtail butterfly that landed on my purse.

So we sat, and observed him. He opened and closed his wings just a few times, and then kept them open. Catching the warm sun rays. This was really an amazing moment. We were outside for about 10 mintutes - which when watching a butterfly are L-O-N-G minutes....but everyone was enjoying this. 

He sat thru many photos. 

And then it happened. Babcia came out on the desk. What are you doing here? Why didn't you come in? (Iam meanwhile putting my finger to my lips, ssshhhhhhhhhhh... yeah - right - liek that will work!) "Babcia Sshhhh" the kids say.  Finally she quiets down. and we point to the butterfly. She just can't understand why we are sitting and watching it. I love her but this was a quiet time.

Observing Insects before it was cool in Kids play microscope

One of the few things we keep year to year as the kids age is this microscope. Even now as we have gotten into bug collecting, the kids will take out the insect slides and learn facts and bits and pieces about the critters. here my now Older son was exploring.

Observing Insects before it was cool in Kids play microscope

Observing in my play microscope

Just to think it all started around this time - our blog has grown into a bug collecting guide. And so has our YOUTUBE CHANNEL! Please visit and subscribe.

Want more of this type of post? 

Observing Insects before it was cool in Kids play microscope

How about in video versions. . . 

Our Summer Bucket List - Northpark Nature Center and Learning about Spittlebugs - End of Summer

Last week we went on a walk at our local Nature Center, and I found these bunches of bubbles on plants. I assumed it was some sort of insect but I didn't know what it was. My daughter shouts enthusiastically now, it was a Spittlebug!! 

Our Summer Bucket List - Northpark Nature Center and Learning about Spittlebugs - End of Summer

I remember being on a trip to Wisconsin Dells and feeling these six drops of rain falling on me from under the trees. However it wasn't raining. That trip was last year when I was already paying attention to the bugs around me. I still did not know what it was, until seen this at the nature center. 

They had a handout on programs they had which included learning about spittlebugs which I assumed was this little creature. 

Spittlebugs, Learning and Summer Fun Combined, First Week on Our Summer Bucket List 2015 

Free learning at nature centers, these activities eat up our day!

Peggy Notebart nature Museum - a great way to see Insects

Our Family hobby: Bug collecting. We did a bug study and review at the Peggy Notebart Nature Museum Bug Installation Exhibit Display. Mom is showing young son how big the bug is compared to something familiar, like moms finger. YES, those are huge beetles.

Peggy Notebart nature Museum - a great way to see Insects

With Younger Son

How about in video versions. . . 

Peggy Notebart nature Museum - a great way to see Insects

What do Kids Really Want? Shockingly Simple Reply. These are go to activities to make part of the everyday routine, because they already are.

What do we really want? What do our kids want? Love, comfort, food for my younger son. Recently a very nice list came out on Lifehacker for what kids really want. I was surprised and It may me make sure these items made it to my daily mommy list of things to do!

Here is a list of the top ten things students around the world said they remembered and loved most about their mothers. WOW, just WOW! Can you imagine, being able to have a list of things that you KNEW would make a positive impact on your kids and their childhood memories? Yes please! 

The following list has been incorporated into my daily, and I am happy to say some of these things have been my parenting sanity thru these years. I linked through to my blog pages on things we do already. . . 

Happy Reading! Happy Changes!! 

• Come into my bedroom at night, tuck me in and sing me a song. Also tell me stories about when you were little. (and when YOU were little...)
• Give me hugs and kisses and sit and talk with me privately. (yup, big one.)
• Spend quality time just with me, not with my brothers and sisters around.
• Give me nutritious food so I can grow up healthy.
• At dinner talk about what we could do together on the weekend.
• At night talk to me about about anything; love, school, family etc. (my older son and I talk EVERY NIGHT, I can't believe I haven't blogged about that yet!)
• Let me play outside a lot. (2 separate links.)
• Cuddle under a blanket and watch our favorite TV show together.
• Discipline me. It makes me feel like you care. (3 links, this is a big one for us.)
• Leave special messages in my desk or lunch bag.

As Simple as going for a walk together. Often!
Here younger son takes a few minutes to check out some ants
(this is before our bug collecting journey began.)

http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/the-top-10-things-children-really-want-their-parents-to-do-with-them.html

Make Mistakes, breathe, reflect and Laugh.Out.Loud.

How to Talk to your kids about Current Events, Gun Control, and other very uncomfortable things. Talking to kids about abduction. How One Mom did Start the Conversation...

You know how Facebook friends post on current events and you don't chime in, that's me. I do click "like" to scope out and follow the post, and comments. To see where the pulse of America is (okay my circle of friends America, and their friends). It's perspective... And it gets me thinking about what is happening in the world around me.

How to Talk to your kids about Current Events, Gun Control, and other very uncomfortable things. Talking to kids about abduction. 

How One Mom did Start the Conversation...

I also realize that this is the place that I note my reflections and said Facebook Post. Recently a facebook friend had a post on gun control. I don't always chime in, I leave it for the here... But this time I did comment. I commented? Me? I don't know why. And then I wanted to delete my comment when I had to run out and left the deleting for later. And when I got back to Facebook, my Comments had comments...

I'm definitely not conservative, but on this issue I am. Or I am liberal? (I am the daughter of a hunter and let me say venison - yum). I feel my job as a parent is to prepare my kids for what life has to throw at them. And when these public "health and safety" issues arise my position is constant: I try to teach my kids to constantly be "defensive." And my comment was in this zone, prepare your kids.

"But this time I did comment. I commented?

Me? I don't know why. And then I wanted

to delete my comment . . . ("Don't Get Involved.") I

had to run out and left the deleting for later. 

And when I got back to Facebook, my comment had

comments."

So a gal wanted perspective on "how" to start the kid conversation. She doesn't know where to begin on such a difficult subject. . . And I have been there to. Where to start?

NEW UPDATE :: YOUTUBE CHANNEL INFO ARE YOU SURE ABOUT THAT BLOG

From our family: 👍 + 🙃 + ❤️ ( Thumbs up, emoji face, hearts! )

See It Live >>> 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2mGpujQIVgxdfTImFnQuLA

After every shooting for 2 years now we talk about possible shootings at school, home, and we talk escape plans, how to hide. I am not an army of one, I cant stop the shooting, crimes, bad drivers. But I can teach the kids to run away from shootings, be defensive drivers, and when to fight back.

"How" to start the kid conversation.

She didn't know where to begin on

such a difficult subject . . . 

at first neither did I."

When I read the book and blogged about "IT" - talking to Kids about Sex - the author said Kids Do Know what is being discussed in the media. Kids hear what we parents say in the background. Even if you don't think they are paying attention they absolutely hear the news that you are watching on TV. 

I have to teach these little ones all the important things in life,

unfortunately that includes gun control, strangers, and other

scary current events

And he gives specific examples. Think of that Moment when kids ask You "Mommy, why was the Movie theater shot up?" Or after the recent shootings in Chicago, the kids heard a lot of talk at school. These things happen, we can not keep kids in earmuffs. So I have take the "prepare them" route. At least their friends wont be the only source of information, and hopefully they'll always know they can come to mom for information.

As for the kids...

The first conversation was hard, then they come easier. When kidnappings from stores are on the news, we talk about screaming, kicking, and biting. A mentally ill shooter, we talk about that too. I hope they aren't paralyzed with fear and they know to run away.

The actual message:

So I am typing you a reply, and its genuine and honest - please know take it for what its worth and adjust for your own parenting style. I don't wanna offend anyones values, this just works for our house.

"It's a shocking moment when kids

ask You 'Mommy, why was the Movie

theater shot up?"

Mine are 10, 7, and 3. After the Target incident I was suddenly inclined to ask them: "what would you do if someone grabbed you at a store?" I let them answer ... Then I asked "what if they Ask you to go with them?" It puts the kids in the right state of mind to think for themselves. In that moment their not afraid, their thinking defensively.

Later, as were driving, I start to tell them my insights: No one can take you/touch you without moms permission. No one can give you candy without my permission. (They know cause when restaurants wanna give them a lollipop at the cashier, they have to come and ask me 1st or I take it away.)

Then I said no one can touch you or grab you or a store Clerk even says "come on your mom lost you." If they do, run away, bite them, scream your head off, be the Naughty kid who is yelling!! Kidnappers don't wanna draw attention, right? (The kids really liked the idea of it being okay to be naughty and crazy in this instance).

This parts important: after hearing an FBI kidnapping expert on Oprah. Children must know its not their fault if they're taken. If mommy did lose you, you wont be in trouble. And if someone takes you to their home, keep fighting, keep trying to get away.

We have seriously had 100's of talks. When the girl was hidden in the woods underground and kept trying to send her mom texts, I told my kids, cause that's how she was found.

Fear for kids does come days later. "Mommy I don't want anyone to take me away." I reassure them that I will always do my best to keep them safe, but some people are crazy - if you are afraid know you can run and/or fight. That's their only "power" in a situation.

Good luck and keep talking!

NEW UPDATE :: YOUTUBE CHANNEL INFO ARE YOU SURE ABOUT THAT BLOG

Our family has had many adventures through the years. Mom, the @Minstr0Interior had an a-ha moment . . .  Suddenly I See what we will have filled our life with, ADVENTURES! We travel, craft, sing, dance, collect insects and spend loads of time together. Sometimes too much time together. Our kids have recently begun to document their own adventures, and so this channel was born. Enjoy our adventures. Or not. WANT MORE? If there is a blog post accompanying this video we will share it here. Sometimes we will include the ingredients list of the craft or recipe, or the itinerary of our trip. In the meantime click play. 

From our family: 👍 + 🙃 + ❤️ ( Thumbs up, emoji face, hearts! )

See It Live >>> 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2mGpujQIVgxdfTImFnQuLA

Make Mistakes, breathe, reflect and Laugh.Out.Loud.

Downton Abbey can teach you How to Believe in Something.. (Season 2,Episode 1 and 2)

Downton Abbey can teach you How to Believe in Something...

We can learn a lot from Downton Abbey about instilling values and understanding in our children. While the show is set in early 1900's England, following a sometimes stuffy, aristocratic, life of leisure. Where footmen and maids do everything from cook and clean to dress their Lord and Lady employers, there is a tremendous amount of perspective to be gained in the amount of time spent doing ... nothing!

Time spent walking, dressing, preparing for dinner (that is getting dressed for dinner) allows for a lot of time think, andcontemplate  all that is in our lives.  One thing time, extreme amounts of leisure time, gives you is the ability to reflect and consider, ponder, and gain perspective on how you want to shape your life. What are your opinions, values and how will you live those beliefs. You have time to process your reaction ti a story or new idea, and how it relates to your daily life.

When war struck Downton, it was so refreshing to see Lord Grantham and his family and servants appreciation of soldiers. A deep appreciation for their commitment and valor, regardless of the opinions of the war. During the war civilians felt there country was fighting for something they, as a whole society, could believe in. In World War I, young men were very anxious to sign up for the war.

Perhaps it was naïveté. Perhaps we know better today how horrible war is. With the instant ability on the Internet being able to see the brutality and the severity of war. Even tho they - the people of England - didn't see or understand the brutality of war, there was still support in 1917. But what I have come to admire is there sheer support of the soldiers. Regardless of position in society, wealth, stature, and even with little understanding of what it meant to be on the "front lines," there was support for those who were called to duty-- and shame for those who didn't or ran.

How they thought of the boys on the front, how they talked about war, how they supported them, how they understood the troops were sacrificing their lives, their families, and everything that they had in their lives, to go be on the front. I wish we had that type of support for soldiers today. If there's one thing we could hold onto from the early 20th century it would be that (perhaps blind) appreciation.

Believe me when I say I am the first one who is antiwar, but I have to be able to support those who sacrificed their lives to go overseas and do what their country calls them to do. I am not patriotic from that perspective. I think War should be avoided at all costs. We are such an advanced society yet we use such antiquated approaches as boots on the ground war. And if we are at war it should be understood why. 

Ironically all my opinions listed above on why not to go to war lack the support for our soldiers. I recognize that. And there it is, the demise of our nation. Of us. Of me. We get so caught up in opinion we forget about those who are LITERALLY caught up in The fight. 

But I'm just laymen, not a decision-maker in Washington. So all I can do to support the troops is Not just in my blog, but also into deeds.

How can we support our troops? How can we show - that even if we are against the war - that the troops should get our thank you?

No spoiler alerts here. At the end of Downton Abbey season one, the country is involved in World War I. At the time of course it's just considered a war and not yet the Great War to end all Wars. The beginning of season two, which shows that all the young men are being enlisted or already fighting in the war. The footman from downtown are all gone. And there's the sheer shock of ladies taking over men's work, women learning how to drive and do farm work. 

A Lady from the manor becoming a nurse. The maids serving dinner (the horror for Carson the Butler). But for these aristocrats it was doing "their sacrifice" to support the war. And the answer to how we today can support our troops, in comments, actions and deeds just like the people of Downton Abbey.

Everyone pulled together to help. Farms lost all their man power/ hands, someone else would go to drive the tractor for that farmer. Troops who are healing from the war, need a place to convalesce and the manor home is opened up to take them so they can continue to get used to their conditions. And even a soldier suffering from "shell shock" gets the support of a shoulder and kind words from a coworker saying that she "understands" and giving him a story of how she can relate to his state of mind. Encouraging him not to work yet, encouraging him to heal his mind from the war. How does this relate to us today, what can we do?

My son's school had a drive for some soldiers in Afghanistan to fill a shoebox with playing cards, candy, snacks, and things along those lines including pairs of shoe laces for the soldiers. That was my first time participating in something like this drive to have goods sent overseas. Otherwise I really didn't know how else to support the troops.

Then we had a soldier in the family come home from Iraq. He too is suffering from PTSD. All I could do is talk to him when he opens up. And NOT ask about shootings over there, and the gruesomeness over there. Instead be kind and Tell him we are glad to have him home and to be a member of the family again.

Finally when my children were a little bit older we had another cousin who was overseas in Afghanistan. This time his wife had told me that he really enjoyed Polish "kabanos" snack sized sausage. It reminded him of his childhood. You can find for yourself some stories of what it's like to be in a hot desert for 30 days with only your MREs and nothing else but sand around you. You long for something from home. So sending him some Polish Kabanos was something that he could only think or dream about. Such joy for a young man away from the comforts of home, I hoped. And it was so easy for me to send it to him.

Do something, anything, to support our soldiers weather you believe in the war(s) or not! Often magazines list ideas of how you can participate thru organizations, often local churches holding drives, even your schools.

But, if nothing else, extend your hand to a veteran and say thanks. Shaking hands is so simple, so unexpected, and so appreciated!

Commentary on Downton Abbey Season 2, Episode 1 and 2.

Make Mistakes, breathe, reflect and Laugh.Out.Loud.

Plaid Skirt Becomes a stylish Structured Scarf with a Tuck and Fold Stich

When I was about 12 years old my father went on a trip to England and Scotland visiting extended family. When he returned he brought me a traditional skirt from Scotland. On my young body I wore it with sweaters and turtlenecks in the cold Chicago Winter. 

As the years passed somehow I had kept the skirt. So many of my own treasures from many travels were lost in moves (or I wasn't encouraged to keep them). So this skirt "surviving" was a fun find for me. All these years I didn't know what to do with it. One day I was going thru my keepsake bin and came across the skirt. As I monitor fashion ideas on Pinterest, clearly  "tartan blanket scarves" are all the rage this season. And so came my "PINSpiration for a scarf." 

I came across some sewing techniques on pinterest as well. There are several pins on 4-point sewing techniques to make shapes and add structure to materials. Then I saw blouses with a tuck and fold stich. I realized the existing fold over on the traditional plaid skirt will convert nicely using this stitch method.

Tuck and fold stitchs (top) and the skirt front flap is left flat (bottom of picture). This
is intentional since when I played with the various folds, I get alot of variety for wearing
the scarf with some of the skirt left not stiched /detailed.

Early in the fall - post the suessical the musical sewing - I kept my sewing machine out and accessible. I put the skirt on and just started playing with it, folding it different ways.

I had to decide:

•  where to move the two buckles
• to keep the large skirt flap folded or flat (I made a hole so the belt hook can hold it up)
• I had to decide the distance between the tuck and fold stiches

This project ultimately took 3 -4 days. Not 8 hour days spent sewing. 3-4 days because of those previous in between interruptions from the kids needing a snack, help with a toy, a reminder to behave and play together, etc. etc. etc.

I am very very pleased with the results. It is so use-able to "dress up" or "down" and outfit. It's unique and stylish. I love LOVE love the structure on the scarf - it holds shape amazingly. Converts outfits easily into something stylish with jeans, basic black or blues. 

Plaid skirk scarf conversion, worn loose showing the buckle details.
Tuck and Fold Stitch approx 3/4 inch spacing.

Plaid skirt becomes a scarf conversion, worn snug for warmth to
shield the windy Chicago weather.

My favorite part of this project was my baby girl. She wanted a matching scarf! "Mommy , I LUV your new scarf, can you make me one?"  Me - (Gulp? From Scratch? I just got done making over 100 costumes! ) "Of course honey!"

I remembered seeing some plaid skirts in her storage bin of "older" girl clothes I had in the attic. Digging I went. And sure enough she had a red paid scarf.... perfection.

The back of baby girls scarf. Has lots of structure, to keep its shape.
The benefit of the skirt waist reinforcement and the tuck and fold stitch
throughout the balance of the material.

Her scarf, when we sized it up, didn't have enough material to wrap all the way around her head. I used left over scarps of felt from Dad's cat in the hat costume (yes, made that too, Suessical is in my blood I guess) as a "tie" on her skirt to scarf conversion.... 

Mommy and Baby Girls matching scarf. I can't imagine us
wearing "matching" clothes when she is older, so I am soaking
up her love of mommy's style now. . . while it lasts. 

The skirt had a nice trinket detail on the front, we use that as a fold over point to secure the tie. She looks adorable. And her tuck and fold stitch went smoother than mine.... practice makes perfect better.

Make Mistakes, breathe, - make her the matching scarf - reflect and Laugh.Out.Loud.