I'm such a proud Mama!

In the past week, Bennet has started to show an aptitude for classic literature and knitting!! There couldn't be a prouder Mama!!

He sat on my lap the other day while I was knitting him a scarf (shhh, he doesn't know it's for him), so I put the knitting needles in his hand and laid mine on top. And we knit hand over hand for about 15 minutes, with little B staring intently the whole time. He enjoyed it so much, I found some yarn and needles from my stash for him and he's been walking around clicking the needles together and sticking them in the yarn!

For the last 3 evenings, I have been reading a chapter of Journey to the Center of the Earth before I tuck Bennet in for the night. I bought the real version of the book, not the watered down children's junk they sell. So I wasn't sure if he would be interested (I had to sound out a few of the geological terms), but he listened the whole time. Now here comes the cute part!! I found him in bed each of the last three nights, fast asleep, curled in a little ball, with the books in his arms!!! So, I guess he is enjoying it after all!!

What a smart and creative little person my baby is growing into!

A bittersweet moment for a lover of all things Jane!

Contrary to popular belief, we did not just pick our son's name out of a hat one day and then butcher the spelling. Bennet's name came from Pride and Prejudice. We gave him the main character's family name. I have always loved to read Jane Austen's novels and daydream about the gowns, country balls, and manors of England. I've read and re-read her novels countless times. But somehow, one of her earliest works (it was published first, but written after she had already began others), has escaped me all these years. So, the other night, while little B and I were on a "date", we stopped into Barnes & Noble for some book browsing and left with a bag full of books. Among them, Northanger Abbey.



Despite my excitement about reading a Jane Austen novel (I've been reading her novels for so long, I honestly don't remember ever reading them the first time) that is completely new to me, I can't bring myself to start! I know that if I read it now, then I will never again open a Jane Austen novel for the first time! So, for now it is wrapped in tissue paper and tied with ribbon, awaiting a day special enough for the last "first" reading!


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Nurturing Creativity

Tim and I have of course talked about how we want to parent. And we've discussed what values are especially important for us to instill in our children. Among them, environmental awareness, religious and cultural understanding, and an active imagination (as well as a number of others not mentioned here).

I recently purchased this book, and I am so in love with it, I need to share it with you! This book perfectly mirrors my vision for our little family. I am so pleased to find such a well-written book with so many fun and imagination-inspiring ideas.



I would recommend this to any and all parents. Children are blessed with such wonderful imaginations that we should all strive to nurture and cultivate that creativity.

Making up for all of the not posting I've been doing lately!

Alright...so let's go back in time a bit.

A few days ago, we had some boxes, tissue paper, tape (no glue though -- bummer), and toilet paper rolls. So we made a dinosaur habitat! I don't know who had more fun with it!


Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books

In fact, I got so into it, that I made a mailbox and mail during B's naptime!


Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books

A few days later, our playsilks arrived!!! YEA! SO we dyed them with Kool-aid, which worked really well. A bit too well actually! I'm scared of what all that kool-aid I drank as a kid has done to my insides....oh well. The silks came out great, B loves them, and as an added bonus, they smell nice and fruity!


Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books
p.s. playsilks are my new favorite toy! We're never buying another mass produced toy again!!

Two days ago, B and I decided we would lift the cooking ban which I started when my dear husband left for training. So we made a real meal! *gasp* It was great! I've really missed cooking and the lasagna turned out great. We used goat cheese instead of ricotta, and veggies in lieu of meat. It was pretty kickin if I do say so myself!

So there, you're caught up! And I'll do better now!

Wow...I've been SUPER lazy lately!

Sorry for the lack of posting. But, life has been hectic without parent #2 around! I really don't know how single moms do it! I'm pulling my hair out here! And I've only got one kid....and he's a pretty decent one! Besides, not getting my housework done, we've been hanging out around the 'hood, swimming at the pool, and going to the library mostly. I've got pics to add here, but I haven't uploaded them yet. And, since he's napping now, I REALLY need to do my dishes! Not very much of an update, I know. But at least you got this!

I'll be a better blogger later! Right now, I'm too tired to vacuum, let alone form complete sentences and witty parables.

Filling the void with crafting

Bennet goes to bed pretty early each night, which means that I am in an empty, very quiet, house all alone for a few hours. So, I've started crafting again. I finished a knitted x-back tank top a few days ago and did a knit dish scrubbie last night. Currently, I've got a pair of socks for Tim on my needles. I also have been researching organizational tips for small apartment living. This should come in handy in August when we move into an 800 sq foot apartment in Japan. So far, I have found a very cool way to get all of my spices into mason jars with magnets, so that All my spices are hanging on the side of my fridge instead of taking up space in my cupboards! I'm kind of proud of me!