celebrations - chikaustin

celebrations

August11th

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craft hope book winner and a party

Posted in: books, celebrations

Where is the summer going? I feel like all of a sudden I’m running in circles. School supplies. Shoes. Clothes. Dentist appointments. Hair appointments. Orientations. Meet the teacher nights. The calendar is filling up fast and I haven’t exactly had time to process that my first born is heading to kindergarten in two weeks.

Amidst all of my mama duties Craft Hope is in full swing with it’s latest project and the book release. Last week I had a Craft Hope book release party with my homies here in Austin. I really love my peeps.

We had the party at the Lustre Pearl Bar downtown Austin. Such a neat little bar with hula hoops and a ping pong table outside. The inside looks like something straight from an Anthropologie catalog. Pretty, pretty, pretty.

This is the ever so talented Dana from Dana Made it. She’s got a great pattern in the book. I’m so glad our paths crossed, she moved to Austin, and we’ve become friends. She’s one inspiring gal and super sweet to boot.

And this is Dusty, my sisters boyfriend. He’s super cool and in a band. Hi Dusty, welcome to chikaustin!

We spent the evening under the stars just hanging out. My friends and my family that have been there this past year when I needed them most.

My hot tamale sister and my brother came out too. It was even his 22nd birthday. Where does the time go?!?

And without further ado we have a winner! Winner, winner chicken dinner! The winner of the Craft Hope book is Karen who said “Oh, I would love a copy! Fingers crossed!”

I hope you are all having a great week!
May10th

4 Comments

this is what i do

Posted in: babes in toyland, celebrations

This Mother’s Day I had three times the love. Three times the hugs. Three times the smothering. We got up early to go watch Makena sing in the church choir program. We’d been down this road one time before last fall. There was a Christmas program and Makena was front and center of about twenty kids. You never know what you are going to get when you put your child up in front of an audience. You send them along and hope for the best. Hoping that your kid is not THAT kid.

So right before Christmas was the Christmas program. The music started. All of the kids started singing, except for Makena. Oh no, was the first thought that went through my head. She had been given a charm bracelet and necklace for her birthday and she began play with the charm on her bracelet. For about five songs. Then the girl next to her is wearing Christmas light earrings that dangled just enough to get Makena’s attention. Mind you, she’s on the front row singing in front of the entire church congregation. Makena turns to the girl next to her and spends the next three songs swatting at the girls earrings. At this point, I just closed my eyes and put my head down. I could hear my mother-in-law to my left. “Jade… go get her. Jade… go get her.” I just closed my eyes, sat there and giggled.

Then on the final song, Makena turns to the girl with the earrings, lifts up her shirt and pokes her in the belly in front of God and everyone. I just sat there and smiled. That’s MY girl and I love her. She makes me laugh, she wants to entertain, she’s full of life and loves so hard.

This Mother’s Day, five months later, she stood up in front of the church. Sang her songs without batting an eye. Finally spotted me in the crowd about three songs in, raised her hands high in the sky and waved to me. That’s MY girl.

I love watching them grow up. I never want to miss a minute. I treasure those moments and will carry them with me forever in my heart. And promise to retell these stories when she’s grown and needs a bit of humbling and payback. It’s my job, it’s what I do.
April15th

3 Comments

makena turned five

Posted in: babes in toyland, celebrations

In December. The beginning of December and I’m just now getting the pictures up here to show you. Sometimes life goes really, really fast and I hang on for the ride. With finishing up the Craft Hope book, learning how to mama a baby again, keep Craft Hope going, and just the normal routine of being a stay-at-home mom my head is spinning. I am thankful that my kids like to stay home and play outside. Although lately they have been stealing items from the neighbors yard and making little ’set-ups’ all over the woods surrounding our house. Remind me to tell you more about that later. It’s raining today but maybe I’ll venture outside tomorrow and get some snap shots of all of their loot. I kid you not, I’m finding weights, pots, tools, and charcoal to name a few of the items.

Where was I? Oh yes, Makena’s birthday party. Makena turned five way back in early December. I had no clue what I was going to do for her party as the weather in December can be iffy. She asked if we could have her party at the pool. I think not. Darby, one of the sweetest mamas I know, had just done a super cute tea party themed birthday party for her daughter so I thought what the heck. Let’s bring out the china!

Beads and pipe cleaners go a long way to keep kids entertained. And a quick disclaimer, very few ideas are mine. It takes a village.

Makena’s great grandmothers tea cup and saucer collection. Believe it or not not a one got broken.

A happily sleeping baby girl.

Well at least I got these pictures up before she turned six. I would call that success these days. Happy birthday sweet Makena!
January1st

7 Comments

happy new year

Posted in: celebrations

Sometimes I talk too much, sometimes I like to let the pictures do the talking. We spent Christmas and New Years at home this year. We spent a lot of time cuddled up on the couch by the fire. Last night we did fireworks for the kids. Some made me scream like a girl as they spun around and shot straight towards us. We set off bottle rockets until we realized they were all going towards our neighbors house who lives on the hill above us. It kind of felt like we were invading him by firing upon the castle. We stopped at three. Then we rang in the new year, each one of us asleep on the couch. Until Keegan fell off and that woke us up to count down to 2010.

This morning we are all a little under the weather. This Texas weather, going from 70 degrees to 30 degrees gets the best of us at times. But we didn’t feel so bad that we couldn’t partake in the neighborhood polar dip. ‘We’ meaning my hubby and us standing by as support. To hold the towel, the baby, and take pictures. It was 50 degrees outside and Lake Travis was 56 degrees. This is an annual New Years Day event that has been taking place for 15 years. And those who jump have to sign the scroll and are forever known as the ‘dipsters.’

Reviewing the scroll, those who have jumped before us.

That’s my man on the right. Mr. Twinkle Toes!

He survived the jump!

Happy New Year friends! May you feel a sense of PEACE and HOPE today.
December24th

10 Comments

we wish you a merry christmas

Posted in: babes in toyland, celebrations

As I sat in church this evening for Christmas Eve candlelight service I realized how truly blessed I am. We got there early to get a good seat, and found the perfect one right next to the fire burning in the fireplace. Holding my 11 week old I moved from position to position to attempt to keep her noises at a minimum. Bounce the baby. Rock the baby. Show the baby the flicker from the fireplace. Plug the baby. Shsh the baby. Shift positions. Bounce the baby. Rock the baby. Walk out into the lobby. Plug the baby. Walk back in. Grab a faux-candle. Smell baby poop. Hand back over the faux-candle. Walk back out.

Makena sat with her daddy and Keegan slept peacefully. Lulled to sleep by the Christmas lullabies in my brother’s lap. The service ended with the congregation singing Silent Night. It took me back to when Makena was a newborn, only a couple of days home from the hospital. She had an extended stay in the NICU. I remember, just like yesterday, holding my first born. Holding her as tight as I possibly could. Singing the same very song to her, home with our new family of three.

Right now we are home, tracking Santa online. He’s in Puerto Rico so it’s about time to hurry the kids along to bed. He’ll be here shortly. Here is a photo, taken only moments ago. Makena precariously holding Chloe, while I’m holding my breath. Keegan, not wanting to take a picture but rather wanting some juice. I love these moments. The frustration from a boy who is tired of his mama taking his picture. The joy of a big sister to have a little one to dress just alike. And the new baby, who we are just beginning to know.

Friends, may you treasure every moment of the season and hold these memories close to your heart. From our family to yours we hope you have a very Merry Christmas.
December19th

12 Comments

an early christmas

Posted in: celebrations

I got a new toy. Can you guess what it is? Santa, scratch that red shoe request. It can wait until Valentines Day.

“Gersh gurndy morn-dee burn-dee.” My hubby got this ornament from my sister because he LOVES the Swedish Chef. He does a GREAT impersonation. (Insert video here… if I had one. Note to self, record hubby doing Swedish Chef impersonation.) Alas, this is not my new toy. But did you see them do the Muppets on Saturday Night Live a couple of weeks ago? Hilarious!

At night, I was able to capture the classic ‘Keegan take your fingers out of your mouth’ from his daddy. Couldn’t get that before. You get it yet?

A just bathed baby. I got a new camera, a Canon Rebel, and I’m over the moon. Mostly to be able to take shots like this.

And capture pictures of our Christmas with my mom’s side of the family today. Inside. Without a flash. Christmas comes early around these parts. We actually celebrate Christmas four times with our family. My mom’s family, my dad’s family, my hubby’s family, and then at home.

Here are the cousins. My kids are blessed to have so many cousins that are also their friends. The little brown haired blue eyed cutie is Phoenix. Keegan calls him ‘my Phoenix.’

My beautiful sister Chelsea, Phoenix’s mama, loving my baby Chloe. I try and try to do that to my hair but no dice. Seriously, she’s gorgeous right!?!

I really love the camera because I can capture moments like this. Nana has a pond in her backyard and the kids balance precariously close to the edge tossing in the landscaping rocks. Sooner or later we knew it would happen. And of course it happened in December. Poor Phoenix. But seriously look at those eyes. That’s all the camera, oh yeah and his genes!

This is my first big girl camera so I’m still learning all of the ropes. If any of you Canon Rebel owners have any tips or suggestions I’d love to hear them. Until then, I’ll just be clicking the day away. Corny. Sorry.

Have a wonderful weekend my friends.
November25th

5 Comments

fancy

Posted in: celebrations, in my kitchen

Today I am fluffing up our nest. Making it fancy, as Fancy Nancy would say, to host Thanksgiving. Using our china for the first time. Pulling out the sparkly water glasses. And even using the cloth napkins.

Last night my hubby asked me if I had napkin rings. Ahem, doesn’t he know we NEVER use cloth napkins? Since we are using cloth napkins I guess I’m supposed to have napkin rings. Nope. Don’t have any so I improvised. I used some twine and made tags with scrapbook paper. I added some Thanksgiving-y words and voila… napkin rings!

And it even took an act of Congress to obtain the only three remaining pumpkins at my local grocery store. Apparently there was a bad pumpkin crop this year because of the drought and pumpkins are in high demand. There were no pumpkins to be purchased in the store. Until I spied some in the deli display used for decorations. Thirty minutes later, and being rung up as acorn squash because no one knew how to price them, they were mine.

There are a few things I need to cook, but most is being brought over by my family. I wanted to set the table to show that I am grateful for everyone traveling to our house so it will be easier on us with the new baby. The least I can do is set a nice table and do the dishes right?!? And what’s even better is that no one expects a thing. They would be just as happy with paper plates. And for all of these things, I am thankful.

Everything is set up and now I’m just waiting for family to arrive tomorrow. No rushing around today. No getting up for Black Friday. Just going to spend the holiday with family, probably partaking in some serious Wii challenges, going on walks, and sitting on the porch telling stories.

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Take a breather, take a break, cherish your loved loves. Be thankful for all that you have. You are blessed.
November9th

10 Comments

12 years

Posted in: celebrations

I woke up on Sunday to a fog filled Hill Country. It was just beginning to drizzle as we were rushing around the house getting the kids dressed and ready to head into the Warehouse District downtown Austin to take family pictures. There were little teeth to be brushed, hair to be combed, breakfast to be served, coffee to be downed, shoes to be buckled, and babies to be nursed. The hurrying and the gathering.

An afternoon and evening spent with my brother and sister-in-law and their three kids. All of us together in our cozy house while it poured down rain. All day long.

Sitting by the fire, making meals together, sharing laughter, and a bottle of wine. And finishing the evening with a wii sword fighting extravaganza led by five little ones.

Happy 12 year anniversary honey, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
November6th

9 Comments

texas style birthday

Posted in: celebrations, mi familia

Goodness I have so much to catch up on here in this space. I’ve resigned to the notion that I will be wearing Chloe in her sling until, well until she leaves for college. This bebe likes to be held and who can blame her? I’d been waiting for all the right moments to get things done around the house, to blog, you catch my drift. The moment when she’s sleeping peacefully and lets me put her down and stays asleep for hours on end. Hahaha… Not yet is what she says to me when she opens her big eyes as soon as I lay her down. So we’ll carry on with life, carry on with the chores, and blogging all while supporting baby wearing.

As I was uploading pictures from my camera to iPhoto I came across some pictures that I almost let slip by. Almost grandpa, but not quite. It was grandpa’s (milestone) birthday and it also happens to be on Halloween. How cool is that to have a Halloween birthday? It’s always a party. Anyway, I won’t tell you exactly how old he is because he might get his feathers all ruffled but I will tell you that it rhymes with pixie.

So we couldn’t let this birthday go by without celebration and fanfare. Heck, if it were up to me I would have shown up with some major milestone decorations. Necklaces, buttons, balloons… But that’s not how grandpa rolls so I behaved myself.

We all met at the Salt Lick in Driftwood for a Sunday afternoon barbeque birthday celebration. If you’ve never heard of, or been to the Salt Lick, it’s quite the Austin experience. It’s a BYOB kind of joint that serves Texas style barbeque that’ll knock your socks off.

There is always live music on the patio.

A good time to partake in your beverage of choice with good friends.

Grandpa and his grandkids.

And this picture is as sweet as sweet tea.

Have a great weekend friends!
November3rd

10 Comments

november already?

Posted in: celebrations

Halloween came and went in a flash. There were no store bought costumes this year. Nothing was sewn or crafted. No hot glue guns, no felt. I decided that our dress up clothing collection is bursting at the seams and the kids could wear something from there. Making do with what you have. That could be a blog post entirely, but I’ll spare you the rhetoric. Just for today.

Makena chose my 1980 cheerleading costume from the one and only year that I was a cheerleader. Let’s just say that it wasn’t my thing. And Keegan was Spiderman that I picked up at a garage sale a while back.

Little Miss Chloe was peas in the pod. Sweet peas in fact. It was Keegan’s thrifted costume from when he was a baby.

Our neighborhood does this really neat Hay Ride/Trick or Treat. All of the families meet at the neighborhood park for a kids costume contest and pumpkin contest. Then everyone loads up onto trailers filled with hay bales and stocked coolers (hey, we live at the lake) that take you around the neighborhood for trick or treating. And since everyone in our hood has at least an acre it’s really the best way to get around. When the announcement was made for the hay ride, Chloe and I headed home to hand out candy.

This morning I sorted through all of the candy and sent two large bags with my hubby to work. It’s dangerous in the house. And if I have plans to ever get back into my jeans I had to get rid of it!