Two Pair

2013_05_15-091257 thlMy friend had to drop her car off to the shop last week, and couldn’t really leave the kids at home while she popped out for half an hour. Plus then she had a shuttle ride but no car. So I offered to have her bring them by and I would watch them, we hung out while her car was repaired, and then I watched them again while she went to pick it up. So it turned out to be from about nine-ish to one. Not bad, and incredibly, all four kids were a dream. I can’t believe it either.2013_05_15-123114 thl

When she left there were no tears, no anxiety, they just kept playing. The boys got along great.

And, well, one way or another, both girls went down for a nap. Alina chose the crib, but this adorable baby girl has a more efficient means of catching her naps on the go.2013_05_15-123155 thl 2013_05_15-123146 thl 2013_05_15-123241 thl

Cutest thing ever, right? I wish my kids would do that. When she wakes up, she just jump-rocks herself to sleep again. I laughed and awed at the same time. Precious.

So I think I am ready to start doing handoffs. Which is blowing my mind. It went so well this time-they entertained each other, I changed diapers and fed Alina a bottle and got them all snacks and they were cool about all of it. But I know this is probably the exception, not the rule. Still, it’s worth it to build a relationship with my “colleague” mamas so that we all have a place to drop the kids when we need to. For oil changes and sanity.

My best tip for watching a big group? Whenever possible, make them do everything in the yard. Or maybe if you’re in Minnesota, the basement. I brought them food and drinks and strapped the baby into the swing. I even brought the kid potty outside for one of the boys. The house still looked really good when it was over!2013_05_15-123308 thl

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We Came Here to Live

I did these on a Saturday morning when I was really “feeling it”. You know, that creative storm that rides in on a wave and if you don’t catch it then you’re out of luck and have to wait for the next one. I painted on the dining room table all morning, with Scott helping with the kids. It’s not my ideal way to work but it was good to be around the family and lend a hand. Scott got a two hour nap in the middle, so it was a win for all.

This is a line from the song, “Can’t Hold Us”, by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis. I think it might be my favorite. It reminds me of the fair at sunset, and being young and alive.

we came here to live thl

This has always been one of my favorite quotes and it reminds me to live bravely. Handpainting this one took hours. ships are safe in harbor thl
Here’s a peek at that process:

2013_05_18-134053a thlThen I took an hour learning and practicing before I could generate a chalkboard effect:chalkboard ships are safe in harbor thl

And then the very simple colored print, which I could change to anything: mint ships are safe in harbor thl

I love how sweet this one turned out. It’s a line from the Mumford and Sons’ song, “I Will Wait” and I just thought it was beautiful. Cheers to songs with inspiring lyrics!

paint my spirit gold thlI just went searching through the lyrics of my favorite songs and authors, looking for words that moved me. Then I looked around for fonts to inspire me and things just took off.

I hope you love them! You can find them in the Etsy shop for purchase now.

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