Kiwi & French Onion Soup

A few months back my MIL gave me a magazine called, Kiwi. Their tag line is "Growing Families the Organic & Natural Way" hey sign me up! So I did just that and received my 1st issue in the mail today. I have curbed my magazine subscriptions on and off throughout the years- switching up Body & Soul for Natural Health etc. I do currently subscribe to Parenting and Parents, however fun to read they don't exactly prescribe to the same way of thinking as I do. Kiwi is refreshing and offers great natural & green products along with helpful, interesting articles- I'm so happy it was passed on to me. Check them out!

Their website is equally cool- boasting an Eco-Crafts section hosted by Vicki Howell! along with book reviews and recipes!

If you are in the Northwest- I hope you are enjoying the snow, we are! I shoveled once already- but mostly we are taking it slow. There is some French onion soup on the stove and possibly a big pot of homemade play dough up next.
stay cozy!

the importance of missing out

To get through a hard day, sometimes I need to teach myself a mantra that might not be completely accurate. What I mean is, a hard day here is when my colitis is acting up and I just can't get the day started (which seems to be how almost every day has been for the last 2 years) I usually can not leave the house before noon. So any play dates we are invited to or get togethers with friends or story times are not usually an option if they are happening before noon. In mamaland, it seems the time slot between 930-1130 is key- which has never worked for us. Either my stomach or Hazel's nap schedule always seems to fall during that time and we can never quite make it. When that happens I like to tell myself that there is an importance to missing out. Perhaps it builds character? I'd like to think so.

Even when I feel deep down like a terrible mama- because I just can't figure out this gut thing in order to make it to a Sing Along- I am trying to think being here for Hazel-- reading,playing,singing is enough. Who needs other kids? She does- we do. It isn't easy to have an illness that you feel out of control of. I never know when it will erupt and I feel like the last 3 years have made me a shut-in. Forgive me, I don't mean to sound like a complainer- I'm really not complaining and I know how many more terrible- life threatening diseases there are.

When Hazel has gone down for her 9:30 or 10:30 nap (she gets up around 6am) there is quiet (hopefully) and I can sit and think about her life and what we've created for her so far. I am grateful for my brother's children who are always interested in Hazel and an impromptu play date after school. I am so grateful for the friends who invite and try and try- because I do want to go- go -go, I just can't. I haven't a handle on my gut issues and I fear I'll grow to be the woman who missed so much because I didn't feel well. I don't want that for Hazel- I don't want to be the ball & chain slowing her down or missing amazing times of her life while being pent up in the bathroom.

I've always been some what of a shy and anti social person. So in high school when I wasn't invited to things, I mostly stayed at home sewing, creating, dreaming and going with my mom on adventures around the neighboring states searching for thrift store treasures and fine eateries.

But I want to be more social- even though I do think spending time with my mother instead of going to a party gave me more character. I want what is best for Hazel and I am hoping that her missing some things and being an afternooner kid isn't something that will have irreparable damage later on in life.

We have so many dreams as parents. I watch her little body clothed in such tiny things do so much and be so fearless. Pushing a baby doll around, lifting a basket, petting the cat g e n t l y just as we taught her and I am amazed. I'm grateful for the days when I feel OK or even good- because then I can really focus on her. I love her enthusiasm for food and any vegetable I put down in front of her she devours. These little people live a life parallel in a way yet so entwined with us.

the long and short

I will face it- it has been a while. I haven't quite been up to it. Hazel slept through the night (aside from a preemptive feed) around midnight. I am grateful, yet still very tired. I guess I will need numerous sleeping-through-the-night-nights in order to restore myself. Besides I know I am not the only tired one around here

Good thing I was awake to take the picture!
There is a lot in the works. But for now - we are enjoying a summer of firsts. A baby nearing 8 months and all the living and laughing that is accompanying it. She's great fun- even on no sleep. Even when I haven't sewn in weeks. Still searching for balance.


But trying to stay grounded between belly issues- saving for a house- wanting the house yesterday and figuring out what to do next. I just can't wait till the book Zach is co writing is finished, which means more sleep and down time for Zach- but also we can work as a team again on Hobocamp and on Hazel!

Ode To a Man and His Magic

No, I'm not referring to Walt Disney. When I met Zach, 6 years in February- I had no idea he was really crafty- nor did I know how funny he was. I did think he was quite handsome and wanted to really never leave his side. We talked about our hopes & dreams as most young-new couples do and quickly put into motion our ideas about starting a handmade business. Named from a show we were both currently obsessed with at the time- Hobocamp has evolved into a family business.

When I look back at the short time we've both been parents- then I look at the detail Zach has put into our business and his art- it is no wonder he is such a loving papa to Hazel. Here are some of Zach's designs and handiwork. He sews,paints, screenprints, draws and he did knit (briefly- it was to make a hat that looked like armor, of course) but he helps to keep me motivated and inspired while I drive the Hobo train.

This is the original sweater card inspiration- basically a cardigan's CD Mix... he drew the cover art for me. um hello I think this is brilliant and wish Nina Persson would let him print these for their next tour!








His patience with sewing these button bag treasures- surpasses that of a saint. I have no patience for it. He is my rock and my best friend. I wouldn't want to be raising our child with anyone else (well Paul Giamatti doesn't count) But really folks through the thick of it all he comforts me,rocks our daughter to sleep and feeds the cats when I forget. Enjoy your first official Father's Day Zach- We love you!