Cocooon of Chaos

Simple Amusements: Super Hero in Seconds

What you need:

one child, ready for super hero transformation

old t-shirt

sharp scissors or pinking shears

optional: super cool Batman under-roos 

What you do:

In our case, first up was teaching Oliver the old Batman theme song...but, that is optional...

cut shirt along seams, to fit your super hero

using the arms, tie around neck (not too tight!)

fly around the room, "rescuing peoples" (Oliver's addition)

I'm assuming you all have common sense here and will not make the cape too long as to trip over and hence, choke your child...

Voila! Super hero in a second! No, I'm not claiming this is just my idea--actually, it was Devin's and a million parents before me--but just a little reminder that we all need to let loose and let some super hero run around in his undies saving peoples.  Happy Wednesday, everyone!

15 years...

Photo credit: Esther Mathieu Photography

Yes, you read that right...15 years. I've been with this fabulous guy for 15 years. Yes, since I was 18. That tattooed man came into my life when I was least expecting it, when I had plans all set for college, when I was 100%  sure of my future. Turned out, I had no idea what I was doing, where I was going, or who I was.  I was doing what I thought I should be doing and what I thought others wanted me to do. And then, in a week, I fell head over heels in love with this guy...yes, you read that right, a week. He has always shown me the meaning of unconditional love. It is because he pushes me when I hesitate, reassures me when I doubt myself, catches me when I fail, and hugs me when I succeed, that I am who I am today.  I am me, doing what I want to do, putting myself out there in a way I never thought I'd have the confidence to do. I know, no matter what, I'm still special in his eyes.  Devin, we may not be able to afford rubies and diamonds, but honey, you gave me the best gift of all...you helped me chisel away so much and be who I am today.  There is not a better gift.  

 

35!

The mister turned 35 yesterday and it was a stupendous day for a superb guy.  Never, ever did I imagine I could find a guy who is really and truly the best.

35 things I love about Devin:

1. he tells me I'm beautiful everyday
2. he never, ever hangs up the phone without saying "I love you"
3. he makes me laugh at myself
4. he tolerates my clutter-phobia
5. he understands my need for 3o minutes of alone time daily 
6. he is super, duper smart with a plethora of random knowledge
7. he is handsomer than he was 15 years ago...it is the salt and pepper hair, my friends
8. he is persistent with things that mean something to him
9. he is passionate about his work
10. he is diplomatic when I'm dramatic
11. he is patient when I'm impatient
12. he is such a dedicated, present, and active father
13. his body is covered with tattoos that have real meaning, each with a moving story
14. rather than tattooing my name on his body, he has a huge piece on his arm and every time I hear him tell the story, it makes me tear up
15. he is silly with the kids
16. he is way more adventurous than me and inspires this in our children
17. he is constantly growing as a person
18. he is not afraid to admit when he makes mistakes 
19. he watches movies he pretends to be interested in for my sake...like Jane Eyre, etc.
20. he possesses a desire to learn about anything and everything 
21. he is never afraid to try new things
22. he is passionate about his work
23. he is an AMAZING cook
24. he makes my house smell like a French bakery at least twice a week
25. he LOVES Mexican food...well, really any kind of food so long as it is fresh and authentic
26. he finds peace, beauty, and solace in the outdoors
27. even though he snores, when I nudge him to stop, he always apologizes...very considerate, even in his sleep
28. he loves animals
29. he doesn't laugh at me when I cry at stupid things...he hugs me with a smirk
30. he is not afraid to cry at a movie...wherever we are
31. he paints the girls' nails and lets them paint his
32. he is so down to earth, it is humbling
33. his cackle or his laughing fits that are incredibly contagious
34. he has defined for me what unconditional, pure, and true love really is
35. most importantly, I love that fifteen years ago, he never gave up on me. Despite my refusals, he kept asking and now...here we are.  Devin, I hope it was worth the wait...Happy birthday, my love. Thank you for the simple gifts of everyday.

 

Garden Ready

Yes, I dare say Spring is upon us.  A few weeks back, we asked the kiddos what they wanted to plant this year and we received an illustrated guide. Shamefully, I've since lost that, but we got to work right away. I say "we" but really I mean Devin; I was locked in the Reading Room upstairs working on my research paper, being tortured by giggles wafting up the window.  I can't take credit where credit isn't due...again, my husband is awesome. (Remember he has his own category on the sidebar!) Last year, we purchased two raised beds kits that housed tomatoes and a sand box that ended up the neighborhood kitty litter box.  As the days grew colder, they were removed but we knew they would get a rebirth at some point. Not only did they reappear, they grew, thanks to Devin's resourcefulness!

Do tell, what are you growing this year? Anything new and exciting? Leave me a comment, I'd love to hear! Happy Gardening!

Homemade Hideaway

Remember how I said Devin was awesome? Well, he is. After the bedroom separation, Lillian did not want to give up the bunk bed and seeing that an extra twin mattress is just not in the budget right now, we were left with an empty bunk. That clever husband of mine made a trip out to the garage, found some cheesy wains coating from 4 years ago, grabbed the nail gun, and got to work.

They have named this special area "The Imagination Station". The rules are quite simple: no adults and little brothers are allowed most of the time. See what you can do with what you have?!

I should mention, Devin took vacation this week and worked like mad every single day on projects around the house. Words fail to express my gratitude for all that he did.  He did, however have some super cute helpers.

As I've said before, Lillian does everything in style.

To my sweet, handy husband: you've come a long way from the crooked window boxes 15 years ago, my love. Thank you for giving our three children a childhood filled with creativity, love, and magic. I know you know this, but you are awesome.

Change is Brewing...

For the past couple of months, I've been on a quest to figure out what it is exactly that I want to do with my life. In a perfect world, it would be to sit here in my cocoon, write about my kiddos, and scribble our crafty misadventures; but, this being real life with real bills, that is not a possibility. It has been a long time coming, this figuring out what I want to be when I grow up business. There are three things I've always known: I want to spend my days with words, children, and creativity. I've been lucky enough for the past 14 years to be doing just that, more or less, in a preschool setting.

However, there was something missing, something not quiet yet fulfilled for me. You see, I have a love affair with books. For as long as I can remember, I've loved them: the way they smell, the weight of the words, pages, and content in my hands, and the amazing ability to jerk me out of my reality into a completely different world. Yes, some of this can be done with preschoolers, but it can only go so far. So, I've decided to change my path, start a new chapter. In a matter of a few weeks, I made the decision to head back to school and enter a graduate program in Middle School Education, with a focus on English. Yes, I will, in 18 months be a middle school English teacher. Weird.

I'd be lying if I said I was confident. I'm not. I'm terrified. I lay awake at night fretting how I'm going to juggle all of this: the kids, the house, school...life. But then, that sweet man of mine sends me a text, as we've been separated so much lately, "I know it seems bad but I know you can accomplish it. I will support you however I can." That supportive gene is also present in Oliver...

 
A huge thanks to my parents, too. From a very young age, I was told that I could accomplish anything in life with hard work. It was more than being told, it was watching by example. Mum and Dad, you have both exemplified what hard work means. I appreciate all you have done and continue to do. Thank you for being there in my juggling show, when life throws me one more thing to balance, and always catching me before I fall. (Even when I'm too proud to ask.) One more thing: thank you for loving me, each in your own way, and always believing in me. It is that belief that empowers me to reach for my dreams. I love you both dearly.

I am scared. I am happy. I am doubtful. I am excited. I am ready...ready to move on to this next chapter of my life. Find out what I'm made of....

Oh, what we can do with sticks...

A rare, empty summer Saturday prompted a project for my dear husband and his little helper, Lillian. I've searched my archives and I can't seem to find it, but a while back, Devin constructed a teepee out of fallen branches from an enormous pine tree in our backyard. This Spring we were told the girls "were over it" so we took it down. The sticks lie dormant for a while until Captian Adventure a.k.a. Oliver, decided to try to walk down our granite steps all by himself. (Oh, that boy keeps us on our toes!) Devin grabbed his tools and his helper and got to work on a stick railing.

As is Lily's style, even in the drudgery of yard work, she is clad in a dress and pink gloves! 

 
I do believe the end product is rather impressive, no?! Oh, and the fun did not stop there...Devin fashioned two bows--no arrows...yet--from the same group of sticks.

 
Are my kids not the luckiest or what?! I've started a new category on the side bar entitled Devin's Awesomeness because he is indeed awesome and in a category all of his own. Happy weekend, friends!