10 Things I am Grateful for in this Last No Good Week

So this week was the pits. I mostly try to stay light on politics, personal stuff, and my faith here, because I want this blog to be useful to someone other than my family members (and I feel mixed about putting my faith out for public consumption), but this week reminded me that a little focus on the positive might be in order. I think even if the election hadn't been the most heartbreaking ever, this week kind of would have been the pits. But this blog is all about being positive, so I am going to find things to be grateful for.

1. A Hug from a Friend- Last Wednesday, one of my friends from co-op and one of my absolute favorite people in Seattle stopped by at Seattle Recreative to give me a hug and share a tear (and some sass). I am so grateful for that moment, and I will probably remember it forever, because it just made me feel like we so aren't alone in this. Plus, it felt good to get it out of my system before going to hang out with a room of 5 year olds.

I think one of the scary things about this election is that it can feel like the bullies won. This guy who is so profoundly unkind to others won out, and his winning set off a whole slew of nastiness. In my darker moments, it feels like maybe trying to be a light is a waste of time. Destruction, ugliness, chaos- they all work pretty fast, and that makes them feel effective. But kindness works slower, partially because in reality you can only be kind to so many people at a time (you have to stop and listen). But I have been struck again and again this week at how resilient kindness and love are, even if they can never be as loud as antagonism.

2. Surprisingly Woke Kindergartners and Blissfully Oblivious Toddlers- I half-expected my class on Monday to be blissfully oblivious, but they quickly proved me wrong, and the very first thing they wanted to talk about was the election. We talked a lot about it, and for some of them, it means they may have to move, so this is no small thing (even for small people). It broke my heart, but it felt good to talk about it with them and feel like I was at least a little useful.

Luckily, later that day, we went to Daniel Tiger Live and I got all the oblivious bliss anyone would ever need. A room full of toddlers and a trolley were just about enough to make me forget (almost). Plus, The Bub made me cry he was so excited. He just kept saying hello to Trolley and "Daniel Tiger off the TV." Perfect birthday gift.

3. Hillary's speech- I cry every time I hear it or see it, not because I am sad for her (even though I am), but because I 100% believe the first female president of the United States was watching it too. She may not have crushed that glass ceiling, but I think the loss has activated a whole generation of women including the one who will keep pushing for the goal she set. I am so excited for that day to come.

4. A Feminist Partner- I love the Boy for so many reasons, but it's hard not to appreciate him even more after this week.

5. A Few Hours with the Frosting Bucket- I got this bucket from my Buy Nothing Group over a year ago, and it has been filled with way more green waste than sweets. I am feeling especially grateful for my Buy Nothing (and hoping you all will go join or start your local group- it's worth it), and this bucket is a perfect example of something that looks like junk but actually has so much more life in it.

6. Goodwill Date Night- When actual romance is basically out of the question, cuban sandwiches and Goodwill make for a pretty alright substitute. Why does anyone ever buy a vase when you can get every kind on God's green Earth for 70 cents? Join Buy Nothing and go do some Christmas shopping at Goodwill. You will be so much richer, and you can spend that money on something cool.

7. Space Bikers- After brunching, we were walking laps at Seattle Center to try to force a nap and kill time before a birthday party. All of the sudden, a huge group of bikers in cosmic spandex with planet diaramas on their helmets and backs came circling around the fountain. With the music playing, people taking pictures and enjoying the Saturday with their families, the music playing loud outside, and the totally bizarre fountain racing, it was a perfect moment. So weird. So Seattle. Such a good reminder that we are all so strange and different from each other, but that can make life really unexpected and wonderful when you least expect it (and even if the nap failed.

8. Running Around like a Crazy Woman- I like when I have my life together, don't get me wrong, but there is something consistently satisfying about having a lot to do. I feel fired up, and I can see a lot of things that need done that aren't just cleaning my yard or something.

9. Zumba and Bread- I can finally say it. My kid is a genius. He figured out what is missing in most exercise routines- a big chunk of french bread! So fun to have him dancing with us, and with his work out snack in tow. When someone comes up with a whole french bread workout, let me know, because I will be all over it.

10. Answered Prayers- Despite the election hoopla, my heart is mostly directed at two women in Tennessee right now. Praying for peace, joy, strength, and healing all the time and I am feeling so joyful that God does heal. I am grateful that I have seen God do miracles before, and I have faith I will see more, so with that on my mind and in my heart, I am going to pull out of my funk (and hopefully jump on a plane at some point so I can give people some hugs in person! I can't wait).

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6 Things for Today and Yesterday- Kamik Boots, Swanson's Nursery, Gump, and Trump Book Reports

from Kamik

1. Kamik- We live in Seattle, so you know we need some rain boots for everyone in this house. I tried and tried to find rain boots used, and I just never tracked down ones we liked that were in the right size. It hurt, because I almost exclusively buy our kids' shoes used.

At first, it looked like we weren't going to find anything ethically or locally made, so thank goodness for Kamik. This company is family owned for over a hundred years, and most of their boots are made in Canada (or maybe the US). They take the ethics and sustainability of their boots very seriously. They make their boots with partially recycled materials, and they have zero-waste targets for their manufacturing.

And they cost the same as most of what's out there. Check Amazon. Same price range as the made in China unsustainable boots.

 My favorite part is that they offer a recycling program; you can send them your boots back once you are done with them, and they will recycle them into new boots. Come on. Dream solution to the wet feet problem. The designs could probably be simpler for toddlers, but their adult options are really chic and simple (for rubber boots). If you are thinking about buying rain boots, hunting boots, or winter boots, check them out.

2. Swanson's Nursery- We are lucky to live in a city where there are seemingly endless places to take kids or things to do. We already love Swanson's for outfitting our garden, but they actually have pretty cute (and free) seasonal stuff. On Tuesday, we met friends for the cutest miniature hay maze there. So cute. The toddlers were most impressed by the fish in their cafe, which really reminded me that sometimes exploring is the most fun for them (also, splashing the fish and getting slightly soaked).

3. Visits with Gump- My dad is here! I am in a house with a lot of boys, but everyone seems so happy. He went with the Boy and the Bub to pre-school today, and it seems like he had a great time. It's fun to have visitors come and see little pieces of our life here in Seattle, and he is such a huge help for us to get on our feet before the Boy heads back to work. At the very least, it has created the window for The Boy to make a lot of freezer meals.

4.  Maasai Necklaces- One of my new favorite projects for my art classes, these necklaces are just acrylic or tempera paint on paper plates. It's a perfect way to use the paper plates in your cupboard!

5.Trump Book Reports- Specifically, Trump Book Reports at 2-3 AM while I sit in the dark breastfeeding and eating pears. Hopefully the giggles create a positive snacking environment for the Baby Bear, and he doesn't internalize that I am a crazy person this early in life. But come on. That business is funny.

6. Schwartz Brothers Blueberry Scones- A highlight of my day, for sure, was sitting in a community college cafeteria cleaning out my email and eating their blueberry scone. A+ Washington treat. Like a thousand calories. But sometimes, when you have been up all night guffawing boobs out, you just need a treat.

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3 Things for Today- Noah's Ark, Handsome Turtles, and Garlic

from ricecereal on wordpress

1. Softoys- We found this adorable little toy company in Port Angeles when we were crabfesting. They are handmade in Washington; they aren't too fussy and their cute little animals or dinosaurs fit into a carrying bag. I think our Noah's Art might live in the backseat of the car, as the Bub loves taking aminals out then putting the aminals back in. The owner swore they also are easy to throw in the wash and come back as lively as ever, so I will report back on that. Did I mention they are pretty darn cheap? Might be a perfect gift if you need to buy a gift for a toddler!

As a side note, the lions on this ark aren't going to be able to repopulate the Earth.

2. This Handsome Turtle- Our neighbors are spring cleaning and giving us a bunch of their son's old clothes. This was super generous, and these handmedowns will probably be the center of The Bub's wardrobe for at least 2 years. This is all well and good, but The Bub only cares about this infant turtle costume, which he has worn around the house as a vest while calling himself handsome. So cute.

3.Garlic- We are on a post-baby diet, which is the dumbest idea we have ever had. Who goes on a strict diet when they are already seriously sleep-deprived? We are so hungry, and everyone is cranky. I will be happier about it in a few weeks, but for now, I just feel grateful for garlic, because it tastes so delicious but it is actually good for you. And it keeps our zucchini noodles delicious and not too heartbreaking.

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7 Things for this Week- Crabs and Passports

1. Garage Sale Greatness- Our bubs got spoiled this week- we got a wagon, a little tree house with a slide, and one of those water tables. All for 20 bucks (I looked them up- all new that is 270 dollars)! Thank you to Buy Nothing and garage sales. I may eventually paint the slide so it looks a little fresher, but the boys certainly don't care. It just goes to show that you can save hundreds if not thousands of dollars by looking for things used AND you keep plastic out of landfills! Score!

2. Back to Work- I am back to teaching classes and couldn't be more giddy about it. I get a break from my infant and toddler to go hang out with the vastly more mature five (and a half. Do not forget the half) year-olds! Excited to be teaching more kids about art, about making, and about using all those things people wrongly treat as garbage!

3. Pacific Northwest Fall- We ran off to Port Angeles for a 24 hour adventure to enjoy fall, to help heal our Applefest-missing wounds, to eat crab, and to prove to ourselves we could. We did it, but we didn't actually see much fall glory. The peninsula has a lot of pine trees, so it stays pretty green. It does feel empowering to get out the door and have an overnight adventure somewhere anyway.

4. Crabfest- Port Angeles is a cute little town, and this is a cute little festival (actually way smaller than Applefest from our small hometown). Just big enough to have some crafts, live music, and a whole bunch of seafood. We didn't have the pleasure of awkward small talk with people we kind of know like at home, but we still got lots of small talk in with strangers. I forgot how much more people talk to you with an infant than with a toddler. Also, The Boy is using the crab bib to try to keep crab off The Baby Bear's head. It did not work.

5. Crab- Nom, nom delicious. You know what is weird though? The corn cob was actually the best part. Where do they get that corn!?

6. Re-Play for Apple Week- The Boy is making some of our favorite apple recipes and I thought grilled apple, cheddar and bacon grilled cheese looked really good on my favorite recycled plastic plates! Woot!

7. Republican Leaders on Being American First- I feel like this whole awful political season has been about seeing the absolute worst in anyone who disagrees with you and wishing they would just disappear (or get stuck behind a wall). That tape was ugly, but I have been happily reminded that not all conservatives are like Donald Trump. In fact, very few of them are. I know many conservative men, and none of them would ever talk about women like that.

And I know people think the line should have been drawn sooner, but I am so happy it was drawn at all, and that we as the American people agree that women should be treated with respect, even if our definition is different. It's a strange moment of common ground and I am honest to goodness rooting for us all to get it together and come together in some positive way. Because we are all Americans before we are our political party.

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9 Things for the Last 9 Days- Starting the Fall with the Bub

 1. Baby Handprint Ornaments-  We did these with the Bub too, and what I like most about them is that when I look at them, I can still hear the screams. I kid, sort of. Wow, my children hate doing them, but I didn't much enjoy labor, so it seems fair. They both produce something cute, and I like that these are basically the first of many sentimental art projects they will hate doing. Sorry boys, I am your mother and you are stuck with me.

2. Show me your Mumu- I am in a wedding later this year and have been on the hunt for a flattering dress, Made in America, of a certain length and color. Easy right? Well, I have found a bunch that fit the bill thanks to this company Show me your Mumu that still manufactures in the USA and has dresses so flattering and chic your bridesmaids might actually love them. I wish they had been around when we got married,

 3. This Year's Walk to End Alzheimer's- I didn't think I would be able to go, so I was especially glad to be there. I was also happy to do the walk with my in-laws, because the tradition is really about my husband's family, so it made it more special to share in the chaos with them. I also thought this year was in the nicest spot so far in Seattle, and it felt like it had a really enthusiastic and positive energy (last year didn't, but it was a much wetter and greyer day).

4. Breastfeeding in Seattle Center Surrounded by People- Just add it to my list of weird places where the boobs have been out. I don't think people cared, and I love my covered goods breastfeeding cover for being a nice scarf to just wear as well as a cover for everything. I can already see how people with 2 children lose steam for getting out in the world, but I want the new baby to keep getting out there too, so tools like these really help.

5. Fall- I could not be happier that fall is here. For me, this season feels like a fresh start, everything smells good, and the world is covered in color. I get to wear layers and put decorations up, so I can't complain about life right now. Seotember October, and November are the best. Excited for The Baby Bear's first fall, because his bright eyes just drink everything in.

6. Wall-E- You hear a lot about little ones liking Finding Nemo or Cars, but The Bub has just been captivated by Wall-E. You know that Pixar rocks what they do when a two year old is totally enamored from the first minute. I love that movie in general, but I love it even more now.

7. Green Onion and Recycled Plastic- Who would have guessed we would have a kid so granola that he likes sitting, eating his garden green onions, on that all-recycled plastic bench. Different than the life I thought my kids would have, but I like when things are happy and slow like this. 

8. Our First Homemade Pesto- The Boy made it with his mom, and it makes my life. I feel excited and proud that at the end of this summer, we weren't totally defeated by the "growing your own food" garden experiment. We certainly aren't self-sufficient, but it is still cool to make applesauce, pesto, chimichurri and more with the plants from our own yard. If nothing else, everyone should have a herb garden. It has saved us so much money!

9. Barb- Yes, we are finally watching Stranger Things. Yes, it is as good as everyone says. We are only halfway, but the third episodes is one of the best episodes of any television show I have seen ever. People talk about the show in terms of Spielberg and nostalgia, but you could also bring iconicity into the conversation. How do you choose details that are striking enough that they stick immediately? Because that is what is happening here, and the icon of my heart is Barb. In a world full of Nancies, be a Barb.

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3 Things for Yesterday- Snappies, Orchestras, and Baking Puns

1. "Carini" and Snappies- Word of the day. Fun to watch the Bub trying to crack up his Nonno. Also, use his brother's various things as toys. That is some multi-tasking.

2. The Recycled Orchestra- These students in Paraguay play instruments made of garbage, making the most out of the giant landfill next door. It's depressing to see the challenges they face, but it is damn cool to see what they came up with. It touches my heart too, because it perfectly illustrates the connection between being creative and rethinking "waste." This is my favorite NPR story this week, and I am going to track down the documentary- Landfill Harmonic.

3. Mel and Sue- We are watching tons of Great British Bake Off in our post-baby hermiting with the Boy's parents. Sadly, this is paired with the news that Mel and Sue are leaving! Boo! Those ladies (and their awful and wonderful puns) are total gems, so it is such a bummer that they are leaving. We were completely sucked in yesterday, so its sad that it is ending as we are just becoming seriously addicted.

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10 Things for this Week- Welcoming Baby Bear

This week, we brought home our second baby, so life is 100% about getting everyone settled right now. I try to go lighter on the personal stuff, but this is my life right now. If you aren't interested, I promise there will be more posts about plastic straws in mere hours.

1. Brotherly Love- Not to get too saccharine, but I cannot imagine this whole "bringing a baby home to your toddler" thing going better. Bubba does call his brother Succulent, and he does talk a lot about how his brother is "eating boobs again," But all in all, this is hard to top.

2. Amazing Nurses and Doctors- We lucked out with our nurses this time, and even better, my actual doctor within the practice was on call that day, and that was awesome. It was a good reminder of how much someone who really cares about their job can make a difference, and I am seriously sending this nurse a card, because she was so amazing.

3. VBAC's are Overrated- Ok, maybe I am still too close to have much perspective, but now I have done both a vaginal birth and a c-section now. They both are solidly sucky and great in relatively equal measure. I am glad I did it, just to prove to myself I can, but beyond that, I don't think I gained much from the experience. You don't get a special medal for going through it, and in fact in my case, they took the Bub away for two hours, so my c-section felt a lot more about our bond than my vaginal birth did. What am I saying? You do what works for you, but like so many Mommy things, people's insistance that one route is infinitely greater mostly turns out to be a bunch of nonsense. Do what works for you, and let the rest go. If you have a healthy baby and momma, you have succeeded.

4. Top Pot Victory Doughnut- Alright, a few things about vbacs are way better. One of the biggest perks is that you can eat very soon after. It doesn't have to be a doughnut, but it certainly doesn't hurt. God bless my Mother for bringing me this doughnut. And on that note...

5. My Mom- She changed her flights last minute and flew the day after surgery to be there when the Little Bub was born. The day after surgery. At a moment's notice. I have to be one of the only laboring women in history who was asking her doctor to slow things down however possible. So grateful for this amazing person who springs into action when we need her and who really shows that when you care, nothing can get in your way. I have often said she is a badass angel, but this took it to a whole new level. Thank you God for putting such a wonderful person in our lives and in the delivery room with us.

6.Laura Linney, Patron Saint of Birth- What kind of cool is it that PBS was having a Downton Abbey marathon through Labor Day weekend while we were laboring? It was almost more Edith than we could stand, but it made everything a little more fun. And if it hadn't have been on, we really would have been in trouble. Or at least bored. We did watch something else while they killed off Sybil, because that just seemed unhelpful for childbirth.

7. Reusable Nursing Pads- Nursing moms everywhere, I beg of you, skip the disposable nursing pads and get something like these from Love your Reusables instead. I love them- way more comfortable, easily cleaned (I mean, really, it's just breast milk) and I can use the same small stack for the whole time instead of constantly creating more landfill-filler. It may seem more expensive, but the per use cost is so much lower.

8.A Semi-Sleeping Baby- I don't want to jinx us, but I am currently so excited to have a little one who will go back to sleep after he eats, rather than staying up for hours on end every time. Again, a lot of optimism at play here, but I am hopeful we might stay closer to human this round!

9. Etsy Going Home Clothes- I mean, it's dancing dinosaurs for goodness sake! I love this outfit from Little Beans Baby. If you want a great outfit for a little one at any age or moment, be sure to check Etsy first.

10. Roy Schneider in Jaws- Why do I find his giant glasses and turtleneck to be so on point? This movie is making me really think about things. Not so much sharks, just 1970's male fashion mostly. Also, why is his wife not wearing pants? Also, never turn your back to the ocean, people. Overall, I like the film way more than I thought I would, so that is interesting, but not as interesting as the strange appeal of Roy Schneider's face.

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