Inspired

Last weekend I spent a bit of time organizing and documenting my stash. I created a new plan, since I had accumulated a lot of yarn while my normal stash was in storage. It now seems like I have two big piles. Once combined the amount was quite large, so I have pledged to myself to refrain from yarn purchases at least until the end of the yarn and maybe into next.

While sorting through the pile, I noticed three little skeins of cotton yarn left over from the baby blanket I made my niece last year. After I photographed and entered them into ravelry, I set the yarn aside for a quick little project. I saw the Rachel Bag on Lori's blog and instantly loved it. Now that I had the yarn in my stash, I knew I wanted to make it and make it soon.

And that is exactly what I did. The little bag came together so quickly. A few hours for each side and another for the finishing. I dug through my fabric and found a bit of coordinating cotton for the lining. I love how it turned out. I initially thought the bag was for me, but I soon decided I needed to give it to a friend. It is not really her color. I think she favors more of the bright pinks and purples, but I hope she will like this one. She is such an inspiration. In the past year she has lost a significant amount of weight, after she was diagnosed with diabetes. Not wanting to take medication, she took control of her life and changed her outcome. Now most days she pedals like crazy at spin class each morning and eats sensibly. She also is caring for three children, one of which has epilepsy. She has handled her oldest child's illness with such grace. His seizures are more severe and happening with regularity, but she remains calm on the outside. After much testing and more to come, she supports him, her husband and her girls. I always knew she was a remarkable person and now I have a little something to give her.

Road Tripping - Jerome and Flagstaff

My tribe is comprised of some amazing women. Some women I have known and loved for 8 years. Some who may not even know they are part of such a thing. Without these people, I am not sure I would be the mother I am. The vary in their lives, but they all are important to me.

My tribe started when a group of women met online and then in person. This core group continues to meet although not as often. Our weekly playdates have morphed into more sporadic meetings as children grow up, some pursuing school while others kept at home. Despite the infrequency, our time together is special. Las week, we planned to visit one of our group that had moved to Flagstaff. She was moving into a new home and needed her friends to help infuse it with their friendship and make a little soap.

Three of the moms caravanned northward a day earlier to explore a bit of our state. With nine children between two cars, we made our first stop at Montezuma's Castle. Everyone bounded out of the cars to explore. The children earned their junior ranger badges canvassing the place answering a whole host of questions about the monument. The kiddos and I talked a lot about how the Sinagua built this castle and what their lives must have been like.

From Montezuma's Castle, we headed to Jerome, an old mining town and former ghost town. Our family had visited here with Pap, but the kiddos did not remember it well. We roamed the streets, ate lunch and played sandwich on a neighborhood playground.

We drove through the winding streets of Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon. The weather was cool and the views marvelous. We slept in Flagstaff after a quick dip in the heated pool.

Soap was on the agenda in Flagstaff.  The kiddos fell into a comfortable groove with each other despite the time between their last meeting. They read, played card games, roamed the yard and visited the neighborhood skate park to run in "the pool pits." It was so nice to be up in the pines with friends. Everyone was so tired when we journeyed home falling asleep before we had even left the city limits.

Payson Retreat

The kiddos and I spent three nights up in Payson with friends. We had a grand time with 4 other mamas and 12 or so other kids. E & A ran around the cabin property, explored Tonto Creek and collected wildlife. We came back a day earlier than the others to see daddy and prep for morning swimming lessons. It was a good thing too as D has to go to Prescott for three days.

I was able to knit a hat and mittens for Baby B. I had grand plans of working on a hat for Aine also, but alas kiddo watching took the forefront. The hat/mittens are knit with Malabrigo in two complimentary colorways using size 9 needles. I used a pattern from Knitting for Baby. More information on Ravelry.

My Tribe

I may have already said this, but I have good friends (of course, I have to say it because they read this blog - hi, guys!). They are there to support each other and me at every turn. We have had many things happen with our tribe, and we have always pulled together to help. The weird thing is that this group of women met on the internet.

When E was born, I felt really isolated. I went to La Leche League meetings, which was a great resource and support for me. I didn't find any friends there, and the meetings were a bit far away (settle down, C, this was the Glendale mtg). With an infant and a husband who worked nights, I knew I need to find more like minded mamas to keep my sanity. I found a group called AZMAMAS through Mothering magazine. It was weird meeting people for the first time. I had to tell my uber-cautious husband that I was taking our 6 month old to a Halloween party at a stranger's house. "Oh yeah, sweetie, did I tell you, I met this stranger online?" For the record, I did make sure I had met at least one of the attendees in real life in a public setting first (I am not crazy; I did read the newspaper).

I am so glad I went to those first book group meetings and the first annual Halloween party. I cannot imagine parenting or living for that matter without these women. Hell, one has even seen me naked - not once, but twice. She has witnessed the birth of my two younger children. I have even let a few of these women watch my beloved babies. They bring me food, talk me off my cliffs, let my children use their bathrooms unannounced, allow me to veg on their couches. I love 'em.

Thank you, ladies, for being a tremendous support to me and one another. Thanks, tribe.

Surrounded by Love; Supported by Friends

My friends planned a blessingway for me to celebrate my last pregnancy and prepare me for the birth. It was a beautiful evening surrounded by friends. One friend gave me a pedicure, which was a huge feat(no pun intended). Another painted my belly with henna creating a beautiful work of art. All gathered and showered me with kindness. Tibetan Prayer flags were created with each person writing a hope or wish for the birth and the baby. Seven prepared wishes were also included: May this baby’s life be filled with joy and happiness, may this baby’s life be filled with good friends and mutual respect, may this baby’s life be filled with the support and care of family, may this baby’s life be filled with health of body and spirit. may this baby’s life be filled with wisdom and insight, may this baby’s life be filled with laughter and humor, may this baby’s life be filled with warmth and love.

Candles were given out to be lit when I go into labor and as a means of letting everyone know when the baby was born.

Several blessings were given to complete the evening.

First Blessing

In every birth, blessed is the wonder.

In every creation, blessed is the new beginning.

In every child, blessed is the life.

In every hope, blessed is the potential.

In every transition, blessed is the beginning.

In every existence, blessed are the possibilities.

In every love, blessed are the tears.

In every life, blessed is the love.

And—blessed are our children and the renewal and fulfillment they give to our family circle.

Second Blessing:

Let us support Heather in her journey to raise children, who will be strong enough to know when they are weak, and brave enough to face themselves when afraid; ones who will be proud and unbending in honest defeat, but humble and gentle in victory.

Let us support Heather in her journey to raise children whose hearts will be clear, whose goals will be high; children who will master themselves before they seek to master others; ones who will learn to laugh, yet never forget how to weep; ones who will reach into the future, yet never forget the past. Then their parents, will dare to whisper, “We, too, have been enriched.”