Sweaters and Seasons

These wool sweaters were picked up in the heat of summer for only $1 a piece, I knew they would come in handy just I knew the summer heat would soon be a memory.

So it is now a memory and the seasons are catching up to us here in Michigan.  It's not just been chilly these mornings but it's been cold.  But I like it, it is familiar, cozy and a bit romantic.  

Even still you can't meet these mornings unprepared.  If you are to enjoy all the contrasts of Michigan's seasons you must dress appropriately.  For that reason I put these sweaters to use and they are now Sunday morning sweater vests for three of the boys.

I like sweater vests, they make these boys look sharp.  They also hide the stains on their ties and the wear on their dress shirts.  And I've already mentioned the warmth factor - they are like pieces of armor for the damp cold we experience here.

The sewing of these pieces is so simple I feel silly adding instructions.  But I'd be happy to post a little tutorial for those interested.

As for keeping myself warm.............leg warmers!  all from the sleeves of these three thrifted sweaters.

   

Fusion

Paul and I celebrated our 12th wedding anniversary this last weekend.  We enjoyed a fantastic evening out, one that will make it to the top of our favorites list.

First stop Tomukun asian noodle bar where we gobbled down warm pot stickers, steamed pork buns, and huge bowls of pho and bibimbop.  With our bellies full of hot and spicy Asian food we dashed a few blocks through the chilly air to Hill Auditorium where we had the opportunity to see a performance by the famous Mariachi Vargas.  The performance was absolutely enlivening, so much more than I expected.  So much so that I begged Paul to pick up one of their CD's on the way out the doors.  Since it was our anniversary I chose Veinte de Puro Amor and have been listening to it non stop in the kitchen.  I even listened to it the other night as I fried up some rice, ginger beef, and garlic bokchoy.

Happy Anniversary Paul!  What a wonderful fusion our lives have become.

Math Focus

Birthdays, candy, costumes and huge piles of fluffy leaves have got my students distracted.  These candles, though it was only one day, worked to keep them focused.  I told them the candle would be blown out as soon as I heard them goofing off.  They did complete their math assignments quietly but I soon out found they also goofed off a bit, quietly.  The evidence?  piles of dripped wax and one little notebook with a burn hole.  At least it was fun for one day.    

Schembechler, Lindbergh and Einstein

Originally Peter planned to be Winston Churchill but decided he was too fat and didn't want to go around with a cigar in his mouth.  This enthusiastic Michigan Football fan decided to be Bo Schembechler because he said it would have been more fun to be a fan back in the day ....... "when Michigan use to win most its games". 

The costume was simple enough.  Just had to machine embroider a jacket we had on hand and a kind neighbor helped put the old school head set together.  

Here is William as Charles Lindbergh:

He was the most decisive about his costume and begged me to arrange it weeks ago.  He helped me pick out a men's leather jacket from the thrift store and I re sized it to fit him (leaving it a little big just in case he wanted to be a pilot again).  The baggy pilot pants were originally men's khakis from the thrift store and it was a simple transformation.  The helmet and goggles were ordered off amazon, boots from ebay and the belt was one I had on hand.  I think his costume looks the most authentic.  

When we assembled Henry's Thomas costume William suggested we construct The Spirit of St. Louis to complete his look.  Maybe next year. 

Here is James as Albert Einstein:

This was as simple as re-fashioning a vest from the thrift store and ordering the wig and moustache from amazon.  James is well into Einstein's biography and has spent the past couple of weeks reviewing all sorts of interesting facts and theories with me.  He plays the part well.

This Halloween season has proved to be fun, crafty and educational.  I think we've started a new tradition.

  

Maryanna as Sacagawea

At first Maryanna wanted to be princess from India complete with her arms and face painted with henna (she saw this in a yoga book for children).  I admit to being culturally ignorant and did not want to offend our Indian friends and neighbors.  I read the story of Sacagawea and she was instantly enthusiastic.

We used an old sheet with which she helped cut the fringe, paint the details, and sponge printed the belt.  Her favorite part was the knife and walking staff, my favorite detail was baby Becca as Jean Baptist (or "Pomp") on her back. 

Maryanna loved hearing of the heroine's bravery.  Here she is in character:

And after a long day and way too much candy here she is out of character:

Clara the Cat

I tried to convince Clara to be Clara Barton, I was Clara Barton one year for a school report and still remember the cute costume I wore.  She said maybe she'd be that in a few years after she was a flower, ballerina, bride, and fairy.  This year she wanted to be a purple princess.  I still have yards of purple sparkly fabric that were intended as dress ups for last Christmas.  I never got around to them last year and still haven't gotten around to them this year.  

At 8:00 pm Thursday night I decided I needed sleep more than Clara needed a princess costume.  Upon tucking her in bed I convinced her it would be fun to wear her new black leotard with sparkly glasses and whiskers as a cat.  She consented and we practiced her purrs and meows before falling as sleep.  As I fell asleep I envisioned a beautiful gown to be opened Christmas morning.

    

Parent Participation

Try to guess what I am.

I am a Monster Mom with 4 arms and eyes in the back of my head.  I wore running shoes, kept my hair in its regular unkempt state and also wore my most awkward "mom jeans".  There is a stuffed sock attached under each real arm and at the end are two stuffed gloves, one with a wooden spoon and the other a diaper (a clean one).  At the homeschool Halloween party one of my friends daughter threw up on her and I joked that that was what my costume was missing.  

I don't mean to mock motherhood.  Motherhood is a beautiful thing and I was reminded of that as we headed down the downtown block towards our van.  As awkward as I was in my costume an old bearded man passing by on his bike shouted out to me......"****! you are pretty". 

Henry didn't like my costume and kept saying....."Don't be a scary mommy,  please be a happy mommy".  And in the end the extra arms just got in the way and the girls decided it is more fun to wear creepy eye clips than bows.  

Here is Paul.  One of these years I'm going to get around to the Ben Franklin costume I've been promising him.  Until then the fish head is quick fix.

This fish head costume was made for William in 2007.  I used a pattern and 1" thick foam that almost busted my sewing machine.  That is why the bottom remains unfinished.  Either way it has held up to heavy use as Paul sometimes wears it while boxing with the boys.