family – Page 29 – Karla's Cottage

A shell fairy and a beach to “tide” us over

By Karla Nathan / March 20, 2017

In February, we had a benevolent blast of early spring. So Gorgeous (with a capital G) that we had to spend the weekend outdoors. I cleaned the winter buildup of dust, dog hair, and detritus from my car, used a leaf blower to clear out the garage, and spruced up the yard a bit. Besides getting an early jump on spring chores, we also took a break and went to Clinton Lake to walk on the trails.

We walked thru a little bit of woods and got to the hill that over looks the lake. Normally, there is a limited muddy area by the water, but at this visit, the water was low and we had a wide expanse of beach to wander on. I'd told the girls that it was still February, and the water would be icy, and we didn't have dry clothes or towels with us.

They didn't care! The sun and the water were too much for us. We switched our walk from the woods to the shore, then it gradually became a wading, not a walking adventure.

The dogs kinda liked it too. And my grand fairies found a shell for me to use as wings for a sprite made of rocks.

We can't get enough of beaches in our lives and are going to be back in Florida for spring break (this post was written earlier and we are most likely on the white sand as this story pops up). Clinton Lake rarely offers a beach walk, and we don't get out there much in the winter anyway. What a lucky break in the typical Kansas weather! This much needed escape from winter was almost as good as a trip to the Gulf.

Well, almost.

But not quite. I'm thrilled to be taking the littles with me to Siesta Key again. And I'm sure I'll have plenty of beach photos from our adventure there too. (please excuse these small pics, I didn't have a camera with me, and was using my husband's phone. When I sent the pictures to myself, they became compressed)

Please keep checking back, I do have new stories pre-posted for you to read while I am away. Also, any orders from the Boutique will be shipped on March 28th. Thanks for your patience!

Aerial Twister

family, Sacred Circus

By Karla Nathan / March 8, 2017

The circus apparatus in our house gets a lot of use, more than I ever thought it would. I wondered when we added it, if it would be an eyesore. But it ties back tidily when not in use, and is not problem. It also has been rarely tied back, because we had the whole family living with us for a couple of months when they were home shopping.

So, there was always one grand daughter or another swinging from the ceiling. I even used the silks for some aerial yoga to strengthen my bad back. And it was helpful.

The family has since moved out into a home of their own, and my house seems pretty quiet. I miss days like this when the girls were making up their own version of Twister.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

celebrations, family, holiday decor, We're having a party

By Karla Nathan / February 14, 2017

This is one of my favorite days of the year! It is also the anniversary of the day my husband adopted our boys, so we have made this an anniversary celebration with gifts and parties, instead of the traditional romantic day you'd expect.

This year, between the work schedules of our group, Sunday night was the time everyone was free for the bash. (hmmm, maybe I'll get a chance for a traditional, wooing type Valentine night since our family gathering was earlier?)

At first we were worried that we'd have to cancel, because Dewdrop had been sick. She felt better that day, but was still spotty from a rash.

We kept her busy making Valentine cards and decorations all day while watching movies and resting. She was up for the party and ready to celebrate when dinner time came.

She did have to sit out on the food prep, tho.

Sugarwings made the sliced tomato and mandarin oranges hearts for our salads. She was also in charge of table setting and decor.

After my mistake of over doing at Christmas time, I was smart enough to cook the day before for this party. I'd made a bunch of lasagnas, vegetarian, vegan, and less veggie for the little kids.

That way, I could just pop them into the oven, no worries, no work. I was able to enjoy the day with the kids, being crafty and hanging out. And I wasn't frazzled when it was time to sit down and enjoy the meal together.

We even had time to plan a surprise for the family. I climbed up on the arm of the sofa, and Sugarwings passed handfuls of confetti to me to put onto the ceiling fan blades. The girls were also kind enough to share some of their lace paper doily hearts from the craft supply box.

After dinner, before cake and gifts, everyone gathered in a circle to hold hands and sing "Family Together", a song my husband and the kids made up. I made an excuse to go hit the switch and the confetti floated down on the singers.

If I had it to do over again, I'd use much, much more confetti. But this is one of those things that would be hard to repeat. Everyone would see it coming and there couldn't be a big surprise again.

Unless I could fake out someone on a birthday, by having the blades loaded and casually saying something like, "would you please get that cup from the living room for me?" and hitting the switch as they walk under? Hmm, hope none of them read that….

It was all a big hoot, and if you watch the little video, you can see just how crazy and ramped up it made the kids much the kids loved the prank! It is posted on my FB page.

Best wishes for a fun Valentine to you too! From the little joys to the grand gestures, the sly smiles to the big grins, it's all about the love and about sharing that love with the ones you care about.

edit- I've added the video for you here:

Fairy cards

fairies, family, vintage paper/collage art

By Karla Nathan / January 4, 2017

The week before Christmas, I squeezed in a smidgeon of time to make a few cards to send out. Not many as I would have liked to create, but enough to bring me a smile from getting my fingers gluey and glittery and to send to my sisses and my husband's moms.

For the great grandmas in my grand fairies' lives, I printed this happy picture from the punkin patch onto matt presentation paper. The hands had been cropped out, but I figured I could make it work. I cut out the girls, leaving space to add mittens for Dewdrop and one for Sugarwings, but she was missing a lower arm too. So, I layered the pictures on the card to position her missing arm under her sis, making it look like a hug.

They do a lot of hugging, so that was a fitting fix.

To remove the Happy Halloween feel and add some Merry Christmas cheer, wings, scarves, and hats were added, then the fairies were glittered up and colored with markers and gel pens. On this card, I added lace, and glued them onto a sky blue piece of card stock. At the bottom I smeared on some of that crafty snow paint that comes in a jar. Then drew snowflakes with a white gel pen.

This card for Bobbie was done in a similar way. We were wearing mermaid shirts in the photo and Sissy was holding a little mermaid figurine. Which were cute as a beach photo, but not what I wanted for a Christmas card. So I used markers to draw poinsettias on the shirts, and drew, cut out, and glued a candy cane into Sissy's hand.

The same photo from our Sister Trip to Siesta Key was used for Sissy's card too, but done in her favorite color of sea blue. I covered up the mermaids with a silk rosebud, glitter, a rhinestone and a mini tree.

ps-For some reason, my [printer is not feeling well. All of the photos I used weren't as clear as I'd like them to be. I've gone through the fixes on the toolbar of the printer, but I still get lines and less detail than there should be with high quality paper. Hmm, I'm not sure what is going on, but I used the photos anyway. The quality bothers me, but I hope that the joy I felt while creating still comes through to the people I sent these to.

Holiday Mom-style Stress

celebrations, Dew Drop, family, Food and Drink, holiday decor, Sugarwings

By Karla Nathan / December 30, 2016

What was the best part of your Christmas?

Mine was these smiles. And lots of them.

The grand fairies seemed over joyed with all their gifts (even though Dewdrop didn't get the two front teeth that she needed).

We were blessed with multiple celebrations starting with a Solstice party on the 21st, then our big family dinner and gifts to each other on the 24th.

On Christmas morning, we checked out what Santa brought, then had a big, buffet, brunch-bash with relatives.

With a table set for TWENTY THREE! (Did I mention how much I love my newly enlarged space????) We snaked three tables through the kitchen into the living room, and all seemed to fit just fine.

I'd had planned to set the table and make it fancy, but I was lucky to even get food done. So, everyone had to get their own forks and plates and drinks, which seriously, no one minded, or noticed. There is only so much time, and I overestimated how much time I had.

Which brings me to admitting that I over extended myself right along with the tables.

Which I think is pretty typical for the mom of the family to do.

After prepping all of the big meals, I was done in.

I loved, loved, loved, the family parts and the holiday traditions, of the weekend, but I have to say that I didn't enjoy fixing all of the food. While trying to please everyone and make sure they all got their favorite things, making vegan, vegetarian, meat lover, and gluten free versions of the foods, I forgot to keep my Christmas spirit. I got tired, I got cranky, I got resentful that I didn't have time to decorate cookies with the kiddos.

I don't know if it was because I'd been ill this year and am not back to 100%, (a medicine that I am on for another month or so can cause tiredness and muscle aches) or if I'm simply getting older and slowing down, or if I really did over plan and do too much.

Or maybe:

I had shoes that were too tight.
My head wasn't screwed on right.
My heart was two sizes too small.

Cause I acted a little Grinchy while pulling it all together. I'm a bit ashamed of myself.

Yet, on the other hand, I sincerely, honestly love the holidays and it all means so much to me. I did make a huge effort to stay positive and loving with the grand fairies, but I think I grumped and grinched a bit too much with the older family members and really shouldn't have let that happen.

And no, even though Honey looks a little like Max here, I didn't force her into pulling a sleigh. I wasn't full on Grinch, just annoyed that the food preparation never seemed to end.

Like I said, it often is the way of many moms to stress out to make things perfect for Christmas. Normally, I can kind of roll with it and keep our holiday simple while pretty. This year, I'm not sure why, but it got away from me, and I was in over my head.

At least I learned a lesson. Next year we will do a simmering pot of soup instead of a full restaurant menu with enough food to feed a restaurant full of people. I have to be able to treat my family special while not forgetting about myself too.

Yes, I'll change the dinner next time, but there isn't one other thing I'd change, it was delightful to be with people I loved and there is nothing better than that.

(and the leftovers were pretty tasty)

Aftermath

celebrations, cottage, family

By Karla Nathan / December 28, 2016

We had a very full Christmas, and I still feel a bit like Dewdrop did here at the end of our evening, over the brim with holiday celebrations.

Gratitude, Joy, Merry, Thanks, and all of those wonderful words we need to use more

Dew Drop, family, holiday decor, Sugarwings

By Karla Nathan / December 25, 2016

I hope your day is a Merry one! Isn't that a great word? I love Merry and Joy both, I'm not sure which is my all time favorite word, maybe Joy.

We've tried to make each of those words part of our celebrations. Oh, there have been tummy aches, forgotten homework assignments. a case of the sniffles, and a few reminders that, "You get what you get and you don't throw a fit" here and there, but over all, I'd say the season was a joyful success at the cottage.

I've tried to say YES to any and all holiday activities that come my way, plus make up a few of my own to make Christmas last all month, not just a day.

Some days, it can be as simple as a Cindy Lou Who hairstyle after watching the Grinch. Other days, it is cocoa in front of the tree, a special night out, or a ride to look at lights. Big or small, it is the attitude of celebration that brings the fun.

And while I can't keep up the parties year round (without more naps than I'd have time to take for recovering), I think that we can keep up the Joy if we make our best efforts.

I'm thinking about making that my New Year's resolution. To create a smidgeon of Joy or Merriment in each day. It doesn't have to be a grand gesture, of course, little things mean a lot. And this happiness should be shared, not saved just for family. It really needs spreading around.

My son is a master of this, and I'd like to emulate some of his moves. Like always asking the name of a store clerk or waiter and using it is one of his ways of acknowledging others and showing care.

There are many more, like: Simply giving smiles to people you pass, or making a joke on a crowded elevator instead of looking at the floor and just waiting for the door to open.

Stop yourself from snapping at your kiddo when you've asked them three times to do something, and try singing the request instead. A silly or unexpected response can turn a day around.

LAUGH! Even if you are all alone but especially with others.

Give a kiss on the head to someone as you walk by (which I have to admit, is a better idea with family than strangers).

Post a picture of pure prettiness on FB and bypass those ugly political arguments.

Compliment when you see something you like, speak up, if a passerby's coat is a great color, or if your husband looks nice in his shirt, or if some one is walking a dog that has very nice manners. Don't just think it, say it out loud when you see something you like!

Remember the power of please and throw in plenty of Thank Yous.

And be thankful-to others, to yourself, and to the world and god for what you have. Slow down and be grateful. Nothing brings more happiness than letting yourself remember all the reasons you have to give thanks.

I guess I'm saying that I want to work on not just noticing the good things around me, but speaking out about them. And also creating moments that count, that might lift my own day as well as another's.

Saying YES to Joy.

Well, maybe I should've saved all of this for New Year's Eve? No, probably not. It is never too early to get started on spreading cheer. And maybe I'll start a new tradition for myself- making Christmas Eve resolutions.

And I'll start my resolution by speaking up about YOU. Thank you to those who take the time to visit me on my blog, for listening to me blather on about what is on my mind, what I think is pretty, what I've made, or about my family and pets.

It's been almost ten years of blogging for me and I've enjoyed every minute of it, and I am both grateful and thankful for all of you on the other end of what I write.

Please have the Merriest and most Joyful of Christmases!

Feeling Better

family

By Karla Nathan / November 27, 2016

The last few months haven't been easy for me. I've had some trouble with heart arrhythmia and have been tired and worn down. Then, recently, I had a procedure to repair the issue and it looks like it worked! But the healing time was rough, I had some small set backs, that slowed the recovery time. In ten days, I had surgery, a severe UTI that sent me back to the hospital, a chest cold, then an outbreak of head lice brought in by the kids (not uncommon, but what bad timing!). After that, a kidney infection, asthma problems from the cold I'd caught, and my back decided that I'd laid around enough and decided to attack me while I was down and out. Every time I'd cough, it was accompanied by a small screech caused by a back spasm from the jarring cough.

But I had family around to help me heal, Sugarwings took it upon herself to make some mint tea, and keep me hydrated.

My buddy, Beth, brought soup from my favorite restaurant, and a tattered heart filled with things I love.

Mostly, I didn't want to do much more than nap and watch Netflix ( The Crown was exactly what I needed!).

The cardiac ablation itself went well and the recovery from that wouldn't have been so bad, if I hadn't had the other things to deal with. A cough is worse than normal when you have had the interior of your heart cauterized. Ouch! Add some asthma and a thrown out back, and well, like I said, it was rough. I was glad I'd pre-posted on this blog, and had a multitude of stories that felt like they were telling themselves, I didn't need to get up and go to the computer.

Things started to improve, but I'm still lazing around part of each day. My dining table is covered in semi precious beads, and as I am up to it, I whip up a necklace or two and get ready for Christmas giving.

While I'm sad that I've not been able to do all of the Christmas crafts to sell like I have in the past, I'm hopeful that I can get some done, later than normal, but maybe I'll be able to list some. This is my absolute favorite time of year and I'm determined to create, whether I get to list the items or not.

For now, I'm just enjoying the season. And appreciating being up and about, ready to deck the halls and fall into all that December has to offer!

Witchy Hats at the beach

family

By Karla Nathan / November 14, 2016

I found these black witch hats on clearance at the Victoria Trading Co's outlet store for $1 each. Since we were going to the beach, I decided to dye them ocean toned.

I tried Glimmer Mist in blue and gold, but it didn't seem colorfast. It stayed on my hands much, much better. Not good for a hat, we'd have had blue faces.

So I rinsed that out and covered them in spray glitter.

Then found this spray acrylic paint. Perfect!

We are going to drown them in seashells and ribbons to create Sea Witch hats. I'm glad I did the prep work ahead of time, so that we could concentrate on the fun part.

Keepsake bracelets for our annual Sister Trip

family, jewelry, tributes

By Karla Nathan / November 5, 2016

Three years ago, Bobbie, Sissy, and I met in Siesta Key to spread some of our father's ashes. Since then, we have been meeting there in October for a sister trip. Each visit, we bring some special gifts, in sets of three, so we have matching sister presents as mementos of our stay.

This year, I wanted to share some of the bracelets I've been making, so I used my best, beachy colored beads in amazonite, turquoise, aquamarine, chalcedony, azurite, crystal, and added in moonstones, and pearls, to remind us of moonlit walks on the white sand beach.

But to add a very special touch, I had some blown glass beads made up with our Daddy's ashes.

I didn't even know this was a thing, until I was at a Montessori fundraiser and bid on a custom piece by Cremation Marbles. That got me thinking about doing some extremely personal and sentimental additions to the bracelets I'd already made for the 3 of us.

On Vaughn's ( the artist) website, he asks to have a spoonful of remains mailed to him, but since I am nearby his studio, I asked if I could save postage and drop them by myself. Not only did I save a few bucks, I was treated to a show and got to watch the whole process.

He makes a variety of projects, I'd bid on a pendant at the silent auction. He was kind enough to let me get three beads in place of the piece I'd won. They were so much fun to watch being made, that I ordered a couple of extras for my boys, to make necklaces for them.

Here is a colorful one for my son. I'll probably just hang it on a leather cord. Vaughn made a couple of extra beads as a bonus too, those are a cobalt blue and I'll make a necklace for my grand fairies from those.

Blown glass colors can come out randomly and change with the heat of the flame and the kiln, so I knew that the beads he made for the sister trip might not be all the same. But they sure turned out perfect! I love our Gulf of Mexico Blue beads, the shade is ideal.

Don't the tones of the glass blend beautifully with the stones? I'm so pleased with Vaughn's work, and loved meeting his cute little family. And I hope my sisters love these as much as I do. I smile every time I glance down at my tiny bit of Daddy when I am wearing my own bracelet.