Give the gift of love this year

I know Irish Jig's birthday is well behind us, but I can't resist one more blog post with birthday content. This one's about some of her sweet gifts. I am mentioning these simply because they touched my heart.

About four days prior to her birthday, Mr. Neoclassic and I realized we really didn't have a specific gift just for her. Those of you with multiple children will understand when I say that there was really nothing left appropriate for her age that our family didn't already have. Memory Card game - check! Mr. Potato Heads - check! Puzzles - check, check! Books - check, infinity!  Little People - check! Etc...

I decided to sew a simple pillow case, with fun birthday cupcakes and her favorite purple accent. I found the perfect flannels at JoAnn's and used this tutorial, along with french seams. Easy, fun, and completed in less time than it took to wash and dry the fabric.

When Jazz saw the extra fabric, she asked to make something for her sister. While my heart sang with joy that she was choosing to be generous with her time and talent, my brain screamed something akin to, "WHAT! It's the afternoon of her birthday!!! When do you think I have time to help you??"

Then I remembered the ace up my sleeve - Nana was in town! I backed the cupcake flannel with a remnant of white fleece, drew a stitch line along the edges, and pinned the pieces together. I turned Jazz over to Nana's calm tutoring and raced away to decorate a spider cake. Under Nana's careful, encouraging eye, Jazz followed her stitching lines with perfection and created a simple blanket to match the pillowcase. My only regret is not catching that moment in time on film.

Lastly, you'll notice a Raggedy Ann doll in that picture.  My dad decided Irish Jig needed a Raggedy Ann doll and couldn't believe I'd never had one.  He found a sweet, perfectly sized version -the giant ones creep me out - and it even has "Happy Birthday" embroidered on her apron.

But WAIT!  There's MORE!

Each year, my dad creates a Christmas ornament for each of his grandchildren.  In the early years, he stuck to traditional symbols - angels, elves, reindeer, snowmen, gifts, etc.  The past few years, he's been matching the ornament to the child.  This year was a stellar representation of their interests, proving he takes the time to know them well.

Irish Jig's Raggedy Ann

Jazz's Girl Scouts Emblem 

Classic Rock's Sail Boat (to commemorate his summer cruise)

Zydeco's Toad 

Each one has the child's name painted onto the front.  I've retouched the photos to remove that part.  I do try to respect their privacy.

I promise the next post will be about sewing or baking or faith formation - not birthdays.

Today's post title from Gift of Love by Ashes Remain

That kind of music just soothes my soul

During my early and mid teens, my dad and sister, along with several other musical friends, formed an ensemble and provided music for weddings around the New Orleans area. Most often hired via word of mouth, the group was not professionally advertised or marketed. Rather, they simply enjoyed singing, playing, and being with one another. This weekend gig certainly wasn't going to generate their future pensions.

As a result, my family spent many Friday and Saturday evenings at wedding ceremonies and receptions. We joined in the dancing, nibbling, cake eating and drinking (those of age, of course). I cherish vivid memories of my dad attempting to teach me how to slow dance, and laughing week after week because I continued to perform horribly. For the record, my sister figured the steps out and was fantastic. Me, not so much. The band would always play Bob Seger's That Old Time Rock and Roll and, having given up on the slow dance lessons, my dad would pull my sister and I out onto the floor. Two stanza's into the song, we'd have the whole ensemble, my mother, and most of the wedding guests dancing along with us.  Laughter and hilarity ensued.

While in New Orleans several weeks ago, Classic Rock commented that he'd love to go hear live Zydeco/ Cajun music.  Given his underage status, taking him to one of the awesome clubs wasn't going to happen.  My mom suggested we all dine at Mulate's - a local restaurant that features live Cajun music and dancing, along with authentic recipes.  We arrived early in order to site right next to the dance floor.  Irish Jig found several children from another large group and they "danced" together joyfully while we waited on food to arrive.  A sweet elderly gentleman, resplendent in his crawfish themed buttondown, would escort the tiny children around the dance floor while patiently giving directions.  When their lap was complete, he presented them with official Mulate's dance cards and crawfish beads.

The Krewe waiting on dinner and enjoying the venue.

(Apologies for the blurry cell phone picture)

Jazz received her very first slow dance lesson from her Papa.

 I admit to watery eyes as I watched my sweet girl experience

a memory I hold so dear.

(Sadly, she shows no more promise at it than her mother)

I'd forgotten my camera and have only a few blurry cell phone pictures of the night.  But I will remember, in my mind's eye, getting my dad to dance again with me, Jazz up and willing to try it, Irish Jig basically running laps around the dance floor, my mom (and her weak knee) dancing with my nephew, my sister and dad making a beautiful couple, and Mr. Neoclassic and I hysterically laughing our way through a slow dance knowing we were awful.

Today's post title from Bob Seger, of course!

Gonna dress you up in my love

You already know how much I adore being able to dress my girls in clothing made or purchased for me when I was a child. I even wrote about the Vintage Collection here.

This Christmas season brings another chapter of the Vintage wear to a joyous end. This sweet jumper was designed and sewn by my mother for my older sister a good 40 years ago. Sadly, there's no picture we can find of her in the jumper, but here's one for the albums:

Is it wrong to love the little flash of frilly panty combined with the facial expression?

My mother was so very careful about storing our clothing for future generations. I have many dresses, jumpers, pants suits (it was the 70's people!), coats and crochet wear that was made by her, by my grandmother, or by their collaboration. Since my mother wasn't one to do the standard "roll, cut, and decorate cookies" each year - remember we did the Italian cookie version - this dress shows her hidden whimsy. She knew a little girl needed a little bit of gingerbread man in her life.

Fast forward 30 (or so, ahem) years and we get:

Jazz so sweet at 3!

with a 6 year old Zydeco whose facial expression is the same now as then!

When we first tried it on Jazz, the dress barely covered her bottom - apparently my sister and I were much shorter or the styles were much different! We simply let out as much of the hem as possible and added a row of red ric rac.

Another five years gets us:

Irish Jig gets her turn.
Of course, she thinks Nana made the dress "just for me".

After this season, the dress will get a thorough cleaning and maintenance check (all buttons, seams, etc) and will be stored as part of the growing Vintage Collection for future girls in this family line.  I really prefer the more vintage styles of dress for this age.  I don't rush them into jeans and sparkles just yet.  Okay, I really never rush the sparkles because it's just not me.  But the jeans are - maybe too much!

Filled with gifts and filled with goodness

A very special woman is celebrating a birthday today. I would never reveal which birthday of course, but since she looks about twelve in this picture with adorable little me, I can safely assume today marks about 40 or 42, right Nana?

  Seventies hair was awesome. And I miss Dressy Bessy.

I asked our children for their thoughts concerning their love for Nana and the following responses were garnered during breakfast this morning: 

Classic Rock!

CR at 10, placing at the regional science fair

1. She makes Italian seed cookies
2. She always has an opinion
3. She cooks
4. She loves us - but mostly me!

 Zydeco!

Showing off the quilt she designed and made him (and finished before his birth!)

1. She cares so much about us
2. She gets to use my room when she visits and she thanks me for it!
3. She makes great gnocchi
4. She's my Nana!

Jazz!

 Learning to needlepoint

1. She does sewing stuff with me and makes me things
2. She kisses us and loves us
3. She gives me gifts (good to know this one's not a material girl)
4. She's Nana!  (apparently that says it all)

 Irish Jig!

 On the way to Mass, Jig was 6 months

1.  I like her birthday cake (it's all about the food and she remembered the chocolate cake)
2. Can we wear birthday hats? (she thinks there's a party here later today)
3. I love her

 

My thoughts?  Well, I agree with all the children.  Her opinions are very freely given and mostly appreciated.  She'll always take time to explain a cooking process or recipe to me, usually while I am in the midst of said cooking.  She weeds through her years of fabric stashing and sends me goodie boxes of fabrics.  She also sends all the projects she or my grandmother started but didn't finish because, hey, I'm not busy and can finish them.  But mostly, she's Nana and she loves us.

Celebrate good times

So there have been more birthday celebrations and more cake, as well as lots more laughter and memories. Some highlights of the week.....

• My dad was pushing Irish Jig's chair closer to the table when she looked up and saw the children's portraits on the wall of the dining room. She asked, "Is that me?" He answered, "yes!". She, sighing ever so dramatically, "I so pretty!"  

 We bought cupcakes at the last minute to celebrate a half bday for her since the rest of us seemed to constantly be blowing out candles and she felt left out.

• After putting the younger children to bed one evening, Classic Rock, my parents, Mr. Neoclassic and I wound up gathered in the living room, away from the TV, just talking. The subject turned to literature and poetry as the adults gave CR opinions of The Good Earth, his required reading book. I think Classic Rock gained a new appreciation for the adults as we all quoted portions of favorite books and poems. We laughed and traded stories about books we'd read and why [college, work, etc]. 

• Zydeco and Jazz took full advantage of "grandparents are visiting and they'll allow us to watch TV during the week", often disappearing into the den to watch Phineas and Ferb. They were totally surprised and awed when Papa walked in, sat down and proceeded to name the characters and use the most obvious quotes for the show - "Whatcha doin?" 

• My hydrangeas are in full bloom and I am taking full advantage by cutting new stems each day to decorate the living room and kitchen. I have one plant, but it blooms two colors - awesome! 

 

•  Jazz turned 8 the day before I turned more than 8 and she and I shared another gluten free cake. Tasty, but not as good as the first. There were presents and laughter and lots of messy cake faces.

 Jumping for joy when she realized we'd arranged for summer art classes!

Does the fact that it's Fair Trade negate the calories, one wonders?

• I realized that I inherited, or simply learned, my tendency to think in song lyrics from my father. I often heard him speaking to the kids and inserting lyrics that just fit the conversation. I only wish I could remember specific examples because some were hilarious.

 Working to fix the track in Zydeco's room

 

 

 

 

You get what you need

We've needed to just relax and enjoy this week of family celebrations and simple time together with my visiting parents.  My mother and I were able to do a little sewing together. I watched her as she hand stitched the binding onto the Eucharist table runner in one day. I had the runner ready to go for her and she willingly sat on the couch and stitched. The children would wander through the den and sit to chat with her. She was able to help me and catch up with them - a total win win!

Jazz opened a few special family gifts. She was excited to receive her Celtic cross from my parents. A traditional gift for their grandchildren.

The big day was sweet, beautiful and memorable. I think little angels were flitting around our house that morning because we managed to get everyone dressed, hair styled, wreaths pinned, and shoes found ON TIME!  In fact, we were early and as any good Catholic knows, that's a sin :)

This week, Mr. Neoclassic and I treated each of the older children to a parent-approved-skip-day. Jazz chose to show her grandparents her favorite gallery, then allow them to shop with her and treat her to lunch. The boys will be leaving with them tomorrow for a short weekend trip to Maryland. They are packed, ready and willing to go to bed on time just to wake up and travel with Nana and Papa.

We've also celebrated the first of the May birthdays in this domestic church. We have three total this month and love to just eat butter cream icing for two straight weeks! Zydeco turned 11 and thoughtfully researched gluten free chocolate cakes. Nana has Celiac Disease and he decided a typical cake was out of the question. We used this recipe from King Arthur Flour and highly recommend it for any other Celiac's out there. Just ignore the number of eggs in the recipe. What you don't acknowledge can't hurt you, right?

Let's cherish every moment we have been given

Two very special people in our lives have birthdays this month.  They play such an important role in the lives of our children, and they are a constant source of encouragement for my husband and me.
Happy Birthday!

Grandma is Mr. Neoclassical's mother.  She keeps us in stitches with her unique humor.  She's been quite the source of advice for raising boys (since there are only girls in my family).  Most of her advice is purely tongue-in-cheek, making it all the more precious.  We visited them last summer and she entertained Irish Jig with stories and albums.





Papa is my daddy.  I inherited his sense of humor (and his nose).  He's really wonderful with all of his grandchildren here, but most especially with Zydeco.  (I think it's because they are both the little brothers). This picture was taken during the pumpkin carving fiasco celebration last Halloween.  His advice is always given off-hand, as if it's not to be taken as gospel, but just to be seriously considered.

We know that our children are blessed to have all four of their grandparents available to them.  While we live very far from both sets, they make great efforts to stay up-to-date and in-touch with the kids.  And so do I - hence this blog!  We truly appreciate the role models set by our parents, as married couples and as parents.  They don't always agree with our decisions, but they always support us and our children.