tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84089988589335969192024-03-12T19:19:38.125-07:00 Little Opihi CraftsKarisma http://www.blogger.com/profile/05985447036396190238noreply@blogger.comBlogger199125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8408998858933596919.post-83214181563700138972017-09-20T09:11:00.000-07:002017-09-20T09:11:18.892-07:00Passing It On <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've seen the movies - where one person does good for another person and then it inspires others to pass it on. I've seen it happen in stories - but I never quite grasped it until we were on the receiving end of such a wave of generosity and thoughtfulness when we were on Oahu going through our trial and loss of baby Samuel. <br />
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It is very humbling. And inspiring. And moving.<br />
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I will always be grateful for the way that my two little boys that passed away to PKD helped to change my heart. How suffering through the trial with loosing them helped to give me an understanding of suffering and grief and in turn compassion. <br />
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That is where this little sewing project stems from. <br />
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Ross has a friend on Oahu who gave birth to a little boy who was diagnosed with a terminal disease. She has been on my heart so much that I couldn't just think about her - my past experiences moved me to <i>do </i>something. So a little care package of handmades are making their way to her. <br />
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For her baby that is struggling, a bib and burp cloth and a favorite book that we use to read to Liam - one about letting the stars guide your canoe to shore. For her, a pouch to hold a journal and pens to document all of the beautiful experiences she has with her son. And a big supply of chocolate for when hard days seem too heavy. And for her toddler, who is about Liam's age - a crayon roll equipped with our favorite fat crayons and a sketch book. To help pass the time during all of those hours spent at the hospital. <br />
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I am so grateful for this opportunity to send a little love and thoughtfulness their way. And it was a blessing to be able to do it in front of Liam. To answer his questions when he asked, "What doing?" "What making?" I was able to explain that there was a sick baby that we were sending gifts to. And he wanted to help. So I let him sit in my lap and 'help' me. He cut threads, removed pins, and picked out buttons. Yes little boy of mine. I need your help. I need you to sit in my lap with your warmth to seep into me as I thank the Lord that you are healthy and alive. I need you to witness what I am learning about giving and serving and to one day do it better than me. </div>
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My heart is so full of so many different big emotions. And I want to send it out into the world. That life is hard but God gives grace. And when you feel moved - Let yourself move. Let yourself act. Let yourself <i>respond.</i> <i> </i>Because in a moment when the dark seems so heavy and endless - I have come to understand that thoughtfulness manifested in a token or word or action - can be such a candle - and sometimes it can move the night right into day. </div>
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I'm wishing all of you love and peace and joy today. </div>
<br />Karisma http://www.blogger.com/profile/05985447036396190238noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8408998858933596919.post-82861057299128292462017-09-15T20:39:00.003-07:002017-09-15T20:39:30.016-07:00D is for Duck and E is for Egg! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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At the start of August, I began doing some preschool homeschooling activities with Liam. I found this lovely preschool curriculum by <a href="https://www.thepeacefulpreschool.com/" target="_blank">The Peaceful Preschool </a> and a few other families decided that they wanted to start their boys on the curriculum as well - so voila, a homeschool group! </div>
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It is an amazing curriculum that is literature based and notes of Montessori and Charlotte Mason philosophy can be seen throughout the activities listed. Liam and I have been having so much fun working through the lessons. It is amazing to watch his learning unfold. To listen to the things that touch his heart. To amaze at the details that he picks up on that I normally wouldn't have highlighted. <br />
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It has been such a delight to begin this homeschooling journey with him. To begin to establish rhythms of learning and playing and tending. Since returning from Oahu, we are still looking for the patterns within our days - to try identify the rhythms that emerge. To make room for things that matter and to say no to things that don't. <br />
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For the most part, Fridays have been set aside as field trip days for our homeschool group. This week we found ourselves at <a href="https://www.themorninggloryfarm.com/morning-glory-farm-blog/" target="_blank">Morning Glory Farm </a>, our friend and pastor's farm. What an amazing blessing to see the animals from our books come to life! Our friend set aside large cuts of watermelon to feed the pigs and then gave kids handfuls of feed for the ducks. When one is in an environment like that, it appears that questions will come naturally. One of the kids noted that there were holes in the ground, so they played <i>mystery. There is a hole in the ground - it is a mystery. </i>From that play, we learned that ducks actually dig with their beaks - aerating the ground. I had never known that! Or when one of the kids noticed that there was a bag in the chicken coop, we learned that the chickens are given oyster shells for calcium in order to strengthen the shells on their eggs. So much learning from questioning - from being in a natural environment. Sandwiched in all of these learning opportunities was <i>play! </i>The kids found large branches that became swords that hunted monsters found in the large grass. The boys ran and laughed and hunted for giants. And the moms got to sit and share and munch on cookies all while watching the kids laugh and run and discovery. <br />
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The weather was cool for our lessons and hot for our play. The fog rolling in was a blessed relief from the sun and then the rains came, chasing us to our cars to go home and tell stories to our loved ones who didn't get to share in our experience.<br />
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It was such a magical day - a magical day indeed.<br />
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Karisma http://www.blogger.com/profile/05985447036396190238noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8408998858933596919.post-41773369852090274292017-09-14T18:48:00.001-07:002017-09-15T17:06:17.906-07:00Samuel's Birth Story <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
Hello friends. It has surely been awhile hasn't it? The last time I posted in this space, we had just lost our second born to polycystic kidney disease. It saddens me to say that shortly after we lost Caleb, we were blessed with another pregnancy, with another child, who would also carry the genetic marker for polycystic kidney disease. We lost our third son Samuel two months ago. Slowly we are healing. Projects are being started. Changes are being made to our space that will bring more light and life into our rhythms. Changes. So many different changes. I have missed this space. Missed sharing in this online journal of all of the creative endeavors that have been happening in our rhythm. I tried to start an entry and write about what we have been up to lately... but it just didn't seem right. To move on as if our third son Samuel had never existed in this little virtual pocket of space that I claim. So I'd like to share with you his birth story, of the blessing that he was. It is listed below if you have the heart to read it. </div>
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Samuel’s Birth Story <o:p></o:p></div>
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Samuel, it would be impossible to
tell your birth story without speaking of your brother Caleb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For your lives are so intertwined with each
other my sweet boy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The lessons you both
brought us so different and yet so the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So much heartache and so so much love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We lost
your brother Caleb Keaka on July 10, of 2016.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My pregnancy with him was smooth, there was no reason to suspect
complications.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I gave birth to him back
home on the Big Island at North Hawaii.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He came early, 36 weeks and 6 days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When he was born, he couldn’t cry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He just curled up on me and looked so tired.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When they cut his chord he started to turn
blue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The staff took him away to the
nursery to try and help his oxygen levels increase.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your dad followed him out of the room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wasn’t worried for him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew that the Lord would keep him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For five hours the staff there labored over
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They couldn’t find out what was
wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why his lungs wouldn’t work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I walked out once to check on him and the
stress level in the hall from the staff was so tangible you could taste it in
your mouth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a palatable panic that clung to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Settled on you like a layer of sweat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your brother was connected to several
breathing apparatuses; his lungs were pierced with needles in attempt to
relieve pressure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Blood was drawn
several times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His poor little body went
through so much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And yet he fought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh Samuel, your brother was a fighter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like you, his heart was so strong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Five hours
after he was born, his strong little fight gave out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His heart stopped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A part of your dad and me stopping with
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Your dad
told me that your brother had passed away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Baby didn’t make it,” he said. Your father looked so broken.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Caved inward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We held onto each other. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two
parts lifting each other up in an unsteady upright position. We held on to the
single most comforting thought we possessed within ourselves – <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">the Lord knows.</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even if nothing else made sense. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even if it seemed that everything that was
solid and stable were somehow reversing polarity and coming undone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Lord knows</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And we trusted in that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Were carried by that. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>When we
went home, everything was empty and confusing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Anticipated homemade newborn baby clothes and spaces were put away and
rearranged.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>There were
so many questions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Your
brother Caleb taught us to accept.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To
accept that the Lord’s will would be done in our lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your dad and I woke up every night to pray
for the grace that we would need in order to accept.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In order to endure. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You see, there was such emptiness
afterwards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My body, which had carried
your brother could no longer feel his kicks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My arms were so empty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
longed for the weight of him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My body
hurt to take care of him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I remember
the moment that I wished for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few
months afterwards I cried out to the Lord for a child of comfort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A child that would comfort the empty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A son that we could train up to lead and
serve Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told the Lord that if He
answered me I would name him Samuel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Because we ‘asked of the Lord’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That
we would raise this child of comfort for Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That we would return this child of comfort to Him. And you know what
little one?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He answered me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Three months after we lost your brother, He
gave us you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your little life came into
existence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A small light in the
darkness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The emptiness was filled with
hope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I carried
you with the knowledge that our God was your creator.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That He would form you for the work that He
had for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew with every fiber in
my body that He could make you healthy and whole.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But a part of me didn’t know His intentions
for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I always spoke about you
with hope, but I made room in my heart for the Lord’s plans to be different
from my own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I remember
when you were twenty weeks old, your dad and I got into a fight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t recall what we fought about – some
silly trivial thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I sat in the
living room upset and crying and I felt you flutter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the first time I felt you move.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My little child of comfort – comforting me in
my distress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Afterwards I remember being
afraid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the days went on and I could
feel you moving and living and growing, a fear gripped my heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to keep you so much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted you to be healthy and whole so bad
that every fiber in me burned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As if I
could create you into perfect health by my own sheer will.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That longing for you wasn’t of the Lord
though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew that I had to long more
for His will in my life than for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That the only way my heart would survive His plans being different from
my own was if I sought His kingdom first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>His desires first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It didn’t stop
me from longing for you – but by putting the Lord’s will in my life first, it
helped me to keep my eyes on our Savior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Our anchor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I started memorizing
parts of Psalm 139: 13-16<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica neue"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For you formed my
inward parts;<br />
</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "courier"; font-size: 5.0pt;"> </span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica neue"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">you knitted me together in my mother's womb.<br />
</span></i><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 9.0pt;">14 </span></sup></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica neue"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I praise you, for I am
fearfully and wonderfully made.</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 7.5pt;">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+139&version=ESV#fen-ESV-16254a" title="See footnote a"><span style="color: #b34b2c;">a</span></a>]</span></sup></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica neue"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
Wonderful are your works;<br />
</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "courier"; font-size: 5.0pt;"> </span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica neue"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">my soul knows it very well.<br />
</span></i><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 9.0pt;">15 </span></sup></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica neue"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">My frame was not hidden
from you,<br />
when I was being made in secret,<br />
</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "courier"; font-size: 5.0pt;"> </span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica neue"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">intricately woven in the depths of the earth.<br />
</span></i><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 9.0pt;">16 </span></sup></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica neue"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Your eyes saw my unformed
substance;<br />
in your book were written, every one of them,<br />
</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "courier"; font-size: 5.0pt;"> </span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica neue"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">the days that were formed for me,<br />
</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "courier"; font-size: 5.0pt;"> </span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica neue"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">when as yet there was none of them.</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I would
repeat this over and over again whenever the panic came – out loud.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So that we would both hear it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a reminder that the Lord was forming
you for a purpose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every part of you
belonged to Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That I was just a
steward that was being entrusted with you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And those thoughts brought me peace and helped me stay focused. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Because of
your brother passing away from PKD, a genetic kidney disease, your father and I
were driving to Hilo for our ultrasound appointments for you. Every time they
checked you, my heart would beat so fast. At 29 weeks we were told that you
carried the same disease as your brother. That we would have to relocate to
Oahu in order to wait for delivery. You see, they had doctors who would be able
to help both you and I.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So when you were
33 weeks we packed our things and flew to Oahu.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We stayed
with the Lewis family and attended the assembly in Kaneohe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were such blessings little one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Taking care of us and teaching us so much
about generosity and hospitality. As they took care of us I was constantly
reminded of the Israelites wandering in the desert.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although the Lord took them through a 40 year
trial – He provided for their every need.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The sandals on their feet never wore out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And He fed them bread from heaven and
provided water from impossible sources.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I would
wake up early with you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once at two
o’clock and then at five o’clock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At two
o’clock I would sit in the dark and pray.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Pray for you – for all that I wanted for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pray for your daddy who had to carry so much.
For your brother Liam, who was watching us and learning from us during this
time of trial.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the Lord would bring
such peace Samuel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You caused me to spend
so many sacred hours with our Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Learning about Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Learning to
walk with Him. After I prayed and sang for you a while, I would crawl back into
bed and we would listen to praise songs on my phone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One earphone for me and one for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You loved music.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You would flutter and dance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At five I would get up, and sit outside with
my coffee and bible and start the day with you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reading to you of the Lord’s promises.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Praying for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Singing to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thanking the Lord for you – for everything
that you were giving me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even before you
were born Samuel you were teaching me things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You were giving me opportunities to learn and to walk by faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am so humbled by your life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By your ministry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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You were a breach baby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your head resting under my ribs and your feet
near my left hip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some days were so
painful I would have to lie down for most of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I would put my hand on your head and pray
for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I loved you and treasured you
even during those moments of discomfort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Because I knew the days that I had with you were limited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I held those moments of your heart
beating and your flutters and your kicks and your hiccups all so close.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Treasuring them and putting them to
memory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Because you were breach you had to
be delivered via c-section. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I must admit
that I was scared.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had never had a
major surgery and I prayed so hard that you would turn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it seemed like the Lord was wanting us to
go this route.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we heard what it
would take to turn you, or to deliver you breech– my heart didn’t have it in
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thinking of everything that you
might have to endure once you were delivered – the medical procedures you might
have to go through – it brought a stillness to the fear in order to go through
the c-section procedure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I could make
your journey into this world a little easier with a c-section then it became
such a small easy thing to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Our c-section was scheduled for
when you would be 37 weeks and 1 day old. So many people from home were
planning on coming with us. But just like Caleb, you wanted to come at 36 weeks
and 6 days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a Thursday evening.
After dinner my water broke and we went in to the hospital.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They checked me and were surprised that I was
already 6 inches dilated. Things went fast after that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seemed like it wasn’t even an hour and
then we were prepped and wheeled to the OR for surgery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>C-section was like a dream.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like I was going through it outside of
myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The NICU doctor and team were
there in the room with us – waiting for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I could hear your little cry when they took you from me and were working
on you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before the surgery was finished
Dr. Walker, your doctor, wheeled you over to me and told me that your lungs
were tight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That you would probably not
survive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then he touched my head and
looked at me with such kindness and compassion in his eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And then you were wheeled out and daddy went
with you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It took a while to come out of
surgery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And when I did grandma Aurea
was with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
I was worried for your dad. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He suffered so much with your brother Caleb.
But our God provided comfort and grace and although no visitors were allowed
with him in the NICU, Brother Lonnie was able to sit with him while they worked
on you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t know about Brother
Lonnie being with daddy until later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
don’t you see God’s mercies through it all sweetheart?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once again providing every grace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Daddy and Dr. Walker came in after
a while and told me that your lungs were too under developed to grow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That we could put you on a breathing machine
but all it would do would be to breathe for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your lungs wouldn’t grow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wouldn’t change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Daddy and I had prayed about what to do at
this point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And we were convinced that
the Lord wouldn’t be pleased if we tried to hold onto you for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead we would hold you and love you and
prepare you to return to the Father who formed you and knew your days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
The staff at Kapiolani hospital
were so giving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They arranged a large
room for us to recover in, where all of those who had gathered to support us
could be with us when you were brought to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Shortly after I was settled in the room, the NICU staff came in with
you. They gave you a shot of morphine to make you comfortable. You had a
breathing tube and one of the nurses pumped air for you while they placed you
in my arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
You my son, were very
beautiful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My eyes drank in every detail
– tracing you into my heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It took me
a while to find my voice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But when I
could, I started singing to you about our God. About desiring to behold His
temple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And Samuel, my sweet sweet boy –
you opened one eye, and then the other – and you looked like you <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">knew </i>me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You watched me sing to you for a while and I sang all of the songs that
were in my heart for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I held your
hand and daddy held onto your little foot and we sang to you about our Great
God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How He is mighty and strong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I read to you from Psalm 139.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And both of your grandmothers were able to
hold you and pour their love into you and say goodbye.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And then when we were ready to take your
breathing tube out, everyone there held hands and Brother Lonnie prayed for
you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
And little one – just like your
brother, your heart was so strong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even
after you stopped breathing, your little heart beat for a good while.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I held you close and your warm body was
so comforting that I fell asleep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Daddy
held you close and when you left this earth you were warm and comfortable and
wrapped in all of the love that we could give.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Everyone stayed with us for several
hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Daddy told me later that he was
able to wash your hair so that we could take a strand of it to remember you
by.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The staff there was so loving and they
spent as much time with us as they could in helping us to prepare you and to
say goodbye.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
I woke up and we all joined hands
again and Brother Lonnie prayed for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And then the family went home and grandma stayed with me in the hospital
and daddy went to be with your brother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Samuel – my child of comfort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The comfort that I longed for wasn’t what I
had imagined, but the Lord’s ways are not our ways son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Lord brought a deeper comfort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being able to say goodbye to you – being able
to pour our love into you and watching you be comfortable and free of panic and
pain – that was comfort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The grace that
the Lord provided during all of the trials leading up to that point, was a
comfort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The comfort that you brought
wasn’t anything that the world and this life could ever give us – but a
spiritual comfort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A spiritual
hope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A spiritual joy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Your ministry was so short – but it
burned. Like slow moving lava, burning bright and changing everything that it
touched.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For little one you changed
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gave us such a deep understanding of
how to be afraid in the Lord, how to hope and to trust in Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Lord used you to mold us into something
useful to Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We don’t know that
purpose yet – but we are starting to understand more and more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Samuel Maikalani.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Samuel means ‘asked of the Lord’ and
Maikalani means ‘from heaven’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My son
whom I asked for that the Lord gave me from heaven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My child of comfort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Daddy and I are grateful for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
even if we had a chance to choose – <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>we
still would have chosen you. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just as you
were my perfect little boy. Thank you my sweet sweet son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For all that you have done and all that you
have given us. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
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To God be the Glory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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Karisma http://www.blogger.com/profile/05985447036396190238noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8408998858933596919.post-19957937600059221322016-08-13T12:00:00.000-07:002016-08-13T12:02:36.136-07:00Caleb's Birth Story <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hello. It has been such a long time friends. The last stages of my pregnancy just left me feeling so uninspired to write in this space. But I've missed it. I've missed sharing all of the creative happenings here. I've missed all of you as well. There has been so much going on in this little corner of the world that we share. Some of it joyful. Some of it sad. For those of you who don't know, baby Caleb Keaka was born on July 10th, and then went to be with our Heavenly Father five hours later. I wanted to write down his birth story so that we wouldn't forget it. If you are of the heart to read, I would like to share it with you all. </div>
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We found out that our family was going to expand in December
of 2015.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My first trimester was just
like Liam’s – mommy was so fatigued! Brother Liam got quiet a few movie hours
while mommy cuddled up in bed to rest those first few months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But by our second trimester I started to have
more energy and I was able to think more on you – to start preparing a place in
our home to welcome you. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I remember
there was one Sunday when I started to move furniture – your daddy and I got
into a little argument – he wasn’t ready to start rearranging – on the Lord’s
day nonetheless, and I started crying because I wanted to prepare a place for
you and I felt that your daddy wouldn’t help me! Daddy had a point though – it
was the Sabbath – but oh how I was ready to prepare a place for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Daddy and I prayed about it, and talked about
it, and after that moment we began to prepare for you in earnest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your baby quilt was cut out, and I sat and
hand quilted it on the couch while brother Liam watched movies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whenever I worked on that quilt, putting in
those imperfect little stitches, I could feel you tumbling and kicking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt connected to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Often times you would wake me up at 3:30 in
the morning and I would wake up and sit on the couch and talk to you while
working on projects for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Little
pants to guard your legs when you learned to crawl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A toy cube with pull tabs and bells to
encourage you to chase it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I learned to
knit with you – my first ever sweater for you to keep you warm during the
winter months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So much preparation for
you little one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>My
pregnancy with yours was similar to your brother Liam’s – just a bit more back
pain since I had to lift Liam up all the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We were so excited to see your ultrasound pictures at 20 weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every time we went in to the hospital to get
checked, we were excited to hear your heartbeat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You would kick upon hearing it, just like
your brother did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We went to
the mainland to visit with mommy’s family for the whole month, and during that
time mommy was having so many contractions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I had a feeling that you were wanting to come into the world early.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And early you did come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I started
having contractions while I was teaching piano on the 8<sup>th</sup> of
July.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They lasted throughout the entire
night and next day. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We slept over Uncle
Braddah and Auntie Denni’s house because we didn’t know if brother Liam was
going to have to stay with them when we went to the hospital.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But even though my Braxton Hics contractions <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>were sharp, they didn’t have any pattern.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We stayed with them all day waiting for the
contractions to get active, but it didn’t come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Mommy was a bit worried since you were a little early, just a few days
shy of 37 weeks, so we went in to get checked at the birthing center on the 9<sup>th</sup>
of July.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we went in, mommy was
dilated at 1.5 centimeters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
monitored your heart and it was strong! Your movement was good too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We checked out and then went home to
rest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Mommy woke
up the next morning at 2 in the morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I started knitting a vest for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It has been cold yesterday up in Waimea and if you were coming, you were
going to need something warm for your chest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I remember contemplating making cinnamon rolls for church, but I got so
tired and started cramping again that I went back to sleep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I woke up, I was feeling so crampy and
off. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember walking around the
kitchen and thinking we didn’t have a middle name for you! Daddy and I were
looking at names, and then we came upon <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Keaka</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It meant God’s precious gift.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because I didn’t feel good, I asked daddy to
make pancakes to share with the brethren for breakfast… but he was worried
about me, so we decided to pick up cereal to contribute for breakfast at
church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Daddy bought all the good stuff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Captain crunch and Cherrios and Honey Bunches
of Oats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mommy had a bowl of Peanut
butter Captain crunch and a bit of spam at church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During the preaching hour, mommy went into
the hallway to walk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mommy counted 11
sharp contractions during the preaching hour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Pastor Darrell preached on the tongue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>During break Auntie Celeste and Daddy came to check on me and just at
that moment a sharp contraction came and caused my eyes to water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Daddy wanted to drive up to the hospital
right then, but I asked him to wait a bit longer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I made a goal to wait out the devotionals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It took a couple hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I bounced and walked and the contractions
kept coming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told daddy to wait until
we had a break between the devotionals and Pastor Darrell’s next preaching
hour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, the devotionals finished
but Pastor Darrell didn’t call for a break, but just started into his message!
I asked daddy to go because I don’t think I could have waited for one more
message. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We left for
the hospital around 2 and got checked in at 2:30.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mommy was dilated at 5/6 centimeters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After church Auntie Celeste came to help
daddy coach me during your birth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By the
time she came, my contractions were very close together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At 4:30, mommy was at 8.5 centimeters and
ready to push by 4:50.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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You were
born on July 10<sup>th</sup> of 2016 at precisely 5:00.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The midwife
on call was Bridget Malloy and she let daddy help catch you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Daddy was the first to hold you as you came
into this world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They placed you on my
chest and you curled up and looked so tired and sleepy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I saw you – oh sweetheart you were so
beautiful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I noticed right away that you
had daddy’s nose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Pagat nose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a strong trait and hard to get away
from.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You looked like your brother, but
with lighter coloring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just in that
first glance, I knew that you were going to change our lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just didn’t realize how much you would
change us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>When they
saw your chord, everyone exclaimed how large and healthy it was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now that I think about on it, I think our
connection was so strong, because my body knew that you would have trouble
breathing on your own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So it
strengthened the bond between us to help what your little lungs just couldn’t
do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When they cut our connection, you
started to change colors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The nurses
took you from my chest and started to give you Oxygen to help you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Daddy rubbed you and called your name,
“Caleb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Caleb”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When they wheeled you out, daddy went with
you and Auntie Celeste stayed with mommy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I didn’t fear for you because I thought you just needed a bit of
help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I trusted you with the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t until Doctor Gree came in to
explain what was happening with you that I began to realize that the Lord might
have different plans for you other than the ones we imagined.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had time, those few hours in the room to
pray, and to resolve that the Lord’s will would be done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That you belonged to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The staff
at the hospital labored so hard in trying to help you to breathe. To find out
what was wrong with you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were going
to fly you and daddy to Oahu to see doctors who might have been able to better
see what was going on with your little body. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>But the
Lord had different plans for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
airplane that was to take you and daddy couldn’t land in Waimea because of the
weather so they got redirected to Kona.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Waimea ambulance went to Kona to pick up the crew so they could come
and get you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You returned to the Lord
just as the crew came racing up the hallway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This is a
blessing I constantly thank the Lord for – that daddy was with you just before
you passed away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That you felt his hands
on your little body before you went to be with our Heavenly Father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thank the Lord that daddy was able to tell
me in person that you went to be with the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That we got to hold each other and pray together and we got to see each
other accept that the Lord’s will would be done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>You weren’t
there when I said goodbye – but I got to hold your tiny body and sing to you
from Isaiah 40. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“The grass withereth, the flower
fadeth,<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>because the Spirit of the Lord bloweth upon
it. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Surely, the people is grass <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
grass withereth, the flower fadeth<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">But
the word of our God shall stand forever <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
word of our God shall stand forever” <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 6;"> </span>~
Isaiah 40:7-8 <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Oh my sweet sweet baby boy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your life was so short, but you changed us so
much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Lord used you in such amazing
ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
He used you to open up my heart –
to teach me about surrendering to His will.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>To trusting in His plan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have such
an amazing understanding of loss, and grief, and compassion and love. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your dad and I now pray every morning together
– asking the Lord to give us our daily portion of grace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To use us for His honor and glory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did you know little one, that your short
life, and with God’s grace - our surrender, has caused people to turn their
eyes to the Lord? To come together as a people to pray?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amazing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Concerning your name little one.
Caleb: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Faithfulness</i> Keaka: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">God’s precious gift. </i>The meaning of your
name is Faithfulness… God’s precious gift.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So many layers of meaning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was
our hope for you to be faithful to God – but oh sweet boy,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>it was our faithfulness that was
strengthened. You my son were indeed a precious gift.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vnf-MzkQle0/V69qDJYqFZI/AAAAAAAAEac/FIQ0zYuZ1fESUQ8nFYVmmp5uBThy-epdwCLcB/s1600/IMG_2068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vnf-MzkQle0/V69qDJYqFZI/AAAAAAAAEac/FIQ0zYuZ1fESUQ8nFYVmmp5uBThy-epdwCLcB/s400/IMG_2068.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Your short life had such an amazing
ministry. Beacause of you, I know what it means to keep my eyes on our Savior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know what it means to yield.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know what it means to be weak so that our
Savior can be strong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know what it
means to trust. You’ve made me stronger in my walk with our God, and for that I
am so grateful for you my sweet sweet baby boy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Thank you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 6;"> </span>To
God be the Glory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Karisma http://www.blogger.com/profile/05985447036396190238noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8408998858933596919.post-5106903162092776752016-05-21T10:42:00.000-07:002016-05-21T10:42:14.388-07:00In the restlessness <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am starting to understand why so many become knitters when they are pregnant. There is a call to create and nest for this brand new life that will enter into yours and change everything. There is a restlessness. Perhaps from not being able to get comfortable due to a changing body. Or perhaps just due to a mind that won't settle down to the possibilities and the hopes and dreams one has for this little person and their family. Today was such a morning. I found myself awake and unable to go back to sleep at three a.m.. So what does one do? Gets up and creates... <i>naturally! </i> I could have set up my sewing machine in order to finish those<a href="http://littleopihicrafts.blogspot.com/2016/05/a-time-for-everything.html" target="_blank"> booties</a> that are still half done. I could have worked on father's day presents. But the hum and industriousness of the sewing machine just didn't feel right for this moment. No. The stillness of sitting with my feet up on the ottoman and wrapping yarn around two pieces of bamboo called me. The morning is so still - even though this little one in my body is not. I wanted something where I could sit in the stillness and concentrate on baby's little squirms. I wanted to create for baby through the pain twisting in my back as baby tries to find its spot. For this baby I wanted to be calm and totally aware of him or her... so stitch by stitch, breath by breath I sat until the sun rose and the pitter patter of little toddler feet calling "mama...mama..." found me.<br />
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Good morning everyone! Blessings on this weekend.Karisma http://www.blogger.com/profile/05985447036396190238noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8408998858933596919.post-29220565589242809562016-05-20T10:41:00.002-07:002016-05-20T10:42:09.279-07:00A toy for baby <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Reflecting on Liam's early stages has been so sweet. Thinking about all of his milestones and the elation we felt at watching him. Crawling, grasping, scooting... so many. Thinking back to the way that he played, I remember wishing for more tab toys. He loved to pull on things and manipulate small items with his fumbling chubby fingers. So I made the baby a toy block, complete with tabs. <br />
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The block is actually quite large and can be rolled around and chased... perfect for encouraging baby to reach that crawling milestone. I also added a jingle bell. I wasn't sure about the jingle bell at first because Ross and I aren't a fan of noisy baby toys - but the little bell makes such a sweet sound that it is actually quite musical and I don't think that it will be too abrasive for baby's ears. <br />
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This block was actually inspired by one of <a href="http://ayumills.blogspot.com/2014/04/dressden-photo-frames-for-patchwork.html?m=1" target="_blank">Ayumi's old creations </a> for a toy color block for her baby girl. Mine isn't as square as hers, but I am very pleased with it none the less. <br />
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Scrappy sewing is such an elated feeling. Taking little bits of this and that from here and there and constructing an entirely new piece of fabric. That is the best kind of sewing in my opinion!<br />
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The projects on the list for baby are getting crossed off. Which is wonderful considering we only have three months to go. Baby's kicks are getting harder, a constant reminder that baby is growing and waiting to join our family. It is a very exciting time.<br />
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Linking up to<a href="http://crazymomquilts.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"> Finish it Friday! </a>Karisma http://www.blogger.com/profile/05985447036396190238noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8408998858933596919.post-13019272475277436832016-05-18T09:18:00.001-07:002016-05-18T09:18:32.976-07:00Sick day(s) ~ a new trick for my bag of tricks. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Our days have been so long lately. Liam has been running a fever for the past three days and we are once again at home. It has been hard on him - this little boy of mine who wants to play and run and use his body. I have been trying so hard to expand my little sick day bag of tricks, but most of my activities were starting to become tiresome, both to him and to me. <br />
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So I picked up a much wanted item on our art list. A spin art kit. In our little town, our hardware store has an aisle with children's art supplies (isn't that great!), a lot of it by Melissa and Doug. I am usually such a fan of Melissa and Doug products, but this one I wan't too thrilled with. It doesn't rotate in a constant circle, but instead goes back and forth as the child pumps it with the handle. It is nice because it has suction cups on the bottom of the device that allows the child to use both hands to pump. It will be nice to use for art playdates, but I think I am eventually going to try and invest in an old salad spinner for this particular art project.<br />
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Liam didn't seem to mind or notice that his mama wasn't too thrilled. He was really into spinning. He got a kick out of pumping the handle back and forth. But squeezing the paint out of the bottles was hands down the best part about it for him. He was <i>really </i>into squeezing. Like, using one whole bottle on one little square. But that's alright - because today was more about discovering the materials. What they are and what they can do. Squeezing is a skill set that he is very interested in right now. During bath time he has an old ketchup bottle that we fill with water and he spends several minutes just squeezing and refilling. I am a fan of anything that helps to develop those tiny hand muscles. <br />
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On a mama note - I have been trying very hard to focus on the joy found within our day and once again I find myself so grateful for this space. It has been helping me to focus on those one or two moments glittering through the hard spaces of a hard day stacked upon harder days. It helps me to stop and document the laughter, the beauty, the <i>joy</i> that can always be found when we look hard enough. <br />
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That picture above was something that brought me great joy. It has been hard to do anything because all Liam wants to do is be close to me. When I'm working in the kitchen, he often peeks over the couch and holds out his arms for me, wanting me close to him. Before I sat next to him, I got my camera, intending to capture his sad little face, and instead that little ham of a boy lit up for me. <br />
Smiled at me. And it made me smile. <br />
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Oh yes ~ there is always a joyful moment when we look hard enough. I just have to continue to open my eyes and my heart to them as they come along.<br />
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<br />Karisma http://www.blogger.com/profile/05985447036396190238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8408998858933596919.post-29866085957336572792016-05-17T14:38:00.000-07:002016-05-17T14:38:13.450-07:00Brave <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We are still battling this cold bug here in our little corner of the world. I have been grateful for the snatches of time that I have been able to find to do a little creating in between my current full time job of nurse, cleaner of vomit, cook, and giver of cuddles. A creative outlet is indeed so refreshing - even ten minutes during a hard won nap time with a few hand stitches can make such a difference in my day. It really helps me to slow down. Not just my pace, but my thought process - which currently tends to race at how to keep this under the weather little boy loved and nurtured. <br />
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But on to the project at hand!<br />
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So many of my mama friends have exclaimed that children make you brave. In this case I have to whole heartedly agree. As long as I have been reading blogs, I have envied those who had the skills to knit their children clothes. A child in a knitted sweater just seems so wrapped in good intentions. So slowly, this hand project has been worked on a little by little. It is the classic cardigan from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Natural-Nursery-Knits-Handknit-Projects/dp/0312592973/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1463467776&sr=8-4&keywords=Erika+Knight" target="_blank">this book</a> and the yarn is Madelinetosh Tosk Merina DK in the color way Silverfox. I think the fact that I am in love with this pattern and utterly head over heals in love with this yarn have kept me going. Have pushed me forward even though the many times I've had to frog because of miscounting have made me want to just pull everything out and make really expensive knitted wash cloths. What has motivated me the most I have to say is imagining this new little baby being able to wear this knitted cardigan when the weather cools. I've chosen the 3-6 month size since that is how old baby will be when he/she is ready to wear it. <br />
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I'm not good at learning things two dimensionally. I never have. My learning style is very visual. I need to be able to <i>see</i> what I need to do. Knittinghelp.com and youtube have been such amazing resources. I've turned to videos on those sites several times to get me through new things. Like casting on for sleeves? Oh my. I worked myself up to a semi-panic when I realized I had to do something that wasn't purl or knit stitch. But as all new things go... it is only hard until you learn it. And then you have that skill set down. <br />
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Brave.<br />
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The hoping heart that our children give us totally make us brave. Wouldn't you agree?<br />
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Linking up with Nicole for <a href="http://frontierdreams.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Keep Calm Craft On at Frontier Dreams.</a>Karisma http://www.blogger.com/profile/05985447036396190238noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8408998858933596919.post-51539087706000431622016-05-16T23:37:00.000-07:002016-05-16T23:37:52.925-07:00A time for everything <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We have been hit so hard the past three weeks with sickness. Like a vicious circle, each getting sick after one after another. I think the hardest thing I've ever done in my life has been to take care of a toddler, while sick, while pregnant. Oh my. I don't want to dwell on the hard though. This isn't what I want for this space. I want this space to reflect the joy and the love and the blessings. <br />
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And oh there were blessings amongst it all. Like the fact that Liam was such a trooper while we stayed holed up in the house during my battle with this cold bug. Like the fact that his smile is so readily given. Or the fact that his type of play is changing before my eyes. The way that he imitates. The way that he imagines. This little boy of mine is loosing the baby in him... and then when sickness hits him, a glimmer of that baby returns in the need for snuggles. In the need to be close. And I take every advantage of it... as I rock him, and hold him close to my heart. Those moments are fleeting, every kick of this new baby growing in my tummy reminds me. Change is in the air and it is coming fast. <br />
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I want to stop and relish these moments. These moments of quiet. These moments where it is just him and I with his ear near my heart as I hold him close and listen. Listen to his rhythm. Listen to him just <i>be. </i><br />
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The changes in my body though constantly remind me that there will be another little person that will expand my heart. That things still need to be made ready. I've put the to do list away and have stopped trying to cross things off. Instead, I listen to my body and my heart, letting me know want I to work on - and working on it slowly as time and energy allow. Slow. Slow hand stitching and detailing seem to be what I want. That is how this little squirrel came to be stitched. Booties are in the works from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Handmade-Beginnings-Sewing-Projects-Welcome/dp/0470497815/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1463466686&sr=8-6&keywords=anna+maria+horner" target="_blank">this book</a>. And the process is coming together slowly. Cutting here while Liam naps. Pinning there while he eats his snack. Eventually they will come together. I'm not worried. Instead I'm taking more time to get in as many cuddles as I possibly can. Because there is a time for everything I am constantly reminded. A time for everything indeed.Karisma http://www.blogger.com/profile/05985447036396190238noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8408998858933596919.post-47507551084310797052016-05-09T10:45:00.000-07:002016-05-09T10:45:40.453-07:00Art in our Home <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I checked the book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Artful-Parent-Creativity---Projects-Children/dp/1590309642/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1462640638&sr=8-1&keywords=the+artful+parent" target="_blank">The Artful Parent by Jean Van't Hu</a>l from the library a couple of months ago and I was so inspired and moved by it that I began diving deep into the importance of process art for children. My little home library on children's art actually really grew and I have been reading voraciously on the topic. A lot of my creativity is being channeled into these projects and I'd like so much to share it with you all. </div>
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Usually I have three goals for Liam to accomplish every day. An art activity, a sensory activity, and to be engaged in a meaningful work activity for our home. Usually art is done in the mornings after breakfast, or it is done after nap. Sometimes Liam is really into it and activities can last up to an hour, and sometimes it can last about a minute. I try not to get discouraged when activities last a minute with two marks on the page and clean up for it lasts about twenty. It's about the process - not the product. It's about the experience I'm giving my child. I repeat that to myself when I get discouraged and it really helps. </div>
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Painting with a paint brush is a common activity. It has been so interesting to see Liam's grip change from a hammer grip to a modified pencil grip! Although painting with a paintbrush is a common activity here, it is often action art that really engages him. </div>
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Painting with cars was a big hit. We don't tend to buy plastic toys for him, I am a big fan of a few wooden toys. Once in a while though plastic toys make their way into our home as gifts or hand me downs, and they have actually found a place in our play during art. They are great because they wash so easily! </div>
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Q-tip pointillism was an activity from The Artful Parent. It's a great activity since most of the materials are already on hand. </div>
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Marble Art. Oh this activity. We must have done this activity at least twenty five times in the past two months. He just keeps asking for it! This activity engages so many different things. He is really into transferring with tongs, so developmentally, this is right on track with him. Rolling the marbles around with the cardboard box is extremely entertaining for this little guy. Oh I wish I could capture every smile and laugh that this experience has given! </div>
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Having Liam help to clean up after art is a big thing for me. I want him to associate clean up with the process of making art. A bucket of warm soapy water is always readied for him and then he helps me to rinse all of the materials used. Often times, it becomes a sensory game and water gets everywhere... but that's ok I remind myself. What is spilled water to the experience that my child is getting? </div>
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And last but not least, my personal favorite part. Documenting his work. A date, a note about the materials, and a small note about the process. We have a wire bound book used for a lot of his art, but also those art activities on loose bits of paper get housed in a container. I plan on making him an art portfolio for his birthday so we can all have an artifact of his art during his first year that we really started doing art.<br />
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Do you do art with your children? I would love to hear about it!<br />
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<br />Karisma http://www.blogger.com/profile/05985447036396190238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8408998858933596919.post-6535088075638107152016-05-08T10:43:00.000-07:002016-05-08T10:43:08.167-07:00Happy Mother's Day! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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To Liam and my little kicker. Thank you for making me a mother. You are the best gift I could have ever received. You make me a more patient, compassionate, and loving version of myself. Thank you for rewriting my life's story. <br />
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To all you mothers out there.... I hope you have a wonderful love filled day!Karisma http://www.blogger.com/profile/05985447036396190238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8408998858933596919.post-84450084372801239852016-05-07T09:03:00.000-07:002016-05-07T09:03:49.562-07:00Sewing what we need <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have been looking at all of the clothes that have been saved from when Liam was a baby and trying to take stock of what we have, what I can make, and what we should buy. So much of Liam's clothes in those early months were hand me downs that got returned that we actually don't really have much baby clothes for those early months. Which actually really works out because this baby will be born in the summer, and the summer time is also hurricane time, and it can get so oppressively hot that we wouldn't want to burden baby with extra layers. Liam was happy in a diaper or a onesie for the first three months of his life so we are going with that direction for this baby as well. So looking to the winter months, or also known as the wet season over here, a few more layers would be needed to stay comfortable. I fell in love with <a href="http://annamariahorner.squarespace.com/make/" target="_blank">Anna Maria Horner's Knick Knack Knickers pattern </a>and knew that I wanted to sew some up for this new baby. Can't you see it being so cute paired with an envelope tee or a onesie? Think of those chubby little six month legs kicking!<br />
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I have really been trying to hold myself back from making things that we don't need. I have the cutest idea for a special receiving blanket for baby but we have so many leftover from Liam that I couldn't justify the fabric use for it. But that's ok... because there are so many other sweet things on my list that I am excited about! <br />
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What are your favorite makes when you're expecting or for baby gifts? Do you have anything in particular that you love? Karisma http://www.blogger.com/profile/05985447036396190238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8408998858933596919.post-50846353537422602752016-04-29T14:04:00.000-07:002016-04-29T14:04:22.686-07:00Imperfect Love <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Stitch by stitch. Breath by breath. That is how this little play quilt for our second child was finished. My second trimester brought about more energy than my first, but it also brought about those wakeful hours in the night. That is how this quilt, the first of the sewing done for this new baby, found its beginning... early in the morning when the whole house was asleep. When the meals and the chores were complete and a happy husband and sleeping toddler were found resting in this sleeping house. That is when I would steal away and work on this project. First the top was sewn. Then a quilt sandwich made. And then that moment - you know, when a project really speaks to you and tells you exactly what it wants. Well, this little quilt wanted to be hand quilted. It wanted a slow process. It wanted time. So hand quilt it I did. And giving in and listening to that quiet voice was the best decision ever. <br />
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It was those moments, when the house was quiet and my tired feet were up, that I would sit and quilt this blanket. When I would sit and dream about what my family would be like when our three finally became four. What this new baby would be like. Whether it would be a girl or a boy. And this little baby would answer with kicks and flutters of its own. Bonding. That is what hand quilting this quilt has given me. The time to sit and bond when otherwise I wouldn't think as much about this child with the constant demands of the day competing with baby for attention.<br />
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This quilt represents so much of what I want to teach this child. Of what I have learned in taking this journey into motherhood. How life is so much like a quilt. Stitched together from patches of experiences and hopes. Quilted together with imperfect hand stitches. Very much like love. How it is imperfect, how mistakes are sometimes made, but oh how it covers. Oh how it warms and shelters and completely surrounds you.<br />
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So many blessings - in this craft that we do with our hands. <br />
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Linking up to <a href="http://crazymomquilts.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Finish it Friday </a><br />
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Aloha.Karisma http://www.blogger.com/profile/05985447036396190238noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8408998858933596919.post-1128795232066648942016-03-04T15:10:00.000-08:002016-03-04T15:10:23.878-08:00Why Hello Again! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hello again! Are you still there? Well, we are still here! I didn't realize that this break would have been so long! It was unintended to say the least and I must admit that I did miss writing here in this space ever so much. <br />
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The reason for the several month break was because <i>we are expecting! </i>Yes that's right. Little opihi number two is snug and growing as I write. My first trimester was pretty rough and I didn't feel like doing anything - so therefore nothing worthy to post so therefore no post. And so on and so on and so on. But second trimester is here and I am enjoying the wonderful energy that goes with it. <br />
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It has been really dry on the crafting front, but I did manage to finish my scarf that I was making for my dad. It was gifted to him during his two week stay along with a bit of art that Liam created for him. P for Papa. <i>Oh my heart! </i>My dad was thrilled with it.<br />
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Liam and I were very much reclusive during my first trimester, so now I am happy to announce that we are back into our weekly beach routines. It is so wonderful to be able to give your children exactly what they need... and an outing to the beach to play with water, and sticks, and sand, is so wonderful. He is napping right now and his sleep is so deep and clean and well earned. So taking advantage of that deep sleep, I am sitting here and writing and hopefully reconnecting. <br />
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So much has changed within the past few months. Not just externally but internally as well. I have been reading <i>a lot</i>... on children's art, and child development and I am so full of so much wonderful goodness that I have a feeling that the next few post will be less centered on my crafting endeavors, and more focused on the creativity that blossoms from parenting. There is a change in the air for this space, because in a sense, I am changing... so therefore I hope you follow along on this journey if creative parenting is your kind of thing. ::insert smily face::<br />
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Aloha!<br />
KarismaKarisma http://www.blogger.com/profile/05985447036396190238noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8408998858933596919.post-67389550972881663332015-11-19T12:15:00.000-08:002015-11-19T12:15:42.569-08:00Knitting ~ my first finish <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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There is a list that I made for myself for winter makes for Liam. After looking at his closet and between hand me down and gifts, a few essential items were needed for this colder season. The first up was a beanie. He had outgrown all of his other beanies and it was time for a new one. I have been wanting to learn how to knit for such a long time, and it's so funny how this little guy has pushed me out of my <i>someday </i>mentality into a more proactive <i>right now</i> state of mind. Children. They make you brave I tell you. <br />
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I decided on <a href="http://tincanknits.com/pattern-SC-barley.html" target="_blank">tincanknits's barley</a> pattern on my first project. This site is wonderful to learn from for a lot of their beginning projects have tutorials on how to go about doing step by steps portions of the pattern. Knittinghelp.com was also an amazing resource in learning. Now I'm hooked and most of those free moments go to adding rows. Knitting is wonderfully portable I'm finding so it actually goes with me everywhere and a few stitches here and there are added throughout the course of a day. <br />
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Are you wondering why I don't have any pictures of Liam wearing his new hand knit beanie? Well... apparently this little boy doesn't like it on his head (Insert weeping emoticon). I've tried everything - even on really windy blustery days, as soon as I whip it out of the bag he goes crying and running the other way. Oh well. Ross tells me to make him one and then he will model beanie wearing for Liam in the hopes of inspiring our little boy to keep his mama knit hat on. A beanie for Ross is next on the list!<br />
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Currently on the needles though is a scarf for my dad. Once again the pattern is from <a href="http://tincanknits.com/pattern-SC-wheat.html" target="_blank">tincanknits</a> and it is actually perfect for practicing those beginning stitches. That stripe of knit stitches keeps it so very interesting. My dad comes in a weeks time and I'm crossing my fingers that this present will be ready for him by then. He celebrated his birthday a week ago and it has been on my heart to create a little handmade for him, and to also have our own little birthday celebratory dinner for him during his short visit. My dad... such a special man in my eyes. He is the one who taught me how to appreciate handmade presents and cards you see, and I would so much love to gift him with something that has so many wishes and good thoughts knit into it with every stitch. <br />
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November is here and it is almost over. Can you imagine that next week is Thanksgiving? Oh my where is the time going!<br />
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Happy Thursday everyone. <br />
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Aloha.<br />
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<br />Karisma http://www.blogger.com/profile/05985447036396190238noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8408998858933596919.post-29761985445657883272015-11-04T16:07:00.005-08:002015-11-04T16:07:43.879-08:00Finding Center <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Sometimes when everything feels like it's out of my reach, there are a few things that help me find my center.<br />
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::setting the table::<br />
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::spending a moment to think of someone else and to say a prayer for them::<br />
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::baking something special to celebrate a hard day completed and learned from::<br />
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::a breath::<br />
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One moment, one breath, one life. <br />
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<i>"Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?" ~ Mary Oliver </i></div>
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Karisma http://www.blogger.com/profile/05985447036396190238noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8408998858933596919.post-35878415676191391712015-11-03T17:21:00.000-08:002015-11-03T17:21:30.419-08:00A Good Day <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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There is a new little sou chef in the kitchen! Keeping with the momentum of having Liam in the kitchen, we made graham crackers together yesterday. Monday is usually baking day for this little mama, but yesterday a baking project was chosen with the intention of inviting this little guy in to help me. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liam's first picture, taken with my little Cannon PowerShot while we rolled out the dough. Future blogger perhaps? </td></tr>
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Catherine McCord's book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Weelicious-Fast-Fresh-Easy-Recipes/dp/0062078445/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1446599270&sr=8-1&keywords=weelicious" target="_blank">Weelicious </a>had the perfect graham cracker recipe for us to do together. There is no egg in this cracker, which was really good because I saw Liam eating the dough several times. But oh it was so much <strike>work </strike> fun helping him to use the rolling pin, cut out the cookies and place them on the sheet.<br />
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I love that picture above! He is checking out his pictures on my old camera all the while sporting a flour mustache!<br />
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While they were baking I set up a play dough station for him so that he could practice what we had just learned. His little rolling pin is new to his little basket of kitchen things, a yard sale find for a dollar. Don't you just love those?<br />
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I don't know what made me do it, but I was so inspired from this experience with him... watching him touch the dough with his hands, watching him concentrate on a task with such amazing focus, it didn't feel complete to set up a quilt on the floor and have our regular floor picnic. So I loaded a tray with snacks and we headed outside to the <i>lanai, </i>or porch. And sitting there, watching him eat the fruits of his labor with the birds singing and the wind blowing our hair around us just <i>made sense. </i>It felt really really <i>right. </i>Eating outside, is a really big thing for this mama that tends to cower inside in fear of those dreadful tropical mosquitoes! But they stayed away so that we could enjoy ourselves. We looked for geckos but they were being shy. The birds came for a visit on the trees outside and Liam laughed as he watched them glide. We counted four trucks and three cars during our little alfresco snack time, in of course Hawaiian and English. And we enjoyed the sun and the wind and the discovery of a broom. This mama was inspired to put some love into this unused little corner of our home and went inside dreaming of a container garden space to grow flowers, a table and chairs for when Liam is older and we can really have lunch or perhaps afternoon tea. </div>
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Afterwards Liam helped me with the Monday chores, (well Tuesday actually, but all that baking and flour play really messed up the floors) of vacuuming and mopping. We vacuumed the house together and then he rode in the sling while I mopped. Doing things with Liam seemed to take three times as long, but the experience that he got out of it was so worth it. Not only did he fully engage in an activity, but he helped me take care of our home, and I think that lesson has so many layers of meanings that we can explore. <br />
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The nap that he had in the afternoon was wonderful. It was one of those tired but happy naps. A nap that felt earned by this mama. Isn't it wonderful when our children are tired because of all the <i>experiencing </i>that they have just had? Nothing makes me happier.<br />
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And his little sleep was so deep that I got some prepping in to continue a WIP that has long needed attention. <br />
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Looking back it was a good day. A very good day if I must say so myself.<br />
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<br />Karisma http://www.blogger.com/profile/05985447036396190238noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8408998858933596919.post-40214500484614309582015-11-02T10:17:00.002-08:002015-11-02T10:17:19.605-08:00Thoughts on play <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Is it November already? Oh my how October seems to have come and went! Can you imagine that there are only two more months to the year? Lately my thoughts have been turning to activities that Liam and I can do together. Especially in the kitchen. Not only to help him learn, but to also control the type of <strike>mess</strike> work he has going on in the kitchen while I am cooking or baking. One morning, I was making <a href="http://www.soulemama.com/soulemama/2012/03/in-my-kitchen.html" target="_blank">these muffins</a> again (I think I've made them every week since I discovered them!) and this time I was going to add mashed banana. So I had Liam mash the bananas for me. We had a blast, him and I - mashing bananas. Who knew that mashing fruit into a pulp could be so therapeutic! It's a stress reliever I tell you. </div>
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After we finished mashing, I washed off the masher and gave it to him so that I could get the muffins mixed and into the oven. When I looked up from my work, you know what I found him doing? You guessed it... </div>
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Mashing his little crochet fruit in a mixing bowl in his play area. He had just applied what we had done in the kitchen to his play. I have read that children imitate real life in their play in books, but to see it in real life - amazing! I think I stared at him a bit awestruck for a moment before snapping to my senses and running to get my camera like a good little blogger to shoot pictures of this occurrence. Please excuse the picture of his back, once I started snapping pictures of his face he got distracted. <br />
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You know how he applied a skill from real life to imitate in play? Well, the same went vise versa. Liam here is spooning one crochet apple from one bowl to the other. We had never introduced a spoon during meal times, but lately he has been reaching for one. This morning I gave it to him and was blown away as he used his spoon to pick up food and put it into his mouth. Food. Spoon. Mouth. All in that order. Mind blowing! He taught himself how to use a spoon by playing with small objects and a spoon. Looking back, I do recall him spooning those little crochet apples into his mouth and later chasing him to pry it out, but it never really amazed me until he did it with real food during breakfast. <br />
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A child's play... so much learning about the world and their part in it takes place through play. That realization really has me contemplating the meaningful work that I can give him and the play stations that I create for him. <br />
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I know this stuff must be old news to veteran parents like yourself but to a newbie like me, I am learning so much. And it is so amazing to see and such a blessing to be a part of it all with him. <br />
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I added a dish rag to his kitchen toys. I've been thinking about teaching him how to dry his own dish lately. I thought I would start off with play drying. Or perhaps real life drying. Apparently it doesn't matter because there is such a wonderful overlap!<br />
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Cheers everyone!Karisma http://www.blogger.com/profile/05985447036396190238noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8408998858933596919.post-4348618697413541522015-10-30T23:51:00.000-07:002015-10-30T23:51:52.344-07:00Our Spot #1 <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Lately I've been thinking about spots. You know, that one <i>spot </i>that you claim as yours. It might be that one chair in the living room, or a chair on the lanai (porch), or a table at your favorite coffee shop. Perhaps it is a large flat rock on the beach or a bench in your garden. A place that offers refuge and a place to recenter and find focus. </div>
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We have a few, this boy and I. I don't know if they will always remain ours. I would like to think that they will. That no matter what life changes around us, inside of us, these spots will remain ours. A special place. A place where we go to find whatever we are looking for and leave with our hearts and hands full. I thought I'd document our spots here in this space. So that even if our spots change, we will have these pictures and words to remember them by. </div>
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Have you read Kim Payne's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Simplicity-Parenting-Extraordinary-Calmer-Happier-ebook/dp/B002LLRDS8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1446273595&sr=8-2&keywords=simplicity+parenting" target="_blank">Simplicity Parenting</a>? This book and knitting have been my secret delights this week. I once read this book on my kindle last year, and while it was an interesting read, it didn't quite captivate me as this second read has. Perhaps it has something to do with holding a real copy in my hand verses a digital one. Or perhaps it has something to do with the age that Liam is at right now. Whatever the factor, I am so glad to be rereading it for there are so many treasures that have moved me to action this past week. </div>
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Yesterday I posted about<a href="http://littleopihicrafts.blogspot.com/2015/10/my-spot.html" target="_blank"> my spot</a>. A spot in our home that I claim as my own. Where work and rest takes place. It had me thinking about spots that Liam and I have. In our home. On our island. I realized that when I think about a spot that the two of us share, it is our spot at the beach. The few spots of shade on the long stretch of white sand. Right under a tree when our red cardinal and his lady friend visit so frequently. Right by the large white piece of drift wood that lies beautifully and patiently waiting to be discovered. Far enough for Liam to be comforted that the crash of the waves cannot reach him. Close enough to the bathrooms and showers that will be used to end our time at the beach. Yes... this spot has become <i>ours</i> without me really realizing it until now. Will you visit with us? </div>
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<i style="text-align: center;">"How satisfying it is for a child to know a place - however modest - and to know it deeply. To explore it repeatedly, to know it in all of its seasonal faces, to identify one's own favorite little spots and crevices in it." ~ Kim John Payne, M.ED., from Simplicity Parenting. </i></div>
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"<i>Children need experience, not entertainment, in play. The more kids can do, see, feel, and experience for themselves in play, the more connected they will feel to the world, and the less overwhelmed". Kim Payne ~ Simplicity Parenting. </i></div>
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Experiences. How much of my day goes into planning experiences for this little boy. Things that I want him to touch and taste and see. Our spot on the beach offers so much of these wonderful sensory experiences. </div>
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Like the feeling of sand between our toes </div>
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Or sifting through our finger tips </div>
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Furry roots or smooth driftwood </div>
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(Lack of picture because my camera and ocean water just don't mix!) </div>
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The water on our bodies and the wet sand in our hands. </div>
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And rocks - of the corral or lava rock variety. </div>
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Our spot on the beach provides so many opportunities for experience. A beach day is so ripe for the potential to experience and to absorb and to heal. I wrote earlier about how I was waiting for the <a href="http://littleopihicrafts.blogspot.com/2015/10/joy-commeth-in-morning.html" target="_blank">joy to come</a>. This week, with the lack of sleep, it is so easy to think that nothing is going right. That I am the worse parent because I lost my temper after a hard night, in a long line up of long and hard nights all because I couldn't drink my silly cup of coffee in peace. Not a proud moment. But today was one of joy. Where everything seemed to flow in the right direction, where everyone was rowing towards the same destination. Where I was patient and <i>fun</i> and fully present. I'd like to think that it was because we got to visit our spot today. </div>
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Our spot offered us a wonderful way to be in the water. With the hard winter surf season starting to come in, the swells were too much for us to try and take part in. But with the waves being so strong, a lagoon had been created sometime before we got there and a large section of water lay still and waiting. Liam was scared because it was unfamiliar. I was scared because I didn't know if it was clean enough to play in. After a while of watching some other people playing and sitting in the little lagoon, this little mama got brave enough to venture into it. Liam wasn't on the same page as me and furrowed deep into my arms. I so wanted to just go back to our little spot on our blanket, but a part of me wanted for him to so badly experience the water. So my mama desire won out and I plopped down in the water with him in my arms. He protested and used my body like a ladder to climb who knows where he thought he was going. I knew though that once he got in it, he would love it. So I held him close and when he settled down, cupped some water and brought it up to him. When he saw what it was he splashed the water in my hand. Splashing water was familiar. Over and over we did this until slowly he started to unlatch and reach out towards the water surrounding us. And oh what fun we had. There was a game of lathering our bodies with the wet sand. There was a game of washing our bodies clean. There was throwing sand and rolling around in it. There was stretching out like a cat to taste only to grimace at the salty wet flavor. There was just the right amount of sun and just the right amount of wet cool. Our little spot - knew just what we needed. We were scared and then brave. We dipped our toes in the little lagoon and then our hands and then our faces. There were moments when we laughed and squealed and more times when we were just silent and thoughtful. Life, comes in the hard but also the good. And the good is always so sweet and tender and full of wonder. </div>
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Joy. Oh yes indeed. Be it morning, or noon, or night - eventually it does come. And when it does it takes your breath away and fills your heart with an ache because it is being stretched so full. </div>
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Do you have a special spot? I would so love to hear about it. </div>
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Wishing you and yours blessings this weekend. </div>
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Aloha. </div>
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Karisma http://www.blogger.com/profile/05985447036396190238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8408998858933596919.post-37018404384746715872015-10-29T12:49:00.000-07:002015-10-29T12:49:23.721-07:00My spot <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I asked Ross to shoot this picture of me last week so that I could remember. My spot. Where you can find me doing most anything that requires sitting. Sewing, reading, eating. All of my handwork is done here. It is the perfect space. The right grants me a view of the ocean. Straight ahead is the futon where Liam takes his naps. I love those moments when he sits up while blinking the sleep from his eyes, and then they focus on me, sitting here. Always here. Usually stitching with a cup of something that use to be warm. <br />
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He likes to play where I am. Lately he sits on the ground next to me where we keep our can goods and stack them. This is what I found this morning. Oh my sweet little boy - no longer just a destroyer but a builder too. There really is a time for everything is there not?<br />
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It's these little moments that are so precious to the heart, don't you think? These moments that we want to hold close and remember. A stitch here, a sip there. One can on top of the next. Oh these small things that make up a moment, a day, a year, a life. </div>
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So much sweetness. My heart is so full. </div>
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Blessings on this Thursday. </div>
Karisma http://www.blogger.com/profile/05985447036396190238noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8408998858933596919.post-50293038872856731382015-10-28T08:49:00.000-07:002015-10-28T08:49:04.001-07:00The colors of fall <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Yesterday, all of my tricks came out of the bag in attempt to try and distract this little guy from the fact that razor sharp teeth are trying to cut through his tender and swollen gums. Popsicles and ice cubes wrapped in dishcloths were eaten frequently, lavender oil foot massages, spending time cuddled in the sling, and playing with the art trunk. I haven't brought this trunk down for him before, so it was fun to watch him discover all of its contents. </div>
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Since Liam was born, I started collecting art supplies that we could use when he got a little bit older. Surplus markers from when I taught at the school, Prang watercolors from the thrift store (fifty cents a piece! Whoo hoo!) large color stamp pads gifted to us from my sister, a pack of moleskin journals, and then a few bottles of kitchen things that had gotten old to make art with: beans, pasta, lentils... thing like that. </div>
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Liam was drawn to first the large ink pads, so I chose the colors that traditionally indicate fall, which to be honest has been a bit hard to teach him about considering that we don't have any deciduous trees with changing leaves around us, no apple orchards to visit, not a lot of the clear signs that the season is changing here. I still haven't figured it out yet - how to teach him about fall here in the islands. I have a few ideas about teaching him about the world and their different seasons, but I still draw a blank when it comes closer to home. But I still have time! Which I am very grateful for!<br />
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Inspired by the <a href="http://littleopihicrafts.blogspot.com/2015/10/the-road-we-never-took-until-you.html" target="_blank">pumpkin patch outing</a> over the weekend, I did want to do a bit of traditional autumn colored art with him. So we took all of the warm colors and made hand prints. Liam really enjoyed discovering this new medium. He had fun pushing down into the ink pad and looking at how the ink saturated his hands. When I tried to encourage him to put his hands on the paper he protested a bit, so I stopped and let him be to discover. This process is about him, I had to remind myself. Not necessarily about a finished product. <br />
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But the few handprints that we managed made me smile and this little piece went directly onto the fridge to sit for a while before eventually getting filed away. On the back went the date, the medium, and a few notes about what it is and how he seemed to interact with the materials. I have it in my mind to create him a yearly art book with samples of the best of his art. I thought he would love to be able to look back when he was older to see how his art has evolved. Or to just see how much fun we had. <br />
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It is getting to that point now where he is really starting to understand. I don't have to guide him as much. He understands that when there is paper set with markers, or crayons, or paints, or ink pads now, that we put color to paper - and oh how he smiles as those few marks are made on that white white space. Creating is starting to become so much fun with him. <br />
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What shall we make next I wonder....<br />
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Happy Wednesday everyone!<br />
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Aloha.Karisma http://www.blogger.com/profile/05985447036396190238noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8408998858933596919.post-86808473040448954582015-10-27T13:11:00.003-07:002015-10-27T13:12:56.262-07:00Joy cometh in the morning <br />
Disclaimer: This post is written pre-coffee finish after a hard night with a teething little boy. I can not be fully responsible for anything I say! This teething experience that Liam is going through ::insert exhausted exasperated sigh:: it is threatening to take me under. Sleep deprivation... I can see why it is a form of torture! You'll say anything, or do anything to just be left alone! I often try to remind myself that it isn't about me... think of this little boy who is hurting all the time. But it is really hard to hold that self sacrificing attitude when he tugs on my shirt to nurse. <i>Again?!</i> <i>We just did this twenty minutes ago!!! </i>There are almost tears. Tears I tell you!<br />
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Lately, I have been reading a lot of <a href="http://www.soulemama.com/" target="_blank">Amanda's</a> words lately. And themes of joy, and gratitude, and being present are very prevalent. Her words and her life of creativity are so inspiring. It helps me to reach for my crafting when I can. To make one little stitch, to take one deep breath. To find myself recentered and more focused for everything else that is to come. </div>
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Lately I have been teaching myself to knit. Like quilting, this craft has always been something that my heart has desired to learn. For the last three years I have checked out knitting books, watched knitting podcasts, and read knitting blogs to become inspired. And inspired I am. And ready to start. </div>
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I can see the appeal in this craft. It is even slower (to me, some of you knit really really fast!) than hand sewing. And repetitive. In a meditative sort of way. It is a wonderful craft to pick up during those stormy times when you have a free moment to add a stitch. When I work on it, I can literally feel my breath changing. Slowing. And it's wonderful. The therapy that comes with repetitive handwork like knitting. <br />
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Yesterday I made a mistake... I'm still learning how to read patterns. I have a whole row to fix... but that's alright. Because fixing this mistake is teaching me so much - a parallel lesson if you might think of it that way. I am learning patience. Mistakes, hard days, they are all a part of the rhythm of life. We receive the good as well as the hard. So, breathe. Breathe through it all and remember that joy always comes. Wait for it... wait for it...<br />
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Linking up for the first time ever with Nicole's <a href="http://frontierdreams.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Keep Calm, Craft on</a>. A beautiful blog if you haven't already discovered it. <br />
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Aloha! </div>
Karisma http://www.blogger.com/profile/05985447036396190238noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8408998858933596919.post-2393232566464702492015-10-26T00:58:00.000-07:002015-10-26T00:58:28.910-07:00The road we never took... until you. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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Liam has brought so many firsts for us. Has in a sense, rewritten us. And the new story that we find ourselves in is so beautiful and bright and joyful. Living on this island for five years now, it was my first time visiting the pumpkin patch. For years we drove past the entry on the mountain road, enjoying the brightness of the sunflower field and the ant like people wandering and enjoying their family excursions. Never inspired or tempted were we to stop though. </div>
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Until Liam. </div>
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This little boy of ours has created in us such a desire for him to experience. Nature. Life. Joy. Sense. So it was only natural that we planned a pumpkin patch excursion. And oh how he experienced. He experienced the sights of a farm. Of touching the softness of a baby chick. Of walking in a corn maze and getting lost and the laughter that comes from such adventures. Of walking in the pumpkin patch to find that perfect pumpkin. To see their blossoms and various stages of growth. Of walking away empty handed but happy because we know now that we have to research how to tell when a pumpkin is ready to be picked (city mice, both Ross and I apparently when it comes to picking produce from the vine!) And in giving him this experience, he gave it to us. Because if it wasn't for this little boy we would never have turned right to go down the mountain to this little country pumpkin patch of ours. And we wouldn't have gotten lost in a corn field or seen how glorious the sky is when surrounded by the tall stalks. We wouldn't have walked hand in hand down the road while watching him smile in delight and pick up rocks and toss them into the grass. We wouldn't have <i>experienced. </i>So thank you little one. For the richness that you add to our lives. For the opportunities to turn right into adventures we otherwise wouldn't have taken without you. </div>
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When we got home we were tired with a tired of having really <i>lived </i>that day. A meal of meatballs and spaghetti. A nap under a quilt. And a heart full of love. It was a good day. A first experience. A new tradition to mark that fall is here. Even in our little tropical corner of the world... we can feel it. </div>
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Welcome </div>
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With open arms and anticipating hearts... <i>welcome! </i></div>
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Blessings on this new week. </div>
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Aloha! </div>
Karisma http://www.blogger.com/profile/05985447036396190238noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8408998858933596919.post-41905778682249725662015-10-23T17:03:00.000-07:002015-10-23T17:03:13.364-07:00There is always joy <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This week. Oh this week was one of those push me to my limits kind of weeks. I could write about the madness that a teething baby can bring, or the breaking glass that seems to have followed me day to day (seriously, I think I broke a record), or this or that... but all of that stuff isn't important. So I'm going to focus in on the joy. Because joy is important. And if I look hard enough from the moment to moments, it can always be found. </div>
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A friend of mine had texted me yesterday asking if Liam and I still had our weekly beach day outings. Even though I hadn't been in a month, I knew that an experience at our spot was just what Liam and I both needed. To get away from our home to return refreshed and with a new perspective. To touch and taste and built and tear down. All of it, we always find at the beach. And better yet, we would have friends. So yes, I told my friend. We still have beach days. So the snacks were readied, the beach bag was packed, we picked up our friends and then we were off for an adventure. And my my oh my what a day was had. </div>
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There was playing and eating and building and laughing. There was finding the perfect pit and climbing. There was learning how to share and learning how to be gentle with our hands. There was grown up mom talk where hearts were poured and worries listened to and empathized with. There was connection. With loved ones and with the beach that has always brought us healing and comfort and shelter from so many different types of storms that rage. </div>
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And then there was rest. For the sleeping boy who has such a hard time at night because of those teeth... oh those <i>teeth!</i> And another kind of rest. The rest that comes from making with my hands for this little boy of mine. A bit of knitting (more on that later!) while watching my sweet one, and learning to love and be gentle past the fatigue and frustration. </div>
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Was there joy to be found today? Oh yes. My hands are heart are both full. I hope joy can be found where ever you all might be today. </div>
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Blessings today everyone. </div>
<br />Karisma http://www.blogger.com/profile/05985447036396190238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8408998858933596919.post-70816960237811688452015-10-23T09:07:00.000-07:002015-10-23T09:07:11.539-07:00A long awaited finish <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This little Hawaiian quilting cushion has been a journey, I tell you. What started off to be a second year anniversary present for Ross and I, found its way into our home on our third year. Liam was born August of last year, and we were married in September, so of course Liam being that wonderfully sweet baby distraction that he was took my focus off of this project. Understandably of course. Something though this year made me pick it up again, and stitch by stitch, slowly this cushion took shape. </div>
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I love the history of Hawaiian quilting. How detailed it is. How traditionally Hawaiian quilting is primarily two solid colors. Cutting up whole pieces of fabric only to sew them up again didn't make any sense to Hawaiians. And honestly, because of <a href="http://www.littleopihicrafts.blogspot.com/2015/06/a-new-long-term-project.html" target="_blank">this project</a>, sometimes I think that they had it right. My attitude towards quilting has changed since I started garment sewing. But that is a thought for another post entirely. Anyways. Back to Hawaiian quilting. Do you know how to cut out a snow flake? Remember doing that in school? How you take a circular piece of paper and fold it in half and then fold it again and again and then cut a design? That method, brought over by the mission schools was what influenced the method used in Hawaiian quilting. Beautiful, that piece of history. Another bit of Hawaiian quilting trivia that I find so fascinating is that the reason for Hawaiian quilting being so intricate was because due to the all year round warm weather, they weren't in any rush to finish their quilts for the intended purpose of keeping warm. Quilting in essence, became more about a sense of beauty. To connect with nature. To see the patterns in wildlife, or flower, or leaf and manifest them in fabric. To see the ocean in the echo stitch around the pattern, in how it ripples and ripples and ripples but is ultimately all connected. It has been wonderful to create this project. To feel connected to this place and these people in this way. </div>
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Our little stash of handmade cushions for lounging in the living room is growing. They are each so different. Each expressing and reminding of a time and purpose for when they were made and brought out to use and enjoy in our evening lounging or playing. So much heart goes into these handmades. So much heart goes into making a house a home. A place to laugh, connect, rest, and live. And life is so sweet in this season. With a growing boy that brings the sunshine, a best friend to hold my hand and share our day to day happenings with, what more can I ask for? A new and needed cushion for the room that we do the most interaction in? Check check. Now what else does this little family of mine need? Hmmmm......<br />
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Happy Friday everybody. Linking up to Finish it Friday with <a href="http://www.crazymomquilts.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Crazy Mom Quilts</a>.<br />
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Aloha.Karisma http://www.blogger.com/profile/05985447036396190238noreply@blogger.com2