interruptions

Now you all know how it is that I get so very much done. I have a lot of help. He's good, isn't he? He's an amazing Papa, fabulous creative thinker and sounding board, perfect morning bed-peeler, and so very much more. Thanks for hosting him for the week - I think he liked it (enough that he's promised me he'll return in a month for my final deadline push). In the meantime, while I continue to work away on this manuscript, how about some back to normal crafts and a lot of photos around here for the month? Good, good.

The Creative Family was written almost entirely out and about - coffee shops, libraries, and anywhere else I could bum free wifi. But this second book - being primarily a craft book - has me running from cutting table, to sewing machine to computer constantly. And so home is where I'm writing, a couple of days a week. It is a lovely place to work, I will say. Home is good, but home is not without it's interruptions. Bless the man outside the door who creatively engages, plays, feeds and acts as goalie. But sometimes - one slips by him. Three, actually:

Calvin's interruptions usually involve sitting down quietly with me for a minute (they each have an ongoing project in my room for just such visits). And then...in the quietness of the studio and with the handwork of his embroidery, we have some really amazing chats about, well, life. Six year olds know a lot about life. Oh, yes they do. But then...sometimes he's also the bearer of the 'staff-splitting' questions (as we call them), such as, "Can I ride my bike without my helmet if I'm just going on the grass? I think Papa said I could." Uh-huh. Right.

Ezra - in the perfectly middle child way - first peeks through the keyhole of the door, then sneaks in (not so sneakily), standing in this little corner with a grin on his face until I acknowledge that he's there. At that point I'm usually met with a wonderful Ezra story, or a puzzle, or a question to ponder with much debate. Such as, "Mama. Would you rather be a pirate, or have a really really really big foot" Hmn...I'll think on that one.

Adelaide's specialty is a strong and fast push of the door open, a thundering of her usually naked body across the room to me, followed by a sweet, coy and hopeful (I swear those eyelashes are batting at me), "Milkey, Mama? Milkey? Now?" O-kay. If that doesn't work for her, she usually settles for a swipe on her way out the door of the size 50 knitting needles (really), chanting the pirate 'arghhh!' all the way.

Sometimes, I will admit, these little interruptions are frustrating, and working at home can be really, really hard on all of us. And I am eternally grateful for those moments when everyone is whisked away to the skate park, the woods, or to visit the grandparents and I can work in solitude. But sometimes? Working at home and all of it's many interruptions - is amazing. Amazing and full of good little unexpected moments that inspire me, make me laugh, and give me energy to keep going.

It's true. I've got a lot of help.

Comments

[kristin]

what lovely co-workers your office has. :)

[sarah]

Can't wait too see what you're working on!

[Angel]

Can't wait to read the books! I envy your craft room and love hearing about your helpers.

[bubbachic]

So true...so so true

Dee
x

[Melissa!]

I've always been interested in nature vs nurture. {The personality of a child is so intriguing, too. I'm the middle of three and I can some of me in Ezra as I see some Teresa in Calvin and Tisha in Adelaide.}

I also think it's perfectly sweet that your second book can be read knowing that a lot of love was shared and needed for it to be completed!

Looking forward to both books!

[camerashymomma]

thanks for these snippets, they are little pictures into your way of work. and possibly why you are so creative! little minds are wonderful that way, if only we are open to them!! 'welcome back!'

[jean]

a big foot? that's a tough choice. so good to see you here. keep 'a-chuggin, Soulemama. It's going to be amazing.

[Melissa]

Amanda-this summer I finished my first book, my kids are all a lifetime older than yours, the youngest being 11, the oldest 19. I believe I had as many interruptions as you.

As I've followed your blog, my heart has ached for the "babe" days but I discovered this summer in the frenzy of trying to find quiet time to focus and write, to meet a deadline, they always need you. It made me feel better. Made me crazy but it was good to know that I still mattered to them. It's been hard, this growing up and letting them go.

[jean]

and, I just saw that (new?) Amy Butler book. So beautiful. Love all the color in there.

[emily]

happy to find you back here this morning (though i did so enjoy soule papa last week). and so glad to have a peek at your ongoing process.

[Julie]

Oh, the questions kids ask! Thank you for my morning smile and thanks to SoulePapa for his beautiful and inspiring posts.

[Libby]

It all sounds so familar...thanks for making me smile!

[Madeline Rains]

Welcome back! Yes, you are a lucky woman. That husband of your's seems like a rare gem.

You juggle all this so well. It's amazing really.

[Bex]

Lovely. Welcome home. :)

[Suzanne]

I agree that the the little snatched bits of solitude are not only invigorating but needed but it is great when in the midst of "doing" a little comes in with a totally mind blowing question that you just gotta write down to remind them with at their wedding or something...LOL! Hmm...now why a big foot:-)

[Jen]

That picture of your youngest is so true for our third too. She's the one that climbs my sewing chair and pulls off the thread as well as placed needles in my sewing machine. It still works, thankfully. It wouldn't be home without them there to interrupt... :)

[Eren]

It truly takes a village doesnt it. Glad to have you back.

[Anne]

Welcome back.

[Lisa Clarke]

As a work-at-home-mom myself, I concur - those interruptions can be frustrating and wonderful all at the same time.

[Shin]

I love this post. I have three little ones and it's funny to see similarities, especially with the third baby charming as they can be, trying to get their way and everything else on your arttable they can get their hands on.

[Diane]

Hi Amanda,
nice to see you posting although we did enjoy our delightful interlude too!
It's a great help when we get 'the help' despite the little visitors popping in from time to time.
Lovely though they are it can be frustrating but I melt when I see my boys' faces. They can see me through a kitchen window and press their faces against it and in slow in motion say...'love you and can you read that book to me now?' What can I say to that?? LOL

[kat nicholas]

welcome back! it was great to hear soulepapa last week - thanks for sharing him with us. how absolutely wonderful to be interrupted with such great conversations and smiles. and the persuasive powers of a two year old - they certainly get me every time. i look forward to seeing the affects of all these great lovables in your new book!

[Mary]

I have one of those oh-so-cute nakey girls, too. She likes to swipe my tracing chalk and measuring tape.

[Ella]

Even when my little munchkin is off adventuring with someone else to leave me some sacred space i find a part of me always thinking, wondering of him, his whereabouts and happenings....sort of like my wandering toddler eye, my mind follows. a crafting momma is rarely left without interruption. I sense the new book will include some of that essence. Really that's why we love you so. You seem to thrive so completely in the chaos that is family. Soulepapa rocked!

[Sharon]

Oh my goodness! They are so sweet! If I may be so redundant! And Adelaide! She reminds me so mush of my Siena! She tries to get naked at every opportunity. It seems to be an expression of joy for her, so she will want to strip an inappropriate times: guests who are not so familiar with babies, at great-grandpa's house, at the library. I don't find it so shocking--I find it endearing actually--but in these times we live--sigh.
I can't wait for the next book! Did I say that? I haven't even seen the first one! Needless to say, can't wait for the first, too. It will be nice to have immediate reminders of what make family and children precious. Thanks for that.

[Amy]

Damn, I love your writing. Soule Papa was great too, but it is nice to have you back.

[Wendy]

Your husband's posts were wonderful. And thank you for the reminder to appreciate the interruptions. It's so easy to forget.

Oh, and every time I see that beat up comfy-looking chair of yours, I almost cry. My mom had a very old pink loveseat in her sewing room. She's gone now and seeing your chair just brings back so many memories of us hanging around while she sewed.

And I'm heading straight to the library to check out the Kindness book that's at the top of your reading list. Thanks again and glad to have you back!

[Sarah]

I'm doing a bit of knitting (my first jumper!) and reading my blogs and, oh, how Ezra's crucial question made me laugh!

[Stephanie]

I have a naked pirate girl, too! Aaaargh. Thanks for sharing SoulePapa with us and welcome back.

[jess]

those little moments in time are so important i am learning. my one little boy is 1 year old and i have just come to really appreciate little moments to myself. the nap time and after bed time crafting is a rejuvenation.

i think edith and edna or maybe space gallery should host mama crafting sessions! that would be fun : ) let the kids run wild (naked?) while the mamas work.. performance art.

[meg]

How patient you are with all your help. Congratulations on your new book--I'm sure it'll be forever, but I can't wait to see it!

[Ashley]

Good to have you back...you've been missed! It was wonderful to read Steve's musings while you were away though.

I completely understand trying to get work done with little helpers underfoot~ I've got four sweet interruptions myself.

[stephanie]

i hope you got lots done last week. it was lovely to read from Soule Papa. The kids are too sweet. I love how you described each personality.
and that blue! i have been thinking about what i call "Crafter's Blue" all weekend. There are just sooooo many online crafty folks that have chosen some shade of that blue for their workspace. there HAS to be some sort of Color Psychology behind it!
loves!

[Grace]

It sounds like you've got the best kind of help there is! Love those three sweet Soules!

[Lisa {milkshake}]

Yes, working from home has its blessings as well as its curses. Thankfully, the blessings FAR outweigh the bad stuff most of the time. I feel so fortunate and thankful for all the help my parents and husband give me. Without them I would not be able to do what I love AND be home to enjoy my daughter.

Your post was a good reminder to appreciate the interruptions. Thank you!

[Margo]

"splitting staff" - - har har!! I thought we were the only family that used that phrase :) Left over from our respective jobs in the mental health group home world. . .ah yes, some very good training for being parents.

[molly]

i haven't commented this week b/c I've been on the fly but I've loved every word from soulepapa. and as I read this, i'm being interrupted too--a request to draw a pony on a paper plate...thanks for the reminder about how sweet these interruptions can be.

[Sarah]

That picture of Ezra is wonderful!

I'm eagerly anticipating both of your books!

[LauraJ]

I personally want this craft book!!

[shandy]

Such wonderful stories! I am so excited about this next book and I love that A. already knows how to talk like a pirate. That is hilarious!

[leilalu]

Can't wait to get the books!
I guess size 50 knitting needles are much safer for swordplay than the sock needles my kids prefer.

[Nada Jones]

I just squealed out loud when I saw Calvin with his embroidery hoop. My little boy just took an interest in it too, and my most recent post was about that!

So excited about both of your books :)

[Veronica TM]

i so understand what you mean here! it is sooo frustrating sometimes but i could not do it without my little helper.

[hollyb]

I just recently came across your blog and just love being inspired by your beautiful family! I am a 30 yr. old SAHM with 3 kids as well (6, 4 and 1 yrs. old). It's refreshing to see another around my age with 3 kids too. There aren't too many of us out there! Anyways, keep up the amazing, inspiring, creative work you do!

[Steph]

The way you write about it makes it sound perfect

[Christina]

This is beautiful. Thank you for this peak into your like. I've always been curious about your children's behavior surrounding your day time craft/working. How sweet that they have little projects in there with you.

[Marie]

It's been so wonderful to share this journey with you and your family. I can't wait to read creative family though you have inspired change in my life already. Big thanks to Soulepapa you are both incredibly talented it is such a joy to have found you, even though I am far away in Australia!

[KT]

We have a saying in our house: "It is only help if the other person says so". My almost 7 year old Angus is a huge helper (I came downstairs the other day to find him spot cleaning the kitchen floor) and it has taken YEARS. The 4 and a half year old, Duncan- well we will get there at some point.

I do have a question for you...do you let Calvin use your sewing machine or do you have a special kid machine? Any suggestions for teaching children (again Angus the almost 7 year old) to machine sew? He expressed an interest today and I really want to foster it. Thank you!

[Kimberly]

You are brilliantly gifted at describing at-home working life as a mama. I love reading your blog, and can hardly wait for your book! We share many things in common that keep me looking forward to your posts. As a fellow blogger, I am (at this moment) appreciating how talented you obviously are while simultaneously humble sounding through what you write and share. It is a such a treat to read about your thoughts and family adventures! Cheers... I am heading to the kitchen for a refresher of some delicious red wine and a taste or two of my favorite ice cream now. Was comforted to see the other night that I am not the only one indulging in such a combination!--loved those Soule Papa blog posts too.

[SOULEMAMA]

KT - For the most part, Calvin used my old machine - a basic, easy to use machine. I did this to save wear and tear on my newer machine, and also to break it down to basics for him to learn on. I also felt pretty safe for him to experiment on this machine - which is how he learned. He took very little instruction from me. At first, I would thread the machine, give the simplest of instructions ("watch out for your fingers near the needle", "slow and steady", etc.) He asked me at one point to draw with a marker on the fabric where he should be sewing, which really helped him at first.
Other than that - my only advice is to let him experiment, and muster all the patience you have for the project! It's hard not to jump in, but really, so worth it when they are able to do it on their own.
Have fun!