08 January 2015

So here's the thing

As you can see my blog got a major update tonight! I've been struggling a lot with what to do with this space. I kinda gave it a break for a few months and just did infrequent updates with pictures and info about the kids.

See here's the thing. I don't totally understand it...but I need some sort of creative space. Some place that's mine. Dan made me a wonderful table/bench for my sewing space for Christmas...and I love it...But I need some sort of digital space too. We live in a digital world and there are just things and places I want to create and share. Share. That's the tricky part. I don't necessarily NEED to share these things. I don't think I'm necessarily looking for a sense of community. That's not the point. Maybe it is. I don't know. But I like having a digital space that I can go back to, to reflect, to gain inspiration from past projects, ideas or musings. In fact, we've been going and looking at old posts about Amelia lately, to see what she was doing at the same age as Henry (you know, to unfairly compare our children and determine which is more developed, more intelligent...).

Anyways, what I'm trying to say is. Blogs. Ugh. Blogs. I read too many of other people blogs. And that's getting in the way of my space. Today, it seems as though if you have a blog...you're trying to be a "blogger." I don't think that's what I want. But still, I haven't been keeping up on this space because I'm beginning to lose sight of what it is. Dan and I first started out with a blog when we were first married and living in Florida, away from our family. It was a means to stay in touch and let family and friends know what we were up to way across the U.S. And it's gradually become a live journal of sorts to keep track of our growing family, (and my growing vegetables!) and recently a place to share creative projects. But I've begun to doubt that space.
 For example, I was highlighted (recognized?) by a really awesome community, Kids Clothing Week, for a costume I made Amelia in October...and I didn't even blog about it! I even got a cool button to put on my blog, and I didn't put it up...that's not good blogging etiquette! :( I did of course squeal with geeky sewing glee and promptly texted my sister a screenshot as soon as I fount out. And then gushed to Dan about how amazing I felt, grinning ear to ear. Yeah, I'm that much of a dork.

Amelia's Lion Hoodie (top left)
But I didn't post it. I think I was just too shy (also sleep deprived!) and didn't want to make it seem like I was trying to become a "blogger." Weird, I know, because what does that term even mean today, anyways? I can be a blogger. Or not become one. It's all so silly.

So here's to working on this space. Making it mine and doing whatever the heck I want with it. I did change the blog header name (as I've done a couple times). I thought about changing the domain, switching platforms, but I'm just keeping it for now .(Edit: Scratch most of that... I decided that I AM going to change the blog address. It will just be www.heycoralee.blogspot.com. So the two of you who follow this thing...heads up! :P) I dunno. I just went for it. My nana calls me "Cora Lee" all the time. Mostly because when my sister was little she would pronounce my name in a silly way. Dan's picked up on it the past few years and calls me Cora every now and then...it's a familiar, feel good name. And that's what I want, a familiar, feel good space.

I'm feeling good about this guys. Wish me luck.

01 January 2015

Christmas Lights

This year we saw quite a few different Christmas lights. First we visited a fancy neighborhood in Medford with Chey, Ryan and Gracie. The weather was actually fairly mild and it was fun to get out and walk the neighborhood instead of drive.

 

We also went to The Grotto in Portland to check out their Festival of Lights.

Amelia had a lot of fun making funny faces with our friend Ashley during the choir performance.

 

Last we visited the Oregon Zoo lights on New Years when Chey, Ryan and Gracie came to visit. It was absolutely freezing out. The lights were really fun and clever but it would have been a bit more enjoyable if it wasn't so cold out! We bundled up the kiddos though and made it through with the help of some hot cocoa.

Amelia really loved the train the most. Next year we will have to wait in line and actually ride it.