Eckenrode Family

Growing Into Halloween

There is nothing like a yearly tradition to mark the passage of time. It became so apparent to me the rate at which my children are growing by the way trick treat goes each year. Just 2 years ago Ben was so little he needed help up and down every stoop on the street. The boys stuck together like glue. One year ago he did much better but still needed a little help and got tired quickly. The boys stuck together like glue.

This year Ben needed very little help and his stamina equaled that of the older kids. Miles met up with some school friends and stuck to them like glue. Ben noticed and decided to stick to me. Changes like this can be hard to accept but I know they are good and necessary. Happy Halloween!

In His Words

Later today Ben will go to his first skating lesson. After trying on his skates for the first time he told me he like them and they fit well but that they hurt his "bump bump." When I asked him to point to his "bump bump" he showed me his ankle (the bump on either side of his ankle). 

Bump bump makes more sense than ankle, doesn't it?

Today He is 4

A few weeks before his birthday I had him in a craft store with me when he spotted a soft fleece material with John Deere tractors. He said he really wanted it. When I suggested I make a blanket from it for his birthday, he loved the idea. I asked him if he was sure he'd rather have a blanket than a toy. He was adamant about it and who was I to argue. I wondered if he would still feel the same on his birthday. He was equally excited about the blanket as he was about the gigantic tractor that his brother got him. He wrapped himself in the blanket all day and took it with him in the car. I think he truly loves his birthday blanket.




Happy 4^th Birthday Ben. We are so lucky to have you in our lives.

Ben Turns 4 - The Party

Olive Juice Co. Apron

(Thanks to the boys for taking these pictures even if they took about 300 and then ran away with my camera.)

I’ve had the kit from Olive Juice Co. to make this apron on my shelf for almost a year. I was so excited to discover Olive Juice Co. Her apron designs are so beautiful. The apron which I always grab is one that I made when I first began sewing. Of all of my sewing creations it is the one I probably get the most use and joy from. So I knew I would enjoy this new one just as much. I have to say that no matter what I’m wearing during the day, when I throw this on I feel pretty. I can’t say enough about how well written this pattern is and how beautifully it came together. I can’t wait to make another one.

New Britches

After watching Miles go to school in pants that are too short, with holes in the knees or too big around the waist I knew it was time to pull out the Oliver + S sandbox pants pattern again. I love this pattern. Not only is it very well written but they fit my boys so well. I love that in making their pants I can alter the size of the waist and the length. The plaid pants are made from the softest organic cotton by Michael Miller. The other pants are denim and Echino linen.