knit madness!

It has quite possibly been my busiest knitting season ever...non-stop since September. Feverish, bleary-eyed, glorious knitting. And deadlines, set entirely by myself and my own expectations, seem to be the only way I can be productive.

There was the baby sweater that I finished in time for the baby shower {I better say that again, so that I'm certain you noticed...finished on time!} But as I washed and blocked it, I discovered a hole on the back where I had joined new yarn. With no way to repair it well, I sheepishly promised another to the happy family and delivered before the end of the calendar year. {Made with yarn purchased in Wichita @ Twist for my unsuccessful surplice sweater.}

There was a gift each for my mother-in-law and stepmomma. {No pics...but if you're interested, look back at my past knit posts for Shalom Cardigan and Springtime Bandit.}

And the facebook pay-it-forward 2011 gifts for 3{gah! I forgot until October}...all fingerless mitts that, at this point, I can make in my sleep. I was delighted to join a wintertime walk with a couple of stalwart, beautiful, talented mommas I knew in another lifetime. There I delivered one pair and the recipient honored me with a mention in her blog.

Since the 1st of the year, it has been handknits for me, me, me. Another Springtime Bandit scarf in delicious gray Amy Butler cotton/wool that I scored at her Open House in December {Thanks for the invite, SMC!} A slouchy toboggan {in Lion Brand Amazing Glacier} that opens at the crown and can be worn as a cowl...brilliance {Thanks for the pattern, EKT!} And a pair of fingerless mitts {in my fave Cascade Eco-Wool}, perfect for a wintertime walk. {Oops, you can really tell that I grabbed the wrong shade of yarn to finish the bottom mitt...I have gobs of odds and ends from other projects. Don't let it bother you, it doesn't me!}

Perhaps I should knit something for my children. One of them can now wear my gloves, so I consider that 2 birds, one knit.

yarn along

I'm joining Ginny at small things where she spotlights two of her {and my} favorite things, knitting and reading.

Here is a peek at what's in my knitting bag today:

yarn along

I'm joining Ginny over at small things in her loves of reading and knitting.

My knits and my reading are out of the norm for me, but both enjoyable.

For Christmas, my kids received the movie "Despicable Me" from cousins. We watched it as a family and it was so cute. Since, we've quoted these little guys and giggled every time we see them. I found my pattern for them on Ravelry.com...and my little minions will find them in their Easter baskets.

The book: Choosing to See. We've always enjoyed listening to Steven Curtis Chapman's music and friends sang "I Will Be Here" at our wedding ceremony. I remember learning of the tragedy his family had endured and crying for them. I wanted to hear Mary Beth speak at Women of Faith, but couldn't get there last year. 

Her book is raw and real. I think I can attribute some of my own tenderness recently to being in the midst of their story. Their family has allowed God to redeem their heartache and now they share it with power and grace. 

And the last pic is a little project we tackled today from Family Fun magazine.  Silly and fun. Bug's have cheeks because the "dye-vers" are holding their breath. And Bean's have eyelashes, of course.

Yarn Along

I'm joining Ginny over at small things in her loves of reading and knitting. 

In my melancholy yesterday, I remembered this gem that a friend gave me at the beginning of our adventure. It travels with us, for good reason. I have dog-eared many a page as we try the activities and find some we will do over and over.  Just need to remember I have this resource at my fingertips. {Author: Carol Stock Kranowitz, M. A.}

And you can see, I'm still in the mitten groove...not sick of them yet...so quick & satisfying. I've made enough that I don't need to look at the pattern anymore. Mindless knitting = heaven. I should also 'fess up and tell you that I am usually a natural yarn girl...a fiber snob, if you will. I love a bumpy wool or a silky bamboo/cotton blend, but I found this variegated acrylic for a steal at {wait for it}...Big Lots. I tried a skein, loved it, went back and bought up a basketful. On 7's it knits up tightly and fast. So, there...you're welcome.

And about yesterday...you all are so kind and patient with me. Thank you for your sweet words yesterday and today. I never write intending for anyone to read or respond, but am humbled and grateful when you do.

I knew the blues would ebb, but God has used you to accelerate the process. Engaging in the moments with my babes, rolling with the rhythm of the day, prayer {yours and mine}...have all gently adjusted my perspective.  And then my sweet man came home for an rare lunchtime with us. We had a spontaneous {at least, I wasn't expecting his declarations,} crazy, vision-building conversation including some concrete timelines...I need those flags on the horizon, ya know. As he walked out to return to the office, he reminded me that I have the evening off to go do something fun. Today is joy-filled, joyful.

Yarn Along

I'm joining Ginny over at small things in her loves of reading and knitting.

Kicking around in my knitting bag this week are...

...a wee pair of mittens and our favorite volume of Childcraft. 

Bean and I read Rapunzel and Snow-White and Rose-Red out of this book almost every day...whether momma wants to or not...some things are just not up to me, you see. 

My Granny and Gramps had the whole Childcraft collection {15 in all} in their library and I remember curling up on the bumpy chenille bedspread and reading them many an afternoon. I don't know what happened to those books, but the year Bug was born, I tracked down a set on eBay and snatched them up. The first 3 volumes are usually with us in our travels. Sweet, sweet stories and poetry...well-known fairy tales, Aesop's fables, nursery rhymes. The science and history volumes are fun to look at, too, as they were published in 1954.

And here is the view outside our hotel room doors. We did indeed have 20 inches of snowfall {5" yesterday and 15" more last night - we're SW of Chicago.} The facility is a cluster of several buildings with paths and a courtyard connecting us all. In and amongst the buildings, the snow blows and twists around into pretty significant drifts.

We've had a quiet day, with Sweet Man working from here. I think I'm going to take the kiddos for a swim so he can actually get something accomplished. 

Hope you are warm and cozy and with the ones you love.

Yarn Along

I'm joining Ginny at small things to celebrate the loves of reading and knitting. 

A friend {with birthday upon us,} will be receiving this mitten {and its mate, if I can get my act together.} She knows already...I slid a prototype on her hand last week. Nope, no surprises for her.

{blurry pic, sorry}

I'm going to give this new book a go. The same friend had a post-holiday, book-swap, girls' night...really fun idea. I couldn't make it, but she swapped this book in my stead. I'll let you know what I think.

And currently, our bedtime {or anytime} reading is Alice in Wonderland. I wasn't sure if B & B would  appreciate the absurdity and silliness...but they seem to. They still giggle about the tea party scene in which a watch and then the dormouse were each dipped into cups of tea. Silliness. And Bug had already begun to learn this poem for school, so when it came up in the story, he, too, had gently smiling jaws.

How Doth the Little Crocodile

by Lewis Carroll

How doth the little crocodile

Improve his shining tail,

And pour the waters of the Nile

On every shining scale!

How cheerfully he seems to grin, 

How neatly spreads his claws,

And welcomes little fishes in 

With gently smiling jaws.

We're laying low today. Bean has a fever and sore throat. She's sleeping in front of the fire to get those germs out of her little body. Poor thing. I'll knit when I'm not busy cuddling.

And in case I don't get back here for a few days, the kids and I are hitting the road again soon. Need to get my act together for that, too. Lists, laundry, and packing. We'll be celebrating Bug's birthday in Illinois with Sweet Daddy. More on that later. 

Jellybean's birthday ramble

She woke up this morning and knew. In our house, balloons next to the bed signify a birthday. Finally, she said. 

Bean's birthday. She told Sweet Daddy {who is home after 2 weeks for too brief a visit} that she thinks her arms are longer today and she can jump higher...you know, now that she's five.

Her gifts were opened leisurely throughout the day...no frenzy, no tossing aside. I finished her skirt in time to have it wrapped...and I can tell you, she will be able to wear it for years...yes, a generous fit.

Her big brother, whose birthday is 3 weeks away...was extra sweet today...letting her choose what games to play, her choice of a show at screen time, helping with presents, singing to her at random times.

At bedtime, she wanted to hear about the day she was born. I'll tell her magical story as many times as she wants to hear it. {Perhaps I'll blog about it.}

I made an effort to relax and enjoy her...and play Pollys' or Elefun.

{But the messes...arghhh...most of them mine...piles I've ignored, books, projects in different stages, food to prepare, cakes to bake, Daddy's travel stuff. How did we fill this empty house up again? Ah, yes, one necessary trip to the store, one irresistable yard sale, one generous gift...at a time. It's time to start taking bags out of this house. Please remind me to stop scurrying and sit...how can she be five already?}

Somehow a shirt that says Daddy's little princess stowed away in one of those bags and ended up in her clothing pile. Honestly, I have no idea how it got here. I have nothing against princesses per se...but the attitude that comes with the title...I can do without. We've discussed selling the shirt away or making it into a nightgown dress. She'll have none of it. She will keep it and she will wear it out in public.

The concept is stuck. Tonight as she whispered her wish before the candles...I want to be Daddy's princess.

From the day you were born, Mimi described you as enchanting.
Oh, Jellybean, we are enchanted by you. Happy birthday, sweet and spunky girl.

Holiday catch up

{I should be knitting, I should be knitting...}

Busy times here as I'm sure they are at your house with your loves. 

Last week we drove to see Sweet Daddy in Illinois and spent a cozy, snowed~in weekend with him. We had Christmas movies on, needles in hand {well, just me,} cookies baking, and a fire in the fireplace{well, fakey logs...but a lovely fire.} Christmas bliss. 

And that, my friends, is the very reason we don't go and stay with him on this assignment during this season. Cookies and TV and sitting on our buns inside do not make for healthy, happy family and that's exactly what we would do, day after day, with only swims in the hotel pool to get our blood pumping. {We did leave the hotel to drive through blizzard conditions to attend possibly my favorite church ever.}

After four days, the bliss had to come to an end. Back home we went. We arrived after a loooonnnnng 6 1/2 hour drive...{doesn't sound too long, but I hadn't slept well the night before and we lose an hour on the way east...so it's an hour later than it would've been in Illinois.} The kids and I unpacked the car, then put up our artificial Christmas tree...yes, I made the leap...and really like having it. I totally get the appeal, and my pine-allergic husband who has graciously allowed us to have a real tree in other years...appreciates it, too. It's just right and so fun to unwrap our ornaments and answers the kids' questions about the meaningful ones.

{I should be knitting, I should be knitting...}

The rest of the week went by quickly with a visit to Apple Valley to celebrate Grandma's birthday, a day full of friends {and more cookies} at our house, and a birthday dinner for Uncle Nack. Oh, and a new haircut and a touch of online shopping.

Today, it's back to knitting and Christmas movies in our pj's...with bread baking this time. No more cookies for a bit...oy.

{really...I should be knitting, I should be knitting...}

Yes, it's crunch time, yet I find myself tweaking my FB profile and adding photos, then becoming distracted by others' pictures and verging on becoming a creepy voyeur. {I mean, let's get real...that is the point of Facebook, right? That and presenting the best possible picture of our lives. Okay, rant over...I am, after all, a willing participant in it and enjoy keeping in touch with peeps through FB.}

Yarn Along

Two of my favorite things: knitting and reading. Linked up with Ginny at small things again.

This week is fuh-lying by! There has been little time to read or knit. Monday, we did have a quiet day at home. So Bean and I were snuggled up reading these two books. On my needles is a mitten that matches the headband from last week. Not sure who it's for, yet. 

{Bean's skirt is still on the needles. It will hopefully be a quick finish...but may be bumped to a birthday gift for her in January. We have 3 chapters to go in Peter Pan. And the Lisa Samson book that I said I would finish within the week is still on my headboard. I read a little and get sleepy. Not a comment on her writing...just my lack of time to read or sleep.}

Yarn Along

Joining Ginny at small things and others in another Yarn Along.

As you can see, I have a new project barely started...another headband/earwarmer.

Alas, today will be dedicated to sewing door draftstoppers and designing our Christmas cards...after our usual school day. I may not get to my needles for a while.

Still no Christmas decorations...but maybe this afternoon.

 

Bean discovered this forgotten book that I found at a garage sale last summer...$1 ~ score! It includes the original versions of The Wind in the Willows, The Jungle Book, Alice in Wonderland, and Peter Pan. The pictures of Barrie's Peter Pan must have intrigued her and so we find ourselves in Neverland at least once a day. It is a lovely place to be. 

It's snowing here and the kids are begging to go out and play. Welcome December!

{Update: Draftstoppers ~ check. Bit of merrymaking ~ check. And it's still snowing.}

Yarn Along 2

My goodness...it's been a week since I posted. No worries, though. Sweet Daddy arrived home Friday and we've been enjoying time with him and catching up with other loved ones.

My Yarn Along this week is a quick knit {Headband/Ear Warmers}...when I say quick, you know I mean I started it and ripped it out and started again about three times, right? Once I was going, it finished up in about 2 hours and was perfect for a long, windy walk.

My read is a book I've been reading bit by bit for a few months now The Core: Teaching Your Child the Foundations of Classical Education, Leigh A. Bortins {the founder of Classical Conversations.} An encouraging and confirming book for anyone considering Classical education.

Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

Speaking of which, Small Things is not linking today because of the holiday.

Yarn Along

I love Ginny's idea over at Small Things where she does a weekly Wednesday post highlighting a current read and a current handmade project. Since I operate in much the same way...toting a bag around with me containing a book and a project...ready for an opportunity to work on either...I have accepted her linking invitation.

{Yuck...I took this pic after dark last night with the lamp on...next time I'll surely try with sunlight.}

I picked up another Lisa Samson {she's my favorite, dontcha know!!} book last week. This one is a pretty lighthearted read...from the p.o.v. of a teenage girl. I may be done with it by the end of the week. Of course, it is the third in a series...haven't read the other ones, yet. That, apparently, is my M.O. 

And I'm knitting a Christmas skirt for Bean...right under her nose. She keeps asking what it is and I answer that I haven't decided yet. Is that wrong?

Knitting and pulling

He lost his first tooth...with a little help....

I finished this shawl for Bean/scarf for me yesterday...and I really like it...love the yarn and the pattern. It was another hair-pulling experience...but I have plenty to spare...glad I stuck with it.

Leaving Wednesday for my cousin's wedding and other adventures...without kiddos...thanks Grandma and Grandpa J! 

Ta-da

Finito...oh, I'm so glad that spent hours on this and I actually love it.

And I love having my buns and chin and classy hotel decor documented for all of cyberspace to see....

Ah, who cares...I love my new cardi!!!!

You're going to see it a lot....

Sweet release

Random updates:

The Shalom Cardigan is coming along...the first one I almost finished is small enough to fit Bean...so I'll finish it probably. The significantly larger one pour moi is coming along...without the pressure of a deadline...since I blew right past it.

Bug is fighting a cold.

My laptop is on its way to be fixed.

Sweet Man will be released from this gig on Friday...which means... not much, except that we will bid farewell to this lovely hotel and travel all the way home (~30 minutes.) We'll stay at the house until our trip to Florida in the middle of next month...SM has a meeting, we're tagging along and staying an extra week. First plane trip for the babes.

My nemesis

It's my 10th (?) attempt at this easy  pattern....hrummph...there's no way I'm giving up now. And of course, I set for myself a completely arbitrary and impossible deadline...I shouldn't even be taking time to type. Oh, yes, so wise.

I. will. finish. it...this time.

First Weekend in Wichita

My weekend included:

the coolest yarn shop I've ever seen

a new project for me

(I know, so edgy with my color choice)

a playground: a river runs through it...ahh well...

I told them to just take off their shoes and not get too wet...right....

a new book

a trip to a festival

(Bean loves her some Port-a-Pottys)

a Mother's Day massage from my Sweet Man

lunch at my new favorite place

a few tantrums evenly distributed throughout, 

just to keep it real

phone calls to our own sweet mommas

...and...

naps

good weekend.