Journeying Five

A ribbed beret

2011-04-15T21:27:00.000-07:00

In our neck of the woods it is snowing...again.

At the beginning of the week there was only a little snow on the yard.

Then it snowed, almost melted, and this evening the mountain is encircled with clouds

and we are being sent more white stuff....sigh!

The only good thing about this cold weather is

that it keeps the girls and I crafting.

Today they created "Fortresses" with popsicle sticks and hot glue,

while I knitted.

What a lovely day!

My oldest daughter is modeling the beret I finished over spring break.

It fits her a little better than her younger sister.

But her little sister has made it clear, she isn't getting it.

Ravelry: Design B - Berets for Women and Girls

Yarn: Sirdar Escape DK

I am really happy how the beret turned out.

Some comments said that it turned out larger than they wanted.

So, I really watched my tension and decreases,

and think the end result is lovely.

Autumn shawl, wannabe

2011-03-26T16:56:00.000-07:00

This was really suppose to be done for the start of autumn. Ahem!

Not sure what happened there.

However, since winter is still hanging around in these parts,

I have had many opportunities to enjoy this knit

Found the pattern and yarn on a trip to Victoria, BC last year.

The pattern is Silk Alpaca Babushka. It is suppose to have a ruffle added all the way around the bottom edge. After much thought, and the consent of one of my daughters. I opted for the simple clean lines of no ruffle. It is so the right choice for me!

The yarn is Misti Alpaca Hand Paint Sock Yarn. A great yarn that wears really well. Comfy and cozy!

The result is a shawl that I love to wear.

And thanks to my daughter, our new resident photog,

she captured all the above images (wrinkles and all)

My ravelry project

Itsy Bitsy Pincushion

2011-03-10T21:45:00.000-08:00

Say hello to the Itsy Bitsy Pin Cushion!

Ain't she cute?

I found the pattern on ravelry

It is a fun little evening project.

Easy enough to watch a movie with the kids

and finish the knitting in one evening.

I did my felting the next day,

but there is nothing stopping you from doing it the same night.

I threw mine in the washer on the hottest setting I have,

then checked on it several times until it had shrank enough to fit the batting.

After it dried for a couple of days,

I found a couple of cute buttons and embroidery floss

and finished her off.

Isn't she sweet?

You really should take a second look,

your scrap bag will thank you!

It is so much fun to do a quick project!

You can find her on ravelry here

Happy felting if you do!

Lenting children

2011-03-09T22:48:00.000-08:00

So even though we aren't catholic, our girls are going to a great Catholic school.

During the time before Easter, the school participates in lent. A time to abstain from something to help you focus on the Easter season and think about the sacrifices Jesus made.

Often choices are: chocolate; coffee, ice cream, TV, media, etc. You know things that can be addictive.

However, I learned this week that children can take it a whole other way.

Like my youngest saying that her and her friend were going to lent from picking their noses and fingernails.

And my oldest deciding that she was going to lent from going to school.

Really? At times they leave me speechless or doubling over in laughter.

Odd Socks

2011-02-28T21:43:00.000-08:00

When knitting for a 10 year-olds upcoming birthday,

you don't necessarily have to follow the rules or have things match!

So I put aside my A-type personality,
which likes things "just so" sometimes

And embraced the fun side of these socks,
that I am sure my oldest daughter will just love!

Her sister "approves" of mom's choice of blue and lime green too.

I am thinking it should be a good birthday present!

Ravelled here

button play

2011-02-21T10:41:00.000-08:00

I had one package of button hanging around.

Think I won it as a door prize somewhere.

I also had a little time,

mixed with a little creative juice.

So Papaya and I decided to be a little creative.

We snipped the backs off the buttons so that they were flat.

Added some hot glue and a thumb tack.

Presto! Super cute, super easy, super fun push pins.
Super girly too...

Here's another way to make them.
About a month ago I made a dozen using brads, which you can find at scrapbook stores.

I just broke the back metal pieces off,

added glue
and a tack.

Voila!
So much cuter than the regular push pin!

some thoughts

2011-02-14T22:11:00.000-08:00

~ amazed that we are in February already, what happened to January?

~ feeling under the weather for days now

~ surprised by the sunlight

~ creating doll dresses

~ blessed by the lives of my 3 girls

~ thankful for a husband who loves me for who I am

~ awed by the beauty of freshly fall snow

~ inspired by color, life, little things

~ thankful for passions, hobbies, friends

~ centered on finding God's will for my life

~ peaceful about where I am in life

Finishing off 2.0

2011-01-31T21:07:00.000-08:00

I really did finish these off back at the end of December. However, I never the got picture taken until yesterday.

Nice thing was they just sat and waited patiently. No whining or complaining...isn't that nice?

Ravelled here
Pattern in Knitters Book of Yarn

Finishing off 1.0

2011-01-29T21:09:00.000-08:00

So, a fellow blogger posted a little while ago about "just start". The idea of tackling those things that you seem to lack motivation for.

That one little post inspired me, to tackle a few "undone" projects around the house.

My problem usually isn't starting a project. I tend to be excited, inspired, motivated by a new project, or two or, ahem, three. Oh, the fabric, the yarn, the potential! However, my attention and enthusiam can wane during the process.

I could be the Queen of WIPs.......but not today!

The girls

2011-01-09T23:07:00.000-08:00

Our little gaggle of girls enjoying Maui back in December

frozen

2011-01-06T15:37:00.000-08:00

northern lake,

my daughter and our dog

5 kms of trail and a pair of skiis

splendid!

sisters

2011-01-02T20:57:00.000-08:00

they laugh, giggle, cry and fight,

sometimes they drive each other crazy

but somehow they always grow closer,

understanding each other, needing each other

family

2011-01-01T21:51:00.000-08:00

for this i am thankful

morning mittens...trois

2010-11-24T20:47:00.000-08:00

Oooh baby I love your way, everyday!
This is my third time knitting this pattern, and I still love it.
It is fast, accurate and yields a great result.

I am using a hand-dyed wool alpaca blend that I bought on Salt Spring Island. I managed to snag the ball directly from the artist on his own farm! I love it because it is a one of a kind.

You really should try it if your looking for a quick and satisfying knit. The other two pairs were knit in Berroco Jasper, which worked really well too!

Pattern: Maine Morning Mittens
Raveled: Here

is it me?

2010-11-19T20:30:00.000-08:00

Trying to decide if the new hat makes me young, approachable or......

Just a little too elementary...hmmm! The jury is out on this one!

Too bad you can't see the cute pom-pom perched on top

because it is what really had me questioning the new purchase.

Gone, but not!

2010-10-21T15:28:00.000-07:00

I have been busy over the last few months.

Training for an epic event, at least to me and my 40 something body.

I leave Sunday for Portugal.

Competing in point-fighting

Training lots.

Spare time has been reserved for family and friends.

However, I have managed to craft a bit.

Here is what I finished just the other day.

Pattern: Thermis

Yarn from Plucky Knitter gifted from Peaknit (thanks so much I love it)

Ravelry project is here

serious summer sock love

2010-06-20T17:24:00.000-07:00

I am having some serious sock love

These babies have been sitting on my needles waiting for me to close the toe,

for longer than I would like to admit

However, the task of finishing was sweetened by the blissful feeling of trying on

Admittedly it is only one....but still so nice

Pattern: Basic Ribbed Socks

Wool: Colinette Jitterbug
My ravelry sock

Feelings: Love it!

The Ashling Tote

2010-06-14T10:43:00.000-07:00

I finished this back in early May. When I started I wasn't sure who I was going to make it for. However, as the tote came together it became apparent that it would be perfect for my good friend, Patricia.

I gave it to her at the end of May and she is loving it! So nice!

At first this yarn was for the February Lady Sweater. However, it didn't work out so I took my four balls of Cascade 220 and turned it into the Ashling Tote.

It is an easy peasy pattern, with great results!

Doing what she loves

2010-06-13T17:16:00.001-07:00

the absent

2010-06-08T22:29:00.000-07:00

that would be me!

life has taken different paths as of late
bends in the roads have kept me busy
not many moments to collect thoughts
or explain the moments

however i have been challenged
i have gone places
faced challenges i dreaded, maybe feared
pushed myself farther than i thought i could

one competition has lead to another and another
in 4-1/2 months i will be travelling half way around the world to compete
i worry
i get discouraged
i push
i train
i attempt my best

those moments keep me often busy
this family around me push me forward

happy mother's day

2010-05-09T23:04:00.000-07:00

From our home to yours!

Hope you had a great day,

So glad we could spend time with you in April!

Love from out west!

thoughts from a tournament

2010-04-29T21:14:00.000-07:00

These were thoughts I had back in March after competing in a martial arts tournament. Forgive me, life has been busy. Thoughts have been scattered.

I sit on the ferry. Heading away from an urban center. In the distance is the skyline, marked by the vistas of stunning coastal mountains. I can, from my vantage point, see the difference between two worlds. One that is remote, calm and the other a flurry of activity.

This weekend away has been full of varied emotions, thoughts and experiences.

This weekend I competed but more so I learned. I learned in watching, listening, participating and supporting team mates.

Many of us came to the tournament with varying hopes and goals. Some were realized, some were not. However, at the end of the day it doesn't really matter what does or doesn't hang around your neck. The lessons learned and the victories won come not only in the moment of competing, but before and after in the day to day grind of training.

I have learned a little about staying in the tough places, perserving admist the odds, digging deep to do your best.

I also understand how you don't make it to a goal by yourself. I don't think I have ever felt that more keenly. So aware of what others have invested into my teammates and I. How they worked with the raw materials we had.

In the end I think I have seen the good and bad of me, the strengths and weaknesses. Somehow both go hand in hand. Somehow we couldn't be strong if we weren't weak.

The fog is rolling in.
The sea turns to a dark gray.
The sky pours down rain.

I am at a peace. Quiet outside, quiet inside. Content.
Glad that I tried.
Glad that I competed.
And though none may understand, I needed to be here.

training thoughts

2010-04-20T21:29:00.000-07:00

I read a saying that went something like this:

When you train do not think that you have to win

Rather train so that you cannot lose

Maine morning mitts

2010-04-19T21:45:00.000-07:00

Here is a great project to keep you busy for just a little bit.

It's easy!

It's fast!

And you can talk and complete it at the same time.

Important things when travelling with husband and kids!

So when we left on holidays at the end of March,

that was just the kind of project I wanted.

I knit one mitt on the last leg of the first day.

Didn't I say it was fast?

If you are looking for the pattern it is on Ravelry.
I used Jasper Berroco.

It knit up perfectly!

Really you won't be disappointed.

we are off

2010-03-23T22:51:00.000-07:00

Hard to know where the time goes these days...
But we are off
To the lower mainland
For karate competiton,
family visit,
time away
and hopefully some spring weather.

May not be around these parts for a while...
Wishing you all well.

carnival is a coming...

2010-03-18T19:26:00.000-07:00

It is skating carnival time once again.

The last while I have been very busy cutting, pinning, sewing and serging skirts

for 10 very excited girls.

Once Bugsy's skirt was done she decided to model it

and try her waltz jump in it

Seems she is all of a sudden looking a little bit older than before.

She wasn't this big last year was she?

The skirts were actually quite easy.

I modified a skating skirt pattern by eliminating the casing

and sewing the material straight onto black elastic.

Simple and easy! And so glad they are all done!

you know you live in a northern community when...

2010-03-15T23:23:00.000-07:00

Okay, okay! I know this is a little bit similar to my last post. However, I can't resist. So, there is no stopping me.

As some of you know I live fairly fair north. During the shortest days of winter our sun doesn't come up before 8:30 and goes to bed early, like before 4:30. Gets pretty long, dark and cold up here!

So, being the industrous Canadians that we are, we find to ways to recreate to keep us busy, out of trouble and possibly to keep us from going "squirrely" when winter descends down upon us.

One thing that I enjoy doing, other than my knitting, quilting, sewing, reading, is attending our local dojo. A place to train in martial arts and other things, like karate, kickbox, point-fighting and kickbo. Keeps me busy and hopefully healthy.

Soon, I am suppose to be competing in both kata (karate forms) and point fighting. One sensei (coach) has been giving my team mate and I a little more focused attention to get us ready for the event. He has been running us through drills, combinations and giving lots of tips of what to expect when we get there.

He is very good at what he does. Very focused and passionate. I really respect him and appreciate his coaching.

But the other day I just couldn't help laughing and laughing when he suggested that part of our training should be stump jumping! Stump jumping you say? Yes, you heard correct!

His thought was that we could put a stump in our backyard and practise jumping on and off of it. After I made a fool of myself laughing, I had to admit it really makes sense because it helps us move better vertically, control movement and be quick.

I just can't get over the image of my neighbours looking out their back window, calling their husband over and whispering "Oh honey, I really think she might have lost it this time. Such a shame, she was such a nice lady!"

Oh the North! What a great place to live!

Excuse me now, while I go find me a stump.

you know you live in a small town

2010-03-10T00:03:00.000-08:00

Okay some of you probably have never had the feeling. Some of you live in big cities where you can live your life with a fair amount of anonymity. You carry on your daily tasks and never run into anyone you know all day.

In a small town it is a little different than that. Okay we have 5000 people, but you do tend to rub shoulders with the same people alot.

First of all people wave at you when you are driving. Of course there are two camps "wavers" and you guessed it "non-wavers". When we moved here 15 years ago I was a definite non-waver! Who thought to notice anyone else on the one road that runs straight through town? Anyways, I digress!

In a small town you see people you know or recognize all the time. It is a part of life. Most days it is kind of comforting.

However the other day, I realize how small SMALL is when an acquaintance stopped me in the grocery store to say that my daughter had called her on her cell phone. Hmm? I asked what she meant. She relayed back that my middle daughter had called and said that her sister was bugging her. This acquaintance paused during the conversation and said "I don't think you got your Mommy!" To which my daughter replied "That's not funny Mom!" Remember her sister was bugging her.

So the conversation went on between my daughter and "Surrogate Phone Mommy". Finally they got themselves straightened out when Phone Mommy told my daughter my name.

So entirely bizarre. I asked Phone Mommy how she knew it was my kids? She said she put two and two together by their names. I know we have been gymnastics moms together, seen each other at the beach and park....still bizarre!

It's a small ~~town~~ world after all!

loving her opa

2010-03-04T20:25:00.000-08:00

At bed my daughter asked, "Mom why are Opa's eyebrows so long?" (Yes I know, a little random, but it happens around here)

To which I replied, "It's just the way he was made!"

"Well, I told him he should cut them!" she said

"What did he say?" I asked

"That he doesn't want to because he likes them." After a little pause she continued and said "But I think that's good because they can protect his eyes from the sun!"

So funny! Especially if you know my daughter and her Opa.

Gluten-Free Bread Recipe

2010-03-01T22:03:00.000-08:00

I have been experimenting with various gluten-free recipes. Along the way I have had various successes and failures. Baking with gluten free products is akin to entering a new world, not only are you using "new" materials, they also have "new" results.

To ease the transition a bit I bought a few mixes to help figure out what products are suppose to be like before and after baking. Sometimes it feels like a huge effort to find ones that work and are cost effective.

Take store bought gluten-free bread at $9.45/loaf! Which is a little like cardboard and always needs to be toasted. Who wants to live life like that? So after a little expirementing I have had a happy success modifying Gluten Free Goddess's bread recipe. Instead of using the flour she listed, I used Bob's Red Mill All Purpose GF Baking Flour.

My daughter's were delighted! And truthfully so was I!

At last a sandwich that was like the real thing.

The Ashling Tote

2010-02-28T10:37:00.001-08:00

I cast on for "The Ashling Tote" last night. I had four skeins of Cascade 220 that were sitting unused in my basket and felt I really needed to find a use for them.

Originally I was going to make the February Lady Sweater, but we were not getting along.

So we frogged the FLS and it has been pretty much bliss every since!

sneaking back in...

2010-02-26T22:56:00.000-08:00

The last two weeks have crept by rather silently and slowly. While it was all sunshine a week ago, I was feeling quite grey.

I injured my ankle during "training" at our dojo. Consequently I had to stay off my feet as much as possible for a week and do nothing "active" this week. I spent an afternoon in our local hospital for blood tests and x-rays and found out, thankfully, that they came back with no problems. Seems my injuries just needed time to heal.

Everyone from my physiotherapist, to my coach, to my husband told me that I needed to rest. I was finding that hard to do.

Very hard to do, especially when you have to.

Especially when you want to be active or at least go for a walk in the sunshine. It's not so bad when you want to put your feet up, but hard when most of the day they are up. So after a few days of sulking, I decided I needed a quick project to cast on. After a little browsing I found the Heart on a String hat pattern. A lovely free pattern from Spud and Chloe.

I loved the result. It was knit up over two days (partly watching a swim meet) using Sandnes Garn Smart yarn. Lovely and fast.

celebrate your love affair with knitting

2010-02-10T13:39:00.000-08:00

Below, I have included a section from Interweave's Knitting Daily message for today. I thought that all of us who love knitting (and other crafts) might understand....

Celebrate Your Love Affair with Knitting

When most people talk about their Valentine, they're usually talking about a person. Well, one of my Valentines this year is going to be to my knitting! I love it so much, let me count the ways:

1. It fills my life with color

2. It encourages my creativity

3. It keeps my hands busy

4. It introduces me to new people who share my love for the craft

5. It loves to travel

6. It likes the same TV shows that I like

7. It keeps the same schedule as I do; if I want to knit in the middle of the night, it's there for me!

8. It likes to change bags as much as I do!

9. It challenges me

10. It keeps me company, even when I'm cranky

magic yarn ball

2010-02-02T08:23:00.000-08:00

I received this exciting little package in the mail. Back in November, Theresa from T does wool decided to have a giving swap. She paired us up with partners and we traded our yarn balls. Little bits of pleasure wrapped hidden inside a beautiful ball of yarn.

I just received mine from Stacey over at Pea Knits. It was a fun package to open after all the anticipation.

I received a wonderful skein of yarn from The Plucky Knitter. I have been eyeing up her stuff for a while. But each time I look in her store, the shelves are always bare.

I also received Thermis (a pattern) for a great neck cowl,

some chocolate (eaten! didn't last past the photos been taken),

ribbons and a yarn wash.

I haven't even started to knit with it and am thinking I have been terribly spoiled.

I will refrain from peeking inside the ball, until I actually start knitting my cowl.

Thank you so much Stacey and Theresa! This was great fun and I am so pleased with my package.

Day 93 Olympic Torch

2010-01-31T23:14:00.000-08:00

So this is where I live!

We had the Olympic Torch come through our little home town yesterday.

Our girls were quite pumped about the whole idea. Hubby commented that he is a little concerned about when our oldest gets to the concert age. Apparently she got quite caught up in the hype, you know, like yelling, screaming, bouncing, waving arms etc.

While my kids were partying in front, I was waiting back stage trying to stay warm. Our dojo had a 5 minute performance and I performed kata with 3 others from my class. We missed most of the action that happened up front. Apparently some of the talent that travels with the torch is amazing.

I was lucky enough to be done on time to see the torch though. As I was trying to make my way through the crowd to my hubby and the girls I came up to the barricade and the torch literally 30 seconds away. Close enough to touch the torch runner. Which I realize in a small town really isn't that big of a feat, but it sure sounds good! Doesn't it?

The last torch runner was a girl named Emily Cavillan, who had cancer in elementary school and had to have her leg amputated and has gone on to be an adaptive snowboarder. Pretty amazing story.

All and all it was a neat evening. I have never seen an olympic torch lighting and don't know if I will ever have the opportunity to again.

Just wish I could have figured out how to use the camera on my phone because Hubby had my Nixon! And do you think he remembered to take the picture? Nope!

slipping by

2010-01-28T23:49:00.000-08:00

I am not really sure where my days have gone.

January feels like a blur. Busy! At times terribly cold and gray. Seems like days flow into each other.

We have been busy with activities, crafting, reading, school, snow play and science experiments (today we were bending light).

Yet in a way everything seems plain old ordinary. I can't quite pin down the passage of time into anything "BIG". Just little moments chained together to make the days full and the weeks slip by.

And I guess that's okay too.

the everyday moments

2010-01-23T20:31:00.000-08:00

This little girl of mine is one of a kind.

When she wants a hug or a cuddle she will literally climb up you to get one.

When I am teaching school, she often wiggles her way in between books and paper and snuggles in.

On the other hand, when she needs space, move away and give her some.

Tonight when I was tucking her, I wanted a snuggle, but she didn't and slid over to the other side of the bed. So I kneeled beside her bed in the semi-darkness and kept talking to her.

All of a sudden she was back on my side of the bed, asking if I was sad. I told her that I wasn't really, but had just wanted a hug.

She immediately hopped up and embraced me. Afterwards, she sat on her heels and said "Momma I love you, but there is a God up in heaven that loves you a whole lot more than I do!"

I was stunned by her words and the timing of their delivery. Knowing that she gave me what I thought needed (a hug) but pointed me to what I really need every day, God!

little gifts

2010-01-18T17:25:00.000-08:00

I never realized how satisfying baby knits would be.

For one, they are fast and secondly, they turn out so cute.I have been eyeing up the Saartje's Booties for quite sometime.

I just needed to wait for the right time.

I had to learn how to crochet a chain (oh no!) for the button straps,

but it wasn't too hard.

I was trying to use up scraps on these booties

but next time I would either do the whole bootie in variegated yarn

or use it only on the bottom.

My husband didn't think it mattered that they didn't "match".

I am thinking it is just part of the handmade charm.

Since I still had yarn leftover, I whipped up the hat last night.

So fun! So easy!
Hopefully the perfect set!

i've been naughty!

2010-01-17T23:34:00.000-08:00

Well, not really. Maybe silly would be more like it.

On Thursday, I got a call from a friend's mother that they were having a shower for her daughter's new baby on Monday.

I already have two knitting projects on the go and won't tell you what my sewing room looks like. But decided to cast on for the Saartje's booties on Friday and The Welcome to the World Hat on Sunday.

Remarkably they are both done, just no pictures until tomorrow.

It is rewarding to throw a few quick projects into the middle of some bigger ones. They are both great little projects. I definately want to make more booties as I am always looking for a way to use scraps in my knitting and sewing.

surprised by the light

2010-01-13T22:41:00.001-08:00

I find that this time of the year always catches me by surprise.

It feels like the days have been cold and short forever. You forget what the sun feels like. It only stays for a few short hours of the day.

When I still worked outside the home, I would go to work at 8 a.m. in the dark and come home at 4:30 in the dark.

Then all of a sudden, without warning, you realize that your days have gotten a little longer. Just long enough that it gives you hope. Hope to see you through the cold and snow for a couple more months. And a sense of relief that the longest part of winter might just lay behind us.

home ec 101

2010-01-10T20:52:00.001-08:00

Only Papaya and I were at home this afternoon. Two of her sisters had a play date and her Dad was off doing some things as well.

Over Christmas she got a Karito doll named Pita. She has been mentioning that she would like a doll quilt for her. I had told her that she would have to learn how to make one.Today seemed like the perfect day. Contrary to the complaints in the southern states, we were too warm today to do much of anything outside. The snow was melting, everything was slushy. So sledding, skiing and skating were pretty much out of the question.

Plus we had a lovely basket of scraps, compliments of a friend (thank you S!) that she had been eyeing for a while.
So we got her comfortable, which meant propping up the electronic foot so she could reach it.
Then we started reviewing the basics. She had sewed a skirt in the summer. But she hadn't done anything since then. At first she felt like things were going really slow. That changed really fast though as she started to get the handle of things.
After she knew what she was doing, I really resisted the urge to take over. Okay, if you must know, I kind of "sat on my hands" for a while. Reminding myself it was the process, not how fast it got done. Hadn't I kind of just said that to her? So I decided to get a book and a chair and read. When she had a question, I answered it. When she needed help, I guided instead of doing it myself.
By the "end-ish" of the quilt I went downstairs to help her sister make supper. Doesn't that sound nice? One sewing, one cooking! I was kind of startled by the transitions that are slowly happening in our home.

She did call me upstairs when the thread came out of the needle and she couldn't get it back in. But she was quite content to go it alone. When she said "I can do it Mom", I realized she really wanted and needed to.

Here she is with her finished doll quilt top. Completed in one lazy, for me maybe, Sunday afternoon.

So proud of her!

P.S. After posting, I realized she held the quilt top with the wrong side to me for the photo. How funny that neither of us realized!

scrappy scarf

2010-01-07T20:02:00.000-08:00

I think I am finally happy with the progress that I am making on my Scrappy Lengthwise Scarf. I have started it 3 times. Each time I wasn't happy with it for a different reason. I didn't like the yarns together or I was messing up the pattern. The pattern isn't really difficult, I just can't talk as much as I might like (thank you Mom for pointing that out)! Apparently as a child I couldn't watch TV and cook dinner either, because things would get burnt. Sigh!Anyways, I also have found that you really need to use similar weight sock yarn, as all are not created equal, or it just doesn't lay very nicely.

Originally I had hoped that this would be for me. I am thinking now that I might be making it for one of the girls. Especially since my oldest has shown quite a keen interest in it.

You can find this pattern free on ravelry.

the birthday party girls

2010-01-06T22:16:00.000-08:00

1 birthday girl

+ 2 sisters

+ 2 parents

+ 6 friends

+ cosmic bowling

= quite a party

Our middle daughter recently turned eight.

What she really wanted was to go cosmic bowling.

It was a pretty easy and a lot of fun.

During the evening, I finished bowling my turn and turned around

to find them all dancing on the bleachers that they are sitting on in the above picture

Don't you just remember those days?

They didn't care at all who was watching!

They let their hair down and had fun.

Happy Birthday Papaya!

Beautiful blonde in a beret

2010-01-04T16:27:00.000-08:00

Here is the beret that I finished back in October.
Papaya usually wears it to church on Sunday.
I just never managed to take a picture of the finished project.

The alarm went off early this morning,
Not sure that anyone here was ready for it.

P.S. We were doing alliterations today

Starting fresh

2010-01-03T19:33:00.000-08:00

I have a basket of leftovers yarns

and since I really hate to see things go to waste!

I found a great pattern to use up scraps.

The Scrappy Lengthwise Scarf.

So far I am on my third try at casting on.

Not because it is particularly difficult.

I just can't really talk and keep the pattern going at the same time.

However, I seem to have the pattern down pat now,

so hopefully I will be getting somewhere with this soon.

A "Gushing" New Year

2010-01-01T12:02:00.000-08:00

Last night we had friends over late in the afternoon
The boys watched World Junior hockey
Canada was playing the USA
Had a casual dinner, kids played
Then early evening we got ready to go to church for a New Year's Eve party

Our friends were already out the door and gone
The kids were in the van
When hubby ran upstairs to grab something and use the bathroom

All of a sudden I heard "Oh no" and stomping feet
I ran up to find our toilet overflowing and hubby frozen in the middle of it
I grabbed any towel I could and started mopping up the water

Hubby ran to get the plunger,
Worked on the toilet for quite a while,
And then thinking it was fixed, flushed
This time the toilet seriously overflowed
I couldn't mop up fast enough
And watched dirty water pour down between the floor and wall

I was still busy mopping up water with towels
When we heard our oldest yelling downstairs
She had come in from the van, wondering what was taking us so long
Somehow, Hubby thought maybe Canada had scored a goal in the game
How could he even be thinking about that, at a time like this, alludes me

So when Hubby ran down,
He found our oldest mopping up the floor in the kitchen
The water that poured onto the floor upstairs had worked itself downstairs
And was spilling through our potlights, onto the kitchen counter, stove, floor and beyond

I had food on the counter that I just threw in the garbage
After the major mop was done, I took a second to call a friend
She came, got the kids and brought them to the party
Then we bleached and santized the kitchen and bathroom
Turned on fans and left everything to dry.

Hope the New Year doesn't start, the way 2009 finished.
I think I will be able to laugh soon.

A holiday review

2009-12-31T11:41:00.000-08:00

Our holiday time has been full. We stepped away from books, computers and schedules and really took time to relax. Staying up late, sleeping in, PJ's past noon. We also sprinkled in lots of time to ski, skate, toboggan, read, knit, watch hockey and play games.
We started with a winter solstice dinner that was simple and enjoyable. The girls asked lots of questions about the solstice and why we have such short days where we live. It was simple informal learning and quiet enjoyable family time.

As we moved into the holidays we spent lots of time together. This Christmas Eve we were all healthy. Last year we had sick kids.

After the girls were in their Christmas Pj's, we spent time reading and singing together.

On Christmas morning we spent time doing our devotions together and reading the Christmas story before opening presents and having brunch.

Of course we eventually got to the much anticipated gifts and stockings. Papaya wore the Santa hat all morning. She absolutely loves it.

With a few dog lovers in our midst, we made sure that there was a special treat under the tree for Jesse.

A few handmades made it into the Christmas mix. Each girl had knit socks in their stockings. They also had one handmade present under the tree. Here is Boo-boo's doll quilt.

This is Bugsy's new bag. She loves it and thinks the colors are perfect for her. Why are we not surprised at her checking it out like an ostrich? Notice the knit socks?

Papaya got a new bag too. This one only got finished on the 23rd! The original one I started got tossed because it simply was not working and I couldn't save it. So under a time crunch, I finished this in 1-1/2 hours. It came together nicely and she has been using it regularly.

Then we had ooohs!

And aahs!

And sheer delight!

Here's hoping that your holidays have created some special memories, helped you find moments to relax and drawn you closer to Jesus, who came as a babe, for our salvation.

picture play

2009-12-22T22:07:00.000-08:00

I was bored! Well, not really!

More like in denial.

About 30 inches to the left of my elbow,

I have a mound of paperwork that needs attention.

Really! Who ever wants to do that? Why does it pile up so quick?

So, instead of doing what I should.

I did what felt better!

I played in Photoshop Elements for a little while.

I really have no idea what I am doing there. But it was fun.

Here is a picture of two people I love.

My oldest brother and my mom.

It was taken in this summer on holidays.

So much fun!

a doll quilt

2009-12-20T21:52:00.000-08:00

I had a little bit of leftover fabric and whipped together a little doll quilt for my youngest. This project was really fast and came together well. All my girls still love playing dolls and what better than a little bit of love to wrap them in.

I went completely unconventional and threw on a bright border. The blue is actually in the quilt in a few places. It seemed a little more fun than more orange or yellow.

One more handmade done for Christmas. Speaking of which, since all my kids are asleep, I have one more to finish. It's starting to feel a little last minute!

extremely relieved

2009-12-18T19:07:00.000-08:00

Today
I got up early and baked those cookies
Then we had 11 girls decorating about 12 doz cookies
Afterwards there were lots of smiles
Lots of sugar, icing and mess
I spent about an hour de-stickifying my kitchen

Then I had my belt testing
I was so nervous at the start
My throat was dry and I could hardly swallow
My hands were sweaty
At the end we had to sit and wait
While the master and 5 senshi's went out of the room for 20 minutes
I would like to think they were having coffee
But they came back with comments for everyone

Today
I am an orange belt.
I expected, hoped for yellow
But got promoted one belt more than I thought to orange

Today
Thankful
Relieved
Satisfied

belt testing

2009-12-17T21:21:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow
I have my first belt testing in karate
I am a little nervous
It has been a long time since I have been tested in anything
College days are long gone you know!
Should be interesting. Maybe nerve-wracking.

Tomorrow
To take care of the nerves,
I have arranged a cookie decorating party for the girls in the morning
I haven't even baked the cookies yet
The cookie batter is in the fridge
And since I like them much better fresh
I will get up early and bake them first thing

Tomorrow
What are you doing?

the catch all

2009-12-16T22:16:00.000-08:00

This bag will be under the tree this Christmas for our oldest daughter. I hope it will be the bag she grabs as she goes out the door. Maybe to throw in her snack, water bottle and vest for skating. Maybe to throw in her tap and jazz shoes on a Saturday morning.

The bag is quite roomy. The finished dimensions are 13x12x10" (without the straps). At first it doesn't sound big but it should easily hold the things she will need it for.

The polka dot fabric actually has blue dots on it. For some reason they seem really white to me in the pictures.

I found the pattern called "Daisy Dazzler" in the Quilts and More Fall 2009 magazine. You can find a link to the pattern online.

a christmas wish

2009-12-15T22:34:00.000-08:00

Papaya had a very specific Christmas list.

She was worried that we wouldn't have anywhere to put our stockings. The stockings that are hung every year on the railing/banister of our stairs. So she wrote a quick wish and gave it to her Dad.

In the spring we had replaced the carpet in our living room and upstairs. However we never put our banister back up because my husband's busy field season was upon us.

The "wish list" from our daughter was the incentive he needed to get started on the project again. I figure it is better the kids encouraging him, then me nagging. So, with the help of a friend, who is a contractor, from church they hauled out the tools and started to tackle the project.

Here is what it looked like for the last 7 - 8 months.

Here the bottom plate and main post are getting set in.

Then a days work is almost done as they, okay friend, place the last spindles. The work isn't really done. The railing is just primed white and we need to decide exactly how we are going to paint it. Any suggestions?Here is our "Chief Inspector". She had her magnifying glass out and was a helpful little girl to the gentlemen that were working.
And here is the answer to a little girls wish.

The stockings are hung by the stairs with care,

in hopes that St. Nicholas soon will be there.

another one done....almost

2009-12-10T23:09:00.000-08:00

I am trying to tick the things to do off my Christmas list.

This is one of those projects.

And it is almost done.

This is my last pair of Christmas socks to knit.

I will be glad when it is done.

After that only a few more small sewing projects and I should be done.

a few little smiles

2009-12-08T15:50:00.000-08:00

This afternoon I tried to clear my head a little bit.
So I took my camera and headed outside.
Sometimes with photography things work out just right.

And for reasons I can't even totally explain right now, I LOVE the above picture.
It is straight out of camera. I love the colours, the mood and the expressions.
I took a few others.

This one picture absolutely cracked me up though.

Really, who has a dog that blinks for a picture?

I got the proper shot of them both looking, but this one is so cute.

Should run, my kleenex box is calling!

daughter's observations

2009-12-08T14:30:00.001-08:00

"Mom it looks like you want Christmas to come pretty bad!"

"Why's that?"

"Because your nose is red like Rudolph's!"

Haha, I seem to have a comedian in the making.

Good thing they make us laugh.

As for right now,

regardless that I am physically attached to my box of kleenex,

I think I am going to bundle up,

go outside

and get a little sun.

Anything has got to beat being stuck inside feeling yucky.

stuffed

2009-12-07T20:21:00.000-08:00

I am stuffed....

Not with food,

But in the head

Sigh!

This is my second head cold this winter.

I normally don't get sick and I definately don't get it twice.

I've gargled

Taken Vitamin C

Even Cold FX

Washed the hands

All that jazz

But it didn't stop me from catching it from the hubby,

Think I need to head to bed early.

Guess it is better now than Christmas.

mini recital

2009-12-02T23:12:00.000-08:00

There was a few little girls and a boy

In a little recital
In a little ballet studio
In a little town Bringing smiles

On a cold winter evening!

new advent tradition

2009-12-01T22:51:00.000-08:00

Here's our newest tradition.

I splurged a little and bought this advent truck.

It has 24 drawers in it.

To count down the days until Christmas.

Our girls were very excited this morning.

With 3 girls and 24 drawers the math works out perfectly.

They will each get 8 turns opening a drawer.

Each drawer will contain a little something.

Maybe a chocolate or eraser.

Maybe a bible verse about the Christmas story.

Maybe a little task of kindness.

I only have 6 days done,

even though they don't know that yet!

The drawers are small too only 4 cm x 4 cm.

Any ideas would be great!

Then this afternoon we put on music

and they spent time painting some Christmas decorations

made out of a baked dough.

Messy but fun! The perfect day!

a wonderful surprise

2009-11-30T17:26:00.000-08:00

Today I was meandering around the downtown of our small town.

I was trying to get all the "mail-away" gifts bought so that I can get them in the mail this week. I had been gone for quite awhile. Doing shopping with no kids, really isn't much of a chore. I got to taste mocha fudge and consider bakeshop cookies. Look at books. Stroll.

Once I was done though I was ready to go home and have a coffee. I didn't want to stop by the post office and groaned when I saw the line for the post office counter. So when I checked my mail and found a parcel card, I ALMOST left it there for tomorrow. Then I thought it is almost December and the lines won't get any shorter.

Boy was I glad that I waited. For inside my package was this lovely cowl from Renee. I entered her Pay It Forward blog awhile back and am the very lucky receipent of this handmade cowl.
I did a little shriek and put in on right away! There is no such thing as self control at moments like that! I love it! It goes with my black jacket and will go with my brown jacket too.

Now that I am thinking, I believe Renee had already posted about this and I might just have been drooling back then too.

Anyway I look at it, I am happy!

Thanks so much!

Please forgive "self-potrait" photography! Haven't quite mastered the trick of that yet!

mortifyingly funny

2009-11-28T15:15:00.000-08:00

My child! She never ceases to amaze me. Doing and saying things in places that I rather she wouldn't.

Today we were at the hairdresser. All three girls needed a cut. Long past due since they hadn't had their haircut since the middle of summer.

Boo-boo was done her cut and watching Papaya finish up her cut. Someone said something funny and the hairdresser laughed.

It was a little thready laugh with a slight beat too it
"Heh-heh-heh-heh-heh"

Which Boo-boo immediately echoed by the same "Heh-heh-heh-heh-heh"

Which made the hairdresser laugh again.
Which made Boo-boo echo again.
Which made others in the hairdresser shop burst into laughter, including her mother.

It was so entirely funny. After I regained my composure I tried to explain that I didn't think she was mocking her, just repeating a new sound. But I quickly felt like I might dig a hole big enough to get into so I stopped.

Mercifully, the next time she laughed, Boo refrained!

a child's view on grandparents

2009-11-24T22:03:00.000-08:00

While I was driving Papaya home from swimming today, she started to make a comment about how her Opa like lots of butter, actually too much, on his toast. We then talked about how he also likes lots of peanut butter with his butter. Papaya commented that she thought that was okay when she was younger, but now that she is older, it's pretty gross. (Just a reminder she isn't quite 8!)

However, all that said, she reminded me that Opa's are good for some things, like rice with brown sugar and cinnamon, as well as cartoons! She has always thought that his lap is pretty comfortable for curling up on. Especially to watch those cartoons.

I asked her, "What about Oma's?"
"Well she is good for peppermints," came her quick reply.

pressures

2009-11-23T22:35:00.000-08:00

Tonight the girls and I had an interesting conversation at supper. They were lamenting. Struggling a bit. Feeling the pressure to grow up, when they have hardly had the chance to be a kid.

Apparently, a couple of kids have said directly to them, that they think they are too old to play with barbies and dolls. They have also perceived this in general from a few others.

The thing that is crazy is that my two older girls are 7 and 9. Pushing 8 and 10. Yes, they can spend hours dressing, caring and making elaborate games with their dolls and barbies. They still play dress-up and polly pockets. But isn't that what childhood is about?

I think our girls are creative. They read feverishly. They spend hours outdoors and find interest in many things this computer generation passes by. Too be honest, in many things I pass by.

They teach me to slow down.
Enjoy the moment.
Look and listen.
Stop.
Breathe.

I wonder what happens when a society tells our children "Grow up!"
"Hurry up!"
When children as young as 10, 11 are reading "Twilight" instead of "Pippy Lockingstocking"

It leaves me sad that our society would want to rush them through this preciously short stage of life....to what?

boo-boo's 5th birthday party

2009-11-21T23:13:00.000-08:00

So our little girl is turning five. Her actual birthday is next week but a weekend party was much easier to plan.

She decided that what she really wanted was to decorate cupcakes. At first she said cookies, but with a little hint she thought cupcakes were a fine idea.

She didn't want all her friends to come dressing up as a princess, prince or fairy. She wanted them to come in their regular clothes. So to accomodate the messy decorating, Mommy made everyone an apron they could take home. It was really an inexpensive project. We already had the pink duck fabric and we picked up less than half a metre of the car fabric for the boys.

We spent about half-an-hour decorating cupcakes.

Lots of icing. Lots of candy.

Lots of smiles.

Then my older two girls organized games for the kids. Any one need party planners? I might just have two up for hire.

They played musical chairs.

Pin the tail on the bear. As well as bean bag toss, treasure hunt and they spun the bottle for turns while they gave gifts. What a blessing our older girls were today!

In all, it was a great day for a great girl.

She is our little bundle of energy who grabs life by the tail, plays hard and climbs high.

Just today we found her standing on top of the bar stool trying to get something from the closet. Yesterday, she climbed across the washer to get something from the cupboard up above. Seems hard to keep her feet on the floor most times.

Yet, she's the one who often says, with a hug, "Momma, I love you too much!"

Melt my heart, I love you too my little sunshine!

a beary world

2009-11-18T08:54:00.000-08:00

Boo-boo has been learning all about bears, both real and imaginary. So yesterday in school we made a little bear of her own. She wasn't being very cooperative when it came to taking pictures.She looks mad in this picture but she wasn't. I think she wanted to just go and have some quiet time with her new special friend.

I helped her cut the bear out, using big sharp scissors. Then she stitched around the whole bear and stuffed it. At supper time she finally picked out the eyes she wanted and we gave bear a little face.

A fun snowy day craft!

round and round she goes

2009-11-13T22:41:00.000-08:00

I knew she could,
But part of me was reluctant to let my baby go!

However, the moment I took the training wheels off she didn't stop

She didn't look back to see where I was

It was like she never had them at all.

She could have those wheels off a couple of months ago,

but her Mommy wasn't ready.
~
Now when snow could fall any day and stay for months
I decide to let her have the freedom she wants and is ready for

At the end she even knew her bike had to go in the rack now!
My "big" little girl!

mystery solved

2009-11-09T22:59:00.000-08:00

My mystery socks by Kirsten at Through the Loops are finally done!
Between sick kids,
an unfounded fear of clue 4
and a weekend away,
the progess on these had slowed a little bit.
However, with a little encouragement,
I realized clue 4 wasn't hard at all.
I just needed to take some time and re-read the pattern.
Not all things come to those who are in a hurry after all!
Then I was off to the races and finished them up in a jiffy.

I used Mirasol Shirpa,
100% Hand Dyed Merino Wool.
~
I love this yarn!
I have used it previously
I will use it again.
I would quickly recommend it.
~

Hopefully I can get a better picture of these!
Since they aren't for me, my feet don't happily slide inside.
Guess I will just have to wait for Christmas morning.
When I hope that one little girls toes really warm up to them!

disappointed

2009-11-05T10:49:00.000-08:00

Half the family has gone to the city two hours away for a concert

Two of us stayed home. We had all planned to go.

However our oldest has been sick the last few days

Two days of sore, achy, chills, headache...just like her mom had on the weekend.

Today we thought she was better, we were packed and gone

Although not far!

We had made it to the drive thru window at Timmy's

(that would be Tim Horton's for those of you who don't know)

When we heard someone getting sick in the back

Ugh! Smile at the lady in the window and hope she didn't hear it too!

Really, not the best place to get sick!

So we headed home

Two of us got out and three continued on their way

I really don't like having half the family gone

I really like to travel together

But they will be home late tonight

I wasn't suppose to be home, so I don't have anything pressing for today.

I am thinking that I am going to grab a coffee,

a good book,

a homemade quilt

and snuggle up and waste a few hours

See you later responsibility.....

where have the children gone?

2009-11-04T21:14:00.000-08:00

Really! I thought we were doing school!
Yet not one of my children,

Were at their desks!

Instead, they were digging delightfully for candy in the halloween bucket!

So good for their concentration and emotional stability! Not!

But I won't tell them how many times Mom and Dad have snuck a treat or two or three!

halloween, our day

2009-10-31T19:09:00.000-07:00

Here's our day from end to middle

Bugsy became a blushing bride...

Papaya went back in time and became Mary (not Laura) Inglis. If you knew her, you would understand why the difference is important to her!

Boo-boo was going to be a dog and decided at the last minute to be a princess...worked for me!

Earlier in the day we carved pumpkins

It was a family affair, even our dog joined in! Well, at least Bugsy tried to make him.

We were suppose to have a bonfire with friends tonight, but as this mommy was sick yesterday, we decided to just come home and curl up for a movie.

winter? really!

2009-10-29T23:03:00.000-07:00

a beret for papaya

2009-10-27T21:44:00.000-07:00

I came across these lovely patterns by Sirdar. A booklet of 11 designs for women and girls. Which in my case fits me perfectly. I had been wanting to knit a beret for Papaya. She has a cute fuschia wool coat that is will look positively great with.

Since I am almost done, I wanted to try it on for size. Partly because the last few nights have been busy doing bookwork.

She is loving the result! How do you like all my unfinished ends?

She just lost another tooth today and as cute as that smile may be, I am a little worried that it will need straightening at some point. The new teeth just aren't fitting into the holes the old teeth left.

Oh well! Worries for another day. Right now I have one happy little girl who will also find a loonie under her pillow in the morning.

how do you like it

2009-10-26T23:05:00.000-07:00

I really cannot decide and wonder if you can. Laundry?

Do you do it all in one day or a little each day?

I have done both.

Being a good dutch girl I use to call Monday my wash day and didn't stop washing till it was done.

Enter kids and scheduling time wasn't quite so neat and tidy. Actually neither were their clothes.

(Disclaimer...Mom you should stop reading here!)

Yet, life kept evolving as more kids came, responsibilites and activities changed. Now it sometimes happens, really it is rare though, that the same load of laundry gets washed, then rinsed and maybe even rinsed again! It gets forgotten in the washer for a couple of days, then sits in the dryer for a couple of days. Eventually it gets folded when the next load needs to be dried.
.

I can't find my fairy...so I guess this will have to do! What about you?

on the needle

2009-10-25T13:34:00.000-07:00

Well really, I haven't touched my knitting since last week Saturday! This is my mystery sock from Kirsten. The last clue, clue 4 came out on Thursday and I would like to spend some today on finishing up.

This is "Smart" yarn. I have cast on a stockinette stitch beret for Papaya. Since two of three children are gone on play dates today, I think it might be time to grab a tea, find a comfy spot and click a couple of hours away.

However, I stayed up way too late last night. Eight ladies got together and watched a movie, we laughed so hard I cried! Way fun! Definately need to do it again soon. So if I drift off this afternoon I won't be surprised either!

sailing the high seas

2009-10-23T12:16:00.001-07:00

We have been taking a look at the world.

Studying climates, weather, water cycle, food chains, and habitats of animals and the ocean. Today we went on an ocean adventure and sailed on the high seas. Bugsy (my gluten goblin) made a sailboat so she could test and observe the force of moving air.
Can you guess what they have planned for the afternoon? Boat races. She wants to help her sisters make them. Anyone have more yogurt containers?

the gluten goblin

2009-10-22T20:52:00.000-07:00

Well! Let's say the start of my week was a hard one. My oldest daughter was struggling with school and her swinging emotions.

Sometimes her reactions affect the rest of us. Sometimes it is positively exhausting to watch and help her through. Sometimes I want to throw in the towel and walk away for a while. And then sometimes I cry, let it all out and manage to gain a new perspective.

She is also our daughter that has food allergies. Not sensitivies, but allergies. Her allergy to dairy is almost right off the chart on every dairy product. If she has some dairy, we see physical symptoms fairly quickly.

Apparently the gluten allergy is a little harder to detect unless you know what you are looking for. Two years ago she was diagnosed with these allergies and we have been pretty good about avoiding dairy, but not so much with the gluten.

What we found today, on a trip to the naturopath, is that gluten given to a child who is allergic impedes brain function. Other tests today show that her adrenel gland is depleted which leads to excess tiredness.

We were here two years ago and a big part of me didn't want to go back today. My husband was absolutely convinced we needed to take her as we were beginning to wonder if she had ADD. The regiment prescribed by the naturopath takes her off gluten and dairy, and focuses on DHA from fish oils for mental health/power and L-Glutamine for her flora health.

Sometimes I find it so hard. It is easy for hubby to support me taking her in but now I need to be responsible and follow through on the day to day cooking for an allergy. If you haven't been there, it might be hard to understand. It's hard for a child, much less an adult, to say no to things they like to eat, especially when everyone else around them is eating it.

I don't find avoiding dairy that hard. I had to do it as a teen and adult. Avoiding gluten is another thing. It is in so much of what we eat...bread, cereals, granola bars, pasta, crackers etc. Lots of the non-gluten choices are blah! Guess I might really need to start experimenting and getting creative.

It's not that I don't want to do it for her. It's just that I get tired thinking about it. Hopefully soon it will become part of our routine and will just become part of life.

out my window today

2009-10-21T16:10:00.000-07:00

my monkey

2009-10-21T10:26:00.000-07:00

I have a little 4 year-old that I am sure has turned into a monkey.

Last week she presented me with a book that she wanted to read.
Thing was, that book was on top of the book shelf. Not even on one of the shelves.
When quizzed she admitted that she stood on the back of the couch to get it.
"It wasn't hard Mom!"

The other day one of her sister's awoke to hear money clinking from a piggy bank.
This piggy bank is on top of the fridge.
We didn't catch her red-handed because we were sleeping in.
So later when she showed us the money she had for her change purse, we asked where she got it.
Her first reaction was a speechless uh-oh look and then she dissolved into tears.

Yesterday I was coming through the living room and caught her profile on a chair in front of the buffet, reaching for something on one of the shelves.

Who's child is this? She swings up into trees and crawls up onto counters in a blink. I think I am just lucky that she didn't see her daddy doing this!

safety first?

2009-10-17T20:23:00.000-07:00

I'm wondering if anyone else sees what's wrong with this picture?
If any other wife might look out the window a second time and raise their eyebrows?

I have a husband that is well versed in safety.

He operates a company that is "safe-certified".

He uses off-road vehicles, ATV's, generators, saws etc. He knows what to do and not to do. More so, he knows how to do it right!

I am certain that if he happened to be the one looking out the window and I was perched on top of the ladder that things might look a tad different from his perspective.

At least he didn't spend the whole afternoon standing up there. After awhile he got tired of standing and tried sitting in the tree. Worked for a while, but not too long.

This next position seemed to work best. Propped up nice and comfy, a few good branches surrounding him. So that if he did fall, those branches might cushion or at least slow his descent.

Heh! Who needs a ladder anyway! Apparently for some jobs they are just over-rated. But then again it is always good to keep it close by, you just don't know when you might need it.

a homeschool day

2009-10-15T20:38:00.000-07:00

Involves a little bit of baking. I wish that was always true! Too often we get a little busy and forget. Although we have been donning our aprons quite a bit lately. What really happened was we were completely out of bread and had no quick fixes for lunch, so we thought some Cranberry Crumble Muffins might be in order. Of course I had a willing helper.

A little bit of spelling practise is always good. One cup for learned words and one for words we are working on.

Kindergarten has a bit of cutting, pasting, coloring. counting and phonics all in one.

Writing a creative story is always up my girls alley. We found an idea generator on Scholastic that had the girls laughing.

Then of course there is math! Some hate it and some love it. My older two girls each fall into one of those categories. Oh, Bugsy also made a terranium today. Really cool project that teaches her about the water cycle. Will have to post more about that another day.

and therefore i will hope

2009-10-12T16:04:00.000-07:00

In my part of the world, today was Thanksgiving.

Yesterday, I was outside and I was trying to think of what I was thankful for. I was a little unsettled however, kind of cranky, so the exercise was not proving very fruitful. I should have been thankful for the blue sky and sun on my face, as I usually am but couldn't quite shake the "blahs".

As I planted my fall bulbs and continued to ponder on the topic, I realized that I am thankful for hope. Really thankful actually.

So often I can get lost on this journey of life. I try to figure things and can't make sense of them. I try to understand people or fix a problem and botch it. Sometimes, like yesterday, I just feel discontented and can't completely understand why. At those moments it would be easy to stay there, wallow, get sucked in or just give up.

But we don't need to! We have hope and that really shouldn't be taken for granted. Hope for eternity through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Hope that sets us free to not need to be perfect, have it all together, be understood or even understand. Hope that says God has created us in His image and even though we can't see or comprehend it, we are slowly being molded into his heavenly likeness.

So this Thanksgiving I am thankful for hope. A hope that raises me out of my mire, sets my feet on a solid place, focuses my eyes on the finish line and reminds me that my reward, the one that I truly long form, is not in this world.

not so much

2009-10-11T13:53:00.001-07:00

Some days you are a success. You feel like a culinary genius when you make something out of nothing. Other days not so much. Sometimes another person has a fresh, or maybe just new, perspective on things. Like today at lunch.

Last night I had made Beef, Chickpea & Tomato soup for supper. I had wanted something warm and comforting for supper. We had spent the afternoon doing yard work and as much as I hate to say it, I was cold when I came in at 5:00. So I threw on some biscuits and we had a delicious supper, everyone was happy, no one complained.

Fast forward back to lunch today. We came home from church with one daughter gone to play and another bringing home a friend. That soup was the perfect leftovers for lunch. At least we all thought, Boo-boo's friend not so much!

The conversation went something like this:

Little friend, fiddling with spoon on her tongue, "I don't like chicken!"

Me, "Well, that's good because this soup doesn't have chicken"

Little friend, who is as cute as can be "Yes it does!"

Me, "Nope just beef, no chicken"

Little friend, thinking "Hmm, I don't like beef"

Boo-boo decides to enter conversation "I LOVE this soup, this is my favorite soup. I don't like all the other soups, but I like this one!"

Little friend, not to be outdone of course "No, I do not like this soup. I like all the other soups, but I do not like this one!"

I almost snorted! Yes, I have done that before.

But seriously, how can you get mad at a 4 year-old who is being honest and doesn't realize that they could possibly be offending someone? To her she was just stating the obvious. It almost read like a book. Sort of had a pattern and a rhyme. Was the logical reply to her friends comments.

Make me laugh! What a good way to keep someone humble. I hope that whatever you might be eating this Thanksgiving weekend brings you comfort and maybe a few laughs along the way.

it was cosmic

2009-10-09T18:38:00.000-07:00

We went cosmic bowling yesterday! Do I really need to say that we had fun? Boo-boo was determined to bowl on her own. So I gave her wings and let her fly at it!
The girls got creative and turned their glow-sticks into earrings and bracelets. Each of the older two got at least one strike.

I was thinking bowling was kind of an out-of-date pasttime! Was I ever wrong! Turn of the lights and put on some whites and you have a real party!

Afterwards we joined other kids, parents and adults for a picnic in the local park. It was a great afternoon where the girls met new friends and enjoyed the outdoors.

lunch surprises

2009-10-07T17:12:00.000-07:00

Today the girls and I had a visitor in the morning and were gone over the lunch hour.

We came in the door at about 1:20 pm feeling hungry.

I opened the fridge door and thought "Oh no, what for lunch at this late hour?" I am not the biggest fan of sandwiches, unless they have great bread and fixin's.

Anyways, the first thing that I spotted was a single serving of leftover spaghetti sauce. No pasta. Hmm? This was not looking goood. Then I remembered the nann bread that I had.

So I winged it and layered nann bread with light layer of spagetti sauce (that had ground beef in it) and topped it with cheese. When it came out of the oven 10 minutes later the girls thought it looked delicious and 2 minutes later they were thinking I was some sort of culinary genius! Hah! I won't be telling them any different!

So if you are in a pickle and need a quick snack / light meal....you might just want to try it. The possibilities for changing it up are endless!

yet again

2009-10-06T16:12:00.000-07:00

I couldn't resist!

Really I couldn't resist!

I am finding socks very, well, satisfying.

There happened to be a Mystery Sock knit-a-long by Kirsten at "Through the Loops"

I had yarn in my basket that needed to be knit.

I have Christmas gifts to start or finish, depending on how you look at it.

Really how many more reasons does a girl need?

So, here I go again!

Isn't she pretty?

one pair is done!

2009-10-04T23:52:00.000-07:00

Here's looking at one finished Christmas present for the girls.
I really enjoy knitting socks!
It's kind of funny but I find them strangely satisfying.
It is also great that it is a small project, portable and easy to complete.
If you are thinking at knitting a pair and are nervous about working on dpn's (double pointed needles), don't be because they really aren't as hard as they look.

explain the unexplainable

2009-10-02T21:59:00.000-07:00

Do any of you, can any of you, understand or explain the phenomenon of craving fiber and textiles? Really I spent an hour tonight on Ravelry drooling over various yarns and fibers and thinking of all manner of things that I could create with them. While on vacation, well over a month ago, I saw a new line of fabric from Moda that I loved! Wanted! Even walked away from! But I still keep thinking about it!

Crazy? True!

Then I walk into my craft room and realize that I still have things to knit, things to sew, things to quilt. Projects undone with my girls!

Why does the new call so much? I really REALLY try to use up, rethink, recycle but I still have more! Trying VERY hard not to give into my urges for a new project. Perhaps these are just the unexplainable urges of a crafter!

good morning autumn

2009-10-01T09:22:00.000-07:00

I opened the shade on my daughter's window to see that we are truly being greeted by autumn. Her window was covered in condensation, the sky was blue and the colours are changing all around us. I needed to get outside for a moment to feel fall on my face. Have a fresh breath before we start our school day.

I see the changes of the seasons not only in the colours around me, but also in the mountains around us. A few weeks ago there was no snow on the mountains at all. They were still bare from summer heat. Now it seems there is a little more each day. If you look carefully you can see how autumn still hangs on below the clouds.

my rocking, socking groove

2009-09-30T23:36:00.000-07:00

This is what is on my needles right now. I got to knit quite a bit on the weekend and then haven't touched them since. I have started my Christmas knitting and this lovely pair are for Papaya. I tried the finished sock on her while she was sleeping to ensure that I had the correct size. These were suppose to be for Bugsy but I thought I would run out of yarn as I only have two skeins. As it turned out there was still plenty left on the first skein. But who knew that?

Pattern: Most Basic Kid's Socks

Found: Ravelry

a sunday hike

2009-09-27T23:34:00.000-07:00

Even though it was cloudy the day was so beautiful that we needed to get out and away from home. At first the girls resisted but once they were on the trail, a magical thing happened and their attitudes were transformed. They were laughing, running and chasing our dog. Good things happen outdoors!

Our snow free days really could be numbered. We have gotten snow before Halloween. So there really was no time like the present to venture outdoors.

A stop for some pictures

Play hide and seek And a rest at the top to enjoy the view!

not the saturday i expected

2009-09-26T14:49:00.001-07:00

I killed a dog today.
I ran over it in the middle of street.
I was suppose to be meeting with a friend at church to practise some stuff. She wasn't there. I tried to call her but she didn't answer. That wasn't a surprise. She doesn't always make it to the phone. So I thought I would drive by her house before I gave up on her.

Two girls were at dance. Youngest was in the back.
I was thinking random thoughts.
It was quiet.
I know the route.
I didn't expect anything abnormal.

Then a dog dashed across the road. I thought it came from in front of a van.
I swerved away, but couldn't react fast enough.
A thud. The shock. My brakes screeching.

I got out to see two kids, about 3 and 5, unloading from a van.
It was their dog. It was suffering in the middle of the road.
Their Mom hustled them inside the house.
One of the boys had opened their van door just before I passed and the dog jumped straight in front of us. It didn't have a chance. Doesn't make it easy though.

I have three girls and a dog. I know what it would be like if it was the other way around.
I wasn't suppose to be there at that moment. I shouldn't have been if plans had gone the way I thought.

Heavy-hearted.
Sad.

this is fall....

2009-09-26T09:30:00.000-07:00

This

is
what
fall

is all about!

Don't you agree?

momma?

2009-09-25T22:28:00.000-07:00

We are enjoying fall, the cool mornings, the little bit of schedule again. The final flowers still holding out and surprising us with their beauty. We are also enjoying the harvests of fall such as apples, tomatoes and pears. Our youngest decided to go apple picking on her own. She got an old tin climbed the tree and spent awhile enjoying the fall harvest. Her question to me was "Momma do I have enough now for an apple pie?" I think today I will make sure that she does.

the contractor life

2009-09-24T20:28:00.001-07:00

Once upon a time, there was a way of doing business that held a man to his word. A handshake was considered to be a pledge. A man's word that he would do as he said. Somewhere in history that all changed and now we have legally binding agreements that hold us to contracts made.

That is a little preface to our life lately. We live the life of a "contractor". The nature of our business really doesn't matter. We are a small business that provides services to other companies, so that they can have work completed that they can't do internally.

We, or really the Big Cheese, has signed many contracts. Contracts that often require a deposit, in addition to a signature to indicate that we/he is serious about completing this work. It is Big Company's security that their work will get done. That way if we don't deliver...they get the deposit. Always, always "they" are protected.

But what happens when that grace, that trust, that favour isn't extended the other way? What happens when Big Company says to Little Contractor, who has done exceptional work for many years, that you will get the work again next year as long as you continue to perform? What happens when Big Company says to Little Contractor, you performed, well done, the work is yours again!? What happens when Big Company changes its mind, even though it made promises to Little Contractor?

And most of all what happens when Big Company decides that quality, commitment and relationship are no longer important?

These decisions are being made by big companies everyday. That the quality of the job, the right people, the experience of the workforce and previously made commitments are no longer important. We have become a dispensible. It doesn't matter if you have the equipment and man-power and can deliver the needed services.

No, it seems that now the true mark of a good company is if you can manage to have the lowest bid and somehow manage to continue survive. Squeeze water from a rock anyone?

There I said it! It ain't pretty. It ain't nice. But sometimes life seems like that. Sometimes we want life to be fair, but is it really?

taking a break

2009-09-22T16:17:00.000-07:00

We needed a walk today, really bad!

I will tell you more later, as I have to go!

felted clogs

2009-09-21T21:33:00.001-07:00

Remember when I showed you my monster slippers?

Well they weren't really! But all you smart knitters and crafters figured that out pretty quick. They were actually a pair of Felted Clogs by Fiber Trends.

It was a really fun knit for me. Totally something that I had never tried before. Truth be told I had to re-cast the first slipper about 6 times and then I still had some technical difficulties. I persisted though and finally birthed, I mean produced, a comfy and wearable pair of slippers.

I have to say that I had to exercise great restraint after felting the slippers. It took about 5 days for them to dry enough to be wearable. Now they don't leave my feet! Okay I take them off for bed, and when I leave the house but not much else. Especially as our mercury starts to dip lower and lower.

Would I make them again? Absolutely. Would I make changes? No, I would just know better how to "manage" the shaping of the project.

All in all my footsies are happy!

my fairy has landed

2009-09-19T22:13:00.000-07:00

Today Boo-boo was invited to a birthday party.

The theme happened to be fairies and we just happened to have a fairy costume.Who can resist dressing up a little girl? I sure can't! Life doesn't get much more fun than that...being transported into another play world for just a few hours. No worries at all, not a single solitary one. Okay on second thought, she was quite excited about the possibility of goody bags!

Doesn't that just make your heart melt?

the salsa ladies

2009-09-17T23:55:00.000-07:00

Gotta like doing a big job with a friend!
Thus making it an easy and fun job!

tuckered

2009-09-15T23:34:00.000-07:00

i did salsa for most of the day today,

and that wasn't the dance by the way

came home and put my toes in my new homemade slippers,

which took forever to dry, like many days!

(more on that soon)

reworked boo-boo's $5 ballet skirt,

no more ties, just an elastic waist that she can pull on

(more on that too if you want)

started laundry

unloaded my load of salsa mess,

because we made it at church

it meant packing and unpacking today

i will be thankful all winter though!

oh yah, i started sewing a quilt together

for someone that is related to me!

that's all for now

i should sleep

and we should do school tomorrow

because we have been very bad this week!

but doing very good things!

one thing i wanted to do

2009-09-14T23:57:00.000-07:00

Remember when I got back from holidays I told you about our great friends and our fun adventures? Well here is proof of some of the crazy things we have done. Friends of theirs somehow got ahold of a lion cub and raised it on their farm for a while. It was the most amazing thing ever to see!
Ever since college I have wanted to hug a lion. In National Geographic I saw a picture of a trainer hugging a lion and it kind tugged inside of me. I hung on to that picture for years. I loved it!

Anyways we finally got to see a lion up close. No fence! No barricade! Wow! It was kind of crazy because even though it was still a cub, you immediately knew it was "King of the Jungle"! This was no pussy cat! It didn't meow. It growled and while it didn't roar, the sounds that came out of it's mouth were wild, not tame and domestic. It's body and legs were muscular and thick and it could have easily taken down our golden retriever if he had been around.

To be honest I was nervous and watching my kids, who were then 7, 5 and 2, like a hawk. And even though it was only a cub, I couldn't quite manage to slide my arms around it's neck and squeeze!

And apparently neither could my husband!
While the girls were on the trampoline, the lion decided to get on too. They weren't 100% sure about this.

And our friends son was even less convinced, especially when the lion decided to play he wanted to play.

Just thought I would show you it really happened. And for those that are concerned the family did send the lion back to the zoo, where I think it has stayed since.

Photos from 2007