Knitting In The North

Poor Little Bunny

 

 

Little Liam has been felled by a nasty stomach bug - I don't think I've ever seen him so sad, or quiet.  He was at the computer on his own for a few minutes, and Stuart found him like this.  Poor little guy...

 

"9"

 

 

Brian turned nine yesterday.  He opted to take a couple of friends to the new Pirates of the Caribbean movie instead of having a party, but I had to turn it into a bit of one, anyway.  Quick fish cupcakes, and a few little accessories can make any day into Pirate Day, right?

 

 

 

 

Just the fact that he would rather go to a movie with a few buddies shows how grown-up my boy is getting.  I love it, though, that he's not to big to throw on the pirate gear, and act it out when he came home, checking with the Blackbeard book brought home from the library (for accuracy, of course).  

 

 

 

My, how the years have flown...

Happy Easter

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Place

 

 

I went for a walk the other day with a good friend, and we realized as we were talking that we've been walking together on the same path in the same spot for the last 14 years.  For someone who had made about a dozen moves by the time I was a teenager, it's a little shocking to me that I've been in one place, geographically at least, for so long.  Even more strange to me is that my children have lived in this one community their whole lives - three of them have lived their whole lives in this one house!

 

Sometimes I forget that my children don't automatically absorb everything I know, all my memories and experiences by osmosis.  When I talk about moving house when I was a child, they look at me a little confused - they have nothing to compare that to.  (And Liam is convinced, to my utter horror, that eggs come from Costco, not chickens.  Sigh - we need to get some backyard chickens.  Badly.)

 

 

There is something special, though, about having a place of your own.  A spot.  When I walk my path along the river, I feel grounded.  I am mentally clear, refreshed, peaceful.  This is Liam's spot - it has been since he was a baby. 

 

This morning, he was owly and a bit fussy with me.  All on his own, he disappeared to his spot, and it gave him just what my spot gives me - he came out from behind the curtain happy, settled, and relaxed.  And thankfully, not so fussy anymore.

 

What about you?  Do you have a place of your own?

Random Bits

 

 

 

• The first day of spring arrived today!  Although there are still a couple of feet of snow on the ground, the kids & I started seeds today: beefsteak and roma tomatoes, two kinds of peppers, broccoli and cucumbers.  We have squash & zucchini to do in a few more weeks, and lots of packets of seeds waiting for warm ground.  It felt so nice to get my hands in dirt again!

 

• Spring break is here, which means I get to enjoy the kids at home all week.  We have lots of little plans, like planting the seeds, getting haircuts, visiting with friends... 
  

 

• With no school this week, Liam has no reason to get his backpack and boots on over his pajamas every morning, waiting to go to school, too.  He does this Every. Single. Morning.  When I tell him he doesn't go to school yet, he answers, "But me older now!"  Poor little guy.

 

• Looking at his funny little face, I just noticed how dirty my front door area is looking.  A good spring break project, I'm thinking.  One of the bonuses of having Katie babysit when I have to work is that I can leave a nice long chore list for everyone.  It keeps them busy & out of trouble, the house gets cleaner, and we have time for the fun stuff when we're all together.  Win, win, right?

 

• I've made a decision about my schooling, and took the first step on a new path today!  I've registered for a Library Technician program - it's only a diploma, but will count towards the first two years of a BA, if I still want to keep going when I'm done.  It's a distance program, so I'm going to have to get organized and practice some self-discipline, but I'm pretty excited about it.  I'm really loving working at the library, and hope this will help me have a future there...

 

• So many people we know are taking lovely holidays this week - we decided each of the kids needed a little treat, too.  I took Liam swimming (no other kids - what a strange feeling that was!), Stuart took Brian & Gwenyth to the movies to see Rango and Katie & I took in a college Film Festival movie together.  (Even better - she liked it, and wants to go to another one.  Score!)

 

• Katie & I have had a rough couple of weeks - it was good for us to go out, just the two of us.  It also was nice for her to see that I actually know nice, cool people, who seem to value my presence, and that being seen in public with me might just be beneficial instead of detrimental.  Sometimes.
  

 

• Liam has discovered the art of climbing out of his crib, and today I popped into the thrift store, and found a great little wooden toddler bed.  Stuart & I cleaned it up together, and now I'm anxious for Liam to wake up from his afternoon nap so I can show it to him!  He really is getting to be such a big boy.

 

• This means our good old crib will be officially retired.  It's one of the only things we have that we used for all four of our babies...  it's a tad wobbly, and ready to be taken down for the last time.  Even though I'm happy that we're not planning any more babies, taking down that crib may find me with a teary eye.  Bittersweet, you know?
  

 

• Spring fever has suddenly struck me hard.  I'm longing to give away everything I own, cut off all my hair, clean the house from top to bottom, plant a garden, build some furniture, take up running...  Well.  I think I'll just enjoy the energy while it lasts.

Contentment

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

 

I Believe These Speak For Themselves...

 

 

 

Sneaky Boy

 

 

 

The other day, Liam and I were enjoying a quiet day at home, when I realized it was a little... too quiet. 

Brian has been leaving his Nintendo DS plugged in during the day, and Liam had discovered it.  Very quietly, very carefully, he decided to help himself - I do love that serious little face! 

 

 

 

 

Keeping Them Busy

 

 
 

We've been chased indoors by cold temperatures this week, and although I didn't make a marshmallow shooter for Brian for Christmas, I thought it would still be a great activity for us.  I followed these directions, and easily found what I needed at the hardware store. 

They were simple to put together, and the kids had a blast not only shooting mini-marshmallows everywhere, but also reconfiguring the pieces to change the way it worked.  Lots of sneaky learning opportunities in there, which makes me happy - even if I will be finding marshmallows until spring...

 

 

Merry Christmas!

 

 
 

I realize I've been missing in action for a while, but I wanted to wish you a Merry Christmas and a beautiful, peaceful holiday season.  Things have been chaotic, but are calming down now, and I have much to share.  Things are well here, wishing much of the same and more for you!