tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16711354027306446002024-02-19T14:22:34.126-05:00Nap Knits...and baby makes five.Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08723181795015299179noreply@blogger.comBlogger142125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1671135402730644600.post-89630146918993030132012-02-10T22:23:00.004-05:002012-02-10T22:41:06.131-05:00To my Bundle:<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu84Pj28k5x4fonw-Wt2tZb0cFmrR6G52ATag5h7_6wodHTFIAF2wGPDbnQHAAg8Z0voF7_i3jkdXs0e_Z0rosiOttbNwIGw3651p2FIVyI6hebgNx29nbWUEyXcTv8DSVNNnZfFckTmaK/s1600/DSC_8793.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707715320128390434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu84Pj28k5x4fonw-Wt2tZb0cFmrR6G52ATag5h7_6wodHTFIAF2wGPDbnQHAAg8Z0voF7_i3jkdXs0e_Z0rosiOttbNwIGw3651p2FIVyI6hebgNx29nbWUEyXcTv8DSVNNnZfFckTmaK/s400/DSC_8793.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>Happy Birthday you beautiful, beautiful boy.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbOWaKskoyWaVN5xhpEOtAEB26CtaEKgw9v11m7pvjuX6bNiYcyUziThEwBONn_nGUKgMh2hZW9xBoT13J2XrId9t8tsqevPdZjduPdKU6iAPzNq5wnnrD_svJyyx9VwR9a0ZvgJ0O9vUl/s1600/DSC_8793.JPG"></a><br />I can't remember our family without you in it. You fill all time and space and are impossible to ignore. You are persistent, tenacious, consuming and resilient. You are the roughest, strongest baby with huge doe-eyes and a smile that is the best kind of reward. I love you like a house afire. </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Thank you, thank you, thank you for everything,</div><br /><br /><div>-Mama</div>Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08723181795015299179noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1671135402730644600.post-73676970671009008742011-07-18T12:39:00.006-04:002011-07-19T22:35:44.481-04:00Hello Terrible Two's:It's good to see you again...<br /><p align="center"><a title="Zev 22 mo. "Hello Terrible Two's". by Nap Knits, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/60949831@N00/5956070385/"><img alt="Zev 22 mo. "Hello Terrible Two's"." src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6150/5956070385_d89c9a4b32.jpg" width="500" height="333" /></a></p><p align="center"><a title="Zev 22 mo. "Hello Terrible Two's". by Nap Knits, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/60949831@N00/5956631552/"><img alt="Zev 22 mo. "Hello Terrible Two's"." src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6127/5956631552_370c83200c.jpg" width="333" height="500" /></a></p><p align="center"><a title="Zev 22 mo. "Hello Terrible Two's". by Nap Knits, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/60949831@N00/5956070757/"><img alt="Zev 22 mo. "Hello Terrible Two's"." src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6146/5956070757_9acbddcd15.jpg" width="333" height="500" /></a></p>...How long do you think you will be staying? -just out of curiosity.Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08723181795015299179noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1671135402730644600.post-61360383939975150772011-07-18T12:39:00.002-04:002011-07-18T12:52:03.579-04:00I still haven't bothered to post any projects from the last six months or so, but here's some of it:<br /><br /><p align="center"><a title="The puppets. by Nap Knits, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/60949831@N00/5951191218/"><img alt="The puppets." src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6138/5951191218_3687fec864_z.jpg" width="640" height="426" /></a></p><br />These (except the cat) were Christmas presents for Rayona. The heads are Paper Mache, and the bodies are cloth. They take FOREVER, but are fun to do.<br />Also, Big Baby got new hair, new pajamas and slippers:<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a title="Waldorf Doll Jammies. by Nap Knits, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/60949831@N00/5951188968/"><img alt="Waldorf Doll Jammies." src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6023/5951188968_cf925329c8_z.jpg" width="426" height="640" /></a></p><br />There are more pictures on Flickr. That's all for now, really -except we got a dog. Actually that's a REALLY long story of trial and error, and driving all over the north country in search of a good dog for our particular family. Plus, I really wanted a dog for me. The kind of dog I have always dreamed of having. A dog who sticks right next to me, and walks politely on or off a leash. A dog who will be my serious hiking buddy and who likes my kids. We have found that dog finally. She was well worth the wait. I have always wanted this kind of dog. Her name is Penny:<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a title="Penny 20 mo by Nap Knits, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/60949831@N00/5951086064/"><img alt="Penny 20 mo" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6010/5951086064_5ca6c4bcdf_z.jpg" width="426" height="640" /></a></p>Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08723181795015299179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1671135402730644600.post-17901248135790708012011-02-12T14:40:00.004-05:002011-02-12T14:46:56.635-05:00Yay!! A new son:Ami Jacobson Leipzig (pronounced AH-mee).<br /><br />7lbs 1oz, 20-1/2".<br /><br />-A quick, INTENSE, unmedicated hospital birth this time. I couldn't ask for more. Thank you everyone who helped make the experience great -you know who you are! I love you all. More to come. I'm going back to bed.<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a title="Ami -3 days by Nap Knits, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/60949831@N00/5438860795/"><img alt="Ami -3 days" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5215/5438860795_7487c3ae33.jpg" width="500" height="333" /></a></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a title="New Brother by Nap Knits, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/60949831@N00/5438862815/"><img alt="New Brother" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4141/5438862815_1ba2d64065.jpg" width="333" height="500" /></a></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a title="Ami -3 days by Nap Knits, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/60949831@N00/5439467762/"><img alt="Ami -3 days" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5256/5439467762_e36698a33e.jpg" width="333" height="500" /></a></p>Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08723181795015299179noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1671135402730644600.post-44646845449924904582010-10-23T08:35:00.002-04:002010-10-23T09:01:37.097-04:00Yesterday:After a morning that started at 5:30 and looked like this times 10:<br /><br /><p align="center"><a title="Zev 14mo by Nap Knits, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/60949831@N00/5104980477/"><img alt="Zev 14mo" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4090/5104980477_0b2a057a5a.jpg" width="333" height="500" /></a></p>(because my son is going through a super-needy-lots-of-screaming phase) I was feeling pretty bad. My children are really relentless right now. Both of them want me all the time, and I'm not getting any peace most days. I mean really not a single break until they go to bed, so I'm making sure that happens very early. I am only 23 weeks along, but I feel HUGE, and this time I have horrible back pain, so my ability to deal is somewhat limited.<br /><br />So while the boy is napping I try to make sure that Ray gets some special constructive mama-time. We made bread. We spoke in very quiet voices the whole time to try and "reset" the volume that was going on in the house. It was really nice, and I felt like peace was somewhat restored.<br /><br /><p align="center"><a title="Ray 3yrs 5mo by Nap Knits, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/60949831@N00/5104979859/"><img alt="Ray 3yrs 5mo" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1221/5104979859_396a34e5fd.jpg" width="333" height="500" /></a></p>Then after Zev woke up we went to the library where I got to knit about 2 rounds on my latest project in between getting up to keep the baby out of trouble. He is very different than my daughter was in that he not only requires constant supervision, but also constant intervention. He is SO active, and a terrible climber. There is a catastrophe about every 15 seconds if you're not right on him all the time.<br /><br />By the way my latest project is this:<br /><br /><p align="center"><a title="Yellow Garter Yoke Cardigan by Nap Knits, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/60949831@N00/5105575412/"><img alt="Yellow Garter Yoke Cardigan" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1209/5105575412_a50b0ab478.jpg" width="333" height="500" /></a></p>Same as the last one, but in the "Chickie Masla" colorway (Peace Fleece). It is getting its sleeves right now. I am outgrowing these sweaters more quickly than I can knit them, so getting the fit right is a guessing game. -But on and on I knit, because I have to. It's all I've got. At the festival I saw a bumper sticker that said: "I knit, so no one has to die." Perhaps a bit harsh, but there's something to that. I am also trying to find time in the evenings for a rather ambitious Christmas project for Rayona -as usual, so pe-natal yoga time is pretty much out the window for now. I really need to be doing it, but there's only so much energy to go around, and most nights I'm too tired, and spent to even think about it. I realize the aparent stupidity in avoiding the one thing which could possibly help me physically, but I'm just soooooo tired, and Christmas presents are a big deal when you're three and a half. Especially ones made by your mom. She knows I'm up to something, so it had better be good.Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08723181795015299179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1671135402730644600.post-2598603908474228142010-10-19T12:41:00.005-04:002010-10-19T12:57:02.867-04:00Well, we're back:We went to Rhinebeck again for the <a href="http://www.sheepandwool.com/" target="_blank">festival</a>, and it was great as usual.<br /><p align="center"><a title="Rhinebeck 2010 by Nap Knits, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/60949831@N00/5096643947/"><img alt="Rhinebeck 2010" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4111/5096643947_f51c15b833.jpg" width="333" height="500" /></a></p>Everything was so pretty, and we had awesome weather.<br /><p align="center"><a title="Rhinebeck 2010 by Nap Knits, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/60949831@N00/5096644307/"><img alt="Rhinebeck 2010" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4128/5096644307_a8262babd1.jpg" width="500" height="333" /></a></p>I ate everything I intended to, and apparently have gained another NINE pounds this month, but that's pretty on-track for me. I also bought some really beautiful wool for a few projects. All in all it was splendid. Thank you sweet husband for providing your family with such a lovely weekend that was more meaningful than you can ever know. The Sheep and Wool Festival is something I anticipate every year, and it never disappoints!Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08723181795015299179noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1671135402730644600.post-59434576761582082442010-10-02T16:57:00.005-04:002010-10-02T17:23:30.017-04:00Another Autumn Post:Yay Fall is here! My favorite, and in my opinion this almost the best place to be for it. The Hudson Valley is a little better, but the Adirondacks will do. This year the warm weather drastically shortened our leaf season. It was cold today, though.<br /><br /><p align="center"><a title="Oct. 2010 by Nap Knits, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/60949831@N00/5045404298/"><img alt="Oct. 2010" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4147/5045404298_d713ec40a4.jpg" width="500" height="333" /></a></p><br />I am very sad that farmer's market season is coming to a close, and I feel that I should have bothered to buy more bushels of things to put up. Now I will have to go back to supermarket shopping very soon. Yuck, but I was busy with not feeling so great up until recently, and my sense of planning went out the window.<br /><br /><p align="center"><a title="Oct. 2010 by Nap Knits, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/60949831@N00/5044782429/"><img alt="Oct. 2010" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4124/5044782429_9d8ce05c83.jpg" width="500" height="333" /></a></p><br />Next year maybe my garden will have better luck as well.<br /><br />Well, I've found out that I'm having another little boy. I was pretty surprised, because I was so sure it was a girl this time. So this is really exciting, and I'm struggling with names again, and trying to decide what color to paint their room. The room where my son currently sleeps is pretty empty and plain, so some boyish decoration is in order. I love that we're going to have a room for "the boys". That's so fun. Ray is happy, although she had requested a sister. When I told her she just said: "Oh! There will be two Baby Zevs!". I said: "Sort-of".Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08723181795015299179noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1671135402730644600.post-23127987874623616782010-09-14T17:18:00.004-04:002010-09-26T21:44:46.986-04:00This is the best I could do:In the time allowed to me by my children to take a photo. Which was none. I look a bit grim. Oh, well.<br /><br /><p align="center"><a title="Sweater for Me! by Nap Knits, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/60949831@N00/4990722307/"><img alt="Sweater for Me!" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4151/4990722307_c7d5cf3480.jpg" width="333" height="500" /></a></p><br />I finally have a sweater for me which I actually wear! This one is awesome, and so soft and really warm. The pattern is "#22 Garter Yoke Cardigan" available on Ravelry. The yarn is Peace Fleece, Kalinka Malinka Blue. Nice yarn, and very reasonably priced, though not for people who are sensitive about wool. It feels like wool for sure, and smells like the Dutchess County Fairgrounds During the NYS Sheep and Wool Festival, so it's A-OK with me. I will be knitting another one ASAP, because I am wearing this one every day. It's perfect for this climate, because it's really thick and dense. I love Autumn, and a couple new handknits for me are definitely called for this year. I do seem to be outgrowing this sweater rapidly though, at 18 weeks along (and 15 pounds), and I fear that it will actually be a bit big after the baby weight goes, but better than too small.<br /><br />Speaking of the Sheep and Wool Festival -I am so looking forward to it as always. It's my favorite weekend of the whole entire year. I can smell the garlicky goodness of the fried artichoke stand, and the hot cider and hot chocolate with cinnamon, and the cups of coffee between freezing cold hands. We had wind and drizzle the last two years, but my spirits cannot be dampened on the third weekend of October. All the better to bundle up in wooly hats, and scarves and mittens and sweaters. Oh, if you're not a knitter you won't get it too well. My husband is not a knitter, but he is a trooper, and he likes food. My kids love the animals, so it's a win all around, and if it's not that's too bad, 'cause we're going.Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08723181795015299179noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1671135402730644600.post-39304253269590150952010-08-22T16:07:00.004-04:002010-08-22T16:53:34.037-04:00ONE!!!!My boy is one:<br /><br /><p align="center"><a title="Zev 11mo by Nap Knits, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/60949831@N00/4860653224/"><img alt="Zev 11mo" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4073/4860653224_5bf065f4bc.jpg" width="333" height="500" /></a></p><br />It's hard to believe this is the same baby -he was SO dark when he was born. Now he is practically blonde, and tan like a surfer.<br /><br /><p align="center"><a title="Zev -2 days by Nap Knits, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/60949831@N00/3843423795/"><img alt="Zev -2 days" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3576/3843423795_90c36983fc.jpg" width="500" height="333" /></a></p><br />Obligatory baby-eating-cake-shot:<br /><br /><p align="center"><a title="Zev 1st Birthday Dinner by Nap Knits, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/60949831@N00/4903251810/"><img alt="Zev 1st Birthday Dinner" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4098/4903251810_47e8170e28.jpg" width="333" height="500" /></a></p><br />The cake was for Zev and Daddy who have their birthdays three days apart. The theme was "bugs" -mostly for Rayona's benefit. She was so excited. She really likes bugs.<br /><br /><p align="center"><a title="Zev 1st Birthday Cake by Nap Knits, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/60949831@N00/4902665953/"><img alt="Zev 1st Birthday Cake" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4117/4902665953_828a026865.jpg" width="500" height="333" /></a></p><br />She also got a "new" sleeping bag in which she spent the first few days camping in the living room. She now sleeps in it every night. SO great how a little thing like that is such fun when you're three.<br /><br /><p align="center"><a title="Ray 3yrs by Nap Knits, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/60949831@N00/4903238888/"><img alt="Ray 3yrs" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4077/4903238888_f28620c81a.jpg" width="500" height="333" /></a></p><br /><p align="center"><a title="Ray 3yrs by Nap Knits, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/60949831@N00/4902652755/"><img alt="Ray 3yrs" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4096/4902652755_cea12f65a9.jpg" width="500" height="333" /></a></p><br />She amazes me. Kids at this age are so able to absorb and retain information. She can identify many MANY species of animals in her children's reference books, and also local wildflowers and garden flowers. I love hearing her say: "Birdsfoot Trefoil". I never get tired of that.<br /><br />In other baby news, I am beginning to feel like a human being again (most days). I still feel pretty yucky, but at almost fifteen weeks (already?) I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I am now beginning to obsess over the gender of my child. You would think it wouldn't matter after already having a girl and a boy, and I have no preference, but I am SO ANXIOUS to find out what we're having. Now that I know how different they can be, and how much the family dynamic will be affected either way. If I end up with another boy I have no name for him. I agonized over the choosing of Zev's name, and we are all very happy with it (even though everyone still calls him "brother"). -But that took ages to sort out. If it's a girl I have a name which has been there since just after Rayona's birth. I feel like I'm supposed to have a little girl with that name some day, so if this one's a boy I may have to have another baby.Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08723181795015299179noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1671135402730644600.post-87988318757297347212010-07-31T13:14:00.005-04:002010-07-31T13:33:52.088-04:00So anyway...I guess I decided to take a long break from blogging a while back. I just wasn't into it, and my readers had dropped off anyway. -But now I'm back -sort of.<br /><br />We've been doing good summer stuff generally, and have just returned from our yearly trip to Cape Cod...which could have gone better in some ways. I have also been having a bit of gardening depression owing to a few different factors involving deer and other things. Oh well. We have some nice stuff to look at, but not much to eat.<br /><br /><p align="center"><a title="July 2010 by Nap Knits, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/60949831@N00/4846317231/"><img alt="July 2010" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4085/4846317231_8c8976bd30.jpg" width="333" height="500" /></a></p><br /><p align="center"><a title="July 2010 by Nap Knits, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/60949831@N00/4846316321/"><img alt="July 2010" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4128/4846316321_4659b93415.jpg" width="333" height="500" /></a></p><br /><p align="center"><a title="June 2010 by Nap Knits, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/60949831@N00/4726291120/"><img alt="June 2010" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1188/4726291120_3ebbf55592.jpg" width="333" height="500" /></a></p><br />The real reason I haven't felt like chatting much is that I have been struggling with some stomach issues...because I am pregnant again already (!!). <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Yay</span>! So although I have been almost completely sidelined with "morning" sickness for many weeks somewhere deep down inside I am really very very happy. I have to keep reminding myself of this, because I can barely care for the children I already have right now. It's beginning to get better, but it has been SO rough. I didn't feel like this with my son, but I did with my daughter. I remember saying that I don't know how anyone could do this with other kids in the house. I just feel so nauseous and tired. It should be over soon if the past is any indication, and once it's gone -it's gone. I need this to be gone soon. YUCK. -But again...<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">YAY</span>!!Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08723181795015299179noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1671135402730644600.post-8482707627757465902010-05-10T16:23:00.004-04:002010-05-10T16:45:12.418-04:00Not a lot of time for the ol' blog lately:Oh, well. It's amazing how much time even a little job like mine consumes. I only work four hours a day, but the whole rest of the day is devoted to getting us all there and then home and fed.<br /><br />-But we had Mothers' Day.<br /><br /><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1141/4596005421_fd67a73ae0.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 333px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1141/4596005421_fd67a73ae0.jpg" /></a><br />This holiday seems to mean more to me with each passing year. I had a good one. The gift essentially was time enough to make myself a present:<br /><br /><p align="center"><a title="Mothers' Day Apron by Nap Knits, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/60949831@N00/4596006225/"><img alt="Mothers' Day Apron" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4015/4596006225_36daff7dee.jpg" width="333" height="500" /></a></p>I like it.<br /><br /><p align="center"><a title="Ray 3yrs by Nap Knits, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/60949831@N00/4596005035/"><img alt="Ray 3yrs" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4011/4596005035_66fc5c1194.jpg" width="333" height="500" /></a></p>Ah, flowers. I love you so.<br /><br />Also some gardening going on:<br /><p align="center"><a title="Spring 2010 by Nap Knits, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/60949831@N00/4583168454/"><img alt="Spring 2010" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4049/4583168454_790e1eec27.jpg" width="500" height="333" /></a></p><br /><br /><p align="center"><a title="Spring 2010 by Nap Knits, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/60949831@N00/4582538711/"><img alt="Spring 2010" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4031/4582538711_3b33595b94.jpg" width="500" height="333" /></a></p><br /><br /><p align="center"><a title="Spring 2010 by Nap Knits, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/60949831@N00/4583169086/"><img alt="Spring 2010" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4062/4583169086_3e99124c0d.jpg" width="333" height="500" /></a></p>And this:<br /><br /><p align="center"><a title="Ray 3rd Birthday by Nap Knits, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/60949831@N00/4582481525/"><img alt="Ray 3rd Birthday" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4070/4582481525_242682e3fc.jpg" width="333" height="500" /></a></p>Ray is THREE!!! Yay sweet birthday girl. I love you "as much as the moon loves the stars, and the trees love the rain, and the flowers love the bees."Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08723181795015299179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1671135402730644600.post-16185306574274211342010-04-04T22:52:00.005-04:002010-04-04T23:08:23.047-04:00This week:<div align="left">Spring appears to be here, although in this place you never can tell. Last year it snowed on May 31st.<br /><br />-But look:<br /></div><p align="center"><a title="Zev 32wks by Nap Knits, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/60949831@N00/4492065902/"><img alt="Zev 32wks" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4003/4492065902_5672f6fd31.jpg" width="333" height="500" /></a></p><div align="left"><br /></div><p align="center"><a title="Spring 2010 by Nap Knits, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/60949831@N00/4491435681/"><img alt="Spring 2010" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4005/4491435681_64104bceba.jpg" width="333" height="500" /></a></p><div align="left">He-he...YAY!!<br /><br />We had Easter and Passover celebrations both.<br /><br /></div><p align="center"><a title="Easter 2010 by Nap Knits, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/60949831@N00/4492121266/"><img alt="Easter 2010" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4053/4492121266_0cfc5eec65.jpg" width="333" height="500" /></a></p><div align="left"><br /></div><p align="center"><a title="Easter 2010 by Nap Knits, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/60949831@N00/4491481559/"><img alt="Easter 2010" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4057/4491481559_16121ce6f8.jpg" width="333" height="500" /></a></p><div align="left">We also had HOT weather. So lots of yard work and such with sundresses and bare-legged babies. Good stuff.</div>Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08723181795015299179noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1671135402730644600.post-81228552362821042252010-03-15T21:25:00.005-04:002010-03-15T21:52:28.417-04:00"Cry-Babies":Well, I haven't done much in the way of blogging -which is usual for this time of year. I have been super busy with work, and the very mundane at home. Speaking of which I thought I would write an ode to "cry-babies" which is what we call my favorite breakfast item around here. That name comes from the fact that whenever I make the weekly batch my son seems to be screaming at the top of his lungs for one of his various reasons. Anyhow, they are sweet potato-buckwheat biscuits:<br /><br /><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4001/4437110338_1c04f4e4b5.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 333px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4001/4437110338_1c04f4e4b5.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4013/4436334671_7b1c3c6b78.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 333px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 500px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4013/4436334671_7b1c3c6b78.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div></div>The recipe came to me in a newsletter from the Waldorf school where I work right before Thanksgiving, but it was a "Joy of Cooking" type thing (all-purpose flour and added sugar), and not a whole-food type thing, so my mom and I tweaked it until we came up with something we liked better. I have had them almost every morning since with a cup of coffee -YUM. They are the only thing I want first thing in the day, and I always look forward to them. Plus, biscuits are such an old-fashioned, homey thing to make -aren't they? I bake them in two cast iron skillets and an old aluminum cookie sheet. They always come out perfect, and just the way I like them. I just can't say enough about these little things.<br /><p></p><p><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4047/4437160598_de37d1c6bc.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 333px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4047/4437160598_de37d1c6bc.jpg" /></a><br />Again, YUM. That is all.</p>Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08723181795015299179noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1671135402730644600.post-82762340490390743132010-02-27T12:38:00.002-05:002010-02-27T12:48:13.531-05:00Not too much to report:Indoor play:<br /><br /><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4043/4388833642_a724fd272c.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 333px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 500px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4043/4388833642_a724fd272c.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4019/4388833570_b0426d9359.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 333px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 500px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4019/4388833570_b0426d9359.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div></div><div><br />-A pair of little red mittens shipped off to a friend:<br /></div><div></div><div><br /><div><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4066/4388833234_b777f4f831.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 333px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 500px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4066/4388833234_b777f4f831.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div>The days are so much noticeably longer, and that helps, but until we get to be outside a lot again things are tough. My daughter seems to have forgotten how to play independently while at home, and my son cries ALL THE TIME. I think he is teething. He chews, and chews, and chews everything, and drools more than I would have ever thought possible. He does not sleep more than an hour at a time ever, and the rest of the time chews and drools and fusses. He has red cheeks frequently, and red ears, and if you give him your knuckle he will crunch down on it with enough force to crush cars. He wants to nurse constantly. Well...babies, right?</div></div>Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08723181795015299179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1671135402730644600.post-68622883196194753052010-02-15T13:46:00.004-05:002010-02-15T13:48:55.277-05:00Not too much to say:<a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4062/4360135606_5c51f125e8.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 333px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 500px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4062/4360135606_5c51f125e8.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />It's February...trying to make the best of it.Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08723181795015299179noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1671135402730644600.post-5660683290723064002010-01-30T13:23:00.004-05:002010-01-30T17:29:15.638-05:00Winter:It is SO COLD right now. It's barely passing zero during the days this week.<br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2705/4315936115_cc02191dce.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 333px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2705/4315936115_cc02191dce.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />-So I have created my own winter sun. It's hard to capture just how much bright yellow light it casts. The school had a workshop this morning for Scandinavian window stars. It was fun -I went alone, and got some good socializing done with a few of my co-workers. I brought a giant latte, and talked way too much. I think I really like my new job.<br /><br /><br /><div></div><div><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2690/4315936295_301bc2d82b.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 333px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 500px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2690/4315936295_301bc2d82b.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div></div><div></div><div><br />I am enjoying decorating my dining room this year. This is the only space in our home where we are all together at once usually, so that's where I concentrate my efforts, and it really feels special -at least to me.</div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><div><br /></div><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2719/4315936961_911e18a407.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 333px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2719/4315936961_911e18a407.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />What else...oh yeah, Baby Zev has some new pants and a new hat which exactly match his unusual dark blue-grey eyes:</div><div></div><div></div><div><br /><div><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4049/4315937409_00f7669cf6.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 333px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 500px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4049/4315937409_00f7669cf6.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />-And I have been growing the most delicious sprouts in my kitchen. They taste just like springtime.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4071/4316671272_0d07acb2b9.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 333px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 500px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4071/4316671272_0d07acb2b9.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div></div></div></div></div>Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08723181795015299179noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1671135402730644600.post-16812200674925697762010-01-17T14:33:00.002-05:002010-01-17T14:36:35.668-05:00Oh gosh:Big boys:<br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4060/4282623486_1ef06f9e2d.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 333px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 500px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4060/4282623486_1ef06f9e2d.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div>-And big girls who have their own school bags:</div><div><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 333px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 500px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4004/4282622758_52dca17306.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4004/4282622758_52dca17306_b.jpg"></a>*Sigh* <div></div></div></div>Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08723181795015299179noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1671135402730644600.post-63303205156625118172010-01-14T18:20:00.002-05:002010-01-14T18:45:31.179-05:00Finding Time:I am almost two weeks into my new job <a href="http://www.northernlightsschool.org/" target="_blank">here</a> , and so far I like it pretty well. It is totally exhausting, but otherwise it fits pretty well into our lives. I am having to find ways to fit all of my home responsibilities into my day as well, and that is a tough one. Thank goodness for my borrowed crock-pot. I have to avoid the temptation to rush us all around, and allow time for my kids to do things in their way when they need to. This is helping everyone stay happy about all the changes.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2485/4274591983_b7a2992616.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 333px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2485/4274591983_b7a2992616.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Ray likes school. It's very cute to see her lining up with all the bigger kids to come in from recess, and to wash their hands, and to join hands around the table for our lunch blessing. I think we are fitting in pretty well. I miss having time to knit. I have so much other stuff to cram into the morning and evening, that my projects have fallen to the wayside. I have dishes in my sink more often than I'd like as well -and unfolded laundry. For a neat person this is distressing, but there are only so many hours in a day. I think this will work for us until spring, and then I will try to find a way to have the summer mostly off to spend with my kids.<br /><br />At this point it looks like financially we've come back around to the idea of renting out our house, and moving into the little apartment over our garage. That will be a challenge spacially, but I don't really care about that part of it. When our tenant's lease is up next fall our house will have been on the market for <strong>FOUR</strong> years. It's time to realize that it's just not going to sell. So strange considering that there's nothing wrong with it, and it's priced a lot lower than what we paid. People have said the bedrooms are too small, and there's no "master" bathroom. Yikes -whatever. It's been a great house for us and several other families over the last hundred or so years. These days people want more. Feh!<br /><br />So as long as we can somehow add a washer and dryer to the apartment we can survive out there. It needs other things as well, but it'll do. I'm ok with stuffing us into two rooms. It's actually a pretty nice space -a converted barn, really. It can be cold, so we'll have to upgrade the heating a bit, and insulate better. The problem of course is finding cash to do all of this, and getting it all done before next winter. Additionally, we need a reliable tenant for our house. Sigh. It'll all work out somehow. It always does.Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08723181795015299179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1671135402730644600.post-13305921781767834292009-12-29T15:21:00.003-05:002009-12-29T15:39:11.317-05:00Christmas:We had a really nice (although too short) visit with our families. It was good to see everyone again. My sister-in-law had a beautiful tree up when we got there:<br /><br /><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4017/4223179809_f77d2c2382.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 333px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 500px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4017/4223179809_f77d2c2382.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I was really glad that this year handmade gifts were a large part of the kids' Christmas. Here is a sampling -there are lots more photos over on Flickr. I want to say Thank You again to all of the ladies who participated in the stocking stuffer swap with us. Ray loved everything.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4048/4223180479_07d5ffdf13.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 333px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 500px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4048/4223180479_07d5ffdf13.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2722/4223181991_afc5ba8b7e.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 333px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2722/4223181991_afc5ba8b7e.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4038/4223946714_27e28bf7ae.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 333px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 500px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4038/4223946714_27e28bf7ae.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2575/4223947140_a891fc6a57.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 333px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 500px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2575/4223947140_a891fc6a57.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 333px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 500px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4014/4223944830_a5ce67ebeb.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2591/4223947986_a46d739c16.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 333px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 500px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2591/4223947986_a46d739c16.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Hurray for handmade toys!!</div><div></div><div>We are catching up around here with some chores before I start my job next week, and I have messed up my back something fierce while shoveling snow, but I have a Christmas pudding, and a bottle of champagne waiting for me for New Year's Eve. Happy Holidays Everyone.</div></div></div></div></div>Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08723181795015299179noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1671135402730644600.post-73757307051028443692009-12-21T15:14:00.004-05:002009-12-21T16:00:23.572-05:00Around Here:Well, we've just been doing some Christmasing:<br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2563/4195419299_2d70e412e5.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 333px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 500px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2563/4195419299_2d70e412e5.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I've been busy knitting, of course. We leave for visiting on Wednesday, and I am extra excited for the kids to have their gifts from me this year. A lot of work went into some handmade goodies.<br /><br />When we return, well...I will be beginning my new Job, it looks like. That's right. It's not that bad, actually -I have been offered a job as the new aftercare teacher at our local Waldorf School. So I can have my kids with me, and it will be a good setting for both of them. Taking care of a whole group of someone else's children all afternoon, though? That will be a challenge. I've decided it would be better than being stranded at home all winter with other people's children. At least we will get out of here every day. That doesn't happen in the cold months when I do daycare from here. I will be tired, and have less time for some things. We will have a "schedule" instead of just a "rhythm" to our days, and that will be something to get used to again. It will be what I make of it. I have to have income, and I guess this is the best kind of situation.Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08723181795015299179noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1671135402730644600.post-1540110365561076122009-12-07T19:17:00.002-05:002009-12-07T19:44:24.574-05:00Oh my gosh!I have gotten most of my packages already for the Stocking Stuffer Swap, and I am so pleased! This is such a talented and generous group. Only, now I feel like my little offerings will seem a bit meager in comparison. They took me forever, so that's something, I guess. Thank you so much everyone. I will post photos after Christmas.<br /><br />Also:<br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2659/4167885952_6f2b45c98a.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 333px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 500px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2659/4167885952_6f2b45c98a.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We got our tree! She loves it so much, and it was fun to go get it -Daddy bought it for us, so we keep thanking him. He is so nice.<br /><br /><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 333px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 500px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2518/4167125235_9d2aacf19c.jpg" border="0" />Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08723181795015299179noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1671135402730644600.post-37066485163199803992009-12-04T19:18:00.002-05:002009-12-04T19:28:10.489-05:00Preparations:I have been feverishly working to get all things done that I feel are a necessary part of Christmas this year. The packages for the stocking stuffer swap will go in the mail tomorrow:<br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2721/4159168614_3e81a1870b.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 333px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2721/4159168614_3e81a1870b.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />-decorations and Advent calendars are appearing:<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2538/4158406069_92c0c35b5d.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 333px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 500px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2538/4158406069_92c0c35b5d.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2630/4159168394_b858de1766.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 333px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 500px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2630/4159168394_b858de1766.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2661/4159168298_9be2ffa72d.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 333px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2661/4159168298_9be2ffa72d.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I'll never finish, but it's all very pretty, and putting me in a good mood. I love how into it Ray is this year, which is why we've decided to have our first real Christmas tree. We will go pick it out this weekend -so exciting. In the meantime, there is a winter <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">faire</span> at the Waldorf school, a baby shower, and a regional craft bazaar all of which need to be attended as well -whew! Well, I'm off to make finger-sandwiches.</div></div></div>Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08723181795015299179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1671135402730644600.post-87374860258716011442009-12-03T20:49:00.002-05:002009-12-03T21:08:13.455-05:00Holidaying:We had a nice Thanksgiving visiting relatives in New Jersey. Ray had tons of fun with her cousins.<br /><br /><div><div></div><div><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2622/4156205797_49c4182d68.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 333px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 500px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2622/4156205797_49c4182d68.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div></div><div><br />Zev did this during dinner, and for that I was thankful:<br /><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 333px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2658/4156206291_645838bfe6.jpg" border="0" /> </div><div><br />I couldn't really even begin to catalog all the knitting projects that have been going on lately. A lot of it has been for the shop, which has been an interruption to my holiday knitting plans, but things are selling, and I'm getting quite a few custom order requests. All good things.</div><div> </div><div>Baby mittens are now available in many colors (as a custom order), though this pair is sold.</div></div><p><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 333px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 500px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2593/4156241825_b00c461025.jpg" border="0" /></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>These were not knitted for sale, but just for a little boy who is chewing on everything he can get his hands on:</p><p><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 333px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 500px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2791/4156243521_185ba2abab.jpg" border="0" /></p><br /><p>At first I thought they were kind of an icky idea, but he loves them. I guess babies do love to chew on sweaters and blankets, so it makes sense. They are easy to grasp, and he just gets so excited whenever he sees them. Other than that, I will have to do a "what I'm making" post after Christmas. Seriously -it's sooooo much stuff.</p>Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08723181795015299179noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1671135402730644600.post-57180777074073863632009-11-19T20:50:00.006-05:002009-11-19T21:40:41.519-05:00Around here:Not too much to report. Things are good. "Brother " is three months old (and one week) -that's what he gets called most of the time -Brother. I wonder how long that will stick. He is smiling and cooing, and all that wonderful stuff that he's supposed to be doing at this age. All good.<br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2585/4118802332_ab78832aba.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 333px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2585/4118802332_ab78832aba.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Ray is also doing all that she is supposed to be doing at two years and seven months old.<br /><div><div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2761/4118820742_8c8bab67a0.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 333px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 500px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2761/4118820742_8c8bab67a0.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />-am I doing all that I'm supposed to be doing at thirty-four years old? Good question. Some days I feel like I'm supposed to be maintaining some sort of marketable skills for when my kids are old enough for me to be going back to work. I feel scared -like each day that I do only "mommy" things is getting me further from ever being able to earn a living again. -But this is all I can manage right now.</div><div><br />I knit obsessively. It's really the only thing I have going besides childcare, and it really helps me. It sure doesn't make me any money, though. I have so many projects going right now, and such a queue going in my head that I feel like I may never catch up by Christmas. I like it, though.</div><div><br />I have begun taking walks alone on the mornings that Josh leaves for work at 11:00. This also helps. I like heading out when everything is still a bit frozen, and there are sometimes snowflakes. On the way home the road is wet, and the eaves are all dripping. I bring a mug of coffee with me, or stop for a fill-up in town. I can stop in to visit all my favorite shopkeepers who always exclaim how strange it is to see me without my babies. Everyone says: "Good for you!" when I come in alone. I cherish these walks, and I think I will try to keep going until the weather insists that I quit. Walking has been a very healthy thing for me in recent years. Mostly I like to follow my town up the mountain and hang around the oldest and most interesting houses -many of which are in various states of decay. I love old houses, and some that we have here are built in impossibly steep locations.<br /><br /></div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 333px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 500px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3160/2927776757_7ab0e22ce3.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 333px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 500px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3142/2928612136_628e7bc8bf.jpg" border="0" /> </div><br /><div></div><div><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 333px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 500px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3056/2941663791_c6b1bc9678.jpg" border="0" /></div><div></div><div><br />Well, enough. My thoughts tend to drift these days.</div></div>Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08723181795015299179noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1671135402730644600.post-18607420677239804752009-11-10T13:30:00.002-05:002009-11-10T13:34:13.352-05:00In the Shop:<a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2804/4093454808_60376bf9d5.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 333px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 500px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2804/4093454808_60376bf9d5.jpg" border="0" /></a> SOOOO much knitting going on around here. I was asked to join a craft swap for the holidays this year, so I am busy making tiny things for that. I also have been knitting some little stuff for Ray's Waldorf kitchen that we are going to give her for Christmas. Add to that the fact that Zev needs new sweaters and pants and hats (obviously -like he doesn't have head to toe handknits already). Plus, I have a sweater I want to do for myself. I miss having yarn money for just whatever.<br /><div></div>Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08723181795015299179noreply@blogger.com1