~this moment~

Joining SouleMama and her followers in 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. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see. 

Gratitude...

I am thankful for:

~ the brilliant volunteers who help Matthew House run on a daily basis so I can be free to be with the children

~ the growing puddles in the parking lot

~ good coffee

~ a  reluctant second sock being cast on

~ yarn that doesn't judge you when you cast on a project for the third time

~ a weekend of pancakes, real maple syrup and happy reunions

~ time to make dinosaur-shaped scones with Lucy and Isaiah

~ Lucy and her vibrant and amusing personality

~ longer, sunnier, warmer days

~ less time in front of the TV and more time outdoors

 ~ Isaiah reading "Mighty Max" to himself, nearly word for word.

A Flurry of Projects...

Reasons I'm really glad I'm learning to sew.

#1: This is what I can accomplish in 7 hours of sewing for baby shower gifts:

3 double-sided receiving blankets (cotton/flannel), 10 3-ply burp clothes (cotton/flannel), and 3 eye pillows (flaxseed, lentils and lavender)

#2: It is faster than knitting....or - did I not make that clear?

Learning to Play Outdoors

Despite the runny noses the kids and I ventured outside today for a little after-lunch-but-before-quiet-time play time outside.  They are just learning how to play outside adventurously - or at least Isaiah is.  Lucy still tends to want to play with me or walk/run towards all of the places she is not supposed to go - which I suppose is also adventurous.

The favourite toys to play outdoors with are sticks, of course.  Very specific sticks that each kid has taken a particular liking to.  Unfortunately, I'm quite sure Isaiah's stick got ravaged by the snow plow the other day and he is not nearly as impressed with its replacement.  The second favourite toy is the wagon.  We just recently were able to swap out the sled and get out the wagon. The kids like it because the side fences can be lifted out to make it easier for them to climb aboard.

It has been wonderful to wear the lighter coats, forgo snowpants and wear rain boots for puddles instead of Winter boots for warmth.  I think the kids are feeling the change in the air too.

Someone is definitely ready for Spring to come!

Lucy's first time watching popcorn pop the "old fashioned" way.  Wait until I show them how to do it in a kettle on the stove!

Happily munching the post-play snack

Project Update: Mostly Knitting

Well, it is the middle of March and I haven't posted very many project pictures in a few weeks.

First up - the finished projects!

This is the Lazy Days skirt from Oliver +S.  The cotton fabric was quite thin so I added a second layer of solid coloured fabric inside.  I made a bunch of mistakes but learned a lot.  I actually made two of these, one for my wee girl (not shown) and my niece for their 2nd and 4th birthdays, respectively.

I also finished up knitting this cowl out of stash yarn.  It is too big so I'm thinking about knitting an I-cord to weave through it so I can cinch it at the neck.  It is soooo soft - baby alpaca and silk. I can't wait to wear it - guess I should weave in the ends...

Next on the finished pile is a small hat that ended up being too small for Rowie (and even a bit small on Lulu) but I'll put it in the growing pile of gifts to go to upcoming babies.



Isaiah's striped sweater is coming slowly along - row by row.  It is going to be way too big, I can tell already, but I try to tell myself it means more seasons of wear before it gets retired or passed down.  I am itching to cast on a Tomten for him but I'm resisting.

Up next - those socks.  I finished up Sock #1 but haven't found the time (or the pattern...) for the second one... grr.

Finally, the project I'm having the most fun with - thrummed mittens!  Woot.  These are knitting up fast (besides all that ripping and twisting of unspun wool).  I am so excited by how easy these actually are to make - and how warm they are. They are my new favourite.  Thank you Yarn Harlot, for the humorous yarn-along.

I have about 30 balls of yarn hidden (from myself, not my husband) under our bed right now that I bought with birthday money and gift certificates. (Thank you, Keith and Dad Dow) as well as a Turkish drop spindle so I'm working hard at trying to get these unfinished projects into the finished pile before I lose all focus and self-control and open that box.  I may need another cup of coffee...

This Moment

Joining SouleMama and her followers in 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. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see. 

Lucia Hope

Our little "Light of Hope" turned two today.  She is a quirky, mischievious and marvelous wee thing.  She thinks she is big.  She tries anything her brother can do.  She talks all the time, she takes care of her babies, she loves to hold her brother's hand when she's afraid. She is a flurry of wardrobe changes.  She loves purses.  She also loves playing with her brother's cars. We are excited to watch God's plan unfold for her and pray we will raise her well, equipping her to follow Him with courage. What a wonderful and fun little life we celebrate today!

Dow is in the blood...

Isaiah has begun a new habit.  I observed him over the next few days and saw it happen more and more - watching TV, sitting in his car seat, listening to a story and then he started to do it in his sleep.  He started to assume "this" position virtually everywhere. (But not necessarily with the tongue poking out).

I told Keith about it and he said nonchalantly "That's what the Dow men do.  We all do that, usually after we eat."  Wow. He really is a Dow man, this son of mine.