Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Baby Knits and Large Family Logistics

Joining in with Ginny from Small Things this week to share what I have been knitting and reading - two of my favorite things.

I knit this little sweater with Peace Fleece, in their new shade of Butterfly Yellow, using the free Waldorf Doll Sweater pattern from WaldorfMama.  It should fit the new little one during the cool autumn afternoons and evenings, and then it will become a doll sweater.   Also still on the needles is the other sock to go with this cream color one. 

I ordered this book, Large Family Logistics, while on vacation.  The quiet time to reflect made me realize that I need to be more organized in our home and with baby number 7 due to arrive within the next 5 weeks or so, our family size will be growing which will require even more planning to keep things going smoothly.
Anyone with a large family have some really good ideas to share?

Warm wishes,
Tonya

21 comments:

  1. Beautiful baby knits! I love the way you sewed your buttons on, across with the same yarn. Cute!

    Blessings, Debbie

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  2. organizing is key. I only have 3, but the small changes I made to our routine before this new one came have helped tremendously. And, help from older siblings is essential. Our oldest is only 6, but the more responsibilities she has the more connected and important she feels. and fewer clothes is a HUGE help...

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  3. Large Family Logistics is on my wish list. Glad to see a large family Mama liking it. We are not a large family....yet. We have 4 kids...3 we parent and one in heaven. But we are not done. We recently were convicted to leave our family planning to the Lord and this has changed our thoughts of our family drastically. I don't know if God will give us more, but I figured that book would be helpful whether I had 3 or 7.

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  4. I love the color of the sweater! So cute :)

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  5. That sweater looks so sweet! The colour is lovely.

    I've been thinking of you often, Tonya. Hope you are feeling well and getting plenty of rest as that little one grows!

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  6. I love that little sweater!
    Sorry, no advice here. I only have three but really struggle with organization. Good luck!

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  7. Oh love the baby sweater. Love the pattern too, I knit on up for Bekah's doll. Love that it will fit the new babe and then a doll. So sweet! As for the big family organizational tips, I'm of no help. Always wanted a big family but God had a different plan.

    Blessings, Elizabeth

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  8. Such a buttery color. I was wondering what happened to the other sock. Now I know.

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  9. I'm from a family of seven, myself, but yet it never seemed like there were that many of us growing up.

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  10. I raised four children (only one was mine) and I can tell you that first, it helped to not give them every thing in the world. There was less clutter. And, everyone had a different colour laundry basket -- for dirties and to fold when they were old enough. I made all my entree's on Saturday afternoon and put them in the freezer with a list of what went with it, on the refrigerator (this meant menu making which was fab). And, lastly, each child had a night to do dishes with me so we could talk and work together. There is something about having busy hands that makes the mouth work more, too! LOL

    I am praying for you as you enter these last weeks! You must be exhausted!

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  11. The sweater is beautiful and I love the garter stitch edging!

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  12. I have fond memories of visiting my cousins with large families. Seemed like everyone pitched in all the time, life was really simple and we laughed a great deal. My aunts sewed, cooked, card of the childrn and cleaned and did not work beyond or outside the family for the most part. I think we forget that today and try to do it all, even when we work at home.

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  13. I don't have organizational advice as that is what I am aspiring to become. But I am starting a Linky List on Monday's called "Start Fresh Monday" and using the book "Organized Simplicity" as a starting point. I am only on chapter 3, but it is REALLY making me think a lot about my choices and I am excited about the idea of creating an organized existence and what doors that will open up for me and my family.

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  14. I am the oldest of 8 kids and have four boys ranging in age from 4-17. My mom taught by example to always always have your kitchen clean before you go to bed at night and the table washed and ready for the next day. Teach your kids to do laundry, including the putting away of thei own folded clothes and since there is always laundry to do, only own a few outfits, at least for those you do laundry for. Kids have their favorite outfits that you might be washing all the time anyhow. And finally, always have out fresh vegies in a bowl of clean water since kids are always hungry and you will then promote good snack habits as opposed to raiding the fridge or pantry. Available foods will also entice your kids' friend's over so you will stay in touch with who your kids know.
    CathyT

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  15. The knits are lovely. I didn't know such a book existed. Thank you for the hint. Sorry I don't have any. You could teach me with all of your wisdom!

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  16. What a cozy looking sweater, I'd like one in my size for those blustery autumn strolls!

    As for a large family, while I don't have any children of my own there is one golden rule that stands the test of time for keeping any household sane - Less stuff is less stuff to worry about!

    Since I pruned down a lot of my belongings I find it so much easier to keep things neat and tidy. Even having less clothes has simplified laundry day. :)

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  17. I've always been fascinated with the large family idea...that book sounds like it would have lots of great tips and ideas. That sweater sure is adorable...love the color!

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  18. I am really interested to read these comments. I only have three children myself but the Anon. poster above seems to have some really sound advice.

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  19. I have 6 kids. I wouldn't call our family 'organized', but we do not live in chaos either. Eat lots of chocolate.

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  20. Large Family Logistics is a great book! I just finished it a couple of weeks ago and find myself referencing it to get some good ideas. We are expecting #5 in 2 weeks and building a house. Logistics is helping me get a jump start on organizing our new home and time there.

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