Knitting and Reading

I have started knitting Emmy a spring sweater in a dk weight mixed yarn that was given to me from a sweet reader (who figured out she knows my father through reading the blog) and passed on a bag of yarn to him to give to me.  

The pattern is from the same book I have mentioned so many times here, Vintage Knits for Modern Babies.  What I appreciate most about this book is that none of the patterns requires circular needles so I  don't have to go out and buy a new size and length for each pattern.  Also, most of the patterns call for size 3 and 6 needles.  Finally, the patterns are mostly simple.  This sweater pattern is probably my most ambitious knitting project to date, but I am sure it would still be categorized in the easy or easy/intermediate range.  So far the front and back are knitting back and forth as one piece with a kind of basket weave pattern with some hole design.

I have started a book which I am really enjoying - Into the Wilderness by Sara Donati.  I am working as the librarian at our little local library last week and this week while the regular librarian is on vacation.  My friend recommended this book to me knowing that I enjoy books that are set during a more simpler time and I am glad she did.  The library is open just 11 hours per week and Emmy and I have been enjoying seeing friends and catching up with the townspeople.  

Looking forward to seeing all of the other knitting and reading at Ginny's yarn along.

Warm wishes,

Tonya

Thankful Monday...

Sometimes on Mondays I have a bit of a hard time getting back into a routine and feel overwhelmed,  so I thought I would think of what I am thankful for right now - 

*Spending time with my daughter, Abby this morning, reading and studying Beautiful Girlhood together

*My children's creativity - Abraham making a caterpillar of pattern blocks and Sarah painting a rock she just found outside

*Lots of eggs from the chickens to have for breakfast, lunch and dinner (though not all on the same day)

*Not boiling the maple syrup too long today (I over boiled the first batch to nearly a granulated state)

*Today's warm beautiful weather that is melting the snow

*That it will still be light enough after supper to go for a walk

Wishing you a wonderful week.

Warm wishes,

Tonya

Just More Emmy

We are delighting in this little girl, if only time would slow down just a bit.  She will be 6 months old in just 11 days.

Reading, Knitting, and Thinking

Finished two vest with this so simple pattern.  The little one is made with dk weight yarn, using size 5 needles.  It is a gift for our neighbor's new baby girl that was just born about one week ago.  The larger vest (about a 3T) was knit on size 8 needles with worsted weight yarn from Peace Fleece and has been added to my etsy shop.

I was excited to receive Taproot in the mail the other day and found a few moments the other afternoon to sit down and read with a cup of tea.  It is comforting to read of others that value much of the same things that our family does - caring for the earth, growing food, family, and community.

Now we are debating whether to make the hour drive after church on this Sunday to meet Amanda, Ben and others at the Galaxy Bookshop in Hardwick to celebrate Taproot's launch.  For us, an hour's drive in our 1992 Suburban means that one of the children will have to stay home because we still haven't bought another car -(yes, there are 9 of us now and our Suburban seats just 8), and an hour's drive there and back probably means about 9 gallons of gas - which we try to limit because of financial and environmental reasons.  So the debate continues because it would be wonderful to be there.

Joining in this week with Ginny's wonderful Yarn Along.

(One more important note - a blog reader, Melissa - sent me an email asking for help as her family's home burned to the ground on March 1.  As both a Christian and a human being, I believe that when I am asked to help, I should do so if possible.  Therefore, if you feel led, Melissa's family is accepting donations to aid them in getting their life back together.)

Warm wishes,
Tonya

Play and Work

Little Gnomes, Acorn Tops and Branches

A new tree fort - a creation by Abby and Isaac

Firewood boxes to fill

Firewood, Pillows and Toes

Isn't it wonderful when work and play become one in the same?

Beautiful Afternoon

Saturday started as an overcast, snowy day and turned into a beautiful sunny, 50 degree afternoon that called us all outside.  Mike and Abraham added a couple more maple taps.

Sparky and Madeline investigating the pails.

Some chicken love.

I enjoyed a quiet walk down our road with Emmy.

When I returned it was neat to watch the goats eating the buds off a tree Sarah had cut down herself in an overgrown area.

I am looking forward to the coming days where we will all be outside more.

Tears of Love

I didn't know what unconditional, complete surrender love for another human being was until I had children.  It is a love that often brings tears to my eyes.  

There are the bittersweet tears that happen when I think about our oldest going off on his own soon.

Tears of sadness flow when one of our children experience hurt in their own lives.

Sometimes the tears are because of extreme gratitude for being given these amazing gifts.

Tears of happiness come when I watch a child accomplish something they have been striving for - reading their first words, hitting a home run, or nailing a song during a theatrical performance.

Some days there are tears of frustration - disappointment in myself for not reacting and responding to my children the way that I should.

Lately, there have been many episodes of tears of awe and wonderment when I simply look at Emmy and the amazing miracle that she is.

Blessings to you for a weekend full of love,
Tonya