Springtime, almost.

Signs of spring...oh, how I adore them.  More than I can say.  Mostly because each of our boys were spring babies.  And each year as their birthdays approach, I am always taken aback--although I should see it coming--when we emerge from winter and are confronted by growth everywhere.  The garden, the trees, the grass we've tried to grow in our splotchy yard for years.  But mostly, it's our boys and how they've grown in ways I could not have guessed.  I mean, do they eat weeds or something when I'm not looking?

I had one of those moments on a recent spring-like day when Leo decided to take on his big boy bike (the fact that I ran over one of his training wheels might have had something to do with it). 

After removing the trainers, there was--as far as I could tell--merely a soft whisper of encouragement before he zipped off. 

Charlie and I were rather stunned.  We were poised, ready to jog alongside him to lend a steadying hand.  But it simply wasn't necessary.  I barely had time to put my camera to my eye, he was so fast.  He did not wobble or stop...he rode like he's been doing it for ages, taking on curves, curbs, sidewalks, even menacing older brothers who couldn't believe how quickly he got it--you name it, he handled it.  

Makes me convinced he he was ready months ago when he politely declined to give it a go.  But now?  Now, there is no stopping him.  Way to go, Leo, my goodness.  But slow down.

As for littlest one, who we suspect will be trying out a two-wheeler at least two years before we're ready...I was delighted to see that he had not outgrown his front yard swing.  I am not ready to say goodbye to many baby things that fill our home, though it's hard to reconcile my sentimental urges with my spring-cleaning agenda.  It was a no-brainer with the swing, at least.  It's staying.

I'll say it again.  I love spring.

Sandra 

Status.

Since I last posted, I have, in no particular order:

*  flown to Texas

*  visited dear family friends

*  ate plenty of TexMex

*  had several margaritas

*  attended an amazing business conference

*  made new friends

*  tried to fly back from Texas, but had a travel hiccup (which was my fault)

*  crashed at my dear family friends home

*  got in 3 runs

*  knitted a hat

*  started knitting a sweater

It's been a challenging yet good week.  But I've missed everyone back home terribly.  I am sure I will fill in more details, later.  Here is a picture of littlest one who was running errands with Charlie and grandma...they came across some pint-sized golf clubs and Charlie snapped a picture with his phone camera and emailed it to me, with a caption along the lines of, "the future."

Would you look at that face?  Must.  Get.  Home. 

Sandra

Why hello there, Mr. Sun.

This week, we enjoyed a preview of some spring-like weather.  We also received our first installment of Girl Scout cookies.  I will not go on record and state how many boxes are headed our way from various orders--other than to say it's frightening.

With the afternoons so warm and lovely, we enjoyed sitting outside for a spell. 

Well technically, I suppose, it was I--and I alone--who sat, devouring my new camera manual (figuratively) as well as other things (literally)...    

The boys played and played.  It was amusing to watch them attack the garage as if they hadn't seen its contents in ages.  Max came across a bag of items set aside to donate and quickly invented a game of "keep away the lamb."  Not sure what it involved, exactly, other than a lot of chasing, tagging, and a scuffed knee.   

I can report that it tuckered him out...

William grabbed a bit out of every corner of the garage, greeting each item like an old friend... 

And Leo organized a neighborhood game of soccer...it's a new version, where the entire team serves as goalies...    

   

As for me, I have two newly knitted hats to show for the equal number of lazy afternoons spent outdoors this week.  Keeping my hands busy as I keep an eye on the boys makes me feel productive.  I will take proper pictures of the finished hats soon.  But here is a preview.  I think it beats pictures of what else resulted from my impromptu al fresco afternoons:  an unruly kitchen, unvacuumed living and dining room, un-put-away laundry.  Totally worth it, I say.                 

Happy Friday!

Sandra

New gear.

I hope you had a lovely Valentine's Day.  Mine was pretty memorable.  I was treated to a special gift--the new camera that I have coveted for quite some time.  Buying the camera right now was not the plan, actually.  But the price on this particular body dropped significantly this week.  And Charlie, bless his heart, knows when to nudge me when necessary to pull the trigger on certain big-ticket items.

To be clear, I have no problem whatsoever buying small-ticket items.  Lots of them, in fact.  And I am smart enough to realize that this is perhaps at the very root of my issues when it comes to taking the plunge on large budgetary line items (because, you see, it means indulging in fewer small items...you might think 8 years would be plenty of time to adjust to a responsible, family budget.  But you'd be wrong. ).  I have agonized over car purchases, dining room furniture, sewing machines, ect., ect., pro-and-conning them to death...questioning whether the item was it.  And then, even after I'm convinced it is indeed the one, I settle into a comfy holding pattern to make sure I get the best price.  I usually score amazing deals but it can take forever!  And considering how much I use a camera (daily), I agreed that it made sense to jump on the current sale now (though this does mean a yarn diet).  

I almost hugged the UPS driver when he delivered the camera today--it is hard to explain how excited I am about it.  I know that the twelve inches behind a camera, i.e. the person operating it, makes the real difference and I am working on that.  But it sure doesn't hurt to have great tools.  Especially ones that allow you to capture sharper images in low lighting situations (hello, night time crafting hours).

Here are some random shots, straight out of the camera.  To be sure, it is a camera that I do not know how to fully operate--these were the first images taken.  

Some knitting that has visited my lap on and off since Saturday.  It is a birthday hat for someone special...

Max's current grin...he's lost many teeth, but this is his first front one (you can see the gap if you look for it)...

And funny William, who insisted on assembling and delivering a few more of his leftover Valentines (he wanted one addressed to himself)...

So there you go.  Just some every day moments that make up my world.  Happy Valentine's Day!  I'll be here, taking a ton of pictures.  More than usual, even. 

Sandra

Our paper boy (something to remember).

During the weekends, one of our highlights is seeing littlest one eagerly going about one of his chores.  He sets off to...well, I rather dislike using this word, but really there is no other, so I'm just going to say it...to fetch us the paper. 

He adds a layer to his jammies, wrapping up in whatever he can find in the the winter-wear bucket that is set out for little hands... 

He scrambles into his Crocs then skips outside, plod, plod, plodding his way to the end of the driveway.

He picks up the paper, beaming that he hasn't dumped it from the protective wrapper.  And he hustles it to us.

And yes, the above pictures are taking by yours truly from inside.  Where it is warm. 

But fear not (and don't turn us in)--he is not in danger.  We live on a cul-de-sac with just a few houses so traffic isn't a concern and Charlie is supervising--discreetly because this littlest one has quite the independent streak! 

Sandra

Lacy Baktus; haircut.

I really came to adore knitting this Lacy Baktus (Ravelry link here).  And it's pretty obvious that I also adore the end product as I have worn it nonstop since it came off the needles.  I think I'd better cast on something similar to mix it up a little.  I recently stashed a skein of sock yarn in a cheery yellow that might be fun.  But for now, I'll continue wearing this fella.  He makes me happy...

...I am choosing to overlook how I miscalculated the center point of the skein, resulting in a fear of running out of yarn and the need to rush the final decreases (so rather than the graceful taper per the pattern, I got wonky ends).  I probably wouldn't gift it this way, but it's fine for me...

Also, in other news, I finally cut my hair.  It's the third time I've donated my hair to either the Locks of Love or Pantene's Beautiful Lengths program.  This year, I donated 12 inches. 

Whenever I make the appointment, I find that the stylist thinks I will need a "moment"--to do what exactly, I am unsure.  Say goodbye to my hair?  Really, I am unclear.  But they always look at me rather shocked when I say something along the lines of, "listen, I've got 30 minutes before I'm needed back home.  Cut it off, bag it, and let's go!" 

I am, like most women, vain about certain things.  But not my hair.  I figure, it grows--it's fine long, it's fine shortish.  I just don't do short short because I have funny-shaped ears (looking at you, dad).   One of the nice parts about growing out my hair is that I just forget about it.  I rarely even trim it because I don't blow dry it/style it very often.  And yes, if you are wondering, I generally look awful when I'm running around with the kidlets with my hair pulled back in a mess.  But at least it means only one fancy haircut every 2.5 years.  Think of how much money I save!

I didn't get a good shot of the swoopy bangs (yes, bangs!) my stylist talked me into.  And this self-portrait is rather out of focus...but it's the only shawlette-shot I took that has a bit of my head in it.  Also, it was a good opportunity to try out some free photo actions I've recently discovered.  I'm rather shocked at how much "help" you can give a photo with post-processing effects...I am new to photo shop elements, but I think I likey.

I thought my stylist did a good job of giving me a wash-n-go cut...he knows of my lazy ways.  This is with a few minutes of blow drying but allowing it to mostly air dry on the fly.  It sure beats the wet mop of a bun I've sported the past two winters.

Sandra

Snow day.

         

Maybe you are enjoying a snow day today, too?  For us, it's one of those sloppy wet ones...rain boots worked better than snow boots as I toured the yard.

But at least the higher temperatures meant it wasn't too cold.  The boys enjoyed extended outdoor play and countless sledding runs on the small hill next to our house. 

Will doesn't like wet snow...he mostly just ran and ran on the cleared sidewalk, so happy to be out and about. 

And he kept pointing out things that he thought were pretty, asking me to take pictures of them.  He always wants to look in the LCD screen of my camera to see the shot--but as I have one of the first generation Canon SLRs, the screen is teeny tiny.  And in the bright sun, it's nearly impossible to see whether your shot is clear.  I am saving my pennies to upgrade.   

I hope you enjoy your day, too.  And whatever it brings.

Sandra

Fridays with littlest one.

Each Friday--during our normal weeks--William has a lunch date.  Many Fridays, it is with friends during a playdate.  But sometimes, it is just the two of us.  And I have really come to love our dates.

He leads a quick blessing... 

...in earnest, I might add...

...always ending with an exuberant, "Dig In!"  And then, in case I don't know what he means, he shows me how it's done...

Sometimes I just stare at him, marveling at how fast he's growing.  And I'll quiz him:

"Is that yummy, Will?"

"Oh yes.  Scrumptious.  I like it." 

"I like it too."

"I love it."

"I love it too."

"No momma.  You love coffee.  And me.  And my brothers.  And daddy.  And knitting."

-------------

He is right.  And I love Fridays, too.  Have a good one... 

Sandra

p.s.  I will share the recipe for these biscuits this weekend.  They are always in our breadbox because they are so versatile.  This batch was turkey and cheddar.  And I ate four.

No really. Happy New Year.

"I feel pretty lucky, though, because it looks like no one else caught my Christmas cold."

And that, of course, was a foolish, foolish thing to say to a friend last week.  Because not twelve hours later, I got the dreaded phone call from the school nurse.  I will not bore you with the details; I'm sure you know how it is: kids fell like dominos...too much couch time, leading to sleepless nights...a home filled with heart-wrenching coughs and whimpering.  All of this delivered with a side of grumpy, because this particular virus lasted so very long. 

I should have seen it coming.  Last week was impossibly full, schedule-wise.  And if your life is anything like mine, the crazy weeks--when you don't have time for sick days, school delays, school closings, ice storms and power outages (because, yes, all those happened this past week)--are exactly when they'll pop up. 

So here it is, more than half way into January, and I am just now (!) taking down and packing away Christmas decor. 

Other than the nagging feeling of being behind schedule, I must admit that it's been rather nice having our decorations up longer than usual. 

I did a big purge last year and kept only the things I really love. 

But I have never been so excited to get back on track.  Knocking on wood...knocking on wood...

Sandra

Christmas Card, 2010.

We're in the home stretch!  Most gifts are wrapped and tucked under the tree.  Teacher gifts and other small tokens of appreciation were delivered before school break.   And all that remains is some work on the Christmas Eve dinner menu and some more baking for the neighborhood treat platters.  The boys will hand those out later today along with the last few cards to pass out.  And since I know some neighbors read my blog--I should probably wait to post our holiday card online.  But I'm determined to unplug after this morning and have my sights set on making time to cast on for a last minute knitted gift--so it's now or never, because if you hadn't noticed, loose ends are just not my thing.

So.  Here is our card for 2010, designed on Scrapblog, same as 2009.  I wasn't going to go with a theme for the write-up, but after thinking about our year, couldn't help myself.  Books, books, and more books are taking over every inch of our home.  So it's no surprise what I came up with.  Merry Christmas to you and yours.  I hope it's your best one yet!

Sandra

(click on the thumbnail to enlarge)