Signs of spring

OK, I've had enough with the snow day pictures. Spring is officially here and for the moment the snow is gone! But since we've been known to have March/April snowstorms, I won't get my hopes up too much. For now I'm taking in the latest star to the landscape scene- snowdrop blossoms.
And maple sap! Though a very small scale operation with just a few taps hooked up, the kids are nonetheless delighted to fill and down a cup of the slightly sweet 'tree water.' And our little tree tap came in handy on the day our hot water heater was replaced and we were without water.We had a beautiful weekend full of outdoor play: swings, sandbox digging, biking and romps up the muddy, mossy hill. Now the rain's coming down and it's misty and cool. Refreshing!

Slow day

The morning sounds are different, everything is hushed. It's so quiet, one almost can hear the slow flakes touching down. As the roads are blanketed with snow, we fold away all of our previous plans and possible errands. Today there's time for baking, making and just being. Even time for a little walk. I like that.

Gratitude 4

Since all winter I've been left wearing a hat I hastily zipped up from some sweater scraps, I thought it was time to make a little more effort and knit myself something cozy. But I'm the kind of knitter that prefers the easy, mindless projects that don't require a lot of counting and marking. I think of knitting as something to do while doing something else...while hanging out with others or watching a movie. Actually I rather like the simplicity of no pattern at all.

So, with all that in mind I made myself a hat. Throwing caution, measurements and patterns to the wind, I just started casting yarn onto my needles. And hat #1....well that one fit Lilla just about right.

So I thought I'd make myself a different hat... and that one fits Rowan just fine (and even goes with his winter coat).

Fortunately, I have couple sweet little ones around here that can fit these off-sized caps.

And speaking of knitting, Rowan just learned how to do it! Exciting! He's been finger crocheting for a while and just picked up the knitting needles the other day.

Gratitude 3

Outside is still icy white and inside paper and fabric snowflakes are strewn about, but the days are growing noticeably longer as the sky still glows pink after 5pm. And though our igloo succumbed to a little January thaw, I'm grateful that we're inching toward Spring.

And Happy Birthday Dad- I hope you know how very grateful I am for you!

Gratitude 2

The bigger kids have been on a paper airplane making frenzy lately, turning out dozens of flying machines and leaving snips of paper in their wake. Amongst all those bits, an errant pair of kid scissors landed in the hands of our littlest one and she quickly set to work giving herself a trim.

Before I could stop her, Lilla's hair had turned into a punk/mullet combo.

Of course I'm feeling most grateful that she avoided a nip to the ear, but I'm also glad that hair grows back. And hats! It's a good thing that it's hat season.

The new cut cracks me up and kind of surprises me every time I look at her. As I snipped away to blend it in with the rest of her hair she kept saying "cut more!" She's so full of personality and quite the busy girl. Okay everyone, hide those scissors!

Gratitude 1

As a way of coping with life's uneven terrain, Lynn has been sharing a Gratitude Project over at her place. And being a complete copy-cat, I thought I'd do the same. Even though I often am a bit of a 'glass half-empty' kind of girl, writing here allows me to step away from that and to frame the beauty I see. Maybe outside the frame there is clutter, a power line or something else unsightly, but being able to share and remember what's good or joyful has been rewarding. And where there is gratitude, unhappiness has a harder time finding a way in. So without further ado, today I'm feeling grateful for the candles and flowers that grace my table. When the shorter, darker days of winter come, candles often make their way to our dinner (lunch or breakfast) table. I guess that need for just a little more light is instinctual, something that isn't easily accomplished with electric bulbs. And sitting together, circled around the flicker of candles often reminds us to share a little prayer or offering of gratitude. Of course, there are plenty of times we're rushed or too distracted remember, but when we do it helps to put everything into perspective. Yes, the colder weather and lack of light really do call for extra nourishment of mind, body and spirit.And oh, to have flowers when everything else is gray and bleak! Just the unfurling of one delicate African violet blossom is quite enough to make me happy. This little potted plant was a gift from sweet lady. Hope this Sunday finds you circled around with friends and family.

Where I've been

Coming up for air after a long and busy month+. Yes, those holidays stress me out. I stress about the things I do and then stress some more about all the things that don't get done. With the disruption from remodeling being ever present all month, a lot of holiday traditions were left by the wayside. We did not even get our own tree this year (no advent calendar, much baking or crafting either) And through it all I sort of felt like a bad mom...not taking the time to make things as special as I would like.

I also stress about finding everyone appropriate gifts, partly because I tend to procrastinate, putting things off in hopes of finding a more perfect gift. But of course all the procrastination just leaves me in a frenzy at the end. So here is my note to self for next year: begin all holiday preparations much, much earlier!

But we did get to go to the Cape for Christmas and this is why I forgive myself for copping out on such much on decorations/festivities at our own home. Oh there were heaps of snow to marvel at there! And we all took advantage of the snow-even as at began to melt away-for sledding on Christmas day. Weather depending I think this makes for a very good tradition!

See that grass poking through on this well-used hill and coat-less big girls? Nearly balmy.

And in since returning back home from the holidays we've had lots of bitter cold days, seemingly endless snow and way too many days stuck inside with one illness or another. So, I'm sorry to be away from here for so long. I see the sun poking out today...I'll be back soon.