Getting my Knit on!

 I am not in the least bit arty, at all. In fact if you ever see me displaying some kind of artistic streak or creativeness then you can be rest assure I am faking it because I have 100% copied the idea from someone or somewhere else.   Yep that's me a big fat faker when it comes to anything arty or creative.  Which is maybe why I like craft rather than art.  Usually with craft you follow a pattern, recipe or step by step guide and if done correctly you will more or less end up with a perfect end product.  Yes that looks the same as everyone else's that has followed the pattern but a perfect workable end product all the same.  I am sweet with that.  It freaks me out when I ask for a recipe from usually one of my chef brother in laws and they say..."Well start with a hunk of that, season it with a handful of that,add this to it and maybe a bit of that and you will be all good"  Ah hello?  I need measurements and amounts people!   Recipes and directions are my best friend.  Without them.....well we would be eating out of tins.

So as of late I have rekindled my skills and knitting needles for knitting and crocheting. Yes we all know that it sounds like I am 72, sitting in a rocker with a brightly coloured crocheted blanket over my lap....but these skills are becoming more and more trendy now and there are some very cool patterns out there.  I prefer to tackle small things for teeny tiny people (babies) as I know I am more likely to finish the item if I see the end in sight.  The last time I tried to knit something for myself ended up being for a little sister who was 7 years younger me! It took me that long!

So here is a peek at the type of things I have been crocheting and knitting lately!

What inspired me to start up my woolly craft, was the need for woollen clothing for wee babes in our community not to mention my own wee blessing due in the vicinity of 7-9 weeks (I don't like due dates).  So apart from knitting a cardigan and booties for this blessing that is currently having a party inside me, most other items are being tucked away for whenever they may be needed. I am getting quite a collection. I only wish I was faster at it either that or I had more time to sit and knit.  But I am not and I don't so I have to make the most of a spare 5-10 mins where I can flick through 5-10 rows at a time. They soon add up!

If you are keen then I encourage you to pick up some needles. Better yet pick some up from the local op shop, they are way cheaper than buying them new. I usually pay between .50c to $2. Which it doesn't make it that much of a disaster when your 20month old feeds them through the gaps in the deck or uses them for drum sticks and consequently snaps the ends off them.  Its all good if you have only paid .50c for them!

Also the world of YouTube and Google can be a wanna-be knitter or crocheters best friend.  You can find out and be shown how to do almost any stitch you come across right there.  Its like having your very own knitting tutor right beside you!  You just type in the stitch name or even just the abbreviation and PRESTO you have a demo!

There are a heap of free knitting patterns to be found on line as well or if you browse sites such as Etsy and Craftsy you will find thousands of patterns usually for a small fee of a couple of dollars. You pay by credit card and you can instantly download the pattern on to your computer.  Really its just so easy and doesn't leave you with a whole lot of excuses for you not to be able to have a go.  Its really just up to you!

Go on, have a go!!!

Six Month Snapshot

Previously titled 'In my Life this Month' but I thought that I would rename it to the above as I only write one of these posts every six months.  I really don't think my life is THAT interesting to do one every month.  Today is Sunday and I am tired.  I think God had an excellent idea when he made the seventh day as a day of rest because today that is exactly what I felt like doing all afternoon.  Blessed myself I did with a L-O-N-G overdue chat with my bestie on the phone.  Lost count at how long we talked for because she had to ring me back and then I had to ring her back due to a wee man with a split lip and a banana that wouldn't properly peel for him.  You know tragic things like that!

So lets begin....

In our home school.....

Well its been the school holidays here for the past two weeks something that we observe.  There is no way that the kids would let me work them through the holidays for ANY reason.  Plus I need a break too....a break from the planning, the checking up on, the correcting, the hunting DAILY for pencils, pens, scissors and rubbers that mysteriously disappear EVERY SINGLE DAY!!!  I think there is a conspiracy going on here.

What we are planning to do for the upcoming term is follow a book called "How to Make a Apple Pie Around the World".  Obviously the lesson plans will be a little different for the older kids and the younger kids but they will both follow the book.  The story follows a young girl around the world as she collects different ingredients for her apple pie.  Each week we will look at the country that she visits and the ingredient that she collects, where it grows, how it is harvested, what its used for etc.  At the end of the book of course we will make an apple pie just like the girl in the book.  Also for the older kids I am planning to put together a MasterBaker programme. Where they can learn different aspects of baking (so they don't stick to baking the same thing as they tend to do). Biscuits, Slices, Pikelets, Cakes, Breads etc.  Once they have completed all those without supervision and are edible I'll award them with the MasterBaker Graduate Award.  So that is the plan for this term.  I say plan and use that term loosely as I know that at times my kids needs change. But that is the beautiful thing about homeschooling I guess.

I am inspired by..... this book as you know.

The beauty and generosity of people.

Just some of things been donated to Loving Arms

The beauty of colour.

Such vivid colours!

Places we are going....
Well even though it hasn't been the best holidays for us around here due to a number of things, ie Terrible winter colds and terrible winter weather, we haven't ventured to far from home. Even I have to admit that its been a little boring around here.  BUT we did manage to get to visit the zoo a few days ago.  It was cold to say the least but it was so nice to be out of the house and doing something together as a family. My favourite is and always will be the giraffes. I find them so fascinating.

People we are seeing....see above for reasons but not too many people.  I did however get to meet up with a very inspiring lady from the community who has big dreams and an even bigger heart for the people she wishes to help.

My favourite thing....
Not winter that's for sure! Hmmmm do I have a favourite thing?  My electric blanket at night, My husband been home for the past week on holiday, that's been cool.

What is working for us....
Turning down our hot water cylinder!  Knocked nearly $200 of our power bill!!  I know!!  I miss having an abundance supply of hot hot water but $200 when you don't have a lot is something I can live with.
Dividing up the areas of the house when it comes to tidying up.  Works reasonably well especially when I rotate who does what areas.  The worst area according to the children is the kitchen, the best area is the hallway and front and backdoor area!

What isn't working for us...
The kids playing soccer in the hallway. Results in a smashed window!  Not happy.
Winter colds and coughs - doesn't make for good sleeping.  Poor Jesse has had a bad head cold and all night I hear Mama Mama.  He sleeps holding my hand.

Questions/thoughts I have...
-How are we going to pay for the window? We can't go through winter with it boarded up.
-How much is too much?  We live in a society of inequality and excess.  Even though its a fact of life its not right and how do you fix it?
-Where is God taking us?  Even though I love the journey that we are on, it isn't easy at times and sometimes its a little unnerving not knowing where we are actually going?

Things that I am....
-Reading...Rhinestone Jesus by Kristen Welch
-1 Samuel
-Last Read...The Centurion  by Janette Oak and Davis Bunn
-Read...The Externally Focus Quest by Rick Rusaw and Eric Swanson ...so can't wait to read that one even though its been ordered and hasn't actually arrived yet.
-Watching...Not a lot really.  I have been quite busy with various projects on the go I don't have time to watch much on TV.  I can't even remember the last movie I sat and watched and enjoyed.

I am cooking...Spaghetti and meatballs, Pizza, and I am getting really good at doing roasts too even if I say so myself.

I am grateful for...
-My husband.  He really is super. Loved having him home this week and having no outside extracurricular activities to get to.
-Our upcoming weekend away in Taupo with my sister and her family and my Mum.  So can't wait for that.  Here is hoping we can get to the snow.
-The blessing of meat.  We were blessed with a large amount of meat a week or so ago.  Meat is expensive here and I only buy it if I have too. Up until now we have been living on venison (which isn't a bad thing) but it makes a nice change having beef.
-God's continual guidance and provision. This is a common theme in my posts I know but I really am very grateful.   Two and half years since our journey began and we are still here and our daily walk though hard at times is such a blessing.
-A supportive family, friends and church. Our journey would be that much harder without them.
-This new little life that grows inside of me.   I am just about to head into my last trimester and this little ones kicks and flutters will turn into cuddles and kisses.  I am embracing this precious time because he or she is born I will have to share.

I am praying for...
-Gods continual guidance and providence.
-Growth and direction of Loving Arms. For the community to be moved by the need and mobilized into action.
-The health of the family
-The birth of this wee baby.  Not even going to pretend that my last birth wasn't hard and challenging.

Day in the Life Photos...

A rest stop at the zoo!

Maybe its because the kids are home schooled but they seem to a bit slow on the uptake of 'school yard fads'. Is that a bad thing?  But once they were introduced into the house these loom bands threatened to overtake our house. Provided a lot of hours of entertainment though.

Me at 24 weeks pregnant!

How Kaitlyn and I spent one wet afternoon.

Winter Art!

I have been getting my knit on lately.  

This pattern is so easy and if I can do it anyone can!

Found this recipe for homemade crumpets...who knew!

They were the best, a little time consuming but oh so good!!!

What are you doing this July?

Spring in Pictures (mostly)

Spring is always a busy time for us, for you, and probably for every living thing actually.

And busy we have been.  Trying to find time to write has proved very difficult for me and I made it worse for myself when I severely reduced the amount of screen time for the kids.  I feel a little hypocritical sitting looking at a screen when the kids are around.  So that left me evenings but by the time all the kids are in bed and I have settled Jesse (if he could ever be settled) it was nearly 9pm.  Too tired to write and spend the all important time with my husband.  I don't know how people find time to watch copious amounts of TV!

 

But today is FRIDAY and in our house we make Friday part of our weekend, as Sunday can be a pretty busy day. Jamie is home, we don't do any formal school work. Its a day to catch up on any neglected housework, garden projects and just to be together without any pressure of having to do anything or be anywhere.

 

I love spring. I love the promise it holds of  the summer to come, the holidays to come, the space to enjoy the outdoors and being able to breath deeply in the midst of family and friends.  Bliss!

 

I just love photos of kids on fences especially when you have backdrops like this!!

 

Lots has been happening around here.  From new arrivals to preparing and planting the gardens, from building to cleaning.

 

 

Finally we have been able to keep the egg laying contained in one area. 

 

 For a good while our eggs were hidden in secret places. Gives new meaning to the term 'going on an egg hunt'. 

 

One of Jamie's building projects.  A pallet potting bench.

I think it is pretty fantastic if you ask me.

 

We have had power outages. 

 These are always an experience when you have got children around.  The just love to find EVERY SINGLE candle in the entire house and light them all and usually by that time the power has come back on.

 

This handsome wee man has started walking! 4 weeks shy of his first birthday he has been toddling around for a few weeks now.  To me he seems too little to be walking.  None of the others have ever walked that early.  Where has my baby gone?

 

 

 I always love watching babies and small people play. I love seeing the fascination of discovery on their faces.

                               

 

Planting of produce is always an exciting thing.  It is many many weeks before the novelty of checking on seedlings  and their progress will wear off.

 

This year we have 13 Tomato plants in.  Is that too many?  I'll tell you come autumn I may have had enough of chutney making by then>

 

Looking forward to this years passion fruit crop. I am hoping it will be better than last years where I think we only got 14.  What should I plant along the bottom here?  Its a south facing wall.  I am thinking a crop of lettuces. Any other suggestions?

 

Super duper excited about seeing the amount of raspberries that are beginning to bud.  Hopefully we will get to them before the birds do (and I am hoping I'll get to them before the kids do)

 I am in love with my six climbing beans.  They all have names (don't pretend you don't name your plants too)

We have George, William, Harry, Charles, Edward and Andrew.

 Royal names for royal looking beans, all standing there like upper class gentlemen.

 

Seven cute and fluffy ducklings.  Mama ducks is fiercely protective of them.  we have since taken her away from them in hope that we can make them a bit less scared of us.  But look out if she catches you going any where near them.  Even if she is no where to be seen and you go near them she will come flying (running) at you flapping and hissing and quacking.  It is just a little scary.  I am pretty sure she thinks she is a chicken though as she sometimes takes to perching on top of the A-frame house (who knew ducks could perch) as she stands guard.

 

Even though summer is just around the corner our wood supply for next year is already slowly accumulating. Piles of wood is always reassuring to me and a makes me want a hot chocolate!

 

The promise of this years grapes.  We can't remember if they are green or purple ones though.  But our vines is heavy with them.  I love how the green leaves just glow making the grapes into something celestial. *sigh

 

Another one of my 'loves'. Unfortunately this climbing rose is climbing up the side of the garage where no one can really appreciates its beauty or its heavenly perfume.  I don't know what its called but I am pretty sure it must have a grand name like 'Jonathan Thomas the 3rd' or 'Sir Graham' or maybe even 'Lady Marguerite Rothchild' if it is a female.

 

Our front porch, just perfect on those summer evenings for sitting and supping on something delicious.

 Stella, the poor orphan cat from last year, gave birth to four cute wee kittens. I know all kittens are cute but these ones are extremely cute. So cute I don't know how we are going to get rid of them.

 

Outdoor play is just great after months of winter weather. Shorts and T-shirts are the uniform these days.

 

Our wee Sophie (4) just loves to dress up. The downfall being she must change her clothes about ten times a day which leads to a very messy room.

 

The ducks let us know when its time for morning tea by coming up on to the deck and looking in the window.

 

This NAUGHTY chicken is extremely bad.  She thinks far too highly of herself and believes that she should be allowed to reside inside!  On numerous occasions I have entered a room only to find her hanging out in the sun or exploring her seemingly new abode. 

 I have threaten the crockpot.

 

The sunsets here are just exquisite, nearly as good as the sunrises.  The leaves just glow as the sun drops low in the sky. 

Sights like that make everyday a good day. 

 

I will endeavour to get more writing down, not only here but on my book.  My battles lie internally about what to share and how much.  SO much of my writing never makes it this far as I am always a little dubious of sharing my life, thoughts and views.  I love to write. I want to write. And I am hugely envious of people that can write and hold nothing back, not caring about what people will think, how people might interpret what is being written or who might be offended.  Maybe I should just consider those that might be entertained, inspired, encouraged, informed, enlightened and just plain old interested.

Yes, I think I'll write for them.

 

Blessings to you all

xxx 



Anticipating....

This may well be the last time I sit here as a mother of five.  I am sitting in anticipation, waiting....collecting my thoughts and feelings, in reflection and wonder.  Birth is very much a mental and emotional journey,  maybe even on par with the physical event.  Ones head space is ever so important.   I think I am there....I must be....as I sit and let my fingers write my thoughts...my body is doing wondrous things.

 

A tightening here, an ache there, a twinge here and a movement there!  My thoughts are never far away from this little one and our journey ahead.  I am looking forward to it. Not just for the end of a pregnancy and the discomfort that end-of-pregnancy brings but for the journey itself, for finally seeing face to face this little one that I have been getting to know over the past nine months and seeing the pride and wonder in my husbands face and the joy and excitement in my children's faces. I can't wait!  This journey has not only been mine but our family's also.

 

Photo by Maria Dorssers

 

I am now on the journey towards meeting this little one and it is good.  Birth is something that we women have been doing since time began. We know.   Its all about knowing and trusting.  Knowing who we are, who we have been created to be and trusting in God our creator, for he made us in his image. For me birth is enveloped in sacredness, in love and in tradition.  This is the sixth time I have been down this road yet it is not any less special or precious or exciting.  I have the people in place and the things that will help me along in this journey.  It may read that this is a serious only time but I tell you there has been some hilarious times too.  Laughter is good. Laughter is essential.   

 

Everything is in order now. Although I am sure I could find more things to clean, sort, throw out and fold but all the essential things are done and organised.  I am pretty sure this baby isn't going to care if the pot draw is in disarray or if the hallway needs just one more vacuum!

 

The birthday cake has been made by biggest brother Casey and awaits the start of our journey where it can be taken out of the freezer, defrosted and iced.

The Bubbles (grape juice) are being chilled.

Baby clothes have carefully been chosen, washed, folded and refolded.

 

We are all waiting......

 

I am ever so thankful that I don't have to go anywhere to have this baby, that I can just be here in my home and bask in the present of those who love me.

 

So this is us for now....(well minus 2 years)

 

we will look a bit different next time we visit together!

 

See you soon!!

xxx