Knitting Therapy



Princess Pea's new hat

 

 

 

 

 

Sometimes, you just have to knit. I taught myself to knit (with a few pointers from those more experienced) and I love it. There is something about the yarn moving through my hands, the repetitious motion, and the counting that soothes me.

Trying a new pattern

After a long day staring at a computer screen, endless household chores, and kids that keep me hopping, it is a relaxing way to wind down before bed.

 

 

My faithful knitting companion
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If I get the right pattern, I can nearly knit in my sleep now. Knit one, purl one, knit one, purl one…just have to count the rows. Very therapeutic…

 



Finished Product

 

 

I love to know that I am creating something warm and cozy for someone I love. It warms my heart knowing that the hat I am working on will keep a little’s ears warm this winter, or that the cowl will be amazing with the jacket my niece wears. I have plans for many Christmas gifts this year, for family and friends, all homemade (not necessarily all knit though…) I am so excited…I can’t wait to see their faces!

 



On to the next one....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Knitting is also the time I find myself thinking on God. I can sit in silence and hear His voice, listen for His instructions, and thank Him for His grace and mercy. It is my God Girl time and I treasure every second.

 

 

 

Another trial for Princess to wear...Boot Cuffs

 

 

 

 

 

“Be still and know that I am God.”  Psalm 46:10

“Let my words fall on you like rain.” Deuteronomy 32:2

“He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for His name’s sake.” Psalm 23:3

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” Colossians 3:23

 

Christmas Surprise!

Woo hoo! Santa brought our family an  incredSaible Christmas gift. We all got Blue Man Group CD's and on the back of each CD was taped a ticket to the Blue Man Group in Chicago ! We were so excited to visit a city we have never been to. We also received a family membership to the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago!

So I took a vacation day on Friday and we took Princess Pea out of school. We loaded up the jeep and drove to Aurora, IL. I had no idea we were on a time schedule but apparently Honey's sister Ana along with her husband Thad and their 2 boys, Logan and Charlie were meeting us at the train station to ride into the city! 

We were so excited to see them as it has been over a year. I cant believe how big the boys have gotten!

We rode the train in because it in difficult and expensive to park downtown When we got into the city, it was freezing cold and snowing &, blowing. We had to drag all our luggage about 7 blocks, through snow and slush to the hotel. We all got upstairs & kind of collapsed on the beds to relax! I was proud of the kids! There was barely a squeak of complaint out of either!

Ana and Thad and the boys knocked on the door an hour so later! It war wonderful to see them. We all bundled up and headed out for dinner. Without a car, we walked nearly every where. It is a good thing most were close. We ate at a nice little pizza place a block or 2 away! The pizza was stuffed and delicious! We ended up bringing a lot back to the room! Mmmmm lunch for the week!

Saturday morning we got up and ate breakfast downstairs. The continental breakfast was standard fare, fruit, waffles, toast, cereal, etc. So we ate and then had fun hailing a cab. Princess Pea said that hailing and riding in a taxi were the fulfillment of a lifelong dream! So the eight of us piled in and struck up a conversation with our driver who was from Togo, Africa. He took us to the Museum of Science and Industry

The kids were in awe! They loved it! Even Cookie had a great time. The kids kept pulling each other to exhibits saying "Come here - you gotta see this!" I think the best Christmas present I received this year was seeing the books in their eyes and their interaction.

There were some pretty cool exhibits and so many of them were hands on! They Shot tennis balls across the room using speed & angle. They saw how an avalanche forms and tornadoes too. They made rainbows and Princess learned what is in the inside of her Pointe shoes! And that was just in one room!

They also flew in a flight simulator, played a game with their brainwaves, and watched Trains move through a scale model of Chicago and Seattle and all different types of land between. It was the coolest model railroad I have ever seen.

The other display I adored was the Colleen Moore's Fairy House. Unfortunately it is currently being restored so it wasn't all together when we were there. It was pretty cool that we got to see them working on it and they had all the furnishings in glasses cases for up close viewing! It was my favorite part of the whole Weekend.

We decided everyone needed a rest before the next event, the Blue Man Group Show! So we grabbed another cab and went back to hotel for an hour and rested. I was hoping to get rid of my headache but no such luck.

This time, instead of taking a taxi, we took the red-line subway/elevated train. The kids and I had never been on a subway before and it was quite an experience! Honey, the kids and I had seats in the 3rd row for the show, while Ana and family had seats farther back. The concert/show was so good!I don't think I have see Princess Pea laugh so hard in a longtime. Cookie had already been to the Show when he was in high school and had a hard time not giving away the good stuff.

After the concert it was back to the hotel and off to dinner at the Italian Village! Then back to the hotel, It was snowing and made a beautiful sight with all the lights in the trees.

Sunday my headache went from bad to worse. I could barely Stand to have my glasses on so we decided to take it easy. We packed up and stored our bags downstairs while we went to breakfast at Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe . Breakfast was wonderful, (I highly recommend the Berry Bliss Pancakes!) I just wish I could have enjoyed it without the headache. When we got back to hotel, we headed to Union Station to catch the train home. It was a wonderful trip but I was glad to be headed home. So thankful it was a safe trip.

Christmas 2013

This year's tree with gifts! 

Cozy Candlelight

So Christmas-Ing is done at the homestead for another gear. Well mostly. We celebrated with the kids on Saturday night, then with my Dad, brothers and their families last night. I am incredibly tired today and overslept making me 1/2 hour date for work, whoops!

Cookie and Princess Messing Around

Princess Pea trying to get the topper on straight

But it was so worth every single minute. To have the whole family gathered in one place celebrating together is humbling. I love it! Reminds me of years gone and how important family is!.I had a gift for everyone, even though we drew names.I just can't stand not buying for my family. My Mama was such a giver and it appears she has (thankfully) passed it on to me.

The tree was all lit up and the candles were burning, giving a beautiful glow to the whole house and making is smell just lovely. Everyone was in such a good mood and enjoying each other's company. 

I think Princess loved her One Direction CD from her brother

Honey had a few surprises for me! 

I did forget to get anything for Dad and Bonnie! I was going to get them a gift card to a local restaurant but it slipped my mind in the rush up to our celebration. I'm not sure if that is my subconscious or what but I really did feel bad! Normally I buy Dad a Calendar and put all the birthdays and anniversaries on it. I even forgot that. 

Princess got Honey his Marvin the Martian Hat!

Princess and Cookie each got Tablets - I think she liked hers!

Of course every family dinner or gathering has mishaps. This Year the dinner rolls were left in the kitchen and the Cranberries only made it to one table (out of 3.) But that is the worst it got, thankfully.

Last night was filled with talking and lots of laughter! Good food, candlelight, and wine! After a delicious meal of ham and Grandpa's meatballs, with mashed potatoes and gravy, salads, lefse, cranberries and sweet potatoes, we cleared the table while trying to cheer our beloved Packers to a win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. They didn't win but it wasn't for lack of trying on our part

Having a Great Christmas!

Stealing Presents! Nice Shooting Stick!

Auntie says its a Musical Instrument!

Matching Hats!

After the football game it was present time. A few people only had one gift but in our family there is a long standing tradition of "Santa" Gifts. If someone pulls a boneheaded stunt throughoutthe year, they are likely to get a gift Under the tree from Santa. They get pretty creative and so does the wrapping. The year Honey broke his collarbone in the motorcycle safety class he received training wheels from Santa. And my sister in law got a can of "Fix A Flat" the year she ran over the boat anchor. It's all in fun and the memories these gifts create are priceless. There isn't anything quite like getting your own work boots back 5 years after you lent them out

Dad and his wife

Wood Burning kit - Awesome! 

Best Gift of the Night! A Case of Mt. Dew, each Can Individually Wrapped!

Gifts Waiting to be Napped!

Happy Laughter! 

We all played a dice game involving white elephant gifts that left us all battling in fun for the same box or bag!

A few rounds of scattergories on the living room floor! Watching heads bowed together, laughing at their own answers and howling in protest when it was voted down! I'm so glad the cousins are close in age. Only 10 years separates the youngest from the oldest and they an love each other dearly!

Scattergories with the cousins

Silly! 

It was a great holiday, spent with those I love most!

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day found Honey and I home alone. Sounds far worse than it was! The kids went to their dad's in Minneapolis on Monday while I was at work and managed to get there between snow storms.

Snow Church on Christmas Eve

Snow on the Birch - Christmas Day

Berries in snow - Christmas Day

Birdhouse Art

My Homemade Bird feeder with Cranberries, Oranges and Birdseed

Mrs. Cardinal getting a snack and taking shelter from the snow.

Mr. Nuthatch enjoying the homemade bird feeder

Time to Play Frisbee in the fresh snow

Her favorite game! 

Luna having a blast! 

It started snowing Christmas Eve morning and didn't quit until Christmas Day afternoon. Cookie had to drive home late Christmas Day but the roads were clear by then.

Luna and I snuck out in the afternoon on Christmas Day to take these pictures and play in the new snow!

I truly hope that this Christmas finds the Christ Child in your heart, Family in your home, Food on your table and Love surrounding you....

Merry Christmas from our Little Homestead!