Chompers

What happens when you combine this wool, cotton...

and these buttons?

Boy pants. Monsters.

They're knitted in the round. I'm not sure how to make a jogless change when doing garter stitch and I wasn't happy with the result when I simply moved the yarn to the back or front so I tried a version of how you do jogless stripes when changing colours. It gives a little seam like appearance. I think I prefer this to the uneven row changes so I went with it. 

As these neared completion, and they were close for weeks, this little man kept telling me all the things that were wrong with them and why he wouldn't wear them. 'They're too long, I don't like the pockets, the eyes are wrong, I want a silver nose. I won't wear them, etc, etc, etc.' 

Dear, sweet child! 

He had a stand off with them for about 12 hours after completion. Then put them on.

In that first day of wearing, in the first half hour, this is what they got up to.

That boy and these pants. (Ravelry Link)

I think he likes them. I listened quietly today as he told a friend that 'I told Mama they were wrong but now I wear them and they are good. They are very warm.'
Fingers crossed they can stand the life they will now lead. Smile.

Wonder full: something for the senses

Something to hear, something to see, something to smell, something to taste, something to touch, or something to know....

Something to be thankful for.

This has been a hit in our house for the last few days. 

in this moment

I am


...enjoying being up before everyone in the dark of a morning and the quiet that comes with it. It can be a little bit productive, but it doesn't have to be. A cup of a tea and a few moments to read.

...reflecting on our happy trip away while being settled in our own home and habits.

...being taught and tested by three small people who are the most wonderful friends one could ask for.

...loving that grapefruit continues to be part of our breakfast routine as a hangover from our visit to Granny and Pompa.

...grateful that we are all well. I just have to think back a short while to be reinvigorated and reminded of why I do things I want to do today, today.

...feeling lucky to have wonderful friends, like my lady in Queensland who, occasionally sends me a new album to listen to. What a treat. 

Wonder full: something for the senses

Something to hear, something to see, something to smell, something to taste, something to touch, or something to know....

Something to be thankful for.

Happy Birthday Winter babe, our little ray of sunshine. Two years today. Kiss.

A treat

I was lucky enough to have a few brief hours alone with our big girl this week. We went to a cafe that offers a 'craft menu' along with it's food and drink one. She chose to paint a mask...while drinking a babycino and nibbling her way through a (...very heavily iced) chocolate cupcake. There are pencils and textas on every table and they drop off good quality blank paper with the menu. So I was able to have a little scribble too. Mmmm and coffee and cake of course.

Desert beings

People often think of deserts as being barren. Empty of life. I know this to be untrue. 

The life that blooms and grows in this place is gentle, striking, diverse, fascinating and beautiful. 

Home at heart

My heart lives where ever my family lies and right now we are home. Back in our house. Back in the city. 

But I feel a real sense of belonging to this place we have spent the past week or so. The people who are dear to us that live there.

I am rejuvenated by the crisp air, the clear skies. The far away horizons, the silence. The reality of living for those less fortunate. The slower pace of day to day activities.

I want my children to know this. I want them to know this way of life is there and know it is a real and beautiful way to live. That joy comes from people and place.