Happy Halloween!

 

• We made it to the Pumpkin Patch before Halloween!  
• Daughter made it to the top of the world (or a haystack - it's all about perspective).
• We saw noisy ducks (much noisier than those chickens the city won't let me have).
• Daughter and Son learned where yarn came from (sheep and alpacas - those were the only yarn bearing animals in the petting zoo).
• We got pumpkins - two carving ones and 6 pie pumpkins.  
• The roasting of the pumpkins begins tomorrow.
• The roasting of the pumpkin seeds begins today.
• We're still crossing off that fall list.

bath time

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, please leave a link in the comments to your moment.  

SouleMama

 

 

Craft Swap #2

I used to journal a lot.  Then kids were born and my time was sucked away from me.  When I had free time it became more important to read, knit or spend some time with just Husband (typically watching a movie or some tv).  Or maybe some of all of that.  But journaling went on the back burner.  Perhaps I didn't need it as much either, but I've found lately that I miss it.  So I was psyched when Farren asked if I wanted to do a craft swap with her.

For this craft swap we did something a little different.  We requested what we wanted.  Actually, it was more that I begged her to make me a journal because I've always loved the ones she had in her shop and she said yes would you make me a tote?  And I said if that gets me a journal, then of course I will.  

The journal design was completely her own.  She went on the question of how I was feeling lately (the answer was Earthy) and I feel safe in saying she nailed it.  It's so gorgeous, right down to the stitching, the inner paper, and the magnet disguised as a button.  As you can see I've already used it.

As an added bonus, she sent along a book of her poetry and a written letter.  We are now snail mail buddies because she is that awesome.  I am very lucky and thankful to have her in my life. 

To see the tote I made for her, you'll need to keep an eye on her blog.  Also, while you're there you have to try this recipe (it's gluten free, but if you're not gluten free you can use any pasta you'd like - I personally love Trader Joe's whole wheat pasta). 

What I saw on my birthday

We walked outside today and Daughter informed me it smelled like winter.  She's right; it smells like winter and there's a chill in the air that wasn't there yesterday.  The sky is overcast like it's not sure whether to rain or snow.  Friday we'll go to the Pumpkin Patch where the kids will pick out large pumpkins to carve and I'll buy pie pumpkins like they're going out of style.  The canning season is almost done; there are just some tomatoes l'm waiting on to ripen left.  The six paper bags have turned into three.  Yesterday I did canned 2 more quarts, pickled 2 half pints of peppers, and made some beef stock.  It's all a peparation game to make winter a little easier.  

Today though, I'll think back on fall and my birthday walk.  Canyons, stairs (so many stairs), happy children, and waterfalls that were turned off.  And when I'm done with that, I think it's time to knit some mittens.

Some finished knitting

 

For two seperate babes (the pink items went to the same little girl).  Not a lot of words today because I'm tired, but the details are below (quite a few ravelry links, but I'm not afraid since they made the patterns viewable to all).

Booties done in Quince and Co chickadee.

Pebble Vest in Araucania Nature Wool.  (my rav link)

Vanilla Soaker in Araucania Nature Wool.  (my rav link)

 

This Weekend

 

• We went for (another) fall walk in beautiful weather.  
• We enjoyed the views and found a working waterfall at the end of the canyon.
• We had that taffy apple.  Unfortunately, they weren't as good as usual (meaning in seasons past).  
• Son mostly just ate the apple.
• Ducks were fed by the river.  
• Did I mention we had gorgeous weather all weekend?  We were very thankful.

Birthday Walk

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, please leave a link in the comments to your moment.  

 

 

SouleMama

 

 

 

 

First set of the season

 

 

 

 

It's that time of year again; the time your hands start to get a little cold and you need something to cover them.  Wrist warmer season.  In the winter I'll put some gloves under these and it will be glove and wrist warmer season.  I like them because I still need my hands to do buckles, straps, tie shoes, and all those other little kid things that need to be done.  

These Pixie Warmers were simple to knit up and only took two days.  The small needles and sport weight yarn mean they add warmth without bulk.  The wool is so soft and warm, I absolutely love it.  More photos can be found on my Ravelry.

WIP* WednesdayO

The red bird still needs eyes which is why I'm counting this as a WIP Wednesday post.  Also, these little (and not so little as is the case of the dark grey owl) hats have been keeping me from my sweaters.  I don't mind though; they're pretty quick to do and they're so cute.  The will all be sent down to White Rabbit (along with some sleepy owl hats) on Friday.  Then I have a craft swap to get ready for.  

The hats are all variations on the Sleepy Owl Hat pattern by Olesya Pronyaeva.  She does a superb job with the pattern which you can find in her Etsy shop.  

 

 

 

*Work In Progress

Sometimes the longest walks are the best walks

 

Today is cold, dreary, and overcast.  The perfect day for a fire in the fireplace and a good book or some knitting on the couch.  Unfortunately, I have children and don't know how to make a fire (I know, one of those life skills I should learn).  So instead I'll think back to those few 80° F days and the 4 mile walk we took.  Son was in the stroller (I forgot the Ergo), but Daughter walked it all and only got whiney at the end.  I was super proud of her.