Love Comes in Many Forms...

I know its terribly rude to brag about gifts, but will you please pardon me this once? Its about knitting anyways.

I received a special treat in the mail last weekend. A bit o' love from my mom and dad.

Some scrunchy yummy superwash blended with silk, sparkles and recycled sari silk from Enchanted Knoll Farms.

And at last, interchangeable needles!! Why oh why did I not have these before??? Happy dance!

And now we shall celebrate with cupcakes and skinny girl 'ritas.

What 38 Is Like

Friday we celebrated a little event. Another birthday for me. And now that I'm on the slippery slope towards 40, its time to just give in and embrace it. So I threw all reluctance aside, put my hair up in a pretty braided bun with some sparklies, strapped on some new heels, tried to apply fake lashes (epic FAIL), and accompanied my gorgeous boys to dinner. My escorts looked particularly handsome that night.

We went to 1789 for a fantastic dinner-DC is full of wonderful eateries, so it was hard to decide which one-thanks to my sweet husband. The maitre d was pleased to tell us how POTUS had been there for dinner, as well as the Clintons, in the very same dining room. He did not receive the excited response from us that he had expected. Oh, that ship sailed LONG long ago. But it was charming all the same.

I thought quite a bit this weekend about hitting age 38. In the weeks leading up to this weekend I was pretty upset about hitting my "late-30's" but looking back at these pictures of us together I feel pretty fabulous. If the boys keep me smiling as much as they did in these pictures, it is quite possible I have found a way to prolong youth!

Thankful Thursday

Before we go out and enjoy the sunshine, I want to thank my lucky stars for another blessing we've been granted: my sweet little Nate.

He's a bright spot in any day. A joker. A snuggler. He's one of those children who is so positive, so silly, so happy, that when he is NOT you know something is seriously wrong.

When he came into our lives, I remember wondering how I could possibly love another child as much as I loved Philip. Not that I used up all my love on our first, but that if I felt so much love. Twice. as. much. I thought I might burst from all that emotion.

And its true. I do. Sometimes I fall into tears because its so overwhelming. And they love me back just as much. Its such a gift. And little Nate? Well, he brings the laughter into our home. He's a wit. A goofball. And very often, a prankster.

With those dimples popping out all the time I swear I could just eat him up. Sometimes I just tackle him and we snugglefest. And those little giggles just light up my whole world.

The Spoils of Another Fun Weekend

Things that made this weekend completely awesome:

1) Being together. Still hasn't grown old, after years of being apart and then almost a year together again. Its just amazing. And I know a few families who are going through the 'apart' so it makes me appreciate the 'together.'

2) Friends. Phil had friends in VA coming into this phase. I had maybe one. But I'm meeting some fantastic people, especially lately. And we've been lucky to have their company. I'm happy to be around such sweet genuine women.

3) Shopping-I don't like it very much, unless I successfully find exactly what I need. Which, in this case, was easter outfits for the boys, a killer red lip gloss (NARS in Norma), and a cool kitchy silver plate from the Old Lucketts Antique Store. Not exactly an antique, but I found this silver plate, a hunt trophy that is engraved "Spur & Stirrup 4-H 1980" among all the butter trays. It makes a neat little tray for my favorite pieces of jewelry, though I can't claim to have won it.

Some Things Change, Yet Stay the Same

Any warm night after dinner, when we still lived in Plymouth, we always cleaned up the kids and went for a walk. We took advantage of every last bit of sunlight. We stopped off somewhere for dessert. My two skinny little boys would relish a scoop of ice cream, or a sickly sweet popsicle. Sometimes we spent an insane amount of money (but really not that much) on a single cupcake at Cupcake Charlie's.

Here in Virginia we live around the corner from a great Vietnamese shopping center. The spring arrives a lot earlier. In force. So we clean up the kids, put away the dishes, and walk.

We stop to pose by a statue or two perhaps.


We stop in a market and manhandle some massive sticky buns. Wonder what "mung bean cookies" really taste like.


And for about the price of a cupcake, we get the kids each a "bubble tea." We have all become accustomed to the odd black tapioca pearls. I really wish they were blue or something...

But they are really REALLY yummy. Nate goes wild for the watermelon.

I go wild for that adorable smile.

Vintage Finds and a Home Decorating Idea

Sundays we do anything we can to be outside. This weekend that involved a trip to see maple syrup being boiled down at an old mill. Since that was pleasant, but over quickly, we decided to take a trip further outside the city to a place we had been told was pretty cool. Turns out, it really was.

This is outside the Old Lucketts Store. I would only loosely call it an antiques shop, because it is anything but a crusty old junk shop. On the property they even have a 'design house' which is really nifty, and so cool I wish I took more pictures because I would decorate my house JUST LIKE THAT. If I had a house.

So I behaved myself, but walked away with a few gems. Like these iron pieces from an old fence. Can you just see the potential?

We happened upon a box of old keys too, so I picked a few for a little project. There's a lot you can do with old keys, according to Pinterest. So I came up with this:

It took me just a few minutes and about $25 to find a few pretty frames, some light batting, and a scrap of Waverly fabric at the craft store. I think a cream brocade would have been really cool, but I wanted to get this done so I grabbed what caught my eye.

People must have thought me a bit strange as I walked around, waving rusty old keys at the bolts of fabric, though.

I removed the glass from the picture frames. Then I cut a piece of batting slightly smaller that the cardboard inset and glued it directly to the cardboard. I cut a generous piece of the fabric and centered it carefully over the cardboard and batting. Flipping it over, I glued it to to the back of the inset, keeping it taught.

After I did this with both picture frames, I replaced the now cutely upholstered inset into each frame. Then I got to play with the placement of the keys.

I didn't want anything too orderly, so I decided to display the chunky key by itself.

Glue gun the keys in place, being careful to not use too much so it can be concealed behind the key. I used a piece of tweezers to remove any stray pieces of glue, and they were ready immediately to display. A very cute and conversational reminder of our adventures in Northern Virginia.

We Be Crazy

Oh oh oh. Where do I begin? I don't want to bore you with a long list of all the things we did this weekend. So lets stick to the times I used my camera. Which does not include making two different kinds of fudge on friday. I was also enjoying myself way too much with our friends friday night over pizza to snap a few shots. And our foray into crab-shack delicacies was just too messy to document. Delicious. But messy.

But saturday I did catch a few great moments. We donned some clover that I cut from pieces of felt. We glued some to Myles' harness. I glue-gunned some to a headband for myself. Then we stopped by Old Town Alexandria for some good irish fun.

If you love your dog, you will love Alexandria. They are a super pet-friendly city and hold dozens of pet-themed events, including fundraisers for rescue organizations. Before the St. Patrick's Day Parade on saturday they held a dog show at Market Square. Myles was in HEAVEN. He wagged, sniffed bum, played and pranced. And hopped. He has this habit of leaping three feet straight up when he sees a fellow canine. Pretty funny.

Then we ate outside at Thai restaurant. Yet another native Thai-speaker was impressed by my husband's language training. Oh, and of course the food was delish.

Isn't he handsome?

We'll get to sunday on a post all its own, as that single day we discovered a historic mill, drove all around northern virginia, learned how to eat hard shell crabs, and went shopping in one of the coolest antique stores I have EVER seen.

Talk To Me Yarn

I really really wish I was a yarn-whisperer.

My mother sends me these scrumptious bundles of homespun, hand-painted, soft as butta'. One at a time, I spend a week or so looking at them. Taking them out of the cabinet and placing them on a counter. I walk by them, stop a dozen times to pick them up and put them down.

Then I break out my old knitting magazines and go through them all, trying to find a match.

Then I spend a day or two on Ravelry. Same story.

Then I finally wind it into a ball. Place on a surface closer to my pillow.

Pick up, flip through my drawer of knitting needles.

Replace it, and in a day or two, repeat.

You're looking at an example of this. A ball of raspberry that finally whispered to me "hat!" Really? All this ordeal and all you want to be is a hat? I really wish we had better communication, yarn and me. Its frustrating to carry on this way for weeks for a hat. Maybe the yarn is mad at me for ignoring it whenever it says "shawl."

If we are to get along, Yarn, you need to stop saying that.

Pinspiration

I'm proud I survived almost seven months away from my hot glue gun. Then Pinterest got the best of me, and broke me down until I found myself clawing through the bins of cheap mini-glue guns at the craft store. It was serious. I had to make some headbands. With flowers.

So here was my cathartic venture into headband-land. Won't you join me?

You will need:

One stem of silk flowers with small buds

Stretch/Elastic headbands (although this would work really well with fabric bands)

Scrap felt

Embroidery thread

Tapestry needle

GLUE GUN!!!!

and any beads or embellishments you might like, but I kept it simple this time.

First, get yourself some pretty silk buds. I went with hydrangeas. Then de-flower them. For each headband you will also need to cut two oval pieces of the felt, about two inches long.

Using a tapestry needle and some leftover embroidery ribbon string about 7 or 8 petals together and onto a piece of scrap felt, so you have a pretty flower-ey mess. Repeat four times, or until the felt is covered, and tie off on the back.

Hot glue-gunnin'. Oh yeah.

I attached a Goody elastic headband to a matching oval of scrap felt with one line of glue. Then glued the piece sewn with blossoms on top, sandwiching the headband firmly in between.

Carefully trim any felt backing that is visible from the top. Then you go enjoy the sunshine with your pretty new boho-headband. Spring can't get here soon enough-oh wait, its actually 65 degrees here in Virginia yesterday, and likely to hit 70 today.

And my five year old takes pretty good pictures if you ask me.

Love Is In the Air

Our Valentines Day went something like this:

We made our own version of these (http://tiffkeetch.blogspot.com/2010/06/this-much-card-and-kid-canvas.html) valentine cards for daddy. Instead of a plain banner, I had the boys get creative with watercolor paints and construction paper. For that little extra messy loveliness.

I did something pretty with my hair for a change. Which, unfortunately, did not last due to a much-needed workout.

We ate chocolates, compliments of Grandma and Grampa. And enjoyed our happy, messy little home together.

Finished Objects Friday

VOILA! We have finished knitting projects to share! And by we, I mean me.

I probably shouldn't even be blogging these because they will be gifted, but hopefully those peeps won't be reading this.

The first is the Nantes Hat from Interweave Knits mag, in soft and scrunchy Debbie Bliss cashmere. For a dear person who has been so kind and caring to me, but is going through a difficult ordeal right now. And not the first time, in fact it might be the fourth time?? I lost count. But she is brave, giving, and quick to offer help to others. So I'm sending some love her way.

The other isn't from any pattern per se. It was originally going to be a loose loose loose sweater for me with a pretty cable I took from the Vogue Stitionary. I started from the bottom up, and when I reached the chest it was obvious this would make a rearrrry cute tunic or dress for a little girl. So I improvised. Now all it needs is leggings and an undershirt and away it goes to one of the pretty little peanuts.

Unfortunately, I started this over a year ago! And my little notebook where I scratch down my pattern notes is somewhere in storage in the grand little state of Maryland. Maybe when I see it again I will post the pattern. I'm guessing this would be for a 2-4 year old. Also in Debbue Bliss, wool tweed.

The best knits I have ever made are gifted knits. And the best knits I have right now were gifted to me. That's all I have to say. Happy Friday!!!!

A Visit In Pictures

We had a wonderful visit from my parents last week. It was downright refreshing to have them with us. The kids were so happy, that for four days they totally forgot to act out at all. It was cuh-razzzy. And my parents can totally hang with our active lifestyle, so we could get a LOT of fun stuff into just a few days.

We enjoyed the beautiful weather, walked along Great Falls. Philip showed his grandma his favorite part.

We stopped to pretend we were little critters. (My sockhead hat, with tassels)

We visited beautiful Mt. Vernon. Felt closer to our nation's first president. And his wife, thanks to a very pushy tour guide.

We walked the battlefield at Manassas. A gorgeous space of land, with a sad history. And Nathan chased his shadow on Stone Bridge over Bull Run while Philip hiked with his grandparents.

We braced ourselves against the chilly weather and visited Harpers Ferry, WV. Then warmed ourselves up at the lovely Bluemont Vineyard on the way back. Best view, so-so wines, but great hospitality. "The Goat" Viognier was my favorite.

And we wrapped it up with some great meals and good talks together before my folks headed back north. Miss them so much already, but its their loving support that helps us push on through all the challenges that a life in the foreign service brings. I love you Mom and Dad!

Oh, and we just love how recycled jars, tissue paper, and Modpodge make the coolest things. In a twist on our Halloween luminaries, we created these for Valentine's Day:

I simply cut hearts in tissue paper. We saved half a dozen wide-mouth jars. I sponged a layer of Modpodge on the outside of each and let Philip smack hearts on them, starting with the largest. Since Modpodge (I used the glossy) dries fast, I re-applied a coat on each as we went along, getting down to the smallest hearts. Then allowed them to dry completely, about two hours, before we put them up for show. Now we can put tea lights in them and they will have a pretty rosy glow.

To My Little Man

It won't be long before my kisses, snuggles and affection bring eye-rolling from you. But I won't ever stop anyways.

I think you are absolutely perfect. So perfect it stuns me.

Sometimes people remark upon how obvious it is that I adore you. Truly.

The sound of your voices make my heart jump for joy. And when you play with your brother, which is all the time, you make me so proud that you are so kind and caring at so young.

Don't ever let someone's advice, no matter how kind it seems, make you change the way you are. Don't worry about the people who don't understand, because I will. Always.

If someone ever tells you that you 'try too hard' just walk away. People told me that every now and then. Luckily, I didn't listen and neither should you.

I have a hard time watching you sleep. Because I want so badly to pick you up and hold you close.

Be kind to others. No matter who they are. Being a gracious person is a rare quality. Even people you dislike deserve to be treated with respect. Its not 'fake," just basic human decency. It also takes a stronger person to be this way. Being rude is easy. But if you are anything like your parents, you won't ever look for the easy way.

When I think about dancing with you on your wedding day, I could crumble.

You will hate me for it sometimes, but I will expect better from you. Its not because I think you are better than anyone else. Its because I think you can DO better.

When you were born you turned our lives upside down in ways we never expected. It wasn't until you entered our world that we truly understood compassion. And love. Full, soul-warming, love.

I tell you all day long that I love you. And you tell me too.

For The Birds

Chinese New Year crafts and decorations down, we are working now on Valentine's Day. First, I had been planning a birdfeeder craft for the kids, so we incorporated felt and some cheap beads I found in a bin at the craft store for $.50. And there you have it, Sweetheart Birdfeeders. Sending our love out there. Into the universe or whatever.

Step one: Save your toilet paper rolls.

Step two: Cut out the cups from an egg carton to fit. Little P and I took some scrap yarn and tapestry needles and poked a hole in the bottom of the cup and strung as many beads as we liked, so they could dangle down. I cut hearts out of felt (we have no shortage of felt in this apartment!) and stitched them onto the bottom. I then ran the yarn back up through all the beads and into the cup. Anchor and tie inside the cup with another bead.

Step three: Using Elmer's glue, we glued a beaded cup into the bottom of each toilet paper roll and left to dry a few hours.

Step four: Liberally smear peanut butter all over each roll. Then roll in bird seed.

Step five: Hang outside. Admire. Whistle to the hungry birds. Talk to your kids about winter and food supply, etc.