Hello Stranger

Naomi, this past summer

Well. So can I dust off this old blog? Kind of strange to come across it after all this time. More strange that it's been less than a year since I've written here? Feels a lot longer - almost like a lifetime ago, which I realize is a bit of an overstatement. But wow, how much things can change in just a matter of months. Not anything dramatic or earth-shattering. But somehow the day-to-day rolls up into what is suddenly a big chunk of time. And the kids are all bigger and older and wiser. And where we all were last year looks different than where we are today. And I guess there actually have been some big changes. Trials that bring perspective and such an appreciation for the simple blessings in life. Goals that we have worked toward for such a long time finally, almost incredibly, being accomplished. Looking forward to good, exciting changes ahead. So, yes, though things appear mostly the same, so much changes.

And this little space, well, I'm glad to have had it. Sometimes I look back and cringe, but often I look back and am glad that I captured certain moments. Those moments need to be captured - for me and, someday, for the kids. So I think I need to get back to recording, somewhere - because I need it, and because I hate the thought that these precious days can go by without me grasping and holding on to at least some small piece. So maybe not here, but I'm hoping to settle in somewhere soon.

Kid Updates

Finished Millie's scarf! I worked on it all the way to Texas and back, and then finished it up a few days after the new year. She and Tom both kept saying, is it too long? But I really wanted to knit enough to get back to the pink color. And really, I think it's a perfect length and she'll be able to wear it for lots of winters to come.

Here is Silas with his most favorite thing to get in the mail. A funny Silas story: yesterday Tom told Silas that a friend had invited him to go to Chuck E. Cheese for a birthday party. Our kids have never been there, so Tom asked, "do you know what that is?" And Silas replied, "Oh yes, I've heard of that. They're a proud sponsor of PBS kids!" So, while they may be pizza deprived, apparently our children are not TV deprived.

And here is my sweet Isaac who recently at the store was absolutely convinced that we needed to get this ((loud!)) horn for his bike. I said "we'll see." My favorite thing Isaac has said recently, while wiping his face after I gave him a kiss: "Mommy, I love you. I don't like your kisses, but I still love you."

And I can't leave out this girl, who is growing, talking, climbing, running, eating, playing, and generally keeping me pretty busy. The kids and I made a long list of all the things she says, which I'm not including here, except to mention our absolute favorite thing is that she calls Isaac "Ya ya." Sometimes she is screaming "YA YA!" if he makes her mad, but thankfully that's not too often. :)

Knitting on the Road

Merry Christmas

Hope your Christmas is magical!

Naomi Love

Make Me Smile

A few recent, random photos that make me smile:

Hope you are enjoying a holiday filled with the smiles of your loved ones too!

A New Venture

Hello, hello! Just a quick post here to share Millie's latest project. She and a friend have opened their own Etsy shop to sell their handmade jewelry. You can visit them here, or you can click on the pictures in my right sidebar to get there too! This has been a couple of years coming...not that we've worked on it all this time, but Millie first expressed an interest in starting her own "beading business" more than two years ago, and we've finally helped her make it happen. So, take a look and see if there's anything that might make a nice Christmas gift! :)

(Oh, and the picture above is from more than a year ago when Millie and her "business partner" Simone did their very first jewelry sale on the sidewalk in front of our house. I'd say they're moving up in the world!)