first of the season

Our syrup is up at our etsy shop again-

the first of 2013!

everyday cardigan

So, I've been knitting for close to 9 years now.  During this time, I've asked my hubby on many occasions what he'd like me to knit for him.  He's asked for a neckwarmer and a couple of hats, but that's pretty much it.

Last week he decided that he wants a cardigan.  And he'd like it before it warms up here.

Remember, I have a newborn, two homeschoolers and a *very* curious toddler.  Wish me luck!

Joining Nicole for Keep Calm, Craft On.

shelling beans

Adam and the boys just shelled our dry beans from this summer. 

We grew hutterite and jacob's cattle beans.  

I'll post another picture of the beans (and a recipe or two) soon!

nine

Tiny, newborn K

My NINE year old and my one month old.

Our big farmboy is nine today!

What a wonderful sidekick...I love his conversation, his support, his curiosity.

He is our intense one, with an intense stubbornness that is equally matched by an 

intense empathy (well beyond his years).   I wake up each morning looking forward to spending the day with him.  We love you, K!

yummy gifts

I received this "painted desert chili" at my blessingway last month.

(I only have this cellphone picture my friend took)

We're cooking it up for tonight's dinner--it's delish! 

I found it on pinterest and discovered many more neat gift-in-a-jar ideas.

mossy jacket

 

Remember this sweater?  It's been the perfect thing to keep her warm and cozy

on these chilly February days.  A quick, fun knit with peace fleece yarn.

Joining Nicole's keep calm, craft on!

today

this moment

{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, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see. Inspired by Soulemama.

around the farm

-fields still frozen

-the old yellow farmhouse

-little cousin in the snow

-happy chickens

-the new sign

-the blueberries

-little farmer

What's going on around your farm or homestead?

i heart hearts.

Joining Nicole with some sunny valentines!

from afar

I have a special group of mama friends that I met when I was pregnant with M.  

The thing is, I actually have never met any in person (yet!)...but we've managed to 

grow very close despite our distance.  It's definitely one great thing about technology--

the communities you can form through similar interests and circumstances.

Today, I received a beautiful gift from them that also traveled a great distance.

Handknit in Latvia--can't wait to try it on little F!

this moment

{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, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see. Inspired by Soulemama.

waitin'

This is the day that we tapped out last year.

It's far from warm enough to start this early this year,

but we're ready!

belated introduction

A week before Fenna was born, we bought another milk cow! 

Her name is Jemima and she came from  Family Cow Farmstand (a great raw milk dairy farm).

Adam says she is very sweet and mellow, easy to work with and milk.

Welcome, Jemima!

crafting

Joining Nicole this week with some crafting on the needles and in the kitchen.

 Adam had the boys out of the house for several hours this weekend 

and I was able to knit up a baby hat and make a berry pie.  

We had the most supportive and sweet nurse at the birthing center, who happened to be pregnant herself and happened to comment on how much she liked the hat that F was wearing.  

So I wanted to knit up a similar one for her little one.

And we have so many berries left in the freezer (and I've been craving a berry pie), so I made a strawberry-blueberry pie, too!

skating

The little farmgirl and I stayed inside

 

while the boys went skating on the frozen field with a bonfire.

 

A great winter afternoon!

this moment