Welcome Baby Brooks!

OK so I am a couple of months behind on this welcome message. My dear friend, Aunt Shelly had the most beautiful baby boy in January. We didn't know what she was having so I waited to start his gift until he arrived and revealed himself.

I made him a Retro Sport Sweater from the Subime Third Little Hand Knit book. I am over the moon for every pattern in this book. I suppose that is a good thing since there is some kind of baby boom going on in my life right now. NOT in my house, I should clarify.

This is made with Sublime Cashmere Merino Silk DK. It is light and scrumptiously soft. I hope that he will wear it on cold evenings this spring and summer.

Spring Fever

This post inspired me to give the rose clip tutorial a try. I was so happy with my little rose that I went on to make a few more spring inspired hair clips.

Aside from a knitting project that I will share soon, creativity has been at a minimum lately. I am finding myself stir crazy far too often. Cleaning house just isn't a satisfying outlet. This quick yet colorful project was just what the doctor ordered.

And my girlies were happy too.

Swelling with Pride

This boy showed incredible courage and strength and his mother can hardly contain herself.

We signed up for a taekwondo tournament not having any idea what that would entail. All we knew is that Sam's favorite person, Master Yu, asked him to be a member of his team. As it turned out, Sam would have to do his orange belt form and break 2 boards in front of hundreds of people. As soon as my newly minted 6 year old found out what was expected of him, he did what any newly minted 6 year old would do, he completely melted down. He sobbed and begged to go home. If I know one thing about my sweet Sam, it's that when he has decided he is not going to do something, he is absolutely NOT going to do it. I could say nothing to convince him so I told him that we could leave as soon as he went and told Master Yu...by himself. He begged me to do it but I told him that it was his responsibility alone.  

I don't know what Master Yu said or did but I didn't see my boy for the next couple of hours. He sat down on the floor with his team and decided that he would stay and compete. He got up...alone...in front of two hundred people and did what he needed to do. He was nervous and needed a little help but he did it. He earned 18 points for his Earth team and a trophy and medal for himself. 


It was all I could do to keep from bursting into tears of pride and love. He fought his fear and didn't let it get the best of him. I can't say that I would have been able to do that at 6 years old, or 16 for that matter.

I promised him that if he cheered on his team and completed his competition, we would get celebratory ice cream. Boy, did that twist cone with sprinkles taste good...especially with the medal around his neck.

No Real Subject

How sad is that? I have been away so long that I can't even think of a proper title for this post. I'm hoping this is like riding a bike, it will all come back to me. 

So I was in the city with my sweet sis last weekend. She gave me a whole lot of grief for the contents of this blog of late. I believe the direct quote was "It's snowing glitter?? What the bleep is that????" She was harsh but appropriately so. I have had a few people tell me that they come by and are disappointed at my lack of content. Just the push and encouragement I needed....I hope.

Much is going on around here. Most importantly, it is my baby boy's 6th birthday today. We have so many celebrations planned. They will still be going on 2 weeks from now. Today started with a Dunkin' Donuts run and will continue with a boys' trip to the barber (always a good time), a run by Toys R Us,  followed by a pick up of our good buddies for lunch at the Rain Forest Cafe. Not too bad for celebration number one on your 6th birthday.

In other exciting yet scary news, we are going to attempt to sell our house. Sources say that the market is picking up so hopefully it won't take a million months to sell. I have never done this before let alone with 4 kids and 2 dogs so wish me luck...I'm gonna need it! Why are we choosing to move in a hideous real estate market, you might be wondering? Because we are busting at the seams over here and while it may be near impossible to sell, it is heaven for the buyer....which we hope to be very soon.

Due to the listing of the house, the Nook had to be disassembled.  This is what it used to look like...on a good day. Today it looks like this:

The general public would probably prefer a gym to a crafty nook. I wish this gym was as exciting to me. Can't say that I have used it one time. But this is all for the greater good so I am fine with it.

Here is what I have left. One drawer of fabric, a bit of yarn and my machine. Sorting through my mess was liberating. I donated A LOT of yarn and fabric and while it was hard to see how much I had spent, I was relieved to accept and move on. AND I haven't bought a single craft item since. I think I may be cured of my hoarding tendencies...knock on wood.

Still so much more to report. I will be back soon....I promise!

Such a Long Absence

So very much to report but simply no time...or energy. The Nook has been dismantled. I have only the bare essentials to work with for a while. Needed to make things look neat and tidy. Will share more later.

House is full with 6 kids this week. Beautiful nephews visiting while parents get some much needed R&R. Trying to keep my head above water with puke and coughs, Taekwondo and hockey, school and homework, friends and tons of fun. All good (minus the sickies) just really busy.

In past weeks, visited Mexico and the Wisconsin Dells, big boy's hockey team earned title of division champions, little boy became an orange belt, girls along for the ride and sweet as angels. Hope to share pictures and stories soon. Real soon.

It's Snowing Glitter

What an amazing treat! We woke up to glitter falling from the sky. The winter in the Midwest is often less than desirable, especially after New Years. We have been suffering through grey skies and sub-zero temps but this morning is enough to lift anyone's spirits.


My photos don't come close to doing it justice. It is almost magical. Bright sunshine and fairy dust fluttering to a fine layer on the ground.

Happy Saturday to you. I hope this day is a magical one for you too!

What the????

Sorry about the text situation on the last post. Not sure what happened but I can't seem to fix it without starting all over and since my wireless is patchy, I am not going to do that. Oh well, you get the picture even through the wonky text.