:: many cups of tea

:: cleaning, purging and organizing

::warm breakfasts

:: a few knitting projects off the needles

:: good music thanks to my great sister

:: pencil crayon love (always from me, newly from the kids)

:: family photos with the help of a wonderful friend

:: a “for sale” sign (*gulp*)

:: sweet indulgences and sweet smiles

I’m full of thoughts but not many words. I’ll be back tomorrow for yarn along.

Peace to you, Friends.

This weekend got busy real fast. Between costume making, pumpkin carving and some small home renos it flew by in a blink. Despite the lengthy to-do list, we found plenty of ways to enjoy ourselves.

There was a family grocery outing (think groceries are boring? go as a family of eight), a quick thrift shop where I grabbed a missing title and updated a dog-eared copy, and an indulgent fall treat. The wonderful switch to the flannel sheets, woollens in full force but hoping we can last without the furnace for another couple of weeks. A last (produce) market visit of the year and a seriously embarrassing amount of apples (we’re set until January at least). An extensive pumpkin carving session including the use of previously untested methods (Dan’s Dremel and my stamp carving tools). Too many sugar cookies, too few vegetables but lots of apples. A beautiful fall walk with great friends and no camera, a late night cutting felt and enjoying a classic of sorts, and a late, late night finishing a peacock’s tutu.

Not enough sleep, great company, hot drinks, laughter, tears and spooky pumpkins*. Everything the last weekend in October needs.

Happy Monday! How’d you enjoy this October weekend?

*Despite our “nothing scary” halloween rule we ended up with a couple of rather spooky pumpkins thanks to some creative imaginations. The skull is not spooky, though, it’s just bones…some kids here would like you to know.

Dad suggested an impromptu trip the beach. Without towels, without suits, without a change of clothes. With a refreshing ease we hopped out of the van at a new-to-us beach. Crocs and sandals, babe on chest. The air was hot and cold while the sun played peek-a-boo. Pants legs were rolled, splashing ensued, bums got wet (and plenty of other parts). Driftwood was released out to sea and was returned by the tide, a photo-op was spotted, two wasps had their say. Dinner plans became take-out pizza.

A perfect unplanning. And best of all the ocean welcomed us back.

It was a good day. There was food, laughter, relaxation, more food and a sweet new lens for my camera.

Things I learned on this thirtieth birthday: bacon is just as tasty as I remembered, Mira does not like the taste of coffee in breastmilk, caramel cake goes down better double-fisted, my family takes very good care of me and this life gets better every day.