Our home is still sitting on the market, patiently awaiting a buyer. We’re feeling pretty relaxed about it all (the subzero temperatures do that to us). Apart from an occasional freak out (by me) that someone could call at any minute to see our not-so-tidy house, we’re not thinking about it too much.

Having our house listed, though, does pose the question of where we will move if/when it sells. Dan loves the search and often calls me to his computer to check out a potential home. He checks often, as much for the love of the hunt as anything. His searches are mostly objective, full of optimism (“that price is negotiable”)  and potential (“taking out a wall is a piece of cake”).

I on the other hand am more subjective about the whole process. More subjective and Dan might venture to add, kind of a buzz-kill. I’m all full of hope and really do believe the right place is out there for us but I have a hard time looking at houses that just don’t feel right. Yep, I’m one of those people.

But we look. We compare. We wonder and hope. We talk about compromise and must-haves (and I change my mind on that list every week). We’ve talked a lot about how much space we want. We don’t want much, we just want it done well (with just one more toilet)…Ha, right?! We reference this book and try to keep her ideas (which are very much our own) in mind.

And if we forget what we’re looking for, all we need to do is look around and see that this is how we mostly spend our days.

Together. Squeezed into this place that many consider too small.

Learning, playing, working, living together.

Crying, laughing, fighting, forgiving together.

And loving it.

(Yep, I nudged that knitting into the photo. She needed a presence there.)

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If you haven’t entered my giveaway, here‘s your chance!

I’m hosting my first ever giveaway this week! If you missed it be sure to leave a comment here! For those who have commented, I’ve very excited with all the challenges I’ve received – thank you!

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We’ve left the balmy weather of last week for the reality of winter. It is cold, cold, cold…but there is no better time to cozy up with knitting and reading.

I’m just a few rounds away from finishing the gaptastic cowl. I’m enjoying this second one more than the first – I can read bedtime stories quite easily to the rhythm of the seed stitch and it moves so quickly with the chunky wool. This one is being sold to a friend of a friend. I am certainly not a quick enough knitter to make a business of it but it feels kind of nice to be knitting on commission.

I’ve also been working away on a darkside cowl. I’ve loved watching the pattern emerge. It requires more counting than I’m sometimes up for (or rather have the attention for) but it is quick and simple to follow.

The biggest excitement in my knitting week was an offer I received from Jen. I appreciated all the wonderful suggestions I received on my request here but seeing all those lovelies side by side put me into a wool induced stupor. Jen came to my rescue with the idea to exchange knits. She is going to knit me a thistle cap (a pattern I will tackle one day…perhaps when I have a little more focus time) and I will knit her either a hurricane or a wurm hat (it’s going to be a surprise). She’s generously (and bravely) given me the choice of colour and I think I’ve picked the perfect wool from my stash. I’ve been holding onto for the perfect knit and I think I’ve found it! How exciting! Fingers crossed I get the fit right…

In reading this week I finished Wildwood. I enjoyed reading it and I must admit I enjoyed finishing it. I think I should really have loved but as I mentioned last week it just didn’t grab me. In comparison though, I started a new book this afternoon which pulled me before the end of the first chapter. In keeping with my great love of kid lit I’m reading The Red Pyramid. This one promises to be devoured rather more quickly than Wildwood.

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joining Ginny for yarn along

A year ago I started this blog. I’m not a private person but I am rather shy so the idea made me a little nervous. It took some encouragement from my hubby and some other sweet people before I decided to give it a try. It turns out I had nothing to be worried about.

Since the very beginning I’ve been welcomed by such a beautiful community. I don’t know what I was expecting but it certainly wasn’t the friendship, kindness and support I’ve found. I never imagined what this space would mean to me a year later.

So while I’m celebrating this anniversary I’m saying a BIG thank you to all of you who visit me here!

And I’ve a made a little something for one of you, since you’re so great!

You may remember this post. I’ve been using the project bag I made for myself so much that I thought I’d make one to share with you. It’s got lots of pockets and a boxed bottom (just what I felt mine was missing) and it’s lined with a vintage sheet. I’ve also got a couple of small drawstring bags to go along with it (one shown here) because if you’re anything like me, one project bag is never enough.

And since I love ya so much there may just be a couple of extra goodies hiding in there. If the winner is a non-knitter/crocheter I’ll find something else to tuck in there, we don’t discriminate.

To enter, leave a comment telling me something you’d like to see (or see more of) here – don’t be afraid to give me a challenge!

For another entry add me in google friend connect (that handy Sign In button along the sidebar), add me to your reader, and/or  like house full of jays on facebook.

Be sure to leave a separate comment for each entry!

The giveaway will be open until Monday, January 23rd.

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Thanks