I’m going out on a limb here and announcing that spring has finally arrived here for us.

There is still plenty of snow to melt on our lawn (and likely another dump to come) but the sun is winning in the battle of cold versus warm.

We are breathing deeply of this spring air and soaking in the warm, healing sun.

Something about the sun on our faces feels so nourishing. We were missing all that vitamin D.

We enjoyed happy days outside this weekend, sharing with family and friends.

With a special nod to our old friend spring.

And all the things she brings with her like playground bridges…

…rubber boots…

…tummy slides…

…and gravel pies.

This may be a little late in the game but – Happy Spring, Friends!

We are loving every moment.

It has felt like a funny week here. I’m not sure what has been at the root of it: perhaps the load of snow that remains, spring sniffles, too many late knitting nights, too much caramel paired with too much Monsanto horror (if you want to learn about Monsanto and GMO’s visit Farmama’s links here), or the discovery that I shouldn’t be buying some of my favourite things anymore (ie. sugar) paired with Dan’s announcement that we need to move to Europe or grow all of our food.

Kind of weighty stuff – well apart from the late night knitting. In that respect I deserve my current state of extreme fatigue.

For many years I’ve been pushing healthier choices and a greater environmental conscious on our family but suddenly Dan has taken a deep interest in these matters. Viewings of Food Inc and Supersize Me have changed many of his (and our) daily choices and I’m sure my rattling on about things I’ve read in books such as In Defense of Food, The Omnivore’s Dilemma and Animal, Vegetable, Miracle has had an impact as well. It seems, though, that delving a little deeper into the lesser known (and hugely under-publicized) truths about genetically modified foods and corruption in huge agri-biotechnics such as Monsanto has really stirred up a more pressing desire to rely less heavily on grocery stores and manufactured products.

The last thing I want to do is stir up a hornet’s nest, just thought I would share what’s been buzzing through my head lately. I’ve felt rather overwhelmed with trying to find a balance that we can support without going bankrupt or never sleeping again. But as we wrestle with questions and decisions I am very thankful for faith and hope. And for little people so full of joy, innocence, love, faith and laughter…

And the smiles they can always put on our faces…

Happy Wednesday! I’m joining Ginny for another week of yarn along where we share what we’ve been knitting and reading over the week.

This has been a good week for me to complete a few little projects. My little guy’s sweater is finished (okay, except from the blocking which I am lazy about) and ready for birthday gifting next week. I also made him a little pair of these and finished this friend for him. Those last two were such quick little knits, I loved it!

I also finished up these fingerless mitts for a special person. They were so quick and easy I don’t know why it took me so long to knit the second one – it took me well under an hour with the chunky yarn. I’m sure I will be making more as quick gifts. The pattern  is another one by Jane Richmond, the designer of raglan sweater above. I love the way her patterns are written (and, by the way, she has a 3 for 2 sale on until the end of April). They make sense to me which isn’t always the case with knitting patterns.

I knit up one of these monsters for my eldest last night as a little surprise and just need to finish the feet when she isn’t peeking. It took me no time at all to knit up his body so I’ll think I’ll throw together a couple more for a couple of the siblings along with the bunny I mentioned last week for Sarah.

My next bigger project (big by my standards anyway) is going to be a Pebble vest for little on the way. I’m hoping to cast it on this morning  but can’t decide which wool to use. I think I’m going to chose a beautiful green wool (shown in the picture) my sister brought me on her last visit. It is so lovely!

For reading this week, I’ve still been enjoying The Dirty Life. I did receive a couple of warnings last week that the language towards the end of the book may be offensive to some so while I still recommend it as a great book, I’ll add that comment to my otherwise favourable review. We’ve also still been reading through bits of The Backyard Homestead but it is now overdue at the library so it will unfortunately be going back. It is such a wonderful reference – I’m sure it will find a permanent home with us some day soon.

Thanks for coming by! I think we’re going to be having a sick day here – a couple of coughs have appeared over night and we have lots of getting healthy to do before company arrives this weekend. I’m sad for the little people but just maybe I’ll squeeze in a few extra snuggles and knitting rows which I’ll never complain about!

For more yarn along posts visit Ginny at Small Things.

P.S. Thanks so much for the learning to knit tips many of you offered last week! It is so wonderful to have this knitting community to draw on for help and advice!