santa you can drive on by

Christmas is in the habit of coming early in this house. Sometimes by the hand of loved ones who know you so well, and then there are the times when you have to take matters into your own hands. The hubby and I decided that hiring out our renovations was the best gift we could give to each other this holiday season. The time that mr. Aldo has saved us and given us works out to a months of weekends that we have together and with the kids. How sweet a gift indeed. But if that isn't enough good news, a packaged arrived in the mail yesterday. I wasn't expecting it until sometime January, but things have a way of working out.



I did something completely frivolous and self serving, or so it feels, I cashed in my airmiles for the iPod classic. I am now 120 GB heavier. That's about 90 GB heavier than the hubby's, not that I'm comparing. 



I realize that with the iPhone and the Touch, the classic isn't really that exciting but I will find much enjoyment and use while we set up our newly renovated space. I see many a podcast in my future. Happy weekend before Christmas. xoxo

all decorated

The trees are decorated.  All four of them.  Each one completed by four creative souls that dwell under this roof. 



We are making the most of our current situation with lots of small handmade moments and each day our surroundings look a little more festive.



It's quite a simple existence this year.  Bringing home the realization of how little we can live with and yet still have that feeling of contentment.  I want need to be about contentment, for all of my todays and tomorrows.  For my sake; for their sake.  It brings a sense of calm and peace to our way of life.  



There have been so many transitions over the past year. Leaving one house behind to create new memories in this home, the ducky house. Now that we are here, things continue to be unsettled in the physical realm. Bedrooms are being shared and renovated, spaces are tight and cramped at times, rooms are being worked into what makes our family comfortable. All that takes time and we find ourselves living out,
patience in action. contentment. 



I can't think of a better reminder as we get closer to the big C day {{Christmas}}. 

Beyond the trees
the lights
the ribbons and bows. 
The wrappings
the trappings
and seasonal shows.
It's a time to reflect
on the ones very dear
whether far & away
or closer & near.

The real gifts of the season are knowing we have each other, that we are together.
living. laughing. loving.  And finding our way today, through this merry season.  

finising what I've started

The sewing that didn't take place last week is in full throttle this week.  I'm stuck home with a head cold and sick boys so what better way to pass time than to embrace those unfinished projects.



I had this idea in my head for awhile, a layered, twirly skirt.  I made a version earlier in the year but that still ended up being quite different with free moving layers.   This time around I wanted something that had more fabric to it and more twirl, girls gotta twirl don't you know.  



The skirt is made up of 4 layers that gradually increase in size as you get to the bottom where there is a oh-so-girlie ruffle, finishing the edge.  It has your basic elastic waist.  The vest is based on Burda pattern 9630. I made mine reversible because the back side of this corduroy fabric was colorless and washed out looking. I didn't get around to putting a button or tie on the vest and may not as it seems to stay in place without it.



I can't really decide if the skirt is peasant like.  The whole outfit has that peruvian doll feel going on with it. Then again that could just be the bright colors playing with my brain.



The girls were happy to model these little numbers for me providing I let them twirl and dance for pictures. With all the dancing and moving that they do, their dance recital that is scheduled in a week should go really well. 

fa-la-la-la-la la-la-la-la

Deck the Halls with soundproof insulation.....fa-la-la-la-la...la-la-la-la

Tis the season for renovation.....fa-la-la-la-la...la-la-la-la

Dawn, we're up with lots of noise.....fa-la-la...la-la-la...la--la--la

Listening to mr. aldo's power toys....fa-la-la-la-la...la-la-la-la

In the spirit of Christmas decorating, that isn't taking place in this home right now.

I think it's a toque

Introducing the Irish Hiking Hat that I would like to Canadian-ize as the Irish Hiking Toque (or tuque), eh?  Much better.    I don't have a link for you but you can get the pattern from ravelry if you have an account.   (hint: sign up for an account :)



On the needles last week and now my head has a warm, wooly cover for the frigid prairie temperatures which have settled in on us. 




It was knit up in Patons Classic Wool Merino in a neutral shade to match a scarf and mitts that my sister gifted to me awhile back.  Kind of ironic that I am talking about gifts given, while I knit for myself.  Where are my priorities for the festive season.  Really, I should be concentrating on all those cast-on gifts that will be due in just over 3 weeks.  Eek...is it true? Christmas is only 3 weeks away!??!  Let the meltdown, I mean countdown begin.