Yarn Along

This week I cast on a project from an actual written pattern that I did not write and have never done before.  It’s so stinkin’ relaxing not to have to analyze what I’m knitting, I can’t even begin to say.  I’m making myself some slippers using the French Press Knits pattern.  I’ve wanted to make myself these felted slippers for awhile.  My last ones were supposed to be bunny slippers, but I finished the main portion of them before I even got the bunny ears on, and refused to ever take them off again.  3 months later, there were holes all over them.  What can I say…they were my “work shoes.”

So in anticipation of making tons of baby things in the coming months, I thought I’d get a head start on my winter slippers.  This pattern is going so fast, though, that I could have 3 pairs done by next week if I wanted.  It’s fast!  It will have a lot of seaming though, and that will be my downfall.  I hate seaming.  My sister gave me a few years ago an ugly old leather coat for use in my crafting.  I’m thinking of cutting it up to put some soles on the bottom this time so they will last longer than my last pair.

For reading, we’ve been eagerly pouring over our booklets and pamphlets for our trip to Hawaii, which is now less than a month away.  When Knut and I first got married, we promised each other that we’d go some place amazing every 10 years, just the 2 of us.  It had to be someplace neither one of us had been before.  Since we just celebrated our 10 year anniversary, Hawaii is in our sight.

In my logical brain, I think it’s important that we continue to do things just the 2 of us when we can.  We love our kids, but they so easily come between us.  We don’t want to look at each other when all our kids leave home and wonder what on earth we ever had in common.

However, last night as we looked over hiking trail maps, and restaurant locations, we went to bed and I fell asleep thinking about my kids.  My emotional brain took over, and the thought of leaving my kids for a whole week, and going half an ocean away made it hard to breathe.

Sure, leaving them is what I’m most looking forward to.  I’m looking forward to not having my thoughts interrupted every 2 seconds.  I’m looking forward to sleeping in and hopping in the car without bags of diapers and toys, and wrestling wiggling toddlers into straps.  I’m looking forward to eating meals when they are hot.  I’m looking forward to laying on the beach with my husband, and not having to chase any child away from danger.

At the same time, I dread the whole idea of leaving them.  Espeically Solveig who is so little.  I’m so going to miss her snuggles, and she’s a really snuggly baby.  I’m going to miss Elias’ funny phrases, David’s inquisitive brain, and Silje’s insight into everything.  I’m going to miss reading with them at night.  Already, I’m planning on avoiding anything there that says “family friendly” like aquariums where I’ll see a ton of kids having a grand time.

I know this is good for us.  I am truly excited.  You moms out there might be able to relate to the paradox of emotions that goes on with leaving your kids.

In the mean time, this trip is already growing more expensive as we prepare to leave.  Knut mentioned that he has farm clothes, and church clothes, but only 1 pair of shorts and 2 nice shirts that are for just casual wear.  We don’t just “hang out” a lot, I guess.  So we got him 2 more shorts, and I need to go shopping and get him a few more shirts.  I’ve been getting a few things here, as I don’t have a lot of summery maternity things that fit me from my first pregnancy where I bought a lot of summer things.  I’m a big ebay shopper when it comes to maternity clothes.  Fortunately I’ve been pregnant enough times that I know what brands in what sizes fit me.  Right now I’m splurging on a new swimsuit so I can have 2 for the week.  It was worn twice before and the bidding is up to 2.99.  I need some good walking sandals.  That’s next on our list, because we plan a lot of walking.  I won’t be getting those on ebay.

I cannot believe that we’re going to Hawaii.  Seriously, it’s ever so slowly becoming reality.

Linking up with Ginny.  I love her blog.