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February 12, 2008

Keep on keeping on...

Thread Holder Pincushion

I don't feel as if I have a lot to show these weeks, as I continue along quilting my dear jane and a few inches of knitting on a cap...but I did manage to make this nice pincushion/thread holder this weekend with Barbara's help. I am finding it great getting a few small projects done while continuing on with the big job of hand quilting the DJ. I love having the quilting threads on the pincushion, it will be great for my handwork.

Nana's First Hat
I also finished mom's first chemo cap, Aine is sporting a serious look here and has the floppy brim flipped up, but I love the colors of this yarn. Hope mom likes it!! She is still waiting for her second operation. The mastectomy is scheduled for next week, then recovery, then chemo starts. Still wish I could be there for hugs.

Had my first parent teacher meeting last week and Aine seems to be in the popular clique in school, but is too "soft" as the teacher says, she gets upset if she can't be the one to be next to her two favorite girls in the clique. How do you explain to a happy affectionate girl that she has to tone down her clingyness or risk losing her favorite friends. I can already see how one of her friends stiffens when she hugs her all the time. Luckily this little girl is very kind and still loves Aine, but I can see her patience running out, girls can be unkind sometimes and Aine wears her heart on her sleeve.  Teacher says she is doing great with school work and sometimes wonders how she knows some of the facts she knows for such a young girl... her speech is improving as well (had her assessed for therapy and didn't need weekly meetings, but just to work on certain sounds together).

Life with 2 small kids is constantly busy, but often not hugely "blogworthy". I sometimes feel like I shouldn't post till I have a few projects to show, so I hope you'll forgive me if a weekly post is the most I manage for a while? I am nearly done my 3rd border on the DJ and just realized I have to go searching soon online for fabric for the blue fabric for the binding!! How the heck will I make such a huge amound of bias binding?

Oh...I do have some fun news to share! I am going to visit Katy for the weekend next week. Love the cheap airfares in Europe!! I will be seeing the Tutankhamun and Terra Cotta Warrior exhibits in London next Friday and then a day of quilt and thrift shopping Saturday, then home late to Ireland on Sunday, after a bit of a sewing bee!

11 comments:

ruthsplace said...

The hat is lovely. Hope all goes very well with your mum. Have a lovely trip with Kate - can't wait to read about your adventures.

That pincushion is fabulous!

Anna said...

The hat, my dear, is fabulous. What a wonderful way to help your mom even though you can't physically be there. Tangible evidence of your love and support!
My mom starts her chemo this week and we're all dreading it for her. She's less worried about it than we are!

My son starts school in the fall and his dad and I wonder if he will be "too soft" as well. I know he will have to learn how to function around other people without us, but I know how blunt kids can be...

The trip sounds like heaven and I hope you have a safe and fun-filled weekend, Shug!

Anna said...

I hope you don't think I'm loony, but I gave you an award on my blog! Stop by when you get a moment...

Julie said...

Hope you have fun on your trip! Our children's strife cuts our hearts, doesn't it!? She is precious in your hat...

movinghands said...

That is a very pretty hat, and what a cool thread holder, too! I know what you mean about long stretches of time with nothing "blog-worthy". Big reason why I hardly post once a week, if that, on my blog. If someone says it looks like I get a ton of things done, I say, "Check the dates!" ha ha. Your getaway sounds fantastic!

anne bebbington said...

I so feel for you being away from your mum at this time - my dad had a major heart op when I was almost due to have Nick and I was way too far away to visit him - love the hat the colour is gorgeous. Don't worry too much about Aine at school with the other girls - little girls (and bigger ones) can be positively beastly - I always followed the principle of giving mine the chance to have the widest circle of friends by inviting as many as possible home to play/for tea (obviously at different times) and encouraging mine to make friends in other areas like out of school activitied with different pools of children. Sounds like a visit to Kate is just the ticket you need - (((hugs)))

nicky said...

Hope you enjoy your mini-holiday. Great hat too! And such a sweet looking model for it!
Happy stitching,
Nicky

Susan Shepard said...

I'm amazed you accomplish as much as you do with two small children.

The hat is wonderful, and Aine has such a sweet face.

It is very difficult to know how to explain to a child that they must curb their natural affection and exuberance toward their friends. I had the same issues with two of my kids, and they're boys! However, it can be done and it really is just a part of learning how to behave in public, and with people who aren't part of your immediate family. I'd say extra hugs and reassurances at home would be a good thing.
Being a mom means a bruised heart sometimes.

Verrysherry said...

Hi! Love, love the pin cushin. Do you have a pattern for that?
Also nice work on the chemo hat--happy thoughts and prayers go out to your mom--Will be thinking of her.
And of course, enjoy your trip to Katy'! Sounds like fun. Please give her a hug for me; I love her emails, she is the kindest!
xo

Margery said...

Hello again, and hugs to your Mum - I had my mastectomy on 8 May 2006 (at 63 years old), and am still really glad I had it done. I had my chemo before the surgery, and hated it, but I knew it was necessary and just put up with it. I had a whole year of it. I'm doing great now, and have got around to thinking about a reconstruction on the left combined with a reduction on the right - I always wanted smaller breasts! During my chemo, when I lost all my hair (I mean ALL my hair, all over!) I had a bright pink fluffy hat, and I loved it. Someone called it my pink punk look - a nice turn of phrase. Your Mum will get through this, and will be cheerful afterwards - wait and see! best wishes, Margery.

samantha said...

the hats are certain to be a comfort to your mom. I know all about the busy yet not blog-worthy life with small kids!