Sunday, July 10, 2016

It's hard to believe........................


It is hard to believe Mr. 22 is getting ready to return to Ohio tomorrow.  Where did the time go?  I am almost ready to break down in hysteria right now thinking about it so I am not going to talk about it to much.






I know someone else who might even be more devastated than me.  There is nothing like a big brother to toss you all over the pool and think nothing of it. Flip you upside down and drop you in the water, go to the bottom of the pool and jump up so fast your suit falls off your little behind.  Big brothers are much more adventuresome than mom's that is for sure!



I have taken a million photos and videos so Little Buddy and I can look at them and remember the wonderful time we have had with Mr. 22 home. 

Although we are not making much progress on the potty front we are in the pool.  Little Buddy can sit on the edge of the pool, jump in and get himself back to the wall, even reaching up to the wall with both hands and pull his head out of the water.  That was the goal I had set for us by the end of the summer, wouldn't you know Little Buddy accomplished it in half the time.  He also uses his hands to wall walk all the way over to the steps and can climb out of the pool.  He almost has the ability to float on his back, roll onto his belly, and back onto his back where he can catch his breath.  We are days away from that being accomplished.   I think he prefers the fun times in the pool with his brother more than the teaching time with me, but we know it is good to have both!


It is hard to believe that this might one day be a sweater.  It always amazes me when I cast on the first stitch that my project just might end up to be a sweater, blanket, dishcloth or whatever, but it will be something and it all started with a ball of yarn and the very first stitch.  The pattern is Harvest from Tin Can Knits, and it is free!  Caffeine Girl just finished her first Harvest and it was a big hit!


It is hard to believe this little loom will someday make scarves.  I treated myself to the Ashford SampleIt Loom for my birthday.  I know you are thinking just how many looms does a girl need?  I think I am done buying them after this one.  I really wanted a simple, small loom just to make scarves, nothing big and fancy.  I found this one at a great price on Ebay and made a little bit of an impulsive purchase.  It will get a lot of use and I am excited to put it together after I have fully treated the wood.

It is hard to believe the weekend is nearing completion.  After working four full days last week, including Friday I have not caught my breath yet.  Still another week looms ahead of me with work, appointments for Little Buddy, and a brand new little person I will be evaluating on Tuesday.  All of that and of course Mr. 22 leaving early tomorrow is already making me feel tired and overwhelmed.  So if you hear someone sobbing and carrying on it is just little ole me feeling a bit sorry for myself.  I know you understand. 

Hope you are having a wonderful weekend.  

53 comments:

Anonymous said...

Looks like Mr. 22 and Little Buddy have a VERY special relationship. I love the photo of them blowing bubbles in the water.

Hang in there . . . fall break will be here before you know it and you will be reunited with Mr. 22.

Have a great week and good luck with your new sweater project. The yarn is beautiful!

Karen said...

My heart hurts for you. It's SO hard saying goodbye to our boys. Wow, LB is doing great in the pool! I love hearing about his progress.

Hugs to you!

CJ said...

It's so lovely to spend time with someone from far away, but whenever my friend comes here from Jamaica I sit there thinking how much I will miss her when she leaves again. Bittersweet. I hope you have the most wonderful time together in the hours you have left. It certainly looks as though Little Buddy is having a fantastic time. And well done on all his amazing swimming progress. The fun stuff is easier to get the hang of I think! I'm glad you have lots of film and photographs to look at. Love the new cardigan. I know what you mean about those first stitches, it is always something of a miracle when balls of wool turn into clothes isn't it. I hope your week isn't too taxing and that you can fit in a bit of knitting time. Hugs, CJ xx

Linda @ A La Carte said...

My girlchild that lives far away always makes me tear up when she leaves. The visits are so wonderful though. Little Buddy is having a good summer and learning new skills. You are a good Mom! Love your new knitted project and look forward to seeing what this loom will do. I can't believe July is trying to fly by also.
hugs,
Linda

Liz said...

Your photos are so sweet. I know Little Buddy is going to miss him as much as you. I know what you mean about another work week looming. I feel the exact same way. I keep telling myself if we didn't have to work, these days off with family just might not feel so special. I'll be thinking of you tomorrow morning.

Liz

Suzan said...

Wonderful pictures of Buddy and #22!
Fantastic that Buddy is learning pool safety and is probably just as good for him in physical training!! I look forward to the seeing the loom put together and the products!!
Embrace every moment!! God Bless to you on Monday!!

Chris said...

Awww what a lovely time the brothers have together and such a special week for you and your husband as well . It's so hard when they go/ the house seems so empty and less bright somehow ... Sigh ... But reunions are ahead and great to look forward to! Sounds like a super busy week ahead- yikes!! I'm loving that sweater - I've lost my knitting and blogging mojo- I'll go check your sweater out on Rav!

Betsy said...

After reading your first three sentences and then looking at the first couple of photos, I was thinking to myself, "I know who is going to miss him even more." And then you wrote the same words! Oh my goodness, it is so obvious the love those two have for each other. You are a very fortunate Mama. And yes, you will cry and then life will go on, even if we want it to stop so we can breathe between those tears. You should have seen me when we took Alex to the airport in May. It had been over 2 1/2 years since we had seen him and now I don't know when we'll she him again. I can actually say truthfully that I detest him living on the other side of the world. I miss him. A mother's heart. They break easily don't they? I will be praying for you tomorrow my sweet friend.

Your new sweater and loom look like wonderful distractions as does your little guy. I'm so impressed by his accomplishments. Piper was given the privilege to lead the "wall walk" for the first time after her swimming lesson yesterday because she accomplished all of the classes goals for the day. She couldn't wait to FaceTime with Papa and tell him all about it. I love that girl. Be brave tomorrow my friend.
Blessings,
Betsy

mamasmercantile said...

What a joy to behold seeing all those beautiful photos of your two sons together. Little Buddy is certainly making some great progress. It is always a little heart rendering when they leave again but you have to love them enough to let them go, secure in the knowledge they love you enough to come back. I have found having a date in the diary makes it easier as it is something to look forward to. At the moment I am looking forward to the end of the month when I will see all of the family, 3 daughters and 6 Grandchildren as we celebrate Hectors christening. Take care.

Willow said...

A loom! I am still waiting to get a loom because I want to be ready to take some lessons. I'll look into that new loom of yours as it looks like a great place to start on weaving.
Love those photos of your boys together!

Jo said...

You must miss Mr 22 so much being so far away but it makes the time you do spend together so much more special. What a great big brother he is to Little Buddy, those photos are wonderful.

Araignee said...

It is hard to believe that you spend years raising a kid and then they go and move far away. I'm in the same boat with Mr. Detroit. He just bought a house there and it's so hard not to be involved. I feel your pain.

gaia said...

Dear Meredith,
I have missed 4-5 posts; and I realize that I missed a lot of action.It is very good to hear of Little Buddy's accomplishments.I am amazed that you manage to knit in summer- I think Florida and Cyprus have somewhat similar climate with Florida having more rainfall but the same heat. I hope you have a lovely summer with your loved ones...
Hugs,
Gaia.

kristieinbc said...

I think mom's have to be made of very tough stuff. It's hard to see your kids leave home after a visit, or in your case a summer break. Thank goodness for phones with cameras! You and Little Buddy will be able to relive memories from your time with Mr. 22. You are totally forgiven for having a bit of a cry when he leaves. :-)

Judy S. said...

Great photos of your sons! That LB is turning into a regular little fish. Kudos to you and Mr. 22 for teaching him to swim; it's so important for kids to learn that for their own safety. It's always hard to say goodbye, isn't it? (I love the German "Auf Wiedersehen," see you again phrase.) Love the yarn for your newest project; that pattern is on my list, too. And putting that loom together looks like a big challenge, a jigsaw puzzle in disguise! Hugs!

Melanie said...

The photos of your boys are just beautiful. It is obvious what a special relationship they have. I can imagine how your heart is hurting over Mr 22 having to go back to Ohio. Sending you a gentle hug and peaceful thoughts for your tired and overwhelmed soul.

Joyful said...

It's so wonderful to see two of your sons having a fabulous bonding time in the pool. They look so happy together. The idea for tons of videos and photos is great. You and Buddy will both enjoy looking at those ;-). Hugs. xx

Teresa Kasner said...

How heartwarming those photos are of your two sons having fun in the water.. I just melted. As I said before, it's obvious that Mr. 22 will be a fabulous father and these times with Little Buddy are giving them both such memories. I hope LB does okay when his brother heads back to school. And you, too.. mom. As for that loom.. hey.. all craftspeople need tools to produce their works.. I think it's neat! Don't work too hard this week. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

AnnieOBTextiles said...

Beautiful pictures of your boys, where the pleasure, excitement and love almost leap out at you. Such joyous times and memories made, to sustain you while Mr 22 is away. I hope it will not be long before you are all reunited again. The weaving loom looks fascinating and look forward to seeing what you create with it.

Jo said...

Here's to a lovely cardigan, a silky scarf and happy pool memories. Love Jo x

Jennifer Hays said...

I'm so glad your biggest boy and your littlest have such a good relationship. It's just heartwarming to see. I know you will miss Mr. 22 when he goes back to Ohio but hopefully he can make it back home again before too long. It sounds like Little Buddy is doing fantastically in the pool this summer! Way to go! How exciting for him, and for you to watch his progress. He has done so beautifully with your family. You have so much to be proud of. Take care and try not to cry too hard. Hug that little guy as soon as you start feeling a little blue. :)

busybusybeejay said...

Lovely photo of the boys.I bet they had so much fun.You are all going to miss him.

Christina said...

Big brothers are the best! I've always wanted one. I love the photos of your boys playing in the water, just great! xx

linda said...

What lovely photo's Meredith you can see Little Buddy is having so much fun and well done to him to have accomplished so much in the pool already. I'm looking forward to seeing your sweater materialise and the scarves you are going to make on your new loom. Mr 22 will be back before you know it, have a lovely week. :) xx

Anita said...

You sound like you've had a very busy week but an accomplished
one, so many wonderful achievements too. How nice Mr 22 is coming
home, it must be lovely for you all. The pool looks fun and what great
news that Buddy is getting to another milestone. Cheers for him. My youngest son is about to go away for about 3 days and I feel like sobbing......my heart is with you.
Hugs, Anita.

HollyM said...

The pics are just precious and their time together even more so, I'm sure. No wonder you're sad. It's part of being a parent isn't it? Little Buddy is making great strides. He seems to be growing so fast.

Carla from The River said...

Sending EXTRA hugs!
xx oo
Carla

Unknown said...

Aw, those two look like they enjoyed their time together a lot! :) About the loom, I'm always thinking about trying my hand at weaving, I deeply admire those who know this craft, so I can't say anything but bravo to you for your purchase! xx

Caffeine Girl said...

Thanks for the shout out! You will just zip through this sweater.
I know I am so lucky that Seth is in Vet School here in Madison. He is 28 and has always lived here. But he wants to move somewhere new when he's done with school -- and it is going to devastate his mom!
LB is just adorable in the pool. A number of my students with physical and emotional disabilities find water therapeutic.
Good luck with your busy week!

Nance said...

If you miss your children when they're gone, it means you've done a Good Job with how they turned out.

(And you're going to be so busy with all of your projects!)

kathy b said...

THose pictures just say it all. Delight on both brothers part!
I'lll shed a tear with you.
Mr Senor leaves end of August for months in Mexico.

Must stock up on tissues

eclectichomelife said...

Hasn't Little Buddy done well, brilliant, do congratulate him from me. There is nothing like siblings though to make you achieve something, looks like they are both very fond of each other, you must be proud. Cannot wait to see the scarves you make with your new loom, sending love x

Ingrid K. said...

Hello Mere,

Lovely to see your wonderful photos, family time is always precious!

Great to see that LB is making so much progress!

The new cardigan pattern looks great, enjoy your knitting. To my amazement I'm currently knitting a light shawl... :)

Have a good week, my friend!

Ingrid xx
Myfunkycrochet.blogspot.be

handmade by amalia said...

It is very unfair that happy times go by way more quickly than unhappy ones. A big hug to help you through.
Amalia
xo

elns said...

You can feel the love and the good times in those pool photos. I'm sorry you'll have to do without that frequent love and proximity from Mr. 22. but I'm so glad that you guys had such a wonderful summer time together. I'm proud of LB and his water skills and strength and definitely not surprised. You get a sense of his determination and capabilities in your posts.

Happy knitting to you Mere. Take care.

Danette Bartelmay said...

I sure do understand!
What a glorious time you all had together!!!
Those pictures of your boys in the pool bring me to tears, especially that last one. There's a lump the size of Texas in my throat when I see the look on Little Buddy's face when Mr. 22 kisses him. Pure Love.
He's an exceptional Big Brother. But no surprise there Meredith.
I'm anxious to watch your ball of yarn grow up to be a beautiful sweater.
And that loom intrigues me... I know nothing of the little beauties.
Love to you my weeping friend,
Danette

Helen said...

Little Buddy looks so happy with his big brother! Sounds like you all had a wonderful time together with lots of special memories :) Looking forward to seeing the sweater progress! xo

Pradeepa said...

I guess Little Buddy is the one who will be missing Mr. 22 a lot more than you. Love to see the progress of your sweater. Have a nice weekend.

Babajeza said...

A mother's heart! Have a good week. Hugs, Regula

Gracie Saylor said...

What is happening with Meredith I wondered and just now found this post...a week late! The wedding we hosted here went well, but I have been tired and a bit grumpy this past week even though I was more an observer than worker for most of the event. I know that Mr. 22 leaving is always difficult, but I am so glad you got those lovely photos of him and Little Buddy! Precious! Did you get your new loom together? Did you have good rest in the midst of your hectic schedule? Sending you more hugs xxxxxxxxxx

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

It's so great to see the boys in the pool knowing how much fun they have together. I know exactly how you are feeling. Tomorrow we embark on our trip to North America. Am I ready? Not really. 5 weeks away from "home" and then returning on my own -- just like I did 21 years ago. Not gonna be so easy, that's for sure. I've got my yarn packed in my carry on. That's most important, right! Can't wait to see your first scarf off the loom. Hugs, Tammy

Wainwright and Wright.Co said...

Just lovely photos Meredith - such happiness for them both. You will both miss Mr 22 so much when he returns to Ohio, but such happy memories. And great progress from LB in the pool! Hope you have managed a few quieter days.

Caz xx

Neighborhood Watch said...

Harvest is the sweater I have been working toward. I have made 3 sweaters now in preparation before spending on some nice yarn and going for this one I REALLY want to make.
Sometimes I think of moving away from Georgia, but I stay to be near my own Mr. 22 (well, next week he'll be 22). It is just so nice to hang out with him from time to time. He too is a bundle of happy energy. Good times!

Blondie's Journal said...

Oh goodness, lady...you have so many comments I hope you get mine! Ha! I think your Mr. 22 is so handsome and he exceeds that with his quality to just bond and have a ball with Little Buddy. These are sensational pics of them in the pool and years from now they will have a great time going through your shots together. Swimming must be tremendous therapy and a sense of freedom and 'lightness' for your guy. At least I hope so.

Your new pattern is so cool...I've been to a lot of blogs where there are ladies that knit and crochet beautifully. I truly like the sense of style you have. You have a knack for fashion in your talent.

How exciting to have a loom. Again, I have a blog friend who works on a loom and it is beyond interesting. Please share as you go along...it's very exciting I can see other being interested also.



Jane

Jodiebodie said...

Hi Meredith,

Your Mr 22. is a very handsome young man and the perfect one for being boisterous with your Little Buddy. It is so important for boys to have responsible older boys, young men and uncles etc. as role models and to provide that rough and tumble that all boys need. Bachelor friends and big grown up siblings are perfect because they have a different kind of energy to dads.

Goodbyes are so bittersweet. I'm sure everyone will miss each other terribly but then separations help us to appreciate one another all the more.

Good luck with your Harvest cardigan. It looks like a good style for hand knitting - it looks easy to size and I imagine it would be very forgiving with mistakes (If I were knitting, I would inevitably make mistakes!) and still drape and fit nicely.

Your loom intrigues me. Is that a weaving loom? The only looms I have seen have been knitting looms. I look at those pieces in your photo and cannot picture in my mind how it would go together! What do you need to do with the wood? Why can't it be just put together straight away? I'm sorry if my questions reveal too much ignorance but I can't help asking - I love learning about new things.

I look forward to seeing your progress with the loom and it will be a good distraction from missing your young man.

Take care and have fun xx

Anonymous said...

Hey Girlfriend, I am sooooo sorry to have been gone for so long. Not in a good place for way too long but I won't whine, much. I can't believe it's almost August...geesh!

Hmm, how many looms does a girl need? Lots! :) I would be embarrassed to admit, if I were to include my tapestry looms and hand looms too. I think I have enough looms, except I keep looking at this circular loom made by a company in Australia. Then that will be it... yeah, I know I'm hopeless.

I do hope you have forgiven me or are at least working on forgiving me for being out of touch for so darn long. It was a real fight getting out of the darkness this time... sigh... but we move on!

Hugs for now,
Beth

Summer said...

Awww Your boys look so adorable ♥

summerdaisy.net

Karen said...

Hi Meredith,

Just stopping to say 'hi' and that I hope you're having a nice break from blogging. I've thought of you several times, missing your posts. No pressure! I admire bloggers who know when to take a break now and again, and totally understand. Just thought I'd stop in and see if your plants need watering or the mail taken in;)

Hugs to you!

Gillian Roe said...

Meredith, you need to go easy on yourself! I recognise that breathless, anxious feeling all to well when I am overwhelmed with work and family commitments. I hope things ease up a little for you. What lovely photos you took of Mr 22 and Little Buddy, they will treasure those I am sure. I hope the summer is being kind to you and you're finding some time to rest and relax. xx

Mrs. Micawber said...

Hey Mere - how are you? I was thinking of your son as we watched some of the Olympic swimming the other night.:) What precious photos of LB and his Very Big Brother, and how exciting to hear that LB is doing so well in the pool!

The little loom looks very tantalising. I've been eyeing tabletop looms lately as a possible gift idea for a crafty family member. Looking forward to seeing what you make with yours.

I hope you're all doing well, furry son included. Sending you a virtual hug.

JanL said...

thinking of you. I enjoy reading of your life, family, hobbies... Hoping August is being kind to you.

Lisa said...

What a sweet post with great photos of your babies. Im a mother of a 24 year old daughter that only lives 30 minutes away and I go into a temporary depressed mood every time she leaves after visiting.
Good luck on the knitting project. I crochet but never learned the task of knitting.
Lisa

Needles and Wool said...

aw sweet photos of Mr.22 and Buddy! they look so close :)

hope you are doing well!
Lisa