Friday, February 4, 2022

Checking in and a few projects..................

 

Hi my friends.  Looks like I am now down to writing once a month.  I'm sorry about that but I have to admit I am just so exhausted on every level.  Work has been crazy although as of this week I have discharged two kids so that should lighten my load a bit.  Emotional stuff continues and I am busy trying to sort things out.  Life will get easier but I fear for the next six to eight months or so I am just going to be a bit of a mess.  But I know that things will eventually even out and I will find my safe and peaceful place once again.  Hope you can all hold on until things settle down.

Here is my growing Little Buddy, writing apology notes for the second day in a  row. We are trying to make some medication changes with this little boy that might be affecting his ability to be a nice and respectful friend.  Don't let that smile fool you he can be a pistol.  He refused to write notes and told me he is done writing apology notes.  Well that was excellent news for me because that means he is done being a pistol at school, right?  He is growing, and that might be affecting him as well.  There is always so much to think about with this little guy.


I have been very busy knitting.  This is a shorter version of the harebell sweater.  I finished it in the middle of January.  I used Berroco Remix yarn in the color New Leaf.  Just over four skeins of yarn used.  I used size 8 needle for the body, size 7 for the bottom, front and collar ribbing and size 6 for the wrist ribbing.  I started the bottom ribbing at about 12 inches form the arm edge, you can make it shorter or a lot longer like the pattern states. I have already started another one.


Another baby blanket ripple has been completed.  This one for another great niece or nephew. Made with Berroco Pima 100, in the colors mint and Sea Holly, the colors are more vibrant than these photos.  A size H Hook was used and almost the entire 1,090 yards of yarn in the five skeins purchased for this blanket. 


And just for fun because I had this faux fur in my stash a crochet cowl with a big button you can button anywhere you want to create all sorts of fun wearing options.  Made with 48 yards of fun fur, bought to make gnome beards for Christmas presents, but I used pom poms instead.  I used the biggest hook I had, a size S and made it seven double crochet stitches across, until I ran out of yarn.  It is soft and fun.


These two got a quick bath this morning.  It was finally warm enough to do it and they were smelly.  Last week we hit freezing several days in a row and it was much too cold out to be spraying them down with a hose, mostly because I get drenched.

Take care my friends.  I am reading all about your lives and am cheering you on.


46 comments:

Jean Winnipeg said...



I liked the colour of your cardigan such a lovely spring shade. You are such a good knitter.
I do sympathize with the planned move. Change is hard on so many levels and its stressing and tiring.
You have such a lovely little guy to keep you grounded as you begin a new journey.
I was struck by your words - moving forward with grace. I think from following your blog you are already
doing that. I just wanted to wish you well.

Dee said...

I just can't believe how much of a big boy Little Buddy is now. I can't wrap my head around how much time has passed since we got to meet him.

I love the new Harebell. That color is beautiful and the weight looks perfect for "normal" Florida weather.

Take care my friend. Hope things settle soon. I miss reading your blog.

Melanie said...

Always good to hear from you, even if it's just once a month. I swear that Little Buddy gets bigger every time you post pictures of him!

That green sweater is simply gorgeous. I don't know how in the world you have time to accomplish all this knitting. Superwoman! :-)

Grandmabeckyl.blogspot said...

Buddy has grown and good smile and hopefully he will become a better, happy and kind boy to other children at school. Lovely sweater and blankets! I am glad you are continuing to be kind and happy in the somewhat stressed time in life! I miss reading your comments on my blog but I do enjoy reading your blog when you write about life! Hugs and blessings, Becky

Araignee said...

Buddy is so big now. He's really matured. I had to look twice to make sure that was him. Your other two boys always make me smile with those happy faces.
Your projects are fabulous. I really like that cardi. I keep meaning to look up that pattern because it looks like something I would actually wear.

Betsy said...

Hello dear Meredith. I'm sorry to hear that life is still crazy for you. I am continuing to keep you in my prayers. Even though I don't know details, I don't need to. God knows your needs and your heart. That's what is important my friend.
Our LB is growing like a weed. That smile. It hides a lot doesn't it? Boys. I know he keeps you on your toes, but he loves you so much. That's very apparent.
Your knitting is so beautiful. I have saved that pattern in my Ravelry library for a time when I have lost some weight and have time to make something for myself. I have overcommitted myself once again. :-) It's a habit. What can I say? Ha!
Love you my dear Mere. Take care of yourself.
Blessings and hugs,
Betsy

TerryKnott.blogspot.com said...

Beautiful cardigan! I wish you well. I also hope that because there is an opening with the discharged kids, you don't get two new kids. . .that can wait until the next school year!

Babajeza said...

He's gotten really big, your boy. All the best! Regula

CJ said...

Dear Little B, that smile did indeed fool me, he appears to be a complete angel. And growing fast! I hope his medication settles down soon. I am sending hugs to you for a difficult time and hoping that things settle for you as well and that you find your way through. With much love, CJ xx

busybusybeejay said...

Good to hear from you.I have missed you.We moved house last April and there are still things I can’t find.
Make sure you look after yourself and good luck with the move.

sewing green lady said...

Oh I just love the photographs, great projects and those two at the end look like they are smiling, I think they enjoyed the bath! Take care. xx

Nance said...

I am so glad to see a post from you today. LB is growing so fast with his long legs looking strong. I'm envious of your sunshine, warmer weather, and swimming pool view. I'm so very tired of looking at snowpiles here.

The sweater is quite pretty; I love that spring green. Take good care, Meredith. I'm here in NEO cheering you on as well. XO

Karen said...

Always good to hear from you, Meredith. You've been on my mind. Sending good thoughts your way. xo

Kim in Oregon said...

It's great to see an update from you and your part of the world! Hang in there.

linda said...

Hi Meredith lovely to see your post and to see that lovely Smile from Little Buddy. he really is growing and those two boys of yours look so smart after their bath. Well done on all the finishes I love the colour of your sweater, I would make one myself but things I make for myself never seem to work out right. The baby blanket looks soft and squishy and will be well received I'm sure and the cowl is lovely. I hope things improve for you very soon, take care of yourself. xx

KSD said...

Oh my goodness, don't wory about us! We hope YOU can hang on until things even out. Take care of and time for yourself.

I hope that nice, soft green of the cardigan soothed you while you knit.

Eileen in Fla. said...

So good to hear from you. I've never thought of how growth spurts and hormones might affect boys with special needs. You are the perfect Mom for LB. Please know how much your readers care for you and would come babysit or cut your grass if we could. :-)

Judy S. said...

No matter how often you post, it's great to catch up with you. LB is very lucky to have you as a mom. He sure looks grown up these days. Hope his behavior settles down and that his behavior improves. All kids can be very challenging at times, that's for sure. Love all your projects. I am always amazed at how much you accomplish and the fact that you knit and crochet! Take care. Sending lots of hugs.

kathy b said...

so happy that you are finding so1ace in knitting. Your sweaters are perfect every time. I 1ove the crocheted softy cow1. Great job with creativity, on that one. Perhaps I'11 give something a simi1ar try today.

One day at a time is my mantra. You are in my thoughts.

Caffeine Girl said...

Your life must be exhausting with a next-generation boy, two dogs, and a job! LB is changing all the time. I remember well how stubborn a boy can be. And how rude. Of course, his charm wins everyones' heart in the end, but the days can be long and hard!

Delighted Hands said...

What he hates to write apology notes-then never do anything so that you have to! I used to tell my boys the same thing! lol Your knits are beautiful. Take care.

Mrs. Micawber said...

Gosh, LB looks leggier and more grown-up with every post! Sounds like he is being a bit of a bugger (instead of a Buddy) these days. I hope the med adjustments will soon get squared away.

What a lovely cardigan! Your ribbing is so nice and even. And that baby blanket looks very soft and snuggly. That's a lot of yarn.

Hang in there, dear Mere.

Christina said...

Hello Meredith, it is so lovely to see you. Your little man had me fooled there for a moment, that smile is just so charming. I hope he finds life easier with new medication. I am glad you are finding time to knit and crochet, it soothes the soul. Hang on in there, things hopefully will get easier for you soon xx

Anonymous said...

a wonderful post Always!
Little Buddy's apology letters... he's just adorable really.
and the sweater!!! oh my. that is beautiful. and it ends with my two super sweet boyz! you never disappoint. just enjoy your busy life and take care of YOU too! XOXO

Between Me and You said...

Blessings, Mer.xxx

karen said...

I am so glad that you are creating while life is chaos! May your life settle down faster than you think.

Jeanie said...

It's always good to see you here, whenever you can write. And YOU don't have to write US an apology note! Your sweaters are beautiful and I'm so glad you have such a productive as well as relaxing hobby. Love that green sweater color. Good luck with the meds. That transition is never easy.

Jo said...

Thank heavens for a harebell that is all I can say... and those lovely dogs who I always show to my girls. Cheering you on too. Jo x

JoyM said...

So very happy to visit and see Buddy's big smile, the sweater you made, the baby blanket now waiting for a niece or nephew and something new to me - a faux fur crochet scarf for lots of fun. Then there were the happy pair who have been sweetened and they look happy. Thank you Meredith, hugs and love.
Joy

Ellen D. said...

Hope things settle down and it all works out for the best! Hang in there!

Jeannie Gray Knits said...

LOVE that sweater! Both the color and the neckline are just perfect. The scarf is awesome too! Love the button idea.
And Wow! It's been quite a while since I've seen one of your blog posts and I can't get over how much LB has grown! He's obviously much taller and his face has matured so much. Love his expression in the photo - it screams that he's done writing apology letters. :)

Crafty in the Med said...

Your fur boys look so squishy! I wonder if they tolerate hugs because they look so huggable! Love the green cardigan …my favourite colour. The blanket is gorgeous too😊 I have to agree with the majority of comments here as I also am surprised how little buddy is sprouting up so rapidly. On looking at this photo it is difficulty to imagine this lad is causing you so much heartache. I hope his change of meds will help him . Keep well. Amanda x

handmade by amalia said...

Little Buddy is not so little any more! And I love the sweater. What a great color.
Amalia
xo

Sandy said...

Buddy is really growing and even facial, looks much older. Sorry things are still not smoothing out for you. Miss you visits. Such a pretty color in your sweater. Fun fur...looks cozy and soft.

Willow said...

Knitting is a balm for troubles. I'm sorry you are in a mess right now. Hope things improve. Keep calm and knit.

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

You're doing much better than me. I only managed one post on the first day of the new year. Can't say my life is busy, but processing everything that's happened in the past two years and the events taking place around the world have left me feeling like I don't have much to say. I find it hard to talk about simple things when there's so much pain and suffering so I find it better to just stay quiet. Goodness, Z definitely had a growth spurt. I wonder, do you also have him journal, to get out his feelings and explain why he does the things he does? Writing things down is cathartic in so many ways. Just giving voice to our emotions sure helps a lot even if we don't say them out loud. Good to see you are still finding time to make such wonderful things All your projects are fabulous. Take care.

Sandy said...

I've popped in so often to check on you and worry how things are going. Sure miss your visits. Fingers and toes crossed that you're alright.

Sandy said...

I keep popping in to wave hello. Hoping things calm down for you.

Sandy said...

Waving hello again, as I make my blog rounds. Miss you.

My Creative Life said...

Hi Meredith, lovely to catch up with your blog again. Buddy has grown so much and your fur boys too! I loved seeing your cardigan and blanket makes. It's calming creative things I find. I'm blogging again now too, so many of the original people have stopped blogging. I miss Thistlebear's blog. Take care of you and yours. Cathy x

Toni said...

Oh my goodness--look how big he's getting!

Hang in there my friend! Sending you lots of positive and healing thoughts....

Jodiebodie said...

Hi Meredith,

Popping in to catch up, see how you are all going and to see how big your 'Not-so-little' Buddy is! How awesome is getting to the top of that tower? I love that you have high expectations of him and he obliges with feats like climbing towers.

A big barrier to opportunity for people with disabilities is the low expectation of others about what people can contribute and achieve. I wish there were more people like you in the world, Meredith, who can see the potential in every human!

I am concerned for your wellbeing when I read phrases like "hanging on by my fingernails" and descriptions of stress and complexity in life. Obviously, much has occurred since my last visit including plans to sell your home. How daunting! May everything happen in the right time and in the right way for you. I seriously hope you are okay.

Regarding sporadic posts - you are doing better than I! Crazy stressful circumstances have forced me to put blogging on the backburner too so you have plenty of sympathy and empathy from here. General overwhelm - with thanks to pandemics and bureaucracies etc. piling on - has made each day a struggle to just manage the basics. Slowly, things are on the improve. I do plan to get back to posting one of these days so I hope you don't give up on visiting my blog. One day you will be shocked with a new entry!

Please know that you have friends in the blogosphere who still think of you even when they are not posting. xxx

Sandy said...

Me, popping back in to wave hello. Hope you're doing well, sure miss hearing from you.

Between Me and You said...

Just 'passing-by' (oh, how I wish!) to ask how you are and hope all's well with you. Let us know how you're coming along whenever you can. No pressure though. xxx

Sandy said...

Me waving hello again, as I make my blog rounds. Hope all is well with youi.

Melanie said...

Hi Mere, not sure if you got my email so just popping in to see how you're doing. I've been thinking a lot about you and hoping you're OK. xoxo