Friday, March 26, 2010

And the sun comes out...

I have decided that dealing with sick kids is far worse than being sick myself. It is now day 10 of the diarrhea-a-thon. We had a HORRIBLE virus that went through our house (I believe that it is virus #362 of this winter.) and little Mango's gut is still trying to get back on track. Her diaper rash got so bad that I just wanted to weep along with her. It makes me realize that the more kids you add to the mix the more "bugs" get brought in to the house. Blondie's preschool is putting us in a WHOLE other pool of germs to bring home, makes me appreciate the concept of homeschooling... especially when you have a autumn baby in the house.

I was getting so depressed because it seemed like vomit/diarrhea/wash all the laundry was our new normal. Then, finally, she was able to take a nap and I had a few moments of quiet (one brother at school and one with Grandma! Yahoo!) I took out my new yarn and cast on. Knitting patterns are very challenging to me and a little bit scary. BUT-- I think that the intense concentration and the soft fiber were the perfect prescription for my baby sickness blues. I sat and knit in the sun while she slept and slowly the pattern revealed itself. It is not too complicated, a few twisted stitches and one called a daisy stitch, but the act of conquering the 4 row repeat made me feel mentally stronger than I had felt in days. I felt a little bit more "me". Thank you, thank you, yarn and needles. Thank you little Mango for sleeping soundly.

The sun stayed out for the afternoon and my sister was able to hold up some quilts for photographs...
Here is my first finish of 2010...I call it "Gwen and Freddy" because I finished the top last summer while I was taking some of their classes. So nice to finish a quilt, I have been sleeping under it some nights when I just can't get warm enough. The colors are so cheery to wake up to.
I just love winning things, especially beautiful things like this quilt! I have never been very lucky with drawings in real life, but it feels like I win a lot on people's blogs...gotta love the Internet! ANYWAY, this was done by Anita over here and it brightens up my living room quite nicely. Thank you Anita, I just love it.

Sometimes your day starts one way and then takes a turn for the better.
JMB

7 comments:

woolywoman said...

"sometimes your day starts one way..." is my new affirmation! Thank you! So sorry to hear about the baby sick blues. It is hard to see tham sick.

Kristine Hanson said...

AACCKKKK! what a lovely quilt to win!!! I know how you feel about sickness in the house...my kids had h1ni in October, croop in February and lovely STREP in March, ENOUGH!!!

Tonya Ricucci said...

the illnesses all sound horrific, but whew to be through it. you made a wonderful quilt!!!

Michele Bilyeu said...

Oh, I am so so SO sorry about the hard times, especially those precious little ones! May you all get better...right now!...and may all your quilts be as amazing as these you've shown today!

Diane said...

I love your new blog header. Mango's solemn little expression is priceless. So sorry about all the tummy rumbles at your house. My "baby" was even home from college for a couple days with a chronic sinus infection. Can't wait to throw the windows open and air out the house. Your quilts look fabulous. You'll have to post your growing collection of smalls hanging out on the line. Be well!

Anita said...

Oooh, what are you making with that lovely green yarn?! And your Freddy and Gwen quilt is beautiful!

I hope that all that sickness leaves your house soon. Seems like it has been the unwanted guest long enough!

Beth said...

Oh, everyone being sick is just so horrible! hopefully your little mango is on the mend soon. I love that green you are knitting with! and the quilt- so amazing! such beautiful and cheery colors!