We lived in the same home (our first) for nearly fifteen years, and going through the process of preparing to let it go has been more intense than I ever expected. It doesn’t help that it’s a two hundred year old house that we have put an incredible amount of work and heart into. Right now we are absolutely drowning in all the final projects and details, making for super busy days and some sleepless nights. And of course the air conditioning in our new house went on the fritz in the midst of everything, right when temperatures were in the upper 90s. As a result, we have been stressed and sweaty.
Last week was our home inspection, which felt like a big hurdle, so naturally I cast on for a new pair of socks as we waited on the report. (I’m certain you can follow my logic there.) I wanted something highly engaging so I decided on striped socks knit in scraps of worsted weight yarn. They are coming along quickly, owing in part to our recent discovery of The Great British Baking Show. (I know. We are late to the game as usual.) No matter how tired we are at the end of the day, Jonny and I are squeezing in an episode just to get our minds off all that’s happening with our old house. The first time a friend mentioned the show to me I questioned how it could possibly be interesting, especially considering that I can’t eat anything they make on the show because of my auto-immune diet. I’ve been wrong before. I remember raising my eyebrows many years ago at the whole concept of blogging, and here I am nearing the nine year mark of keeping one myself. I think I can safely say that I am completely hooked on this British baking show and knitting these kinda wacky striped socks. As soon as I reached the heel of the first sock, I cast on for the second. There will be no second sock syndrome this time around!
p.s. Mabel recently started calling me, “Mama,” but only when she’s really mad. She has to be pretty upset to form the “Muh” sound. So basically, she only says it in a yell. It still makes me happy.
p.p.s. Sock details: I am following the general instructions from the Stepping Stones sock pattern in (affiliate link) The Knitter’s Book of Socks but substituting a simple K2P1 rib in place of the pattern.
Chiara says
My one year old son is calling dad all the time, with the sweetest voice: papà, papà, papà. I am called only if in extreeme need, let’s say in a state of desperation and he never says “mamma” in a proper way, because it’s always in the middle of a river of tears.
But I can wait. I have the three year old daughter that asks for me each second!
GretchenJoanna says
The best chicken photos!
I always love to spend time here with your family. Thank you.
Katherine says
oh poor Mabel. no chance of being left alone to ‘do it myself’ with all those ‘helpful’ big sibs. Go your own way little one!!
Bree says
Love the new look of the website! 🙂 And yes, the joy of moving…praying for calmness and joy and praise for cooler temperatures coming.
Marion says
Mabel has gotten so big. Hope your projects on your old house is finished soon. Enjoy your new home. May you and yours have many years of happiness in your new home.
Marion and Marilyn
Michele says
I love this post – your kids, your socks, even your chickens are beautiful!! The Great British Baking Show has been a favorite of mine too!
God bless you,
Michele
karen says
I do hope the house is nearing the end of all of the work! Then you can focus on your new home and all of the work it needs. When we lived in Denton Texas decades ago, the AC broke during 95+ degree heat…..why is that????
clémence says
She is beautiful! Sock therapy, just right!
Cathy B. says
I just love your pictures and always look forward to your wonderful stories! I love The Great British Baking Show. I came across it one night and was suddenly addicted. I would really like to try some of the recipes. Thanks for sharing your family life. I would just love to visit your home and family sometime!!
Annie Kitching says
My son suggested the British Baking Show, and I fell in love with it immediately. I have a desire now to make some savory biscuits, but still have not done it.
There is no way, however, that I can do anything while watching it. You are so clever!
Donna says
That baby is really pretty. A pleasant nature in that child. I have watched her from the start. Fun stuff there. I enjoy your pictures.
I love your knitted items, too. I wouldn’t mind to learn how to do that. I may try. I can crochet. But would love to learn to knit. I like the socks pattern.
Leslie F says
Totally random thoughts:
1 – I can’t tell if Silas is aggravating Mae on purpose (as any big brother worth his salt does on occasion) or if she is just determined to walk alone – either way, that series of snaps is great.
2 – The black rooster is stunning.
3 – I’ve never used worsted weight yarn to crochet socks (I can’t knit) – your stripes are so pretty I’ll have to look for a pattern.
4 – When did Seth get old enough to have “man arms?”
5 – Wonder what kind of mischief Bea is up to……..
Thank you so very much for your posts – they always lift my spirits!
Emily DeArdo says
The GBBS is GREAT to knit to! I love it!
And um, when did Mabel get so big?!?!! Oh my goodness.
Carla says
I love reading about your family and your pictures are always beautiful. Lovely socks. I took a screen shot to remember the colour combo ; )
They would match my sweater I’m knitting
Wendy says
Don’t miss the Great British Baking Show: Master Classes! They teach you how to actually master the challenges that are given during the show. I just love Paul and Mary and watching them interact with each other. Very mother/son- ish. 🙂 We have tried many of the recipes and love following along with the shows to do so.
Check out the show Escape to the Country sometime! If you like the old English houses, you’ll love this show that not only shows off the historical homes there, but also teaches history and culture. Very fun and educational!!! There’s one with lace making that I thought of you as I watched! 🙂
Karrie says
I agree-after devouring Great British Baking Show I was looking for another program and also love Escape to The Country!
Sandra says
Another fan of the British Baking Show! Look at Mabel, can’t believe she’s getting to be so grown up, what a sweetie. Love that adorable outfit she has on.
Kate says
We moved from our house of 16 years this past Spring. It was bittersweet, but I was more relieved than anything else. We did make many memories there, but it had gotten to the point where it required too much money and time to maintain (a large, old house on five acres) and most of our kids were grown. I felt like the house was telling me that we really weren’t taking good care of it and giving it what it needed. The new owners are doing a lot of remodeling, which was needed. I’m happy for them and the house. Reminds me a bit of Virginia Lee Burton’s “The Little House” saga.
Bianca says
Yes, moving from a house, or shouldI say a home, is so intense. We moved from our home of 28 years to another in the same town and I can’t even bear to drive by the old one! I met the people who bought it and almost burst into tears. It’s been a year and a half and it’s only a little easier. It’s where we raised our children and homeschooled. I know every crook and cranny.
On another note, how do you make the skeins of yarn look so neat after they are in the dye bath. I need to be less free form. Any suggestions would be useful. Thanks.
Leigh says
Love The Great British Bake Off. There is another great one The Great British Sewing Bee.
You must have quite a job looking for all your eggs every day.
Love Mabel’s “onesie”.
Michele says
Hello Leigh,
I have loved the Great British Bake Off for a couple of years now and had heard of the Great British Sewing Bee. Is there any way to watch episodes of that one? I have looked around and haven’t found a way to do it yet. I am sure that I would love that one too!
God bless you,
Michele
Vera Unwin says
Great British sewing bee is also a favourite of mine. It inspired people who used to sew to restart and others who had never sewn to take it up.also sales of sewing machines increased particularly the Jenome model which he contestants used. Highly worth watching but then I am biased being in the UK
Wendy says
We just started watching The Great British Baking show, too, and love it! Hope the house stuff all wraps up smoothly and soon!
Laura says
Well, I’m even later to the party as this is the first I’ve heard of the show. And I’m having the same thoughts about why I would watch it – my entire family is paleo for the most part…and me with the autoimmune portion on top of it. But, you intrigued me! Maybe I should check it out. And those socks!! I LOVE them! Are they scraps of your yarn? So beautiful. Good luck with the house – moving can be so stressful. I imagine it is even more so when you’ve lived In the same house for so long. And finally – Mabel!! She is adorable…and it seems like there are always moments like this with the youngest of the family.
sonrie says
Me too – both for the tv show and the paleo/autoimmune diet piece!
Ginny, I’ve also recently been diagnosed with Hashimoto’s. It’s a struggle with the new adaptations I’m following but I feel relieved knowing why I’m so tired all the time.
Maria says
Mabel looks like an independent little girl!
Chris Reintjes says
I had the exact same thoughts about the baking show, maybe I should give it a try after all 🙂
Helena says
I love the Great British Baking Show! Another one I like to watch while I knit is called Escape to the Country (or something like that)–it’s basically a British version of House Hunters, in the British countryside. I watch it for the scenery while I work on the baby blanket I’m knitting for a friend, which is taking ages. Every time I knit a blanket, I remember all over again why I don’t usually do it–they take so long! 🙂
Eileen says
Oh I hope that your house sells fast so that stressor will be off the table for you and Johnny! House selling is over the top stress for me, maybe thats why I stay in one place for long periods of time.
Miss B (granddaughter) has started identifying me as Meme, (my Mom was always called Meme by her grandchildren), and it just puts a BIG grin on my face!
Your pictures are beautiful and those boys of yours have mischief in their eyes and smiles.