Cave of the Mounds

We are trying to get back into our exploring groove.  We still play outside a lot, but adventuring past our backyard and nearby sledding hills for an outdoor activity hasn't been our main focus.  But in the past month we have visited this lovely nearby treasure twice.  We all have a key to the mound- our membership to go as many times as we would like to this year.  And with the boys interest in all things really, really old (dinosaurs, fossils, ice age...) this place is a gem and amazing experience for them.  Another thing within 30 minutes of our home.

The flow stone.

 The boys and some stalactites.

 Their silhouettes.

 Walking the thinnest path in the place.

 Maybe a column has formed here?  Otherwise just stalactites and stalagmites.

 For sure a column in the middle.

Asher has plans to work here when he gets older and attend their summer camps.  Truly remarkable place to enjoy.  Always 54 degrees, and not crowded in the winter.

Into the Woods:: 2/13 & 23

We had our first walk in the woods without snow, then in snow again and then no snow.
I kinda think that we are done with measurable amounts of snow for the year and we are all happy that more time outside of our house is coming (just not tomorrow as there will be sleet).




I think my boys could be entertained for hours with water and sticks. Ice just adds to the joy. Where R stands now is full of water as the ephemeral ponds have returned to our woods... I can already smell the spring woods!



A is getting the itch to climb... he is a little frustrated trying to climb trees in boots and can't wait to get back to his barefoot tree climbing.

We are excited for this seasonal transition.

Annie and the Old One

Asher has been really enjoying being Annie from Annie and the Old One. He loves finding bits of colored yarn from my scraps and weave them into his baskets. So I thought we would make a loom of sorts and a weaving stick.

He was so focused on the activity and when his attention seemed to fade, we would change colors. Then when he finished, he turned to me and said, I am ready to see my basket.

That part didn't go so well. I was able to cut it off to be a wonky blanket of sorts for his doll, which he was pleased with.

We have finally entered the stage with two boys and table top/ in front of the fire reasonably quiet activity. We have clocked hours coloring, painting, playdoughing, beading, puzzling and matching, with plenty of jumping, running and chasing in between.

Wee Balaclava

Oh, we are keeping busy with a whole lot of hominess this new year. I have been making, knitting is such a joy by the fire. We are trying to get a clear vision of what our future holds, work, family and life. Time fills up so quickly.

In my obsession with enjoying our home, we have been lacking in the fresh air, but I think we are almost completely suited up for that central illinois wind. Asher in his latest super warm gear, the wee balaclava (ravelry link).

Loved the pattern, can't wait to have yarn left over from River's new sweater to make one for him.

1032

Two weeks ago, I got the dreaded phone call announcing the passing of someone near and dear to me. My sweet grandmother, diagnosed 10 weeks prior with cancer, struggling through 2 chemo sessions, left this world with an incredible legacy. She had an amazing journey and while logically I am so glad that she didn’t have to suffer incredible amounts of pain, or have a lingering hospital stay or live her life’s last days wondering if it would be the last, my heart still aches. I knew that my time with her was limited, I just didn’t know how limited and am still not ready for this monumental death in my family. She is our matriarch, my mother’s mother. The one who we circled around, the one who kept my extended family rooted in central Illinois, the one we all depended on. And by we all, I’m not just talking a handful or people, I mean her siblings and spouses (8), her children and their spouses (9), her grandchildren and their spouses (27) and her great grandchildren (19) not to mention all of our extended families and her friends. Her tree has 63 branches all who adore and love her.

I spent the christmas holiday in her home, without her. And while there were many moments that felt as though nothing had changed, there were bigger silences acknowledging the passing. Luckily, I had some quiet times to soak up everything that I loved about her. Welcome to her home.

A door handle mounted on upside down, for at least a decade. I think it was just 4 years ago that in my frustration to open the dam thing, she declared, "Turn it up, it's mounted upside down." Which helped, and every time I opened that door, I laughed at how hard it is to open the other way.













A thermostat set way to high. Grandma always gave out flannel pajama pants for Christmas to everyone. Unfortunately to be in her home in the winter, the average person slept in shorts.

A lover of family, friends, wall paper, dishes and clothing, a catholic in faith, and the most accepting person I ever met. Mary, we miss you, and love you, rest in peace.