June 02, 2008
Here's a very non-Jo project, meet the latest
Queen Anne's Lace shawl. I saw it on Ravelry and just HAD to cast on, I'm really not sure why but I just had too. The knitting is going slower now that I am at around 400 stitch per round. Since this picture, there's been 30 more rounds knitted which means I'm 35% into the project.
It's funny how, my daughter got back to spinning. Zoe is doing better than ever with her little drop spindle. We agreed on finishing the tiny piece of roving she had before jumping into the pencil roving she got in Ottawa. Lucas decided on some BRIGHT orange roving, he loves that color at the moment! He is done with homeworks for the school year so he's going to get back to spinning himself. Sadly Zoe has homeworks until the last week of school, she is not pleased about that. ;)
Six years ago I started to blog, it was my way to reach out to the world. I felt lonely as a mom of 2 and it help me make friends along the way. :) Back then I wasn't even knitting but soon enough I stumbled upon knitting blogs... Although the reasons I blog have changed along the way, there is so much I'd like to share but ...
Being a single parent family and stay-at-home mom just isn't very popular. It's hard to get sympathy if I'm broke (why don't you get a job! I hear) or when I'd like a small break from the kids (well they're at school all day!). Well because I like to complicate my life, the kids eat lunch at home everyday, which means I go meet them at school and walk them back after lunch. Most SAHMs I know have their own kids eat at school 'cause it's easier and it gives them a break. So why am I judged for doing it the hard way?
On the bright side, these days little things make me happy, in the past week I was asked if I'm over 18 and whether I'm an anglophone or not. I always feel like my english writing isn't good so that was taken like a great compliment! lol! As for the age thing, I almost bursted out laughing at the girl who asked me. Then the silver lining came when I was asked for parental advice, one even said she would always look up to me for advice. Dang it! It made my day. So there's good, there's bad in my life but right now I'm just looking for the rainbow 'cause it's way too easy to see dark clouds everywhere.
Posted by Jo at June 2, 2008 03:13 PM
I think you're a great mom and you're doing what you feel is best for your kids. I don't see how anyone could judge you. And your kids are great and so well behaved!
If I'd had kids of my own (not gonna happen, so I'm left to enjoying other people's kids!), I would totally turn to you for advice: to me, it looks like you are doing a wonderful job! I know very well how quick some people can be when it comes to judging, especially when you make life choices they wouldn't make for themselves (says the queen of the atypical life choices!) - and though it really is shame on them for doing so, having to deal with it is at the very least annoying, when not downright painful. Hang on, sweetie, and keep looking for the bright spots in between the clouds!
Oh, and this very non-Jo piece of lace? Gorgeous! I totally get how you couldn't resist casting on for such a beautiful shawl!
That's so cool that you have your daughter spinning.
You seem like a good mom to me ;) Like I know any better - I feel I'm doing some stuff wrong with my son when he doesn't nap, won't go to bed, etc... but such an angel when he does sleep - LOL.
The shawl and the shawl color are great!
I love reading about the things you do with your kids! Some of the things (like having them come home for lunch) were things I loved when I was growing up (and that was many years ago).
Last week, when I was reading about Lucas learning English, it occurred to me that English was not your first language! I've been reading your blog for years and the though never crossed my mind (even though I was a teacher).
Whatever you are doing works...so keep doing it!
Jan
Congratulations on six years! You are doing a great job on all fronts in spite of difficulties. Keep on doing it your way, as it is the only way you'll feel comfortable. And remember, you find what you are looking for, so look for the good and the silver lining. It is always there somewhere. Your English is great and so is your knitting.
here's to 6 more years of your energetic, smiley blogging! glad to read about your last trip to Ottawa-- don't carry others' (mis)judgements around with you-- keep on seeing that silver lining. xoxo
Happy blog-iversary!
oops - I tried to post a comment on your "Ottawa" post below but it wouldn't let me. So here it is:
Wow - I can't believe how much your kids have grown! Lucas looks as tall as Zoe now! It looks like you had a fantastic time in Ottawa - I'm envious! When I was there for a week on business, it was the end of November, it rained/sleeted the entire time. I still walked everywhere, though!
Have a great summer and enjoy spending time with those kids!