Busy days!

I haven't written in a long time, and tomorrow is Violet's birthday which means when I post tomorrow, I'm only going to want to talk about her!  I recently took up knitting as a hobby and have been very preoccupied with that.  I had decided when we moved here that I'd have to learn how to crotchet or knit so that I could have as many cute scarves and hats as I want, but at a fraction of the cost.  Well, I am definitely NOT a crotcheter, my skills with one little hook are quite dismal, but, to my surprise, I'm catching on to knitting quite well.  I'm still a beginner, that's for sure, but I've managed several scarves, and stuffed lamb, some booties of different shapes and sizes, and I'm working on a blanket for Holly's baby.  I actually really enjoy it, it's relaxing.  Nothing that's supposed to be relaxing has ever been relaxing to me before.  So with that new hobby I've acquired a lot of yarn that began to take over our living areas which wasn't pretty.  So I built a little working area for myself in our basement (which is unfinished) which took a couple days and is now quite cozy and enjoyable.  Our cats live in the basement (they like it, I don't make them) but they enjoy my company, and it's nice to see them more often as well.  And then, I got this itch to paint some furniture that I've got, two tables, that I got for free, and a desk that was 10 dollars at a yard sale, so I went to home depot and bought some paint (which was surprisingly expensive altogether) and have spent the day painting away.  I don't know if anyone else will like the colors I picked, but I do so that's all that matters!  So as you can see, I've been genuinely busy.  Plus, last week Violet got sick for the first time, and then passed it on to me, and then on to Ben, and now possibly Karl, so that's occupied a lot of my time as well! 

Joe and Ben are both doing really well at school.  When they started at this school they were technically 6 months behind because it's year round school and their track started last July I think, but they're almost completely caught up, in one short month!  They're both making friends and behaving very well consistently, so that is a source of joy in my life.  Ben is sounding out words and reading short books, and Joe is making a really good effort!  Sam is my little chef, and is always in the kitchen when I am helping and truly learning, it's so cute.  I picked up a registration packet for him today, he'll be starting kindergarten in just a few months!  

 So to anyone who checks my blog tonight, check again tomorrow or the next day because I'm going to put pictures of the BIRTHDAY GIRL up!