First up, Happy Valentine's Day. I hope you all got a little chocolate in your day today. And some hugs and kisses too. I'm full of kisses, if that's possible (that's something we say around here: "Are you down a kiss? Well, let's fill you up!"). The kids are full of candy since every Valentine Liam brought home from his preschool party had some sort of treat taped to it. He was kind enough to open up several lollipops for his sister, who was so pleased to be rich in candy that she gave out many sticky kisses and we all needed a wash. Mark sent flowers (thank you honey) and a box just arrived from Theo Chocolates which I suspect might also be for me (nice). So it's been a good day.
In preparation, yesterday was a Valentine-fest around here.
I so love this kind of craft time. I cut out the big hearts (with deckle scissors, one of the last remnants from my short-lived scrapbooking days), but the essence of this activity is to plop the kids amongst little odds and ends, hand them each a glue stick, and let them go to town. Fun stuff; can't go wrong. Now it's up to me to get them in the mail (if you see your child's name in there, just pretend to be surprised when you get one sometime in May).
Now, down to business. Today is my four-year blogiversary. Unbelievable. You see, this blog started as a way to keep in touch with distant grandparents scrounging for information about baby Liam. Mark doesn't do that sort of information-exchange thing, and I wasn't good at keeping track of who was told what, so a blog seemed ideal.* The point is that, in the beginning, this blog was made up of bland little stories about Liam that were really only of interest to his grandparents and the kindest of my friends. It was inevitable that after a while I would began to resent those happy little stories and write from the perspective of a sometimes cranky, sometimes frustrated, and more-than-just-a-mom me.
At the time, of course, I had no idea that I would end up in blogland, full of real "imaginary" friends with tremendously interesting ordinary lives and very generous natures. Because I'm so thankful you are out there, even after a few bunch of prolonged absences, I am having my first ever contest, complete with prizes. They're from my stash, but still: free yarn! It's a really easy contest too: use the comments and just say hello. On Monday I'll put the commenters' names in a hat and draw one.
As for the prizes: if you are a knitter, I'll send off your choice of either two skeins of these:
In color 601 Khaki, which is long discontinued and might never have actually existed other than in my own stash. If Kidsilk Haze makes your fingers crawl, how about one skein (enough for a pair of socks or even a BSJ) of this:
Lonesome Stone Mountain Feet in color High Country Vineyard. I figure most of you out there are NOT like me (both sock- and haze-challenged), and will make good use of these neglected yarns.
If you are NOT a knitter (and I know you are out there), please say hello too. If you win, I I'll make it worth your while. I will not, say, browse around our Goodwill pile and select a few cast-offs. I'll go to a real store, I promise. Although there is a lot of chocolate around here...
*For the life of me, I can't recall where I'd heard of such of thing as a blog.... (updated to add: knitting blogs, that's it - I was reading knitting blogs at work - ha!).
Happy Blogiversary!!! I love reading your blog and I would love the try out the Kidsilk if I win!! I've never used it before, so that would be so much fun.
Happy Valentine's Day too!
Posted by: Monica | February 14, 2008 at 04:13 PM
Hello Kathy, What a novel idea; inspired.I so enjoy reading about the children...the knitting....your real life. Happy Valentines Day. I too have roses...beautiful roses with scent! We have Ashley's Geoff here on an externship and that is great. Linden is diving off the Great Barrier Reef and I can't wait for her blog entries. So life is filled with love,
And I send lots to you all,Sue
Posted by: sue | February 14, 2008 at 04:29 PM
Happy 4th blogiversary! Those Valentines are too cute.
Posted by: Jodi | February 14, 2008 at 04:43 PM
dont want to win anything just want to say it is good to read your blog and to see how cute your kids are becoming. Esp like the one of Oliva talking. Happy new house--may your time spent there be joyous for you all. have missed your blog....keep it up love, jane
Posted by: Jane | February 14, 2008 at 04:54 PM
Happy Blogiversary. I love hearing all about your life and what you do too so keep on blogging. Ooh a contest, what fun. I really like the purple yarn, it looks so nice.
Posted by: sue | February 14, 2008 at 05:14 PM
Four years is FOREVER!! Congrats.
I am so glad you're back - you're like one of three people who visit my blog! When you go missing, not only is your blog quiet, but so is mine. :) Welcome back.
Posted by: Nadine | February 14, 2008 at 05:31 PM
Happy Valentine's Day and Happy Blogivarsary! You are so much better than me...we went to Target and Connor picked out some cheap, ugly TV show inspired Valentines. Yours are SOOO much better! :)
Posted by: Kristin | February 14, 2008 at 05:34 PM
Happy Valentine's Day. My little one got her first cards today and made heart sugar cookies. Congratulations on blogging for four years. How is your Lady of the Lake jacket coming? I have the kit but not the time right now. Hopefully I would have commented anyway but the thought of a little KSH is good for motivation too! I am currently working a shaw in Elann's Silken Kydd and loving it.
Posted by: Page | February 14, 2008 at 05:35 PM
Happy Valentine's Day and Happy Blogivarsary! Connor's friends got crappy store valentines...next year I'll have to make cute ones! :) I love those!
Posted by: Kristin | February 14, 2008 at 05:41 PM
Happy blogiversary and Valentine's Day!
I remember making Valentine's cards like that... but it's been a while.
Posted by: Nicole | February 14, 2008 at 05:57 PM
I don't need any pretty, precious yarn, but I did want to say I hope you like that Seattle chocolate. Happy v-day!
Posted by: Daphne | February 14, 2008 at 06:40 PM
Happy Valentine's Day! I'm so glad to have found you and your blog. xoxo
Posted by: Karma | February 14, 2008 at 09:11 PM
Dude. The lurkers came out of the woodwork! :) That must feel good to know so many people love reading your blog. :)
Happy Blog-versary and happy valentine's. Loved the "down a kiss" story. :)
Posted by: Holly Jo | February 14, 2008 at 09:39 PM
Oh - I love contests! I'll call you soon. Love, Kel
Posted by: Kelly P | February 14, 2008 at 09:53 PM
What! No sticky-faced chilluns in this one?
Hi there. I had no idea it had been so long. Lucky grandparents : )
Posted by: stefaneener | February 14, 2008 at 11:13 PM
Hello...so where IS this new house anyway?
BTW I am as large as a house.
Kari
Posted by: Kari | February 15, 2008 at 07:03 AM
Hello, I'd like to try the kidsilk haze. Congratulations on 4 years! I hope I can go that long on mine.
Posted by: Katie | February 15, 2008 at 08:53 AM
Just look at all the comments...that's what a contest will do ;)
4 years, really?! I just started reading about a year ago. I didn't know I got to the party that late.
I've never used Kidsilk Haze...always wanted to.
Posted by: Stacey | February 15, 2008 at 10:42 AM
Yeah, I don't need to win anything either (HI JANE!) but seriously. Dude. It's good to have you back. <3
Posted by: Shannon | February 15, 2008 at 11:33 AM
Happy Valentine's Day/Blogversary! I don't need to win anything either as I have not knit much at all lately and all I have every really knit are scarves. Hope you guys are all doing well, I can't wait to see you in the Summer! Hope to talk soon
Love Meredith
Posted by: Meredith | February 15, 2008 at 01:31 PM
Make my prize a current pic of the kids. This blog has been our continual lifeline to our grandkids so don't stop! Bobby
Posted by: Mary Maddox | February 15, 2008 at 04:06 PM
I am glad to see you are back posting. I met you at your Aunt Sue's in the fall and check your blog often to keep up with the your activities. It is full of wonderful memories and will be a treasure for your family to enjoy.
I can't believe how prolific your knitting is! You are an inspiration. I finally did manage to finish the Fleece Artist blanket I was making and sent it to my mother. She was able to use it before she died in Nov. I have started another but the going is slow...
There aren't many things as exciting as buying a new house and making it your own. Have fun and keep posting.
Posted by: mo | February 16, 2008 at 07:28 AM
I just want to let you know that I am so thankful that you have continued beyond the absences to blog. I love hearing about what's up with you guys.
Congratulations on the Blogiversary Sweetie Pie.
Posted by: knittingnurse | February 16, 2008 at 09:47 PM
Well - I have to comment but preface by ...you are off the hook for me also - the prize is my being part of your life. I have to get back into finishing a knitting project that I have on the go that is not difficult but takes just an insy winsy bit of concentration. Too much for me apparently.
Loving you and yours!!!
Judy
Posted by: Judy | February 17, 2008 at 11:30 AM
Happy blogiversary- 4 is impressive!
Posted by: Samantha | February 18, 2008 at 02:01 PM