Spinning School

Inspired by the books about Martha Morse of Ireland:

We have found a few series of books about the lady ancestors of Laura Ingalls Wilder.  The first set about Martha Morse by Melissa Wiley is historical fiction.  The stories speak so much of spinning and weaving, that it peaked my interest.  The girls have been learning to crochet and so they became interested in spinning as well (and later crocheting the product). 

So, we know a few people with sheep and alpaca and I asked around to see if any would have any wool or fleece to sell to us for our experimenting.  Our friends with alpaca had an unused spinning wheel, just waiting to be learned on and so they invited us over for an afternoon of learning.  We checked out start spinning at the library and a few resources online at:  http://joyofhandspinning.com/.  Kevin's dad made us 2 drop spindles, and our friends provided the alpaca fleece.  I forgot to bring the camera along for the day, but here is the product of our efforts. 

A couple friends with sheep wool were going to let us buy some in the spring.  What fun I've had.  I'll be on the lookout for carders of our own (also found you can use dog grooming combs).  I promised Kj the use of the yarn I am spinning.  It will be fun to see what she comes up with!  

What a Mess

"I don't know L."

"You don't know about what?"

"I don't know.  It's such a mess.  You've got a messy mama."

"Yeah, because you like to make bread, and that makes a big mess."

Thanks for the encouragement L!!  Love you for only seeing the bread making process as our mess around here. 

More Boy

So, I bought a small bin of Legos today for Mn and L.  They were second-hand and so I decided to wash them.  Small bowl, soapy water, let soak.  I was going to then lay them all out on the towel to dry, simple enough.  I let them soak in the sink, in the meantime Mn found the water bottles that the girls forgot to take on their trip with Nana and Bumpa.  He put some water in his mouth and spit into the bowl.  I initially just thought he was spitting into the sink, which by far is better than spitting onto the carpet or the table or down your shirt, etc.  Then I realized that he was spitting into the soapy Lego bowl.  Oh, well, so much for clean toys.  They are currently drying on a towel.  No extra rinsing or re-washing.  Visitors beware.  ;)

*I have decided that if I write little bits, things will actually get written on this blog.

All Boy

What a day we had today!  I have always realized that my little guy, Mn, is more active than his big sisters, but today his boy-ness was even more apparent. 

This weekend he found out about toilet paper rolls and how that tiny roll turns into a huge mound of fluffy white toilet paper.  He decided to try that trick out at home today!  After doing that, he decided to put a cloth in the toilet and try to wash his hair and legs with the newly wet rag.  Bath #1 took place after that.

Next, naptime.  He was asking for a nap all morning because I was spoiling all his fun.  No, you may not shovel the carpet with the fireplace shovel.  No, you may not unbuckle daddy's guitar case. No, no, no.  It was exhausting!

(started this post a couple days ago, it is tiring even recounting all this, much less trying to be clever about it, so here it is)

P.S. There was a bath #2.

My Husband

We were having supper tonight and Kj was talking non-stop.  She was explaining something in very extensive detail and barely taking a breath (or so it seemed).  Once she did stop, or we interrupted her, Kevin started talking as fast and furiously as she had been.  If it were true that men have a quota of words in a day, he may not be able to say anything more for a week.  :)