Happy New Year!

What a great year 2008 has been!  It is almost 2009, and I'm thinking about resolutions.  Last year I made very concrete resolutions: give up meat and learn to knit.  Well, check and check!  It has been almost 1 year since I had any pork, chicken or beef.  I feel great and think I'll continue this diet for a while longer.  Amanda and I made the resolution together, it has been great to have someone to lean on when the bacon craving got strong.

It has been a crafty year for me too!  I've always loved to use my hands, but having wee ones has surely resolved my urge to make things.  I learned how to use a sewing machine and how to knit!  I made a little quilt, countless applique projects and knitted goodies.

So, what shall I pledge for the new year?  Hmmmm, I am at a loss...I have the usual: be more patient, eat more locally, buy less, save more...but I do not need an impending new year to make those promises to myself.  I make them all the time.  I think in 2009 I will try to floss more, love more, enjoy more life.  That's it.  Let's be grateful and happy in the New Year friends and family.  Happy New Year.

Woolen Wonder!

First a little pic of Mia snuggling on the couch...

Then my boy in his new woolen underwear!
I love these nappy pants!  They are so warm and soft.  Plus, he looks so darn cute in them!
I think he likes them too!
Hooray for woolens and keeping warm.  I got some new silk long underwear too--but I'll spare you all the pics...it is not nearly as cute! Ha.

The festivites continue...

These are my children at 8 am on Christmas morning.  Ha!  Another Christmas where Tom & I are up first--waiting for the kids!  Mia woke up around 8:15 am, very excited to see if Santa had indeed arrived.  Of course he had!  She was delighted to see that he had eaten the cookies & even left a note!

She was thrilled that Santa did not forget Kirsten, he brought her a Santa Lucia gown and tray of buns.  Mia is enchanted with the idea of being the "eldest" daughter for next Santa Lucia Day (next december!)
We didn't make her wait for her brother to start opening her gifts!  Good thing!  He didn' get up until well after 9 am!  She "helped" him with his new book, "Corgiville Fair," exclaiming "Tasha Tudor?"  "We love Tasha Tudor!"  Yes we do!  
Benjamin and Mia looked so sweet in their matching Christmas jammies....
They loved the stable...in fact they are playing with it now, as I type.
After our little Christmas, Meme, Grand dad, Uncle Gordon and Uncle David arrived for brunch. We exchanged presents and played for hours.  How lucky are we to have the ability to share the day with both sides of our family!  We headed to my parents for Christmas dinner and a nice visit with Grammie, Poppie, Auntie, Mimi and TG...and more presents!    

The day was nice...minor melt downs and sugar highs and crashes a long the way, but very nice filled with beautiful woolens and wooden toys, books, crafts and other inspired gifts, good food, family and friends.

Thanks to all who helped make it special.  I truly appreciate everyone's efforts in voting for craftspeople & "good" companies with their Christmas dollar!    

Christmas Eve Festivities

What a whirlwind christmas celebration!  We started Christmas Eve afternoon at my parents house for presents & cheer...

Benji loved to drag the bags around the house, he doesn't really understand the concept of opening presents, so he is so "lucky" to have a willing big sister "help" him open his gifts!
After presents at my parents, we headed, as usual, to the Soucy's for dinner and good times with great friends.  Look at Dave & Benji!  Benji wore that bow on his head for the better part of the evening!  What a cute little "present!"
The kids love the piano!  
Then into Christmas jammies!  They were so excited!  We came home around 9pm, with Benji asleep, Mia & I sprinkled reindeer food on the yard and left cookies and milk for Santa.  After Mia fell asleep, Tom & I set out presents and filled stockings and fell asleep...I woke up over and over again ready to see the kids on Christmas morning...they slept all night....more on that to come!

Candy house

Christmas Eve seems to last forever--at least to Mia it does!  To help pass the time we made a "gingerbread" cottage...

It was an easy and fun project for us, made with store bought graham crackers and even (gasp) store bought icing, we had fun decorating and eating with candy.
Look at the proud architect herself!  Don't mind the frosting on her face!  Happy Christmas eve friends!

Waiting....

I guess we've been amiss in having company over for dinner, because last night as we waited for the Sevins to come over for dinner, my children could not help themselves.  They pulled chairs to the door to be on the "lookout."  Ok, I get it...we'll  have people over more often!

Mia & Cameron exchanged presents and then played with toys quite nicely...
Benji "modeling" his new diaper...doesn't he look thrilled?  Ha....He hates to get a diaper on (and clothes on too!)  He looks pretty cute in his new Etsy-made diaper!  Thanks Amanda & Damey!  
Even though Amanda was still feeling sick, we had a nice visit & dinner...it felt good to have friends over the house again.  Watch out now--the invites will be flying!

Oh the weather outside was frightful...

But the Soucy party was so delightful!

We braved quite a storm to head out to the Soucy Family Annual party!  We wouldn't miss it for anything!

Sandi & Dave are the best hosts...they provide plenty of food, music, drinks and holiday cheer!
Benji was enthralled with Lee, and the piano...he also loved watching the birds at the feeder.
Mia monopolized Auntie KJ's time and affection...she relishes time with these special friends...as do I!
Of course, no Soucy party would be without carols by the piano!  Thanks TG for playing so well...we all needed a dose of O Holy Night...Even with just 2 Soucy brothers present it was beautiful...a magical tradition.
The holidays are upon us...happy winter solstice friends...the light will come back!  I am trying to savor the season...despite the pressure to get everything ready and done.  My house is less than perfect, the dishes will wait, but holiday memories are fleeting and special.  Merry Christmas.

Let the festivities begin!

Last night we braved the storm!  We headed across town to help my parents decorate their tree!  Enticed by dinner and wine, we had a wonderful time...thanks Grammie & Poppie!

Mia took her role as a tree-trimmer very seriously!
Benji enjoyed himself as well...he particularly like to hide the ornaments--great.
Mia took over as the one who puts the angel on top of the tree...Auntie was a very big girl for letting Mia do it! hee hee...

Next, I guess we should decorate our little tree--but first off to see the Nutcracker we go!

A girl and her doll...

I bet you think I'm talking about Mia huh? Well, this story starts with me, in 1987. A few months before my eigth birthday I saw Kirsten, the American girl of swedish decent. I was absolutely in love with her. However, she was expensive--$80! By 1987 standards that is very expensive. I started to save my money, by my birthday I had $40 saved and was still enamored by Kirsten. After my birthday party, when all the guests had left, my parents pulled out one more box to open! I saw the long box and started to cry....I knew Kirsten was in there! I proceeded to love her and collect all her clothes and accessories long after my friends traded dolls for teen bop magazines. (I can admit that now!) I saved carefully all her things in a trunk that my grandfather made for Kirsten and me.

Flash forward 21 years, Mia discovers Kirsten at my parent's house and falls in love with her. Due to her advancing years, Kirsten needed a stay at the American Girl Doll Hospital (I'm serious--it exists), she went in for a full cleaning and a lazy-eye correction! Mia and Grammie lovingly wrapped her up and sent her to the hospital in Wisconsin...and she arrived home yesterday. Mia is so happy to have her "Kristen" back, and is busy planning an elaborate "welcome home" party.

For me, I am so happy to see my daughter love Kirsten as I did. It feels quite special indeed.

Mia anxiously opens the box...
The first welcome home hug...Kirsten arrived in a hospital gown, with a hospital bracelet, a get well soon balloon and a certificate of good health! Those American Girl people really get how much a child can love a doll...
Re-united and it feels so good!

We will get out of our jammies today!

My week by the numbers:  days spent in jammies: 5, days at work (Kim): 3, days at work (Tom): 2 1/2, doses of ammoxicillan: 30, times being vomited on: 3, hours spent on couch: innumerable.

Yup, the Lynch children were down for the count!  I am happy to report that today they will get out of their jammies!  Hooray.  In between hours of Angelina Ballerina and Horton Hears a Who, they did manage to play a bit...here Mia is singing to her Baby....Benjamin following her around (of course).

He was still smiling despite the double ear infections (and the ensuing tummy troubles)!
He imitates his sister by putting his dolly to bed!
Even Zola got into the lounging action...oh wait, he does that everyday...oh to be a big fat cat....

We are healed and ready to face the world now....well, maybe that is a bit premature, but we are definitely wearing real clothes today!

What have I been doing???

Mostly, I've been holding down the fort and trying to maintain some semblance of order...I've been only mildly successful...Benjamin has been sick....poor baby.   Mia has been coping by doing some creative activities....what a good little Lynch!

Here she is painting...the dining room is trashed...oh well.
Here is her picture of a stage during a dance recital...
Ooh, it is rotated, but here is her first "landscape"  I love the sun!
Oh yeah...while the cat's away, the mice eat pizza!  Yahoo...pizza party.  

Tom we've missed you....we're all so glad you're coming home today!  Hooray!  Safe journey.
Oh and a pre-sickness pic of the cuteness we call Benj.

Welcome December!

I hope everyone had a wonderful and reviving Thanksgiving feast and break.  I spent a lot of time with my family...it was lovely.

Now we set our sights on winter and Christmas.  Welcome December!

Winter Snow

O where do you come from

You little flakes of snow

Falling, falling, softly falling

On the earth below?

On the trees and on the bushes

On the mountains afar

Tell me snow flakes do yo come from

Where the angels are?

-Snow song, Festivals Family and Food

Special Happy Birthday to Amanda...happy birthday dear friend.

Sharing a meal...

Sharing a meal together...

We gather 'round this table,

where bodies are renewed,

where hearts appease their hunger,

for we feast on more than food.

-Waldorf meal blessing

Happy Thanksgiving friends and family.  I hope everyone shares a meal with loved ones where bodies and souls are nourished.

With love,

Kim

Lynch Children at Play...

Here are some snap shots of Benjamin & Mia at play this weekend...

Benji plays peek-a-boo between my chair & ottoman (sweet sweater Benj)!
Mia in full dress up regalia...thanks to Auntie KJ for her "new" sarongs!

My two little ones in their "fort."  
In closing, a special candle of remembrance for our friends the Chapmans.  We are thinking about you... 

Camp Mimi

We've started the process of cleaning out Mimi's house and preparing it for the new owners.  This is an arduous process filled with fustration (she really saved everything!) and sentiment (she really saved everything!).  We all have a bit of a heavy heart selling the place where so many memories were made.  Intellectually, we can all agree that Mimi needs a smaller place, closer to us not in the woods...but emotionally I want Camp Mimi!  I want the rambling stone wall, the overgrown blackberry bushes, the dirt road, the acres of woods and the peacefulness of a country retreat.  Yes, I am romanticizing it...but a part of me is really dreading letting go of a place where rootbeer floats were snack, there was always dessert and cookies, and craft time was all the time!

We used to always go to Mimi & Poppa's house for Thanksgiving.  Each year, Mom & Dad would drag Kaitlyn and I outside for the "Christmas Photo."  Kaitlyn and I laughed remembering all the forced smiles and freezing times as we played with Mia & Ben outside and set them up for some re-created pictures!  On the big rock?  Check.  

Playing in front of the stone wall. Check.
Being silly despite the freezing temps...check & check.  Thanks Auntie for the help...I can't believe how overgrown the boulder in back is.

Have a nice weekend friends...enjoy some family time and stay warm up here in NH!  

They do exist...

About two months ago we adopted two sister kittens...and nobody believed us!   For nearly two months we hardly saw them!  Now, they are getting more friendly, but are still more nocturnally orientated.  Here is Frida, named in honor of Frida Kahlo.  She is all black, except for a few stray white hairs on her chest...very cute.

And here is her sister, Camille, named after Camille Claudel.  She is all silvery grey.  She is slightly more timid--but a purr machine!
They like to join me on my chair at night, while I knit, or watch tv, or nurse Benji (or do all three....would I dare?)  They enjoy tormenting poor Zola, who gets his revenge by tackling them.   They are scared to death of Benjamin, who would like nothing more that to squish them.  Mia thinks they are "so ador-able."
So there you have it--proof, they exist...now we have 3 cats...2 kids, and 2 parents.  That's good for now, don't you think?