I love the pebble vest. I knit my baby boy (who isn't quite the baby anymore, but the curious and oh so busy toddler at 21 months) when he was 3 months. I really loved knitting it. It's the sweetest thing on. That little boy is one lucky fella with a soulemama made vest of his own...and yes, I agree that earns you snuggle rights! - Samya

Oh, we know the feeling of digging posts. Thankfully we have a very kind farmer, actually it's his son, who is ever so kind to bring his tracker with post hole digger over and dig holes for us. Love friendly neighbors. In return we always send them over eggs. I always thought it odd that they don't have chickens. Speaking of chickens, what feed do you give to your layers? thanks. enjoy your new pasture. - Samya

pps. I love the new simplistic look of the blog!

It's my favorite dance, the 'September Shuffle'. Through all the business, it's my favorite time of year, next to October. Enjoy the time...it never seems long enough. Oh, and a Very Happy Birthday, Amanda! - Samya ps. lovely photos Ada! I think you have your mother's eye. ;)

Sound wonderful! - Samya

such lovely work! - Samya

It's amazing how a child can go about putting things together so effortlessly and easily, where as adults we always over think everything we do. Second guessing ourselves. I wish it was simple to think like a child again. I am really loving the new quilt. Such a wonderful collection of fabric patterns and colors. I bet Ezra can give you more thoughts on how to bring it all together. As I look at the finished square, I wonder how it would look to continue almost like a log cabin, where the square next to it would be lighter outside and then darker in the center....just a thought. Good luck, and have fun with it! - Samya ps. I was told hairspray may help get that permanent marker out of fabric...it's worth a try.

Lovely artwork! - Samya

Beautiful yarn! With hints of Autumn in the air and in the trees, I have the itch to knit. Missing my knitting needles and some new yarn. - Samya

I pray the worst is behind you all, and you and your family continue to feel much better, and heal quickly! I always love to read about the ways your lifestyle brings such down-to-earth gratitude. It's grounding, and a very present way of living, which I inspire to. Side note, I love your garden basket. Ive seen you use it many times, never once asking where you got it, but would love to know if you remember. I also wanted to ask, if your up to answering, about the freezer use you. To accommodate your freezer full of meat, fruits and veggies, and probably much more, what's size of freezer do you use? I also have a big family, and have been considering doing meat chickens, but need a place for storage before we consider. Recommendations? Healing thoughts are being sent your way, - samya

Oh, Amanda, I so know how you feel right now. I am, as I type, laying on the couch ill, sipping on a cup of lemon verbena and honey tea and nibbling on dry toast. As you said, it must be grace, for I too am the last to get sick, after my four children and husband hand their turn over the last seven days. That bug is definitely making it's way around. Hope we both feel better by tomorrow! Take care, - samya

Such wonderful fabric! - Samya

I love the look of awe on Ezra's face. His enthusiasm is infectious. Another hobby I would love to learn and do...some day! - Samya ps: Great photos!

Such a lovely store, and such a generous offer! - Samya

Sounds like a lot of fun to be had! Enjoy yourself, and have a safe trip there...and back! No worries on our end...You are leaving us in quite capable hands ;) But, you will be missed, none the less. - Samya

What a great spot to write and draw! Here is my moment. My twins at the kiddy playground...are they getting to old for the playground already?! How they spent some of their time there: http://samyarafferty.typepad.com/blog/2012/05/this-moment.html - Samya

Oh, I was just checking back hoping to see the tutorial for these seersucker baby pants up...I so want to make them for the spring/summer for my boy. Is this something your plan on posting?? Can you please update us on this? Thanks

Well, I took kind of a hiatus from the kitchen this weekend to get our garden dug and tilled. But, there is also lots of eggs here, too! Although no serious cooking was done, there were always eggs to eat on hand. Love my eggs. It's always a great and easy go to snack/meal in one :) But, I'm back to the kitchen, surrounded by seedlings growing and getting ready to be planted. As well boxes for new lights, and paint...and soon a new (old repurposed) butcher block for my island going in my kitchen...it's a pretty busy place in this kitchen of ours, too! - Samya

Such lovely days! We planted several trees in our orchard between already mature apple and cherry tree planted by a previous owner on our new farm. It was wonderful and slow, with many a kid wanting to help dig, or pick worms from the holes for fishing n the pond later. But, thankfully we also had an extra set of adult hands in the form of my parents, which helped pick up the pace. We also worked on our first real garden this weekend, plotting and digging the beds preparing them for planting soon enough. Really looking forward to days being spend in my seriously large garden...love! Continue enjoying the slow pace. - Samya

Love...many of my etsy favorites are Woolen Moss apparel! - Samya

How exciting! which makes me all the more excited. For we are getting our first bees at the beginning of June. Seems so long away :( Can I ask if your bees, the new and the old, are any particular variety? Have fun beekeeping! Such delight! - Samya

Lovely! - Samya

Is that some Lotta Jansdotter I see in the form of a disagreeable skirt? I have a couple yards of the same fabric that I have still have no plans for yet, but a skirt might be an option! I'm in the process , or was, of some spring sewing for myself until I found that I don't have enough tracing paper :( Time for another trip to the fabric store (that I was just at yesterday) this weekend . Happy sewing (hopefully)! - Sam

Spring!! It surely is heartwarming! - Samya

So touching! Truly there is no loss without life, no dark without light. And, after such heartbreaking losses, you are brought life, and light, and rebirth in such a beautiful form...two sweet lambs. Such joy! Welcome Charlotte and Anne! (Love your name choice) I love how absolutely happy you look in that photo, Amanda! It made me smile back. I wish you such joy in your life every day :) - Samya