She and I are also friends on facebook, and she has discovered my 'cool things I've made" album, which led to a discussion on knitting. I showed her Ravelry, and she saw the pattern for the 'Egg to Turtle' softie. That was more awesome than the Frozen flip dolls even. Ever since then she's been asking me WHEN am I going to make her that turtle?! This has led to interesting discussions between her and I (and later Kyle and I as I relate all that happened to him) about fairness (if I make you one I have to make all the kids one) honesty (no you cannot lie to your friends and say that you bought this at a store and I didn't make it for you) and lifestyle (yes I honestly do believe one can get through life without lying, and you should adopt that lifestyle too!) But its also caused me to REALLY REALLY want to make her a turtle as we get closer and she listens and grows. Kyle keeps saying that I have done a good job not having favorites despite the hooligans and angels in the crowd and to not start now. BUT I did find a way to possibly maintain that standard AND still make the girl a turtle. She's going to camp with me along with (hopefully 6 but right now its looking like 1) other girls. That's a more reasonable amount of turtles to knit! They only take a few hours each.
The ladybug is from the same pattern, except I didn't give her a tail, she has icords for bug legs instead of fins, her shell is flatter and her head is bigger - and she has antennae. I'm very proud of her. She was inspired by the youth minister's daughter, who has had a ladybug farm and is now in love with all ladybugs she finds. Since she's four she of course believes that she is the worthy caretaker of all found ladybugs, and is distressed to tears when she accidentally drops and steps on them. Since this causes her new baby brother distress and therefore her parents distress, I thought I could help out by giving her an unkillable and uncrushable ladybug. Cause I'm just an awesome neighbor like that.
Speaking of ladybugs, I wish I had some. The aphids have discovered my tea roses, and I'm not happy about it. They also have some black rust or mold all over the leaves, so altogether they aren't happy. Doesn't stop me from enjoying the blooms, however. But I need to get on the ball and figure out how to stop the aphids and the mold or I won't be enjoying anymore blooms!!! The in-laws are having Memorial-Day-Supper with us tonight, so I combined two pink and a yellow roses with lavender blossoms and if I do say so myself it looks and smells awesome! When you get up close that is. Its a rather tiny arrangement.
Happy Memorial Day, and may your spring continue to be sunny and creative!