Friday, February 13, 2009

2009 - FO No. 5


After seeing Jodie's amazing Mary Jane slippers for her daughter last week, I realised that I had the same pattern book (Cleckheaton Handknits to Wrap and Adorn) Book 956 and would knit some up for Isabelle. These were so quick and easy to make taking just one night to knit up. I used some Dazzle acrylic yarn since I thought the wear and tear on these would be quite a bit. Isabelle has worn them twice already and loves them. I even crocheted the straps and edging and dont think I did too bad for a beginner! Perhaps there is hope for me yet to master that craft.
I have to say thank you too for all your concerns as to our family's safety in the bushfire. We are quite safe where we live although we have had a lot of smoke come our way this afternoon which makes it seem all the more worrying for those actually in the fire affected sites. I have to say that I am so very proud of the Australian spirit and the way everyone has got together and donated so many goods and cash, even worldwide too which I am sure everyone appreciates. It wont bring back the lost loved ones of our communities, but it will help ease the burdens a little bit for now and make people more comfortable. I do hope that in a few months time when the shock actually settles in for many people that there is still ongoing support and help. Lachlan's school had a sausage sizzle fundraiser yesterday and today they took in tinned goods and clothes to be taken over to the help centre. Tomorrow I am donating some clothes and bed linen to the Salvos which I hope will help out. So far I have knitted nearly 2 squares, I know not many for me but Isabelle has had a hard time adjusting to school this week for some reason. It started off on Monday with her crying that she had a tummy ache. I took her to the doctors after another day at home and he said it was stress, but didnt know the cause. I dont either to tell you the truth. Yesterday I had to stay with her in the classroom for nearly 3 hours, and when it came time for me to leave she just grabbed onto me and started screaming. The teachers had to hold her back whilst I left nearly in tears and feeling quite sick. She has never ever behaved like that before and now wont let me out of her site. I couldnt even go to the doctor's office last night without her screaming the house down. I felt so sorry for Paul who explained that he needed a break for a bit after dealing with her tears for an hour. I dont know how he would have coped dealing with it for 3 hours yesterday. Today was a bit better until the class bell went and I walked her into class. She wanted me to stay again but I had to be strong and say I was going. She has such sweet little girls in her class too, one of them rubbing her back and telling her she would look after her. I do hope that she gets through this clingy stage with me and makes lots of friends in her class as last year there were older girls who werent very nice in her class. It would be lovely for her (and me too) if she could settle. If anyone out there has any advice for dealing with things like this I would love to hear it. My doctor did say that sometimes these things happen at any grade but I thought she would be okay now since she is in Grade 2. Okay that is it for now. I am off to go and collect her from school and hopefully she will be happy like yesterday afternoon when I picked her up.

19 comments:

Oiyi said...

The mary janes are adorable.

Anonymous said...

On no Sue! Is there anything worse than a child upset at school? Could she possibly have seen the recent news programs and be anxious about all the fires?

Kate said...

I hope she had a better day today. And I hope she has a better week next week.

Anonymous said...

Poor Isabelle, I was thinking the same as Amanda. Maybe she has heard a news snippet about a child losing his/her Mum or Dad in the fire and now she is worried. You will have to reassure her that the fires won't come near you even though you can see/smell the smoke.
The slippers are lovely, did you put something on the bottom to stop her slipping.

PlumStitches said...

great slippers! I hope she had a better day today. It's very upsetting to see them so distressed and not know how to help them.

Unknown said...

poor Isabelle. I wonder what is going on in her mind. Maybe over the weekend she willcalm down a bit and next week will be easier for you both!

Anonymous said...

Cute mary janes!

I sure hope Isabelle is feeling better. How heartbreaking to see your child crying like that.

Sandra said...

MJ are amazing! Wouldn't mind knitting a pair for myself!
Also if I mastered crocheting - anyone could!
And talking about Isabelle - Hedera had similar problem, but her teacher is tough old-school class and she (teacher) dealed it pretty well! Also, since our schools are public (we have private ones, but still publics are much "stronger" and better, believe or not) and parents are not allowed to stay with kids!

Lynne said...

The slippers are so cute. I have that book too so it will be something to add to my queue.

I wish you the best for Isabelle.

Unknown said...

Perhaps it's the fires? and all the tragic news on TV?
I know my son was quite affected after we lost a friend in a car accident. He was really out of sorts then one night when we heard the sirens go off (we live in a rural area) he asked how will we know if it's Dad? I hadn't realised how he was processing the information & sadness around him - he was really worried something might happen to one of his parents.

Michele Saunders said...

The mary janes are adorable! Lovely color!

So sorry to hear about Isabelle. It seems to be a stage she is going through. The only advice I can give is to be patient and just ride it out. Hopefully it is nothing serious.

Anonymous said...

Love the little slippers

Harley went through a stage in grade 1. She complained of sore stomach nearly every school morning, we thought maybe she had become lactose intollerant (since my mother and sister are), put her onto soy and too dairy out. We had one hell of a year with her at school. It turned out. She didnt like her teacher, she wasnt a nice one (Harley is a bit of a high demand student). so maybe its the teacher or another student upsetting her?

I hope everything gets sorted out really soon with Isabelle.

Annie said...

Before I read the comments from the friends of this blog, I too, thought she may be feeling a bit anxious about the bushfire news. Maybe she's scared she won't see you again. Something had to trigger the separation anxiety. Poor thing. I'm a teacher and sometimes I see this behavior in school. I would try to find out what's scaring her. Talk with her rather than avoiding it is my advice. I hope she gets better.
Annie

Jackie said...

cute mary jane slipper. bet they are so warm to wear.

Jodie said...

Great job on the slippers!!! Isn't it just a fantastic pattern... So super quick and easy. Your crochet looks perfect, nobody would be able to tell you're a beginner. :)
I hope Isabelle settles down again at school soon... Well done for getting almost 2 squares knitted up, I've set some yarn aside and hope to get started on a couple at the end of this week too...

Take Care
Jodie :)

Jennifer Halm said...

adorable Mary Janes...and I love the color of the socks below!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for leaving a nice comment and visiting my blog. The little slippers you made are cute! I'm glad to hear that you and your family are safe after such terrible fires in the region. Visit again, and I'll do likewise. Take care.

Ann said...

The Mary Janes look so cute. My daughter cried for 2 whole weeks when she first went to school.

Astrid said...

The slippers are so sweet! You are right to be proud of the Australian spirit down there - we have seen so much about the fires on Danish television, and so many people are behaving quite heroically! I feel so sorry for the people who have been affected by the tragedy! My children aren't old enough to be in school, but my experience from kindergarten is that the signals you send to your child is everything. If you're being uncertain about whether you should leave or stay, she will feel unsecure. I believe strongly that if you leave your child with a warm smile and a face that says "this is a wonderful place to be" you will be giving them faith in themselves and the situation as well. Just my thoughts on the subject - I do hope she becomes fond of her school! By the way, you have me on your blogroll, which I am very greatful for, however I changed my address, and the new blog is found here - just wanted to let you know. :)