Winter Wonderland

Although a hectic start to winter, with house floods and fender benders we have managed to still enjoy playing outside. The boy loves sliding this year and is all about building forts and making snow angels.





I am super excited for Christmas this year. Jack has asked for Robots and candy canes. He was posing like a model for these pictures and was cracking me up.

I would post belly pictures, but I absolutely hate seeing myself pregnant. I am 30 weeks and probably in denial that this baby is coming soon. We have pretty much decided on Charlotte Alise for the name. We have no good ultrasound pics maybe next month we may finally catch a glimpse of her face.

Fall Rules

I finally got my camera and pics situated. This was our trip to the orchard. We love fall!

It's a girl

I found out yesterday that we are having a girl in February. We are very excited, I feel so blessed. Since we have gotten our new laptop, I haven't figured out how to get my pictures from my camera onto my comp. I am not very computer savy. I desperately need to because of all the wonderful things that I am hoping to crochet and sew for this baby. It is going to be my project this afternoon. So hopefully I can post some pics soon.

Another month

Bless me website for I have sinned, it has been one month since my last blog. It is not like I have great excuses. I have been really enjoying fall. Making lots of festive foods. I am thinking I might turn into a Macintosh apple, or a can of pumpkin.

We have also been battling illness. Last week my boy had a mysterious fever but no other really obvious symptoms. Till Mama comes down with a whole body ache, then whole body itch and painful rash on my hands. Apparently it is Hand, foot and mouth disease, and it is usually only common in children or pregnant women with low immunity. All in all we are well. We will be continuing our fall activities and maybe I will get a chance to post um.

Seriously Summer Slumped

So the last time I blogged was in June. I was complaining about my month slump, which in turn has stretched into a summer slump. It is not like I have been doing nothing, we have actually been very busy this summer. Between camping, softball, traveling to NH and house repairs, we really have had no down time. What little downtime I have had, I have been busy creating a human in my uterus. That's right we are having number 2. I have completed the first trimester and have some returned energy. I have an overload of fall ideas to cook and create. I am hoping that I will no longer go through these terrible slumps, and neglect my blog. I guess only time will tell.

This picture was taken on Jack's 3rd birthday. A wonderful moment of rest captured by my MIL.

Month Slump

After not posting for a month, I have decided it is sheer laziness. So in an attempt to make up for my blog laziness. Jack's godmother spoils him with random gifts, like this mini Adirondack rocking chair. After a few coats of stain. Voila!

First sweaters

Well it has been a long time since I have blogged. We have been very busy with summer activities, and house repairs. I have had time to crochet 2 sweaters. Though I have yet to tackle the adult sweater I had practice on these darling Baby Kimono Wrap by Susanne Visch. It is a pattern that I got from ravelry I believe.

I am also enjoying the peonies that have recently bloomed in my yard. God bless the previous owners of the house for planting random perennials around the property. I have this to stare at while we eat stuffed shells for dinner. I have never made them before, so hopefully they will turn out.

busy spring

I have been in a crafting funk. It seems like I have many projects and ideas but no inspiration to start something. I can't decide if it's because it's so nice outside and it feels wrong to be crocheting/sewing etc.

We have been enjoying the newest edition to our house.

We haven't done much else but play with his new swingset/playhouse. Hopefully the creative juices will start flowing again.

My stylist

Jack's new favorite pastime, doing Daddy's hair. He squirts and dry's and combs. It's too cute!

Time to get back

After chatting with Julia at work today, I realized that I love camp and can't wait to go back and relax. Hard not to with a view like this. Can't wait to sit in the canoe on the pond, listening for the fish to swirl and jump all around me. I need to go fishing and soon.

Another adorable pattern

I just finished Laura's V neck Capelet. It was a fun pattern, and I got to practice my shells. I decided to make a matching hat. I believe I used the same yarn as her pattern suggested but this seems larger than hers. Thanks again Laura for the pattern.

vintage gem

I was cleaning my sons closet today. Which might seem like a small task, but not when his closet is half the size of his room. I found some interesting things. I had kept every piece of paperwork from when he came home from the hospital, pictures and manuals from when he was a baby and this vintage quilt.

It was made for my mothe,r for my baby shower, by the women who lived in our hometown of Wanakena. Each square designed by a different person. It is appliqued and signed by the woman who made it. I have been thinking about doing more quilting. I think this was a sign, to get the gears turning to make my own quilt. I call it vintage because it is 28 years old, that is vintage right?

Mistakes work out

Thanks to the generous Laura, I have completed another of her patterns. I ran out of yarn so it kind of turned into a little girls shrug after starting out as a vest. I finally found use for my gigantic pink buttons and added a flower. It is darling maybe someday I will find a little girl that could use my crocheted goodies. I am also in the process of adding my projects to ravelry. I am slightly moronic when it comes to those sorts of things.

Pattern by Laura Hooker

I have attempted multiple times to download this picture to facebook and here. For some reason it is turned and I can't figure out how it turned. I had a lovely time using Laura Hooker's pattern. It is so adorable. I added a sage colored ribbon. I am not sure if this would even fit a newborn, maybe a doll perhaps. Her directions were fantastic, better than most that I have found on the internet. I am now attempting Laura's scoop neck vest, I am sure the pattern will be just as fantastic as this one was. Thank you Laura for keeping my crochet habit intact.

My Best friend Mary's Bag

I am so happy that I had an afternoon to sew. I was feeling that I wanted to make a quilted/applique type bag, for my friend Mary. I got this idea from sew mama sew blogs scrap buster tutorial for a fall pillowcase. I used heat and bond for the first time today, it went fairly well.


She prefers a longer shoulder strap bag

The lining is batik. Her birthday is not until the 16th, but I don't think I can wait.

baby blanket complete

I have slowly been working on a baby blanket. I am not usually a big fan of crocheted blankets, I picture all the the Afghans that my godmother made me as a child.

It is Alicia Paulsons Tiramisu Baby Blanket pattern that I found on ravelry.com. I changed some of the edging because the Suede is so thick.

It is crocheted with Lion Brand Suede and accented with sage colored Bernat bamboo yarn. It is very heavy and soft. It has it's mistakes but it was enjoyable to work on.

Lovely Easter

We had a lovely day looking for eggs. Playing with the new goodies the Easter bunny brought and visiting my Grandparents in Lyon Mt. I have a few great pictures to share of our day playing.

Yes those are the stickers that the Easter bunny brought, on his forehead.

Mommy and Jack playing outside.

It was a wonderful day, and I hope the Easter's in the future are as lovely as this one.

Wishful thinking

There are so many adorable patterns to crochet for females. I decided to have some wishful thinking and make a little girl hat, with brim. It can easily have the flower removed.

It is the first time I have worked with cotton. I am glad I stocked up on some to make some more of these adorable Cheri Hats pattern by Jennifer Harrell.

Springtime Memories

I can't believe what a difference a year makes in a child's development. Here Jack is last spring, enjoying the high water of the river, and dragging his wagon through the snow.

This spring we are enjoying new adventures outside, and trying to dress ourselves for outdoors. I have to give him credit for trying to get himself ready for playing outside. So he forgot his pants. He is turning into a little man and it is a joy to watch.

Finally a finished project.

I have been having issues finishing crochet projects. This week I decided to try a go at some baby items. The first sweater failed. So I thought that I would try a hat from a pattern I got for free from Lion Brand. com.

It fits my friend Samantha's baby boy Colton. He is a smiley little love. I really dig the brim on the hat!

Change

Spring is time for change!

New bed for the boy



Devoting time outside and not in front of the TV

I have also decided to try a new focus for crocheting. The sweater is being put away for awhile. It is completly frustrating me. I am starting a collection of baby items. We are trying for baby number 2 and I am starting some new projects. A challenge for gender neutral at this point, but I can't wait to see what comes of the new yarn I bought today.

important lessons

I have learned a few new important life lessons.

#1. I will never eat spaghetti sauce from a jar. The smell of the meat and vegetables sauteing was delightful. Not to mention the taste.

# 2. Never crochet using a small plastic needle. It will break on you, when you don't want it too. Like say when you are on your second attempt at your sweater.

And so it goes...

So the weekend plan to finish the sweater is long gone. I decided after having it crocheted to the point to put my arms in the holes, it was more of a dress size. It was super long, and the cowl was gigantic. So I tore a months worth of work apart.

Lesson learned that gauge is extremely important when making a sweater. I am starting over and using a smaller hook. So hopefully a month from now, I will have a finished product.

Bedroom nook

The new crochet nook in the corner of my bedroom is complete, with new chair, new ottoman and a cup of fresh brewed tea from one of my favorite mug.

This is the old view. Now it is understandable why a makeover was necessary.

I am hoping to get some nook time this weekend and finish the sweater that has been haunting me.

Free styling

I am still waiting for yarn to finish my sweater that will be a weekend project (hopefully, snail mail allowing). I the meantime, I decided to modify a Tam hat pattern that I have. I didn't want it to beret-ish, just so that if I am wearing a hat, I can tuck my hair in it. Here is the finished product.

Behind me is the sneak peek of my new chair for my bedroom crochet nook. I will have a complete before and after picture in the next blog.

taking a break

I have been at a standstill with my sweater endeavours. It sits sadly in my current crochet project basket, waiting for some more yarn.

In the meantime, I created a pink cloche for my friends niece. She apparently has a large head for a four year old. They find it hard to find little girly girl hats to fit her. This hat stretches to fit and fits my head. I am currently searching for the next new thing I want to create until my yarn arrives.

Recipe that no one should live without

I have a tendency to subscribe to a multitude of magazines. I have collected over the years lots of recipes, to which I tear out and add to my recipe box.

The purpose of this box is to try recipes and decide as to whether the recipe is a keeper or not. My husband enjoys being a taste tester, I tend to add pounds to him in the winter. This recipe stood out in my mind. It has odd ingredients, Sour Cream???

Best-selling crumb cake

makes: 25 servings ( I should have looked at this before I made it)

prep:25 minutes

bake: 350 for 35 minutes.

Cake:

1 box yellow cake mix (18.5ozs.)

1 1/4 cups sour cream

1/3 cup vegatable oil

3 eggs

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp nutmeg

Crumb topping:

3 3/4 cups of all purpose flour

3/4 cup packed light brown sugar

2 tsp cinnamon

1/2tsp nutmeg

1 1/2cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, melted

Sour cream glaze:

10tbsp confectioner sugar

2 tbsp of sour cream

1. Heat oven to 350. Grease a 15x10x1 inch baking pan. Lightly dust pan with flour and shake out excess flour.

2. For cake: combine cake mix , sour cream, oil, eggs, cinnamon and nutmeg in large bowl. beat according to package directions. Pour batter into prepared pan.

3. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

4. Meanwhile for topping blend flour sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and melted butter in medium bowl until mix is evenly moistened and clumps together.

5. Remove cake from oven. Sprinkle with crumbs (this will be thick layer). Return to oven; bake 15minutes or until crumbs are slightly set. Remove to wire rack and let cool completely.

6.For glaze whisk 8 tbsp. of the confectioners sugar with the sour cream in a bowl. Dust top of cake with remaining 2 tbsp of conf. sugar. Drizzle glaze on cake.

7. Brew your favorite cup of coffee and try not to eat more than one piece. Cake can be stored at room temp for 3 days. Believe me it will not last that long.

I am not usually a fan of cakes. They taste good, but if I were at a dessert buffet I would not choose cake.

This cake crumbled and melted in your mouth, serious this best tasting cake I have ever had!

Back into sewing

I have been on such a crochet kick because of Laura and Julia, that I have not sewn in months. I decided that because the twins are always inspiring me with their crafting endeavours that I wanted to thank them.

They have inspired me to be crafty, and use skills that I had forgetten that I had. I dusted off the sewing machine and created these cute quick and easy crochet needle cases.

I consider myself a very lucky girl to have become friends with these unique women.

If you knew them you would probably guess which one belongs to which.

Laura's is on the left

Julia's is on the right

Laura has a paisley print, which I know she is very fond of.

Julia's button has a rooster on it, which reminded me of a past blog she had posted, about two adorable rooster tea cups.

May they be a constant reminder for my thankfulness of our friendship!

cowl

While on Vacation I found myself missing my hooks and yarns. Before we left I finally got to use the yarn I was yearing to make a cowl with. I was also interested in making something with a large hook. It was a size Q hook. It was amazing how quick this whipped up.

My next crochet project will take a while, I am determined to make a sweater. We will see how it turns out.

Good times

Our vacation in Florida visiting my parents was amazing. Not only was it relaxing, my son had a great time and learned a ton.

The weather was not that great but we made the best by visiting the Florida Aquarium. I took a zillion picture but thought I would share a few of my faves.

I love the reflection of his face in the glass.

We also went to the Lowry Zoo. Jack learned so much about animals, he told me this morning

"Ma there is an alligator in my room, he pooped in my bed." Okay maybe not the best thing to say about alligators but at least he knows what one is.

He saw how piercing blue the tigers eyes were. He ran around all day from one animal to the next and then splashed around in the fountains. He may have been the only kid playing in the fountain, as it was only 60 degrees. The other Florida children in there sweatshirts were jealous.

One of the last things we did on the nicest day was visit Fort Desoto Park/ the Gulf of Mexico. The white sandy beaches and crystal blue water was breathtaking.

Jack searched for "she-shells".

Vacation was only made possible by my generous parents, who bought us plane tickets for Christmas. They opened there camper in Florida to us and we will always be grateful for this gift. It made us realize that we need to start saving money for future endeavors. It was a good time had by all.

vacation day before vacation

I was called off today. Just what I needed a day to myself, and what to my surprise was dangling from my mailbox but the books that I ordered from Joann's. Finally time to relax and enjoy my new hooks and books. I finally got to use the yarn I have been dying to knit into a cowl for myself. I would have glorious pictures but my computer is not cooperating with downloading at this moment.

It was a vacation day before our first family vacation. My husband and I have never been on a trip together. He has never flown, and I have only flown once a long time ago. It should be an adventure with a toddler, but hopefully we will come away with lots of great memories.

So relaxation day will sadly come to an end because I have lots of packing to do.

more gifts to work

Thanks to the lovely twins, my crocheting obsession is blooming. For Christmas I got a generous gift of a bag full of yarn skeins. I have found crocheting to be rather calming, and it keeps my mind busy.

The hat is my first completed crochet project. I used scrap yarn in white which I would never wear. I never thought I would be able to actually make it! So the next hat will be in yarn that I actually like.

The cowl however is in a green alpaca yarn! I love it! It can be worn as a hood or a scarf style as demonstrated in my terrible self photos.

The green doesn't really match my coats, looks like I will have to give this one away and start a new one!

christmas gifts to use

After recently been through an emotionally trying time, I thought instead of wallowing all day, I would get busy. Busy minds don't have time to dwell. I decided to put some of my lovely Christmas gifts to work.

My countertop mixer. I have always wanted one, but not an expensive one. I don't do enough baking to justify a 400$ piece of equipment.

I decided to make some cookies. My husband likes it when I cook because he is convinced that I touch my butt. Well here is proof. My husband took the picture.

I do love my new mixer, it allows me to have the freedom to just throw all the ingredients in the bowl. The end outcome was successful.