Cerlandia

that used to be an indoor toy

2012-02-10T07:24:00.001-08:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, please leave a link in the comments to your moment.

SouleMama

Life Lessons

2012-02-09T07:06:00.001-08:00

Kids can be cruel. I know that's not a news flash to anyone who has kids or has been around kids. They have this uncanny ability to just say and do what they want. Sometimes it's lovely, other times it's quite the opposite. As a parent, I feel it's my job to teach my children kindness. To choose the kindest decision and to be kind even when you may not want to.

When we were at ballet class earlier this week she went over to play with some girls and after asking her age, they informed her they couldn't play with her because she was 6 and they were 5. I waited it out at first to see what she would do and she came back to me devastated and complaining about what a terrible reason that was not to play with someone (which she is so right about). I was torn between wanting to educate those girls about discrimination and yelling at the parents of the girls who sat there and watched this whole thing happen. I didn't think either of those options were too kind and so I chose to do neither. I try to practice what I teach my children; I only hope those parents don't do the same.

Luckily, my camera phone and I are still pretty cool to a 6 year old. It cheered her up a bit and we talked about what she could do next time that happens. That it's okay to stand up for yourself. And I stayed far away from those parents.

Thank you to everyone who wished us luck with the meeting. It truly was just signing a bunch of forms and discussing our options if he qualifies for a program. The evaluations won't be for at least two weeks.

If there are nature photos, chances are I'm being introspective

2012-02-07T10:55:00.001-08:00

Husband hasn't had nearly as many meeting as I have in my life. The kind where you're judged for everything, right down to what you're wearing. Is it weather appropriate? Does it cover too much? Does it cover too little? For the record, it never covered too little. That was in my youth; that was my own fault.

This meeting is different. This is for my youth and there's nothing I could have done to prevent it. The meeting will be over soon enough and we probably still won't have answers. We'll sign a lot of forms and give a lot of consent. There will be waivers and release forms; this is all familiar. I've been on both sides of those forms before (the signing and the giving of the forms to be signed). This is all so we can get a speech evaluation, all the forms are to protect us and our confidentiality.

I already know this will probably all end in some speech therapy. That there is a form of help that my child needs that I'm not equipped to give and that's why there are professionals. I almost think that this meeting is still harder than all those other meetings though.

Untitled

2012-02-06T06:59:00.001-08:00

We had another low key weekend, but without the camera this time. Spent time with family and celebrated a good friend's birthday. I forgave the universe for waking me up with a headache when the kids just laid in bed with us for a half hour before they started playing. It was peaceful and so much better than the next day when they woke me up fighting over a train (because we don't have a million trains).

That day got better though; I went to the cross stitch shop with my mom, where I picked up my first cross stitch pattern in 6 years. Before I could start I had to organize my embroidery floss (it was such a mess) which I had time to do when Husband took the kids to the pool. I then started and (by late last night) ripped out my first cross stitch project in six years. Perhaps I shouldn't have taken such a long break in between projects?

I know these low key weekends don't make for the most exciting blog posts ever, but sometimes it's nice to not be busy. Also, thank you for all the comments you leave. I know I don't always comment back, but I want you to know I do appreciate them.

He can climb ladders!

2012-02-03T13:00:00.001-08:00

SouleMama

Some finished objects

2012-02-01T07:36:00.001-08:00

I have nothing new on the needles right now, just those two large projects (the sweater vest and baby afghan), so I thought I'd show some of the quick to knit projects that I've done. In the case of the wrist warmers it was a quick to crochet project.

The design is from Attic 24 and I pretty much followed it. I used a D hook for a chain of 36 and then used an E hook to HDC 35.

Some tiny shoes from Whimsical Little Knits. I love that there was no seaming involved. I used leftover yarn from the puppet mittens.

And finally, some striped mittens using Spud and Chloe Outer. I originally wanted to make these, but I bought the wrong yarn. She loves them on the coldest days when her puppet mittens weren't up to the task.

Right Now

2012-01-31T07:02:00.001-08:00

Fake Spring #2 has started here. It's wonderful and Daughter and I enjoyed a long walk around the neighborhood. We went down to the river and threw in some rocks. She talked and I listened. That's the thing about being quiet, you end up listening a lot and that's okay. I prefer it. You also become really adept at reading non verbal cues; figuring out what people mean even though they aren't saying it. I don't have to do that with Daughter though. She's young and just says what she means. It's a trait I admire, but we all lose it because it's not socially acceptable. I wish I could bottle it for her so she'll always have it. That and her wonder. She still thinks there are diamonds in the snow and a rock is a seashell. Let her think it; it makes the world seem more magical.

On my twitter feed there's a frightening new diet trend. I want to start a revolution where we teach our daughters to love themselves by modelling a world in which we love ourselves. A world in which we eat right because it makes our bodies feel good, but we don't feel guilty and criticize ourselves for an occasional slice of pizza. Surely I can't be the only one?

The Weekender

2012-01-30T06:43:00.001-08:00

Saturday was spent getting the kids to the sitter and getting Husband and I to the city. It was nice to be reminded that we have a life outside the kids and so we did things we wouldn't normally do with the kids. First was the sad and beautiful film Norwegian Wood (based on the book by Haruki Murakami). Then a stop by the record store and vintage arcade museum; after that Chinatown where we bought Daughter a bento box for her lunch next year (shockingly early I know; totally not our usual style); and finally dinner at Three Aces. The next day was spent a little more casually and I got photos (because I know some of you really only read this for the photos).

There was the very first game of Trouble (Star Wars style), a lot of fighting the cat for the record player (I won!), and crochet. It was a really nice relaxing Sunday; a very balanced weekend for all.

{This Moment}

2012-01-27T14:31:00.001-08:00

SouleMama

Some sewing

2012-01-26T09:38:00.001-08:00

Son is on the mend and yesterday allowed me to get off the couch and make some flannel pajamas for both him and his sister. The material may have had written on there not intended for children's sleepwear, but that didn't stop me. The material for Daughter's Night Dress (from the book Making Children's Clothes) was found at the local material store Material Girl. I love that shop so much and I truly want to buy almost everything in there, but I try really hard not to be like my Mom and just have shelves of material that I don't know what to do with. While it would be nice, I simply don't have the room.

Son's fabric was a remnant from Hancock Fabrics. I was going to use it to make some handkerchiefs, but there was just enough for a pair of pants for him. I used the same New Look pattern that I always use for his pants, but I added a 1/2 inch onto the leg. He's getting taller, but hasn't yet outgrown that size. Soon I'm going to try to make him a lined pair of pants using this tutorial.

Today I show you.

2012-01-25T06:54:00.001-08:00

This is how I've been knitting lately, with a toddler on my lap. Son's got a big of a cold and in the morning we've held down the couch pretty well lately. So please forgive the short posts of this week. I have a Son to help make healthy and copious amounts of coffee to drink because colds are the worst at night. I'm not quite sure how Husband makes it through the day without caffeine. I envy him.

Among the many wrist warmers I've done and not photographed are these M agic Loop Mitts. I used some left over Malabrigo from the Textured Shaw l* that I did (also didn't get a photograph of, but it was given to Daughter because it wasn't large enough for me) and although it was a pain to roll into balls it is beautiful yarn. I just absolutely love the depth of the color and how soft it is. I also imagine it's pretty warm.

Grateful

2012-01-24T12:18:00.001-08:00

I am grateful that I don't have to take Son out in the cold to get Daughter from the bus.
I am grateful for all the bus drivers that deliver children home safely on a daily basis.
I am grateful that Son is always excited when Daughter comes home.
I am grateful that they get along so well.
I am grateful for reminders of Spring.
I am grateful for Husband's job which allows him to stay home.
I am grateful we are able to send Daughter to a good school.
I am grateful we live in an established neighborhood where the trees are old and large, and the neighbors are friendly.
I am grateful for a roof over our heads, food on the table, and warmth in the house.
I am grateful for all of you.

What if?

2012-01-23T11:55:00.001-08:00

I played the what if? game late into last night when I couldn't sleep. In case you've never played it goes something like this

What if I'd never transferred colleges?
What if I'd not gotten a roomate that looked through all my stuff and I hadn't had to changed rooms?
What if I'd been a better teenager?
What if I'd never kicked (then future) Husband's butt at Frogger?
Would we have still talked?
What if my friend hadn't tried to commit suicide?
Would (then future) Husband and I have still talked into the wee hours of the night (just not in the ER)?
What if we had stayed in our college town like Husband had wanted?
What if we had kept our plans to not have kids?
What if we only had Daughter (like we had planned)?

There's more too, but I think you get the point. I can't imagine what life would be like if any of those what if's weren't what if's and I'm not sure I'd like it nearly as much. There's really no point dwelling on it and I do try to live in the moment, but these are the things that creep up in the middle of the night when I can't sleep. And it makes me so thankful for my life because even if it wasn't the life I had planned; it is exactly the life I need.

Also, please don't be fooled by the photos. We're still covered in snow and it's a bit gloomy out today.

Friday Moment

2012-01-20T00:17:00.001-08:00

SouleMama

hello winter

2012-01-19T12:16:00.001-08:00

After fake spring a little over a week ago, I was completely unprepared for winter. Sure I had hats, mittens and scarves all ready to go, but I forgot just how cold winter can be. I need someone to start a fire and get me some woolens.

My kids were fully prepared though (we always prepare the kids before we prepare ourselves don't we?). Snow pants, warm waterproof jackets, and mom made wool hats and gloves. All of those things have now stood up to hours out in the snow (for Daughter) and trips to the bus stop. Which is good because tomorrow we're expected to get 7-10 inches (last I heard).

Daughter could not be more excited. Me? I need to work on some gloves for myself.

A different kind of WIP Wednesday

2012-01-18T07:14:00.001-08:00

Daughter got a lot of crafty supplies for Christmas and she's putting them to good use. On this particular day she made a crown (I know children's art work isn't always obvious). I get a joy in seeing her craft even though it's not the same kind of crafting I do. I didn't always start out good either; I can remember terribly drawn photos and dioramas with popsicle sticks and shoe boxes. I didn't have glue sticks though - that would have made everything easier.

I'm not sure what happened to the crown, but she wore it all day with pride.

I'm not angry anymore.

2012-01-16T06:45:00.001-08:00

I have been told I'm an old soul numerous times; more times than I can remember. Perhaps because I got angry with other kids for not behaving at a young age. Perhaps it's because I was obsessed with why people hate. Perhaps it's because I had so much angst as a teen/young adult. Perhaps it's because I remember too much and at the same time nothing at all.

I remember that someone once asked Husband "are you sure you want to marry her?" I remember that someone once moved and didn't bother to even call and say goodbye. I remember a couple of times when my diary was read by people I was supposed to be able to trust. I remember at the age of 10 becoming a little environmentalist (I was going to save the world!). I remember fighting with girls on the playground because I identified as a feminist (I was born a feminist). I remember meeting Husband for the first time (but I have no idea what we talked about). I remember holding each of my children for the first time.

I remember how all of those things made me feel. Sometimes joy, sometimes hurt and sometimes anger. When I was young I used to let anger control and define me; needless to say it was unhealthy. I did things to myself that I am sure no one would ever want their children to do. I have learned to forgive, to let the anger go and become a better person. If you ever meet me and I recall these things and you think you see a flash of anger on my face, it's not because I'm still angry. It's not because I'm bitter. It's because I remember.

"People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." - Maya Angelou

*all photos taken by Daughter

Waiting

2012-01-13T06:43:00.001-08:00

SouleMama

Waiting

2012-01-13T06:42:00.001-08:00

SouleMama

Sleep

2012-01-12T07:15:00.001-08:00

Sometimes being a Mom is gritty, tiring and horrible. It's not for everyone and I completely respect that. When I was younger I used to say I'd rather regret not having kids than ever regret having them. I still believe that regretting not having kids is preferable; it's better to not screw up tiny human beings by regretting you had them. And for the record I don't regret having either of my kids, even when I've only had 6 hours of sleep for 5 nights in a row and I fear I'm losing it. Sleep deprivation is a form of torture for a reason and it's what my children have been doing to me for the last week.

Then there are moments like this. Where Son has to have a backpack to take his sister to the bus, or when they just have to hold each other's hand, or Daughter helps her brother with his coat. Those moments remind me that the sleep deprivation won't last forever, but with any luck their relationship will.

WIP* Wednesday

2012-01-11T06:54:00.001-08:00

The Sunshine Day Afghan is almost half done.
The Mangyle is coming along. I'm working on the back right now and it's a LOT of stockinette.
The start of a pair of Fetching. I wanted some instant gratification.
One of my older *work in progresses. 3 years in the making if you include those 8 months of pregnancy. And no, that's not a typo.

a little about us

2012-01-10T07:15:00.001-08:00

I am naturally a quiet person. I am soft spoken and you need to really listen to hear me. I rarely yell; simply when I need to get the attention of someone (usually a child). Yelling is effective because I rarely do it. I take up space but you may not realize I'm there. I hate small talk with people I don't know and I only answer the phone if it's my mom on the other end. Perhaps this is why I like nature so much.

Daughter is more like her Dad. She never had the stranger danger that we were warned about. She'd go to anyone and talk to anyone. And people always had something to say to her (usually about her hair). If you go to the Bog with her she'll play tour guide and tell you when you should take pictures. She really only likes being in nature if there are no bees.

Son on the other hand has held strong to his stranger danger. I'm still waiting for him to outgrow it, but I don't think he will. It's who he is and my mom always warned me that you should be careful of shy boys. They're always thinking. If you try to talk to him in the store he'll turn into his Dad or me and instead we'll be telling you how shy he is and he won't talk to you no matter how hard you try and oh yes it is cute. In truth, it can be really hard. There are days that the only break I get is at nap time and bed time. I know it won't last forever so I try to enjoy it.

onward

2012-01-09T09:28:00.001-08:00

We were having some work done in our house at the end of last week (faulty wires replaced and holes patched up - the usual maintenance type stuff for a house built in 1940) so we took the dog, the cameras, and ourselves out of the house. Luckily, the weather was gorgeous and we got to go hang out in nature. I love being out in nature, losing yourself to your surroundings, and (of course) taking pictures. There's something beautiful about all the seasons, even when winter tricks you into thinking it might be spring.

First one of the New Year

2012-01-06T06:37:00.001-08:00

SouleMama

WIP* Wednesday

2012-01-04T07:07:00.001-08:00

The Sunshine Day Afghan (pattern by Alicia Paulson) is now big enough to have to be photographed on the floor. I'm really in love with this; it's going to be hard to let it go. I've added some darker colors just to give it more variety, but overall it's a very light colored blanket. The colors have been kept neutral (don't know if the baby's a boy or girl yet) and it should match pretty much any nursery. Also, it's going to be a larger baby blanket, so it should be able to be used in the crib too! I love gifts that can be used for long amounts of time.

Dear Daughter,

2012-01-03T07:18:00.001-08:00

It has been six years since the day you entered my life. I remember that day so clearly and yet it seems like a lifetime ago. The day when we didn't know when you'd come home. You laughed yesterday when I told you you were supposed to be born in February, but it's true. February 18th to be more exact. You had different plans. I barely got to hold you (or so it felt) before the nurses were whisking you away to the NICU. It would be your home for almost a month. Your grandparents (my parents) were there at the hospital. Your grandma yelled at me when I tried to get out of bed (that much pain does funny things for a person). That was their second celebration of life that day; hours earlier they had been at a funeral. Life and death are inexplicably linked in a way I never realized until I was pregnant.

The first few months were hard. You would cry for no reason that I could figure out (the doctor told us it was probably colic) and sometimes I cried with you. Sleep deprivation is hard and I didn't think I could possibly be more tired (until I had your brother); the mom stuff doesn't always come as naturally as the experts would like you to believe and I had very little support until your Dad got home. Some days he seemed a bit like a hero.

We found our groove though and I was in love with you always. You've become a more amazing child than I could have ever dreamed up. You are sarcastic, funny, and self-confident. I hope you are able to keep that self confidence in a world that tries to rip it from girls before they become women. If you do lose it, I hope you're able to find it faster than I found my own.

I hope you're not doomed to make the same mistakes I did and instead can make your own and learn from them. That's the most important thing about mistakes - that you learn from them. I hope that you keep your empathy, that you do not judge others, and you stand up for what you believe in. Most of all though, I hope you live a long, happy life and that I am there to watch, listen and offer guidance.

Happy Birthday Kiddo!

Love,

Mom

the last couple of weeks

2012-01-02T07:42:00.001-08:00

Hello 2012 (also, hello new readers - it was awesome coming on my computer and seeing new comments!); I feel like I should be all introspective about the year before, make some resolutions about how this will be the year of getting things done, but last year was really good. We even ended it on a good note of no more diapers to wash. I don't want 2012 to be any better than last year; I just want to continue to enjoy the moments that 2012 will have to offer. And I would like to continue to not wash diapers.

Son is now potty trained. We started before Christmas because he decided he didn't want to wear diapers anymore. Originally we wanted to wait until after Christmas when things had settled down. We made it clear to everyone that we were staying home the week after Christmas and getting this done. Son has always had a way of interrupting potty training though, even before he was born he interrupted his sister's potty training.

We had started Daughter's potty training when I was 31 weeks pregnant; it was a Wednesday. I remember this because it was the Friday after starting that I was in the hospital overnight for premature labor. And thus, bed rest began. Husband and my grandma finished the potty training and for 2 and a half years I've been giving them all the credit.

That is until now. I'm taking some credit back because I've realized something while sitting on the edge of the bath tub with this view. The first days of potty training suck. That's when you get peed on; when you have to change six pairs of underwear in three hours; when you have to put up with screaming; when you contemplate putting them back in diapers just to make it stop. After the first few days it got so much better; they start making it to the toilet and telling you when they need to pee. So no more am I giving all the credit to Husband and my grandma. I'm taking some back for myself (not all, just some - Husband was a huge help potty training both children and I'm thankful I didn't have to do it alone).

swagger

2011-12-30T07:43:00.001-08:00

SouleMama

Sweater #17

2011-12-29T09:16:00.001-08:00

Sweater #17, also known as the last sweater of the year. I can't believe I knit 17 sweaters; that's a lot of sweaters when I see it all together in one large number. Most of them were kid/baby sweaters, but for good measure I had 2 adult sweaters. Both of which were later shrunk by Husband. Let's not talk about those again.

This one is the Ribbed Baby Jacket by Debbie Bliss. It's cute on paper, but I'm not sure how well this will work out. The front seems very short and the rest of it seems very large. I added the button and a crocheted chain for a loop. There are no instructions for a button, so I just kind of guessed. I figure it can be taken out if it needs to be. Also, ribbing can be added on the bottom if it needs to be.

The yarn used was Nashua Hand Knits in Julia. It's a wonderful mix of wool, mohair, and alpaca. It's soft to knit with and even softer after blocking. I will definitely remember this yarn when I need something soft to knit with.

All the WIP*s I didn't show you

2011-12-28T08:44:00.001-08:00

Two Woodland Shirts by Sew Liberated for two children who love to match.

One bucket for all of Daughter's treasures lined with fabric colored by her brother. My bobbin was acting up on the top sewing, but I couldn't bring myself to care enough to rip it all out.

And one stuffed baby clown for Son based on a drawing by his sister. It is the only other stuffed animal allowed in his bed besides his puppy. (Also, it's supposed to look weird because clowns are weird.)

*Work in Progress

Boxing Day

2011-12-27T11:51:00.001-08:00

We took advantage of the gorgeous weather yesterday by going for a walk.
I used my new lensbaby; I hadn't had to use manual settings on a camera since that photography class I took back in college.
I may have set the ISO a little high, but I consider it a happy accident.
We convinced Daughter to go on a walk by telling her we wanted to see what animals are outside in the winter. It worked.
Son needed to only hear outside before he was getting boots on.
Husband has had that hat since Daughter was a wee lass. That is love.
Daughter made sure to point out that birds are outside in the winter.
After our walk we went home and spent time with good friends and made challah bread.

On the Friday before Christmas...

2011-12-26T08:33:00.001-08:00

We took the kids to Zoo Lights in the city. It was so full of light, Christmas cheer, and people. So many people. I wasn't too surprised though since the weather has been downright gorgeous for December. Even Husband (who hates anything below 80° F) has been loving the weather. The line was too long to see Santa, so we skipped it (which was fine with me). We did get to see some monkeys and lions.

Daughter started out the night walking, but in order to get a better view, she conned our friend into carrying her on his shoulders. Son was more interested in the cookies that my cousin made. And both were kept warm with hand knits.

Tiny Tea Leaves (Sweater #16)

2011-12-22T06:47:00.001-08:00

The Tiny Tea Leaves Sweater for Daughter was finished long before the Solstice. The third skein of yarn matched the second one perfectly, so I completely lucked out. There is still some striping, but it's not nearly as noticeable in real life as it is in the photos. I blame the flash.

Daughter absolutely loved it; especially the vintage buttons that look like jewels. Exchanging gifts on the Solstice was an awesome idea and the handmade gifts went over really well. Everybody (but me) got a handmade gift which is good because now I have something to blog about for the next week.

The pattern for the Tiny Tea Leaves can be found here and I would say it's well worth the $4. I kind of want to make one for myself, but the wide neckline worries me. I've already had problems with that. The yarn is Quince and Co Chickadee, soft enough for Daughter with wonderful drape for me. Plus I know she'll be warm.

WIP* Wednesday (the late edition)

2011-12-21T13:36:00.001-08:00

It's been busy around here today. We're exchanging gifts tonight so I had some last minute things to do, plus Daughter is off from school for winter break now and Son has decided that he no longer wants to wear diapers. So, yeah...busy.

The baby blanket is started and I already love it. The puffs are a bit annoying, but it's all worth it for the end result.

Also on the needles is the Mangyle. It's a solstice sweater for Husband, but because I had so many other things to do it kept getting put off. He's okay with it not being done by today, which is good because I might be a fast knitter, but I'm not that fast.

Happy Solstice to all of you!

*Work In Progress

Calenders!

2011-12-20T06:59:00.001-08:00

I remember taking photos of the process of doing this dry erase calender, but now I can't find them. I just emptied the memory card from the camera recently and they weren't there. Nor were they in my Picasa. Which means they're lost somewhere on my computer. Picasa does this sometimes and then I have to go search for them in the pictures folder; only I'm too tired to do that today. So instead you get pretty pictures of it finished and hanging on the wall.

After college I didn't think I'd ever use a dry erase calender again, but Husband hates writing on the paper calender we have. He thinks it's archaic and that I should be using the calender on the computer. But, I'm not on my computer all the time like he is. So this was the compromise - anything that happens in the current month gets written on the new dry erase calender; anything in future months gets put into the computer calender. On the first of every month I will transfer everything over. This was the first month of it, so we'll see if it works.

To make the calender I used an old frame that I had in the attic (it's a 12 inch x 16 inch). I left a 1 inch border on all sides and drew a grid (the squares are 2 inches x 2 inches) directly on the wrong side of the glass with a Sharpie. I was lucky enough to have a mat with the frame that I cut down to fit in the 1 inch border; I then let Daughter draw on the mat. She started out drawing pictures (in the top photo you can see she drew a person) until she got bored with that and decided she'd color the rainbow. I wrote the days of the week directly on the mat so that I wouldn't have to try to write backwards. I then used some white fabric to cover the cardboard backing of the frame. Then I had to wait over a week for Husband to hang it (to be fair, it took so long because he had to move a thermostat).

The only thing I had spent money on were dry erase markers. I found that only the dark colors really show up, so if anybody needs some light colored dry erase markers let me know. Also, I'm not going to tell you what was in the frame. I don't want you judging both my decorative and musical taste. Suffice it to say that it was from those years after college but before children.

Toothless Kid

2011-12-19T06:41:00.001-08:00

I woke up to screaming yesterday. When being woken up from a deep sleep it's hard to tell the difference between excited and scared screaming. I got out of bed so quickly I was dizzy only to realize that Daughter was just super excited that she lost a tooth.

Once I got over the dizziness (I'm fine, just got up really fast) and the shock that I have a child old enough to lose a tooth (!) I remember that we had nothing to put the tooth in. It spent the morning on the counter and in her hand (perhaps the tooth fairy exists so that kids don't just keep staring at their lost teeth and showing everybody). I spent the morning searching DIY tooth fairy pillows. I was just hoping to find a template for a tooth to put on the front of the pillow. I know how to make a pillow, but I didn't feel like drawing a tooth. Instead I found the cutest Monster Tooth Fairy Pillow ever. Better yet, I even had the stuff to make it.

It's nice and small to fit those really small teeth that are lost. The tooth just goes right in the mouth, the tooth fairy comes and turns the tooth into money. I think next time the tooth fairy might turn the tooth into a small toy; Daughter wasn't too excited about the money. I used wool felt sheets because that's what I had. Instead of cutting a 5.5 inch x 6 inch piece for the mouth, I cut a 2. 75 inch x 6 inch sheet (since you don't have to worry about unravelling with felt). I also added some rick rack to the top (thanks for the rick rack the other day Mom!) so that it could hang.

Ours is a multi colored monster, mostly because I didn't have enough pink felt, but Daughter likes it. After all, it is her two favorite colors (for now).

And here it is hanging on the back of the door so that the tooth fairy doesn't have to climb a ladder and search through over a dozen stuffed animals, three blankets, and two pillow pets to find it. It was recommended by me that it should get hung on the door. I like to make things a bit easier for the tooth fairy.

Sunday thanks

2011-12-18T18:38:00.001-08:00

I am thankful for time to reflect.

Friday Moment

2011-12-16T06:35:00.001-08:00

SouleMama

Some Days

2011-12-15T08:44:00.001-08:00

It's a good Thursday. The day before the end of the week and it's been a very busy week. Full of appointments, holiday pageants, and lunches. Tomorrow is a play date. When I made the calender I purposely left today to do nothing. To have some down time and Son is forcing that on me as well.

I have had a very needy two year old this morning. It's making blog writing a bit impossible at times, or anything really. Keep in mind, this isn't a complaint. Sometimes it's just nice to sit down and cuddle; forget about laundry and dishes. Listen to a good record while Son takes off his pants. He's shunned pants lately and I've no clue why.

Soon enough he'll have to put his pants back on and we'll go get sister from the bus. Next week I'll tell you all how I made that calender using things I already had. For now though, I'm going to enjoy the music (while leaving my pants on).

WIP* Wednesday (in real time)

2011-12-14T06:47:00.001-08:00

I'm in the very beginning stages of the *work in progress today. The yarn's not even wound into a ball yet. However it will become part of a baby blanket; one that I've wanted to make for quite some time but have had no one to make it for. (This isn't actually for anyone I know; it's commissioned - before you start spreading rumors or getting hopeful.)

Son is watching me write this and keeps pointing at the picture than back to the actual thing. He's a man of few words that Son of mine. That is how real time this blog is today.

What I did Yesterday

2011-12-13T09:11:00.001-08:00

Yesterday I got to go into the city and enjoy a day as an adult. I had a beer with lunch, hot food (twice!), no one that I had to share with, and a whole train ride to read. As if that weren't enough fun, I got to go see a taping of the Rosie Show with my cousin (also friend).

It was a gorgeous day so it was nice standing in the rain. This was the point where I got close enough to take a photo of the door. We showed up almost an hour before we were supposed to and the line was already to the end of the building and starting to wrap around.

I wasn't pretty enough to be in the way front, but that was fine because it's a small set. So no matter what you have good seats, and this way I didn't have to worry about being on camera. I was there for the musical guest anyways.

There's a very blurry Rosie; she allows photos after the show for a short time. She seems to have a really good rapport with the audience, very chatty and very friendly. The people that had been in the audience numerous times seemed to get the good seats. That piano behind her was where Tori Amos played. I'm not going to lie, seeing her play in such an intimate setting ranks up there with the birth of my children (children coming first).

Sailboat Shirt

2011-12-12T05:48:00.001-08:00

I've had the Oliver + S Sailboat Shirt pattern for quite some time, since at least this summer, but it has taken me this long to make it. I'm not really sure why anymore, perhaps it was all those difficult looking parts of it that turned out to not be so difficult. Or perhaps it was because I just hadn't found the right fabric until I saw the above fabric at Purl Soho. I am so glad I took a chance in purchasing that fabric. Daughter was with me when I opened the package the day it came in the mail and she was in love. It worked to perfectly for her and for this shirt, the drape, the colors, the tiny flowers, and the way it matched those buttons I've been saving for nothing.

The pattern came together so well. I took a chance with some contrasting stitching even though the fabric is busy and I'm glad I did. Daughter loved it so much she wore it for her first ever train ride and even told people that I made it.

Sunday thanks

2011-12-11T13:45:00.001-08:00

I am thankful for nature.

Saturday Thanks

2011-12-10T05:55:00.001-08:00

I've decided to continue the Thankful theme into the weekends. It's a good reminder of how much I have to be thankful for and how lucky I am. Today I am thankful for greenery in the winter before everything is white.

lensbaby

2011-12-09T06:39:00.001-08:00

SouleMama

Vintage Puppet Mittens....Done

2011-12-08T06:47:00.001-08:00

They are finally finished. Two faces each on the palm side; they could kiss now. They may have already been forced to kiss in an impromptu puppet show. The worst part about these wasn't the ripping back almost the whole mitten because I read the pattern wrong, it wasn't the ripping out the face, it wasn't even the duplicate stitch. It was weaving in the ends of the duplicate stitch. There's no place to weave in on the same color. For non-knitters, you're taught to weave in the color red ends into the knit color red, but in this case the only red is the duplicate stitch smile and nose. So I did the best I could, some ends were hidden better than others and one clown has a freckle. That's okay because as you can see, Daughter doesn't care.

WIP* Wednesday

2011-12-07T06:51:00.001-08:00

It's a short WIP Wednesday as I can't tell you anything about this. It's a secret and I'm not sure the receiver looks at this blog. Suffice it to say that there is something on my needles though and that is what matters.

I've also added some stuff to the shop. I know it's not really a WIP, but it will have to count for today.

Adult Penguin Hat

Baby Black Bird Hat

Manly Wristwarmers

I've also reopened my Etsy shop. Not because I've suddenly had a change of heart about Etsy (I still think their support of resellers is atrocious), but I know that there are people that trust shopping off Etsy more than other shops. Now you have a choice about where to purchase from.

*Work In Progress

The Demise of the Hourglass Sweater

2011-12-06T07:22:00.001-08:00

Remember the Hourglass Sweater? I can remember working on it last winter in front of the fire. It seems like a lifetime ago, not less than a year. I finished at the same time we were doing to some house renovations and the neckline was too large. It looked terrible once it was on. I finally got around to repurposing it into some pants for Son.

And oh how cute and comfy those pants were. How warm, how well they fit; it all seems like a dream now. He got to wear them once and I planned on putting him in them a lot more. Then my plans were foiled by Husband who thinks that everything must go into the laundry bin. Only he forgot he put them there and he also put them into the washer. On hot wash/cold rinse.

The Hourglass Sweater is now a stack of 8 felted coasters. Although I'm glad I could repurpose it (twice) it is no less frustrating and sad. I would have preferred the coasters after Son outgrew the pants. After I had many more photos of him in them; wearing them happily. Husband has once again been given strict instructions not to even put hand knits in with the rest of the laundry. He complained there's no other place for them, so to make it easier for him I will be making a basket for them. Hopefully that works because I'm tired of repurposing hand knits before I'm ready to.

December

2011-12-05T07:08:00.001-08:00

We started off our holiday season by taking Daughter to the windows at Macy's downtown. I didn't think they were as good as in years past, but Daughter still loved them. I'm still marvelling at how much easier one kid is when you normally have two. It's simply amazing, especially when I remember those times when one kid was so difficult. Oh my, how perspective changes.

While we were there we also watched a puppet show, checked out the tree, wrote a letter to Santa (where she asked for something for her and her brother!), and she got a ride down the escalator. After we finished at Macy's we headed to lunch and then The Muppet Movie (I'd like to see it a million more times please and thank you). We've been watching the first season of The Muppet Show with the kids and this movie was perfect. Daughter thought it was a little sad at parts, but I heard her laughing too.

Snow!

2011-12-02T06:23:00.001-08:00

SouleMama

New Beds

2011-12-01T06:00:00.001-08:00

It's been quite the week at our house, decisions are being made and new beds are being used. After 2 1/2 years we decided it was time for Son to be out of the crib. It's not that he tried to climb out (he tried to climb in once or twice); it's not that he was getting too big for it (he is tiny); it's not that he didn't love his crib (he must have if he tried to climb in it); it's that we're getting ready for potty training. As parents we knew the transition would be tough, but we knew the transition would be even tougher if it was at the same time as potty training. We're smart like that.

We put them up Friday and Daughter got scared once she was on the top bunk. It was late so we let her sleep on the floor. The next day we practiced going up and down the ladder; we assured her that we would come when she called for help and we would help her down. It worked and she's done great since. Son, on the other hand, has been a screamer. Because of the side rails he can't get in and out (yet) so he screams. Yesterday he screamed on and off until 11:30 at night. I might be beginning to lose what little of my mind was left. I'm hoping like most transitions this will only take about a week for him to adjust, but we're waiting until after the holidays to potty train just in case.

On a side note, the frog in the scuba talks in a french accent and says things like "sacre bleu the water is cold no?" I find it hilarious and although the children find it scary, it will never be given away.

Pants Parade

2011-11-29T07:45:00.001-08:00

I made some pants for Son that actually fit. I have trouble finding pants that actually fit my children; they are quite small for their age and Daughter has no butt to hold them up. The applique is more for Husband. Why you might ask? So that he knows which is the front. He gets very confused when putting pants on the children that I've made and since I've not gotten any tags to sew on them, I've taken to putting on appliques and pockets whenever possible. It's just easier than hearing "Which way is the front again?".

The pattern is New Look #6880 in the size 1 and they fit him perfectly. I actually love this pants pattern because the butt isn't too big, the legs are roomy but not awkwardly wide (the kind of wide where they don't really mean to be wide), and they're easy to put together. I think these took me all of 30 minutes including cutting. The owl was just cut out from some leftover fabric I had.

I am thankful for easy to sew clothes.

Winter Hat for Me

2011-11-28T06:45:00.001-08:00

I was standing in the cold waiting for Daughter's bus one day when I realized I really needed a hat. I used to have a hat but I gave it away after I cut my hair short. When I say I cut my hair short, I mean really short, like I looked bald with a hat on short. I switched to earmuffs and hooded scarves after that. My hair is still short, but I have enough hair that some of it sticks out and I feel more comfortable wearing it.

The hat was made from an old sweater using the pattern in Handmade Home. I made the felt bird applique all on my own; I just wanted something to spruce it up a bit. I tried to get a good picture of it on so you could see how it fits, but the above photo is the best I got. How do all those teens get good photos in poorly lit bathrooms? I need to know their secret, but perhaps it's just because I don't do it often. I have better things to do like sew hats. I am thankful that I can just sew a hat when I need to.

Saturday Thanks

2011-11-26T07:00:00.001-08:00

I am thankful that my children get along so well.

Snap it Up

2011-11-25T05:41:00.001-08:00

SouleMama

Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T07:38:00.001-08:00

I am thankful that I get to spend the Holiday with my family. Happy Thanksgiving to all who celebrate it! Also, in full disclosure, this pie was made for pi day not Thanksgiving, but it was a good photo for today.

WIP* Wednesday

2011-11-23T06:21:00.001-08:00

The mittens that I promised Daughter for wearing that sweater. They're not just mittens though; they also double as puppets. How cool is that? She's already said she's going to give puppet shows to her friends on the bus. I think this is the most excited I've seen her be about something I'm knitting. I showed her the pattern weeks ago and typically her enthusiasm wanes, but not with these. Apparently they knew something about kids back in 1952 which is when this pattern is from (my great-grandma's knitting pattern has once again come through for us).

The pattern is from an Accessories pattern book put out by J. & P. Coats, Clark's ONT, and Chadwick's Red Heart Yarns (they're still around). I did not choose the Red Heart yarn however, and instead went with Quince & Co Tern. The yarn has a really nice vintage tone to it, but I was a little disappointed that there was no good red. About two weeks after I ordered the yarn Quince & Co came out with Fern, which has the red. Anyway, that's why even though I'm working on the clown, there is no stripes in the shirt. I'll use red embroidery floss to duplicate stitch the face pattern.

I am thankful that my great grandma passed these patterns on instead of throwing them all away.

*Work in Progress

Sweater #15

2011-11-22T07:00:00.001-08:00

The Little Dots Sweater is complete. This was a really simple and quick knit, maybe because of the worsted weight yarn, the short sleeves, or perhaps it was the fact that I forgot to increase stitches for the first seven inches. I guess we'll never know for sure what made it so quick (or perhaps one day we will because Daughter has already asked for another one in purple).

At first she didn't want to wear the sweater. There was some complaint of it being itchy (it's not) and not the color she wanted (even though she picked out the color), but I managed to bribe her by telling her that I wouldn't be making her any mittens (don't worry, she already has a pair from last year that still fit - I won't let Daughter's hands freeze) until she wore the sweater. The vintage button was chosen by Daughter for it's resemblance to a flower and it's sparkle.

The yarn chosen was Lark by Quince and Co. It's so incredibly soft and nice to work with (and affordable). I really can't say enough nice things about their yarn.

The mittens have been started, but that's for another post. Today I am thankful for modern medicine that makes cold season a little more bearable; also Cold Season tea by Yogi.

The Handkerchief (and some talk of snot)

2011-11-21T07:21:00.001-08:00

My dad has carried a handkerchief around for as long as I can remember. I have thought they were disgusting for that same amount of time. They're thin, scratchy, you can feel your snot when you blow your nose, and then you carry it around with you all day. No thanks. Until I had children. I now see the sense of the handkerchief, they're economically and environmentally friendly, you don't have to run to the store when you're out of them (kind of like cloth diapers), and they're never wasted. But the best reason for us to use a handkerchief, the children can't shred them into pieces and throw them on the ground.

My handkerchiefs are a bit different than my dad's though. Using a different fabric on each side makes them nice and thick; one side is a little thinner and softer for your nose (on many of them I used old t-shirts), the other side is a little thicker so you'll never feel your snot. If I'm wiping little noses than they are used more than once (but only on one side so that you can fold the snot into the handkerchief); if an adult is blowing their nose it gets thrown in the diaper pail and washed that night.

I made this bag so that the handkerchiefs could be easily accessed. It came from The Rhythm of Family by Amanda Blake Soule and Stephen Soule (oh, how I love her projects!). The bag was quick to put together and the instructions were very well written. I did make a mistake with the handle (which is a little sad considering how many bags/totes/purses I've put together). When sewing the handle onto the front of the bag, the handle should be on top of the fabric with the raw edges lined up with the raw edge of the fabric. When the bag is put together the handle will be sandwiched between the front and back pieces. I did not do that and ended up using my seam ripper.

The handkerchiefs are easy to take out because of the opening in the bag on the front. I used a blanket stitch to add some decorative detail and some pink because I did not have a pink zipper and Daughter really wanted me to use a pink zipper. She ended up liking the blanket stitch better because it was on the front and I didn't have to spend money on a new zipper. That is a win/win situation.

The zipper on the back makes putting the handkerchiefs in a breeze. This was the first zipper I've put in that I was really happy with. Which is why there's a close up of it. I'm so proud of that zipper.

We chose to hang the handkerchief bag in the bathroom so it's easily accessible for all. I think in total there are about 20 (give or take a couple) handkerchiefs in it. If that's not a good amount I can easily make more although I might also need to make another bag then (maybe Daughter will get that pink zipper after all). I'm thankful I had the energy to do this before cold season hit. On a side note, I had to stand in the bathtub to take that photo, the green is the shower curtain.

Sunday thanks

2011-11-20T07:07:00.001-08:00

I am thankful for patient pets.

Saturday Thanks

2011-11-19T14:10:00.001-08:00

I am thankful for moments that remind me that I'm more than just a Mom.

Saturday thanks

2011-11-19T13:41:00.001-08:00

I am thankful for the reminder that I am more than just a Mom.

Thomas

2011-11-18T06:04:00.001-08:00

SouleMama

Breaking the wordless for November thanks. I am thankful for well made toys.

Craft Swap #3

2011-11-17T07:15:00.001-08:00

I sometimes tell people I have friends in Canada and they seem to not believe me. I know it sounds an awful lot like a 15 year old who hasn't quite grown into himself saying I have a girlfriend...in Canada, but it's not like that. I'd like to think I could just convince you, but instead I'll continue to do craft swaps with them. (Also, they all seem to live in or near Edmonton and I'm a little convinced that it's a hippy utopia - don't ever ruin that for me.)

This one comes from Sarah (who not only shares my name, but our Daughters share a birthday) and she had me at the envelope. I didn't even have to open to know that I would love it. (For those that don't know, I've used chasingthenuns as my internet handle since the internet was invented - yes, I am old.)

Inside were some recipes (two slow cooker ones! I'm always looking for good slow cooker recipes) and as an added bonus, they all fit perfectly in the recipe box that I keep on the shelf above the sink (along with my dim sum flashcards and some small books that fit up there).

Also in the package, an apron. Not just any apron, my very first apron! And it's so awesome. A little kitsch, a little vintage, and all the perfect colors. So, it's pretty much everything I love. I've used it quite often since receiving it and I'm so glad I had never bought an apron before. It's better to just wait for the perfect one that someone has made.

I am thankful for all my friends both near and far and I am thankful that Sarah did this amazing craft swap with me! I'm not sure if she'll blog about what she got in return, but keep an eye on her blog just in case.

If you're interested in doing a craft swap with me, you can email or leave a comment.

WIP* Wednesday

2011-11-16T06:56:00.001-08:00

It is Wednesday right? This week seems to be going by so slowly and tomorrow starts my 3 days of solo parenting (and yes, I know that single parents always solo parent and I have loads and loads of respect for them). First is a new sweater I cast on for Daughter called Little Dots Sweater and so far it's been awesome (even if I did misread the instructions and knit the yoke a little short - I'm sure it will stretch). The neckline will not be as large as it seems in the photo as at the end of the sweater you do pleats. This will be a first for me. Daughter has also requested short sleeves which will make my life easier.

This is the Tiny Tea Leaves Sweater and I'm quite frustrated with it, through no fault of anyone's but my own. I really thought I had enough yarn in my stash of one dye lot that I could finish the body of the sweater by alternating the old and new dye lot. I was so very wrong. But the even more frustrating thing? I will not have enough yarn to finish the sleeves, so I will be adding yet another dye lot. The good things are that the colors might even out a little after washing, Daughter will not care, and Daughter's school will not care. That is what I keep telling myself in order to keep from ripping it all out. (On a side note - I've done the ordering of different dye lots before and have always lucked out and they've been a perfect match color wise; this is the first time it's been different).

I'm thankful that I'm able to have all these WIP Wednesdays and continually work on new stuff.

*Work In Progress

Less Stress Holiday?

2011-11-15T07:06:00.001-08:00

Every year, I make the kids some Christmas gifts from Husband and I (Santa buys those new toys, but we want to instill the love of handmade). Since Daughter was old enough to talk, the brand new toys always fare better than the handmade ones. She's getting better and I know it will take time. I also know that they don't get a lot of toys throughout the year which makes all those Santa toys quite popular. So this year we're doing it differently.

As you can tell from the above sweater (#14) I'm still making the gifts; I will just no longer be competing with Santa. We're going for a new tradition of giving the Mom and Dad gifts on the Solstice. Of celebrating the whole season and not just the day. This will leave the day to play with new toys and gather with extended family. By doing so we're hoping that we can avoid some stress, sweaters getting thrown on the ground (Daughter) and smoke detectors getting beaten with a baseball bat (me - there's a story behind it).

Also different this year will be the no gift exchange with adults (don't worry, we talked to all the adults about it and not one of them said they had a problem - doesn't mean there's not talk behind our backs though). I used to do the handmade Christmas, and I admire all of you doing it this year, but it's heartbreaking when you put so much time into something only to see it never used. Of course there are exceptions, so I started doing the half handmade holiday and then kids got older and I had a lot less time. So we did the try to find the perfect gift on Etsy holiday, which is stressful for those who don't like handmade gifts. So we switched to just find the perfect gift holiday and you know what? There's no such thing as the perfect gift. Then we thought we struck gold with the give donations instead of gifts. People could even tell us where they wanted to donate to. Really, helping out others in need, how perfect is that? Not perfect enough.

So this year, with our extra money, we've given donations on our own to organizations we felt deserved it. We've donated formula to the food pantry so those coupons that I keep getting because a certain formula company thinks I'm pregnant (I'm not) don't go to waste. We've purchased items that Daughter's school has needed. And you know what? This less stress thing feels pretty good.

new hats for winter

2011-11-14T08:38:00.001-08:00

It has been Crab City around here, but I managed to make the kids each a hat. I only have photos of Son's because he doesn't care that I take photos of him; Daughter is a bit trickier. Instead I'll just tell you that she liked her brother's so much that she wanted the exact same. I talked her into a different color so that we'd be able to tell them apart; it was a very proud moment when she chose purple over pink (also because I absolutely love the color purple). On a side note, I'm teaching him to say "roar" every time we put the hat on; I think I might die of the cute that happens when he says it.

The pattern was by Olesya Prolesik of Beezy Moms Creations on Etsy. The pattern was easy to follow and the 1 and up size fits both Son and Daughter (Daughter will probably only be able to wear it this season). I am thankful that other people write such nice patterns so that I am able to just focus on the crochet/knit part (that's the part I like best).

Sunday thanks

2011-11-13T05:38:00.001-08:00

I am thankful for laughter (especially during stressful times).

Saturday Thanks

2011-11-12T11:05:00.001-08:00

I am thankful for children who sit so I can have a moment of peace.

Studious

2011-11-11T06:27:00.001-08:00

SouleMama

For the month of November, I'm breaking the wordless and giving thanks. Today I am thankful for the past (almost) 12 years with this man.

Cold front

2011-11-10T06:46:00.001-08:00

It might be cold enough today to turn the rain into snow and make most people head indoors to a fireplace, but not for Son. He decided that outside was the only place to be, so I let him go outside but made him wear the mittens I made. He gets fiercely angry when his hands get cold, so I wasn't surprised when a half hour later he came in screaming and his mittens were still outside.

The mittens were made from the vintage pattern book and Quince and Co Chicakadee yarn. I could not be happier with how they turned out and how simple they were to make. I am thankful that my mom kept those books for all these years.

All seasons

2011-11-09T06:36:00.001-08:00

The inside of our house doesn't know what season it is. We're ripening tomatoes in paper bags (still, we've gone from 6 bags down to 2). I'm completely out of jars so I've taken to freezing the tomatoes whole. It's easier and will still be good for cooking (like the chili I have planned for later in the week). Plus there are still the pumpkins to roast and puree. Again, I need more jars, so for now they're being stored and helping store the masking tape.

We're not only preserving, but also enjoying the preservation. The days are getting shorter and it's getting chillier; we haven't seen the sun in two days. This just makes me want to knit all day (even though it's impossible with Son around) so it's good the work of preserving is almost done.

There's a food drive at Daughter's school for Thanksgiving and yesterday Daughter asked what it means to be poor. I told her it was when someone had to choose between heating their house or putting food on the table. It was the best way I could think of to help her 5 year old brain understand. Today I am thankful I've never had to choose between heating the house or putting food on the table.

Baby Quilt

2011-11-08T06:36:00.001-08:00

This is how our morning went.

Me: I don't know what to blog about.

Husband: You should blog about Mozilla and blah blah blah. (I'm not quite sure exactly what he said, but it was something computer and Mozilla related).

Me: My Firefox won't update, so I'm not a huge fan of Mozilla right now.

Husband: Then you should blog about how awesome I am.

Me: That would be a lie. (It wouldn't really, but I don't want him to get a big head)

Daughter: You should blog about how bad I am.

Me: That would be a lie because you're a good kid.

Lucky for you, I have a craft up my sleeve (or should I say in my photo album) that I've not yet told you about. I've had it done since September, but then it was waiting for the Baby Girl to arrive (Husband's cousin's second child) and more waiting while it was sent and received.

It's based on the Fringed Baby Mat in Handmade Home. However, I decided to make it a blanket instead of a mat. I'm all about getting the most out of items. I thought if it were just made into a mat then it would be used for about 4 months until the baby can roll anywhere she wants. Once they figure out the roll they no longer stay contained on a mat. By making it a blanket, it can be used on the floor, in the crib, in the car, outside for a picnic, etc...

I used the quilting instructions for the Super Quick + Easy Baby Quilt in Last-Minute Patchwork + Quilted Gifts. It's not perfect, but considering it's handmade and my second quilting experience it's not bad. Some of the quilting dots were moved on purpose so as not to interrupt any of the handwriting (as you can see in the second picture). The handwriting was much more important than the dots being straight anyways.

I am thankful to Husband's cousins in the area and their children for making this blanket what it is.

The past and present

2011-11-07T06:04:00.001-08:00

Three years ago around this time of year (beginning of November) I finished up a granny square blanket for Daughter's toddler bed.
Two years ago I finished up some garter stitch dish cloths for a Christmas gift (at one time I did all hand made Christmas's - this year there will be no gifts outside the immediate family - I just can't handle it anymore).
One year ago I finished up an aviator hat.
Today I'm thinking about my friend who gets to take her baby home after a week stay at the NICU. I wish them luck as they adapt from a family of four to a family of five.
Today I'm thankful for all those NICU nurses that helped Daughter (she's the one in the incubator) out five years ago (it will be six years in January).

Sunday thanks

2011-11-06T05:13:00.001-08:00

I am thankful he's starting to listen.

Saturday thanks

2011-11-05T07:07:00.001-07:00

I am thankful for a chance to sleep in without interruptions.

Waving Bye Bye (and drug free)

2011-11-03T18:43:00.001-07:00

SouleMama

Breaking the wordless rule for 30 days of being Thankful: I am thankful that these moments are hard to choose.

It's Halloweek around here

2011-11-03T06:41:00.001-07:00

This is the last of Halloween related stuff, I promise. I make no promises about it being the last of Fall related stuff though. The days might be getting a little colder (and shorter after Saturday night), but it's still Fall (for a little while at least).

Son dived right into the pumpkin carving last Sunday, but Daughter was still hesitant. At the pumpkin patch she picked out the largest pumpkin with apparently the thickest rind. On Sunday she made my sister carve it into Belle. My sister got the face and some hair done and said "good enough." I can't say I blame her and Daughter thought it was beautiful so it stayed that way. I chose the owl for Son because I like owls and he doesn't really care. He was more interested in the goop and trying to eat it.

The roasting of pumpkins has started and the pumpkin butter was made. It's so amazing; like a little taste of fall in your mouth. I made it in the slow cooker with some cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice and a mix of brown and demera sugar. I am now completely out of all kind of sugar.

Last, but not least, I am thankful for the health of my children.

WIP* Wednesday - it's not all knitting today

2011-11-02T06:55:00.001-07:00

Operation Prefold is under way. Son is becoming a bit of a heavy wetter so we've been stuffing our BumGenius's with prefolds. This system works well except that we don't have enough prefolds. Since we will be potty training soon I am refusing to buy more prefolds. Luckily, my sister had a large garbage bag full of old t-shirts. I have one done and 5 to go.

My Great-Grandma's (now vintage) pattern book is providing the pattern for Son's mittens this year. That copyright date is 1951 in case you can't see it in the photo. From the pattern's, I'm gathering that Botany was a yarn company, but I'm not sure if Botany is around anymore. Quince and Co. Chickadee in the color Bird's Egg is the yarn I chose. The more I use their yarn, the more I love it.

It's also November which means that it's 30 days of being Thankful over on Facebook. I have decided to do it here instead and invite you to do it with me either in the comments or on your own blog. Since I'm a day behind there are two things for today:

I am thankful for Husband and the kids.

I am thankful for being able to stay home with my kids, even though it can get tough at times.

*Work in Progress

The day of and the day after.

2011-11-01T06:43:00.001-07:00

Halloween got off to a bit of a rough start. Hermoine was a little cranky and tired in the late afternoon after her school party. She is in morning kindergarten (as opposed to all day) and typically still naps or has quiet time in the afternoon. Yesterday, however, was the halloween party (apparently it's a school rule that parties are in the afternoon so she had to go back to school for hers).

Shortly after that picture of Harry was taken he face planted on the ground and would not move until we told him he could take the robe off. Good thing I had spent most of the morning taking off 6 inches of that robe from the bottom and 3 from each sleeve. Next year might be better. When he can understand and pick out his own costume (I wonder how Daughter will react to not being able to pick out his costume.

They both got better as the evening went on and got loads of candy from trick or treating. Later she divided it into two piles, one pile to keep and one to give to the Candy Fairy. She gave away about half of their candy (she went through Son's too - he didn't care). In return she woke up to find that the Candy Fairy left them each a book. On seeing this Daughter exclaimed "she must have known I gave her Son's candy too!" Let's hope she doesn't start trying to give away all his stuff.

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T07:16:00.001-07:00

We made it to the Pumpkin Patch before Halloween!
Daughter made it to the top of the world (or a haystack - it's all about perspective).
We saw noisy ducks (much noisier than those chickens the city won't let me have).
Daughter and Son learned where yarn came from (sheep and alpacas - those were the only yarn bearing animals in the petting zoo).
We got pumpkins - two carving ones and 6 pie pumpkins.
The roasting of the pumpkins begins tomorrow.
The roasting of the pumpkin seeds begins today.
We're still crossing off that fall list.

bath time

2011-10-28T05:58:00.001-07:00

SouleMama

Craft Swap #2

2011-10-27T08:50:00.001-07:00

I used to journal a lot. Then kids were born and my time was sucked away from me. When I had free time it became more important to read, knit or spend some time with just Husband (typically watching a movie or some tv). Or maybe some of all of that. But journaling went on the back burner. Perhaps I didn't need it as much either, but I've found lately that I miss it. So I was psyched when Farren asked if I wanted to do a craft swap with her.

For this craft swap we did something a little different. We requested what we wanted. Actually, it was more that I begged her to make me a journal because I've always loved the ones she had in her shop and she said yes would you make me a tote? And I said if that gets me a journal, then of course I will.

The journal design was completely her own. She went on the question of how I was feeling lately (the answer was Earthy) and I feel safe in saying she nailed it. It's so gorgeous, right down to the stitching, the inner paper, and the magnet disguised as a button. As you can see I've already used it.

As an added bonus, she sent along a book of her poetry and a written letter. We are now snail mail buddies because she is that awesome. I am very lucky and thankful to have her in my life.

To see the tote I made for her, you'll need to keep an eye on her blog. Also, while you're there you have to try this recipe (it's gluten free, but if you're not gluten free you can use any pasta you'd like - I personally love Trader Joe's whole wheat pasta).

What I saw on my birthday

2011-10-26T06:59:00.001-07:00

We walked outside today and Daughter informed me it smelled like winter. She's right; it smells like winter and there's a chill in the air that wasn't there yesterday. The sky is overcast like it's not sure whether to rain or snow. Friday we'll go to the Pumpkin Patch where the kids will pick out large pumpkins to carve and I'll buy pie pumpkins like they're going out of style. The canning season is almost done; there are just some tomatoes l'm waiting on to ripen left. The six paper bags have turned into three. Yesterday I did canned 2 more quarts, pickled 2 half pints of peppers, and made some beef stock. It's all a peparation game to make winter a little easier.

Today though, I'll think back on fall and my birthday walk. Canyons, stairs (so many stairs), happy children, and waterfalls that were turned off. And when I'm done with that, I think it's time to knit some mittens.

Some finished knitting

2011-10-25T07:28:00.001-07:00

For two seperate babes (the pink items went to the same little girl). Not a lot of words today because I'm tired, but the details are below (quite a few ravelry links, but I'm not afraid since they made the patterns viewable to all).

Booties done in Quince and Co chickadee.

Pebble Vest in Araucania Nature Wool. (my rav link)

Vanilla Soaker in Araucania Nature Wool. (my rav link)

This Weekend

2011-10-24T06:59:00.001-07:00

We went for (another) fall walk in beautiful weather.
We enjoyed the views and found a working waterfall at the end of the canyon.
We had that taffy apple. Unfortunately, they weren't as good as usual (meaning in seasons past).
Son mostly just ate the apple.
Ducks were fed by the river.
Did I mention we had gorgeous weather all weekend? We were very thankful.

Birthday Walk

2011-10-21T06:56:00.001-07:00

SouleMama

First set of the season

2011-10-20T07:03:00.001-07:00

It's that time of year again; the time your hands start to get a little cold and you need something to cover them. Wrist warmer season. In the winter I'll put some gloves under these and it will be glove and wrist warmer season. I like them because I still need my hands to do buckles, straps, tie shoes, and all those other little kid things that need to be done.

These Pixie Warmers were simple to knit up and only took two days. The small needles and sport weight yarn mean they add warmth without bulk. The wool is so soft and warm, I absolutely love it. More photos can be found on my Ravelry.

WIP* WednesdayO

2011-10-19T07:19:00.001-07:00

The red bird still needs eyes which is why I'm counting this as a WIP Wednesday post. Also, these little (and not so little as is the case of the dark grey owl) hats have been keeping me from my sweaters. I don't mind though; they're pretty quick to do and they're so cute. The will all be sent down to White Rabbit (along with some sleepy owl hats) on Friday. Then I have a craft swap to get ready for.

The hats are all variations on the Sleepy Owl Hat pattern by Olesya Pronyaeva. She does a superb job with the pattern which you can find in her Etsy shop.

*Work In Progress

Sometimes the longest walks are the best walks

2011-10-18T06:58:00.001-07:00

Today is cold, dreary, and overcast. The perfect day for a fire in the fireplace and a good book or some knitting on the couch. Unfortunately, I have children and don't know how to make a fire (I know, one of those life skills I should learn). So instead I'll think back to those few 80° F days and the 4 mile walk we took. Son was in the stroller (I forgot the Ergo), but Daughter walked it all and only got whiney at the end. I was super proud of her.

Celebrate

2011-10-17T08:03:00.001-07:00

See the full gallery on Posterous

I'm taking today to spend with my family. Thanks for understanding.

Craft Swap #1

2011-10-13T06:46:00.001-07:00

I had a pretty amazing mail week so far. This is a package from Jen of The Cozy Project. We became swap partners through a fall themed swap organized by Carissa of Kissed A Frog. It was amazing of her to set this up and I was so excited when my package got here.

She even sent along one of her coffee cozies and I love it! I know it doesn't fit the best on my mug, but I've been toying with getting one of those not a coffee cup cups for when we travel and so Son doesn't get into my coffee (like he gets into everything else). I think this cozy is going to push me over the edge. I hardly ever go out for coffee (cheap and lazy) so this would make it seem like I went out without actually doing so. I love it.

Along with the coffee cozy, Jen picked out some of her favorite items and personalized them with notes. This was a really thoughtful touch and turned it from a good package to an amazing package (well, that and the coffee). :) Thanks Jen!

More Apple Picking

2011-10-12T07:12:00.001-07:00

We've been lucky and have had amazing weather for about the last week, so it was back to the apple orchard for us. This time with my cousin who entertained Daughter by juggling. He's known how to juggle for a long time because I remember a time before children and Husband and he was juggling. I recall wearing a dress and not being dressed in all black, so maybe junior high/early high school. It was a while ago. Oddly enough, I have no idea if he shaved his hair at the time; I just remember him juggling and knocking over my uncle's glass of brandy (oops).

While Daughter was entertained, Son was busy eating. He does love eating, especially fruit. We found some trees with very large apples so it wasn't long before we got a 1/2 bushel. I'm hoping for about 8 more quarts of applesauce.

From a sweater to pants

2011-10-11T08:18:00.001-07:00

Remember my Mud Season sweater? If not, please click on the link and refresh your memory. There will be no hard feelings, I have a terrible memory too. It was the first sweater I ever knit myself that fit well. And I even got to wear it once.

It was so warm on our camping trip (which was good because that trip got cold at night), but then it smelled like camp fire. So I soaked it in Eucalan and I decided to put it on a gentle spin cycle to get the water out. Then I forgot about it. Which wouldn't have been a big deal except that Husband decided to do some laundry, without checking to see if anything was in the washer, and he used the hot cycle. When I heard the washing machine going all I could think was "NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO!"

It was only 15 minutes into the cycle when I pulled it out, but it was already ruined. I wasn't angry, just sad. I share the blame with Husband (who will now always look before adding clothes to the washer). I'm also thinking that maybe I just shouldn't make sweaters for myself.

I didn't want it to go to waste though. Since it's 100% wool it will make some good night time pants for my favorite 6 month old. For those that don't know, wool is naturally water repellent and can absorb water without adding bulk so it's good for leaks. There are more benefits of wool, but you can google them because I'm not going to list them all. Hopefully my favorite 6 month old likes them and they help his Mama not have to change the sheets so much.

I used the Simple Pants Pattern from Lotta Jansdotter's Simple Sewing for Baby. It truly is the simplest pants pattern I've ever used and although it might look funny having no seam in the crotch, it always fit Son just fine.

A walk uphill

2011-10-10T06:30:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I had a chance to go on a walk with my cousin, no kids, and no Husband. It was a little odd not having the kids, but nice. We were going to start with the Bog Boardwalk until we noticed that the boardwalk was covered with water and then it looked like it ended. It was warm yesterday, but neither of us were up for a swim. So, we opted for the 3 mile walk because what's 3 miles? I've done 3 miles tons of times, but what I forgot was that I usually do a flat 3 miles. A mostly uphill 3 miles is completely different, I may have said that I should install stairs in my house so I'm more used to hills. But the views were completely worth it once we made it up the Camelback Kames (and we really weren't that slow - my cousin is a city walker). I would totally do it again.

Crossing off the fall list.

This Moment

2011-10-07T05:41:00.001-07:00

SouleMama

Parade

2011-10-06T07:03:00.001-07:00

Over the weekend we made it down to Oregon, IL for the Autumn Parade. I may have been a little busy talking with my cousin to have taken a lot of photos. We really only see each other once or twice a year so we were busy catching up and having fun. We may have talked so much that I almost made them late for their event after the parade and the kids had fun both during the parade (even though Son mostly ate) and digging for worms after the parade. I'm still kicking myself for not getting photos of the kids all playing together.

We went two years ago as well (where Son and I made the news - don't judge my hair, it was really windy that day) and once again Max Armstrong was in the parade (middle photo). For those that don't know who he is, he used to do the news on WGN Radio (a local AM radio station). When I was growing up we didn't have cable or get a lot of FM radio stations out of Chicago. WGN came in the best so that's what I woke up to in junior high and high school (it beat the obnoxious beep). My alarm just happened to go off during the farm report so I heard Max Armstrong a lot. I could also tell you how the corn was doing; needless to say I was the most popular girl in high school.

We're crossing off that fall list.

WIP* Wednesday

2011-10-05T07:02:00.001-07:00

This is the Textured Shawl based on the Textured Shawl Recipe and these notes. I'm not typically a shawl person, but I liked that this one was simple yet interesting. Also, I'm getting cold and my snuggie is not what it used to be; I think it's just been washed one too many times. So I'll try a shawl.

The yarn is Malabrigo Worsted in Burgundy. It's super soft and really nice to knit with, but all three skeins sucked to roll into a ball. Seriously sucked - about half way through the rolling (so half on the swift and half on the ball winder) there would be some serious tangling. What should have taken a half hour to do took 2 hours. So I'm not sure I'll shell out for this yarn again unless someone else is willing to roll it into a ball.

And yes I know I already had two projects on the needles and no, I haven't finished them. For my hands, I find it best to have multiple projects on different sized needles going at one time. I find that there's less knitter knuckle pain and carpal tunnel issues that way. To show I've made progress on the other projects, I took pictures.

The sock yarn sweater for Son. I'm about half way through the body now and you can tell it's going to be a sweater.

I worked on this while waiting for Daughter at ballet the other night and I'm now past the sleeve seperation. I'm surprised by how quickly it's going and I'm really happy that I alternated balls of yarn. On a side note, I entertained almost all the siblings at ballet by knitting.

*Work In Progress

Applesauce (the best I ever had)

2011-10-04T07:05:00.001-07:00

I never want store bought applesauce again this was so unbelievably good. I used 12 pounds of our apples and these directions - the hardest part was cutting up all the apples. (If you don't have a food mill or the Kitchen Aid attachment, peel and core your apples and then use the food processor). The 12 pounds gave us four quarts (which I canned for winter) and a little over half a quart for dinner (the picture above with the funnel in the jar) where every last bit of it was promptly eaten. I added some sugar (they were tart apples) and a tablespoon of cinnamon. I was going to leave cinnamon out of the batch I'll be making today, but when I said that I was given a resounding no from the family. So I guess I'll put it in.

Apples!!!!!

2011-10-03T07:33:00.001-07:00

We went apple picking this weekend with some really awesome friends (seriously, life is too short for them to not know how awesome they are) who just happen to be the parents of my favorite 6 month old.
We chose to pick both some Jonathan's and some Golden Delicious and later today I'll be making some applesauce.
Son found it best to get under the trees to look for the apples and when he had some trouble picking them, Daughter showed him how it was done.
I am one seriously lucky Mom to have two kids that get along so well (not that they ALWAYS get along, but for the most part they're really good together - like peanut butter and jelly).
We all enjoyed eating some while picking, but I think the kids were the only ones that sat down to do it.

We're working on crossing off that fall list.