Knittens

Aran Afghan

I want to knit a new blanket for the baby, and I was dismayed after looking throw Aran sampler afghans. I don't have the money to purchase yet *another* pattern, and I wasn't thrilled with what I was finding for free. What is a woman to do?

Well, dig out one of the gazillion stitch dictionaries owned and design one.

The afghan is going to be three strips of three blocks. I'm then going to sew it up. This is the first block, the lower left corner of the afghan. Pretty neat texture.

I have been inspired to finish this quilt. Partly because I refuse to start another project before this one is complete, and partly because after I dug it out I realized that I made some pretty good choices 3 years ago, and why not give this puppy a chance?

I intended on putting this in a hope chest for the daughter that I hoped to someday have. Well, she is almost a year and she would love to have this, I am sure. She likes spreading blankets and pillows out on the floor and climbing in amongst them. She then looks at magazines, talks to her stuffed animals, or just lays and looks out the windows. So sweet. I'd love to see her doing all that on things that I made for her.

When I finish this (and I WILL finish it!) I am going to make small quilts for Thaya and the new baby. I think the same quilt, different fabric. Someone did that for my siblings when my mom was younger, and I'd like to do it for my kids. I can just imagine them building forts out of them or taking them off to college.

I hope you all had a nice weekend. Some guys came by today and did a spring clean up for us. There is so much growing out there! So, 4 hours and one 10 x 7 x 5 foot leaf pile later, we feel a little more at peace. Clean house, clean yard... now it is time to organize!

Just a little something I noticed today :)

Just wanted to thank you all for your suggestions on ways to save, as well as ways to get  my kitty to eat!

Winnie, the sicko cat, is doing much better.  The vet finally called us back after numerous calls to the office.  Turns out that all the blood work suggests is that there is a chronic infection.  He also said he'll do a re-check for free.  I think that even if it wasn't standard for a free recheck and he didn't offer, I would have managed to get a free recheck anyway.

I got her to start eating with warm tuna.  She started with just the juice and then started taking chunks.  I was after her with it about every 2 hours or so.  Then, started putting the warm juice over some dry food to see if that would help.  She still isn't eating a lot, but she is going to the dishes on her own now.

In other news, I finished a snake toy for Thaya for her birthday.  I've actually managed to hide it from her, so no posts until the big day.  I'm really excited about her birthday.  We were going to have a quiet day with her, but now, all of a sudden, there is a guest list of possibly 18 people (all family and close friends).  What is a mommy to do?

Come up with a theme of course! And what better theme than my baby's favorite thing in the whole wide world?  DUCKS!  We are having a Rubber Ducky theme.

Want to see the cake I'm making and a few examples of what people have done with the mold?  Seriously going to be awesome.

I'll give more details about it once the day comes and goes.  I have some pretty fantastic fun and games planned, and I can't give any hints to family and friend lurkers who will be coming.

So, what to do now? Well, I'd like to finish the quilt I started 3 years ago because that seems to be the cool thing to do these days.  And, I'm such a follower.  I guess I can knit up some mice to go along with the snake.  Oh yah, and I have to get this for our little fishy!

Happy Love Thursday.

I love...
Seeing my daughter show the first signs of imaginary play.

And the fact that the dress I knit her when she was in-utero FINALLY fits :) Isn't it cute?!

As of late, I've been looking for inspiration for my creative soul.  This includes many aspects, gardening (I've got to get those seeds started!!!), sewing (though I haven't done much of this in the past 2 or 3 years), knitting (can you say "finish the freaking snake by her birthday!" please?! I need a little push), photography, and mothering (yes, I whole heartedly believe that mothering is a creative en devour!).

Here are a few sites that I browse for some of that inspiration

SouleMama

Shutter sisters

Noticing Project

And what have I been inspired to do lately? All of the laundry, de-clutter, and be more efficient.

I'm officially in the second trimester!

1st, thanks for all of your great replies!  You guys are the best :)  It is nice to have so much input, suggestions, tips, and positive feedback!

2nd, my cat hasn't eaten in 3 days.  She is clearly sick.  We brought her to the vet, she is on antibiotics, but still won't eat.  I've called over there, and I'm getting the impression that they could really care less.  I'm starting to really stress.  They suggested that we leave her there so she could get IVs, but at $750 we couldn't do it :( I'm wondering if that is why they aren't being very helpful.  She looks like she is wasting away.  Do any of you have any suggestions as to what I can try?

Today I tried tuna - she drank almost all of the "water" in the can, and I'm hoping she got some flakes in there.  I read suggestions to put dollops of baby food on the paw to see if that helps.  I think the antibiotics have started to bring her fever down (106!), her eyes aren't gross anymore... but she won't eat.  Any tips would be appreciated!

Thaya loves sitting on her Dada's shoulders and peeking around at him. She goes from side to side, over and over, until poor Dada can't take anymore!

Our trip was fantastic. It was what we all needed, some great family bonding time. Thaya loved being with her Nana and Grandpa (or is it Pop Pop?), and by the end of the trip she was ready to say goodbye to use and go home in their suitcase.

We are seriously considering to switching to cloth diapers - we are trying to cut back on finances as much as possible, and this seems like another great way. Anyone out there willing to chat about cloth diapering? Just leave me a comment and we'll chat it up!

We're also thinking about cloth wipes or making our own (which is really easy apparently). Say goodbye to the extra fridge, hello to nightly unpluggings, some serious insulating, no more sponges, lots of new dishclothes, and a major paper towel cutback. I figure if I'm doing wash every day anyway, we may as well take advantage of it. I'm even planting my own seedlings this year to avoid buying as much as I can.

Can you tell I'm determined to maintain my SAHM status? Any other cost efficient cut backs you can think of?

Hey, by the way, Happy Spring... I think it is official now!

This day's picture brought to you courtesy of "Dada".

We're having a blast at Disney. So far, are only purchases for Thaya include a Tigger and the frog you see here. This girl *loves* stuffed animals!

Thank you so much for joining me on my 30 day journey (although it took more like 45 but whose really paying attention to that?). I feel like it has helped me with my "eye" and helped me become more comfortable with my camera. I've also learned much more about cs3, and I feel that my composition is much better as well.

I hope that I continue to upload some fantastic photos for you all :) And I encourage you all to take part in your own 30 day project!

This morning, these were nothing more than little green surprises pushing through the leaves and mulch. While outside packing the car, I was shocked to see that they had come so far in such a short period of time. Then again, they've been waiting almost a year for this day!

Tomorrow we leave for Disney - at 4:30 am.

Love is...

Fuzzy wuzzy, soft and squishy, slightly sweaty, usually stinkie, warm and tender baby toes.

Happy Love Thursday

First Quilt

I have been inspired to finish this quilt. Partly because I refuse to start another project before this one is complete, and partly because after I dug it out I realized that I made some pretty good choices 3 years ago, and why not give this puppy a chance?

I intended on putting this in a hope chest for the daughter that I hoped to someday have. Well, she is almost a year and she would love to have this, I am sure. She likes spreading blankets and pillows out on the floor and climbing in amongst them. She then looks at magazines, talks to her stuffed animals, or just lays and looks out the windows. So sweet. I'd love to see her doing all that on things that I made for her.

When I finish this (and I WILL finish it!) I am going to make small quilts for Thaya and the new baby. I think the same quilt, different fabric. Someone did that for my siblings when my mom was younger, and I'd like to do it for my kids. I can just imagine them building forts out of them or taking them off to college.

I hope you all had a nice weekend. Some guys came by today and did a spring clean up for us. There is so much growing out there! So, 4 hours and one 10 x 7 x 5 foot leaf pile later, we feel a little more at peace. Clean house, clean yard... now it is time to organize!

Just a little something I noticed today :)

Just wanted to thank you all for your suggestions on ways to save, as well as ways to get  my kitty to eat!

Winnie, the sicko cat, is doing much better.  The vet finally called us back after numerous calls to the office.  Turns out that all the blood work suggests is that there is a chronic infection.  He also said he'll do a re-check for free.  I think that even if it wasn't standard for a free recheck and he didn't offer, I would have managed to get a free recheck anyway.

I got her to start eating with warm tuna.  She started with just the juice and then started taking chunks.  I was after her with it about every 2 hours or so.  Then, started putting the warm juice over some dry food to see if that would help.  She still isn't eating a lot, but she is going to the dishes on her own now.

In other news, I finished a snake toy for Thaya for her birthday.  I've actually managed to hide it from her, so no posts until the big day.  I'm really excited about her birthday.  We were going to have a quiet day with her, but now, all of a sudden, there is a guest list of possibly 18 people (all family and close friends).  What is a mommy to do?

Come up with a theme of course! And what better theme than my baby's favorite thing in the whole wide world?  DUCKS!  We are having a Rubber Ducky theme.

Want to see the cake I'm making and a few examples of what people have done with the mold?  Seriously going to be awesome.

I'll give more details about it once the day comes and goes.  I have some pretty fantastic fun and games planned, and I can't give any hints to family and friend lurkers who will be coming.

So, what to do now? Well, I'd like to finish the quilt I started 3 years ago because that seems to be the cool thing to do these days.  And, I'm such a follower.  I guess I can knit up some mice to go along with the snake.  Oh yah, and I have to get this for our little fishy!

Happy Love Thursday.

I love...
Seeing my daughter show the first signs of imaginary play.

And the fact that the dress I knit her when she was in-utero FINALLY fits :) Isn't it cute?!

As of late, I've been looking for inspiration for my creative soul.  This includes many aspects, gardening (I've got to get those seeds started!!!), sewing (though I haven't done much of this in the past 2 or 3 years), knitting (can you say "finish the freaking snake by her birthday!" please?! I need a little push), photography, and mothering (yes, I whole heartedly believe that mothering is a creative en devour!).

Here are a few sites that I browse for some of that inspiration

SouleMama

Shutter sisters

Noticing Project

And what have I been inspired to do lately? All of the laundry, de-clutter, and be more efficient.

I'm officially in the second trimester!

1st, thanks for all of your great replies!  You guys are the best :)  It is nice to have so much input, suggestions, tips, and positive feedback!

2nd, my cat hasn't eaten in 3 days.  She is clearly sick.  We brought her to the vet, she is on antibiotics, but still won't eat.  I've called over there, and I'm getting the impression that they could really care less.  I'm starting to really stress.  They suggested that we leave her there so she could get IVs, but at $750 we couldn't do it :( I'm wondering if that is why they aren't being very helpful.  She looks like she is wasting away.  Do any of you have any suggestions as to what I can try?

Today I tried tuna - she drank almost all of the "water" in the can, and I'm hoping she got some flakes in there.  I read suggestions to put dollops of baby food on the paw to see if that helps.  I think the antibiotics have started to bring her fever down (106!), her eyes aren't gross anymore... but she won't eat.  Any tips would be appreciated!

Thaya loves sitting on her Dada's shoulders and peeking around at him. She goes from side to side, over and over, until poor Dada can't take anymore!

Our trip was fantastic. It was what we all needed, some great family bonding time. Thaya loved being with her Nana and Grandpa (or is it Pop Pop?), and by the end of the trip she was ready to say goodbye to use and go home in their suitcase.

We are seriously considering to switching to cloth diapers - we are trying to cut back on finances as much as possible, and this seems like another great way. Anyone out there willing to chat about cloth diapering? Just leave me a comment and we'll chat it up!

We're also thinking about cloth wipes or making our own (which is really easy apparently). Say goodbye to the extra fridge, hello to nightly unpluggings, some serious insulating, no more sponges, lots of new dishclothes, and a major paper towel cutback. I figure if I'm doing wash every day anyway, we may as well take advantage of it. I'm even planting my own seedlings this year to avoid buying as much as I can.

Can you tell I'm determined to maintain my SAHM status? Any other cost efficient cut backs you can think of?

Hey, by the way, Happy Spring... I think it is official now!

This day's picture brought to you courtesy of "Dada".

We're having a blast at Disney. So far, are only purchases for Thaya include a Tigger and the frog you see here. This girl *loves* stuffed animals!

Thank you so much for joining me on my 30 day journey (although it took more like 45 but whose really paying attention to that?). I feel like it has helped me with my "eye" and helped me become more comfortable with my camera. I've also learned much more about cs3, and I feel that my composition is much better as well.

I hope that I continue to upload some fantastic photos for you all :) And I encourage you all to take part in your own 30 day project!

This morning, these were nothing more than little green surprises pushing through the leaves and mulch. While outside packing the car, I was shocked to see that they had come so far in such a short period of time. Then again, they've been waiting almost a year for this day!

Tomorrow we leave for Disney - at 4:30 am.

Love is...

Fuzzy wuzzy, soft and squishy, slightly sweaty, usually stinkie, warm and tender baby toes.

Happy Love Thursday

Glass

Just a little something I noticed today :)

Just wanted to thank you all for your suggestions on ways to save, as well as ways to get  my kitty to eat!

Winnie, the sicko cat, is doing much better.  The vet finally called us back after numerous calls to the office.  Turns out that all the blood work suggests is that there is a chronic infection.  He also said he'll do a re-check for free.  I think that even if it wasn't standard for a free recheck and he didn't offer, I would have managed to get a free recheck anyway.

I got her to start eating with warm tuna.  She started with just the juice and then started taking chunks.  I was after her with it about every 2 hours or so.  Then, started putting the warm juice over some dry food to see if that would help.  She still isn't eating a lot, but she is going to the dishes on her own now.

In other news, I finished a snake toy for Thaya for her birthday.  I've actually managed to hide it from her, so no posts until the big day.  I'm really excited about her birthday.  We were going to have a quiet day with her, but now, all of a sudden, there is a guest list of possibly 18 people (all family and close friends).  What is a mommy to do?

Come up with a theme of course! And what better theme than my baby's favorite thing in the whole wide world?  DUCKS!  We are having a Rubber Ducky theme.

Want to see the cake I'm making and a few examples of what people have done with the mold?  Seriously going to be awesome.

I'll give more details about it once the day comes and goes.  I have some pretty fantastic fun and games planned, and I can't give any hints to family and friend lurkers who will be coming.

So, what to do now? Well, I'd like to finish the quilt I started 3 years ago because that seems to be the cool thing to do these days.  And, I'm such a follower.  I guess I can knit up some mice to go along with the snake.  Oh yah, and I have to get this for our little fishy!

Puzzle Play

Happy Love Thursday.

I love...
Seeing my daughter show the first signs of imaginary play.

And the fact that the dress I knit her when she was in-utero FINALLY fits :) Isn't it cute?!

As of late, I've been looking for inspiration for my creative soul.  This includes many aspects, gardening (I've got to get those seeds started!!!), sewing (though I haven't done much of this in the past 2 or 3 years), knitting (can you say "finish the freaking snake by her birthday!" please?! I need a little push), photography, and mothering (yes, I whole heartedly believe that mothering is a creative en devour!).

Here are a few sites that I browse for some of that inspiration

SouleMama

Shutter sisters

Noticing Project

And what have I been inspired to do lately? All of the laundry, de-clutter, and be more efficient.

I'm officially in the second trimester!

1st, thanks for all of your great replies!  You guys are the best :)  It is nice to have so much input, suggestions, tips, and positive feedback!

2nd, my cat hasn't eaten in 3 days.  She is clearly sick.  We brought her to the vet, she is on antibiotics, but still won't eat.  I've called over there, and I'm getting the impression that they could really care less.  I'm starting to really stress.  They suggested that we leave her there so she could get IVs, but at $750 we couldn't do it :( I'm wondering if that is why they aren't being very helpful.  She looks like she is wasting away.  Do any of you have any suggestions as to what I can try?

Today I tried tuna - she drank almost all of the "water" in the can, and I'm hoping she got some flakes in there.  I read suggestions to put dollops of baby food on the paw to see if that helps.  I think the antibiotics have started to bring her fever down (106!), her eyes aren't gross anymore... but she won't eat.  Any tips would be appreciated!

Thaya loves sitting on her Dada's shoulders and peeking around at him. She goes from side to side, over and over, until poor Dada can't take anymore!

Our trip was fantastic. It was what we all needed, some great family bonding time. Thaya loved being with her Nana and Grandpa (or is it Pop Pop?), and by the end of the trip she was ready to say goodbye to use and go home in their suitcase.

We are seriously considering to switching to cloth diapers - we are trying to cut back on finances as much as possible, and this seems like another great way. Anyone out there willing to chat about cloth diapering? Just leave me a comment and we'll chat it up!

We're also thinking about cloth wipes or making our own (which is really easy apparently). Say goodbye to the extra fridge, hello to nightly unpluggings, some serious insulating, no more sponges, lots of new dishclothes, and a major paper towel cutback. I figure if I'm doing wash every day anyway, we may as well take advantage of it. I'm even planting my own seedlings this year to avoid buying as much as I can.

Can you tell I'm determined to maintain my SAHM status? Any other cost efficient cut backs you can think of?

Hey, by the way, Happy Spring... I think it is official now!

This day's picture brought to you courtesy of "Dada".

We're having a blast at Disney. So far, are only purchases for Thaya include a Tigger and the frog you see here. This girl *loves* stuffed animals!

Thank you so much for joining me on my 30 day journey (although it took more like 45 but whose really paying attention to that?). I feel like it has helped me with my "eye" and helped me become more comfortable with my camera. I've also learned much more about cs3, and I feel that my composition is much better as well.

I hope that I continue to upload some fantastic photos for you all :) And I encourage you all to take part in your own 30 day project!

This morning, these were nothing more than little green surprises pushing through the leaves and mulch. While outside packing the car, I was shocked to see that they had come so far in such a short period of time. Then again, they've been waiting almost a year for this day!

Tomorrow we leave for Disney - at 4:30 am.

Love is...

Fuzzy wuzzy, soft and squishy, slightly sweaty, usually stinkie, warm and tender baby toes.

Happy Love Thursday

Inspiration

As of late, I've been looking for inspiration for my creative soul.  This includes many aspects, gardening (I've got to get those seeds started!!!), sewing (though I haven't done much of this in the past 2 or 3 years), knitting (can you say "finish the freaking snake by her birthday!" please?! I need a little push), photography, and mothering (yes, I whole heartedly believe that mothering is a creative en devour!).

Here are a few sites that I browse for some of that inspiration

SouleMama

Shutter sisters

Noticing Project

And what have I been inspired to do lately? All of the laundry, de-clutter, and be more efficient.

I'm officially in the second trimester!

2 Things...

1st, thanks for all of your great replies!  You guys are the best :)  It is nice to have so much input, suggestions, tips, and positive feedback!

2nd, my cat hasn't eaten in 3 days.  She is clearly sick.  We brought her to the vet, she is on antibiotics, but still won't eat.  I've called over there, and I'm getting the impression that they could really care less.  I'm starting to really stress.  They suggested that we leave her there so she could get IVs, but at $750 we couldn't do it :( I'm wondering if that is why they aren't being very helpful.  She looks like she is wasting away.  Do any of you have any suggestions as to what I can try?

Today I tried tuna - she drank almost all of the "water" in the can, and I'm hoping she got some flakes in there.  I read suggestions to put dollops of baby food on the paw to see if that helps.  I think the antibiotics have started to bring her fever down (106!), her eyes aren't gross anymore... but she won't eat.  Any tips would be appreciated!

Peek-a-boo!

Thaya loves sitting on her Dada's shoulders and peeking around at him. She goes from side to side, over and over, until poor Dada can't take anymore!

Our trip was fantastic. It was what we all needed, some great family bonding time. Thaya loved being with her Nana and Grandpa (or is it Pop Pop?), and by the end of the trip she was ready to say goodbye to use and go home in their suitcase.

We are seriously considering to switching to cloth diapers - we are trying to cut back on finances as much as possible, and this seems like another great way. Anyone out there willing to chat about cloth diapering? Just leave me a comment and we'll chat it up!

We're also thinking about cloth wipes or making our own (which is really easy apparently). Say goodbye to the extra fridge, hello to nightly unpluggings, some serious insulating, no more sponges, lots of new dishclothes, and a major paper towel cutback. I figure if I'm doing wash every day anyway, we may as well take advantage of it. I'm even planting my own seedlings this year to avoid buying as much as I can.

Can you tell I'm determined to maintain my SAHM status? Any other cost efficient cut backs you can think of?

Hey, by the way, Happy Spring... I think it is official now!

This day's picture brought to you courtesy of "Dada".

We're having a blast at Disney. So far, are only purchases for Thaya include a Tigger and the frog you see here. This girl *loves* stuffed animals!

Thank you so much for joining me on my 30 day journey (although it took more like 45 but whose really paying attention to that?). I feel like it has helped me with my "eye" and helped me become more comfortable with my camera. I've also learned much more about cs3, and I feel that my composition is much better as well.

I hope that I continue to upload some fantastic photos for you all :) And I encourage you all to take part in your own 30 day project!

This morning, these were nothing more than little green surprises pushing through the leaves and mulch. While outside packing the car, I was shocked to see that they had come so far in such a short period of time. Then again, they've been waiting almost a year for this day!

Tomorrow we leave for Disney - at 4:30 am.

Love is...

Fuzzy wuzzy, soft and squishy, slightly sweaty, usually stinkie, warm and tender baby toes.

Happy Love Thursday

30 Days ::: Day 30

This day's picture brought to you courtesy of "Dada".

We're having a blast at Disney. So far, are only purchases for Thaya include a Tigger and the frog you see here. This girl *loves* stuffed animals!

Thank you so much for joining me on my 30 day journey (although it took more like 45 but whose really paying attention to that?). I feel like it has helped me with my "eye" and helped me become more comfortable with my camera. I've also learned much more about cs3, and I feel that my composition is much better as well.

I hope that I continue to upload some fantastic photos for you all :) And I encourage you all to take part in your own 30 day project!

This morning, these were nothing more than little green surprises pushing through the leaves and mulch. While outside packing the car, I was shocked to see that they had come so far in such a short period of time. Then again, they've been waiting almost a year for this day!

Tomorrow we leave for Disney - at 4:30 am.

Love is...

Fuzzy wuzzy, soft and squishy, slightly sweaty, usually stinkie, warm and tender baby toes.

Happy Love Thursday

30 Days ::: Day 29

This morning, these were nothing more than little green surprises pushing through the leaves and mulch. While outside packing the car, I was shocked to see that they had come so far in such a short period of time. Then again, they've been waiting almost a year for this day!

Tomorrow we leave for Disney - at 4:30 am.

Love is...

Fuzzy wuzzy, soft and squishy, slightly sweaty, usually stinkie, warm and tender baby toes.

Happy Love Thursday

30 Days ::: Day 28

Love is...

Fuzzy wuzzy, soft and squishy, slightly sweaty, usually stinkie, warm and tender baby toes.

Happy Love Thursday