I Heart Yarn

New Blog

2008-07-15T15:23:00.003-06:00

I'm having a hard time getting Bloglines to cooperate but my blog has moved to its new site. Please do subscribe because I'll miss you if you don't. Visit me at Silly Happy Sweet!

Change

2008-07-08T09:39:00.006-06:00

I've been contemplating entirely changing my blog for some time now. This blog is a little over two years old and though I had a refresh, I really feel it is time for a bigger change. When I first started this blog, I was knitting nonstop. Though I still knit, I've found my interests have swayed a bit in other directions too. I've been sewing a lot more, cooking/baking, quilting, taking photography classes, and concentrating more on my kiddos. I've had a hard time with posts these past few months because I've felt bad that nothing I write has anything to do with knitting. Don't you think with a name like "I Heart Yarn" there is a certain expectation about what a blog is about? Cara had a really interesting post that only confirmed where I had been going in my head. I think for me I want to be able to post about anything and everything in our life and family and not have to feel like I keep apologizing for not having something knitting-related.

So, I'm going in a different direction and I hope you will follow me there. I thought and thought about a name. I wanted to find something that didn't put me into a corner about what my blog is about. And then it just came to me and it seemed so perfect and simple and fit.....Silly Happy Sweet. Silly is the name my dad has called me since I can remember. Happy is the name of one of MiniMe's favorite stuffed animals and I hope defines our family most days. And sweet because everyone teases B and I for our sweettooths. We're never short of sweet things around here!

So please stop by my new blog. Please subscribe to my feed and keep up with me! I really hope you do because I've so much enjoyed my friendship with all of you. I still hope the knitting blog web ring will have me because I still knit and will be posting about a new felted purse pattern this week. See you on the Silly Happy Sweet side!

The Simple Bag

2008-06-24T07:24:00.001-06:00

Everyone needs a simple bag. This baby was so easy to sew! I took the pattern from Simple Sewing but I made the handles much longer because I need a bag that lets me sling over my shoulder and then some. I've been using it to carry stuff (sunblock, snacks, goggles) back and forth from swimming lessons. It dries really fast too. I found this fabric on clearance at JoAnn's awhile back. I bought it thinking I'd use it for an apron. I still might. I bought enough of it.

Anyway, I highly recommend making your own Simple Bag. It's just so, well, simple.

35

2008-06-19T06:08:00.000-06:00

Thanks so much to everyone responding to the 50% off sale! The sale continues today. Visit this post to find out more.

Yesterday I turned 35. I don't think of 35 as old by any means but boy did I realize that I am getting older and never was it more clear than yesterday. My husband surprised me by getting the day off for me and him and finding dear friends to watch our kiddos so he could take me to Elich Gardens in Denver. I used to LOVE roller coasters. Never met or saw one that scared me before. But yesterday I no longer had that wonderful feeling of immortality but my kids crossed my mind as we corkscrewed our way around and around. When the ride came to an abrupt halt, I found myself feeling sick to my stomach and then when we got off, my neck hurt. It was crazy! I was so amazed at what age does to a person.

So, in honor of turning 35, I thought I'd share a bit of myself just for fun. I love reading everyone else's lists but have always been afraid of sharing my own quirks and habits. So, here are 35 things you may not have known about me:

1. I'm afraid of crows. Not just afraid but terrified. It's a running joke with some of my friends. If one is near my car, I won't get out. I've had one swoop down on me. Is there a name for this phobia???

2. I love office supply stores. Aisles and aisles of tools for organization. Need I say more?

3. I love politics. I absolutely love to watch election night returns. I love debates. I love talk radio. Nerdy, eh?

4. My favorite ice cream is Chocolate Chip Cookie dough.

5. I'm a plain Jane. I don't like mustard, mayo, dressing, ketchup, etc. Everyone thought I'd grow out of that but really haven't.

6. Because of #5, I've never tried potato salad. It looks completely unappetizing to me though everyone who eats it acts like it is really tasty. I should try it before I judge it but I can't do it.

7. I fear vomit. When our kids or dog throw up, I have an instant gag reflex and start to throw up myself. I'm working on this one because my poor husband can't do it all......

8. My favorite song of all time is Into the Mystic by Van Morrison.

9. MiniMe was born to a Van Morrison CD playing in the operating room.

10. I think daisies are the most beautiful and happy flower ever (photo courtesy nfoto).

11. I stood two feet away from O.J. Simpson at a USC game shortly before the famous murders.

12. My favorite food is Crab legs. Pepperoni pizza is second. Sushi is third.

13. I have a huge regret that I never learned to play piano. I know I can still learn but I'm intimidated. I love the piano.

14. I have a huge regret that I'm not fluent in any other language. My mom's first language was spanish but she never used it with me.

15. If I had one wish, I'd wish for three more wishes. :)

16. I buy PowerBall tickets when the jackpot amount is really high and I believe wholeheartedly that it can happen to me.

17. I think being a mother is harder than training for and running a marathon (and I've done both so I can say that.)

18. I think being a mother is more rewarding than the feeling of finishing a marathon.

19. My husband's opinion means more to me than anyone else I know.

20. I don't like dark chocolate. I don't even really like semi-sweet chocolate unless I'm desperate. I much prefer milk chocolate. And white chocolate--YUCK.

21. I'm an only child. (Ha, ha.. as if my pickiness didn't clue you in to that!)

22. I love Hot Tamales and black licorice.

23. I am a sweet tooth who married a sweet tooth--dangerous!

24. I like to paint walls. If you're looking for someone to come help you paint, I'm there. I think it is relaxing.

25. I like the smell of Carmex. I don't know what it is or what it takes me back to but I just love it.

26. I really despise going to the grocery store. If there is any way I can get out of it and have B go for me, I am happy.

27. I love musicals. I wish to have a whole weekend where I just watch one after another after another.

28. When I was a little girl, some friends and I formed a club called the PYTs. We had shirts made and everything. We wouldn't let Faunia join the club. I feel bad about that now.

29. When I was little, I used to have conversations with myself when my mom went to the bank teller in the car. I would make it sound like there were at least two kids in the car so I'd get two lollipops. Genius don't you think? It worked everytime!

30. When I was six or so, I buried coins in my backyard and used to charge neighborhood kids money to come and see the "buried treasure" I'd discovered. Only children and our brilliant capitalism schemes! I didn't feel like sitting in the sun selling lemonade so I thought I'd make more $ faster this way.

31. I don't like to be barefooted. It's not that I don't like my feet. I just like to have either shoes or socks on. I'd never survive in the midwest where everyone takes their shoes off at the door all the time in the winter. I admire the people who do it. I do it but I have a bad attitude about doing it.

32. I love all things Marilyn Monroe.

33. One of my favorite things in life is to hear my children and husband laugh. I just love that sound each of them make when something strikes them funny and they get the kind of laugh where you can't stop. I can hear each of their laughs in my head. Those are great moments.

34. I love, love, love Diet Dr. Pepper.

35. I don't drink coffee. (isn't that really weird?)

That's it! Wow, I re-read my list. I sound like a picky freak. Now I get why I drive people nuts when I order food from a restaurant!

Happy Thursday!

Summer Sale!

2008-06-17T08:55:00.002-06:00

In honor of summer, I wanted to let you know that from today until end of day on June 19, all 10 of my felted purse patterns are half off! Just go here to see all the patterns available. If you are interested in a pattern (or two), click on "Learn and See More" and add to your shopping cart. Once you've purchased, I'll go back and refund you for half your order. It's too hard to change my shopping cart amounts for a couple of days so this seems the easiest way. If you prefer to have the patterns mailed rather than downloaded to print on your end, make sure you click on the right shopping cart category.
Happy knitting!

Happy Father's Day!

2008-06-15T15:13:00.005-06:00

I like this picture of B and the kids because it was a sweet moment when we first brought our son home. It was during that strange transition time when you go from one to two kids and you want the first to still feel important. That transition wasn't as rough but that is because of B. He's an incredible dad. I'm not just thankful for him today but everyday. He's a good man. My kids' faces light up the second he enters the room. They love him so very much. Happy Father's Day honey!

And to my own dad who raised me on his own, I wish you a happy day too! You're also a very, very good man. Thank you for all you did for me. Thank you for being such a good papa to my own kids!

Have a good one to all the special daddies out there!

Miscellaneous Musings

2008-06-11T19:15:00.003-06:00

I'm back on Weight Watchers. I feel really grouchy. I have at least 5-8 pounds to lose to get back to that pre-preg weight. It depends on the day how much I have to lose. I looked back on old WW food books and I am eating less than what I ate when the weight just slid off after my first baby. What gives? Same exercise too. ARGH! I'm committed though....

The above image is a dress I recently made for MiniMe. It will probably only fit her for three more days. Note to self: always sew something a size bigger to be safe. Oh well.

Tomorrow I have my first photography class! I hope that means my images will improve here on this site. I can't wait to learn more and change some of my bad picture-taking habits. I might use some birthday money to buy a new lens.

Speaking of birthday, mine is next week. 35. Advanced maternal age. That is what 35 has always meant to me. How funny. The age where having babies becomes more risky or where they ask you to take more tests. Is that true really? I'm not having a baby but I lay awake this morning thinking about being 35. That only makes me two years younger than my mom was when she died. I can't believe it.

This weekend at our garage sale, MiniMe had a really interesting conversation with one of our shoppers. It went like this:

MiniMe to Shopper (I should mention that the shopper was about 50 yrs old and minding her business and looking at books when MiniMe bombarded her): Where's your daddy? (now what the heck made her care to know this info from this lady?)
Shopper (taken aback): Oh, well, my daddy lives far away.
MiniMe: I have a daddy and a mommy.
Shopper: Is that your daddy? (pointing to B)
MiniMe: Yes. But you know what?
Shopper: What?
MiniMe: My mommy's mommy is dead. She's in heaven with Taylor (our late dog).
Shopper: (looking to me in confusion) Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that.
MiniMe: Yes, thank you.

What is it about kids bringing up sensitive subjects at the most random and inappropriate moments? We'll be at the drive up window of a restaurant and she'll ask me how my mom died. So interesting.

Don't ask me what made me write all that. Have a great week!

MiniMe's Recital

2008-06-07T06:50:00.002-06:00

I realized that in all of the chaos of talking about the tornado, I never shared MiniMe's recital pics. The bun never turned out quite the way I hoped and it isn't the length of her hair. It's just me and my ineptness. Here's a pic:

She did a wonderful job! We had so much fun watching her pose and prance!I think she's a natural. I hope she continues to love dance. Yay MiniMe! Job well done! We are proud of you!

Devastation

2008-05-27T21:18:00.007-06:00

Since my last post, our little town was hit with an F3 category tornado. I've never experienced an event like that before, and I must admit, that I think I'm suffering from some light form of post traumatic stress. The wind barely whips up and I'm scared all over again.

It was about noon last Thursday and I was just looking for my keys to go pick up MiniMe from school. Suddenly golf-ball sized hail came down. I saw the neighbor come outside to take pictures of it. I also wanted to grab my camera but MiniB was fussy and wouldn't let me put him down. The hail let up for a minute or two and then it started again but it was bigger, much bigger. At that point I tried calling B because the fear set in. The windows started breaking and I rushed the dogs and the baby to the basement. Then the noise came and the darkness set in. It was a rushing sound and the rain was pummeling the windows with such force of the wind that it was impossible to see outside. The power then went out and it was very dark in the basement. The baby was crying and the dogs were whining. I immediately thought of MiniMe who was at her daycare very close by. I just started to pray. I'm glad I didn't know exactly what it was. We aren't in tornado alley. I just passed it off as a very bad storm. I've since heard so many stories of the "funnel" and "huge dark cloud." Because MiniB was so fussy, I was unable to go outside to really see what was coming our way. I wasn't watching tv or listening to the radio. Had I really known and received warning that we were under a tornado watch, my basement time would have been the longest eight minutes of my life. In a way I am grateful for my ignorance. I was scared for my daughter but I would have been in a real panic had I known just how close she was to where it touched down and what was happening all around me.

Suddenly the noise passed. Text messages and emails were coming in on my phone. Lots of "R U OK?????" It still didn't register with me. We had no power and though I was getting text messages, my calls kept failing to B. I went upstairs and that is when it registered. The debris. The destruction. Our house was intact and standing but walls, fences, patio furniture, roof shingles, and porch pieces were all strewn about. And then my heart really started to beat for my girl. Neighbors emerged from their homes. I realized without power I couldn't open the garage door and putting MiniB down to find the pull cord in the dark wasn't an immediate option. I was scared to leave him. I was scared to trip in the dark with him. I needed help. I see my neighbor and he tells me that he just heard that the roof had ripped off of the car wash and threw the owner on his back. The car wash is right next to MiniMe's school. My girl. My girl. I call B and finally get through. He's on his way. I'm scared he's in the path of it. He says he'll be careful and get MiniMe on his way. Our neighbor is able to help me with the car so I can go. I can't wait for B to get her. When I get there, I'm relieved that the building is intact. I've never been so glad to see MiniMe. All of the cars in the lot were severely damaged rearranged and the kids are scared but they went to the interior of the school and sang songs and sat cross-legged with their heads in their laps. The wind was still so strong but I had my girl and she was fine and nothing else mattered. I could move on to worrying about B making it home.

In the end everyone was ok. One man lost his life. And I don't take one life lightly. That is terrible but it could have been so much worse. It was daytime so many people were at work in neighboring Fort Collins so that helped. We lost power for days. We have insurance and everything that was lost or broken we will repair and replace. Our home is at least still standing. Those are just material things though. Our little town is just devastated. Our sister church is gone. Our veterinarian's building is gone. The subdivision across the street from ours is no longer. The daycare and bank that is visible from MiniMe's school experienced terrible damage and though they'll rebuild, I can't imagine the post traumatic stress those people will have. Eight kids at MiniMe's school lost their homes. Two teachers also lost their homes. It is is sad. We drove around and I just can't believe the loss.

Anyway, thank you for bearing with me if you've read this far. I think writing it helps. I just keep thinking how strange it all is. If the path had shifted or touched down even a quarter of a mile there is no telling what our story would be. How can one house be intact and the one next to it completely destroyed? It's odd and sad. There is a cemetary next to a stoplight where I'm always stuck waiting. If you don't live in the area you don't understand the strange void that now exists when parked at that light. The wonderfully old, large trees are missing. It feels strange. I'm amazed though at the clean up efforts. You really see the heart of people in these situations. That is the silver lining of this whole experience....

Why I love YouTube

2008-05-20T15:18:00.002-06:00

Tonight is MiniMe's first recital. We've been hearing about the "cital" for weeks. We've heard from her about how the "Annies" and uncles and papas and moms and dads will all be there. Oh and there will be cake. That is huge to a three-year old.

Anyway, for all the hype of this thing, I'm worried about her hair. I can never do MiniMe's hair. I'm hair challenged. My daughter is the one who usually has bumps in her pony tails. B laughs at my cockeyed pig tails. I don't know why I can't seem to make her hair work. I blame it on B. She has his hair and hence his stubborn swirl pattern. I've run out of ideas for her hair. I was thrilled when she decided she likes wearing headbands. To my dismay I still can't get those to keep her hair out of her eyes, face, food, etc.

I need a tutorial. I need guidance. Enter YouTube--my online tutorial. Who knew a bun was so easy? Well, it looks easy. I will attempt it tonight. MiniMe will more than likely not stay very still so I have to get it right quickly. Recital pics tomorrow....!

Knitted Baby Mary Janes

2008-05-14T10:49:00.006-06:00

I'm about ready to forget this whole ABC along. I'm skipping J. I have an idea for J for later. I'm a huge rule breaker. Anyhow, on to K. K is for knitted baby booties. Aren't these cute? They're pretty easy to knit too. I found the pattern at Bekah's Etsy shop. I know quite a few pregnant women. Unfortunately most of them are either not finding out the gender or they are having a boy. But all is not lost. My dear friend Debbie just had a girl so I'm sending these her way! These were a perfect project for me right now because life is so busy.

Did everyone have a nice Mother's Day? Mine was ok. Mother's Days are still kind of hard for me given the loss of my mom. It's weird. I can't predict it. Some years I am not really emotional about it. Others I can't help buy cry in moments throughout the day. This year was the latter. Now that I'm a mom my issues are different. I find that a huge void is filled in having my little ones in my life. But I also feel sad that my children won't know her and I hurt for them. MiniMe will ask me questions about her "Strawberry Grandma" in heaven. Why she refers to her as that is beyond me. It didn't help that B had to leave on a business trip on Sunday. He felt terrible but I admit that I was mopey about it. He bought me a wonderful necklace that I need to take a picture of. It is silver and has two squares that each have one of my kid's names on them. And there is a cute pearl too. Hard to explain but it was a perfect present. Totally perfect. Here are some pictures we took before church:

Did I mention I got a new camera? I'm loving this new camera. I saved and saved for it. In the end, B chipped in to my fund. I'm enrolled in two photography classes this summer so hopefully my images will improve. The camera is so good, I almost don't even need to know anything.

We've been going out on walks and to the park so I can practice taking some nature shots. In honor of my mom, I took these pictures.

She loved spring and the cherry blossom trees. At the end of her life, she lived in Washington D.C. and she died just two days after taking pictures of the blossoming tress. I found the roll of film before she was able to develop it. It is very precious to me because there were a few with her leaning on the trees. She loved to tell me the story and history behind the trees in D.C. Being a teenager at the time, her words went in one ear and out the other. Now I appreciate them so much and always stop to remember her this time of year.

I is for Interesting Brooches

2008-05-08T14:45:00.006-06:00

Can you tell at this point I'm really struggling to keep up with this ABC along? "I" just isn't a letter that is easy to back up with a craft. So here is my best try.

MiniMe is loving these little brooch pins I made with my extra buttons. I read artsy-crafty babe's tutorial and had to give it a try. Like everyone else, I have a lot of buttons. It's so easy!

And now for some random happenings around our household. Ever gone to the bathroom only to see an orange spider walking ON TOP of the toilet water? Seriously, the spider was walking on the water. I did a triple take to make sure it wasn't wading in the water. Nope, it was walking on top. And it wasn't just a light hue of orange. The sucker could glow in the dark--it was that orange! MiniMe was so interested she couldn't stop looking at it and shrieking with delight. I don't know the abilities of a day glo water-walking spider but I was scared that jumping might be one of them so I asked her to flush him down for me. Kind of funny that my three-year old had to take care of the spider for me. My gosh. Where did that freaky specimen come from??? Makes me wonder if there are more wandering around.

Another random around here is MiniB's recent interest in baby dolls. I am not one to care if my son plays with dolls and B just laughs at it. Though if it continues, I'm sure he'll start purchasing some boy toys. We have so many girl toys that buying more toys just becuase hers are so girly seems dumb at his current age. But MiniB holding a baby doll is kind of cute--for now. He doesn't play with the doll the way a girl does. He is still very boy about it all. He chews on her bald head or smashes her head into the floor. He also twists her arm around and around. I think he just likes the idea of something smaller than him to be the boss of. But when he wakes up from nap and has her in his arms I just have to laugh. If I pull her away he goes crazy.

The other news we got this weeks is that MiniMe's thumb sucking is finally starting to affect her teeth. The dentist predicts there will definitely be orthodontics in her future. The roof of her mouth is kind of forming to a shape that is common to thumb suckers and her bite is off. The dentist says it is too soon to really tell but he can see signs. If you have a thumb sucker in your house and have heard similar news but it never came about, please reassure me. I don't have it in me right now to get on her for it. Right now I have MiniB who I need to ween and a puppy who is peeing and pooping on everything. I get kind of tired of hearing myself say no to the puppy all the time. I don't want to start hounding my daughter. Or maybe a little part of me doesn't want her to grow up and the thumb sucking still makes her my little girl. Could be a little of that too.....

A felted burger? Are you mad?

2008-04-24T15:36:00.004-06:00

Now before anyone goes and thinks that I've completely flipped out and am out of control, I want to assure you that I'm perfectly sane. I don't have too much time on my hands. I tell you this because you should have seen B's reaction when I showed him the burger I made. It was a cross between, "what is the point?" and "do you think you might need to look into a more productive pasttime?" Pretty funny. The looks got even stranger as I perfected the pickle and prototyped the tomato. I don't blame him. I even understand. It is kind of silly but I love the crafty food craze going on lately. I LOVE the felted breakfast pillow in Betz's book.

This burger is for MiniMe's kitchen. I love it because it is so soft. The dogs want to play and chew on her plastic food but they leave the burger alone. I'm not sure I'll go on to make more food but this was fun!

H is for Handbag

2008-04-21T14:52:00.003-06:00

Spring is here! I'm so inspired by all the color blooming around here. This little purse was made completely of Ginger Blossom fabric for MiniMe. The purse is so pretty that she had a hard time selecting just the right items to put into it. She asked for my help to "find pretty things" to carry in her purse.

I originally selected the pattern and was making the purse for myself, but as I sewed it, I knew it was too girly for me. And seeing MiniMe's eyes light up as the purse came to be, I knew I wasn't to be the owner. I love the fabric and have leftovers so I need to find the right project for me. Maybe an apron!

Happy Spring everyone!

One Year Ago Today

2008-04-19T20:31:00.004-06:00

One year ago today MiniB came into the world! I remember looking at him and thinking how very much he looks like his sister. He still does. I thought my heart was going to burst with so much love. I remember our first night in the hospital, I was alone with him because B had to stay and take care of MiniMe. He didn't like the bassinet so I put him in the hospital bed with me. I was so afraid of his smallness. I scooted over to leave room between us for fear of rolling on him. But he kept moving in to be near me to snuggle--so opposite of MiniMe as a baby. It was at that moment that my heart melted for this little boy that still has such a sweet personality. He loves my attention. And I love his. I know one day this will change but for now I am the person he spends most his time with. He is the little boy that loves to point, loves to gyrate to any sound that has any kind of rhythm, laughs when you pretend to eat his toes, and lives to see his sister any chance he gets. Here is he today.

He's growing so fast but I do my best to document his life. I keep a journal for each of my kids that I hope one day I can pass on to them about the things they say and do. Reading through it on their birthdays is fun fo me. Unfortunately, as is with most second children I've heard, I write much less in his than MiniMe's. But I do take a lot of photos and video. Happy Birthday MiniB! You are my sweet boy and I'm so blessed by you. I'm so excited to watch you grow and change.

And, just because I wrote in my last post that I wasn't sure what kind of cupcakes to bake, I winged it. I didn't end up making the monsters because I couldn't find blue jimmy sprinkles. So, I opted for little catepillars with smiles.

And when I got tired of those, I just threw all the sprinkles I had on the rest. I must still be a bit sick though because I can't taste. I made the cream cheese frosting from scratch but kept adding in powdered sugar because I just couldn't tell if they were sweet. Come to find out that they were but I still couldn't taste a thing.

Under the Weather

2008-04-16T10:25:00.003-06:00

Forgive my lack of posting. I had a sinus infection for a good week and half. Ever had one? My teeth hurt. My eyeballs hurt. My HAIR hurt for goodness sake. Ugh. I'd rather have another c-section than have a sinus infection again. Seriously.

So this weekend MiniMe turns one! I'm so behind in my planning due to being sick. I want to do a cute cupcake for him. Any ideas? Maybe a monkey or piggy or something cute like this: (Photo by Princess of Llyr):

If you know of something easier but as cute, send it my way! Congrats to Bethan for winning the fabric and pattern.

G is for Giveaway..no foolin!

2008-04-02T14:58:00.004-06:00

In honor of my blogiversary, I want to giveaway some goodies. It's also my attempt to get another letter down in this ABC along. I'm combining my fabric and fibery loves so hopefully a lot of you out there like them both too. I'm going to give away 4 fat quarters of Heather Bailey Freshcut fabric and a copy of my Marley Jane felted purse pattern (see image of finished purse). Just tell me (in comments) a great April Fools joke that either you pulled or was pulled on you. Please get comments in by 8am on Saturday, April 5. I'll draw a name at random on Saturday and email and post winners. Who doesn't love Heather Bailey and her delicious fabric?

I can never pull off a joke--I end up laughing before the punchline and it is painfully obvious to my husband. I don't think this was meant for April Fools but yesterday my daughter hid some fur in the pull out drawer of MiniB's high chair (the cupholder where you put the baby jars). Scared me! You'd think I'd have been savvy enough to know the fun wouldn't end there. On my way down to the basement, I spot a fake centipede (didn't know it was fake at the time)! Mind you that I was carrying my son down so I kept my wits and didn't drop him. Whew! I lothe bugs, ants, snakes, spiders, webs, hair, fur, and any other creepy bug-related item. A little rolly-poley is fine enough though.

And last but not least, I've been telling you about our new puppy and how our older dog, a yellow lab named Aspen, has kind of regressed and turned puppy on us. He's hilarious. He has some new life in him! And last night before bed, I saw this site. This is Miley's (our puggle puppy who weighs 8 lbs) bed. Note that Aspen's actual bed is behind him. Just how little of a ball can this huge dog curl up into?

Happy Blogiversary!

2008-03-31T21:09:00.004-06:00

Today is my second blogiversary! Makes me feel like eating some cake and ice cream. These past two years have been so much fun. Two years is a pretty long time for a blog I think. My son wasn't even alive or conceived. And now he's about to turn one this coming month!

So, I finally got around to making these tasty baked doughnuts I wrote about. Yummy! I'll definitely make these again. They were a hit. Unfortunately I deleted my photos on accident. I wish I had them to post because they were pretty. I didn't have a round cookie cutter so I used a flower one instead. One tip I'd recommend is that you put your parchment paper on a lighter-colored pan. I made two separate pans--one with my Pampered Chef stone and the other with a much-loved and well-used cookie sheet. The cookie sheet doughnuts burnt on the bottom so much so that I cut the bottoms off since the tops were fine.

And, my wonderful Ginger Blossom fabric arrived! Isn't it lovely and beautiful? I'm going to sew a purse with these pretties. Can't wait to show you.

My Brick quilt is 90% finished. I'll post pics soon.

Fast Friends

2008-03-28T13:06:00.005-06:00

Iam happy we broke down and got Aspen a puppy. The puppy has bonded far more with our yellow lab than us individually. But this site makes me happy because ever since Taylor died, Aspen has sulked and been a lonely boy. Suddenly he's a spry and active dog. He's acting like a puppy himself. The wonderful part is that he is keeping Mylee (puppy) so busy that she isn't chewing on any shoes or furniture! I hope it continues.

And to be filed under the "kids say the darndest things" category, on the way home from school MiniMe said, "Mommy you know what is a wonderful idea? If we go home and you go get my princess dress to put on me and get me Hello Kitty snacks while I watch my movie." Just what kind of diva are we raising???

Have a great weekend everyone!

Egg Tragedy and Fabric Blankie

2008-03-25T08:24:00.003-06:00

I'm trying to catch up on my ABC along here. Let's see, by doing two letters today I will be caught up. Hooray! I'm kind of cheating because this egg picture isn't mine but belongs to Francisquini but I had myself a such a good laugh that I wanted to share this Egg Tragedy with you. So there is my "E" for the month. I just love the expressions on the surviving eggs--especially the one smiling.

And now for "F" which is my own. This Fabric blankie is the result of the Mini Project I mentioned in my last post. Well, I'm not sure what I was hoping for when I handed it to my girl. She has a favorite blankie that I've written about here. Her enthusiasm lasted about three minutes and this blankie has been left behind. She instead takes her mini stroller around the house with her baby and Pinky inside. Oh well, it is pretty nonetheless. I've learned my lesson--quit trying to recreate the Pinky infatuation with something new. I have just wanted to make sure we have something else she loves in case we lose Pinky. But the pressure is on to never lose Pinky. Ever.

Anyway, I used leftover Freespirit's Freshcut Heather Bailey fabric and made up the pattern as I went along. The hardest part was cutting the squares!

First Haircut and Mini Project

2008-03-19T21:05:00.004-06:00

How's this for cute? Aren't MiniB's eyes huge as saucers? Yesterday was his first haircut. I saved a lock for his book. He was adorable and terrified but no tears were shed. Here he and MiniMe are post haircut:

I'm still working on my brick quilt but MiniMe's Pinky blanket gave me some inspiration for this new MiniProject. I had a bit of Freshcut left from my brick quilt. I'll post more images as I progress. This is my own pattern so I'm making it up as I go along.

Here is the back. Sorry for the overexposure on this one.

I'm on a sewing kick. I'm on a knitting hiatus. I realize that knitting the 20 felted bags for my trunk show really did a number on me. My right wrist and finger hurt a bit when I get to casting on. Ouch. Overuse injury.

D is for Doughnuts, Diets, and Dates

2008-03-17T20:09:00.002-06:00

Have you checked out this baked doughnut recipe making the rounds on some blogs? I LOVE doughnuts. They are on my list of what I'd eat if I only had one meal left. Better to go out unhealthy, right? Deep dish, Chicago-style, pepperoni pizza and doughnuts. Sushi and caramel cheesecake are pretty wonderful too.

Speaking of wonderfully bad food, I think every single recipe I come across sounds even more delicious because I'm watching my diet and trying to lose these last 5 lbs. of baby weight. I have one month until MiniB turns one-year old! I was hoping to be down by now. I really want to buy the new Martha Stewart's Cookies book but I know that would destroy my mission. If you've bought it, let me know if it is any good.

I went on a date with MiniMe yesterday to see Horton Hears a Who. It was adorable. I don't want to give anything away but I was so proud of MiniMe. When the movie was over she was asking me so many questions about the kangaroo (Carol Burnett character). Does she have friends Mama? Why was she so mean? It is funny what sticks with kids. She also really liked the JoJo character. I personally thought Jim Carrey as Horton was hilarious. I highly recommend you take your kiddo(s) on a date to this movie!

Brick Quilt

2008-03-06T13:49:00.003-07:00

The cutting is done and the bricks are all laid out. In case you don't remember, I'm going to make Amy's Lotus Brick Path quilt but use Heather Bailey Freshcut fabric. It has taken a couple of months of me working here and there--evenings and naps. I can't wait to start sewing. I'm not even done but I'm scoping out my next project.

Have you witnessed the beauty that is Sandi Henderson's Ginger Blossom? Take a look here for pics of her new collection. Here is one picture for you to see.

Check out her Portabello Pixie blog--I'm rather hooked!

And in case you are wondering, "hey, thought this was a knitting blog." It still is. I'm knitting the Flutter-by socks. Here is Sock #1.

This is a wonderful pattern! I love sock knitting. It is a good break for me between purses. I knit this one in Florida. I've cast on the second but have a trip next week to Seattle for work so I'll get to it on the plane. I can't imagine a plane ride with no kids. Just my iPod and knitting. H-E-A-V-E-N. I love my kids but you know how it is to travel with two wee ones. Exhausting. The second you walk on a plane with a baby, the eyes of the passengers already seated have that look of desperation that you know they're saying inside, "please let this not be your seat." It's kind of funny.

Have a great Thursday!

D is for....Doggie (also known as I'm back to not sleeping)

2008-03-03T20:45:00.003-07:00

When we lost Taylor last summer, I needed the time to have a household of one dog and to mourn my little guy. I didn't notice a decrease of dog hair because Taylor was a Lhasa and didn't shed. The dog food bills weren't less because he was so little, what he ate compared to our Lab was inconsequential. There wasn't less barking. Taylor liked to growl more than bark. Instead I noticed that when I sat at my computer, there was no little creature sitting at my feet. When I stepped out of the shower there was no little dog curled on my rug. My shadow was gone and I miss him terribly. Though life was somewhat easier with one less responsibility, I still felt a longing for my little companion.

So, after much discussion, we decided to get another dog. Wouldn't you know that MiniB is 10-months old and I sleep beautifully now since I stopped nursing a couple of weeks ago? Fast forward to last night where every other hour I am standing in below freezing cold and wind begging this pup to hurry up and pee instead of sniffing every leaf. I can't complain. I did this to myself. She's my dog so I take full responsibility. B wanted us to wait on another dog much longer than I was willing.

I've finally settled on a name--I think. Mylee or Myleigh or Mylie (not sure of the spelling yet). For a while she was GiGi. That was after we called her Happy for a bit. I might change her name again. She's a puggle. She was the most mellow of the lot of girls but now she's beginning to show her personality. What is so interesting is that she has taken on some Taylor traits. Taylor would sit down on your spot on the couch the second you got up for water though he seemed totally content where he was before. Mylee does the same. There could also be 10 pillows on the floor and Taylor would always go for the three pillows that were stacked and teetering at near impossible Lhasa Apso heights. Myleigh attempted the same feat. Taylor would take his food and eat it at the carpet. Mylie too. It's funny. I'm sure these traits are common to all dogs but Taylor was so quirky that I'm seeing bits of him and it is good for me. As I type, Mylie is snoring right next to me in bed. Just like Taylor used to.

C is for Crafty

2008-02-25T21:44:00.003-07:00

MiniMe loves this pocket purse idea from the good things for kids Winter 2008 issue. You've got to click on that link to see a lot of cool crafts for kids. We have plenty of old pant pockets. I think we can jazz it up with some cool vintage buttons or iron ons. The Thrifty Piggies and Crayon Blocks are cool ideas too. Check it out!

If you're wondering why I've been absent, it is because of this:

We were visiting DisneyWorld! MiniMe was in heaven. She was in her element--pure princess mania. Visiting DisneyWorld with a young girl is like experiencing Christmas with kiddos when you're an adult. You realize just how magical the place can feel again. You get those butterfly feelings and want to do everything to make her time so memorable. This picture captures her face as it was most of the day:

I've got a lot of blog reading to catch up on!