Musings of a Yarn Mom

Chopped Champions!

2012-02-07T22:48:00.000-08:00

Chardy and I are huge fans of Chopped on Food Network, so we decided to have our own little Chopped-style challenge in Rome. Alli, Aaron, and Ginny were the judges and chose the secret star ingredients for each course:
Appetizer: Basil
Entree: Roma tomatoes
Dessert: Brioche

With our challenge in hand, Chardy and I each prepared a 3 course meal for our judges! The biggest challenge: we only could use what was in our kitchen, which was pretty bare since we've only been here for a week! Here's what we came up with...

Appetizer:

On the right: Chardy made fresh buffalo mozarrella cheese sticks with a basil olive oil drizzle.

L: I made a small bite of what I call: cremosa caprese with fresh basil and cherry tomatoes.

Entree:

L: Chardy made an amazing homemade pizza using the pizza bianca base from our favorite bakery (Forno Roscioli), homemade tomato sauce with peppercino oil, and of course fresh mozzarella and basil!

R: I made a spaghetti arrabiata with parmagiano.

Dessert:

L: Chardy's dessert was an Italian strawberry shortcake with a peach reduction sauce.

R: Mine was a chocolate nutella bananas foster topped with marscapone.

Happy Judges:

P.S. It's a good thing we walked 6 miles today...

Snow Falling in the Pantheon

2012-02-04T05:45:00.000-08:00

An amazing experience.

Customs in Italy

2012-02-01T14:53:00.000-08:00

I'm talking about the actual Customs in the airport, but they told us a lot about Italian cultural customs as well! So, as we go through passport control, which in other countries is a very strict formal process, in Italy, the guy comes out of the booth with his arms wide open to greet Ginny (our 5 yr old). I swear I thought he was going to hug and kiss her! I had heard Italians love kids, but I didnt expect to see evidence of this first thing at the airport!

Then, as we go through customs: again in other countries, it's usually pretty formal with the "declare" and "nothing to declare" lines with detailed forms, random inspections, etc. In Italy, all the customs guys were hanging out drinking coffee, chatting, and laughing. Literally there were no forms at all, no inspections, nothing! Totally laid back. Totally Italian? I don't know yet, it's only been one day...

26 Days and Counting

2012-01-05T19:15:00.000-08:00

26 days until our sabbatical stay in Italy!!!!!
26 days until all the gelato you can eat.
26 days until Michelangelo.
26 days until the Colloseum.
26 days until pizza on every corner.
26 days until we all miss DH/daddy terribly.
26 days until we all become Skype experts.

Pharaoh Jellyfilleddoughnut

2011-11-17T22:07:00.000-08:00

So Chardy was telling me a story she and her friends came up with about Pharoahs in ancient Egypt and their doughnut minions... My favorite line:
"it's day Five. The doughnuts are getting stale and the coffee is running low." There was also something about a chainsaw, but I'm not really sure how that fit into the whole mix!

What Kind of a Mother am I??

2011-11-12T21:16:00.001-08:00

So, Ginny asked me to help her eat her Pixie stix from Halloween. As I'm doing so, I wondered aloud, "What kind of mother am I pouring sugar into my daughter's mouth?" Ginny quickly replied matter-of-factly, "A good one!"

I guess it's pretty simple from the perspective of a 4-yr old.

Belay Monkeys

2011-11-12T21:03:00.000-08:00

Alli and I belayed Ginny and Aaron for 3 hours at the Portland Rock Gym. They were so awesome -- must be all that practice they get in the apple tree!

What do a vampire, TARDIS, and magical fairy princess kitty have in common?

2011-10-30T14:17:00.000-07:00

HALLOWEEN, of course!

High Praise

2011-10-01T08:21:00.000-07:00

My daughter just told me I am "as awesome as all the cookies in the world combined." Now that is high praise coming from a 4 yr. old!

For the Love of Chocolate

2011-09-19T20:50:00.000-07:00

Even though Mom doesn't like chocolate, (and I for one have to disagree with her,) obviously Ginny was enjoying some.

It's also apparent that she's quite the sloppy drinker.

Is There Anything to Say Other Than "Sorry"?

2011-08-10T20:29:00.000-07:00

My daughter's idea for the title...since I have been so lax at updating this site. It's really not that turning 40 got me into a slump, funk, or anything like that. It's just the usual busy-ness of summer, including but not limited to, a whopping 7000 mile cross-country road trip in the van with 4 kids! (Yes, we had an awesome time, and we are all actually still on speaking terms after over 100 hours in the car.)

Anyways, onto the real motivation for posting: Sock Summit 2011!!! I feel so spoiled that SS was once again held in Portland...to the point of actually feeling a teensy bit guilty that we got to have such easy access to this fabulous event! Anyway, I spent far less this time around (seeing as I still have bags of yarn from SS 2009 that I haven't yet knit...that actually makes me feel even guiltier!). So, instead of shopping, I took two very cool classes.

The first was on Morphing Cables...this one I will admit was far beyond me. After explaining the "basics", the instructor told us to take it away and improvise. It was at that point that I realized all those people who flew across the country to attend SS were WAY better knitters than me, because I really didn't have a clue. But, it was still fun and the instructor was very entertaining.

The second class was on Textured Colorwork in the Bohus style and taught by Chrissy Gardiner. For those of you who aren't familiar with Bohus Stickning, you should just Google it and be prepared to drool over all of the amazing sweaters, hats, and other patterns from this cooperative. So, the class was really informative and at the end, I had my very own textured colorwork coffee cup wraps to show for it.

Next up, I'm thinking of something a bit more challenging, but not too crazy... At this point, I can't decide if I should follow a pattern or just make one up myself...

Turning The Big 4-0 Today...

2011-05-09T20:44:00.000-07:00

Here's how I basically feel about that!

A 4 Year Old's Product Endorsement

2011-05-06T08:07:00.000-07:00

How's this for a product endorsement?

Ginny sidled up to me this morning and whispered in my ear..."Can I have some Sugar Babies? They tasted good; they changed my life...It was magic."

Now even I kinda feel like I should try some of those caramel candies at 8am!

Zombie Capture the Flag

2011-04-19T16:33:00.000-07:00

Now, I know the title seems strange, but let me explain...

The zombie part comes from the fact that Aaron recently has been obsessed with an iPod touch app called Plants VS Zombies, where zombies are attacking your house and trying to eat your brain, and you have to defend it by planting zombie-attacking plants.

The capture the flag part comes from the fact that we signed Aaron up for flag footbll and he confused it with capture the flag.
The following conversation was like this:

Me: So in capture the flag, there's two teams, and they each have flags. They hide the flags, and then the other team tries to find it without getting tagged, because if you get tagged you have to go the their jail. If you get their flag then get onto your side, you win.

Aaron, confused then understanding: Oh! So it's like if a zombie breaks into your house, steals your brain, takes it to the other side of the road then eats your brain.

Well, I guess that's one way of putting it...

An Unexpected Day "Off"

2011-03-23T09:16:00.000-07:00

Other moms may appreciate this throw-up story that is "too good" not to share. (The rest of you may just be grossed out, so feel free to stop reading here.) Let me preface the story by noting I made the kids a nice healthy breakfast of scrambled eggs and wheat toast. (These enter the story again later in a most spectacular fashion...)

So, we get to school in the "stop-n-drop" lane with the usual 3 minutes to spare before the bell. It's our turn for the kids to get out. The doors fly open; the kids start their daily scramble out of the van, when Ginny starts to throw up everywhere.

Since she's standing between her car seat and Chardy's seat, it gets on (here's where it is amazing, folks):

the floor,
Chardy's seat,
Ginny's car seat (and yes, of course, by that I mean both her car seat and the van seat),
Ginny's backpack (I threw that one away),
Ginny's coat,
Ginny's pants,
down Ginny's leg into her Ugg boots (the name really fits now)
and probably a few other places I am forgetting...

Consider this: We're in the stop-n-drop lane; the other kids are all shrieking trying to get away from Ginny and the puke, cars are lined up behind us...the scene was...rather funny. Anyway, 30 minutes later, after I cleaned all the throw up out of the car and Ginny, we are now back home for an unexpected day "off"...

Snowy Toes

2011-02-24T09:11:00.000-08:00

Our Artist

2011-02-16T09:43:00.000-08:00

Alli has such amazing artistic talent... Here's a sampling of her recent drawings and sketches:

She also just started working with pastels:

The artist:

Sudden Snow

2011-02-16T08:48:00.000-08:00

Well, we woke up to an unexpected snow storm today and witnessed probably the largest snowflakes *ever*!

This, of course, called for snow cones, snowmen, and an impromptu snowday...

Good thing too, because I might have been able to get down the hill to take the kids to school, but would probably not have been able to make it back up!

Free Pattern: Wiggle Hat

2011-01-08T11:14:00.001-08:00

When we were skiing last week, I saw a super cute hat in one of the ski shops. Wiggle Hat is my attempt to reconstruct it!

Materials Used:
Yarn: 135 yards (85 gm) Lion Brand Jiffy (or other Bulky 5 yarn)
Needles: Size US 10 / 4.25 mm 16” circulars and set of 5 US 10 DPNs
Tapestry Needle
Scissors

Size: 2T (17” circumference)
Note: Larger sizes can be made by increasing the number of cast on sts by multiples of 4.

Gauge: 14 sts = 4”
Abbreviations:
K: Knit
P: Purl
C4B: Cable 4 Back (Slip 2 sts to cable needle. Hold to back. K2, then K2 from cable needle.)
C4F: Cable 4 Front (Slip 2 sts to cable needle. Hold to front. K2, then K2 from cable needle.)
K2tog: Knit 2 together

Pattern:
Brim:
Using long-tail method (or other loose cast-on) CO 60. Join to work in round.
Work K1,P1 rib for 4 rounds.

Body:
Round 1: [C4B] around.
Round 2-4: K all sts.
Round 5: [C4F] around.
Round 6-8: K all sts.

Repeat Rounds 1-8 once more.
Then, work Round 1 one more time.

Crown:
Begin Decreases as follows (switching to DPNs when needed):
Place marker at beginning of round.
Round 1: [K4, K2tog] around. (50 sts)
Round 2: K around
Round 3: [K3, K2tog] around. (40 sts)
Round 4: K around.
Round 5: [K2, K2tog] around. (30 sts)
Round 6: K around.
Round 7: [K1, K2tog] around. (20 sts)
Round 8: K around
Round 9: [K2tog] around (10 sts]

Cut yarn (leaving 4-6”) pulling end tightly through remaining 10 sts. Weave in loose ends.

If desired, make large pom pom and tie to top.

Crystal 2010

2011-01-04T14:44:00.001-08:00

The whole gang:

Little Ginny hamming it up for the camera!

Chardy motoring down Snorting Elk - what an awesome skier!

Aaron lost his first tooth, too!

Powder!!!

2011-01-04T14:32:00.000-08:00

Check out my radical skier daughter!!

...and husband!

And, of course, I gotta keep up with them!

Merry Christmas!!

2010-12-24T12:34:00.000-08:00

Who's Rob?

2010-12-21T18:24:00.001-08:00

So, today, while we were in the car, we were discussing about how it would be hard to see if air was colored, and Aaron said, "Well, it be good, because burglars couldn't rob a bank." and then said, "What's a burglar?" and Dad explained that a burglar is someone who robs things, and Ginny replied "Oh. Who's Rob?"

Dinner Time Advice

2010-12-20T20:45:00.000-08:00

The kids were having a kids only dinner tonight, while the grown-ups were relaxing in the living room. Here's a snippet of their conversation that left me in tears of laughter...

Alli (being all grown up): Ginny, you need to finish your food.
Ginny (being 4 and ornery): Why? You're not the boss of me.
Alli (being reasonable): Well, you don't have to, but it's good advice.
Ginny (being inquisitive): What's advice?
Alli (being helpful): It's a suggestion; something that is a good idea.
Ginny (being logical): Well, Alli, here's my advice. Go to timeout!
Aaron (piping up): Worst advice *ever*!!

Socks

2010-12-12T08:24:00.000-08:00

So, this morning, I overheard Ginny talking to Dad about what she wanted for breakfast, when out of the blue, Ginny said, "Dad, I love you.....But I don't have any socks."
Which is odd, because Ginny DOES have socks.
Tons, in fact.

Mom Can Make Anything

2010-12-06T22:41:00.001-08:00

Ginny was pretending to whistle and blow on a flute yesterday... After awhile, it must have gotten old not actually *having* a flute, because Ginny asks, "Mom, can you knit me a flute? You can make anything!"

Volleyball 2

2010-11-22T19:45:00.000-08:00

So, following the other privious post, this is Chardy!! I still can't believe we won. I mean, this is first place out of all the fith grade girls in our area, and a HUGE improvment from last year, where I'm pretty sure we ranked dead last. And now, a year later with pretty much the same team, we rank first and bring home meadals and a trophy. One word I can say. Wow.

Volleyball Champs!!!

2010-11-21T21:42:00.000-08:00

Way to go Chardy and the all the Lancers ladies!!! You girls rocked tonight!!

Sweater of Many Colors

2010-11-14T15:52:00.000-08:00

I finally finished Ginny's sweater adapted from my Honeycomb Waves Blanket pattern. It looks so cute on her, but let's see how long it lasts before it gets accidentally tossed in the wash and shrunk...!

Talk About Your Short Term Memory Loss

2010-11-03T20:03:00.000-07:00

Apparently, 3-year olds are affected as well...

Ginny: Let's go on a trip, Mom.
Me: Ok, Ginny, where do you want to go?
Ginny: I don't know, it was *your* idea!

New Sweater

2010-10-25T20:19:00.000-07:00

I adapted my Honeycomb Waves pattern to make a sweater for little Ginny. I still need to make the sleeves, but it's pretty cute as is, too.

HONEYCOMB WAVES BLANKET: FREE PATTERN!

2010-10-08T21:55:00.000-07:00

After months of working on this, it is finally ready to publish! Enjoy.

MATERIALS:
• US 9 (5.5 mm) Needle (I used a 36” circular)
• 7 balls Noro Taiyo (220 yds/ 201.2 m each) or other bulky weight self-striping yarn in an assortment of colors that you like. I used 1 ball of each of the following colors: 5, 6, 11, 14, 15, 17, & 18.
• Tapestry needle & scissors

GAUGE: While gauge is not particularly important for this project, inquiring minds often want to know! My gauge was 3.5 sts per inch in stockinette stitch.

ABBREVIATIONS:
CO: Cast on
BO: Bind off
K: Knit
P: Purl
Sl: Slip stitch

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS:
50” (L) x 45” (W)
Note: This will vary depending on your gauge, desired length, and weight of yarn used.

NOTES:
1)Please read the entire pattern before beginning. The pattern is easily memorized once you get started, but it really helps to take a close look at the pattern notes first.
2)This pattern is comprised of three knitted strips that are later sewn together. If you prefer, you can forgo sewing strips altogether by casting enough sts to create the desired blanket width. However, the contrasting color changes may not be as dramatic unless you can find a yarn with particularly long color changes. As can be seen in my pictures, the Taiyo yarn resulted in a color change approximately every honeycomb repeat (i.e., about every 15-20 rows).
3)The honeycomb pattern is created with multiples of 12 + 3. Each strip has 4 pattern repeats, resulting in (48 + 3) = 51 sts. Out of personal preference and to make sewing up easier, I added an extra 2 sts for selvedge edge sts, resulting in a total of 53 sts for CO.
4)I slipped the first stitch of each row (i.e., the selvedge sts) to create a nice even edge for sewing.
5)See chart below for additional pattern guidance.

HONEYCOMB WAVES PATTERN:

Using Main Color (MC), CO 53.
Row 1: P.
Row 2: K.
Repeat Rows 1 and 2 once.
Row 5: With CC, *K6. With yarn in back, Sl 3. K3*. Repeat ** 3 more times. K3.
Row 6: *P6. With yarn held in front, Sl 3. P3.* Repeat ** 3 more times. P3.
Repeat Rows 5 & 6 two more times.
Row 11: With MC, *K6, P3, K3*. Repeat ** 3 more times. K3.
Row 12: K.
Row 13: P.
Row 14: K.
Row 15: With CC, *With yarn in back, Sl 3, K9*. Repeat ** 3 times. Sl 3.
Row 16: *With yarn in front, Sl 3, P9*. Repeat ** 3 times. Sl 3.
Repeat Rows 15 & 16 two more times.
Row 21 (corrected!): With MC, *P3, K9*. Repeat ** 3 more times. P3.
Row 22: K.
Row 23: P.
Row 24: K.

Repeat Rows 5-24 until desired length is achieved.
BO on right side in purl.
Knit two more strips.
Sew strips together.
If desired, pick up sts along outer selvedge edges and knit 4 rows of reverse stockinette st to match CO and BO rows. This will create a nice edge all around the entire blanket. (I did not do this on my blanket, but it probably would have been nice touch!)

Honeycomb Stitch Pattern Notes:
1)Chart below shows pattern from the RIGHT side. For example, the first 4 rows below show Purl sts. This is to indicate that there should be 4 rows of reverse stockinette stitch showing on the right side.
2)As noted above, the first and last sts in each row are selvedge sts and are NOT shown in the chart below nor in the instructions above. This is because some knitters like to include selvedge sts whereas others prefer not to.
3)The shaded boxes represent the Main Color (MC) yarn, whereas the light colored boxes represent the Contrasting Color (CC).
4)The outlined box below indicates one complete pattern repeat.

A reader requested a picture of the back of the blanket, so here you go! Hopefully, this will help with knowing how to carry the yarn when slipping sts.

What about Medium L?

2010-09-30T15:24:00.000-07:00

Ginny: "Mom, how do you make a medium L?"

Me: "Huh?"

Ginny: "A medium L. Mr. Campbell taught us the big L and little L. How do you make the medium L?"

Well, isn't that such a great question?! I can't believe none of my other kids ever asked that!

Special Friend

2010-09-22T18:26:00.000-07:00

"So, Ginny, how is school going? Have you made any friends?"

"Well, I do have one special friend at my school who always lights up my day...Corabella."

Too cute!

Sisters

2010-09-20T09:47:00.000-07:00

So, last April, Alli gave Chardy a book of customized coupons for her birthday. Things like "I will...let you use me as a test subject for one of your cooking experiments...because I love you" and "I will...let you use the computer when I'm on it unless I'm doing school work...because I love you." So sweet.

Fast forward to this weekend. I go up to Chardy's room and she has accumulated about a month's worth of dirty laundry. Of couse, I tell her to do it...immediately. A few hours later, I hear the two sisters arguing over something fierce. I go upstairs to see what's going on and find Chardy with this totally wicked look on her face waving the coupon below...

New Pattern Coming Soon!

2010-09-19T11:58:00.000-07:00

Almost done with my latest creation... Will post as soon as I get the pieces sewn together and the pattern written up!

The Joe Biden Hat

2010-09-16T20:47:00.000-07:00

I happened to see Joe Biden being interviewed on TV today and it reminded me of something I always meant to blog about but never did.

So, a few years ago, I crocheted this hat for my daughter, Alli.

She wore this hat all the time. One day, she was at some event that then-Senator Biden was at. Of course, being a senator, he was surrounded by all sorts of people who wanted to shake his hand and chat with him, etc., etc.

But, here's where it gets neat: Joe Biden caught sight of Alli's hat from across the room, left the crowd of people, and walked over to speak to her. She came home that night all excited because "Joe Biden liked my hat and said his granddaughter would really love it!"

To this day, I think, no matter your politics, it was pretty cool of the guy to make a little kid feel special in a room full of adult bigwigs... Sadly, the hat itself is now long gone...lost at school a few months later...sigh.

First Day

2010-09-01T09:17:00.001-07:00

Summer went by so fast...as usual. It's back to school, and this time (for one year only, folks) all the kids are at the same school! So, without further ado, here are the obligatory first day of school pictures:

And, yes, they were *sooo* embarrassed that I took a picture of them in the school hallway! But, c'mon, it is Ginny's first day of preschool. One day, they will understand...

Throwdown!!

2010-08-20T09:38:00.000-07:00

So, Chardy is addicted to the Food Network Channel. After Next Food Network Star, Chopped, and Iron Chef, our favorite show is Throwdown with Bobby Flay.

After watching a few episodes, Chardy and I decided to do our own slightly-modified version of a weekly throwdown. Each week, we pick a new dessert and main course to make. She's the "Head Chef" on one dish while I'm the "Sous Chef" and vice versa for the other dish. Then, we cook up a big meal, and have the rest of the family be our critics!

So far, it's been a huge success...except for the fact that we have never writen down any of our menus!! So, here's the list of our earlier throwdowns, and as soon as I get a camera, we will start posting pictures of our meals, too!

Throwdown #1: Chicken Tikka Masala and Lemon Cupcakes
Throwdown #2: Vegetarian Samosas and Lassi
Throwdown #3: Potato Jumble and Irish Soda Bread
Throwdown #4: Mozzarella Sticks and Creme Brule

Next Up??
Possibly Beef Stew (Chardy's had a hankering) and either Buttermilk Biscuits or Dumplings...

Two Wishes

2010-08-14T18:23:00.001-07:00

Ginny says to me, "One time I wished on two stars."

What did you wish for??

"A butterfly garden and a fire truck with a long ladder to save kitties."

Mt. Rainier -- Happy 40th!

2010-07-16T18:47:00.000-07:00

No, Mt. Rainier is actually about 1 million yrs old. But, Tim turned 40 last week and what better way to celebrate than to spend the weekend at Mt. Rainier hiking, glassading, and playing in waterfalls!

Hear Me Roar

2010-07-05T11:38:00.000-07:00

As I was cleaning out the huge pile of old bills, receipts, kid's homework, etc., I came across this great Haiku that Chardy wrote:

The wind blows my hair
Into a lion's great mane
Now I have courage.

Bubbles

2010-07-04T15:25:00.001-07:00

Potty?

2010-06-29T20:37:00.000-07:00

Today while we were playing a card game, Dad was trying to get information out of us about where we are going for his birthday. Dad asked Ginny and she replied with a huge smile on her face, "Potty!" We eventually figured out what she meant was "Party," which makes a lot more sense.

UFO Guilt

2010-06-29T10:27:00.000-07:00

Lately, as I've been knitting, I've been having this nagging feeling of unease and guilt. Not at all the sort of feelings you want to be having when you are engaged in your favorite craft. In trying to figure out why this was happening, I realized it is because I keep starting new projects while never finishing the old ones.

I took an inventory today to see just how bad things had gotten and realized I have a whopping seven projects on the needles with no end in sight for any of them!!

First up are the Mountain Socks. That project is so old, I don't even know when I started it...which means in truth I equally have no idea when I am going to get around to finishing it!

There's the Brioche Cardi that is a "new" design I am working on. I like the sweater, but I've been laboring over it for months now, trying to get the design just right. Besides, who wants to knit a sweater in the summer? So, I'm taking a break.

Then, there's the Shoe Rug. When we come in from the garage, we have this rug that is just a little bit too thick. So, it always gets caught in the door, which drives me crazy (I know, it's weird, but it bugs me because I always have to straighten it out...) I'm making this Shoe Rug in the hopes that it will work out a bit better. Problem is: I don't think it actually will...hence the hibernation on this project...

Next up, Spiral Rib socks. Gorgeous green yarn from last summer's Sock Summit. I love the yarn, but the socks are too big. Basically, I have just been too lazy to rip out the project (and too horrified at the thought of all that wasted time with those tiny stiches and teensy needles...)

I almost forgot the Lace Ribbon Scarf. That one is curious, because I haven't even *started* that project, but for some reason, my Ravelry project page says I'm at 5%...was that wishful thinking on my part?

Then, there's the Entrelac Scarf... I've always wanted to try Entrelac and my mom bought me some really nice Noro yarn from her LYS. So, I immediately started on that project, but it too is hibernating, only because I got distracted by my next project...

Honeycomb Waves! This is the one that is "most currently"
on the needles, meaning I haven't started a new project since I began that one. (Actually, that's not quite true...I did start and finish a little cozy for my iPod Touch yesterday, but we don't have to dwell on that.) I feel committed to this project, although I know eventually I am going to have to sew the pieces of the blanket together, and darn it -- I am a knitter, not a seamstress, for a reason. I hate to sew!

So, where to go from here? Should I buckle down and actually finish these projects? Should I commit to "no new projects" until the UFOs are completed? Or, should I compromise? Say, one new project for each old one completed??

In the end, I know myself, and I will just continue on my merry way starting new projects when I feel like it and completing my old ones all in good time (or not).

After all, isn't that the point of a hobby? I mean, this isn't my job or anything! No one cares if I finish these things (or not)! How bad is it, when even your hobbies start making you feel guilty??

So, my commitment to myself is: no more guilt over those UnFinished Objects!!

But, I do need to buy some more Ziploc bags to hold them all...

Yummy

2010-06-20T09:25:00.000-07:00

Every morning, I make Ginny hot chocolate before breakfast. This morning, she was sitting in my lap on the couch drinking her milk with the most thoughtful expression. After a while, I asked her what she was thinking about. She replied with one word: "Yummy".

Never Doubt the Wisdom of a 10 Year Old

2010-06-14T19:26:00.000-07:00

So, I have written about the culinary skills of my daughter before...but she once again has amazed me. Yesterday, I baked a batch of chocolate chip cookies (with ground oatmeal and lovely bits of dark chocolate) and, as usual, after they were done baking, I was lamenting the fact that my cookies ALWAYS turn out flat as a pancacke (or as my son pointed out, even flatter than a pancake...thanks for that, buddy)...

Anyway, my daughter chimes in, "Well, you should have used baking powder instead of baking soda!" Of course, I (who always follow recipes) reply, "But, the recipe doesn't call for baking powder - it called for baking soda." So, she gives me this knowing look...like, ok, don't trust me, but your cookies will ALWAYS turn out flat.

So, today, my DH brings home a new can of baking powder, and I think, this is the perfect opportunity to test Chardy's theory. Without further ado, we mix up a batch of Gingersnap Molasses cookies, but this time, using baking powder instead of the called for baking soda.

Well, wouldn't you know??! These were the tallest, roundest, un-flattest cookies you have EVER seen! Perfection!*

Moral of the story: Never doubt that your kids can be better cooks than you.

*It probably didn't hurt that Alli put in an extra tsp of baking powder by accident!

A Haiku

2010-05-18T21:16:00.000-07:00

After producing such whimsical haikus last year and the year before, the kids produced this gem today on the way to school:

Seventeen little
syllables all in a row
a Haiku - big whoop

You Know You're Rushed in the Morning When...

2010-05-17T19:44:00.000-07:00

1) You try to drop off your 7 yr old at school, only to realize he has no shoes on... (Aaron, last month)

2) You drop off your 10 yr old daughter at school, only to get a phone call 15 minutes later from the office letting you know she is still wearing her pajamas... (Chardy, today)

3) You come back home after dropping your kids off, only to find a spilled/broken cup of coffee on the driveway because you once again forgot the mug on top of the car... (Dad)

Dandelion Wishes

2010-05-08T20:43:00.000-07:00

Ginny and I were taking turns blowing wishes off a dandelion today.

Here was my first one (said jokingly):
"I wish Ginny doesn't pee her pants today."

Ginny grabs the dandelion for her turn and wishes (very seriously):
"I wish Mommy doesn't pee her pants today either."

Luckily, both of our wishes came true.

NEW FREE PATTERN: Cables & Garter Cardi

2010-03-22T19:40:00.000-07:00

As promised, here is the new pattern. It has not been tested (except by me), so please send me any errors and I will correct asap if needed.

CABLES & GARTER CARDI
(For the Ravelry .pdf version, click here: download now)

MATERIALS:
• 3 balls Lion Brand Wool Ease (197 yds/85 grams each) or other worsted weight yarn in Forest Green Heather
• 3 buttons (1 ⅛”)
• 8 stitch markers
• Tapestry needle & scissors
• US 8 24” circular needle
• US 7 24” circular needle

GAUGE: 17 sts and 36 rows per 4” in garter on US8 needles

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS:
Bust (bottom of garter section) = 29” around
Cables and Garter Body = 33” around
Length = 23”

Note: I have only made the one size. To increase to a larger size, you might try increasing in the garter stitch section until desired bust width. Then, increase for underarm sts as written, as well as evenly around to accommodate the number of chart pattern repeats needed to achieve desired body measurements. Each complete chart pattern repeat will add approx. 3” around.

ABBREVIATIONS:
CO: Cast on
BO: Bind off
K: Knit
P: Purl
k2tog: Knit two together
M1: Make 1 (I used the backward loop cast on)
C4B (Cable 4 Back): Slip next two stitches to cable needle and hold to back. Knit next two stitches. Knit two stitches from cable needle.
C4F (Cable 4 Front): Slip next two stitches to cable needle and hold in front. Knit next two stitches. Knit two stitches from cable needle.

CABLES & GARTER CARDI PATTERN

YOKE:

With larger needles, cast on 82 stitches. Work 3 rows in garter stitch.

Row 4 (setup row): k 14, pm, k1, pm, k 11, pm, k1, pm, k 28, pm, k1, pm, k 11, pm, k1, pm, k 14.

Row 5 (increase row): *k to marker, m1, slip marker, k1, slip marker, m1* Repeat * * 3 times, k to end.

Row 6 (WS buttonhole row): k 3, BO 3 sts, k to end.

Row 7: (RS) *k to marker, m1, slip marker, k1, slip marker, m1 (two stitches
added)* Repeat * * 3 times, k to bound off sts. CO 3 sts, k to end.

Row 8 (WS): knit all sts.

Row 9 (increase row): *k to marker, m1, slip marker, k1, slip marker, m1* Repeat * * 3 times, k to end.

Repeat rows 8 and 9 six times.

Then, work rows 6 and 7 to make second buttonhole.

Repeat rows 8 and 9 six more times.

Then, work rows 6 and 7 to make third buttonhole. [Buttonholes completed]

Repeat rows 8 and 9 until 242 sts total.

Work one more row 8 (WS).

BO sleeve sts purlwise (on RS).

Remove all markers.

BODY:

Increase row for underarm sts (WS): *Knit to bound off sleeve sts. CO 12 sts.* Repeat ** once. Knit to end.

Begin cables and garter pattern (see chart and notes at botton before beginning!).

Row 1 (RS): Knit 7 (pm), *K2, P2, 6-stich cable pattern, P2, K2, K3*. Repeat ** until 21 sts remain (i.e., last pattern repeat plus garter stitch band). For last pattern repeat: K2, P2, 6-stich cable, P2, K2 (pm), K7.

Row 2 (WS): Knit 7, *P2, K2, 6-stich cable pattern, K2, P2, K3*. Repeat ** until 21 sts remain (i.e., last pattern repeat plus garter stitch band). For last pattern repeat: P2, K2, 6-stich cable pattern, K2, P2, K7.

Repeat Rows 1 and 2 following 6-stitch cable pattern over 8 rows until desired length. End with a Row 1.

HEM:

Switch to smaller needles.
Decrease row: K2, *K7, k2tog, K6, K2tog*. Repeat ** until last 9 stitches. K9.

Note: If you do not switch to smaller needles or do the decreases, your hem will flare because the garter stitches have a wider gauge than the corresponding cable stitches above.

End with 10 rows (or desired amount) of garter stitch for hem.
BO all stitches. Weave in any ends and sew on buttons.

Cables & Garter Stitch Pattern Notes (worked over multiples of 17 sts):

Notes:
(1) All rows begin and end with 7 knit stitches to form the garter stitch buttonband. It helps to mark these with stitch markers.
(2) Body pattern is worked over multiples of 17 stitches (on RS): 2 stockinette, 2 reverse stockinette, 6-stich cable, 2 reverse stockinette, 2 stockinette, 3 garter.
(3) Chart shows complete pattern on RS. All odd rows are RS. Below is a close-up of how these stitches will look once knit. Area in red represents the complete chart below.

Chart Abbreviations:

(Click to enlarge chart)

Spring!

2010-03-11T08:19:00.001-08:00

Free Doughnuts

2010-03-07T19:06:00.000-08:00

I was sleeping over at my friend Jenny's house and her grandma was over. We were all telling stories and I told one that our neighbors had told us about when these newspaper people were trying to interview anarchetists. Jenny's little sister, Emmy, said,"What's an anarchist??" Jenny's grandma was explaining that anarchy is just chaos, no rules,etc.. Emmy who is in second grade, looked enthusiastic, and said,"That means free doughnuts!!!" Jenny's grandma luaghed and said," People have been looking for a defionition of anarchy, and there you have it! Free doughnuts!!"

But It's Thirsty!

2010-03-07T10:39:00.000-08:00

Ginny and I were playing outside today when all of a sudden, she starts doing the potty dance. I said, "Ginny, let's get inside to the bathroom." She replied, "No, I want to pee on the grass". Ummm...you can't Ginny. Her reply? "But, it's thirsty!!!"

New Pattern...Coming Soon!

2010-03-04T21:12:00.000-08:00

I've been working on a new pattern tentatively called the "Cables and Garter Cardi". It's my first sweater pattern starting from scratch with a sketched design...

lots of math do-overs...

and a first time making charts.

The work in progress:

Come back soon for the complete pattern and let me know what you think!

Forearms and Four Arms

2010-03-04T17:32:00.000-08:00

We were playing on Wii Fit Plus today, and Aaron was doing the Plank Challenge, which is when you put your forearms down and lift your legs like this: /. Its really hard, and Aaron kept putting his forearms down before they said so, so the trainer kept saying,"Please put your forearms down." Aaron was getting really mad. I was getting impatient, too and said, "Just restart it and put your forearms down!" By then Aaron was really mad, and yelled at me, "I don't have four arms!!"

Rainbow Punishments

2010-02-08T18:09:00.000-08:00

In he car today, we were asking Aaron if he was good and did his work. He gave his usual vague, really avoiding the real subject way, and eventually we wound up talking about color cards. In his class, if you're good, you're on green. If you slip up, you're on yellow, if you slip up yet again, orange, and the worst, red. Aaron said,"If I was a teacher, I'd have first green,'cause the land and grass, then blue, like the ocean, then yellow, like a little fire, then orange like a big fire, the ones that are so hot you have to step away, then red, like a forest fire or when your house burns down. I don't think that he gets what the card system is really just based on what color you choose.

Cute Misunderstandings

2010-01-21T09:12:00.001-08:00

Every night, Tim or I rock with Ginny and sing her songs before going to bed. Every night, while we are singing, she keeps up a running commentary on her interpretation of the songs. Here are a couple of cute misunderstandings from last night's songs.

The first was You are My Sunshine. When I got to the line about, "You'll never know, dear, how much I love you, so please don't take my sunshine away", Ginny asked in a very concerned voice "A deer took me away?"

The next was Rock a Bye Baby, when I was singing "and down will come baby - cradle and all." Ginny asks in a surprised voice, "I'm a doll??"

She's also convinced that the Ramone's song "Sheena is a Punk Rocker" is actually all about her ("Ginny is...a punk rocker...Ginny is...")

A little catch-up

2010-01-16T10:38:00.000-08:00

Mom hasn't been posting in forever, and I kept bugging her about it, until finally she set this up for me. Anyways, I'm going to do a little catch-up for all the stuff that happened over the holidays. This first one is on Christmas Eve, which is when we open our presents. I got a pocketknife from Dad, and I gave him a book of prayers. (No kidding! It was a total coincidence.) I also got a remote-control F-8 Hornet that doesn't break whenever it lands. Yay!! Aaron got a remote control monster truck, whereas Alli got a ton of drawing supplies. Mom's big present was pictures from Alli and mine's art class that we go to. Alli drew an awesome person, and I drew an abstract painting called Beasts of the Sea by Henry Matisse. Mom loves abstract.
The second one, also on Christmas Eve, we were all patiently waiting for Aaron to fall asleep. Dad had told us that when he told Aaron to go to sleep, because otherwise Santa won't come, Aaron replied,"Well, Santa's probably in China right now, so I'm okay." The third thing Mom hasn't told you about yet was Crystal Mountain, also known as the best ski resort EVER!!!!!!!! (Well, except this one in France that we went to when Mom was on sabbatical, but that's a different story.) Anyways we had an awesome time there, Ginny beating us on blues,(but she has a tether)just Dad, Alli, and I, having an awesome day skiing down lots of diamonds, and of course just relaxing lazy days. We also spent New Year's there, and they had fireworks that they shot from just up the bunny hill, so close, that I admit that I hid behind Dad at the finale.

Kindle Pocket -- Free Pattern

2010-01-05T10:15:00.000-08:00

My husband and daughter got me a Kindle for Christmas! Since my 2 oldest daughters immediately absconded with it to read for the next few days, I figured I'd at least do something Kindle-related. So, I designed a felted Kindle Pocket to protect my new gift.

Materials:
Needles: US 8 / 5.0 mm 16" circulars
Yarn: 1 skein Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride Worsted in Cranberry Swirl (or desired colorway)
One colorful button or set of velcro strips (depending on preferred closure on top)

Gauge: not particularly important since you will carefully felt to size.

FINISHED DIMENSIONS: 6.5" W x 9" L

Abbreviations:
sts: stitches
C8F: Slip first 4 sts to cable needle and hold to front. K next 4 sts, then K 4 sts from cable needle.
K: Knit
P: Purl
BO: Bind off
CO: Cast on

Note: This pattern is for the regular-sized Kindle, not the larger Kindle DX.

KINDLE POCKET
CO 56 sts.

Edging:
Working in round on 16” circs, work 4 rows of garter st. (K one round, P one round, K one round, P one round).

Buttonhole:
(Note: If you prefer to use velcro strips as a closure, you can skip the buttonhole directions, and instead do 2 more rows in the previously established garter st pattern)
K 13 sts. BO 2 sts. Knit 41 sts.
P 13. CO 2 sts. P 41 sts.

Begin cabled front panel:
Rounds 1-2: K8, P2, K8, P2, K around.
Round 3: K8, P2, C8F, P2, K around.
Rounds 4-8: K8, P2, K8, P2, K around.

Repeat 8 rounds 6 more times.

Divide sts onto two needles: 28 sts for front and 28 sts for back (with cabled panel centered in front). Turn inside out so right sides face each other. Using a 3-needle bind off, BO all sts to create flat seam at bottom. (If you don't wish to do a 3-needle BO, you can also use kitchener stitch to graft the two edges, or you can bind off as usual and sew the two edges together.)

Felt lightly or to desired shape and size.
Sew button (and/or velcro strips if preferred).

The Twelve Days of Christmas (Cookies)

2009-12-22T16:21:00.000-08:00

We're trying to make a different batch of cookies for each day of Christmas (with a little help from Grandma)! Here are our 12 Days of Christmas so far: (try to sing along...)

On the first day of Christmas, my bakers made for me Gingerbread Molasses as sweet as can be...

On the second day of Chistmas, my bakers made for me 2 dozen Jam Thumbprints...and Gingerbread Molases as sweet as can be.

On the third day of Christmas, my bakers made for me 3 dozen powdered apricot Kolackys...2 dozen Jam Thumbprints, and Gingerbread Molases as sweet as can be.

On the fourth day of Christmas, my bakers made for me 4 dozen chocolate and vanilla Pinwheels...3 dozen powdered apricot Kolackys, 2 dozen Jam Thumbprints and Gingerbread Molases as sweet as can be.

On the fifth day of Christmas, my bakers made for me 5 dozen Snow Balls...4 dozen chocolate and vanilla Pinwheels...3 dozen powdered apricot Kolackys,2 dozen Jam Thumbprints and Gingerbread Molases as sweet as can be.

On the sixth day of Christmas, my bakers made for me 6 dozen Sugar Cookie cutouts...5 dozen Snow Balls...4 dozen chocolate and vanilla Pinwheels...3 dozen powdered apricot Kolackys,2 dozen Jam Thumbprints and Gingerbread Molases as sweet as can be.

Yes, I know there should be 6 more dozen cookies in here somewhere...but one can eat only so many cookies!

Merry Christmas!!

2009-12-21T14:43:00.000-08:00

An Eclectic List

2009-12-19T09:16:00.000-08:00

Alli and Chardy always add such unique and seemingly random items to the week's grocery list. Here are a few from the past week:

1) 5 cookie packages
2) coconut milk
3) wire
4) shower curtain
5) assorted jars and vials

Any guesses as to what they are making?!

Touchdown!!

2009-12-02T22:06:00.001-08:00

We had our first family day out on the slopes last Sunday...even including little Ginny who is still just two. She had a blast skiing, but I think she was mixing her sports up a bit. Everytime she fell over, she would shout out "Touchdown!"

A Tale of Planes, Trains, and Automobiles...

2009-10-17T09:45:00.000-07:00

Ok, there aren't actually any trains in this story, but it's still a doozie. Last week, we traveled to Buffalo to visit relatives for Fall Festival. The trip out was uneventful (other than the fact that we had to pay $20 for our checked bag and on top of that they charged us an extra $90 because it was 10 lbs overweight.) Ironically, on one of the legs of our trip, they announced that we would be delayed a bit while they loaded SAND BAGS onto the plane because the luggage didn't weigh enough...

Our stay in NY was wonderful, though. Lots of fun with friends and family, beautiful fall colors. The troubles began on our way home.

We get to the airport with hours to spare (very unlike us, I might add, but ironic considering what came next). Although the weather was clear in Bufallo, our flight was delayed again...and again...supposedly due to bad weather. Normally this wouldn't be a problem, but our connection in Atlanta was close to begin with. With the "weather" delays, we would have exactly 16 minutes to make our connection back home to Portland, OR.

We begged the personnel at the desk to inquire in Atlanta as to whether they would hold the connection for us. Otherwise, it would mean staying in Atlanta overnight, missing work the next day, paying for a hotel ourselves (because of course the airlines don't pay for hotels when it's due to "weather"), etc... And, did I mention that we were all in various stages of battling a bad cold/flu? Needless to say, they would not even consider calling ahead for us, despite the fact that there were 7 of us on that flight trying to make the same connection.

We arrived in Atlanta 5 minutes before our next flight was to depart. Even then, would the gate agent call to the other gate, and ask them to hold it for an extra 5 minutes so we could get there? No can do... (Oh, and by the way, the weather in Atlanta wasn't delaying the departures, so still not sure where the "bad weather" actually was...)

So, we missed the flight and get to wait in line with dozens of other angry customers. When we finally make it to the front of the line, they tell us that the airline only has to get us "as close to our final destination as possible". Yes, you heard me right. Apparently, even when you pay over $1000 for 6 tickets, they only have to get you "close" to your destination when weather crops up and you miss your connection. In our case, it meant that they had booked us on a flight to Seattle. Our final destination was supposed to be Portland, OR. Hmmm...that's like 200 miles away.

So, we (reasonably) asked them, how are we supposed to get from Seattle to Portland? And, what's going to happen to our luggage? Well, the luggage would travel with us to Seattle (sounds good). But, we were on our own to figure out how to get to Portland. They (unhelpfully) pointed out that there might be trains or rental cars we could consider...but they would not get us seats on any of the numerous carriers that operate between Seattle and Portland.

By this point, we (sick kids included) just wanted to get home. So, we hop on the flight to Seattle, and reserve a rental car (on our own dime, of course, because the airline can't assume the liability of renting us a car, and recall, they were at least getting us close to our destination).

We arrive in Seattle at 1am. Did I mention that we sat in the plane for almost an HOUR at the gate in order to accomodate connecting passengers whose flights had been delayed?! (But, they couldn't have held our original flight for 5 minutes...I guess dealing with all the upset people from that first go around at least helped the later travelers).

So, we are waiting at the luggage carousel and of course our luggage never arrives. Another line to wait in to see what happened to our luggage (it was still in Atlanta) and where it was going to be sent (yes, you guessed it Seattle)... Quite reasonably, I told them, if it was still in Atlanta, it would make more sense for them to send it to Portland, since THAT'S WHERE WE LIVE!!! But, they said it was going to go to Seattle, because that's where we flew to. I told them there was no way we were going to drive back up 2 1/2 hours to retrieve our luggage, to which they said "Oh no problem, we can arrange to put it on a different carrier and send it to Portland". I, of course, wondered why, if they can do this for luggage, they couldn't have done this for their passengers... Apparently, Delta treats their customer's luggage better than their customers.

Anyway, we finally got into our rental car at 1:30am (another $150 to our growing tab due to Delta), and my wonderful husband drove the 2 1/2 hours home arriving at 4am... Later that night, my husband returned our rental car and picked up our car from the economy parking lot (where we got to pay an extra day due to Delta). Our luggage arrived at 9pm that night, a bit muddy but otherwise no worse for wear.

Needless to say, we will not be flying Delta ever again. I know people often say these kinds of things, but every step of the way, we were told time and again, these are the corporate policies...we have no control over them...

I actually believe the ticketing and gate agents. They don't make the policies. Corporate leadership at Delta does and they let their poor employees deal with the fallout and all the angry customers. More than how they treated us, that is why we will not fly Delta again. What kind of company creates these terrible policies, blames all delays on air traffic control and/or bad weather, and then lets their employees take the heat? (By the way, we even overheard them originally saying that the delay was due to a delayed crew. I guess when it became apparent the delay was going to adversely affect lots of passengers, the excuse became "weather" and "air traffic control" because then, they are not obligated to help their customers.)

Give us Alaska Airlines and Southwest any day.

Someday When I Have a Green Shirt

2009-09-25T13:55:00.001-07:00

Ginny saw a man in a green shirt walking a very cute dog today. She said very seriously, "Someday, when I have a green shirt like that, I'm gonna have a dog."

Aaron Loves "Balanas"

2009-09-23T20:48:00.000-07:00

Aaron asked me if he could have a "balana" for a snack tonight. I told him I loved the way he pronounces his words. And, he comes right back, "Well, you can say balana or banana, because banana is how you say balana in Spanish!" Can't argue with that sort of logic!

Lace Swirl (Free Pattern)

2009-09-11T10:41:00.000-07:00

An easy quick-to-knit project that is great for someone who wants to try lace for the first time, but doesn't want the commitment of a larger project. The size of the hat can be adjusted by using heavier (i.e., worsted) or lighter (sock) weight yarn in larger or smaller needles.

LACE SWIRL

Materials Used:
Yarn: 150 yards (50 gm) Woolcraft Kids Stuff (or other DK / 8 ply / 11 wpi yarn)
Needles: Size US 6 / 4.0 mm 16” circulars and/or set of 5 US 6 DPNs
Tapestry Needle
Scissors

Size: 2T – small adult* (19-20”)
*Note: Pattern is very stretchy due to brim ribbing. It was made for a 6 yr old, but fit my 2 year old and me equally well.

Gauge: 18 sts and 24 rows = 4”

Abbreviations:
K: Knit
P: Purl
YO: Yarn Over
SKP: Slip (as if to knit), Knit, Pass Slipped St Over
K2tog: Knit 2 together
SSK: Slip (as if to knit), Slip, Knit

Pattern:
Brim:
Using long-tail method (or other loose cast-on) CO 88. Join to work in round.
Work K2,P2 rib for 1.5 in”.

Body:
Work in stockinette stitch (i.e., K all sts) for 1”

Begin Lace pattern as follows:
Round 1: [K3, K2tog, YO, K1, YO, SSK, K3] around.
Round 2 (and all even rounds): K all sts.
Round 3: [K2, K2tog, YO, K3, YO, SSK, K2] around.
Round 5: [K1, K2tog, YO, K5, YO, SSK, K1] around.
Round 7: [K2tog, YO, K7, YO, SSK] around.

Work 1” in stockinette (or until hat measures 5” from beginning or desired depth).
Crown:
Begin Swirl Decreases as follows:
Place marker at beginning of round and every 22 sts thereafter to divide top into 4 equal parts.
K to 1st marker.
[Slip marker. SKP, K to next marker.] Repeat around until 4 sts remain, switching to DPNs as needed.
Place 4 sts on one DPN and work i-cord for 3” or desired length. BO.
Weave in loose ends. Tie in knot.

A Summer in Haiku

2009-08-18T13:52:00.000-07:00

My kids have been giving me grief that I have been so lax updating the blog lately, but we've been having too much fun this summer! So, I thought the kids and I would review the summer's events -- and to make it even more fun (and short), we would do it in haiku. So, here goes (in chronological order):

First Skiing of the Year at Timberline Lodge (May, 2009):
Skiing in powder
Swimming in the deep blue pool
Then Ginny threw up.

Annual Father's Day Camping Trip (June, 2009):

Father's day camping
It was so perfectly planned
Rained out - no can do.

4th of July:

Saved money for months
Oh glorious explosions
Zipper didn't run

Timberline Skiing for Tim's Birthday (July 7, 2009):

One day skiing trip
Met Guinness record holder
Skied til the runs closed

Snow Lake Camping Trip (July, 2009):

Hiking in and out
A great first trip for Aaron
Didn't fall down cliff

Camp Howard (July, 2009):

Camp Howard was cool
Canoeing and archery
The pool was fun too

Trip to England (July, 2009):

First hour - car broke down
Two silly pictures were drawn
Saw Harry Potter

Redwoods Vacation (August, 2009):

Giant trees, cool seas
All cliff climbing on the beach
Hanging with good friends

Kitchener (Stitches) and Sock Summit

2009-08-08T15:22:00.000-07:00

Every now and then, I take a peek at my world map below to see where my blog visitors are coming from. And, I noticed that there is occasionally a visitor from Kitchener, Ontario (it happened again just today). Now, if you are a knitter, you know why this particular visitor always pops out at me...yes, the dreaded Kitchener stitch required to complete a pair of socks. Just when you think you are finally done, you still have that bit of tedium to complete before you can wear and enjoy your socks.

But, in this case, I always like it when the Kitchener visitor pops up on my map, because I like to think of this visitor as happily knitting socks while reading my blog. And, today, it was particularly nice, because I just returned from the Sock Summit in Portland, OR. Imagine an entire convention center filled with nothing but knitters and yarn. Perhaps that isn't your idea of fun, but for me it was seventh heaven.

In actuality, of course, who knows who the Kitchener visitor is or why s/he visits the blog. Perhaps they don't even knit! But, I thought I would dedicate this post to all sock knitters out there...those lucky enough to make it to the Sock Summit, and to those who were with us in thoughts! (Trust me, we bought enough yarn for everyone...)

Jongleur (n.)

2009-07-02T01:47:00.000-07:00

1. A wandering minstrel, poet, or
entertainer in medieval England
and France.

2. A happy hat for the little
entertainer in your life.

Materials Used:
I Hook
Yarn: Caron Simply Soft Brights (Light Worsted Weight)
Color A: Yellow
Color B: Purple
Color C: Turquoise
Color D: Red
Tapestry Needle
Scissors

Gauge:
Not particularly important, since you begin with a chain for the brim that is sized to fit your little one.

Pattern Notes:
(1) Hat is worked in the round from brim up to crown.
(2) Foundation chain for brim is created in multiples of 4. To modify size, add or subtract multiples of 4 ch until desired size.
(3) From brim to crown, rounds are joined with sl st to first stitch of round.
(4) Crown is worked in continuous spiral without sl st.

Abbreviations:
ch: chain
sl st: slip stitch
sc: single crochet
dc: double crochet
tr: treble crochet
PM: place marker
sts: stitches
sc2tog: single crochet two together

Size: 2T-3T (Can be increased or decreased by making starting chain longer or shorter by multiples of 4).

JONGLEUR:

Brim:
With A, ch 64. Join with sl st to begin working in rounds. Ch 1.
Round 1: Work sc around. Join with sl st to first stitch, changing to B. Ch 3. (64 sts)

Round 2: Work dc around. Join with sl st to first stitch. Ch 3. (64)

Round 3: Work dc around. Join with sl st to first stitch, changing to C. Ch 1. (64)

Round 4: Work sc around. Join with sl st to first stitch, changing to B. Ch 1. (64)

Round 5: Work sc around. Join with sl st to first stitch, changing to C. Ch 3. (64)

Round 6: Work dc around. Join with sl st to first stitch, changing to A. Ch 4. (64)

Round 7: Working in front loops only, work tr around. Join with sl st to first stitch. Ch 1. (64)

Round 8 (Creating Welt): Work sc around while at the same time working through back loops of dc from Round 6. (In other words, you are creating a welt by working single crochets to join the tops of the treble crochets from Round 7 to the free back loops of the dc from Round 6.) Join with sl st to first stitch, changing to D. Ch 3. (64)

Round 9: Work dc around. Join with sl st to first stitch, changing to C. Ch 1. (64)

Round 10: Work sc around. Join with sl st to first stitch, changing to D. Ch 3. (64)

Round 11: Work dc around. Join with sl st to first stitch, changing to A. Ch 1. (64)

Round 12: Work sc around. Join with sl st to first stitch, changing to B. Ch 4. (64)

Round 13: Working in front loops only, work tr around. Join with sl st to first stitch. Ch 1. (64)

Round 14 (Creating Welt): Work sc around while at the same time working through back loops of sc from Round 12. Join with sl st to first stitch, changing to C. Ch 1. (64)

Crown:
From here on, do not join rounds, but PM to note beginning of each round. In addition, divide sts equally into 4 parts and PM (preferably of different color from one used to mark beginning of round). If you started with 64 sts, then a marker would be placed on the 1st(i.e., beginning of round), 17th, 33rd, and 49th sts.

Round 15: Work 1 round of sc. (64)

[You will now begin decreases by working sc to each marker. After each marker, sc2tog.]

Round 16: Work sc to each marker, then sc2tog the two sts following each marker. 4 sts decreased. (60)

Round 17-21: Continue as established. (40 sts at end of Round 21).

After Round 21, work decreases every other round.

Round 22: Work sc around. (40)

Round 23: Decrease round (36)

Round 24: Work sc around. (36)

Round 25: Decrease round (32)

Round 26: Work sc around. (32)

Round 27: Decrease round (28)

After Round 27, go back to decreasing every round.

Round 28: Decrease round (24)

Round 29: Decrease round (20)

Round 30: Decrease round (16)

Round 31: Decrease round (12)

Round 32: Decrease round (8)

Round 33: Decrease round (4)

Work even for 2 more rounds, then break yarn and weave though sts and pull tight.
Weave in all loose ends.

Toppers:
Using A, ch 7. Work popcorn st in 2nd ch from end, then sl st back to beginning of chain and finish off.

[Popcorn stitch: Work 5 sc in specified st. Drop loop from hook. Insert hook in top of first sc in group. Pull dropped loop through st.]

Make toppers in B and D.

Fasten tightly to top of hat and weave in all loose ends.

Swirl

2009-06-29T20:05:00.001-07:00

A cute swirly topper for your favorite little one...

SWIRL

Materials Needed:

Size 4 16" circular or DPN needles
1 skein Crystal Palace Yarns Mini Mochi (195.0 yds/178.3 m) Colorway 103
Tapestry needle
Scissors

Abbreviations:
CO: cast on
SKP: Slip 1 as if to knit, Knit 1, Pass slipped stitch over
sts: stitches
PM: place marker

Gauge: 24 sts across 4"

Size: 0-3 mos.
(For toddler size, try a worsted weight yarn with size 6 needles.)

Using long-tail method (or other loose cast-on) CO 88 sts.
Join to work in round. PM to denote beginning of round.

Brim:
*Knit 2 rounds. Purl 3 rounds.*
Repeat 4 more times (or once for each color change, depending on your preference).

Knit in round until hat measures 4" from beginning (or desired depth).

Begin Crown:
Purl 4 rounds.

Divide hat into 4 equal parts by placing marker after every 22 sts.

Begin Swirl Top:
SKP after every marker until 4 sts remain.

Work i-cord for 3 inches. BO and tie in knot at top. Weave in any loose ends.

For an alternate "swirlier" top:
Try dividing top into 8 equal parts, and doing the SKP after each marker. This would result in a rounder swirled hat (more like a soft serve ice cream cone as opposed to the square design currently pictured).

2009 Summer Bucket List

2009-05-18T21:18:00.000-07:00

Summer is finally almost here! The kids have decided we need to have a "Little Bucket List" (i.e., spontaneous fun) and a "Big Bucket List" (i.e., things that need to be planned in advance). Without further ado, here they are:

Big Bucket List

Father's Day Camping

Summer Skiing (Dad's Birthday)

Sun River

Windsurfing in Hood River

Reno waterparks

Visit Boston, MA and Boston, England

Winthrop, WA and Ross Lake

Re-design/Paint Alli and Chardy's Room

Summer camps

Cannon Beach

Hiking in the Gorge

Wild Waves Amusement Park

Little Bucket List

Swimming

Have a Picnic

Midnight Bowling

Library

Go Junking (i.e., Garage Sales)

Ice Skating

Rock Climbing

French Park

Enchanted Forest

Play Bump (a basketball game)

Racquetball

Have a Lemonade Stand

Barnes & Nobles

Baskin Robbins / Coldstone

Farmer's Market

Yarn shopping (gotta have something in here just for the blog author!)

Painting

Harry Potter & the Half-Blood Prince

Geo-caching

OMSI

Our Champion!

2009-05-17T22:17:00.000-07:00

Over 1700 kids compete in CYO track & field. And, only 64 of the girls even qualified to compete in the long jump at the Meet of Champions this weekend. Alli was thrilled to be among that 64 (she was ranked 27th coming into the meet with a qualifying jump of 11' 2"). So, it was even more of a thrill when she set her personal best jump ever (improving by more than a foot from her previous best!). And, it was absolutely amazing when that personal best landed her on the podium today in 8th place. We were hugging and jumping up and down for joy when they unexpectedly called her to the award's stand. Check out her amazing jump (12' 6 3/4"):

And, her award ceremony:

The Best Cards Ever...

2009-05-16T18:49:00.000-07:00

...from the best kids ever. An assortment of their cards for my birthday and Mother's Day.

From Aaron:

I love the multiple attempts he made to spell "Your family loves you..." "a" "Are" U" and then finally he went oh what the heck: "we all love you a lot"!

From Chardy:
Who knows I'd rather have a cold drink than be "queen for a day"

And, from Alli, my amazing artist:

What's a Shark Say?

2009-05-01T21:12:00.000-07:00

So, we all went to see the movie Earth tonight. (Awesome family movie, by the way.) Anyway, in one of the scenes, there's this huge great white shark.

As it's leaping out of the water with a seal caught in its jaws, Ginny keeps asking "What's a shark say? What's a shark say?" And, Aaron pipes up, "The shark should say 'sorry' to the seal."

Good Advice

2009-04-26T10:13:00.001-07:00

My mom was changing Ginny's diaper the other day - one of those really big nasty smelly ones. She kept telling Ginny that it was "icko". When she was all done, Ginny looked mom straight in the eye and said "Don't eat it."

Ginny Knows Best

2009-04-08T09:10:00.000-07:00

So, Chardy is quite the little cook in our house, always experimenting with new dishes and ingredients. She even has her own blog: http://www.freeforallcooking.blogspot.com. Apparently, Ginny has cottoned on to this fact, because this morning as she was waking up, she said in a sleepy voice: "Mom, I'm starving. Wake up Chardy!" I guess she knows who to go to for the good food options!

And a Fruit Cup...

2009-03-23T09:10:00.000-07:00

Ginny is always sad when we drop off the older kids at school. This morning, as we were leaving the school, she said tearfully, "I want my Alli, Chardy, Aaron...and a fruit cup."

I bet they would be glad to know they rank right up there with fruit cups!

Purple Lips

2009-03-19T13:22:00.000-07:00

Ahh, that Catholic guilt...even 6 yr olds must be susceptible to it.

Before I begin the story, let me note that when I woke up Aaron this morning, I noticed that his lips were purple. Seemed a bit strange to me, but he acted fine, so I didn't give it much more thought. (But, it was weird.)

Anyway, back to the story. So, I was making lunches this morning and could have sworn there was a brand new box of fruit roll-ups in the cupboard that I had just bought last night. But I couldn't find it anywhere. I asked the kids, "Didn't we just have a brand new box of fruit roll ups?" They all gave me the "Mom, its 7:30am and I'm sleepy" look and shrugged.

But, a few minutes later, Aaron sidles up to me and whispers, "Mom, I got hungry in the middle of the night. And, I ate the fruit roll ups." I asked (trying not to giggle), "All of them? In the middle of the night?" And, he whispered "yep".

I couldn't be angry, because I was too busy, first of all, being happy that he admitted what he did (and that I hadn't imagined the existence of the fruit roll-ups). But, second, the image of him stumbling in his sleep to the kitchen and stuffing his face full of EIGHT fruit roll-ups one after the other in the middle of the night was just too funny. And, he even remembered to throw away all the wrappers and recycle the box afterwards!

It also explained the purple lips.

My Little Leprechauns

2009-03-17T11:41:00.000-07:00

My little leprechauns have been very busy this week! They have been crafting (out of all imaginable materials) a very elaborate Leprechaun Hotel in celebration of St. Patrick's Day! What they have made is truly a little miniature work of art. See for yourself.

The Golden Shamrock Hotel:

The "Rooftop Room" (check out the little chest of drawers made of matchboxes):

The Complete Leprechaun Complex:

The Rainbow Room:

The Leprechaun Hotel (Aaron's Addition - notice the little ladder at the bottom):

Interior shot of The Golden Shamrock:

Sailboat for the Pool:

The Waterpark:

Playground:

A Bedroom:

To show gratitude for all their hard work, this big Leprechaun left a pot o' gold chocolate coins for my little Leprechauns to find after school today.

"Sensible" Portions

2009-03-10T18:55:00.000-07:00

So, as I was finishing off a bag of chips late last night, I happened to glance at the label and just had to laugh.

Notice the "Sensible Portions" advertising... and then consider the fact that they packaged this "sensible" portion into a ONE POUND bag of chips! I don't know if you can tell from the picture (I put a pencil in for scale), but this bag is huge!

Despite all that, having polished off the 1 lb. bag (not by myself, mind you), I can attest to the fact that these chips are very tasty and I would highly recommend them if you like to munch.

Feather

2009-02-23T21:47:00.000-08:00

After asking my kids for advice on what to name this scarf (and discarding suggestions like Tree Top, although that is pictorially fairly accurate), we came up with "Feather". The lace pattern looks like bunches of feathers and the yarn is definitely feather soft. Enjoy!

FEATHER

(Adapted from J. Leinhauser's 101 Ripple Stitches #72)

Materials Needed:

Size 6 needles
1 skein Karabella Yarns Boise (163 yds/50 g.) Color 69. (Mini Mochi would also be nice for this)
Tapestry needle

Abbreviations:
Sl1: Slip 1 as if to knit
K2tog: Knit 2 together
K3tog: Knit 3 together
PSSO: Pass slip stich over
YO: Yarn over

Gauge:
36 sts in pattern = 4"
Row gauge not important.

Finished dimensions: 4" x 39"

Using long-tail method (or other loose cast-on) CO 36 sts.

Seed Stitch Foundation
Work 4 rows of seed stitch as follows:
Row 1: *K1, P1*. Repeat ** across.
Row 2: *P1, K1*. Repeat across.
Row 3-4: Repeat Row 1 and 2.

Scarf Body
Row 1: K1, P1, K1, K1, Sl1, K2tog, PSSO, K9, YO, K1, YO, P2, YO, K1, YO, K9, K3tog, K1, P1, K1, P1 (Note: Be careful to fully wrap the YO before the P2 sts.)

Row 2: P1, K1, P15, K2, P14, K1, P1, K1

Row 3: K1, P1, K1, K1, Sl1, K2tog, PSSO, K8, YO, K1, YO, K1, P2, K1, YO, K1, YO, K8, K3tog, K1, P1, K1, P1

Rows 4, 6, 8, & 10: Repeat Row 2.

Row 5: K1, P1, K1, K1, Sl1, K2tog, PSSO, K7, YO, K1, YO, K2, P2, K2, YO, K1, YO, K7, K3tog, K1, P1, K1, P1

Row 7: K1, P1, K1, K1, Sl1, K2tog, PSSO, K6, YO, K1, YO, K3, P2, K3, YO, K1, YO, K6, K3tog, K1, P1, K1, P1

Row 9: K1, P1, K1, K1, Sl1, K2tog, PSSO, K5, YO, K1, YO, K4, P2, K4, YO, K1, YO, K5, K3tog, K1, P1, K1, P1

Repeat these 10 rows for pattern until desired length is reached. In the pictured scarf, I had 21 pattern repeats.

End with 4 rows of seed stitch, following Foundation pattern above.
BO loosely.

Block lightly to display lace pattern to best effect.

Alternate symmetric pattern: If you prefer a symmetric scarf, work scarf from beginning through 11 pattern repeats ending with Row 9. Place sts on holder. Work second scarf section from beginning through 11 pattern repeats ending with Row 9. Graft together in pattern following Row 10.

Victoria

2009-02-18T17:25:00.001-08:00

For Christmas, Tim gave me and my parents a surprise trip to Victoria, BC over Valentine's weekend. Now you would expect that we would spend the weekend sightseeing. And we did - here's proof:

But, we also went shopping... We got the kids lots of souvenirs and Tim some organic Guatemalan coffee. But, for me? Yep, you guessed it:

Lots and lots of yarn! There were two fantastic shops in Victoria, but my favorite is the Beehive Wool Shop. It was full of the most wonderful hand-dyed and hand-painted yarns... I could have hung out there all weekend (as it was, I went twice!).

Anyway, it was a fantastic trip - so nice to hang out with my parents. And, Tim even remembered Valentine's Day. When I left to drive up to Seattle to catch the ferry, he slipped me a Butterfinger bar for the road (which I assumed was the only Valentine's gift I would get). But, when we checked into the hotel in BC, there was a huge bouquet of my favorite flowers waiting for us in the room.

And, somehow we even managed to get them through customs, so we continue to enjoy them at home.

I have to say, I must have one of the best husbands in the world.

Frivol-ous

2009-02-08T00:27:00.000-08:00

My first major attempt at an intricate cabled hat. After slowly working on it many a late night, it is finally finished - cable grafting and all. Despite my pleas, the little munchkins kept interrupting me during that important grafting section (which had to be done in daylight hours, trust me). I have to admit I got a teensy bit short with them after the 3rd or 4th time. So, after much whispering amongst them, the totally cute kids put up a sign on the doorway to my knitting room that said “No Entry - Please be quiet. Angry mommy knitting. No disturbance.” Well, after that I didn’t get much done, because we were all laughing too hard…but I did finish it eventually. So, without further ado, here is Frivol (for you non-knitter types, that's actually the name of the pattern...)

I'm now working on writing a pattern for mittens to match the hat. I've test-knit the left one, but am not thrilled with it. The top just isn't right yet.

So, I'll continue to modify it as I knit the right one. (Of course, that does mean I will end up with mis-matched mittens, but who really looks all that closely, right?)

"Here's a Good Rule, Mom"

2009-01-22T20:48:00.000-08:00

So, after getting the younger kids off to bed tonight, Alli and I were chatting in the kitchen and we hear the door to Aaron's room crash open and Aaron racing down the hall to the bathroom. After a minute or so, we go down there and see Aaron (with a guilty look on his face) wiping up the floor next to the toilet. He turns to me and says matter-of-factly, "Here's a good rule, mom. Don't pee in the garbage can."

Apparently, the trash can (being all of 6 inches closer than the toilet) seemed like a better option at the time...

Normally, this wouldn't strike me as funny, but Alli and I couldn't stop laughing...

The Big 6

2008-12-26T14:57:00.000-08:00

Aaron turned 6 today. I will write more later, but I have to jot this classic down. As Aaron was opening up his last gift (from Grandma and Grandpa), he saw what was in there (a $25 gift card) and carefully sounded out the words on the card: "Toys R Us - 25% off coupon." "Thanks Grandma and Grandpa!!" It was so cute.

Why 2 Yr Olds Shouldn't Play with Scissors

2008-12-22T19:51:00.000-08:00

Were you expecting a picture of Ginny with her hair cut? Nope, although she has done that, too. But, yarn (unlike hair) does not grow back...

Here is the "before" shot of a beautiful scarf I knit for my mother-in-law for Christmas:

And, an "after" shot of some of the million ends just waiting to unravel:

Although my first reaction was utter dismay, my second reaction was "Wow, Ginny has really great manual dexterity!"

The Line

2008-12-16T22:04:00.000-08:00

Chardy had her Christmas play tonight and we were all eagerly awaiting her one line...the opening line to the Christmas story. So, without further ado, the famous line:

P.S.Chardy was playing the role of a "senior citizen", thus the gray hair, glasses, and shawl.

Wishing for Snow

2008-12-14T11:04:00.001-08:00

Did you know if you wear your clothes inside out and backwards and sleep upside down in your bed, it will snow that night??

Apparently, it's true.

Love this Scarf

2008-12-13T21:46:00.001-08:00

I'm not normally a scarf person, but I had the most fun making this Christmas present. Here's hoping the recipient has as much fun wearing it...

Zig Zag Rib - Free Pattern

2008-12-10T21:58:00.000-08:00

This started out as a simple diagonal rib scarf for a Christmas present, but when I noticed the colors were coincidentally changing just as the diagonal repeat was ending, I thought I'd see what would happen if I switched directions. Sure enough, the colors for the most part changed with every diagonal change, so the result is a very cool zig zag rib. Enjoy!

ZIG ZAG RIB

Materials Needed:

Size 9 needles
1 skein Debbie Mumm Traditions (148.73 yds/136m) Pine Needles (Noro Kureyon would also be nice for this)
Tapestry needle
Measuring tape

Gauge (not particularly important, but here are the measurements for the first 16 rows and 24 sts):
24sts = 4.5''
16 rows= 3"

Using long-tail method (or other loose cast-on) CO 24 sts.
(Note: If you prefer a wider scarf, simply CO additional stitches in multiples of 4.)

Zig Zag pattern:

Zigging Right (with RS facing)
Row 1: (K2, P2) across
Row 2: (K2, P2) across
Row 3: K1, (P2, K2) across, ending with P2, K1
Row 4: P1, (K2, P2) across, ending with K2, P1
Row 5: (P2, K2) across
Row 6: (P2, K2) across
Row 7: P1, (K2, P2) across, ending with K2, P1
Row 8: K1, (P2, K2) across, ending with P2, K1
Repeat these 8 rows once.

Zagging Left (with RS facing)
Row 9: (K2, P2) across
Row 10: (K2, P2) across
Row 11: P1, (K2, P2) across, ending with K2, P1
Row 12: K1, (P2, K2) across, ending with P2, K1
Row 13: (P2, K2) across
Row 14: (P2, K2) across
Row 15: K1, (P2, K2) across, ending with P2, K1
Row 16: P1, (K2, P2) across, ending with K2, P1
Repeat these 8 rows once.

Repeat Zigging and Zagging until desired length is reached.

Ginny Turns Two!

2008-12-09T19:22:00.000-08:00

After weeks of insisting that she was 2, 3, or 4, Ginny really turned 2 today! I woke up at 4:15am and thought for a few minutes about 2 years ago when Ginny arrived at 4:25am (then, I went back to sleep!).

Ginny's day started off with everyone singing Happy Birthday to her as we changed her diaper. At that early hour, she actually wasn't too thrilled about the whole birthday thing, but once we explained that birthdays meant cake, cookies, and toys, she perked right up!

She had her first party of the day at Amanda's, where she helped decorate cupcakes with sprinkles (and a few germs...poor thing has a cold). She got a lovely set of puppets that she has had fun playing with.

Then, it was off to her second party at home with the family. We had cake of course,

and lots of presents.

The birthday girl eating her cake with a spatula (who needs a fork anyway?!):

Aaron gave Ginny his set of legos and Chardy gave Ginny the first hat she knit on her new knitting loom.

Most importantly, we celebrated and gave thanks for having such a vibrant, sweet, and funny girl as part of our family.

The big Two Year Old:

Gingerbread Fun

2008-12-07T18:41:00.000-08:00

In the midst of decorating our Gingerbread House, Alli takes a break to down some frosting straight from the tube... This on the same day that they had just received a lecture on the perils of sugar...I guess it really sunk in!

Some other pics from the fun:

Hugs and (Candy) Kisses

2008-12-03T21:29:00.000-08:00

Alli and Chardy have been making each other's lunches this week, and tonight I overheard Alli say to Chardy that she left a note in her lunch stating, "This lunch is going to cost you 2 pieces of candy." Then, she and Chardy started giggling, because Chardy's note to Alli the day before had been that her packed lunch was going to cost Alli "5 hugs". And, apparently Chardy was chasing Alli all around the playground trying to collect her hugs yesterday.

Is that the cutest sister thing, or what?

A Few More Hats

2008-12-01T19:46:00.000-08:00

After realizing that I could make about 10 hats in the time it takes to make one stinkin' pair of socks (no pun intended), I have been on a hat-making craze for the past few weeks. Here are some of them (in addition to the ones I posted earlier):

Aaron's First...

2008-12-01T19:32:00.000-08:00

Crocheted Hat. That he made! (or at least the brim)

He said he wanted to learn "knitting, but not with the pokey needles." After a few attempts of showing him how to use the crochet hook, we decided finger crocheting was the best place to start. So, he crocheted the entire brim and custom fit it to his head size. I took over from there, and he oversaw the design.

All in all a good team effort!

Wheeee! Two

2008-11-14T23:22:00.000-08:00

Another hat I whipped up - again, ostensibly for Ginny, but this one fits Chardy better. At least they are getting smaller! Maybe the next one will fit Aaron, but I promise, eventually Ginny will get one.

Wheeee!

2008-11-12T20:57:00.001-08:00

A cute swirly hat made especially for Ginny.

But, wait, you say, that's not Ginny, that's Alli.

I know, it didn't fit Ginny. But, as with socks, if you make a hat, chances are it will fit someone between 2 and 38 yrs old... Besides, this gives me an excuse to make another hat!

Green Baby Cables -- Take 2

2008-11-09T16:13:00.001-08:00

Do these look familiar?

They should. They are carbon copies of my previous, beautiful, green baby cables socks. I loved them, and I wore them a lot. Therefore, I washed them a lot. But, as everyone knows, you don't wash wool...or if you do, you certainly don't do it in hot water, and you really don't throw them in the "heavy duty" dryer cycle.

If you do, eventually they look like this:

And, then you have to make new ones.

Musings of a Yarn Mom

Chopped Champions!

Snow Falling in the Pantheon

Customs in Italy

26 Days and Counting

Pharaoh Jellyfilleddoughnut

What Kind of a Mother am I??

Belay Monkeys

What do a vampire, TARDIS, and magical fairy princess kitty have in common?

High Praise

For the Love of Chocolate

Is There Anything to Say Other Than "Sorry"?

Turning The Big 4-0 Today...

A 4 Year Old's Product Endorsement

Zombie Capture the Flag

An Unexpected Day "Off"

Snowy Toes

Our Artist

Sudden Snow

Free Pattern: Wiggle Hat

Crystal 2010

Powder!!!

Merry Christmas!!

Who's Rob?

Dinner Time Advice

Socks

Mom Can Make Anything

Volleyball 2

Volleyball Champs!!!

Sweater of Many Colors

Talk About Your Short Term Memory Loss

New Sweater

HONEYCOMB WAVES BLANKET: FREE PATTERN!

What about Medium L?

Special Friend

Sisters

New Pattern Coming Soon!

The Joe Biden Hat

First Day

Throwdown!!

Two Wishes

Mt. Rainier -- Happy 40th!

Hear Me Roar

The wind blows my hairInto a lion's great maneNow I have courage.

Bubbles

Potty?

UFO Guilt

Yummy

Never Doubt the Wisdom of a 10 Year Old

A Haiku

You Know You're Rushed in the Morning When...

Dandelion Wishes

NEW FREE PATTERN: Cables & Garter Cardi

Spring!

Free Doughnuts

But It's Thirsty!

New Pattern...Coming Soon!

Forearms and Four Arms

Rainbow Punishments

Cute Misunderstandings

A little catch-up

Kindle Pocket -- Free Pattern

The Twelve Days of Christmas (Cookies)

Merry Christmas!!

An Eclectic List

Touchdown!!

A Tale of Planes, Trains, and Automobiles...

Someday When I Have a Green Shirt

Aaron Loves "Balanas"

Lace Swirl (Free Pattern)

A Summer in Haiku

Kitchener (Stitches) and Sock Summit

Jongleur (n.)

Swirl

2009 Summer Bucket List

Our Champion!

The Best Cards Ever...

What's a Shark Say?

Good Advice

Ginny Knows Best

The wind blows my hair
Into a lion's great mane
Now I have courage.