Basic Toddler Scarf Pattern

So, I've decided to write my first pattern on the blog. It's a super-easy one, perfect for a beginner knitter who is comfortable with the knit/purl stitches. I made this ribbed scarf for my 2-year-old Little Man, the length could be adjusted for age.

I knitted this scarf with Lion Brand Nature's Choice Organic Cotton, which is very soft, but feels like it can stand up to the abuse and repeated washings required by a toddler.

PATTERN:

CO 18 st

Row 1: (k2, p2) repeated until last 2 stitches, k2

Row 2: (p2, k2) repeated until last 2 stitches, p2,

Repeat rows 1 and 2 until scarf measures desired length. For Little Man I made it to be 38 inches long. Then bind-off as if knitting.

Hat pattern to come next, it is almost finished!

"He's Sooo Good!"

That's the compliment I got today at church. I accepted it graciously, although I know this good behavior in church has gotten to be a rarity. So, I told Little Man how proud he made me again and again, while we were on the way to the grocery store afterward. This wasn't just any trip to the grocery store either, it was the "donut" bribery reward trip!

Of course as we walked around the store I couldn't help thinking what happened differently before church this morning to make Little Man behave so well? Could it have been that he was allowed more time to play? Was it that I had him help me organize some things in my recipe book? Did he just get more Mommy time before we went there? Sometimes I just don't know, so right now I've decided just be thankful that I have such a good boy...

Baby Echaniz Blanket

Today I finished the "Little Boy Blue" blanket for our friends down the street! I'm so happy with how it turned out! This afternoon when I gave it to them at the baby shower, it turned out to be just what they were hoping for. I still think there is nothing quite like a homemade gift, especially when it comes to baby keepsakes. I hope it is enjoyed for years to come!

The pattern I used can be found in the book at this link.

It might seem a little early...

I know that it might seem a little early to have changed my blog to a Christmas theme, but I'm so in the mood. I'm spending quite a bit of my time, that I'm not busy with Little Man anyway, on handmade Christmas presents for family members. Normally I just feel the crunch to get the presents bought in time to be under the tree, but this year I feel like I might have just been a little too ambitious with things I wanted to make myself to get it done in time. Hmmm... the countdown is on, 46 days to go and, oh, only about a dozen presents to finish up!

I will post pictures of my handmade things after Christmas, I wouldn't want to ruin the gift for anyone!

"The Cup"

Last weekend I went to the greatest shop! Imagine a lingerie shop where you don't have to find your own bras, you don't even have to think about how it fits! It was awesome!

I went at the encouragement of Hubby, he thought it was about time I got a good bra that really fit. So, at least I knew I wouldn't have to end up feeling guilty since he wanted me to go ;o) It is called "The Full Cup" and it is a European bra fitting type of specialty store. They carry every size imaginable and they fit you.

Picture this, you walk in and there is such a nice waiting area, wait am I at a spa?! Nope, there's a manequin with lingerie on. Hmmm.... I wait for my appointment time and I'm whisked to my own private room. Now, all I have to do is stand in front of the mirror in my bra without a shirt on so my rib size and cup size can be measured. All with the bra on, so not too bad for the modest either. Next the lady fitting me brings in a single bra, that's right, not the pile I feel like I need for trial and error at all the other stores. Not being modest (after having a baby anyway) I remove my old bra and she assists me in putting on this new beautiful everyday bra. She adjusts the straps and everything. She tells me how to adjust myself properly, lift up and in, then spread out at the cleavage so they both "stay in their own house." Who knew that if your bra really fit properly they should each be supported, not smushed together to show cleavage? Then I learn about "rule of thumb," which means if your straps are adjusted right you can slide your thumb underneath the strap, but no more. I wanted a little more lining than this bra had to offer, so off she went and brought back yet another beautiful bra. I loved it. No riding up, the true test, raise and lower your arms and it shouldn't move on you. It fit so great, I asked how much it cost (I was expecting a high number just for the bra-fitting experience), turned out this style was only $56 each! I'll take 2 I said! As she went off to get another I grudgingly started to put on my old bra, thinking it felt horrible after the new one! The fitter came back, "Oh no," she said, "I'm going to adjust this new one for you, cut off the tags and you can wear it out the door!" Awesome, I haven't gotten to do something like that since I was a kid with new shoes!

Even better, I contacted the store about a non-profit Mom's group I'm a part of and asked if they would be willing to donate some type of doorprize or raffle item and they said yes! I picked it up today and it is a great basket with some lingerie washing liquid, facial cleanser, and a gift certificate! Too bad I can't win, that would just look suspect.

I recommend a real bra-fitting store to all my friends now, they even work with you on changing your bra during pregnancy and they sell real supportive nursing bras. Next time I need one I'm not going to get the embarrassing rags, I'm going for the real thing!

Fall is in the air...

This weekend, Hubby, Little Man and I went up to New Jersey to visit Hubby's sister's family. It was a lot of fun and we especially enjoyed the more fall-like weather and colors while there.

The local town had a "Harvest Festival" going on, but from what we hear every weekend is a reason for a festival. Sounded good to us! My sister-in-law (SIL) and I went out for an afternoon without the kiddos and it was a lot of fun, we did everything from browsing in shops to having afternoon tea and scones, yummmm. The most interesting thing was the "witchy shops" my SIL loves to stop in. In one, that was like a little side closet to a main building, they sold all kinds of stones, charms, and necklaces. I saw a huge egg-like stone on a pedestal, so I just had to ask the witchy lady what it was all about. (Not kidding about the witchy part either, she wore a witch's hat! It could have just been for October but who knows?) Turns out it was a large stone smoothed out by a river and believed to be a good luck charm for fertility. After talking a bit more I actually decided to buy a small one for Hubby. Maybe I'll start putting it in his pocket when we're thinking more seriously about number 2. Never know what you'll find in "witchy shops!"

The whole family went to a pumpkin patch with some of our brother-in-law's (BIL) college friends too! It turned out to be a lot of fun, we went home with a pumpkin, some roasted pumpkin seeds, apples and of course hot apple cider. Nothing better on a fall afternoon! It seems pretty likely that this will become a fall-like tradition...

"Magic Hour" by Kristin Hannah

I have to say I absolutely loved this book. I would definitely have to categorize this one as "chick lit," but I have to give in to those books every once (or more than once) in a while.

"Magic Hour" is a fictional story about a child psychiatrist, Dr. Julia Cates, whose career is shattered by a scandal, which in turn also makes her a media target. As this is taking place in L.A., an unusual situation presents itself in Rain Valley, Washington. Dr. Cates is called back to her hometown due to young girl who emerges from the woods and seems to have been raised in the wild. This is the story of a woman who is beginning to doubt her own abilities and a young girl who doesn't understand the world around her and how they can save each other.

This was the first book by Kristin Hannah that I've read, but I definitely plan on reading more. As an author she writes in a style similar to Jodi Picoult. I really enjoy books from different vantage points as you really get to know all of the characters well throughout the book. I highly recommend "Magic Hour!"

"People of the Book" by Geraldine Brookes

I decided to try out this book, although I'd never previously read anything by this author. "People of the Book" had been chosen by my mother-in-law's book club, and I've enjoyed some of their other picks, so I thought I'd give this one a read. However, I gave up by page 80.

I found that this book moved a little too quickly with character's being involved with each other and not knowing anything about the characters previous to it. It struck me as a little strange, and it felt as if we were expected to already "like" the characters.

Well, needless to say, I have too many other books to read and decided to move on. I don't plan on reading any more by this author unless I hear endless raving by multiple people about a specific book. Hmmmm.... don't think that will happen anytime soon...

Yarn and more yarn!

I have developed quite a passion for yarn. Little Man actually finds bags of yarn everywhere and brings them to me. I think he's trying to make sure I didn't forget I had it!

I already have a need to buy more though, I swear projects come out of everywhere... One of my friends recently told me she is expecting a boy, so that means I need some more cute boy yarn! But, before I go overboard in a yarn store frenzy, I need to decide what to make, a hat, booties, blanket? The possibilities are endless!

The basic point of my blog this time though, I'd like to know how to start getting a yarn company to send me yarn to test and review for them... Hmmmm.... somehow this would probably only feed the yarn addiction.

So, if anyone knows of a way to do this, please give me a heads up, I've always got 4 or 5 projects going at a time, but could definitely do more!

"Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen

I recently finished "Water for Elephants," by Sara Gruen, after my mother-in-law had finished and recommended it. I loved it!

The story is told by a man named Jacob Jankowski, who is 90 or 93 years-old, he can't exactly remember anymore. He tells the story as he is in a nursing home and having flashbacks to his life as a 23-year-old. During his first summer out of veterinary school he basically fell into a job as a veterinarian for a circus his first summer out of college. It includes all elements of a great story, love, suspense, and the commonality between all human beings. We all grow old and just hope that someday someone will want to hear our story, that is ultimately what Jacob wants.

I would definitely recommend this book, I enjoyed it through the ending and plan on reading more by Sara Gruen now.

Loving Knitting Again!

So, I finally got up the nerve to join the raglan seams on my silk sweater.  I'm loving knitting more of it now.  I think it will be finished just in time for some cooler October/November weather!  It has been so hot I'm happily anticipating temps in the 60s now...

I have also finished the knitting of Little Man's Anchor sweater, I just need to sew that one together now.  But, first for finding some cute small anchor buttons to match it.... a reason to do a little shopping!  

I will post more pictures soon, but right now everything is in the horribly awkward looking stage so they are in hiding until they are completed and beautiful looking.  

Dreading some Knitting...

As much as I'm addicted to knitting there is one thing I've been dreading... joining seams.  I have worked so hard on knitting my second sweater out of a beautiful Debbie Bliss silk yarn that I'm really dreading if my sizing doesn't match on the final product! EEkkkk!!!! So much wasted time, but it's not even that I'm most scared of, it's more the wasted money if this doesn't end well!  

I keep on looking on the internet for info on joining seams, but as much as I read it seems like one of those things I'm just going to have to try for myself.  It does seem to be the most dreaded part of knitting for all knitters so at least I know I'm not alone!  Crazy, I know only knitters can probably relate to this post, but I needed to vent and Hubby is not at all interested in hearing about this.  I have blocked the knitting (see pics) , it's just a matter of knitting it all together. Wish me luck.... 

Little Man Meets Milkshakes

Within the last few weeks Little Man has learned how to use a straw. He has wanted to try in the past, but it has usually been when I've had a caffeinated beverage I couldn't share.  When it's something he can't have I just tell him it's "Hot!" and keep it away from him so he can't really feel that it is cold.  At least hot things are definitely not things he wants right now, anything warmer than room temperature is hot to him right now.  

A few weeks ago I got a Chick-fil-a peach milkshake, yummmm... Little Man decided it looked so good he had to give the straw a try. Before I knew it peaches were going up the straw!  Oh my gosh, I didn't expect him to catch on, I thought he'd give it 5 seconds get frustrated and quit.  No luck, so I look at it as a reason to get a Chick-fil-a milkshake once and awhile.  Cookies 'n cream is our flavor of choice.  So yummy.  

Today we were at the mall, it was lunchtime, so I got the chicken nugget meal and substituted a milkshake for the soda.  You have to pay a little extra, but I'd rather get the calcium, that's the excuse I have for milkshakes!  I shared the whole meal with Little Man, I've found he still eats so little of a meal it would be a waste of moo-la to get him his own.  Boy, did he go crazy afterward as we walked around the mall. I've never seen Little Man so happy, giggly and dancing around with his arms to his own tune as he rode around in his stroller. A couple of little girls even asked me why he was laughing so much! All I could say was he'd had some sugar. I love having the reason to get milkshakes and sharing them with Little Man makes them even better!

The 4th of July calls for Strawberries!

I love anything with strawberries and blueberries for the 4th of July. Actually, for most of the summer!  So, when I saw a yummy recipe on the Stonyfield Farm yogurt container for Melt-in-your-mouth Strawberry Muffins I decided we had to have them for our 4th of July breakfast. 

The muffins were sooo yummy!  But, Little Man didn't seem to have the greatest reaction to them.  I haven't thought that he's shown any signs of allergies so far, but on the way to the pool after breakfast he just started crying.  Poor Little Man had a runny nose and puffy watery eyes. We still went to the pool because I was originally thinking maybe he just didn't want to be tied down to his car seat.  At the pool he showed that he just couldn't get over whatever was bothering him.  Although he loved the wading pool he was just watery eyes and runny nose, awwww...

I started to think that it could be an allergy though because when I thought about when else he has exhibited these symptoms, it came to another time when Grandpa fed him some pancake with strawberry sauce.  That time we were at IHOP and Little Man swallowed and a few minutes later he projectile vomited all over the whole table.  The only time that has happened so far, knock on wood.  So sad, and so embarrassing at the same time!  

I think I'll put off attempting strawberries again for awhile, and next time I'll make sure it's when we are going to hang around the house and see if symptoms arise.  At least once Little Man got some other food and milk in him the symptoms seemed to subside, and we enjoyed the rest of our 4th of July hanging out in the sun for a bit and barbecuing at home.  We hope everyone else enjoyed their Independence Day too!

Raccoons, Really?

So, the police called me back about filing the report regarding someone going through my garbage.  They insist it is raccoons and suggested putting a brick on the garbage can lid so they can't lift it. Please let them be right, I really don't want to deal with hearing a garbage digger again!

Creepy

So last night, before I went to bed, I heard some noise on the side of the house.  Not a lot, but enough to worry me.  I turned out the lights and looked out, but of course with no light on that side of the house there wasn't much to see.  

Then this morning, taking out a diaper bag, what do I see in the trash can, but that someone had been going through our garbage!  I say someone, and not something, because a rodent couldn't have lifted up the garbage can lid and shut it after themselves.  There were open garbage bags with coffee filters out and banana peels.  I don't know what they were going through that for, at least we shred all documents.  I especially don't know why if they were looking for food they would pick the garbage can of a house with a little one.  Just the smell of poopy diapers when you open the lid is enough to make me hold my breath, I really can't see how someone could stomach the idea of looking for food in there.  There are plenty of homes around us with more enticing garbage cans I'm sure.  

Okay, enough creepiness for now, a police call has been made, hopefully that will be the end of that story.  

Yummy Tater Tot Casserole

Yesterday Little Man and I went over to visit friends who had welcomed a new arrival into their home.  He was so precious and I thought I would help out my friend by preparing dinner so it was one less thing she had to worry about for the day.  I brought over a comfort food type casserole that seemed to be quite a hit!  So, I thought I would post the recipe on here, it is easy and could even be prepped ahead of time, put in the fridge, and then put in the oven later.  

Yummy Tater Tot Casserole

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 1/2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Frozen Tater Tots (enough to cover casserole)

Directions:

• Heat oven to 375 degrees F.  Brown meat with onions in skillet, stirring occasionally, drain.  Spoon into 8x8 inch baking dish.
• Mix soup and milk; pour over the meat mixture.  top with layers of the mixed vegetables, cheese and potatoes.
• Bake for 45 minutes or until potatoes are golden brown and the casserole is heated through. 
• Serve up and wait for compliments!

Did you hear? Twilight from Edward's perspective!

I was surprised tonight when my sister-in-law told me about a leaked version of Twilight from Edward's perspective called "Midnight Sun," by Stephanie Meyer.  I guess she was drafting it and someone she had passed it on to gave it out, therefore she has decided to put it permanently on hold.  Since illegal versions could be found on the internet, Meyer posted what she had written so far on her website.  It is "Twilight," but from Edward's perspective instead of Bella's. 

For those of you who are "Twilight" fans, check out Stephanie Meyer's letter and the draft of the story.  I'm not finished, but wanted to share, so bummed we'll never see the complete version! Here's the link to Meyer's site,  http://www.stepheniemeyer.com/midnightsun.html

Knitted Baby Bear

I finished a knitted baby bear as a gift for a new arrival in our family. It is so sweet and I loved it. I knit it with a beautiful baby cashmerino, it is so soft and hopefully the baby will love it for years to come.  It was a pattern by Debbie Bliss, and I knit it with Sublime yarn.  I can't wait to hear what they think of this bear when he arrives on their doorstep.

"Where go belly?"

Little Man said his first official phrase yesterday!  We were playing with belly buttons, one of his favorite things to do now, and when I put my shirt back over my belly, he put his hands up in the air and said, "Where go belly?"  I've gotten used to him saying "Go?" or "Belly," but this was entirely new!  Can't wait to hear what Little Man says next...

"Haat, Haat?"

Hats are quite the obsession for Little Man this week.  He always wants to wear one and it is so cute.  First thing in the morning, he asks about it, "Haat, Haat, Haat?"  Luckily, it is right on his bookshelf from the night before and it goes right back onto his head.  From there Little Man wears it the rest of the day unless it is time to eat, bath time or naptime/bedtime.  It doesn't matter what hat it is either, whatever is closest.  However, he does have his own and it is so cute on his sweet head.  I love the boy that my Little Man is becoming...

Father-Son Bonding

Over the last couple of weeks Hubby and Little Man have had a lot of bonding going on, and it's been great to see!  They especially love "rough-housing," you can just hear it in Little Man's giggles and Hubby's great laugh.  Hubby has also been giving Little Man almost all of his baths. It has been a nice break for me!  I think that Little Man's favorite part is that Daddy lets him run around complete "free" with nothing on for quite awhile afterward.  (There has been an accident or two, but Little Man enjoys it too much to put an end to it right now!)  I tend to be the Mommy who takes him right from the towel to the diaper, no worry of cleanup then...

Today it became especially apparent that Hubby was going to miss Little Man, going underway, yet again.  Little Man was sitting at a table chair next to Hubby and when I came in the room Hubby was practically crying, so sad!  I think this is the first time it has really hit Hubby how much he is going to miss Little Man because they are having so much fun.  We're already looking forward to Daddy's homecoming!  

"New Moon"

I actually watched the MTV Movie Awards this week for the first time in about 15 years!  All because I knew "Twilight" would win a lot and because they were going to show a sneak preview of "New Moon!"  I can't believe how addicted I am to all of this, I don't think I've been so crazy about something so celebrity since high school.  For all my friends who are just as addicted though, here is the link to the "New Moon" trailer, enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSFMmkMfQ5Q

Fever Strikes!

As the moon goes down you never know what will happen... last night it turned out fever struck Little Man!  It always seems to happen in that bewitching 9 o'clock hour.  Just when you think you are in the clear for the night an unmistakable screeching comes from the monitor.  No mistaking when it is a fever.  Little Man never cries like that any other time and then he is red-hot to the touch when I pick him up.  So, I'm guessing those so-called two-year molars aren't really two-year molars.  Little Man's will probably end up being 20 month molars.  Poor guy, but at least he will be in the clear once that's over.  All 20 teeth!  Right now he is at 16 and I can barely remember his gummy grin.  Seems like only yesterday, hmmm.  

Before the fever.... yesterday was a great day.  We went to the beach for lunch, sat outside in the breezy air listening to a live band.  Little Man had the dancing bug, he couldn't stop, it was so cute to see him dance to Daddy's favorite music.  The group was like a dream come true for Hubby, and the location with a beer.  Does it get any better?!  Little Man had such a great time and we enjoyed a nice walk on the boardwalk.  The perfect afternoon totally made up for the fever.  Hopefully Little Man is on the route to cutting those teeth and this fever will be a distant memory!  

Date Night!

Hubby and I were so excited to get to go on a date night Saturday!  First time in months and months.  Hard to believe that it wasn't so long ago that we went on a date night Friday, Saturday, Sunday.... We still go out with Little Man, he is actually quite the entertainment in a restaurant. As long as the people around us don't mind a one-year-old turning around again and again in his high chair just to see how many smiles he can get.  

Luckily, my Mom was visiting and we could just go.  So nice to know that Little Man was in the safe hands of his Grandma while we were out enjoying a nice meal.  Hubby enjoyed a good Sam Adams, while I sipped a nice glass of Pinot Noir.  Now, that is something we don't do with Little Man, you never know if the need might arise to scarf the rest of a meal and clear out (Yes, I said scarf).  You know, "Always be prepared," used to be a girl scout motto, but it's also a parenthood motto.  

We went to see the movie "Angels and Demons," great movie.  I've loved all of Dan Brown's books, but I have to say it probably helped that it had been awhile since I'd read it and wasn't making comparisons the whole time.  I'd definitely recommend it, even being Catholic and all.  I really don't understand all the hoop-la, it's a story get over it!  

It was nice to go out, but of course, I still went in to check on Little Man so sweet and asleep. Grandma said he was so tired out he didn't even talk as he went to sleep.  Too tired for a chat with Thumper, Brownie and SkipIt?  Unheard of, must have been a good night for him too. Hubby and I really appreciated the night out and look forward to the next one...

Scary World!

Today we went to the Aquarium, my Mom, Little Man and me.  We had a good time and it was nice enough to walk from building to building outside!  No rain after days of it, nice!  

Since Little Man is quite the walker now, I thought he would enjoy freedom from the stroller. Boy was I wrong!  I hadn't thought about how scary those loggerhead turtles could be when you aren't in the safe confines of a stroller.  Little Man immediately hid behind my legs and barely peeked out to look at the turtles.  They loved Little Man though, as soon as he would peek out one would come right over to us.  The second he would go into hiding they would be gone.  

So sweet, he's growing up so fast, gotta treasure the little moments!  Tonight we are off to SuJi again!  I love it, the aquarium and then sushi, you have to appreciate the circle of life...

SuJi!

Tonight Little Man actually said sushi!  Or at least his own version of it, which was Su-Ji!  So, I took that as a sign that we should go out for dinner at our favorite restaurant, Geisha.  It was actually a treat from my parents for Mother's Day.  We had so much fun sitting up at the sushi bar, and of course everyone found Little Man to be the most entertaining of all!  Who can resist such a well behaved kid so proud of himself for being so too?!  He even tried some crab and some rice.  I think he should have quite the taste for it since my pregnancy craving was sushi, grapefruit, apples, cantaloupe and more sushi.  Yay!  Thanks Mom & Dad!

Drawstring Bag

Today I worked on a drawstring bag/pouch.  I think it turned out really cute!  I bought some 'Heidi Grace' fabric and went to work on making what I would consider a small sized knitting pouch.  It is a good size to hold one to two skeins of yarn as you work with it and the needle its on.  I think I will refine it a bit and make some to post for sale on Etsy soon, very soon!

Why have a dog?

Sometimes I wonder why my neighbors have a dog...

Last night I was out with Little Man for a walk and I saw my neighbor's dog sitting in someone else's driveway on a leash. I was pretty sure I recognized him. Then I saw my neighbor and his daughter come around the corner about 5 houses down, they were looking for him, but definitely not in a rush!  

Then today we were leaving for errands and another neighbor had the dog cornered in the driveway because it had gotten loose again. My neighbors weren't home and they must have just left him in the yard. I feel horrible for this dog! I've seen Animal Control return him to them before, but I think it is probably only a matter of time before the poor thing gets run over. He is such a sweet terrier, I wanted to take him into my own house because it was so hot and no one was home! So, back to my main question, why have a dog?

Mommyyyy?

Little Man is finally calling me Mommy!  Yay!  I love it, he says it all the time right now.  

Standing in line, he says, "Mommy, Mommy, Mommy?"  "Yes, Baby."  He holds up his sippy cup.

Riding in the car, he says, "Mommy, Mommy, Mommy?"  "Yes, Baby."  "Car?"

At the table, he says, "Mommy, Mommy, Mommy?"  "Yes, Baby." "Mo! Mo! Mo!"

It is just too cute, and I'm loving it!  This can only get better...

So Rewarding....

Who could have known that cleaning could be so rewarding?  Since I've become a stay at home Mom I love a clean house even more.  I can't think of anything better than knowing the house is clean top to bottom and I can relax on my couch without having to think about cleaning, for a few days anyway.  Plus, I am absolutely in love with my vacuum, never thought I'd be saying that either.  It has Intelli-Clean, and it tells you when you need to vacuum a dirty area more.  When the area is dirty the lights on the vacuum go from orange to red, pretty typical in the high traffic areas.  But when everything is clean the lights go green.  So rewarding!  

Gosh, I feel like that lady in the Hoover commercial, dreaming about vacuums now.  Ok, I'm going to go relax in my clean house...

Curees?

Little Man now officially loves "Curious George!"  But, the best part is that he calls him Curees, so sweet.  Sometimes I'm not quite sure if he just loves monkeys in general right now, or if it is specifically George.  It is now his fixation though, everywhere he can find a monkey he has to point it out.  It is right up there with cars, balls and dogs.  Yay!  

Little Man's word of the day is hotdog!  Two words he could say combined into one, can it get any better?  Now if we could only find the Oscar Mayer mobile somewhere, I think he would be in heaven!

Baking is a Science

So, I've learned my lesson, don't change anything about a recipe when it comes to baking.  Today I was making some yummy Tollhouse Chocolate Chip cookies from scratch for a bake sale my Mom's group is hosting.  Turns out the recipe called for softened butter, oops, just bought the butter.  I figured I'll just nuc it at half power for 10-15 seconds, maybe that made them too runny.... I also tried to half the recipe since it said it made 5 dozen.  I didn't need quite that many. Anyway, it came down to a very crispy thin sheet of cookie once baked.  Edible if you needed to, but definitely not sellable.  

Luckily, I always keep some ready to bake Tollhouse cookies in my fridge.  I can at least show up with something to be sold at the bake sale.  Bummer, I was excited to see how the cookies from scratch would turn out,  next time I'll have to bake 5 dozen and follow the recipe to the T.   

Twilight Character Quiz

I took a cool quiz for those who are Twilight fans.  Go to Buddytv.com and you can find out which character you are.  Turns out I'm most like Bella.  

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Trip to the Zoo

I decided to take Little Man to the zoo today because our membership is about to expire and I just don't think it's worth renewing until the Tiger exhibit returns.  Hubby and I've been so disappointed that they didn't just relocate them, but they've shipped them out while they renovate the exhibit.  :o(  Can't wait to see them again in 2010!

Right now our favorite part of the zoo is the barnyard animals exhibit.  I just love when Little Man sees a rooster and goes "Caca!"  His version of "Cocka Doodle Doo!"  The cows are very cool to look at too, "Moo," but there is one animal that just scares Little Man..... the PIG!  I have to admit I was in shock the first time I saw this pig too, there is no other way to describe it, but HUGE!  It just lays there, the only way you can tell it is alive is that its stomach moves while it breathes. The look of terror on Little Man's face is just too much when I tell him it is a pig.  How can this thing compare to the perfect Little People pig he thinks of?  Off we go and he breathes a sigh of relief.  Yes, Little Man actually sighs now, it is the cutest!

On we went and Little Man got to enjoy his lunch while viewing the Giraffes and Ostriches, all in all a very relaxing morning.... 

About Time

I have so many friends who are becoming bloggers that I've become inspired to blog yet again! What better time than when 1-year old Little Man is sitting on my lap trying to type too?....

Ok, bath time and bed time are over with, so now I'm freeeeee!!!  All you Moms out there know the feeling, it's finally my time!  Which, for me, usually equates to laundry, knitting, cleaning, knitting, not too hard to tell what I enjoy doing with my time.  

Since I last blogged I've completed quite a bit.  I finished a cabled wrap for my Mom, my February Lady Sweater (pictured, http://www.ravelry.com/projects/gaylynsdesigns/february-lady-sweater) and a baby girl blanket for a friend.  Now, I'm onto a teddy bear, a summery sweater and a nautical sweater for Little Man.  As I'm becoming more adventurous with my knitting I'm also buying better and better yarn.  Who knew knitting could become such an expensive hobby?!  Hubby likes what I've knit so much that he suggested I just make all my sweaters now, until I told him how expensive the materials were.  Oh well, he knows I love it!

I made up my own pattern for the wrap because I just couldn't find the right one at the time.  I will be sure to post it!  

Knitting my First Sweater

I've been working for a little over a month on my first sweater. I've chosen the February Lady Sweater as my project of choice. Of course, since this is the first real project where I've had to worry about gauge I had to start and restart, and restart, and restart,..... well you get the idea.

I picked a Cascade 220 Superwash yarn in a blue grey color that I believe will turn out beautifully with pearlized buttons. I'm hoping that will make it both casual and dressy. This sweater is a cardigan style with 3 buttons at the top and then it hangs loosely open. The sleeves are 3 quarter and most of the sweater is made up of a gull lace pattern. Although the lace took me a while to straighten out I think it is starting to look great. Will keep you posted on the progress.