Oh, where do I start?

Ok, I'm sorry I kinda neglected my posts...but I've been distracted since we were trying to wade through some gunk in one of my groups that is dear to my heart. Thankfully that situation is behind us and we are looking forward to moving on...it is funny how easily we can mess up the simple things in our lives.

Also, my SIL still has not had her baby...we had her son again Monday night...we are hoping the 3rd time will be the charm (but not any time soon - she's not due til Apr 1st anyway)

The biggest casualty of this situation has been my knitting...actually, I have knit quite alot but dont have much to show for it. I have been trying to put together (read: lots of knitting and ripping) a heart shawl for my Knit Red KAL, and finally gave up today realizing that it's not the pattern's fault but my yarn choice...I need a bulkier, perhaps fuzzier yarn than I have on hand. So until I can remedy that situation, I have cast on Cheesy Love which I am actually quite enjoying...so this is my new Knit Red KAL item, it will be a tank with a red body and pink hearts across the bust. That's the tenative plan anyway...and yes, my 3rd attempted Knit Red Project - I'm not really this flaky, its the yarn's fault, darn acrylic!
oh, acrylic, I didnt mean that, please forgive me...it's not your fault that you are all I can afford

On that note, I have good news on the Pebble Beach front: we are only 1 sleeve away from piecing together and being done!

And today at the completion of our "walk around the block" (yes...it finally nearly got to 50 deg today!!! We got to breathe fresh air!) I realized that I had not shared a picture of Gracie wearing her coordinating cardigan and hat. So...for your viewing pleasure:

How quickly they master the "Mom, what are you doing?" look

And here is a profile shot~


Just for fun...she is now into everything~


But at least she already listens pretty well, and leaves things alone when I call her~

These last 2 were also for Auntie Angie - my daughter does not have a 'mohawk' anymore :p

One last one for good measure~

How quickly daughter's "steal" their mother's belongings (this being my hat). Ok, I give, I put it on her...but she looks so darn cute! Especially when she tries to pull it off...its our little game.

I did it, I did it, I did it, yeah! Bellisimo...

(courtesy of Dora The Explorer)
I finished the back of Pebble Beach! Which was a difficult conquest since we just got The Incredibles. I had not previously seen it, and it was very funny and hard to take your eyes off (since I am trudging through a "fancy" yarn, this was a problem).
So tomorrow I will join the shoulders and decide if it really wants to be a Cap Sleeve or Tank Top...not that I'm against sleeves, I'm just ready for a break from this yarn (and have plans to use what is left to accent a spring/summer sweater for Gracie). Since my clappy looks good next to it, I figure I can just wear the clappy if I'm cool and DH even said it would look just as good without the sleeves...so I guess we'll see how assembly goes tomorrow.
BTW, anyone who owns/rents/can borrow the DVD of The Incredibles, check out the short movie Boundin' on the 2nd disc ~ its a rather cute video that includes a cartoon sheep with a lovely coat who gets sheared - anyway, its cute/funny and worth your time if you were going to watch the movie anyway.
G'night all, Happy Knitting!

Ok, so I may have tempted you...

...but you may not know what you are missing

So here it is in black or white:

BAKER'S® ONE BOWL Chocolate-Strawberry Cake
Recipe Rating: ***** Prep Time: 15 minTotal Time: 45 minMakes: 10 servings
Nutrition InformationKraft Kitchens TipsRatings and commentsYou may also enjoy


5 squares BAKER'S Semi-Sweet Baking Chocolate, divided
6 Tbsp. butter or margarine
3/4 cup sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs
1-1/4 cups flour, divided
1/2 tsp. baking soda
3/4 cup water
1-1/2 cups thawed COOL WHIP Strawberry Whipped Topping
1 cup sliced strawberries
PREHEAT oven to 350°F. Place 3 of the chocolate squares and the butter in large microwaveable bowl. Microwave on HIGH 2 min. or until butter is melted. Stir until chocolate is completely melted.
STIR in sugar and vanilla until well blended. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating with electric mixer on low speed after each addition until well blended. Add 1/4 cup of the flour and the baking soda; mix well. Add remaining 1 cup flour alternately with the water, beating until well blended after each addition. Pour evenly into 9-inch round cake pan sprayed with cooking spray.
BAKE 30 min. or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 min.; remove from pan. Cool completely on wire rack. Top with the whipped topping and strawberries just before serving. Melt remaining 2 chocolate squares as directed on pkg.; drizzle over cake. Let stand until chocolate is set. Store leftover cake in refrigerator.

Dont have an official recipe for the white version, more of a "How-To" or "how we do it":
Angie's To-Die-For Strawberry Angel Food Dessert
1 Angel Food Cake (10 0z)
1 tub Strawberry Cool Whip
at least one basket of fresh strawberries, sliced

Slice the Angel Food Cake to your prefered size of wedge.
Generously dollop Strawberry Cool Whip
Add as many strawberries you can pile on
Dig in!

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No, I don't work for Cool Whip and I am not being compensated for this testimonial. I merely feel it is my duty that you all know that this is out there; and this is only available Spring/Summer, then they switch to French Vanilla (I havent tried this one yet). I have not bothered trying the generic version...if you do not come across a coupon in your weekly ads /newspaper and/or your store doesnt have a special, fear not - it is worth every penny, IMHO!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Another lovely option for this delectable topping is it makes for an incredible "frosting" for cupcakes and full-sized cakes.

Ok, I'll go back to knitting now.

Progress...I guess that's what we'll call it

Soooo, I thankfully added quite a few rows to Pebble Beach while watching Band Of Brothers with DH tonight - has anyone noticed the elderly woman knitting on the train in Paris in the Crossroads episode? I have to check it out again to see if she's really knitting or not, I happened to be distracted but DH pointed it out. Which reminds me, when we hosted Poker Night 2 weeks ago, one of the guys saw I was knitting as he came in and confided he had just ordered a learn to knit kit. Apparently he has heard how relaxing it is and figured it was worth a try (a new yarnaholic in the making). So I offered my assistance should he need it, not sure if he will take up my offer, he was too busy shhhing me so the guys wouldnt over hear his new "girly" past-time. ---the cool thing about this group of guys is that they are all 30+ and most have been friends since grade school! So they often seem to fall back into their grade school behavior, including razzing a buddy who spends his time doing things other than drink beer, watch sports/manly movies/history channel, play on the computer, or vehicle/lawn maintenance/ home repair. I even asked DH if he'd overheard our knitting exchange and he said "No way! I would have had fun with that all night!"
So we shall see if Matt will be brave enough to knit out of the closet...I'll keep you posted.
Hope to finish Pebble Beach this weekend, then I can work on clappy guilt (and leer) free!
Happy Knitting!

Clapotis Happy

Well, we are progressing quite well on the Clapotis! I guess I should show you the pics in order so here we go....

For starters, unfortunately Cherry Red had to go on vacation (a little too stiff for my liking; dont worry, she'll be put to good use), so welcome Strawberry Cool-Whip (the color reminds me of the totally yummy treat - if you haven't tried it yet, go to the store now and get some!) in Caron's Simply Soft (color:soft pink) - which happens to be my current favorite acrylic yarn

The pink string you see halfway through is my "lifeline" - big thank you to whoever reminded me of this; I of course didnt need it once I started using it ;)

And here we are finished with the increase rows and ready to try some straight rows and *gasp* dropping stitches!

I decided to do this to pattern and not add any rows after all, as I was pondering along the way I decided I may want to use the scarf option here in Chicago - and 21" gives plenty of coverage for my shoulders anyway.

Now we have our first look at the counterintuitive dropped stitches, I waited for the 2nd repeat to show you since the 1st one is so little.

This is certainly an enjoyable pattern, I'm considering making a few more as gifts this year...we'll see the consensus after the finished project.

I hope you are enjoying watching my Clapotis grow as much as I am --if you are tired of the Clapotis hullabaloo I apologize, and the Clapotis forgives you, it really is a nice project!

Miss Gracie has two toothers now, so she's keeping me on my toes to avoid the now sharp teething bite; in retrospect, I was warned to not let her start chewing on me, but would I listen? She hasnt gotten me that bad yet, I can tell when she's going to try it most of the time and redirect her mouth to a more appropriate teething option. She's already pulling herself to a standing position, as well as made her first attempt at the stairs the other day....warm weather needs to arrive so she can have more room to meander (outside of course; there is no more room to be found in the apartment, I've done the best I can).

Well, back to dropping stitches and chasing my rugrat.
Enjoy your knitting!

So we had the Wheaton Fire Dept here last night...

it was John's doing...Grace was having a tough night, and since I didnt want to put her to bed too early, I figured she could use a bath. So I gave John the option of cooking dinner or bathing Grace; and he chose to cook dinner. Grace and I were upstairs (she was in a great mood once she heard the bath going) and then we heard the smoke alarm go off. This didnt worry me too much --John has the tendency to make smoke alarms work when he's in the kitchen--so I just waited for him to shut it off. When Grace's bath was done, I got her dressed and came down stairs and was greeted with a wall of smoke. It seems my DH read the recipe as heat the oil on High heat; well our stovetop is new, so water will fairly quickly boil at 7, and John had the oil heated to 9. When he put the cajun glazed fish in, it nearly vaporized and filled the entire place with smoke. We opened all the windows and the slider, and things were looking better, I went upstairs to get him a fan to help push the smoke out and then I heard the smoke alarm in the building hallway go off (we live in an enclosed building) the silly guy was trying to get a cross-draft! (remember, I just told you we live in an enclosed building) So that is how we got to meet the Fire Dept. No one was hurt - other than the fish- my neighbors were thrilled about the noise, and that went on for a while because there was some debate among the Firemen as to where the box was to shut off the alarm. So we had tater tots and Burger King for dinner last night.
I got a few more rows in on Pebble Beach once the smoke cleared, and hope to work on Clappy some today. Thank you all who replied re: the previously unidentified object below. I have been informed that this is a tool for making Hairpin Lace, which I Googled and it looks interesting, but I have enough on my plate as is, so I will put it away for another day. It's always nice to get a nagging question answered.
Happy knitting!

A Clapotis Is Born...

A Clapotis Is Born
Originally uploaded by knitting4grace.

Well, since my SIL isnt ready to announce her new arrival, I'll announce mine. Meet Cherry Red Clappy, she is a very sensible Red Heart Super Saver Clapotis. [I had hoped to try something a little more yummy; but, my finances wouldn't cooperate - if I like it enough, maybe I will be able to find the $$ to make a yummier version.] I will keep you posted on her development. She was born March 14 and this was her status as of 3pm.
Our first landmark is we are about to enter Section 2: the increase rows.
We hope she doesnt suffer too many growing pains (we have some tylenol on call if needed).
Happy knitting!

My 1st Sock!

My 1st Sock
Originally uploaded by knitting4grace.

I forgot to mention (in the midst of my hectic weekend) that I knit my first sock!!! Yes, it is a mini version - it was supposed to possibly fit Gracie, but my child has big feet. It was a good confidence booster and I will shortly try to do my size...I'm already seeing that knitting socks could be a dangerous new level of my knitting addiction.
Oh well, Happy Knitting!

What is this?

What is this
Originally uploaded by knitting4grace.

Amongst the oodles of needles I received from my Granma, this was in the bunch and neither of us knew what it is. So....if any of you knitting guru's can share your knowledge, such as:
1. What is this?
2. What is it used for?
I would really appreciate it.
TIA!

Projects, projects, everywhere!

So no baby yet....my poor SIL! But at least now my house is clean and we had a test run with our nephew, which went fine, he even wanted to come back with Uncle John when he was returned; silly boy.
So now that the place is tidy, and I'm only chasing one rugrat, who has returned to napping, I have to decide what project I want to work on. They all are calling "pick me, pick me!" whatever am I going to do....I'm dying to get my Clapotis rolling, but John really wants me to finish Pebble Beach, and I still have the baby cardi to finish, and then last night I came across a really cute shrug pattern....
Well, I think I'll sneak some Clappy in today and then tonight I'll work on Pebble Beach ;) Everything else can hold until tomorrow.
Happy knitting!

Long day & Good-night!

Hello all, well I finally put together a button...I may work on another after getting some advice, but I really wanted one now and dont have the resources to purchase a more educated person's services - and dont they say necessity is the mother of invention? I also have a hard time resisting trying to do something myself before asking for help...oh, well.
Well, we have Mikey-man over tonight and I guess will find out tomorrow if he's going to be a big brother this weekend. Poor little guy, he knows something is about to rock his world and wants to be held by his Mommy, but she was having a hard time accomodating him through contractions. So we took him off her hands and I'm doing pretty well so far juggling two cuddle bugs. Thankfully he goes to bed pretty easy, so I was finally able to work on the baby sweater tonight and have the back finished now! Hooray for me!
Well, gotta get to bed, the little 'alarm clocks' wont let me sleep past 7am!
Happy purling!
(thought I'd mix it up a little; ok, ok, I'll go to bed)

Bandits!!!

So, I was finally going to get my tired self to bed, when I heard someone/thing(s) on my patio -yes, patio, our townhouse begins on the 2nd floor. I debated getting John, but remembered he said that last week we had Raccoons. So I turned on the light and peeked through the blinds and wouldnt you know, there they were. I of course ran for the camera and tried to capture them and this was the best I could do:



The 2nd one was much cuter than the 1st. I tried to open the blinds to get better shots, but that of course scared them away.
I'm going to bed now.

My Baby is 9 months old today!

Obviously I knew this was coming, but I cannot believe how the time flies already. And I am amazed at how much she grows and learns even in a matter of weeks! Yesterday, during Blue's Clues, she started clapping! Up until then, all she could manage was waving her arms around like a little birdie trying to fly; and then all of the sudden she was making contact! I dont know who was more surprised, her or me, but she sure was practicing all day....watching her hands intently as they would finally do what she's been asking them to.
Last night the men had Poker Night here, they got a little loud (of course, beer and brats will raise the volume on any occasion), and she woke up around 9:30. I had to gave up trying to put her back down, she had to check out what was going on downstairs! She showed everyone how she could clap and crawl, played with me a little, and was back to bed by 10 pm! Without another peep until 5:30 this morning! She really is a good little girl!!!
Well, I'm off to work on the baby sweater, just had to share my baby's milestones.
Happy Knitting!

Where I've Been

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I've finally decided ;p

Ok, so after much deliberation, many swatches, more math than my "mommy brain" can handle right now I've decided to make the new Moretti baby the sweater I made for Gracie. We got a call last night that her contractions are getting pretty serious....so we are 'on call' and I need to get my butt in gear. Truthfully, I did make one last attempt at the shell lace baby bunting, but with everything going on, I cannot give it the attention it deserves and I keep screwing up and I'm going to wear my yarn thin trying to not mess this up too much. (and with all the inc and dec, I cant really fake around it - tried and failed). So I've decided to tackle the known pattern, especially since I finished Grace's in a week and that was the biggest version and now I'm making the smallest version.
So, hopefully all will go well with having a 9 month old and a 21 month old under my care for a few days once she has the baby, and I'll just get the sweater to her when I can.
I'll keep you posted on the arrival! (yes this is 3 weeks early, but the last one was 3 weeks early, so we wont be suprised if the baby arrives by Monday).
Happy Knitting!

Yes, it's true...I'm back

So sorry that I havent posted much since returning from TX. I came home to over 900 messages to go through in one of my groups (us knitting chicks have too much fun).
Gracie started crawling on March 1st!!! So I'm chasing her all over. And my husband told me on the ride home from the airport that we are hosting Poker Night (Thursday) this week - and he certainly didnt clean up after himself much while I was gone. So, I've been cleaning, chasing, and glancing through posts all while desperately trying to settle on a pattern for my SIL's soon to be newborn. The shell bunting below has an ugly k4tog that was killing me so I'm probably going to devise something on my own; especially because I received A Treasury of Knitting Patterns, by Barbara G Walker from my Grandma while visiting, and it is soo full of beautiful patterns I'm having a hard time deciding - she also handed me down a bunch of knitting needles and a case (she's the best Grandma ever!). I've given myself a deadline: by the end of American Idol tonight, I have to settle on a bunting or I will make the Ruffled Garter Stitch Baby Blanket . So there, I've written it down, now I've just gotta stick to it.
Happy Knitting!

Gracie's Sweater

Gracie Sweater Front
Originally uploaded by knitting4grace.

I finished Gracie's sweater in a week at my Grandma's! Grandma was very impressed and I had fun showing her how quickly I could do a project. It turned out pretty cute although the multi-color yarn was not as soft as I had hoped :( at least it is a cardigan and she'll have something on underneath.

Gracie Sweater Detail

Gracie Sweater Close-up
Originally uploaded by knitting4grace.

Here is a close up of the beautiful pattern and my 1st ever button holes! (I didnt have time to add the buttons yet...but they do fit)

Gracie's Sweater Back View

Gracie Sweater Back
Originally uploaded by knitting4grace.

Here is the beautifully simple back of my baby's sweater.