tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-106734902024-03-18T22:48:13.933-05:00knitting4graceLittle did I know how well my days would be soothed when I began knitting for Grace.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03384739771668000255noreply@blogger.comBlogger155125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10673490.post-33422074728006022122012-08-16T14:15:00.000-05:002012-08-16T14:20:41.613-05:00Catching up.This has been a crazy, exciting, exhausting, wonderful year so far. I keep trying to find a reason to write in this little space here and life just keeps proving to be extra distracting. So lets catch up.<br />
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Last March we moved from our little condo to a three bed, two bath, single family home that is less than a mile from my husband's work and our children's school. John honestly walks to work most days, and it is so wonderful to have him arrive home in such a better mood since he did not just battle traffic. Grace loves her new school - she transferred schools at Spring Break, and handled the transition like a champ. Jessica is excited to start Kindergarten and Grace cannot wait to catch up with all of her friends in just under two weeks.<br />
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I'm still a knitting factory and have a bunch of finished project details to roll out. I just signed up for the <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/" target="_blank">Craftsy</a> <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/products/mystery-workshop-club-september/961">September Mystery Knit Along</a> and cannot wait to get my yarn and find out what we are making!<br />
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My latest project off the needles is my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/mystery-shawl-2012-rockefeller" target="_blank">Westknits Mystery KAL 2012</a>, just need to weave in ends and take some pretty pictures. Until then, here are Clues 1 and 2:<br />
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<br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03384739771668000255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10673490.post-41204956879980841632011-02-14T12:03:00.000-06:002011-02-14T12:03:13.342-06:00day 1- recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9HZ8_FZ-D5RhCoqEgDdNY0UJSe69Io-UFHyppR4g2PYPd567sLfWeAjXNn76MAkYa9swY4pgbh4h1KFtnlmQVmhOebrtFlUqHbqra4I_e7Wm8t-2JZYG7kSAS-DyWcXBzULurIQ/s1600/IMG00026-20101029-1241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9HZ8_FZ-D5RhCoqEgDdNY0UJSe69Io-UFHyppR4g2PYPd567sLfWeAjXNn76MAkYa9swY4pgbh4h1KFtnlmQVmhOebrtFlUqHbqra4I_e7Wm8t-2JZYG7kSAS-DyWcXBzULurIQ/s320/IMG00026-20101029-1241.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm ususally the one behind the camera...this is Jack and me on a walk.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCzkr49dVAnX7j0wJKR0WYjoK-Pr5cHr9WQz8rhRCz5TVq8ca5CFXyQjvmy2UhW3bsLWQwqnv5spOBpEakuxmGXt-Jsg6o9FYFCuArnE53E427luAC-oltyOrTxOMbnzHefBClCw/s1600/IMG00043-20101204-1012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCzkr49dVAnX7j0wJKR0WYjoK-Pr5cHr9WQz8rhRCz5TVq8ca5CFXyQjvmy2UhW3bsLWQwqnv5spOBpEakuxmGXt-Jsg6o9FYFCuArnE53E427luAC-oltyOrTxOMbnzHefBClCw/s320/IMG00043-20101204-1012.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our 1st Snow in December will have to do.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5426sM3gR_wjUPC371nqyS7yWtNId0DVIV3_zsasxUsFcg-YNICCvOvrptdjp_GscTRGFE9sgw2874K5K_WUrKna6DkjKXBd7SSZdV83qPGAth8y6768yV_tyodIVhWjbqMqYug/s1600/IMG00081-20110103-1207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5426sM3gR_wjUPC371nqyS7yWtNId0DVIV3_zsasxUsFcg-YNICCvOvrptdjp_GscTRGFE9sgw2874K5K_WUrKna6DkjKXBd7SSZdV83qPGAth8y6768yV_tyodIVhWjbqMqYug/s320/IMG00081-20110103-1207.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shopping @ Ikea is most recent but again I'm behind the camera.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;">15 Interesting facts about Jen:</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><ol><li style="text-align: left;">My husband asked me out for our first date on Feb 16 because he thought it was too cliche to have our first date on Valentines Day.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Since we moved to Chicago, my dear husband has been out of town on Valentines Day for business EVERY YEAR! (Thankfully my kids make sweet Valentines)</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">I think this is more funny than tragic, since we enjoy showing our love for each other all year round.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">We have been married for 8 years</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"> and have 3 children.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">We have fish for pets because of allergies to cats, our home is too small for a dog, and the kids are too small for a hamster/guinea pig/rabbit yet.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">The year I graduated high school, my school did Senior shirts with everyone's name printed on the back. My shirt has my name as Jennifer Moretti - when they fit the names to the graphic my last name and the next student's first name got cut. I was rather bummed by it at the time.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">On our first date I happened to ask John if I could see his license because I have a thing about out of state licenses.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">When I saw his last name, it was a strange moment when I saw Moretti. (we met at church, fairly casual, so we hadn't exchanged last names)</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">My initials did not change when I got married.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Reading and knitting compete as my top free-time fillers - I am always super excited when I find a good audiobook so I can enjoy both at the same time.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Reading has been my escape when life gets to be too much since I was seven.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">It physically pains me when I hear someone does not like to read because I have yet to encounter a movie adaptation that can come close to the stories brought to life by my imagination at work with a great author.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">I love that knitting allows me to be creative and practical.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">My word for this year is Simplify. (or KISS = Keep It Simple Silly)</li>
</ol><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b>Happy Valentines Day!</b></span> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Hoping yours is full of LOVE, HAPPINESS, and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">CHOCOLATE</span>!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03384739771668000255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10673490.post-17482463005713587932011-02-14T09:47:00.000-06:002011-02-14T09:47:11.945-06:0030 Day Blog Challenge!Saw this <a href="http://ourlittlebirds.blogspot.com/2011/02/30-day-blogging-challenge.html">here</a> (another mommyblog), looks like fun, maybe it will kick my blog back into action.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><strong>day 1-</strong> recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself<br />
<strong>day 2-</strong> the meaning behind your blog name<br />
<strong>day 3-</strong> a picture of you and your friends<br />
<strong>day 4-</strong> a habit that you wish you didn’t have<br />
<strong>day 5-</strong> a picture of somewhere you've been to<br />
<strong>day 6-</strong> favorite super hero and why<br />
<strong>day 7-</strong> a picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you<br />
<strong>day 8-</strong> short term goals for this month and why<br />
<strong>day 9-</strong> something you're proud of in the past few days<br />
<strong>day 10-</strong> songs you listen to when you are happy, sad, bored, hyped, mad<br />
<strong>day 11-</strong> another picture of you and your friends<br />
<strong>day 12-</strong> how you found out about blogger and why you have one<br />
<strong>day 13-</strong> a letter to someone<br />
<strong>day 14-</strong> a picture of you and your family<br />
<strong>day 15-</strong> put your ipod on shuffle: first 10 songs that play<br />
<strong>day 16-</strong> another picture of yourself<br />
<strong>day 17-</strong> someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why<br />
<strong>day 18-</strong> plans/dreams/goals you have<br />
<strong>day 19-</strong> nicknames you have and why you have them<br />
<strong>day 20-</strong> someone you love<br />
<strong>day 21-</strong> a picture of something that makes you happy<br />
<strong>day 22-</strong> what makes you different from everyone else<br />
<strong>day 23-</strong> something you crave for a lot<br />
<strong>day 24-</strong> your last five facebook status'<br />
<strong>day 25-</strong> what I would find in your bag<br />
<strong>day 26-</strong> what do you think about your friends<br />
<strong>day 27-</strong> why are you doing this 30 day challenge<br />
<strong>day 28-</strong> a picture of you from last year and now, how have you changed since then?<br />
<strong>day 29-</strong> in this past month, what have you learned<br />
<strong>day 30-</strong> your favorite song</span>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03384739771668000255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10673490.post-39031998683660231742011-01-21T12:25:00.000-06:002011-01-21T12:25:20.565-06:00001:365<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMv7grmwoJ54OggevR9L_8dCMFaPHPJWQSdd8lJNKPF4iGLTDSN3tcI0u5ESAY1kQk0pURo4a0fKBlCBpTtS1HHO6ingAsciM3lJWDqUubc4ePYuS49Z2ZlOVwAqgXC1qTtK394g/s1600/001%253B365.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMv7grmwoJ54OggevR9L_8dCMFaPHPJWQSdd8lJNKPF4iGLTDSN3tcI0u5ESAY1kQk0pURo4a0fKBlCBpTtS1HHO6ingAsciM3lJWDqUubc4ePYuS49Z2ZlOVwAqgXC1qTtK394g/s400/001%253B365.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Icy Snow 1/20/2011 - 001:365</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I was waiting for my new camera, and the day after it arrived I caught this one on my BlackBerry...</div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm looking forward to a photo journey this year; I didn't get very far last year but I had a frustrating camera. Now that I've improved my equipment this should be more fun. </div>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03384739771668000255noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10673490.post-10142569657961702372010-11-05T15:20:00.006-05:002010-11-13T22:41:36.408-06:00Penelope Cobblestone Scarf<div style="text-align: left;">At last, I have written up my first pattern. I hope you enjoy knitting this scarf as much as I did ~ Happy Holidays!</div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">Penelope Cobblestone Scarf </span><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">by Jennifer Moretti</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijjdUAoQFH2uk-riDwJQXz9Sijkp2RhgX3re6OAH4q42WybpUNV2dhE4yTXkA0m_5nADjhx-LM7o_jmNJ22n5X0Zp8S26Jl27-L5RVOj_rAbhtEEO6b_kuoG-jcK-ys-eEGMa7Cw/s1600/DSC02812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijjdUAoQFH2uk-riDwJQXz9Sijkp2RhgX3re6OAH4q42WybpUNV2dhE4yTXkA0m_5nADjhx-LM7o_jmNJ22n5X0Zp8S26Jl27-L5RVOj_rAbhtEEO6b_kuoG-jcK-ys-eEGMa7Cw/s320/DSC02812.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal">Inspired by the 2006 movie <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0011N1WE8/ref=s9_bbs_gw_d0_ir01?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=0VF9S2ZMGJ2QH8GDMDMD&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846">Penelope</a> starring Christina Ricci and James McAvoy. My niece requested a scarf like Penelope's to make her Halloween costume complete last year and a really cute, cozy scarf was born. This is my first pattern write up ever, it has not been test knit, gentle input is greatly appreciated.<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"></div><ul><li>Size: 8 inches wide and just over 60 inches long - shown in movie approx 80 inches long</li>
<li>Yarn: Lion Brand Baby Soft Solid (60% Acrylic/40% Nylon; 459yd/141g) in 2 colors: [MC1] Pistachio and [MC2] Violet. Red Heart Ltd Designer Sport (100% Acrylic; 270 yr/85g) [CC] Black <i>Note: I used approx three quarters of each of all three skeins for a scarf just over 60 inches - approx 345 yds of each MC, and approx 210 yards of CC.</i></li>
<li>Needle: US 5 [3.75mm] 16" circular needle or double pointed needles (magic loop would work too)</li>
<li>Gauge: oops, lost my notes - I did go down one needle size than recommended on yarn label to get a slightly denser fabric.</li>
<li>Notions: tapestry needle</li>
<li>Stitch pattern:</li>
</ul><br />
<div style="border-bottom: ridge; border-color: windowtext; border-left: groove; border-right: ridge; border-top: groove; border-width: 3.75pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: three-d-emboss; mso-border-color-alt: windowtext; mso-border-left-alt: three-d-engrave; mso-border-right-alt: three-d-emboss; mso-border-top-alt: three-d-engrave; mso-border-width-alt: 3.75pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; line-height: normal; mso-border-bottom-alt: three-d-emboss; mso-border-color-alt: windowtext; mso-border-left-alt: three-d-engrave; mso-border-right-alt: three-d-emboss; mso-border-top-alt: three-d-engrave; mso-border-width-alt: 3.75pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Cobblestone Stitch</b> [Multiple of 8 sts] (revised 11/13/10)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; line-height: normal; mso-border-bottom-alt: three-d-emboss; mso-border-color-alt: windowtext; mso-border-left-alt: three-d-engrave; mso-border-right-alt: three-d-emboss; mso-border-top-alt: three-d-engrave; mso-border-width-alt: 3.75pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding: 0in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br />
</i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; line-height: normal; mso-border-bottom-alt: three-d-emboss; mso-border-color-alt: windowtext; mso-border-left-alt: three-d-engrave; mso-border-right-alt: three-d-emboss; mso-border-top-alt: three-d-engrave; mso-border-width-alt: 3.75pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding: 0in;">Row 1: With CC, knit.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; line-height: normal; mso-border-bottom-alt: three-d-emboss; mso-border-color-alt: windowtext; mso-border-left-alt: three-d-engrave; mso-border-right-alt: three-d-emboss; mso-border-top-alt: three-d-engrave; mso-border-width-alt: 3.75pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding: 0in;">Rows 2-9: With MC1, knit every row</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; line-height: normal; mso-border-bottom-alt: three-d-emboss; mso-border-color-alt: windowtext; mso-border-left-alt: three-d-engrave; mso-border-right-alt: three-d-emboss; mso-border-top-alt: three-d-engrave; mso-border-width-alt: 3.75pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding: 0in;">Row 10: With CC, * k7, drop next stitch off needle and unravel 8 rows down, picking up CC from row 1 below; insert needle into this stitch and under the 8 loose strands of MC1, and knit, catching the loose strands behind stitch; * repeat for round.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; line-height: normal; mso-border-bottom-alt: three-d-emboss; mso-border-color-alt: windowtext; mso-border-left-alt: three-d-engrave; mso-border-right-alt: three-d-emboss; mso-border-top-alt: three-d-engrave; mso-border-width-alt: 3.75pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding: 0in;">Row 11: With CC, knit</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; line-height: normal; mso-border-bottom-alt: three-d-emboss; mso-border-color-alt: windowtext; mso-border-left-alt: three-d-engrave; mso-border-right-alt: three-d-emboss; mso-border-top-alt: three-d-engrave; mso-border-width-alt: 3.75pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding: 0in;">Rows 12-19: With MC2, knit every row.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; line-height: normal; mso-border-bottom-alt: three-d-emboss; mso-border-color-alt: windowtext; mso-border-left-alt: three-d-engrave; mso-border-right-alt: three-d-emboss; mso-border-top-alt: three-d-engrave; mso-border-width-alt: 3.75pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding: 0in;">Row 20: With CC, knit <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">3</span>, *drop next st, unravel, and knit CC st from 9th row below as in Row 10; k7 * repeat for round; last repeat end k<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">4</span>.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; line-height: normal; mso-border-bottom-alt: three-d-emboss; mso-border-color-alt: windowtext; mso-border-left-alt: three-d-engrave; mso-border-right-alt: three-d-emboss; mso-border-top-alt: three-d-engrave; mso-border-width-alt: 3.75pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding: 0in;">Repeat Rows 1-20</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; line-height: normal; mso-border-bottom-alt: three-d-emboss; mso-border-color-alt: windowtext; mso-border-left-alt: three-d-engrave; mso-border-right-alt: three-d-emboss; mso-border-top-alt: three-d-engrave; mso-border-width-alt: 3.75pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; line-height: normal; mso-border-bottom-alt: three-d-emboss; mso-border-color-alt: windowtext; mso-border-left-alt: three-d-engrave; mso-border-right-alt: three-d-emboss; mso-border-top-alt: three-d-engrave; mso-border-width-alt: 3.75pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding: 0in;">(<i>adapted</i> <i>from Barbara Walker's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Treasury-Knitting-Patterns-Barbara-Walker/dp/0942018168/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1288987554&sr=1-1">A Treasury of Knitting Patterns</a> Blister Check, or Coin Stitch pg 69)</i></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">Scarf Pattern:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">Begin with CC, CO 80 sts, join to work in round careful not to twist. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">Work 3 - 7 rounds stockinette stitch (or desired length for rolled edge). </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">Continue in Cobblestone Stitch pattern for desired length. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">Then, with CC, work 3 - 7 rounds in stockinette stitch (or desired length for rolled edge). </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">To finish, knot off or weave in ends inside tube, may sew tube closed or leave open.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">A pictorial tutorial for the Cobblestone Stitch pattern Row 10:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9KpOCvhNK2AmfN-xTVieMSzwQ5k38EyktJt9DqGKLQoBeqrPSXNfOHJi_rfE1NIzbqBZhZQwnb8uGZI1KgWef-X_YkXHEiYNnuLp-CiYlEOINenLdsIx5u1g-ZmZlT54SKhODWQ/s1600/DSC02793.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9KpOCvhNK2AmfN-xTVieMSzwQ5k38EyktJt9DqGKLQoBeqrPSXNfOHJi_rfE1NIzbqBZhZQwnb8uGZI1KgWef-X_YkXHEiYNnuLp-CiYlEOINenLdsIx5u1g-ZmZlT54SKhODWQ/s200/DSC02793.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9d1thwo4Cg5ZNwLhBYTR2IyqeWS-B4DtetSyCPiAezeLbXHHwUnTbAewv2eDspzCdo0iN4afx_JvW8wNwKI-XzGRK87w6os-rK9C1bEUIMjAUYCX8HsHEBaeDmfbnl9Ha1XXZYg/s1600/DSC02796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9d1thwo4Cg5ZNwLhBYTR2IyqeWS-B4DtetSyCPiAezeLbXHHwUnTbAewv2eDspzCdo0iN4afx_JvW8wNwKI-XzGRK87w6os-rK9C1bEUIMjAUYCX8HsHEBaeDmfbnl9Ha1XXZYg/s200/DSC02796.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYi3KGw3fuCfnkWBFegSBO7LoGKdEgXYTva5bKmvcSS14VNd9brb7-A3gGR361dZnrtAb-DHnMS_JOyJnPgIqIvdv7BaQ7L9Ky6GA8gIBtOyTPjGZQ1NeEk4SglO1cKT7RDfXh4Q/s1600/DSC02797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYi3KGw3fuCfnkWBFegSBO7LoGKdEgXYTva5bKmvcSS14VNd9brb7-A3gGR361dZnrtAb-DHnMS_JOyJnPgIqIvdv7BaQ7L9Ky6GA8gIBtOyTPjGZQ1NeEk4SglO1cKT7RDfXh4Q/s200/DSC02797.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXBv_43CSL3jMsni2hvRgpoeA2m3ifMm9F9kT83pXgCPVVInspgIQ1Jyj-y0cXPG0RvI-g5Uw2w1275JVeWKc9hUE-vXjV7oJ0ABs7axXfOpRUNVPDWpdj3gKnQ64BYzQb9Mau0g/s1600/DSC02798.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXBv_43CSL3jMsni2hvRgpoeA2m3ifMm9F9kT83pXgCPVVInspgIQ1Jyj-y0cXPG0RvI-g5Uw2w1275JVeWKc9hUE-vXjV7oJ0ABs7axXfOpRUNVPDWpdj3gKnQ64BYzQb9Mau0g/s200/DSC02798.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCN3FLhsbeJJfhAkwV6CeJZUZI7JjnucbWI1OytebBx4c8MLlnnk1C7XsZkoZ8WLi12cM4ioceHt781_jfWuIywde8y0Oc322SXgz4TEOcwA-5bkSBeceZrq0Lz0hSu7Owa60pRQ/s1600/DSC02800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCN3FLhsbeJJfhAkwV6CeJZUZI7JjnucbWI1OytebBx4c8MLlnnk1C7XsZkoZ8WLi12cM4ioceHt781_jfWuIywde8y0Oc322SXgz4TEOcwA-5bkSBeceZrq0Lz0hSu7Owa60pRQ/s200/DSC02800.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Ldyfyozj-NYKkjjQzptzLqAzr9qhnqHCx3GZvPVpakGSH7N26Epg7O7Z5nZX6g61QTI9tmSnxKV93JWHTIb9Ie5k6bnOvGjr6iuPUgM-x-c3DfgMblFWoer-QsNbUzHoWSD2BQ/s1600/DSC02801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Ldyfyozj-NYKkjjQzptzLqAzr9qhnqHCx3GZvPVpakGSH7N26Epg7O7Z5nZX6g61QTI9tmSnxKV93JWHTIb9Ie5k6bnOvGjr6iuPUgM-x-c3DfgMblFWoer-QsNbUzHoWSD2BQ/s200/DSC02801.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_cM_7xW5r5PD9j1okvkcgaUw6FNl5NpzLfutuPnpkCSCVymqvQM7QWqBfCKWBVzrKkD4dd4nZDkl313vMbYAKQ0grvmsjvHeQJqjniJgN_sk7LP3Slv37YRSm2dh6dN7jFuv1ow/s1600/DSC02802.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_cM_7xW5r5PD9j1okvkcgaUw6FNl5NpzLfutuPnpkCSCVymqvQM7QWqBfCKWBVzrKkD4dd4nZDkl313vMbYAKQ0grvmsjvHeQJqjniJgN_sk7LP3Slv37YRSm2dh6dN7jFuv1ow/s200/DSC02802.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhua9Y411Ub8wh-9KwogwmkEiIHz4kg_6byjP0i2a9dVQe1aVZ64yyWKz1nyNMj19Zb2niBzHmnwvrj-7Kme4A-MKgWvDdGAmP3cnjyOZRWUctPj7u4bF4NVAwtKebHjS8HMuQGWw/s1600/DSC02803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhua9Y411Ub8wh-9KwogwmkEiIHz4kg_6byjP0i2a9dVQe1aVZ64yyWKz1nyNMj19Zb2niBzHmnwvrj-7Kme4A-MKgWvDdGAmP3cnjyOZRWUctPj7u4bF4NVAwtKebHjS8HMuQGWw/s200/DSC02803.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3FNWt7G-UDTTyK3hC28B_e1zMgsnYwbLOwuXhLl5bTWDHUkMqP6h0xU9g8erkgpRLmFUAWGwQeBWp09QYsTVqdvpn9uD1wUs3AB_mw4g5ff4QoO3Rg0BDPJ3zQ0gswiIEFJJAtQ/s1600/DSC02804.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3FNWt7G-UDTTyK3hC28B_e1zMgsnYwbLOwuXhLl5bTWDHUkMqP6h0xU9g8erkgpRLmFUAWGwQeBWp09QYsTVqdvpn9uD1wUs3AB_mw4g5ff4QoO3Rg0BDPJ3zQ0gswiIEFJJAtQ/s200/DSC02804.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A look at the back</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_cM_7xW5r5PD9j1okvkcgaUw6FNl5NpzLfutuPnpkCSCVymqvQM7QWqBfCKWBVzrKkD4dd4nZDkl313vMbYAKQ0grvmsjvHeQJqjniJgN_sk7LP3Slv37YRSm2dh6dN7jFuv1ow/s1600/DSC02802.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZz8kAepdd6t4eUo6ZqdGVy8WXtYjFEp9CqciKlxO-gZc67yvUP8rwlOG2K9ESTDcaslnlikfZMb8BCsQYIUS4zg8gl_s0P4WOzpE2iZHVVU4ZVl4xrXEcrx9WJOsGywvM7Ex4NQ/s1600/DSC02822.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZz8kAepdd6t4eUo6ZqdGVy8WXtYjFEp9CqciKlxO-gZc67yvUP8rwlOG2K9ESTDcaslnlikfZMb8BCsQYIUS4zg8gl_s0P4WOzpE2iZHVVU4ZVl4xrXEcrx9WJOsGywvM7Ex4NQ/s320/DSC02822.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">You are welcome to print this pattern, teach this pattern, and sell items made with this pattern to your hearts desire, all I ask is that you please give me credit where credit is due and not represent as your own. Thank you!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1lpsaZWqVG1U3f32R6AYFv5CYutuXxGViwbm0ErD517hi2Oge4yZ-v8alcaIt4JQicDqpN_feQRaA-vuOcNsypfvR6DmMzUIZAFejRDW6cL-gzCiuAbfVUPJefw_ueq_qt9u_Kw/s1600/DSC02807.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03384739771668000255noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10673490.post-35667087151254741412010-10-26T11:56:00.000-05:002010-10-26T11:56:27.720-05:00ChiCloneToday we are supposed to have the <a href="http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2010/10/25/warning-high-winds-ahead/">worst storm in 70 years</a>. It was a windy night all right and there are twigs and branches all over outside. Thankfully it seems that the storm has not hit us with as much vengeance as anticipated. As usual, a lovely name has been given to this storm - ChiClone.<br />
<br />
My favorite <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Slimline-Reference-Bible-Tyndale-Publishers/dp/0842334246/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1288110594&sr=1-1">slimline bible</a> I got at <a href="http://monterey.spiritwestcoast.org/">Spirit West Coast</a> 2000 has spontaneously gone ragged at the edges. I <i>have </i> been using it more, but goodness. I would rather not use a zipper cover for this bible so I popped on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/">Ravelry</a> to see if I could knit a cover. I fell in love with a free pattern, but alas the website is no longer and the wayback machine had no archive. Upon further look I found two more candidates that will require a trip to the library.<br />
<br />
<ul><li><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/journal-cover-with-ribbon-ties">Journal Cover with Ribbon Ties</a> from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/reader/ASIN/1589232933">Ready, Set, Knit Cables</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/vampire-diary-protector">Vampire Diary Protector</a> (<i>I know, but it's cute) </i>from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Vampire-Knits-Projects-Knitting-Twilight/dp/030758660X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1288111677&sr=1-1">Vampire Knits</a></li>
</ul><br />
In the meantime I have fashioned a lovely paper cover to hopefully slow the disintegration until I can knit the new long term cover.<br />
<br />
I have really been enjoying my bible study and the small group on Tuesdays. I am so thankful I remembered to sign up just in time. The study we are using, Cynthia Heald's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Woman-Simplicity-craftiness-Corinthians/dp/1600066631/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1288110729&sr=1-1">Becoming a Woman of Simplicity</a>, is exactly what I needed right now. And the group of women in my small group are such a blessing to me and each other.<br />
<br />
Here's a Halloween sneak peek:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmtlEyy6MQufVLr02rVLFHHo_Gf0HbI5KuAmIYTy3WEUl1TkRz2VcyFbsm81vh5tlkzB2XG8TAvd3XfrTANnrsYJjW-IQIyO3cik9KT_wwkhCSR1IXCsVa-oWKDtpIW3uDW2RyVQ/s1600/blackberry+038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmtlEyy6MQufVLr02rVLFHHo_Gf0HbI5KuAmIYTy3WEUl1TkRz2VcyFbsm81vh5tlkzB2XG8TAvd3XfrTANnrsYJjW-IQIyO3cik9KT_wwkhCSR1IXCsVa-oWKDtpIW3uDW2RyVQ/s320/blackberry+038.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Starring: Jessa as Snow White, and Gracie as Rapunzel</div>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03384739771668000255noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10673490.post-65013845194183105042010-10-14T09:28:00.002-05:002010-11-05T16:33:12.081-05:00The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">[<i>warning: I have a bee in my bonnet today and have to get this off my chest, I likely just need more sleep but I'm trying to blog more frequently so here goes</i>]</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">All three of my kids love <a href="http://pbskids.org/catinthehat/">The Cat in the Hat...</a> on PBS. I really love that the Cat has the kids ask their mother before they go on their learning adventures. I want to love that the mom repeats back where they say they are going and to be back soon, I just wish she'd pop her head out the door/window and see the kids standing with a man sized cat first.</span></span><br />
<div><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"></span></span><br />
<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Perhaps I'm looking too deep into a cartoon, but it happens every episode and I spent the first few of them being so happy the show reinforces asking before doing. Slowly it has just been nagging at me with each additional show that these kids are standing there with this huge cat and they actually are going somewhere because they keep coming back with stuff (otherwise how did Sally come back with silk from the silkworm?) This is where the show is different than say, <a href="http://pbskids.org/catinthehat/">The Backyardigans</a>, where their adventures really were the work of imagination.</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;">Just please, look your child in the face and see who s/he is with before you give permission. Before you know it s/he'll be 15 and it wont be the Cat in the Hat anymore.</span></div><div><br />
</div></div>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03384739771668000255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10673490.post-1216860670130775892010-10-12T14:29:00.000-05:002012-08-16T14:30:12.161-05:00EIGHT YEARS!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVfJ2nsa9AE2inoClMas-Slc3IiFaJqPQFdDvMJC6gLd2VDsJRqB7ghD9f1_kAwko1uHG7uzc1gCJjQXirVH7kt6OZhS1GXmFYPyr3_7pt5rCV5RLgMC0v95fzHVwaLMoKr3-LiA/s1600/WeddingDay03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVfJ2nsa9AE2inoClMas-Slc3IiFaJqPQFdDvMJC6gLd2VDsJRqB7ghD9f1_kAwko1uHG7uzc1gCJjQXirVH7kt6OZhS1GXmFYPyr3_7pt5rCV5RLgMC0v95fzHVwaLMoKr3-LiA/s320/WeddingDay03.jpg" width="216" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Time sure does fly when you are having fun!</div>
Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03384739771668000255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10673490.post-22922407871863430552010-08-19T12:43:00.000-05:002010-08-19T12:43:57.125-05:00A New School Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Jv7nabl_QlQE3FuyzGg23Gvv31YP2g3m7WLKv8nN5Ciy-6IA6KF5JK6sU5W2Fu5CpmUV7LSecwLdamJLpicnJ2K_rAU0XE34A5WAqlkbrJ-Lt2gSzWZ982s3q_wTh7lEn9SkvQ/s1600/1st+day+of+1st+Grade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Jv7nabl_QlQE3FuyzGg23Gvv31YP2g3m7WLKv8nN5Ciy-6IA6KF5JK6sU5W2Fu5CpmUV7LSecwLdamJLpicnJ2K_rAU0XE34A5WAqlkbrJ-Lt2gSzWZ982s3q_wTh7lEn9SkvQ/s320/1st+day+of+1st+Grade.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Guess who is very excited to go back to school!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Another school year has begun. And I have one very happy 1st grader. She loves her teacher, a few friends from last year are in her class this year and the rest she can play with at lunch. The first day was a half day so I'm looking forward to hearing all about how fun lunch and recess are. I should not be so surprised but this little girl is so excited to be at school all day now and is looking forward to a great school year.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Now I get to figure out what to do with the other two and work out our new schedule. I'm seeing Thursday playdates with the cousins and a checking of Library Storytime schedules in the future. As for today, I have some running around to do to get ready to pamper daddy this weekend. He's going to deserve it.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03384739771668000255noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10673490.post-31807075403358810882010-03-10T22:19:00.001-06:002010-03-10T22:25:19.228-06:00Found it!Ahem...er sorry about the blog silence. My camera went missing so it was hard to get motivated to post picture less posts (the kids being so cute and all). I was trying to keep up by taking pics with my phone...but then couldn't find the data transfer cable specific to my phone. Someone has seriously got to universalize this stuff! Anyway, I found the camera today, so I'm back :)<br />
<br />
So LOTS has happened since January -<br />
We got a 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan! My sweet husband who is madly in love with me finally gave in and got his wife a minivan. I am in heaven! I love it so much it is as wonderful as I hoped and so nice to have all the room we need. Also, I'm finally back to an automatic transmission - I truly appreciate my 5 years of experience driving a manual transmission vehicle, and am glad that I will never have to worry about being in a situation where I cannot drive a vehicle. But I've put my time in and am relieved to be back to letting the car do the work.<br />
Jack is a big one year old now - can you say FASTEST YEAR EVER! He now shares bedtime with his sisters instead of having to wait until they are already asleep before he can go down. This has exponentially improved our evenings. He has five teeth, is still a contender for fastest crawler, now walks along furniture, and occasionally you can catch him standing without support. You can make his day by holding his fingers so he can walk. Oh! and with the recent warm up, the LOVES the park and likes sliding on his belly (feet first) down the slide.<br />
<br />
On the knitting front:<br />
I knit Ang a shawlette and fingerless mitts and she loves them :) Now I'm working on a bright green <a href="http://ysolda.com/store/accessories/ishbel/">Ishbel </a>for myself and I'm so excited it may be ready by St Patrick's day!<br />
<br />
...and I renewed our Costco membership.<br />
<br />
Exciting stuff!<br />
<br />
I also have a new cookbook and so far it's awesome! The <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Simple-Delicious-Cookbook-Recipes-Minutes/dp/0898215153/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1268280496&sr=8-1">taste of home simple & delicious </a>cookbook is my new friend. It has 12 weeks of dinner main dishes, plus many of add-on options for sides, salads, soups & desserts. The first recipe we tried is very similar to<a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Beef-and-Vegetable-Ragout/Detail.aspx?prop31=5"> this </a>one. And then I made the chicken dish from week 1 and this book is a keeper. If you stick to the week's menu it even gives you a shopping list!<br />
<br />
Glad to be back!<br />
<br />
<3 Jen<br />
<br />
PS: Tonight I cooked with wine after a long break of cooking from bags and boxes and I forgot how nice it is to sip a glass of wine while cooking. Definitely going to enjoy that more often.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03384739771668000255noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10673490.post-41357907622459662142010-01-28T11:55:00.000-06:002010-01-28T11:55:38.397-06:00A sunshine day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDw7T7tpM7YbWV9tXYM-Po7URg8E9S_MuPQcwvvlgX72OMax6wi3vJ-MNoN6TjUoj71IVGkc_4wvlf0nKQ_PLVIn_tpuKC3vc1RrzcENTe-BAfF-bDXZFaQXjFfrvg8T6LelFBUw/s1600-h/DC0070.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDw7T7tpM7YbWV9tXYM-Po7URg8E9S_MuPQcwvvlgX72OMax6wi3vJ-MNoN6TjUoj71IVGkc_4wvlf0nKQ_PLVIn_tpuKC3vc1RrzcENTe-BAfF-bDXZFaQXjFfrvg8T6LelFBUw/s320/DC0070.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><br />
The baby is teething/not sleeping/needing constant contact with me and that greatly reduces the number of things I can do in a day. Plus, it's really hard to type with an 11 month old on your lap - oooh! buttons!!!Yep, I took a vacation on you and I'm blaming the baby.<br />
<br />
The sun decided to shine for us today and I'm loving the crystal blue sky.<br />
<br />
I finished the dog sweater and did not take a picture before I sent it off. Hopefully mom will share one of Delila modeling and that will be more fun than a lumpy piece of knitting laid out anyway.<br />
<br />
But I did upgrade Jessa to a <a href="http://www.target.com/1757861-Highback-Booster-Girls-Rock/dp/B0020W642O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&searchView=grid5&frombrowse=0&node=1038576&keywords=Graco%20booster&field_browse=1038576&searchSize=30&id=1757861%20Highback%20Booster%20Girls%20Rock&field_availability=-2&refinementHistory=subjectbin%2Ctarget_com_age%2Ctarget_com_gender-bin%2Ctarget_com_character-bin%2Cprice%2Ctarget_com_primary_color-bin%2Ctarget_com_size-bin%2Ctarget_com_brand-bin&searchNodeID=1038576&field_launch-date=-1y&searchRank=target104545&searchPage=1&field_keywords=Graco%20booster">booster seat</a> - it's Pink and totally Jessa. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6xuYrpDUH-1_k0yrj1jWMCnMGXVYaaPF7q6f80lsDk1r0IKiftqBRw7hYpYryt_9vX49D62oT77H_VfD92DXHx4_id7jtLlaZQ7qo5rV08yscFA9ZrwD_zKrQkybndciuiqy-NQ/s1600-h/jessabooster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6xuYrpDUH-1_k0yrj1jWMCnMGXVYaaPF7q6f80lsDk1r0IKiftqBRw7hYpYryt_9vX49D62oT77H_VfD92DXHx4_id7jtLlaZQ7qo5rV08yscFA9ZrwD_zKrQkybndciuiqy-NQ/s320/jessabooster.jpg" />.</a><br />
</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6xuYrpDUH-1_k0yrj1jWMCnMGXVYaaPF7q6f80lsDk1r0IKiftqBRw7hYpYryt_9vX49D62oT77H_VfD92DXHx4_id7jtLlaZQ7qo5rV08yscFA9ZrwD_zKrQkybndciuiqy-NQ/s1600-h/jessabooster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a><br />
AND I cleaned out the car (too cold to vacuum, but got all the junk out)!<br />
Now of course Gracie is jealous of the beautiful pink booster seat so I need to<br />
<ul><li>ignore her til she gets over it --or--<br />
</li>
</ul><ul><li>make/buy her a replacement cover --or--<br />
</li>
</ul><ul><li>buy her the cute one with flowers and save the boring black one in the attic for Jack</li>
</ul>On the knitting front I am now working on a <a href="http://www.barefootknits.com/">Twirly Skirt</a> [found under Free Patterns] for Gracie. She and I are hoping it is ready for her Valentines Party at school, if not, it will still be a fun skirt. I was making the Lil Sister Dress [see side bar], but I had to take it back a few rows and disaster struck and I ended up at the very beginning. The yarn was not a great match for this pattern anyway - it looks much better already as the skirt. <br />
<br />
I'm also about to start Jack's birthday hat - I cant believe he's nearly one! This year has <b><i>FLOWN</i></b> by!Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03384739771668000255noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10673490.post-65279088117129815232010-01-15T17:04:00.001-06:002010-01-15T17:10:35.348-06:00Oh My Darling....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpd7ai2KwFx6mboYu42Ygs-bfQBlIJB27Acgz8w0czMAsHTYfCEgOpuF9rgzGiWY79TvnY50zg9be36X1U-md5U7VgHGnzqoJ2yaMKbDaykK1G6UyiJh6JBekn1BzaBzUSJbJUpw/s1600-h/D15orange.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpd7ai2KwFx6mboYu42Ygs-bfQBlIJB27Acgz8w0czMAsHTYfCEgOpuF9rgzGiWY79TvnY50zg9be36X1U-md5U7VgHGnzqoJ2yaMKbDaykK1G6UyiJh6JBekn1BzaBzUSJbJUpw/s320/D15orange.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This little boy LOVES clementines.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">He's mostly an orange "vampire" - sucks the juice out of each wedge and then spits the pulpy remains back out. It's not really quite a spit, but more of an ejection. He just opens his mouth and sticks out his tongue and lets the orange fall from his mouth. For added comedy he will often store a wedge in one or both cheeks chipmunk style and then attempt a smile. The orange above by the way is being licked, not ejected. Oranges make him <b>so</b> happy. His whole face will light up and he will either wave both hands at your or clap if you show him one. Jack ate two clementines at lunch today. The one I peeled for him, and then the one Gracie slipped to him wedge by wedge as I was eating my sandwich.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We had a small lapse in posting this week... you cannot tell from the picture above, but this darling boy is seriously working on more teeth - he only has the bottom two thus far. So he is a lovely roller coaster ride of happiest boy ever to cranky pants, to I just need my momma to hold me. So that is what we have been doing (and not much else is getting done).<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The girls put together their Barbie puzzle today<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcDm5-6bhyhrC1LCcVs10CyBKO0adg8Mwz74BXK3FBAr-ZrMSY3N94ZaAuEWtcMSZQu6zeTy-ZJ8s3AGbtMknpuumn6EdVgborJY3a4q6glPJ5XxuOgG9wQKonGEGQQF69mmiljg/s1600-h/DSC03356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcDm5-6bhyhrC1LCcVs10CyBKO0adg8Mwz74BXK3FBAr-ZrMSY3N94ZaAuEWtcMSZQu6zeTy-ZJ8s3AGbtMknpuumn6EdVgborJY3a4q6glPJ5XxuOgG9wQKonGEGQQF69mmiljg/s320/DSC03356.JPG" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Gracie did it a few times and then Jessa took over.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6fN1MOaXK1pL9pd4OiHuJ_bYbjAQpcQIqn3UreLlZyKhSENU1CY2t55k-F4n2K6dAP0OyJCyKmfWVC7FPDiMqsZt7dHOmVxqskRg7zvezdQQHnptont0SuCKdWwy9y_yLXzoBzQ/s1600-h/DSC03101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6fN1MOaXK1pL9pd4OiHuJ_bYbjAQpcQIqn3UreLlZyKhSENU1CY2t55k-F4n2K6dAP0OyJCyKmfWVC7FPDiMqsZt7dHOmVxqskRg7zvezdQQHnptont0SuCKdWwy9y_yLXzoBzQ/s320/DSC03101.JPG" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Gracie has a four day weekend so we are trying to fill it with fun. We started with <a href="http://the%20princess%20and%20the%20frog%20%7c%20princess%20tiana%20%7c%20prince%20naveen%20%7c%20disney/">Princess and the Frog</a> yesterday. Today we watched <a href="http://cloudy%20with%20a%20chance%20of%20meatballs/">Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs</a>. Tomorrow we are hoping to play with cousins and mommy & daddy are going to see <a href="http://avatar%20official%20movie%20website/">Avatar</a>!!! Sunday we are going to watch the Chargers win ;) And Monday we have a playdate with some good friends.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">TGIF! (due to random headaches & the teething boy, you may not see me til Monday)<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Love,<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Jen & Co<br />
</div>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03384739771668000255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10673490.post-74910759550694185022010-01-11T23:01:00.001-06:002010-01-11T23:04:07.675-06:00So close!Miss Delila's sweater is nearly ready to fly home. Just a few ends to weave in and some hook and loop tape to sew on and we are finished! I hope she likes it (it's a bit brighter than I anticipated).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQZzkdhSNNDByYiSabh2fSy_W8NGw21t01z6bl2mVcAJSlwZk0ge_UTcMgKjCCVIx7Fw7JfVCTR-yOByrgCYzu7prKeAXsmKQKTptTWgR6H3-FoTeBV6A5_DBgy5p2av3iAYShZA/s1600-h/D11PinkBee.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQZzkdhSNNDByYiSabh2fSy_W8NGw21t01z6bl2mVcAJSlwZk0ge_UTcMgKjCCVIx7Fw7JfVCTR-yOByrgCYzu7prKeAXsmKQKTptTWgR6H3-FoTeBV6A5_DBgy5p2av3iAYShZA/s320/D11PinkBee.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Somehow it's ended up looking like a fluorescent pink bumblebee...Mom said to not spend too much and please make it girly. Hee hee, I think girly is definitely covered here.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #e06666; text-align: center;">Love,<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Jen<br />
</div>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03384739771668000255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10673490.post-52515471870453600332010-01-10T22:56:00.000-06:002010-01-11T22:57:11.234-06:00Icicles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE1VTvfFHotnYRUCcbNZBuIYAY4-RhqQIzp8cV9Qxw1LkEO0i2uyN_5UYPVR6Rr4xEam4xHop676eMgiKlWVhW_R7ikxAMT-33xg6Y5SccyswQCgFdfGtuNEdjmbkcid5W1BUZXA/s1600-h/D10Icicles.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE1VTvfFHotnYRUCcbNZBuIYAY4-RhqQIzp8cV9Qxw1LkEO0i2uyN_5UYPVR6Rr4xEam4xHop676eMgiKlWVhW_R7ikxAMT-33xg6Y5SccyswQCgFdfGtuNEdjmbkcid5W1BUZXA/s400/D10Icicles.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">one of the wonders of Midwest living <br />
</div>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03384739771668000255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10673490.post-90717605560636136182010-01-09T23:31:00.002-06:002010-01-10T11:33:24.058-06:00Progress...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWyuojo0-nmeKfsi4VVbqAEshtTBpfJnkIY3bMaWMFaA13zIJ5EpGNfF2jwY3Lbbv1P-_Mzr5BhulxiGVxMScbpPZPVMY3Wj6TEaWss6nGCTLvncAVWJZVxnf7mJICrlZBwGB2-A/s1600-h/D9pink.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWyuojo0-nmeKfsi4VVbqAEshtTBpfJnkIY3bMaWMFaA13zIJ5EpGNfF2jwY3Lbbv1P-_Mzr5BhulxiGVxMScbpPZPVMY3Wj6TEaWss6nGCTLvncAVWJZVxnf7mJICrlZBwGB2-A/s320/D9pink.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Miss Delila's sweater is at that lovely point where I knit and knit and measure to discover I have only gained an inch.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It is <span style="color: #ea9999;">very pink</span>, no?<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There will be no question that Delila is a lassie at doggy playgroup.<br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Happy Weekend, Hope you are having a good one!<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03384739771668000255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10673490.post-49807609352356076332010-01-08T12:19:00.001-06:002010-01-08T12:19:59.384-06:00Kid's Pix FridaysThe girls each got <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1262969484021">VTech Kidizoom</a><a href="http://www.vtechkids.com/product.cfm/Kidizoom/736/"> Cameras</a> for Christmas. Their ability to take their own pictures of what they want, when they want has been a great addition to our family - and with the addition of rechargeable batteries, it's affordable fun :)<br />
Gracie was giving Grandma her "tour of Christmas" on the phone (listing everything everyone got and did for Christmas in great detail); and Grandma asked her to put them online so everyone could see their pictures.<br />
<br />
Jessa pix:<br />
<embed flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&hl=en_US&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0x000000&feed=http%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2Fjen.moretti%2Falbumid%2F5424419509232403425%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26authkey%3DGv1sRgCJn5wd_UtOT06wE%26hl%3Den_US" height="192" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" src="http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="288"></embed><br />
<br />
Gracie pix:<br />
<embed flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&hl=en_US&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0x000000&feed=http%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2Fjen.moretti%2Falbumid%2F5424432523174147937%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26authkey%3DGv1sRgCNbZ15rdqfqCAQ%26hl%3Den_US" height="192" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" src="http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="288"></embed><br />
<br />
Hope you enjoy!<br />
Love,<br />
Jen & CoJenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03384739771668000255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10673490.post-79085526704234556032010-01-07T11:14:00.002-06:002010-01-07T11:21:44.135-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_xa49QhyphenhyphenBwzb8Wkwcf49lad5UEfJcZiG7acqCqpkPSKtgiAfxeWWPghEynapHGg0pFyGp4-3Me4NsAld-7CZjV6WL9p24-Whg5vn4EXbXEgvGiXdg_Fk8YZ9vaDJAq8t-ggcuTw/s1600-h/D7Cart.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_xa49QhyphenhyphenBwzb8Wkwcf49lad5UEfJcZiG7acqCqpkPSKtgiAfxeWWPghEynapHGg0pFyGp4-3Me4NsAld-7CZjV6WL9p24-Whg5vn4EXbXEgvGiXdg_Fk8YZ9vaDJAq8t-ggcuTw/s320/D7Cart.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I used a power tool today!<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And what is that under the cart?<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPRbjACv0Ivae0zpJrxb-bs2wC7Q-AD1D_CYsA7ysg1JERceve-sCjIyTgyV1qBCiD_NumZ65mRtEYliGe5kpESUNCrJd7p1Q3IOOtjPEeC70H8LY8Lnioktq_iGaQcCifFjwuLw/s1600-h/DSC03339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPRbjACv0Ivae0zpJrxb-bs2wC7Q-AD1D_CYsA7ysg1JERceve-sCjIyTgyV1qBCiD_NumZ65mRtEYliGe5kpESUNCrJd7p1Q3IOOtjPEeC70H8LY8Lnioktq_iGaQcCifFjwuLw/s320/DSC03339.JPG" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Why yes, it is our new floor!<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">John and I finished up the floor last night. I'm <b>very</b> pleased with this floor. It is laminate & we purchased it at <a href="http://www.hoboonline.com/">HOBO</a>* for .99/sq ft!<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">John had really wanted to try laminate in the kitchen and I was not thrilled with the ceramic tile laminate he kept showing me at the store where he did the laminate install class, so I was still pushing for a vinyl floating floor. Then we happened to come across this uneven tile laminate at HOBO for an incredible price and now we have a new floor!<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The laminate install was very simple. I'm very impressed and would not hesitate to do it again.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Because I seem to be joining everything this year. I'm also participating in <a href="http://www.klove.com/">K-Love</a>'s <a href="http://www.klove.com/blog/">Love Dare</a>. Day 1 was yesterday and it was a call for patience. The Dare was to not say anything negative to your spouse. Last night's install was one of the most peaceful projects we've ever done and I was the only one holding my tongue... <br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">*Home Owners Bargain Outlet - I think this store is only in our Chicagoland area <i>(I just checked and there are two stores in Wisconsin as well)</i><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03384739771668000255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10673490.post-29309630163667550762010-01-06T17:22:00.000-06:002010-01-06T17:22:31.866-06:00Knock my socks off.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBdVHjAr24MDCOQhNsdqyjX4VfzzbSl2BLD5ImwANYAmF27C1kxfH3D3jzcci-W5LAKV1a_o460RHyPx0ei-mM1EQbfjpyrcPA1neM0bwePL-9HjjgNUWRjP3fESBN0lJckGkveA/s1600-h/D6toastedalmondsox.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBdVHjAr24MDCOQhNsdqyjX4VfzzbSl2BLD5ImwANYAmF27C1kxfH3D3jzcci-W5LAKV1a_o460RHyPx0ei-mM1EQbfjpyrcPA1neM0bwePL-9HjjgNUWRjP3fESBN0lJckGkveA/s320/D6toastedalmondsox.JPG" /></a><br />
</div>This is my on-the-go project. I figure it's about time I have a few more pairs of socks - for me or possibly for gifts throughout the year. My hope is to knock out a pair a month, my realistic goal is 10 pairs for 2010.<br />
<br />
I'm rather impressed with this <a href="http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog/productdetail.jsp?CATID=cat230012&PRODID=xprd634000">Heart & Sole</a> by Red Heart - it is made of 70% superwash wool (30% Nylon), and the added Aloe makes it very nice to handle. I cannot wait to see how these feel on my feet.<br />
<br />
And the Toasted Almond colorway is working up very nicely. My diaper bag is hiding at the moment or I'd show my progress. Since this is a work a few stitches as I can sock, I'm following <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sock-recipe-a-good-plain-sock">A Good, Plain Sock Recipe</a> from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Knitting-Rules-Yarn-Harlots-Tricks/dp/1580178340%3FSubscriptionId%3D1YZR91QYB6WCG3PM78G2%26tag%3Dravelry-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3D1580178340">Knitting Rules!</a>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03384739771668000255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10673490.post-35928251482790560882010-01-05T23:38:00.001-06:002010-01-05T23:51:35.509-06:00Powerful Pink<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf8r_dSrArYoesDVJP1973QrXmJpoj4Rm-lLhSrC2oacZS7-h_KklIjG06_NEUl5eloPtLcVUFuNZF9pwXeYOrN1rfSVe_OjJHn9vOYGdZ37Z6YXM14PNZdEZdYXi7bhj3FQ2HPA/s1600-h/D5Pink.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf8r_dSrArYoesDVJP1973QrXmJpoj4Rm-lLhSrC2oacZS7-h_KklIjG06_NEUl5eloPtLcVUFuNZF9pwXeYOrN1rfSVe_OjJHn9vOYGdZ37Z6YXM14PNZdEZdYXi7bhj3FQ2HPA/s320/D5Pink.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Delila's <a href="http://doggoneknit.com/one-piece-dog-sweater-pattern/">Sweater</a> looks a bit different today. The <a href="http://knitting4grace.blogspot.com/2010/01/bon-appetit.html">prior model</a> was double stranded and, well, stiff. So this is the new and improved version and it's really growing on me.<br />
</div><ul><li>Early mods: double stranding on US 10 1/2 needles in [k1, p1] rib. I could have gone up in needle size for more drape but this method was gobbling up yarn and I would have had to buy more to finish </li>
</ul><ul><li>New mods: alternating bright and light pink every 2 rows in garter stitch on US 8 needles. Because pattern was written for k1, p1 the garter stitch spreads out and is giving more coverage without needing to alter number of stitches given for size Large.</li>
<li>I'm at approx 13" now, about 10" more to go before dividing for neck and working straps.<br />
</li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_9W79uhLOcFOO03L_rWTrINp9rISMggHWxXFUwVG_AWR9V_AILMXuNjxjs8YBSDh81vAqtLsYUw96nOLbvkgwwlSwe2UNKFoqBNxJXsFtfrQCxVACE6_pE2MWzfXnbtRfP_146w/s1600-h/Pink+Peppermint.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_9W79uhLOcFOO03L_rWTrINp9rISMggHWxXFUwVG_AWR9V_AILMXuNjxjs8YBSDh81vAqtLsYUw96nOLbvkgwwlSwe2UNKFoqBNxJXsFtfrQCxVACE6_pE2MWzfXnbtRfP_146w/s320/Pink+Peppermint.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We had a busy day around here, we had two friends over today so there was lots of games and giggles. They were being particularly cute at one point so I grabbed my camera, turned it on and it promptly turned itself back off! So no photos of girls having fun...I was almost scrambling to get a picture up for today until I rubbed my last two awake brain cells together and borrowed from another device while I figure out where my camera's rechargeable batteries have found a new home. [I've been using a set of lithium batteries since Jack's delivery day - they almost made it a year!]<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was fitting that I had a <span style="color: #ea9999;">pink project</span> to share today as my uncle just shared a YouTube video that deserves further sharing:<br />
</div><br />
<object height="295" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/OEdVfyt-mLw&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/OEdVfyt-mLw&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="295"></embed></object><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #ea9999; text-align: left;">Please spread this video as you feel moved, it's for a good cause - and entertaining :)<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #ea9999; text-align: left;">Love,<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #ea9999;">Jen & fam</span><br />
</div>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03384739771668000255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10673490.post-38386911315511388712010-01-04T09:34:00.001-06:002010-01-04T09:37:46.962-06:00I can do this.On the next to last day of December last year, <a href="http://www.boogaj.com/knitting/">Julie</a> launched her <a href="http://www.boogaj.com/knitting/2009/12/2010-project-a-room-a-month.html">2010 project</a>. Pick 12 rooms/areas in your home to work on each month. I was intrigued, but then decided to work on our clutter in general first and I'll get to decorating eventually. Then <a href="http://www.keyboardbiologist.net/knitblog/2010/01/2010-the-year-of-the-house.html">Theresa</a> popped up too (of course, they are friends) and I really cannot ignore them both because I was already thinking that now all the baby making is done, it's time we make this place more ours.<br />
<br />
So here are my 12 rooms/areas (in no particular order - I too will follow the "what do I want to work on this month" order):<br />
<ol><li>Entry</li>
<li>Kitchen</li>
<li>Dining Room</li>
<li>Living Room</li>
<li>Playroom (den)</li>
<li>Kid's Bathroom</li>
<li>Kid's Room</li>
<li>Our Bedroom</li>
<li>Our Bathroom</li>
<li>Laundry</li>
<li>Craft area</li>
<li>Backyard</li>
</ol>So January 2010 is the month of Operation Kitchen.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxb8dj13pmqQxOcWE6SCPZSi6w2xYMI5QbB9On4A1Q15Zn6oO5SoTlFCaQHJgzmOvxkIPRW5PcvSIBye1pw1fkCov6G9Bj5mwsx25AnyClBz4qDx3ds97fdYmslncy4vFxfOcDwg/s1600-h/D4+Kitchen.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxb8dj13pmqQxOcWE6SCPZSi6w2xYMI5QbB9On4A1Q15Zn6oO5SoTlFCaQHJgzmOvxkIPRW5PcvSIBye1pw1fkCov6G9Bj5mwsx25AnyClBz4qDx3ds97fdYmslncy4vFxfOcDwg/s320/D4+Kitchen.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">(<i>baby gate up to keep kiddos out until the floor is finished</i>)<br />
</div>We did a lot of work here last August with the <a href="http://knitting4grace.blogspot.com/2009/11/our-condo-was-built-in-1978-our-kitchen.html">cabinet refacing, new counter/sink, and paint</a>. Last night John & I laid most of the new laminate flooring & last week we bought a kitchen cart so I can get everything - except the knife rack & coffee maker - off the counters. The things left are to decide on the shelf going up, I want something new to hold my cooking spoons, spatulas, etc., and perhaps I'll do one seasonal towel a month this year just to perk things up a bit.<br />
<br />
I'm really excited about finally making our house a home!Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03384739771668000255noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10673490.post-54381783434022436832010-01-03T21:41:00.002-06:002010-01-04T23:52:57.001-06:00Day 3 of 365<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbVZqiPgr6kK9kmDsw-Fhl8ZAsXj9g6yIGjafeNuAQQm0wHJcMGcCMsNz7Cup6iqwx_g7plQwMBlfFT_PnPfZZ-perGuBFN4m3ZzHdMGECHYJJiua07KXoIDGuPzaLnQsYaufmSw/s1600-h/D3+LandShark.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbVZqiPgr6kK9kmDsw-Fhl8ZAsXj9g6yIGjafeNuAQQm0wHJcMGcCMsNz7Cup6iqwx_g7plQwMBlfFT_PnPfZZ-perGuBFN4m3ZzHdMGECHYJJiua07KXoIDGuPzaLnQsYaufmSw/s320/D3+LandShark.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">He saw his momma & nothing was going to stop him.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Even if the flash took too long to warm up...<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A boy needs his momma.<br />
</div>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03384739771668000255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10673490.post-60185541609723310322010-01-02T20:28:00.004-06:002010-01-02T21:09:12.453-06:00Bon Appetit!Baby, it's cold outside today! I am so thankful John put up that storm door - I cannot believe how much money we've likely flushed under that door up until a few months ago...<br />
<br />
So I'm thankful to be inside.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwWxxR6bvnyrHPiTExERPUj6VN2s7n1_VNTgQLvKeN9zMFk_BtMMI73sOtUB_GSXMIyf-xrIPBJGCVABFSnmfaFykM0H-MQmwE95M1S2mWq6I_UbXlnDV8bcKLLBqIeaLwy-uQRg/s1600-h/D2JandJ.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwWxxR6bvnyrHPiTExERPUj6VN2s7n1_VNTgQLvKeN9zMFk_BtMMI73sOtUB_GSXMIyf-xrIPBJGCVABFSnmfaFykM0H-MQmwE95M1S2mWq6I_UbXlnDV8bcKLLBqIeaLwy-uQRg/s320/D2JandJ.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cozy on my couch, knitting and watching <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Julie-Julia-Blu-ray-Meryl-Streep/dp/B002RSDW8A/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1262485249&sr=1-2">Julie & Julia</a>. <br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On my lap you spy my mom's dog's new <a href="http://doggoneknit.com/one-piece-dog-sweater-pattern/">sweater</a> in progress (my mom and sister let me do Christmas late for them because they love me). I'd love to tell you more about it, but a certain little boy is on my lap trying to start a competition for who is the best typist and<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE-Td7fFxqZBIn65ATlvvoBrylposp_2p8tGKG9HsOwbrnX9GYYmYGzUV8zZbyP-sxuBzAOBRpUdpWkf2rqvIKt886sWVLGK6gH2hfC8dlYkrR_isaGJ9GpagogLhxPY0BF_9wqw/s1600-h/D2+JandJandJ.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE-Td7fFxqZBIn65ATlvvoBrylposp_2p8tGKG9HsOwbrnX9GYYmYGzUV8zZbyP-sxuBzAOBRpUdpWkf2rqvIKt886sWVLGK6gH2hfC8dlYkrR_isaGJ9GpagogLhxPY0BF_9wqw/s320/D2+JandJandJ.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Jessa says it's time to read stories for bedtime!<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Love,<br />
Jen & Co.<br />
</div>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03384739771668000255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10673490.post-4715340414096319852010-01-01T16:33:00.000-06:002010-01-01T16:33:30.034-06:00Happy New Year!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7IjW6XTFjAaa_1BxvfhGFgQERqCNxCCu29ReS1CoFJJQV6bmX72ZsqvDKHfFJPlCwmkNLZ65gW-ayKLFp5tcbVkFvw7GzgktWFQg1RsI6ncp9kOGTkL2ekFWmgE0B50JjmQNozg/s1600-h/Party+like+it%27s+2010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7IjW6XTFjAaa_1BxvfhGFgQERqCNxCCu29ReS1CoFJJQV6bmX72ZsqvDKHfFJPlCwmkNLZ65gW-ayKLFp5tcbVkFvw7GzgktWFQg1RsI6ncp9kOGTkL2ekFWmgE0B50JjmQNozg/s320/Party+like+it%27s+2010.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Happy New Year!<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnmYNKjUAvwrbmvNFjsOm8Y8o3xyxZN1ljh0yb12g-2nbzs2dLnK-fCqAemkU9gFv2SpeJqanOHclaNp1TPsl-_p1yMZHebr-RwVJnE5m8H1KnRY5B_AP2yUXKuOW-UDwXzacsQg/s1600-h/Happy+2010%21.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnmYNKjUAvwrbmvNFjsOm8Y8o3xyxZN1ljh0yb12g-2nbzs2dLnK-fCqAemkU9gFv2SpeJqanOHclaNp1TPsl-_p1yMZHebr-RwVJnE5m8H1KnRY5B_AP2yUXKuOW-UDwXzacsQg/s320/Happy+2010%21.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">...sometimes it's hard to get everyone on the same plan...<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1N2EisWlm3GaM9IWr4ReGSMmtbCrkEo949KkRGVHuPly3W-e9JMPz5L3_meDi01I7_jyVC2AOaAu9lkZyXjoN0EmJXN0aSgNgSucpwM44bjbJSszPfBT5Pxxs291cKY1zihQ0nw/s1600-h/D1+Grace.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1N2EisWlm3GaM9IWr4ReGSMmtbCrkEo949KkRGVHuPly3W-e9JMPz5L3_meDi01I7_jyVC2AOaAu9lkZyXjoN0EmJXN0aSgNgSucpwM44bjbJSszPfBT5Pxxs291cKY1zihQ0nw/s320/D1+Grace.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Gracie's excited school is almost back in session<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9vxrZlSWxujntaVVSwRKKhKvFY8J-r0iFMH_c8wIealKaq8cYzxBXBU37As-Z-AZqTcGSme-znFtJr07bC9DJ2kiuI_uxrDkOYS-ZDnU5kEpcNhMd3c97AENxUuvdclzC7l79uA/s1600-h/D1+Jessa.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9vxrZlSWxujntaVVSwRKKhKvFY8J-r0iFMH_c8wIealKaq8cYzxBXBU37As-Z-AZqTcGSme-znFtJr07bC9DJ2kiuI_uxrDkOYS-ZDnU5kEpcNhMd3c97AENxUuvdclzC7l79uA/s320/D1+Jessa.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Jessa's 3 yrs old now!<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgudJQxrdtUrjYY4O1b08EBuMdltR5mpl4QUrnsUHkPfaVQX8VsQF0dHwdJKUKVm_v6GLc82RFoWtp_6ZzCY4PNtdC-pu7iJ7c8xPkbmZmXOtWE6rgCHtxmvpTg-HacCKBsXvuzng/s1600-h/D1+Jack.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgudJQxrdtUrjYY4O1b08EBuMdltR5mpl4QUrnsUHkPfaVQX8VsQF0dHwdJKUKVm_v6GLc82RFoWtp_6ZzCY4PNtdC-pu7iJ7c8xPkbmZmXOtWE6rgCHtxmvpTg-HacCKBsXvuzng/s320/D1+Jack.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and Jack's excited that the floor in the kitchen is about to be replaced!<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And thus we launch my attempt to blog every day this year. Happy New Year ALL, while 2009 certainly had some highlights...I'm glad it's behind us. Here's to a better 2010!<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Love,<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Jen and family<br />
</div>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03384739771668000255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10673490.post-43739669768276537532009-11-12T17:03:00.006-06:002009-11-12T17:34:36.155-06:00Little Bird<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A cozy little nest<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinbg0xRuMdOBMSrgFEZ1E1hQqW8RoplFQEIqgI7dREl1-o3RTjv9FknkTYoOHXlJLFaaUOh45GSRCj5WIlchcClcNcTtzkn4OTHolP8rRTOfstm-eKlcNv7vUoRpzdcAn1UfNGow/s1600-h/DSC03072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" sr="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinbg0xRuMdOBMSrgFEZ1E1hQqW8RoplFQEIqgI7dREl1-o3RTjv9FknkTYoOHXlJLFaaUOh45GSRCj5WIlchcClcNcTtzkn4OTHolP8rRTOfstm-eKlcNv7vUoRpzdcAn1UfNGow/s320/DSC03072.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A precious little egg<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_Hr6n-Jtl-Lx_KP_QfY85XGuEDo4eGoniqdqv9loZtmn636Pg0kSMH9emgiarzDjS3V2WM__lLAZqWCvUrfUAR6CZEyTBNFMh1nrK0VXdyecgIg0BRVaUdfk3hblbn9yjABpaA/s1600-h/DSC03074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" sr="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_Hr6n-Jtl-Lx_KP_QfY85XGuEDo4eGoniqdqv9loZtmn636Pg0kSMH9emgiarzDjS3V2WM__lLAZqWCvUrfUAR6CZEyTBNFMh1nrK0VXdyecgIg0BRVaUdfk3hblbn9yjABpaA/s320/DSC03074.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A sweet little bird<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcIneUxqfT9nmZV9Oq65o1jQ8WDZsCNTJcQE27QFJNc3E4kDuHPcXgZNy5zTDcqXZGyHT3eksvDgNvoGvcbNthz9ITd5beFzzirMcFQUibPW2QRj5SWKmW2YA6fay9MBUP6VHBhA/s1600-h/DSC03064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" sr="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcIneUxqfT9nmZV9Oq65o1jQ8WDZsCNTJcQE27QFJNc3E4kDuHPcXgZNy5zTDcqXZGyHT3eksvDgNvoGvcbNthz9ITd5beFzzirMcFQUibPW2QRj5SWKmW2YA6fay9MBUP6VHBhA/s320/DSC03064.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">with a trick up his sleeve<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZv8vvErSLELK5m5BM9uOabQoPK-RD0u3mtvQbBswDvm9W-qGaoZ9hy8uzF3HVR_jJ5rCCRy9zNvmjEGcDMjXP_0St-YrbDW-zjWLG9JfZiW693MurVjQhZtAU5D-rQyxoZWFxog/s1600-h/DSC03077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" sr="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZv8vvErSLELK5m5BM9uOabQoPK-RD0u3mtvQbBswDvm9W-qGaoZ9hy8uzF3HVR_jJ5rCCRy9zNvmjEGcDMjXP_0St-YrbDW-zjWLG9JfZiW693MurVjQhZtAU5D-rQyxoZWFxog/s320/DSC03077.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The reversible toys in<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Itty-Bitty-Toys-Animals-Dolls-Playthings/dp/1579653766"> Itty Bitty Toys</a> are what made this book irresistable to me. This was really fun to make but entering "get knitted gifts done <em>now</em>" season. So I see many of these popping up next year ;) <br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Project details on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/knitting4grace/egg-to-bluebird-and-a-little-nest-too/">Ravelry</a>.<br />
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</div>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03384739771668000255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10673490.post-84680214089220231692009-11-10T17:39:00.006-06:002009-11-12T17:10:50.909-06:00TurkeysAs anyone who spends time around children knows, we have our ups and downs by the day/minute/hour.<br />
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This morning at <a href="http://www.borders.com/">Borders</a> another shopper had to come around and see Jessa because she was just melting this woman's heart with her cuteness as Jessa was conversing with me about what a good job she was doing in moving the beads around on the bead play-thingy (yes, that's the formal name for it). <br />
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Yesterday at her well-check she wasnt done playing in the waiting room so we had to <strong><em>really</em></strong> coax her to follow us. Which she eventually grudgingly did with her arms crossed and stomping and a frown so big on her face that the nurse called all the other nurses out as we walked by to see her pouty face. I shared with the nurse that John and I have had many moments in parenting her where we have had a very hard time holding back the laughter until we've made it clear she needs to follow the rules and were able to escape to laugh out of sight. <br />
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Jessa is my extreme child, nearly everything she does is done with her whole heart and I love her for that.<br />
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A few hours ago, the girls were arguing about one thing after another and I was about to snap. Thankfully as I was counting backwards one more time "Turkeys!" popped into my mind. So I grabbed some paper and a marker and told Gracie to get all the other coloring stuff. And we had a lovely afternoon of coloring :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX4XvuDGXIGrKQd6WqlAJMbT5T0kMPUFc-QlG5wkn_tPp7nOVQ96Rrg8yWbiLR2KDtinfN9wYQh5CzDOdgVaZaPfCzbIAGUQSF2SGUQBlTJ3bEbQ7rUsciyJ3t5OuWEvrvUdzUtQ/s1600-h/DSC03058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" sr="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX4XvuDGXIGrKQd6WqlAJMbT5T0kMPUFc-QlG5wkn_tPp7nOVQ96Rrg8yWbiLR2KDtinfN9wYQh5CzDOdgVaZaPfCzbIAGUQSF2SGUQBlTJ3bEbQ7rUsciyJ3t5OuWEvrvUdzUtQ/s320/DSC03058.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Gracie's Turkey<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLalmCGik7WvyC-clOd2cvwfQyhNrH9EXUAaAudzJW-6MhIMZVG72GcMcqg4RIO2TvYZsmrF2Jf48GZzxW_RqXPu42KWKAGJK1syOHbjGx31_evOh_n4UPKtYZ6z0yb-0I_nbDUQ/s1600-h/DSC03059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" sr="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLalmCGik7WvyC-clOd2cvwfQyhNrH9EXUAaAudzJW-6MhIMZVG72GcMcqg4RIO2TvYZsmrF2Jf48GZzxW_RqXPu42KWKAGJK1syOHbjGx31_evOh_n4UPKtYZ6z0yb-0I_nbDUQ/s320/DSC03059.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Jessa's Turkey<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Jessa is not a huge fan of coloring books or coloring things in she is definitely a free-form artist:<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVOwCzPVwrcmBeAB2_JHC-HMl8VvuGUgcomZhxlZjSrR9qUoC4cOU4h32gp16Tho_oD9DyJEoHuk05Rgi7W8hJRwl5GGQOB_fm8PZO9Lbuo3IPzqcJiNZIcOQVERDxD_ozrujAYQ/s1600-h/DSC03060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" sr="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVOwCzPVwrcmBeAB2_JHC-HMl8VvuGUgcomZhxlZjSrR9qUoC4cOU4h32gp16Tho_oD9DyJEoHuk05Rgi7W8hJRwl5GGQOB_fm8PZO9Lbuo3IPzqcJiNZIcOQVERDxD_ozrujAYQ/s320/DSC03060.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This one is [Auntie] "Angela" (I love the heart that snuck into her doodle - on the right)<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR7U1FJcldeAAOpnHO_7IJGs51ADdyJKf-MSwCkwHX_ZdGmBDEaUvY4x24tc9B7BpU__oNUoJK6T6ciG-6CiTsxY6mXCaVj3kct2V9hu1UeNcxy0RodmorbLANImUhQJifJB4eLQ/s1600-h/DSC03061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" sr="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR7U1FJcldeAAOpnHO_7IJGs51ADdyJKf-MSwCkwHX_ZdGmBDEaUvY4x24tc9B7BpU__oNUoJK6T6ciG-6CiTsxY6mXCaVj3kct2V9hu1UeNcxy0RodmorbLANImUhQJifJB4eLQ/s320/DSC03061.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And this one is "Mommy and Daddy"<br />
</div>I think she used the grey because that was the one I used to trace their hands plus it was the only dual tipped marker so that makes it extra special. She had one other that was all pink called "Rainbow" and another that was much more grey than the two above and she said it was "the sky" - yes, November skies in IL are grey...<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Itty-Bitty-Toys-Animals-Dolls-Playthings/dp/1579653766/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1257895815&sr=1-1">Itty Bitty Toys</a> joined my library today and it has got to be one of the most fun books I've bought. Gracie wants one of everything. My first project is going to be the reversible <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/egg-to-bluebird-and-a-little-nest-too">Egg to Bluebird and a Little Nest, Too</a> (Ravelry link)<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The beginning of the egg.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And now my turkeys say:<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"zzzzz" coloring is exhausting!<br />
</div>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03384739771668000255noreply@blogger.com0