A belated...

...Happy Birthday to my lovely Miss Thing! She surprises me each day with her drama, beauty, intelligence and thoughtful grace.

Since she turned fabulous-five, we had our first "real party" with eight other princesses, a brother and his best buddy (another little bro). Of course there were crafts (too many perhaps)...

...and lots of playing and our recently completed backyard!

I am so proud of my sweet, grown-up girl - I wish she'd stop! As I tell her every day, her true beauty comes from her heart. Happy Birthday Lacey!

Score: Mommy 1, Kids 1

I want to make things for my kids, I really do - I have had spectacular success with accessories: mittens (love), hats (love), scarves (love). When it comes to the sweater category, Lacey's Toddler Surprise Jacket has been worn once. ugh.and.it.still.fits.doubleugh. My reluctance to slave over another sweater has been overcome with love - I truly enjoy seeing them in things I make. So, it was Joshie's turn...



Seriously, how cute is he?



Stinkin' cute, right? [I know, I'm his mom, I'm biased!]



I sewed in a little something to ensure he wears it:



The child is OBSESSED with dogs! Sneaky mommy!

Project: Josh's Sweater - my own pattern and I took terrible notes...
Time: A week
Yarn: Vanna's something or another, but I learned my lesson using spendy yarn on picky kids.
Needles: Size 7 US Circulars, Size 8 US Circulars

P.S. The kids and I had some fun making hand butter this week.



It can be found in my etsy store. I'll refund your domestic shipping through March if you mention you read the blog (er, the I sometimes blog, blog).

Lurve

Happy Valentine's Day!

As an adult/wife, I think today is a sham - tell me you love me at random moments, bring me flowers for no reason at all (which he does); as a mother, I completely buy into today - the fun sweet treats, tiny handmade cards, telling your friends that that you care - innocent bliss.

All that being said, I love my man. Adore, is perhaps a better description... He is a fabulous husband, incredible father and a hard worker, always striving to make others happy above himself. Sigh. And my sweet kiddos, they bring me so much love every day with their smiles, dirty hands, runny nose kisses and more cuddle time then any momma deserves.

I am pretty lucky in love! I hope you have found the same, Happy Valentine's to you and yours.

Cuckoo

As spring approaches, I long for the flowers and color as the world becomes alive after a long winter. One of my favorites? The cuckoo flower - in part for its name, in part for its seemingly perfect symmetry.

In folklore it was said to be sacred to the fairies and was quite unlucky if one brought it indoors. It was not included in May Day garlands for the same reason (poor little flower). To that I say, out with tradition and on with this hat, inspired by the cuckoo flower. Slightly slouchy and worked in the round, the hat begins with an eyelet rib, followed by a gently cabled lace pattern and is crowned with a last bit of flora up top. It is perfect for a rainy spring day when your hair won’t behave, or for when you want to add cool factor to a t-shirt and jeans. Worked in a cotton yarn with plenty of lace, it is not too hot for those “faintly” warmer spring days... Hope you enjoy!

Project: Cuckoo
Time: A Few Days...
Yarn: Knit Picks Shine Worsted
Needles: Size 6 US Circulars, Size 8 US Circulars

Ravelry page linky.

Missed Me?

I know its been awhile and I might have a few things to catch you up on...

August: Plenty of ice cream, warmth, family, friends and vacationing.

September: Someone started Pre-K and LOVES it; someone else misses their sister. terribly.

October: Cooler weather, pumpkins, several trips to the local farm and of course a costume or two.

November: Plenty to be thankful for; including a houseful of well-behaved bachelors devouring my first "allbymyself" thanksgiving meal.

December: Lights, smells of cinnamon and pine, a trip home along with a sad goodbye.

January: Someone turned three!

Plenty of knitting content over here. I'll try to post more - no promises though... My squeaky wheels get greased first (and boy do they squeak)!

Jumping In

I am so proud of my big girl. Not only did she do something that terrified her, she had the courage to admit it was fun in the end!

I wish I knew how to add a video, so you could really see her in action (although I have a feeling you get the picture, because we all have been there at one point or another - I hope you jumped, I did).

Gone Fishing