Candi's Corner

Rylie 3m

2011-07-21T10:14:00.003-05:00

I can't believe it has been 3 months already... Every time some one asks me her age I promise I get it wrong and tell them wrong. Just yesterday I was thinking she would be hitting the TWO month mark today. Where is my head?

~Rylie~

Can hold the bottle herself for a few minutes
Is very ticklish but don't tickle her feet!
Makes a serious face all the time but loves to smile and talk
Has nails that grow super fast
Cannot stay still
Is TEETHING! She gums on her hand and bottle and likes it when you rub her gums
Loves her bath but hates the cold air while getting dressed afterward
Is very aware of her surroundings following everyone
Loves to get tickled and talk to Daddy
Thinks her brother and sisters are funny until they scream and scare her
Blows spit bubbles
Spits up her milk less than she used to (Woohoo!)
Sleeps through the night sometimes
Still prefers to be swaddled to sleep but she's getting too long to do it!
Is too long for her 0-3 month sleepers but 0-3 month onesies still fit :)
Her 0-3 month socks are too small, all her other siblings had small feet but she doesn't LOL
Imitates the 'M' & 'O' letters with her mouth
Still has blue-gray eyes (for now at least lol)
Weighs around 11lbs
Would rather talk than eat after half the bottle is gone.. especially in the middle of the night

I'm playing the CVS game so..

2011-01-23T11:22:00.005-06:00

I had to share my scores today :)

ECB= Extra Care Bucks= free money to use at their store on your next transaction

Transaction 1:

(4) CVS Paper towels at $1 & BOGO Free

(1) Huggies Snug & Dry Jumbo Pk 8.99 + 1.50 Coupon= $7.49 + 1 ECB

Eucerin products (minus Aquaphor) Spend $20 get $10 ECB- this is the only lotion I will use since I can't stand fragrance and have really dry skin (2) Intensive Care Plus Hand creams 3.99 each + (2) $1 off coupons and (1) Intensive Care 16.9oz lotion 14.29 + $1 off coupon = 22.27-$3 (coupons)= $19.27 + $10 ECB

Total= $36.11- $6 ECB from last time= $30.11 after tax and $11 ECB for next purchase

Transaction #2:

(3) 9 Lives canned cat food 4pk 3/$4 =$4
(1) Crest Pro Health Mouthwash $3.99 + $3.99 ECB
(2) Kleenex Tissue $1 each= $2
(1) Scott Mega roll Paper Towel $4.77 +$1 off coupon= $3.77
(1) Scott Toilet Paper 12pk $6.77 + $1 off coupon= $5.77
(1) CVS Green Bag tag $.99 Bring your own bag and every fourth visit you get $1 ECB

Total= $22.55- $11ECB from Transaction #1= $11.55 + $3.99 ECB for next time

So how much did I save all together?

Spent $41.66
Saved $42.79
So I saved over 50% + I still have $3.99 ECB for next time!

Busy Day

2011-01-19T12:36:00.006-06:00

Just this past week I started couponing and shopping loss leaders at several different stores. Usually I only shopping at Walmart getting two weeks worth of groceries at a time making sure I don't forget anything since I only return for milk or bread to keep from spending more. Because I'm now buying what's on sale and in (semi) bulk however, means that I actually have to start cooking ahead like I've been planning for the longest and not just a double batch of something here or there.

So after I dropped Alyssa and Ty off to school I ran by Hill's because they have Split Chicken Breast for $1lb. So, I got 9.5lbs of it. I'm not a butcher, and I probably don't have the right knife for it but I managed to cut out (butcher up) 9 chicken breasts and 4 tenderloins out of the meat. I didn't do the best job of it and there was still meat left on the breastbone so I threw them in the crockpot with spices, carrots, onion and some water. I'm sure there will be more to shred up for BBQ chicken or fajitas plus the broth. After that I took my cut chicken and made 3 different marinades to freeze. That means I get at least 4 meals out of less than $10 of chicken! I managed to finish just in time to go pick up Tyler.

Another great deal Hill's has today is Totino's Pizza Rolls & Grands Biscuits for $1 each. I had (3) $.50 off 6 pizza rolls and 2 coupons for 4 cans of biscuits. So of course I had pizza for lunch and while it cooked I rolled up my left over cookie dough from yesterday into a log to freeze for later.

Next up? Bacon. ($1.50 each)
I love it, but hate cooking it on the stove. All that popping grease flying everywhere gets on my nerves so I'm trying to bake it in the oven. I will then put it in the freezer and pop out pieces as we need them.

Now I have 3lbs of sausage waiting on me (3/$5) to make a double batch of sausage balls and 1 batch of patties to freeze for a quick breakfast. Other than laundry and all the dirty dishes I've created, I think I'm done for the day.

Update: Here's my reward left over from the bones plus have a breast gave me 3.5 cups of shredded chicken! :D

Getting Ready....

2010-12-26T15:18:00.004-06:00

I have been knitting up a storm, though not for the shop but of course woolies for the new baby. I haven't decided if the outfit I am working on is small enough for a coming home outfit since I have teeny tinies. I am still looking for a button for the top and this is not the best of photos on most of these things but I plan for better ones later :)

I hope to have quite a few wool covers this time so I don't have to wash every day.
Here's my rainbow!

Most of those are size small but there are a few nb sized ones.

Trying a couple new things this time..

Curly Purly waistband with Sheepy Pants bottoms and a new pattern called the Vanilla soaker (below) that I didn't have last time :)

Also I have tried crocheting a few longies and every time it reminds me why I don't crochet more things... lol I just don't love doing it as much plus for some crazy reason these all came out larger that I thought they would. I do remember crochet doesn't stretch as much and therefore needs to be bigger for each size but, I think I just like my knitted ones better :P

Some monkey pants in the LadyBugz Farm pattern "Dragonfly Longies"

and starting on a pair in the Wigglebunz pattern

Now, if only I could figure out where to put the baby bed?

more about school

2010-08-12T08:34:00.004-05:00

Starting next week they don't allow you to walk your K5 student to their class & Alyssa has been scared about going alone, so I have this week to wean her. I walked her just to her class door this morning and saw a little girl behind me. Afterward I started back to the car (Kailey & Tyler in tow) and the girl was still following me. I turned around and asked her if she was lost. She nodded & I asked her if she was in kindergarten. I received just another nod. Luckily everyone has their name on their backpack so I was able to lead her back to the K5 hall and look on the lists of students on the wall to find her teacher.....

When I tried to talk Alyssa in to letting me drop her off this morning she said " But some one will steal me" I told her there is a teacher outside and it is the same place she sat on the benches with the teachers just yesterday waiting for me to pick her up (that story coming next lol). She still wouldn't budge and tomorrow is the last day I can walk her in.

So, how did school go yesterday?

She came home excited telling me about how she bought her own lunch with chocolate milk (I'm hoping she doesn't pick that every day, we are going to have a talk on it), hot dog, & a star cookie. She also loved P.E. and the jumping jacks she did lol. I couldn't help but laugh at the simple things it takes to excite a 5 year old and make them happy. I know that soon enough even 5 year old's get homework (dun dun dun) and she has never liked writing things over and over.

Picking her up yesterday was crazy to say the least. I live less than 2 miles from the school so it is mandatory that I pick her up (grumble grumble). I got to the school early hoping to pick her up as soon as the buses left and I wouldn't have to wait forever. Only one problem.. that lecture from the principal I sat through (with all 3 kids in tow... bad, very bad day) didn't exactly say where we were supposed to be to pick up students. I parked in the parking lot which seemed to be half full already even at 2:40... So I waited... and waited.. there was no sign of where I was supposed to go. Ty said he had to pee... great right? I told him he would have to hold it. Finally at 2:50 I saw a line start to form.. the one I needed to be in! Parents were getting out of their cars left and right, picking up their kids and already coming back! Well remember that lecture from the principal? Supposedly ppl on foot were going to get their kids last and the people in the car pick up line would be attended to first.

It didn't happen that way.

I couldn't get in to the line so I had to leave the school, drive all the way around the square that is about .5 miles long back to the school entrance which of course was now backed up. It seems there is also a one-way road coming from somewhere that ends in the pick up line also. It took FOR-E-VER (imagine the sand lot kid saying that). I didn't leave with Alyssa until after 3:30. There was only one student left in her class still sitting on the bench waiting and maybe 20 or so students in total still there. Remind me again why the school won't let her ride the bus? Oh yeah... Jefferson Co. doesn't know how to budget their money or keep the people they hire from stealing it and so the schools (and teachers!) suffer.

I hope Ty's first day goes well Monday!

a first

2010-08-11T08:51:00.002-05:00

Today was the first time I took one of my kids to 'real' school. I didn't cry. I didn't panic. Thankfully, I had help too! I needed to walk Alyssa in today and it would have been much harder if I didn't have Jennifer to sit with the other two so I could peacefully do so.

I arrived at the school early and they had all the K5-3rd grade sitting in the gym in a line. Alyssa was starting to squeeze my hand tightly so I told her we would go to the office first then come back. After dropping some paper work at the office they were still sitting in a line. I tried to coax her to join the other 40+ K5 students sitting all indian style (or criss cross apple sauce as Alyssa says) on the floor but she wouldn't budge, not even long enough for a photo.

Soon a teacher came and told the last kid they were now the line leader. Alyssa loves to be the line leader when we go somewhere (yes I have enough kids to do a line lol). She literally clung to my leg. I was hoping there wouldn't be a meltdown here soon. But as we got to the class I think she loosened up a bit.

Every student had their picture taken at this wall so that by the end of the year we could see how much they have grown. :)

She remembered where her seat was from when we came on orientation.

I have to pick her up and drop her off since we are less than 2 miles from the school. I can't wait to hear about her day and I am hoping she loves it and will be less scared tomorrow. Next week, I have to drop her off at the door!

Also next week is Tyler's turn for a 1st...... 3K!

WIP

2010-05-17T13:33:00.005-05:00

Just off of my needles are these two:

And currently on my needles.......

a few other nearly finished items that I am testing out a pattern with yarn on hand for some one I still need to go get the yarn I really wanted to do this in. Aren't they cute though? It's a headband :)

I also have a gift in the works for some one but I can't post it yet or she will see it!

spring inspired

2010-05-14T13:54:00.004-05:00

There is something about spring that makes you want to clean isn't there? Here I am minus one kid, just the girls, and I should be relaxing right? Wrong. I am getting groceries and...... clearing out a closet that you can't even step in to.

I don't know why I didn't take a before picture.. well ok maybe I do. It was bad, very bad. It's a small closet to begin with I don't really think it counts as a 'walk in' but more like one of those reach in ones with a little ledge. Do you know what I am talking about? The odd shape and crossed bars in the corner make it seem even smaller. Somehow shoes the kids had outgrown from last summer were still all in the floor, along w hubby's dress pants & shorts. So what does it look like now you ask? (pardon the phone pic I need to find my camera!)

ahhh... so much better! The shoe bag I grabbed today at walmart. I can't stand them on the floor where you can't see them, and you are more likely to throw them down.. well at least I am more likely to do so. Oh and in case you were wondering.. yes that is all (14 pairs) of my shoes.

Now, I'm off to eat lunch and catch up on Bones ;) Happy cleaning!

they learn so fast

2010-05-06T19:01:00.002-05:00

Alyssa- I need to take my shoes off
Me- Ok well do it, you know how
A- But I want you to do it
Me- Why?
A- Because I love you *big grin*
Me- You're a mess *takes her shoes off*

How do they learn manipulation so fast? lol. Kids.

Currently on my needles

2010-04-16T09:32:00.002-05:00

These aren't the best pictures since usually I take WIP photos with my phone but I just LOVE this first close up one :)

Stocking at iCandi on HyenaCart

2010-04-15T08:21:00.004-05:00

Available 8am tomorrow morning 3 new shorties ;) Click on the shortie's name to visit the listing.

Medium/Large Capris in Girl Power

Small in Girl Stripes

Small in Boy Stripes

here eggy eggy eggy

2010-04-06T10:47:00.004-05:00

My little egg hunters on Easter

I could not get him to smile

this little Bug did not walk around and find eggs, she RAN everywhere. She did not stop running either, even when she fell and scraped her knees all up she didn't care and kept on going. What a brave little Bug.

My favorite shot of Alyssa for that day :)

no jacket required...

2010-03-31T13:18:00.006-05:00

It is really nice out today. When Alyssa got back from preschool she begged to play outside so of course I said yes. Not ten minutes later she came running in saying she was afraid of the bees and would not go back out. So she ate lunch, colored then I tried to talk her in to going back outside by explaining what bees do.

They also had a little sucker and Kailey had her first one... I finally caved. She ate it like a big girl enjoying every minute of it going mmmmmm

Finally Alyssa was fine and ready to play. Tyler on the other hand, was not. Kailey stood at the door beating then grabbing her shoes trying her best to let me know she wanted outside lol. She dragged me down the steps and ran off towards the swings :)

Ty walked in front of Alyssa while she was swinging and was knocked over. I know he was tired since he was especially whiny. I finally talked him in to swinging a little too. At one point I was pushing all 3 kids at once.

Oh and why is the title of this post no jacket required? Because it was warm enough not to use one and I had to convince the kids they didn't need it, only Alyssa didn't believe me lol.

The only bad part of this outing is that I turned my hurt ankle over twice :(

Finished.

2010-03-25T11:26:00.004-05:00

Finally I got around to sewing ONE... just one dress but at least I know I can do it now! I constantly fight with my sewing machine. It just is not my favorite craft to deal with but sometimes mixed-media is needed.

Kailey was not in the mood for pictures.

So I took one without it on also.

This was my first time to gather fabric before sewing it. How well did I do?

Things Kids Say Tuesday

2010-03-09T12:12:00.003-06:00

Riding in the car on the way to take Alyssa to school she asked an odd question, "if I eat a lot will I get a baby in my tummy?". Before realizing where I would head this discussion with one sentence, I replied " no that's not how babies get in tummies". I am sure you can guess just what came next.

A- Then how do babies get in bellies?

It sometimes happens after you get big (older) and you are supposed to be married first.

A- oh ok, you prayed for babies?

Yes, I prayed for a girl & God gave me you, I prayed for a boy and He gave me Ty, and then for another girl and He gave me Kailey.

A- Then could you pray for another boy? cause I want one more brother.

LOL You really never know what they are thinking about until they surprise you with it like this!

one day of spring

2010-03-08T14:28:00.003-06:00

Lately the kids have been bugging me to death about washing the car. You know how a 4yo doesn't forget anything? Well I had told them when it gets warm we will wash it.

My car was a HUGE mess of leaves, a wrapper or two, crumbs and more. So I grabbed out the little shop vac we have and went to town taking out all three car seats from the back and getting up the majority of it. Confession: I had to empty out the vac at one point (gross?)

I was able to wipe down the dashboard, wash the windows from the inside and get most of the big stuff out of the floor boards. Some how I managed all this while stopping every 5 seconds to check where 3 kids were and to keep Kailey from climbing stairs (which she currently has a fascination with). Did I mention how many times they whined and asked if it was ready to wash yet?

They were soaked from head to toe and had to go straight to the tub after this,

but they enjoyed every minute of it!

iCandi Stocking Friday

2010-02-28T09:43:00.007-06:00

Fresh off my needles, lanolized, and ready to go I have 2 new shorties listed and going live Friday morning at 8am.

Size Large/X-Large Ever After

Another one of those times I wanted to keep it for Kailey lol I just love these!

Size Large Rock Remix

WIP and finished

2010-02-28T09:35:00.006-06:00

Last year I set out to make the girls some dresses. This year I am already caught up to what I had tried to accomplish. I want to make 3 dresses each for the girls and maybe a top or two also.

First up is a Milo top for Kailey with XOXO cables. I found this yarn clearance for $1 . Total cost was $1.50 to make.

Second up is the first Rainbow Dress I have finished this year. Yarn once again was $1 a skein. Total cost $1.50 to make. It could have used an inch or more in length but I was ready to get it off my needles :)

The second Rainbow dress for Kailey just needs to be sewn now. Not pictured is a brown ribbon with cream stitching on the sides. I plan on doing the other dresses in this manner.

I haven't even started on dress #1 for Alyssa because I will have to up-size the pattern a bit first. Believe me, she has noticed that Kailey now has 2.5 dresses/tops and she doesn't have one yet. ~~So she will be the next thing I cast on for.~~ Well I started another pair of socks last night.. she'll be the next!

First pair of socks finished for the year, Froot Loops in STK's Panda Feet.

Notice all the yarn under our television? lol

goodbye.

2010-02-28T09:15:00.005-06:00

I have been working at a yarn shop called Knit In Time on Saturdays since May of 2009, the same time I finally opened up iCandi on hyenacart. Now the shop is closing.. and it is sad to see. I will stay in touch with my friends from there. We will still meet up for knit night .. but it just won't be the same.

I couldn't help but snap a few pictures with my phone on my way out. I think I have just one picture on the day it opened. I will have to find that one as well.

That table was full of Malabrigo, those shelves of Cascade 220, and that rack had a good bit of needles.

Not much sock yarn or books left. See?

This was our classroom for teaching how fun knitting can be. Just out of the picture is a half eaten cake :)

The gift room with fragrances and jewelry straight from Ireland and also some local jewelry and bags, hand made hats, and candles.

So now, I'm on the job hunt but meanwhile I'm knitting my fingers off for iCandi :) I plan on having a spring sale coming up in March or April . Also look for me coming up soon on Vilate's blog My Nifty Nappy.

Another day at the office

2010-02-26T08:27:00.001-06:00

Another day at the office, originally uploaded by iCandiKnits.

Anyone ever wonder what goes on while I'm knitting? Well this is one scenario.. one of the good ones lol.

Socks for 2010

2010-02-25T11:08:00.001-06:00

IMAG0084.jpg, originally uploaded by iCandiKnits.

I can't believe it I actually have a stash now, look at all this lovely sock yarn. So you think I can knit this all up this year? Well probably not but I sure can try!
Among the list:
Madeline Tosh Tosh Sock
Knit Picks Stroll sock in Tiger, Timber, Oak, Playtime, Bordeaux, Tree Fort
Kertzer On Your Toes Bamboo

and a couple of my own dyed up & a few things not pictured. I can't wait!

Monday & Tuesday Stocking!

2010-02-22T19:01:00.004-06:00

I have been working hard since this past weekend and here are the finished products to show for it :)

Picking Daisies

Blurple

Introducing Funky Monkey Stripes!
Funky Monkey Stripes shorties and longies feature patterned stripes for visual and textural stimulation for kids. Not to mention they are just plain fun!

Funky Monkey Stripes in Gray Marle

Keep checking back for more! I have some works in progress that I wasn't able to grab pictures of ^_^

~Candi

Finished and stocking.

2010-01-25T14:04:00.002-06:00

I have been very busy. Want to see what I have been up to? Here are 3 new shorties ready for listing.

Sweet Tart Remix

Veggie Garden Scraps

Shoreline

Also I now have lanolin that is ready to list!

new layout

2010-01-22T13:43:00.000-06:00

I decided to change my layout, again. What do you think?

cuteness

2010-01-12T01:12:00.002-06:00

I have been wanting to try one of these cute diapers but have been putting it off for too long now. Which one am I talking about? Well Nifty Nappy of course! I have read several reviews now stating how trim and absorbent they are, not to mention all the cute prints! :) I'm hoping to win some from Motherhood and Miscellany. If you would like to win free stash (& who wouldn't?) then follow the link to enter!

Bug's 1st Attempt at Feeding Herself

2010-01-04T12:47:00.001-06:00

Kailey's 1st Attempt at Feeding Herself, originally uploaded by iCandiKnits.

She was doing a much better job of this right before I reached for the camera but isn't that how it always happens?

I'm not sure if I caught this part on video or not but she said 'mine' to Tyler (her newest word).She also told me thank you for moving the cup closer.

Can you tell she loves food?

I love being able to catch moments like these!

Finally, a haircut.... why?

2009-11-25T15:14:00.002-06:00

So I have needed a haircut pretty bad lately. You know the feeling of when you have layers & they won't do anything but frizz? Yep that's where I was for a long time. Ben has been off this week so I decided to go get it cut... This is last time's haircut earlier this year in June

This is my new haircut today. I'm dissapointed. I asked for side-swept bangs at cheek length.... I haven't had bangs since I was like 5 years old.

Not only that but it is only on one side & has some hairs that are longer that fall over in to it if it's not parted correctly. Before my hair was cut my bangs were 2" passed my chin!

Things I Love Thursday

2009-11-12T12:43:00.005-06:00

This week for TILT I wanted to share one of my favorite recipes that I happen to be making today.

Sausage Balls

Ingredients:

1lb of Jimmy Dean's Mild Sausage

2 1/2 cups of Pioneer Baking Mix

1/2-1cup of fancy shredded cheese depending on your tastes

I always make a double batch or they won't last long. :)

Combine ingredients in a large bowl & mix thoroughly with your hands. Don't forget to take off all jewelry and if you have any cuts, or just don't want to touch raw meat, then use gloves. I use a closed fist and punching motion then fold it over & start again to mix all the flour in. It should look like this.

After the ingredients are mixed preheat your oven to 375 F .
On a cookie sheet roll the dough in to 1-1.5" balls and spread evenly not touching.
Alyssa helped me roll them in to balls so this would be a great part to get your kids involved in.

(This is all the counter space I have to work on. A whole 12" unless I use the table.)
Cook for 18-20 minutes.
To test if they are done, poke them with a toothpick. If it comes out clean then they are done.

They are more like a thick meaty bread by the time you eat them and are very delicious.

I haven't tried it yet (we always eat them all) but I believe this would be great to freeze and cook for a no prep breakfast or at least an addition to one!

Fresh Off My Needles

2009-11-11T01:17:00.004-06:00

Just finished is a small pair of longies in 100% wool Boy Blue & will be listing tomorrow!

Next up is a custom hat and longies set:

I know I have shown these to a lot of people in person and a some online too but I have not posted about them on my blog yet and I am hoping for action shots soon. Here is the custom Mario longies I did a little while back. They are to be for a little boy's first birthday party with a Mario theme!

Just a thought

2009-11-10T12:18:00.002-06:00

Being a mom of 3 kids 4 & under means you have more sippy cups than real glasses.

Nov. 2 Stocking

2009-11-02T15:36:00.003-06:00

Available at iCandi 6:30 pm tonight is

Sweet Tart Stripes

I also have available Strawberry Fields

Kaleidoscope

Things I Love Thursday

2009-10-29T20:45:00.002-05:00

Family Fun carving a pumpkin :)

Car Chat

2009-10-23T11:36:00.004-05:00

Alyssa and I just had another one of our chats/discussions in the car. What was the topic today?

Blood.

What did she want to know?

A. Why do we have blood in our bodies?
Me. It helps keep us alive.
A. Where is blood in my body?
Me. There are little tunnels called veins & it takes the blood all over.
Did you know that drinking water helps make blood in your body?
(ok so admittedly I'm not sure this is true or not but I was hoping to get her to drink more water lol)

A. I like water. I don't want to loose all my blood, that's why when I get a booboo we put on a bandaid.

Ok so this chat was a little strange, especially for a 4yo. You really never know what will come out of a kid's mouth!

It's been 5 years...

2009-10-22T14:00:00.004-05:00

It's been 5 years now and feels like a lifetime ago! I had to ramble through a whole pile of cds to find some pictures because we never had any printed up. Looking at these pictures it is hard to believe it was only 5 years ago because we look so young in them. I'm not that person anymore. I'm a mom 3 times over & that definitely changes things :)

I don't like being in pictures and they were trying to get me to smile... so this is what I get for it!

Bentley being his crazy self.

Our crazy wedding party :)

And a pic we took, just for fun lol

Happy anniversary baby!

Up to Something

2009-10-19T16:29:00.003-05:00

I haven't blogged hardly any lately and here I am doing 2 posts in one day. Oh well!

Here are some photos of what I have been up to!

A WIP just off my needles called Whale Stripes and needs the ends woven in still.

I also have a pair of longies for Kailey on my needles (FINALLY!) I need at least 2 more because she has none!

Should be listed today and lanolizing tonight is Sweet Tart. I came really close to keeping this one for Kailey and I still want to! So if you want it, then hurry before I change my mind lol.

I just finished a custom of 2 longies and 1 pair of shorties..

Remember if you see something you like and would like it in another size just email me and I will let you know if I have that yarn in stock for another!

Another custom, this one is hand dyed.

I also have a baby shower gift that has been done for weeks that I still can't share since she will see it on facebook before receiving it. <-- not good! So that will still have to wait since the shower was rescheduled.

I also have a *very* special custom that has been in the works quite a while but I will not post on it until it is complete.

I am working on restocking the shop so if you have anything you would like to see or see more of just send me an email!

Cloth Diaper Swap

2009-10-19T14:49:00.006-05:00

I finally entered my first ever cloth diaper swap thanks to Megan at Newly Wed, Newly Bred! She organized everything and the swap partner I was to buy for was Megan :D So, if you click her link above then you can see what I got her. Now, what did I get and who got me?

Nikki at All About Cub had my name & was a very fast swap partner! I have had this since last Tuesday and am just now getting to taking a picture. Which of course means I haven't tried it on Kailey since she immediately poops in new diapers. lol Nikki also included a a letter that helped explain all she put together for me.

A custom fitted Medium size diaper made by Christine at Essential Saltes Baby & 2 matching wipes. The print is named Polka Dotted Strawberries and is very cute!

She also included 5 cloth wipes from Bummas in girlie colors and two small jars of Soap Bits from Wee Essentials. I have never tried soap bits before and love the smell of Lick Me All Over.

Overall I would say it was a good experience despite a few setbacks in which I tried to get a custom but it wasn't finished in time. I still had fun and would do it again!

Thanks Nikki!

Boys will be...

2009-10-09T16:31:00.005-05:00

Boys, if you don't have one, or have one on the way then you should read this!

Today was one of those days you wish would hurry up and end because things keep happening left and right. I have tons of laundry to catch up on, this happens kinda often though. There I was in the floor with 6 baskets of clothes dumped out, sorting and folding them. A couple felt damp so I did what any other mom would do (I think) and sniffed it... Now I have been known to forget about a load in the washer and have to rewash it so I thought maybe I had put some in the dryer by mistake or it got caught in the dryer and didn't finish drying all the way and was shoved in a basket or.. something.. So I tossed it aside to be washed again and kept going because the other clothes smelled fine. Until, I ran across about 5 more things like this. I didn't have time to think about so I kept folding.

Then, it hit me.

Ty must have peed in a basket! He has been going diaperless at night also now for a few weeks. So it had to have been him because it did smell like pee. They were all together in the floor with the pee clothes.

Now, he is in that stage where he thinks he has a permanently attached toy...
Just this week he was standing at the large window in the living room staring out at the birds when all of a sudden he went running. I figured he was headed to the potty. What did I hear next? The unmistakable sound of pee hitting a carpet. He went out of my view behind the couch (it's on the way to the bathroom), stopped out of my site, whipped it out and let it go. He knew what he was doing. I caught him in the act.

On a funny note though we also went outside that day even though it was muddy out because I had to get some fall clothes out of the storage shed. Ty and Alyssa both had fun with slugs, not tiny little almost cute slugs but big fat super slimy slugs. Ty held his the whole time we were outside and wanted to slide with it. Out popped the slug from his hand as he climbed the top and it tumbled down the slide leaving a trail where it hit. He was devastated lol. The kids were a huge mess of mud from jumping in puddles but they did have fun.

BAB Week #2

2009-10-06T20:48:00.003-05:00

Body After Baby Week 2

How did I do last week with the goals I set for myself? Well, good on the water but bad on the exercise. I did loose 2lbs though :) My total point earned for last week are as follows

Tu- 4 points
W- 5 points
Th- 8 points
F- 6 points
Sa- 8 points
Su- 5 points
M- 5 points
Tu- 6 points

47 points total I may not have maxed out on water (80oz is more than half my weight so I don't think that's safe!) but I pretty much met my goal of water intake a day. Ok so it was off some days but still a lot better than the previous week! I also drank less Dr. Pepper in a day which is something for me.

Week 2's mini challenge is to walk/run/jog. Each 15 minutes of said exercise is worth 1 point with a max of 4 points. I have no excuses since I have the treadmill in the house now, & in the living room. I am also grateful she didn't measure by distance since the pedometer I recently purchased did not work and I have no way of knowing how far I have walked since the treadmill is old and the display no longer works.

Standing weight is 150lbs as of Saturday morning.

A New Challenge

2009-09-29T14:44:00.004-05:00

Body After Baby Challenge Week 1

About a month ago I became really aggressive on trying to loose weight for the first time since having three kids in a row. Within 4 weeks I lost 10lbs and 3.5" overall which is pretty good progress. However, part of that time I was sick which helped with weight loss but halted my exercising. I was doing great too!

I was very glad to come across the Body After Baby Challenge that Mama Notes has started to help spark things back up. So for the next eight weeks I am going to do my best to pick up where I left off!

Starting Stats-

Height 5'4"
Weight 152lbs

Goals this week-

Drink a minimum 40oz of water a day
No more than 1 Dr. Pepper
Exercise 3 times

Sounds simple but it's not!

BAB (Body After Baby) Goals

To loose 12-17lbs which would bring me to 135 lbs.

My long-term goal is to get down to 120 lbs. I was 115 lbs and tiny before babies.

Well, here goes nothing!

Works in Progress

2009-09-06T14:41:00.003-05:00

Strawberry Fields

Boy stripes

Lastly

Some photos from Kaileys bday :)

She fell in love with this Minnie Mouse in the store so I had to surprise her with it. Kissy Kissy.

She was kind of sleepy but it still turned out ok :) She liked the cake better than the icing, that's my girl!

New Listings on iCandi

2009-08-31T13:57:00.002-05:00

I have 3 longies finished and listed at iCandi on hyenacart.

1st up is Construction Stripes on 100% Wool.

2nd is Rockin' Lizards on Peace Fleece.

And last but not least is Desert Sky on Peace Fleece!

Have fun shopping!

Happy Birthday Kailey!

2009-08-26T08:43:00.003-05:00

Today my baby, and maybe my last baby isn't a baby anymore. She turned 1 year old today and it is a happy / sad kind of day. Happy in that she is growing up to be such a cute and relatively easy baby but sad that she may be my last cute little bundle and that she doesn't like to sit still and let me just 'love' on her.

The first week of school ended with Alyssa catching a 24 hour bug that made her quite sick. Tyler followed after that on Saturday and just last night Kailey caught it. The poor thing spent her last day of infancy and through the morning into toddlerhood sick. Alyssa had a fever and now Hubby woke up sick also. It has been a very tiring and trying week and a half so far.

Here are some pictures of Kailey from infant to now :)

Coming home outfit and first church service on Sunday morning :)

First experience cloth diapering a newborn

My favorite newborn longies, mommy made of course and complete with outfit.

She was sitting up on the couch all relaxed and fell asleep. I love this picture.

Her first laugh that stopped when I brought the camera out. At first she was very scared by the camera. (Notice the woolies lying around?)

This was a pretty common pose for a while

My blue-eyed bug present day and no longer camera shy!

We were so thrilled to have one baby keep their blue eyes. All three were born with milky-gray eyes. Most kids' eyes don't change after the first 8 weeks but ours were in the 5% that do. Alyssa's changed at 6 months (I have pics to prove it) and Ty's changed around 8 or 9 months old. It looks like Kailey's are here to stay :)

What I love about Kailey:

she is sweet
loves to make you laugh
almost always smiling
those big blue eyes
her jibber-jabber
the way she sings and sways to her own songs

What makes her who she is:

She is the only one of the three who said Dada first. The other two said mama at a very young age. Not only did she say Dada first, but Mama didn't even come next. She said, Dada, Bubba, Nana, ByeBye, and then Mama, and then Papa. She can also say Sissi but rarely does (along with Mama).

If I sing her a song Mama or say it, she immediately says Dada.
She loves to dance and hear music and loves to hear me sing. She tries to sing along with me already :) She loves to play the drums and bangs on things all the time.

She is very tenderhearted just as I am and was as a child. All it takes is a harsh look or tone of voice and it sends her in to tears.

She was my first that was resistant to stop using a bottle. The others were on sippy cups at 9 months old. She just switched over but would still prefer a bottle any day.

Kailey is a very inquisitive girl. When she was little she would stare a whole in you just watching your every move. She has loved baby wearing even though I don't do it as often as I used to and now with her more mobile, she would rather I put her down for exploration. This will soon have to change though because she is way too long for her infant carseat and it's going to be a challenge getting a 4yo, nearly 3yo, and 1yo out and about. Especially church and WalMart.

I just want to thank the Lord for giving me this sweet baby girl one year ago today.

Happy 1st Birthday Kailey Bug!

Sheepy Pants heading your way

2009-08-25T13:11:00.005-05:00

Just recently I became a licensed Sheepy Time Knits knitter and have since then been knitting like a mad woman trying to stock the shop up with longies for this coming fall. With preschool starting it has definitely been a challenge but here are the first ones heading to the store. :)

Just finished we have Desert Sky size Medium in Peace Fleece. Peace Fleece is nice and thick and holds up well with crawlers and those of us who are a little tough on wool. They have been conditioned to be softer.

Next we have Rockin' Lizard size Large also in Peace Fleece.

Construction Stripes is nearly finished!

I also have an oatmeal colored NB sized pair in soft merino.

While working on things for the shop, I also have things I would like to knit for my own kids. They don't stay small forever and it is easier (& quicker) to knit for them when they are small so I don't want to loose this opportunity! Plus, I have 2 still in diapers to knit for :)

Kailey's soaker in Majestic Mountain on Peace Fleece

I have so many things I would like to knit this winter and fall that I know there is not enough time for!

A hat for an aunt that was recently diagnosed with cancer.

I don't know how I ended up only knitting gender neutral and boy things this time but I promise the girls are up next. Also don't forget that customs are always welcome!

Fluffy mail

2009-08-20T14:19:00.006-05:00

I have been selling off my stash of BG OS 2.0's and other fitted to be able to buy Kailey some new diapers. She has grown much faster in the 'bottom' department than Alyssa or Ty did. Of course Ty can wear the same size diaper as Kailey right now. lol My Fluff finally came in from Bunnyfeet Boutique. The first 5 are LCT OS side snapping. The one on the right was on sale and has no type of closure but is the same pattern. Actually, all of these were on sale for nearly $5 off :)

bunnyfeetboutiqueLCTOS">

bunnyfeetboutiqueLCTOS3">

bunnyfeetboutiqueLCTOS2">

I didn't mean for 3 of the inners to be pink. I'd rather the pink giraffe's inner have been blue or green but I didn't specify since it wasn't my first choice of fabric. The print I had chosen she was out of (though it was still on the site).

meloninner">
The diaper has 2 sets of inner rise snaps to change it's size and a snap in soaker.

Side Snapping

OUTER: KNIT PRINT
HIDDEN: BAMBOO FLEECE
INNER: COTTON VELOUR

SOAKER:
3 layers bamboo fleece, topped with velour

STAY DRY SOAKER:
5 LAYERS BAMBOO FLEECE
TOP LAYER MICROFLEECE

pinkoogainner" width="423" height="500">
Here is the OS Snappiable diaper that I got for $15 :)
wetbag">
I also really needed a wetbag and diaper pail liner. Love the wetbag! I think the pocket on front would be great for holding unused dry wipes.
bibwipes" width="180" height="240">
I have not tried any of these out yet so that will be posted on later, but they seem sewn nicely, other than the foe on the wetbag & bib which I cannot complain about because it was a freebie thrown in :)

A few of the knit prints feel a bit stiff but I think it should soften up after being washed.

One complaint I do have though is that the website states that it should take 1 week. She had 1 month left of pregnancy with her 9th child so I didn't expect it fast really but, I did not expect it to take as long as it did. I ordered on 7/27 (hubby's bday) and emailed her to check on them 2 full weeks later with the response that she would ship them the next day (8/11). 8/13 I checked on them again because I hadn't received a shipping notice. 8/14 she told me her sewing time was cut short unexpectedly and gave me a tracking number. That same day is when I saw the snappiable diaper at The Wading Pool on sale and purchased it. Well guess what!? I received the single diaper a day before the flat rate box of diapers that were supposed to have been shipped already.

Now all of this was happening while at the same time that another WAHM was stiffing me on some wipes I ordered from her (on 8/5) at Greenhorn on hyenacart. I ordered over 30 wipes with more than half of that being instock and the custom ones were only 1 layer and serged. She has a 7 day guarantee listed on her website that they would be shipped within that time-frame as long as the 7th day wasn't Sunday, then it would be Monday or they were free. I never heard a word from her. On day 8 I emailed her asking if they had shipped because it had been past 7 days. No response. Day 9 I sent another email and yet still no response. Day 10 I sent an email that morning and said that I had received no contact what-so-ever and it had been past the amount of time she guaranteed on her website, that whether or not she honored what her website stated, I still wanted a full refund. No word from her by that afternoon so I filed a claim with Paypal and I swear before an hour was up that she responded to it claiming that hyenacart had never sent her an email that an order had been placed. That however, does not account for my emails that I sent to her does it? Oh and you know I have not received any wipes in the mail.
I edited to add that it took 4 whole days of my refund pending to receive it back.

I really don't like leaving bad reviews.. but I really need to suck it up this time and do it. I would hate for this to happen to someone else. I still need wipes :/ and she basically lying about the 7 day guarantee since I still don't see wipes at my door. If this becomes corrected, I will make note of it in a post.

I know things are more difficult when you are pregnant.. especially has to be if you have 9 kids but, don't you think that 3 weeks before shipping is a lot longer than the 1 week it says on the site?

I have edited this again because as I was folding the diapers back up from taking pictures, I noticed a snap has already fallen off. This is very Did I ever mention that if luck had anything to do with anything.. I always have bad luck?

Things I Love Thursday

2009-08-20T08:21:00.005-05:00

This is my first time doing this topic and I hope to make it a regular one. I know usually a lot of 'chaos' moments go on here so I need a few good ones too!

Alyssa is a talker. She talked early, she talked a lot, she picked up every word after only hearing it once from an early age. Luckily, she loves to learn also :). In the car we usually have discussions where she asks the questions and I give the best answer I can for her age. Although, it is fun to throw a big word in there every now and again just to hear her try and repeat it lol. So far we only talking about observations she has made and therefore in the 'science' category which is my all time favorite and she seems to like also. Here are a few of the topics we have gone over...

Alyssa: "Why does it rain?"

Mommy: "Remember the song The Itsy Bitsy Spider? and how after it rained the sun dried it all back up? Well where does it go?"

A: "I don't know"

M: "The clouds! When the sun dries up all the rain it floats in to the sky and the clouds catch it and that's called condensation. After the clouds have so much rain that it gets heavy and they can't hold anymore, they let it drop down out of the sky. That's precipitation, when it's raining. Then it starts aaalllll over again."

A: *tries to repeat precipitation* "So the clouds drop water on our heads?"

Our topic yesterday was "the Earth"

A: "Mommy, what is the Earth?"
M: "The Earth is a planet, it's like a big ball and we all live on it, you are on Earth right now"
A: "Can we go to Earth?"
M: "We are on Earth"
A: "But I wanna go to it!"
M: "Alyssa, everything you see around you is on Earth and is Earth"
A: "Cars are Earth?"

This is where it became complicated lol

M: "No, everything living that is not an animal or a person is part of the Earth." (kind of left out water there.. because earth is dirt.. and well you can see why!)
A: "Is a mail box earth?"
M: "No, trees are earth, plants, grass, dirt, and mountains."
After a little Q & A quiz on different things were earth or not she had it down :)

This particular conversation even went on further because she asked why we don't always see the sun :) Don't you just love innocence and a thirst for knowledge?

These little discussions make me so happy because she comes up with the topic and wants to know about it. She doesn't forget anything we've discussed either. I love knowing that I am spending time with her and that she is expanding her mind in a way that only I can do for her at this age. Our own little homeschool sessions in the car!

Another of Kailey's First... I think

2009-08-19T08:40:00.002-05:00

I don't know if any relatives have fed Kailey chocolate.. but guess what her brother did today?!

They were chocolate animal crackers and she loved it.. here is my evidence.

And I needed a close up :)

Monday Madness

2009-08-17T10:12:00.007-05:00

Never a Dull Day\

Today was Alyssa's first day of K4.

It wasn't all that hard getting out the door and I signed her in right at 8am. The problem however, was with my car. For a few weeks now my gas needle has been floating around. Now my speedometer isn't working either! I have to guess how fast I am going judging by the RPM's and what gear I am in. Tyler was not happy to leave the daycare either. I had to pick him up, still carrying Kailey too to get him out. Then he started screaming for his Sissy that he didn't want to leave her.

I headed to Walmart just to pick up a few necessities. I have been trying to keep full shopping days on the off week of getting paid since there is less of a crowd and a lot of the time have better sales. Turns out the fall clothes were already there. After spending a little time mulling through the 80's love inspired Garanimals and picking out some outfits for each kid (except Ty, they didn't have boy things out yet?!). As I headed towards the shampoo Ty mentioned something about peepee. Now, I had a diaper on him this morning because I knew we were going out so I looked down at his shorts and saw nothing wrong. Little did I know, was that he had changed himself in to underwear without me knowing it. He peed everywhere.. and I did not know what to do. I couldn't see an employee to tell anywhere and I wasn't near one of those 'spill' stations to grab a wet floor sign... so I left it there... yes I know.. horrible. I didn't know what else to do. I quickly got a few groceries and headed out of there. Ty kept standing up saying he was peehee and wanted it off no matter how many times I told him I didn't want him showing off he'd peed and I promised I was hurrying so we could get it off. I stripped him down in the parking lot between me and the car and fashioned a towel around him to sit in the seat with.
I had no idea how much a boy can pee.. seriously no sooner had we got home given him a bath (he peed in the tub) and put more clothes on him, then he peed again in them... We went to go get Alyssa and came back and he peed a lot again. When a boy says they gotta go.. they mean it. At least he got up from his supposed to be nap to go poohoo (poopoo) in the potty.
He loves to dress himself now and almost always puts both his shirt and pants/shorts on backwards. It makes me think of a movie where Tom Green says "I'm the backwards man, the backwards man" because he has a whole suit on backwards. lol

Here are pictures of the clothes I settled with. The girls have 3 shirts in common.

Alyssa's clothes 5T tops & 4T bottoms

Ty's clothes 3T pants (that are more like 24m length, I checked) and 5T shirt. I couldn't find any Garanimals pants that would fit Tyler. The only ones and last two available were $10 a piece and have button-hole elastic which is a must for a skinny bottom boy like him. These should fit quite a while.

Kailey's clothes 18m.
The school had asked us to have a family photo and a picture of Alyssa for a little paper to fill out about her favorites. Here are the pics we took yesterday :)

The 3 Caballeros- One of their favorite outside activities is to go "Walking down the street" in their radio flyer wagon. I don't think they'll all fit next year lol

My little blue-eyed bug.

Notice the crossed legs? What do you think about my new highlights and hubby's beard? I talked him in to keeping it. I think it helps soften out his angular face a bit :)
d

What have I been up to?

2009-08-15T15:19:00.005-05:00

Well, this isn't a full list with photos of what I have been up to but, it is the things I have just finished and had to share. :) Most of Kailey's 'gifts' for her 1st bday are done.. except one of the most important, her blanket! Must get on that since her bday is only 11 days away. Monday Alyssa starts 4K every week day from 8-11:30 which I hope will help me get more things done. If only I didn't have to take her there dragging all the kids then I would definitely say yes, but hey that's life. Any-who here's her Kimono Jumper and Cupcake hat.

I know the jumper is a bit large but that's ok it will just fit longer. I also plan to make a pair of sheepy pants in black with the hot pink trim to match. ;) She really liked eating on the pom pom cherry. The longies she is wearing are some I sewed from fleece with Katrina's free longies pattern available here.

Swagbucks

2009-08-07T09:12:00.003-05:00

I can't believe it, I just won 5 swagbucks!

Don't know what I am talking about? Swag bucks gives you points for searching just like you would normally be doing. You can save up your points and buy many things from the swag store such as video games, electronics, or amazon gift cards, even paypal! So what are you waiting for? You don't have to do anything extra that what you are doing now! Just click on the Swag widget on the side to sign up!

Crazy Day

2009-07-28T11:51:00.004-05:00

Well, summer is nearing an end and that only means one thing. Everyone needs a doctor's appointment to make sure they get their shots in! Unfortunately for me, Alyssa's birth date is close to then (6/26) and it is hard to get one in time. I also learned something else today too. Check ups are only covered by your insurance once a year and it doesn't matter if it is the day before a year is up, they still won't cover it! :( So I drag all the kids up there because I had to and Alyssa has to have her blue form before she can sign up for school.

Ever since she had staph infection she has been afraid of the doctor's office. Well, I didn't tell her we were going there this morning but I did already tell her before that she had to go to be able to go to school.... I came to my exit, took the ramp down and she noticed where we were.... next I hear "Momma that's my doctors office" (it's a hospital too) "NO momma don't take me there, go somewhere else! I don't want shots! I don't want shots!". Over and over. I couldn't find a parking spot, there were lots of people in the parking deck and I cannot stand this deck... small parking spaces, sharp turns, not much room to drive around, steep ramps that when there is a long line makes your car die (I drive a stick) because some one quickly stops because they *almost* didn't see that parking spot that you already had your eye on.

I get in there and here the bit about my insurance not covering it. They call us back and Alyssa starts in with the rant about no shots. She cried and didn't cooperate the entire time from being weighed, measured, and checked out by the doctor. Doctor left and Alyssa wanted to leave... but we couldn't because she needed shots and blood work. The whole time we were waiting for the nurse to bring the needles of doom she screamed. Kailey screamed because she was tired. Tyler screamed, still not sure why. It seemed like forever before that nurse came! It took 3 of us to hold her down so she could get her 4 shots. Then came the finger prick which I reminded her was just like when Kailey was in mommy's tummy and I had it done all the time and also that she got a hand stamp for that and could almost have her sucker now.
Whew!

Height 42" 90%
Weight 35.2lbs 75%

She is almost tall enough to get by and ride on a rollarcoaster, at 4 years old!

Heading home Alyssa goes, "mommy, do we have hairs in our nose?"
Me, "yes baby we have hair in our nose"
Alyssa,"but, I don't feel any hairs in my nose".
Then I explained to her about how there is dust and germs in the air and we have hairs in our nose to catch it so we don't breath it in to our bodies and that's what boogers are.
Alyssa " Do we get the boogers out with our fingers?"
Me "No, we use a tissue in the bathroom"
Alyssa "But I Can use my fingers" (can said with two syllables, very southern-like)

Next conversation a few minutes after this one was "Mommy can we play a funny game?" she calls them funny instead of fun. "How about Timon Says?" (Simon Says)"I say Stimon Says and you do what Stimon Says but if I don't s Timon says and you do it then I laugh like this *insert laugh here*"
She went through several 'commands' some of which I had to say we couldn't do in the car and then this crazy bright girl goes.

"Stimon says, go to the playplace" She wanted me to take her to McDonalds playplace lol. What a mess!?

Imaginations at work

2009-07-27T11:27:00.001-05:00

SL381455, originally uploaded by iCandiKnits.

I love it when you can find a frugal way for kids to play! I found some brightly colored scarves at Walmart for $1 each so I picked up 4 of them in various colors. My kids' first thought was pirates and Alyssa wanted an eye covered lol. She was walking around going arg and said she needed a parrot on her shoulder. Being the pirates they were.. notice the orange fingers on pirate Ty? Maybe you can see it better in this one.

Yup that's right, they stole some cheetos and ran off to gobble the bounty. Next they decided to be super heroes :) As long as they don't decide to wrap up the cat in it I think we will be ok!

Kailey playing with Chloe Kitty

2009-07-24T09:16:00.002-05:00

Kailey playing with Chloe Kitty, originally uploaded by iCandiKnits.

She does this all the time now. It is so cute! so in to a video it goes to remember :)

Crazy weather

2009-07-19T19:48:00.002-05:00

As previously posted it will soon be my husband's birthday and while I don't have money to spend I am always looking for something to make him. I think that is partially because he gets annoyed that I like to knit so much. Just like I get annoyed at how much he likes to play video games. At least when I'm finished I have something to show for it! Well, I saw this sackboy pattern the other day and started looking at pictures on Ravelry. One of his favorite movies had a sackboy some one made 'Teen Wolf' version of it. I emailed him a copy of the picture and the next day he sent me a picture of Kratos from the video game God of War. Both little amigurumi's happened to be made by the same person. While this Kratos was quite elaborate (and being sold for $90) I decided I would *try* to make one myself for his birthday. I have to say I'm not loving this pattern but don't really feel like making up one at the moment. I hope it turns out ok because I love it when he is actually proud of my work :).

On another note, the weather has been nice lately. Which I really needed because this heat has been killing me. Ben has next week off for a unvacation. You know the kind, where you just take time off not to loose it but you can't really go anywhere? Well he and his brother once a year go to Six Flags over Georgia and he asked that I go along because I always say I never get to go anywhere. They are having a BOGO on tickets right now or for that reason alone I probably would have said no. The other reason is finding some one to watch the kids. I have asked one of my aunts who has agreed to watch Alyssa and Tyler (thanks Traci!) which I hope will not give her too much trouble and I think I have some one for Kailey too. So, guess who's going to Six Flags and will *try* to have a good time and relax. The weather said it should be 85 so that isn't so bad. Why am I not excited? I think I have forgotten how to have fun!

Next week we will hopefully be able to get the rest of our wood laminate put in the hall and our bedroom but no promises. We have had this flooring in our house for well over a year now and only Kailey's room and the living room has been done. I might help dad do it myself because I don't want Ben hurting his knee again.

Birthdays!

2009-07-16T08:39:00.002-05:00

I can't believe how big my babies are getting! Ben's birthday is on the 27th of this month and I am going to work on a project for him but unfortunately I didn't get started soon enough because he will be off next week! When am I going to be able to work on it? Grr.
Kailey's birthday is next and she will be 1 on August 26th. Possibly my last child, and she's growing up too quickly on me! I am however glad that she has learned to smile when I bring the camera out and no more poses like this.

I am working on a cupcake hat for her birthday and what is funnier is my mom picked up a cupcake outfit that she will wear without me knowing :) I tried the hat on Kailey the other day and I think she likes it! Here is a pic of my progress so far. I had trouble with my camera's card locking on me when I insert it.. had to keep trying over 30 times :/

(yes she likes having all those toys in there lol) The picture doesn't do it justice and part of it is the angle but I couldn't miss her face with that expression on it :D

and here is the outfit from Carters marked down on clearance. 3.99 for the top and 5.99 for 2 pairs of pants with a ruffle bottom.

I've been sewing

2009-07-14T14:30:00.003-05:00

I don't love to sew. I can do it but with no real time to do so, it seriously just frustrates me to death. The fact that I have to drag out and put up things each time is the biggest downside. Anyways so I stayed up late and this is what I got done... 4 Chloe Toes, 1 Cutie Patootie OS. I added a crossover tab to be able to snap it shut when it is soiled.

I have a few of these mediums made for Ty a while back which he can still fit in but they are still a little big on Kailey.

On and Just Off My Needles

2009-07-10T15:37:00.006-05:00

Just a quick update here.
Recently Finished:

This is almost finished. The kids ran off with my needle and I can't find another one small enough to sew the buttons on. Kailey has skinny little feet and I can't find shoes to fit. I think these should do the trick but she loves buttons. I guess we'll have to see if they stay on or not.

I also have a pair of Shorties in the Promise colorway on merino but they need elastic in the waist and I forgot to take a picture. They should be done tomorrow.

WIP:

Cute little striped longies for a boy on Peruvian Highland in 12m size.

I love this Strawberry Fields colorway on merino. These will be really soft longies.

Next on my list of things to do is a cat bed, and a cupcake hat for Kailey's 1st birthday.. I cannot believe it is just around the corner!

On another note it is my parents' anniversary today, Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!

Why I love Prefolds and Green Mountain Diapers

2009-07-07T09:08:00.013-05:00

Oh the prefold, I want 4 dz of them in every size. Seriously, I love them that much!

I first started cloth diapering when my second child was 8 months old (first was 2)I started out with 1dz prefolds and 2 covers each. That is the bare minimum anyone can get away with. Cloth diapering can be overwhelming when you first consider it. I looked for months before settling with the cheapest way I could go. My husband wasn't on board and we didn't have a lot of funds to spend all at once. I made it for a few months while I got the hang of getting a good fit and trying to keep an 8mo and toddler still when they aren't used to doing so for a diaper change. I later ventured in to using a Bumgenius Onesize diaper, mostly for my husband, but have never liked those. I even sewed a few of my own diapers from various patterns, (Chloe's Toes, Rita's Rump Pockets, Very Baby) just to name a few but I have always come back to prefolds and here are the reasons why.

1. They are cheap cheap cheap.
2. They are dyeable.
3. You can sew a cute fabric down the middle.
4. Easy to wash, disinfect, get stains out.
5. Are quick to line dry or in the dryer.
6. Easy and quick to fold and put away. (No matching up parts, stuffing etc.)
7. I find them easier/quicker to put on than diapers with snaps and get a good fit (takes practice) and I can't stand velcro because it pills, gets caught on things, and chaffs budda belly tummies.
8. Green Mountain Diapers makes them in the perfect rise better than traditional prefolds for less bulk.
9. They make great stuffers for pocket diapers after the rise has been grown out of.
I have used the 24 GMD yellow edge prefolds I bought for Kailey for Tyler's pocket diapers for almost a year now. He used them before she was born and still now after she has grown out of them!
10. They have many uses even after they've been through several kids, and yes they will last that long! I still have the very first ones I purchased. You can use them as dust rags, cleaning rags, drying off your car after you have washed it so you don't scratch it, and I am sure there are more!
11. You can even make a fitted diaper out of them with a little sewing. :)

Cloth diapering a newborn: We have gone from 1dz NB orange and 24 newborn fitteds I made from flannel and birdseye, to 2dz Yellow edge, to 1dz red edge (I think I could have skipped these) with 4 brown edge, and will soon be in the Brown edge only. I tend to get them a tad big since I use wool covers and don't just lay them in a PUL wrap but if you use a PUL wrap then they fit even longer! Now, most people don't want to wash diapers every day but since I had 3 in cloth I had no choice. If you are very frugal then you can get by with what I did if you wash every day. Otherwise if you want to wash every two or 3 days, then multiply by 2. You can even skip the newborn size if having a bulky newborn diaper for a few weeks doesn't bother you.

Kailey a few days old in a GMD orange edge prefold.

Kailey 4m in a GMD Yellow Edge.

See the nice containment at the legs, and with no elastic!

6months old

Now, I have bought a few diapers in between that. 3 Onesize fitteds, 4 Cricketts Toddler size, and 6 Cricketts NB plus. While I like Cricketts absorbency, I didn't love the fit so I don't tend to use them except in a pinch or I leave them for DH. I still go back to my prefolds practically every time. I see a destash in my future!

Next time, Why I love Wool!

Kailey bug Crawl

2009-07-06T20:02:00.002-05:00

SL381403, originally uploaded by iCandiKnits.

Finally, she likes the camera!

I got a few things done today also,

This was made from the Trimsies pattern. I had this cut out a while ago and after sewing it, I really thought it was going to be too small. I am very happy though because it fit like a glove! Very nice.

WIP, Finished items, plus a sale!

2009-06-30T20:27:00.003-05:00

Here are two more finished woolies for the shop!
Dragonfly Dance shorties on scrumptious Merino,
and Every Rose Bloomers also on the same merino.
July 1st- 4th iCandi will be having a sale on everything so don't forget to stop by! Use the coupon code INDEPENDENCE to get 10% off or the code FREESHIP to get free shipping!

Recently finished,
Calorimetry that Alyssa stole so I made the button a little kitty. It's too wide for either of us really.
This doesn't really count as finished but it ended up too tight at the ankle, maybe it's the design of this architecture but I can barely get it on. I will end up ripping it out most likely.
Swiffer cover per hubby's request. I haven't made this one with the bobbles before, worked ok but I think I like the other ones I did better.

I am working on my first lace ever and making a shawl to display at the shop. This leaf pattern is gorgeous! The pattern is called Woodland Shawl.

Party Pics

2009-06-30T19:46:00.002-05:00

Just wanted to share a few pictures of the party with you. I didn't get very many on my camera because my Momaw asked me to use hers. Not until everyone started leaving did I realize that I hadn't used mine!

And this from Popaw... it's for both, but Ty won't get on it.
This is from Nana for all 3. Kailey loves her swing and Ty loves the slide, but Alyssa loves the trampoline lol and so does daddy!

Someone's turning 4!

2009-06-26T07:37:00.004-05:00

Happy Birthday Alyssa!

I am now a proud momma of 3 kids 4 and under lol.

So she's already sassy... what will she learn to be this year?
I'm hoping it is learning to listen!

My secret room

2009-06-24T13:09:00.006-05:00

Remember that secret junk room I mentioned that is Kailey's room? Well guess what I cleaned it out!

And moved Alyssa in it.. but we'll just have to see how that goes. I'm hoping they learn to room together now, because they might always have to do that lol.

All the kids' clothes... here. Don't mind the junk on top.. that's all that is left in there that should be.. well except for the clothes on top of the dresser. That's where Alyssa's clothes go. See how much laundry I need to do?
Alyssa's party is this Saturday and a lot of people are coming over. So it is time to clean but we also have VBS going on. Of course all the clothes are in the hall now and need folding. I also have lots of laundry to wash. Guess I better get started.

More Haircuts!

2009-06-22T14:32:00.004-05:00

My Momaw took Kailey yesterday and I was looking at Alyssa with her tangled hair (again!) and decided it was definitely time for that haircut!

I went to Walmart since Ben needed a few things anyways. The kids need a nap today! We have VBS at my mom's church this week and we are helping out with running it. Ty was already tired and I had to hold him kicking and screaming while Alyssa got a haircut and kept moving her head and complaining about the hair in her face and that her eyes stung because the lady sprayed her in the face. The lady didn't want to talk at all.. I mean I don't have to tell you my life story or anything but I hate silence in situations like this. (weather talk, craziness of the government, anything welcome!) She ended up with her hair shorter than I asked... sorry Nana. I did say an inch or more below the shoulders!
Well, I finally gave in to Ty's pleas to put him down because she was almost done with Alyssa's hair and he ran to the lady's drink and grabbed it up. Luckily, I caught him in time. I hurridly paid after that and got out of there!
We did a quick shopping trip and headed towards McDonalds inside Wally World. As soon as I handed Ty the drink... he dropped it.. All over the bag of stuff and in the floor. I appologized to the employees refilled the cup and escaped once again.

Saturday was the make-up day for last weeks' VBS with a huge water slide and 2 moon jumps. I was not there, though I reminded Ben to put sunscreen on Ty (and he says he reapplied) the poor baby is way past burned and has blisters on his ears and one on his eyelid. He's my little lobster boy...sorry sweetie I know how it feels and you have your momma's skin. Daddy had both of their shirts off the whole time too and serves him right that he was burned also.

Can I say that it is way too hot outside? 95 here and with humidity it feels like over 100! I was just in our storage building outside to hunt down 12m clothes for Kailey. She is turning out to be bigger than her brother and sister. Ty was always under his size in pants, and way over in shirts to fit his noggin. Alyssa pretty much stays her age. Kailey, she is 9 mo and wearing 12m onsies and 6-9m pants...

Twitter

2009-06-22T08:56:00.002-05:00

Well, I finally did it. I joined twitter. I am still not sure why yet but I think I mostly did it for an extra entry on contests lol! We'll see if I actually keep up with it or not. I think that I shouldn't tweet because I could easily become one of those annoying tweeters that tweet everything and anything... yeah that could be me. Must show restraint :).
My UN is icandiknits in case you dare brave the twitter no0b.

Time to go rescue Chloe the kitty. I hear her calling for momma.

Giveaway: Flip Video Ultra HD

2009-06-22T08:18:00.002-05:00

Check out MommySnacks.net, they are giving away a new Flip Video camera!

I take small 2 minute or less videos with my camera but this would be great... should I say Christmas? Hurry and go enter, but watch the video first!

Surprise!

2009-06-15T08:41:00.004-05:00

I have a big surprise.... If you know me.. I don't like surprises.. and at least if you have me one DON'T TELL ME! It will drive me insane and I might ask you a billion guesses. No, I won't be able to let it go until I know. As a young teen my mom gave up on trying to surprise me with Christmas presents because I found them. If they were wrapped I sneaked a peek anyways and rewrapped it. lol. She then just decided to have a Christmas 'allowance' (kept her from spending more) and we took it to the store.. with her of course and picked our gifts the day after Christmas... she would still get a few for the actual day though.
So what's my point? Ben got me a surprise. Now, one thing about my hubby.. he doesn't know I would only want ketchup on my cheeseburger at McDonalds and no ketchup for my fries, or BBQ sauce for my nuggets and little things like that. He doesn't pay attention really.
Friday about 4pm he calls me from work saying we'll have 2 people over for dinner and a movie and he won't tell me who they are and that he wants the house spotless. As usual, I didn't have a shower yet that day and the house was a disaster of disrupted toys, crumbs on the floor, sticky table, clean clothes dumped on the floor to play with baskets, and my bed unmade yet again from jumping on it. (and one of the remotes is STILL missing). So there I am running around like a mad woman getting one thing clean while the kids (who will not take naps anymore!) are messing up others. I was supposed to get Kailey ready to go to my moms house and the kids were looking pretty raggedy in play clothes themselves. Which was when I realized how I must look pretty bad too! Hubby calls at 5 when he gets off to see how things are going because they will be there at 7pm and to tell me he has to stop by the store on the way home for buns and chips. You see luckily I had set some chicken out to thaw the night before and that doesn't always happen. Well anyways that's when he threw out that word that sends my brain in a loop... surprise. Yup I started guessing, and I actually had it right but of course he wouldn't tell me that.

We had this agreement.. well he had this agreement that he wanted me to agree on lol. No more kids and we can get a cat. I never said no more kids but he brought home this kitty..

Usually I have a name right away for an animal.. but I have never had a tuxedo cat and I cannot think of a name for her! Anyone want to throw some suggestion out there? I've come up with a few but dh hasn't agreed on any so far. Her personality... darts around everywhere, really needy, wants to be held all the time, meows to death at night like she's hurting because she isn't allowed out of her pet bed area, loves to ride around on your shoulder and hide in small dark places, likes her belly rubbed and doesn't mind being held like a baby.

Disaster is my kids' middle name

2009-06-11T10:23:00.003-05:00

How many days has it been since the last 'disaster'? Not that many but now I have a new one for you to laugh about. 2 words... ready?

Baby Powder

Yup.. lot of kids have done it... I even did is as a child so I have been told (on carpet and in a small room with a HUGE container.. the room was white). Luckily this one wasn't that big but still. It is everywhere.. and they are white haired.. I didn't get a picture... you probably can picture it anyways. I don't even use the stuff. They just found it somewhere.

You know, I've always said I wanted as many kids as God wanted to bring my way.. and if He didn't plan for me to have any more then He would have to change my heart... is He trying to change it, or just testing me!? I have to laugh.. and usually I do.. after I stop being mad.

Growing Kids

2009-06-09T20:48:00.004-05:00

I have some new shots of the growing up Kailey. Over the past few years I have loved looking back at videos of the kids when they were younger. Even if it is only for 1 or 2 minutes long because a lot can happen in that amount of time!

Alyssa's birthday is coming up on the 26th. I hope to knit a dress for her since she is always asking if what I am working on is for her and she loves clothes. Not to long ago we found out she loves doing puzzles to and is really good at them. My Momaw likes to do puzzles and I thought it could be something they could do together that doesn't involve chasing lol. I remember doing puzzles with Momaw when I was younger :) She is up to doing 100 piece puzzles and completed the 24 piece ones in less than 10 minutes. What is so strange about her is that she works the faces first and then the border and puts them together.

Try Something New Tuesday

2009-06-09T20:29:00.002-05:00

Ok so technically.. the haircut was Saturday, and the breadmaking was Monday night.. but, I'm just getting around to it... I don't have my before pics yet because they were taken on my phone as a last minute thought.

I have added highlights which I also don't have a picture of yet. I wasn't going to color my hair, but my FIL found 5 or 6 gray hairs! I blame it on the kids.. and the big kid..(hubby)
Here's the homemade bread. I couldn't find my loaf pans so I had to use a casserole dish... lol
If you would like to try this recipe it was very easy for my first bread but I tasted a lot of yeast.... I found it at Hillbilly Housewife (love this site). I greased the pan very well, but it stuck on bottom and broke.

Stitch Marker stocking & WIP!

2009-06-04T13:50:00.006-05:00

I have a bunch of stitch marker sets and even a few individuals stocking at iCandi tomorrow but they are up for previews today! Here's a look at a few....

And here are the things on my needles right now!

Scrunchable Scarf
Promise 2
Every Rose 2
Everlasting Bagstopper

ETA I realized I left off that blanket I am working.. pics later!

what's on your needles?

Busy Busy

2009-05-27T21:45:00.003-05:00

You know that secret that every one has? Well, one of mine is that my smallest room that is supposed to be for my youngest is well... piled up. You know all those clothes you can never keep up with, broken furniture the kids had a lot to do with, accumulated outgrown clothing.. etc.
I find it hard to keep up with laundry but it doesn't help when your DH just throws it in a baby bed... yeah a huge pile looks more inviting to fold than say.. 6 baskets?

We didn't have a mattress for Kailey which is how this happened in the first place. Now, thanks to my aunt Traci (thank you!) we have a mattress. So... the cleaning task had to be done. I piled it all up so she could sleep on it that night but today I just got around to cleaning the room out.

I folded 8 baskets of clothes (some just came out of the washer/dryer today) and put away 2 bags of outgrown/ out of season things. I can walk in half of it now! There is only 2 buckets left to go and ALL of our laundry will be clean.. oh and a box of socks that need matched.

When my husband got home, I asked him to take the kids out so I could continue cleaning. When he got back in and I showed him the room he said, "Yeah, that's a start." Of course I got mad..

2 more FO

2009-05-27T21:40:00.003-05:00

Ahhhh more done for the shop. These were done a few days ago but the weather has been bleak so no pics were able to be taken!

Tulip shorties 3-6m on 100% wool.
Lillith on 100% merino.

I really like both of these!

Is it only MY kids that do things like this?

2009-05-26T14:43:00.005-05:00

Come on moms tell me I'm not alone...
I had just put one tired 2.5 yo down for a nap, put a movie in for my nearly 4yo and thought my 8mo would go fast to sleep since she had a big lunch.. but of course you can't plan motherhood right? I was watching some Desperate Housewives on my computer with earphones (I just discovered this show... and am shamefully hooked) when I started smelling something..... and I turn to find this.

If you are wondering if she ate some... then the answer is yes. How did this happen? Well, it seams that I have kids that know how to take their diapers off at a young age.. and not only that yes they have to play with it. Some of my family members have been pushing disposable diapers... and I didn't put her pants back on.. so this is what I get. NO more sposies! and always keep the woolies on and double tied.. go ahead.. laugh.. you might as well because I know you are! I was also bitten for trying to clean her mouth out... and it drew blood.

Oh and one more thing, don't tell Ty that his toothbrush disappeared because Mommy had to brush Kailey's teeth with it... because he'll get to pick out a brand new one on pay day.

FO and iCandi

2009-05-12T14:38:00.005-05:00

I finished a capri for Kailey in some purewool I dyed.. but she's wearing it and is asleep.. oops. No pics yet so I will add them later. Well, I decided to try and take one.. my camera's battery is dieing and it woke her up.. Sorry Kailey! She has not taken very many naps lately for the older two running around everywhere. She really needs her a mattress for her room now so she can sleep in peace. Well here's a shot of her new capris but not a great one.. I hope she goes back to sleep!

Here is another one for the store (iCandi)... My Lil Monster Lite on BFL size 18m

On another note.. I grabbed my camera when this happened.. because it never does.
They all fell asleep on the way home from Alyssa's preschool. All 3 of them! I tried my best to sneak Ty in to his room.. he woke up. Tried to take Alyssa in.. well she woke up too. Then came Kailey's turn and guess what yup Murphy won again. *sigh* I though I had them all asleep!
Oh and that is not make up on Alyssa.. that's a whoooooole other story...

Updates and FO

2009-05-07T11:37:00.003-05:00

I have been quiet (here at least) but I have been busy! If you would like to get a glance at my store you can find it here iCandi ~Knits and More! Things are coming along nicely but I think of something else I need to do constantly. Once you visit come back and let me know what you think!

Here is another store stocking. These are called My Lil Monster after Tyler and all his favorite colors. My Lil Monster has been dyed on Purewool for this one in size 0-3 months.

Muslim Demographics

2009-05-05T17:15:00.001-05:00

http://yestheyareallmine-mom.blogspot.com/2009/05/muslim-demographics.html

Mystic Wonders Wonderball

2009-04-30T16:11:00.006-05:00

These things look so neat! take a look here. You use these in the washer instead of laundry detergent (don't forget pretreating stains), less static cling, chemical free, environmentally friendly, and lasts 3 years! Just think of the savings, especially if you cloth diaper. dk Mommy spot is having a give away so go enter. If you don't want to wait go ahead and use the coupon code she has also.

ETA: I can't believe it, I actually won one of the 1 year balls! I will give an update how well it works and especially how well it works with cloth diapers!

FO and updates

2009-04-28T16:10:00.004-05:00

As some of you may know I have been working.. well dreaming mostly of opening an online store to sell soakers. I am happy to say that I am very close to doing so. It is in the works as we speak and I hope to have it stocked and running by May 31st. I will be carrying hand dyed yarn, stitch markers, wool diaper covers, and possibly some other childrens clothing items, so keep on the look out! Here are previews of a couple of items ready to be stocked.

Dragonfly Dance capri pants size 6m, and Every Rose 2T both done in 100% merino.

More coming soon.

Birmingham AL

2009-04-27T14:31:00.001-05:00

I got this in an email and thought it was hilarious... this is Birmingham Alabama..

Birmingham:

First you must learn to pronounce the city's name.
It's 'Bur-min-ham'.

Driving Information:

Birmingham has its own version of traffic rules. The truck with the loudest exhaust goes next at a four-way stop. The
truck with the biggest tires goes after that. Note: Blue-haired ladies driving anything have the right-of-way
anytime.

To find anything in the city, it is required that you know where

Malfunction Junction is; which is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. It may be one of only two
'cloverleaf formation' interchanges in the world. We invented it and only one other city was crazy enough to implement
it again Atlanta -- making them only a wee bit crazier than we are.

The morning rush hour is from 6:00 to 10:00. The evening rush hour is from 3:00 to 7:00. Friday's rush hour starts
Thursday morning. If the term 'merging delays' is ever used by the person reporting the traffic, even in passing, call
in to work and tell them that you will be at least 30 minutes late regardless of where you are in your commute.

If you actually stop at a yellow light, you will be (at the very least) rear-ended, cussed out, and possibly shot.
This applies to male and female drivers alike.

You must know that 'I-459,' 'I-59,' 'I-20,' and 'I-65' are the same road. They just loop around, cutting in and out of
each other's path. We think this was a ploy utilized to confuse outsiders and discourage visitors after the War of
Northern Aggression.

Always, always, always, find out if it is a race or football weekend before you
get on any of these highways to travel somewhere. If it is a race or football weekend, stay home. You won't be
pleasantly going anywhere else.

Construction is a permanent fixture in Birminham. The barrels are moved around in the middle of the night to make the
next day's driving a little more interesting.

If someone actually has their turn signal on, wave them over to the shoulder immediately to let them know -- you can
be sure it was 'accidentally activated'.

The minimum acceptable speed on 'I-65' (see above) is 85 mph. Anything less is considered downright sissy.

This is also Alabama's state-highway-sponsored version of NASCAR -- especially during rush hour (see above) and
everyone in the city is driving at once, bumper-to-bumper. If you are in the left lane and only going 70 in a 55-65
zone, you are considered a road hazard, and will be 'flipped a bird' accordingly.

Do not gawk at the woman in the car beside you in traffic who is applying make-up, drinking a Diet Coke, smoking a
Newport, and maintaining a steady speed of 85 mph on I-65 in rush hour traffic. If she is coming from north of
Burminham, she might be packing. If she is coming from south of Burminham, she IS packing and is not afraid to use
it..

Weather Information: If it's 110 degrees, Thanksgiving could be next weekend. If it's 10-20 degrees and sleeting or
snowing, then watch out. Birminham residents consider this
'demolition derby' day and will be all over the roads (frontways, sideways, etc). Please proceed with caution, as you
could be the next target.

Seasonal Information:

If you stick to the seats in your vehicle, it is Spring.

If you need to let the car 'get some air' while standing next to it with the doors open for a minute before you can
stick your upper body inside to crank it and get the air going, it is Summer.

If you are sweating even with the windows down, driving 55 mph, it is Fall.

If you finally turn the AC off and roll your windows up, it is Winter.

General Information:

Yes, we know that Vulcan is mooning the entire city. It's not that funny to us anymore, and by now we're used to it.

If you ask someone for a 'coke,' they will often ask you, 'What kind?' This is not a trick question. Tell them what
you want: Sprite, Dr. Pepper, Root Beer, etc., it is all 'coke'.

All tea is sweet. If it's not sweet, you are in a Chinese restaurant or have crossed the Mason-Dixon Line.

'Fixinto' is one word.

Iced tea is appropriate for all meals and you start drinking it when you're two.

We do like a little tea with our sugar!

Backwards and forwards means 'I know everything about you.

DJeet is actually a phrase meaning 'Did you eat?'

You don't PUSH buttons, you MASH them.

You measure distance in minutes.

You'll probably have to switch from 'heat' to 'A/C' in the same day

You carry jumper cables in your car . . . for your OWN car.

There are only own four spices: salt, pepper, Hot Sauce and ketchup.

The Birmingham News cover national and international news on one page, but require 6 pages for local gossip and
sports.

We have four seasons: Almost Summer, Summer, still Summer and Christmas.

Going to Wal-mart is a favorite past time.

Fried catfish is the other white meat.

We don't need no stinking driver's ed ... if our mama says we can drive, we can drive.

If you understand these jokes please forward them to your friends from Birmingham (and those who just wish they were).

EVERYONE can't be a Birminghamian; it takes talent.

You might say it's an art form or a gift from God!

Life as I know it

2009-04-09T15:14:00.002-05:00

I have not been posting.. I know.. life is more important lol and I can just write in between right? Well so far this week we have..

The kids were fighting over the only can of playdough we have.. off brand of course and we used to have more than one... it probably got left out or something. So of course.. I decided to make some right then and there. I found a cornstarch recipe online (didn't want to use a bunch of salt) and had some made up in three different colors in less than 20 minutes. The kids loved it and now when they go in the fridge to get snacks.. sometimes seeing that dough on the top shelf in the front stops them and they grab that instead lol. It does stick to hands a bit crumbling off but it molds well and is supposed to dry well also. I have made some salt dough in the past for Christmas ornaments for kids at church before (so much fun!) so I figured it wouldn't be too hard and it wasn't.

Alyssa a week or so ago cut her hair. At least it looks close to bangs so it could be worse, but still...

Today was exhausting. Alyssa normally doesn't have preschool (for her) on Thursday but they won't have school Friday and today was their Easter party because of that. As soon as we got home, it was so nice out that I decided we should play a bit. They played and I worked. I raked all the leaves out of the flowerbeds. I'm not a gardener or at least not yet but I do have a rose bush and some type of bulb flower I planted a couple of years ago that survived. I hope to make a veggie and herb garden one day but I am not sure that will be this year or not. Either way, I hate to see if full of ants and weed s. I have a pile I always rake my leaves into, poor grease, left overs etc.. a kind of unnoficial compost if you will so I have plenty of soil when needed. Believe me when I say it woujld be needed since most of my yard is a mixture of clay. Alyssa 'helped' with her little wheel barrow. Two and a half hours later I'm exhausted and starving and Ty is hungry too (Alyssa had food at school at the party). So a quick bath for them, then food and put down for a nap.. of course that never happened though. Finally at 2:30 I get to take a shower and eat. Then the second I finish my food I get a call from a friend asking a favor to watch her little girl that is 5 weeks older than Alyssa (they're church friends) for just long enough for her to tan lol. They never did take a nap anyways so I figured why not. Of course then the control key pops off of my laptop and I am still trying to fix it.. but now I have 3 toddlers running around and screaming.......

Cute Carrier Give Away

2009-04-06T10:32:00.002-05:00

Thrifty & Chic Mom is having a give away for a very cute carrier called the Pikkolo carrier. So go enter for your chance to win and check out these great carriers here at Catbird Baby.
Here's my favorite!

jumping up and down

2009-03-29T16:10:00.003-05:00

I'm getting a LYS, I'm getting a LYS.
Ok.. yeah it's strange to most that a grown adult is that happy about a yarn shop but I am! I love to knit and have never been to one other than if you dare call a Hobby Lobby or Michaels a yarn shop. So yes, I am very excited so much lovely squishy goodness will be a mere 10 minutes from my house. *sigh* I needed a pick me up today. I feel like knitting right now lol Maybe I'll knit something for myself for once... eh, probably not. I still have birthday presents to work on. :)

2 down

2009-03-26T12:55:00.003-05:00

Well, I finished Ty's 2 I was working on. What do you think?

His face is a bit dirty still.. forgot to clean it before taking a pic lol.

Kailey's Teal Pants are done but I'm afraid they will be too small. Her hips are larger than I thought and she's not exactly built like the other two. The skirty, and capri's I recently made her are kind of stretched to get over her cloth bum so I'm not exactly sure what to do about that.. but here it is.

Alyssa had this picture my mom had printed for her before she was born with her name and the meaning on it. Alyssa found it the other day and I didn't realize it was in her room. All of a sudden I hear.. "It's bleedin, it's bleedin" I go running in to find drops of blood across the room, on the picture, on one of her stuffed animals, and glass broken everywhere. Ty had his hat picking up the pieces and putting them in it. Luckily he wasn't cut and hers wasn't major or anything but she wiped blood on her picture and a huge stuffed animal. So, I had a kid to sooth, one to put back to bed and a mess to clean up. She asked me to pray for it and said she wanted everyone to see it lol. Oh, and said she wanted her Nani to make a new picture for her but this time with a kitty on it.

Purewool

2009-03-25T15:36:00.002-05:00

I got my Purewool and Peace Fleece in already from Burgh Baby Gear! Wow that was fast! She also included a free sample with my order. I first opened the package and thought it was the PF on top but I was wrong.. it was the Purewool. For some reason I was thinking it would be whiter lol. I won't knit with it until I dye it and I won't dye it until I find mason jars for my dyes... crud. Anyone know where to find these besides online with outrageous shipping?
Oh and I am loving my new pattern so far and can't wait to try it on Ty. Here is a pic of my Sea Legends WIP gusset.

Sew Many Choices

2009-03-23T14:56:00.004-05:00

Yeah I'm corny and I'm ok with it lol. Kailey Bug and her usual camera pose.
I keep wasting away a lot of time lately because Kailey's prefolds are getting harder to put on. While I love my GMD prefolds because they are absorbent, I didn't have to trim them, there's no elastic to leave marks (look at that nice fold job :) ), there is also a little lack of cuteness.

So therefore I am trying to decide whether or not to sew some dipes.. there are some really cute flannel prints on sale at Joanns online right now and I am a sucker for flannel.. and cute prints. I could get prefolds, sew a few prints on and/or dye them or just sew up some diapers.. thou gh if I chose the latter.. it might not get done! lol Ever since my serger quit working.. I quit sewing and I really need some more wipes! I really would go for the whole embellished prefold thing but I don't already have dyes and I can't only buy a small amount of flannel. There are so many patterns I like right now and you have to buy the yard. At the same time.. I have a snap press I need to use more, and patterns.. and fitteds are easier when on the go and crawling babies and Kailey will be there before I know it.
I tried to do my Chloe Toes pattern as a fitted before but it didn't fit the other two kids well. Kailey however has a nice fit with this in a small size. See? Made out of an old receiving blanket of Alyssa's.
I also found out she fits well in a fatty cakes medium pocket diaper that my son can also (but barely) wear. We'll see what I chose because the sale is almost over... decisions, decisions..

Great Find and WIP

2009-03-23T09:36:00.004-05:00

I will have to update with WIP pics later but I just wanted to share a great deal on yarn I found. I haven't tried or touched Purewool yet (my Peace Fleece woolies are still a WIP) but I ran across it for a coop price without the hassle and wait.. only thing is that it is undyed. To me, that's no problem but here is the link. Burgh Baby Gear is where everyone keeps talking about a new book that covers all the aspects you could think about for wool covers. They have a pattern for skirties, longies, soakers.. and you can sell the items you make from the pattern without having to pay fees or ask permission. Sounds great huh?

"Promise" Rainbow Shorties... a mix between Sheepy Pants and Adorabubble Baby Britches. This thing pooled so bad.. the yarn was painted (by me...oops) the perfect length to make blocks around the shorties. I knit these nearly 2 full times trying out the ABB pattern and normally I embrace pooling.. but this was neat at top.. looked like "Lucky" rode the rainbow down his pants but then came to a complete stop and was drunk or something lol. (edited to add..just now looking in comparison I may like the first better....hm... crap!)
Front

Back

Here it is now.

"Sea Legends" is about half done I started on it yesterday and worked a couple hours to get this far. I am trying the ABB pattern again and dyed this one about the same length so had a few issues with it to but alternating ends of the yarn helped this time.

Reusable Baggies

2009-03-13T14:29:00.002-05:00

Ok I just thought this was a neat idea. I have seen on John and Kate plus 8 once that they used cloth drawstring bags for the kids to eat cereal in but I never thought about these found at WasteNot Snaks. Not to mention that these would make it easy for toddlers to open and close. I use baggies or cups for snacks all the time but these are neat :)

New colors

2009-03-13T13:55:00.004-05:00

I didn't use my new dyes and Alyssa 'had' to help me paint yarn so I used Wilton's dyes and my Jacquard ones too but she only got to help on the Wiltons. These are on KnitPick's Bare Peruvian Highland.
I just could not get the one on the right to show up in this very bad lighting we have and well.. there is no sun out today so I guess I'll just have to do it again later. The one on the left is "Promise" and is just your basic rainbow with black and the one on the right I debated with several names but it is "Sea Legends". There are actually 4 shades of blue (that I used) and 1 of green in that but you really can't tell in this pic. I used the Wilton's dye on that one and Alyssa painted the green trim. I don't like the black from Jacquards because it either takes more dye, or longer or something but I was not very happy with it.
I wanted a rainbow pair so it would go with just about anything or at least I wouldn't have a shirt that didn't go with any of Ty's woolies. I would love to get started knitting on these.. but I have way too much to do and need to sew wipes and mama pads.. and last day of revival is tonight. I also have to make cupcakes for afterwards.

I have finished Kailey's white shorts but... I just can't leave anything white.. I don't know why. Maybe I have color OCD lol. I dyed them teal and I think it will go great with the fabric I still haven't sewn on to one of her dresses... You know the one where I have tons of yarn by it because it was my favorite? Well, I chose the dark teal (go figure) because it's one of my favorite colors. I haven't checked how close I matched it to the top because I didn't really think about it since it was left over dye from "Sea Legends". I think it will be close though. It is lanolizing now so pic tomorrow.

My Silly Kids

2009-03-10T10:49:00.003-05:00

I know I have already blogged plenty today but I just noticed that Flickr now lets you upload one video for free... I have a few to choose from and it was a toss up between Kailey smiling when she was a few months old, Alyssa being her crazy self, or Ty in his cowboy outfit for his Bday... I am obviously born and bred in the south ok? So that ruled out Ty's vid since I sounded pretty bad there lol and Alyssa was just herself in this vid so it won out. Without further Ado... I give you Alyssa!
Wait.. what you can add vids here too? ugh am I an awful blogger or what... I might have to add all three now.. lol or not it takes forever so we'll see here's Yssa now..

I'm afraid to add them to youtube lol

Try Something New Tuesday

2009-03-10T07:20:00.003-05:00

I have internet now! Finally. We dropped dish for internet which stinks just a little because I can't play cartoons for the kids when I want to knit so we'll have to see what I come up with for that.

We're having revival all week at church and since I'm on the praise team I need to be there every night.. Oh and DH helps work the sound/power point/video cam, so he needs to be there too. So what does that mean? VERY crazy week that I probably won't get any knitting done and not much housework either. My dad stopped by yesterday unexpectedly for an hour or so and I was scrambling at last minute which was specifically what Ben asked me not to do... lol. We did not have nursery and probably won't the rest of the week... yikes. With 3 under 3 that's a really bad thing.. especially when Mom and Dad have parts in the service where they cannot sit with kids. So as usual I hand my kids off seperately most of the time to different people who I know don't mind and/or like to keep them for worship service. Ben keeps Kailey in the sound room with him but I wish I could strap her on and take her on stage with me.. it's actually not as loud up there as it is in the pews... especially where I stand (that's a rant all it's own) let's just say we can't hear a whole lot of singing where I stand with another harmony person.
Anyways Sunday night was great but last night... the kids acted up.. of course. We first got there and they were full of energy running around even after reminders that this was God's house and he doesn't like you to run (oops that happens in service sometimes.. maybe I should specify) around. Then after singing, (I sung last "Heaven" by Nicole C Mullen.. and I was scared) and my voice nearly leaving me because I couldn't hear the singing part and we did all fast songs, I tried to sit down with the kids in the back near a door. When I got them back they both had marker or pen all over there arms and legs.. now I don't get fussy over stuff like that.. it happens.. but really.. that much marker? Most of it came off this morning. They stayed quiet maybe 15mins in to the service and then Alyssa goes "I have to go peepee" and shot out of there like a cannon leaving me scrambling things together and Ty to go follow her and make sure she doesn't end up wet. I ended up in the nursery but no one else was there and I couldn't leave the kids to tell Ben we either needed to go or give me Kailey because I'm stuck in there and she needs to eat. They have a tv with the service in there but sometimes its hard to look at that wall when the kids are always behind you.. it's weird because the nursery is divided with a gate in half so little little ones can be in swings or beds without the bigger little ones bugging them. When we though the Evangalist was wrapping up we finally left. Oh and I found two of our preteens hiding out in the nursery with the lights out... the service was on but probably so they could see if anyone was coming for them.. ugh. I walked in gave them a look that said get back in the church and they left without a word. lol.

I made a meal schedule this week since we're low on supplies and kids have to be fed before service every night. I don't have the option of hot dogs or anything easy like that because we ate it already (oops). Oh and for Try Something New Tuesday.. I am cooking Porkchops for the first time... oh boy we'll just have to see what happens. I have to look up how to cook it after this but I just plan to poor bbq sauce over it afterwards lol. I have a recipe I've been meaning to put up for Oatmeal Candy which I made last night to take to church but of course saved some. They are nearly gone and the kids keep finding them and sneaking some.

Kailey is outgrowing her GMD yellow edge prefolds and they are not enough absorbancy anymore. I guess I have yet another heavy wetter. So, I'm getting together my used woolies to sell to buy a new dz or two and I have yet to sew her some diapers... bad mommy. I really do have to buckle down and sew next week. Which makes it a sad 2 weeks for knitting and I have so much to do still. The weather has been really nice as of late about 70's for a high, but of course "If you don't like the weather in Alabama, wait 24 hours." It now really feels like spring is coming soon.. which is all the more reason to hurry and knit!

6 months old

2009-03-03T10:12:00.002-06:00

Kailey had her 6m appointment yesterday and she is in 10% for weight and head circumference but 50% in weight. That's pretty close to the other two except Ty's big noggin so I'm not worried. He said she was well proportioned just petite. She can still fit in her small sheepy pants right now which is great since I haven't made mediums as pants but capri length. He also said that Alyssa does not have ringworm on her face but it is excema like her sis. Oh and she swallowed a dime 3 days ago and we haven't seen it yet but she keeps getting to the potty before I know what she is doing lol.

I finished a pair of shorts for Ty but plan on at least 2 more for him. I'm still debating trying a crochet one to sleep in but I couldn't get the pdf formula thing to work out right last time and the pants came out big so I stopped making them. I'd rather read a ready made one or do my own formula than plug in numbers and let that thing decide. ugh. I would like to make him for homemade things but not sure what to do.. other than I know he loves hat so maybe I could make a few.. :) he would love that.

I haven't used my dyes yet still *pout* because I can't find mason jars to mix it in and I still don't have a pot yet. Maybe the thrift store will have both but I have ventured to one yet. I am almost out of dyed yarn though so I don't have much of a choice if I am going to get Ty's shorts done.

WOW

2009-03-01T13:56:00.004-06:00

Alabama has crazy weather.. but it rarely snows and if it does it does not stick..... but guess what!
That is part of our backyard and it was a little over 2 inches deep before the noon sun came and took it all away. I couldn't get a snowman out of it because it was all powder and wouldn't stick but we all had fun!

I didn't get one of DH because he was the one throwing all the snowballs!

I just finished up the rainbow dress and am now making shoes to match. The only other WIP right now is two sheepy pants one for Kailey and the other for Ty.

Finished Projects

2009-02-25T10:30:00.002-06:00

I'm not fond of this one but it will serve its purpose right?
Curly Purly waistband with Sheepy Time Knits body. I crocheted the legs since it's faster :)
Yay 3 dresses complete. I tried both of Alyssa's on and this first one has a bit of a funny fit on her (could be my sewing skills...) and the second is a bit large and needs some ribbon or icord to tie it back. It keeps falling off of her shoulders. I have never gathered fabric before so I used my least favorite prints first. I still need to try Kailey's on though. Oh and I made a few changes to the pattern like making the top of the ribcage strap in garter so it doesn't roll and changed the decreases at the bodice to k1, ssk, knit til last 3, k2tog, k1, so it wasn't rolled over and rough. I had to iron them to get it flat enough to sew as it was!

An update to this post:
These turned out to be big for both girls and I did not sew ribbon to the straps. I squeezed the button at the waist through the knitting to tighten this up for Alyssa the one time she has worn it so far. I will probably have to do the same for Kailey.
Update: This one fits Alyssa big also so I added ribbon, located on each side, in the last knit row before the fabric by inserting through the stitches and tying a knot. The shoulders straps tend to fall off but I did use a larger gauge yarn and the 12m size numbers so I didn't expect it to be exactly right. I'm pretty sure I added the 4 sts under each arm as suggested also.

I still have 2 dresses going and 2 sheepy pants.

I've been an awfully good girl

2009-02-25T09:53:00.004-06:00

Wow I had a great weekend, and on top of that finished a chore that had been haunting me! When Kailey was born I went in to commando mode and got every thing done.. all clothes.. dishes.. it was awful. I didn't have enough time for anything it seemed like and I stressed out and eventually gave up breastfeeding.. and I Really hate that I did. I've always felt like I missed out and wasn't fully a mom because I didn't ever do that. I pumped for 6 months for my son who was a preemie but that was the best I did. Anyways what brought that up is this. I have been given some clothes for Kailey from lots of people.. and all sizes of course. So what's the problem? I now have 5 people to wash and dry clothes for and 2-3 kids to wash dipes for daily. (good thing I don't mind folding clothes... once I get started that is lol) They kept piling up in Kailey's little bedroom... unsorted clothes.. a lot the wrong season for her age but anyways... My husband also decided that since Kailey wasn't using her crib (she sleeps in a swing) that he could throw the clean clothes in there from the dryer because he hates them to be in baskets and in the way anywhere (small house). So what happened? well they piled up of course. Her room was a HUGE mess and I was picking clothes out of a crib for the kids to wear and folding my husbands as needed.. I know awful lol. I got up the will power tuesday and almost knocked it all out. I had 6 garbage bags to take to the building of clothes Kailey grew out of (I had sizes 0-6 she wore.. and the various unknowns), and some Alyssa and Ty couldn't fit in anymore either. DH came home and said "that's a nice start". Ugh.

My weekend... My mom went shopping with me and bought me an Easter dress, church outfit, 2 pairs of shoes (Payless BOGO), a purse, socks, and the kids some summer clothes. Of course she tried on a lot of clothes too and got a few things for herself. One funny thing, we have closer tastes in clothing now.. which we never had before.

New Strategy

2009-02-20T10:48:00.002-06:00

I figured out recently that I have a permanent case of 'startitus', you know when you have all these wonderful ideas in your head but you complicate and change them so much that you never actual start working on them? Yup that's me! lol. Now if some one asks me to do something, it gets done (well that may be a bit different for my husband lol.. I'm sure he'd give you a different answer!) So I have a new approach. I now have 4 size US7 needles , two are 16' and 2 are interchangeable Knit Picks Options. I now have multiple projects going at the moment so I have several to just pick up and take with me.. if I dare bear the scrutiny my husband gives when I do such an unthinkable thing. He'd rather I socialize but I guess he doesn't think that I can do multiple things at once... plus I'm not so great at the socializing part anyways hehe.

Now that my thumb feels better I'm a little suprised at how much more I get done this way... though if you look at my que.. it's a little one-sided at the moment since all of the yarn I previously dyed was girly colors. I still need a pot to use my new cushings dyes and therefore am kind of stuck in a loophole.

I love animals and I used to have 2 great cats when I was a teenager that I kept when I married Ben, but they didn't get along with Alyssa when she was born.. and unfortunately had to go.... One constantly jumped on top of her, over her face like she slept on me and the other was simply terrified. Poor things, I felt they would be happier with someone else and DH was tired of changing out the litter since I couldn't touch it. (hehe) Well, he is now trying to bribe me in to a kitty for Alyssa. She adores animals too and her favorite is of course kitties. She loves her Papaw's 4 (used to be 5) cats but they are skiddish and don't want anything to do with her. We tried getting a dog once. My grandmother used to breed Shih-Tzu's but I had too many other poopy beings to clean up after and thought I would get another chance for one later... didn't know my grandfather would soon die and that wouldn't be possible.. but anyways.
So what is he bargaining with you ask? In exchange for a kitty he wants to have no more kids.... not fair at all... I tried to say.. for as long as we have the cat no kids.. but that didn't work. Darn.
We once adopted a cute stray I named Misty (she was a grey color with white paws.. Misty gray in color) but our neighbors took her.. I don't know if it was theirs to begin with or not but they had some people staying with them and the boy was quite rude and made Alyssa cry saying it wasn't her cat. I still don't know where a litter box would go.. especially since Kailey will be crawling in the next few months.. o boy out come the gates again.
Pics will be up shortly on how the dresses, tops, and soakers are coming along.
I am considering making Alyssa a few Acrylic capris to go along with her tops and dresses.. plus I need to get rid of the stuff.. it's like Kudzu it multiplies like sand in a house at the beach. Beach great..don't even want to think about bathing suites...

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

2009-02-10T16:54:00.004-06:00

WTH was I thinking? I am usually a very calm person. It really does take a lot to make me angry. But it didn't help that I didn't sleep AT ALL last night.. I kind of couldn't plus I read nearly a whole 600pg book and didn't sleep *stupid*. It sounded ok at the time and I reasoned with myself that I just recently had a nb so I should still be ok will loss of sleep right? Well I enjoyed my book though was in a haze by morning since I haven't slept well lately anyways. By midday I was ok though still tired. To my point though...

Yesterday my daughter literally tore a hole in her box springs(minus the springs) and was sleeping in it! UGH I was so scared of my husbands reaction and ... he laughed.. not something I would think he would normally do. These stupid destructive tendencies happen pretty much every day with the older two. Anyways he brought home more suprises, a cookie cake and guitar strings and another book.

That was the bad here is the ugly. Today.. dd1 decided to make more michief of course (can you tell I'm still livid!) I was vaccuming my bedroom and went to put it away in the laundry room to find that she had poured water in a brand new (used for 2 bottles) can of formula.... It was ruined and my last one and was supposed to last until we got paid again. Sometimes I feel helplessly caught in this distructive chaos wondering why I can't be more on top of things. Like I said I don't normally get mad but played in with sleep deprivation I grabbed up the can and flung it in the sink... at the same time I was on the phone with my FIL because he called the second I picked up the phone to call DH... He was next door at my Grandmother IL's came over took one look then left.. called DH. I have a huge gash in my thumb and then a small lateral cut too that took a bit to stop bleeding.. all this hurting myself of course happened with him on the phone and I just may have cursed or at least said half of one unable to finish (I DO NOT want to or like to curse). I really can't remember all that well since I was aggrivated not talking to who I wanted to....cut.. and had formula spash up all at the same time.... It's hard to do anything and I'm wondering if I will be able to comfortable knit for a few days... great

It doesn't seem fair to add the good in with this glum rant of a post but I suppose it needs it and the title suggests it's pressence. (the more books I read the more my mind and speach mimmick that of written literature and novels... on the norm I feel I have dummed down since out of school and me time.. honestly) The above mentioned suprises count in this part but I also recieved my dyes in the mail unexpectadly and... something else. Some Peace Fleece from a good friend Katidids.. still haven't charged my camera yet. Thanks Katie!

Maybe I can calm down now but I have 3 kids screaming.. one hungry and her formula I know it pretty much ruined... I think I can salvage some from the bottom (there was a wooden spoon in there like Alyssa was going to stir it.....) and I have a good mess to clean up and I really need a shower but I think that will have to wait.... I feel sick and I'm not sure what upsets me the most.. the waste, the constant episodes of destruction, my innability to catch them before they happen, the nasty smell of soy milk all over my counter and clothes, or the smell of blood....

Ironically I am reading a Vampire/Wearwolfe book...

My hand hurts... this is where there would normally be a nervous lol

Pics

2009-02-09T09:53:00.005-06:00

Even though my camera needs charged, and my flickr is pretty much full I decided I had to shares these. The one with all the different choices of yarn for the top is my favorite.. it was very hard not to ask for 5 yards of it lol.

Can you tell I love purple and shades of teal? I really do lean towards cool colors.. other than pink.

Happy Birthday to me...

2009-02-09T08:45:00.003-06:00

It's my birthday!
This weekend the weather was SO nice that I *almost* pulled out a sleeveless shirt.. but I didn't have any capris since my others were maternity (and I would so wear them if I didn't feel guilty) and my other pair well doesn't fit yet! It was 70is out! Alyssa ran out of the house that morning going crazy in the yard and not wanting to come back in Saturday morning lol.
The teen's vday party went pretty good. There was lasagna, cookie cake, and salad. (I only like one of those.. guess which haha) Ben brought the speakers and receiver from the house and played them some music to dance to. He 'tried' to dance with me. Ok. He danced with me but he has very long feet plus he's 6+ inches taller than me so some things are a bit harder lol. It was a nice gesture until he started being his crazy self and acting innopropriately in church (it was at the church) So I quit dancing with him and told him that was for later.
He suprised me with 2 books for my bday friday. I didn't think I would like them but, it doesn't take long until I am wrapped up tightly in just about any fiction book. I have this way of getting lost or consumed in it furiously reading as if it was my life unfolding in ink. He knows I like series for than novels and so far this one has 4 in it but he got me 2 with a promise for more later :).
Sunday after church my mom took us out to Ruby Tuesdays for my birthday. The kids were tired and it wasn't all that easy.. my grilled chicken sandwhich's wheat bun was soaking with grease (yuck! maybe I should have ordered a steak that I knew would come back cooked more than medium rare...) I think restraunts get afraid when you want it uncooked! I hate it when meat is overcooked.. all flavor gone so it has to be smothered in sauce. Like I said, Oh well. I'm not much for cake or icecream.. I'd rather have frenchfries smothered in melted cheese with bacon sprinkled on top... mmmmmmm Outback Steakhouse! See these bad craving habits I have to break! lol.
I think maybe I should reconsider not starting a bunch of projects at once since I have a procrastinating type personallity.. if some one asks me to do something sure I'll hop to it to make them happy.. otherwise.... well it wasn't asked of me lol. I often have no knitting to take with me places because I start 1 or 2 things and finish them before allowing myself another.
Can you tell I just decided to ramble today? Oh yeah Saturday I talked Ben in to going to Hancock Fabrics.. well he knows I've been saying I want to go but was backing out of it now that I had a chance so he talked ME in to going even though we would have to rush to get back in time for the Vday party. They had a sale 30-40% off of cotton fabrics and I picked up 4 or 5 prints to make the girls some dresses for the summer. Alyssa and Ben went to Toys R Us nearby while I looked around (I can't stand his hovering and boredness looming over my shoulder!) So now I need some cute cotton yarn for the tops.. yes I spent some of my bday money on this.... lol Don't I always? I did want to make them cute things to wear so what's wrong with that?

It was SO hard to choose just a few. The place was crowded and there I was with my little buggy and 10 bolts of fabric in there by the time I went through to make my final disicion. I love color what can I say? I would probably have little fabric swatch photos all over my house if I wasn't married lol....
TTFN!

Finished

2009-02-05T09:50:00.005-06:00

The Tea Party skirty is fixed and finished. This little thing took a lot longer than it should have to fix problems and started over 2 times after the skirt was nearly finished. Otherwise I don't think it would take all that long. The front of the soaker underneath has a patch of purple because I ran out of that pink/coral color.

Mishaps and Tryouts

2009-02-05T09:34:00.004-06:00

We used to have this great little pizza place about 1/2 mile down the road that had wheat crust and was Oh so good! They unfortunatly being in a small area didn't have enough business (and didn't deliver because of that) and closed. I see pizza delivery cars all around here too.. his pizza tasted so much better than theirs!
So, tried to make a homemade pizza Tuesday night. I used the crust recipe from here. There are so many recipes for the dough and sauce that it's a little daunting. I put too much garlic in the sauce! lol It was my first time to chop garlic and I didn't do a very good job obviously and didn't have time to find out what a 'clove' was. Here is how it looks though and I have 3 more crusts in the freezer.

The family verdict: Ben ate it but definitely thought there was too much garlic, said the crust was 'ok'. Alyssa liked it and ate her piece.. she's the least picky eater of the 2 and Tyler who normally only eats it for the bread didn't like it all that much since it was wheat. I liked the crust personally and knew there was too much garlic. Overall I liked it but would probably buy jarred sauce next time unless another recipe appeals to me better.

As if that wasn't enough mishap (to have garlic breath that strong!) lol Wed, I did a nice little number on our carpet, one of my favorite baskets, and the shelf that holds my cloth diapers. I ran out of cloths wipes and went to grab another stack on the top shelf when it knocked over a bottle of fingernail polish that I was keeping away from the kids... but in all fairness was not put away where it should have been. It hit my metal snap press and exploded. Pink sparkly mess everywhere(and Ty was still laying in the floor with diaper open and poopy!). I was on my way out the door to get Alyssa from K3 when it happened too and ended up late and with fingernail polish all over.....