tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84636099218680380152024-03-12T18:14:51.763-07:00Buzzing Around the Apple TreeA peek inside my little world as a stay at home mom, with crafts to spare, love to go around, two A's and an E! Plus me! Tabby.Tabbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04865744687795678912noreply@blogger.comBlogger82125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8463609921868038015.post-15062390406150794572015-01-20T08:58:00.001-08:002015-01-20T08:58:35.323-08:00A Baby StoryHow long has it been? Too long! My last blog post was back in February, so sorry about that! I was drifting back before I got pregnant and then all my energy went out the window, between early pregnancy and working a new job and wrangling the two A's in the evenings. Phew! Now there's three little ones! And fortunately, unfortunately, I'm once again a stay at home mommy. LOVING IT!! To ease curious minds, I'm about to tell you the birth story of my littlest love. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/08/25/1389.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/08/25/s_1389.jpg' border='0' width='299' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I could tell early on that this baby was going to be big. On more than one occasion strangers made comments about me being ready to pop (at 26 weeks), asked me if it were twins and finding out it was just one asked me if I was due soon, and twice asked if it was a boy because of the way I was carrying. Nope, all girl, just one. <br /><br />My original due date was July 17th, but I had two episodes of bleeding, once in the first trimester and again at 34 weeks that landed me in preterm labor and an overnight hospital stay, so I was scheduled for induction on July 10th. My mom came over the night before to stay with Amelia and Alyssa since we were to be there at 7:15am. I got a call at 5:15am saying that they had no room for me and to call back at 9. I called back, still no room, call back at 12. Still no room, call back at 3. Then at 3:45 they called me and said to come in at 4:30 and they would have a room ready for me. Elliott shook his head and said there would be no way we could make it to the hospital in time, my mom had left for awhile and hadn't made it back yet and it was rush hour traffic to the hospital which is in the city. I told him we had been sitting on our hands all day so they could wait for us! We made it there at 5pm and still had to wait for my nurse to be ready. By the way, look what I made for each if my nurses. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/08/25/1390.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/08/25/s_1390.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Little coin purses! Each nurse got one with little goodies inside. They all really liked them and luckily I had made enough! <br /><br />When we got into the room I was hooked up to the monitors. I was contracting pretty regularly and I could actually feel a lot of pressure already, as a matter of fact I contracted regularly throughout my whole pregnancy and these felt stronger but didn't feel quite real yet. I had one contraction that I swore to Elliott I thought my water would have broken with because there was so much pressure, but it didn't. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/08/25/1394.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/08/25/s_1394.jpg' border='0' width='299' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />My nurse then set me up with my IV, but she blew out my vein. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/08/25/1397.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/08/25/s_1397.jpg' border='0' width='299' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Twice. <br /><br />My doctor came in and checked me, I was 2-3 cm and 50% effaced at 6:25pm and he broke my water and they started me on potocin at a 1. The contractions came rather quickly, but weren't too bad at first. Elliott and I joked around and watched tv. Not long after Elliott asked me when I get my epidural and I told him whenever I wanted. He suggested that I get it pretty quick and just like that the contractions picked up and I almost couldn't stand it, we called my nurse and she ordered the epidural for me. When the anesthesiologist came in and they sat me up I could feel her head, I almost told them to check me again because it felt like too much! <br /><br />I was able to get the epidural though, through tears and contractions, Elliott supporting me the whole time by standing in front of me and letting me squeeze his arms. Once the epidural was in I was laid back and was checked for dilation again, I was a 7!! I almost missed my chance to get the epidural! If you don't know they won't let you get it passed 8 cm. My nurse rolled me over on my left side to get the epidural working and after a few minutes (the epidural hasn't taken full effect yet) I told my nurse, "this is going to sound stupid, but can you check me again?" Having had two kids already I knew the feeling I was having. It feels like she's trying to come out of my butt and the amount of pressure is unbelievable! She turned me to my back and checked me, she said there was only a little bit of cervix left but I would be ready in the next few contractions. <br /><br />My doctor was called and my nurse set up the room, put my legs up and let me practice push a little. The epidural was enough to take the pain away but I could feel all the pressure and burning that accompanies the stretching, I never got to experience that with the other two, when I got epidurals with them I was completely numb and couldn't feel anything! When my doctor got in he commented on how she wasn't another red head, that she had dark hair, a lot of it. I laughed and said what are the odds! Elliott and I joked about having a dark headed baby since we're both lighter, though the older I get the darker my hair gets. <br /><br />The nurses grabbed my legs and held them back for me, which I didn't care for I wished I could have held my own legs back, I would have felt more in control but I couldn't get my hands down enough to grab them because of the wires and things attached to my hands and arms. I started pushing, I could feel it all! It was awesome!! Her shoulders got stuck a little but through some harder pushes she was out in less than 5 minutes. I saw and felt her leave my body, she was humongous! All gray and slippery, but she wasn't making any noise. The nurses took her from the doctor and were rubbing her with blankets and towels getting her warm and clean, but still no noise. The doctor sort of forced Elliott to cut the cord, because he had refused to the last two times (blood makes him uneasy), but the doctor put the scissors in his hands and made him cut it! I loved that and my doctor for doing that, I think he might of regretted not doing it for his last baby, at least!<br /><br />The NICU was called in because she still hadn't had a really good cry and I was so anxious because I thought something was really wrong and no one was really telling me anything. Later I asked Elliott what happened and he told me he really didn't understand it either because she was awake and alert, looking around at everyone. That made me feel better about it because no one told me she was fine besides not crying. <br /> <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/08/25/1398.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/08/25/s_1398.jpg' border='0' width='299' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />She made her grand entrance at 8:15pm, an hour and fifty minutes of labor! The nurses all joked that I would not have made it to the hospital had I went into labor on my own. I'm ok that I didn't labor on my own knowing that! She was 9 lbs even and 20 inches long, bruised face and all! Poor girl came down and out so fast that it bruised her face (looks like her hand too), she had some trouble with congestion and the spits because of it for a few days. The girls absolutely adore her and love to hold and kiss her. They have this unspoken game between them of who can kiss her the most before mom makes them stop. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/08/25/1400.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/08/25/s_1400.jpg' border='0' width='299' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Daddy is smitten with his new little girl, but she seems to be turning out to be a mommy's girl like Amelia, but that's ok because Alyssa is daddy's girl. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/08/25/1401.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/08/25/s_1401.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />This was our first night at home without daddy. It was a sad night and we missed him dearly, but it was fun to be home with them by myself. Some nights are better than others though, from all the girls. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/08/25/1402.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/08/25/s_1402.jpg' border='0' width='299' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />And I think she looks the most like me, sans the hair. And she's constantly milk drunk! We all adore her and its like she's always been here with us. My little family feels like its complete with my three girls and my bearded husband. <br />We all love our little Georgia Anne. <br />Tabbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04865744687795678912noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8463609921868038015.post-86108990367724089532014-02-26T17:32:00.001-08:002014-02-26T17:35:10.978-08:00Let's Get Real about Feelings<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/02/26/1146.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/02/26/s_1146.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Monday was the big day, the big appointment that every pregnant mother waits for to see if her intuition was right or very, very wrong. To see the best kept secret that anyone every kept. It was anatomy scan day. It was a very emotional day anyway, with some arguing between Elliott and I, mostly made up in my own head, and a busy day at work, because Mondays are always busy. <br /><br />When I got home we had lunch and scurried to get ready, because let's face it we always run late for everything. We meant to leave at 1, maybe 1:10, but we pulled out of the driveway at 1:16. Not too bad! Then we were on our merry way. Amelia in the back asking for gum, Alyssa playing with her friends asking for a book I couldn't reach. <br /><br />When we got there Alyssa and I went to the bathroom (yep! My not-yet-two year old is potty trained! She only wears diapers at night). Then the sono tech came to get us. I still held onto the belief that baby #3 was a little boy and when I didn't see the hamburger I got my hopes up very high and then I saw the tell tale girl sign and my hopes came down with a sudden crash. I couldn't stop the tears and I didn't because I knew I would feel worse later if I did. I let go, just let myself feel the disappointment that this was our last child and it wasn't a boy, it's a third healthy girl, who did a complete flip and showed us again that she wasn't playing. Elliott tried to lighten my self pity because I promised him he could say "told you so" and he did. He and Amelia knew the entire time it was a girl. The sono tech (a very sweet lady we've come to know over the years) gave me a hug when Elliott and the girls left, telling how lucky we were and that what I was feeling was natural. I know, and I wasn't upset she was a girl! I'm used to girls, I love my girls. I was just disappointed that our little boy would never be. <br /><br />After we left I really just let go, the kind of cry that gives you the upset gasps. I felt bad. She couldn't help that she was a girl, and I loved her already anyway so why did her gender make a difference? It didn't, I was just changing my dream and its a painful thing to do. Then Elliott told me her name, which I can't tell because I have been sworn to double pinky swear secrecy, and then I knew this was meant to be, and I was fine. <br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/02/26/1147.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/02/26/s_1147.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />I had thought back on it and I had prayed that God would know my heart and give me the type of babe that would complete our family. I feared that if the baby was a boy I might subconsciously favor him or treat him differently than the girls. Because every pregnancy I thought they were boys. I really wouldn't know what to do with a boy anyway!! Then yesterday I went to kiss the girls before I left for work, and their round sleeping faces gleamed from the hall light and I knew I had been truly blessed to say that I have three daughters. I have three little girls that adore their daddy and look up to me (well, the third will one day). How can I feel anything but happy and overjoyed? Then everything was extremely right with the world and I left behind the dream of a blue baby forever and started dreaming of prom dresses and hair do's, lunch dates at the mall, and just hanging out with these three beautiful little girls who I assume will grow into beautiful young women. <br /><br />Elliott is over the moon because he knows he will never be short on admirers and that he knows how to take care of girls. He looked at me in the car sideways and said, "there is going to be yarn everywhere..." He's right, these little girls are going to be amazing yarn artists if I have anything to say about it! I am so thankful for the three healthy children Go has blessed me with and I can't wait to learn how to French braid finally. But first, I have to find the perfect blanket to make for her! :-)<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/02/26/1161.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/02/26/s_1161.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br />Tabbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04865744687795678912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8463609921868038015.post-10414570568420607572014-02-06T12:50:00.001-08:002014-02-06T12:50:38.922-08:00You Just CannotI'm a religious person, not outwardly so. I cuss, though I never take the Lord's name in vain. I try not to be a gossip or talk bad about people and above all else, I definitely try not to judge people. Sometimes God gives you something that just smacks you right in the face and you can't ignore it.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/02/06/625.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/02/06/s_625.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The other day we were eating dinner or lunch, I can't remember which now, and Alyssa was handing me her cup telling me, "I 'ant more." The cup was clearly full from the looks and I had just refilled it. I told her she could have more when she was done. She told me she wanted more ketchup. No, you already have some on your plate. She then repeated these demands. I was losing this battle because she wasn't listening. I finally told her,<br /><br />"You cannot have more when you already have enough." <br /><br />I stopped in my tracks. This is the answer to life! We cannot keep searching for more stuff when we already have enough, we cannot have more love when we already have enough. Life is enough. How can you have more than you have at this moment when what you have is enough in this moment? The answer is, you cannot have more when you already have enough. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/02/06/626.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/02/06/s_626.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />And then I cried a little, but I cry a little at everything these days. God never gives us more than we can handle and I believe that's true in all things, happiness, grief, anger, joy, love, etc. So why is it we constantly looking into the future to see a better existence when the answers we're looking for are in front of us. Our enough is enough. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/02/06/627.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/02/06/s_627.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I can't pretend that I don't so these things, I'm a "if this, than that..." Type of person. But when I said that to Alyssa my eyes opened and my heart felt lifted. These girls are enough, this bean inside me is enough, Elliott is enough, my life is enough, I do not need more. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/02/06/628.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/02/06/s_628.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />And who could truly ask for more? These guys are pretty amazing (Elliott included). I'm so incredibly lucky and in love with my life and with Elliott. We've built this "enough" together and it's taken me this long to grasp how meaningful it actually is. I love these girls who are so well behaved and listen for the most part, but they are only 4 and 2 (almost). I could not ask for more. <br />Tabbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04865744687795678912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8463609921868038015.post-45111588418210344442014-01-30T18:21:00.001-08:002014-01-30T18:21:20.443-08:00Betcha Didn't Know...<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/01/30/1604.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/01/30/s_1604.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The Tree is expecting a new apple! This one should be here around July, and as far as I know there is only one in there even though I feel huge for 16 weeks. It was rather unexpected and unplanned, I had started my new job on November 5th and on November 10th I realized my nervous stomach wasn't a nervous stomach at all, it was a pregnancy hormone stomach. I worked on that Saturday and Elliott brought me breakfast, after I ate it I knew that feeling. I fretted the rest of my shift and made a trip to the dollar store, bought some tests and a bottle of water. When I got home I snuck to the bathroom and secretly took the test. My best friend, also pregnant, was the first to know because she had been teasing me that I was pregnant. Oh how I denied it all! The line showed up pretty faint at first and then a little darker. Crap. Elliott was outside taking laundry down and I rushed outside to tell him without the girls around. "How do you feel about a July baby?" I asked. The bucket slunk on his shoulder, "are you serious?" I nodded and showed him the test and burst into tears. This wasn't what we had planned and it hit is like a blast of cold air. <br />We spent the next few days not really talking about anything because we were both in shock. I accepted it pretty quick because what can you do but embrace it? He needed a kick in the butt a little, I reminded him that I needed his support just as much as I was trying to support him and he turned around after that. The weeks have flown by though and we play fight about the gender, he says girl I say boy, same as we always say, except this time I really think its a boy. I don't feel anything like I did with my girls! But we'll be finding out come the end of February, and either gender we'll be happy as long as its healthy! The girls say its a boy too and I keep dreaming about it. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/01/30/1605.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/01/30/s_1605.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Work is going good! I get to crochet when not busy helping customers, which I thoroughly enjoy because once I get home it's rare if I have the energy to much more than cook and clean up after cooking, bathe the girls and throw them and myself into bed. I forgot what it looks like after 9:30pm and if I'm adventurous enough to start watching a show/tv I hardly ever make it more than 15 minutes. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/01/30/1606.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/01/30/s_1606.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I started a new project for my pregnant best friend who is happily expecting a girl! I hope she likes the colors I picked out, I didn't intend for them to look so Valentine-y. I'm using Baby Love Brand's <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/chevron20">Chevron 2.0 pattern </a>. It's totally work the money to buy this amazing pattern, which isn't even that expensive to buy. This will be my third version of this blanket, the first one I made for my cousin's baby and the other was a boy version I did with left over neon yarn from <a target="_blank" href="http://buzzingaroundtheappletree.blogspot.com/2013/06/pcp-part-iii.html?m=0">Amelia's blanket. </a> One of the best things about the pattern is its super fast and easy! <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/01/30/1607.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/01/30/s_1607.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I have so many things to talk about in all aspects but I think I'll leave those behind and move forward because I tend to ramble anyway and I would feel like I missed something and try to dredge up more memories about things and ramble more. If that makes any sense! The girls are excellent. Alyssa will be 2 in two-ish months and I'm more ok with it than I was with her turning one, but getting older is something no one can help. She's talking in long sentences and is such a crack up! And very stubborn. I think she'll be keeping her copper locks but I just wish her hair would grow! <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/01/30/1608.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/01/30/s_1608.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Amelia's hair is finally growing and she already needs another hair cut, she just had one last month, it's mostly her bangs though. She's mouthy and opinionated like most soon-to-be four year olds I guess. She's pretty special though, she takes good care of her sister and herself. She's been doing a really good job keeping her room clean, yesterday I couldn't find her so I called her, asked her what she was doing and she said she was cleaning her room. When I asked why she said because it was messy! She definitely gets that from her daddy, thank goodness! <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/01/30/1609.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/01/30/s_1609.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Speaking of daddy... Look at this guy! He bought the girls bibs, Amelia doesn't care for them because they're not girly enough but Alyssa loves them and they both look adorable in them. He bakes cupcakes with them occasionally and he brings some up to my work to share. The house is always clean now because of him, and I love coming home to have lunch withy favorite people. I miss him everyday I'm at work and I can't look at my pictures on my phone because it makes me want to run out the door and speed home. Lately I've had to stay late at work because we're short handed and I don't mind, but it cuts our already short time together to next to nothing. We have a new hire coming in February so it shouldn't be for too much longer! <br /><br />Tabbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04865744687795678912noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8463609921868038015.post-76729415645679517642013-12-11T19:56:00.001-08:002013-12-11T19:56:53.692-08:00All Words Many, many things have changed in the last few months, only one I'm ready to talk about:<br /><br />Halloween day, Amelia went with Elliott's parents and had a day out with them, then Elliott needed to run some errands. God was directing us this day, I guarantee it. I needed to make a deposit at my bank and Elliott suggested we stop at a different branch. I agreed. There was a sign up for a position that was open and I got my hopes up a little. I worked at this particular bank before Amelia was born so I knew the job. Then I saw the hours. 645a-12p!<br /><br />Holla'!<br /><br />It was perfect. I got an application and then started to second guess it all. Do I take the job if its offered to me? Will they take me back? What about the girls? Can Elliott wake up with the girls since he works second shift? What about grocery shopping? But the money would be nice...<br /><br />Then Elliott talked me into it and I got super excited about all of it. I emailed the HR lady and told her I was applying, turned in my application that day too. They called me the next morning and offered me an interview for that same day. I went in and talked to the manager and the HR lady and was home within an hour. My mom was there having watched the girls and had put them down for naps. So we crocheted together and talked about how awesome it would be, but it would be ok if I didn't get it. <br /><br />I looked at my phone to check the time and it began to ring. It was them! They offered me the job! Then more defeating thoughts; what if they don't like me? What if I can't remember how to do this? What about the girls? What about our family time? Elliott, all the while, being extremely supportive. <br /><br />I started work on the 5th of November and was doing transaction that day, and was in my own station the third day. There are things I remember and then there are things I have to ask for help with, but I'm only human and that was almost four years ago. And I love it. I miss the girls and Elliott, and Amelia has begged me on more than one occasion to not go to work tomorrow. It's hard some days but others it's like we've been doing this forever, and none of this would work if Elliott wasn't as amazing as he is. He has settled into his role as super dad pretty comfortably and the girls are mostly behaved for him,<br />Amelia more than Alyssa. But still I miss them more than I let on sometimes. They get to do all kinds of fun things now that we have some extra income. I wish I could join them but it's nice that they get to bond.<br /><br />I had forgotten what it's like to be an adult, to wear real clothes and jewelry, to have adult conversations with other adults who I didn't meet at a playgroup. (Don't get me wrong, I love my mommy friends!) But these are women I didn't meet with kids attached to our hips, fighting over toys and someone going to open the closed door for the nth time. I struggled with how to be a grown up for the first few weeks but I think I finally figured it out. Maybe. I still get made fun of for it, all in jest though. <br /><br />Life is in a new groove and it feels right, but sometimes I definitely miss the way it was. Don't we all miss the things we leave behind? <br /><br /><br />Tabbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04865744687795678912noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8463609921868038015.post-82743308796806880622013-10-14T19:31:00.001-07:002013-10-14T19:31:54.053-07:00Long Time No SeeI was looking for something the other day, a pattern to a project I once did and was hoping to do again. I looked for it on my trusty blog, and there it was right where I thought it would be. Then I began to look back at older posts. I miss blogging. I also miss that it was my own little yearbook of what was going on, what Amelia looked like, what Alyssa looked like. So I think I'll kick myself in the butt and kick off again. I just haven't had the energy to do it lately but doesn't mean I don't think about it. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/10/14/2274.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/10/14/s_2274.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />With two little rambunctious girls its easy to see where my energies go. Now that Alyssa is talking and has a mind of her own there are more fights and timeouts than I care to admit. But they do love each other. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/10/14/2275.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/10/14/s_2275.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Whenever Alyssa gets something before Amelia does she always asks for one for her big sister. It's the cutest thing. Amelia will go to preschool in the spring I think and I'm not sure how poor Alyssa will far without her. Though, now when Alyssa is an only child for a few hours here and there she's golden and sweet, hardly without fussing. But that's only for a few hours. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/10/14/2276.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/10/14/s_2276.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />But they are both amazing little people and I can't get over how wonderful they are, mostly. Somedays I just want to rip my hair out and hide in the bathroom with the doors locked, other days I watch them sleep because I miss them. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/10/14/2277.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/10/14/s_2277.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Anyway, I've been doing a ton of crafting. I designed this hat for my aunt who is a breast cancer survivor. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/10/14/2278.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/10/14/s_2278.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I even taught myself to knit. I mean I've known how to do the garter stitch but I could never grasp more than that. Some ladies through Instagram suggested continental style knitting and practice. One day the purl stitch just clicked in my head, then everything else made sense to me too! I felt like a flood of knowledge knocked open the block I had about knitting and my confidence for knitting is as strong as my crochet one... Almost anyway. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/10/14/2279.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/10/14/s_2279.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I crochet some things for my cousin's new baby due in December. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/10/14/2280.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/10/14/s_2280.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The shower was on the 5th of this month. I finished the blanket in early September and punished myself and finished the hat in the parking lot of where the shower was held. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/10/14/2281.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/10/14/s_2281.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Finished a quilt for my nephew a week before the birthday party. I meander quilted it and I absolutely love how it turned out. And there have been other crafts too, a ton more but I don't want to overwhelm anyone, least of all myself with trying to tell you all of them. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/10/14/2282.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/10/14/s_2282.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I do want to talk briefly on Mabel, our female corgi. Mabel had something called IVDD or <a target="_blank" href="http://www.petwave.com/Dogs/Health/Intervertebral-Disk-Disease/Symptoms.aspx">Intervertebral disc disease</a>. It was one of the scariest things I've ever experienced. One day she was perfectly normal, then the next day something was wrong and got worse as the day wore on. She couldn't control her back legs at first and couldn't jump on the couch when we called her and almost fell down the stairs. Then the next day she lost all function in her back legs. We called the emergency vet and they told us to bring her in. I feared the worse and that they would have to put her down, but thank goodness that wasn't the case at all. It's very common in corgis and other low laying dogs. The emergency vet guessed it was IVDD even before the MRI and told us she would have to have surgery to fix her back. <br />The next day they did the MRI and found exactly what they thought they would find. She had surgery and spent some time at in the care of the nurses and doctors. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/10/14/2283.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/10/14/s_2283.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We visited her while she was there and she was on some pain killers, if you can't tell by her eyes. The doctor said she was doing better than most dogs do when they get this, which made me happy. All the nurses loved Mabel, and I'm not surprised, Mabel is a very likable and friendly dog, she's everyone's friend! <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/10/14/2284.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/10/14/s_2284.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Tonka was very happy to have is sister home. As were the girls, Amelia kept asking what happened to Mabel's back and I can't tell you how many times we had to explain it. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/10/14/2285.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/10/14/s_2285.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I treated Mabel extra special and let her lay in bed with me once while she took a nap. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/10/14/2286.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/10/14/s_2286.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />And today she is doing much better, she walks mostly normal and can still run but more hoping like a rabbit rather than a corgi, and she's accepting her new limitations; no climbing the stairs, jumping furniture, not crawling under the bed, jumping up on people, or sitting up to beg for treats. But she doesn't mind being carried up and down the stairs or having her back rubbed when she looks like her back is bothering her. Her fur is starting to grow back, I just hope most of it comes back before it gets really cold out. The people at our emergency vet were amazing and didn't mind that we called before we went to bed to see how she was doing and first thing in the morning. She was my first baby, what can I say? We're all so thrilled her story ended so happily.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/10/14/2287.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/10/14/s_2287.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I'm sure she's happy about it too. <br />Tabbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04865744687795678912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8463609921868038015.post-70751705113089069912013-06-20T07:48:00.001-07:002013-06-20T07:49:39.525-07:00P.C.P part IIIGood lovely day to you! I hope you are having a wonderful day, we've had a busy week so far filled with appointments and running around of the town. I have a something to show you! <br><br><center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/06/20/941.jpg"><img src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/06/20/s_941.jpg" border="0" width="300" height="400" style="margin:5px"></a></center><br>I don't remember if I mentioned this project before. It's actually way old, I started it last year sometime so long ago I don't even remember when it was started. But it was for Amelia. I know when I first started it I told her it was for her but over time she forgot and I stopped reminding her. I was finally able to pick it back up and finish it. <br><br><center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/06/20/942.jpg"><img src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/06/20/s_942.jpg" border="0" width="300" height="400" style="margin:5px"></a></center><br>After I was determined to finish it for her it didn't take all that long. I worked on it at nap times and after the girls went to bed. At nap when Amelia would wake up she would tell me how much she loved the blanket and ask who it was for, the only answer I gave was it was or someone very special. She got really concerned when I bought some new yarn for a new blanket for Alyssa, she sweetly asked when I was going to make a blanket for her. How awful can a mommy feel when her little girl thinks that she would make all this neat stuff for others and not her. And by the way, Amelia has tremendous faith in the fact that I can make anything. Everyday she comes up with something new to add to her list of "mommy, make this for me," I'm up to a mermaid tail, a purse, several princess dresses, a cat possibly two cats actually, and other odds and ends. It's flattering and daunting at the same time, and I hope she always keeps that faith in me. <br><br><center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/06/20/943.jpg"><img src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/06/20/s_943.jpg" border="0" width="300" height="400" style="margin:5px"></a></center><br>She loves blankets anyway, not like Alyssa does though, Amelia is my animal baby and Alyssa is the blanket baby. Amelia is constantly stealing my blanket and dragging it around the house and hiding under it. <br><br><center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/06/20/944.jpg"><img src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/06/20/s_944.jpg" border="0" width="300" height="400" style="margin:5px"></a></center><br>The closer I got to the end the closer I got to spilling the beans. I'm not very good at keeping secrets of things that I'm making for anyone. I love to make things for others and I love to make others happy. When it was all finished I put it in a bag and gave it to her like a present because, well, it was a present! <br><br><center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/06/20/945.jpg"><img src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/06/20/s_945.jpg" border="0" width="300" height="400" style="margin:5px"></a></center><br>She has this weird lack of showing emotion she gets from her dad. She's a serious little girl that sometimes borders on painful! Haha! She was such a serious baby too, she would look at you like you were an idiot if you tried a new thing to make her laugh. She was so serious in fact she didn't do a lot of talking or babbling and being a first time mom I didn't worry about it because I didn't know about it, but comparing the way Alyssa babbles to the way Amelia didn't is mind blowing. Though when Amelia finally did start talking it was still in the normal time range but it was still a relief. Sorry, didn't mean to get sidetracked. <br><br><center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/06/20/946.jpg"><img src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/06/20/s_946.jpg" border="0" width="300" height="400" style="margin:5px"></a></center><br>She was excited, don't get me wrong, but there wasn't the fanfare I was imagining and I should have known better thank get my hopes up. <br><br><center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/06/20/947.jpg"><img src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/06/20/s_947.jpg" border="0" width="300" height="400" style="margin:5px"></a></center><br>There was the immediate wrapping and twirling around in it. Pulling it over her head and laying down on it. <br><br><center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/06/20/948.jpg"><img src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/06/20/s_948.jpg" border="0" width="400" height="300" style="margin:5px"></a></center><br>She even brought her coloring book over and lay down on it, I think that was my favorite part. <br><br><center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/06/20/949.jpg"><img src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/06/20/s_949.jpg" border="0" width="400" height="300" style="margin:5px"></a></center><br>She sleeps with it everyday now and I love that she loves it. I have grandiose visions of her using this blanket forever. Taking it alongside her for sleep overs, summer camps and trips, the blanket she needs to watch movies on movie nights, when she goes to college her roommate will ask her where she got that awesome blanket and Amelia will say that her amazing mom made it for her years ago, and then the roommate will be jealous. I had a lot of time to think about the lifetime of this blanket while I was working on it! <br><br><center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/06/20/950.jpg"><img src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/06/20/s_950.jpg" border="0" width="300" height="400" style="margin:5px"></a></center><br>But I'm glad it's finished and being loved. It's a huge blanket, it's as long as mine but this one is wider. It's 60x81", I made it giant on purpose because I wanted her to grow into it or if she wanted to cuddle with me or Elliott under it it would be big enough for everyone to use. <br><br><center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/06/20/951.jpg"><img src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/06/20/s_951.jpg" border="0" width="300" height="400" style="margin:5px"></a></center><br>It's <a target="_blank" href="http://attic24.typepad.com/weblog/neat-ripple-pattern.html">Lucy's pattern.</a> Except I did my own edging, To straighten out the ripples, on the top of the blanket I worked sc, ch 2, sc in the corner, 2 sc, 2 hdc, 2 dc, dc2tog, 2 dc, 2 hdc, 4 sc, 2 hdc… So on across to the next corner. The dc2tog should fall on the two decreases of the previous/last row. Then sc, ch 2, sc in the corner and sc down the side to the bottom/chain row. Bottom corner: dc, ch 2, dc, 2 dc, 2 hdc, 4 sc, 2 hdc, 2 dc, dc2tog… The dc2tog should fall on the increases from the first row. This will “straighten” out the ripples but I recommend doing more rounds on the border to make it look straighter, and work two dc, ch 2, two dc in the corners with each additional row. I think I will add one more row of gray just to close it all in. It's super soft and cuddly and most importantly, Amelia adores it. <br><br><center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/06/20/952.jpg"><img src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/06/20/s_952.jpg" border="0" width="300" height="400" style="margin:5px"></a></center><br><br><br>P.s. In case you were curious, I used Hobby Lobby's I Love This Yarn in graybeard and the neons in green, blue, orange, and fuchsia. Washes amazingly! <br>Tabbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04865744687795678912noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8463609921868038015.post-26386020806253331652013-06-16T22:03:00.001-07:002013-06-16T22:04:20.076-07:00Where in the world...Have I been? I dunno, I can't really explain it. I tried to write a post so many times but it didn't feel right and I never got very far. I've just been doing the same thing I always seem to be doing; playing with the two A's, doing yard work with the bearded one, and hooking on my down time. Does one really get down time being a stay at home mom? Sometimes! Until one of the babes wakes up, or one of the dogs throws up, and either seem to happen on the nights that you get everything done early and you get optimistic about <i>ALL</i> the free time you'll enjoy. Want to see some of the things we've been doing? <br><br><center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/06/16/4342.jpg"><img src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/06/16/s_4342.jpg" border="0" width="300" height="400" style="margin:5px"></a></center><br><br><br><center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/06/16/4343.jpg"><img src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/06/16/s_4343.jpg" border="0" width="400" height="334" style="margin:5px"></a></center><br><br><br><center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/06/16/4344.jpg"><img src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/06/16/s_4344.jpg" border="0" width="400" height="400" style="margin:5px"></a></center><br><br><br><center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/06/16/4346.jpg"><img src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/06/16/s_4346.jpg" border="0" width="400" height="400" style="margin:5px"></a></center><br><br><br><center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/06/16/4347.jpg"><img src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/06/16/s_4347.jpg" border="0" width="400" height="300" style="margin:5px"></a></center><br><br><br><center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/06/16/4348.jpg"><img src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/06/16/s_4348.jpg" border="0" width="400" height="300" style="margin:5px"></a></center><br><br><br><center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/06/16/4349.jpg"><img src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/06/16/s_4349.jpg" border="0" width="300" height="400" style="margin:5px"></a></center><br><br><br><center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/06/16/4350.jpg"><img src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/06/16/s_4350.jpg" border="0" width="400" height="300" style="margin:5px"></a></center><br><br><br><center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/06/16/4351.jpg"><img src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/06/16/s_4351.jpg" border="0" width="400" height="300" style="margin:5px"></a></center><br><br><br><center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/06/16/4352.jpg"><img src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/06/16/s_4352.jpg" border="0" width="400" height="300" style="margin:5px"></a></center><br><br><br><center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/06/16/4353.jpg"><img src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/06/16/s_4353.jpg" border="0" width="300" height="400" style="margin:5px"></a></center><br><br><br><center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/06/16/4355.jpg"><img src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/06/16/s_4355.jpg" border="0" width="300" height="400" style="margin:5px"></a></center><br><br><br><center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/06/16/4356.jpg"><img src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/06/16/s_4356.jpg" border="0" width="300" height="400" style="margin:5px"></a></center><br><br><br><center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/06/16/4357.jpg"><img src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/06/16/s_4357.jpg" border="0" width="400" height="400" style="margin:5px"></a></center><br><br><br><center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/06/16/4358.jpg"><img src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/06/16/s_4358.jpg" border="0" width="300" height="400" style="margin:5px"></a></center><br>(this is one of my favorite pictures because of Alyssa's photo bombing with her white noise machine, playing with the light and Amelia being all model-like)<br><br><center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/06/16/4359.jpg"><img src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/06/16/s_4359.jpg" border="0" width="300" height="400" style="margin:5px"></a></center><br><br><br><center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/06/16/4360.jpg"><img src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/06/16/s_4360.jpg" border="0" width="400" height="300" style="margin:5px"></a></center><br><br><br><center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/06/16/4361.jpg"><img src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/06/16/s_4361.jpg" border="0" width="400" height="300" style="margin:5px"></a></center><br><br><br><center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/06/16/4362.jpg"><img src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/06/16/s_4362.jpg" border="0" width="400" height="300" style="margin:5px"></a></center><br><br><br><center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/06/16/4363.jpg"><img src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/06/16/s_4363.jpg" border="0" width="400" height="300" style="margin:5px"></a></center><br><br><br><center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/06/16/4364.jpg"><img src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/06/16/s_4364.jpg" border="0" width="300" height="400" style="margin:5px"></a></center><br><br><br><center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/06/16/4366.jpg"><img src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/06/16/s_4366.jpg" border="0" width="300" height="400" style="margin:5px"></a></center><br><br><br><center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/06/16/4367.jpg"><img src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/06/16/s_4367.jpg" border="0" width="400" height="300" style="margin:5px"></a></center><br>(she was washing her face, she wasn't getting her mouth washed out!)<br><br><center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/06/16/4368.jpg"><img src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/06/16/s_4368.jpg" border="0" width="300" height="400" style="margin:5px"></a></center><br>There's some more stuff that I've been up to lately, but I feel like this is getting too heavy with pictures and no captions, but I'll save those for another day. I just wanted to stop by for a quick hello and to tell you we're all well and very happy, and I will be back very soon to actually tell you about the things we've been doing. <br><br>Happy trails, friends! <br><br>P.s. if there's a picture you'd like better explained, let me know! :-)<br>Tabbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04865744687795678912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8463609921868038015.post-34999252430139116702013-03-24T09:54:00.001-07:002013-03-24T09:57:50.243-07:00P.C.P part II with some extras<br />
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<center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/03/24/1520.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/03/24/s_1520.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
Good day! We are in the middle of another (insert clever apocalyptical phase related to snow) here in Spring time Kansas. Every time that groundhog doesn't see his shadow this happens. Late season snow. Barf! I mean I love the snow, but in winter. I'm ready to be outside with my girls! To go to the park and let them be free! It feels like a pipe dream right now. Someday soon, it'll happen. <br />
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Poor Amelia is getting the cooped up crazies. She's been naughty the last few days and meaner too. I know it's cuz she's bored and wants to be outside. I don't blame her. <br />
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Alyssa has been pretty sweet lately and really into playing games like peek-a-boo and a tag of sorts between her and Amelia. That is until Amelia knocks her down and gets put in time out for pushing. But what have I been doing? The same as I always do. Play with my children, try to clean house, and of course crochet and sew. I haven't done a lot of sewing but some. <br />
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I finished Amelia's doll and she effectively named her Princess Girl. I love the names she comes up with, she's so imaginative. Princess Girl and Carrier are pretty good friends. And I finished some projects for my "Project Complete Project 2013" also. Would you like to see? <br />
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Remember when I started <a target="_blank" href="http://buzzingaroundtheappletree.blogspot.com/2011/04/crochet-goodies-easter-stories.html?m=0">This? </a> It was forever ago and I finally hit got tired of trying. I was making it from my Red heart scraps and if you've worked with red heart it's not exactly ideal for a big project. So I fastly fell out of love with it. <br />
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So I weaved in the few remaining ends and added a small border and gifted it to Tonka, our male corgi. It now lays on his bed and he sleeps with it every night. I'm glad someone loves it. <br />
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Then there is this one. I started this back in January 2011. I hadn't really blogged about it because I didn't work on it a lot and I fell out of love with this a long time ago too. So what did I do with it? Same thing I did with my hexie blanket. Finished it where it was and gave it to Mabel, our female corgi. It's on her bed too and she sleeps with it almost every night too. I feel bad these endeavors ended like this but I'm glad that my dogs are happy. <br />
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Then there's this <a target="_blank" href="http://buzzingaroundtheappletree.blogspot.com/2012/08/tales-hook-weaves.html?m=0">one. </a>. I finally finished it. I ran out of yarn, then got all but one color and I had to wait forever to get it. But...<br />
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It's finally done. By the way, looking back over some of my old posts and looking at my pictures I'm thinking to myself that you all must think I never clean. Almost every picture has some toys or papers in it. To tell you honestly, I do clean. It just so happens when I want to take pictures there are toys and mail newspapers that the girls get into. If my house was dirty I would never display it over the Internet! I would be beyond embarrassed. <br />
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I've started another project. Something for my sister who got promoted at work. I started it Thursday afternoon. On Friday I challenged a friend on instagram to a crochet off. She's working on a project for her mom and is doing a ripple. I'm doing <a target="_blank" href="http://www.lemondedesucrette.com/2011/08/05/summer-time-ripple-the-graphic-pattern/">Le monde de sucrette's summer time ripple.</a> They're about the same size, except hers is a tad wider. <br />
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It's gone from an idea to...<br />
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This to...<br />
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This, plus more, in a matter of days. I'm up to 40 rows I believe. My goal is 120 by Friday, which is the end date we chose. Well, she chose really, that's when she needs her'a done by. I love a challenge! <br />
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But as I was saying, it's for my sister who was promoted in her job and leaving for the police academy next month. I wanted to say congratulations and give her a piece of home to take with her. What better way to show someone love than with a handmade gift. <br />
Tabbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04865744687795678912noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8463609921868038015.post-59631461545991851442013-03-17T10:19:00.001-07:002013-03-24T09:58:14.685-07:00Another...Turns one. <br />
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That's right, Friday the 8th, my little Alyssa turned the big 0-1. How has it already been a year? I don't get it, it couldn't be because we were having so much fun or anything! <br />
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I made cupcakes.<br />
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And a smash cake. <br />
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Decorated the living room. <br />
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And both doorways to the kitchen. <br />
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And didn't get a picture of the food table. Alyssa's birthday was much more relaxed than Amelia was, well for me anyway. Maybe it was because I was still in birthday mode. I don't host a lot of parties, I don't have a lot of reason to, but I do enjoy it. <br />
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Alyssa had a lot of fun. She got to be the center of attention and eat cake and see all her favorite people! <br />
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Well, she mostly just ate the frosting. Elliott gave her a spoon and she just scooped the frosting off. <br />
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After everyone left and after bath, Alyssa just couldn't handle it anymore and had a huge meltdown. She fell asleep promptly while I nursed her. <br />
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I cut my finger with an exacto knife the day of the party. I was making Alyssa's birthday shirt, it's something I do every year for my girls, and the exacto knife bit me. Have you ever been cut by one? It's not like being cut by a regular knife, you actually don't feel it until its too late, then there's blood everywhere by that point. But it healed quick because it was cut so cleanly. <br />
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I made Alyssa this little dolly for her birthday, it gets passed around between the girls then left in the living room on the floor for awhile and so on. I'm going to make one for Amelia too, hers is about half finished now. <br />
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Then the other day Alyssa was finally ready to sit in the wagon. I had fun pulling them because they cracked each other up the whole time. <br />
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And I hope you're having a fabulous Saint Patrick's day, we are despite the picture. Alyssa just didn't want to play photo shoot. <br />
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Sorry this wasn't a super exciting post, but here's an <a target="_blank" href="http://www.beliefnet.com/Inspiration/2009/02/Irish-Blessings-for-Luck.aspx?p=8">Irish Blessing</a> to say bye for now.<br />
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May the road rise to meet you, <br />
may the wind be ever at your back. <br />
May the sun shine warm upon your face, <br />
and the rains fall soft upon your fields. <br />
And until we meet again, <br />
may God hold you in the palm of his hand.<br />
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Tabbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04865744687795678912noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8463609921868038015.post-1373793775374525042013-02-19T18:32:00.001-08:002013-03-24T09:57:58.970-07:00P.C.P 2013 part 1<br />
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Why hello! Are you Midwesterners gearing up for the storm headed our way! My neck of Kansas is scheduled for 6-12 inches of snow. Of course if Kansas stays true to herself we'll probably get 3 or so inches, or truer still, we'll be tropical. But the way it feels outside is telling something is gonna happen. I've come to show you some things I've crossed off my list. <br />
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This darling little baby blanket that wasn't even a quarter finished. I started it way back on 2011. But once I knew who I wanted to give it to it was a race up the finish line. <br />
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I worked on it every chance I got and only ran out of one color in the process. If you crochet faster when you're nearing the end of a skein/ball, it does <i>NOT</i> make the yarn go further. It was so lame too because I was almost done with that row. The greens were a little off but not too terrible. If I would have just finished it years ago it wouldnt have been a problem. <br />
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But I finished the blanket and then finished a baby sock monkey hat, wrapped them up and delivered them toy giftee. She's due on March and cried when she saw the blanket and hat. I love reactions like that! It makes it all worth it. <br />
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Then I finished my <a target="_blank" href="http://attic24.typepad.com/weblog/blooming-flower-cushion.html">Blooming flower cushion.</a> I started this last year sometime, last summer I think, and I finally finished it today. <br />
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I ordered a feather insert because I just love feather pillows! I can't fall asleep without my feather pillow, I've been that way since I was 10 or so. <br />
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I washed the two halves before I slip stitched them together. The insert arrived today and I ran to the door and jumped up and down to see the brown box sitting on our front porch. Don't you just love getting packages? I know I do. <br />
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I simply love it! I did "mess up" on the pattern because I misunderstood a part of it from Lucy's blog. It was my fault though because I didn't read it carefully enough and ended up doing hdc, sc, sc, hdc between each pedal instead of only one sc. I still really like it the way it is.<br />
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I love the colors too, all I can think of it "candy stripes." <br />
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And what I love most about it is I get to cross another project off "Project Complete Projects 2013." Two more down! I'll have to recount to see how much I have left, but it's still progress! <br />
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Hope you're all staying warm and entertained. <br />
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We are! Hopefully we can keep the girls steadfast through the snow storm! <br />
Tabbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04865744687795678912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8463609921868038015.post-82045370275991989182013-02-12T10:17:00.001-08:002013-03-24T09:58:29.171-07:00Three Years<br />
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Three years. That's:<br />
1095 days<br />
26,280 hours<br />
1,576,800 minutes<br />
94,608,000 seconds <br />
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I did the math. <br />
Three years ago yesterday, my little Amelia barged her way into the world. I was a due February 5, 2010, I was progressing but not enough and not having any contractions. We were going to set up an induction date of Monday the 8th but they were full and went ahead with my originally wanted induction date of the 11th, since it's my dad's birthdays. I was ready to be done with pregnancy and wanted my little girl out already. We were so sure she wasn't coming out on her own we went and had our taxes done on my due date. On the 10th my mom and I went shopping, I cooked dinner, and straightened up the house. The morning of my induction day at 530am I started having contractions. Got up, went to the bathroom, took my shower, still contracting. Every five minutes. If you know Amelia you know this is just like her, wanting to do it on her own when she knows your going to do it. We got the hospital with Elliott trying to make me feel better by making me laugh asking me what the ratio of Stanley nickels were to Schrute Bucks and I would have to reply, "same as the ratio of leprechauns to unicorns." (if your an Office fan you'll know what I'm talking about). We got to the hospital and into our room about 7am. Got my epidural pretty quick because I was in pain and already a 4-5cm. I slept most of the time and about 1230 was really hot and uncomfortable. My wonderful, amazing nurse Abby came in and checked me just as my doctor came in too. I was ready. They got everything set up and me in position to push. I'm not sure how long I was pushing but it wasn't long, less than 30 minutes, and my big headed stubborn Amelia was born at 144pm at 8.5 oz and 20 inches long, with bright red fuzz. <br />
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One of the three top favorite days of my life. Bet you can't guess the other two. <br />
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This little girl amazes me everyday and I love her more everyday too. I'm so proud I get to call her my daughter and he calls me her mommy. <br />
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We had a Lorax party for her on Sunday with all the family. It was so much fun. I made the cake, a Thneedville hillside with truffula trees. And a surprise inside.<br />
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Rainbow insides! I had a lot of fun doing her birthday this year. <br />
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We had truffula decorations. <br />
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Balloons. <br />
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And of course delicious food that Elliott and I made. He was such a great help with all of this, he did a majority of the cleaning and kept me calm through all of it. <br />
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And of course, who could forget the Lorax mustache cups. I know I can't. <br />
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It was all worth it when she saw it all and we surprised her and she ran and hid for twenty minutes. Alyssa ate up all the attention that Amelia wasn't getting. Alyssa thought it was all great fun and loved seeing all of her favorite people, walking around like crazy to any outstretched hands beckoning to her. <br />
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<center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/02/12/1313.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/02/12/s_1313.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
Then Monday we all crashed and just laid around. In the afternoon we went out and about and took the girls to eat at <a target="_blank" href="http://www.trexcafe.com/">T-Rex Cafe </a>. I don't have any pictures because Amelia was terrified of some of the dinosaurs despite the fact that she loves them. Then Alyssa had a meltdown. But we still had fun, and came home and put everyone to bed early! Thank goodness too, everyone was super tired. <br />
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What a happy birthday day had by all. Happy birthday little bear. <br />
Tabbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04865744687795678912noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8463609921868038015.post-50942925797810414002013-02-08T18:46:00.001-08:002013-02-08T18:46:42.184-08:00Present It's no mystery that being a mom is hard work, so I really won't make excuses or explain away my absence. But I will tell you that I just wasn't feeling blogging in the month or so I've been gone. Every time I might have thought about it I just felt anxious and tired, and who wants to do something that makes you feel like that? I don't. So I just skipped it. I'm sorry if you've missed me, I've missed you! We're all doing quite fine though. Alyssa still isn't sleeping through the night despite being 10 months old. On a good night she wakes up once in the early morning. On average, 2-3 times a night. On bad nights 4 or more times. I've talked to her doctor about it but he didn't seem concerned. So I've just accepted that she'll probably do this until she's weaned. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/02/08/2235.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/02/08/s_2235.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Amelia will be three on Monday and we're having her party on Sunday. It's Lorax themed and we really went all out for it this year with decorations and I'm making a cake, its going to be great! I read her "Oh, the places you'll go!" by Dr. Seuss the other day, I've never read it before, or at least that I remember, and I couldn't finish the last page until I swallowed the lump in my throat. Because if you knew her like I do, you'd know that she's already moved mountains and that there is no stopping the unstoppable force which is my Amelia. Three... I remember when we brought her home from the hospital. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/02/08/2236.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/02/08/s_2236.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /> My mom has been back in town for awhile and we've been spending a lot of time with her. Catching up on lost time, since she's been out of state with my step-dad, I guess you would say. We do all kinds of things together. It's been nice having her back. My girls sure do love their nana, we'll all be sad when she leaves next week. Gone for six weeks then back for my step-brother's wedding in April. Anyway, we survived Christmas and had a good time with all our families. Elliott and I barely brought in the new year, we were both ready for bed at 9. But we made it, then promptly fell asleep by 12:05. The life of partiers right? <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/02/08/2237.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/02/08/s_2237.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We've spent the last two weeks cleaning the house. And every time we feel we have a hold on it we realize we really don't. Someone once told me that with kids you really don't clean, you just maintain. It's too true. Maintain a low roar of clutter and chaos. After the girls' birthdays I'm spending some time organizing and decluttering. I've already started with TCC (Tabby's craft corner). So wish me luck with all that! I've made a goal for 2013 since the TCC is out of hand. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/02/08/2238.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/02/08/s_2238.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />This is an "organized" TCC, insane! So much yarn and fabric, but craziest of all was the amount of half finished projects I found in there. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/02/08/2239.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/02/08/s_2239.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I made a list of things to complete in 2013 and then I'm going to start to destash some oft horde. I'm calling it "Project Complete Projects 2013." So far I've completed two things. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/02/08/2240.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/02/08/s_2240.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />A panda hat for my sister. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/02/08/2241.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/02/08/s_2241.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />And a sheriff scarf, also for my sister since she's an officer for them. It felt good to mark things off the list, hopefully chasing that feeling will help me complete the list. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/02/08/2242.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/02/08/s_2242.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I've been working on a pattern for a doll too. I loved making this little doll. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/02/08/2243.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/02/08/s_2243.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I made one for both girls (per hair) and they're named Harriet, left, and Margret, right. Since Amelia has a hard time saying those names they are respectfully Carrier and Yogurt. I like what se came up with better. Before I put hair on Carrier Amelia kept asking me to make her happy (put a smile on her) and give her hair. Ever since I made her, Amelia has taken her everywhere. Made me happy that she loves her so much. Well anywho, that's a quick catch up on the goings-on of my little life. I hope you are happy and well! Hugs and love until next time. <br />Tabbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04865744687795678912noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8463609921868038015.post-59903842785954982962012-12-17T21:10:00.001-08:002012-12-17T21:13:25.978-08:00Something Finished!Don't you love the feeling of accomplishment? It's like dropping a weight from your shoulders and standing up straight for the first time in awhile. I have am basking in this short lived feeling for the evening. Short lived because I still have so much to do before Christmas but I've finished a big thing. Enough talking! Here it is! <br />
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Four mantis babies! From <a target="_blank" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/98581134/crochet-pattern-kiss-series-praying?ref=cat_list_5">FiberDoodles</a>. I've made two others using this pattern. It's a great pattern I highly recommend it. <br />
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I've been working on these since well before thanksgiving but I could only work on them at night after the girls went to bed. <br />
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With Tonka to keep me company while I worked in the basement. Watching movies or tv. But tonight I sewed on the eyes and the antennas. <br />
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Then they were done! A labor of love for my aunt, who ordered these back in August and I procrastinated thinking I had enough time, not to worry. Man, that time went by fast! But they are done now, and they leave tomorrow to be given as gifts. But now I'm off to bed, because tomorrow I have to arm myself with my hook and produce some Christmas presents! <br />
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They'll miss me, I know. But they're going to good homes. And just for your entertainment...<br />
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We went and saw Santa today and both girls loved Santa, Alyssa basically jumped into his lap!, and then tried to stick her fingers in his mouth. Amelia was shy but friendly. Then we couldn't get her to smile. This is the best we could get out of her, I love it anyway. <br />
Tabbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04865744687795678912noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8463609921868038015.post-12841488931069693042012-12-10T14:13:00.001-08:002012-12-10T14:13:39.735-08:00Bad Day...This afternoon has been an awful one. This morning was great. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/12/10/1925.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/12/10/s_1925.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We went downstairs and listened to records. The girls played together and with their toys. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/12/10/1926.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/12/10/s_1926.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Elliott played air drums at Amelia. She yelled at him and told him to stop. Then about 1230 Alyssa had enough. So I put her to bed. And about an hour later Amelia had a massive meltdown that woke up Alyssa who needed to take a longer nap and then refused to go back down (is currently playing in her crib instead of sleeping). She then proceeded to cry at everything. Amelia isn't feeling well and neither is Alyssa so I've had someone attached to me the last 30 some odd hours. I feel worn down and on the brink of a blowup myself. Plus, I want to go throw rocks at my neighbor's highly obnoxious dogs who bark all day long. Even when my neighbors are home they somehow miraculously don't hear their dogs barking, though I can hear them in almost every room of my house, two doors down from them. (Just for the record, I don't have the balls to be mean to anyone so I just get real mad and sulky without doing anything about it. Confrontation makes me really uncomfortable too.) <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/12/10/1927.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/12/10/s_1927.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I'm just ready for bedtime tonight. Please say a prayer for me if you think about it. I'm sure tomorrow will be better. It has to be, right? Right?... <br />Tabbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04865744687795678912noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8463609921868038015.post-89562540736950116072012-12-07T13:04:00.001-08:002012-12-07T13:04:34.260-08:00Just Stopping By<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/12/07/1650.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/12/07/s_1650.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I want to start by saying that I am sorry that I have been so quiet lately. With Christmas coming up and my mom just getting back into town most of my free time has been gobbled up. I've even developed my old crochet callus and even a new one on my thumb because I've been using a naked hook. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/12/07/1651.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/12/07/s_1651.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I've been working hard trying to get things finished for presents and an order my aunt placed back in August. It's my fault that I waited so long to get the order going, but I'll make it! I have to. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/12/07/1652.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/12/07/s_1652.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I've been crocheting where ever we go because there is no time to sit and enjoy the ride! The hooks need to be turning and things need to get done. And by the time I get some time the last thing I want to do us blog, sorry. I still read all of my favorites, but even then I don't have the energy to comment on them. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/12/07/1653.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/12/07/s_1653.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />But hopefully I'll be able to revamp my blogging attempts and be kinder to you, my readers. I may be back before Christmas but I can't make any promises. So if I don't see you before then I hope you have a Merry Christmas! <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/12/07/1654.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/12/07/s_1654.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />And just to play catch up, Amelia had her first dentist appointment last week and she did an amazing job! She let them do everything they needed to do and didn't cry or fuss. But they did turn on the tv for her so that could have something to do with it. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/12/07/1655.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/12/07/s_1655.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />And both my girls...<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/12/07/1656.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/12/07/s_1656.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Are decked out and ready to see<br />Santa! Hopefully it'll go well, but we'll see. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/12/07/1657.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/12/07/s_1657.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Have fun with your Christmas prep! <br />Tabbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04865744687795678912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8463609921868038015.post-11825574754573249672012-11-27T07:41:00.001-08:002012-11-27T07:43:25.344-08:00Small Hello<br />
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Good morning! How are you? I'm good. Survived Thanksgiving, my dad and sister came as had dinner with us. This is my third year cooking dinner for my family, first with my dad and sister joining us. Each year I get a little further behind in all I do to get ready for it. My first year everything was done and on the table exactly when I said it would be. Each following year I've been rushing to get the rolls in the oven, the gravy made, and some other odd instances that make me feel frazzled. But it was all delicious and I had a great time with my family. That's what matters right? I hope you had a fabulous turkey day also!<br />
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I did not get my thing done for Thanksgiving. I started and was doing pretty well but then it hit me that Christmas isn't that far away and I still have so much to do to get ready for that. <br />
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I'm making everyone's Christmas present this year. I have a pretty good start on all of it but I need to stay on top of it if I'm going to make it. <br />
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I'm half done with this present. It's fun to work on and it has a lot of meaning in the colors. <br />
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Plus I'm working on some mantis for my aunt. Four for Christmas and another one for another time. I have one and a half finished. <br />
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That's what I work on after the girls go to bed. All other crochet things are worked on during the day. Then there's another blanket I've started but don't have a picture of, and a quilt I have to get done. Plus something I'm contracting to Elliott to make for me. And don't forget the endless hats and scarves I'm going to make. My goal for this year is to get it all done <b>BEFORE</b> Christmas. If I keep up the good work I'm confident I'll make it. Maybe I'm being overly optimistic though. We'll see! I'll keep you posted. <br />
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Oh! I just want to show you a few things. Starting at the bottom and going clockwise, that's Alyssa newborn, 3-4 months, and 8 months. It's ridiculous how fast time is flying. <br />
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There's Amelia as a newborn, one year, and today. She'll be three in 2 months and some change. Where does all the time go? Must have been all the fun time I've been having with these babies of mine. <br />
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We bought Amelia some pink Christmas lights for her room, I've been wanting to do it since last Christmas but Elliott said she was probably a little too young last year. <br />
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She loves them! I figured she would. I'm just glad Alyssa doesn't know that her big sister is getting something she's not. Next year might be a different story! Well, I'm sorry there's not more to show you. My mom and step-dad just got back into town so we've been hanging out with them all week. But I'll get pictures of the other stuff I'm working on for you next time! <br />
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Hope you have a great day! <br />
Tabbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04865744687795678912noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8463609921868038015.post-28448533590264117422012-11-11T13:56:00.001-08:002012-11-11T13:57:09.700-08:00Crochet Hats and This and That<br />
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Hello there! How are you today? I'm great... Kinda. The girls have been keeping me up a lot of nights and while everyone is enjoying the nice little extra hour we received last Sunday I somehow am feeling like I lost an hour. But besides the lack of sleep I'm good. I wish the weather would decide if it wants to be hot or cold, I hate the fluctuation. Sorry, enough complaining! That's not why you're here! <br />
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I have a crawler now! She's been doing that since the 4th of October. <br />
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She doubles as a climber too, please ignore the mess, it was clean before the girls got to it. <br />
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And a trouble maker. My dad taught her that. Papa was so proud when I sent him the picture. At least it's not marbles. Yet... <br />
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So what have you been up to lately? I've just been hanging out with the girls and Elliott and trying to get the house organized. Is that really possible with children? Craftwise, I've been doing some things. Want to see? <br />
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I finally finished these hats a friend of mine wanted for her little boy and baby girl. I had a lot of fun making these for her. <br />
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And luckily Amelia is about the same age as her son. <br />
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And Alyssa is the same age as her daughter. My girls loved the hats too so I think they'll be getting a pair of their own soon. <br />
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Then I made this hat for another friend. Monkeys are very in right now, but are they ever not in? Sorry, I can't lead you to a pattern for these because there isn't one. If you'd like one I'd be happy to come up with a tutorial for them! Just let me know. :-) <br />
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I'm so lucky both of my girls love to have hats on! Makes trying to figure out length and size really easy. And taking pictures is much easier of someone is wearing them, but only if they hold still long enough. <br />
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I also did a swap for Halloween through ravelry, are you on ravelry? It's really fun but be careful because you can spend so much time on there and not even realize it. I did this little <a target="_blank" href="http://www.tangledhappy.com/2012/10/monster-crochet.html?m=0">monster gal</a> for my partner. <br />
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I put some goodies and a note in with the girl and sent her to her new home. My partner loved her! It's always nice when your work is appreciated. <br />
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And this is what I got from the person who sent to me! A little witch with orange hair and an orange purse! It included a little puff ball black cat and a little locket charm. I love getting packages! Especially when they contain something just for me! Amelia tried to run off with her several times, the goose! <br />
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Then I had this great idea for a sippy cup tether that ties to a suction cup that you stick to the high chair tray. Ok, it's not my original idea but the pattern is. It's made from a fat quarter, interfacing, Velcro, and a ribbon. This was my first one and it works great! But I need to tweak things to make it better. <br />
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Alyssa loves it and so do I because her cup isn't falling on the floor 50 times throughout dinner. <br />
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I also made this awesome Cell figurine for my brother to hang in his truck. It's made from polymer clay and has an eye thing (don't know the technical term) poking through his head. <br />
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I haven't given it to him yet but he has seen it. He says he loves it, which I hope he does, because I had so much fun making it! <br />
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Cell is a character from an anime show called Dragon Ball Z. We were really into the show when we were kids, among other anime shows. Hopefully he'll be hanging in my brother's truck before too long! <br />
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I'm also working on something else Thanksgiving related, I think I'll make a tutorial to go along with it too, not that it'll be all that hard for you to figure out on your own if you wished. <br />
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And I finally cleaned up my craft area. It was dreadful! It was one of those situations where I didn't realize it had gotten that bad and once I started cleaning it was much worse than I had imagined. And it still looks cluttered, that's why I'm not showing you a picture, but it's definitely cleaner. <br />
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Besides all that, not much ado about anything really. So I'll leave you with some pictures of my girls sleeping and wish you a happy rest of the weekend! <br />
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P.s. that little penguin was mine when I was her age. It's been keeping her safe at night. :-)<br />
Tabbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04865744687795678912noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8463609921868038015.post-60194881657635211512012-11-02T07:33:00.001-07:002012-11-02T07:34:15.523-07:00Halloween and More <br />
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Hello! How are you? Sorry I've taken such a long time to come back. I really wasn't planning to take a month away. Things just happen and I haven't really been crocheting or sewing a whole lot so I didn't have much to talk about without repeating myself. But now that Halloween is over I'll have more time to devote to Christmas presents and other crafts.<br />
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How was your Halloween? Safe I hope! Halloween seems to be our busiest holiday, there's so much going on and we just love Halloween so we want to do it all! We missed our town's downtown trick or treat because it was too cold for Alyssa, I think Amelia and I would have been fine but I didn't want Alyssa to suffer because we wanted to go so we stayed home. Then the next day we went to the trick or treat at the barn at our Ag Hall. <br />
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This is the third time we've gone but arrived later because Alyssa took a really long nap. We normally get there right when the start. <br />
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Alyssa and Elliott rode the train together after Amelia and I rode it. Elliott said Alyssa cooed the whole time. She did that when she saw the tractors too. My guess is she's going to like tractors and trucks and things that go. But I also thought Amelia would too, she's a little afraid of tractors now. <br />
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But she actually sat on one this year at Ag Hall! Normally she won't even let Elliott touch it but this year she wouldn't even let Alyssa share the seat with her! <br />
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Oh, if you're wondering, I made Amelia's costume again this year. I made her one <a target="_blank" href="http://buzzingaroundtheappletree.blogspot.com/2011/11/halloween.html?m=0">last year too.</a> This year is my best work yet I believe. But I'll get to that later. <br />
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And Alyssa was the same ladybug Amelia was her first Halloween. But back to our running around:<br />
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After Ag Hall we took the girls to the Howl-O-ween our local PBS was sponsoring at Union Station. P.T. the owl was there and Amelia loves giant animals like this. <br />
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Alyssa was in the carrier so she didn't get a chance to give P.T. a hug. <br />
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Then daddy and Amelia played with all sorts of things at the place. I had never been there before but there was so much to do! We got to this kinda early so it was still pretty controlled among the kids. By the time we were leaving, about two hours after it started, things were getting fresh with so many kids. Everyone was getting tired and hungry so we left before anyone had a meltdown. Elliott and I both get a little overwhelmed with huge crowds like that and I get really snippy and bite-y when that happens. So any bystander who accidentally, or purposely, gets in my way might receive a rude comment or me running into them on purpose to make them get outta my way! I'm an angry mama bear sometimes. But we left before any of that happened. <br />
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On Tuesday we had a bonfire with my in laws. Food, candy, 80s Halloween specials on VHS, and of course Papa gives all the babies tractor rides. Alyssa cooed the whole time again and Amelia kept asking me "what's that?"<br />
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Then Wednesday was the big day! Amelia's third Halloween and Alyssa's first. We decided we should finally take Amelia trick or treating because we felt she was old enough to understand now. All day she kept asking when we would go, she was so excited. <br />
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We just went around our block because we knew she wouldn't last long. And we were right, we didn't get half way around and she was already starting to drag. Once we made it back to the house we pulled out our own candy and sat out in the driveway. I don't know about your weather, but our's was perfect! Then Alyssa had a meltdown and I put her to bed and Amelia got her second wind. She helped Elliott pass out candy and said, "happy Halloween guys!" after every pass. <br />
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The camera didn't capture the real glow of the sunset but it was really pretty. We ran out of candy this year. Last year we had quiet a bit left over but the year before we ran out too. It always seems to happen right when we want to go in and that's ok with me! Elliott's parents stopped by for a bit and Amelia got to stay up way later, which resulted in a meltdown followed by a mommy meltdown to match. Once she finally got into bed Elliott and I made a snack and watches Halloween. Elliott has a funny sense of humor, nothing I could ever compete with, he's really a funny guy! I heard a noise outside and asked him, as if he would know sitting right next to me, what it was. He told me it was Mike Myers sitting on the back deck playing a banjo trying to sell me insurance. I said I wasn't interested. Then we heard another noise and he said, "now that's Mike Myers smashing his banjo because he's pissed off you won't buy insurance from him and now he has to go back to banjo repair." I still get tickled when I think about that. <br />
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We're all pretty well recovered from that night now. Except Amelia who keeps reopening the wounds by finding and eating candy in odd places. She's been talking a lot about squirrels lately, maybe she's taken a page from their book about stashing. <br />
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On to the costume(s)! I asked Amelia repeatedly what she wanted to be for Halloween over the whole month of September and finally it came to us. Daisy duck! She's totally into Mickey mouse clubhouse and talks about it all the time, so it was perfect. I measured her and drew up my own pattern, dreaming big the entire time. It took me threw days to draft the pattern. <br />
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An afternoon to cut. <br />
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Two days to sew. And two hours to finish the hood equaling to three different attempts. <br />
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The sleeves were a happy accident. I'm not an accomplished seamstress by any means, I love quilting, so I had no idea how to measure for the sleeves. I looked all over the Internet and on pinterest, found several tutorial but still ended up making a guess. I wanted the sleeves to puff like this but assumed I had measured wrong and had made the sleeves measure to fit like a t shirt sleeve. But I measured wrong and had to gather the tops to make it fit. Yay! The legs were an accident too, but they fit just amazingly with the body around the leg hole. <br />
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The butt and front bottom are stuffed to make her look bottom heavy. The inside is lined with a knit fabric to hold the stuffing in. <br />
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The back has a zipper excluding the hood, it's all one piece. <br />
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Here's the hood without the beak. She didn't care for it at the house when I made her try it own several times. She kept telling me, "mama, I don't like this." But once we were outside and around people she loved it. <br />
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Alyssa was actually going to be Minnie mouse in the carrier, I made a cover for the carrier to look like Minnie's dress and I was going to make a hat with a bow and ears but I messed up the hat so bad. I broke two needles and countless thread. I even ran over a pin head with a needle and the needle stabbed and stayed in the head, that was the first one I broke and it all went down hill from there. So I just abandoned the mission. <br />
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But I'm very proud of what I accomplished with Amelia's costume. Would you believe my vision of the costume is exactly what you see? Well, it is. I love when things fall into place like that. <br />
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We had to go to the pumpkin patch twice this year because the first time Alyssa was asleep and it was cold and rainy. This time was windy but warm and so much more fun. <br />
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Took a lot of pictures too. I love hanging out with my fam. They're the coolest people I know! I do have some other stuff to show you but I'll save that for another day. Happy November everyone! Be thankful! :-) <br />
Tabbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04865744687795678912noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8463609921868038015.post-42401321925510309892012-09-30T09:40:00.001-07:002012-09-30T09:42:22.598-07:00Bits and Bobs and a RippleGood morning! How are you today? Im excited because guess what?! Elliott bought me a new phone for my birthday and I now know how to link to websites on my blog from my phone!! Yay! Apparently the app I use has the ability to do it but my old phone was very outdated and didn't function properly in order for that feature to work. Thank you technology for being wonderful again!<br />
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Instragram is also really fun, as are a bunch of other games I couldn't get and/or play with my other phone. It was the 3G iPhone which was very old, and it was starting to be a real drag because I couldn't do hardly anything the iPhone is capable of doing. Now I can view blogs AND comment on them, open things with one touch instead of the press and hold then press the open button. Ah, easy again. Anyway, enough of that. <br />
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Are you having a fun weekend? We're not doing much this weekend, just cleaning. Earlier, Amelia and I were laying in bed and she was whispering furiously in my ear, "I'm just gonna help you..." as she probed her freezing fingers into my face and stuck her freezing feet on my arm. Then she ran away and threw Barbie at me. It was all pretty unpleasant but I loved it none the less. <br />
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Alyssa got a new car seat because my big girl out grew her infant seat. I would be sad about it but she was so heavy in her infant seat to carry around plus she hated that seat.<br />
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Sorry her face is kinda whited out, it was really bright out. But she loves it. It's bigger and more roomy for her. Plus she really likes to ride in the carts at places instead of being in her car seat. It's the end of an era. But it's better this way. Still no crawling from the babe yet, though she's taking 3-4 "steps" and then falls down to army crawl her way to where she's going. For a non-mobile baby, she's pretty mobile. <br />
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Amelia and I have been playing with the camera on my phone. She loves to see herself when we take pictures. She's such a ham! <br />
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Big ham! I put her in the Mai tei just to see what she would do and she actually liked it and she was pretty weightless in it. <br />
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I put Alyssa in it while we cleaned the kitchen yesterday morning and she put her head down on my back. She was so sleepy. Speaking of sleepy! If you have children, have you noticed their sleeping habits being crazy because of the weather changing (or other unknown factors)? Amelia has been sleeping so weird lately. Alyssa's sleep problems stem from regular baby things though. <br />
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How's it going on your crafty home front? I've done nothing more but love my new ripple blanket. Elliott and I decided it should be for one of the girls. Probably Amelia, and the little <a target="_blank" href="http://www.buzzingaroundtheappletree.blogspot.com/2012/08/tales-hook-weaves.html?m=1">hexagon</a> blanket will be made for Alyssa. Especially since Amelia is always trying to steal <a target="_blank" href="http://www.buzzingaroundtheappletree.blogspot.com/2012/07/much-ado-about-things.html?m=1">mine </a> and <a target="_blank" href="http://www.buzzingaroundtheappletree.blogspot.com/2012/04/some-blankets-revealed.html?m=1">Elliott's</a> blankets. <br />
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I am loving the neons from ILTY. They're thicker than the regular ILTY but still very soft. I started the blanket last weekend and I'm already (or just however you look at it) 21 rows in with a starting chain of 210. So it's wide and will be 140ish rows long. Hopefully she'll be using it for forever because she'll grow into it, but I know her tastes will change once she's older. <br />
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Oh, I do love a lovely ripple blanket. I hope you have/had a wonderful weekend! Have a great week! ☺<br />
Tabbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04865744687795678912noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8463609921868038015.post-13428791695812889362012-09-23T14:43:00.001-07:002012-09-29T06:39:37.605-07:00Fiber AdventuresHello! Are you enjoying this lovely Sunday in your neck of the woods? I am very much! My dad, Amelia, and I went to fund raiser and we got our fingernails painted. Yep, my dad let Amelia pick out two colors for him and he got his thumbnails painted. Before he came over, Elliott and I cleaned up our bedroom. Not that it was so dirty or is that big, we just did a deep clean. And before that I got to sleep in until 8! How awesome! Now everyone is quieted down and the two A's are taking naps. And I'm here talking to you! I have a few things to show you. Sorry it's been so long, but I was having severe blanket crochet withdrawals. You think I'm kidding but I'm not! I actually went a few days without picking up my hooks at all. But in that time I did make something super neat. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/09/23/2910.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/09/23/s_2910.jpg' border='0' width='187' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />It's called a mai tei. I got the tutorial <a target="_blank" href="http://scanditute.blogspot.com/2008/08/make-scandi_18.html?m=1">HERE</a>: <br />My sister gave me my birthday present a little early, a gift card to hobby lobby, and I bought duck canvas and minky in pink and the hot pink calico plus some other little odds and ends and made myself this carrier. The pocket was my own add on. Just a simple envelope pocket. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/09/23/2911.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/09/23/s_2911.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Alyssa loves it. She loves to be worn. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/09/23/2914.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/09/23/s_2914.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />I love it because with this carrier I can wear her on my back. So with Amelia running around when we go out, and especially if I'm by myself, this feature is so helpful. Just the other day, I took the girls to the park on and put Alyssa on my back...<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/09/23/2915.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/09/23/s_2915.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />She fell asleep. Haha! I asked a stranger if she looked ok, he said she looked as comfortable as could be. When we left some high schoolers laughed at me for the way I had to take her off my back. I wasn't worried about it, I know I'm super cool, don't need no high schoolers to tell me! But I keep the Mai tei in my car and I get butterflies when I get into the car because the fabric makes it smell like Hobby Lobby. I love that store. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/09/23/2916.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/09/23/s_2916.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />But with the rest of my gift card I bought new yarn for a new blanket! It's I Love This Yarn's neon colors and grey. The grey is called greybeard! How fun! <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/09/23/2917.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/09/23/s_2917.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='239' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />And here's my inspiration for the blanket, A sock! Elliott got these socks for me last Christmas and Amelia has been wearing them on her hands like mittens. I ran into ILTY neon when I had to pick up a skein of brown to finish a project and Amelia picked up the fuchsia and we both fell in love with it.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/09/23/2918.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/09/23/s_2918.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />It's another ripple with no specific purpose except to make me happy while I make it. I might make it for one of the girls or just toss it over one of the couches. But it's bringing the joy of crochet back to me. Don't get me wrong, I'm still working on the granny square blanket, Amelia's hexagon blanket, an everything else I'm working on, but as I've said before I really missed the gentle flow of a larger blanket. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/09/23/2919.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/09/23/s_2919.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />I made Alyssa a hat out of the fuchsia, so I need to make Amelia one now instead of the periwinkle. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/09/23/2920.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/09/23/s_2920.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />If you remember this one. I got the pattern from <a target="_blank" href="http://anewchelseamorning.blogspot.com/2008/10/as-requested-pattern-for-preemie.html?m=1">HERE.</a><br />And for Amelia's hat I chained 42 and doing what Barb has written for the pattern for 60 rows. Amelia's head is 19 1/2 inches. For Alyssa's (her head is 17 inches) hat I chained 38 and did Barb's pattern for a total of 52 rows. I wish I would have made Alyssa's a few rows longer but this pattern has fantastic stretch. I hope you try it! <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/09/23/2921.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/09/23/s_2921.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Besides all that, we've just been doing our thing. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/09/23/2924.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/09/23/s_2924.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Alyssa is sitting up all on her own in the middle of the floor. And she's growing so much! She's in the 92% for her height and 80th for her weight. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/09/23/2925.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/09/23/s_2925.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />And Amelia is just an amazing big sister. She helps me so much, and for awhile I tried not to ask her to help because of Alfred Adler's birth order theory (I was a psychology major in college and he says that the first born is basically a little mother/father. I didn't want to out that one her trying not to set her up for that role, but she was born into it. No pun intended!) But she just wanted to help and be a part of it all. She's my right hand sometimes. And Elliott's back is much better now, thanks for asking! Also, because of my lack of drive for crochet, I'm behind on my crochet along. Oops! I'll catch up soon, I promise myself.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/09/23/2926.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/09/23/s_2926.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />And I got my hair cut! My hair is naturally curly but my hair dresser/one of my closest friends, always flat irons it when she cuts it. I LOVE it! That's about it for now, I hope you're outside enjoying the beautiful weather! Happy Fall beginnings! <br /><br />Tabbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04865744687795678912noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8463609921868038015.post-80160989780761301642012-09-12T08:21:00.001-07:002012-09-12T08:22:55.810-07:00Crochet is Crochet is CrochetApparently it is not!<br />
Good morning! How are you this beautiful day? I'm well, not really looking forward to later today because my poor Alyssa has to get shots.<br />
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This little girl is six months 4 days ago. Still no crawling but why would you need to crawl when you can roll and spin in circles like a helicopter all day? <br />
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She is doing the splits, some baby downward facing dogs, and definitely scooting backward, mostly to end up under things. <br />
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Eating rice cereal like a big girl, but not oatmeal. We, I mean I, find this out the hard way while wearing Alyssa in the ring sling on a walk after breakfast one day. She threw up all over the inside of the sling. Not spit up. This involved the reflexes and included the sounds of actual vomit. Don't worry, I'm not scared of any kind of throw up. But I was worried she was sick. I placed her in her bouncy seat and she threw up some more. At one point I walked away to get Amelia something, because at that time she hadn't thrown up for a few minutes and came back shortly to find her red faced and choking. Mama bear instincts and reflexes kicked in and I grabbed her, flipped her face down on my arm and patted her back firmly with my other hand. She moaned softly and spit on the floor, going a little soft in my arms. I rubbed her back and talked to her and she started to squirm not too long after. I squeezed her and told her I loved her and she was ok. That's the scariest thing I've gone through with Alyssa. The scariest thing with Amelia was when she fell down the back deck stairs about 7-8 months because she went through the doggy door when we still had it. Then another day we tried oatmeal again. Same result without the choking so we've stayed away from oatmeal.<br />
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Besides all that jazz, I haven't been up to much hooking lately. I made Amelia this hat from a new pattern I was trying I'll link up to it in my next post because I'm planning to make Alyssa one too. But it's easy and fast. I was just hooking along with the hat when some dark yarn showed up woven in the periwinkle I was using. I thought it looked pretty neat so instead of cutting it out I left it. By the way, Amelia is wearing underwear in the picture. I cannot keep clothes on my child. Not since she's been potty trained. Oh yeah! She's been potty trained for awhile now and she is amazing at it! She'll stop doing something sometimes and say, "oh! I gotta go pee!" and run off to do her business. I still have to bribe her to poop sometimes but she's good at that too.<br />
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Alyssa likes the hat too so she's definitely getting a matching one. But my hooks have sadly been very quiet lately because I have been crocheting hats and squares but I really miss the smooth, relaxing movement of a blanket. Long chain, double crochet, turn, double crochet again to end. I miss blanketing. But I'm gonna get one started again soon. But not soon enough for my hooks. <br />
Tabbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04865744687795678912noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8463609921868038015.post-43780485912085217472012-08-30T13:20:00.001-07:002012-08-30T13:21:47.934-07:00Tales the Hook Weaves<br />
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Hello! How are you doing? Good I hope! I'm doing good, just gearing up for the Christmas season. I actually started some of my Christmas projects last month, I don't want to be finishing up presents the night before Christmas. But I have things to show you! But first... After my post on Sunday, Elliott and Alyssa both went down for naps and Amelia and I went up to the store to get some stuff. As we were about to turn into the parking lot, I saw something up ahead.<br />
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Laying on it's side, tied to the ground was a hot hair balloon. One of the Mason temples was doing a fund raiser and they were calling it "Touch a Balloon." You got to go inside the acutal balloon and run around.<br />
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But I think the sheer size of the balloon terrified Amelia. She was crying and kept saying she needed to go home.<br />
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We didn't stay long, but it was neat and I wish Amelia would have enjoyed it more. Later she told me the fan (that was used to keep it inflated) was the thing that scared her. And since Monday after visiting the chiropractor, Elliott has been feeling a little better, still has some pain and stiffness, but he'll be better soon. I hope. <br />
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For starters, here's a little peek into my little nook, aka our bedroom. This is my night table with all of my crochet goodies. Along with my kindle, my big book of crochet techniques, and some delicious lotion. Plus my awesome lamp that Elliott named the porch light because it's always on when he comes home from work. Just thought I'd share that little piece of me. <br />
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Anyway, I've been hook, hook, hooking lately. Mostly with that bernat great value yarn that has consumed my life. I love it! It's a dream to work with and I can't wait to see how it washes up. <br />
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Of course you'll probably recognize this. It's Lucy's, from attic24.typepad.com, Blooming Flower cushion. I've been wanting to make one for awhile and Becca from beccadoodle.blogspot.com made one and I just couldn't stand it any longer! So I started one and I can't wait to do the back and get the round pillow insert for it. It's going to be lovely, I know it!<br />
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And this is the main reason I bought all that yarn. To make a blanket for the living room. I decided on a granny square because I'm obsessed with granny squares and just never found the time to make one. But now seemed like the best time. I'm being honest with the ends because I'm doing the join as you go method and seamless joins among the rounds. So hopefully, there will be a minimum amount, or none at all, of ends to weave in. <br />
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I just finished this little stroller blanket for a family friend's grandbaby. <br />
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The colors are not done justice in these pictures. They're very contemporary and girly and very bright. Ripples grow fast, but baby ripples grow fastest. I hope to give it to her before the baby is born, but that's not looking like it'll happen. <br />
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This is a hexagon blanket I'm working on for Amelia since she's the only one in the family without an "I Love This Yarn" blanket. I'm doing it by rows and completely random with the scraps of color from previous blankets (mine, Elliott's, and Alyssa's). The little hexies work up in no time and I join them with a slip stitch through the back loops as I go. It's so soft and is just Amelia's style.<br />
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By the way, did you know it's super hard to take pictures of things on the floor with kids and dogs? Just a little FYI. :-)<br />
The first time she saw this she brought it to me and told me it was her blanket and that it was so pretty. I love that girl! She's quite possibly my biggest fan. <br />
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Then there's this, a Christmas present for someone I love. Not you, mom. This person doesn't read my blog, I don't think, but still I won't say who. It's worked up using Dottie Angel's ordinarily extraordinary blanket how to, http://dottieangel.blogspot.com/2010/06/ordinarily-extraordinary-blanket-how-to.html?m=1<br />
It's grows fast too. <br />
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And last but not least, and most certainly not truly last really, there are other things I'm working on still. I have joined a crochet along on Ravelry. I've been a member of Ravelry for two years an have barely used it but lately I've been really into it. Epsecially since I want to branch out in the crochet community more. We're doing a CAL using Jan Eaton's book 200 Crochet Blocks, a booku brother bought me for my birthday last year, and we're doing roughly two squares a week starting officially on the 1st of September. So if you'd like to join there is still time! It's 200 blocks crochet with Rachell. The theme that was voted on was "cottage garden," and the colors are completely up to how you see it. I'm really loving it.<br />
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Here's my first block.<br />
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An my second. I'm using ther Bernat for my blocks too. I will definitely be blocking my blocks before I join them. I can a least do that much the right way since I don't gauge or swatch my yarns. So don't judge the wonkiness! Please.<br />
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I'm glad you stopped by, it was nice to see you. Have a wonderful rest of the week! <br />
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Tabbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04865744687795678912noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8463609921868038015.post-35199555470485820252012-08-26T08:07:00.001-07:002012-08-30T11:10:09.188-07:00Sunday Morning<br />
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This morning I woke up to the usual. Amelia handing me Denny, the ankylasaurus, so she can get into bed with Daidai under her arm while I throw the covers over her. To the sudden realization that this child is yet again up before I'd like to be, but 7:30 is better than 6:30, and Alyssa wasn't up yet. Then I listened closely, there were no shrill cries of locust but the soft tweeter of finches in the yard. It's been raining, misting, and gray since yesterday. You know what else I saw yesterday? For the first time in weeks, I saw a robin with a worm in his mouth. <br />
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After Amelia watched her Loony Toons videos (about 2) on my phone, she hopped down and knocked down the baby gate to get to the kitchen and get into things. She has a Minnie Mouse lawn chair she drags around to climb on the counters.<br />
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How convienent for her that it's so light. We've taken it downstairs countless times. But she had only just gotten into the cabinet when I finally pulled myself out of bed. <br />
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Sometimes, if I get the camera just right, in pictures it looks like we don't have neighbors. After I picked up the bits Amelia did get into I looked out the back door. We have two hummingbird (honeybird if you ask Amelia) feeders and just had to put the oriole feeder back up. We got some in the beginning of summer but then they left, but because there's no food (I.e. Bugs) they've come back looking for food. Elliott had a theory they were back because one of the honeybird feeders was super low after early morning, not like it should have been. The same day he told me his theory, before he told me, I thought I heard the croak of an oriole. He was right about them getting into the feeders and when they flew off they would slosh "nectar" from the feeders. <br />
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This is the best picture I could get of him. Little fingers had smudged my camera on my phone and when I had cleared it, he was gone. The honeybirds have been going crazy lately too, Amelia and I sit out back and watch them after Alyssa goes to sleep at night. <br />
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After fixing Amelia up with her morning fruit and milk, I had a nice snuggle with Alyssa. I always lay my hand on her back if I'm not rubbing it. I love snuggle time. After I had bragged to you about the 11 hour night she had a major sleep regression and was waking ever 2-4 hours at night. But last night was the best night we've had for at least for a month. She even woke up at 530 and out herself back to sleep! Knocking on wood that it wasn't a one time thing though, she'll be 6 months on the 8th, and still only pre-crawling. <br />
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Elliott threw out his back last night and is laid up on the floor, but the girls don't mind. And if you don't mind the mess, it's a cute picture. So I don't think we'll be getting out of our jammies anytime soon. I hope you have a great Sunday and I'll be back hopefully tomorrow with some stuff to show you.<br />
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Happy days! <br />
Tabbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04865744687795678912noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8463609921868038015.post-58398584989004749452012-08-24T13:57:00.001-07:002012-08-24T13:57:01.224-07:00The Story of a Chair Hello lovely people! How are you today? I'm alright, I have a bit of a tension headache, but I bet if I actually take something for it it'll go away. How's your weather? Here in my part of Kansas the sky has been a gray slate, threatening to rain since this morning. I took the laundry off the line because when I went to get a freshly washed Daisy Bear I was sprinkled on a bit and I didn't want to rush around getting hit with big raindrops trying to get towels and sheets down had it come to actual rain. Rain. *sigh* How you are sorely missed. Enough sucking wind, as my dad would say, which means quit scoffing if you didn't guess, I have things to show you! <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/08/24/2339.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/08/24/s_2339.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Back in Winter sometime, my step-dad's sister gave Amelia this little rocking chair. We weren't too thrilled about it because we really didn't have anywhere to put it. It roamed around the living room for awhile before being placed in Amelia's room. She loved the chair! Loved to sit in it and watch Wild Kratts in her room and eat her morning fruit. I was just ok about it. It was heavy, but really solid, and outdated. Not very feminine at all. But for awhile it stayed.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/08/24/2340.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/08/24/s_2340.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Then after Alyssa reached a stage where she wasn't sleeping all day or eating every 30 minutes to an hour, I got tired of being inside by myself with the girls while Elliott worked on the shed outside. So I said, "Elliott, I'm going to refinish Amelia's chair." <br />"Do it," He said.<br />So I did.<br />He told me I would want to sand it before I painted it. Good call man. So I sanded it. Then I kilzed it, twice, then I painted it green, two coats. The same green that's in Amelia's room. I was going to use the purple we painted Alyssa's room but Elliott forgot he had used all of it. Then I picked out my fabric bundle to match and took measurements. But as you can see, I totally blew it and didn't take any pictures. And I ended up scraping the measurements too because they were wrong! Well, maybe they were right but I threw a wrench in my plans and used foam cushions instead of a layer of batting like I planned. Which I'm glad I did. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/08/24/2341.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/08/24/s_2341.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I did the seat first and it took forever! I had to sew things together, place on seat and measure, sew more on, measure. Then finally, hot glued the fabric over the cushion and under the seat. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/08/24/2342.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/08/24/s_2342.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Then today, when the girls were napping, I finished the back. That didn't take near as long as the seat did. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/08/24/2343.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/08/24/s_2343.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Which was good, but I still burnt my fingers just as many times and got hot glue on my pants. Oh well, at least it's done! <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/08/24/2345.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/08/24/s_2345.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Overall, I'm really happy with how it turned out. And before I even started with the fabric I told Elliott I'd like to find a similar rocker to do the same thing for Alyssa. Granted, she won't be sitting in it anytime soon, but it doesn't hurt to look because you'll never know when you'll get lucky and find what you're looking for.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/08/24/2346.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/08/24/s_2346.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />When I called Amelia out to see it she said, "whoa! That's so pretty!" and when I asked if she liked it, she said, "yeah, I do!" <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/08/24/2347.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/08/24/s_2347.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />She sat in it, touched the fabric, and rocked in it. Then she ran off to play with other things. After I get her room in order I'll be putting this back into it's rightful spot. And out of my craft area in the basement! There isn't much room in the corner as it is, butt was really hard to move around with the chair there.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/08/24/2352.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/08/24/s_2352.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />That's about all I have for today, I have some other things to share, but I'll be back for that later. The chair is enough for now. <br />Tabbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04865744687795678912noreply@blogger.com1