Present

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.


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.


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?


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.


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.


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.


A panda hat for my sister.


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.


I've been working on a pattern for a doll too. I loved making this little doll.


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.

Something 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!


Four mantis babies! From FiberDoodles. I've made two others using this pattern. It's a great pattern I highly recommend it.


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.


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.


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!


They'll miss me, I know. But they're going to good homes. And just for your entertainment...


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.

Bad Day...

This afternoon has been an awful one. This morning was great.


We went downstairs and listened to records. The girls played together and with their toys.


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.)


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?...

Just Stopping By

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.


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.


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.


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!


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.


And both my girls...


Are decked out and ready to see
Santa! Hopefully it'll go well, but we'll see.


Have fun with your Christmas prep!

Small Hello

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!


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.


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.


I'm half done with this present. It's fun to work on and it has a lot of meaning in the colors.


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.


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 BEFORE 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.


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.


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.


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.


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!

Hope you have a great day!

Crochet Hats and This and That

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!


I have a crawler now! She's been doing that since the 4th of October.


She doubles as a climber too, please ignore the mess, it was clean before the girls got to it.


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...


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?


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.


And luckily Amelia is about the same age as her son.


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.


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. :-)


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.


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 monster gal for my partner.


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.


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!


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.


Alyssa loves it and so do I because her cup isn't falling on the floor 50 times throughout dinner.


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.


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!


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!


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.


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.


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!


P.s. that little penguin was mine when I was her age. It's been keeping her safe at night. :-)