Extra, Extra! Read all about it!!

I like trying new things. I mean, I like trying to MAKE new things. I have an endless list of tutorials bookmarked on my computer just waiting for the day I fancy to give them a try. It has crossed my mind that perhaps I have Arts and Crafts ADD. Is there such a thing? I’m not sure.

My husband tires of my endless need to create something I couldn’t before. But I have to give him props, because he usually just goes along with it. He must have learned its just much easier this way.

So one project I have wanted to tackle for awhile now was learning how to crochet a newsboy cap for Miles. I scoped out patterns on Etsy, found one specifically labeled for “Beginners”, bought some yarn on sale at Michaels, and learned how to do a half double crochet stitch by watching You Tube. (Have I ever posted about my fondness of You Tube? No? Well, I will add that to my list of things to do.)

So I started off. The instructions said it would take me about 2 hours. ‘Cept I must be really slow. REALLY REALLY slow. Because it took me just over 4.

And the result……..was not so great. WAY too small. Packed it in my bag to give to my new nephew. Back to store to buy a larger hook and thicker yarn.

2nd Attempt: Increased the number of rows to make it large enough for Miles. Result: Not so great. I didn’t realize that the larger hook and yarn would ALREADY make the cap much larger. Add in my extra rows and well…..let’s just say it is now MY cap. And fits me perfectly.

3rd Attempt: Back to the original pattern, but using the larger hook and yarn. Was the third time the charm???

Well, not EXACTLY.

But it was pretty close. Don’t analyze these pictures too closely, or you will see my many mistakes. I somehow lost count of my rows, so it is a couple rows too long. I also managed to “flip” my pattern half way through, which is why the top of the hat looks different. And the bill is a little wonky.

But it keeps little ears warm on brisk mornings outside when the agenda, apparently, is squishing ants.

Maybe the 4th time will be the charm. Anyone want a not so well made crochet cap???

Other projects on my immediate “to do” list:

1. Make the quilt kit I bought for Miles

2. Diaper and Wipes Case

3. Easter Tie

4. Magnetic Message Center (for home in Michigan)

5. Plant my first ever Vegetable Garden

6. And a few more “Baby Sets” for close friends.

7. Couch Pillows. (Don’t tell Mike. This is one project he WON’T go along with.) It’s going to be a surprise! :)

OOOOh…I am sure you can hardly wait!

April Fools

Mother Nature definitely fooled us this year.

And I was a fool to believe she wouldn’t.

But we made the best of it.

(Meanwhile, it is 80 degrees and sunny back in Michigan. Go figure)

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

I was commissioned by my mother to take some pictures of two of her favorite boys while I was visiting.

I was reminded that:

1. Taking pictures of toddlers is not fun

2. #1 requires two things I am short on these days; time and patience

3. My photography skills are seriously lacking

4. I have COMPLETE respect for those people who CAN coax a smile out of my two year old AND capture it in an amazing picture

5. I will never join the ranks with those amazing people mentioned above

After about 30 minutes we called it a wrap.

And these were as good as it got.

Can you tell Miles was tired of hearing me ask him to say “cheese?”

Maybe next time I’ll plan ahead and try to get my talented friend to help me out.

Either that, or I’ll be smart enough to “Just Say No”.

Rough Night and Cousins Reunited

By the looks of these two bed-headed hooligans, it must have been a rough night.

Miles was so happy to have a little Buddy around.

(Check out those Jokers. They were TROUBLE!)

This is what I miss the most being so far away. The chance for Miles to grow up with his cousins, the same way I did. Having a built-in “best friend”. I miss that for him.

But we’ll take it when we can get it!

Thanks Gabe, for being a good sport when Miles stole your toys, ate your food, hoarded your treats, and threw books at your head. :)

At Long Last

I was finally able to see my cute little nephew in the flesh. And it is an understatement to say I could just eat him up.

Miles loved his new little Nephew, and followed Ed around everywhere, making sure he was taking care of that baby. He was also VERY helpful in letting Ed know when the baby had a poopy diaper, where the baby should go to have that diaper changed, where the clean diapers are and where the dirty ones go….. I think you get the picture.

It was adorable.

And he even helped feed the baby.

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And he did it ALL, while rockin a pretty sweet ‘do

P.S…..I am on vacation in Utah

P.P.S. It’s awesome

My New Nephew......He's Here!!!!

Born 2/17 at 11:39 am
6 Pounds 15 ounces

Mom and Baby are doing great.

I can't wait to go home and get my hands on this cute little guy!

Compromise?

Last night Mike and I went out to dinner. Our conversation went a little something like this:

Me: Miles needs a haircut.

Mike: No Way! It’s awesome!

Me: No, it looks stupid. And it is hanging in his eyes.

Mike: No Way! It’s awesome! I don’t want to cut it for at least a year!

Me: But I want to get it cut tomorrow….

And so our conversation continued in this manner for several minutes. I finally realized a solution would NOT be found that evening. So I gave up.

But today, I came up with the perfect compromise!

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Mike can rest-assured, Miles’ hair will continue to grow into long, lustrous locks. I am happy because it doesn’t hang in his eyes all day. And honestly, Miles doesn’t seem to mind either.

Win-Win-Win?

Randomness

Naughty chair time, Nap time, or Potty time?

Trick question. It’s all three. Miles fell asleep while on time-out. He also pooped in his diaper before he fell asleep. But I wasn’t surprised because he ALWAYS goes #2 when he is relegated to the naughty chair. ALWAYS. I think its his way of getting back at me.

The little guy is also very mindful of my camera. He loves the darn thing. And now he has perfected his very own, trademarked, Zoolander like, model pose. When seeing a photograph of himself tickles his fancy, he climbs up to the table, strikes his pose, and say’s “Mom….Cheese!” Then he just sits there and waits patiently while I click away.

After an 8 month break, I finally sat down at my sewing machine. It seems everyone in my ward is having a baby. I have had 3 baby showers in the last 2 weeks. So I have been digging into my scrap piles and have been whipping up some soft, minky, blankey goodness. Currently working on 3 more of these…but for boys.

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This was a custom order for a little girl’s birthday, and I LOVE it. If only I had a little girl to wear it. But I don’t, so I have to live vicariously through everyone else. This watch band will soon be available in single and double stranded bracelets in a variety of colors in the Shop. They would make a perfect addition to a little girls Easter basket, if you ask me!

Free Giveaway!!!

Just thought I would share the news. I am doing a free giveaway over on my other blog.

Head on over to http://www.justbeaditdesign.blogspot.com/ and enter to win yourself a little something for Valentine's Day!

Disney – Part 1

Aunt Rachel has requested pictures.  And More Pictures.  And even more where those came from.  And seeing as I have yet to post about our family vacation, I figured I would spare you my written word and just show you the highlights instead. 

If you’re not a fan of pictures, you can thank Rachel for this.

 

Day 1 - My little Vikings – At Epcot

I think Mike is quite striking as a blonde haired woman.

 

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After the Finding Nemo ride at Epcot, Miles was NOT excited about posing with Bruce the Shark.

Epcot isn’t very entertaining to two year olds, so after half a day we took the shuttle over to the Magic kingdom.

Waiting in line to see Woody and Jesse in front of Splash Mountain.  It rained most of that first day, but we didn’t mind.  We had umbrellas and rain jackets.  And the rain kept the crowds at bay.

 

Miles was not excited to see Pocahontas, but as long as I held him, he was Okay.  But he LOVED Mickey Mouse. 

Up Next: Animal Kingdom and the Disney Christmas Party