Finished

I finished Sophia's cardigan a few days ago. These photos are actually much truer to the color than those in the previous post.

Picking a button was tough, as you can see....

In the end I liked the red the best....

I tried it on her, but she's the squirmiest little thing ever. So, there aren't any photos of her in it yet. I wish there were because clothes never look quite right on hangers...

Since I had so much yarn left I made her a hat using this pattern. It looks so stinkin' cute on, but of course, there was the squirming issue. Oh, yes, and the fact that she pulls hats directly off of her head. Her birthday crown was in fact snuck on her as she was waking from her nap. She never knew it was there. I believe that's the tactic I'll use when cooler weather hits. Hat on first thing in the morning.

If you're like my husband you'll say, "Why'd you choose a green ribbon and a red button? Why not match?" Hmmmm...I have no good answers for that. Except that I think there's such a thing as too much matching. Ahem...that and I didn't have a matching button and ribbon on hand. :)

At The Cypress Swamp

Yesterday was the last day of Mimi's visit. Before we took her to the airport we headed out to one of our favorite spots on the Natchez trace.

We're going to miss having her around.

Everyday Blessings

It's Monday...already. This week has flown by. Ready for a little blessing count?

: : My mother in law has been here since Thursday. I know the thought makes some of you cringe, but I lucked up in the MIL department. We've all enjoyed having her around.

: : Last year at this point I was very pregnant and so miserably hot that no amount of air conditioning was cool enough. This year I'm not pregnant thus capable of staying reasonably comfortable. It's a good feeling. I should try timing the next pregnancy around August. 

: : Sophia will be an entire year old this week. Wow. I'm so excited about this next year with her. She still isn't really officially walking, but she takes steps every day. By pumpkin picking time I think she'll be running. I can't wait!

: : Have I mentioned how awesome my husband is? Because he is, and that's something I'm very grateful for. 

: : Stephan was able to come to church with us this morning. He works lots of weekends, so it's always such a treat to be able to go as a whole family.

What blessings are you counting today?

Sunday

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."

~Galatians 5:21-23

A Little Partying

We had a party. It was tiny and lovely. Stephan's mom, my parents, and my sister came over. We put up streamers and balloons, made a last minute "sunshine" cake, and ate some really yummy food. Sophia slept through lunch, and woke up just in time for cake.

She was a tad confused by the flashes and the candle and the singing and by the cupcake...

But, she got over it...

She loved her present. She even looked at it instead of trying to eat it. And, she so reminds me of Levi in this picture. I think it's the serious expression. He always had this look on his face when he was a baby.

A few more days and she really will be a whole year old. I can't believe that a year ago she was in here

Visiting

Stephan is off of work for a week, and his mom, otherwise known as Mimi, is here. The kids are beyond thrilled. Levi keeps telling her that he loves her, and Sophia won't have anything to do with me....except, of course when she wants to nurse. It's all Mimi all the time. Not that I'm complaining. It is a strange but pleasant experience to walk around all by myself.

Today we had lunch with my mom and then hit the Old Capitol Museum. I wasn't sure Levi would be very into it, but he totally was. He ran around looking at the exhibits and pressing buttons. There were suggestion boxes every so often, and at each one he would stop and 'write' something. Towards the end he got a little bored, so he pretended to be a squirrel. Problem solved.

So far, I'm liking this week, and at the end of it is party time. Yay!

Yarn Along: Hooks and Needles

It's been awhile since I picked up a hook and crocheted anything. I'd nearly forgotten how much faster it is than knitting. I crocheted this little Bobble Hat Saturday. When that was done, I cast on for the Striped Smock Top minus the stripes. Nothing against stripes, I was just trying to use up some yarn from the stash. I have a whole extra skein of it and not too much further to go, so I'm thinking a matching hat is in order. This is the first top down sweater I've done, and now I totally get the obsession. I'm not sure I'll ever do a bottom up sweater again....and definitely no more sweaters in bunches of pieces. Seaming is not my friend.

After the little cardigan and hat are finished, I'll be taking a reluctant break from the Sophia knits. Every time I cast on (no matter the color), Levi asks me if it's for him. The number of times I've said, "No, baby." is starting to get to me....oh, mommy guilt! Remember this post? I'll be choosing a sweater soon. He's voting for a white one. Yikes. I'm trying to steer him toward a darker, more dirt friendly color. A trip to the yarn shop in our future.

There is a chance that I might have to sneak this onto some needles as well...

                                                       Source: ravelry.com via Madeline on Pinterest

Wouldn't it be just darling on Sophia?!! I know. I know. I need to be fair. But, really girls are so fun to knit for.

I've recently mentioned the book The Dirty Life, but it was good and worth the double mention.  I finished it a few days ago and haven't decided on anything to replace it's nightstand position just yet. So what are you reading and/or knitting these days?

P.S. If you're the knitterly type, you might enjoy Corinne's recent post on the subject.

P.P.S. I'm linking up with Ginny's Yarn Along even though I totally forgot to toss the book into my photo. Whoops! :)

Everyday Blessings

A few things I'm grateful for....

: : Our air conditioner was fixed for free which I think is worth this second mention!

: : Levi was trying to help me last week, and he dragged my favorite purse (the one that was big enough to carry diapers for two and my knitting) on gravel. There are holes in it, but I'm grateful that I kept my cool and didn't make him feel like things are more important than he is.

: : I've gotten a crazy amount of crafting done lately. I'm not sure where all of the time is coming from. It has to be God because I am certainly not the queen of time management. On top of what I blogged about, I also sewed a knitting needle holder, crocheted a baby hat, and got 1/3 of the way through a knitted cardigan for Sophia.

: : We're celebrating Sophia's birthday this weekend! I haven't even cried over it....yet. I'm actually just really excited. 

: : Stephan's mom is coming up to celebrate with us, and Stephan will be off for a week. So, not only do we get to have fun with Mimi and daddy, but I get a break from being outnumbered by children.

: : My mom is coming over today. She makes for excellent company, and my house improves every time she steps in it. What's not to be grateful for about that?

What are you grateful for today?

Sunday

Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know.

~Jeremiah 33:3

Weekend Loves

Levi and my mom feeding Apollo. Taken this past weekend.

Lovely links....

: : Check out the Dear Photograph blog.

: : Halloween costume for Fi? Of course, I'd try to DIY it minus the puffiness. I don't imagine that much pouf is comfy.

: : After making her crown, I spotted this one. Love it.

: : I want this sofa.

: : I'm nearly done with The Dirty Life. Really good.

Got any good links to share?

Some Sewing And Some Party Planning

I ditched the knitting needles for my sewing machine this week.
It was a nice break.
We're just having a little family party for Sophia's 1st birthday, but that doesn't stop me from party planning. We're going for a sunshine theme, since she has such a (mostly) sunny personality. When it's not sunny it's at least fiery.

Anyway, sunshine theme = a need for a yellow dress which = this*...

And, then I wanted her to have a special birthday crown**. I skipped the sunshine theme for it because I'm thinking we'll use it yearly. That is if I can hold myself back from making a new one every year. This was a fun and easy sew. I could become addicted to crown making. (In fact, she might have a sunshine crown by the time her birthday rolls around.)

I snuck the crown on her as she woke up from a nap. She didn't notice until we passed a mirror. Then she couldn't stop staring at herself and grinning. Normally she freaks over hats, but apparently crowns are cool.

As far as the non-sewn aspects of the party go, I'm thinking something like this for the cake, but made into a sun instead of a sunflower.
(Mom, are you seeing this? ;)...

                                      Source: tinywhitedaisies.tumblr.com via Madeline on Pinterest

And, this is her present...

The girl is in the habit of eating holes through our books. She can reek havoc on a book in just a few seconds...especially now that she has teeth! Hopefully, a wooden book will slow her down a bit.

And, just because I feel like I haven't posted very many pictures of Levi, here's a totally unrelated one...

He's seriously the sweetest boy alive....at least in my humble opinion.

*I used the Prudent Baby's Snappy Toddler Dress pattern. 

**I was just winging it on the crown although I know there's a pattern in a book around here somewhere. I just couldn't remember where. Sigh...mommy brain strikes again.

Weekend Photos

Our weekend was made even better by Stephan's cousin. He came out Monday and fixed our air conditioner....for free. What could have been quite the havoc producing disaster turned into a series of lovely blessings.

Everyday Blessings

Levi running to the barn at my parents' place.
 

A list of gratitude:

: : Levi is finally showing some interest in potty learning! We haven't had any 'successes' yet, but the fact that he's asking to try makes me so happy and in our book really is a success.

: : Saturday morning our air conditioner died. (That's not the blessing part....or maybe it is and we just haven't found out yet). The house was 80 degrees by 10 am. We packed up and headed to my parents' house. It's been so wonderful and peaceful. It's hard not to love it here.

: : I was (miraculously) on top of the laundry before we left, so at least the laundry monster won't be insanely out of control when we get back.

: : A cool front came through, so the generally unbearably hot August weather is actually pretty nice.

: : This is the time of year when the light starts to change. Yesterday afternoon I noticed a distinctly Autumnish tinge to it. Squeal. Spring and Autumn are the two best times of the year.

: : Sophia is so close to full fledged walking. She keeps taking little steps here and there. I'm loving the anticipation. 

So, what are you grateful for today?

Sunday

"But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness."

~James 3:17-18

Family Fun

We hit the children's museum a few days ago. The kids (and Stephan) had a blast. This is the first time Sophia has been able to get in on the action. 

You could just see the wheels turning in that head of hers. I do believe we're in for some wild times with this one.

And, yes. She is barefoot. After all we don't call it Barefoot Childhood for nothing.

Weekend Loves

                                                        Source: flickr.com via Mary on Pinterest

Some happy links...

: : Yummy vegan ginger cookies.

: : Quick and delicious breakfast.

: : Sweet baby pinafore pattern.

: : Adorable pencil case embroidery pattern.

: : This dollhouse.

: : Summer sprinkler fun.

 Got any fun weekend plans?

Leviisms

While shelling peas, Levi came up with a little rhyme:
"Open it up. See what you see. It's a pea!"

While I was saying the blessing before lunch:
"Mama, He (referring to God) said, 'You're Welcome!'"

Overheard while Levi was playing with some animal toys:
"Hello, Turkey-Monkey! How are you? Turkey-Monkey, you are magnificant!"
(Misspelling intentional. He totally pronounced it with an emphasis on the 'cant'.)

*I don't know if you can tell, but his shirt is on inside out. He's suddenly developed a hatred of tags...even in tagless shirts. Guess he's just trying to keep me on my toes.

Yarn Along: Beginning Again

Today I'm linking up with Ginny at Small Things for her lovely Yarn Along.
This will make the umpteen billionth time I've unraveled this cowl and begun again. **Sigh** First I hemmed and hawed over what pattern to use, and I started and stopped and piddled about. Then, when I settled on a pattern, I got quite a ways through and figured out I didn't like how large it was going to be. I almost left it, but then....deep breath....I pulled the needles out and decided on some adjustments. So, here we go. Maybe this time will be the charm....or maybe I'll pull it out yet again and turn it into this.

                                                     Source: ravelry.com via Madeline on Pinterest

Now onto the book...I've just finished The Quotidian Mysteries: Laundry, Liturgy, and Women's Work. My attitude about housework is in dire need of an adjustment, so I'm reading about it (you know...instead of actually doing it). The book was good but not what I would call a must read. There were some wonderful elements, but overall I thought it was scattered and a bit unfinished which I guess is fitting considering the subject at hand. Any good books suggestions for a rather impractical keeper of the home?

Back To Those Blessings

I think I'll make gratitude a weekly thing around here. Monday certainly seems like a fitting day for it, so here we go....

: : That weird photo is Sophia nursing upside down. She is my 24/7 on the go girl. Nursing doesn't throw a kink in her plans for constant motion. What I'm grateful for, though, is that I can still nurse her. Because of her allergies I have to stay on a pretty strict (not fun) diet, but I feel especially blessed that I can give her something that is so good for her.

: : Shortly before we got married, Stephan took on a second job so that we could meet a few financial goals. Not having him around much stinks, but the end is finally in sight. Yippeee. It will still be a few more months before he is a single job fella, but I'm already getting excited.

: : Organized closets....need I say more?

: : Levi was at his dad's this weekend. His return was met with peals of laughter from Sophia. She couldn't stop giggling. I love how much they love each other.

: : I scored some adorable fabric on sale this weekend. It makes me grin.

: : The death of our refrigerator seemed more like a lose/lose situation, but we were able to find a really good deal on a new one. And, there's something about opening a clean and orderly refrigerator that makes me happy. Now if I could just keep it that way.

: : Yesterday I baked bread and ginger cookies and made soup and quinoa salad and sauteed green beans. It was one of those rare, prolific cooking days. The smells....oh so good.

So, what are you grateful for today?

Sunday

"When you talk, do not say harmful things, but say what people need—words that will help others become stronger. Then what you say will do good to those who listen to you."

~Ephesians 4:29

Weekend Loves

 It was kind of a rough day. Stephan was gone, and my refrigerator died....rather dramatically....which stressed me out. But, those two smiling faces and my awesome mom got me through. Life is good. Now, on with the links....


: : This and this....alternatives to spanking and yelling.

: : A happy lunch bag.

: : A cool lawn game.

: : DIY cloud rugs.

: : Munchkin fun.

: : A crocheted lampshade...want.


So, how was your day?

Knitting and Teething

So I spent part of last night knitting and holding a sleeping, teething Sophia. Poor dear. Today I figured out that she is not just popping through two top teeth. It's really four top teeth, and, I think, 2 more bottom ones. And, my babies are slooooow teethers. If she follows protocol, those teeth could be chillin' just below the surface for awhile. Fun times.

Back to the knitting...I was working on a soaker for Fi. The same one I posted about here. I grafted it together, held it up, and my heart kind of sank a bit. How did I not realize that I was knitting it too small???!!!! Ack! I'm just going to finish off the legs and put it away for a future baby, but really! So frustrating. Obviously I cannot be trusted with a ruler while sleep deprived and attempting to wrangle small munchkins.

Today I went to the Knit Studio and bought needles for this lovely cowl.

                                                  Source: ravelry.com via Madeline on Pinterest

Finally, something non-utilitarian...just for me. 

Is It August Already?

August is my least favorite month of the entire year. I've tried to like it. I've tried to think up good things about it, but really, it's just intensely hot. The kind of hot that forces you inside by 10 am. This has become especially uncool since having children. Unless you happen to live in Australia (and I know some of you do) then you are probably nodding your head in agreement. So we'll just talk about something besides the heat.

My babies are growing. That's all I can think about these days. Maybe it's the teeth Sophia is getting (and biting with...ouch) or the fact that we watch her like a hawk because we know she is THIS close to walking, and we don't want to miss it. Or maybe it's the way Levi talks ninety to nothing and is actually starting to make sense. Man, for awhile there it was like living with the mad hatter. Sigh. I know I don't want them to stop, but maybe they could slow down a bit. Sophia will be 1 in less than a month which means Levi will be 4 only two months later. Gah.

Last week I was sorting hand me downs into sizes and seasons and marveling at the fact that Sophia would be wearing such big clothes so soon. Do y'all remember when she looked like this?



Such itty bitty tinyness.
Okay, enough of my sappiness for the day.
What is it with first birthdays? They do this to me!