Tajci.....An Angels Voice

A few (3 or 4) years ago our church had Lenton small study group gatherings. We loved it and missed it terribly when it ended at Easter. So, with 4-6 other couples decided to keep it going on our own. We rotate gathering in each others homes, some one brings snacks, and another chooses a scripture study topic. We come together once a month. Sort of a Sunday school with a twist. We have developed some wonderful life long friends, the kind you can trust with anything, your heart....the true you. Whats said in group...stays in group. In our house we call that "Kitchen Table Rules" Sure we have differences, ages, incomes, life experiences..... but that's the great thing, learning to look at scripture thru another's heart.

With this month falling in the Lenton season I'm sure part of the topic will concerning the Crucifixion. After the chosen reading, a discussion would follow of how it relates in our lives.

As a mother, watching my children blossom & grow walking the paths in life they have chosen may often be painful. Seeing them.... Falling down and getting back up, only to be stronger. Sometimes its an illness bandage's, cuddles and kisses cant fix. Dreams shattered, new ones made... goals, priorities & responsibilities shifting. As tough as it is sometimes we have to let them trip and fall, to learn they can pick themselves back up & sometimes start over.

But can you imagine being Mary?

Tomorrow night as our "Group Gathering" we are all going to a concert to see "Tajci"

She has a story that is indescribeable, coming to the USA, traveling the country with her family sharing her gift & faith.

Right now Silently is my favorite.

Your Using CLOTH!?

Your Using CLOTH!?!
I cant tell you how many times we have heard the past 2 weeks. Usually with a gasp tone of horror. Larry even rolled his eyes and shuddered at the thought. He just remembers the skimpy cheese cloth like flat folds & prefolds, (& possibly a diaper left soaking one to many times.)

Diapering has changed quite a bit in 23 years! These are not your Mama's Diapers! I looked at a lot of different styles, trying to narrow it down for Erika. We knew what ever diaper we chose would need to have the same ease of use as disposables for daycare and Chris. We decided to start with "fitteds", the same basic use as a disposable. How about velcro or snap closures?

We settled on "Mimas" a WAHM on Etsy & are so happy we did. She patiently answered our 101 questions , try's to provide prints of your choice & even offers a layaway program. In all honesty we chose her initially due to her prices, not wanting to spend a lot $ until we knew if they would like cloth. Well, I have to tell you, she should charge more. These are so well made & absorbent. Can you say cute, look at these prints! The pink taps fold over to cover the velcro in the wash.

Some of the cutest prints and covers.

I cant get over the savings we are already seeing. The biggest problem we have right now? Choosing which diaper to use!

A View From Above Longies

I've had these longies completed for a week now, just waiting to be embellished. I think I'm beginning to enjoy solid or semi solid (like these) as much variegated yarns. I thought I would make fish all over but, Isaiah said they needed a Rocket ship so, Here is

"A View From Above"

Of course they are made with the Sheepy Time Knits pattern. Size Medium. Should be listed to Etsy tonight. Or rather, this morning

I love stash busting.

Yarnie Goodness Give Away, Because I'm A DORK

You know you have reached the heights of Dorkdom when you...............

loose your flickr account!

Last month, I closed my old flickr account (notice the blank flickr badge?) and opened a pro account the first week of Feb. I don't remember how its listed! It was the night before Evie was born & my mind was well, elsewhere! I had to reload everything, so I know I have longies & sweaters on it......katidids, Katidids Creations.....Now I can't find it!

I am such a Dork!

So, for the 1st adventurous person that leaves me a comment telling me what it's listed as I will send a skein of hand-dyed yarn. I'll even give a selection for you to choose your favorite.

Help!

A little Lenten Holy Humor

Pastor's Business Card

A new pastor was visiting in the homes of his parishioners.

At one house it seemed obvious that someone was at home, but no answer came to his repeated knocks at the door. Therefore, he took out a business card and wrote "Revelation 3:20" on the back of it and stuck it in the door.

When the offering was processed the following Sunday, he found that his card had been returned. Added to it was this cryptic message, "Genesis3:10."Reaching for his Bible to check out the citation, he broke up in gales of laughter.

Revelation 3:20 begins "Behold, I stand at the door and knock."

Genesis 3:10 reads,

"I heard your voice in the garden and I was afraid for I was naked."

Remember when the funniest jokes were the clean ones? They still are!"A cheerful heart is good medicine" (Prov. 17:22) Now, pass it on!

It's Been a While....

Wow, I can’t believe how long it’s been. Every one is fine, little Evie is growing like crazy. I can see Erika in her eyes but other than that she is her Daddy all over again. Feet and all this child has huge feet, all arms & legs.
I was worried about her coming home sweater being to big so, I make another….still needs buttons but it fit. Again I used the Sweet Mama~Small Sugar Kimono pattern & the scraps of the first. I really liked using the GGH Tara. It is very easy to work with and holds its shape and most importantly super soft. Its classified as a chunky but I would place it closer to a worsted weight. I have yet to wash the either sweater but I understand it holds up very well.
They weekend after Evelyn was born Rachel, Adam & Hayden came for a visit & to inspect the new family member. Mr. Hayden is getting so tall! He has a twinkle of teasing or trouble in his eyes, he’s such a hoot always with a smile. I was so upset when after they left I realized I had not taken any photos.
There has been some knitting, a couple of pair of Sheepy Pants. Both have since sold and are either received or, on the way to the new owners.
The first was the completed pair in “Tropical Goodbye”

The second was a hand dyed of mine called “Playful”, a color fade. I think I have that down so I will be trying it again tomorrow, not sure what colors I’ll use but I'm sure I'll come up with something!

One thing I do want to clear up.......

Back in January I made a comment concerning "The Simple/Felix Sweater" A pattern designed and generously offered by "The Complete Fabrication." I said the sweater was a bit blah & needed embellished. I was referring to MY choice of yarn. The free pattern itself is wonderful, easy to follow & is sized correctly.

Want to pass it on?

I think all of us know someone on a tight/tightened/limited/nonexistent budget now a days. We know of quite a few that have lost jobs or, accepted severe pay cuts to keep their jobs. Prices have gone up on everything; groceries have increased an average of 29% nation wide. So, how are you making ends meet? What changes have you made to meet the needs of your families?
I know quite a few young couples that are really struggling. Some have never been taught to cook, have had fat/unlimited budgets or, are living on a dime. Some of us are fortunate to have lived thru this type of economy before, learned the hard way how to provide “Basic nutritious, frugal meals”. Budget stretchers, stick to the ribs type…..whatever you call them meals.

Would you be willing to share? I don’t care if its beans & rice, fish, what ever. I love to attend a potluck, there are always a few dishes that are duplicates, but each tastes totally different! Do you cook one meal with plans for a casserole using the leftovers? How about grocery shopping tips? Would you be willing to pass those on? For example shopping at most “mega big Box” stores the entry sale display, the bottom right is the loss leader or, your biggest savings. They are willing to sell at a loss because they just know you will want the other items above it.
So, send me you recipes & ideas, cooking, cleaning, laundry, crafting tips etc. (my e-mails on the top left) I know there are quite a few websites that are devoted to this type of thing, but some are just unrealistic. I’m not looking to reinvent the wheel, just help feed the fish in my small pond. I will omit names to protect the innocent if you would like, just let me know! I’m going through writing down some of my families fav’s, or, my budgets fav’s & will post one soon. I’d like to do this as often as possible. So send your ideas & recipes in! Just keep in mind, what may be basic for you, are fresh ideas to someone younger. Ahem, less experienced

The New Family!

Family Time!

First close up time
Turns out Evelyn has a broken collar bone which is not unusual with sunny side up baby's. Isaiah was so gentle.

A proud big brother

It's A Girl!

Introducing Miss Evelyn Christine, 7lbs 9oz, 21.5 inches Today at 5:32Pm

Proud Mom & Dad tired but doing great!

Psst! Guess What! Mama's Workin!

Guess what! My Mama is at the hospital talking to the Doctor!. She was working almost all night. Grandma said its called labor, but I know labor means workin. Like movin rocks! Mama wasnt working, she was walkin arrrround, layin down, gettin up an walkin more. So anyway, I decided to get my self dressed. I want to look goooood for my new sister.

I'm gonna tell her "I love You" & I been waitin for a loooong time for you to come out. I'm gonna tell her with my fingers cause she don't know any words yet
When I don't listen to mama I get a "time out" She didn't listen to mama and come out yet......Do babies get "timeouts"?

Grandma said they better hurry up and decide on name, I think Mama's gonna win.

Well, Grandmas on the phone dancin around, Were havin a BABY TODAY!!

Watching Australia Burn

Spring is definitely on its way, three huge flocks of geese flying over the house this morning. I love it when they land on the pond, one always standing watch for intruders.

I've been watching the news & CNN concerning the fires in Australia. I am just sick about it. Over 160 people have died, many in cars trying to flee the area, or attempting to protects their homes. Entire towns lost. So much History destroyed. After our visit this summer it just feels personal. For such a young country, they are a strong self reliant lot. But this is devastating. I know the entire country is scrambling to take care of their own. And record breaking heat on top of it all......I'm waiting to hear of an appeal for aid, I know they are already scrambling to collect personal care items & clothing for the survivors. Ravelry is a world wide knitting community & many are checking in to let other know they are ok. Please keep them in your prayers.

The Tree Hugger longies are done, they are lanolizing now and will be on the way to a little one in the morning!

I started another pair medium longies, colorway is "Tropical Goodbye." I'm using a solid teal for the waist and striping as I know I will run shy for a medium. Love these colors, nice spring feel.
O.K. Let me hear from you.....Whats on your needles!?!?

Cutie Patooties!

I just had to share some customer photos~A big thank you to the mommies for sending them!

Look at these cutie patooties!

What do you mean the photo shoot is moved up to NOW!?!?!

Yes dahling, I'm wearing wool....doesn't everyone?What a charmer, Look at those beautiful eyes,

On the baby watch here, there has been lots of contractions and back labor but......NO BABY.
But, Tomorrow is a full moon!

Longies & Great Dyers

It's beautiful outside! In the high 50's and maybe to hit 60! All the doors and windows are open for a few hours at least! Nice fresh air to blow out the winter stuffiness!

Time to start planning gardens and flowerbeds! I know Larry plans to work on the patio floor stones before it gets to hot. It's going to look great! Can't wait for summer BBQ's.

Last night I finished the current project. A pair of small STK Longies (of course) For these I used "Purewool" in the colorway "Combination Red". That is what the skein was marked anyway, as they are actually a pinky berry & coral. I'm not very happy with the way the colors pooled. No mater how I changed up my starting point they had the same design.

If you've never have a chance to use Purewool your missing out! It so soft, just perfect for newborns! I should have these posted to ETSY this afternoon.

A bit of baby Bumpette knitting, yes, another pair of stash longies....for these I'm finally using the Sheepy Time Knits yarn I bought from Mandy last summer. I'm not sure but she may have used Purewool for this also. Super soft and the colors just POP! It's killing me as she just had a HUGE restocking.....and I'm on a yarn diet.

And yet another pair...I received my order from Sarah at BabyLongLegs

This colorway is called Tree Hugger. The dyelot is a bit different than the last, a bit deeper but, I

love it. Aran BFL, thick and thirsty for the diaper set

This is such a horrible representation of the colors, they are so rich and vibrant. I would love to know how Sarah produces them....hint ...hint.

Here is the rest of the order, 2 for baby Bumpette and the Tree Hugger for a custom, its terrible but I don't remember the names of the other 2! I think I will save these for her next winter .wardrobe

Well, I have a date with the laundry room, it's breeding!

Color Play!

I don't know about you but I'm staying inside as much as possible. It's been averaging only about 12-15 degrees outside! Last night is was even colder. At least I'm getting some work done. Yesterday morning I finished the "Grass is always Greener" Sheepy Pants. I love the way the colors worked.

As a reward to myself for reaching a few knitting goals I

broke out the dye pot. I like looking at a variety mainstream clothing manufacturers for color ideas, see what is hot for the current or upcoming season. I have 4-5 done but here are 2 I have re skeined This first one I call
"Hayden" after my grandson.
Brown, Blues, Cream & Green, colors that look so good on him.
The second is "Playful." This was done from leftover dye. It just makes me ache for Spring, pots of flowers & digging in the dirt. I can't wait!

"Hayden" re skeined

"Playful" re skeined

The Combination Red Longies are coming along. I've frogged (ugghh) them 2-3 times to adjust the colors pooling and I'm still not satisfied. I'm NOT starting over again. FROG is a 4 letter word ya know! They will have to stay the way they are.......someone will like them!

I finally figured out how to add the progress bars to WIP's. It's not everything but they will populate as I add them to Ravelry. Now to figure how to add the queue........

Hope your stayin warm....

Were Still Waiting.......

On the Baby Bumpette front, were still waiting....... and waiting. Her Doctor said yesterday she could go any time or............in a week. She was so upset. I don't think there is any more room in this belly. Shes been having difficulty sleeping and a lot of contractions but its all back labor. Her coat wont even cover a quarter of her belly!

They are still house hunting, not much luck as the weather has been keeping them in. Having opposite days off & with it getting dark so early in the day it makes it very difficult.

She was showing me a gift from a customer, Her fav at this point, bright spring cheerful colors

My messy kitchen, towel on the floor for snowy feet, rags on the chair to dry Buddy off when he comes in, phone on the wall that is not connected (but its covering a hole on the wall from teens walking to far away & pulling it off the wall) The Christmas photo from Adam Rachel & Hayden still on the family room door..my cluttered counter.....welcome to my house!
I think I need to get to the grocery. We've been using leftover celebration napkins.......& more snow today.

"Wine & Roses"

Staying in side knitting where its warm!
The thaw started Monday, carried to yesterday.....& froze again last night. So, there are now sheets of ice where ever there was melt with more snow today! I keep thinking of the song "Slip Sliding Away".......
I'm late posting as I finished these Sunday night, but these are my hand dyed "Wine & Roses" longies, Size large. Stash busting! I think one leg is almost as big as the waist of a new born pair! I love the way the colors striped! Now If I can remember how I did that..........
No photos but I have 2 other pair started (from stash) & more booties in the classic pattern (more stash). I think I want to knit something for me!