You know, I would love to believe that the boy can read, the handle said pull, so he did what he read.
In reality, I know it was pure curiosity. What will happen if I climb on this table and pull this red handle?
So, what will happen?
The fire alarm goes off. An entire church full of morning Bible Study moms AND an entire preschool empty out into the parking lot. The babies cry. The firetrucks show up. Oh yes, it was a real circus.
And Toby did it. He sure did.
We had a long talk today about what things we pull and what things we don't.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Oh what aTangled Web
Ok, spinning, not weaving, but I liked the literary allusion.
So I finally tried out my drop spindle and I LOVE IT!!! I'm not very good yet, but I had low expectations and it actually turned out much better than I feared. I've done more reading and think I know some things to fix for next timem but so far, FUN FUN FUN!!!
These are my first two singles, spun from the practice roving that came with my spindle. I did them in one evening and then let them sit for 24 hours before I plied them together. I put each ball in a coffee mug, threading the single through the handle and used the drop spindle to spin them counterclockwise (opposite of what you do to spin the single). Then I soaked the yarn and it is hanging to dry now - that sets the twist. Once it's dry I will take more pics. Some areas are overspun and some are underspun, but overall I was happy that it does look like yarn!
This is a picture of the singles before they were plied. I should have taken a picture of the roving before spinning...I will have to do that the next time!
I am also working on a blanket that has been in progress for a long time...it had been set aside months ago still needing an edging so I'm working on finishing that right now.
So I finally tried out my drop spindle and I LOVE IT!!! I'm not very good yet, but I had low expectations and it actually turned out much better than I feared. I've done more reading and think I know some things to fix for next timem but so far, FUN FUN FUN!!!
These are my first two singles, spun from the practice roving that came with my spindle. I did them in one evening and then let them sit for 24 hours before I plied them together. I put each ball in a coffee mug, threading the single through the handle and used the drop spindle to spin them counterclockwise (opposite of what you do to spin the single). Then I soaked the yarn and it is hanging to dry now - that sets the twist. Once it's dry I will take more pics. Some areas are overspun and some are underspun, but overall I was happy that it does look like yarn!
This is a picture of the singles before they were plied. I should have taken a picture of the roving before spinning...I will have to do that the next time!I am also working on a blanket that has been in progress for a long time...it had been set aside months ago still needing an edging so I'm working on finishing that right now.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Oh Frightful Weather!
Frightful but fun :) For once they called for snow and the weather followed suit! We have SNOW! There's at least 2-3 inches on the ground now, with more to fall all day. Curtis is on snow day and Toby is in heaven :)
Here are my front bushes
And my front flower bed...the rose bushes are just covered with snow!
Daddy got Toby pretty good with a snowball!
Lucy was loving the snow too! She didn't want to go in at all - she was having so much fun tromping around in the snow!
A nice view of the house
Lucy's first step into the snow...total faceplant!
Toby venturing forth
As you can see, we've already been out this morning and will probably go out again later. Fun!
Here are my front bushes
And my front flower bed...the rose bushes are just covered with snow!
Daddy got Toby pretty good with a snowball!
Lucy was loving the snow too! She didn't want to go in at all - she was having so much fun tromping around in the snow!
A nice view of the house
Lucy's first step into the snow...total faceplant!
Toby venturing forth
As you can see, we've already been out this morning and will probably go out again later. Fun!
Monday, January 19, 2009
Let it Snow!
Believe it or not, we may actually get to see snow! They are calling for 3 inches, maybe more! Toby's already pretty psyched at the possibility of a real snowman! Gotta admit, I'm pretty excited too :)
Here's some pictures from the last week:
This is a dress I made for Lucy a while back...it was big, so I put it back until she grew into it :)
Toby and Lex playing the piano. Believe it or not, Lex asked to get on the bench. And happy hung out for a few minutes!
Lucy in a smilie mood
And smilie Toby!
We've had a nice weekend - Curtis was off today, so we've had some time to really enjoy each other without tons to do! It's been a long time since we had a weekend like this. Tonight we're finally going to get the Christmas things in the attic as soon as the kids get in bed...Curtis changed the oil in his car...I did laundry like I do every weekend...which reminds me, I never did get to my ironing today...guess I know what else I'm doing tonight!
For dinner tonight we had greek! I've been wanting to try some new meats, and this week they had lamb chops on sale, so on a whim I picked them up! I had a Greek Lamb Chops recipe, so I tried that along with a delicious Greek salad. Yummy! Lucy wolfed it down and even Toby deigned to take a few bites. It was definitely a nice treat!
Everyone cross your fingers and hope for snow!!!
Here's some pictures from the last week:
This is a dress I made for Lucy a while back...it was big, so I put it back until she grew into it :)
Toby and Lex playing the piano. Believe it or not, Lex asked to get on the bench. And happy hung out for a few minutes!
Lucy in a smilie mood
And smilie Toby!
We've had a nice weekend - Curtis was off today, so we've had some time to really enjoy each other without tons to do! It's been a long time since we had a weekend like this. Tonight we're finally going to get the Christmas things in the attic as soon as the kids get in bed...Curtis changed the oil in his car...I did laundry like I do every weekend...which reminds me, I never did get to my ironing today...guess I know what else I'm doing tonight!For dinner tonight we had greek! I've been wanting to try some new meats, and this week they had lamb chops on sale, so on a whim I picked them up! I had a Greek Lamb Chops recipe, so I tried that along with a delicious Greek salad. Yummy! Lucy wolfed it down and even Toby deigned to take a few bites. It was definitely a nice treat!
Everyone cross your fingers and hope for snow!!!
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Baby It's Cold! Sweaterdress
This is the dress I knit for Lucy over Christmas
“Baby It’s Cold!” Sweaterdress
Yarn: Any fingering weight or sock yarn, about 175 grams.
Gauge: 32 sts and 36 rows to 4” in stockingette stitch
Needles: Size 4 circulars and Size 4 double pointed needles
Cast on 70 sts on size 4 circular needle loosely. Join the circle, being careful not to twist the sts. Mark the beginning of the round. Work even in stockinette stitch for 8 rows.
Round Yoke:
Round 1-5: Work even on 70 sts
Round 6: K3, M1, *K2 M1, repeat from *15 times (104)
Round 7-12: Work even on 104 sts
Round 13: K4, M1, *K3 M1, repeat from * 15 times (138)
Round 14-18: Work even on 138 sts
Round 19: K5, M1, *K4, M1, repeat from * 15 times (172)
Round 20-25: Work even on 172 sts
Round 26: K6, M1, *K5, M1, repeat from * 15 times (206 sts)
Round 27-33 Work even on 206 sts
Split the yoke into front, back, and sleeve sections: Starting at the beginning of round, slip sts for each section onto separate holders: 38 sts for right sleeve, 65 sts for front, 38 sts for left sleeve, and keep the remaining 65 sts on needle to work the back.
Body (Armhole to hem):
1. With right side of back facing and st st, start where back joins left sleeve. Cast on 6 sts for underarm, work sts frolm front holder, cast on 6 sts for second underarm, and work across back section. Total 142 for body. Mark the side seams at the underarm midpoints (after sts 3 and 74)
2. Shaping: Work even for 12 rounds. Inc 1 st at both sides of both seam markers on next round (increasing 4 sts per round), and then every following 21st round twice to 154 sts.
3. Hips to Hem. Inc 1 st at both sides of seam markers on every 10th row 4 times. Total 170 sts. Work even to 15 inches from underarms.
4. Hem: Work 8 rounds in garter stitch. Cast off remaining sts loosely.
Sleeve:
1. With right side facing and double pointed needles, rejoin yarn and work sts from right sleeve holder. Cast on 6 sts for underarm. Total 44 sts for sleeve. Join the circle, taking care not to twist sts. Mark the sleeve midway on the underarm.
2. Dec 1 st at both sides of the marker on every 10th round once, then every 11th round twice to 38 sts.
3. Work even until sleeve measures 6 ins. Dec 4 sts evenly across last row (34 sts remaining)
4. Hem: Work 8 rows in k1p1 ribbing. Cast off remaining sts loosely.
Finishing:
1. Graft or sew the sleeve and body sts together at the underarm.
2. Weave in loose ends.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
75 Minutes
Ok, 75 minutes...seems like an odd amount of time to blog about, right? Well, today 75 minutes was a monumental and documentable amount of time BECAUSE....Lucy made it 75 minutes in the church nursery without crying today!!!!!!!! This morning was my first Bible Study session, and I was nervous about dropping her off in the nursery, given her past "issues" with separation, and even though she had a better time of it on Sunday, I know she was better then because Toby was with her. Today Toby was in a different class so I was prepared for a repeat of MOPS last fall (reminder: absolute screaming from the time I dropped her off to the time they had to call me back to calm her down). When I dropped her off, she started playing with 2 other babies, and I sneaked out, expecting to be called back soon. When I went to pick her up, she was crying, but they said she made it an hour and 15 minutes...but then the older class came through to watch a video and when she saw Toby she lost it. Which is understandable. I am just PSYCHED that she made it so long before she started crying! This is wonderful!
The Bible study was good for me too. It's a pretty big group, which is fun, and I know some of the women there so I don't feel totally out of my element, but there are plenty of new faces too. It seems like a good place to be. Toby had a great time in his class, coloring, singing songs, and watching a video. I think this will be good for all 3 of us!
It's supposed to get COLD today. Our high was around lunchtime and then the temps started falling. It's now down to 49 and supposed to be in the 20's by the time Curtis gets home from work! The next three days are going to be cold - I heard on the noon news that this could be the coldest temps this area has seen in 9 YEARS! That's a long time - but the nice thing is, Ohio sees colder weather than this each year...so I know it will only last a couple days and chances are, it will be warmer from here on out! Wheeeee!
The Bible study was good for me too. It's a pretty big group, which is fun, and I know some of the women there so I don't feel totally out of my element, but there are plenty of new faces too. It seems like a good place to be. Toby had a great time in his class, coloring, singing songs, and watching a video. I think this will be good for all 3 of us!
It's supposed to get COLD today. Our high was around lunchtime and then the temps started falling. It's now down to 49 and supposed to be in the 20's by the time Curtis gets home from work! The next three days are going to be cold - I heard on the noon news that this could be the coldest temps this area has seen in 9 YEARS! That's a long time - but the nice thing is, Ohio sees colder weather than this each year...so I know it will only last a couple days and chances are, it will be warmer from here on out! Wheeeee!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Just a quickie
Sorry for the lack of posts lately. It's taken me a bit to get back in the swing of things. And I haven't taken any pics lately, so sorry, none of those today!
Everyone is good. Curtis is getting ready to travel again...I think he has another 2 weeks before his trip, but then they start up in full force. Toby is feeling much better. Last week he had an ear infection and a deep cut on his toe (which is still healing), but he's acting fine this week. I also found 4 splinters in his hand yesterday...we got one out, but we're just going to watch the others for now, hoping they will make their way out on their own. We met friends at the park yesterday and the kids definitely needed some outdoor fun time! It's going to get really cold later this week so I'm trying to get out while we can (I'm talking highs in the 20's, so seriously, COLD!).
Lucy is happy and getting old too fast for me! She is suddenly mimicing everything...It's so darn cute, but she is definitely acting the toddler now. Next week I'm putting her in the toddler room at MOPS instead of the infant room...hopefully she will tolerate that better.
So we're good, but things are fairly quiet...hence no updates of late.
ciao!
Everyone is good. Curtis is getting ready to travel again...I think he has another 2 weeks before his trip, but then they start up in full force. Toby is feeling much better. Last week he had an ear infection and a deep cut on his toe (which is still healing), but he's acting fine this week. I also found 4 splinters in his hand yesterday...we got one out, but we're just going to watch the others for now, hoping they will make their way out on their own. We met friends at the park yesterday and the kids definitely needed some outdoor fun time! It's going to get really cold later this week so I'm trying to get out while we can (I'm talking highs in the 20's, so seriously, COLD!).
Lucy is happy and getting old too fast for me! She is suddenly mimicing everything...It's so darn cute, but she is definitely acting the toddler now. Next week I'm putting her in the toddler room at MOPS instead of the infant room...hopefully she will tolerate that better.
So we're good, but things are fairly quiet...hence no updates of late.
ciao!
Spinstress Wannabe
I am researching right now. And scared.
One of my Christmas presents this year was a drop spindle. A very pretty drop spindle. And a nice little 2 ounce ball of roving. So I have everything I need to try my hand at spinning. I want to. I'm DYING to. But I'm so scared because I know that first attempt is NOT going to be pretty!
I've been reading almost nonstop about spinning and fibers and plying (which scares me almost more than spinning the single does) and I've found that YouTube has an almost endless supply of videos on spinning. I'm ALMOST ready to try it...but I can't. I know I will, I just have to work up the courage.
For those who don't know, a drop spindle is a straight piece of wood with a round piece of wood on one end:
Using combed wool or cotton or fiber of choice, you spin the spindle to twist the fiber, then wind it around the lower portion of the spindle until it is full and you can ball it. That makes a single. You can knit with a single, or you can take two or three singles and ply them together to make a stronger yarn. Plying is actually very similar to spinning the single, you just take 2 strands (for example) and twist them together in the opposite direction of your single's twist. There are so many techniques for plying though!
Once the yarn is plyed, you set the twist by soaking and hanging the yarn...but I haven't read much about this yet, as I really need to at least try step one and two before I worry about that.
In other fun news, through my research I found the NC Fiber Festival, held each October near Asheville, NC. Road trip? I've already hinted around to dear hubby that I sure would like to pet all those rovings and yarn. I'm sure I have the self control to not buy too much. Pretty sure, anyway. I've never been to a yarn festival of any sort and the thought of all that fiber in one place is pretty heady. Hubby has already been assured that he does not have to attend and I will owe him one if he takes me out to Asheville for the weekend :) Hubby is receptive to the idea...I think that's 10 brownie points for him.
Anyway. On the needles now is...nothing, actually! I am crocheting a baby blanket...and remembering why I definitely prefer knitting. It's over half done and very pretty, but I really love my faster projects. I'll post pics when I'm done.
One of my Christmas presents this year was a drop spindle. A very pretty drop spindle. And a nice little 2 ounce ball of roving. So I have everything I need to try my hand at spinning. I want to. I'm DYING to. But I'm so scared because I know that first attempt is NOT going to be pretty!
I've been reading almost nonstop about spinning and fibers and plying (which scares me almost more than spinning the single does) and I've found that YouTube has an almost endless supply of videos on spinning. I'm ALMOST ready to try it...but I can't. I know I will, I just have to work up the courage.
For those who don't know, a drop spindle is a straight piece of wood with a round piece of wood on one end:
Using combed wool or cotton or fiber of choice, you spin the spindle to twist the fiber, then wind it around the lower portion of the spindle until it is full and you can ball it. That makes a single. You can knit with a single, or you can take two or three singles and ply them together to make a stronger yarn. Plying is actually very similar to spinning the single, you just take 2 strands (for example) and twist them together in the opposite direction of your single's twist. There are so many techniques for plying though!
Once the yarn is plyed, you set the twist by soaking and hanging the yarn...but I haven't read much about this yet, as I really need to at least try step one and two before I worry about that.
In other fun news, through my research I found the NC Fiber Festival, held each October near Asheville, NC. Road trip? I've already hinted around to dear hubby that I sure would like to pet all those rovings and yarn. I'm sure I have the self control to not buy too much. Pretty sure, anyway. I've never been to a yarn festival of any sort and the thought of all that fiber in one place is pretty heady. Hubby has already been assured that he does not have to attend and I will owe him one if he takes me out to Asheville for the weekend :) Hubby is receptive to the idea...I think that's 10 brownie points for him.
Anyway. On the needles now is...nothing, actually! I am crocheting a baby blanket...and remembering why I definitely prefer knitting. It's over half done and very pretty, but I really love my faster projects. I'll post pics when I'm done.
Thursday, January 08, 2009
The after Christmas Update
First up, the golf club covers for mom...not the best pic, but you get the idea
Felted mittens for my dad. They are made of brown Paton's Merino and look SO WARM! They also have extra long cuffs to cover the wrist well.
And this was my Christmas break project - a sweaterdress for Lucy! I love it! It was supposed to be long sleeve but the sleeves are a tad short so now it's 3/4 length sleeve :)
It's made of sock yarn (darn, misplaced the label!) and I used a program to generate the pattern. Definitely going to use that program more!
Right now I'm working on a crocheted baby blanket and I'm going to cast on a pair of booties soon!
Felted mittens for my dad. They are made of brown Paton's Merino and look SO WARM! They also have extra long cuffs to cover the wrist well.
And this was my Christmas break project - a sweaterdress for Lucy! I love it! It was supposed to be long sleeve but the sleeves are a tad short so now it's 3/4 length sleeve :)
It's made of sock yarn (darn, misplaced the label!) and I used a program to generate the pattern. Definitely going to use that program more!Right now I'm working on a crocheted baby blanket and I'm going to cast on a pair of booties soon!
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
Merry Christmas and Ushering in 2009!
Ok, this post is a tad late, but better late than never, right? I am finally starting to recover from our Christmas trip...if I could just come home and sleep I'd be great, but there's unpacking, undecorating from Christmas, feeding the masses, and...laundry. Mountains and mountains of laundry. It's finally mostly clean but needs folding...hence, I'm blogging rather than folding. I detest folding.
We had a great time in Ohio...it was hard to come back, but we're getting into the swing of things again. Today was Curtis's first day back in the office - yesterday was so nice having him here to help out and we both lounged around some too! Nice!
I thought I'd share a couple of Christmas pics...I'd upload more but both kids are napping right now so I'd like to finish this before they wake up...
And a Christmas Eve family pic. I love these - we've done one every year :)
Toby has an ear infection...poor kid. He must have had it Sunday but he just said his head hurt, and with the low fever I figured he was fighting off a cold. But he woke up crying last night and he finally pointed to his ear, and I put two and two together. He's pretty quiet today...you can tell when his meds wear off because he's in pain again. I turned on Cars for him when Lucy laid down for nap and he was out on the couch within 10 minutes...the movie's almost over and he's still sleeping. So is she, which is VERY rare. I rarely get a good afternoon nap out of her! It's been lovely and quiet!
We had a great time in Ohio...it was hard to come back, but we're getting into the swing of things again. Today was Curtis's first day back in the office - yesterday was so nice having him here to help out and we both lounged around some too! Nice!
I thought I'd share a couple of Christmas pics...I'd upload more but both kids are napping right now so I'd like to finish this before they wake up...
And a Christmas Eve family pic. I love these - we've done one every year :)
Toby has an ear infection...poor kid. He must have had it Sunday but he just said his head hurt, and with the low fever I figured he was fighting off a cold. But he woke up crying last night and he finally pointed to his ear, and I put two and two together. He's pretty quiet today...you can tell when his meds wear off because he's in pain again. I turned on Cars for him when Lucy laid down for nap and he was out on the couch within 10 minutes...the movie's almost over and he's still sleeping. So is she, which is VERY rare. I rarely get a good afternoon nap out of her! It's been lovely and quiet!
I still feel like I'm catching up on sleep - of course, being up with Toby from 2-3am this morning didn't help things along...but I'm getting there, anyway.
The Christmas decor is down and the house looks a little bare without the tree...but the slew of toys still without a "home" takes up the extra carpet space. It looks like January outside - grey overcast skies, windy, and bare...but it's 56 degrees, so I can't complain. If it would dry out, we could get outside and play, but it's still pretty damp, and I'm not sure Toby really feels like it anyway (although he's asked twice today to go outside, but it was raining, lol!)
Well I hear Little Miss awaking so I'm going to go ahead and post this. A belated Happy New Year to you all! May 2009 be prosperous and happy and full of wonderful memories!
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