The Terrible Two's

Previous to entering motherhood there were many coined terms that had become familiar to my ears.

For example, the Baby Blues and the Terrible Twos.  I blew such terms off as folklore, refusing to fall into a trap of parenting stereotyping.  I would be different.  My child would be exceptional.

When I left the hospital after giving birth to Lily and the nurse alerted my husband that I might be weepy several days later, I was resentful of being placed in such a box: my God is greater!

Then several days passed....and I was weepy.

As Lily approached two, I looked forward with anticipation and not fear: telling many that two was my favorite stage so far.

Then the last month happened. 

Two is terrible. 

And just as with the Baby Blues, I have discovered that there is more than folklore going on here.  There is research and history backing up the fact that two can definitely be terrible. 

Before you judge me as being a hateful parent, let me assure you in this moment that I am still delighted in my daughter.  I adore her & celebrate the little lady that she is and will become.  However, I have to confess that there have been many moments lately where I don't like her... 

Have you read the Robert Munsch book entitled Love You Forever?  It's a favorite baby-shower gift and quite frankly, a disturbing read.  You should check it out!  Several years ago, a dear friend pointed out to me (hello, Brooke!) the creepiness of a mother who cannot let go of her child and so drives across town at night with a ladder strapped to the top of her car so that she can climb into her grown son's room in his own home, pick him up while he is sleeping, and sing to him:

"I'll love you forever,

I'll like you for always,

As long as I'm living

My baby you'll be..."

As appealing as such a connection may be for some mothers, I actually look forward to the more adult interactions I can have with my adult children.

Lily loves this book.

And I have a hard time singing the second line of that crazy mom's chorus to her as I read: "I'll like you for always..."  Particularly as I recall the moments lately when she screams at me, kicks and claws at me, and oh: when she bites me in TJ Maxx because I won't let her push the cart, breaking the flesh and causing me to yelp in the middle of a crowd.  Sadly, "I'll like you for always" did not run through my mind in that moment... (Something else did.)

Let's just say her new nickname could be Rage Against the Machine.

I have been reading Dr. Dobson's The New Strong-Willed Child as well as his counterpart's, Dr's. Rex Foreman & Nicholas Long's Parenting the Strong Willed Child.  Interesting that there are numerous books on the topic, isn't it? Comforting? On one hand it is encouraging to hear that this stage and its struggles are common. But on the other hand, it majorly depresses me.  I'd hoped to evade the struggle all together.

Here is where the tension lies for me:  I don't believe I'm commissioned as a mother to control Lily. Rather, I am to love her.  My sense is that a lot of her acting out is a direct response to my determination to control her. This doesn't mean that I let her run wild & free at the age of two.  It doesn't mean that I shouldn't guide her.  But, at two, what does it look like and feel like to discipline her & provide her with boundaries out of love and not out of control? 

Right now it feels like the re-occuring nightmare I used to have while I was teaching:

Suddenly the room of 5th graders refused to mind my instruction.  They refused to pay me any attention.  I would pull out all my usual "tools" of classroom management to no avail, and instead end up screaming at the top of my lungs at the room full of students...again, to no avail. 

And that's how the dream would end.  Terrifying.

I vividly recall having an actual, similar (though much less dramatic) experience while student-teaching.  And I remember my supervising teacher calmly telling me afterwards, that it is when one thinks they are exerting the most control upon their students, that they often end up communicating the exact opposite.  Therefore resulting in the fulfilling of the fear of loss of control. 

Life-impacting. 

My style of teaching was immediately changed for the better & I was able to find such joy & peace in managing a room full of 30 fifth graders for several years afterwards.

With my own child, a two-year-old child, I find it is far more challenging to adjust to and apply such wisdom. Perhaps it is because I don't clearly understand how to communicate in such limited terms that I truly care about her and that she can trust me.  At least with fifth graders, I can conversate and even negotiate!

*Sigh*

This is where I'm at.  And I think this is one of those "valleys" of parenting, of life, where we can be shaped to become better people.  I just hope my daughter turns out ok in the long-run!

Feel free to pass along any recommended readings and/or words of practical advice.  I mean not to fish for encouragement.  I keep reminding myself that children are a gift...a blessing....   And I KNOW that there is hope for me & for Lily :)

In a Rut?

So, I HAVE been knitting. Within the last few months, I have knit two basic baby hats for two expectant moms and have been pleased with how they turned out! I have knit about five baby hats over the last couple years, and they are pretty fun to knit and give away. I find they make for great car ride knitting... Though my husband frowns upon such a practice, citing the fear that a sudden hit of the breaks could lead to a major puncture wound. Whatever... I'm willing to take that risk!

Currently, I completed the Ribbed Cushion by Miss Debbie Bliss from her book: Baby Knits for Beginners.

I find that the best way to get out of a knitting-rut is to visit a LYS. Yes, that is a knitting acronym, people... I am hip to the lingo! LYS stands for Little Yarn Shop.

I had the pleasure of visiting Sheep's Clothing in Valparaiso, IN a few weeks ago with my knitting pals, Erin and Kristin. I LOVE this LYS! The owners are super friendly and helpful and their selection of yarn and literature is massive, yet the shop itself is cozy and charming....tucked into downtown beside eateries and such.

Back to the yarn I chose for the Ribbed Cushion cover: at Sheep's Clothing I picked up a couple skeins of Classic Elite Yarn's Verde Collection: Sprout 100% Organic Cotton in a soft shade of earthy pink called Pea Blossom to use for the Ribbed Cushion cover.

Sprout is a soft, bulky, nubby yarn... I fell in love with it and I have to say the completed project befits my daughter's new toddler bed beautifully!

AND...after a brief hiatus from yarn hoarding, I have gathered a few more random skeins to store away for future projects: Two skeins of Jo Sharp's Silkroad DK Tweed in Ambrosia (mossy green--I'm thinkin a hat and mitten set for Lily)

and four skeins of Tahki's Cotton Classic in a dark smoky grey (Perfect for Debbie Bliss' Jacket with Seed Stitch Bands!)

Both of these yarns received rave reviews on Ravelry.com (my new fave website!) With the Fall fast approaching, I can't wait to get started on some new projects!

Get on out there and check out your local LYS for some inspiration of your own!

Awkwardest Knitting Photo Monday

No Sheep for You INDEED! Happy Monday all ;)

Awkward Knitting Photo Monday

Happy Awkward Knitting Photo Monday a day late!

It is getting increasingly difficult to locate the awkward photos online that I KNOW exist in print.... Creative Knitting Magazine is notorious for such examples. Don't be deceived by their covers, which are typically decent. Open up one of their magazines, browse a little, and you will see what I mean! Below is a recent cover of their's that I believe qualifies for the AWKWARD category. Anytime a model looks as though she is communicating, "Hey, man! Check out my sweater: I MADE it...myself...", yeah, simply AWKWARD.

Whoever they have hired as their stylist and photographer is clearly a bit out of touch ;)

Awkward Knitting Photo Monday

I must positively be the worst blogger EVER!

To make up for my nearly 3 month lapse, I deliver to you the BEST Awkward Knitting Photo EVER for this week... (shoulda been posted yesterday, but what's one more day when you haven't blogged in half a century?!)


Drumroll please.....

I hope you get a guffaw out of this one, like I did ;)

What's New Wednesdays

Spring has arrived :)

Visited BK's Drive-In Root Beer Stand and proceeded to eat fried mushrooms in the back seat of the car...

The Vice President of our college danced on stage during International Chapel....

Splashed in the pond on campus with Lily...

Our Men's Soccer team broke a Guiness World Record...

Fell & rolled my left ankle and fractured my right big toe: in the same moment...in front of a student....

Seaming up second pom-pom slipper for Lily!

Praying for former RA:Autumn, and her family as they adjust to recent developments with her Lupus....

Reading "A Million Miles in a Thousand Years" by Donald Miller...

Missing fellowship with the triad: Jaime, Val & myself :(

Looking forward to time with my "pal" (you know who you are!)

Desiring a knit-vacation!

What's new with you??

Thursday's Thrills

This Thursday, I take the time to officially announce that my daughter has her first crush.

Meet Johnny: 

Johnny is one of the students here at the college where we live & work.  He lives next door to us, visits often, and attends church with us on Sundays...  He's essentially become part of the family as many of the students here have.

Johnny is also from Puerto Rico.  When he first came to the states, I recall a silly conversation between he & my husband (who is also Puerto Rican) where they joked about la playa and the mesmerizing effect it often has on women.  For those who don't speak Spanish, la playa means beach.  They were essentially saying that Puerto Ricans, by way of geography, give off its scent in a way that captivates hearts....hmmm. 

I can confirm that my husband has smelled of many things, however, the beach is not one of them...  Call it what you want, but I do think that women like them some Puerto Ricans!  I have to say that I love mine!  And now apparently my Lily does, too...

Within the last week, all we hear about at home is Johnny... She talks about him, sings about him, and plays imaginary games with him.  A knock comes at the door, and she lights up: "Johnny?"  The other day I after I came home from work, I asked her how her day was and she replied, "Johnny".  Should I be concerned??

And yesterday afternoon when he stopped by, I witnessed confirmation that this is a full-blown crush: she refused to look at him, blushed, and would lower her chin in sly grin when he showed her attention!  Later, she began to show off her mad-app skills on the ipad---looking to him for approval!!

Ay....this is way early, don't you think??  I am at a loss for words, but have to confess it is pretty funny...

Perhaps there is some truth to The La Playa Theory?

Tuesday's Tips

And back into the swing of things with a blog format....

Tuesdays are about tips related to knitting and motherhood. I find myself today more in need of some tips than able to pass along any-particularly in the areas of potty training and the relinquishing of the pacifier....

My daughter is at a stage where she despises diaper changes of any kind, and will only sit on the potty fully clothed. Not sure what that is about... She wakes up dry and stays dry for long periods of time. She also points out when she has done the deed (after hiding around the corner for a bit, of course).

So, do YOU have any tips for me??

Further, parting with the pacifier (or bobo, as we call it) may be more difficult for my husband than for Lily. I could use some tips in how to keep him from having A breakdown... But in terms of the other little one, she has begun shoving her bobos down her pajamas! Last night, she was giggling and squealing instead of sleeping. I went upstairs to remind her that it was time for nigh-night, and discovered all of her bobos were missing!! It was quite the mystery. I just resorted to starting the bedtime routine again: minus the bobo. As I was singing her a lullaby, she tossed off her blanket and began to grab at her shin. It was then that I noticed a bobo-shaped lump in the leg of her pajamas. Sure enough, it was one of her bobos!! Mystery solved. But, then again, she had gone to bed with three bobos....where were the rest? We giggled and went back to the lullaby. Once again she started to grab at her leg, and I discovered ANOTHER bobo!! And as I dug around to get it, I found the third one. She giggled such a silly, mischievous giggle.... Perhaps one more reason it is time to part with the pacifier. This morning confirmed everything when she woke up with a hernia aka a blob of bobos jutting from her belly.

I have cut the tip off of one, and hidden the others. My husband feels badly, as if we are tricking her: "She loves them!" Yes, she does, Alex...and it is time :)

Awkward Knitting Photo Monday

It has been a long time since I have entered a non-photo post, hasn't it?!

I have been encouraged in recent convos to discover that people really do read and enjoy this blog of mine! "You like me, you really like me!"

This is one of the busiest times of the year for us at the college, and I have felt like a juggler lately... But, I am also happy to report that I haven't dropped anything! God is helping me to keep focus and rhythm--two things that anyone who knows me would say I am challenged with on my own.

I hope it comforts you to hear that in the midst of all that juggling, The knitting bug has continued to infect me. And while I haven't set aside time to finish or start a new project, I HAVE read some great books on the topic:

1-Casting Off by Nicole R. Dickson
What a great piece of fiction! It should be made into a movie, in my opinion, with Jennifer
Garner cast as the main character and Sean Connery as the grumpy old man also known as Sean. The Irish coast, ganseys, forgiveness and love: need I say more?? I'm telling you, you have
simply got to read it!

2-More Last Minute Knitted Gifts by Joelle Hoverson
This book of patterns was so much fun to look at, and as a novice, I feel like there are plenty of pages that feature items I could knit! I KNOW I will be coming back to this book in the future.

And Lily! I have decided that this is my favorite age so far. Her vocabulary is building daily, and she is so stinkin funny!! Oh my word.... Case in point: immediately after getting out of the bathtub the other night, she insisted on curling up under the covers in my husband and I's bed to warm up with her gang of "babies" (AKA her stuffed animals). Once she was warm, she proceeded to jump on the bed and dance-butt naked--while singing "all through the
town..." perhaps you,too, recognize that catch phrase from the infamous The Wheels on the Bus?

Never a dull moment!

And now for the main event, as it is Awkward Knitting Photo Monday:

Rest assured, this is not a photo of me...nor would I EVER get a knitting tattoo such as this and certainly not on my lower back. Ay....bless her heart

Awkward Knitting Photo Monday

A big thanks to my sister in law, Ashley, for passing along this gem ;)

For more awkwardness, check out www.beardhead.com

Happy Monday!!

Awkward Knitting Photo Monday

May the force be with you this week :)

My favorite comment on this knitting pattern was:

"This is a very pretty hat! This is perfect for winter. A hat and an ear muff in one."

I couldn't agree more....

Happy Awkward Knitting Photo Monday!!!!

Tippy Toes

Sorry for going AWOL yesterday!

Today's focus will combine Tuesday's Tip and Wednesday's "News":

(Keep in mind as you read on that I am a newbie to the realms of knitting.)

The slippers I have been workin on were taking so long to complete largely because I was using wooden needles. I have learned that wooden and bamboo needles offer you great control but not so much on speed.... I was also fearing the loss of an appendage as I stabbed my right pointer finger on each stitch! The size 2 tips were killing me!

Anyhow...I went on the search last week for a speedier, gentler replacement. Size 2 needles are difficult to find in a shorter length and material besides wood! I ended up once again in Niles, MI at The Red Purl where a clerk introduced me to Addi-Turbo circular needles. She graciously took the time to show me how they could be used to knit a pattern meant for two needles. Meanwhile, Lily was entertained by Purl, the owner's dog who roams the shop.

These needles are known as the Cadillac of knitting needles and I have to agree! My pointer finger is not aching and my knitting goes much more quickly!

And so I am a happier knitter today than I was a week ago :)

Happy Wednesday!

Awkward Knitting Monday

This photo/design comes from the book Dress your Dog by Sys Fredens.

Please note the caption!

I have to confess that the designs in this book are pretty stinkin cute....but this shot was too funny to pass up as an awkward knitting photo.

Enjoy!

Thrifty and Thrilling

In reflecting on the thrills of motherhood each Thursday, I would be I'll advised NOT to mention my good friend, THE THRIFT STORE.

For all you who have the idea that thrift stores only contain garage sale left-overs, I say you are partially correct...

I admit that it can be a bit of a dumpster dive, complete with that musty smell, miniature carts and fluorescent lighting, but it is also a treasure trove for moms!

The hunt is largely what gets me: being able to walk out with barely used or brand new items for my Lily for a slivered fraction of the cost! Time and time again, I find what I need and so much more. I have gotten little shoes, jackets, Boppy covers, holiday outfits, toys, etc.... My all-time fave purchase was a brand new rocking chair cushion set in pink gingham, which I was able to use to replace the nasty cushions on a rocking chair I picked up from a garage sale for $20. The cushion set cost me only $5!

Goodwill, Salvation Army, local charity-based---it doesn't matter, there are treasures to discover! I can hardly bring myself to purchase items on clearance anymore, when I know there are greater deals at the thrifty! And many of these stores support local community building
efforts.

And so it is that I choose to enjoy and yes, get my thrills, from shopping at the thrift store! I hope you do too!

A Wooly Wednesday

In recent days, I have been reinspired by my knitting stash and the downtown library!

I continue to pick up my chocolate brown skein of wool & organic cotton by Spud and Chloe. This yarn knits up so beautifully, so precisely. And it has a durability to it that makes it perfect for slippers/booties and hats or mittens. But, I have had to unravel each project I have attempted to knit with it....UNTIL NOW!

Leave it to Miss Debbie Bliss- remember those seed stitch slippers I tried to make months ago and then gave up on? Well... in her book entitled, The Baby Knits Book, she features a nearly identical pattern using the garter stitch instead. They are called pompon slippers. Because of my experience with the seed stitch slippers, I've been able to navigate quite easily through the instructions and the garter stitch knits so much faster! So, I am happily knitting away, hoping to complete them in time for a special friend who is expecting :)

I am also happy to report the mystery of The Boyfriend Scarf has been solved! Thanks to my good friend Brooke's mom, who is a master knitter! Big thanks! I am eager to pick that project up again!

And that is what's new this week. Happy Wednesday, friends!

Tuesday is for Tips

You may or may not have noticed that last week I was MIA... I found myself at a loss for words and time.....and my IPAD was incapacitated.

After a visit to the Apple doctor, I'm happy to be back in the game!

And today is Tuesday which means it is tip-time, baby!


I am being reminded through a bible study I am going through with my international girls--who say they read my blog!--that my life is not my own. And when I focus on MY plans, MY expectations, MYSELF, I miss out. Period.

And so my friends, my tip for today is not directly linked to knitting and motherhood, but it certainly covers it and puts it in perspective:

John 15:5 "I am the vine, you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."

Awkward Knitting Photo Monday

BRRRRRRR........

Happy Monday all!

Awkward Knitting Photo Monday IV

So, last Monday's awkward knitting photo was a given: the photo was clearly taken in another era.

Contrastingly (is that a word??), this week's photo is very current.  It comes from a new book entitled Vampire Knits by Genevieve Miller.  I suppose this book was inspired by the whole Twilight movement, and this guy is on team-Jacob??

I'm pretty sure that this pattern is not cool for anyone over the age of 5.

But the model in the photo sure is doing his job well to try and sell it! 


A--I wonder if he got to keep the pair  B--I wonder if he wears them

Have a mahvelous Monday night!

Thursday's Thrills of Motherhood....weekend reflection ;)

I work and live at a Christian college. My daughter has the unique opportunity to be surrounded by truth and big "kids". Babysitters are aplenty.... And I often thank God for how he has guided us here. There are days that I love my life here, and there are days that I don't, but by and large, it is an incredible blessing to be in this place: Bethel, House of God

As a mom, through working here, I have been equipped to understand how to guide my child when she reaches her teenage years. As a wife, I have learned how to work with my husband, and as a believer I have grasped a greater knowledge of God's love through service to his beloved. And the journey has not been without it's bumps and bruises...

Since returning to this place, after having graduated and worked out in the "real" world, it was apparent to my husband and I and many others, that Aslan was on the move.  We had a sense that God desired to thaw hearts and open eyes in a tangible, visible & present way.   And I believe that this week, He swooped in and did that very thing!

On Wednesday, after Jeff Kling shared how God had gotten a hold of his life, students were moved to respond.  For the next 6 1/2 hours, students came forward to share where they have seen God at work in their lives.  They shared words of encouragement, confession, and testimony.   I witnessed students that God has led my husband & I to pray for for years, come forward to speak on how good God has been to them---to confess how they have fallen short & are in definite need of a Savior.   I can't describe the joy in seeing toughened hearts softened and blind eyes opened.  Students regathered in the evening for several hours.

In the days that have followed there is a bit of a sobering atmosphere on campus.  Students continue to gather to pray & worship, and share their concerns that this be merely an emotional experience rather than a life-altering exchange. 

And I can't help but think how my involvement in this whole thing has been affected by me being a mom.   Though I wanted to sit in the auditorium for hours myself, I have a daughter to tend to.  Thankfully, I could listen via campus broadcast.  But even that was hampered by my my daughter's cries for attention....  When we did go as a family to witness everything in person, little Lily was good for 30 minutes--that's about it.   I couldn't hop over to the worship nights and leave my daughter alone in her crib.  And then I caught myself in my frustration and "disappointment"....  Yes, I haven't been able to be as hands-on as I've wanted to be over the past few days, but I am here able to pray in solitude while events go on.   I have been able to treasure & ponder these things in my heart.  And it is a remarkable thing to raise a child in such a time/place as this!   I have all confidence that the same God who is at work in the lives of these students is also at work in the life of my little lady (and me!). 

I look forward to retelling the stories to Lily as she grows older---much like the Israelite parents were commanded to tell of God's powerful work in their lives to their children.   God works through the power of our testimony to bring people to repentance & acceptance.

What a thrill it is to be a mother today!

What's New Wednesday

I have been trying to knit a scarf for my husband. I mentioned it last week....

And I have hit a wall!

The pattern is supposed to be for a beginner, yet I am experiencing difficulty. Go figure!

I'm hoping that one of you knitters could help me out:

The pattern is entitled Boyfriend Scarf, and it is in the book Knitting a Kiss in Every Stitch by Nicky Epstein.














The directions are as follows:
Cast on 56 stitches.
Knit 4 rows.
Row 1: RS k5,*bind off 1 stitch, k8; rep from * to last six stitches, bind off 1 stitch, k5.
Row 2: P5, *cast on 1 stitch, p8; rep from * to last 5 stitches, cast on 1 stitch, p5.
Continue in St St for 88".
Drop St row (RS) K5, *drop next St, cast on 1 St, k8; rep from * to last 6 sts, drop next St, cast on 1st, k5.
Work in Garter St for 1".
Bind off.
Unravel columns of sts of dropped sts from dropped St to beg garter edge.
Knit 4 rows, then bind off.

The finished project resembles ribbing. However, no ribbing appears in my knitting. I believe it's due to my confusion over the direction of casting on during the knitting process. Any tips to clarify that for me? Do I cast on to my left or right needle? Do I use a specific method of cSting on?

That is what's new today: a knitting hiccup

Tuesday's Tip

Get to know your public library! Doing so will give you and the little one the opportunity to get out of the house, and feed your "shopping" fix at the same time! BONUS: all for free!

The library also offers up mom & me classes, which equal a great time with other moms in the community. I've loved seeing Lily enjoy the opportunity to interact with other little ones at these classes....

I can get everything from the newest books to CD's to magazines at our public library- talk about a great knitting and parenting resource!

Happy Tuesday evening to you all! May you find the time to explore your local library soon!

Awkward Knitting Photo Monday III

This is awesome....

Happy Monday!

Thursdays Thrills

Today we took Lily to see her first musical production: Roger & Hammerstein's Cinderella is currently showing at the college where we live, work, and breathe.

I have to confess that part of the fun of being a mother to a little girl is dressing her up.  [Now, let me just give the disclaimer that I am not going to be one of those mom's that pushes princesses and everything that is stereotypically "girly" on my daughter.   I want her to be true to the unique person God created her to be....  If she chooses to love pink & glitter: so be it!  And on the other hand, if she chooses sweats & cleats, or mismatched socks & torn jeans: I will love her just the same.] 

However, that being said, I dressed her in a double tiered tutu and pink leggings with hearts on them, a bright pink cardigan and then topped it all off with a pink curly-cued bow in her hair.

I admit the irony that lies between the two paragraphs above....

But, as I reflect upon the thrills of motherhood every Thursday, I had to make mention of how much I love to get Lily dressed each day.  Those little legs, chubby knees, bloated belly and tufts of hair make anything I put on her come to life!  It's not the clothes that define this girl :)  At nineteen months, it is her mischievousness and tenderness that she dresses herself in! 

I look forward to the days when she can pick out her own clothes, to see how she chooses to reflect the inside on the outside! 

And that, my friends, is what I believe to be part of the thrill of being a mother!

OK, so I confess that with this new format/structure, I've gotten my days mixed up!

Tuesdays are supposed to be about tips--knitting, motherhood, and life tips while Wednesdays are all about what's new....

Since yesterday was supposed to be today's post, I will make today's post what should've been yesterday's post.  Are you following me?  [Just say yes....]

So, today will include a tip on life: 

Don't color your own hair.  Period. 

The end.

I trust that this tip could alter the course of your life for the better.

Have a great Wednesday!

What's New Today

First off, I apologize that the awkward knitting pic from yesterday has disappeared :(  You missed a doozie!

Let's just say that I am discovering that blogging from my I-pad has it's inconveniences... And that is the last time you should let me complain about having an I-Pad!

Today's posting comes near the end of the day. As a reminder, Tuesdays are all about what is new (see LAST Tuesday's posting for more info.).

So, here is what's new in my realm: I completed the hat I will be donating to Save the Children (again, check out last week's posting...). It looks like a little acorn cap! I got the pattern from Nicky Epstein's new book: Knitting a Kiss in Every Stitch.  It knit up super quick--taking me only two nights to complete :)  I am cheered to pass it along to a deserving mama and her baby across the globe!

And I have jumped right into the next project from the same book: The Boyfriend Scarf. I am using the homespun yarn my sister sent me for Christmas!  I plan to pass it along to my boyfriend, er husband, of nearly eight years to use in his winter fishing exploits.   See how excited he is:

Continuing with the theme of what's new, I recently became a blonder blonde. Last night I attempted to highlight my currently dyed blonde locks, and did quite the hack job. Let's just say that I look like I was nailed with goldenrod paintballs... In fact, tonight I went to book club as Prison Mike to hide my do ;)  I officially forfeit in this department and plan to make an appt. with a stylist ASAP. (Sorry, no pics on purpose!)

Have a terrific Tuesday everyone!

Awkward Knitting Photo Monday

I don't know what's most awkward about this photo: the knitting man in a rocking chair whose yarn is stashed in a very feminine looking bag, or the adult-size knitted onesie hanging on the wall in the background!

Hope this makes you laugh on a Monday ;)

Thursdays: Featuring the Thrills of Motherhood

Thursdays are when I will take the liberty to relay to you all the thrills I get from being a mom!

Allow me to begin with snow suits, boots and tiny fingers ;)



My Lily all dressed & ready to play in the snow---such a poser!

The Blizzard of 2011 came roaring through our area on Tuesday evening through Wednesday.   And with the foot of snow, came the opportunity to play! 

Lily stares so longingly out the window on snowy days... 

And by the time I've dressed her in all the gear, I am beginning to think I've entered menopause; I'm sweating so much!  All the wriggling, jerking, and did I mention chasing??  The most daunting point to make is that it's so cold that she's never outside in the stuff for more than 5 minutes:  it takes more time to dress her! 

It also makes me chuckle to think how immobile she becomes---she tries to walk, to grab at the snow, but to no avail :(   However, she is content as can be to just be outside! 

Oh, and mittens at this age....  So small, but not small enough :( 

She cries when I declare it's time to go back in.

And these are the days I will cherish ;)

What's New-Wednesdays

Wednesdays are all about What's New !

What's new with me, what's new with you--projects we are working on, products/designs that are out there, innovative strategies and ideas....all related to motherhood & knitting, of course!

I am excited about Wednesdays!  How about you??

Here's What's New this week:

Parents Magazine's latest issue features a blurb that captured my attention:

Save the Children is sponsoring a charity drive to gather knit caps for babies in impoverished areas around the world. The drive's purpose is two-fold: to raise awareness and to help reduce the number of newborn deaths, which equals nearly 4 million per year!

Do we need a better reason to knit??

Parents also politely included a link to easy, free patterns: GoodGoes.org/caps

For more information, please check out the FAQ's. This drive ends February 28th, and I think that is plenty of time for me to knit a beanie for a precious little one in need.  I hope you can join me in supporting this important cause! What a great way to employ your gifts in service of another....

Have a wonderful Wednesday, friends!

Tuesdays = Tips-days

So Tuesday's are going to include knitting and/or mothering tips! I will gather such wisdom from a variety of sources, not excluding myself ;) My goal is that each tip would help to ease and inspire: enjoy!

Today's tip is:

Be consistent!

There are many philosophies surrounding parenting--just ask a new mom! People have opinions and research to back up their views on everything from diapering to discipline.

I believe the best advice I ever received was to simply be consistent. Consistency in parenting creates security and confidence in our little ones.

Mondays = Awkward Knitting Photos

So back when I began this blog, I mentioned how much I am bothered by the numerous photos used in the knitting realm to display knitwear.(See, Tea Party With Debbie Bliss in the blog archives...) It drives me insane.

And so it is that I have decided to make you giggle on Mondays by displaying, shall we call them: awkward knitting photos?!

First up is a pensive shot:

This is not one of the worst I have seen, however, I do enjoy it for it's attempts at making a complex, unattractive knit top look like something you'd wear as you contemplated making a purchase at a barn sale. Hmmmmm.....

Sometimes, it's the yarn they use that doesn't help the shot, sometimes it's the back drop or the model, or just the photo quality. This shot makes my first Awkward-Knitting-Photo-Monday for it's design, yarn choice and sweet back drop!

New Year=New Ideas

As a new year is underway, I am reminded how I, like this blog, have evolved.

I no longer feel like a new mom as I witness my friends and sister-in-laws enter into this thing called Motherhood. Instead of questions, I can now offer advice! And instead of sleepless nights, I now have evenings to knit.

Recent projects that I am working on include: a winter scarf for Lily, a sweater-vest-ish thing (again, for Lily), and baby washcloths for expectant moms who are dear to me.

In working on the washcloth project, my sister informed me that a wool-blend yarn would not be good to use  as wool is water resistant.  Hmmm... makes sens, doesn't it?  What would I do without my shearing, spinning, hand-dyeing sister, really? Sans her input, my poor expectant friends would be seriously confused when using washcloths of mine on their newborns!

I have also entered a new world of blogging since receiving an I-Pad for Christmas. I gleefully retorted to my husband the other day that it is the coolest toy ever (as I proceeded to download every knitting app available)! Seriously, there are apps that do everything from counting rows to keeping stock of your needles!

Back to my sister, she also sent me several hanks of her homespun yarn for Christmas: a variety of worsted wool blends and llama! I am open to suggestions of what to knit with these fabulous yarns.

And further, I have visions to expand this blog to include a novice's reviews and learnings of yarn, knitting resources, knitting shops, and tips---all with the flare that motherhood allows me to spin along the way ;) I'm thinking of creating a more themed focus for regular entries.  Ambitious, I know--but I think the structure will be enjoyable for everyone ;)

Happy New Year and Happy Knitting!