Friday, January 27, 2012

On the hook...

I've been working on and off on a few things these past few weeks.  I finished up the hat and scarf I was working on.  I wasn't completely satisfied with it, but I suppose that's normal.  I'm still learning to crochet, so I guess mistakes are bound to happen.  I think I've gotten really good at magic loop.  I get geeky giddy about starting a project with magic loop.  The scarf was really simple- I think it took me an hour or two.  I need to fix the buttons, but it's nice and warm.

I also did my first granny square.  I probably should've picked something less complicated, but it was kind of fun.  I look forward to having enough to make a blanket or something made with granny squares.  There are so many interesting patterns out there.  Practice makes perfect, right?  Heh, I'm going to get a lot of practice!  And I found a really good tutorial on blocking, which I never really understood before.  Or at least, it seemed complicated.  Of course, I'll have to improve my sewing skills. My sewing skills are totally lacking.

I started making doll clothes for Lilia's dolls.  She likes them a lot, and has been asking me everyday to make more.  I made this cute little outfit and hat for her doll (whose name keeps changing...) and now she's requesting shoes and gloves for her.  It makes me laugh a little.  It's a good thing I have a ton of yarn to burn through!  I'm wondering if I can make doll furniture as well.  I'll have to give that a try at some point.  I've seen a few patterns, although I think they might be for barbie.


I also made a Slime amigurumi from Dragon Quest for the husband.  It was a fun little first amigurumi, and I can't wait to make more.  It was a little more complicated than I thought- mainly I didn't realize stuffing the little dude would be so hard.  And like I've said, my sewing skills aren't that great, so creating a mouth and eyes were a little difficult.  I did an okay job I suppose, but I'll have to keep at it until I get it better.


Of course I'm still working on that shawl, but there's no rush in finishing that.  I'll probably work on doll stuff for Lilia, and random granny squares.  I have a like 6 pages of favorites on ravelry, so I might pick one of those at some point.  I started some fingerless mitts, but ened up re-starting the entire project because I didn't like how it was going.   And I may or may not have some secret plans for Valentine's Day.  Just some small handmade presents for the kids, and John.  ;)

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Monday, January 23, 2012

Kids and Chickens, Chickens and Kids

Liam is at his first day at preschool.  It's very weird, to not have either child home.  I'm a little lost as what to do with myself.
He was more excited than he looks here!
He was pretty excited, although I'm pretty sure he didn't understand the part about Mom and Dad not being there.  He held my leg at first, when we told him we were going, but the teachers there are really good, and distracted him.  I think he'll be fine, but I still may or may not of teared up a little.

The Ladies aren't too happy with Winter, but they like food.
After dropping everyone off, I came home.  I fed the Ladies, who got a special treat of strawberry tops and asparagus with their cracked corn.  Happy Ladies lay happy eggs.  And I now have 3 Ladies laying regularly.  This morning, my Easter Egger gifted me with an awesome Blue-Green egg.  She's the only one I can identify as a layer (and a much relieved person I am- I feared she might be male!) because of her distinctive egg coloring.  I'm almost positive the other layers are Buff Orpington and the Australorp because their combs are very bright red, but you never know.  Easter Egger has a very dull comb.

I do need to have a discussion with the Ladies though.  One of them decided to lay an egg in the snow in the run.  I mean, really darling?  Isn't that a little cold, and so not good for the egg...

This morning's contribution by the hard working Ladies.
So now I'm just trying to decide what to do with myself.   There are so many options- knit, crochet, clean, organize, write, work out...so many options, I think I feel a little overwhelmed.

Friday, January 20, 2012

5 and 3 year olds

I've decided 5 year olds are the best.  They say the funniest things ever.

"Daddy, were you looking for a mommy and then you found Mommy?"

"Did you get married because you knew babies were coming?"

We heard both of those tonight, while eating pizza at Grandpa's house.  I think I busted a stitch laughing, it was just so cute.

Of course, then we have the 3 year old.  And his favorite saying right now is:

"Stop it Mommy.  Don't _____!"  Insert ANYTHING in here.  Don't laugh.  Don't kiss.  Don't smile.  Don't nudge him.  Don't dance.  Don't tickle.  We've heard it all.  He's like a Dictator.  I'm not sure if I should be concerned.  Probably not, I can always bribe him with video games or candy.

Ah, kids.
Leave my computer for 2 minutes, and I get 50 pics like this.

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Crockpot Tuesday!

I hate the cold.  Really, I just do. I can't think of any good reasons for the existence of cold.  I don't know why anyone would like the cold? You like being bundled in blankets, sweaters, coats, gloves, hats and not being free to move without all that bulk?  No really, I HATE the cold.  It's a very chilly 5 F right now, and in order to combat the cold, I literally moved my chaise lounger in front of my fireplace, so I could sit by the fire, under my snuggie.  I was that cold.

I love my Crockpot!
I can only think of two positive things about winter.  Christmas and crockpots.  I love crockpot meals on a cold winters day.  It makes life so much easier, and the meals are always piping hot.  Chili, stew, soup...delicious stuff!

I decided that I'm going to try to use my crockpot at least once a week this winter.  Shall we call it a resolution?  Sure, why not?

I made a warm and delicious taco chicken in the crockpot yesterday, which was one day too early for warming crockpot meal. However, the leftovers were just as delicious as they were yesterday, maybe even a little tastier.

Taco Chicken


3 Chicken breasts (I actually used two, but wish I had used three.)
1/2 cup chicken stock
3 TB taco seasoning (I admit it! I threw in a whole packet.)


1 jar picante sauce/salsa
1 TB chili powder
2 tsp cumin
1 cup corn (frozen, or canned)
juice from 1 lime


Mix the first 3 ingredients together in the slow cooker, cook 6-8 hours on low, on 4-5 hours on high)  I actually added a bit more stock, just to keep it nice and moist.


About 30 minutes before serving, remove and shred the chicken.


Stir in the remaining ingredients, add the chicken and allow to heat for at least 30 minutes.

Serve with tortillas or taco shells (we used corn tortillas the first night and didn't care for them- the next night we used taco shells and that was much better.) and whatever your traditional taco accompaniments are. We had lettuce, tomato, sour cream and shredded cheese.



It was delicious!  I might have to try it with some black beans and cilantro next time, though.