Candy necklace

Phoebe had the idea to string cereal on yarn to make her own version of a candy necklace. She used Froot Loops, and some extra yarn I had laying around — seems like we have another crafty one in the family.

Stitch Nation

I have never been a yarn snob — prided myself on it, actually.  Out where I live (in BFE) I don’t have a lot of yarn options (Red Heart, Vanna, and Caron pretty much) and it’s all acrylic.  Which, let’s be honest, is the red-headed step child of the yarn world. Utilitarian, sometimes garish, often scratchy, and, well, plastic.  But cheap!

I gravitate towards colors and I really care if the yarn is soft.  Washability is a big deal to me, and I’m not about to make a hat for a 4 year old that I can’t toss in the washing machine, so acrylic works fine for just about everything.

BUT THEN.  The godmother made Thea some longies (wool pants that go over cloth diapers) and she used this wool that was so soft I had to have it. HAD. TO. I’ve never really felt that way about yarn before.  It was Paton’s Wool, nothing fancy, but it won me over, handwashing and all.  So, I bought one or eight skeins, and while thrilled about the softness, was disappointed at how drab the colors were.

And then I got one of those e-mail blasts in my inbox from Joann Fabrics, and how they had this fancy new Stitch Nation yarn.  I had to check it out immediately because I have two of Debbie Stoller’s books, and think anything with her name on it would be pretty kick ass.  And kick ass it is, my friends.  Wool, lovely soft wool, in bright candy colors.  Oh, the joy! 

I usually hesitate buying yarn over the internet, but took a chance anyway because I couldn’t resist the purple and pink and teal green loveliness.  I’m so glad I did, because this yarn is the bees knees.  The colors!  The softness!  And it was on sale!

I have a hat to make for the hubby next (I promised), but am itching to get my hands on my new stash and make Thea some kick ass pants with the fancy new yarn.  I will never turn my back on my trusty acrylic, we’ve been through a lot together, but I think I like this new expanding-my-horizons thang.

Testing out the iPhone app

Got an iPhone and so of course I *must* test out the Squarespace app to see how it works. It's pretty dang handy, and very easy to use... I wouldn't expect anything less!

I'm also adding a picture of Thea in her new Threadless shirt, because I'm nice like that.

Happy last day of 2009!

Man, what a freakin’ year!  I can’t believe how quickly time flies, and I haven’t even updated my poor blog in over a month.  My days are mostly spent at work, trying to stay warm from this intense winter, and snuggling the kidlets.

For Christmas Phoebe got a camera, and with it a Flickr account.  I spent a good portion of my evening uploading (and editing) over 100 photos of hers.  I’M SO NICE.  Also, I deleted the picture she took where she lifted the cat’s tail.  Yes, she laughed for days, but I didn’t think kitteh porn appropriate Flickr content.  So.  If you’re interested in the content I did allow her to post, you can check it out here.  I let her title all of them, so they mostly say “This is Daddy making a funny face” or “This is Belle smiling with her eyes open.”  Hilarious.

Baby Thea is huge, I don’t know how long she is or how much she weighs, but that kid is solid.  I think we’ll be taking her in for her last follow-up with our midwife in January, and after that she’ll be seen at the clinic where the littles go.  I seriously cannot believe how fast she’s growing, it amazes me.  Also, she takes the most intense dumps of any of our kids — she’s the champion pooper by far.  She’s happy and sweet, and smiles. A lot. Probably because of the pooping.

Charlie is, well, Charlie.  We’re working on some of her behaviors, mostly the screaming and stomping her feet when she receives an answer she’s not happy with.  Oh, that child better get out of that habit quick.  I don’t see it going over so well when she’s in high school and DOESN’T WANT to do her math homework.  Not being the baby anymore wasn’t a very hard transition for her, and I thought it would be.  She’s so close with Phoebe that they act like a unit, and I don’t think Charlie even realized she was the youngest.  *shrug*

Marissa is doing phenomenally better in school.  She participated in the (optional) Literature Fair, and won first place.  Next, she participated in the (optional) Science Fair, and won first place.  She’s bringing home all As so far, and I’m very impressed.  I think the biggest influence this year is having teachers she actually likes.  Plus, she really wants a cell phone, so she’s certainly busting her butt to earn one.  She’s huge now, and wears a size 10 in women’s shoes.  TEN.  If she doesn’t stop growing we’re going to have an interesting time fitting her for shoes in high school.  I’ll look into DIY duct tape shoes, those sound right up her alley.

I’m looking forward to seeing what 2010 brings, and am ready to close out a brilliantly fulfilling year.

The Birth Story

I want to try and write this while the memory is still (somewhat) fresh in my head, but MAN.  Thea’s birth was a really really intense experience, and let’s just say I’m glad she’s our last baby.  For reals.

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