Forts

Bedtime in a fort. Ahhh, to be that age again.

Tush

I love that Quentin sits on his feet with his tush. It’s too darn cute to not share. And besides the point, he looks like a little golfer… Delish!

Sean in Nets

This is a video of Sean in nets (white jersey is his team) at a tournament they played in last weekend. They had no goalie for that game, and asked the kids and Sean volunteered. At this level (MAHG 2) all the kids rotate getting a turn being goalie. (He loves all things about goalie). Anyhow, I didn't get to go to the tournament, as it was held at 8 am, and I had 2 kids still sleeping at that hour. In this video, from the 3 shots on Sean's net, he saves 2 of them! (The 2nd two). He played quite well in nets. (Not sure how I feel about him making this a regular thing - goalie equipment is quite expensive!) GO SEAN GO!

My baby is walking!

Quentin has been taking steps over the last few days. (After a few steps, he ends up on his bum). He needs a bit of practice, but he'll be walking (rather running) before I know it. While we're very excited for him to be walking already, it means a whole other level of baby proofing. It's also bitter sweet, because since he's my baby, I'm not ready for him to grow up this quickly.

Monday Morning Link Love

- I love me some great dane.
- I love this image.
- In our home....
- Fun toothpaste experiment for kids.
- What a great motivational idea for weight loss.
- I should mark this on my own scale.
- I love this image.
- What a brilliant idea for storing puzzles.
- Zucchini + tomato + basil + cheese = I can't wait for my garden this summer!
- Love these apple & grape cars!
- I need to cover my refrigerator shelves with Saran's Press and Seal Wrap....then when it gets dirty just peel it off and apply a new piece!
- Did you know!? Oh my, the wonderful tips on this page!
- A pen like this really exists?
- Love these hot pads!
- Very cute bookmarks!
- For the daughter I will never have. Sometimes I dream.
- Love this grocery check-list.
- 46 Freezer meals for approx. 96$
- Yumbots are soooo cute!
- Beautiful imagery.
- Love this tree.
- I've got to try this on our next beach vacation!
- Warm caramelized onion dip - with low fat ingredients! Yes please!
- 40 Blows. Must remember this for hubby's 40th.
- Seeing these pillow mattresses again, makes me want to make some for the boys.
- This is my dream closet. Nuff said.
- Never want to lose your bobby pins again? Put a magnetic strip in your medicine cabinet!
- I want one of these....! Full length mirror with jewelry storage behind it!
- One day I AM going to get myself one of these....
- I totally want to make some record book ends.... (I used to make record bowls!)
- I love love love love this owl clock.

Rapunzel

SPECS:

Pattern: Rapunzel Scarf by Kristen Hein Strohm (My Ravelry Link)
For: Me
Yarn : 2.15 skeins of Project B Worsted Superwash in Teal

Hook: 9.0 mm (M/N)
Size: One size
Timeline: December 30, 2011 - January 19, 2012
Modifications & Notes: I learned how to do foundation double crochet as well as learned how to do Long Spike Single Crochet/Spike Single Crochet with some help of some youtube videos and a dear friend N. I ended up doing 145 Fdc instead of what was called for in the pattern, to reach 70". The braiding was fun, but required 2 of us - one to hold (N) and then I was able to braid.
It's super warm, it was a fairly easy pattern to work up, and I LOVE the color.

iPhone Fun

Shot with my Hipstamatic for iPhone
Lens: John S
Flash: Off
Film: Ina's 1969

I’ve been loving the different camera apps on my iPhone lately. I’ve been playing around with Hipstamatic (which I think was on sale for .99¢ when I got it). Love the look you can give an image with the photo apps. This photo was taken 3 days ago, during bath time. The boys got a new hot wheel toy that can go in the bath, and they were playing with it, and I caught this image.

Sean’s Dance

Sean learned a new dance at school.
He says it's Armenian. I'm no expert. Anyone?
He's too cute in this video. I had to share!

:::::

Edited 01/18/12: I learned that it's a Lebanese dance, not Armenian. The kids have been learning about things that are Lebanese at daycare right now. This is Sean's version of a dance he learned.

Monday Morning Link Love

- This Laundry room quote is awesome.
- I love these alphabet sets.
- How to make your own picture soap dispenser: One crafter said: "I took their photos, cut them out and glue onto white paper. Then photo copy onto transparency paper (Kinkos for less than a $1), then cut out image and roll it up so that it can fit into the top of a soap bottle. Make sure you have clear soap or sanitizer."
- This is a smart way to help kids learn fractions.
- Love these bedtime passes.
- How to make a heart shaped egg.
- How to make water sponge balls - fun!
- What a cute cake!
- I want this chair!
- What a fun/cute way to display pictures!
- Best ever pulled pork recipe - apparently!
- Love these puzzle piece ornaments! (Yes, yes, I'm still thinking about Christmas! We still have our tree up, which must come down soon....)
- These oatmeal muffins look yummy.
- How to make Lego Candies.
- Love this Star Wars Planetarium light from Sears.
- My winter savior!
- I love finding cheap organization solutions! These are from Ikea. Need to organize my wrapping paper rolls!
- Love this list of 101 things to do with your toddler!
- Love this pop-up card idea.
- I am thinking it might be fun to make my own soap!
- Love this video!

12 on 12

I saw this challenge for 12 on 12, and had to participate as well. This was my day, starting from 9 am until 8pm. Enjoy!

9 am.

10 am.

11 am.

12 pm.

1 pm.

2 pm.

3 pm.

4 pm.

5 pm.

6 pm.

7 pm.

8 pm.

(ps- Nope, the tootsies were not for me, I was refilling Jamie's toostie stash jar!)

You Know You Need A Haircut When…

You know you need a hair cut when... your kids either look like Kramer from Seinfeld or start growing a mullet! I took the kids over winter break for much needed haircuts. It was Quentin's first official haircut (besides the time we "fixed" his hair because of the odd way it grew in after they shaved half his head at birth - due to an IV drip). He was soooo good, I was shocked. First boy of mine to not cry/or fuss at his first haircut. He let the lady cut without a single issue. He really is the best baby ever. And all three of my little men, are cute handsome with their new 'do

10 on 10

I tried the past to participate in 10 on 10. It just never worked out in the past. I'd either forget, or not have the time, etc. This year, for 2012, I made it one of my resolutions, to participate each month in 10 on 10. Here's my 10 on 10 today:

9 am.

10 am.

11 am.

12 pm.

1 pm.

2 pm.

3pm.

4 pm.

5 pm.

6 pm.

Monday Morning Link Love

- Love Annie by Jane Richmond.
- Love these popsicle stick puzzles.
- How to make fabric pom poms.
- Love these stegosaurus socks.
- Love this sequin sweater.
- Peppermint marshmallows look yummy, too bad the 2012 diet is already in effect!
- Love this kissing ball tutorial.
- Hi 2012, be sweet please.
- I want to try crock pot italian meatballs.
- Taking spaghetti squash to the next level - Spaghetti Squash lasagna.
- With 3 boys at home, I have a new love for hotwheels, this video is quite fun.
- This Norwegian apple cake looks delicious.
- Here is another interesting take on lasagna.
- Mmmm, broccoli and bowties!
- My boys have been obsessed with Super Mario these days, here's a great costume tutorial.
- I wonder if Quentin would like these baby cakes.
- Homemade apple sauce that looks soooo yummy!
- Caramel popcorn is making me want to fall off the wagon.
- This had me peeing in my pants of laughter.
- I love these Hide N Squeak eggs... they look so much fun to play with.
- Love these pilot hats... for the kids, of course.
- Love this earbud pouch tutorial.
- This doorknob is adorable.
- These watermelon cake pops look yummy!
- What a genius idea.
- Love this use for old windows.
- A great way to store extra rolls.
- Oh yum, yum, yum, yum, stuffed zucchinis!
- Love this flat bottom pouch tutorial.

Project 365 + 1

Last year I did Project 365, and stuck to it, for an entire year! I can't believe that I actually took a photo a day, for an entire year. Mind you, it's not that hard, being a photographer, and always having at least 2 cameras on me, at all times. (Always at least have my pocket camera, and my iphone camera on me).

And this year, I'm trying it again. Project 365+1. I've got Instagram (free) on my side, which is fun to use, and as well, Photo365 app too (.99¢). I'm ready to rock'n'roll for another full year of taking pictures every day. I was thinking of sitting out this year, as life got crazy busy, but I think I can manage a photo a day... to keep me on my toes. So pop on over to my 365+1 blog, and follow me there too! (Ps- If you click on the images, I have captions under each one!)

Rapunzel Scarf Start

Just the other day, I started this Rapunzel Scarf after seeing it on the cover of Crochet Accessories 2011 magazine. The issue, I had gotten for free with a gift certificate from Zinio. Not too sure what else I'd make in the magazine issue, but this scarf, I drooled over. (Originally thinking it was a cowl, by the way it looked on the cover. Totally thinking of making it as a cowl, next).

Love the color of the yarn and I’m loving this scarf so far. I've even learned a new technique, how do Foundation Double Crochet (fdc). It's a pretty cool technique! (It's kind of like doing a long tail cast on, so you're first row is done).

I bought this yarn from Ariadne before they closed and the two skeins that were skeined, are new, but it seems the one that I bought in the cake (it was apparently wound into a cake but then decided to sell it instead of keep it), I thought was brand new, but now using it from the center pull ball, it seems that the yarn was already knitted up, as it’s all wonky from being frogged. I'm not to happy about this, as I was told it was brand new, but I'm hoping that while working with it, it's not affected. So far, you can't really tell from what I've crochet, that the yarn was used. (And I'm holding it double stranded).

I've got 2 of the 5 stands worked up. This seems to be going fast!

Monday Afternoon Link Love

- Lawn jenga looks like so much fun!
- I know father's day is 6 months away, but this is a very cute idea.
- I love cherries.
- 50 best iphone apps for kids.
- 100 books to read in Kindergarten.
- LOVE this 2012 declutter calendar (PDF). Something to declutter every day of the year!
- Love these knitted gift card-igans, that double afterwards as an ipod cozy!
- Love this felt flower scarf tutorial.
- Love this Mason Jar herb garden.
- Love this cute Valentine's day gift idea.
- Saving this candy sleigh idea for the end of 2012!
- 31 days to an organized home.
- Again, another idea to store for December, I love this button wreath tutorial.
- Love these paint chip bookmarks.
- Love these stache nails.
- Love this bird feeder - all you need is a wire hanger, a slinky, and some peanuts.
- STUNNING!
- Makes the cold look so beautiful.
- Lots of fun ways to wrap a gift.
- I love this rug!
- Now, everyone saw awwwwwwwwwww with me!
- This made me laugh.
- Great gift basket ideas.
- Totally making one this week for our bathroom. Maybe a reminder for the boys to aim!? I've even got the scrabble letters ready to make this!
- Might use this idea for one of the boys birthdays this year.
- Love this book display.
- Love this bracelet.
- LOVE this family ornament.
- These are funky bracelets!
- Love this bench - re-purposed!
- 10 best apps for kids.

2011 Meme

MEME

The first sentence (or two in my case!) of each first post of the month for 2011:

January: Happy New Year. Wow. 2011.
February: Quentin is 9 weeks old today.
March: Quentin is 13 weeks old today.
April: Mack turned 145 weeks old on Thursday, March 31, 2011.
May: What a week.
June: I've been getting some knitting done, whenever I can sneak in a row.
July: Hope my Canadian followers are having a great Canada Day (and are being safe)!
August: Homemade playdough recipe.
September: Luke, welcome to the dark side.
October: I love this sign!
November: Last night, Sean wore his other Batman Costume (this one was a bit larger than the black one he wore to daycare, so he was able to get layers under the costume).
December: Dear Quentin, Yesterday, was a day of too many firsts.

I love doing this Meme each year. Here's a link to my 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, and 2006 ones!

2011 Knitting & Crochet Review

While I didn't reach my 2011 knitting & crochet goals (to surpass what I knit & crochet in 2010), I realized that in 2010, for 11/12 of the year, I had only 2 children, and was on modified activity (practical bed rest) for half the year, with Quentin's high risk pregnancy. Last year I knit & crochet 37 projects. This year, I knit & crochet 21 projects (2 of the hats, the green & pink pom pom ones, I made 2 of them, in 2 different sizes). Well, this year, I plan to hopefully knit & crochet more. If you are not my friend on Ravelry, and would like to be, I'm Knitpurlmama, just add me as a friend!