Friday, June 19, 2009

one of those moments

If I don't laugh or scream right now, I will just cry. It's been one of those days. My daughter has done nothing but cry all day. It's so frustrating. She's fed, she's clean, she just won't stay asleep. And she's decided to punish me for it. For the first time in my parenting history, I've put my child in her crib and am just letting her cry. What else can I do? I still have a 13 month old who needs my care, an injured cat that needs medication 3 times per day, we are hosting a brunch for 10 people tomorrow and I need to get the house clean, etc. Oh, and I am all by myself. My sweet hubby is working hard...lucky guy.

Well, the 3 minutes away from my reality were wonderful...back to the grind...

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

It's late, and I'm tired

Geez, it's late. But that's what happens when you have not one but two babies at home. My daughter was exceptionally needy today. She just cries a lot and wants to be held all the time. Well, that's just not a possibility. I have another baby to look after and a 10 year-old. Suffice it to say, this is the first chance I've had to sit down and eat some dinner. Figured I would blog while I was at it.

I feel so frustrated. I want to be the best mom possible, but I worry that my kids aren't getting everything they need from me. It breaks my heart when I have to tend to one child and the other keeps crying. In my case, it tends to be my infant. She's not mobile yet, so sometimes she just has to cry. I hate it. On days when my hubby is home, I feel like I hold her all day to make up for it. On those days, I know my 1 year old is getting extra attention. I am doing the best I can, but is it good enough? I hope so. I think having Irish twins is harder than regular twins. I can't say I'm an expert, but it just seems that it would be easier to deal with two babies dealing with the same problems. Anyway...

I just saw a movie yesterday...OMG! It was so good. It's called Religulous, and actually it's a documentary. Wow. If you haven't seen it, do yourself a favor and rent it!

Know what else I did yesterday? I painted my nails! Now, this may not seem like much to you, but to someone who only gets to shower every other day, fingernail maintenance seems like utter pampering! Of course, I did it myself and you shouldn't look too closely (because I also shared the color with the rest of my fingertips), but at least it got done!

Any Harry Potter fans reading this? I am so looking forward to the next movie. I think it's weird that the movie is coming out in less than one month and yet I haven't seen any trailers on TV. What gives? The biggest mistake those distributors made was delaying the release of the Half Blood Prince. I mean, really, why didn't they capitalize on the hype? If it had come out last November, as originally promised, I bet they would have made so much more money. Kinda like the Star Wars idiots. Please, someone tell me why a complete DVD set of all the movies was not released the same year that Episode 3 came out? Whatever...

Well, I've finished my food, and my food for thought. I'm gonna turn in for the night. I am tired, and who knows if I am going to have to get up again tonight with my 2 month old.

Monday, June 15, 2009

my first free pattern

So, as I expected, I started this blog and didn't keep up...even after just one post! Oh well, I guess I shouldn't think I am going to write here every day. Or even every other day! LOL

Well, I want to kick this blog off to a good start, so I am going to share a free pattern with you! I wanted a hat that looked knitted, but wasn't. As you know, I can't knit (YET!) so it had to be crocheted. Anyway, here you go! If you have questions about it, just let me know. I am by no means a pattern-writer, so there may be errors! I am giving you two versions: adult and child. I will also attach a picture or two so you can see what it should look like when finished.

Knit-Look Ribbed Hat pattern

Approximately 3.5 oz WW yarn; G, H or I (if you crochet tightly like I do) hook


Note: beginning chain does not count as a stitch and should be ignored throughout hat, unless otherwise instructed. Also, hat circle will seem floppy at first, but after several rows, the hat will take shape. This is a great pattern to use up scrap yarn as you can add stripes and works great for men.

Please note that errata was added 12/28/2011, affecting Row 4 only.

Chain 4, create ring
Row 1: Chain 2 (counts as dc), 11 dc in ring, sl st to close circle (12 dc)
Row 2: Chain 2, 2 fpdc into chain stitch below and in each stitch around, sl st to first fpdc to close circle (24 fpdc)
Row 3: Chain 2, *2 fpdc into first fpdc of row below, dc in between fpdc and next fpdc, fpdc into next fpdc of row below, dc in between fpdc and next fpdc* - repeat until the end of the circle, sl st to top of first fpdc (36 fpdc, 24 dc)
Row 4: Chain 2, *fpdc into first fpdc of row below, dc in between fpdc and next fpdc, [fpdc into next fpdc of row below, dc in dc] 2 times* - repeat until the end of the circle, sl st to top of first fpdc (36 fpdc, 36 dc)
Row 5: Chain 2, *fpdc into each fpdc, bpdc into each dc* - repeat until end of circle, sl st to top of first fpdc (36 fpdc, 36 bpdc)
Row 6 to finish – continue Row 5 until hat reaches desired length.


Child’s Version


Use I or J hook, depending on the size you want, or how tightly you crochet


Chain 4, create ring
Row 1: Chain 2 (counts as dc), 11 dc in ring, sl st to close circle (12 dc)
Row 2: Chain 2, 2 fpdc into chain stitch below and in each stitch around, sl st to first fpdc to close circle (24 fpdc)
Row 3: Chain 2, *fpdc into first fpdc of row below, dc in between fpdc and next fpdc, fpdc into next fpdc of row below, dc in between fpdc and next fpdc * - repeat until the end of the circle, sl st to top of first fpdc (24 fpdc, 24 dc)
Row 4: Chain 2, *fpdc into each fpdc, bpdc into each dc* - repeat until end of circle, sl st to top of first fpdc (24 fpdc, 24 bpdc)
Row 5 to finish – continue Row 5 until hat reaches desired length.



Adult Version



Child's Version (with matching scarf)




As you can see, the adult version would be excellent for a guy or gal, and in absolutely any color! The adult version is shown in soft yarn, the child's one is made with cotton.
Well, have fun! I will try to post more later.

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Inaugural post

Life's pretty hectic. No doubt about it. I have three children: a ten year old, a 13 month old and a 2 month old. Yeah, I know, I'm crazy. If I hear that one more time I might hurt someone. But, alas, I am CANDY COATED...therefore I won't hurt anyone. LOL!

So, in this blog, I will attempt to blow off the steam that goes along with having two babies, as well as share my creative triumphs. Of course, anything and everything I attempt to make is riddled with errors and always requires more than one draft. But, that's just me. I've got an Etsy shop you should check out too. What you see there is the result of a TON of work, considering I never seem to get things right the first time. LOL!

So, more about my brood...

First, actually, I am going to start with my hubby. You know, some women have all the luck. Well, I'm luckier than they are. Male Kangaroos are called Bucks. Did you know that? Anyway, my Buck is the absolute best. He's great with the kids. He does all the cooking. He does housework. He takes great care of the yards and vehicles. He's unbelievable. And, he's frickin' hot to boot! I swear...

My kids are awesome too. My oldest is just finishing the 4th grade. I can't believe it. Before I know it, he'll be married with children of his own. I know that seems a bit far into the future to be looking, but I can't help it. These past 10 years have flown by. Anyway, he's really smart and funny and a pretty good little soccer player. And, he's got the biggest heart. He's so great with his little brother and sister and, every year, he shaves his head for children with cancer. I am a proud momma.

My two little ones are 11 months apart. Yeah, you can do the math on that one. Anyway, it's really crazy at our house, and I am sure many of my posts will be dedicated to the insanity that is my day-in and day-out life. They have their unique personalities: the 13 month old is vibrant and outgoing and loves to play outside. Constantly. The 2 month old...well...let's just say I love her. She has been hard on us, crying a lot and always wanting to be held. Oh well, I am sure this is just a phase. After two boys though, I am grateful to have a daughter that I can dress up!

Well, here it is...the middle of the night. I think I am going to need to get some sleep.

Maybe I will catch up with you tomorrow... :)