Let Advent Begin!

I know there is a lot of chatter of no Christmas until Thanksgiving.  I whole heartedly agree!  Except, when hand-made-ness in involved, then Christmas "things" are allowed.  I have completed my set, I now need to plan the devotions.  I purchased small brown bags, Christmas gift tag stickers,  and ribbon. Each ornament will hide in a countdown bag under the mantel, along with a devotion.  This year, our Advent daily devotion will be a true devotion, a song/carol to read and listen to, one of our wonderful picture books to read,  or an act of kindness.  I'm still creatively thinking about how to include the Santa, Santa hat, and stocking. I'm thinking along the lines of generosity and surprises for topics.

Here is a description of the last batch of knit ornaments:
Manger - brown "container" with hay-like insert

Baby Jesus - knit in the round, yep, I'm a pro now. (This is part of a wee nativity set, and Mary is almost done; she is tricky.  There is Joseph and a donkey; I may table this for another time.)

Santa Hat - knit in the round, which I've discovered hats are easiest to roundly knit

Bells - very fun, as I am a bell ringer, and believe it or not, knit on 2 needles (not round)

Snowman - this broke my rule of buying yarn for this project, I really wanted fluffy white

Santa - A red triangle with lots of pieces added, not my favorite end result, but oh well.

Stocking - my first sock, I now know how to make a heel flap and how to turn the heel (socks are trickiest to knit in the round)

Bauble - a fun, traditional ornament

Mitten - my first knitting in the round ornament; the thumb isn't perfect, but I now know how to make sure the stockinette stitch is carried throughout in the round vs. on 2 needles. Not really interested in re-doing it.

Gingerbread man - a very nubby stitch, had to make 2 and stitch the front and back together, lots of parts and processes

Star - to be placed on the top.  5 points made individually, then joined together and cinched at the end for the center. I may add shiny beads for a little extra

Just imagine all the yarn ends to weave in at the end.  Each one has a crocheted hanger to attach and hide ends.  These were great little projects, but I am glad that I am now done.  I have learned a lot and am a more comfortable knitter!

Advent will be fun, I can't wait to show you how these will be used!

Round and Round I Go

I have finally figured out how to knit in the round.  The last few ornaments in my Advent Garland depend on knitting in the round.  I am now approaching, and really not yet overwhelmed with starting the thumb gusset.  But just wait until I have to put 8 stitches on a safety pin to save for later, you know, for the thumb.  We'll see how this goes.  I initially thought making such a tiny thing in the round would be more clumsy than it really is.  But then, I realized that it would be a short project to complete, without making two.  Since it is an ornament, I don't need a pair.  I shall see how this progresses.

Still deciding on whether or not to make the pudding ornament.  Do you know of anyone that makes and eats Christmas Pudding?  I would like to consider crocheting or knitting some of the Nativity, baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph, and maybe a shepherd.  I would also consider making the holly and the ivy larger that is part of the pudding ornament.

Getting there, on schedule - which is pleasant!  Only 4 3/4 ornaments left to make!

Friendly Food Swap

I have been doing a lot of cooking, as of late, or so it seems.  But, not so much of eating what I cook.  I recently went home to MN to visit and help my parents in any way that I could.  One of those ways was to cook.  I literally made up my mind to just cook them meals there, since I can't pop on over on a weekday and just deliver a warm and tasty meal.  So I shopped as soon as Aldi opened, and showed up with my cousin's crock pot and bags of food.  I told my Dad that it was cookin' day, and I did not buy them groceries - I brought them meals.  So I planned out timing wise what order to prepare all the meals, and in what container and what cooking method.  We had 2 crock pots, two Dutch ovens, some things on the stove and some things in the oven.  After cooking, all meals were portioned and frozen flat in baggies.  Oh, and in between all that, we carved pumpkins and roasted the seeds and I met a cherished friend for a coffee visit!  A very welcome break.  Then there was dishes and mopping - I was grateful for all the helping hands!  I was tired, but the meals are in my parents freezer.  If they have not yet been enjoyed:

beef stew
pork roast with sauerkraut
chili
marinara sauce
shrimp with vegetables
shredded chicken for tacos

Then, when I returned, we put on our Halloween spread.  Treats are given to our neighbors as we trick-or-treat, and this year we gave mini-loaves of pumpkin chocolate chip bread. We serve hot dogs, have a huge crock pot full of chili, some fixins' and hot chocolate.  Good thing I helped myself to a bowl, because it was GONE by the end of the evening.  We had about 100 trick-or-treaters or friends stop by.  Our house is becoming a known stop.

Eric, today, went to the Bears game with his buddies, a yearly tradition where he always brings the chili for tailgating.  He makes it, not me.  But he starts it at night and when we awaken, the morning welcomes us with the aromas of chili. At 7:00, on a Sunday.  Chili for breakfast, anyone?  Not me.  But the guys seem to enjoy it by 10:00.

Then, after washing out that crock pot, I made a large batch of chicken enchilada filling.  Multiplied the recipe by 9, exactly.   Friends from church and I are doing a food swap, to help with the upcoming holiday preparation season.  We are each making one meal in a large quantity.  And then we will meet and swap, so we will get 9 portioned and different meals for the freezer.  Sounds like a good thing to me.  Ever buy that many ingredients at the store?  Well, it is interesting and I did get some funny looks and comments.  But when my freezer is full, I'll be content - and well fed!

Ornament #14 - It took enough time to have its own post

While these 4 strips were easy to crochet (um, I altered knitting with tiny needles to crocheting with a tiny hook as my hands are more accustomed to the latter), adding the embellishments was quite time consuming.  Sewing on buttons or replacing buttons is not exactly considered a good time by me.  So, these 17 buttons and 8 beads are attached and staying put!

Beads have been on hand with Norah wanting to string beads and her beaded crochet socks. (I crochet the beads onto socks, I do not crochet her socks.)

Buttons were courtesy of my Mom again, she very generously let me take any buttons I wanted when I was last home.  Now, these buttons will be seen each holiday season.

I am pleased with the final product and the shine and shimmer the snowflake has.   Just not yet wanting to see the real ones fly.  The sunny and chilly days have just started, no need to rush fall.

Ornaments 5-13

I have had a few of these ornaments made for awhile.  The start of the school year is always an adjustment at our house, as I also go back to work.  I have recently picked up this project again, and am enjoying the quick little projects.  But let me tell you, some of these take longer and are more intricate than one would think!  I am still only using yarn that I have on hand!

I feel like I will manage finishing these to use by the start of Advent.  Remember, each ornament will represent a Christmas carol, picture book we have, Bible lesson, or act of service for each Advent devotional.

I like the angel; I may have made her wings shorter.   The devotion will probably be about visiting Mary or the shepherds hearing the angels.

The tree is longer than I thought, perhaps I should have sewed the layers a bit closer together - notice that it is 3 shades of green.   We will read "The Tale of the Three Trees".  A favorite in our house!

The mouse is by far the largest ornament.  Not sure what happened there.  I think I was supposed to use smaller needles, but size 2 needles was tricky enough on the body.   We will read "Who is Coming to Our House" (the tag line is someone, someone, says mouse".  May also include how God made all creatures great and small.

The heart is sweet.  The button is courtesy of my Mom.  The devotion will be about love of some sort.

The basket will hold a doll-house baby and will be used with the story of Moses. Norah is telling me to knit the naked baby some clothes, it fits in the basket.  Not sure that will get done.

The Wreath was tricky to keep round, as 2 knitted pieces were twisted together.  The sparkly decor provided by my Mom again.   Devotion not yet determined.

The gift was easy-peasy.  Just a rectangle, folded in half, stuffed, and sewed together.  With a chain of yarn for a ribbon.  Perhaps the gifts of the Holy Spirt, or discuss God's greatest gift. Or leave a small gift for someone we know.

The candy cane was easy to make, just a bit tricky to twist around and secure to the pipe cleaner.  But, I prevailed.  We will read "The Legend of the Candy Cane."

I am close to finishing my 14th ornament, and then after that only 10 more as included in the pattern.  I will, however, find a baby Jesus to knit up from some nativity pattern yet to be discovered on Ravelry.  I feel like I am getting close!  

The largest obstacle will be knitting a few ornaments in the round,  still dreading that experience.  

Helping Hands

These little "helping hands" made our "kissing hand" cookies on this last of our "lots of Mommy days". Their little hands will be kissed tomorrow, and I may need to take a kiss with me as well!

10 Sleeps 'Til Kindergarten

When Simon went to Kindergarten, I wrapped about 7-8 books about going to school.  He was given one each evening at dinner, with a number taped on top.  Each number was a "sleep", counting down the number of sleeps until Kindergarten.  The only rule was that within the book, the mother could not be sad and crying and the child could not be overly hesitant about going to school.  That message entering my child's head defeated my purpose.  I wanted to give him the biggest pep talk about going to school.

It was lovely.

It is now time to do the same thing for Norah.  On August 16, we will begin our "10 Sleeps 'Til Kindergarten".  Last time, I scoured used book stores and even wrapped up library books.  Here is the line up of books:

10.  Countdown to Kindergarten by Alison McGhee

 9.  Pete the Cat The Wheels on the Bus by James Dean

 8.  Froggy Goes to School by Jonathon London

 7.  We Share Everything by Robert Munsch

 6.  Pete the Cat Rocking in My School Shoes by Eric Litwin & James Dean

 5.  Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems

 4. If You Take a Mouse to School by Laura Numeroff

 3a.  Boomer Goes to School by Constance W. McGeorge 

 3b.  David Goes to School by David Shannon 

 2.  In My Heart by Molly Bang

 1.  The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn

This handmade kissing hand will be given with the "1 sleep 'til kindergarten" book, and tucked into the front pocket of my Lil' Miss's backpack. A little Momma's love with her at all times! (It is my hand).  I may also make hand and heart shaped sugar cookies, for a special kindergarten send off.  If you yet don't know Chester Raccoon and The Kissing Hand, it is a classic to hold dear to your heart.

I love my little girl.  I am soooo excited that she is able to attend Kindergarten as all parents dream, in regular education.  I would be so very sad if her educational career began with more of a struggle.  She is developing as she should, and the joy of Kindergarten will be hers daily.  But, still, my baby girl is going to get on a bus and ride away from me, and spend part of her day with others.  

If you know my precious Norah, you will know that she adores and loves to chat, sing, and play away the day.  That she finds joy in almost any object, that her imagination is huge, that she will befriend anyone young or old, and that she is happy.  I am sad that her little early childhood is ending.  Not so much yet, but I know what all day in first grade brings.

Here she is, with her new backpack packed with her school supplies. She is ready to meet her teacher (Aug. 23rd), and start Kindergarten (Aug. 26th).  She loved school supply shopping, by the way.  She did not realize that we only bought what was on the list, not every interesting item!

Please God, let this next year slow down, just a little bit.  For this mother's heart.  And keep her a joyous little girl.

Bags

This will be a trip with bags!  To help me stay organized.  I am taking the kids to MN - for the summer trip to see Grandma and Grandpa, to see my sister and her husband who are visiting from Japan, and my High School reunion.  We will be staying at a few places over the course of the trip.  Since I am solo in schlepping our stuff, organizing our events, driving, and caring for the kids - I need bags to organize myself.  It keeps me calm.  Items belonging in dedicated compartments, ahhh - bring on the peace!

Bag List:
1.  Sunday night bag - with our pajamas, Monday's outfit, and toiletries for our hotel night.
2.  Clothes bag - a total of 3, one per person.
3.  Swimming bags - with suits and towels, sand toys provided by Grandma's bath toys
4.  A cold weather bag to stay in the trunk - with a sweatshirt, pants, and socks per person for a potential chilly evening
5.  Car bags - with a few kid-picked items to entertain during the multi-hour journey back and forth
6. Snack bag - to munch on during the multi-hour journey
7.  Project bag - FOR ME - always have to have something to read and some yarn project to keep my hands busy
8.  Gift bag - can't arrive empty handed!

That may be all!  I always say I'll pack light.  But somehow, it's not always that light.

Ornaments 1-4

I was supposed to make 2 ornaments a month.  This project began on July 26, 2013.  Four ornaments are now completed, only 21 to go!  I love this project; quick completions with new skills learned.  I think I have figured out slip slip knit vs. knit 2 together.  I also learned the picot bind off (the snow on the house).

The goal of this project is to spend no money.  The pattern was completely free from Ravelry.com, just search for Advent Garland, designed by Frankie Brown.  I may have purchased the ivory yarn, because I did not have that and would use it often throughout the project.  But all other yarn to be used must come from my stash.  So far, it has - reminding me of projects made and given!

Our Advent calendar is under way!  Eric will design a wooden tree to place these ornaments each day.  I will plan out devotions that coordinate with each ornament.  Either a Bible story, verse, book to read ("The Legend of the Candy Cane" - for the candy cane, "Who is Coming to Our House? - for the mouse", "Room for a Little One" and "The Tale of Three Trees"- for the tree), a kind deed to do for someone, song to listen to from Christ in the Carols, etc.  We did Christ in the Carols last year.  We read the meaning and history of the song, then listened to the song while reflecting on the words.  It was a beautiful Advent.  Since I am thinking about the devotions, I altered the chain ornament.  I was supposed to make 4 chains, but since I want to tie the devotion to the Trinity - I made only 3.

We only have to figure out how to "hide" or present each ornament and directions of what to do that day.   I am thinking of having the trunk flip open to place the ornament and devotion for each day.  Or string simple numbered bags across our fireplace to remove each day.  Much better than The Elf on the Shelf!

School in the Sea

Look what we found!!!

A dolphin pencil case.  Last year Simon had a metal tin case for his pencils, crayons, markers, scissors, etc.  It returned home on the last day in okay to fair condition.  In 1st grade, we had to replace his plastic supply case mid-year.  I am all about the tin case.  We went to an office supply store solely to buy my academic calendar.  On the way out, my eye caught this!  A 3D dolphin case.  This picture doesn't really show the depth of the image, it is way cool.  So with his shark pouch holding some supplies, his dolphin case will hold the rest.  Quite exciting for an 8-year old boy.  I prefer this over super heroes and other popular characters and what not.

Oh, and that calendar.  Came home and discovered the one I chose was for 2013, not academic 2013-2014.  Ugh, I'll have to go back.