Can you believe it?

Don't faint, but I have some actual finished projects to share!

First off, after 4 months of crocheting a row here and a row there....I finished Laurel's cardigan.  The pattern is here and was super easy.  I just love everything that Alicia Paulson creates.  I think that Laurel liked it too (either that, or she was just fascinated by that extra cute girl looking back at her).

Next is a shower wrap that was born out of necessity.  You see, my bathroom is not just my bathroom anymore.  It happens to be the hub of activity each morning.  There are a total of 3 bathrooms in our house, but only one gets used- mine (oh yeah, I guess it is Carl's too).  I am all about "being open" and "celebrating our God-given bodies" and all- but I just felt it was time to be a bit more discreet, if for no other reason than for my own personal esteem.

You know that feeling you get when you can feel someone is staring at you?  I think it wouldn't creep me out so much if I were more, ahem, decent. "Mommy, why is it all lumpy on your buns?"  "What are all those blue stripes on your legs?"  "Is that floppy skin on your stomach where I used to live?"  "Mom did you remember to exercise today?"  The honesty was just too much and the world is a much better place hidden under some soft white terrycloth.  The pattern is from Simple Sewing with a French Twist, and was indeed very simple.  I haven't had the opportunity to make anything else from the book, but I have several pages doggie-eared.

Also simple is this.  I am feeling too lazy to write it out again...but it is definitely worth a try!!

our TIME away

Time escapes me.  I just cannot seem to find more of it anywhere.  I am desperate for just a few extra hours each day.  Can't we all just vote to make the day 27 hours long instead of 24?  Wouldn't that be great? I know that you all feel the same way.

One place where time seems to stand still (or maybe just slow down a bit at least) is my Grandma's.  We had a lovely visit- very relaxing.  The weather was remarkably nice, meaning it didn't rain.

We lounged around in G'ma and G'pa's back yard.

There was lots of good food,

mashed potatoes with real gravy (as in the kind not from a packet or jar, and the kind that my daughter had 8 helpings of!)

Grandma made heavenly rolls and we slathered them with butter.  I'll share the recipe soon, they are so yummy.

Of course, once we arrived my Dad was never too far away from his girls.  I still include myself in that description :)  The marina was buzzing that day with the Farmer's Market open and an Art Walk downtown.  I fell in love with this little yellow boat.

I told my Dad that I would like to row out with it's owner and have him tell me tales of the sea.  Or maybe he could just share some of his crab catch of the day with me.

There was also a hike down to the beach where we lingered over every little sand creature and shell.  They are now smelling up my garage.  I always forget how much I miss the lush green foliage that I grew up with.  I think that there will always be a bit of moss growing somewhere in me.

Oh time...it was well spent while we were away.  Time?  TIME!  It is 5:20pm and I should be making dinner.  Okay, going now.

8am and its midday

So here is a sure sign that I was at a birth EARLY this morning:

Starbucks.  Blech!  I don't really like their coffee, but at 5am it was all that was available.  A soy chai did quite nicely actually.  Another sweet birth for the books.  What was particularly touching about this one was that the birthing mother had her sister there for support (her husband too).  I never had a sister (a crazy but wonderful younger brother instead)...and I am intrigued by the dynamics of female siblings.  Because I have three girls I often wonder how they will interact as adults. Will Emma be there to encourage her younger sisters during their labors?  Will they desire the comfort of each other's familiarity in a moment such as that?  I hope so.

So, already things are moving right along, in fact- I cannot believe that it is only 8am. It already feels like midday.

(aren't these great?  we found them at the thrift store yesterday!)

We are taking a long weekend and I may or may not squeak in another post before we leave.  If not, you'll know where I am.  We are off to visit my Dad and my Grandparents.  Grandma and Grandpa winter down south, and they have just arrived home after being gone for some time.  I am anxious to see them.

I am taking these with me:

With my grandma doting over the girls, I hope to have some time teach myself how to "knitting in the round."  Usually I crochet, but I really like the look of knitting better- especially these sweet little berets.  And, the way crafting has been going around here...I'd better start them now for next winter!  Any tips?  I can pretty much do the basics on regular needles.

Off to make myself a sandwich :) and dig out my umbrella- it's raining again!

ps. How's this for finished piles? Marathon folding session last night.