Picky Picky

I went to yoga last night. I enjoyed it, but was distracted by the teacher. She knew her stuff, and I enjoyed the asanas, but WOW did she talk too much. The room was never silent! It's funny - I am probably that kind of teacher - I know I talked too much the few times I taught - and perhaps that is why I was so distracted. It was less of a meditative practice, and more of a workout class. I am a little disappointed.

Anyway... finished one of the soakers last night! Hooray! Once the other is done - I'll post pictures!

HOORAY! Finally got through that crocheter's block - whew!

Oh So Tired

I read several blogs religiously every day. I wanted to be someone who contributed to the blog-universe daily as those lovely ladies do, but I just can't muster up the energy right now. My husband complained to me the other evening that I haven't been updating here, and that he likes to read my senseless word meanderings... sweet as he is, I just can't get motivated. I am too tired.

I have hardly had the energy to craft lately. Work is just killing me with stress. I have been trying to add some yoga into my day, usually at the end of the day. I think it's helping my back, and I hope I get the added benefit of stress relief. I bought a class pass at my local 'yoga-house' (that's Uli speak, if you were wondering), so I am somewhat committed to attending a few classes. I hope this is the motivation I need.

I also picked up my crocheting again last night - the first time in what must be over a month. I am almost finished with one soaker, and will try to finish the other tonight too. Then comes the reveal... these have really gotten stuck in my brain - I have good ideas, but they were a little too lofty for my first attempt. I came to a good middle ground - and I am happy.

I just need a little more restful sleep, and I'll be back to my perky self. Can I order a nanny to come over at about 4:30 a.m. to hang out with my Sunny Son until 6 a.m.? Any takers?

sick again

The Ooch is sick again. Blast it all.

I am seriously wondering if my munchkin is immunocompromised (more than normal for a toddler). yeesh.

A lotta love and a reveal or two...

Valentine's Day actually turned out to be quite a lovely day, despite myself or the nastiness I inflicted on my husband. First, he brought me flowers on Thursday, all of which he selected himself. All purple, my fave - even the wire holding the flowers together is purple.

A nice bottle of wine, some lovely stuffed veal chops and a nice quiet evening at home...

Hope everyone had a nice valentine's day!

And now, for our regular programming. I can't believe its almost been a week since I posted. The days go by so quickly. I want to get into a rhythm to be able to post a little every day, but first I think I'll aim for a more attainable goal of every other day. I love reading other blogs daily, and I would like to be among that group - daily updates about life, love and family.

I have been busy lately, and it was only this week that I finally slowed down. I haven't touched the sewing machine or yarn for two whole days. I actually sat and watched old episodes of 'Couplings' last night. A little lazy, a lot refreshing.

I owe everyone three reveals, but my new soakers are just not coming together the way I want them to - admittedly, I went about them a little backwards. Hopefully those will be coming soon to a theatre near you.

A friend at work recently had a baby girl, and I was encouraged to make another baby blanket, Amy Karol style. But - I wanted to a make a quilt. So - without further ado: Hana's Blanket:

And finally - the homemade cloth diapers. Oh yeah... rockstar style, baby:

Broken Hearts

I had a cookie once that was so yummy, the memory of it has stayed with me for years. I am a sucker for shortbread. Any kind of shortbread. When I met this particular shortbread, it was love at first bite.

It's been years since that cookie, and since I am not too much of a baker, I have never tried to make it. Last night, while wondering what on earth I should make for our Bake Off today at work, I was inspired: Lavender Shortbread Cookies. Off I went on a quest to find the right recipe. I am pretty sure that the original recipe was from our friend Martha, but I can' t be bothered by her website. So, I searched the internet, and found this recipe from 'I love milk and cookies.' She loved the recipe, so I gave it a whirl.

I was cursed from the beginning. The recipe is in metric measurements, so I had to do a few conversions. I am no good at math. Also, I botched the whole thing, as I don't have butter, only Earth's Best so that Uli can eat all the things mama makes. Recipe for disaster.

In the end, the cookies came out okay, although they are not what I wanted them to be. I needed to use more 'butter' than the recipe called for, and dear husband thought they tasted like soap (probably because most of the soap in our house is scented with lavender.) Sigh...

So, for our Valentine's Day Bake-Off, I made Lemon Lavender Shortbread Broken Hearts. I am hoping I get a point for creativity. I won't get points for Tasty...

And just for fun, the man of my dreams got new PJ's yesterday, and has been sporting them since they arrived. He looks like he's wearing an old fashioned Union Suit. Love it. Just wish it had the drop panel in the back, as the zipper doesn't go down enough for quick diaper changes.

Uli likes to open the zipper in the front and pull a Super Man move. Here's his other super-hero impersonation:

Baby Hulk!!!!

Paper Fun

Normally, I am not a big supporter of Hallmark Holidays, but this year has proven itself quite different. I was recently inducted into the 'Fun Committee' at work, and in true joiner fashion, I have really owned up to the job: A Valentine's Day Bake-Off. There will be all sorts of fun that I can't reveal until later, but one puzzle piece that I am excited to share are the crowns...

Any good Bake-Off deserves prizes for the winners, right? So, at dinner last week with the rest of the Committee, I volunteered to make crowns. I must admit that once the wine wore off, I was a little overwhelmed by the project, for I envisioned adult-sized crowns like those described in Amanda Soule's 'Creative Family,' and I wasn't sure I had the time or energy to put into them. BUT - I was saved by a creative genius at work when someone mentioned good ol' BK crowns, and then I thought:

"I can make those! AND I HAVE ALL THE STUFF!!!!"

In addition to sewing and crocheting, I scrapbook, too.

And the crowns were born:

Crowns will be awarded to those making The Most Pretty Treat, The Most Tasty Treat, and The Most Creative Treat.

I finished these late last night, with a lot of giddiness and pride in my own creativity (I know, I am going straight to hell). I put them up on top of our cabinets to dry so Uli wouldn't see them. Of course, Uli saw them first thing and wanted them.

Maybe I'll make another tonight.

Not thinking clearly...

Its winter in New England. One would think I would know that by now.

We got about an inch of snow last night to cover the dusting from last week. I started a run this morning, only to discover that underneath the snow was a thick sheet of ice. I determined it unsafe to run on without proper traction.

At what point, do you think, that I will remember to include my 'yak trax' with my running gear? Summer time?

Oy.

Happy February!

We are having a curious winter: super cold days as appropriate for January in New England, followed by super-thaw days in the 50's. Perfect breeding ground for colds. Which every one of us has in the Pierce house. The good news is, that January and February are notoriously the coldest months in the year, and we are officially half way though. That couldn't be better news for this skinny Arizona girl.

My drying rack arrived on Friday. What a marvelous day. It was in use all weekend, and I have to say, it is the best drying rack. Uli's diapers dried (inside) almost as quickly as they do when they're outside in the hot sun. Super!

I also cleaned, folded, and put away all of my new fabric. I only kept about a quarter of it, and I have so much fabric. I already have some projects weaving in and out of consciousness in my cluttered brain. Exciting stuff.

I still have a lot of tapestry yarn that I am not quite sure what to do with... its still airing out on the porch for now. Stinky moth balls.

February One Small Change Update: avoid using the dryer at all costs. This will irk my husband's 'we bought it to use' mentality. And a new plant. I do want to know how Heather's no plastic purchase went, that's a toughie!