Crochet Creation

I wish I could be more clear about this, but I can't. When it comes to medical names and terms and whatnot all I see is red squiggly lines (the ones you get when something is spelled wrong or incorrect as you're typing). So you'll have to bare with me.

My cousin had a sweet little baby boy. He was born with a liver disease. My cousin was asking for donations for an Art for a Cure fundraiser. I wasn't sure if I could donate crafts but she said I could donate a basket.

Without further adieu, here is my basket. I'm really happy with how it turned out.

It includes:

one neutral baby hat

matching baby booties

and scarf

and a matching star-shaped baby blanket... which is very difficult to photograph but incredibly cute.

and a little sheep bank, but I didn't make that.

Here's what it looked like all finished. I didn't love the bag, but hopefully people look inside the bag and see how cute everything is.

One last photo of my love.

Delicious Apple Tart

As you may or may not know, Gary got Vin and I a KitchenAid Mixer for Valentine's Day. We made our third treat this past Wednesday: An apple tart. It was included in the mixer manual.

I felt so sophisticated with my apple corer and peeler.

... and food processor to shred the apples.

My little helper shaping dough balls.

I think I have a few too many apples...

So, it doesn't look exactly like the picture, but let me tell you...it was delicious.

Our dinner, with dessert.

Does it make you hungry?

Chunky Scarf

I told you guys that it's been kind-of a lazy week. Well, last night I decided to make Vincent a cute scarf out of some scrap yarn my sister and I didn't use for a blanket we made. He outgrew his scarf and had been wearing dads. I'm sure he has others but I have no idea where they are. Anyway, the yarn was chunky, so I decided to pair it with a HUGE hook and make a chunky scarf. I love the way it turned out. It worked up really quickly.

Today, I decided to make a pink one for my niece. I made it while we were waiting to see a doc. It turns out that little people scarfs are a perfect solution for spare yarn!

The pink one is shorter and skinnier because it's for a one and a half year old and I didn't want it to be too chunky. My normal model is sleeping, so you'll have to use your imagination...

The giant hook created the chunky look. I love them!

I have a few other things I'm working on... but that's it for now. I hope you enjoyed your weekend!

Handmade Hat Rack

Did I ever show you guys my awesome new hat rack?

Please ignore all the belts...

I had an awkward space in my room. My jewelry box used to be there but I moved it... It just needed...something. I decided I wanted a hat rack.

Gary scoured the city looking for a cute hat rack. He actually found one...but it was made from a tree branch (cool) but didn't look very sturdy (not cool). Then, he decided to make me one from scrap wood. We went to World Market together to pick out the hooks.

There area few different colors of hooks.

Here's the base.

It looks pretty cute with hats on it.

Anyway, I love how it turned out and it fills the space perfectly!

We were thinking about staining it in the spring, but I think I like the used, rustic look.

Aren't I lucky?

Yaaawwwn...

Well, well, well...

Parenting surely is a 24 hour job. Wednesday afternoon is my half day. I picked up Vincent from preschool and took him to the dentist. On the way home he seemed a little hot. We had planned on baking all afternoon (with out new mixer!) but I could tell he wasn't feeling up to it. Anyway, to make a long story short, he's been sick since then. He only had a fever, and it didn't get to the "be concerned" level (105 degrees f0r nonparent readers). Since he wasn't complaining about anything and was still drinking plenty I wasn't too concerned. He is cranky, tired and bossy. We're talking...to the point where he would say "water" and expect me to pour it in his mouth. Yep, he's definitely milking it.

This whole week has been snuggling, sleeping, worrying and trying to make sure he was feeling better. He isn't miserable. He's bored. He's tired of sleeping and being lazy. He wants someone to be by him. And even with all the sleeping and resting...somehow... I'm tired.

Happy Valentine's Day!

When it comes to Valentine's Day, I'm the luckiest person alive! I have two amazingly sweet valentines to share my love with... so long as they don't find out about each other. Just kidding. My two loves, of course, are Gary and Vincent.

I'm not usually a a huge Valentine's Day person. Last year G, V and I went out to dinner, but only because we got home late. I always say, show people that you love them every day- not just one day a year. But, Valentine's Day can be fun too and who doesn't love a little surprise?

This year, my honey surprised me with the KitchenAid classic series mixer. It's white. He was going to get one in some fun color, but I'm glad he didn't because I should have the mixer for a long time and white goes with any color I could have my kitchen painted. Plus I have white appliances.

It was for Vin and me because we love to bake together. Dada loves to eat the cookies and other treats. If this mixer sounds like a win-win-win it's because it is.

We immediately set to work and baked some gingerbread cookies and peanut butter cookies. It was so quick and easy! We both love the mixer. I can't wait to try making bread and other stuff with it too.

Vincent is decorating.

As you can see, Vincent's new bear "Eddy Teddy" from Grammy was a big help during this baking process.

Silly boy!

Gary gave us the mixer Sunday. I'm glad he did because he should be super tired tomorrow from plowing snow today. Anyway, whether your valentines are big or little, young or older- I hope you have an excellent day celebrating your love. If you don't have a significant other, don't forget to be thankful for others in your life that you couldn't live without!

Until next time, goodnight blog world.

Bird of Paradise

I saved my favorite flower from the Missouri Botanical Garden orchid show for it's own separate post.

Isn't it cute?

Orchids in Bloom

A few weekends ago, Gary, Vincent, my mom and I visited the Missouri Botanical Garden to check out the orchid show. The orchids were beautiful, but I think I was a little more impressed with last year's show (please check the link out. They're pretty cool!). Not that I want every year to be the same. Anyway, here are a few orchids! If you get a chance you should go check out the show. It runs through March 25.

It looks like the yellow is drawn in.

It was an unusually warm day, so after the orchid show we walked around a few areas in the garden.

Vin and my mom.

Bananas!

See below

I hope you enjoyed your weekend!