The Bradens

Chunky Newborn Pixie Hat

2012-01-10T12:28:00.005-05:00

Needles: US10

MC: Patons Classic Wool Roving in Aran
CC: Lionbrand Martha Stewart Roving Wool in Jordan Almond

With CC, CO 52.

K2, P2 for 4 rows.

On the 5th row, bind off the first 6 stitches and the last 6 stitches of the row.

This leaves you with 40 stitches on your needle.

With MC, st. st. for about 4 1/2 inches.

3 needle bind off.

Weave in ends.

Christmas cookies!

2011-12-23T14:21:00.006-05:00

recipe for sugar cookies and royal icing here. taste test: the supervisor

Christmas ornaments!

2011-12-23T14:10:00.014-05:00

salt dough hand and footprint ornaments (recipe here):

pictures via instagram

Picture!

2011-12-14T13:00:00.005-05:00

Mr. Jett is 3 months old now. He is my sweet, content little man. He adores Callie, likes to suck on his thumb, and his smile will make your heart melt. I could stare at him all day:Callie has been asking for me to take her picture almost every day for the past week or so. Anytime she says "picture!" and points to my camera I enthusiastically jump up and start clicking away. She always pull up her little chair and either stands on it for her pose or sits down and flashes a big ole smile. I love it:

0-3 Months Argyle Hat

2011-12-10T16:34:00.009-05:00

Yarn used: Cascade 220 Wool and Patons Classic Wool
US9 circular and dpns
CO 64. Join to knit in the round. Place marker to determine
the beginning of the round.
K2, P2 for 8 rounds.
K 2 rows.
Begin chart:
K 1 round.
Decrease as follows:
K6, K2tog; repeat around.
K 1 row.
K5, K2tog; repeat around.
K 1 row.
K4, K2tog; repeat around.
K 1 row.
K3, K2tog; repeat around.
K 1 row.
K2, K2tog; repeat around.
K 1 row.
K1, K2tog; repeat around.
K2tog; repeat around.
Cut tail long enough to thread through remaining stitches.
Weave in ends.

Leave a comment with your e-mail if you would like for me to e-mail you the link of the chart pattern.

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-24T14:57:00.004-05:00

Callie turns 2!

2011-11-12T21:15:00.004-05:00

Jett's Quilt

2011-11-06T21:14:00.008-05:00

I made the boy version of this "Cheater Quilt" for my little guy thanks to the idea from over at Prudent Baby. It took no time at all - literally one evening...well, it would have been one evening, but just as I was about to finish the last edge of the binding, guess what? My last needle broke!

Anyways, it was so quick and simple and I am so, SO happy with the results:

Totally worth the amount I spent on the topside fabric (the backside, interfacing, and binding I all got on sale at Joann's). I think the results are so cute that I might even splurge again to make Callie the girl version (seen here) for Christmas.

8 weeks

2011-11-03T14:19:00.002-04:00

Newborn Striped Beanie

2011-11-02T19:37:00.002-04:00

Yarn used: Sugar and Cream or Cotton-ease
US7 dpns
CO 52.

Join together for knitting in the round.
K2, P2 for 8 rounds.
Knit 16 rounds.
K11, K2tog; repeat to end of the round.
K10, K2tog; repeat to end of the round.
K9, K2tog; repeat to end of the round.
K8, K2tog; repeat to end of the round.
K7, K2tog; repeat to end of the round.
K6, K2tog; repeat to end of the round.
K5, K2tog; repeat to end of the round.
K4, K2tog; repeat to end of the round.
K3, K2tog; repeat to end of the round.
K2, K2tog; repeat to end of the round.
K1, K2tog; repeat to end of the round.
K2tog; repeat to end of the round.

Cut tail and thread through rem. stitches.

7 weeks

2011-10-26T18:18:00.003-04:00

Callie 23 months

2011-10-24T13:12:00.004-04:00

Can't believe my baby girl will be 2 next month!

Jett's Newborn Photos

2011-10-24T13:01:00.011-04:00

A ferw of my favorites:

Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-21T14:03:00.008-04:00

Big Sister

2011-10-19T23:02:00.005-04:00

Callie has been a trooper despite the numerous changes that have taken place since Jett's birth. She has added a little brother, moved to a new state, and upgraded to a toddler bed. Through it all she has done so, so well...of course, there has been some melt-downs along the way...but that would happen regardless - it just comes with being a misunderstood toddler :)

Spring Beret

2011-10-17T22:56:00.002-04:00

Made this "Spring Beret" though it's fall...it's just too cute on my Callie :)

Pattern found on Ravelry.

Teal Poms Pattern

2011-09-30T16:51:00.003-04:00

Yarn used: JoAnn Sensations Rosario

Needles used: US 7

CO 52.

Knit for 3”

Start decreases as follows:

K11, k2tog, repeat around.

K 1 row

K10, k2tog, repeat around.

K 1 row

K9, k2tog, repeat around.

K 1 row

K8, k2tog, repeat around.

K 1 row

K7, k2tog, repeat around.

K 1 row

K2, k2tog, repeat around.
K 1 row

K2, k2tog, repeat around.

Cut tail and thread through remaining stitches.

Weave in ends.

A few pictures...

2011-09-30T11:44:00.002-04:00

Fuzzy, White Newborn Hat

2011-09-29T14:23:00.005-04:00

Photo by: Angel Wilmoth of Angel D. Photography

I wrote up this simple newborn hat pattern about a month ago and have never posted it.

So here it is:

With Jo-Ann Sensations Angel Hair yarn in White Solid, cast on 44 stitches onto US size 10 knitting needles. Divide however you please.

K2, P2 for 5 rows.

Stockinette stitch for apporximately 5 inches.

3 needle bind-off (Good tutorial found here).

Add pom-poms to corners.

Weave in ends.

If you aren't a knitter and would still like to own this hat, I am also selling it in my shop.

One Week Old!

2011-09-09T15:54:00.004-04:00

I can't believe it! He's one week old already!

Family of 4

2011-09-08T08:30:00.013-04:00

39 weeks, right before heading to the hospital:

Jett, fresh out of the oven:

Braden family of 4:

Jett Daniel

2011-09-07T20:17:00.005-04:00

Jett Daniel

Born: 9/2/11

7lbs. 7oz.

20 1/2"

Newborn Pink Houndstooth Hat

2011-08-25T17:47:00.005-04:00

Photo by Amber Middleton of Foxtree Photography

Cascade Yarn Jewels Hand Dyed in 9950
US13 dpns

CO 36.
K for 15 rows.

Decrease:
Row 1: K2tog, K1; repeat around.
Row 2: K around.
Repeat row 1 and 2 until 6 st. remain.

Cut yarn leaving long enough tail to thread through remaining stitches.

Ribbon can be purchased from the etsy shop Tangled Lair.

36 weeks

2011-08-17T18:40:00.008-04:00

It's been a while since I've posted a belly photo, so here you go:

(click here to see me at 36 weeks with Callie)

We've slowly been working on getting baby things out of storage and washed. Tonight we got the little carseat out and put it in the van:

Can't wait to meet our newest addition! :)

Fingerless Mitts

2011-08-09T11:21:00.002-04:00

Little fingerless mittens for Callie:

Guess I'm just anticipating the cooler months ahead :)

Free pattern found here.

Newborn Diaper Cover Pattern

2011-08-02T17:11:00.003-04:00

Ch 45
1) SC in 2nd chain from hook, SC all the way across
2) CH 2, turn, DC across
3) CH 1, turn, SC across
4) Turn, SL ST
next 10 sts, CH 2, DC next st, DC, next 23 st, leave rest unworked
5) CH 2, turn, DC across
6) CH 2, turn, DC2TOG, DC 20sts, DC2TOG
7) CH 2, turn, DC2TOG, DC 18sts, DC2TOG
8) CH 2, turn, DC2TOG, DC 16sts, DC2TOG
9) CH 2, turn, DC2TOG, DC 14sts, DC2TOG
10) CH 2, turn, DC2TOG, DC 12sts, DC2TOG
11) CH 2, turn, DC2TOG, DC 10sts, DC2TOG
12-19) CH 2, turn, DC across (do not fasten off).

Finish:
Ch1, SC around.
Fasten off, Weave in ends.

Button or snap in center of the front flap (make sure it can
go between the DC)

Bow-Tied Bolero

2011-07-25T19:03:00.004-04:00

For Callie's Sunday dresses, I knit this little bolero:

The heat is too intense here in the Ohio Valley right now

...but once it starts to cool off, it'll come in handy :)

Pattern found here [via Ravelry]

Red, White, and Blue

2011-06-29T12:29:00.000-04:00

Using this pattern, I made a little 4th of July dress for Callie with some fabric I bought on clearnce at Joann's:

I need to adjust the length, but overall I think it's really cute on her.

19 months

2011-06-24T20:51:00.002-04:00

Father's Day

2011-06-19T22:07:00.001-04:00

Quilting Bee (Sharon)

2011-06-18T15:35:00.008-04:00

For our final month of MSQB, Sharon wants to make a quilt for her husband. She shared a mosaic of pictures she put together of grass, sky, beautiful landscapes, wildlife, and such to show us the color scheme she was going for (blues, greens, oranges, browns).

I ended up choosing to do a pinwheel block for her, using this tutorial.

Here's how it turned out (sorry my picture is a little blurry):

27 weeks

2011-06-11T21:34:00.002-04:00

This pregnancy is going by super quick...only 13ish weeks to go! :)

Here's my ever-growing baby bump at 27 weeks:(27 weeks with Callie looked like this)

PJ bottoms

2011-06-09T14:31:00.005-04:00

Using this tutorial, I made Callie some summer pj bottoms. I purchased 1 yard of a lightweight knit fabric for 50% off at Joann's and was able to cut out two pairs of capris and one pair of shorts. They were very simple since I used a pair of pants that already fit her as my "pattern" and just shortened them. I made this pair in under 30 minutes: Two more pairs to sew up :)

18 months

2011-06-07T13:56:00.004-04:00

Today is Braden's day off and we went to our favorite park this morning, Seneca:18 months old now

Oh! I have a picture just like this from last year:

She's such a big girl now :)

Memorial Weekend

2011-05-31T19:06:00.007-04:00

Took a trip to St. Louis, MO to visit family for the holiday weekend.

Here's a few pics I took:

Then/Now

2011-05-23T19:33:00.005-04:00

Then:So tiny :)

Now:

Note: this happens VERY rarely these days...today we had a case of a shortened nap and a doctor's appointment that included shots :(

Half and Half Skirt

2011-05-20T13:42:00.001-04:00

Using this tutorial, I made a new little skirt for Callie:

Super easy and super quick. I'll definitely be making more! :)

Quilting Bee (Sara)

2011-05-18T16:46:00.000-04:00

Cathedral Windows were Sara's choice for this month's 2nd MSQB block. She sent white fabric out to those who needed it and we chose blue and green colored fabric from our stashes. Check out her post with the links on how to sew one of these:I was really intimidated with this block at first...and not wanting to wait until the last minute, I started on it the day we got back from vacation. After I got past the "danish" part (this post helped me figure out how to do it), I was on a roll. I'm really proud of myself for finishing this block - especially before the end of the month! Ha! It's not perfect, but I'm pleased with how it came out.Overall, I would not choose to do this block again (despite the fact that there's no quilting to be done afterward), but I am glad I can at least say that I've done one.

Quilting Bee (Johanna)

2011-05-15T17:37:00.006-04:00

For this month's MSQB, Johanna chose to do a modern sampler quilt leaving the design of our blocks up to us. The only requirements were that we were to make our blocks 12" X 12" and use pink, yellow, orange, and white colors.

I immediately knew what I wanted to try - flying geese! I ended up using this tutorial for a Dutchman's Puzzle. I loved how precise and crisp looking this block came out:Just as the tutorial says, you end up with a bunch of little triangles...so I also planned on making Johanna a pinwheel block. Here it is:

One block left for this month and then June will be our last month for MSQB. Can't belive how quickly this year is flying by!

Destin!

2011-05-13T13:52:00.011-04:00

We're back!

Not that most of you knew we left in the first place! :)

But we took a family vacation down to Destin, FL this past week. It was truly a relaxing time spent laying on the beach, taking naps, watching tv, shopping, and eating. I told Braden that we can't let 3 years go by without going to the ocean ever. again. Last time we went was back in 2008 to Hilton Head, SC to celebrate our 2 year anniversary...that was pre-Callie and pre-baby #2 on the way!

Here are some of my favorite pictures from our trip. Just had to share :)

22 weeks along (here's a post from when I was 22 weeks with Callie):

17 Months

2011-05-04T20:20:00.002-04:00

Quilting Bee (Hilary)

2011-04-30T16:47:00.009-04:00

Just in time for the month to end, I completed Hilary's block for our MSQB. Hilary chose for us to do a flower inspiration quilt block. She sent neutral fabric for the background and let us chose how to interpret the flower in our block. I'm curious to see what everyone comes up with for this one. I chose to do a block using the paper piecing technique.

This one is called a Starry Web block, and here's how mine turned out:

Kinda looks like a sunflower. I found the instructions for this block via In Color Order...one of my newly found favorite quilting blogs.

I also did one more for Hilary inspired by this tutorial:

It is much simpler, but maybe it'll break up busyness between blocks.

Flashback

2011-04-27T15:20:00.001-04:00

One year ago today, this is what my Callie girl looked like...

(photo by Alicia)

5 months old...starting to sit up on her own...adorable as ever :)

Happy Easter

2011-04-24T08:12:00.006-04:00

Bitty Hat

2011-04-17T14:40:00.009-04:00

A few weeks ago I purchase some yarn on sale from Darn Good Yarn. This yarn is great! Not only is it this yarn spun and hand-dyed for a good cause, it is also really great to work with. I knew I wanted to make a couple baby hats from it so I set to work making my own pattern. This hat works up super fast using this bulky yarn and should fit a baby anywhere from 0-3 months old, I'd say...depending on baby's noggin size :)Here it is:

CO 36 onto size 13 dpns

Knit for about 5" (approx. 17 rows)

Start decreases:

k4, k 2tog; repeat around k 1 round

k3, k2tog; repeat around

k 1 round

k2, k2tog; repeat around

k 1 round

k1, k2tog; repeat around k 1 round

k2tog; repeat around

You should now have only 2 st left.

k an i-cord long enough to tie a knot in

Bind off.

[Ravelry link]

Sound easy? Well, it is! Happy knitting :)

P.S. I don't mind if you make these hats to sell or give to friends/family, just please link back and give credit to where credit is due. Thanks!

2 Things

2011-04-15T12:39:00.003-04:00

1. This picture was taken of me yesterday:Yes, I'm pregnant! :)

I haven't mentioned it on the blog before so it may or may not shock you (depending on if you already know) that I am 19 weeks along! Things are going well and we couldn't be happier. My due date currently is September 9th. Click here to see photos of what my belly looked like with Callie at 19 weeks.

2. I have been changing the direction of my etsy shop for a while now to sell knit/crochet baby hats. I am so excited about it, mainly because babies have been on my mind alot lately (see 1.) and also becuase I love knitting and crocheting...especially for babies! Anyways, a few weeks ago I came in contact with the lovely Leslie Styler of Leslie Styler Photography and I've been working with her to get some better photos of my hats. Here's some of her talented work:You can visit Leslie's blog here and she also is on Facebook.

Heart Hat

2011-04-15T11:38:00.002-04:00

Back around Christmas I knitted this hat for myself after seeing it over at Pickles one of my favorite knitting blogs. I never got around to taking a photo of it until yesterday.The pattern can be found here.

Raveled here.

Quilting Bee (Lindsey)

2011-04-14T12:28:00.000-04:00

Lindsey chose a Wonky Star for this month using this tutorial. She wanted this block to be in teal, orange, and white colors. I really enjoyed making this block. It was fun picking out the fabrics and the block went together really quick. I'd love to someday make a whole quilt of these blocks!

I had a hard time getting a decent picture of the blocks (I had enough scraps to make 2 for Lindsey)...which is due to my lack of photog skills and the lighting. Oh well!

My Little Easter Bunny

2011-04-13T13:07:00.003-04:00

This little hat was made for one of my etsy customers who is trying to start a photography business. She needed several hats to use as props for little ones.

It knit up so quickly that I made a second one to sell as well. You can purchase it at my shop...just in time for Easter :)

16 Months

2011-04-07T13:16:00.010-04:00

We've had beautiful weather here in Lousville the past few days. Callie and I are taking full advantage of it. Spring is so unpredictable that we like to soak in every ounce of sunshine that we possibly can. Here's my (not so little) girl exploring our "backyard". Dirt and rocks seem to be pretty interesting lately...hopefully soon she'll graduate from wanting to taste them too :)

Quilitng Bee (Pam)

2011-03-28T13:46:00.003-04:00

Pam chose for our MSQB to do a mosaic block this month. She asked us to use the the tutorial from this post. We're just doing it smaller (12.5" X 12.5") instead of the size of the pillow.

I have to admit, I was really intimidated by this one, even after doing the Liberated Churn Dash last month. But after finally sitting down to read all the way through the tutorial, I got started and it was actually very simple.

I love the end result:

"O" is for Owl (Part. 2)

2011-03-12T10:54:00.005-05:00

Part 1 here.

With all the sewing I've been doing lately, I was starting to get the urge to pick up some yarn. So I started with this little owl hat for Callie: [Ravelry]

Next I hope to restock the shop with new knits for newborns! :)

Oh, and speaking of my shop: I'm offering 20% off til next Friday, March 18th! So check it out :)

Quilting Bee (Me)

2011-03-02T15:39:00.002-05:00

March is my host month for the MSQB that I have previously posted about here, here, and here.

I chose a patchwork block using this tutorial using pinks, purples, and yellows. Once I put it all together, it will be for Callie future big-girl bed. I can't wait to see what everyone comes up with...the fabric choices, colors, placement. :)

Here's how mine turned out:

Quilting Bee (Toni)

2011-02-28T11:36:00.008-05:00

The second block for February's MSQB was for Toni. She chose a Liberated Churn Dash block using this post as a guide in any shade of red/pink. I had never heard of this type of block, much less done one, so my first attemp was a little rocky:

I ended up doing a second one as well, here's how it turned out:Next month is my turn to host the block I have chosen. I can't wait to get started on my quilt!

15 months

2011-02-19T11:26:00.002-05:00

Went to the park the other day and was able to get this cute one of Callie

Quilting Bee (Theresa)

2011-02-18T12:08:00.005-05:00

For February, it's Theresa and Toni's turn.

I've already finished Theresa's block...she chose a pinwheel sampler quilt in "spring" colors. I've never done a pinwheel, so I did this one to start...technically it's a "Friendship Star":

(free tutorial found here)

That one ended up being a bit too small to meet Theresa's requirement for measurement so I went ahead and did a traditional pinwheel as well to send her as well. Here it is:

(free tutorial found here)

sleepy-time baby doll

2011-02-17T11:41:00.002-05:00

This was way too cute to pass up:

Pattern found at here at whipup.net.

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T15:04:00.000-05:00

big girl haircut

2011-02-09T19:45:00.000-05:00

featured

2011-01-25T18:46:00.002-05:00

apologies for my lack of posting lately...the computer situation is less than desirable at the moment...hopefully my handy husband will be able to remedy the situation soon!my little pink and purple square tassel cap was featured over at this cute little blog - check it out!

Long-Tail Tassel Hat

2011-01-07T11:28:00.003-05:00

My little hat model:

Square Tassel Hat

2011-01-05T11:25:00.003-05:00

Lazy Days Skirt

2011-01-04T14:30:00.004-05:00

Using this tutorial (via Prudent Baby) as a guide, I made a cute little skirt for Callie using leftover fabric. Here's how it turned out:

Quilting Bee (Kelly)

2011-01-03T20:00:00.009-05:00

Here is the second block for January's MSQB, this time hosted by Kelly. She chose to do a Bento Box quilt following this tutorial in "warm" and non-primary colors. Here's how mine turned out (pre-cut):

The tutorial was very easy to follow and I really enjoyed making this block. Here is a close-up:

Finally!

2010-12-26T14:51:00.007-05:00

I've been waiting for over a month to publish this post! It was so hard to keep this a secret, but well worth the wait. I had our family photos taken by the wonderful Shaelyne Meadows a few days before Callie's 1st birthday. You can check out more of Shaelyne's beautiful work on blog and also on Facebook.

Anyways, the reason I kept these photos to myself was because I gave our parents/grandparents prints of them for Christmas. Now that Christmas is over, I can finally share! :)

Here are a few of my favorites:

Quilting Bee (Mer)

2010-12-23T14:29:00.003-05:00

I signed up for a quilting bee. Lame? You may think so, but I think it'll be fun...and most likely challenging since I've never made a block quilt before!

Kelly of Irene Design put it all together and even made the cute link button that you see on the left-hand sidebar (MSQB). You can click on it to see what we're up to :)

Anyway, next month it starts and Mer and Kelly are hosting. I already started and finished Mer's block, here's what it looks like:

She wanted us to do an improv block that plays with frames in yellow, gray, and white fabric (which I have little of ). I can't wait for my host month (March) to see what people come up with!

More Hats

2010-12-17T10:49:00.003-05:00

A few more hats added to my shop:

B&W Hat

2010-12-14T13:29:00.003-05:00

Another little knit:For sale in my shop.

Quick Little Hat

2010-12-12T20:51:00.020-05:00

I made this hat last night for Callie, it took me about 30 minutes to complete from start to finish. Pretty great considering I ended up making two hats with the yarn which I got for 40% off! Two cute hats for $3.81 and 30 minutes of my time = success in my book!

I've made this hat several times in the past and last night when I made this one, I finally wrote down how I did it. Here it is:For a 9-12 months size:

*Ch2

*DC 8 st. into first st. to make a circle. Join with sl. st. Ch 2. (8)

*2 DC in each st., repeat around. Join with sl. st. Ch 2. (16)

*1 DC in first st. 2 DC in second st., repeat around. Join with sl. st. Ch. 2. (24)

*1 DC in first st., 1 DC in second st., 2 DC in third st., repeat around. Join with sl. st. Ch. 2. (32)

*1 DC in first st., 1 DC in second st., 1 Dc in third st., 2 DC in fourth st., repeat around. Join with sl. st. Ch. 2.

*1 DC in first st., 1 DC in second st., 1 Dc in third st., 1 DC in fourth st., 2 DC in fifth st., repeat around. Join with sl. st. Ch. 2.

*1 DC in each st. around for the next 5 rows or to desired length. Join with sl. st. Ch. 2.

*1 SC in each st. around for 2 rows.

Note: You can either add or subtract the amount of increase rows depending on the size hat that you want. For a newborn size do 4 increase rounds (ending with round 1DC, 1DC, 2DC). 8 rounds total of DC and 2 rounds of SC.

(Photo by Amber Middleton of Foxtree Photography)

[Ravelry link]

P.S. I don't mind if you make this hat to sell or give to family/friends, but please just be sure to link back and give credit to where credit is due. Thanks!

Louisville Slugger

2010-12-12T14:21:00.000-05:00

After living in Louisville for over 3 years, I finally took the tour at the Louisville Slugger Museum. Here are a couple pictures I took:

Callie and me :) [Part 2]

2010-12-10T17:04:00.005-05:00

Here's me and my baby girl one year ago:And us now:

Are you ready?

2010-12-07T13:19:00.003-05:00

I always get [a little] excited about Christmas about a week or two before Thanksgiving. This year was no different. I got just about all of my shopping done on Black Friday and over the weekend I decorated the tree, wrapped gifts, and sent out Christmas cards. Now I can relax and enjoy the festivities of the season... ...and remind myself of why we celebrate Christmas in the first place:
the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ!

First {real} snow of December!

2010-12-04T12:36:00.003-05:00

Scrub-a-dub-dub

2010-12-04T10:58:00.002-05:00

Crafter's Wishlist

2010-12-01T14:41:00.004-05:00

Following the trend seen on this blog [here and here]. I'm making my own version of a "Crafter's Wishlist". I'm sure there is more that I can add, but these are a few things that I've been wanting lately.

1. Sewing Machine Case:

[image source]
I've had my own sewing machine for about 2-3 years now and I still don't have one of these! My sewing machine can get quite dusty in between projects...not to mention that it would be much easier to move it from place to place with one of these.

2. Yarn:

[image source]
I love, love, LOVE to knit! I want to use this lovely cotton yarn to make a fun blanket for Callie. I'd also like to get my hands on some more wool yarn to make some more cozy hats and mittens - because winter has only just begun!

3. Cables needles[image source]
In the next year or so, I would love to learn to knit cables...these are a must when knitting cables, I hear :)

4. Fluted pastry cutter:[image source]
To make my pies prettier :)

5. Fabric:[image source]
I made Braden a blanket out of fleece way back when we were dating...and we still use it all. the. time. But I want my own now...and apparently Braden isn't going to return the favor and make me a blanket (hear my sarcasm?) so might as well make one for myself! :)

6. Headlamp:
This one is cheesy, but I don't care! I'd like a headlamp...the kind you strap to your head to read a book in the dark....but I will most likely use it in the car to see my knitting. It gets dark early with the time change and I need something to do when we drive to St. Louis for Christmas. I'm sure other passersby will think I'm crazy! I'm also pretty sure that I have a headlamp around my apartment somewhere...just need to find it!

Nashville Trip

2010-11-29T19:13:00.016-05:00

For a fun, little family weekend getaway, we took a short trip to Nashville, TN to check out the sites and sounds of the city.Nashville was alot of fun and we will definitely have to go back again. We had a great time exploring, shopping, eating, and relaxing in our hotel room.

Callie enjoyed spending her time taking naps in odd places: controlling the heat in our hotel room: and being pushed around in her stroller:I think she had a good time:

On our way back to Louisville, we checked out the National Corvette Museum:I think it's a toss up as to who is more happy about being in the front seat of this Corvette:

Our Thanksgiving

2010-11-26T23:14:00.007-05:00

Check out this post over at Alicia's blog to see how we spent our Thanksgiving Day :)[image source]

P.S. Is anyone else have feet that are killing them from shopping ALL day long today? Not that I'm complaining...I started and just about finished all of my Christmas shopping in one day! I love Black Friday! :)
Are you hooked, Beth?

P.S. Also, over at Beth's blog is a short video from Thanksgiving Day :)

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-25T00:24:00.000-05:00

Eat, eat, eat....and eat some more! And be reminded, on this special day, of all that you should be thankful for. I can think of much I am thankful for, but the two biggest blessings in my life are this pair:

Warmest Mittens

2010-11-23T11:11:00.004-05:00

Thanksgiving is less than 12 hours away! Seriously. I've spent the day prepping and baking some of the items I'm taking to our Thanksgiving feast! This year, we're opting out of traveling home to St. Louis and spending the holiday with the Theules and the Crousers. Can't wait! I'm pretty excited about the pumpkin pie recipe that I'm trying this year with its no-rolling pie crust!

I'm even more excited about the pair of mittens I knitted up in lieu of the cold, wet weather we've been having: Plus, they will be perfect to wear on
MY MOST FAVORITE SHOPPING DAY OF THE YEAR!!!
BLACK FRIDAY! :)

Pattern found here [via Ravelry]

Striped Stocking Cap

2010-11-23T11:10:00.003-05:00

Pattern found here [via Ravelry]

Callie's 1st Birthday

2010-11-16T11:41:00.005-05:00

I can't believe a year has already come and gone since Callie was born! We celebrated her 1st Birthday in St. Louis with one big family gathering. Callie didn't quite understand the opening of presents, but her aunts and uncles helped her out quite a bit: After a while though, she sort of figured it out:One thing she did understand completely was dessert! I made cupcakes and we let her dig in by herself. She was so serious the entire time that she ate it.

We love you Callie!

Pumpkin Cupcakes

2010-11-15T15:11:00.006-05:00

For Callie's Birthday on Saturday (more on that later) I made Pumpkin Cupcakes.

They were amazing! I ended up tripling the recipe and had more than enough batter for 3 dozen cupcakes. The recipe was easy and I would definitely make it again. The cupcakes were moist and actually tasted like pumpkin...and the cream cheese icing was a big hit!
Check out the link above to make your own! :)

DIY Scarf

2010-11-12T10:36:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I got an itch to make a scarf! A scarf to go with my new coat I found on clearance at Target this week. Speaking of clearance, the fabric I found at JoAnn's to make the scarf was only $1.50 for the yard! I found a super easy tutorial online and it literally took me 15 minutes and a round in the wash/dryer and here's what I got:Can't beat that for $1.50!
Tutorial found here via luvinthemommyhood.

Christmas Stocking

2010-11-10T14:26:00.005-05:00

Just a little Christmas knitting: It's the second week of November already! Christmas will be here before we know it...although it doesn't seem like it as I'm wearing my flipflops today and rolled up my shirtsleeves. Regardless, Christmas is coming...and I'm knitting away on my Christmas stocking.

Here's a better look at my progress:

Pattern found in this book via Ravelry.

Annual Evansville Tourney

2010-11-09T17:13:00.006-05:00

In the past, I would go watch my sister Kendra play in the Evansville tournament, but this year things were different...I didn't go alone! I took Callie along with me and it was my youngest sister, Miranda's turn to play. Now all three of the Clamors girls have played in the annual Evansville tournament. Here are a few pics from our weekend full of soccer, shopping, and girls time :)

Action shot:Miranda's biggest fans:
Victory

First 1st

2010-11-04T11:42:00.001-04:00

First 1st Birthday card in the mail today.

Lollipop Hat

2010-11-01T12:49:00.002-04:00

Another new hat that I knit for Callie :)

Pattern found here [via Ravelry].

More Halloween

2010-10-31T21:12:00.004-04:00

One more :)[Last Halloween this (and this) is what Callie and I looked like]

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T14:39:00.000-04:00

My little bumblebee :)

Months 1-11

2010-10-30T15:32:00.000-04:00

My baby's 1st Birthday is in two weeks! I can't believe it!

P.S. Thanks for the new blog header, Reeder!

Brrr!

2010-10-28T22:40:00.007-04:00

The temperature totally DROPPED today!

So, of course, I had to whip up a new cozy hat for
Callie to keep her little head warm! :)Pattern found here [via Ravelry].

Cuppa Joe

2010-10-26T17:20:00.004-04:00

Here's a little knit potholder that I started working on over the weekend:It's currently blocking and waiting for me to knit the reverse side, which will be a teapot. :)

Pattern here.

Pumpkin Picking

2010-10-23T20:13:00.004-04:00

Pumpkin picking at Huber's.

"X21"

2010-10-21T09:56:00.000-04:00

Assignment: Using the above map, submit one photo for each square. Last night I (along with my lovely friend, Beth) took photos in square X21. Our map is just a small portion of a much larger map so that many people can contribute to this "project" until it's completion (which will be displayed at Sojourn's fall festival next year).

So, here are my "X21" photos:

#4
As you can tell from the map and the photos, we were in a cemetery...

...which one gets your vote?

11 Months

2010-10-13T16:27:00.001-04:00

Shhhhh....

2010-10-12T14:03:00.001-04:00

Callie's Birthday is still a month away...but I couldn't help but get
started on these cute knits so they would be ready in time.Pattern can be purchased here. [Ravelry]

Braden turns 25

2010-10-10T22:22:00.003-04:00

Yesterday was Braden's Birthday...his 25th Birthday. He celebrated by coming home from work and sleeping the rest of the day since he got a stomach bug and wasn't feeling well :(

Sounds like a good way to spend your Birthday if you ask me...minus the not feeling well part!

I'm sure alot of other sleep-deprived people out there agree! :)

Family Photos

2010-10-09T00:16:00.008-04:00

Photos taken by Alicia at Cherokee Park here in Louisville, KY.

Photography Class

2010-10-06T21:31:00.017-04:00

This month I (along with my good friend Beth!) am taking a photography class through Sojourn that meets once a week. I'm super excited about it and the chance to learn and (hopefully) get better at taking photos.

For this week's assignment (which we actually did during our class time), the teacher asked us to make a collective list of things (emotion, object, word, etc.). Then we were to go outside and take a photo of each item on the list. Of course, all of our own individual photos would be our own interpretation.
Looking at my photos after I got home, I realize how literal I am...there is much to be learned and it's a darn good thing I'm not being graded! :)

Here are a few of mine:

Pain.
This looks pretty painful huh?Air.
Birds fly in the air. Here is a feather from a bird.Reflection.
Typical.Empty Chair.Evidence of People Where People Aren't Present.
Business Sign.House Number.
Love the brick and peeling paint.

Red.Water.
Duh.
Next week everyone is going to share their pictures.
I look forward to gleaning from everyone's knowledge/creativity.

Fall

2010-10-05T13:30:00.006-04:00

I love fall for so many reasons:

Pumpkin patches and apple picking.
Hayrides and bonfires.
Leaves changing color and cooler weather.
Warm clothing and snuggling with my favorite blanket.
And my most favorite thing, baking:Fall is the best time for baking in my opinion, and today I made some banana muffins.
They are delilsh :)

After these are gone I want to try this pumpkin muffin recipe!