Projects

I've been making things. I've been lazy about taking pictures. These flowers are for a pillow I am making. I hope to have it done before the weekend is up!
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This is a rough sketch of a bunting doll I'm going to make. I have several felted sweaters that would work for the body and hood. I found several sellers on etsy, but the cost was always around $40 or up, so I am going to see if I can make some for Mimi and her friends. We'll see....
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I'm not the only one making things. Mimi drew this of our family. I think it's great. Kevin has little dots on his face...Apparently that reflects his stubble from lack of weekend shaving! I also like our fingers. They are so animated.

Have a fun weekend.
~Karen

Fun Toys

If you know me, you know I play with my kid's toys. I hate buying them things I am going to hate playing with. I really like Playmobil. Here is a list of the 17 most inappropriate Playmobil toys out there....I am not sure I agree with them entirely, but it is fun to look at the list. Although I wouldn't buy Moe the knife throwing circus-act man. That kid doesn't need any help finding new and interesting ways to injure himself.

Hope everyone is having a great week! Karen

My Hero

Elizabeth Warren

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
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Moe the Mess Maker!

When I got home (late in the afternoon) yesterday, here is what Mimi's room looked like:

Here is Moe's room:
He has become a small tornado. Everywhere he goes he makes a huge mess. I can't help but laugh. I guess it seems unimportant. I did make him shovel a path to his bed though...in case I ever need to get him out quick, I don't want to fall and break a leg!
Clearing the path wore him out!
Go make some messes!
~Karen

We have some winners!

The random number generator selected 1 & 13....So...
Adrienne and Lisa are the winners! Let me know what you would like!

Have a nice evening! I am off to bed. It was a long day here,,,funeral, etc...
;) Karen

People Are Good

Yesterday's post was before my aunt died.

When I posted the Mr. Rogers quote, I was thinking of Haiti. I was thinking of all the people in need of basic things I sometimes take for granted. I was thinking of all the generous people who have donated time, money, and/or effort to make things better.

People really are good. I believe that. Horrible things can happen and people do rise to the occasion. There are always a few jerks who blame the victims, but most people do have good hearts.

Yesterday my aunt died. And I had lots of "helpers" come to my aid. A friend delivered a bag of clothing so I could find something acceptable for the funeral. (I hardly have anything dressy anymore since having the kids! ) Another brought her baby over so I could hold her. A baby really does make things better! And many friends called to see how I was.

I have good friends! I thank you!
And I have lots of bloggy friends too! Thank you!
~Karen

Timeless Wisdom

"When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.' To this day, especially in times of "disaster," I remember my mother's words, and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers -- so many caring people in this world."

--Mr. Fred Rogers

You can go here for more info on Fred Rogers and you can sign up for monthly quotes.

Toothbrush Rugs & Random Stuff

I am working on a wool rug now. It's fun. I really enjoy this craft. It is a nice break from crochet. The selvage on this wool fabric is brown, and I really like seeing it every now and again in the rug. I think it adds a coolness to it. This rug is for a friend. I hope they get years and years of use out of it. If you are interested in making one, they are not hard at all. You don't need much in the way of supplies. You can use about any kind of fabric...except 100% polyester. I tried that, and it curled up. I suppose if you were making bowls that wouldn't be an issue. Go here for a great tutorial!
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Here is a drawing Mimi made of us. I think it's funny. I look rather androgynous. (I am the one on the right.) It reminds me of that "Pat" character on SNL (in the '90's)!
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This is just plain funny. He looks neurotic! Ralphie only goes in his crate if he has something he knows he shouldn't have. Anything lost can be found here. He looks guilty! Haha! In fact, I see my green sock on the right in there. That rotten dog.
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Hope everyone is having a great week!
~Karen

Helping Others Out!

Craft Hope has this amazing store on Etsy. 100% of the proceeds go to Doctors Without Borders in Haiti. The medical need in Haiti right now is acute. The Doctors Without Borders existing facilities are so badly damaged, they are no longer functional. Post-earthquake medical care will be from tents. So far they have treated 1,500 people – 500 of them need immediate major surgery. There are no facilities to do this in Haiti currently. An inflatable hospital should be arriving in Haiti today.

Go here and buy great stuff for a great cause. I'll warn you now. It is addictive. AWESOME items are being put up continuously, and things are selling fast. SO, if you want it, buy it now!
If you have mad skills and want to donate something handmade to the cause, go here. The store will remain open as long as people continue to donate items

Giveaway Details! Enter Today!!

Okay folks. Here is the deal: Enter this giveaway by posting here. Tell me what book you are reading (or what you just finished) and if you recommend it or not. On January 25th I'll do a random drawing for two winners! Each winner gets to pick from the designs above....So, you WON'T get the exact ones above...instead you will get a custom one made for you! The options are:
a baby blanket for a toddler's special baby doll
several dishrags
fingerless gloves and a scarf
a crochet flower pin

Friends enter please! I don't want to have this and then no one enter! The rejection will feel like high school all over again! HAHA! :)

So, leave a comment!
~Karen

Springitis & A Giveaway!

Almost all the snow is melted. Miles thinks this means Spring is here. Even though it is like 30 degrees out, he put on his swimming clothes. :)
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This is post 301!
Really?
Yes, it is!

So, in honor of this, I am gonna do a giveaway!!! Tune in tomorrow evening for the details. It will be a number generated one with a couple winners.

See you all then! Karen

Outsmarted Again!

Me: Mimi, eat some of your vegetables. They will make you strong and healthy.
Mimi: Strong and healthy for me or strong and healthy for you?
Me: For you, silly.
Mimi: I don't care if I am strong or healthy.

Damn. She got me. I ain't got nothin' in response!
~Karen

Bad Days Turned Better

Kids.

Need I say more?
Some days are really hard.
Here is one thing that cheered me up the other day:

You don't have to listen to the entire thing to get a good laugh.

I love everything about this video. The hair. The sincerity. The lyrics.

Then there's Regretsy. True etsy creations that ..well... speak for themselves.

The best pick-me-up is realizing that today is FRIDAY! Soon Kevin will be home and things will quickly get better! Dad is fun. He is more fun than mom. I try.

Also, I am feeling good about this:
My AWESOME mom's group made blankets for a group call Soldier's Angels. I hope it gets a lot of use. This one took me about a week and a half....

Have a good weekend!
~Karen

Snow!

Here is what we woke up to today:

SNOW!
Moe couldn't be happier. He has never seen snow before.

So, I bundled them up. They look a lot like Kenny from Southpark.

And out they went.


They were completely exhausted after 30 minutes of play.

Now it is time to warm up with some hot apple cider!

Agreed!

Have a great day!
~Karen

Happy 2010!

Happy 2010!

We are so old we were asleep by 10:30 pm! :)
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Here are some things keeping me busy:
Squares...LOTS of squares...
I am making a blanket for a wounded soldier. I think I have about 16 or more squares to go before I can start piecing it altogether!
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Also, for the sweet tween in my life, I have been working on gloves and flower scarf :
Not sure if this qualifies as a scarf....
but, it is sooo cute!
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And finally I have been working on this guy:
I've been trying to teach him some simple commands. He is a great dog, but he likes to jump up on people, which scares the crap out of a toddler. And he likes to lick people...he has great aim when it comes to your mouth! :( blech! Also, he will sit for a nanosecond on command...I'd like him to sit a bit longer.
I guess I should read a book on training?
OY. Maybe someone will volunteer and do it for me?

Have a great week!
~Karen