Friday, February 25, 2011

An Afghan (not a person in this case)

My aunt's birthday was over a month ago. She is an incredibly generous person and loves to spoil all her nieces and nephews.

The trouble is that she is hard to buy for. I have, in recent years, begun making her gifts. She is the one who taught me to crochet about 8 years ago on our way to my great-aunt's funeral.

I started making this afghan about a year ago. I didn't get very far, and I put it away. I picked it back up in the fall, and I just finished it this week. The majority of it was completed while I was huge and pregnant, unable to do much else.

My aunt loves purple. I found this yarn at the local Walmart. Even though I wouldn't have chosen it for myself, I ended up liking it and thinking it was perfect for her. I mailed it, and she should receive it today!

I love this pattern. It is so simple. My friend, Cinthya, gave it to me a couple of years ago. I found a copy online as well. If you are interested, the link is HERE. The only difference I found from the pattern was that I needed 8 skeins of yarn (and I used Red Heart). This afghan would be a great throw for the back of the couch. Happy stitching!


Saturday, February 19, 2011

Our New Bloggy Project

Dave and I don't have a lot of free time on our hands, especially since the twins arrived.  We also don't get to go out much because sitters are hard to come by where we live.  If we could go out, we would go to a movie.  It is our favorite date.  We typically sneak in candy from the dollar store and buy a refillable large drink.

We love movies.  But, shamedly, there are MANY classic and greatly heralded films we've never seen.  We were talking the other night, and I thought it would be a good idea to remedy that.  So, we decided to make a list of movies and watch them and, better still, blog about them!  That is exactly what we intend to do.

You can go HERE to see our list and more info about the films we have chosen.  We're looking forward to it!  Feel free to watch-along and provide your own commentary on the films.

Monday, February 14, 2011

My Wee Valentines

My heart is full.  I never dreamed I would be able to love so many people with so much intensity.  They are all so unique and require such different kinds of love.  I never tire of their smiles.  I am never exasperated by their giggles.  Some people are glad not to be me because I have five children, two of them twins.  I'm glad they're not me, too.  I wouldn't trade this for anything.

I can't imagine my life without my strong and hilarious, Samuel.  He brings us so much joy and laughter.  His wit and wisdom are evident at an early age.  He has a strong sense of justice, and he is the best big brother.  He has taught me so much about grace and forgiveness.

Maryn is the child who helped me become a mother--one who knows her baby, one who listens, one who meets her child's needs without trying to fit her into a box.  To this day, I cannot put Maryn in a box.  She's my sweet, loving, and passionate child.



Sam and Maryn's relationship is so great.  Yes, they fight, but they are the best of friends.  I can't wait to see them grow older together and watch the bond deepen.

Lucy is our joy-bringer.  She brings light and life to our family.  She is a constant reminder of God's redemption to me.  This little one is going to do mighty things for Him.

Felix means "happy," but so far, he has been pretty fussy.  This can only mean one thing--he is an overcomer--a victorious conqueror!  I have no doubt he will live up to his name.  He is seriously precious, and he makes some of the funniest faces.  I have no doubt he will fill our home with strength and laughter.  His shifty eyes are my favorite.

 Milo has the sweetest spirit.  I can't even describe it.  I just feel so much sweetness oozing from him when I'm with him.  He is mellow and generally content.  I have a feeling he is going to be a perfect balance for Felix--strong and supportive and loving.  I love his sweet snuggles.




And I don't want to miss any of it.

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Snow and Crockpots

I had a moment, so I thought I would blog a bit.

We've had major snow here. I think we got 9"--that's huge for our area. We never usually get more than 4". I love being at home, but I love it even more when it snows. I haven't felt "cabin fever" or any of that. I'm sure it has something to do with a) living in the country already and being used to staying at home and b) having newborn twins and not wanting to go anywhere anyways!

I'm cooking these days since I've used up most of the frozen meals I had. I'm still dairy-free, caffeine-free, and chocolate-free. I've needed to find meals that fit my diet and my husband's (South Beach--low carb). But, on top of our dietary needs, I have needed to find FAST, EASY, and DELICIOUS meals--a lot to ask for, I know. I have turned to my trusty crockpot. It has been great. I am using recipes from this blog--A Year of Slow-Cooking. I love it!

Here are a few of the recipes we are trying:

Peanut Butter Chicken (loved it)
Indian Chicken (will substitute the cream with coconut milk)
Chicken Enchilada Chili
Thai Beef

Let me know if you have any recipes that fit my criteria!

Monday, February 7, 2011

Time and Treasure

My days often run together, and I lose track of what day it is. What I can tell you is that:

•my children have been living in pajamas around the clock.

•none of us are missing meals.

•there have been very few baths for the children, but Dave and I manage to shower every night.

•we listen to music all night long because the twins seem to like it.

•I have recently resumed kitchen and laundry duty.

•I don't have time to take pictures let alone upload them and order prints, so I have family members who have yet to see the twins (they don't have Internet).

•I get lots of sweet snuggles.

•I have been getting a nap many days.

•My boys are growing--both have gained over three pounds in their first month.

•even if I don't have hard copied daily documentation (i.e. Photos) of our babies, we have surely been treasuring our time with them.

•however, my friend, Joanna, visited and took a ton of pictures of my family, and I am so glad. Someday I will try to add to the collection. :)

•most people are going stir-crazy with cabin fever due to the snowstorms. I have been pretty well homebound since the twins were born, but I like it.

The end

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone