walks::adventures in toddler beds

We had such a gorgeous late fall day this week, we had to go out and enjoy it. We usually get our snow late. As in, when you are just about ready for spring. So we'll keep the colors for as long as possible.

Sam has been out of the crib for just about a month now. He would go to sleep willingly on a regular basis. But, since the bars have been removed he has embraced his new found freedom. Not to much crying goes on, but there is plenty book reading, swinging,( We put up the infant swing in preparation recently) and just plain ol' playing. Add to the mix the fact that he can now open doors he feels the need to regularly check-up on what we are doing outside the room. He's also been wandering the apartment at night. finding cups and toys he needs to have stashed in his sheets with him. I guess it could be worse.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone. Hope you find and never ending list of things to thank God for!

baby on the brain

My fingers hurt, (I'm still knitting) and my belly is itchy( its still stretching). I'm pretty ready to have this baby. But now would be to early. This waiting game made me realize how much more fun it was being pregnant last time around. I spent more time dwelling on the pregnancy because I had no idea how much fun things get after the baby is born. So now I'm just as anxious I as think I can be. With only 7 wks to go I'm doing lots of oogling at these cute shops. Yeah, some stuff is a little pricey. But so worth it.

Thanksgiving is next week. Gosh time goes fast. This is all my favorite time of year. Basicly from back to school, until new years. So much wonderful cold weather and joy. Oh and Love don't forget love. The food, the family, and the fellowships. Sometimes I wish it was a year round ordeal, but then we wouldn't be able to look forward to it. Do you think it would make it less special?

Here is a recipe for Butternut squash Risotto:

6-8 cups chicken broth (use vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
5 Tbsp unsalted butter, divided into 4 Tbsp and 1 Tbsp
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cups butternut squash, peeled, and finely diced
2 cups arborio rice (can substitute medium grained white rice, but arborio is preferred)
1 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc)
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 Tbsp chopped chives or garlic chives
Salt

1 Heat broth in medium sized saucepan and keep warm over low heat. Melt 4 Tbsp of butter in a large saucepan; add onion and butternut squash. Cook over medium heat until onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.

2 Add rice to onion and squash. Cook 1 to 2 minutes. Add wine. Cook, stirring constantly until wine has been absorbed by the rice or evaporated. Add a few ladles of broth, just enough to barely cover rice. Cook over medium heat until broth has been absorbed. Continue cooking and stirring rice, adding a little bit of broth at a time, cooking and stirring until it is absorbed, until the rice is tender, but still firm to the bite, about 15 to 20 minutes.

3 During the last minutes of cooking, add remaining tablespoon of butter, 1/3 cup Parmesan, and chives. At this point the rice should have a creamy consistency. Add salt to taste. Serve with remaining grated Parmesan.

Serves 4 to 6.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I want too.

mamas got a brand new scarf

I have an issue with staying with one project at a time. So this kept getting thrown to the bottom of the yarn basket. But after completing a scarf to match the striped hat I made Sam I needed to finish it. Its single thread seed stitch with a ribbed end on each side. I threw on some buttons I had been saving for something fun. They help hold it in place, since I didn't make it long enough to tie.
I'm trying not to get overwhelmed with the thought of Christmas crafting/shopping. I'm on orders to take it easy as too not have this baby earlier than necessary. So, I'll be doing most of my shopping online. My house is a bit shambled-like, and my son has been watching a lot of Buzz Light year. (as per his request) Sigh,.....
I love receiving packages in the mail, that part is all fun. I'll just have to try to get over the rest.
Wish me some luck.

because everyone could use a little embarrassment

31 weeks

bubbles

After a summer of hyperventilation, (on my part)
I'm proud to say
he can blow them on his own now.
Happy November.

knit crazy

Again, I'm not so crazy about the newborn gender neutral baby goods around me. So, therefore I'm inspired (forced) to create some stuff on my own. This doesn't usually work out but sometimes I get lucky. I made the grey one first, and was happy enough to try for another which only took me 3 hours!. Granted it does look like it will only fit a doll. Thats how I'm hoping this baby will be born. Small and sweet-like. So I think I'm getting the hang of this. It's starting to drive me crazy when there is no work on my needles. While the fire is hot, I'll keep cooking. Christmas presents here I come. I'll try to make a couple more of those for the babe, and some adult sized ones to give as gifts. And if I can get my hands on a copy of this jacket and pants! I'll be set.
And hey, one of these with a matching one of these for mamma (that would be me) couldn't hurt. :)

Vegetarian black bean chili

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
course salt and ground pepper
2 zucchini (about a pound total) halved lengthwise and thinly sliced crosswise
2 carrots, thinly sliced
I tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
2 19 0z cans black beans drained and rinsed
1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
1 package frozen corn kernels

In a 5 quart dutch oven or heavy pot, heat oil over medium high. Add onion and garlic, season with salt and pepper. Cook stirring occasionally, until beginning to soften, about 4 minutes. And zucchini, carrots, chili powder, and cumin. Cook stirring occasionally, until carrots are crisp tender, 56-8 minutes. Add beans, tomatoes, corn, and 1 cup water. Simmer until slightly thickened and carrots are soft, 8-10 minutes more. Top with your favorite chili toppings.

I served it with sour cream shredded cheeses and corn muffins on the side. It was very filling. Sam ate a couple bites. I was expecting him to eat none. So we'll says its a keeper.

In other news, I finished a hat for my husby. It took two tries, but now its perfect. I think it's my turn. And perhaps the baby would like one two.

the start of a beautiful thing etc,...

This weekend, I'll be happily joining the tea season club, while devouring the new, and "first ever" holiday blueprint. I can't seem to get over the excitement! Did I mention I really love magazines? Something about the carefully planned out pages, photography and ideas. Oh yum.
It feels like Christmas is here early. Speaking of which, I need to finish the list of who gets what homemade gift. And of course how much time do I need to give myself for all this crafting ahead.
Alot.

Speaking of crafting! Here is a little london beanie I made for the wee chap. It only took me 24 hours! This may not really sound great to most of you, but for me this is quite the accomplishment. On to the next. :)



Poor Sam is sick with a cold. I'm praying it stays in the boogey stage, and never moves on to a fever. If you are wondering? yes, he is playing with arrows. I don't know what to tell you.

flannel is quicker than yarn

A friend had a baby girl Sunday. Ada Marie! She's a cutester. So I quickly made up an elf bonnet, and matching booties. Using some soft baby flannels. I'm a much faster seamstress than knitter. Since she did not know the sex of the baby pre-birth, her baby shower is this monday!
So I had to make this fast-like to get it there in time by mail.
I wish I had Amy's book, because mine did not come out as cute as her projects. I've been trying to hold out and ask for the book for Christmas. So many times I could have used it already. But I think this is where the virtue of patience would come in handy.

Its here!

My prize has arrived! And it's beautiful. I was the winner of Libby's contest a week or so back. And won this beautiful set of napkins and a place mat. The fabrics are wonderful and the craftmanship? Oh it's perfect. Thank you Libby!