Time to Think

Early this morning my hubby took my Grandson Carsen back to his Dad'd, something we do almost every week. He is my little house guest and gives me reasons to bake cookies and watch cartoons. We spend our days watching the Rifleman, Bonanza and a new favorite of his Gunsmoke. He wants to be a cowboy when he grows up, he is three. In the photo he is busy with his cowboy dog, a cockapoo named BINGO.  We could not have found him a better companion, he is patient, loves the attention and a great side kick to our cowboy. I only hope this phase lasts for years.
The only down side to all this fun we have is that I tend to get very little crocheting done. Over the past few weeks I have bought some very cute patterns and am waiting to try them out. Some of them come from Boomer Beanies, RAKJ patterns and Crazy Socks Designs. There are so many more and with the help of Ravelry and Craftsy a new pattern is very easy to find. The problem is there are more patterns than time lately.  I am working on a set of boxey bunny hats and pants for twins as well as a rhino and in between some african flower hexagons for a bedspread for me.

I am having so much fun working up these little sets, now if we just had some little ones.  I should bite my tongue......we did get little ones today   SEVEN puppies how exciting and this event brought my first home alone day to a stop while all the labor and birthing went on this afternoon.

Mandy the "mom" is a bichon and a one person dog, Mine , she was very upset as she worked so hard this afternoon. This is #5, atleast that is what I was calling him as I rubbed him to get him to wiggle around, he had a hard time coming into the world. 

So, with all this fun behind me, I will get my computer stuff doe and turn in so I can really hook away tomorrow. Orders for the shop to finish and new patterns to try out. Maybe I can get a yarn run to Joanns in the game plan, I got a coupon in the mail.

Picture Perfect

I love to crochet and come up with new items for the Etsy shop. In order to do that I need to take photos, now my photos have greatly improved since I started but are by no means great. Yesterday I found a message from a customer who had bought my mermaid tail to use in her photo shoot.  I love the mermaid outfit but this photo makes it look wonderful.

I have had a few other items photographed and shared with me and am always speechless.  I have to stop and pat myself on the back!

These two were taken by Heather from h Photography in Paris, Texas.    

I am working on a few new addition while filling order, It is funny how the popular hat or outfit changes, right now it seems to be the drivers cap and suspender pants while a few months back it was the mermaid.

 Bunny hats and booties

Christening gowns

and the Driver's cap and bow tie st.  

Now off to crochet some ruffles with photos to come.

Thinking Spring

I know that it is still very cold in many places, but I am going to ignore all that and think spring. Bunnies came to mind the other day and so I broke out the pink and white yarn and made a bunny hat and diaper cover set. Having no little ones here to try them on makes the photo shoots a little less fun.

the soft white hat and diaper cover came out adorable and my favorite part was the fluffy pink tail.

I have a frog and lobster in the works, I am also looking for a boys Christening outfit to crochet, so far not much luck.
I switch between crocheting to working on my online classes and then trying to redecorate our home. That in it self will be a huge project and I can't wait to get started.

This is a photo from one of my customers of her little one in my frog hat with the flower, a fun spring time hat for kids up to 4T.  I must confess though that my Granddaughter in college has one of these hats also.  Size is never an issue.

I am now off to make dog treats. Back before Christmas JJ's dog Spot had two puppies and they are now ready to go live with new families and we are having one last puppy party before they go. Here is a link for the treats I am making, http://www.browneyedbaker.com/2013/01/14/sweet-potato-pretzel-dog-treats-happy-6th-birthday-einstein

This has been a week without my little helpers and I still find myself turning on channel 19 at 5:00 to watch The Rifleman, Carsen favorite show.  He puts on his hat , grabs his rifle and announces The Rifleman starring Chuck Connors and then fires his rifle. We eat dinner around this show. If I could only find a way to keep him this big!

Carsen and his "cowboy dog"  BINGO.

Inspiration

After having been away from the Etsy shop for a few months it has been an adjustment getting back in gear and crocheting while working on online classes and then my visits with the boys.  Maybe I am just beyond such multitasking .  Even though I did manage to get some new items listed and made some great sales. The inspiration for these adorable drivers hat outfits is my Great Grandson Carsen, he loves hats and looked like this hat was just made for him.

After seeing him in this I set out to make it for some little guys, a great item for photo shoots or just to dress up a little guy.

this is a customers photo from a newborn shoot. Just adorable.  Now I also have to start thinking Valentines Day and spring even though it is still quite chilly here. So on my list for the upcoming days are fluffy chicks and Drivers caps.  It is nice to be busy again and I love the feedback. I also am working on some doll clothes since I have two beautiful granddaughters who just got American Girl type dolls for Christmas. This is all fun, and a Granddaughter who has requested I work up a border collie hat for her. I will let you know how all that comes out. 

Off for some pancakes and housecleaning before I can work on my hats while my inspiration for these is playing The Rifleman, he just loves Chuck Connors and watches it daily. Bonanze, Gunsmoke and the Rifleman and his day is made. The good old days!

I know I am a few days late but HAPPY NEW YEAR. Since my last post much has gone on. We have moved, kids have gotten their own places and Christmas has come and gone. So many changes in just a few months. But, with the New Year comes a new beginning and I do need to get back on a schedule and get some things done. I went from not having enough time to having all the time and need to get myself moving to accomplish some things. I have boxes of wooden bears and outfits cut and waiting for me to paint. I now have the space to set up a painting table and not worry about little fingers coming in to help out. I am adding things to my Etsy shop and learning to make better use of @www.facebook.com/grammasgifts. I just finished my first Christening Gown, I could have patted myself on the back LOL. My Gram made the dresses for my girls and then they passed them along. I am hoping to put a few away in the cedar chest for when my Granddaughters may need them.
                                                                           https://www.etsy.com/listing/119770221/christening-gown  

I am staying busy, learning to live without a house full of kids and how to cook for two. The cooking is a problem since I still make enough food for an army. We eat leftovers . Of course the hubby brings back his little buddies every chance he gets. and I don't mind that a bit. All too soon they grow up and then my magic hot cocoa and hugs are not needed. If they could only stay three and four.

Here they are hamming it up in the basement as we decorated for the family Christmas. I am off to finish and Irish hat and hopefully get some photos taken for Etsy. Have a great day.

Extended Vacation

Sorry for being away so long, but like most of us life has gotten in the way again. We are on an extended vacation and my crocheting has taken a back seat to watching fireflies, roasting marshmallows and watching the boys grow like weeds. Although we are still on vacation I am going to buckle down and get some crocheting done. Fall is almost here and school will be starting and that means Halloween is not far behind. I need to get some fun hats done to be ready. I have a couple shows that I do in the fall and then just HOOK away to get ready for Christmas. I do have a couple back to school specials going on right now. https://www.facebook.com/GrammasGifts/app_135607783795 check out the  MP3 player hat, a great hat for guys or girls on the go.  The beard hat is also a special, it can be done in team or school colors with your choice of beard color , also a fun owl hat with matching fingerless mitts. Mat ch these to you school, favorite jacket or just about anything. I also have a couple new newborn hat sets coming along, a few final touches and I can get pictures up for everyone to see.

Well I am off to shake the sand off of everything and watch the rain , we really need it. Crochet hook in hand I WILL get something done today!

Eyes in the Back of my Head

I( don't understand why I am not getting as much done as usual. I make a list, I have a plan and then.......alot of nothing! Now, could it be that two little boys, three chicken , a duck, a mom cat and her three kittens, two puppies, a bichon and a border collie are all trying to make me nuts?  Possibly. I understand we are all excited about the chickens, great but must I stand guard all day? Have you ever told a guy just what you wanted , they nod in approval and then go off and do it their way? That is what happened here. I showed Joey a plan for a portable chicken coop, he said, " no problem" That should have been my first sign things were going to go badly. What I got instead was an open top chicken playpen! So, the boys climb in , the cats jump in and I spend my day chasing things around! Now, all of this would probably be much different if the chickens were bigger and could peck them once.
  But, today is going to be different! The boys spent the night away so I woke up this morning alone in my bed. Feeling a little more rested, I grabbed a cup of coffee and let the chicken out. ( they are kennel trained) Fed and watered them, fed the cats and the dogs are waiting patiently. It is a bit chilly this morning so hubby was nice enough to make cocoa wheats. I am not a breakfast person, but couldn't resist. Teenagers asleep, house quiet I will finish up posting and get some work done!
Yesterday I bought a pattern from Whimsical Warmth and did get that hat finished.

The weathr is supposed to get hot for the next few days so I think I will cook a few things today so we can reheat and eat, instead of me heating the house up more. I hate to turn the air conditioner on.

I had better run and get started before someone else comes home or another animal appears. Maybe instead of the barn we should build an ark!

I am finally going to make myself something using the African flower pattern, here is a great post to learn how to connect all of them

http://heidibearscreative.blogspot.com/2011/02/african-flower-hexagon-join-as-you-go.html

My go to place to look for patterns is Ravelry , give it a try . You will be amazed at the amount of free patterns as well as some of the newest for sale patterns available. 

Off to hook!

Making a Change

Last June we moved into the house and all the space was amazing......then winter arrived and we froze. The furnace does not heat the whole house and the propane bill was almost four times what we paid at the old house. With all that in mind hubby has decided he wants to move...where?  That is yet to be seen, since the place he wants needs some major rehab. He has purchased an old barn and about four acres of land. The barn is amazing, yet needs much work. I can close my eyes and see a big country kitchen and all the bedroom space, a loft for the grandkids to come stay and the thought of not a neighbor in sight. The question is, where to stay until the barn is livable. That to be would mean the roof fixed, wall closed and water and electric run with my number one must have ...a bathroom! Hubby claims to have a plan that he will hopefully share with me. If there werent so many of us I would say get a camper , park it and live there while you work. The rest of the family is not so keen on that idea. There is an artesian well and beautiful views from all four sides. I am ready for a change.....sounds of chicken and the morning rooster wake up call. A goat of two grazing in the pasture and maybe I can grow something!  That part is questionable LOL.

All this said I went outside yesterday to find the boys busy. making a chicken tractor.....WHY...because they bought three chicken and a duck! Jumped the gun, I think, but they are here. The dogs enjoy them , the cats were curious and oh how I hoped whatever got BINGO did not come down the hill for a late night snack.


I woke this morning to find them all fine, thank goodness. I did not want to explain to two little boys about missing chickens.

 JJ and his chicken Batman ( we don't know boy or girl chicken, but he names everything Batman )



Carsen being brave to let Batman sit on his shoulder

Carsen chicken "DORA"

Dad's girlfriend and Mandy checking out the chickens

The BOYS getting Daddy to hold DORA.

Now let me say when I dreamed of chicken I thought big fluffy hens who lay eggs each day....I will need to be patient I guess. They say be careful what you wish for....In this case I totally agree. All this could have been mush worse, where they bought the chicken there were horses for sale. They could have brought one of those home.

Now between packing to move, college courses,crocheting for the shop...I will be watching two boys, four dogs, cat and three kittens, three chicken and a duck! 

Before all this amazing fun arrived I had just finished this cute catepiller set, all it needs is antennaes and it is ready to go.

With chicken on our minds I went to an old favorite for dinner tonight.

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/12/chicken-and-dumplings/

 Chicken and Dumplings

Prep Time: 15 Minutes  |  Cook Time: 30 Minutes  |  Difficulty: Easy  |  Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 2 Tablespoons Butter
• 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
• 1/2 cup All-purpose Flour
• 1 whole Chicken, Cut Into Pieces (cut Up Fryer)
• Salt And Pepper
• 1/2 cup Finely Diced Carrots
• 1/2 cup Finely Diced Celery
• 1 whole Medium Onion, Finely Diced
• 1/2 teaspoon Ground Thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon Turmeric
• 6 cups Low Sodium Chicken Broth
• 1/2 cup Apple Cider
• 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
• Dumplings:
• 1-1/2 cup All-purpose Flour
• 1/2 cup Yellow Cornmeal
• 1 Tablespoon (heaping) Baking Powder
• 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
• 1-1/2 cup Half-and-half
• 2 Tablespoons Minced Fresh Parsley (optional)
• Salt As Needed

Preparation Instructions

Sprinkle chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then dredge both sides in flour.

Melt butter in a pot over medium-high heat. In two batches, brown chicken on both sides and remove to a clean plate.

In the same pot, add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Stir and cook for 3 to 4 minutes over medium-low heat. Stir in ground thyme and turmeric, then pour in chicken broth and apple cider. Stir to combine, then add browned chicken. Cover pot and simmer for 20 minutes.

While chicken is simmering, make the dough for the dumplings: sift together all dry ingredients, then add half-and-half, stirring gently to combine. Set aside.

Remove chicken from pot and set aside on a plate. Use two forks to remove chicken from the bone. Shred, then add chicken to the pot. Pour heavy cream into the pot and stir to combine.

Drop tablespoons of dumpling dough into the simmering pot. Add minced parsley if using. Cover pot halfway and continue to simmer for 15 minutes. Check seasonings; add salt if needed. Allow to sit for 10 minutes before serving.

*Adapted from Gourmet Magazine

Try this and enjoy your day!

So Much Has Happened

So many things have happened since last I posted. Back in May we lost my Favorite Uncle unexpectedly. Now every family has a crier. You know the one who cries through Lassie movies or when Heidi is calling for Grandfather. That is me. So, for the past month or so, just the mention of him or how horrible the upcoming holidays will be without him brings me to tears. He had no kids and me and mine were his family for holidays. He had a special trick for doing his Christmas shopping. First for the past six years, he arrives for Thanksgiving with an orange piece of paper with all the kids names and sizes. He ushers my daughter Kathy into the room to correct sizes, move kids up to the "cash" list and add any new babies to the list. We have had an ongoing tradition that when you turn 18 you are off the list. Last year he made an executive decision to leave my Granddaughter Lizzie on because she had started college and turned 18 a month before Christmas. He could make those changes he was the UNCLE. We were raised that when Gram said Uncle is coming it was a treat. Lots of hugs and kisses and we were always on our best behavior. That is how it was when I was a kid, my kids were small and now my Grandkids. He only needed one name UNCLE.

This photo is from last Christmas and he is there enjoying Becky's new hat. 

Now I do not do well with change so on top of this terrible time, the house we are in was SOLD. Without warning and a" how fast can you move "  That means hubby and Me , Kathy and her son Mike, 2 teens, Grandson Joey and his 2 little guys ( we have them during the week) a border collie, bichon, 2 cockapoo puppies, a cat and 4 kittens. Should be a cinch on such short notice!

We have lived here since last July. Set back , lots of pines and last week something back in the pines attacked the puppy and left him for dead. We called and searched til dark and then in the morning the border collie ran out and found him back by a clearing. Chrissy my Grandaughter ran in thinking he was dead. We sent Joe out and he discovered he was still breathing. Off to the vet in Oxford, they drove. BINGO spent 3 days on IV and meds. He came home unable t walk or hold his head straight. BINGO is Carsens puppy and close companion. Of course I cried. I held hiom, talked massaged and prayed alot. Each morning he looked a little better. Day three he walked, wobbly but walked. Day five he ran down the driveway to see the kittens. He still has some issues with his eye but is on the mend. The vet said it looks like some large animal grabbed him by his head and shook him, dropped him and did it over and over. His injuring were almost all to his left side of his face and neck.

before and after. 

He lost alot of weight in those few days and sice this photo has had a severe clipping. Chrissy tried out her dog grooming talents and now he looks more like a poodle LOL....its only hair and it will grow back!

We were all so excited I went online and found a dog biscuit recipe for one of his favorite things to share with Carsen...peanut butter and jelly! http://www.twodogpress.com/treat-recipes/peanut-butter-bones

Peanut Butter Bones

• 1 package dry yeast
• 1/2 cup lukewarm water
• 1 cup mashed potatoes
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1/2 cup chicken stock
• 1 cup chunky peanut butter
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup rye flour
• 1/2 cup rice flour
• 1 egg
• 2 cups all-purpose white flour

Directions

Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).

In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in water. In a large saucepan, mix together the potatoes, milk, molasses, stock, and peanut butter. Heat, stirring frequently until boiling. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature. Add yeast mixture. Gradually blend in the egg, wheat, rye, and rice flours. Add enough white flour to form a stiff dough.

Transfer to a floured surface and knead until smooth (about 3-5 minutes). Shape the dough into a ball and roll to 1/2-inch (12 mm) thick. Using cookie cutters, cut out biscuits. Place on ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about 1/4-inch (6 mm) apart. Gather up the scraps, roll out again, and cut additional biscuits.

Bake for 45 minutes. Let cool overnight. Makes several dozen bones that freeze well--and have the consistency of pizza crusts, a favorite snack for most spoiled dogs!

Newborn Turkey set

I have not got much new crochet done, with holding the dog, crying and oh yes looking for a place to move. There was one good thing, I did receive a copy of my Uncles will and that silly wonderful man left me his house , car and everything in them. Could I live there? I am not sure, would I cry endlessly? A decision that has to be made. It is also about 1 1/2 hours from where we are now. With 3 kids in school I really hate to move far but ...who knows. As my Aunt Charlotte would say give it to God and he will show you the right way. So I will pray on it!

I don't Do Well With Changes

For as long as I can remember I do not take change well. I realize that as life goes on things must change, but that doesn't make it any easier for me to adjust to. So much has happened since my last post I am at a loss as to where I should start.

    Probably the biggest change is last week we lost our favorite UNCLE. Uncle Eddie was , perfect. Kind, sweet and as good a guy as you will ever find. The perfect son, brother and uncle. In the past seven years since my Gram has passed away he has been with us for holidays to keep the family going. He is probably best remembered for the line of kids waiting to kiss him goodbye before he left. Some of us got in line more than once, he never minded that! I am handling this much better than I thought because he is with my Gram now and both can chat the days away. In heaven I bet he's bowling again. I will think of thunder in a whole new way from now on. The saddest part is the little ones in the family did not have nearly enough time to get to know him. He will be greatly missed at our house.
   Luckily for me I have a wonderful friend who is more like a sister, Jean for the Teapot Quilt Cottage and Garden Center in Montello. In good times and those awful times she is always there to lend a shoulder and help talk me through the tears.
    I started taking college courses online!  Will I run off and get a career? Maybe, if not I will still show the kids if Gramma can do it so can YOU.
   We are getting ready for a move.  That means packing and unpacking. I did mention I hate change and this will surely add to the stress in the house. On a good not the kids will be out of school and can help. Can help, should help!

  I have also added some new items to the shop and hopefully after catching up on orders can get a few more done.

A holiday weekend ahead with a birthday party and BBQ ( speaking of BBQ, here is a great take along salad recipe from Pioneer Woman ), two small boys 2 puppies, 3 kittens 2 dogs and a cat, it should be a piece of cake! Have a safe weekend!

     

Where have I been? What have I been up to ? Those are the questions I get from friends and family and the simple answer is I have been spending alot of time with mermaids! 

      

'Mermaids Everywhere!' by jebstreasures

This treasury list gives you a variety of mermaid items just in time for summer.

The Mermaid's Pearl... thependantemp... $8.95	Vintage Mermaids Charm ... baublesbeadsn... $36.88
Medium Custom Handmade ... graciousandpu... $40.00	Mermaid Locket Necklace... agothshop $17.00
Mermaid photo prop / ne... GrammasGifts $29.95	Custom Boutique Mermaid... SPBClothing $62.00
Medium - Mer Bear - Men... DowdyStudio $26.00	BLUE MERMAIDS on Front ... sarahndipityC... $32.00
vintage design MERMAID ... ToTheMoonAndB... $15.00	RW2 Leather MERMAID Clu... RW2Gallery $50.00
Beach Decor Mermaid Bot... beautifuldeta... $16.00	Goldfish Mermaid with B... sarambutcher $16.00
MERMAID Ocean Nautical ... metalshine $15.00	Mermaid, Oceanica, Sea ... chimeracustom... $25.00
MERMAID BEACH SOAP - Ro... JOANSGARDENS $5.50	Mermaid's Key Cream... CastawaysHall $16.00

Treasury tool by StylishHome.
The mermaids have kept me very busy, I am happy to say. and with that seaside theme in mind I have added a crab and lobster to the shop as well. Alot of fun and very cute!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/97849222/crab-diaper-cover-set-newborn-photo-prop
http://www.etsy.com/listing/97811036/lobster-newborn-photo-prop?ref=v1_other_2
http://www.etsy.com/listing/72926254/goldfish-hat-and-diaper-set-newborn?ref=v1_other_1