tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-116302032024-03-23T13:44:54.087-04:00Life in ClevelandKnitting, creating, and parenting in Cleveland, OhioSourire11http://www.blogger.com/profile/16353128118756158137noreply@blogger.comBlogger907125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11630203.post-23405039480483541602016-01-31T11:12:00.001-05:002016-01-31T11:12:16.520-05:00Yarn and... teeth.So I know it's been crickets around here lately. Because yarn. ALL THE YARN. SO MUCH YARN.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/24731582495/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Yarn"><img alt="Yarn" height="640" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1598/24731582495_b56fd6981d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Giant order of yarn. Only one of the many things I've been working on.</td></tr>
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If you're interested in the yarn you can check out my new website - <a href="http://www.destinationyarn.com/">Destination Yarn</a> - or follow along on the social medias (<a href="http://www.instagram.com/destinationyarn">instagram</a>, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/destinationyarn">facebook</a>, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/destination-yarns">ravelry</a>) for some behind the scenes type fun.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/24638061751/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Scandinavian2"><img alt="Scandinavian2" height="640" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1578/24638061751_f3119d73f0_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Releasing my colorways as collections. Super fun way to approach a color story.</td></tr>
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BUT ANYWAYS. I had to dust off the blog today because today was a big milestone for us. Our very first child lost her very first tooth:<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/24638058681/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Lost tooth"><img alt="Lost tooth" height="640" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1651/24638058681_420012f21f_z.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
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Which, ICK. I mean Yay. How fun! But also ICK.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/24731522515/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="lost tooth"><img alt="lost tooth" height="640" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1571/24731522515_5f8b47fb2e_z.jpg" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ME TOO CHEESE!</td></tr>
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So the tooth fairy will be coming tonight. There's some debate as to how much she will bring (her friend got $8. Which 8 x 20 teeth x 3 kids = $480 of NOPE) and if she will come for every single tooth. But we'll figure it out.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/24731475285/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Lost tooth"><img alt="Lost tooth" height="640" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1629/24731475285_38bef12161_z.jpg" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CHEEEEEEEEESE!</td></tr>
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And in case you want to tear up about the passage of time here's a picture from when she first got that tooth:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/4496677497/in/photolist-rd9jJ2-7Rr4Yj-7RnMeF-7RnNex-7Rr1Ph-7RsrMs-7RnGJk-7RnHS6-7RnJF6-7RnFSZ-7RmDyn-7RpJZu-6uXYH5-6uXZSA-6uTMnp-6uY1Ts-6uXWhs-NrZtk-Nrx4L-NrZr6-Nrx7f-NrZur-NrZpk" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="One Year Portrait"><img alt="One Year Portrait" height="640" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4065/4496677497_381c079d8d_z.jpg" width="435" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SHE WAS SO LITTLE AND A BABY AND TIME FLIES GAAAAAH. Also look at the pretty Destination Yarn sweater. I wonder if that still fits her at all...</td></tr>
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<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script> Well that was fun. Hopefully it won't be another 2 months before I blog again.Sourire11http://www.blogger.com/profile/16353128118756158137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11630203.post-48438427986989571122015-11-10T15:32:00.001-05:002015-11-10T19:06:57.641-05:00Fall Run Cowl.So check out the pretty cowl that I knit - <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/fall-run-cowl">the Fall Run Cowl</a>:<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/22399123387/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Fall Run Cowl"><img alt="Fall Run Cowl" height="640" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/737/22399123387_02cccd30d9_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
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I LOVE it. It's big and drape-y and so very very FALL.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/22398960268/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Fall Run Cowl"><img alt="Fall Run Cowl" height="640" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5814/22398960268_56cb5f8451_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
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I've been wearing it constantly since I finished it a couple weeks ago.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/22791191166/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Fall Run Cowl"><img alt="Fall Run Cowl" height="400" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5639/22791191166_5f1ef353d1_z.jpg" width="285" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">cheesy with a z picture of me in the cowl. It's tough photographing yourself!</td></tr>
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<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script> So the backstory... I dyed up a batch of yarn using the same stipple dye / layering technique as my wildly popular "Color Run" colorway with a palette limited to autumn colors:<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/22300745854/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="fall run - souvenir - 05"><img alt="fall run - souvenir - 05" height="472" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5758/22300745854_750b3fbcc8_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I snagged a skein for myself directly from the dye pots b/c MINE. MINE. ALL MINE.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/22531311209/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="fall run - souvenir - 04"><img alt="fall run - souvenir - 04" height="472" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5770/22531311209_3be3ff7118_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SERIOUSLY, THOUGH.</td></tr>
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<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script> I knew I wanted to knit a big cowl that I could wear all season... but I wasn't sure that one skein of DK would be enough. And the rest of that dye lot sold out before I could steal another skein for myself. So I dug through my pile of yarn that I can't sell for whatever reason (knots or tangles or weirdness with the dye) and came up with this combo:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/22300766794/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_1146"><img alt="IMG_1146" height="640" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5631/22300766794_b36c5121cc_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">YEEEESSSSSS.</td></tr>
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<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script> Then I spent hours on ravelry trying to find the <i>perfect</i> pattern. I knew I wanted something that showed off each color individually because they are both beautiful on their own:<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/22196304553/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Fall Run Cowl"><img alt="Fall Run Cowl" height="640" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/620/22196304553_3936f00b61_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
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I definitely did not want stripes. After knitting two <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/chasing-rainbows-4">Chasing Rainbow</a>s shawls in a row I'm OVER stripes. However I'm lazy and didn't want to do any intense colorwork or follow any charts or any of that. So I wanted to only knit with one color at a time... but NOT have the result be stripes.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/22398920458/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Fall Run Cowl"><img alt="Fall Run Cowl" height="427" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5651/22398920458_8c323acbd9_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seems Legit.</td></tr>
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<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script> I also wanted it to have some texture - like the woods in the fall.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/22629424830/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Fall Run Cowl"><img alt="Fall Run Cowl" height="427" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/607/22629424830_8f70dfcb84_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I wanted it to be big enough to wrap around my neck twice. But not so crazy big that I couldn't wear it only looped once: <br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/22398853367/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Fall Run Cowl"><img alt="Fall Run Cowl" height="524" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5787/22398853367_5093840b86_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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In the end I came up with my own design. Because nothing was <i>exactly</i> what I wanted. I'm so, so, SO happy with the result:<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/22398842068/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Fall Run Cowl"><img alt="Fall Run Cowl" height="640" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/730/22398842068_4173126a87_z.jpg" width="457" /></a></div>
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Yay fall!<br />
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Anyways I just put the pattern up on Ravelry and I"m offering it free through this Friday.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/fall-run-cowl">FALL RUN COWL </a></span><br />
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<i>(edited to add - to get the pattern for free just click that link and add it to your Ravelry store - when you check out it will ring up as free!)</i><br />
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The yarn to knit this is also available in the <a href="http://www.destinationyarn.etsy.com/">Destination Yarn Shop</a>. My cowl is knit out of the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/249400957/variegated-yarn-souvenir-fall-run?ref=shop_home_active_14">Fall Run</a> and <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/63005871/semi-solid-dk-weight-yarn-pine-forest?ref=shop_home_active_2">Pine Fores</a>t colorways although I think just about any combination would look great. The texture and the not-stripes really works well with variegated yarns:<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/22817583105/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Fall Run Cowl"><img alt="Fall Run Cowl" height="427" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/574/22817583105_f7825ee1b2_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Yay for a new cowl and a new pattern! <br />
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PS - if any of your are in the Pittsburgh area I will be at the <a href="http://indieknitandspin.com/">Indie Knit and Spin</a> there this weekend. Come and say hi!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/22196315323/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Fall Run Cowl"><img alt="Fall Run Cowl" height="640" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/749/22196315323_472399fbd4_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hi.</td></tr>
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<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>Sourire11http://www.blogger.com/profile/16353128118756158137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11630203.post-1032477734797067572015-10-29T16:07:00.000-04:002015-10-29T16:07:25.268-04:00Unblogged Fall.So! It's full on fall. I love fall. Knitting! And leaves! And adventure! I love blogging about fall. And this fall I have so much to blog about and have done none of it. Things like the first day of school:<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/22387375109/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="First Day of First Grade!"><img alt="First Day of First Grade!" height="640" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/612/22387375109_4b1ea5dfa9_z.jpg" width="439" /></a></div>
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LOOK HOW CUTE AND GROWN UP THEY ARE!<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/22555603856/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="First day of school!"><img alt="First day of school!" height="640" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5725/22555603856_c1111c6fe5_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Went by without a notice. Same with the awesome adventures we've taken... like apple picking:<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/22411728185/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Apple Picking"><img alt="Apple Picking" height="480" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5790/22411728185_b7e1d6f4fa_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/22224647068/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Apple Picking"><img alt="Apple Picking" height="640" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/705/22224647068_a2253194ac_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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ADORABLE.
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So many great pictures of the kids in the apples. Because it was the first time in... ever? That I was there without a kid strapped to me in a carrier. Totally insane.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/22224924269/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Apple Picking"><img alt="Apple Picking" height="640" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5675/22224924269_4530f578b0_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No one wants us to carry them. WHAT IS THIS LIFE???</td></tr>
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Or the Athens Area Fiber Fair - I went with my daughter and my mom for a Girls Trip:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/22423192351/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Athens Area Fiber Festival"><img alt="Athens Area Fiber Festival" height="640" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5699/22423192351_a039f22953_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">YAAAAAARRRRNNNN!</td></tr>
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It was fun having helpers:<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/22224330010/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Athens Area Fiber Festival"><img alt="Athens Area Fiber Festival" height="480" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5791/22224330010_b4abba9191_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Or the possibly insane road trip Matt and I took for our friend's baby shower:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/22398639312/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Sarah's baby shower"><img alt="Sarah's baby shower" height="480" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/771/22398639312_ff8dddac0c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">18 hours in the car for 48 hours with these people? WORTH. IT.</td></tr>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/22224998669/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Sarah's baby shower"><img alt="Sarah's baby shower" height="640" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/630/22224998669_72734082a8_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I'm surprised that one didn't motivate me to blog considering that my knitting matched the trip:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/22423083321/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Sarah's baby shower"><img alt="Sarah's baby shower" height="400" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/742/22423083321_f0b8d92669_c.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love it when my knitting matches the trip.</td></tr>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/22422692341/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Sarah's baby shower"><img alt="Sarah's baby shower" height="480" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5617/22422692341_39243bb687_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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There have been unblogged firsts - like the dude's very first soccer league:<br />
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He LOVES it. And running round outside as a member of a team is SO what this kid needs. He's the type of kid who will always have to be in lots of activities b/c he cannot handle boredom.<br />
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<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script> My mom took him to a practice while Matt and I were on the road and she summed it up perfectly "They seem to just be running as fast as they can in circles"<br />
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YUP.<br />
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And so much unblogged adorable it's hard to handle. Tiny has grown up. He's in that fun stage between a toddler and a preschooler. And while nothing throws a fit like a 2 year old, nothing giggles like one either.<br />
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He's into the Toddler Logic phase. Which is hilarity and insanity and adorable. I want to remember things like him seeing a Halloween decoration spider on the steps and saying "OH NO MONSTER ACROSS MINE TRACKS!"<br />
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But it's all gone unblogged.<br />
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SIGH. <br />
<br />Sourire11http://www.blogger.com/profile/16353128118756158137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11630203.post-86782839670730618882015-09-16T09:58:00.000-04:002015-09-16T09:58:14.190-04:00Mom's can do it all, right?So! First of all. I AM NOT PREGNANT. Just had to put that front and center because it seems like the last two times I talked about a vague "big thing" and then disappeared it was because there was a baby involved. But no. NOOOOPE. NO. To the point where because everyone I know is pregnant I am in the awesome/slightly painful process of purging all of the baby things. ANYWAYS.<br />
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The big thing that caused me to disappear for a bit was that <a href="http://www.destinationyarn.com/">Destination Yarn</a> - my hand dyed yarn company - was a vendor at STITCHESmidwest:
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It's one of the biggest knitting shows in the country and is held at an actual convention center. It was awesome and amazing and I learned SO much about knitting and business and vending and dying. It was refreshing down to my core and also exhausting.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My "I can't believe I"m doing this!" face</td></tr>
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Because of Stitches Destination Yarn has taken off in ways I couldn't have imagined. Turning this little hobby of mine that was basically just bonus into an actual business and an actual for real <i>job</i> is amazing. And overwhelming. And awesome. And insane.<br />
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And I"m going to work my butt off and make sure it really happens because THIS. This is what I have wanted. This is the goal I've been vaguely (and at times in a very crooked path) working towards for years now.<br />
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But that means that there has been NO balance. I am all Destination Yarn all the time. So everything else - with the exception of my kids/husband - has disappeared into a world of non-essentials. However, I'm learning that there HAS to be balance. And a balanced version of my life absolutely involves this blog. I've been doing this for almost a decade now and I missed it sorely.<br />
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Plus having creative outlet that isn't all Destination Yarn is healthy and fuels creativity in other areas.<br />
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I'm just not sure what that looks like yet. Honestly, probably like this. An old school web-journal. With stuff about my kids that isn't all click-baity (part of my break was fueled by some serious disgust with the world of parenting on the internet. I may or may not get into that later but suffice it to say you will find no Listicles of Judging here).<br />
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There will always be knitting and yarn and travel and Cleveland and whatever is fueling my creative engine at the moment. I may separate out the business stuff... I might not. I'm working on figuring all of that out.<br />
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But yeah. Baby steps toward balance. Baby steps towards doing it all. By opening up a browser window and writing<i> something</i> today I have at least taken that first, tiny step. BOOM.<br />
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<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>Sourire11http://www.blogger.com/profile/16353128118756158137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11630203.post-18581403158104601492015-06-03T16:51:00.000-04:002015-06-03T16:51:02.315-04:00Road Trip Prep: PACK ALL THE YARN.So! Very soon we leave on an epic road trip. The kind that Google Maps laughs at you when you type in and just gives you the time it would take to fly there. Because noone in their right mind wants to drive 1300 miles one way with 3 kids in the car, right?<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizgm2c8XZeKGbj_kN7BunBUl4K5PEYdGRoi7P-xn6x0y_D3ClaLNlLKaHCzzVTc1VlNqPBVsMxsTyx-xiLsLzMSSpJBIlfNObAYNXqlA7_wPe2mzEh_5oVAJP16VjaMaQc9cO7Ow/s1600/map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizgm2c8XZeKGbj_kN7BunBUl4K5PEYdGRoi7P-xn6x0y_D3ClaLNlLKaHCzzVTc1VlNqPBVsMxsTyx-xiLsLzMSSpJBIlfNObAYNXqlA7_wPe2mzEh_5oVAJP16VjaMaQc9cO7Ow/s640/map.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shut up, google.</td></tr>
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Yes. We are taking the kids to South Dakota. By way of Chicago (because our daughter begged us to stop there). It's going to be epic. I've never been to this part of the country before so I'm really excited. We've been planning/organizing/practice hiking/packing for what feels like months. SO MUCH PACKING. The big question is... how much yarn does one bring for 40 some hours in the car?<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/17310740146" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Big box o pretty headed out to Knitting on the Square tonight! #destinationyarn #indiedyer #etsyseller #yarnie #handdyedyarn #knit #knitting #operationsockdrawer #knittersofinstagram #knitstagram by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Big box o pretty headed out to Knitting on the Square tonight! #destinationyarn #indiedyer #etsyseller #yarnie #handdyedyarn #knit #knitting #operationsockdrawer #knittersofinstagram #knitstagram" height="640" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7671/17310740146_83127c8c81_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ALL THE YARN. You bring ALL OF IT. </td></tr>
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I suppose that isn't realistic (although I have been known to sneak yarn in the car under the seats in case of emergency). So I'm focusing on projects. Obviously I have to bring my #ALLINCLE socks:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/17394621280" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Heel turned, game won. Happiness ensues. #allincle #cavs #knitting #indiedyer #destinationyarn #yarn #handdyedyarn #yarnie #operationsockdrawer #knittersofinstagram #instaknit by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Heel turned, game won. Happiness ensues. #allincle #cavs #knitting #indiedyer #destinationyarn #yarn #handdyedyarn #yarnie #operationsockdrawer #knittersofinstagram #instaknit" height="640" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7656/17394621280_81f5b2da0c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't even talk about the fact that I will be in South Dakota when
Cleveland brings home it's first championship in my lifetime. I CAN'T
EVEN.</td></tr>
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But a pair of socks is not going to be enough. So I dyed up a shiny new colorway that I"m hoping will match a good part of our trip. Introducing, PRAIRIE:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/18427646942" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Prairie Yarn by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Prairie Yarn" height="427" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8856/18427646942_fac8dbc729_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">greeeeeeeen!!!!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/17811040243" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Prairie Yarn by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Prairie Yarn" height="427" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7728/17811040243_6abd9de5a8_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
It's a kettle dyed / stipple dyed colorway. So it is mainly a total green with a few tiny flicks of dark green throughout. It is swatching up beautifully:<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/18243764040" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Prairie Yarn by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Prairie Yarn" height="640" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/372/18243764040_fd2865496e_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
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An epic trip deserves an epic project. So I'm going to knit this:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM93Lk4kb4sN8hcjrozxkbj8D-MMGrFWAcY7tj35pMlyTvzaxQeic_KGSoDR_Wl51SEHYCOcvVF8wGjTPw8yvia7j-YmgowOmSf6TTaPCfnhW-G79-GIExxbPAVFw_1qN5Yyh7vg/s1600/img_3380_medium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM93Lk4kb4sN8hcjrozxkbj8D-MMGrFWAcY7tj35pMlyTvzaxQeic_KGSoDR_Wl51SEHYCOcvVF8wGjTPw8yvia7j-YmgowOmSf6TTaPCfnhW-G79-GIExxbPAVFw_1qN5Yyh7vg/s320/img_3380_medium.jpg" width="237" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from the Ravelry pattern page linked below.</td></tr>
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It's the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/feather--fan-tastic">Feather and Fan-tastic pattern</a> that I found while stalking everything knit in fingering weight on Ravelry. I think it's beautiful. The lace is enough to keep it interesting without taking away from the yarn. Plus the wavy-ness of the pattern will mimic the wavy prairie grass. I like that.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8BMk_wEwRR_h93J9n6P8zLObubQ1XeJFdBLpcq0QVXwYg2e2JvHjfUpxRLpkCjuJEcD0n08wtGrVqkXE6dR-xDEWuu9MFYuwExU2YU9PCoJoI6ZpLh5WEso5XHGJOiVbnh5J1Hg/s1600/img_3410_medium2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8BMk_wEwRR_h93J9n6P8zLObubQ1XeJFdBLpcq0QVXwYg2e2JvHjfUpxRLpkCjuJEcD0n08wtGrVqkXE6dR-xDEWuu9MFYuwExU2YU9PCoJoI6ZpLh5WEso5XHGJOiVbnh5J1Hg/s320/img_3410_medium2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from the Ravelry pattern page linked above.</td></tr>
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Also the pattern is based on something that Lady Edith wore on Downton Abbey and she's the bestest so.... yeah. Had to knit it.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/17810717373" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Prairie Yarn by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Prairie Yarn" height="427" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7746/17810717373_dedf90618c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Yay for epic adventures and epic projects!<br />
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PS all of this yarn is available at <a href="http://www.destinationyarn.etsy.com/">Destination Yarn</a>.Sourire11http://www.blogger.com/profile/16353128118756158137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11630203.post-8297980054307804542015-06-02T23:06:00.000-04:002015-06-03T00:08:14.757-04:00End of the Year Teacher GiftsSo! SO MUCH has been going on with the girl lately. Like the very last day of Kindergarten ever:<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/17786604463" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Last day of School by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Last day of School" height="640" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/408/17786604463_d0a8a12392_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
SHE DID IT! We survived! The first kid in all day school is a BIG adjustment. To say the least. But we're on the other side of it now. And she did fantastic. And the boys adjusted to spending the day without their girl. All good things. As her teacher put it "she is SO ready for first grade!"<br />
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Her teachers were awesome. I can't say enough good things about them. She really blossomed this year.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/18219454108" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Last day of School by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Last day of School" height="640" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/351/18219454108_6009554154_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
Also they are knitters! No, really. New knitters becoming obsessive knitters. At one point during the year I pointed them at Ravelry. MWAHAHAHAHAHAH. And during her conference - after the conferency things and important stuff was over, of course - I answered knitting questions for them. YEAH. When you're an indie dyer and your kid's teachers are knitters end of the year gifts are easy:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/18221130819" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Last day of School by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Last day of School" height="640" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8869/18221130819_108404806c_z.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Campus International colorway. BOOM.</td></tr>
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My daughter actually designed the colorway. She did a sketch of her school colors to show me what colors to use. I mixed the dye and then she did this:<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/18099172421" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="@Regrann from @destinationyarn - I had a helper in my studio today! Her teachers became KNITTERS this year so she's helping me dye up some end of the year gifts. #knittersofinstagram #dyersofinstagram #indiedyer #yarn #Regrann by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="@Regrann from @destinationyarn - I had a helper in my studio today! Her teachers became KNITTERS this year so she's helping me dye up some end of the year gifts. #knittersofinstagram #dyersofinstagram #indiedyer #yarn #Regrann" height="640" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7752/18099172421_1fe96337f4_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
SO PROUD.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/18221135219" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Last day of School by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Last day of School" height="640" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8808/18221135219_500b526e61_z.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
It was very fun. To complete the gift I packaged the whole thing as a sock kit. This is their first time knitting socks so I figured they needed a pattern and needles as well:<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/18408954051" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Last day of School by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Last day of School" height="640" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/260/18408954051_00376abdb0_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
The kits are leftover from way back when I set them up to sell at Joseph Beth Booksellers. I had 3 different kits of Destination Yarn, pattern, and needles and used to sell them at all of the Joseph Beth stores across the midwest. But then Joseph Beth went out of business. So I have a few leftover. Perfect teacher's gift! In case you still need a teacher's gift - or need something for the sock knitter in your life - I have the kits for sale at any of my shows. Look for an upcoming list - BIG things happening soon!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/18407231035" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Last day of School by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Last day of School" height="640" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7752/18407231035_19a7c33e21_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seriously are we done with this photoshoot now? It's really early in the morning.</td></tr>
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Yay for the official start to summer!!!Sourire11http://www.blogger.com/profile/16353128118756158137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11630203.post-9086114787551067572015-05-28T14:35:00.000-04:002015-05-28T14:35:12.375-04:00Catchup.So! Just as this blog was getting interesting with giveaways and content and whatnot our computer decided it was done with this world. GAAAAAH. But! After much angst and over thinking we have a shiny new one now. That's super portable and actually works and stuff. Which means I can sit outside and write while my kids do this:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/17581525594" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="funtimes by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="funtimes" height="360" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7794/17581525594_59bd19a8aa_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">YAY SUMMER!</td></tr>
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Seriously all of a sudden it's summer! Full on. We even took the kids to the beach the other night because we were sick of parenting: <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/17497343744" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="My happy place. #lakeerielove #lakeerie #greatlake #latergram #thisiscle #cleveland #knittersofinstagram #instaknit #knitting #destinationyarn #cheerskal by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="My happy place. #lakeerielove #lakeerie #greatlake #latergram #thisiscle #cleveland #knittersofinstagram #instaknit #knitting #destinationyarn #cheerskal" height="640" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8759/17497343744_7d084ea0d6_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PERFECTION.</td></tr>
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How long will a sandy beach and some buckets amuse 3 kids? INFINITY.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/18205310501" title="funtimes by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="funtimes" height="360" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7740/18205310501_00eddb4021_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The dude had his last day of school:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/17511335368" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Last day of preschool. What a fun year it has been! #stevensonpartyoffive by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Last day of preschool. What a fun year it has been! #stevensonpartyoffive" height="640" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5462/17511335368_aabc3a5987_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He looks so grown up!</td></tr>
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And the girl finishes up tomorrow. She already had her end-of-the-year music concert and it was insane with adorable:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/17251544884" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Getting ready for the Campus International spring production! My girl is the fish in the front in the sparkly dress. #thisiscle #CLEVELAND #216 #clevelandgram by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Getting ready for the Campus International spring production! My girl is the fish in the front in the sparkly dress. #thisiscle #CLEVELAND #216 #clevelandgram" height="640" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7773/17251544884_1591c43e47_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She's the fish in front in the sparkly dress. </td></tr>
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<br />
And we've had a few beginning of the summer adventures:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/17737063955" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Family hike! #stevensonpartyoffive @clevemetroparks #metroparks by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Family hike! #stevensonpartyoffive @clevemetroparks #metroparks" height="640" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8866/17737063955_bec3cb70f1_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Family Hike at Whipps Ledges.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/17281573178" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Ice cream with cousins. Perfect end to a fun day with family. #stevensonpartyoffive #cousins by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Ice cream with cousins. Perfect end to a fun day with family. #stevensonpartyoffive #cousins" height="640" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8794/17281573178_85d3cec9d9_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ice cream in Pennsylvania with cousins.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/17396194783" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Alpaca!!! #stevensonpartyoffive #greatlakesfibershow by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Alpaca!!! #stevensonpartyoffive #greatlakesfibershow" height="640" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8888/17396194783_5a74ea6522_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alpaca!!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/17581595504" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="2015-05-28 14.27.12 by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="2015-05-28 14.27.12" height="511" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7747/17581595504_c2759703da_z.jpg" width="511" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">WOOL FEST! My mom subbed in for Matt because despite being married to me for the last 10 years he was oddly uninterested in spending an entire day shopping for yarn. Also he had to work.</td></tr>
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With many more big things in the works (more on that coming). <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/18204162995" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="funtimes by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="funtimes" height="360" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8895/18204162995_4104f431b4_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watching the Cavs game together. I'm hoping the Big Things this summer involve a CHAMPIONSHIP IN CLEVELAND!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/18016432960" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="funtimes by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="funtimes" height="360" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7757/18016432960_37e10f0ef3_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Park playdate/meeting with another mom. Working playdates are the best.</td></tr>
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So yeah. I"m back. And I'm ready. Because it's going to be such a fun summer!!!<br />
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Sourire11http://www.blogger.com/profile/16353128118756158137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11630203.post-49477635394631888762015-05-08T18:02:00.000-04:002015-05-08T18:02:54.646-04:00Gardening with Petitti's!So! It's planting season! <br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/16814521013" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Petitti's Garden Center by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Petitti's Garden Center" height="427" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7660/16814521013_975c49198d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Or... yard de-shaming season depending on your point of view. Our yard needed a whole bunch of de-shaming this year:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/17432946782" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="SHAME by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="SHAME" height="427" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8835/17432946782_618b8624a5_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This house is vacant, right?</td></tr>
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See we live on a super main road and last year(s) I've had completely non-trustworthy toddlers. So I'd pull out one weed and then frantically chase a kid who was too near the road. Nope. Our front yard has strictly been only what you need to survive levels of maintenance.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/17248658859" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="SHAME by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="SHAME" height="360" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7785/17248658859_8e60eed3c8_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SERIOUSLY DO RACCOONS LIVE HERE?</td></tr>
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That changes this year. I used to really enjoy gardening - you can dig through the archives and find lots of posts about salsa gardens and sunflowers. But that was before the tiny humans ransacked our house and priorities. They are finally old enough now to either help out or at the very least not flail towards the street while we're pulling weeds. So this weekend with a little help from Petitti's we did this:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/17247507610" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Garden! by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Garden!" height="427" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8684/17247507610_dc68f58b53_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SO MUCH BETTER!</td></tr>
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We replaced the edging which was a rotten mess with some bricks that match the patio we built. Pulled 6 lawn bags full of weeds and spread a ridiculous amount of mulch:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/17435048635" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Garden! by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Garden!" height="427" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8787/17435048635_6964042ba0_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BOOM, BABY.</td></tr>
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But we wanted a finishing touch. A new tree to make us excited about our yard again. We've always wanted a fruit tree. So we took the kids out to Petitti's in Strongsville to pick one out. It was such fun!<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/17248335359" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Petitti's Garden Center by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Petitti's Garden Center" height="427" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7778/17248335359_1d0bafaf66_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/17247148658" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Petitti's Garden Center by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Petitti's Garden Center" height="427" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7794/17247148658_60076518a7_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I have never been to a gardening place this big before. It was a ball. The kids loved playing in the rows and rows of plants. I loved being able to ask a knowledgeable person an insane amount of questions so that I don't immediately kill our new plants.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/17432877032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Petitti's Garden Center by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Petitti's Garden Center" height="640" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7730/17432877032_5ce973714b_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
Although they come with a year guarantee and they've been raised in Ohio - so they are used to our winters.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/17246960448" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Petitti's Garden Center by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Petitti's Garden Center" height="427" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8715/17246960448_7d2da41c2a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
After much debate we ended up bringing home a peach tree AND a pear tree. Because SPRING. We couldn't decide and the kids wanted both, so... here we are. Also a whole bunch of hanging baskets (they were on sale!). <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/17435113615" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Garden! by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Garden!" height="800" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8692/17435113615_58254d781d_c.jpg" width="450" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our new Peach Tree!</td></tr>
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We needed to move their playhouse a bit to put in the pear tree but I think it worked out.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/17433120922" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Garden! by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Garden!" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7705/17433120922_8ef7d246f2_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And it's amazing how much color and fun the hanging baskets add to our yard!<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/17435125945" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Garden! by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Garden!" height="640" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8688/17435125945_18c16ddbb8_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/17247365868" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Garden! by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Garden!" height="427" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8778/17247365868_9d72a997d8_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Anyways if you want to de-shame your yard, too, Petitti's has generously given me a $50 giftcard to share with my readers! Here's how to enter to win:<br />
<br />
<br />
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="c71cbf6b11" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/c71cbf6b11/" id="rcwidget_ue6z1u8y" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>
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Yay for spring and gardens!!!<br />
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<i>Disclosure: I was provided with a giftcard to Petitti's in exchange for this post. As always all opinions and shameful yards are my own.</i><br />
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<br />Sourire11http://www.blogger.com/profile/16353128118756158137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11630203.post-59339586361111252082015-05-07T13:53:00.001-04:002015-05-07T13:53:17.701-04:00UncommonGoods and Mother's Day!So! Mother's Day is this weekend! And I just wanted to write a quick post to let you know about an awesome place to find a last-minute mother's day gift:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_q4N6PKJPPzcQ9ZpW6qqnwr79eZNJAtUVcD5cBpvD7sFfJ0Qy_YSPlfygrTyyNvODPep9XurifTLkeFR_Wm4lHt_kZeh0yFPjXKE3idnnfYz4LMIKmKt6QFzePq1_V2AfpM-OZA/s1600/uncommongoods.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_q4N6PKJPPzcQ9ZpW6qqnwr79eZNJAtUVcD5cBpvD7sFfJ0Qy_YSPlfygrTyyNvODPep9XurifTLkeFR_Wm4lHt_kZeh0yFPjXKE3idnnfYz4LMIKmKt6QFzePq1_V2AfpM-OZA/s1600/uncommongoods.png" /></a></div>
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I just discovered this company - <a href="http://www.uncommongoods.com/">Uncommongoods</a> - and I have to say that they are awesome. They bring together all sorts of interesting and unique gifts in one place for easy shopping. And a good portion of their items are hand made. Which as someone who sells handmade products I FULLY support. A company that gets customers in touch with artists in an easy-to-access way? YES. And they have an entire section of <a href="http://www.uncommongoods.com/for-her/gifts-for-mom/gifts-for-mom">Gifts for Mom</a>!<br />
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Also? They have gifts for knitters. Seriously check out this basket: <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR9LYY3diVHWV05u2i3PXunr4JOs83coa-qh9QDMaFEu_Ky_QG5ASNUM7irgKMoTgMr4Wpa3zlTMhEfdNWjau_U5aAT7N9N5OBw8Dswaf9iNX7sOV-kmc2Hf6YwcsnHkBl5yRNcA/s1600/25483_zoom1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR9LYY3diVHWV05u2i3PXunr4JOs83coa-qh9QDMaFEu_Ky_QG5ASNUM7irgKMoTgMr4Wpa3zlTMhEfdNWjau_U5aAT7N9N5OBw8Dswaf9iNX7sOV-kmc2Hf6YwcsnHkBl5yRNcA/s320/25483_zoom1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">H<a href="http://www.uncommongoods.com/product/handmade-herringbone-knitting-basket">andmade basket for yarn</a>. YES YES YES.</td></tr>
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Or <a href="http://www.uncommongoods.com/product/make-waves-yarn-bowl">these yarn bowls</a>. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx9_0SvzYFhNH3YPqjqK2j5e5wg2CLjs6Mo5rUXBQFde_rfMWg39anYjXt0pDrNS5u79hNcQcsMy8JgViwRCWfMd3Z9fdIexNSb5vEwMF2l_SEozruPkpqX_oKvpmdCim2XyKOBg/s1600/24957_zoom1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx9_0SvzYFhNH3YPqjqK2j5e5wg2CLjs6Mo5rUXBQFde_rfMWg39anYjXt0pDrNS5u79hNcQcsMy8JgViwRCWfMd3Z9fdIexNSb5vEwMF2l_SEozruPkpqX_oKvpmdCim2XyKOBg/s320/24957_zoom1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I actually haven't had a chance to use a yarn bowl yet. Most of my projects get dragged around the world with me so I use the super fancy ziplock bag instead of anything nice. I've always wanted one, though. Are they as amazing as I"m picturing them? <br />
<br />
Anyways! They sent me this beautiful necklace to introduce me to their line of products:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguVqwKUnn2gUO03yYVEO7c1EGzz3wBJ99uYwX03HsJBCW-LInvvf20YZurPc0hFAyAINxRhG5DoX5x_fXKcelHYEGEWgMj9y1-5nIPVFNsOcICgqL1-BcX8CUxffmU3d4DCPrHVg/s1600/IMG_4544.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguVqwKUnn2gUO03yYVEO7c1EGzz3wBJ99uYwX03HsJBCW-LInvvf20YZurPc0hFAyAINxRhG5DoX5x_fXKcelHYEGEWgMj9y1-5nIPVFNsOcICgqL1-BcX8CUxffmU3d4DCPrHVg/s640/IMG_4544.JPG" width="425" /></a></div>
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It's hand blown glass and so, so pretty. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHek00qzwlJZJW9NaaFJnhg27xvoQUFe12sGeze-VYICTnAC8tm4Ke0_zdzbzO0YOLBz08b3iqnHFaLb7zjPD9JwpZa36owTGncAkv8ZFNISgPWh1YTilwuwBqNsT2Sq0tEGJAUw/s1600/IMG_4540.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHek00qzwlJZJW9NaaFJnhg27xvoQUFe12sGeze-VYICTnAC8tm4Ke0_zdzbzO0YOLBz08b3iqnHFaLb7zjPD9JwpZa36owTGncAkv8ZFNISgPWh1YTilwuwBqNsT2Sq0tEGJAUw/s320/IMG_4540.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
I chose it because in the artist description (the hand made items have artist descriptions! I love that. I always like to know the story of who is behind something) it mentioned that she was obsessed with color. SOUNDS FAMILIAR!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHod2wRQG_rk9PH3UrBmUiuibL9uSZR0uf-L_T_fMjU524JjC_270V_pqXvdIrBxIoC8PTXlhL5mggECtnp-uWblfWui6zkvs5-PDmFr0m1irGdUgJA5wg6snky1c11JVf3Ic1vQ/s1600/IMG_4542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHod2wRQG_rk9PH3UrBmUiuibL9uSZR0uf-L_T_fMjU524JjC_270V_pqXvdIrBxIoC8PTXlhL5mggECtnp-uWblfWui6zkvs5-PDmFr0m1irGdUgJA5wg6snky1c11JVf3Ic1vQ/s640/IMG_4542.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
They have a ton of other great products that would be perfect for Mother's Day as well. They even put together a whole collection of <a href="http://www.uncommongoods.com/gifts/mothers-day-gifts/mothers-day-gifts">Mother's Day Gifts</a> to help you shop. Just an FYI, though, today is the last day to order and have your item in time for Sunday. Have fun shopping!<br />
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<i>Disclaimer: I was provided with the lovely necklace in this post in exchange for this review and post. As always all opinions are my own.</i><br />
<br />
<br />Sourire11http://www.blogger.com/profile/16353128118756158137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11630203.post-9297289196243145522015-05-05T22:22:00.000-04:002015-05-05T22:25:30.333-04:00Chevron Baby Blanket.So check out the chevron baby blanket I knit for my friend's new daughter!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/17124663067" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Chevron Baby Blanket by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Chevron Baby Blanket" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7784/17124663067_7871a74224_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MMMM CHEVRON GOODNESS.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Isn't it pretty! I'm so happy with how it came out.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/17124715447" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Chevron Baby Blanket by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Chevron Baby Blanket" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7701/17124715447_35814cfea1_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I knit it in direct violation of my "don't knit for newborns" rule. See newborns grow SO FLIPPING FAST that I usually give a hand knit as a first birthday gift instead. A sweater that is worn with the sleeves flipped up on a 1 year old will still fit at 2 and sometimes even for another winter. But newborns? Maybe you get a month out of it. And they'll probably puke on it. Blergh. HOWEVER this kid got me to break my rule:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/17198056078" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="FB_IMG_1430877955708 by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="FB_IMG_1430877955708" height="640" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5467/17198056078_17461c9621_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So. Much. Adorable.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Because she is a 3rd child. And 3rd kids don't get hand knits. No, really. My daughter could have worn something hand made every day of her infancy. The dude - my middle child - also had piles of handmade goodness even if it was significantly less than his sister. Tiny? Well... <i>I</i> didn't even knit for Tiny. In my defense I had 2 other kids to look after while redoing our entire basement pregnant so....<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/9044706863" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_0635 (2) by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0635 (2)" height="640" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3825/9044706863_c3c5ee6018_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AT LEAST MY GRANDMA KNIT FOR ME.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When my friend found out she was pregnant for the 3rd time I knew that I wanted to make that baby something very special. All her own.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/17144563560" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Chevron Baby Blanket by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Chevron Baby Blanket" height="640" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8809/17144563560_1a19d7f689_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
Sidenote: When Tiny was first born my mom told my dad she was worried that as the little one he would end up with "the shit end of the stick." And my dad famously said "there's no shit on that stick." Meaning that in our little family it doesn't matter when you were born because it's going to be good. Which is exactly how I feel about it. Tiny may not have as much attention from me, specifically, but he has more attention overall. Because he has 2 siblings that <i>adore </i>him.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/17383845912" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="I'm working on a blog post w s part about 3rd kids and scrolled through my phone to find a picture to use. I think this sbout sums it up! #siblings by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="I'm working on a blog post w s part about 3rd kids and scrolled through my phone to find a picture to use. I think this sbout sums it up! #siblings" height="640" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7785/17383845912_3b074619cb_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Also he gets to play with all of his siblings toys. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Anyways! The chevrons! I started with <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/chevron-baby-blanket-2">this pattern</a> and then decided that I needed to knit it in bulky yarn. A tiny baby in a bulky knit = ADORABLE.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/17306233576" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Chevron Baby Blanket by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Chevron Baby Blanket" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7762/17306233576_7f45c2f58e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I used Plymouth Encore Bulky in bright, girly colors and repeated the 3 stripe pattern down the whole blanket: <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/17124775097" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Chevron Baby Blanket by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Chevron Baby Blanket" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7729/17124775097_7f19050579_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I also added in a garter stitch edging all around to give it a more finished look: <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/17124730957" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Chevron Baby Blanket by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Chevron Baby Blanket" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7797/17124730957_27edcc56b8_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mmmmmm. Edging.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I changed the size of the pattern to make sense with the bulky yarn. If you want to do the same thing I wrote it all out on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/Sourire11/chevron-baby-blanket">my Ravelry project page</a>. The whole thing took 2 balls of each of the pinks and one of the blue. It knit up faster than I expected and was really fun to work on.<br />
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Yay for 3rd babies and Yay for handknits!Sourire11http://www.blogger.com/profile/16353128118756158137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11630203.post-51842895258641483412015-04-27T20:26:00.001-04:002015-05-01T09:48:46.663-04:00Family Concerts at Severance Hall.So! I am thrilled to be giving away family sets of FOUR tickets to the Cleveland Orchestra!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidxQA8HvpJzZBkzsOEIIZTHdmhPuf_aziQU96Rc7_HinS2IB2AsldqFesFAhqu9PR-9WaY0H9xTV90I0ZCV8UV_IDTC41ZxpYYX0VMZO9t9pwnLthga_Gyc1ugVbtqLS28Jpvicg/s1600/logo-cleveland.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidxQA8HvpJzZBkzsOEIIZTHdmhPuf_aziQU96Rc7_HinS2IB2AsldqFesFAhqu9PR-9WaY0H9xTV90I0ZCV8UV_IDTC41ZxpYYX0VMZO9t9pwnLthga_Gyc1ugVbtqLS28Jpvicg/s1600/logo-cleveland.png" /></a></div>
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Wait. Let me rewind. The Cleveland Orchestra is one of our city's best assets. It is literally one of the best orchestras in the country if not the world. And Severance Hall is in a word STUNNING: <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thomsheridan/5407568987" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Severance Hall by Thom Sheridan, on Flickr"><img alt="Severance Hall" height="427" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5174/5407568987_6bf4383f6c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thomsheridan/5407568987/in/photolist-9eRcS4-bEsqzC-9ekhwA-7aEu6p-pqmUhW-jqYwS4-2B4oWu-7aEt24-7aEtJk-7aEtVM-pqpqsd-8okPcm-pqmSz7-rKYkTz-6GuR9K-bEsqxU-jr1soU-8ohD2g-7aEtCD-pqjnh4">Image from flickr here.</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
But! With little kids I thought it was out of reach. For us to go would mean babysitting which is few and far between. And toddlers aren't exactly appropriate at the symphony. So we'd take the kids to <a href="http://www.clevelandorchestra.com/en/Tickets/Blossom-Lawn-Ticket-Books-160/">Blossom Music Center</a> for a concert every summer and figured that was all we could do.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/7927013298" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="First trip to Blossom by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="First trip to Blossom" height="480" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8042/7927013298_3484b00e61_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blossom way back in 2012. We've gone every year since!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Turns out? I was completely wrong. The Cleveland Orchestra has an entire series of concerts specifically for children! And they are <i>awesome. </i>There are two types of concerts (from <a href="http://www.clevelandorchestra.com/">the Cleveland Orchestra Website</a>):<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<h3 style="margin-bottom: 0px;">
PNC Musical Rainbows<i> - ideal for children 3 to 6</i>
</h3>
Which instrument is bigger <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">–</span>
violin or viola? How many strings are on a harp? What’s a bassoon?
Children will discover the answers to these musical questions and more
during our 30-minute Musical Rainbow concerts. These presentations are a
fun, interactive way for our youngest listeners to learn about the
instruments of the orchestra, one at a time. PNC Musical Rainbow
concerts are performed by Cleveland Orchestra musicians and guests, are
hosted by local actress and singer Maryann Nagel. Children have the
chance to sing, clap, and move to the music as they have fun learning
all about orchestral instruments. Musical Rainbows are performed in the
400-seat Reinberger Chamber Hall at Severance Hall. <br />
<h3 style="margin-bottom: 0px;">
Family Concerts<i> - ideal for children 7 and up</i>
</h3>
Family Concerts are a great way to get kids excited about classical
music! These narrated, 60-minute concerts performed by The Cleveland
Orchestra in historic Severance Hall, are structured around a theme and
feature guest artists such as young musicians, mimes, dancers, actors,
and more. Family Concerts offer a unique and fun-filled opportunity for
families to spend quality time with their children, enrich their lives
through exposure to the musical arts, and share the excitement of live
music performed by one of the world’s top orchestras.<br />
All Family Concerts are preceded by free activities, including
hands-on Instrument Discovery, throughout the hall that enhance your
child’s enjoyment of the performance.</blockquote>
We took our kids to a Musical Rainbows concert on Saturday and they had a great time:<br />
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/17288397582" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Family Concert at Severance Hall by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Family Concert at Severance Hall" height="360" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8795/17288397582_82bf18bcc3_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
It was super fun. The concert was exactly the right length to hold even Tiny's attention and was interactive and fun! They loved it:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/17293140902" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Musical Rainbows Concert by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Musical Rainbows Concert" height="548" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8716/17293140902_43a5edc888_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The concert was held in the Reinberger Chamber Hall - a smaller more intimate venue than the main concert hall - but equally beautiful:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/pete_m/12097420896" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Reinberger Chamber Hall by Feast of Music, on Flickr"><img alt="Reinberger Chamber Hall" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7429/12097420896_3b8900d895_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/pete_m/12097420896">Image from here</a>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Really everywhere in Severance is beautiful. Such an amazing building and space. I was proud to share it with my kids for the first time:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/17293125412" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Severance by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Severance" height="640" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7718/17293125412_4969c8a9a4_z.jpg" width="528" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ART DECO MAKES ME SWOON.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So I am very happy to be sharing the opportunity to go to one of these great concerts with my readers<span style="font-family: inherit;">!</span> I am giving away 2 sets of 4 tickets for each of their upcoming children's concerts - <span class="im">Vivaldi’s Ring of Mystery on Saturday, May 3 and </span>The Vivacious Viola on Saturday, <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1747962117" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">May 9</span></span>. Feel free to enter both contests!!!! </span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<a class="e-widget" href="https://gleam.io/sn9jD/cleveland-orchestra" rel="nofollow">Cleveland Orchestra</a>
<script async="true" src="https://js.gleam.io/e.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
<br />
<br />
<a class="e-widget" href="https://gleam.io/HzmQm/pnc-musical-rainbows-concert-the-vivacious-viola-may-9" rel="nofollow">PNC Musical Rainbows Concert - The Vivacious Viola – May 9</a>
<script async="true" src="https://js.gleam.io/e.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
<br />
<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Disclosure: My family and I received tickets to this event in exchange for this review. As always all opinions are my own.</i><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/17267152551" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Family portrait at MOCA. Although i wish i had noticed that the camera was in front of my face! @mocacleveland #stevensonpartyoffive #thisiscle #cleveland #cle #clevelandgram #lifeincleveland by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Family portrait at MOCA. Although i wish i had noticed that the camera was in front of my face! @mocacleveland #stevensonpartyoffive #thisiscle #cleveland #cle #clevelandgram #lifeincleveland" height="640" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7719/17267152551_d7a4ea71b2_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bonus family portrait in MOCA. We walked there for lunch after the concert. It was a lovely way to spend a Saturday in Cleveland!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Sourire11http://www.blogger.com/profile/16353128118756158137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11630203.post-35566614501570684012015-04-24T16:57:00.001-04:002015-04-24T17:01:32.826-04:00Stop Motion Fun. So! What a whilrlwind week this was! I have a bunch of legitimate posts to finish up but it's Friday. And it's finally warm enough to get back outside. And I may have promised a trip to the park to some kids who want to see how far a stomp rocket can fly....<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/17017773627" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Enjoying the sunshine despite the wind! #stevensonpartyoffive #thisiscle #cleveland #cle #clevelandgram by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Enjoying the sunshine despite the wind! #stevensonpartyoffive #thisiscle #cleveland #cle #clevelandgram" height="640" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5333/17017773627_4800241448_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">we love the park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
So how about a quickie post of things that are making me happy right now.<br />
<br />
1.) This video of stop motion silly faces:<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1Ihtm8YXu1A" width="640"></iframe>
<br />Ok a
couple of weeks ago Matt downloaded a stop motion app. And we spent a
very lazy Sat. morning with the kids playing with it. I have a bunch of
videos of family nonsense but this one is by far my favorite. SO MUCH
ADORABLE. And SILLY FACES. And I know this is a video that 10 or 20
years from now will make me cry instantly because LOOK HOW LITTLE AND
CUTE THEY WERE!!<br />
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2.) This yarn:<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/17070970800" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="The "Q" by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="The "Q"" height="640" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8772/17070970800_9b40c9302b_z.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
I can't even handle how perfectly it is knitting up. It's just a plain old sock knit on size 1.5 needles over 60 stitches. I cast on in the pickup line the other day, ribbed until I was bored, and then am doing a stockinette body. BOOM:<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/16629713003" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="My game day knitting. #destinationyarn #riseupcle #operationsockdrawer #indiedyer #yarn #knit #knitting #handdyedyarn by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="My game day knitting. #destinationyarn #riseupcle #operationsockdrawer #indiedyer #yarn #knit #knitting #handdyedyarn" height="640" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7726/16629713003_bf75c3d5c8_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The colorway is <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/30281775/variegated-sock-yarn-the-q?ref=shop_home_feat_3">"the Q"</a> because all of my colorways are places... but I kindof think that I should rename it #allinCLE. I think this might be our year! <br />
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Happy Weekend, everyone!Sourire11http://www.blogger.com/profile/16353128118756158137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11630203.post-69000288045408236392015-04-22T14:01:00.000-04:002015-04-22T14:03:46.700-04:00Fox 8 Cleveland and Sassy Chicken Salad.So. I was on Fox 8 Cleveland this morning! I made <a href="http://fox8.com/2015/04/22/fox-8-recipe-box-sassy-chicken-salad/">Sassy Chicken Salad</a> and tried not to make a fool out of myself. Here's the clip:<br />
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<script height="434px" src="http://player.ooyala.com/iframe.js#pbid=b248f00b9d6e4d7ba21cbc796a85f61c&ec=9pOHJudDr1re8cUdAp7VdRrKRpWM5piX" width="660px"></script>
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The whole experience was super fun. And pretty surreal. Everyone there was very, very nice:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/16616184433" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Cooking on Fox 8 News! by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Cooking on Fox 8 News!" height="640" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7722/16616184433_40ca180844_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Kristi Capel from her instagram page. I love that our outfits coordinated. Yay set design!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
From the producer to the hosts to the nice lady who set up my mic they made me feel right at home an totally at ease. Which was good because I was NERVOUS.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/16613946324" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Cooking on Fox 8 News! by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Cooking on Fox 8 News!" height="400" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7640/16613946324_779a673f4c_z.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Backstage where I set up my cooking segment and also TRIED NOT TO FREAK OUT.</td></tr>
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The set is really cool. Both bigger and smaller than I imagined. The cooking area was wheeled in to that empty space on the left:<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/17048626288" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Cooking on Fox 8 News! by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Cooking on Fox 8 News!" height="360" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5457/17048626288_1d472a1c61_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And this is the news desk:<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/17236397555" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Cooking on Fox 8 News! by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Cooking on Fox 8 News!" height="360" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7672/17236397555_e61073a962_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The response via facebook so far from family and friends who have watched has been pretty positive. But when after preschool pickup I asked the Dude - my 4 year old middle child - how I did he said this. And I quote:<br />
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"You looked weird. I missed you. ..... How do turtles go to the potty?"<br />
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THANKS, BUDDY. Then he wanted to know why I didn't cook something he likes. I asked him what I should have made and he said without hesitation "<a href="http://www.lifeincleveland.com/2013/11/apple-raspberry-sauce-bacon-sage.html">Apple Raspberry Sauce</a> and Peanut Butter Jelly" So there you have it. Forget Sassy Chicken Salad. I should have just shown off my mad pbj skilz.<br />
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But! They seemed to be happy with my performance. And I don't think that I looked... weird. Honestly once I got rolling with it it wasn't so much nerve-wrecking as just full on FUN. I would do it again in a heartbeat. <br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/17047714759" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Had SO much fun this morning on @fox8news with @kristi_capel ! Thanks for having me! #cleveland #cle #clevelandgram #lifeincleveland #stevensonpartyoffive by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Had SO much fun this morning on @fox8news with @kristi_capel ! Thanks for having me! #cleveland #cle #clevelandgram #lifeincleveland #stevensonpartyoffive" height="640" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8712/17047714759_b08336c5e7_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And since someone asked here's a better picture of the shawl I wore in the segment: <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/7797355392" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Ravellenic Shawl by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Ravellenic Shawl" height="427" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8305/7797355392_ac017009b5_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fragile Hearts knit out of Destination Yarn Silk Road in "Daiquiri" Many, many more details about it <a href="http://www.lifeincleveland.com/2012/08/ravellenic-gold.html">here</a>. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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If you are new to this blog and want to play along you can like <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LifeInCleveland">Life in Cleveland on Faceboo</a>k and follow @LifeinCle on <a href="https://twitter.com/LifeinCle">twitter </a>and <a href="https://instagram.com/lifeincle/">instagram</a>.<br />
<br />
If you're a knitter or into the whole yarn thing there's lots more pretty at <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/destinationyarn">Destination Yarn</a> and <a href="https://instagram.com/destinationyarn">@DestinationYarn</a> on instagram.<br />
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Yay for new experiences!<br />
<br />Sourire11http://www.blogger.com/profile/16353128118756158137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11630203.post-73350171075694751332015-04-21T14:10:00.001-04:002015-04-21T14:10:23.551-04:00Channelling Chef LorenzoSo. You guys. I'M GOING TO BE ON TV. Yes. For real. I was contacted to see if I wanted to be on the recipe segment of Fox 8 Cleveland's morning show. UM HOW ABOUT YES. So I will be cooking a delicious and Sassy Chicken Salad and chatting with them about ... well... Life in Cleveland.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/17037971078" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="conversation topics by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="conversation topics" height="423" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7710/17037971078_71ef64eff3_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Conversation topics I'm sure I will cover - my kids, Cleveland, and D<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/destinationyarn">estination Yarn</a>. Because there's only so long I can go without talking about yarn and the segment's 5 minutes so....</td></tr>
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And! As exciting as this is let me just take it up a notch with some backstory. This is Chef Lorenzo, my great-grandfather:<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/17018368067" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="20150421_135747 by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="20150421_135747" height="640" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7725/17018368067_2bb8d9094a_z.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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He was a celebrity chef in the 50's. Before celebrity chefs were a thing. He hosted a cooking show that had quite a following in the greater Cleveland area.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/17038265590" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Flipping through my celebrity chef great grandfather's recipe book to get ready for my TV appearance tomorrow. I hope I do him proud! #cheflorenzo by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Flipping through my celebrity chef great grandfather's recipe book to get ready for my TV appearance tomorrow. I hope I do him proud! #cheflorenzo" height="400" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7613/17038265590_930954f53e_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">His recipes have tv show air dates on them. AWESOME.</td></tr>
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A poster from one of his events hangs in my kitchen:<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/17224998941" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="20150421_133237 by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="20150421_133237" height="640" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7657/17224998941_006f4457b8_z.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
I hope I do him proud tomorrow! <br />
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(and also that i don't make a fool out of myself because SERIOUSLY)<br />
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The live (gulp) segment will be on Fox 8 tomorrow morning at around 8:30. Set your dvr's! And if you're not local I will post the clip after it airs.Sourire11http://www.blogger.com/profile/16353128118756158137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11630203.post-61256656059573603332015-04-20T18:32:00.000-04:002015-04-20T18:32:37.735-04:00A Frozen Birthday Party.So. Of course my daughter had a Frozen themed birthday party. Of course she did:<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/16936924921" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Frozen Birthday Party by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Frozen Birthday Party" height="640" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8726/16936924921_a3984e1488_o.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
Let me rewind. It's birthday season at the Life in Cleveland household - 4 out of the 5 of us celebrated birthdays in the last couple of weeks. CRAZYTOWN! And both of the big kids are old enough to have actual friends that they want to invite to actual parties. But with that much birthday in that short of a time I was uninterested in going overboard. A frozen theme? Sure. But let's keep it simple, shall we?<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/16911958696" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Frozen Birthday Party by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Frozen Birthday Party" height="425" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7629/16911958696_684ec86bf8_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pictured: Simple.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Because it's super easy to fall down the pintrest rabbit hole and think that somehow you are a terrible parent if you haven't taken out the glue gun or found the perfect printable. BAH. But! Even without the obsessive crafting I think we nailed the whole Frozen spirit. <br />
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The cake was probably the coolest part of the party. My mom has one of those barbie cake molds from the '80's. You know the one with the creepy half doll on a spike? She used that - and my daughter's barbie dolls - to make this happen:<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/16936993621" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Frozen Birthday Party by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Frozen Birthday Party" height="640" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8753/16936993621_e16e4a763a_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
Because when you can't decide between Elsa and Anna why not go for both! Plus the cake basically looks like the picture of the sisters back to back that's on ALL OF THE THINGS:<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/17216968955" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Elsa and Anna Cake by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Elsa and Anna Cake" height="548" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8720/17216968955_55171027ea_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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She wrapped the dolls in saran wrap before putting them in the cake to keep frosting out of their joints. Afterwards I just used dishsoap to wash them off. No problem. Although as the frosting warmed up and melted Anna started to have a.... wardrobe malfunction.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/16317905243" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Frozen Birthday Party by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Frozen Birthday Party" height="640" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7588/16317905243_d80ec76f16_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anna's going to end up on TMZ if she's not careful.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The food was easy. We used a tiered serving platter thing that we already had which made the whole affair SUPER FANCY. Then we rubberbanded our daughter's other Elsa doll to the top.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/17029135908" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="frozen party food by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="frozen party food" height="547" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8752/17029135908_83ccd4a282_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LET IT GOOOOOO LET IT GOOOOO WHY DO WE HAVE TWO OF THESE DOLLS?</td></tr>
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We had baby carrots (Olaf noses), blue jello jigglers (ice cubes), and pretzels dipped in blue chocolate leftover from the treat bags. EASY.<br />
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Oh yeah the treats were Frozen Hearts. We had the heart mold from Valentine's Day and used blue and white chocolate. They turned out really cute! <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/17030709449" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Frozen favors by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Frozen favors" height="378" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8697/17030709449_7619f42822_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They were also the only thing in the bags.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I poured some blue Gatorade into my trifle bowl and voila. Fancy Frozen Drink:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/16315486324" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Frozen Birthday Party by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Frozen Birthday Party" height="266" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8686/16315486324_2e61443c44_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Also twisty straws b/c FANCY.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The rest was basically just crepe paper and balloons. Oh and some gingham napkins I still had from the <a href="http://www.lifeincleveland.com/2014/10/target-napkin-gingham-totes.html">Target Napkins Tote Bags.</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/16730638267" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Frozen Birthday Party by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Frozen Birthday Party" height="360" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8727/16730638267_6467862abb_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And snowflakes that were still up from Christmas. The girl and I cut them all out over the holidays and I told her we could leave them up until her birthday:<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/16046224908" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Cold day off from school meant my girl and I could finish our paper snowflake curtain. #snowflake #crafty by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Cold day off from school meant my girl and I could finish our paper snowflake curtain. #snowflake #crafty" height="640" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8656/16046224908_6c129feccf_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
During the party we played Pin the Nose on Olaf - Matt sketched Olaf onto poster board and the Girl cut out noses. And "Snowball Toss" a game Matt devised using mixing bowls some bean bag snowballs that the boys got for Christmas. We also did a Frozen Freeze dance and let the girls go nuts until the music stopped. That was a huge hit. Because who doesn't want to listen to "Let it Go" over and over and over again? <br />
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So yeah. It might not have been insane with the branding or the printables or the pintrest. But I think we pulled off a pretty spectacular Frozen birthday! I know our girl was happy:<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/16911946696" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Frozen Birthday Party by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Frozen Birthday Party" height="640" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7620/16911946696_71b01b0a23_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
And as a bonus here's a picture of my FAVORITE BIRTHDAY EVER. I grew up in a double and for whatever reason the other half was empty one year around my birthday. So my mom had the party there in the empty house. It was AWESOME. Pizza picnic on the floor and room to run around and chase balloons? Perfect.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/17215365422" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="20150327_115526 by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="20150327_115526" height="360" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7704/17215365422_54de62bcb3_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes. My brother is wearing a bunny suit. I don't know either.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Next party to blog about? The Dude's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle 4th. COWABUNGA.<br />
<br />Sourire11http://www.blogger.com/profile/16353128118756158137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11630203.post-18406663480536758982015-04-17T15:05:00.003-04:002015-04-17T15:05:58.620-04:00Cheers! I'm 35!So! Today is my 35th birthday. RIGHT?<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/16992118978" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="20150319_182052 by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="20150319_182052" height="640" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8822/16992118978_9ca5a374c0_z.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
Although I think I used up all of my I AM SO OLD angst <a href="http://www.lifeincleveland.com/2014/04/34-and-big-spring.html">last year with 34 </a>because this year really isn't getting to me at all. I'm feeling like... I'm 35. What up. Sure I'm another box on forms and such but I'm also really happy with my life. We've had a lot of very hard, very sleep deprived years to get to this point. And finally we are on the cusp of a whole bunch of awesome. Both for this year and the foreseeable future. So yeah. 35? BRING IT ON.<br />
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And what better way to celebrate a birthday than with a shawl named Cheers!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguHAVXFPsREJvUvfEndakpTUdqd3iJHv9ipHvcKVZNc6kCN0b-MlbWCsVbkx1Jys0azKm-A53UC4cd7QI-ylT9NNeCvq63hkOdYoAPlu9dKom0Th3exoiveKygkqGMuXIJ1eOXtw/s1600/cheers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguHAVXFPsREJvUvfEndakpTUdqd3iJHv9ipHvcKVZNc6kCN0b-MlbWCsVbkx1Jys0azKm-A53UC4cd7QI-ylT9NNeCvq63hkOdYoAPlu9dKom0Th3exoiveKygkqGMuXIJ1eOXtw/s1600/cheers.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cheers-2">Cheers!</a> By <a href="http://www.nelkindesigns.com/index.cfm">Laura Nelkin</a> <br />
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</tbody></table>
I'm knitting with this very happy yarn:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/16992599150" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Color Run by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Color Run" height="640" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8723/16992599150_64c7d10e6a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Color Run" by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/destinationyarn">Destination Yarn</a></td></tr>
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The yarn is one of my new, speckled dyed colorways. They are SO FUN to dye and possibly even funner to knit. (Available now from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/destinationyarn">Destination Yarn!</a>)<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/17178465082" title="Cheers in Color Run by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Cheers in Color Run" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7721/17178465082_9785451a2a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
(btw @DestinationYarn is now on instagram and I tend to post dying behind the scenes stuff there if you are interested). <br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/17178532132" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Cheers in Color Run by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Cheers in Color Run" height="427" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8697/17178532132_b15761f008_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I'm using a dark grey for the border (Storm Clouds semi-solid also by Destination Yarn) and I had some woe about the beads. The only size 8 beads I could find at craft stores were lame. I tried to make them work but my swatch said NOPE:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/16557708614" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Cheers in Color Run by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Cheers in Color Run" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7606/16557708614_3b7c0ebae5_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you even see the beads?</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/17180121625" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Cheers in Color Run by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Cheers in Color Run" height="427" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8802/17180121625_d3c0da49c9_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not really. Blah.</td></tr>
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So I ordered some online and am so glad I did. They came yesterday and BOOM:<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/16557718284" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Cheers in Color Run by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Cheers in Color Run" height="427" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8744/16557718284_09f3b86421_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
It's going to be awesome. It took so very much will power to fold the laundry last night instead of stringing these beads on immediately. But! What a nice birthday treat. <br />
<br />
So yeah. With that I"m going to spend my birthday knitting in the sunshine. At least until a kid needs me (so for like 5 minutes).
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/17018519276" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Happy Easter!!! #stevensonpartyoffive by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Happy Easter!!! #stevensonpartyoffive" height="640" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8740/17018519276_1a9db96f88_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pic from Easter. B/c this wouldn't be a real post without a picture of my kids. Also Tiny is wearing an Owls Sweater I knit for the Dude way back in the day.</td></tr>
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Sourire11http://www.blogger.com/profile/16353128118756158137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11630203.post-79203495993108507792015-03-20T15:43:00.000-04:002015-03-20T16:23:25.579-04:00Shalom for a Little Girl.So! I knit my girl a Shalom Sweater:<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/16849365796" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Shalom sweater by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Shalom sweater" height="427" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8704/16849365796_2411df1623_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
But... wait. I have to start at the beginning. See for the March installment of Kate and Jeanne's Road Trip Yarn Club we wanted a bulky yarn with pops of colors. The inspiration was Wildflowers on the Great Plains. I love how the finished colorway/pattern turned out.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/16253458014" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Wildflowers on the Great Plains by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Wildflowers on the Great Plains" height="593" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7639/16253458014_0cd80608ee_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
There's a couple of extra kits for this pattern up on the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/226942881/knitting-kit-with-hat-and-pattern-road?ref=shop_home_active_1">Destination Yarn Etsy Shop</a> along with some other colorways on the new bulky base.<br />
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But! It was a new base for me. And a completely new dye technique that I had never tried before called stipple dying. It was SO FUN to experiment with. But it took some serious getting used to. And after I screwed up one skein... and then another... and then another I threw my mistakes in the dyepot with a bunch of leftover dye and was all FINE. YOU WILL JUST BE PURPLE. STUPID YARN.<br />
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However my fit of rage lead to some really gorgeous yarn.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/16667813687" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Shalom sweater by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Shalom sweater" height="640" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8659/16667813687_19cc9b2730_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
I figured it would end up as a cowl or something. But my daughter claimed it. And I had just enough to make her this:<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/16687647638" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Shalom sweater by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Shalom sweater" height="640" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7613/16687647638_4a3e8453e4_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
It's the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/shalom-cardigan">Shalom Cardigan</a> pattern that everyone, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/Sourire11/shalom-cardigan">myself included</a>, knit a few years ago.<br />
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It knit up crazy quickly. Then on one of the MANY snow days we had she asked me to make a skirt to match. So we dug out some fabric and cranked out a <a href="http://oliverands.com/free-patterns/lazy-days-skirt/">Lazy Days Skirt</a>. Easy.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/16866855985" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Shalom for my girl by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Shalom for my girl" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7654/16866855985_c5c817988d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Literally that morning by 9:30 we had made a skirt and the boys had
watched a movie and IT WAS ONLY 9:30 WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DOOOOOO.
There were a belligerent amount of snow days in a row this year.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The finished outfit is just darling. A photoshoot after her art class at the CMA was necessary.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/16849588266" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Shalom Collage by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Shalom Collage" height="640" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7586/16849588266_8ea82b4e5e_z.jpg" width="616" /></a></div>
I love LOVE the yellow buttons. She picked them out herself from the button box I inherited from my great-grandmother. I'd guess the buttons are older than I am. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/16244474054" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Shalom for my girl by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Shalom for my girl" height="640" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7605/16244474054_dc274689df_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">90cents for buttons?!</td></tr>
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The yellow against the purple is just so kicky and perfect.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/16689085319" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Shalom sweater by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Shalom sweater" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7635/16689085319_94ab20a875_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
As far as modifications go it was pretty easy to take this down to a kid's size. I started with 51 stitches on a size 10.5 needle. I only did 3 knit stitches on either end because the 5 the pattern called for was a bit much on a little kid. Other than that I knit as written until the divide for the arms. After the 2nd increase I had 101 stitches and after the third I had 129. When dividing for the arms I K23, BO21, K43, BO 21, K23. Then cast on 9 under each arm. I omitted all of the waist shaping and just knit straight down from there.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/16687531698" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Shalom sweater by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Shalom sweater" height="640" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7283/16687531698_ec31a9cdcb_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
I actually had to do the divide for the arms twice. The first time she didn't like how tight it was across her back. So I ripped it out and adjusted my stitch counts. That's one of the best things about knitting. Make a mistake? Don't like how it fits/looks? Rip it out and use the yarn again. No problem.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/16518281905" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Trying her new sweater on for size. She seems to like it! 😄👍#knit #knitting #indiedyer #destinationyarn #yarn #handdyedyarn #knittersofinstagram #instaknit #sweater #Regrann from @destinationyarn by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Trying her new sweater on for size. She seems to like it! 😄👍#knit #knitting #indiedyer #destinationyarn #yarn #handdyedyarn #knittersofinstagram #instaknit #sweater #Regrann from @destinationyarn" height="400" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7375/16518281905_3ae31c687f_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Overall I'm just thrilled with this. The whole thing started as a mistake and turned into something really beautiful. She's worn it to school often since it was finished. I think that's about the best compliment I can ever receive.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/16687838700" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Shalom sweater by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Shalom sweater" height="640" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7647/16687838700_db992a708a_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
Also she turned 6 this week. Which. DUDE. It goes so fast. I'm actually writing this because I'm procrastinating getting the house ready for her Frozen Birthday party tomorrow. It's amazing how much festivity you can create with a few streamers and some balloons. Anyways in honor of her birthday here's a side by side of Shaloms from when I was hideously pregnant with her:<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/16688035240" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Shalom by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Shalom" height="583" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8658/16688035240_dc9d9cc98e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Yay for Shalom Sweaters!Sourire11http://www.blogger.com/profile/16353128118756158137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11630203.post-5878520028415879002015-03-11T19:19:00.000-04:002015-03-11T19:19:53.000-04:00Lake Erie Thaw.<h3>
Edgewater park in the fog.</h3>
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So Lake Erie is starting to thaw! It was 45 and sunny today! Spring might actually be a thing that is possible! And it's all causing some crazy awesome Great Lakes weather. Of course I had to take the kids to check it out. <br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/16600852278" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Edgewater Thaw by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Edgewater Thaw" height="640" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8676/16600852278_17308d101b_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
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We stopped by Edgewater Park on the way home from school today. And it was basically an alien landscape. <br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/16581129687" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Edgewater Thaw by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Edgewater Thaw" height="427" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8699/16581129687_53bd63a471_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The blue skies and sunshine against a crazy thick fog and still iced over lake well... I really wish I had brought my good camera:<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/16762622566" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Edgewater Thaw by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Edgewater Thaw" height="360" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7288/16762622566_b366743bf1_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/16166190534" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Edgewater Thaw by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Edgewater Thaw" height="640" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8722/16166190534_1942c62edf_z.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/16787354892" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Edgewater Thaw by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Edgewater Thaw" height="360" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7286/16787354892_2e53971211_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Although I probably had too much to manage what with 3 small kids and the dog...<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/16601088370" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Edgewater Thaw by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Edgewater Thaw" height="640" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8746/16601088370_1026231ec6_z.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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They were super into climbing on the rocks. Which was all sorts of fun:<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/16602334789" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Edgewater Thaw by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Edgewater Thaw" height="360" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8662/16602334789_e7c2b29f91_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/16788485525" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Edgewater Thaw by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Edgewater Thaw" height="360" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8602/16788485525_a0babfeecd_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/16787322671" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Edgewater Thaw by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Edgewater Thaw" height="360" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8674/16787322671_c4f8ee2eeb_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Although 2/3 kids have NO FEAR which... yeah it made for a bit of yelling when the girl was determined to climb to the lake. <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/16788464885" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Edgewater Thaw by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Edgewater Thaw" height="360" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7644/16788464885_507ba4b23e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seriously, child. You are making me nervous.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I don't think she quite realized that Lake Erie was the giant ice cube in front of her. Once that was clear she wanted to walk on it. Which, no. Not with little ones. Not during a thaw.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/16788428045" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Edgewater Thaw by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Edgewater Thaw" height="360" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8635/16788428045_49556a48ab_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Although we did check out the beach.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/16168494373" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Edgewater Thaw by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Edgewater Thaw" height="640" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7622/16168494373_386e1b05ba_z.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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Kindof. I realized that sand + melting ice = a terrible plan. So we drove around to the pier and checked that out instead:<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/16787342822" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Edgewater Thaw by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Edgewater Thaw" height="360" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8679/16787342822_a59f6c4edb_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
On the way home we stopped off at our city view place taking bets along the way about if we would be able to see the sky line. It's usually a great view - Lake Erie in the foreground, Cleveland in the background. I've posted that shot here many times. I figured it was about a 50/50 chance of seeing the city. Turns out I was right. We could see 50% of the city:<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/16787346012" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Edgewater Thaw by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Edgewater Thaw" height="427" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8670/16787346012_4de99ebdaf_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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My daughter thought it looked like someone erased the bottom half. Word:<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/16168529593" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Edgewater Thaw by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Edgewater Thaw" height="426" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8739/16168529593_9756e8fb97_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Yay for spring!<br />
Sourire11http://www.blogger.com/profile/16353128118756158137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11630203.post-51968358541430388142015-03-05T13:38:00.000-05:002015-03-05T13:38:26.839-05:00Throwback Thursday: Home from the Hospital.So today Matt's brother and sister-in-law are bringing their second child home from the hospital. We talked to them for awhile last night about the logistics of all of it. It brought back a whole slew of memories. So how about a Throwback Thursday Home from the Hospital style.<br />
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Here's Round 1 back in March of 2009:<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/3370746696" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="headed home by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="headed home" height="427" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3455/3370746696_d412be9ed5_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I remember starting to go down the road of "I can't believe they are letting us take this baby home!" and Matt SHUTTING ME DOWN. His take on it? "Yeah she's OUR kid. Of course we are taking her home. No one can care for her better than we can. Period." And that was it. No more jitters. Because he was completely right:<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/3369920047" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="headed home by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="headed home" height="427" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3425/3369920047_8ed2d8ba01_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Then Round 2. When I thought our girl would want to ride on my lap with me out of the hospital. Yeah not so much:<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/5627585082" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="HELPING by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="HELPING" height="427" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5186/5627585082_e981d3f7dc_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
She wanted to help push because she was a BIG GIRL. That was pretty much her attitude from there on out.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/5627002707" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Home by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Home" height="427" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5266/5627002707_fec69b55bf_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
We were also super worried that time about our dog. She was pretty new to our family and kindof a crazy pooch:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/5627021967" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DOT by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="DOT" height="427" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5025/5627021967_181aee581e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The big introduction. She was fine with him pretty quickly. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Round 3 was completely different. We were outnumbered! And I COULD NOT WAIT to get home. The hospital stay - being on my own away from the other two and under the care of nurses who had AGENDAS - was awful. We couldn't get out of their fast enough:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/16725820885" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Bringing tiny home by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Bringing tiny home" height="480" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8585/16725820885_17b5fe2ba0_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Run! Don't even stop for a picture just GET. ME. HOME.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Dude did want to ride with me. He wanted everything with me. He was not so into being helpful or acknowledging his sibling at all:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/16699939146" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Bringing tiny home by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Bringing tiny home" height="480" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8603/16699939146_025c791fbc_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The girl helping me give her new brother a bath while the dude sulks in the background. Pretty perfect summary of the day.</td></tr>
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He got over it eventually and now they are best of friends - they are literally racing cars together under my legs as I write this. The dog introduction was very different this time around as well. Tiny got dumped in the middle of the kitchen while we were unloading/taking care of the other two. And then we were like oh, right. Someone should have told the dog:<br />
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I think she sniffed him once and moved on with her life. Babies aren't that interesting to dogs until they get in a high chair. My biggest memory from that time, though was that sometime while I was in the hospital the girl took a huge chunk out of her hair. It was BAD. So I left my Tiny, hoped he wouldn't need to nurse in the hour I was gone, and took my daughter for her first haircut. MILESTONES:<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/9063135120" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="She had her first haircut ever today. A few inches shorter and it's a lot curlier! #redhead #picstitch by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="She had her first haircut ever today. A few inches shorter and it's a lot curlier! #redhead #picstitch" height="612" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2883/9063135120_49667dd9f5_z.jpg" width="612" /></a></div>
It was a good introduction into the world of trying to manage THREE. So yeah. Those first few days home - especially with other kids in the mix - are INTENSE. Intense and kindof magical. <br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/9056041317" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="There's just something about a newborn.... #love #siblings by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="There's just something about a newborn.... #love #siblings" height="400" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7432/9056041317_99fe047a8e_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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We wish them well!Sourire11http://www.blogger.com/profile/16353128118756158137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11630203.post-55241385601474130922015-03-03T14:22:00.000-05:002015-03-03T14:32:17.491-05:00Tiny Dude Hat.So. Tiny has a new hat! And I have a new free hat pattern to offer you guys!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhncNjl5qJ37UnTzl6sAo4ncgSsTcRtFdW3P7P3_aModKHKyUF83UAFMrotK6uXMBHPmNxtkgkpMsrXEYZh5T40us_5AC2fa8AcynUIXWGnAQlz3jg-ssOAb-ukmWBNMBSbDmDYqg/s1600/tiny+dude+hat+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhncNjl5qJ37UnTzl6sAo4ncgSsTcRtFdW3P7P3_aModKHKyUF83UAFMrotK6uXMBHPmNxtkgkpMsrXEYZh5T40us_5AC2fa8AcynUIXWGnAQlz3jg-ssOAb-ukmWBNMBSbDmDYqg/s1600/tiny+dude+hat+copy.jpg" height="482" width="640" /></a></div>
See for awhile there I thought we had lost the <a href="http://www.lifeincleveland.com/2013/01/red-fish-blue-fish-hat.html">Red Fish, Blue Fish</a> hat that he had been wearing. Yes it's a hand-me-down from his brother but well... so is everything he owns. I was pretty devastated it went missing - have you guys ever lost a favored handknit? HEARTBREAKING. Luckily we found it (under his sister's bed. I don't even know) but in the meantime he got a new one. There are some perks to having a knitter for a mother:<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/16087156233" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Tiny Dude Hat by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Tiny Dude Hat" height="427" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8604/16087156233_3c5e71c90d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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For the design of his new hat I started with the <a href="http://www.lifeincleveland.com/2014/01/the-dudes-slouchy-green-hat.html">Dude's Slouchy Green Ha</a>t. We receive compliments on it all the time and his brother basically lives in the thing:<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/16519449078" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Tiny Dude Hat by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Tiny Dude Hat" height="427" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8585/16519449078_8e96c8f42a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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So I wanted something that complimented and riffed on that. Similar but not the same. A brother hat.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/16520943819" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Tiny Dude Hat by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Tiny Dude Hat" height="640" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8595/16520943819_63a4402434_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BROTHERS.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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So I kept the 3 row stripes. I also kept the long, lazy, cable. But I used it in a different way - repeating it across the body of the hat for a more preppy look.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/16520955949" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Tiny Dude Hat by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Tiny Dude Hat" height="640" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8610/16520955949_2abf05daff_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
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I also made this hat fitted. He's a more serious kid and therefore needed a more serious hat.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/16705954512" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Tiny Dude Hat by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Tiny Dude Hat" height="640" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8566/16705954512_649c2aa534_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
I love how it came out! And the two of them are adorable frolicking in the snow in their almost but not quite matching hats:<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/16705864781" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Brothers hats by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Brothers hats" height="469" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8586/16705864781_dd0cd304a9_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
WHEN IT'S WARM ENOUGH TO BE OUTSIDE THAT IS... I AM SO VERY SICK OF THIS WINTER.<br />
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I wrote up the pattern for you to enjoy. Yay for Brother Hats!<br />
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<h2>
Tiny Dude Hat Pattern</h2>
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<b>Finished Size: </b>8" wide by 6-3/4" tall or fitting a 12-18 month old<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></span></span><br />
<b>Materials: </b><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Worsted weight wool for Main Color (MC). I used Patons Classic Merino in Black</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Worsted weight wool for Contrast Color (CC). I used Patons Classic Merino in Bright Red</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Size 7 (or size needed to obtain gauge) double pointed needles</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Tapestry needle for weaving in ends</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Stitch marker (I usually have the end of round break at the end of Needle 4 and keep track of it that way but if you are using circulars you will need a stitch marker to mark the end of round.)</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Gauge:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> 10 stitches and 15 rows = 2 inches.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Abbreviations:</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">MC - Main Color</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">CC - Contrast Color</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">K - Knit</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">P - Purl</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">K2tog - Knit two stitches together, decreasing 1.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">K1fb - Knit in the front and the back of the stitch, increasing 1.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">PM - Place Marker</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">SM - Slip Marker</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">C5B - Cable 5 Back - Slip 5 stitches onto a cable needle, hold to the back of the work, knit 5, knit the 5 from the cable needle.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">C4B - Cable 4 Back - Slip 4 stitches onto a cable needle, hold to the back of the work, knit 4, knit the 4 from the cable needle.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">C3B - Cable 3 Back - Slip 3 stitches onto a cable needle, hold to the back of the work, knit 3, knit the 3 from the cable needle.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Instructions:</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Using Main Color (MC), size 7 double pointed needles (or size needed to obtain gauge), and the long tail cast on method, loosely cast on 80 stitches dividing stitches evenly onto 4 double pointed needles. Slip as to purl the first stitch from needle 1 onto needle 4 and slip the last stitch from needle 4 over the slipped stitch and onto needle one being careful not to twist stitches to form a smooth join.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>Ribbing: </b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">In MC: [P2, K2] Repeat around.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Repeat Ribbing round for 1” or 7 rounds.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>Set Up Round:</b> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">In MC: [P1, K3, K1fb, K1fb, K3, P1, k6] Repeat around.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>Main Pattern:</b> <b><br /></b></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Round 1: In MC: [P1, K10, P1, K6] Repeat Around..</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Round 2: In MC: [P1, Cable 5 back, P1, K6] Repeat around.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Round 3: In MC: [P1, K10, P1, K6] Repeat Around.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Rounds 4-6: In CC: [P1, K10, P1, K6] Repeat Around.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Rounds 7-9: In MC: [P1, K10, P1, K6] Repeat Around.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Rounds 10-12: In CC: [P1, K10, P1, K6] Repeat Around.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Repeat Main Pattern Rows 1-12 one more time, 2 times total. Knit rounds 1-6 one more time.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">At this point you should have ended on a CC round, and have 5 CC stripes and 3 cable crosses.</span></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>Decrease Rounds:</b></span></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Round 1: In MC: [P1, K4, K2tog, K4, P1, K6] Repeat Around.</span></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Round 2: In MC: [P1, K9, P1, K6] Repeat Around.</span></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Round 3: In MC: [P1, K4, K2tog, K3, P1, K6] Repeat Around.</span></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Round 4: In CC: [P1, K8, P1, K6] Repeat Around.</span></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Round 5: In CC: [P1, K3, K2tog, K3, P1, K6] Repeat Around.</span></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Round 6: In CC: [P1, K7, P1, K6] Repeat Around.</span></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Round 7: In MC: [P1, K3, K2tog, k2, P1, K6] Repeat Around.</span></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Round 8: In MC: [P1, Cable 3 Back, P1, K6] Repeat Around.</span></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Round 9: In MC: [P1, K4, K2tog] Repeat Around.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Round 10: In CC: [P1, K5] Repeat Around.</span></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Round 11: In CC: [P1, K3, K2tog] Repeat Around.</span></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Round 12: In CC: [P1, K2, K2tog] Repeat Around.</span></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Round 13: In MC: [P1, K1, K2tog] Repeat Around</span></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Round 14: In MC: [P1, K2tog] Repeat Around.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Round 15: In MC: [K2tog] Repeat Around.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Cut yarn and thread through remaining stitches, draw together and tuck in end. Tuck in the rest of the ends.</span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Here's the link to the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/tiny-dude-hat">Ravelry Page for the Tiny Dude Ha</a>t and link to the <a href="http://www.lifeincleveland.com/2014/01/the-dudes-slouchy-green-hat.html"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Dude's Slouchy Green Hat</span></a> in case you want to make a matching set! </span></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/16705744331" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Tiny Dude Hat by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Tiny Dude Hat" height="640" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8578/16705744331_9088b6ee76_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He is absolutely about to throw that at his brother.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Sourire11http://www.blogger.com/profile/16353128118756158137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11630203.post-1759031938555500872015-03-02T19:37:00.001-05:002015-03-02T19:37:44.972-05:00Clothe Ohio Giveaway!So I was contacted by <a href="http://www.clotheohio.com/">Clothe Ohio</a> about doing a promotion on this blog. Humorous Ohio Pride clothing for a good cause? YES. Check out their statement:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Local Ohioans are in need! With each order, we are able to donate a new
T-Shirt or Sweatshirt to an Ohioan in need, helping them stay warm and
feel loved. We all need to look out after each other in times of need,
and now's the time! Pick up a sweet new Ohio item for yourself or that
Ohio lover in your life, and together we’ll help Clothe Ohio. </blockquote>
Plus their shirts are pretty awesome: <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGb3qsH8NqnB0wQvODUhLURmztGdDShubfraoy-FbV4z0IQfM3UFIOHFp1jSRf6of7esbVc1VXxqf-XjmWEUygATral5Npi_R9fgaqldARr7opYJgklw-bXL1CKI81PbIty-EE8Q/s1600/clothe+ohio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGb3qsH8NqnB0wQvODUhLURmztGdDShubfraoy-FbV4z0IQfM3UFIOHFp1jSRf6of7esbVc1VXxqf-XjmWEUygATral5Npi_R9fgaqldARr7opYJgklw-bXL1CKI81PbIty-EE8Q/s1600/clothe+ohio.jpg" height="240" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
There are shirts specific to all of Ohio's cities. I'm a Clevelander but I went to college in Cincinnati so some of the 'nati shirts are very tempting. I especially love the West 513 one. A whole bunch of our college friends were (are) Cincinnati Westsiders and I"m thinking this shirt would be perfect with a westside cooler (doubled up shopping bag filled with ice and beer):<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbFasEhve6wIYQDJXfGLEdhjARCUrY7GnrBh3pq3ysvnH3zoq611DJbWDql3ZkUArO3riXI5IEo8OuKwCCh1UVRLykNB5F9z0ac-sLXPbMWgwtVrfuvUYyJpRKjTXJ0rfzh_byGQ/s1600/clotheohio5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbFasEhve6wIYQDJXfGLEdhjARCUrY7GnrBh3pq3ysvnH3zoq611DJbWDql3ZkUArO3riXI5IEo8OuKwCCh1UVRLykNB5F9z0ac-sLXPbMWgwtVrfuvUYyJpRKjTXJ0rfzh_byGQ/s1600/clotheohio5.jpeg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
They carry baby, toddler, and children's versions of their clothing. Very fun and stylish! I think the dude would be adorable in the fountain square shrit:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5STRQB88Ln8GrD-7L7pwv4db61G2Gyb54gAdBQgUXI5JEzSEYY54ngD2n8vyxyjFz7MIjnejBKS51Zn8b3W4L5asfiDrHo1qNxwcAKniDuwLgX-KGM8jFAXFngaV0-DHBP3WGLA/s1600/clothekids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5STRQB88Ln8GrD-7L7pwv4db61G2Gyb54gAdBQgUXI5JEzSEYY54ngD2n8vyxyjFz7MIjnejBKS51Zn8b3W4L5asfiDrHo1qNxwcAKniDuwLgX-KGM8jFAXFngaV0-DHBP3WGLA/s1600/clothekids.jpg" height="240" width="640" /></a></div>
It's especially nice that you can browse their site by city - and even some of the smaller cities are represented:<br />
<br />
.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx8pjLgpjB3ADaxJ9scTCRGMvwRSXw7iXL3aX89f9_6Zp0zTC4Z432NRUHNDbrj-FKBHHUs2L8QHGt9bKkcn-UM-QhuW6cbpkqKJNZAczN5DsIHsMQz-Ddb58HSjB-wacfOZzgSA/s1600/clothieohio3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx8pjLgpjB3ADaxJ9scTCRGMvwRSXw7iXL3aX89f9_6Zp0zTC4Z432NRUHNDbrj-FKBHHUs2L8QHGt9bKkcn-UM-QhuW6cbpkqKJNZAczN5DsIHsMQz-Ddb58HSjB-wacfOZzgSA/s1600/clothieohio3.jpeg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Youngstown. What up</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Anyways! I'm happy to be giving away one of their awesome T-shirts! Enter below before midnight on Friday, March 6. I will choose and email the winner on Sat morning. Yay Ohio!<br />
<br />
<br />
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="c1b120811" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/c1b120811/" id="rcwidget_1lnrgt3n" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>
<br />
<i>Disclaimer: I received a sample shirt from this company in exchange for this promotion. As always all opinions are my own.</i><br />
<br />Sourire11http://www.blogger.com/profile/16353128118756158137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11630203.post-86294515476231837802015-02-25T21:32:00.000-05:002015-02-25T21:32:19.138-05:00A Brite Cleveland Weekend.So this weekend was an all star Cleveland Winter Weekend. Funtimes all around despite the craziness of this weather. And I'm so thankful because by Friday things were getting a bit... well...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/16022260924" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Fish Fry at the Slovenian Home by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Fish Fry at the Slovenian Home" height="640" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8651/16022260924_4481262666_z.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">THERE WERE TWO MORE SNOWDAYS AFTER THIS PICTURE OMG.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
But! The weather finally broke! As of today school is FINALLY back in session!<br />
<br />
Anyways Friday was the first fish fry of the season and since we were all a bit stir crazy I bundled up the kids and headed out to the Slovenian Home for some polka and pierogies - the girl's favorite food:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/16618661356" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Fish Fry at the Slovenian Home by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Fish Fry at the Slovenian Home" height="640" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8679/16618661356_17060e2323_z.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
The dude preferred to hang out at the bar. And got everyone at our table a round so that we would sing him the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Song (seriously. that happened.)<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/16647870501" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="fish fry by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="fish fry" height="640" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8653/16647870501_78b97032a3_z.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
Tiny just loved the food and bopping to the music:<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/16644583645" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Fish Fry at the Slovenian Home by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Fish Fry at the Slovenian Home" height="640" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8562/16644583645_88091a5e9b_z.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
It was funtimes for all. We'll probably be back this week!<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/16648310102" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="family selfies by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="family selfies" height="336" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8668/16648310102_938ff31fb0_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Then on Saturday my parents took ALL 3 KIDS OMG overnight so that we could go to Brite Winter. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/16463176399" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="brite by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="brite" height="336" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8664/16463176399_156c723a7f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Our friends from New York were in town along with a whole crew of their
NYC friends plus a whole bunch of Cleveland natives. It was awesome.
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/16458461849" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Brite Cleveland by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Brite Cleveland" height="360" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8596/16458461849_d684f0667f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I was worried about the whole outdoors in winter aspect of the festival but it was quite fun, actually. I forgot how awful summer festivals can be with the hot and the sweating and the drinking too much because it's hot. Blah. Winter festivals are where it's at. Handknits everywhere! Alpaca as fashion accessory of choice! My kindof situation. You know what else keeps you warm? Flasks:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/16623456926" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="brite by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="brite" height="518" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8612/16623456926_2b9c627d63_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My brother and Matt both brought flasks. When the picture came out
blurry they refused to let me retake it. So Dan and I took a selfie
instead. Notice the <a href="http://www.lifeincleveland.com/2015/02/cobblestones-hat-and-question.html">squished bangs</a>. Blergh. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
At one point we headed to the Cleveland Hostel - where the NYC crew was staying - to warm up (and use a clean restroom). I'd never been in there before but it was quite nice. Such a cool thing to have in Cleveland. <br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/16618708456" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Brite Cleveland by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Brite Cleveland" height="360" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8615/16618708456_877574cae7_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Also cool? Tower City Lights. I'm not sure how the conversation got started but at one point someone was all "no seriously. Jeanne. Please ask the Terminal Tower to change colors for us." And I was all... Wait, what? Ok. So I tweeted @towercitylights and asked. And they did!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/16029573653" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="brite by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="brite" height="518" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8659/16029573653_9d315ac853_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The lights stayed the same all evening except for the show they put on just for us - it was insane. We were literally dancing in the street to their light show:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/16022338264" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Brite Cleveland by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Brite Cleveland" height="640" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8639/16022338264_cc89b1e4c4_z.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Terminal Tower is in the background - we tweeted this picture back as a thank you.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Most of the crew went home when the bars closed... but Matt and I were all pro. We were determined to end the night with Edison's pizza. So we moved the carseats out of the way, loaded up our minivan with whoever was still vertical, and headed to tremont for some of the best pizza in Cleveland. I think it was 3:30 before we found our way home. Funtimes, indeed. <br />
<br />
And I'll end with my favorite line of the night.... the NYC people were talking about how you have to move to the suburbs if you want to have kids. And how un fun that will be. And how it wouldn't be possible to have kids in the city. My response?<br />
<br />
<b>"You can absolutely raise kids in the city. You don't have to move to the suburbs. You just have to move to Cleveland."</b><br />
<br />
YUP.Sourire11http://www.blogger.com/profile/16353128118756158137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11630203.post-39032191241444567872015-02-23T15:11:00.001-05:002015-02-23T15:11:31.455-05:00Cobblestones Hat and a Question.So. I have a new hat.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/16398431309" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Cobblestones Hat by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Cobblestones Hat" height="640" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7321/16398431309_082c1bddf3_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
It's the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/Sourire11/cobblestones">Cobblestones Hat pattern</a> (link to my rav project page) knit out of some lovely Between the Pines yarn I picked up last I was at Yarn Cravin'.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/16397213700" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Cobblestones Hat by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Cobblestones Hat" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7282/16397213700_a45c7fc9df_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I carried this yarn around with me for about a month waiting to find the perfect pattern. It's just such pretty yarn! Alpaca! Sparkle! I needed an especially lovely pattern to match this especially lovely yarn. Eventually I picked the Cobblestones pattern for it's simplicity. The basic knit / purl texture adds just enough something to break up the variegated yarn:<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/16558256386" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Cobblestones Hat by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Cobblestones Hat" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7291/16558256386_64d8588cab_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I added a couple of inches to the length b/c slouchy hats are all the rage these days:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/16583064991" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Cobblestones Hat by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Cobblestones Hat" height="640" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7422/16583064991_2704e615f7_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My 5yo daughter was my photographer. She did the best she could.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Which brings me to my question....<br />
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<b>How do bangs work in winter?</b><br />
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Seriously. I"m about a year in on this whole bangs thing and I still haven't figured it out. Either my hat is perched on my head like so:<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/16398421169" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Cobblestones Hat by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Cobblestones Hat" height="640" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7291/16398421169_8692b23aab_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
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Or if I pull it down completely I end up with squished, flat, terrible bangs. Am I just destined to have bad hair until the weather breaks? Is there some sortof genius hat hack out there on pintrest that I just haven't found? Because it's -11 out there. I'm not leaving the house without a hat on.<br />
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But regardless of the bangs squishing situation I do love this hat:<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/16583547892" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Cobblestones Hat by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Cobblestones Hat" height="640" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7349/16583547892_e51744df23_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
I supposed perched on top of my head is way warmer than not at all....
Sourire11http://www.blogger.com/profile/16353128118756158137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11630203.post-44734826110102954222015-02-21T10:41:00.002-05:002015-02-21T10:41:34.537-05:00Endless Snow Days.So Cleveland is a tundra.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjioToaLQ8nff6nkzjLt095QqMoVTGSmOG-CFzsqYD0SLngNjOnrUqR19cAtdz0Ryo1mBZxJpRWpm56Eyyi9-Xxj4y-rbGndbJthMI6KTPV5awkcBl05e3fDpE3JcNJhVXzzvDXrg/s1600/clevelandsnow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjioToaLQ8nff6nkzjLt095QqMoVTGSmOG-CFzsqYD0SLngNjOnrUqR19cAtdz0Ryo1mBZxJpRWpm56Eyyi9-Xxj4y-rbGndbJthMI6KTPV5awkcBl05e3fDpE3JcNJhVXzzvDXrg/s1600/clevelandsnow.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cleveland and the frozen Lake Erie from above - picture via my friend Jessica who flew in for Brite this weekend.</td></tr>
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4We've had days of below zero temperatures, it's currently blizzarding out there, and we've only had one day of school in the last week and a half. Yeah.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/15975126273" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Elsa coronation hair. Bc its too cold to go anywhere and we are BORED. #rockitlikearedhead #snowday #stevensonpartyoffive by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Elsa coronation hair. Bc its too cold to go anywhere and we are BORED. #rockitlikearedhead #snowday #stevensonpartyoffive" height="640" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7356/15975126273_4a5203edf9_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elsa coronation hair. Because it was too cold to go outside and we got BORED. </td></tr>
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Luckily that one day happened to be the day that the dude presented his first ever homework assignment:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/16600504331" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_4098copy by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_4098copy" height="427" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8679/16600504331_3336c749d6_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Letter R. Painted Red and decorated with Race cars, Reptiles, and Rubies.</td></tr>
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He got to pick something to go in the mystery box, write three clues about it, and then present them to his class to guess. See if you can figure it out*:<br />
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<a href="https://instagram.com/p/zNl-qgx9zr/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_top">A video posted by Jeanne S (@lifeincle)</a> on <time datetime="2015-02-17T18:30:07+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Feb 17, 2015 at 10:30am PST</time></div>
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I'm trying to have a good attitude about all of this Winter. Because I'm pretty sure if I complain myself from last year will reach through time and smack me. As bad as it gets it can never be as bad as last year - when I had 3 kids under 5 and we couldn't leave the house for something like 12 days. I don't have to worry about a tiny baby getting frostbite! One of the kids can get herself ready completely on her own! Really things aren't <i>that</i> bad.<br />
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So we've taken every opportunity we can to get out. Make the most of it.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/16512569045" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Early release day = a trip to the Great Lakes Science Center. #stevensonpartyoffive #thisiscle #cleveland #glsc by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Early release day = a trip to the Great Lakes Science Center. #stevensonpartyoffive #thisiscle #cleveland #glsc" height="640" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8608/16512569045_3595fdb3b5_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kids at the Great Lakes Science Center.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/16414647060" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="20150214_141337crop by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="20150214_141337crop" height="640" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7368/16414647060_46222a0c3f_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matt chasing the boys through the art museum while our girl was at her class.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/16575691826" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="20150214_141755 by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="20150214_141755" height="640" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7281/16575691826_b6455cc187_z.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking for Ninja Turtle Weapons at the armory at the CMA.</td></tr>
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We even braved the snow (seriously it took us SO LONG to get there) and drove to western Pennsylvania last weekend. Where it may not have been warmer but at least it was <i>different.</i> And we got to show off the very impressive trick of boiling water turning instantly into steam.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PUEliinOORQ" width="560"></iframe>
Also? I own a basement sized bounce house:<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/16394492857" title="bounce house by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="bounce house" height="376" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8665/16394492857_7897b5abf8_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
It was our Christmas gift to the kids. Purchased with weeks like this one in mind. But I have to say... as well as we've done this week I'm not sure how much more we can cheerily handle. Let's hope everything returns to normal for next week....<br />
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*The answer was: Road Runner. BEEP BEEP!<br />
<br />Sourire11http://www.blogger.com/profile/16353128118756158137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11630203.post-42377289282992296882015-02-18T14:27:00.000-05:002015-02-18T14:27:17.634-05:00Florida 2015 Recap.So! Last weekend we took a quick trip to Florida to visit my grandparents and escape this miserable, horrible, awful, cold. And gray. Last year was the whole Disney Family Road Trip thing so this was my first time flying with THREE KIDS OMG:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/16520330571" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Florida 2015 by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Florida 2015" height="225" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7335/16520330571_c7d14e98b5_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't worry, mom. We got this.</td></tr>
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They did great but I will be forever thankful that Cleveland has a direct flight to Tampa.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/16521003222" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Florida 2015 by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Florida 2015" height="640" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7292/16521003222_893407b35f_z.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My kids at the airport. They walked to the gates themselves (as opposed
to in strollers which is surprisingly common for surprisingly large
children) and carried their own backpacks with their blankies, stuff to
do on the plane, and sweatshirts. I was super proud of them!</td></tr>
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It was a pretty relaxed trip. When it was too cold for the pool we went to the park:<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/16387094827" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Park! by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Park!" height="376" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8682/16387094827_6469782d19_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
There's a great park right down the street from my grandparents' place that has a lake and a boardwalk through the swamp. Perfect for searching for alligators. It's too cold for them this time of year - but don't tell my 3yo that. <br />
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When it was warm enough in the afternoons we went to the condo pool:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/16571378201" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="florida pool by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="florida pool" height="633" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8574/16571378201_27d45b95b4_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love the puddle jumpers.</td></tr>
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And as our big adventure we had lunch in Tarpon Springs.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/16334632190" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Florida 2015 by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Florida 2015" height="640" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7400/16334632190_f86f52f6ed_z.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
But mainly? The trip was about this:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/16521044032" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Florida 2015 by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Florida 2015" height="360" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8604/16521044032_889eaf430d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing UNO with the champ.</td></tr>
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And this:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/15952870343" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="nonni by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="nonni" height="640" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7444/15952870343_6087c47dec_z.jpg" width="479" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Noone gives one on one attention like Nonni does. She even listens to the Dude ramble on, and on, and on, and on, and on...</td></tr>
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And most importantly .... this:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/16274047999" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="My girl learning how to knit the same way I did. Nonni is the best. #knit #knitting #knittersofinstagram by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="My girl learning how to knit the same way I did. Nonni is the best. #knit #knitting #knittersofinstagram" height="640" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8583/16274047999_c5118def96_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Learning to knit the same way I did.</td></tr>
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It was a nice trip but we were happy to come home.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/15865304093" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Home sweet Cleveland. #thisiscle #cleveland #216 #clevelandgram #superman by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Home sweet Cleveland. #thisiscle #cleveland #216 #clevelandgram #superman" height="640" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7366/15865304093_6f375fdc79_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Superman display at the Cleveland Airport. According to the dude "I like other cities but Cleveland is my favorite."</td></tr>
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And our dog was happy to see us, too:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sourire11/15899488204" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Florida 2015 by Jeanne S, on Flickr"><img alt="Florida 2015" height="640" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7455/15899488204_3b2d6cfbb5_z.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maybe. The kids were certainly happy to see her, though!</td></tr>
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Yay Florida and warm adventures!Sourire11http://www.blogger.com/profile/16353128118756158137noreply@blogger.com0