Happy 4th Birthday Savannah!

Happy 4th birthday sweet child. I can not believe that 4 years has already flown by. Next thing I know you will be starting school. May all Jehovah's wonderful blessings stay with you.

Pumpkin Patch Fun

October here is really nice in the morning and then .. the sun comes out [sadness]. Unless it is overcast the bright sun warms up very quickly. Even though we are in the 90s it feels much warmer. I thought I should say that because if it is first time visiting you and you see here in a sleeveless shirt and not realize that this is life here in Phoenix. Anyhow .. she had such a great time at the Pumpkin Patch this year. We normally go to Schnepf Farms which is larger and it has tons of food, activities, a general store, a really pumpkin patch and HUGE corn maze and tons of activities but it is about an 1 1/2 hours away .. one way.

This year we went to Macdonald's Ranch - which kinda has this western feel. They did a great job keeping it family friendly - it has scarecrows for kids to stuff hay in - go carts - small corn maze with a  tractor ride to the 'pumpkin patch' and best of all .. a petting zoo.  Maddy LOVES animals but she isn't the kind of kid that runs up to one and grab them. She is more of an observer and makes sure they are doing well. Which is fine by me.

Another Baby Mini Blanket

I love giving blankets as baby gifts and a few years ago there seemed to be that everyone I knew was having a baby. This little gem is just perfect. I cannot tell you how super simple this pattern is and how easy it is to adjust it to any size you want. This particular blanket is made for my nephew's son for when they are traveling – some blankets are too large for the car seat and makes it cumbersome for the parent to carry.  But this one is perfect for keeping baby warm without adding the unnecessary length.  This pattern is double sided so there is no ‘wrong’ or ‘back’ side … which adds to its appeal. Using the Caron Simple Soft makes the care for it easy on his parents. I started to use some leftover yarn from a previous project but I had to buy another bundle, so I am not exact as to how much yarn was used but two bundles is enough.

This pattern is a series of repetition – one row is of 4 front post double crochet and 4 back post double crochet 7 times and then 4 front post double crochet.  The next row is the opposite – working 4 back post double crochet and 4 front post double crochet 7 times and then 4 back post double crochet.  See easy – just remember to stitch around the post from the previous row and not the loops, you want that stitch to be in front/behind the previous row stitch.  If you start the row with a back post double you will end with a back post double – it seems more uniform that way and it’s easy to remember which row you are at. And having the 1^st/last double crochets keeps the sides uniform. Also try to keep your stitches somewhat loose – not too baggy but loose enough to where there isn’t a gap between the front and back posts change over. If you stitch is too tight either change your stitch (which is always harder) or just go up a hook size.

fdc=front post double crochet (yarn over put hook across previous rows post - with the post facing you – yarn over pull yarn thru yarn over pull 2 yarn over pull 2)

 bdc=back post double crochet (yarn over put hook across previous rows post - with the post facing away from you – yarn over pull yarn thru yarn over pull 2 yarn over pull 2)

dc=double crochet (yarn over insert hook in chain (NOT POST)  from front to back yarn over pull yarn thru yarn over pull 2 yarn over pull 2)

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Foundation : Chain 65 turn

Row 2: dc in 4^th chain from hook and dc across all chains – 62 dc total – chain 3 - turn

Row 3: in 2^nd post start pattern *bdc 4xs – fdc 4xs* repeat from * 7 times, bdc 4xs, dc in last stitch - chain 3 - turn

Row 4: in 2^nd post start pattern  *fdc 4xs – bdc 4xs* repeat from * 7 times, fdc 4xs, dc in last stitch – chain 3 - turn

Rows 5-50: repeat rows 3 – 4 and cast off and don’t forget to weave your ends

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Diagram Below        d=dc     f=fdc     b=bdc

Row 3: dbbbbffffbbbbffffbbbbffffbbbbffffbbbbffffbbbbffffbbbbffffbbbb(ch3)

Row 4: dffffbbbbffffbbbbffffbbbbffffbbbbffffbbbbffffbbbbffffbbbbffff(ch3)

Now if you wanted to enlarge this pattern all you have to do is remember the pattern is – 1 ‘chain 3’ and 1 ‘double crochet’ stitches for the ends and 8 ‘post double crochets’ for pattern and 4 ‘post double’ crochets for the end – because the set of stitches you start with (back post) are the set of stitches you end with (back post). Does that make sense?  Now for me it is easier to chain until it is about the size that I want … count my stitches adjust my chain to the pattern – then I chain 3 and start double crochet across. Again as long as you have the pattern you will be fine and will be able to make this pattern for either a crib, twin, queen or even a king bed or just a lap blanket for the couch.

Two Main, A Few Supporting and New Member

As the list of returning characters climb there are still a few that are still missing from the original cast of Gilmore Girls for season 8. A few of the newest returnees are Jared Padaleki, Sean Gunn, Vanessa Marano, Liza Weil, Matt Czuchry, Milo Ventimiglia, Michael WintersAris Alvarado and Yanick Truesdale. I believe that puts the count at 22 for returning cast members. With filming already starting this doesn't leave Jackson Douglas and Melissa McCarthy too much time tone added. I wonder how them not being there will be explained? I also did say "a new member" and that person is Sutton Foster who was in "the other" Sherman-Paladino show Bunheads. Which had her and Kelly Bishop working side by side as dance instructors at Bishop's dance studio in a small town .. hmm maybe she will be working for Miss Patty. I think we are still waiting to hear if Grant Lee Phillips will be reprising his role as town troubadour. 

Pictures To Warm You Up

A few years back we got a chance to go to Hawaii.
Here are some warm weather pictures for my cold weather friends to enjoy.
Do not worry Spring will be here in no time.

Happy 2nd Birthday Maddy!!

Happy are the pure in heart, since they will see God. 

Matthew 5:8

Happy Thanksgiving