IF YOU KNIT OR CROCHET . . .

meet Rupert. Well, at least that's what I think he should be named. Henya at Chicken Stitches is having a contest to name this little fella. Isn't he cute? He glows in the dark!!!!

Up until recently, I used a bit of thread or a safety pin. Then someone in a swap sent me a set of stitch markers. They were so pretty -- but they were for knitters and I only crochet. A search for crochet markers didn't lead me to the "lovelies" that I wanted. There were plastic ones that would work but not what I would consider "lovelies." Well, to make a long story short, one of my favorite blogs is Chicken Stitches. I love visiting Henya's blog. She inspires me in more ways than I have time to list. BUT when she started making stitch markers for crocheters, I had to have some. I have to admit that I have bought several sets for myself and as gifts. This set is one of my favorites:


Stop by Henya's Etsy shop and check out all the "lovelies." And when the time comes, VOTE FOR RUPERT!!!!!!!

Gone Fishin' Pattern Finished

Annette Sanko's pattern "Gone Fishin'" was a super easy pattern. I used from lightweight wool that I already had to make it and it's very small. Definitely infant-sized. I think next time I would make it with something softer and a little thicker. It was one of the easiest patterns I have ever worked from and I had a lot of fun making this. Next time I think I would use a little smaller hook for the ribbing so it pulled it in a little bit more. (The little thread you see on the left sleeve is just where I added a little tag to give the laundry instructions that I tucked under for the picture.)

Slow Cooker Jambalaya

1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cut into 1 inch cubes
1 pound andouille sausage, sliced
1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice
1 large onion, chopped
1 large green bell pepper, chopped
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup chicken broth
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 teaspoons dried parsley
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 pound frozen cooked shrimp without tails

In a slow cooker, mix the chicken, sausage, tomatoes with juice, onion, green bell pepper, celery, and broth. Season with oregano, parsley, Cajun seasoning, cayenne pepper, and thyme.

Cover, and cook 7 to 8 hours on Low, or 3 to 4 hours on High. Stir in the shrimp during the last 30 minutes of cook time.

I got this recipe off www.allrecipes.com. Definitely one of my favorite recipe sites as you can set up your own recipe box and save and rate everything you make. I have used this recipe several times and each time it turns out fantastic because I don't EVER change ONE thing. We always have it over rice. (This picture is also from there -- I'm lousy at taking pictures of my own food.)

Cutie Patootie Tunisian Sweater

This is a Kay Jones Tunisian Crochet pattern. While mine does kind of look likes hers, hers isn't as wide as mine. It could be the yarn. I used Caron Simply Soft because I had it left over from another project. All-in-all, I like how it turned out but I did something wrong the neck. No idea what but it doesn't seem quite right to me. It's really a soft little sweater. I think I would make it again only next time in something not quite so heavy as a worsted weight yarn.

Edited to add: I took this down to the consignment shop and they had a check there for me. Are you ready for this?

Drum roll ...............................................

Between the 17th and 30th of October, I sold seven items for a grand total of $54.00. After they took off their commission of $13.50, I came home with a check for

Drum roll again ...................................

$40.50!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Can you believe it? I know, my prices are ridiculous. For example the sweater above is marked at only $10.00. I'm really only doing this to have yarn money and it looks like it might do that -- but just barely. ;-)

The Bus Ride

Two bowling teams, one of all Blondes and one of all Brunettes, charter a double-decker bus for a weekend trip to Louisiana . The Brunette team rode on the bottom of the bus, and the Blonde team rode on the top level.

The Brunette team down below really whooped it up, having a great time, when one of them realized she hadn't heard anything from the Blondes upstairs. She decided to go up and investigate.

When the Brunette reached the top, she found all the Blondes in fear, staring straight ahead at the road, clutching the seats in front of them with white knuckles. The brunette asked, "What the heck's going on up here? We're having a great time downstairs!"

One of the Blondes looked up at her, swallowed hard and whispered...

"YEAH, BUT YOU'VE GOT A DRIVER!?!"

A Message from Annette Sanko at Sugar Toe Babies

I received the following email from Annette Sanko this morning and since you are all included in her special blessing, I had to post it here for you to enjoy too:

Oh, Beverly! Thank Q so much for posting your comments regarding my designs on your beautiful site! I am thrilled! Designing crochet patterns for little ones is a blessing and sharing them is truly a joy. It's folks like you that keep me encouraged and inspired to keep on moving that hook! Blessing to you, your family and all of your friends on your web page!

JOY!

annette sanko

Sugar Toe Babies and a Yarn Bell

Okay, I think I have her permission -- well, she said she would be "honored," so I'm taking that as "yes" because I simply can't stand to wait any longer to share these absolutely amazing baby designs with you. If you belong to Ravelry you can purchase them there or in Annette Sanko's Etsy Shop at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/sugartoebabies.

I'm sure it goes without saying that I now have several of these patterns -- who I'll make them for is still a mystery -- but I just couldn't help myself. If you visit her shop you will see why. Go on, you know you want to. It's only money -- and very little of it too -- my favorite kind of shopping.

I picked up some white Sinfonia today at Hobby Lobby and now I can't decide which one to make. "Eeny, meny, miny, mo! My mother told me to pick this very best one . . . "

Another indulgence is this amazing yarn bell that I purchased from www.dancingdolphinstudios.com. It's so nice not to have my yarn spinning around while I'm working on it. Works for any size yarn or thread. I absolutely love it. Nothing can get in and nothing can get out - no matter where I am working. Since it has the nice plate-sized base on the bottom it is very easy to take from place to place (please bless me that I won't drop it).

OH! OH! OH! I've found a new crochet designer . . .

her designs and patterns are just AMAZING! I'm waiting to hear back from her before I post about her patterns on here as I want permission to show you at least one of her designs and permission to link you to her Etsy shop. Oh my gosh! I am so excited -- if I could do it, I would jump up and down but my canes just get too dang wobbly when I try to do that.

This isn't a very good picture of this little yellow dress but I'm posting it mainly for my friend the Enthusiastic Crochetaholic as she was kind enough to share the pattern with me. Can't you just picture it with a little white turtleneck and white tights to go with the white ribbon and little snowflake buttons? My daughter is going to use it as a Christmas present for a friend's toddler. It was SO much fun to make.

The little grandsons were here last weekend and we had the best time. (Although I have to admit that when they left I laid down "for just a minute to rest" and woke up the next morning still in my clothes!) It was hard getting Brayden to take a nap but he was so tired from playing so hard.

Austyn was having nothing to do with any napping. He was too busy getting into Nana's things. He wants to learn to crochet but absolutely does NOT have the patience. He's such a little sweetie pie. I can't believe he'll be going to kindergarten next fall. Where has the time gone?

Our sweet Alexis sure helped me out before she went home. She cleaned the main bathroom, dusted all the furniture and helped so much with the little ones. I think I might want to keep her here all the time. Do you think anyone would miss her if I tucked her under the covers and claimed they didn't bring her with them? Nah, I don't think it would work either. She loves doing all sorts of crafty things. Next time she wants to come by herself so we "don't keep getting interrupted by those little boys." She was very patient.

I hope all our grandkids know how much we love them. What would we do without them and their hugs?

Official Ultimate MeMe Award (how clever!)

Enthusiastic Crochetoholic awarded me this lovely MeMe Award. I’m awarding it to everyone on my sidebar!

This is how it works:
1) Accept award by posting on this post on my blog. Then post on your blog regarding your award with a link to the name of the blog giving it (in this case http://fullbodiedwoman.blogspot.com/) and then post a copy of your award.
2) Pass the award on to five bloggers of your choice (or not if your prefer).
3) Meme: choose 5 random categories and post and tell us 5 favorite things from these categories.

5 Favorite Musicians:
George Strait

Alan Jackson

Doris Day

Toby Keith

Brad Paisley

5 Favorite Places:

Home

England

Connecticut

Maine

Massachusetts

5 things I would do but have never done:
Visit Ireland

Visit Scotland

Take a train trip

Panama Canal Cruise

Get a tattoo

5 things I could not live without:
My faith in God

My family

My hobbies

The beauties of Mother Nature

Chocolate

Friends

5 things I could live without:

Snakes

Mosquitoes

Hornets

Rude people

Slick sidewalks and roads

Halloween Jokes for Kids

• Why did Dracula's mother give him cough medicine?
  Because he was having a coffin fit.
• What did Dr. Frankenstein get when he put a goldfish brain in the body of his dog?
  I don't know, but it is great at chasing submarines.
• Why wasn't there any food left after the monster party?'
  Cos everyone was a goblin.
• Why did the vampire's lunch give him heartburn?
  It was a stake sandwich.
• Dracula decided he need a dog, which breed did he choose?
  A blood hound.
• What would you call the ghost of a door-to-door salesman?
  A dead ringer.
• What do skeletons always order at a restaurant?
  Spare ribs!
• Who was the most famous French skeleton?
  Napoleon bone-apart.
• Who won the skeleton beauty contest?
  No body.

and then there's this . . .

True Australian Halloween Ghost Story

This story happened a few years ago on 31st October in Brisbane, and even though it sounds like an Alfred Hitchcock tale, it's true.

John Bradford, a Sydney University student, was on the side of the road hitch hiking on a very dark Halloween night and in the midst of a storm. The night was rolling on and no car went by. The storm was so strong he could hardly see a few feet ahead of him. Suddenly he saw a car slowly coming towards him and stopped. John, desperate for shelter and without thinking about it, got in the car and closed the door, just to realize there was nobody behind the wheel and the engine wasn't on!

The car started moving slowly. John looked at the road and saw a curve approaching. Scared, he started to pray, begging for his life. Then, just before he hit the curve, a hand appeared through the window and turned the wheel. John, paralysed with terror, watched how the hand appeared every time they came to a curve. John saw the lights of a pub down the road so, gathering strength, jumped out of the car and ran to it.

Wet and out of breath, he rushed inside and asked for two shots of tequila. He then started telling everybody about the horrible experience he went through. A silence enveloped everybody when they realized he was crying and... wasn't drunk.

About 15 minutes later, two guys walked into the same pub. They were also wet and out of breath.

Looking around and seeing John Bradford sobbing at the bar, one said to the other, 'Look, Bruce. There's the idiot who got in the car while we were pushing it.

Going through the yarn stash today . . .

Oh my gosh, I can't believe how much yarn I have that is just a skein of this and a skein of that. Today is the day to go through it all and get it sorted. I may have a nice large bag to go to the thrift store by this afternoon. In fact, I know I will have as it is nearly full now. When I look at this I think of all the money that I spend doing this "therapy" and wonder if I wouldn't be better off reading my scriptures or other worthwhile endeavors. My sales at the confinement shop are acceptable but things -- of course -- are not just flying off the hangers. I do have four more little sweaters to take down and then I think I am through.

I have a few skeins of yarn that I think Alexis will like to use with her Knifty Knitter looms to make hats and scarves and then, of course, the really lovely stuff that I do think I have projects for -- not that anyone wants any of it anymore. I have about crocheted my family into oblivion. If I even mention the word "scarf" I get "Oh, I don't need one - I have lots that you have made me." So, I think I'll finish up the projects that I really have plans for and then try and get this silly hobby back under control. I have really tried not to buy yarn and then Caron goes and has a 50% off sale so I bought some for baby blankets. Why? Only the Good Lord knows cuz I don't have any grand babies arriving anytime soon -- if ever. But one must have something on hand, right? Isn't that the crafter's motto: Always Something On Hand In Case of a Crafting Emergency" ? ? ?

Oh! And to top it all off? Today it is snowing. YUP! For real staying-on-the-ground snow. "Depressing" is the only word that comes to mind. (Well, that and the word "%*@*!" but I won't say that here -- not after I also used the word "scriptures." You know what happens to people that do that, right? Yup -- ZAP!!!!!)

Suburban Hooker has given me an award! Ain't that grand?

The rules for accepting this award are fairly simple.....

I am to tell you six things about myself that you don't know and then award it to some other gorgeous bloggers.

1. I have been pregnant 12 times but only have four children

2. I weighed 105 pounds when I graduated from high school

3. I was born in a maternity home and delivered by a midwife

4. I got married when I was 19 -- and had been so for only a week

5. I have never been a bridesmaid

6. I don't particularly like Christmas because it's become too Santa-ized

Now to pass it on:

Janet at Janet Happy Girl Has Happy Hook
Jan at Enthusiasti Crochetaholic
Kar at Kar's Down Home Bliss
Keri at Greyt Balls of Yarn

Word Art World has some incredible designs . . .

You have got to check them out.

Also today is definitely Pumpkin Black Bean Turkey Chili day. Here's the recipe:

2 tbsp. canola oil
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped yellow bell pepper
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tsp. chili powder
1-1/2 tsp dried oregano
2 15-oz. cans black beans, rinsed and drained
2-1/2 cups chopped cooked turkey
15-oz. can pumpkin
14-1/2 oz. can diced tomatoes
3 cups fat-free, low-sodium chicken broth

Heat oil in skillet over medium heat and add onions, yellow pepper and garlic; saute 8 minutes or until soft. Stir in chili powder, cumin and oregano. Cook 1 minute. Transfer to slow cooker. Add remaining ingredients and cook on low 7 to 8 hours. Serve with tortilla chips.

(Don't you wonder why when everything is already cooked that you are heating it for 7 to 8 hours? I mean -- REALLY??? On the other hand, I think it's the smells that I like best though of it cooking all day and those odors permeating throughout the house. By dinner we are all starving.)

Update: Since this was basically cooked when I put it in, I just had a small bowl to taste it. I just couldn't stand smelling it any longer. It's delicious!!!! I received a package today and when I opened the door to sign for it the carrier said, "Oh my gosh, what is that wonderful smell?" When I told him he said, "I'll be back for dinner!" Made me laugh. Boy, wouldn't I be surprised if he did show up? hahahaha!)

Very strange day . . .

Our daughter-in-law called today and asked if we could pick up Austyn from daycare. He has been having trouble with his asthma because something in the air has triggered his allergies. Anyway, he was coughing a lot and they wouldn't let her leave work and she couldn't get a hold of our son so she called us. We picked him up, picked up some medication for him and brought him back to Layton. We left this morning at 11:10 a.m. and got home about 3:30 p.m. I didn't get the soup in the crockpot but when we got home Ken started chopping vegetables and made a delicious vegetable soup.


Does anyone have this pattern? It's Columbia-Minerva 2527. I'd love to make this blanket but I can't seem to find the pattern anywhere.

Keri asked me for a tutorial on blocking finished yarn projects. This is a link to the site I used to learn. I don't think I could explain it any better. http://www.houghtonavenue.com/block-hand-knitting.html. KnitPicks also does a great tutorial on how to block a sweater. It pretty much applies to any project too.

I'm a little hesitant . . .

to use my crockpot again after the nastiness it served up the day before yesterday. In fact, last night we had nachos with beans and cheese for dinner. Some dinner, huh? Today though I am thinking of some chili -- from the cookbook that Sara sent me. It sounds like a perfect fall dish.

PUMPKIN-BLACK BEAN TURKEY CHILI

Oh, by the way, Janet is making my pork chops with stuffing today. She is using cornbread mix instead of stuffing mix and I can't wait to hear how it turns out. I hope it is super delicious because I love hearing people's variations of recipes.

I just have to share this with you . . .

Janet (at Janet Girl Has Happy Hook -- in my blog list) sent me this incredible swap package. It's amazing! I hope you can see the adorable sock monkey she crocheted in the background. Since this was technically a potholder swap she included not ONE but FOUR potholders that will NEVER be used as potholders as they are just too pretty. Anywhoooooo, I wish I had her talent. Oh oh, check out the crocheted cupcakes in the cute cupcake box! Have you ever seen anything so darling???? I'd say I was speechless but I'm really not -- I'm a stuttering idiot is what I am. I love everything in it.

A Good Clean Joke

Two brooms were hanging in the closet and after a while they got to know each other so well that they decided to get married.

One broom was, of course, the bride broom, the other the groom broom.

The bride broom looked very beautiful in her white dress. The groom broom was handsome and suave in his tuxedo. The wedding was lovely.

After the wedding, at the wedding dinner, the bride broom leaned over and said to the groom broom, “I think I’m going to have a whisk broom!”

“IMPOSSIBLE!” said the groom broom.

Brace yourself – this is going to hurt!

“WE HAVEN’T EVEN SWEPT TOGETHER!”

Sounds to me like she’s been . . . SWEEPING around!

Cowboy Casserole

Once we spread a cup of ketchup over this we could eat it. I won't EVEN share the recipe. Just suffice it to say "Save your money - don't make Cowboy Casserole in your slow-cooker." I'm not even going to freeze the leftovers.

On a better note:

My friend Sara . . .

My sweet friend Sara sent me a wonderful crockpot cookbook today. It's called Fix-It and Forget-It, Best Slow-Cooker Recipes 2009. Oh my goodness, can't wait to try some of these out. Thank you, Sara. (Now, let me tell ya, Sara probably doesn't even own a slow-cooker -- I'll bet she's a gourmet cook all the way. That woman has more creativity and talent in her little finger than I have in my whole body. She's just amazing!!!! I kid you not.)

Critique of Pork Chops and Dressing

This was really very tasty. I did, however, have to add more bread cubes because it was too moist and salty for my liking. Also, if you use the boxed stuffing, I would use regular water because I think the chicken broth made it way too salty. I would also cook it for about 4 hours and then check the meat. Six was too long. The meat was a little dry. This overall though was very good and it's something I would make again with the above modifications. (I think it would also be really good with either a pork tenderloin or turkey breast on top.

My sister made sloppy joes today. Can't wait to find out how they turned out. She said they sure smelled good.

Tomorrow is COWBOY CASSEROLE!

What's in the Crockpot and What Just Came Off the Hooks? Take a look . . .

I love this little sweater. It's a pattern by Kay Jones (#204) that I purchased over the internet. I have made this once before with long sleeves and decided this time to make it with short sleeves. I used Moda Dea Washable Wool. (I'm very sad because this yarn is no longer being made and it's one of my most favorite yarns EVAH! Also,I haven't blocked it yet.)

Now, in the crockpot is Pork Chops with Cornbread Stuffing -- I know! Sounds yummy huh? And it smells awesome!

1 box cornbread stuffing mix
1 can corn with peppers, etc. in
1 can chicken broth
1 egg
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 tsp. sage

Mix that all together and put it in the bottom of the crockpot (after your have sprayed it with cooking spray or used a liner). Brown your pork chops (recipe called for 6 but there's only two of us, so I used two big ones) in a bit of olive oil. Just before putting them in the crockpot sprinkle them with pepper and garlic salt. Cook on low for about 6 hours. Now if you want to make this for six people you double the cornbread stuffing ingredients and then lay 6 chops on top to bake.

Ten Cigars a Day . . .

A doctor on his morning walk, noticed the old lady above, sitting on her front step smoking a cigar, so he walked up to her and said, "I couldn't help but notice how happy you look! What is your secret?"

"I smoke ten cigars a day," she said. "Before I go to bed, I smoke a nice big joint. Apart from that, I drink a whole bottle of Jack Daniels every week,
and eat only junk food, no vegetables. On weekends, I pop pills, get laid, and don't exercise at all."

"That is absolutely amazing! How old are you?" "Thirty-four," she replied.

No Slow Cooking Done on Sunday

We ended up having a larger group here on Sunday so we decided to do chicken enchiladas instead of using the crockpot. The recipes I had planned wouldn't have fed such a large group. I can't remember if I have shared my recipe here or not so I'll add it just in case. This is a basic starting point. You can add other things like olives, green onions, etc.

1 package flour tortillas
1 can chicken, drained (or leftover chicken)
1 small carton sour cream
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 small can diced chiles (whatever heat you want)
1 cup shredded cheese

Mix well. Put a small portion of filling down the center of each tortilla and roll up. Place seam side down in a 9x13 pan. Put remaining on top of the tortillas, add some additional cheese, cover and put in the microwave on high for 8 minutes. (They can be baked in the oven but I like keeping the tortillas soft.)

It doesn't get any easier than that and they are a family favorite. (Except I have to double the recipe.) I just love 1, 1, 1, 1, 1 recipes don't you? So easy to remember.

P.S.
One minute the leaves were on the trees and the next they were gone. We had a big wind and rain storm last night and when I opened the curtain this morning I was stunned at all the leaves on the ground. So very sad. I love all those colored leaves ON THE TREES not on the ground!

I've Been Tagged . . .

SuburbanHooker tagged me with the ABC's of Me Survey!!

A - Age: R U kiddin' me? Let's just say I'm over 50 and not yet 60.
B - Bed size: Just right.
C - Chore you hate: Dishes! I love to cook but hate the cleanup. Unfortunately so does my husband (and the kids when they were home)
D - Dog's name: No dog now but the one I miss the most is our Basset Hound, Baxter.
E - Essential start your day item: Check my email
F - Favorite color: Probably burgundy but dusty blue is a close second
G - Gold or Silver: Gold (I'm thinking of the crowns in my mouth!)
H - Height: 4'11" (shorter than most 6th graders)
I - I am: happy for the sunshine
J - Job: Retired (or as my four-year-old grandson said, "Nana is finally retarded.")
K - Kids: Four kids (3 boys, 1 girl)
L - Living arrangements: You call this living?
M - Mom's name: Mumsy
N - Nicknames: Beverooni, Bevy, Bubbles

O - Overnight hospital stay other than birth: 18 days in hospital after back surgery
P - Pet Peeve: People who are always late.
Q - Quote from a movie: "Hey you guys!" from Goonies

R - Right or left handed: right
S - Siblings: 3 brothers and 1 sister
T - Time you wake up: When the sun shines in my face (if it's cloudy I don't have to get up)
U- Underwear: Hey, that's kind of a personal question!
V - Vegetable you dislike: Eggplant -- come on, it's ugly!
W - Ways you run late: only if the car won't start -- see Pet Peeves above
X - X-rays you've had: You name it, it's been x-rayed

Y - Yummy food you make: Chicken enchiladas and I can heat up anything in a package or can.
Z - Zoo favorite: Polar bears

Guess I should tag someone....ok, here goes:

Pam at Scotty's Place
Jan at Enthusiastic Crochetaholic
Jenn at The Arave Family
Cat at Learning & Loving Crochet
Susan at My Hook and I

Tag! You're it!

Slow-Cooker Lasagna

Delicious!

1 pound ground beef (I used ground chicken) fried in a little olive oil
While cooking, mix together:
1 jar spaghetti sauce
1 cup water
and pour over the chicken. Heat through. In the meantime mix together:
1 small carton Ricotta cheese
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup Mozarella cheese
1 egg
2 tsp Parsley

Put one cup of sauce mixture in bottom of slow-cooker. Put a layer of dry lasagna noodles (broken to fit). Add a layer of cheese mixture and then a layer of meat mixture. Another layer of noodles, cheese and meat until three layers has been made, ending with meat mixture. If there is any meat mixture left pour it over the top. Bake on low between 4 and 6 hours (mine was done at the end of four hours). Served with salad and hot baguettes.

This was really good and definitely a keeper. The Hubster wants to eat the leftovers tomorrow, so I'll wait until Sunday to make something else in the crockpot. Maybe Pork Chops with Corn Stuffing for Sunday dinner? or maybe the Complete Crockery Pot Dinner above? Or Cowboy Casserole? Hmmmm -- lots to think about.

Another Free Pattern

I was asked if there was a pattern for my little brown jacket. I just made it up as I went so decided I'd try to go back and write it up. I haven't yet tested this pattern so if you see any problems, please let me know.

Just a Touch of Old

Child's Sweater Size 18-24 months

Materials needed:
1 skein any worsted weight yarn
I hook
Decorative button (optional)

Yoke: Work in one piece. Ch 55. 1 dc in 4th ch from hook, 1 dc in each ch to end. Ch 3. Turn.

Row 2: (Mitered Tile Stitch) 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook and across to end of row. Ch 1 and turn.

Row 3: sc in 1st st ; * ch 5, sc in 2nd ch from hook, hdc in next ch, dc in next ch, tr in next ch. dtr in side of sc (1st half of mitered tile made); skip next 5 sts, sc in next st; repeat across, sc in last st. Turn.

Row 4: ch 5, dtr in next st, *sc in ch at top of next half tile ; working in remaining loops of ch 5 across edge of half tile, sc in next loop, hdc in next loop , dc in next loop , tr in next loop, dtr in top of next sc (second half of tile made); repeat across, dtr in last st. Turn.

Row 5: 1 dc into next dc. 1 dc in each dc to end. 1 dc in top of ch 3. Ch 3. Turn.

Row 6: 1 dc in next dc. * 2dc in next dc. 1 dc in each of the next 3 dc,* repeat from * to * to end. 1 dc in top of 3 ch. Ch 3. Turn.

Row 7: Same as 3rd row.

Row 8: 1 dc in next dc, * 2 dc in next dc, 1 dc into each of the next 2 dc, * repeat from * to * to end, 1 dc in top of ch 3. Ch 3. Turn.

Row 9 and 10: Repeat Rows 2-4. (Mitered Tile Stitch)

Row 11: Same as Row 6. Ch 3. Turn.

Sweater Bottom: For next 12 rows: Sk 1 dc. V-st in next st, sk 1 dc. Do all the way around ending with 1 dc in last dc of row. Ch 3 and turn. Repeat for next 12 rows or until bottom of sweater measures about 6-1/2” from bottom of yoke.

I did a tulip stitch all the way around the bottom with a ch 2, sc in every other stitch around the rest of the sweater. You can do any variety of stitches to trim this little sweater. I made a sc ribbon to weave through the last row in the yoke but you could also use any type of purchased ribbon to weave through.

This is an original pattern. You are invited to make as many of these as you would like and even sell them in a quantity not to exceed 10. But please do not taut this pattern as your own. Give credit where credit is due (unless there is a mistake and in that event you can accept full responsibility). Thanks!

P.S. The Slow-Cooker Lasagna is in the crockpot. Sure hope it tastes better than it looks right now.)

Slow Cooker Recipes

My sister and I have challenged each other to two weeks of crockpot/slow cooker meals. Every day for the next two weeks we are going to prepare different dishes and then review them for each other. I know -- it's not a real big deal -- but I think it will be fun for us. She's a busy mom and I'm a lazy wife so it should all be good. These types of recipes always make more than The Hubster and I can eat and so my extras are going in the freezer for later and/or take up to my mom. She does get Meals On Wheels every other day so I think these would be good fill-ins.

Tomorrow it's Slow Cooker Lasagna. The recipe is from Kraft Foods.

My sister made this yesterday and said the family slicked it right up -- served over brown rice:

All Day Crockery Pot Beef

From the Kitchen of: Pepper
Source: Internet

1-1/2 lbs. beef roast
1/2 tsp, pepper
2 cloves garlic
1/2 env. onion soup mix
2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp. steak sauce
3 carrots, diced
2 ribs celery, diced
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 yellow onion, cut into rings
1/2 c. water
1/2 c. tomato sauce

Cut beef into serving sized portions. Use more beef if you need more than 6 servings. Brown beef in a bit of oil. Place the vegetables into bottom of Crockery Pot. Sprinkle the beef pieces with fresh ground black pepper, minced garlic and the onion soup mix. Place on top of the vegetables. Mix the steak sauce and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl with about 1/2 cup water and 1/2- cup tomato juice. Pour this over the meat. turn to low, cover and cook for 7-9 hours. When ready to serve, ladle meat and vegetables out of pot with a slotted spoon. Use the liquid as is or turn Crockery Pot to high and thicken liquid with a little flour or cornstarch.

NOTE: Keep the Crockery Pot covered as much as possible throughout cooking time. A Crockery Pot can be used to cook this type of meal for a varied amount of time, depending on your schedule. It is not important that you take the meat and vegetables out at a specific amount of time. One or two hours either way usually makes no difference.

Christmas Games, Holiday Parties, Gift Exchanges

Christmas Games, Holiday Parties, Gift Exchanges

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I'm starting to put together our family Christmas party and found the above link full of really fun things to do. We take our adult children out somewhere really nice for dinner. I'd also like to do something at home this year and have it for everyone. Playing games, having an Ugly Christmas Sweater contest, etc. Any suggestions? (I'm thinking this cowboy should definitely grace my Christmas cards this year -- don't you? Better yet, I think I'll invite him to the party!!!!! Be still my heart!)

Since you can feel the nip of autumn in the air . . .

I rummaged through my yarn stash and found some of my favorite afghan yarn. It's made by Bernat and I think it makes the loveliest blankets either for baby or adult (or in between). I decided I would use what I had of this particular color (denim) and make a blanket for one of the grandkids for Christmas. The color is actually more denim than shown. The pattern is called Baby's Round Ripple Afghan and I found it on Ravelry. It can also be found at Lyn's Designs, www.angelcrafts.net and is FREE (oh, how I love those free patterns).

I didn't make it to the consignment shop over the weekend. Ken was too busy painting the family room and kitchen (which was much more important and looks fabulous). So while supervising the painting (not really two of our sons were here helping and it was my job to order pizza), I made another little sweater to take along. There are some darling little patterns at www.justcrochet.com for baby things and this is just one of them. It was actually a pattern for a christening dress but I wanted to make a little sweater instead. You would need a much lighter yarn to make the christening dress as the medium weight I used made this sweater about a size 6-9 months, I think.

Look what I missed out on yesterday ! !

We were invited to go to Witches Day Out at Gardener Village with Austyn, Brayden and Alexis yesterday but all week I have been having trouble with my back so I had to stay home -- in bed -- and didn't get to go. I missed out on all this fun. The kids got to ride ponies and play in the petting zoo. What fun they had seeing all the witches and have fun together as cousins. I'm so glad they took pictures so I could share in the fun a bit. I can't wait to talk to them today and hear all about their adventures.

Mount Timpanogos in the Fall

I think Utah has some of the most amazing scenery. If you don't like what you are seeing at the moment keep driving because about every 15 minutes it changes. (You just gotta double-click on this to see it in all its splendor.)

Some of the things headed to the consignment shop

There's several more but I think this is a fair representation. Wish me luck! I hope I don't just end up with them all disappearing or coming home!

A TRUE COUNTRY BOY

When you're from the country you look at things a little differently.

A Missouri farmer got in his pickup and drove to a neighboring farm and knocked at the door. A young boy, about 9, opened the door. "Is your Dad home?" the rancher asked. "No sir, he isn't," he boy replied. "He went into town." "Well," said the rancher, "Is your Mother here?" "No sir, she's not here either. She went into town with Dad." "How about your brother, Howard? Is he here?" "No sir, he went with Mom and Dad." The farmer stood there for a few minutes, shifting from one foot to the other and mumbling to himself. "Is there anything I can do for you?" the boy asked politely. "I know where all the tools are, if you want to borrow one. Or maybe I could take a message for Dad." "Well," said the rancher uncomfortably, "I really wanted to talk to your Dad. It's about your brother Howard getting my daughter, Suzie, pregnant. The boy considered for a moment. "You would have to talk to Pa about that," he finally conceded. "If it helps you any, I know that Pa charges $500 for the bull and $50 for the hog, but I really don't know how much he gets for Howard."

Even Money by Dick Francis

I have enjoyed many of Dick Francis' books - especially his steeple-chase mysteries. I thought I'd try reading a novel on my new iPhone and was thrilled to discover that I could purchase them at Amazon.com through their Kindle service. I have been wanting a Kindle for some time and when I discovered I could read these same books on my iPhone, I decided I would give it a try. No Kindle for me! I love being able to read on my iPhone. The pages are clear. They are back-lit so if I want to read at nite without turning on the light I can with no eye strain at all. Anyway, back to "Even Money." I think the Washington Post sums it up for me as well:

"Sometimes, after a long time away, you revisit your old home town or college campus and discover that the favorite pizzeria of your highly caloric youth is still in business. Man, were those mushroom and pepperoni slices delicious! So, ignoring your cholesterol count, you order a large pizza, sit down with your favorite cold one and take a big mouthwatering bite. And are, inevitably, disappointed. No matter how good the pizza might be, it's no match for those pies of yesteryear. Some key ingredient seems to be missing, or the new owners have mucked about with the recipe, or maybe your own taste buds have grown more sophisticated. Nonetheless, you eat all eight slices anyway, and enjoy them. It's still pizza, after all. Just so, one can say of "Even Money" that it may not be up to the standards of "Nerve" or "Forfeit" or "Whip Hand" or "Reflex," but it's still a Dick Francis thriller."

Part of it might be because I'm not much into "bookmaking" so it was hard for this book to peak my interest. There was a decent sub-story about a mentally ill wife and a newly discovered father but it wasn't quite enough for me to give it more than **.

Next on my iPhone Kindle? The Return of Sherlock Holmes. It was FREE!!!!

Ain't it the truth??

Silver in the Hair.
Gold in the Teeth.
Stones in the Kidneys

Sugar in the Blood.

Lead in the Feet.

Iron in the Arteries.

And an inexhaustible supply of Natural Gas.

We never thought we'd accumulate such wealth.

What a good idea, Keri ! !

Keri at Greyt Balls of Yarn snitched this from Beansleigh's blog and so I though I would do the same to HER site. I am posting it not as an award as much as it is a fun little thing to complete and would tell us a lot about each other.

HERE ARE THE RULES:
1. You can only use one word to answer each of the following questions.
2. Offer this to your fellow bloggers
3. Alert them that you have given them this award.
4. Have fun!!!

Okay, on to the fun part!

1. Where is your cell phone? Nightstand
2. Your hair? hideous
3. Your mother? amazing
4. Your father? missed
5. Your favorite foods? Greek
6. Your dream last night? funny
7. Your favorite drink? cold
8. Your dream/goal? loved
9. What room are you in? office
10. Your hobby? crochet
11. Your fear? drowning
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? alive
13. Where were you last night? home
14. Something that you aren't? thin
15. Muffins? banana
16. Wish List Item? health
17. Where did you grow up? Idaho
18. Last thing you did? cook
19. What are you wearing? PJs
20. Your t.v.? on
21. Your pets? none
22. Friends? best
23. Your life? full
24. Your mood? good
25. Missing someone? yes
26. Vehicle? Subaru
27. Something you're not wearing? bra
28. Your favorite store? none
29. Your favorite color? green
30. Last time you laughed? now
31. Last time you cried? weeks
32. Best friend? hubby
33. One place I go to again and again? home
34. One person who emails you regularly? Henry
35. Favorite place to eat? BBQ

I apologize profusely to Keri for calling her Geri in my original post. How embarrassing! By whatever name I happen to call her (or you), I promise it is always with love and affection. ;-)

Halloween is coming!

(Grandson, Dallas)
I can't wait to see what everyone's going to be this year for Halloween!
I just love hearing
"TRICK OR TREAT
SMELL MY FEET
DANCE AROUND
THE TOILET SEAT!"

(Ken needs to come up with something
else to say -- he's such a bad influence on the grandkids!)

A Drive Around the Alpine Loop

American Fork Canyon is a beautiful drive any time of the year but in the autumn it's absolutely amazing. We had lunch at The Harvest at Thanksgiving Point before driving up the canyon. The perfect start of the adventure was getting fresh apples, peaches and little yellow tomatoes from the Farmer's Market before climbing back in the car. Then it was up the canyon for these beautiful views and pictures. Our son, Rob, met us at Thanksgiving Point as he had to be in Provo today for a meeting anyway and "a good time was had by all."

Diamonds in Snow Scarf

Edited to Add: Thanks to Glor at Crochet Galore (http://glor-crochetgalore.blogspot.com/2009/09/diamonds-in-snow.html) I now know who designed this fun scarf. SHE DID!

I printed this pattern off the Internet but for some reason it doesn't say who designed it. Usually when I print off a pattern it puts the Internet address on the bottom. This time it didn't. If anyone knows who designed the Diamonds in Snow Scarf as shown to the left, please let me know. I have made a heavily modified version of this scarf but I don't want to post it anywhere until I can give the designer credit for the original idea. Any help would be appreciated.

I decided to go ahead and add pictures of mine so you can see how I modified it.

It was a good day to stay indoors . . .

Boy, that was a short autumn. We had snow today! Not in our front yard (thank goodness) but the mountains behind us were mostly white this morning when I peeked out. I immediately shut the blinds and continued in oblivion the rest of the day. I am SO not ready for snowmen OR winter.

What happened when the snow girl fell out with the snow boy?
She gave him the cold shoulder !

What do snowmen wear on their heads?
Ice caps !

What do snowmen eat for lunch?
Iceberg-ers !

How do snowmen travel around?
By icicle !

What do you get if you cross a snowman and a shark?
Frost bite !

What sort of ball doesn't bounce?
A snowball !

How do you know when there's been a snowman in your bed?
You wake up wet !

(Okay, okay -- no more snow talk for today.) I'm sure we'll get to see autumn again but seeing that snow in the mountains reminded me that it won't be long before it's here in the valley too.

Can you feel it in the air?