Peanut's Senior Photo Shoot

Here are a few of the 218 (yes, I took 218) shots from our photo shoot today.  There are a few we really like so we'll probably get the list narrowed down and set off to print after the holidays.  The best part, besides having a fabulous afternoon with my eldest, is that instead of spending $400 on photos that were alright - we'll be spending $30 on photos that we love.  Enjoy.

The Mama Card

You know you've used - I just did.  Peanut is not a big fan of having  her picture taken but I am a big fan of taking pictures - can you see the issue here?  Well, not only have I played the Mama Card, I used a bit of Mama Guilt as well.

Peanut leaves for college on August 27th.  I know this.  I have the days counted down.  I cry when I think about it.  I know the exact mileage from our front door to her dorm (1639 if you are curious).  Peanut is my baby, my first born.  Soon she will start her own life so a mom has to do what a mom has to do.

Peanut - the elusive teenager

I explained this situation to her and how one day, she's going to miss my tormenting her.  Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow but one day - oh yes, one day she will miss it.  So, in order for me to stock pile time for when she has abandoned me for loftier aspirations and cooler people, I requested a photo shoot today... well, not so much requested as informed.

Pokey is taking Hobbit with him as he goes Christmas shopping so I'm making Peanut go with me so I can take her picture to my heart's content - yeah, it's going to take hours I'm sure.  I will surprise her with lunch of her choosing (I'm guessing we'll end up at Taco Bell) but this morning is going to be all for me.

The Mama Card - don't leave home without it.

Essence of Me

Experiment 1215.1 ~ Epic Fail

On my birthday I noticed a few things and I was curious if it was just me being pathetic or if my perception truly was a reality, so I did what any other normal red blooded woman would do ~ I ran an experiment.

My family has this condition where they come into a house and items just fall off their bodies.  I'm not sure what causes it or how to cure it, but I do know it exists and I've seen it in action.  No matter where we have lived, my family finds a location and then POOF - items fall off and they can't seem to be able to touch them ever again.  I am immune to this condition apparently because it's never happened to me.  I come in the house and my keys go on the hook by the door, my pocketbook goes on the hook by the door... things just go back where they belong with me.

In this house, it seems as though the item grabbing force field exists at my kitchen counter and pass through area.  I have suggested that they avoid this area at all costs because of the catastrophic damage they inflict.  This was met with denial and slight insult that I would say such a thing.  That is how Experiment 1215.1 came to be - I would not pick up after them for one week.  At the end of the week, we'll see if my kitchen area stays in the order of how I left it or if the beautiful members of my household explode all over it.... oh they exploded - and then some!

I like my kitchen tidy because I love to bake and cook.  If it's clean and put up, I can find it for the next time I need it (if you listen real close, you might be able to hear my mama cheer right now).  I haven't baked the first Christmas cookie because I couldn't find my counter due to my family's infliction.  The part that really has me concerned is that it apparently effects their sight and cognitive reasoning skills because they don't see it or understand why it bothers me so much.

I have photographed this experiment's end results so that you can feel my pain... and then I photographed what happens when I put things back in order so you can understand how truly terrible this disease is - I'm seriously thinking of contacting Jerry Lewis to see if we can join his telethon next year.

Experiment 1215.1 - Counters after 1 week

Experiment 1215.1 - Alternate view of counters after 1 week

Experiment 1215.1 - It started to ooze through onto the pass through

Experiment 1215.1 - Returned to proper state

Experiment 1215.1 - Returned to proper state

Experiment 1215.1 - Even the ooze is gone from the pass through

Experiment 1215.1 - The view from my desk doesn't irk me any more!

Next, I'm going to try and figure out why I am the only one who knows how to wipe down a counter... think I could get government funding for this research?

Sweet Friends

Sweets from my sweet friend

I have known LoriJean for years.  She was actually my boss at one point in time - a strange and brief hiatus from Walt Disney lead me to her.  From the get go, LoriJean has been the older sister I always wanted.  She is full of love, warmth and wisdom.  Always there to lend an ear or a shoulder.  Just a great girlfriend and I pray that everyone has their own LoriJean in their life.

Last Saturday, LoriJean apparently made 580 cookies and I made a comment that I wanted some - today, I got some!  She sent me a tin of cookies via UPS so now I have a bit of LoriJean with me for the holidays.  Life is now perfect.

New "Business" Venture

A friend of mine needed a name and logo banner for her new photography business.  I went and borrowed one of my favorite photos of her daughter and created this for her.  The logo shows up better when it's full sized so go ahead and click it to see.

Reflections Photography banner, created by moi

If you're up in her neck of the woods, check her out for some great portrait work.

I was thinking that perhaps I could get a new business venture going now.  Photography, logos, banners and such for small businesses.  I'll have to get a portfolio started and create a website but that's a cake walk really... the hard part has already been taken care of ~ the name!

Stitch In Time Productions... so works for me, don't you think?

Fall Found Florida... Just in Time for Christmas!

I got some looks snapping this but the end result was worth it

It's a Christmas wish come true for me

No idea what these berries are but the tree is full of them

Someone has a mighty green thumb - and it sure isn't me

Peanut's treasures from the walk to wait for Hobbit's bus

Element of Surprise

I've got so much to do before Christmas that one chore has gotten away from me... should do it soon or we'll be the talk of the town, that's for sure!  While shaking my head at the mountain of laundry, I noticed that my shy, quiet, reserved teenager has the wildest socks known to man and it made me giggle.  I thought of Superman and his super suit below his clothes - these were her super socks as it were. 

Yeah, I need more coffee... lol.

It's a bird, it's a plane... it's Super Peanut!

Turkey Leftovers Face-Lift

I had a HUGE turkey for Thanksgiving - we still have 2 pounds left over in the freezer and Christmas is this Saturday!  So I pulled a pound out and decided that I was going to figure something out that was different than just reheated on a plate with mash.  Here's the little face lift I came up with:

Face-lifts never looked so good!

1 lb cooked turkey
1 can golden sweet corn
16 oz of turkey gravy (I had some frozen from Thanksgiving but you could use a sawmill gravy, just make it a bit runny)
1 pkg of Rotini noodles

Reheat turkey in gravy at a 350 oven for twenty minutes.  While turkey is heating, prepare noodles per instructions and heat corn through.  Drain noodles, remove turkey in gravy from the oven and toss all items together.  I mixed the corn with a nob of butter, salt and pepper. Then I put the noodles on top, mixed it up and placed the turkey with gravy last to mix. It seems to infuse the flavors better this way.  Either way, I hope you enjoy.  I made some biscuits and had a little salad on the side.  It's all up to you.  Just something different to do that I thought others might like as well.

What Do You Think

I can't decide on a new banner that I created for the blog.  I have made several and I'm just not a very good judge at the moment so I would like some input and feedback please.  Let me know which one you like best and why (no pressure, you can if you feel moved to do so really).  Here are the ones I have thus far:

Header Option 1.0

Header Option 1.1

Header Option 2.0

Header Option 2.1

Header Option 3.0

Sunday Snaps

I thought I would dedicate a day to simple snapshots since I have such a love for photography.  I always felt a little guilty for posting just photos and claiming it an Artsy Fartsy Day out of the blue.  So in order to give my other passion equal time, I have dedicated "Sunday Snaps" to nothing but pictures.

Every Sunday I will simply post photos.  It could be one or, knowing me, it could be one hundred.  Either way, I hope you enjoy.  Oh and since this is the internet I have to say it ~ © peppermintmochamama - all rights reserved... blah blah blah, yadda yadda yadda

It's too yucky out, even for fairy princesses

Perspectives Change

We took the kids to the Magic Kingdom (thanks again, Melody!) this past Friday and it's amazing how perspectives change with age.  The magic is still there but the reasons for it evolve with you.

When I was little, I would get so excited to see Mickey Mouse that I couldn't stand it - very few could stand me while I couldn't stand it - but now that I am older, I get more excited to see my kids meet him than actually meeting him myself.  I no longer look at the surroundings with wonderment but instead, I look at my children with wonderment as I watch them discover the same joys I did as a child.

Hobbit's biggest wish was to ride Cinderella's Golden Carousel and meet Mickey.  Peanuts was to ride the Haunted Mansion.  Pokey and I simply wanted to watch them have their wishes come true.  While the girls left the park with a new fuzzy friend and some gorgeous trinkets to remember the trip by, I left with a heart full of love and head full of memories - and a bazillion pictures but who's counting.

It's really amazing how our perspective change.  We all had a perfect trip for very different, and equally perfect, reasons.

"What Do You Do"

I was just asked this by someone so I gave them my job description.  I found this a long time ago and copied it on a notpad so I would always have it.  I think it sums things up nicely so for all of those who are curious as to the answer regarding the question of "what do you do" for a living, here you go:

JOB DESCRIPTION : Long term, team players needed, for challenging permanent work in an, often chaotic environment. Candidates must possess excellent communication and organizational skills and be willing to work variable hours, which will include evenings and weekends and frequent 24 hour shifts on call. Some overnight travel required, including trips to primitive camping sites on rainy weekends and endless sports tournaments in far away cities! Travel expenses not reimbursed. Extensive courier duties also required.

RESPONSIBILITIES : The rest of your life. Must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily, until someone needs $5. Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly. Also, must possess the physical stamina of a pack mule and be able to go from zero to 60 mph in three seconds flat in case, this time, the screams from the backyard are not someone just crying wolf. Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges, such as small gadget repair, mysteriously sluggish toilets and stuck zippers. Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars and coordinate production of multiple homework projects. Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings for clients of all ages and mental outlooks. Must be willing to be indispensable one minute, an embarrassment the next. Must handle assembly and product safety testing of a half million cheap, plastic toys, and battery operated devices. Must always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst. Must assume final, complete accountability for the quality of the end product. Responsibilities also include floor maintenance and janitorial work throughout the facility.

POSSIBILITY FOR ADVANCEMENT & PROMOTION : None. Your job is to remain in the same position for years, without complaining, constantly retraining and updating your skills, so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you.

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE : None required unfortunately. On-the-job training offered on a continually exhausting basis.

WAGES AND COMPENSATION : Get this! You pay them! Offering frequent raises and bonuses. A balloon payment is due when they turn 18 because of the assumption that college will help them become financially independent. When you die, you give them whatever is left. The oddest thing about this reverse-salary scheme is that you actually enjoy it and only wish you could do more.

BENEFITS : While no health or dental insurance, no pension, no tuition reimbursement, no paid holidays and no stock options are offered; this job supplies limitless opportunities for personal growth and free hugs and kisses for life if you play your cards right.

All of that boils down to me being a traditional housewife and mother.  I take care of my husband and children and run our household.... but the other description is way better.. lol.

Oh My Goodness!

There is less than a week left - this elf has been busy, busy, busy!  I promise to get back in the swing of things as soon as the holidays are over.  In the interim, enjoy an artsy fartsy moment on me...

All Clear

I checked to see if I had posted about this before and it appears as though I hadn't so let me get y'all up to speed on the situation.  It will require a bit of a back story so I'll wait while you get your coffee... dum diddley dum... ready?  Alrighty.

Y'all remember how Hobbit was waking up in the middle of the night with a tummy ache and I was taking her to her pediatrician almost every other week?  They tried to tell me she had acid reflux and by the third visit regarding this issue we were told to ignore her and she was advised to pray about her belly and tell it that she won't tolerate such things any longer... oh yeah, that is their nice way of saying they thought she was faking it.

Now fast forward to last Wednesday afternoon.  I get a phone call from the school nurse (her name is Mrs. Cookie - seriously, isn't that perfect!) telling me that Hobbit is in severe pain over her belly and I needed to come get her.  I packed Peanut up in the car and off we go to get Hobbit.  When I get there, she busts out in tears which doesn't do much for me so I ask her if she can wait a few hours to go back to see her doctor or if we had to go to the special doctors now... she opted for now so off to the ER we went.

Long story short, Hobbit had a really bad UTI (Urinary Tract Infection).  This could have easily been solved by a simple pee test weeks ago but her pediatrician never ordered one.  We left the hospital with a prescription for a sulfa medicine which we later learned through a severe case of hives at midnight, that she is allergic to sulfa medicines.  I was furious with her pediatrician when I learned that this is what she had but I called them at midnight over her hives anyway.  I explained our ER visit and how she is now covered in hives.  Do you know what they told me - keep giving her the medicine but add Benadryl to it... that's it, they were fired.  Hobbit is allergic to Benadryl!

As soon as it is light out, I call my doctor to see if they will see Hobbit since she is only 5 - thank Heaven above, they would see her!  We go in that afternoon and the first thing he says is that she allergic to that particular type of medication which is not uncommon, hence the reason they rarely use it any longer.  He asked if she could swallow a pill (which she can) and gives her something else.  He asks her questions and she answers very articulately - they laughed and learned about one another so in the future things would be comfortable.  Everyone was smiling when we headed to the front to get an appointment for a week later to make sure it's all gone and head out the door.

That evening, I get a phone call from her original doctor - you know, the one who has seen her since birth - and they are inquiring as to why I didn't bring Hobbit in to the office today.  I simply said "Oh, because y'all aren't her doctor any more"... that got me a chat with the one we have dubbed OME (Office Manager Elaine).  Once again, I relay the information and she tries to tell me that the ER was wrong because the only way to diagnose a UTI is through a culture which takes several days to mature and that over the course of all those weeks that I must have misunderstood what the doctor was saying.  Are you serious... you want to go there with me?  Okay OME, let's dance.  I informed her that their practice was still listed as her primary care physician and they were more than welcome to get the results.  As far as misunderstanding, perhaps she should rethink that position and get back to me on it after she discusses with the doctor because I can guarandamntee her that I did not misunderstand.  OME said that they would do that and call me back no later than Monday of the next week.  I said sure and hung up, so annoyed that I could have spit nails.

Welp, it's now Saturday morning and I have one healthy Hobbit.  We went for our follow up yesterday and the test came back completely clear.  She has been sleeping through the night just fine and even her panties have been completely dry, not damp like before.  The faint smell of urine is gone from the laundry hampers and our house is returning to normal.  Oh, and her former pediatrician never called back... wonder if it is because OME realized everything I said was true, the culture came back positive for a UTI and they would have had to admit they were wrong.  Either way, it doesn't matter.  They're fired and my baby girl is right as rain again.

Homemade Turkey Pot Pie

I have been wanting a pot pie ever since it got cold.  Today, I made one.  It is currently bubbling away in the oven and my house smells delicious!  I thought I would share the recipe with you but I've gotta let you know, I didn't measure anything - it was all 'eyeballed' during the moment.  You know what your family loves so just work it accordingly.

Pot pie is larger than it appears

Ingredients
1 lb of cooked turkey or chicken
1 can of corn
1 can of green beans
1 can of Cream of Soup (mushroom or chicken work best)
1 can of water
Worcestershire sauce
Onion powder
Minced onions
Garlic salt
Pie crust (just one for the top)

I did this in layers so here you go:  First place down half the meat and veg.  Then sprinkle with the spices and Worcestershire sauce.  Afterward, put down another layer just as you have done.  Oh yeah, this is all going in either a 5x7 dish or a deep pie dish, your choice.  Now, mix your cream of soup and one can of water - whisk it well so you get all the lumps out.  Pour this over your mixture in the dish.  Now take your pie crust and place it on top - egg wash optional.  Place all of this yummy goodness in a 400 F oven for 35 minutes.  Here is the only bummer - it has to stand for about 20 minutes before you can serve it.

You could be really super gungho and do individual pot pies, if you have the ramekins to do it... I was one short which is why I had to go for the super huge communal pie.  Side note - order the shirt here.

One of the Greatest Scenes Ever

Bunny Hat for Hobbit

So I'm in a hat making mood.  I know I should be working on Christmas presents but they are such huge undertakings that I just am too daunted by the task, I'll be honest.  I finished Pokey's hat last night and it was so cold this morning walking to the bus stop with Hobbit that I realized, she doesn't have a hat.  That got my cranial wheels turning and I figured out the perfect one - a bunny hat!

Now I found some off white Mellowspun by Mary Maxim in my stash and some beautiful pink with no tag that will work perfectly.  Here is the pattern that I have worked out in my head, ears and all!  I'll be working it up today and will make any necessary tweaks but I'm pretty confident that this will work.

UPDATE 12/2011 ~  This pattern was chosen by Planet Purl to be published in one of their books.  I have removed the pattern for the time being for that reason.

All Done!

I finished Pokey's hat!  He looks so cute in it - I even like the little point that it comes to.. which can be avoided if you want by simply stopping the decreasing when you have 13 stitches on your needles.  Here is my baby and his new hat.

Pokey's "Superstar" Hat

When we were first married, I made Pokey a hat.  It was really cold that winter and he shaves his head so he was doubly cold.  One day he made a comment about how he wished he had a hat to wear.  Ding!  A light bulb went off in my head and I sat down the very next day and learned how to knit a hat.  This was before I learned of the glory of circular needles so his hat has a seam up the back.  Pokey likes it that way so he knows which is the front and which is the back... he's such a silly man.

Well, it's time for Pokey to get a new hat because his old has seen better days.  It is starting to wear thin and look, ummm, well-loved shall we say.  I set out with Hobbit the other day to find yarn that 'looked like Daddy', at least according to Hobbit.  We found it - and so the "Superstar" hat can begin!  We picked up a new brand, well it's new to me, from Hobby Lobby called "I Love This Yarn!" and we got dye lot 1708 for Autumn Stripe.  It is a beautiful variegation of rusts, browns and greens.  It is close enough to his old hat that he should be in hog heaven.

Here is my pattern for his "Superstar" hat - named as such because of the love for his old hat and the star design on the top.

I casted on 95 stitches on my size 8 circular needles.  After joining, I worked in a 2x2 ribbing (k2, p2) and ended the row with one purl stitch.  This pattern continues for 1" to make the band.  The rest of the hat will be done in stockinette stitch - the beauty of circular needles is that means it's all simple knit!

Now, once the hat reaches 5" from finished edge, you start the decreasing.  I worked it out as follows:
Dec Row 1:  *k17, k2tog, repeat from * to end of row
Dec Row 2:  knit
Dec Row 3: *k16, k2tog, repeat from * to end of row

Superstar in progress

Continue in this fashion all the way through k2tog, k2tog... should be 8 stitches left but I'm not 100% sure.  Oh yeah, at some point you will change to dpns.  It is inevitable and I do apologize if you don't like working with them - they can be tricky until you get comfortable with it.  If  you don't wish to do that, might I suggest working the body of the hat for 7" and then use the decreasing row pattern for 1", binding off and sewing a seam on the top... it's a nice alternative if dpns simply confuse or frustrate you.

Okay, now with the 8 stitches that are left on the needle.  Cut a tail that is about 2" long and weave it back through all the stitches.  Flip your hat inside out and pull tight - not so tight that you break your yarn... don't laugh, I've done it.  Just pull tight enough that you close the top completely.  Now, finish it off and weave the tail down through roughly 6 stitches to secure it.  Voila - Superstar hat!

I'll post a picture of it later on, once I finish it... now it's time to snuggle on with my coffee, knitting and some shows I recorded off BBC... see ya soon!
© peppermintmochamama

**Update - if you knit this all way down to the k2tog, k2tog then you will have a point on your hat.  Pokey thinks it is cute and loves it that way but if you aren't too keen on such things then simply stop when you have roughly 13 stitches on your needles.  This will give you a nice rounded but flat crown to the hat.  Just an FYI since I took it all way to the k2tog, k2tog and was left with 4 stitches and a pointed top.  I wanted to add a pom pom but I got a look... lol.**

Lee DeWyze - Sweet Serendipity

Multi-Color Knitting Made Easy

I have this great pdf that I found on KnitPicks website regarding multi color knitting.  You can click here to go straight to the their file and then download it for your own future reference.  It is complete with a photo tutorial as well.  Here is the verbiage from their file and it is just awesome.

Tame Multi Color Knitting
Working with more than one color is not as difficult as you might think once you adopt a technique that feels comfortable. Keeping your colors organized and finding a way to hold the yarn so that the yarn doesn’t twist or get tangled is key to working with multiple colors. Here are some methods to experiment with to help make your color work more enjoyable.


Carrying Two Colors
For the knitter whose primary style of knitting is left handed (or European) both colors can be carried on the left hand. This technique is also referred to as “true” Fair Isle, from the island located between Scotland and Norway where the intricate Fair Isle style of knitting with multiple colors originated. With this system, the knitter can carry both colors over the left index finger, “picking” the color needed with the right needle tip.


Using a Yarn Guide
Whether you knit with the yarn in the left or right hand, it can be tricky to keep the two colors separate. There is a device known as a Yarn Guide which serves as a useful tool in keeping the two colors apart. This clever piece of knitting gear can be used on either the right or left index finger.

1. Carry the strands of unused color LOOSELY in the back of the project. Loose stitches or strands can be tightened but it is virtually impossible to loosen stitches that are too tight and they will cause unsightly puckering on the right side of your project and may even affect the fit.

2. Choose lighter weight yarns that can be doubled—fingering, sport and DK are ideal weights for stranded color work.

3. Bear in mind that your finished project will be quite warm because of the two layers.

4. For color patterns which involve 3 or more stitches of one color in a row, be sure to wrap the unused yarn in the back of the work.

5. Color work is easiest worked in the round, on circular needles or double point needles employing steeks where necessary to create openings for the armholes, neck and cardigan button/zipper bands. It is difficult to purl two color work, carrying the yarn in the front of the work. Hats make an excellent small, first project for stranded color work.

Handy Tips When Working With Color
Scandinavian Knitting
Many knitters happily use a technique which combines the best of left-handed knitting and right-handed knitting to quickly work with two colors. This is the system endorsed by Elizabeth Zimmerman in Knitting Without Tears. The key to this method is organizing your yarn, keeping one ball on your right side of you and the other on your left. You should hold the main color in whichever hand you feel the most comfortable.

The following technique is used when you have a pattern which calls for more than 2 stitches of the same color from the RIGHT HAND.

The first stitch of the color is knit normally; the next stitch you will want to weave. Put your needle into the stitch and under the yarn on the left hand. Proceed to knit your stitch with the right color as normal. You have essentially lifted the left hand color over the right. Alternate a normal stitch with a woven stitch; the woven stitch can be every other stitch or every third stitch. However, do not knit woven stitches back to back. Be sure to put an “ordinary” stitch in between or the weaving won’t work.


Wrapping the Yarn While You Knit
For a tidy look in the back of the work, securing loose strands or “floats”, consider “wrapping” the two colors while knitting. There are two commonly used techniques for wrapping the unused color behind your work while you are knitting your multi-color project. With a little practice, you can master these techniques and they will become indispensable in working with color patterns.

The following technique is used when you have a pattern which calls for more than 2 stitches of the same color from the LEFT HAND.

Here’s how it works: pretend to knit with your right hand, wrapping the right hand color around the needle as if to knit it (but don’t). Immediately after that, pretend to knit with your left hand by picking up the color in the left hand with the right needle tip. Then unwrap your right hand color and bring the left color stitch through. Do not weave two stitches in a row. Be sure to put an “ordinary” stitch in between or the weaving won’t work.

Note: If your stitches are twisted then you are bringing the yarn through the wrong way

1639 Miles Away

I should be saying "Congratulations, I'm so proud of you"... I should and I have... but I only half meant it.  Don't get me wrong, I am so very proud that Peanut just found out she was accepted into a university with a program that she really wants.  I am so very proud that she accomplished her goals with her ACT scores and GPA just to be accepted.  Those accomplishments put me over the moon - being 1639 miles away simply breaks my heart and brings me to tears, that's all.

Most parents can't wait for the day when their kids are grown and out of the house so they can, as it's been told to me, "get on with their lives".  I don't like that phrase being applied to children - mainly because they are my life.  I raised them to be independent.  I raised them to believe that they can do anything and to never be afraid to try.  I raised them to dream big and go for it... so why am I so upset that Peanut actually did?

She's my baby.  We've been through so much together.  She's the Rory to my Lorelei.  I want her to be fearless, to grow and be strong... but nothings says that I have to like it.