Slippers for Violet

Violet loved the slippers I crocheted for Melissa and wanted her own pair. My first attempt was way too small. It's easier to increase the size of a pattern. Not so simple to make it smaller.

The finished product was perfect. Violet wanted purple and blue so I chose jewel toned colors.

Since Violet is so special, I even made little pom poms for the ends of the ties. Then she asked if I'd make a pair for her American Girl Doll, Mia. Even after over 30 years of crocheting, I can't make the pattern that small. I guess I'm going to have to see if I can find a pattern online. Or maybe they have a pair of slippers at the American Girl Doll store in Chicago!

Melissa's Birthday

Each year it gets harder and harder to have the fun with birthdays that we had as kids. Melissa and I had plans to meet at Chick-Fil-A after I picked Violet up from school to grab a quick bite before doing a little birthday shopping. Well that was cut short because Melissa had to run to a doctor appointment. But Violet and Lincoln and I stayed at the mall. We were at Build A Bear when Melissa left. Then we went to the play area. To kill more time, we went to the toy store and then got a cookie. Not only were the kids getting tired, but I was exhausted. So we headed back to my house.

Melissa got back just in time for us to leave for her birthday dinner at Rancho Grande. Jamie, Michael and Ashley had to work, so it was a rather small birthday gathering for us.

I tried making it festive with party hats and horns. Violet had fun with the horns.

Melissa's friend, Trish, joined us.

She brought the most fabulous cake from Nothing "Bundt" Cakes.

And Teresa and Brad are always good sports about joining in on the fun. It may not have been the birthday party for a 5 year old but at least she was out of the house. Happy Birthday Melissa!

Violet's Baby Book

Finally after 5 years of procrastination, I finished Violet's baby book.

Michele made me this beautiful baby book for Violet when she was first born.

There's all these cards and slots and hidden tabs to put pictures and dates.

Since Violet was living with me, I had tons of pictures of choose from. I found myself having to edit quite a bit in order to fit it all in.

I had the most fun with embellishments. I probably spent over $100 on embellishments alone and probably embellished too much. But I think the finished product turned out great.

Hairstyling

One of the advantages of babysitting Violet and Lincoln is getting a make over from Violet.

Violet loves to make unique hairstyles. She put this pink hair extension in my hair to give it that punk feel.

I noticed a big difference when I was babysitting this time. Violet and Lincoln are more into entertaining themselves which makes my job much easier. Although there is still the "catch and tickle me" time.

New Winter Scarf

I'm gearing up for our trip to Chicago in March. I've made quite a few winter scarves for family and friends, but I've never made one for myself.

I made this one out of white, pink and grey to go with my new Columbia jacket. Look out Chicago, here we come. With my luck, Spring will come early and I'll need to break out the flip flops!

Violet the Fashion Designer

I went to visit Violet and Lincoln. Christmas was the last time I saw them.

Instead of the usual running, screaming and tickles from Ma, Violet decided to make me an outfit out of construction paper. Give this girl a pair of scissors and a glue stick and she can create anything. I believe she has that hidden engineering gene.

Here's a close up of the shoes she made for me.

And the entire upper bodice. The pink is a tutu.

Of course, Lincoln is getting to the age where he wants to be included in everything so I couldn't leave without a picture of him. The outfit was way too small but as I was leaving, Violet was busy making adjustments - adding length to the shoes, tights...well just about everything!

Living Room Afghan

Instead of making New Year's resolutions, I decided to set goals for myself. Some include the usual exercise and eating right and some include projects.

I know I've made at least 3 other afghans for my living room, eventually not really liking them. So my first goal for 2018 was making yet another afghan for my living room. We'll see how long this one lasts before my tastes change again.

Good Bye 2017

I wish I could paint a picture of 2017 like Michele did with her high seas European travels, hiking the Appalachian Train, or bike riding through beautiful National Parks. But instead my 2017 went something like this.

Went to Florida and came back to my house being flooded due to a leaking toilet costing me over $13,000 in repairs.

Went to Florida and having the torrential summer rainfalls destroy the rest of my basement.

Went to Florida and literally got kicked out due to Hurricane Irma. (Maybe I should stay out of Florida!)

But the silver lining is I got both bathrooms updated.

My basement now has a beautiful porcelain tile floor.

And I got a new set of Vera Bradley luggage.

So instead of feeling sorry for myself and spending New Year's Eve at home, I bought myself a new outfit and took Ashley to a steak and lobster dinner at Harrah's.

I didn't quite make it until midnight but at least I was out of the house. Good bye 2017. I hope 2018 brings lots of new and exciting adventures without the pitfalls and water hazards. Happy New Year!