Baby Butterfly C2C Graphs

I got another Graph Pattern for you.  I had originally made the graph for a C2C crocheted blanket.  However my daughter decided she wanted to do a cross stitch out of this graph.   I had never even thought of that.  :)  It is turning out so cute.  I will edit this post later with the finished results. 

For now here is a Full BABY BUTTERFLY PDF that includes: Ready to Print and Pre Counted Squares for C2C Crochet Blanket. 

Cedar City Temple Cross Stitch Pattern

Free Download of Cedar City Utah Temple Cross Stitch Pattern

Vine Monkey Blanket

 Had fun making this graph pattern.  Perfect for that little bundle of Joy.  Get your Free Download for VINE MONKEY Click link.

Broncos Graph Pattern

After a request from my Brother in law for a king size broncos blanket I had to come up with something quick.  After no luck finding something I really liked I came up with this graph pattern for a c2c pattern.  It could probably work with a single crochet blanket to make it a smaller baby blanket.

 Free Download for HORIZONTAL BRONCO'S BLANKET click link.

Crocheted Little Boe Peep

Crocheted Little Bo Peep  

 I am so pleased with my latest project that took a month to do.  That is a good time for me. I am still not that fast.  but I, oh so enjoy my new found Love of Crocheting.  

So my sister, who lives back east, wanted a Little Bo Peep outfit crocheted for her daughter.  Her husband Loves Every thing "Toy Story," so as a surprise for this upcoming Fathers Day she wanted to take pictures of their daughter to give to him.   I will post pictures when she takes some of her in this outfit.  For this Out fit I used Carrons Baby soft pink and white yarn.  You can find them here at Joann's or Amazon  

So let me start on the dress first.  I could not find a dress pattern at all for this project.  So I new I was going to have to find some thing similar in style and then go from there.

I found a pattern that was going to work with very little changes.  You can find the original pattern here.   In the original pattern it has you change colors with green and white a couple times in each square.  Instead I made them a solid pink and then 4 squares of just white.  The white was used for the very front.  It is under the the lacy blue.  You could make them blue, I had just messed up and not realized that the front part was blue until I already had it sewn together.  But my hubby said he loved the way it turned out better any way.

For the circles I did a Magic Circle, chain 3, dc in following stitches, and then join and tie off.  Really easy right!  I left my ends about 8 inches so I could use them to sew on to the dress.  I made about 30 circles.  Depending on how close you want them will depend how many you do.

Now for the blue lace look if you choose to do this part. This was the challenging part for me.  It was really a guessing game to get through it.  so You may have to play with it as well.  If you are a well seasoned crocheter it may be easier for you.  
     Row 1- Starting on the front, join yarn on right bottom side of the white squares.  Right between the sc and the dc.  Sc in the next 13 stitches,  Chain 2,  sc into 2nd st above last sc, turn.
     Row 2- *Chain 7, sk 2 sc, sc in the next sc* repeat 2 more times, chain 7 dc into last sc, turn. 
     Row's 3-12 - Chain 9, sc in middle of chain 7, * Chain 7, sc in middle of chain 7,* Repeat 1 more time, Chain 7, insert hook through 7th sc and into 1 pink and 1 white st, 2nd st above last row. 
     Row 13- sc through white sc and the chain 7 of blue, repeat to end.  

For the bonnet I used a pattern from Here.  It is a pretty easy pattern to follow.  When I was finished I still needed to get the rounded sun visor look.  I was really nervous that I wouldn't figure it out.  I only ended up froging the first 2 rows twice before I got it.  I was surprised it didn't take longer.   

Row 1-So starting on the front, join yarn to right side corner.  Chain 1 and sc in the next 44 st, turn. 

Row 2-  sl st in first st, sc in the next 20 st, 2 dc in next 2 st, sc in next 20 st, sl st in last st, turn.
Row 3- sl st in first st, sc in next 17 st, 2 dc in next 2 st, dc in next 4 st, 2 dc in next 2 st, sc in next 17 st, sl st in last st, turn.
Row 4- Slip st in the first st,  Sc in the next 14 st,  2 dc in the 2 st, dc, in the next 12 st, 2 dc in the next 2 st, sc in the next 14 st, sl st in the last st, turn.
Row 5- sl st in the first st, sc in the next 11 st, 2 dc in the next 2 st, dc in the next 20 st, 2 dc's in the next 2 st, 11 sc, sl st in the last st. Tie off and tuck in the ends. 

For the staff, I started with a magic ring, with 12 double crochets, with out joining, I worked in the rounds till the top were I did slip stitches on side to give it a curved affect.  I did not right the instructions for this.  I feel it could look so much better then how I did it.  

The ruffled leggings I used a Pattern from Design Adventures.

All in all I well pleased with the out come of this project.  I hope you all have as much fun as I did with making this.  

Melody Map

 I am so excited.  I just published my very first pattern on Ravelry.  I find it amazing that after only a year of crocheting I created a pattern.  It was never my intention to do so when I first started.  But with encouragement from family and friends, I did it!   

I started this project as a gift idea for my husbands brother and his wife.  They both love music and I wanted some thing different but would still look pleasing to the eye as well.  From the reactions from others I think I did what I had set out to do.

To get this pattern head over to Ravelry to purchase this Pattern Melody Map.

Having Trouble with Chores or Even Bad Behavior?

Having Trouble with Chores or Even Bad Behavior?

I did, and it is a work in progress every day.  As a Mom I think we all hit a certain point and we ache for some advise, some course of action to help get our kids to help more around the house with out making it some End of the World Drama.  I won’t even go in to the trouble I am having with my to older ones and their constant fighting.  I have had enough, I needed something to entice them to help more, fight less, and I needed help.

So I did some Pintrist searching and after following a behavior chart that I had found which had them move up and down with a point system, with very little luck as a long term solution. I needed to revamp it for my kiddo’s.  So I am here today to share with you what I came up with.

This Behavior and Chore Chart System is a big blessing in our house.  Is it not perfect, not by a long shot, but it is working very well.

Having Trouble with Chores or Even Bad Behavior?

I did, and it is a work in progress every day.  As a Mom I think we all hit a certain point and we ache for some advise, some course of action to help get our kids to help more around the house with out making it some End of the World Drama.  I won’t even go in to the trouble I am having with my to older ones and their constant fighting.  I have had enough, I needed something to entice them to help more, fight less, and I needed help.

So I did some Pintrist searching and after following a behavior chart that I had found which had them move up and down with a point system, with very little luck as a long term solution. I needed to revamp it for my kiddo’s.  So I am here today to share with you what I came up with.

This Behavior and Chore Chart System is a big blessing in our house.  Is it not perfect, not by a long shot, but it is working very well.

What I did was take One Room with every thing that needed to be done in it and assigned points to each chore.  Some are worth 10 but most are 5 points.  Trust me, it adds up fast.  The pictures above just show a couple of the rooms.  I have Living room and Family rooms, Bedrooms, Kitchen and Dining rooms, Office and or Library, Laundry room, Pantry, Bathroom, and Hallway and Stairs.

I also have a card with extra chores. For me I have Pull weeds, each min of pulling weeds is 1 point.  Clean the door knobs of the whole house, read for 20 min for 10 points, and Help clean the car. I also have for our house music practice points.  Each time my Son practices his Violin for 30 min he gets 10 points.  Gets him doing something he needs to do any way and he still feels rewarded by getting bonus points.  

Now, to help with the bad behavior that my kiddo’s have had of late, I minus points for certain behaviors.  A couple of examples are Not listening and fighting minus 5 points.  Another one is Lying to us.  I can’t stand this so it is one of our big minuses.  If they tell us they lied before we find out they get less taken away, but if we find out first then it is even more.  We have not had any more lying because of this.  One more I will share is Bad words and hurtful words to family members.  That one is a work in progress with siblings.    Behaviors will change in each home as to what is not okay and what is.  That is Okay, as long as you can be consistent.

I also think you should reward for good behavior as well.  So if the kids are cought doing good things they will get points added.

Now for the big and so simple reward for why this system works in my home.  They get to spend their points on two different things.  the first is 1 point for 1 minute of electronics.  that could be computer, t.v. or tablet  time.  The next one that they can spend their points on may seem low to some but for me it is a compromise.  They can spend the points on 1 point for $0.01.  So if they have a 100 points they get $1.00.  For me it is a compromise because I don’t really think my kids should get an allowance.  I feed them, cloth them, cook for them, and many more things that come from being a mother and a parent.  Yes I asked for it, I wanted it with all my heart, but I am also a human being who needs help as well.  And like I said before the points add up fast.  If they did every thing I asked during the day in chores they could easily walk away with $5.00 each.  Now I have two kids old enough to help with these chores.  My 3 year old is struggling with learning that she needs to help, especially as a third child because older siblings could do it for her.   The day will come were the kids walk away with only a couple dollars each but I am sure as they get older I will need to revamp in adding and taking away some things to this system.

To get my Cards you can email me or message me through face book.

Please if you have any suggestions,  I love feedback on the things I post about, so feel free to contact me.

Ocean Waves Blanket

Ocean Waves Blanket

I just finished this fun afghan for my niece for Christmas.  Her favorite color is teal blue, so I really wanted to do something that would give it a beach or ocean feel.    I looked around for several days before I found this beautiful pattern from Frayed Knot.  It was well worth the price and I highly recommend it to others looking for some thing a little different.  I say different because it hasn’t been anything I had seen or done yet.  Obviously with it only my third completed project I haven’t seen much. LOL, but I am working hard on changing that.

I made a few changes of my own for this project.  I add a few more rows then Frayed Knot’s pattern, I also did it almost big enough to fit a twin bed.  I wanted her to be able to grow into as she got older.  it turned out to be about 50 in wide and 62 in length.  It will make a wonderful little movie blanket.  I got a little taste of it, and now I need to make one for my self, eventually.  Till then I will enjoy knowing my niece is getting it.  

The materials I used were:

3  Caron Simply Soft Paints Peacock Feather

3  Caron Simply Soft Blue Mint

3  Caron Simply Soft Pagoda

Hook size 5.5 mm

Honey Mustered Chicken Spinach Salad

Oh My, do I have a recipe to share with you today.  I made this for my family last night and it was a huge hit.  With us trying to eat better by making things that have little to no sugar or trying to find substitutes with no Gluten for when My parents eat with us, I took a recipe I got from a friend and made some changes to fit our family’s likes and needs

My First Step was Take 6 pieces of Chicken strips along with half of the bottle of Hak’s Bbq sauce Smoked Maple Mustard and put them in the crock pot for 4 hours on high.  When they where finished cooking I placed it in the fridge to cool.  I did this first thing in the morning so it has time to cool.

Dinner time is here, time to put every thing together!

In a large bowl combine 8oz of Spinach,

1 Cucumber,

3 Roma tomato’s,

1 Green Bell Pepper,

1 purple/red Onion,

1/2 Cup Cheese,

1/4 Cup Slivered Almonds,

And finally we get to add our chicken after we have diced them into bite sized pieces, and 1 Cup of the Hak’s Sauces that you cooked and cooled.

Stir and enjoy your labors!  We sure did. 

Color Flashcards

Sorry, this month has been a rough month.  I also have good intentions of doing a post and something happens.  I will try to do better. 

I have mentioned in one of my first posts that I love to make things that help my kids learn.  I finished these Color Flash cards a while back and thought I would share them with you today.

Made into a 3×5 card, double sided, and then laminated to make them more sturdy and to protect them from my amazing Kids.   My 3 year old loves them.  She colors on them using dry erase markers and all I have to do is wipe them off and there back to like new.  She also likes them because they are not too small but not too big for her to hold.

To get my Digital down load email me or hope over to face book and message me.  

Southern Utah Sunset

I absolutely love taking photo’s.  I am not great at it, but it is something that brings me joy into my life.  A photo can tell a story, it is a memory, it is a treasure.

I took this picture on our way home one evening in Southern Utah.  I love sunsets.  The colors are just amazing.  This particular photo caught my eye immediately after taking it.  The haze in the photo gave it almost a mystic feel to me.  Just like this photo life isn’t always clear.  We may be unsure of things unsure of what to do next.  It can drag us down in to a bitter and stressful bog. But life is also beautiful, it is full of life, love, and hope.  Life isn’t easy but it is how we view it that will change how react to it.

Lol, here I am getting all serious when I am one of the most stressful people out there.  Now if only I could remember this every time I start stressing about things. I guess we all can learn from a sunset huh.   

Crocheted Flower Hair Clips

I hope you all had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend.  My family and I were able to escape for several days to enjoy the great out doors and to visit the grave sites of several of our family that have past away and that served our country and gave us the great freedoms we enjoy each day.  

Today I wanted to share these cute little flowers that are very simple to make and just plain adorable.  I love that it is very simple and that you can change the size of the flower with the adding or subtracting of just a few chains.

I have used these as hair clips, and have made a cute little welcome sign that I made from an old cupboard.  You will get to see that in a few day on a separate post.

You can find the pattern for this adorable flower here at Little Miss Stitcher.  She has since stopped blogging but the pattern is still available.  She has several other cute things, check her out.  You can also email me or message me through face book to order these cute things.  :)

Almond, Herb, Chicken and Tomatoes

Came across a recipe the other day that just made me water at the mouth.   I really wanted to try it, but it was made with flour, vegetable oil, and half and half.  Three things that I couldn’t have or just isn’t good for you, so I made some changes and waiting to see if my kiddo’s and hubby approved.  After 2 trips back for each person and guess it was a hit.

Almond, Herb, Chicken and Tomatoes

You will need:

* 1 1/2 tsp Basil Leaves
* 1 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
* 1 tsp Crushed Rosemary ( I like fresh)
* 3 tbsp Crushed/ Ground Almonds
* 1 1/2 lbs Organic Boneless/Skinless
Chicken Breasts
* 1 Onion, finely chopped
* Coconut oil
* 2 Vines Tomato’s, diced
* 1 1/2 c Chicken Broth
( I make my own homemade broth)
* 2 tbsp of Almond Milk
* 1 heaping tbsp of Corn Starch

First, mix seasoning in a gallon baggies. Reserve in a small container
2 tsp. Add 2 tbsp of ground almonds to gallon baggies. Add Chicken
to baggie and shake till chicken is evenly coated.

Heat Coconut oil in skillet on medium heat, add chicken and cook till
golden brown or cooked through. Add more oil if needed. Remove
chicken and keep warm.

Add more coconut oil if need and saute onions. When soft add
remaining ground almonds. Add tomatoes and reaming seasoning, bring to boil, stirring occasionally.
Reduce heat to medium and simmer 5 minutes. Stir in almond milk and a mixture of corn starch
and little water to dissolve corn starch. When starts to thicken and chicken and heat till warm.

I love finishing this recipe off by adding it with Organic brown rice and steamed zucchini and yellow squash.  Hope you like it as much as our family did.

The Little Things I Do

How often in the rush of the day, do we really stop and look at what we are really doing.  Do we see that our Boss is struggling with something at home and really could use the day off, but instead they are here at work because some one called in or needs to be there to make sure things get done the way they should.  Do we see the tears in the women's eyes who is ringing up my produce because she just lost a dear friend, but instead we are getting irritated because for the second time she just rung some thing up twice.  Or do we see the longing of a child who is need of Love.
I am often in a hurry to recognize these small things in front me.  I want to just get done so I can go accomplish the next thing on my list of to do's.  But if I could personally just slow down and look at the things going on around me, I am sure I could see the small things. The things that I could do to change some ones day. We often hear a hug, a simple hello, and even a bright smile will do.  But can we even do more.  A note of encouragement, make some one laugh, compliment them in a genuine way, and one thing I really tried to do yesterday was show how much I appreciated what some one was doing.  
That cashier, the one in front of you ringing up your groceries doing the job you are glad you don't have to do any more because you hated being on your feet all day, and the costumers were so rude, too busy talking on the phone, and didn't even notice you and you wished they would just smile and say high.  All of sudden you realize that you are the person your thinking about.  Think to your self "I can change this, every day from now on".  I can be the person I want everyone else to be.  The kind, caring, loving, helpful, and comforting person that can change a persons day.  
Here is a great song to help inspire us to change the world in the little things we do. 

"How to change the world" by Newboys
What are some of the small things that people could do to help you through your day?

Under His WIngs

Many years ago in the National Geographic Magazine this story was shared, and what an eye opening story that gives hope in those moments of discouragement and hopelessness. 

"After a forest fire in Yellowstone National Park ,  forest rangers
began their trek up a mountain to assess the inferno's  damage.

One ranger found a bird literally petrified in ashes, perched 
statuesquely on the ground at the base of a tree. Somewhat
sickened  by the eerie sight, he knocked over the bird with a stick.
When he gently  struck it, three tiny chicks scurried from under
their dead mother's  wings. The loving mother, keenly aware of
impending disaster, had  carried her offspring to the base of the
tree and had gathered them  under her wings, instinctively knowing
that the toxic smoke would  rise.

She could have flown to safety but had refused to abandon  her
babies. Then the blaze had arrived and the heat had scorched her
small body, the mother had remained steadfast ...because she had
been willing to die, so those under the cover of her wings would  live.

'He will cover you with His feathers,
And under His wings  you will find refuge.'"
(Psalm 91:4)

I know he is there protecting me in the times I need it the most and in times I don't recognize His arms protecting me. He is there doing the same for you! 
I think often times it would be easier for him to protect me if I would stop fighting him, thinking that I don't really need help that I can do this on my own.  

Oh, how I need to remember that I will always need help, a guiding arm to show me the direction I need to take.   

 "My Fortress"

Greater Blessings

 I have had to start learning this over the last couple of years that God can't help me and give me those blessing unless I believe in him, believe that he provides blessings, and that I am worthy or even deserving of those blessings.  I also have had to learn to recognize the blessings I do have and that I am getting every day.  
By the end of the day, many times this week and especially today, all I can think of our even tell my husband is how rough it was,  what went wrong, or how I can't wait till the day is over.  I am sure we have all been there at one point or another.   But I need to stop doing that, I need to let my husband come home and not worry how stressful my day was or tell him about every thing that went wrong.  I really need to just tell him of the good things that I got done.  
"Hon, I managed to get 2 loads of laundry done and I also got the kids room cleaned and organized with 5 boxes of stuff to go to DI ( a local thrift store run by our Church)."  Much better then what I really did.  And it so much easier to write this down and know that after I did it, and sitting here when it is quiet.  Kids in bed and knowing that my time to hit the pillow is only a short time away.  
I am amazed at the blessings I do have, I really do.  I have an amazing Husband who supports me in almost every thing I choose to do.  Four wonderful children that have been entrusted into my arms each day.  Awesome parents who teach me still each day.  Friends that are always by my side when needed, to laugh,  cry, and love me.  Roof over my head, Food to eat, and most important I have some thing to live for.  
What are some of the blessing you have had today?

Never Talk Defeat

What words inspire you to do better?  To keep going?

For me words such as:  Strength, Uplift, Love, Strong, Hope, Faith, Victory, Support, Nurture, Better, Kindness, Important, Special, and Precious.  These words drive me to who I want to be.

What Are Words - ft. Peter & Evynne Hollens - ThePianoGuys

I absolutely love the influence of uplifting music.  Just like having
enthusiastic friends who can help take my worries and struggles away so
can powerful music.  It can give me hope, peace, and the ability to
continue to go on.  It gives me the ability to face the almost constant
fighting of my kids of late, the stress of where the world is going, and
takes them away even for a short time.  Never underestimate its powers
to do good.



I love this song and
why is was written.  Peter and Evynne Hollens sing "What are Words" so wonderfully, but there isn't anything quiet like the original artist. :) Chris Medina wrote this song "What Are Words" for his Fiance after a
serious car accident left her with a Traumatic brain injury.  What an
inspiration.

The lyrics "Anywhere you are, I am near

Anywhere you go, I'll be there

Anytime you whisper my name, you'll see

How every single promise I'll keep

'Cause what kind of guy would I be

If I was to leave when you need me most.

What are words

If you really don't mean them

When you say them.

Then that's all"  speaks wonders.  This can be applied to all of us in all
our relationships.  I hope that those that know me, know that I will
always be there  when they need me most. 

Enthusiasm and why we need it

I am often not the most enthusiastic person in the world.  I am rather shy, I use to not mind being left alone to do my own thing away from the crowd, but now I find I crave that type of surroundings (at least to an extent).  I still like my alone time, but I find my self being drawn to that those who are enthusiastic.  I don't know if any of you have noticed but those who are enthusiastic in life have the ability to build you up, to make you smile and laugh.  What happens when you smile and laugh?  The things we may struggle with disappear for a short time and seem to be easier to cope with later.

I believe we each have had or are having blows in life that make us feel like we are hitting a breaking point.  This quote by Norman Peale has two meanings to me.

"Life's blows cannot break a person whose Spirit is warmed  at the Fire of enthusiasm."

One form of Enthusiasm, is what we usually think of.  Fun, joyful, and full of life.  So the first thing I thought of was if I can be enthused, full of joy and up beat I can conquer my struggle.  Well, as usual I started really thinking and saw how else this quote could apply for me.

I am a religious/spiritual person.  Yes, I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  Hopefully That does deter you from reading my blog or leaving your helpful insights as well.  I know it doesn't matter what religion we are to be good, helpful, and caring people.  Any way , because of my beliefs I try to go deeper, if possible to see how things I read can apply to them.

When we look back at what enthusiastic meant historically we can find that it was originally referred to a person possessed by a god.  I believe that could be the Holy Ghost, a member of the Godhead.  We believe the Holy ghost to be a separate being that will guide an inspire us. After knowing that I could look at this quote in this way.  If my spirit, soul, or mind is warmed at the fire of the Holy Ghost/Spirit we will be guided to get through our struggles and life's blows easier, we will make it past the breaking point.  What are your thought's?  How does this quote speak to you?

We can and will make it through our struggles with help.

You can do it?

I believe in You!