Chatty Cat's Chatterings

M got his 1st Bike!

2008-02-03T10:36:00.001-08:00

I'm uploaded the video to youtube. I'm attempting to embed it here.

If that doesn't work, the url is http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=59E32B160029EC87

Bow Spoiler Pic

2007-12-11T05:37:00.001-08:00

Bow Spoiler Pic
Originally uploaded by Chatty-Cat

Here's a spoiler pic for my sister. I made a whole boatload of bows for my 2 nieces. One is my sister's daughter, C, and one is N's brother's daughter, S. Some of these are for C and some are for S, and there's a whole bunch more that aren't pictured.

My sister was always the one, who would find our hidden Christmas presents, stealthily unwrap them, and then try to rewrap them so Mom wouldn't know. I thought she might like a hint of what her daughter is going to be receiving.

Ring Update!!

2007-12-09T15:37:00.000-08:00

Spoke with the insurance folks a few days ago. Apparently, they've managed to find something similar to my stone at DeBeers. So, currently a 1.59 carat, D color, oval diamond is on its way to USAA for inspection. At which point, it will be sent to me for 10 days to approve or reject. If I don't like it, I send it back, and they try to find me another one. My stone was a 1.50 carat, E color, oval diamond. The clarity is the same on the 2 stones. Hopefully, it will be cut well, and we can begin to move on. The wrap was not covered by the insurance. It turns out that we only had fire/theft/vandalism coverage on it; not randomn freak accidents by the mother-in-law. We'll probably try to have those stones set into earrings. I've always wanted diamond studs!

It's Chanukkah Time Again!

2007-12-06T06:59:00.001-08:00

2007 Dec Chanukah and Other 015
Originally uploaded by Chatty-Cat

Here's M with N lighting the Chanukkah lights. It's probably the first Chanukkah that M will remember. He really seems to be getting interested in the story and the rituals of it. He's even trying to say the Hebrew prayers with us.

Funny thing he said yesterday: I gave him a Reese's Chocolate/Peanut Butter Candy. It was like a Reese's Cup, but shaped like a bell for the Christmas holiday. He asked me what it was, and I told him it was a piece of chocolate with peanut butter inside. His reply "Is there jelly in there too?" LOL

Sesame Street Personality Quiz

2007-11-25T17:14:00.001-08:00

You Are Bert

Extremely serious and a little eccentric, people find you loveable - even if you don't love them!

You are usually feeling: Logical - you rarely let your emotions rule you

You are famous for: Being smart, a total neat freak, and maybe just a little evil

How you life your life: With passion, even if your odd passions (like bottle caps and pigeons) are baffling to others

The Sesame Street Personality Quiz

Apparently, that's me! My sis is an Elmo. We're both super cool!

Before and After Pics, as Promised

2007-11-24T17:40:00.000-08:00

Before:

and After:

Fun, huh?

A Thanksgiving to Remember!

2007-11-23T06:00:00.000-08:00

Have you ever thrown 13K down the drain? I don't mean spent it on frivolous stuff. I mean did you actually feed it to your garbage disposal?

Well, my mother-in-law has. She threw my diamond engagement and wedding rings down the disposal yesterday, with the disposal turned on. Yes, you read that right.

I took them off to clean them. They were sitting in a cup of bright blue, see through WINDEX!!!! Apparently, that looked like a dirty cup to dear MIL. In her zeal to clean up after the turkey day dinner, down the rings and windex went into the disposal and the cup into the dishwasher.

The wedding band is salvageable. It can't be worn, but we can take out the diamonds and have them reset. The 1.5 solitaire was sheared into at least two pieces though. We only found the top half.

So, the next time (and probably every time for the rest of my life) anyone ever uses the phrase "money down the drain" I'll probaly think of the time that $13000 went down the drain on Thanksgiving.

Once we get back home, I'll update with before and after pics.

Potty Learning and Funny Things My Son Says...

2007-11-19T17:43:00.000-08:00

So, L is 19 months old, and today she had only one 'oops' in her diaper, all of her own volition. I have not initiated toilet training at all with her. Last night, I was awakened to her screaming (and signing with both hands) "POTTY!!! POTTY!!!" at 2 am. So, we went. Today at preschool, she told her teachers she needed to go. Twice. I really don't know what to make of this at all. She's been going potty a lot over the past month or so, but I kind of figured it was a phase. I'm thinking that she's actually training herself at this point. M didn't potty learn until he was 3.5 years old, and that was only because my MIL went cold turkey on him, while he was staying there for a few days. Trust me, I'd been trying for about a year.

And, for the latest installment of what my son said today at preschool:
One of his friends threw a frisbee really hard over the fence of the playground. A college kid picked it up, planning to give it back. M starts yelling at him "Hey! That's our frisbee. You can't take it. That's not nice!" The kid is obviously flustered as he hands the frisbee to M's teacher, who explains what was going on to M. M replies "I thought he was going to take it and run!"
Take it and run? Where the heck does this stuff come from?

M's scarf is done!

2007-11-17T07:12:00.000-08:00

I think it turned out well. He seems happy with it, although he's a bit upset that I did not put enough spots on his 'scarf dinosaur.' He is now asking for red and blue mittens, so I'll have to see what I can do about that. :)

Magic Ball of Yarn Swap!!

2007-11-16T06:07:00.001-08:00

2007 Nov 038
Originally uploaded by Chatty-Cat

This is my first time participating in a swap like this. The idea is that you hid all sorts of treasures inside a ball of yarn for your downstream swappee to unwrap. It sounded like a load of fun, and should help to freshen up my yarn stash. So, here's my teaser photo for the person that I'll be mailing this to. I'll post again, when I get mine to show everyone the goodies!

Isn't he HOT???

2007-11-09T17:08:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to share a pic of my sexy husband! I got some great pics today with the digital camera, and I just had to share!

Pay it Forward with Stitches!!

2007-11-07T17:59:00.000-08:00

Inspired by this: http://stitchandbitchlondon.wordpress.com/2007/11/05/pay-it-forward-sharing-the-stitching-love/ and someone else on a forum I frequent that posted it on their blog, I want to join in, and share the stitching love. To participate, please leave me a note in the comments, and I'll craft something especially for you, the first three (only three?) respondents and post it out within the next 6 months. It could be knitted or it might be sewn. Depends who it's going to, if you see what I mean? Also, if you can, please consider doing the same yourself. I know a lot of knitters give a lot to charity, but this isn't charity. It isn't because there exists a need, or a void to be filled. It's because you'll make someone smile, and make the world a better place.

YIPPEE!!! Let's get stitching to make someone else smile!!!

Enchilada Casserole Recipe

2007-11-07T08:26:00.001-08:00

Lot's of you have been asking for it, so here it is:

8 small (taco size) or 6 large (burrito size) tortillas, torn into small pieces
8 oz bag of shredded Mexican cheese (Kraft Jack mix)
2 T butter
2 T dried minced onion
8 oz tomato sauce
1 can Rotel tomatoes and chilies (I use the original)
1 t Italian seasoning
1/2 t celery salt
1/4 t pepper
2 eggs
1 cup cream
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
paprika

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Melt the butter in a saucepan. Saute the onion, but don't burn it. Add the tomato sauce, Rotel, Italian seasoning, celery salt and pepper. Simmer for about 5 minutes. While it's simmering, lightly beat the eggs in a small bowl. Add the cream (not the sour cream) to the eggs and mix. Remove the tomato mixture from the stove and quickly stir in the egg and cream mixture. In an 8"x8" square oven proof dish, layer the tortillas, tomato/cream mixture and Mexican cheese in that order, using 1/3 of each item at a time (FYI, use about 1 cup of tomato mixture per layer) for 9 total layers. Spread the sour cream over the top. Sprinkle the cheddar over the top of the sour cream. Top with a little paprika for color and bake for about 25 minutes until thoroughly heated. Enjoy!

Scarf for M

2007-11-07T08:24:00.001-08:00

2007 November knit 001
Originally uploaded by Chatty-Cat

My son has a cute little dinosaur that he carries around with him almost everywhere. It's a Utahraptor that his Gramma and Papa brought back from a trip. I had this skein of yarn lying around, and it thought that I would start knitting him up a scarf. I couldn't wait to try my hand at needlefelting, so I added the dino as soon as their was room. It's just a simple garter stitch scarf over 20 stitches with an occasional row with extra wraps to creat the loopy effect. The yarn is Noro Cash Iroha.

Pumpkin Patch 2007 #1

2007-11-06T11:46:00.000-08:00

Isn't she adorable???

We went to the pumpkin patch about a week and a half before halloween. I got some great shots of the kiddos. This is my favorite. I'll put up some more soon!

YEAH! I'm in!

2007-11-06T11:45:00.001-08:00

Finally, I got my ravelry invite today. So, I have been neglecting all other duties to set up my account over there. It is so super cool!

Ravelry

2007-10-08T15:07:00.000-07:00

So, I hear about this super cool new bulletin board! But, there's a waiting list. AUGH! Why must everything cool have a line to get in. I thought that I left that behind, when I stopped going to clubs. I feel like I'm standing there, trying to look really cute, hoping the bouncer will let me in.

Anyway, in case anyone over there comes to check out my blog. Please, let me in! I love to knit! I knit almost daily. My most recently completed project was a pair of toe-up faux cable socks in a superwash wool/merino blend! YUMMY! I can't wait until it's actually cold enough to wear them around here. And, I'm currently working on my first fair isle project. They're a pair of fingerless gloves. Very cute! Oh, and I crochet too! I've been crocheting for about 2 decades, and knitting for about 1 decade. I don't look old enough, I know. I only post flattering pictures of me.

Let's do the Hokey Pokey!

2007-10-04T17:38:00.000-07:00

So, today at preschool...

Yes, it's possible that all my posts will soon start like this, as nothing funny really seems to happen elsewhere. Anyway, this week my son is learning about the body and how he's very similar and yet different from all his classmates. His teacher leads them in the Hokey Pokey. Excitement ensues. They run through the usual body parts and then she asks "Can anyone think of another body part?" Of course, my son shouts out "I know! Nobody's said PENIS!" The teacher, in all her wisdom, managed to not bust out laughing and summoned these words "Yes, but not all of us have a penis. Let's use a body part that we can see." At which point, my son replied "We all have eyes!" Yes, yes we do.

Now for those of you, who are blessed with penises: You put your penis in. You put your penis out. You put your penis in, and you shake it all about. You do the Hokey Pokey, and you turn yourself about. That's what it's all about!

My kids say the darndest things...

2007-09-19T16:56:00.000-07:00

I think this should be a regular feature of my blog. Heck, maybe my blog should be regular. I haven't been here in almost 6 months, but, well, I've been busy.

Where should I start? During M's first week of pre-school, he made us look like drunken lushes. At snack time, he decided that appropriate behavior was taking his cup of juice, reaching across the table to clink cups with each of his friends, while saying "CHEERS!" repeatedly. I can tell this one's going to be giving us trouble for years to come.

Ronald McDonald House is not being nice!

2007-04-19T18:26:00.000-07:00

The RMH in Houston, Texas has threatened to kick out a breastfeeding mom and her sister, because they refused to quit breastfeeding in the common area of the home. Many other blogs are covering this story in detail, and I believe the New York Times has picked up the story. Please, google it for more infor. The behavior of the RMH and their staff is reprehensible. Shame on them!

Cimbria, this one's for you!

2007-04-19T18:20:00.000-07:00

Eggplant Cutlets (vegan): Ingredients include 1 medium to large eggplant, 1.5 cups breadcrumbs, 1 chopped medium onion, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper, 3 tsp No Egg mixed with 3 Tbsp water (OR egg substitute or eggs equaling 3 eggs), 1 can fire roasted diced tomatoes, 1/2 Tbsp lemon juice, 3 Tbsp sugar

Peel eggplant and chop into 2" cubes. Place in pot with water to cover, boil, cover and simmer for about 20 minutes or until eggplant is tender. Drain and mash eggplant. Mix with breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, onion and NoEgg. Form into patties (7 large or 15 small). Fry patties over medium high heat until brown on both sides.

Heat oven to 350 degrees. While oven is heating, mix tomatoes with sugar and lemon. Place fried patties in oven proof dish in a single layer. Pour tomato mixture on top and bake for 30 minutes. YUM!

My 3 yo son and my 18 month old nephew scarfed down this eggplant. I don't even like eggplant and this is one of my favorite dishes now. Super YUM!

The National Pork Board SUCKS!!!

2007-02-01T17:54:00.000-08:00

They are bullying thelactivist.blogspot.com because she had a slogan on a tee-shirt that was similar to theirs. Now are you going to confuse infant nutrition ('The other white milk') with dead pigs ('The other white meat')? I don't think anyone else will either. Take the time to read her story! Check out thelactivist.blogspot.com!!! Write and call the National Pork Board and tell them you won't take their bullying! Take action!

More stuff left my home today!!!

2007-01-28T16:15:00.000-08:00

It is so wonderful to see things leaving our home that we don't use. It makes me feel so blessed. I am able to give so much stuff away to others (who will hopefully use it), and still have EVERYTHING I need!

I cleaned out the hall closet today. It was the one thing that I had really been dreading, but honestly, it wasn't too bad. The vacuum actually fits inside now!

I'm looking forward to our smaller home. I really think it will be the perfect space for our family. Plenty of room for all the things we use without feeling cramped, but not too much space to clean either.

Post Christmas Chatterings

2006-12-26T16:24:00.000-08:00

Today we worked on decluttering the house some more. We removed a chair and a few more bags of toys, books and clothes to Good Will. I'm so glad that they're just around the corner. Almost all of M's toys are in his room now. His closet is organized and his stuff is much easier to find. I plan to organize his clothes soon, and then his room will be done. I've got to get moving on organizing and deciding what stays.

We're downsizing from a 2400+ square foot home to 1700 square feet in just a couple months. The new house seems great! There's no carpet! YEAH! But, there's also no garage. So, everything that we don't LOVE or USE must go!

On a happy note, we got our garage door opener fixed today, so I can put the van back in the garage and stop getting wet from the rain.

2006-12-26T15:44:00.000-08:00

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