My little Drewser baby is FOUR today. He had such a rough start to life, and he caused Matt and I to grow in ways we could never imagine, but by God's grace (and Drew's bull-headedness), he has blossomed into one of the most complex little persons I have ever met. Whether he's loving or fighting -- he's passionate about it. I appreciate his bluntness and I know his cuddles, hugs, and kisses are fully sincere. And his goofiness and giggles are addictive. Praying for many more years with my little rain cloud.    Drew at five months. Aww...

Birthday Banner

My baby turns four tomorrow!!!

Drew's Hulk-Themed Afghan

If you recall, Rob got a Spider-Man-themed afghan for his 4th birthday. I've been wanting to make Drew a superhero-themed afghan, too, but never got around to it. Drew will be turning 4 (!!!!!!!!) on Sunday, so I made sure to get on his blanket right away! He requested The Hulk, so we went to Walmart, him and I, and picked out colors he deemed "Hulk colors". I didn't attempt at being sneaky this time, like I did with Rob's, only working on it during naps and bedtime. That was a pain. Drew had full access to watching the progress of his afghan from start to finish. I really think that made it even more special for him. But then again, I got sick of hearing, "Are you done YET?!"

Pattern: http://stitchnfrog.blogspot.com/2009/07/superhero-dream-catcher-afghan.html

Chalkboard & Cards

I won this lovely chalkboard vinyl sign from Little Vintage Place a couple months ago. I finally just got around to using it! I took an old frame I had, covered the background with fabric I also had on hand, and then stuck the sign to the outside of the glass. I bought a set of SuperChalk Liquid Chalk Markers for neater lines minus the dust -- they're SO much easier to write with than regular chalk! Viola! A cute little sign I can update season to season. Grouped together with an old teddy bear from my childhood, a basket and some fake flowers from Walmart, a heart frame I painted and decorated from Pick Your Plum, and a little bit of crochet cathedral edging to create a little banner of sorts. Yes, I'm enjoying myself. =)

Also, I've added a couple more cards to my shop. Unfortunately, I've had to send out quite a few sympathy cards lately. Make sure to go check them out.

Dutch Oven Bread

So, I feel I've earned another "domestic stripe": I bought myself a cast iron Dutch oven and made bread AND dinner in it!

Matt snagged a Lodge brand cast iron Dutch oven at Target for me the other day (okay, so I technically wasn't THERE to buy myself something...but I was "supervising" from the phone...it counts!). It was sitting there, all by its lonesome, in the clearance section. Half off, baby! Woot! Needless to say, I was a little stoked. I've wanted a le creuset for awhile, with dreams of baking wonderful artisan-style bread, but they're insanely expensive. I'll gladly trade happy gem colors for my dull black if it means I only spent $18.48 plus tax.

Here's the bread recipe that I have started using. It's super simple -- although, I was a bonehead and forgot the salt yesterday! Argh! Since we have to be a little more health conscious, I substituted whole wheat flour instead of all purpose. Oh, and that dinner I made last night? You may want to check that out, too. UH-MAZING.

Dutch Oven Bread

via cornflowerbluestudio.blogspot.com

Ingredients:

• 5-6 cups flour
• 2 tablespoons dry yeast (I used dry active)
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 cups warm water (70-80°F)
• 1 1/2 tablespoons salt

Directions:

1. Put the yeast and the sugar in a large bowl and add warm water. Mix to dissolve. Proof for 5-10 minutes.
2. Add 3 cups of the flour and the salt to the yeast mixture until fully combined. Stir in remaining flour, one cup at a time, until a semi-sticky dough forms. Flour your hands and knead the dough for 4-5 minutes.
3. Form the dough into a ball at the bottom of the bowl, cover bowl with a warm, damp tea towel, and let rise for 20 minutes.
4. While dough is rising, place the lid on your Dutch oven and put it in your oven. Preheat oven(s) to 400°F.
5. After dough has risen for 20 minutes, it should be doubled in size. Flour the top and bottom of your dough ball and carefully place in hot Dutch oven.
6. Place lid back on your Dutch oven and bake for 30 minutes.
7. Remove lid and bake for additional 10-15 minutes until crust is brown and lovely.
8. Turn bread out onto a cooling rack and allow to cool completely before cutting.
9. Enjoy!

Note: This recipe is very versatile. Experiment with different add ins, such as cheese, herbs, etc.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

I made this cute little shamrock pin for Rob to wear to school today.

Pattern: http://www.niftynnifer.com/2014/03/free-lucky-shamrock-four-4-leaf-clover.html?m=1

Stripey Bunny Rabbit

Large Crochet Striped Bunny Rabbit - Colors Pink, Purple, Lavender & White with Pink Swirl Bow

Etsy Listing: https://www.etsy.com/listing/182305638/large-crochet-striped-bunny-rabbit?ref=shop_home_active_1

Dad & Kathy Come to Visit

My folks came to visit and what a wonderful visit it was! We spent a fun week talking, laughing, swimming, hiking, and lots of eating. The highlight of the week was going to Shoshone Falls to enjoy the nice weather. So blessed by these two. 
Please visit my Flickr set below to see our walk through Shoshone Falls Park.

Shoshone Falls Photowalk - 2014, a set on Flickr.

March's Banner

March's banner. "Erin Go Bragh!", meaning "Ireland Forever" for St. Patrick's Day.

TARDIS Pillow

Ooooowwweeeeooooooo!

I made this fun little TARDIS pillow from a graph -- my first graph project ever. Lot of fun! It now sits happily on our couch in the living room. Because we are nerds. Hear us roar.

Maybe someday I'll make the Dalek to go with it.

Pattern (Ravelry): http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/dr-who-tardis-and-dalek-scarf