firsts of 2009

*1st crochet piece - an Amigurumi cupcake
*1st loomed knit corkscrew scarf
*1st granny square mini Christmas stocking
*1st crochet paperclip ice skates
*1st crochet roses & other flowers - Mom likes them as pins
*1st homemade coconut ice cream no sugar
*1st crustless cheesecake no sugar
*1st homemade guacamole - don't like...

1st amigurumi cupcake & oreo

I did it. I made my first cupcake. It turned out bigger than I thought it would. I have two cupcake amigurumi instructions so I am anxious to try the other one. I am looking for smaller cupcake. The one I made is too big to just stuff. It is like a container so I am thinking to only stuff the top and leave the bottom as is to hold little trinkets or a note...

It is a chocolate cake with raspberry icing and multi-colored sprinkles on top. I know I could do better as I am not happy with the spiral look. I like the round look because it is more balanced but it will do for know. I am really proud of the 'ruffle' part. It is something new and and I did it!

I also made my first oreo amigurumi cookie! I didn't like how big this one turned out either so I took out a couple rows and reworked it. Again the instructions were in the spiral but I tried to make it in the round for a balanced cookie. I have one some part that isn't totally round but, oh well! I will keep at it and practice makes perfect. I am proud of the white filling part because it was a new stitch, hdc. I made it work and thought it turned out well. I want to make a raspberry stuffed oreo and a mint oreo!

I am anxious to get some reaction because most people don't know what I am talking about and some think of the old crochet animals and things they created in the 70's. Not so! These are hype and really mod not to mention very cute. I fell for amigurumi because of the cuteness and because they are tiny! They will make for some really special gifts for my nieces. I might have some time left for the nephew to enjoy a hedge hog or something before he grows up too much. And to top off another reason for me to love amigurumi is that now I can fully enjoy the sweets and chocolate that cause those dreaded food allergy HA's. Now I can have a plate full of these cookies or a cake plate topped with all kinds of cupcakes! LOVE IT!!!!!

1st single crochet!

I DID IT! I finally figured out how to single crochet! I have been wanting to make Amigurumi for my niece and maybe for myself. I do like anything small. Now I am on my way.

Last week I found some instructions that had actual pictures instead of drawings. It makes a big difference when you are trying to 'SEE' what and where you need to go to make loops or stitches. My Grandma has long past away and I didn't want to learn when she was able plus, not sure I would have picked it up. I think I am learning that it is best if I learn on my own. Interesting - but from all my years studying on how to teach I figured out how I best learn. Now it is difficult for me to be taught by others because I know how I learn and others haven't figured that out. To be a good teacher you have to know how your student learns and teach it that way to them.

Anyways!!! I have been practicing and have figured out how to increase and decrease. I'm not sure if I have the slip stitch quite figured out and why it is needed. I am working on the rounds because that is what Amigurumi is based on. I am finding that the magic ring works best as just the regular ring isn't cutting it for me. I have made a long range goal of mastering the crochet in the round by the end of the month. I didn't think I gave myself enough time but now that I got the rows worked out, I might just make that goal. However, I reallllllly want to get with making my first Amigurumi!!!

firsts of 2008

*1st pizza!
*1st photobook
*1st played on the Wii
*1st twitter entry - jul 26th
*1st stuffed cabbage - yum
*1st pear sauce & butter!
*1st loomed Christmas bell
*1st loomed tiny stocking
*1st loom snowman treat bag

setting my mind on things above ...

When it comes to being alone, I just might have stumbled onto my next steps in this journey. By setting my mind on things above instead of setting my mind on the things of earth allows me to think more of the Kingdom and the King instead of striving to have my own castle and king here on earth. {Col 3:2}

I am to be a minister of God in patience and the behavior to do so is by longsuffering and sincere love. There are no restrictions but my own affections. Where are my affections? Ah, here is where I've been suffering. My affections have been here on earth instead of having a sincere love for God. I so want to be content with my journey as God has so designed. {II Cor 6:3-12}

Finally, my noel, my precious gift, farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in joy ; and the God of love and peace will be with you. {II Cor 13:11} As I send you good wishes, it too belongs to me.

I will continue to whisper these God-Truths every time weary, fear, and frustrations darken my door. This is calling my King to stand in the door. How can anyone enter at strong man's house and carry off his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can rob his house. He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters. {Matthew 12:29-30} The enemy cannot stand against the Rock of Ages. I arrest my case.

1st pizza ...

Nooooo, I've had pizza before but with my food allergies, pizza just would not do because of the flour. Last night using the corn torilla recipe made the dough more wet and patted out the dough onto a stone. I slathered spaghetti sauce on top with shredded cheese and parsley to top it off. Yes, very simple. That is how the very first pizza was made! Then I put it in for 30 minutes at 400*. The crust is very thin and crispy. It was perfect for me. I can't wait to do it again with maybe just a few more ingredients like onions and olives....

1st photobook ...

I finally did it! I had some pictures on one site and they said move it or lose it. I began to shop around and finally decided on Shutterfly. They offered me a free photobook for switching. I spent some time two weeks ago scanning in photos and all day Saturday finishing up the book. It probably could be better but it shall do. It is for me anyways! The finish product should reach my door by the middle of January...

I now am bitten by the bug. I gotta do more photobooks! Ideas are just boucing around. Just what I need to take away more time from my writing project!!!

Next photobook will be for my Mom for Mother's Day. She wants a photobook on her parents. I can't wait!!!

firsts of 2007

*1st podcast – downloading & listening – jan 14
*painted 1st pansy!
*painted 1st ‘3’ star flower – my own
*painted 1st pea pod –my own
*1st taste of agave
*1st go on citrus trees (they are naked - not sure they will survive)
*loomed 1st baby hat for Lucia for her 1st Christmas
*1st time seeing tornado damage

few firsts in 2006

*life change – 36 food allergies 2/6/06 – zone
*1st basket 4/12/06
*1st child 3/06
*Aus Blue Pumpkins – baby bush & jarrahdales
*Knitted (loomed) 1st ‘christmas stocking
*Knitted (loomed) 1st purse
*Painted 1st teardrop flower
*Painted 1st humming bird
*Painted 1st sweet pea
*Painted 1st pumpkin ‘mice’