WIP Friday

I think I'm going to join the Work-in-Progress Friday thing...it'll be good to keep me crafty and making progress on different projects. And now that the house is pretty much put together (just a few shelves to paint and hang tomorrow, then all the photographs can go on them and my piles in the living room will be gone!), I actually have a new crafty project in progress!

I have wanted to crochet this granny square skirt ever since my friend Emily gave me the pattern book a couple of years ago. But it didn't seem like something I'd wear someplace where the weather is always perfect (yes, San Diego really is always wonderful, just like you've heard!). So, since it's supposed to snow tonight (yes, really!) it made me think that a wool skirt that looks like an afghan your grandma made you when you were eight might be a good idea.

I love mixing the colors and am excited that this project is so small and portable--perfect for waiting (and waiting and waiting) in line at pick up after school. Plus it's nice to feel a sense of accomplishment so often as I finish each square. I think I have about seven done--only 53 mroe to go!

So, that's what I'm working on...

The other work in progress around here is coming up with a workable chore chart for the girls that doesn't become a chore itself to maintain. I want to give them lots of opportunity to succeed, but don't want to overwhelm them with every little thing like brushing teeth and getting dressed that seems pretty obvious in the first place. We used to give them an allowance, but it sort of fizzled out after a while, but they're getting old enough (and want new American Girl stuff) that it's time to start an allowance "for reals" (as we used to say).

Oh--and one more work in progress is to get a system back in place for planning menus and having what I need on hand when I need it. I sat down after dinner with my cookbooks and planned our meals for the week. Main dishes are pretty simple; side dishes leave me stumped. I've always been of the opinion that a meal should be simple--with one thing that really shines and everything else in a supporting role. As a result, I tend to focus on the main dish, and go with simple side dishes. And while I love oven-roasted new potatoes and green beans with carmelized onions, I think everyone else may be getting a little tired of them--or at least bored by them.

So I'm off to grocery shop at my new grocery store tomorrow, and the girls and I are going to bake some pies for Sunday. Apple pie and a strawberry-rhubarb pie, I think. Mmmm...

And finally, we've had lots of of company the past two days. Yesterday, my new friend Janna and her little girl Anne came for lunch, today my high school friend Ann and her little girl Katie came for a tea party. Emma and I made cranberry-pecan scones (I'd share the recipe, but it's downstairs and I'm up for the night!). It was so fun to use the china teapot that belonged to my grandmother and some of my antique tea cups; I hadn't used them since my knitting group in California ended.

Tonight my parents came for dinner. It was our first big family meal around the new dining room table. Sort of a dry run for Sunday, when everyone (Mom and Dad; Wade, Kristen, and Ava; and Wade's parents, Kurt and Sharon) are coming for Sunday dinner. We're going to have Uncle Roger's Meatball Minestrone.

Comments

[Heather]

You're so darn cute. Your writing today sounded back to your old self. Aside from the snow part, it sounds like Colorado is treating you well and your house looks great. The skirt you're making is really cute... I love that basket of Galway! :)
Take care,
Heather

[capello]

Wow... sounds like you're having lots of fun with all those family and friend get togethers. Can't wait to see your skirt.

(And see... I told you you should have gotten those sweaters a couple of weeks ago!) :-)