I Make Hats

The fruit bowl on my kitchen table is filled with hats that I've made over the last couple weeks. It's actually a great way to display them.

Modeling a hat made for a co-workers daughter - Natalya Vienna.

I just thought this photo was too cute to not share. She's so good about wearing hats so that Momma can snap a photo. I truly am blessed.

Upside Down Daisy -- but in blue. I love that it's so girly without being pink

Elena wearing her blue daisy hat.


A good friend told me this hat looked like an Arizona Sunset. I agree..and I love the fabric. It's made out of recycled cotton and is fabulous to work with.

From "Itty bitty Hats" by Susan Anderson -- with a couple of adjustments.

Green stripes. I love the monochromatic look of this hat. I got the idea for the button from Susie's blog and was lucky enough to have a green button that matched perfectly.

Elena makes a wonderful hat model.

My very 1st Fair Isle. And it's my own pattern, too!

Finally....Fair Isle!!

I made my first Fair Isle anything last night and I'm sooooo excited about it. It's a hat for my brother for his birthday next week and it's blue with a band of snowflakes. For those of you who knit -- you know exactly the excitment I'm feeling -- a new skill and whole new world of possibilites!!! For those of you who don't...the photos are coming....

You Know What They Say About Excuses....

My humblest apologies for the lack of postings--things have been crazy in the Pelton house lately. I was vying for a promotion (that I sadly did not get) which took up a lot of my time over the last couple weeks....and taught me a lot about where I really want to be in the next few years. I'm starting college at St Kate's in April and I've been getting everything ready for that -- mostly a lot of mental preparation -- along with all the other "business" of the house. You know, taxes, laundry, dusting, chasing a toddler around and trying to keep Belle out of trouble.

I do have a pile of pictures - nearly the size of Obama's bailout package - to upload including the shots from my nephew Logan's 2nd birthday party, Elena's playdate with Gramma, Papa, and her other cousin Logan, and a gaggle of hats that I've made. I promise I'll get to them soon.

If you haven't had the chance, check out the links on the side of this page. There are some amazing blogs and some great photographers that you should all see. (I'm hoping Becky or Mandy will take me on as an "apprentice" for a day or two and teach me how to use my new camera. I'd be forever in debt!!!! Hint Hint)

That's the news for now....love to all.

The Shape of Things to Come

I realize that my blog has really turned into a photo album, rather than any sort of forum for discussion or actual blog of my (and my family's) life. I hope to amend this and start posting actual bits of text and information other than photos!! I'll start with the announcement that I'm officially returning to college in April, and will be attending the College of Saint Catherine (St. Kate's) in St Paul. They have a program specifically geared for working adults that will enable me to finish my four year degree in two years and only take class on Friday evenings and every other weekend. I'm hoping to maintain my current GPA so that I'll be offered some sort of (monetary) incentive to stay on there and complete my Master's. We'll see.....

In other news, as if any of you didn't already know, today is the day that Barack Obama will become the 44th President of the United States. It's an occasion marked by joyous pomp and circumstance, and for those of us who are smart enough to be realistic, there is a little bit of trepidation at the shape of things to come. With bailouts, increased spending, tax cuts, stimulus packages, and the overall size of government on the rise and common sense on the decline, I can say that I am somewhat skeptical of what good 'ol Barry O will do for our nation. I'm hopeful, and I'm excited, and I'm genuinely looking to be impressed. Either way, today will be a day to remember.

And I'm so excited to see what Michelle will be wearing.....

And I'd like to go on the record as stating, that I'm over Oprah the way the rest of the nation is over Bush. Seriously. Can we inagurate someone else into the "Most Powerful Woman in the World" seat? I'll start taking suggestions.....

And More Great Photos

She still reaaaaaaaally loves to climb into baskets, buckets, toy chests, etc. This one was nearly to small, but it didn't stop her.

love love love this picture.

My little L.A. Lady

Finally, Christmas Pictures

A very large "Thank You" to Santa Claus for bringing me the fabulous Nikon camera that made these pictures possible. I hope you enjoy looking at these pictures as much as I enjoyed taking them. There are a few that are my favorite of all time....Elena looking out the door at my Mom's place, Belle on the couch, Elena playing with the tealight holder at my Dad's. At the risk of sounding redundant, Christmas truly was amazing.

Logan looking rather dapper.

Elena Sandwich

Possibly her favorite Christmas gift. Thanks Great-Grandpa!

Daddy's Girl

Watching for Santa

That kitchen's made three generations of little ones VERY happy....

Elena and Papa Al

DRL, Me, Elena, and Grampa Mac (my dad)

This tea light holder was the best thing EVER.

Being cute.

Our fabulous, and often forgotten, dog Belle.