Introducing the Jellypus

The jellypus.  My youngest nephew is turning one just after Christmas, and I wanted to make him a cute animal.  I got a pattern from an etsy shop (https://www.etsy.com/listing/720417175/mini-octopus-crochet-pattern-pdf?ref=hp_rv-2)  for an octopus.  

We decided that it looks kinda like a jellyfish, so we named it the Jellypus.

I think this is the cutest thing I've ever crocheted, and I have a strange and sudden desire to make lots of jellypuses.  Before I go down that rabbit hole, though, I've got to make a Batman cape, Christmas cookies, help Lydia with a couple of sewing projects, and finish Christmas preparations.  But I do so love this jellypus!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/720417175/mini-octopus-crochet-pattern-pdf?ref=hp_rv-2

Greenhouse Dreaming

Have I mentioned lately how incredible my husband is?  I mentioned that I wanted more shelving to expand my seed tray options in the sunroom, and he bought me this:

I only had two shelves before, so the bottom four shelves here will mean I can triple the amount of seedlings I start this year.  (The top shelf will not get enough sun, so it will just be for storage.)

Do you see the tree in the blue pot?  It's actually an almond tree.  I have no idea if it will continue to grow in the sunroom, but so far, it looks pretty good.  It was an accidental tree planting, and I can't plant it outside due to our cold winters, but it may be able to survive indoors.  We will see.

Family Time

Saturday, we went to a church that had 300 nativities from around the world on display.  It was a fundraiser for clean water in various other countries.  After seeing the nativities and trying some filtered water, we headed to the playground for a few minutes.

This wheel thing spins around.  Nathaniel decided to show them how it's done.

And today, our living room is a Christmas card explosion.  

These two have been making all of the cards.  Yes, we are very late.  I hope to mail them tomorrow, and I'm certain we've forgot some people.

Fun Things

Here's a few fun things from our house lately.  First, Lydia was excited that these carrots were about the length of her arm:

(They are from the grocery; we didn't grow them.)

Next, Gyunay had a great day yesterday, when he had 3 friends over to play while Lydia went to practice her latest skit.  They had a ball.

And finally, today I made a wreath for our front door.  Like last year, I went to the History Center and made a fresh wreath. 

River Cane

So, it was about 50 degrees and drizzly today.  I had ordered the Kentucky River Cane (Arundinaria gigantea), and it arrived and needed to be planted.  I have tried to find info on best planting practices, but ended up just planting most of it outside today. 

Lydia was an enthusiastic helper.  We planted it mostly by the pond, because that is where it traditionally grew.  We did plant one plant in a pot in the playroom, and we will see if any of the 10 plants grow.  I don't think we'll know until spring, in any case.  While we were out planting, we noticed that something (probably a squirrel?) has dug up some of our tulip and daffodil bulbs that we planted a while ago.  It looks like most are undisturbed at this point, but we definitely lost some.  It can be hard to wait until spring to see what will come up!

Busy Day

We went to Nathaniels' work dinner last night.  As you can see, they had a type of photo booth there.  It didn't print out pictures, but sent these electronically.  So we had some pictures done around the time the younger kids were heading to bed.  It's nice now that we can leave Elijah in charge at home (and a lot cheaper).  The kids had a good time, and no complaints there, so it went well.  

Around the house, a lot got done yesterday.  We got most of the Christmas decorations up, but we still have a few things to finish.  Elijah hung the Christmas lights outside, with some help from Malachi and Dad.  Inside, I hung up the Virgin of Guadalupe tapestry that Nathaniel just bought for me:

So that's in place before her feast day on the 12th.  It really is lovely.  Nathaniel bought it during Thanksgiving at this little Catholic bookstore in his parents' town. 

So we had a pretty packed Saturday, with work around the house, driving with Elijah, and the dinner.  Today, we had Mass, and then Nathaniel headed out of town.  Lydia's catching up with her friend, and right now the boys are playing Super Smash Bros on the Wii.  Now I really need to figure out the rest of the Christmas presents....

Curls and Chickens

Do you notice anything about Lydia here?

My mother-in-law tightly french-braided her hair.  She left it in for two days, and yesterday, she let it out and had curls.  I never realized quite how much she favors me, especially from the side.

Gyunay wanted in on the pictures. This one was right before bed, and as you can see, his eye still turns when his glasses are off, especially when he's tired.

And lastly, my Mamaw made this towel!  It matches my kitchen perfectly, and the kids and I are so excited to see it hanging off of the stove.

November Harvest Totals

Arugula - 2 cups
Carrots - 40
Eggs - 72
Radishes - 2