Another Ornament

Here is another one of my favorite ornaments! I received this one last year from my friend and crochet mentor, Dee. I absolutely love it! It is the tiniest crocheted hat and mittens I have ever seen! All in a beautiful rose color. I need to figure out how to make this myself...wouldn't it be a great gift for people??? And could you imagine a while Christmas tree covered in them!! How SWEET!!

TwitterMoms: The Influential Moms Network

My New Christmas Ornament

Every year I like to get a new ornament for my tree. This year I let Heather pick one out. She choose this beautiful clay angel!! I am so in love with it! I look at it everyday and say THANKS for all the wonderful things in my life.

I hope to share some more of my favorite ornaments with you all this week before we take the tree down next weekend. Now I need to get back to crocheting!

Two New Designs!

Wanted to share my two latest published designs with all of you! Both can be found in the Feb 2009 issue of Crochet World Magazine! These are definitely two of my favorites!

Leprechaun Hat & Sweetheart Cap

And I need to apologize to you all!! I don't think I will be able to create a free crochet pattern for December. I am just way too busy!! I have had another design accepted for publication and the deadline for it is fastly approaching! I hope you all understand and I hope to get a pattern up in January as soon as possible! Have a great weekend!

Going Crosseyed!

Trying to set up my new laptop that Santa gave me!! I must have been a VERRY good girl this year!! This will keep me busy for a while!!

And the Wii game verdict.....well, she thinks the wrestling is fun, but it is much too advanced for her. The LPS game is on almost constantly!LMAO!!

OH!! And I just got the latest Crochet World Magazine in the mail!! Be sure to check it out!! I have TWO designs in it!! WHooo hoooO!

A Difference of Opinion

OK, so my husband and I have VERY different opinions on which Wii Game to get Heather for Christmas!!! I think she will LOVE The Littlest Pet shop, he thinks WWE Smackdown vs. Raw (2009)!! So what's a good mommy to do??? She buys BOTH!!! I'll keep you informed on which one she likes better! LOL!!!

PS: I think I should've wagered a bet on this one! LOL!!

Tag, I'm It!

Teresa at Diddle Daddle Designs has tagged me! I LOVE the fabrics she choose in this tote over in her etsy shop!

This is how the tagging works:
1. Link to the person who tagged you.
2. Post the rules on your blog.
3. Write six random things about yourself.
4. Tag six people at the end of your post and link to them.
5. Let each person know they've been tagged and leave a comment on their blog.
6. Let the tagger know when your entry is up.

Six random things about me:
1. I took three years of architecture in high school and actually made the working drawing that the contractors used when building a house for my teacher's friend.
2. My nickname growing up was "J.J." - noone called me Jennifer except my father.
3. I am only the third generation in the US on my father's side.
4. I have a tendancy to be very shy at times.
5. I was the only kid in my senior class of high school to have a "hot rod" ('76 Malibu).
6. I won my first art contest in Kindergarten.

Due to the busy time of year, I'm not going to tag anyone in particular. But if you'd like to participate, leave me a comment and I'll add a link here so that we can all come and visit your blog!

Happy!!

It is snowing very hard here right now. My daughter, the neighbor kids, and I are playing on the Wii and I am baking chocolate chip cookies! I LOVE Christmastime!!

I only wish my husband wasn't driving home over the mountains from Denver right now!! Please keep him in your prayers! Safe Travels to all who are out in this kind of weather!

My Favorite Holiday Recipe

OK, I had to type this up anyways, so I thought I'd share it with all of you! This is my FAVORITE holiday recipe!! Just the smell of it gives me so many wonderful memories!! Yes, it is an alcoholic drink, LOL!! Did I ever tell you that my dad always said that our last name, Chalupiak, means "Happy Drunk" in Ukrainian??? LOL!!! But don't worry; this was my mom's drink....so it is not very strong. And I'll warn you, it makes A LOT!!! Be prepared to have a party or give some away! LOL!!

Bourbon Slush

~2 Cups HOT tea made with 5 tea bags
~1 - 12oz can of frozen orange juice
~1 - 12oz can of frozen lemonade
~7 Cups water
~1/4 Cup sugar
~2 1/4 Cups Bourbon Whiskey (I just use the whole bottle! LOL!!)
~Numerous Tupperware type freezable containers with lids
~Ginger Ale, 7up, sprite, or any citrus type soda (I prefer Ginger Ale)

Mix first 6 ingredients until all frozen. Pour into containers and freeze. When ready to drink, scrape some of the frozen drink with a spoon or ice cream scoop and put into a cup filling at least half way, or more/less to taste. Pour soda over it to fill cup and drink with a straw!

Enjoy!

CROCHETERS’ NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS

Original knit version by Nancy Massaroni, 2003
rewritten (crochet version) by Dee Stanziano, 2006

‘Twas the night before Christmas and all around me
There was unfinished crocheting not under the tree,
The stockings weren’t hung by the chimney with care
‘Cause the heels and the toes had not a stitch there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
But I had not finished the caps for their heads.
Dad was asleep—he was no help at all.
And the sweater for him was 6″ too small.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I put down my hook to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash.
Tripped over my yarn and fell down in my stash.

The tangle of yarn that lay deep as the snow
Reminded me how far I still had to go.
When out on the lawn I heard such a noise,
I was sure it would wake up both Dad and the boys.

And although I was tired–my brain a bit thick,
I knew in a moment that it must be St Nick.
Yet what I heard left me very perplex-ed
For nothing I heard was what I expect-ed.

“Move Rowan! Move Patons! Move Koigu and Clover!
Move Shelridge! Move Starmore! Move Spinrite! Move over!
Lopi, don’t circle around, just stand there in line.
Pay attention you sheep and you’ll work out just fine!

I know this is hard as it’s just your first year
But I’d hate to go back to 8 tiny reindeer.”
I peered over the sill. What I saw was amazing:
Eight wooly sheep on my lawn all a-grazing!

And then in a twinkle, I heard at the door
Santa’s big boots stomping on the porch floor.
I rose from my knees and got back on my feet.
As I turned around, St Nick I did meet.

He was dressed all in wool from his head to his toe
And his clothes were hand crochet from above to below.
A bright Fair Isle sweater he wore on his back.
And his toys were all stuffed in an Aran crochet sack.

His hat was a wonder of bobbles and lace
A beautiful frame for his rosy red face.
The scarf on his neck could have stretched for a mile,
And the socks peeking over his boots were Argyle.

On the back of his mitts was an intricate cable.
And suddenly on one I spotted a small label:
“S.C.” in duplicate on the cuff.
So I asked, “Hey, Nick, did YOU crochet all this stuff?”

He proudly replied, “Ho, ho, ho, yes I did.
I learned how to crochet when I was just a kid.”
He was chubby and plump, a well dressed old man,
And I laughed to myself, for I’d thought up a plan.

I flashed him a grin and jumped up in the air,
And the next thing he knew, he was tied to a chair.
He spoke not a word, but looked down in his lap
Where I had laid my crochet hook and yarn for a cap.

He began then to crochet, first one cap then 2–
For the first time I thought I might really get through.
He put heels in the stockings and toes in some socks,
While I sat back drinking a scotch on the rocks.

Quickly like magic his hooks they flew,
Good Grief! He was finished by two!
He sprang for his sleigh when I let him go free,
And over his shoulder he looked back at me.
I heard him explain as he sailed past the moon,
“Next year, start your crocheting sometime around JUNE!”

The Best Christmas Picture EVER!

From last night's Christmas party and Grand Junction Chrysler. And it was only a 4 pack of play-doh! LOL!!

And here she is in a stunning hand knit sweater by Beth of JusShar Designs! Like I've said before, and I'll say it again....I REALLY need to get better at my knitting! LOL!!

OK, time to get my day started....we are heading to the mall to go Christmas shopping! Have a great weekend!

Happy Birthday Heather!

My baby is 6 today!!! Here are some pics from her party last night at Chuck E Cheese! They had a blast! And the mommies had a nice time too...chatting & visiting! She got lots of great gifts and tonight we get to go see Santa at Ron's work. They through a Christmas party just for the kids every year!

Christmas Gifts

Just wanted to make a quick post to share with you all some of the gifts I am making this year. I had to limit it though....some of my family reads my blog! LOL!!

My all-time favorite gift that I made is for Heather's teacher!! I purchased a gift certificate to Starbucks and while I was there, I grabbed an extra venti cup and lid. Inside the cup I placed a hand crocheted scarf in the softest, most amazing, Italian yarn in black and gold! YUM!! (I actually made one of these scarves for myself this year, but in rust and gold, LOL!!) OK, back to the gift! I then crocheted a coffee cup cozie and put it on the outside of the cup and attached the gift card (in it's cute little knitted holder that I also got at Starbucks!) Finished it off with a bow! Now isn't this just adorable!!

OK, I also want to share a purse I made for my niece in San Diego (CORA- don't let L near the computer!!!) I found this pattern in an old crochet magazine and thought that since it doesn't snow in CA, my niece would love a snowman purse!!! I love it and will probably make myself one next year! LMAO!!

Now I need to get back to crocheting! Three more gifts need to be finished and in the mail by Saturday! Plus, tonight is Heather's birthday party! Have a great day!

Ramble on....

OK, like I said before, this is a C-R-A-Z-Y time of year for us!! Thursday night Heather had her school's Christmas Party and Program. Here she is wearing her pretty dress that I made for her. She loved it and was the only one in a handmade/boutique dress.

Also on Thursday I met with a wonderful woman, Kathy, who needed my crochet help! She had a problem....her best friend's Grandmother was making her best friend an afghan. Well, unfortunately the Grandma passed away before she finished it and she was working from a pattern in her head! So Kathy wanted to finish the blanket for her friend, but couldn't figure out the pattern! She stopped into Tangle and they gave her my number. We met up and I took some long looks at the blanket and messed with my own hook and yarn. Let me tell you, those "bobbles" had me stumped. Well, while messing around, I figured it out!!! I was THRILLED!!! It really was a beautiful pattern and it made my day to figure it out! And Kathy was excited too! What a wonderful friend she is!

Let's see...what else has been going on. Saturday we put up the Christmas tree and decorated the house. I baked lots of cookies too! Sunday night I had another crochet lesson and baked even more cookies!! Today I need to finish my housework and laundry, and tonight is my husband's work's Christmas party.

Tuesday I will be volunteering at Heather's school like I do every Tuesday, Wednesday night we will be having Heather's birthday party at Chuck-E- Cheese. Thursday Heather only has half a day of school and I need to bring in her Birthday snacks and Thurdsday night is the children's Christmas party for my husbands work. Plus Thursday is Heather's 6th birthday!!!!

Hmmm, Friday we have a birthday party for a friend of Heather's from school, and Sunday/Monday Ron is heading to Denver for some work-related shooling. Then of course we have Christmas next week! OH!!! I also had another design submission accepted and need to have that finished by the 6th!!

And how am I doing on my Christmas gift list???? Well, I've made a dent, LOL!!

Ron
Heather
Mom- finished
Linda-finished
Anna-finished
James - finished
Cora - finished
Glen - I finally know what I want to make him and have the supplies!
Leiliki-finished
Mikey - supplies purchased
Trevor - mailed

Lauren - mailed
Lindsy - mailed
Mom Cirka-crocheted but still needs felted
Dad Cirka - I finally know what I want to make him and have the supplies!
Ms. Langdon - ????
Mr. Derek - supplies purchased

Uncle Kenny- supplies purchased

OK, better get off my butt and get this day going! Sounds like the dryer is done! Have a great week everyone and I'll post when I can!

Busy ~ Busy!

Yes, the holiday season is upon me and I am now in "Gotta-Get-It-Done" mode!! I've been working tons trying to finish all my projects.

Today's project was to make Heather a Christmas dress. Tomorrow night is her school's party and I think they are doing a little performance...so of course I needed to dress her up!! Here is a sneak peek! I have a white long sleeve tee and white tights to go under it.

Back to work! I promised to make a Christmas tie for Wade, the little boy I carpool with. Never made one before...wish me luck!

Spreading the Love Award!

I just found out that I won an award! Thanks Melissa at MyissaG's!

The Spreader of Love award the rules are:
1. Post a copy on your blog
2. Mention who gave you the award
3. Pass the award on to 6 others
4. Leave a message on their blog letting them know the honor has been bestowed upon them.It's now my honor to pass this loving award on to the following blogs:
1. Ellen @ GoCrochet

2. Robin @ Robin'sNest

3. Trevor @ Kraftymommas
4.Shanon @ The Blessed Homekeeper
5. Jennifer @ CraftyGoodness
6. Sunny @ ptadropout

A Few Reviews!

I found a couple of AWESOME reviews of my products on other blogs! Be sure to stop by, leave comments, and enter the contests! A big THANK YOU to these wonderful blogs!


Inside Out did a nice review on my sweaters and you can win a $20 Gift Certificate to my website!


And Girl Indie loves my Brimmed Rosette hat!

Heather Lost Her First Tooth!!

Today Heather lost her first tooth...finally!! I think it has been loose for almost a month now!! And of course, the minute she noticed it was loose, I hurried and made her a cute little Tooth Fairy Pillow! And it has been sitting on her bed ever since, LOL!! She wanted it decorated in red and purple...her new favorite colors! LOL!!

So now we wait till bedtime for the Toothfairy to come and visit! Anyone know what the going rate is for first lost teeth??

Have a great day!

And we have a Winner!!

COngratulations to my 1000th customer, Sun Martinez in New York!!! I'll be sending your gift certificate shortly!!

OHHH!! Getting Closer!

Will it be today??

I've Been Featured!!

And you can win a $20 Gift Certificate too!! Head on over and check it out! Click on the pic!

Thrifty Under $50!

I think this is the coolest thing!! The team over at You Can Make This have divided into 5 teams and recruited others to join them! Their goal is to make their gifts this year for next to nothing!! I'll definately be following and hope to get some great ideas and inspirations for my list!

And you are all probably wondering how I am progressing on my to-do Christmas gift list......so here is an update:

Ron

Heather

Mom- started and hope to finish today

Linda-finished

Anna

James

Cora

Glen

Leiliki-finished

Mikey

Trevor

Shane

Lauren

Lindsy

Mom Cirka-crocheted but still needs felted

Dad Cirka

OH....and I had to add a few more!

Ms. Langdon

Mr. Derek

Better get off the computer and get crocheting!! Have a great day!

Will YOU be my 1000th Customer??

I am thrilled to say that the Jaybird Designs website is nearing 1000 sales!! How cool is that? So I've decided to celebrate!! The 1000th customer will receive a $20 gift certificate to my website! And it doesn't have to be a "sale", you could win just by downloading one of my free crochet patterns!!

I bet you're all wondering exactly where I am at right now, huh?? Well, as of 9am (MST) on December 2, 2008, I have had 969 sales!! I will be adding a countdown to the sidebar and will update it as often as possible!

Good luck and Happy Crocheting!

Baby Shower Time!

Well, I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and had fun shopping on Black Friday!! This year was the first time I ever ventured out of the house on the day after Thanksgiving, LOL!! It wasn't as bad as I expected!!

Don't forget that today is Cyber Monday! Lots of good internet sales going on, including my FREE GIFT with purchase from my website!

And it's baby shower time again! Sarah over at SassyFrazz is due with baby #4 and I just HAD to help her celebrate!! She is not letting us know the sex of the baby, so I had to get creative with a gender-neutral gift!! I crocheted a sweet earflap hat to match a purchased onesie. I went with red/white/and brown colors to match the "Monkey Business" onesie. I think it turned out TOO CUTE and she loved it!