Knit Knot

 Yesterday my 6 year old taught me how to knit. That's right, she's 6 and she can knit and I can't. A few instructions and a YouTube video later we headed to Oma and Opa's house for dinner where my mom showed me how to be a bit more efficient as well as a skill for making smoother projects.
3 hours of trial and error later I created a pot holder. For a doll.

 Seriously, it was doll sized. Comically no one showed me how to finish a project so I was left to YouTube to figure that out. I think they had little faith I would actually make something. Well ha! I did it. Now I know you are wondering "Are you going to open an Etsy shop?" Because clearly I make a quality doll pot holder. Today I even made a second pot holder using Oma's tips on Purling (if you speak knitter you will know that's an actual thing).

Clearly that also turned out FABULOUSLY! I think I will call my Etsy shop Yarn and Knots, or maybe Yarn and Snot.  I'm undecided.

**Disclaimer.....My 6 year old might be better at this than me.....

Mother's Day

Many friends have asked me how my Mother's Day was. My typical response is that we don't celebrate Hallmark holidays. I don't need someone else deciding when I should be celebrated as a mom. With that said a good friend pointed out that it's still nice to be pampered for a day. I agree. And while I love the spa and long relaxing lunches, my husband has chosen to pamper me in two different ways over the last week that speak volumes to me.
A Night Away:
Last week as I was heading to book club at a friend's house my husband spontaneously suggested that I stay the night and he would take the kids to school in the morning. This was a pretty impressive treat as early morning is a busy work time for him and getting the girls to school is not a relaxing activity. This was also a treat for the friend as her husband is away and having an extra body in the house and an extra set of hands in the morning can brighten the tone of the whole day.
An Unpleasant Task:
There are many bonuses to a husband who works from home. One is the ability to be flexible to help with the kids when schedules just don't mesh. Today my husband willingly took some time off from work to take our big kid to the dentist. To get a cavity filled. Oi. This is not a fun daddy daughter date. This is not a fun bonding experience. This is not something either of them is looking forward to. However, the husband agreed to it without complaint. This is a huge weight off my shoulders as I  don't have to be a part of the unpleasantness and I can follow through on my other daily commitments without rushing or rescheduling or coordinating help from friends.
It may not be flowers or chocolate or coffee but these acts of service make me feel celebrated as a mom and wife. Thanks hubby.

Chicken Chili Verde

I haven't made this yet but I don't want to forget about it. I'll post a review once I've cooked it.

http://paleopot.com/2012/07/paleo-chicken-chili-verde-with-butternut-squash/

Roasted Red Pepper Sweet Potato Soup

Deliciousness. And it freezes well. Thanks Paleo Pot.

2 huge sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed. Measured this is about 6 cups of cubes.

One 14 ounce jar of roasted red peppers in water (drained).

One 14 ounce can of coconut milk. I use TJ’s light brand as usual.

1 cup of chicken stock.

1 small yellow onion, large dice.

2 cloves of garlic.

1/2 tsp black pepper.

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes.

- See more at: http://paleopot.com/2012/11/paleo-roasted-red-pepper-sweet-potato-soup/#sthash.oAwy8mXz.dpuf

 http://paleopot.com/2012/11/paleo-roasted-red-pepper-sweet-potato-soup/

2 huge sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed. Measured this is about 6 cups of cubes.

One 14 ounce jar of roasted red peppers in water (drained).

One 14 ounce can of coconut milk. I use TJ’s light brand as usual.

1 cup of chicken stock.

1 small yellow onion, large dice.

2 cloves of garlic.

1/2 tsp black pepper.

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes.

- See more at: http://paleopot.com/2012/11/paleo-roasted-red-pepper-sweet-potato-soup/#sthash.oAwy8mXz.dpuf

2 huge sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed. Measured this is about 6 cups of cubes.

One 14 ounce jar of roasted red peppers in water (drained).

One 14 ounce can of coconut milk. I use TJ’s light brand as usual.

1 cup of chicken stock.

1 small yellow onion, large dice.

2 cloves of garlic.

1/2 tsp black pepper.

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes.

- See more at: http://paleopot.com/2012/11/paleo-roasted-red-pepper-sweet-potato-soup/#sthash.oAwy8mXz.dpuf