Knitting and reading have taken somewhat of a backseat to the felt project I’ve been working on (hoping to share a peek at that soon). I did however whip up a sweet cowl for the birthday girl. She loves it! I used luvinthemommyhood‘s mallory pattern. A simple ribbed pattern with just the perfect squishy wool (you can spot another skein I’m using in the photo below).

I’ve also been working on the green tea sweater. I’m on to the straight stockinette stitch of the body and wondering if there’s a possibility I may have it done for Christmas. Then I remind myself of the long list of knits I’ve dreamed up for gifts and think I’ll just take it as it comes.

I’m also working on, ahem, three other knitting projects. All secret gift knits (if you are NOT related to me you can spy them here and here), all causing me to think too much and knit too little. I must admit that with all that’s been going on lately I’m much more inclined to stick with the straight stockinette of the green tea sweater.

While I have not yet surrendered my reread through the Harry Potter series but I’ve also picked up An Irish Country Christmas from the library. I read An Irish Country Doctor a few months ago and enjoyed it but haven’t gotten far enough in this one to form an opinion. I have a feeling my evenings are going to be preoccupied by knitting and hand-stitching with a Christmas movie or two thrown in for good measure so reading may take a backseat once again.

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joining with Ginny for another week of yarn along

Beautiful Girl, how is it seven years since you entered our lives? Seven years that feels like a lifetime and yet only a moment.

This year perhaps more than any other you have grown and changed. You are no longer such a little girl but always our baby. And somehow it has just happened. Suddenly older, suddenly growing. Your baby face hides behind those bright eyes…I still see it there.

Such a dear, dear girl full of generosity and kindness. Sharing of your great or of your little, making the peace, offering a smile full of heart. You slip a hand in mine, an arm over your shoulder, stroke a baby cheek, snuggle a little brother.

You are unique and special and wonderful. From your outrageously wonderful sense of fashion: jewelry, stripes, skirts and leggings, always leggings. You are a little mother, always aching, moaning, begging to help with the babes. Daddy’s little charmer, pulling that sideways smile, that twinkle in your eye, the batting of eyelashes. The horse, the piggy back, the mama in so many games. The dancer, the princess, the good sport and the gracious winner.

And as I struggle to write this I realize I struggle because you are so intangibly you – that look, that smile, that style, that laugh, that joy. It’s all so wonderfully you, Amalia.

So full of love, so full of life, you bring a flavour all your own to our lives.

Happy Birthday, lovely.

Pancakes were more than an acceptable dinner meal in my home growing up. Pancakes were anticipated. Hot off the pan, drizzled in syrup with a side of crispy bacon. Comfort food through and through whether enjoyed for breakfast or dinner.

My hubby on the other hand had strict ideas on the separation of breakfast and dinner foods. Pancakes were not for dinner. And while we’re at it neither were eggs, waffles or even, gasp, cereal (yes, I’ve tried to pull that one over on him….desperate times).

Notice how I said “were”. “Now” is a totally different story. Now we have six kids. Six kids with very different tastes and different ideas on what makes a good meal. Six kids who do not share their father’s aversion to maple syrup (are you hearing this insanity? Dan doesn’t like maple syrup!) but will enjoy it on anything. I have two kids who would eat porridge with maple syrup for dinner every day if we let them…but that’s a different story.

So now that times have changed, pancakes are on the menu breakfast, lunch or dinner. Admittedly it’s usually only when I’m cooking. I call it progress none the less.

And so I give you the pumpkin pancake. These are plain and simple whole wheat pancakes made moist and fluffy with the addition of pumpkin puree. I left them without oats, bran or seeds – I still get busted on those pancake tricks. The pumpkin also gives us the hint of vegetables for those desperate dinners when we just need something fast.

Even our four-year-old who’s previously had no love to spare for pancakes gobbles these babies up.

Pancakes with Benefits

This recipe makes enough for my pancake loving crew – that’s 7 eaters and lots of maple syrup.

2 eggs

2 1/2 cups of milk

1 1/2 cups pumpkin puree

1/2 cup yogurt

3 cups whole  wheat or unbleached flour

3 tbsp brown sugar (optional)

1 tsp baking soda

1 tbsp baking powder

1 tsp salt

1 1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp allspice

1/8 tsp cloves

1/8 tsp nutmeg

In a large bowl whisk together together wet ingredients. In a separate bowl mix dry ingredients and gently stir into wet ingredients. Allow the batter to rest for 10-15 minutes, meanwhile set your pan to heat. Pour the batter by third cup measure to cook on your pan. Flip when bubbles appear and cook until lightly browned.

And if you’re feeling especially indulgent toss in a few chocolate chips and call it dessert.

After last week’s pumpkin pie and this week’s pumpkin pancakes, I’ve still got more pumpkin recipes up my sleeve. We’re on a pumpkin kick here – well, I am and I’m dragging the fam along for the ride.

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How do you feel about breakfast for dinner? Are you for or against it?

Well sadly I have no knitting victories to share this week. After all the bolstering support I received last week, the birthday sweater remains very much unfinished…Dare I say hardly started? Somewhere early in the increases at the yoke of the sweater I miscounted. I have a tendency to misread every pattern at least once but usually I notice it. This time I didn’t and it required quite a lot of sweater ripping. A lot as in nearly the whole sweater. Alas, the birthday sweater is not to be. Well not quite yet it would seem.

I had a chat with the birthday girl who supposedly thought I was knitting her a scarf…hmm, I do have the perfect scarf yarn for her. I may just be able to squeeze out a cowl before the big day.

As for reading, I feel rather unaccomplished on that front as well (what have I been doing this week?). I’m onto The Prisoner of Azkaban as I’m revisiting the Harry Potter series (I really am a geek about them). I’ve also checked a favourite browsing book out the of library. I’ve checked out and renewed Hand-Stitched Felt countless time (at least by my estimation) and although I’ve yet to tackle any of the projects it’s wonderful eye candy – especially when I think of the present to myself that’s in the mail.

Anyone have a quick cowl pattern to share for a seven year old?

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joining with Ginny for yarn along