Holly's Hooks and sometimes Needles

Cocoa Swap Questionaire

2009-01-03T18:44:00.004-06:00

The Yarn…
1. Do you knit, crochet, or do both? I do both

2. What is your favorite one-skein project? What item do you find you knit the most of? I enjoy hats and scarfs. I like Misti Alpaca for scarfs and Berocco Jasper for boy hats.
I don't knit just one thing, my attention span will let me focust on one project but the next will be something different, say if I am working on a sweater, the next might be a shawl, socks but something else.

3. Do you like using a particular type of needle or hook? (wood, metal, straight, circular) Is there something you’ve been wanting to try, or a particular size you always seem to be short on? I enjoy Bamboo Straights and Metal Circs and do not like DPN's.
I seem to be short in the area of the size 8 and above circs.

4. What’s on your needles\hook right now? What’s your oldest UFO (unfinished object)? I have the Simply Square Vest for my sister, just a few rows of Eiffel, Scarf, and Spring Forward Socks.

5. What are your favorite types of yarns? Are you allergic to any yarns, or just hate working with something? Anything type/brand of yarn you’ve been dying to try? Every yarn has its place. I am not a fan of Homespun or anything that bunches as you make a stitch. I like wool/bamboo/silk, not too picky.

7. What are your favorite colors? Brights? Pastels? More muted colors? Variegated? Are there that make you want to stab yourself in the eye with your needles? I am not a fan of bright yellow, or orange unless its fall. Browns need to usually be matched with something, I like Variegated blues, and muted colors are good. I also like pink, but I have alot of pink yarn and need to start different colors to my stash.

8. What is your favorite knit accessory, your fancy needles? stitch markers? your yarn cutter? What do you have TOO many of? What do you wish you had? I have many stitch markers, and probably need another case for them. I have a yarn cutter, and you can't ever have enough needles.
I guess if I need anything, it would be stitch holders, cable needle, and I would like a Chibi.

The Chocolate
1. Do you prefer boxed/packets, or something homemade? I was in this swap last year and I was paired with Cathy, she sent me Cadbury Hot Cocoa and left me wanting more. I sent my co-hostess Starbucks melting Chocolate and never got to try it, but would love to.
Packets are nice for work and homemade is always good.

2. Marshmallows or whipped cream? Marshmallows

3. Do you use any ‘add ins’ If it is plain Cocoa then I like to add a peppermint stick or sometimes flavor creamer.

4. Are you a year round cocoa drinker or just in the winter months? Just winter months

5. Do you like flavored cocoas or are you just a ’straight chocolate’ kind of person? I like hazelnut, vanilla, cinnamon, irish cream, but plain is good too.

6. Do you enjoy cocoa from restaurants or shops like Starbucks? What are some of your favorites? Peppermint Mocha Twist with half White/Dark. The salted Caramel from Starbucks is good.

7. You’ve just made the perfect cup of cocoa - is it in a thick mug, or a thinner cup? Where would you sit to drink it? Thick mug. I would be sitting on the couch watching a good movie with my knitting, but looking to the future it will be with my nursing books in hand.

8. You’re enjoying that perfect cup, what treats will you enjoy with it? Are they sweet or salty? Crunchy? Soft and flaky? I like biscotti.

It’s all YOU!
1. Do you have other hobbies like spinning or scrapbooking? No not really
2. Do you collect anything? Thick good mugs. Yarn, but you knew that, right?

3. What is your favorite part of Winter? Staying warm and staying inside. I like when there is a fire in the fireplace.

4. What sort of scents do you enjoy? Any difference in what you like for your house versus what you like for your body? I like homey scents for the house, pumpkin spice, apple cider, citrus for hand soap, but not a big fan of body scents.

5. Are you allergic to anything? No not that pertains to swapping

6. Are you on Ravelry? What’s your ID? hollyw

7. How would you spend an ideal winter afternoon/day? Curled up on the sofa with a movie and hot cocoa or tea with knitting in hand.

8. What’s your favorite animal? My dog Max.

You Made This A Christmas To Remember

2008-12-14T13:19:00.008-06:00

I hope everyone has had a great and wonderful holiday season. Mine has been great. I am hoping since it ended so good, that it is a good sign for me in the next year. The title comes from a song that I listened to when I use to decorate my parents tree by Dolly Parton & Kenny Rogers. To start my Christmas Season off, it started at the beginning of December where the girls I knit with got together at Cindy's house (who is an amazing hostess and her house is out of a magazine) for a very tasty lunch and cookie swap.

We played the game where you read the story and past the gift to the left or right. So, much fun.

Then the boys did the 12 days of Christmas. My first gift was on Dec. 13th for wonderful seats to Christmas Spectacular with The Radio City Rockettes.

If you are not in the Christmas spirit, this show will not let you walk away with out being in on afterwards. It is the most magical show and for all ages. Following this day I recieved gifts every day, which was alot of fun.

On December 23rd my family had our girls Christmas Eve, Eve party it is where all the cousins get together with our mom's and Grandmother and we have dinner and we do dirty Santa as well.
This year I cooked and I think it turned out pretty good. We had manicotti and salad.

This wasn't all that made it such a wonderful Holidays for me. I think because I didn't stress about getting Christmas bought for. I did it all the week after Thanksgiving and just sat back and watched all the packages be delivered to my office. Will do it again next year.

The boys and their cousin spent the night and we did a very cute Gingerbread house kit. The elves were busy all month and have returned safely to the North Pole.

I received sweet gift from the boys from the Santa shop, lots of jewelry. The best gift of all came the December 2oth, that was my acceptance letter, back into Nursing School. I start Jan 5th. So, I am ready to tackle this next year and get school put behind me once and for all.

Now that the holidays are over with I am co-hostessing the Cocoa Swap 2 with my sweet friend Michelle. Sign ups are now Dec. 28th - Jan 3rd. If you are interested head over and get sign up.

Who Needs A Little Warming Up?

2008-12-11T11:05:00.002-06:00

It has been pretty chilly here in the South, for once we are not having 75-80 degree weather during the holidays. Today's forecast there is even mention of snow (yeah right). With cooler weather here I can always use something warm to drink to warm me up. It being the holidays I love some Hot Cocoa w/ marshmallows and a little peppermint in the bottom, gather up some knitting to work on and I am good to go.

With that thought in mind I wanted to mention that I will be co-hosting with Michelle on the 2nd round of the Cocoa Swap and sign ups begin December 28th, so check out the details.

Cocoa Swap 2

Its About Time

2008-11-30T10:01:00.002-06:00

I know, I know I haven't posted in quite some time. I do still knit and have alot of crafting projects for the holidays. Next week after I gift some I will post the project I have worked on for my friends. Its turned out to be pretty cute I think.
As for the holidays, just decorating and getting Christmas bought for, not waiting to the last minute this year.
I will have a post with pictures soon. I gotta get a charger for my camera, it has disappeared and the battery is dead.

See you soon.

The Box!

2008-10-09T07:57:00.009-05:00

My dishrag teams box made it to my house yesterday. The box looks good to have gone around the United States and been through not one but two hurricanes.
I got home from work and opened to some wonderful goodies. It was on then. I knew what I needed to do. So I got the caffeine going and it was on.

Here is the goodies, Nicole gave me. I love the cute dog project bag and the little needles. I had to use them last night to get my guage right. Nicole also included some other dishcloth patterns, a candle, some yarn for me and a precious dog calendar, 2009. I will put it up at work. So I worked til 12:40 a.m. and finished. Got it all packed to go home to Emily and shipped it on the way to work. Here is what the box looked like when I finished. You can tell what I decorated with.
There is goodies in the box that is suppose to stay in the box, so it was pretty tedious to get it packed for not just one, but two people. When I realized I was knitting for Natalie and not Emily, but Emily gets the goodies, Emily said I could include some to be sent to your captain with the dishcloth that you are knitting for her. Well, no pressure there to spoil the Captain and the host at the same time. So, I got it all in there.

This was my first tag, it was so much fun. Thanks Emily for hosting and Natalie for being a great Captain. :)

Ta Da!!!!!!!!!

2008-08-18T22:50:00.004-05:00

I put down my Stardust sweater, which I don't lack much on, to finish my moms Birthday present that was last month. I don't guestimate very well on how long something will take. However, I casted off at midnight last night and this is how big it was unblocked. This is the Swirled Pearl Shawlette.

Here it is blocking. No wonder Grace's hubby is so great! Blocking is a pain, but look at the results in the end is what I tell myself.
This is my first hand at real lace other than a lace Dishcloth. It has its mistakes, I don't know how to fix lace I could repair some but there is just a couple of places that bigger holey areas than some.

Overall, I am pretty happy with the end results and I think mom will love it. I will gift it to her in the morning on the way to work. She has waited long enough.
The low down on the Shawlette:
Yarn: Lacey Lambs 100% Wool/ Double stranded
Needles: #7 Susan Bates Circulars
Crochet Hook: 1.10mm Boye
Beads: Mill Hill Black irredescent
Started First week of July.

Now back to my Stardust.

A Son After My Own Heart

2008-08-17T18:54:00.003-05:00

My oldest is growing up. A few weeks ago he turned 9. I couldn't believe it. He started school last week and he is in 3rd. I really couldn't believe that. Where did 1st and 2nd grade go to?
Well, my mother in law said, that every day in the summer he would come in and cook French Toast for himself. So, tonight he fixed it for the family.

It was so good. Here is before we sprinkled them with Powder sugar, cinnamon sugar and syrup.
Well, knitting is coming in the next coming days.

A Post for Prayers

2008-08-05T21:30:00.002-05:00

Wow, today is the day that everyone I know needs prayer for their little ones. I read my email today and my heart sank with sadness for so many families of friends and actually family members. My friend Michelle is asking for prayers first off and if you are a knitter, for a 8x8 squares for friend of their familys little boy who is 7 has a inoperable brainstem tumor and is going to be going through some experimental treatments and radiation. To read more of the details, go here.

Second email of the day was one from my Cousin, her 3 month old nephew just had a nodule removed from his adrenal gland and the biopsy came back as a Neuroblastoma. The adrenal gland is secondary so they are going to have to find out where the primary site is. This is a very common cancer for kids, if it is found before they are two they a better chance of surviving. This family has been through so much this year and they put their faith in God and he came through for them. The dad of the infant just battled a year of colon cancer and is now clean. Please pray for this family, they need it. To follow how he is doing and what is going on, he has a website here.

A Month Off (but not really)

2008-08-02T17:09:00.008-05:00

Well, it has been a complete month away from blogging. I still check my blogging friends blogs 2-3 times a week, but July has been hectic. I have had to buckle down in school, even though it is one class, I need a "A" and want an "A". I just found that I had to give something up and blogging was it. I didn't really take a month off, I wish that was possible, but don't we all. I am working and looking forward to a beach vacation at the end of August and not a Medical vacation this time (I have had enough of those this year already).

July is a busy month my mom, my brother, Austin and I all have Birthday's. I missed my mom's. It is ritual to call her early in the morning and sing to her, (and no I can't sing) but instead that day I was busy working, going to school and trying to be mighty nurse to my dad and brothere who are one state away (in Florida). So, I the bad daughter missed it, but I did make it up to her, and surprised her to go see "Mamma Mia" opening weekend. It was good to watch that with her.

I did take a day off from work and went with the boys to Alabama Adventures with my brother, the week of his birthday. Can't pass up discount tickets. We went with some of his friends and their little girl and my nephew. We had so much fun. I love waterslides. I had a test that night, so off and on through the day the boys and I would get in the lazy river in my tube, the boys would push me away from the waterfalls so I wouldn't get wet and my study guide get wet. Made for some great study time. I made an "A".

Then for Austin's birthday he chose instead of a birthday party to take a friend, grab some dinner and go see Tony Hawk. So we did and that is Tony in the light blue. Hard to believe he is 45. The boys loved it. We stayed afterwards and got one of the guys autograph, but not Tony's. I am sure we will be doing it again next year.
We did make the rounds on both sides of the family for a Birthday meal and cake.
After celebrating our Birthdays, we pack the hubby up to go to Montgomery to take the bar. We find out the end of September if he passed. I hope he did.

I made it to some knit nights and I have been working very hard on my moms birthday present. I think will be finished in a little over a week. I can't wait to show. I had to put my Stardust down to get the Birthday present done.
I take my last final Monday and I am done. I will be so happy. I have taken the fall off, and will be awaiting to see if I get in nursing school.
In the meantime while waiting on nursing school, I did sign up for Dish Rag Tag. Something easy. I have lots of projects I want to do. Oh yea, football season is coming up and you know what that means for me. Saturdays to myself the boys all go to the in laws for football fun. I stay home and have the house myself, well and Max of course who is doing very well.

Well I guess that is it until my final is over.

2008-07-04T11:19:00.002-05:00

Hope you all have a safe weekend, celebrating our Independence!

A Full Week

2008-06-22T16:46:00.002-05:00

I went back to work Tuesday after being off a week (once again - not cause I wanted to). When I am off from when I have surgery, I live on the computer and get so much knitting done. No FO's sorry, but much progress on my Stardust. Work this week was a little much, I was out of time for being off and when you have bills to pay, you have to work. The group I work with are so understanding and don't let me push it to walk all over the hospital.

Yesterday, I was a volunteer for the 1st annual Jenny's Light Golf Tournament on Saturday. It was a huge success and lots of fun. If you remember back on December 31st in the post I mentioned of a tragic story that affected us at work tremendously. A few months after this tragic event, one of our 3rd year residents suggested that the day of graduation where all the residents and wives enjoy a day at a golf place to say good bye to the chiefs while the guys play golf, that they make this the 1st annual Golf tournament for the Charity the family had set up in memory of Jenny and Graham Bankston. We thought we would be doing good to break even and be able to write a check for a small amount to go to Jenny's Light, little did we know that our efforts would bring such a great return. We started before 7 a.m. and ended with a lunch for the golfers and a raffle with great prizes around 2 p.m.. At the lunch and raffle part one of the chairs did make the announcement that the total wasn't complete, but we didn't only break even but we were going to be able to donate over $50,000 to Jenny's Light. It just sent chill bumps. The cheif residents were one of the last ones to come around at the hole I was sitting at, which is the longest drive. The one thing that stuck in my mind the rest of the day and still brings tears to my eyes is when Chip (Jenny's spouse) got up to tee off and one of his long time friend/resident said, " Chip this is all you, hit one to the heaven's!" He didn't get the longest drive but he hit it as if it would reach the heavens. This was a great and rewarding day to end my week on.

Up for next week, I have a test in my speech class, and a speech the next week. I will have my blogiversary this week as well.

Please go over and send Chan some hugs for her and her Knight. They have lossed a very special loved one, their pop. They have a pretty rough day ahead tomorrow.

Listen Up

2008-06-13T08:50:00.002-05:00

I only have a few minutes. Grace who does amazing lacework and produces shawls after shawls and ships them off to family, friends and strangers has entered her lace shawl in a contest. Head on over and look at her gorgeous entry. Then if you wish vote for Grace's "Lovin Comfort Shawl". I know many of you have been blessed to receive one of her shawls, just as I have and truly her shawl's are pure comfort. It doesn't matter if you are in jeans and a T-shirt, gown or dressed up to go. You can just feel the love that she pours into each and everyone of them as you sit and admire the gorgeous lace work wrapped around you.

Next up, Go on over visit Darcy she is celebrating her 200th post, tell her I sent you if you want or not. For her contest, simply tell her what keeps you coming back to read peoples blogs. That is one entry. Link her from your page about the contest, entry #2. If someone tells her that they heard of her contest from you, 3rd entry. Easy as pie. She has some awesome prizes. I hope I win one.
So, what are you waiting for????????? Go vote and go enter into the contest for some wonderful goodies.

Max On Thursday- Sleeping Style

2008-06-12T15:04:00.005-05:00

Forget the bed we bought Max, he no longer sleeps in it. He sleeps where ever he decides to make his bed. I have caught him burried under a pile of dirty clothes, on top of books, just anywhere.

Most mornings I find him at the foot of the boys bed, at the foot of my bed or in the recliner. He doesn't want the boys to get any attention when you go to wake them, he will snuggle in between you and them so maybe he will get all the attention first hand. This morning this is where I found him. Sacked out in between the boys, his head is on the pillow as well.

One afternoon my youngest decided to take a nap and I found him asleep with him. My youngest had been pouting because his brother was invited to a party and he wasn't. Pretty sweet picture. Max even has his sweet paw across our little guy.
Last week, the boys went to bed and Max was sprawled out on the floor, he got up from his spot and look where he went to sleep all night long!!!!!!!!!!!

I wanted to dance and shout but you know the rule, never wake a sleeping child. Max finally got into his crate without us fighting and bribing him to go. He realizes that is his own space. I was so happy he has finally adjusted.

Happy Dogs on Thursday!!!!!!!!!!

I Am Getting Closer

2008-06-06T22:21:00.002-05:00

I am one post closer to my 100th post and a blogiversary. Stay tuned for a contest in the next upcoming weeks.

I Won!

2008-06-01T21:39:00.007-05:00

A few weeks back I posted about Alana over at Strings and Purls was having her blogiversary and a contest, I won. I got to chose which book I wanted and which yarn.

I chose the Debbie Bliss Home and the Blue Sky Cotton.

That Blue Sky is so soft. Love it.

That's not all she sent, she sent these cute stitch markers, look at the box they came in. Alana would be someone I would enjoy having tea with. I got to spoil her in the dishcloth swap. She is a sweetheart, and someone I would love to sit over tea and chat with.

As if that wasn't enough she sent this as well. A cute springy notepad (you can never have enough), a mirror in the shape of a flower and Creamy toffee and almond Hershey's Chocolate Treasures. Thank you Alana for my Goodies! Now to find a
pattern to work on. I like the pillows.

Well, I had to share with you my little guy lost not one but both of his front, top teeth all in one week. He racked up on the $$$$$. He is so proud of his new tooth that is coming in that he kept coming up to me and showing me.

I do have a FO as well. Here is a pot holder I finished a couple of weeks ago for Chan and the Knight. She likes the bee story and so, since it was a spring coffee swap,

I chose bee material for the back. I think I will have to make some more of these. They are easy, except for the stitching on the back. I couldn't get it to go through the sewing machine.

I start class tomorrow for my speech class, so I can get back in school.

That is about it for me for this week.

TGIF

2008-05-23T21:33:00.008-05:00

Thank Goodness It's Friday. I am so glad work is over with this week, I guess, since I am still recooping from last Friday, my days just seem so long. I was even off Monday and it still seemed like a long week. I was off two days and had alot of catching up to do. Oh, well it is over with and now to enjoy a long weekend, I am going to clean, knit, dig in the dirt and cook out with family. Hope nothing gets in my way. Just alot to do and I am sure Tuesday will be here before you know it.

Well, if you haven't grabbed your cup of something to sip, you better. It wasn't a bad week, I would say just long. Halfway through (Wednesday) I got my Coffee Swap package, that would be Coffee Swapping mine and Chan's way. Yes I chose to spoil her, because swap after swap, I never had the chance to spoil her and she felt the same so, we asked for eachother. Look at the goodies! There were the Caramel Chocolate Werthers (no Michelle you can't have them, if you were here I would share), Look at the little teabag holder with the beach scene, that is from The Outer Banks. I got one of Anita's tape measurer. See the soap, you use it and it felts. Cute stitchmarkers our coffee style. Then these instructions on "Kirtchner Stitch and The Wee Little Sock".

If you are visiting from the Coffee Swap and wondering, if I am posting the right package, I am! So coffee Chan's style for me is tea of all different flavors. I like Coffee, but after the last coffee swap, and surgery I just have gone through a bad spell where it makes me nauseated. At the given time I wasn't drinking to much, but I had told Chan how much I still am drinking tea. So, I got all the stuff for tea. See that Glass tea pot with the filter, pretty cool huh? There is tea for two tea balls for when I get to have tea with Chan. The mug is so pretty and elegant. It is very special because it coordinates with the one she gave Michelle and the one she has. If I could have tea with Chan and Michelle and a few other of my girl blogging friends, that would be wonderful and probably one of the best moments to share with eachother.

Here is "My Coffee". We have some to start the day off, the NUMI- Golden Chai is wonderful. I am a Stash girl Chai Spice girl and I am loving this stuff, that Stash has been pushed aside. I can not wait to try the Revolution - Earl Grey and Lavender. For later on in the day there is White Jasmine with Rosebuds in the pink canister - (I see now why this is the girl at the stores favorite) and when I go to bed, there is Yogi Tea - Bedtime. Chan said, it is better than any sleeping drug. That is a Honey bear at the bottom.

Look at the cute bag. I love it. I don't have a whole lot of project bags. The print is so me.

I save the best for last, Just look at this Oh so Yummy Yarn. The back is Superwash, Sock Yarn in a tannish brown, pink and light blue.

The one in front, I can see why it was hard to say Bye-bye. It's some of my sweet friend Amanda's yarn from her etsy shop. Its so soft with a blend of Wool and Bamboo. I have received so much great yarn lately, I can't wait to produce some projects with it.

Great package, huh? You know, even if she hadn't spoiled me rotten, I would love me some Chan everyday. I met her close to this time last year, she was my hostess and over the year, by internet and by phone I have grown to love her. I long for the day when I get to wrap my arms around her neck. Thank you Chan for always being so sweet and wonderful to talk to.

Well, that is it for tonight. I need to get my rest so, I can do what all I want to do this weekend. Hopefully I will be back tomorrow, I several things to post about.

What Is A Girl To Do

2008-05-18T18:50:00.005-05:00

What is a girl to do with such great girl friends? My conspiring girlfriends from here and a far got together and didn't want me to have to cook, since I had surgery Friday. They brought in pizza, Rocky Roads Icecream, and some yarn (that Anne had dyed for me). The girls to blame for all this wonderful goodness would be Anne, Jessi and last but not least Michelle.
Guess what she named the yarn? It is named "Holly Hobby". She had Miss Jessi dye it for me.

It is soft and sqooshy. It is 80% superwash Merino Wool and 20% Bamboo. I think if I ever finish my first pair of socks, then this will be my next pair.

Thank you girls for taking care of me. Oh, and which one of you knew that if Jessi's girlchild came along, it would just brighten my day that much more and make me smile. Don't ever listen to Jessi, that child is precious. She even told me she loved me in the sweetest voice. I love that child. She is just as precious as her mother. Thank You Girls!

A Contest!

2008-05-14T21:45:00.001-05:00

Hey head over to my blogger friend Alana and wish her Happy Blogiversary, oh and check it out she has a contest going as well.

Thank You Grace!

2008-05-11T21:31:00.004-05:00

Back in March, Grace over at Lovin Comfort Knits posted this gorgeous shawl. If you scroll through her blog, you will see some gorgeous lace work, and she produces them so fast. You will also find some pretty amazing art work, by none other than her talented husband.
Well, after spending a wonderful day out with my mother shopping and eating at the Cheesecake Factory, and then going to my oldest sons baseball game I came home to a box, that had this in it with some yummy teas I can not wait to try. I have already tried the Cinnamon red tea and it was yummy. Isn't it gorgeous and looking at the pictures, I think I snapped the picture of it backwards. I will get a picture all wrapped up in it this week and post it. The colors are amazing and totally what I would pick out.

I see why Grace is "Lovin Comfort Knits" she is so kind and giving of her gorgeous works, and she always sends it when needing comforting. I will be all wrapped up this weekend after surgery on Friday. We have two more very late games Monday and Tuesday and as it turns off cooler at night, I will be all wrapped up in it watching my little guy play. Thank You Grace for the totally unexpected gift!

Happy Mothers Day!

2008-05-11T21:26:00.002-05:00

Too all my blogging girls out there, I hope you all had a wonderful Mothers Day. I hope you all had a chance to make time for yourself. It was a beautiful day here. I got to take a nap and knit, what more could a girl ask for, we also made the rounds and spent time with families.

Look Sis I Am Growing Up Too

2008-05-03T22:48:00.013-05:00

Well, my sister posted this last week, her new grown up bed room that she made the bedding and curtains. She is so talented. Well, sis I know its not complete yet we need a facet for the sink, pictures, shelves, and little odd and ends, but I just wanted to give you a glimpse of the bathroom. It's totally different.
Here is the old look, when we layed the white marble tile, took the vanity out and the toilet.

Here is the new bathroom. The walls are gold. I wasn't sure I was going to like it but now that I am adding to it, I love it. Just what I as going for.

Here is the pedestal sink we put in, its not finished yet.

We also have a new toilet.

Here is the shower curtain. It has some red. Everything is done with bronze, mirror, curtain rod.

I said I had been busy decorating. This is one room. The other bath and bedroom have changed color and my dad's girlfriend (the interior decorator) is coming for dinner tomorrow, to discuss bedding for the bedroom. We have finished one child's room with one to go. That will leave us with the den and kitchen, in hopes it will be done before Christmas for some Christmas parties here.

Long Over Do and Max on Thursday

2008-05-01T21:19:00.014-05:00

*BEWARE LONG, HEAVY PICTURE POST AHEAD*
I am still here, not even depressed. To be honest, it is spring and I am wrapped up in 3 games a week, and gardening, trying to remodel house, plan a beach trip, plan a charity golf tournament, and take care of everyday life. Just busy. I miss my online friends but at least it is all doing stuff I enjoy. Speaking of baseball, I have to admit, my oldest won their 2nd game 20-10, tonight. Go Indians! That was some proud parents. They played so hard, against a team that crushed them 20 to like 8 last Saturday.

Here is my newest love in my house. Our other refrigerator died and so I got what I wanted.
There is so much room. It makes me so happy to open these doors and to be able to find everything. Since I just got it and we were gone the day our refrigerator died when we got home, everything was hot, so I am in the process of replinishing the spacious one with condiments, milk, veggies and fruit. It's spring and I love summer fruit! The best dessert anyone can ask for Pineapple. I also love me some really ripe tomatoes for sandwiches and salads.

Here is the freezer. It pulls out with two really deep drawers.

I have been knitting and here is many pictures here for proof. I know it looks like a case of STARTITIS.

These are some socks I started. They are just 2x2 ribbed ankle socks that will match my scrubs. I really am loving it when I pick these up to work on.

Here it is on my ankle and heel. I think I will really like them when they are done.

#2 WIP

This is the back 2x2 ribbed of my Stardust summer sweater. This is another project I am looking forward to finishing for summer. This is the end of the ribbed, I am ready for the Lace part now. So, we will see how much I love it once I get it started. #3 WIP
This is the Pearled Swirled Lace Shawl I started. Now this Lace project I am in love with. I thought lace would be so hard but it isn't. I am even adding beads as I go. This is 21 rows and I have 20 more to go, so many, many increases.

I tried to get a close up with the beads, they are irredescent black, they have a shimmer to them. This Christmas present will have to wait.

I do have a secret project I am working on. I will post when it arrives to its destination.

Last and certainly not least. Here is a picture of my oldest son and our precious Max. Max really hates when I get the camera out, he walks away.

Just a update on him. He still wimpers when we leave him, but he does settle down and as of the other day, for the first time he was lying down in his crate when I walked out the door to go to work. So, it is getting better day by day. He really hates the days when the boys on the weekends have party plans and they leave. He feels that is his time with the boys. So, I think you are all caught up on all the going ons in my life right now. A little hectic, but at least life is good.

Dogs on Thursday - Max as a baby

2008-04-17T10:43:00.000-05:00

I said that we knew Max when he was little. Well, here is a picture I found of him when he first started roaming the neighborhood. It was taken last summer, I think in August. The vet says he is probably 18 months, I think he may be a little younger. I should of just took him in then, but he had a collar back then. Shortly after this picture, he didn't and he was at everyone in the neighbor hoods home. He has always had the best little temperment and been great with the boys.

Coffee Talk: Topic #2

2008-04-12T21:35:00.004-05:00

Since some of us is beginning to see glimpse of Spring, while others are still getting snow have you change what projects are working on? Have you put away the hats, scarfs and mittens, and brought out the cute tank top sweater projects and lacy wraps? Have you change yarn to something more lighter and cooler, not so heavy and bulky?

I am doing a mixture really. I am working on these days a summer sweater from winter 2007 Knitty, Stardust. I decided to substitute the yarn for Brown Sheeps Cotton, in a robin eggs blue color. I am also working on the Swirled Pearl Shawlette, it is in Black Lacy Lambs Wool. It is a project to be given away next winter. I have been working on a pair of Superwash wool sport weight socks, in very wintery colors, that I dyed. Royal Blue, and a burgandy pinkish color.

What is the one thing that starts in Spring? ARE YOU READY FOR SOME BASEBALL? Well baseball has begun for us. I am the team mom (I know, I really don't need anything else on my plate). We are at the park at least 2 to 3 times a week and that is just with the oldest child, the youngest didn't want to play or we would be there alot more, on two different teams. However, I am able to cheer those Indians on while having my own STITCH AND PITCH. I will leave you with some pictures.

I think this guy is pretty cute if I say so myself.

Dogs on Thursday

2008-04-03T21:54:00.002-05:00

This week, we had a few changes in Max's routine. He is having some separation anxiety.
Here was last week when he had free reign of the den, kitchen, and hallway. Now, after a very eventful day for Max, we are now having to crate him while we are at work. I came home Tuesday and the curtains were half hanging in the den window, I walked in to find the foam chewed up on the sofa cushions and a window cracked. So, we opted for a crate after discussing it with some of our friends. He is not liking the crate

but he has done very well. I am hoping this will be part of his routine and he will soon know we are coming home to him everyday. Even if he has been a little mischevious this week, who could resist a face like his?

Max on Thursday!

2008-03-27T06:56:00.005-05:00

Sorry I missed last week, so I give you Max on Thursday!

We have been settling in to our new home life. Since I have taken him to a relative who did the whole vet work up for free we have more energy and have started to be a little more mischevious. If you were gonna rescue a dog, well Max has been a perfect addition to the family since day one. He has only had 2 (yes just 2) accidents in the house. He has learned his routine of going out in the morning and when we come home from work. He goes out not on leash, does his business and next time I look out the glass front door he is already on the front porch looking in. He doesn't wander, he knows he has the good life now and isn't going anywhere.

I find it very interesting the things he has done from day one, such as he eats only when we eat or around. He gets very sad when his boys leave and he is left behind for school, or just to go play in the neighborhood. He goes to bed when the boys goes to bed and doesn't get out of it until they get up and leave their room. He might come check on me if I am leaving in the morning to get some loving but back to his bed he goes until the boys awake. In the mornings he goes from room to room checking on the boys and mom and dad to make sure he hasn't missed anyone leaving the house.

I love how one ear sticks up, and one ear flops! Is this a Jack Russell Trait Chan?

I know he has a sweet face, but this week he has started getting into stuff. I know I had left my yarn and sock in the chair and left for maybe a hour to run to the store. I came back and the yarn was rolled back and forth all over the den floor. It wasn't wet, he didn't chew on it. I can just picture him chasing the cake of yarn all over the floor. So dad took the boys to school and had a day off yesterday, to put the boys bunk bed together, when he came home he found that Max had licked the sugar of the boys Easter Peeps and took toilet paper from the bathroom and strolled it all over the den. It wasn't that way when we left, we don't just take toilet paper and roll the house unless we have Cameron visiting and Cameron hasn't been back since about 4 weeks ago, when he just appeared or was found.

There you have you our new love in this house.

2008-03-26T21:47:00.002-05:00

Coffee
1. What is your preference? Whole beans or ground?
I guess ground, I don't have a grinder

2. What kind of coffees do you enjoy? A rich, bold roast; a light, fresh one, or something in between? Leaded or non? I am your flavored girl, but I like Seattle's Best Breakfast Blend that is Leaded please!

3. If you were headed out right now to buy some coffee for the house, what would you be picking up? Just what I said above or a good flavored one, or even some espresso for the machine!

4. Do you drink for caffeine, pleasure, or both? It depends, if I need a pick me up or not

5. Do you enjoy flavored coffees? How about add-ins or flavored creamers? Yes, I like all flavors except the Chocolate. Flavored Creamers are nice to?

6. A large, lovely mug or a small, dainty cup? I am a girly girl and would love to be all dainty, but I love a big sturdy mug, I also like traveler mugs.

7. Describe your perfect cup - not JUST the coffee, but how you'd enjoy it! It would have to be with some good company with a good dessert or pastry. I would take any of my knitting friends, or I always enjoyed getting up every morning and drinking coffee with my sister when I visited.

8. You're sitting down to enjoy a nice cup in the local coffee shop, knitting bag in hand, iPod all tuned up - or maybe you're there with a few friends for knit night! What treat do you pick up to enjoy with your coffee? A sweet, rich brownie, or something more healthy? How about a salty treat? What goes best with that great cup and company? I am your sweet rich girl (not really rich, don't I wish), a decadent dessert or pastry would do me just fine. I like coffee cakes, but cheesecake wouldn't be bad either. Forget the healthy stuff, I eat healthy the rest of the time.

Yarn
1. Do you knit or crochet? I am a hooker with needles. I do both.

2. What are your favorite types of yarns to work with? Everything has its use for something. I am getting into socks, I want to do lace, I use cotton for washclcoths.

3. What do you have on the needles (or hook!) right now? 1 sock to go to the frog pond and 1 sock that is coming right along. I want to cast on for some summer wears soon.

4. What are your favorite colors in yarns? What about those that you'd never find in your stash?If you read my blog you know what my favorite color is. I am not a big fan of Yellow and orange except like at halloween. I like brown and blacks mixed with other colors.

5. What sort of needles or hooks do you enjoy using? Any you just detest? I like bamboo dpn's or straights or brittany's. For circ.'s I like Knit picks metal. I use the metal Boye I think hooks.

6. Are there any particular notions you absolute do NOT need? Some of us swap a lot - are you sure that you have enough tape measures to last your lifetime? Enough stitch markers to mark every stitch of a 10 foot wide afghan? You can never have enough Tape Measurers, especially the cute ones. Stitch Markers are always great. I could use another stitch marker holder or a hook holder. I need something to hold dpn's as well.

7. You walk into the yarn shop and have exactly and only enough money to purchase 2 skeins of yarn in their 2 for 20 special they have going..The choices are a soft, thick cotton/viscose blend in your favorite colors, slightly variegated..a beautiful sock yarn that's just squishy and sproingy in your hands.. a soft, worsted weight wool like malabrigo.. and a lovely bamboo blend with colors to just die for. Which do you walk out the door with? That's a hard one. It would be probably the wool or sock yarn.

Spring
1. We're starting sign-ups on the first day of Spring - is it already truly Spring-like where you are? It depends on the day, Some day it is and then it drops off to the 30's and snow flurries.

2. What's your favorite spring flower? Do you have one? I love tulips, but daffodils, don't they make you happy?

3. What do you most look forward to about springtime? Warm weather, going to the park with the boys.

4. They've predicted a gorgeous day tomorrow - Sunny and about 65 with a nice breeze - how do you spend your day? I think it would be a good day for the boys and I to go to the zoo.

5. The day after, it's going to be cooler and pouring down rain - does that impact your mood? How do you spend that day? what helps cheer you up? Yes it does. I am a moody girl with the weather. Rain makes for a doom and gloom day and Sunshine well that is me.

Odds n Ends
1. Do you collect anything BESIDES yarn and needles? Lots of tea, never can have enough of different flavors.

2. Are you allergic to anything? Bee's

3. Do you have pets? Yes the 2 legged kind all boys and 4 legged, Max.

4. Is this your first swap, or are you an old pro? What are the last 2 swaps you participated in?
Pro - I host with this other hostess. Dishcloth swap and Cocoa Swap
5. List 3 of your favorite blogs - craft related or not - and tell us why you love them.

Happy Easter!

2008-03-23T10:21:00.003-05:00

I just want to wish all my blogging buddies out there who celebrate a Happy Easter! I am still on the mends, but feeling better. We got up at 6am to open baskets. Big boys basket was made out of his new Skateboard. Littleman's basket was a Star Wars theme with a X-box 360 game, and Star Wars Legos. They both had bunches of candy. Our sweet Max had a basket. He sat in Big boys lap and they opened it. He had some new stripe bowls, a retractable leash, collar and some rawhides filled with meat. We are headed to my moms for lunch and to hide eggs with my precious nephew. I will try to take pictures.

Hope you have a wonderful day.

2008-03-22T13:35:00.002-05:00

Just a reminder that sign ups for the Coffee Swap are open until March 25th. So, head on over and get signed up. Our last coffee swap turned out to be a good one.

Our dear friend Chan is celebrating a Bloggiversary. What would a celebration be without a contest when it comes to the blogging world. Well, you got it there is a contest. You can tell her I sent you or just go leave her a message on her blog, Congratulating her. She is truly an amazing and giving person, and someone I have enjoyed getting to know.

Well, there is some knitting going on, since that is what the Dr. ordered right? No, he didn't order that, he just ordered bedrest for the weekend. I have had a little complication, issue with my surgery and healing . So, I have started a new sock with yarn I dyed with my sister, I just can't bring myself to rip my other sock out. It was looking so good. Well, I hope everyone has a Happy Easter for the ones who celebrate. We will be hunting eggs.

Spring Fling Coffee and Yarn Swap

2008-03-15T22:59:00.003-05:00

Contest ends for the Coffee Swap that Anne and I are hosting at Midnight tomorrow night. Sign ups begin March 17th. I mean what could be better than coffee and yarn right?
Hope to see you there!

Dogs On Thursdays

2008-03-13T22:27:00.002-05:00

I accept my invitation to Dogs on Thursday, that Michelle extended to me and I will try my hardest to keep you posted on the journey through Max's new life.

Last Saturday after the sun came out and the snow melted (yes I can't believe we had snow), I looked out and on my front porch I should have taken a picture the boys had gotten there pillows and had the neighborhood dogs laying on their pillows with them. Totally a loss kodak moment. I saw the dog who since was a baby laying out there with the boys. This precious little pup has been wondering for a year door to door and has grown a little. He laid on my porch many of days and I would go out and love on him and the boys kept telling me, he doesn't belong to anyone, can we keep him. I would say no boys we don't need a dog. So, one night he was still on my porch and it was dark, I let him in for a minute just to see. He was so behaved. He layed right beside me and didn't move. I just pet him and then he went out and he disappear and then he show up a couple days later. Everytime I saw him, I would tell my husband he would be the perfect dog. I promise he would be the perfect dog. Well, this weekend, the boys talked me into letting him in the house and I said, "Only if I can bath him". Well, to the boys that meant we are keeping him. I wanted to try and see if was just that behaved and he is. I went out bought him food, rawhide chews, bones, beggin strips, a bed and a gate. We have had him since Saturday and we have only had one accident on the tiled floor. Since Saturday night he has slept with the boys everynight. I get ready to go to work and some mornings are pretty early when I leave. I will open the door to the garage and he will walk down the hall, I will pet him while telling him bye and he will walk back down the hall and get back in his bed (next to the boys) and lay there until they both get up and leave their room. He cries when they go outside and leave him in. He is so sweet and doing so well at our home. So, I give you a Dog on Thursday, our dog!

Max Eugene Waldrop

He loves to sleep with the boys and he is truly grateful to be in our family.

Just Some Handmades!

2008-03-08T17:19:00.005-06:00

While I was on leave I was involved in 2 Swaps the Dishcloth Swap and the Cocoa Swap.

My Dishcloth pal was Alana and I wanted to try some new patterns. I made my first lace item and I think it turned out great, I was very pleased. My second pattern is the one on the left it is one of KT's patterns. KT was my dishcloth spoiler and at the last dishcloth swap in the fall I had came across her blog and found some great patterns she had written. So, I really liked this Dimple Washcloth on the left. It made it thick and sturdy. I loved both patterns and will probably make some for myself.

Then I had Lesley in the Cocoa Swap. I was late getting her package to her, but I made her some fun items for the swap.

She said she liked Butterflies and I made these stitch markers with some pink beads, she is like me and likes pink.

She is a big advicate for Breastfeeding and so Michelle her cohostess suggested I knit her a breast. So, I knitted for her blah buster buddy a breast buddy. It was so soft. I used

Yarn: Bernat Bamboo ( I didn't like this yarn it bunches up.)
Needles #6 DPN's

I even put some bells in there with the stuffing.

Some Contest and A Hat For Megan

2008-03-02T16:35:00.003-06:00

First line of business, some of my online blogging friends have some contest going on. We have Devon, she is just a cool chick. She was my spoiler in the Knit1Tea2 Swap. She is celebrating a blogiversary, filled with some sweet treats. Devon is a pastry chef and you should go on over, if for any reason just to check out some of her sweet treats. It will make your mouth water.

Then we have one of the sweetest people I know, Amanda. She is having a PMS contest. No, it's not what you think, it is Promote My Shop. Even if Amanda was PMS you would never know it, she is that kind hearted. She does have a awesome Etsy Shop with great yarns. I have ran my fingers through her yarn and it is so soft and squishy. She has some great colors right now for spring. So, go on over and tell her I sent you.

Ok, now all the business is taken care of I can show my FO. Its a hat for Megan. I would of had it finished except the yarn I chose and knit with was to flemsy and wasn't working for me . So, I went out and got some more. I tried adjusting the pattern but it wasn't working either. So, the day my mom went into the hospital I started all over 1 more time. I decided to go by the pattern, and Chan and Michelle you knit 18" and then pick the stitches along the side, which 80 stitches = 18". Well, with the yarn I used it was 110. I used a combination of patterns of crocet and knitting for the flower and leaves. So, here I give you Megan's hat.

I like the way it turned out after all the ripping. I just wanted it to be perfect for her.

Hat

Yarn: Bernat Satin Sport

Needles: Susan Bates Circular #7's

Flower

Needles: Clover #8 DPN's

Crochet Hook: G/6 4.25mm

Truly Spoiled!

2008-02-27T21:29:00.008-06:00

I came home today and I had boxes on my porch! I knew I had my DWD Dishcloth Package on it

way and one from a very special friend. I came in and opened the Dishcloth package, because I love the surprise of who you have. My Secret swap pal was KT. The pattern writer KT. She has great patterns. I chose one of her patterns for my pal and didn't even know she had. me. Before I get to the package, I have to say that I got to spend a few nights when I saw her checking her secret email chatting on GMail chat. I enjoyed her so much. So, on to the package. She wrapped every thing in springy flower paper with birds on them.

Then after I got all the packages opened, this is what was all in it. Two dishcloth books full of patterns. I won't have to go looking for patterns ever again. She sent me some notecards in Pink. Anyone who spoils me, knows I can always use some pink. She sent me a awesome book by Mary Kruger called "Died In The Wool". It is a murder mystery about how dangerous a ball of yarn can be. Sounds good to cuddle up with a hot cup of Hot cocoa or tea she sent. She sent some loose Jasmine Tea and it is so good. I am on my second cup. KT wrote the pattern for my Dishcloth called Candy Stripe it is here. She made me some Stitch Markers. They are teal, another one of my favorite colors and they have a clasp so you can use for Crochet stitches. The yarn is great! I got some tan Cotlin and some Natural colors of Pakucho. She even winded them for me. The soap is Dr. Benjamin Passmore Hand Soap that calms and relaxes stress nerves in your hands. How cool is that? KT is great spoiler and very talented she has even had her pattern for her daughter accepted by MagKnits last year. Thank you KT for being such a great spoiler and a great pal. You definately took the Doldrums away today.

Well, the second package I received today is from a very special friend. I have been on leave for 4 weeks on Thursday and during being off from work I have gotten very use to chatting with two special people. There is Chan and Michelle. I spend most of my day online or coming back to my computer chatting with one or the other. Have you ever met a person and think, she is so much like you in so many ways. Well, a few months ago, my cohostess Anne, assigned me to spoiling Michelle during our Winter Coffee Swap. I started chatting with her as a secret pal and then she was doing a topic of the week where you were suppose to meet someone you didn't know. She chose me to get to know and so I pulled it off chatting as a friend and a secret pal on a day to day basis. I have a awesome sister, but Michelle is like a sister to me (Not to take anything away from you Lacey). We chat daily and she cracks me up when we are talking, it can be about the kids, husbands, holes in our jeans, hair, weight, whatever it is. I am so fulfilled when I we get off chat. She sent me a package. Look! She said it is a get well package but I just consider it a package full of sisterly love. I read her post a little over a week ago waiting for the results on the problems her pup was having and saw all these finished items she had completed. I saw this bag and didn't even know it was for me. Just look at it though, I should of known it looks just like me. This is the Chan Bag and I love it. It will be perfect to put any little project in. She sent me some Knitting Girl Socks and Knitting Girl Apple Mints. I got some of her stitch Markers in pink and pearls. If you click on the picture you will see the one on the far right, its a Snowman. Michelle has listened to me just wanting to be snowed in and envying her snow everyday. She told me she couldn't pack snow in my package, so she sent me a snowman. She also sent me a cute pink and brown mug and matches the ones I got from Cat in the Cocoa Swap. Then there is these Magnets Think Summer - Got Milk. I love my package Michelle, but even if you had never sent me anything, I will always cherish everyday chatting with you and the friendship that started just a few months ago.

A Finish Object You Wouldn't Expect

2008-02-26T22:55:00.002-06:00

I just would like to say thank you on the behalf of my mom and myself for all the thoughts and prayers you sent our way. She came through surgery with flying colors and was so glad to get home to her own bed on Saturday morning. She is on her way to getting back to herself and her routine. Thank you!

I really have been knitting. I know you guys think, she is off from work and should have something to show for it. Well, my cocoa pals package should arrive either this week or next and since she knows its me I don't want to show her prizes that are packed in the box and then my dishcloth pal , well she might check things out and see that they are hers. I have made Stitch Markers, a great Blah - Buddy for Lesley, some great dishcloths. I am almost finished with my hat that is going to Amanda and I have started my first sock and I am 2 rows below the cuff and it doesn't look like much yet.

However, I did finish this project that I started two - three days before surgery and finished the the end of the week after surgery. This is my cousins little girls.

So, one of my other loves is smocking. See the cute one on the left I smocked her dress. You see the pleats around the top of the dresses, each pleat has a stitch made with thread that makes all thos geometric shapes. I have boys and anytime someone wants me to smock for a little girl I love it. It makes for the sweetest girl dresses. So, I do have 1 FO project to show for.

On some other news I just wanted to let everyone know The Spring Fling Coffee Swap will begin with sign-ups March 20th the first day of spring. Right now there is a contest to get the word out. So post it on your blog and leave a comment on the blog saying you did so and you get put into the drawing for some goodies. We have some talented girls who have made buttons, but if you make a button, you get a extra entry. So, go on over and check it out.

Where I Am

2008-02-20T22:31:00.002-06:00

Yesterday I was out running errands and went to pick my boys up when I got a phone call. My stepfather called and my mom was on her way to the hospital with chest pain. I got my mother in law to pick the boys up and spent most of the night with my mom. We had a arteriorgram today which came back clean. Which leads us to check her stomach and Gall Bladder. The Gi Dr. came in put her on for an Endoscopy tomorrow and then they came to do the UltraSound. The Ultrasound showed Gall Stones and lots of them. So, we don't know what tomorrow holds whether the GI Dr will do the Endoscopy or they will schedule her for surgery to remove her Gall Bladder. No matter what the day holds I will be gone taking care of my Mom. Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers.

Spoiled Rotten as My Oldest Says

2008-02-14T21:22:00.010-06:00

Beware heavy long post ahead, grab a cup of whatever you drink, I am drinking hot cocoa.

Well, today I woke up and gave the boys their Valentines before school and then the rest of the day I slept til Noon. Got up and knit for a hour while checking emails. I went to pick up the boys and as I drove up I couldn't get into my drive way for the big brown UPS truck. I knew I had a package being delivered to me. I came in and with the boys gathered around I opened my box from my Cocoa Pal. It was from Cat in North Carolina. Let me just say, she has kept my curiosity up and she is so much fun to chat with. Ok, on to the package
She had packed the box full with these cute little tea towels, that matched the big mugs that have cups of hot chocolate like the litte hot chocolate plate. She had made me some marshmallows that are so yummy. She sent me some cookies called Tar Heel 's, they are sugar cookies with a black dot on them. The hot chocolate she sent was Cadburys - Yum! See the cute pink bag. It will be perfect for my knitting. It has so many compartments and it is pink. That's just the beginning. Yes, there is more.

There was Lindt Dark chocolate a North Carolina Magnet, see the red and black thing it holds your DPN's that your sock project is on, how cool is that. Some pink sock yarn, that will match my scrubs I wear to work.

Here is where I would like for you to meet my blah buddies That will be doing alot of hanging out during my recovery time. Yep, no work for them. I have Shamu - Mr. Whale, that the youngest boy is trying his hardest to take Shamu away to his world, and then it will end up in his book bag and well, it just isn't going to happen. We will share. See Shamu's friend ? How cute is she, Miss Lamb knitting and wearing her knitted scarf to keeping her warm? This Lamb's name is Belle named by the boys. They love that name. I love her!

Then last but not least were these cute stitch markers, they are hard to see of a kettle pot, a green cat and dog. Cat this package Rocks. Thank you for being so thoughtful, it definately will keep me cheerful, every time I pull one of those cute mugs out.

So I no more got through and just admiring my goodies then my oldest boy runs in with a box and says, " Mom, you got another one!" So, they gathered around and as I opened he said "Man you got alot today, you are being Spoiled Rotten!" I said, "Yes I am and I love it."

This package was from my daily chat, blogging buddy Chan . She had already told me it was coming for a get well package. She sent me a fleece seat belt cover, some hot cocoa, bath fizzies and a loofah (she knows I am cherishing the hot baths, because I couldn't get in one for two weeks, just showers). There is some biscotti of two flavors for my hot drinks a heart dish, and a note pad that says, "The only place housework comes before knitting is in the dictionary. There is a cute picture card of her prince and princess. Love those dogs and the stories about them.

LOOK, there is this Pirate's yarn in a teal, lavendar, green and cream color. Can't wait to see how this pair of socks turn out. Oh, I almost forgot, she sent me a grey lamb measuring tape. I love it , its with my knitting already being used. I will photograph it with my knitting this week. Thank you Chan for being so wonderful in every way. This package would help anyone recover from their surgery. Chan, has been teaching me its OK to stay home, and not be so busy everyday, to take it easy. About the time I get use to it, I will have to go back to work. I love our daily chats. I hope you have a safe and wonderful trip to the beach.

OK, as if that wasn't enough to make to make my Valentines Day a wonderful one, then the boys came in when their daddy pulled in, with a cute heart basket that had a cute stuff dog that the youngest boy picked out, Hitch movie, we love that movie, pink furry socks, heart key chain, heart peeps, and some soft lips. They are so sweet and thoughtful.

Last I leave you with what I have been sipping on and snacking on the pink latte chocolate Cat sent me. What a great day it has been.

Mail Call

2008-02-11T23:53:00.001-06:00

Did I tell you that Blogging friend and my knitting friends are wonderful? They, are! Today I drove up to the mailbox to get the mail, on my way to get the boys from school. There was a gold envelope, that was full. I looked on the outside and it was from Amanda.

She sent me some of her soft worsted weight Camel color yarn, some lotion and some Ghirardelli Chocolate Squares. I thought at first did I order something else I couldn't remember, since I have been having packages for my pal come in so, I could get it off. She sent it as a get well package. It definately brightened my day. Thank you Amanda! If you haven't checked out her etsy shop you shop, she has some the softest yarns in great colors. Go on check her out, she won't let you down. She has free shipping, just cause she is sweet like that and she does great custom orders, she did one for me last swap.

Topics of The Week - D the W D

2008-02-11T23:37:00.000-06:00

Ok, hostesses aren't perfect sometimes we are doing good to keep up but I have no excuse so I give you Topics of the Week 3 and 4.

Here is my yarn for my dishcloths, with a couple of colors that I frogged and need to wind up.
Here is my dishcloth needles. Two size 7 Bamboo - Clovers, One size 7 Surina Wood needles and One set of size 8 Brittany Birch. I have some size 7 metal circulars, but this is what I prefer for dishcloths.

" Defeat the Winter Doldrums" for some of us we get the doldrums and others don't. For the ones who get doldrums what helps you get rid of them? For the ones who don't get the doldrums, what helps you keep them away?

Chatting with my friends, and knit night on Thursdays the last few weeks has been doing a pretty good job of keeping the doldrums away.

Look Who Is At My Thursday Knit Night

2008-02-08T15:50:00.000-06:00

Waiting what 6 months I got to meet Jessi. Her husband schedule has changed and that leaves her open to come. It was because of Jessi I started meeting with the girls on Thursday night. What a sweetheart she is. She showed me how to cable and I got some sock yarn orders going. I got to see her spin on Cindy's gorgeous wheel. I enjoyed all my girls last night. I got to sit and talk to Ginger, Bibby and Kay for a good while. I was very immobile. We met with another group called the Knit Wits at this little deli call Matzos. The food was good, the company was better. If you want to check all the girls out you can check them out on the Alabama Chicks with Sticks blog. Thank you my friend for driving me.

Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!

2008-02-07T09:37:00.000-06:00

A few Thank You's are in order and I guess a post. Most of you who visit know, but those of you who don't know, I had surgery last Thursday. Just a female one and all I have to say, is the fact no more periods are good thoughts going through my head. My sister wanted to be there, but she is touring the California coast on a 2 week road trip with 4 girls. Right now, she is staying in her friend's Grandfather house in Hollywood. Living it up going to the hot spring spa's and eating at fine dining while the husband is in the field for two weeks in 10 below 0 degree weather. So, two days before surgery I go these and was threatened from miles away, that they were for after surgery. (he he I had to sneak a peek at what I had to look forward to)

THANK YOU SIS!

I got home Friday around noon and I thought the boys were coming up the stairs, I got up to greet them and I greeted the flower man. Look how pretty from my cohostess Anne. I love them, they are so me. That picture was taken last night and they are more yellow than this and still gorgeous! Thank you Anne you are so sweet and thoughtful and I have enjoyed talking to you on the phone lately.

Yesterday, I was bored, and the post lady came to my door to deliver a package from the girls from my Thursday Knit Nights, which is tonight and one of them is coming to pick me up. Yay, Save my sanity, from going stir crazy! Oh, sorry my A.D.D. kicked in, back to the package. I got a book on Socks, which I plan to start my first pair while off. Some yummy Pirate sock yarn, the color is icsicle - greyish blue, white and grey and some cute pink heart stitchmarkers that is so me from Jessi's etsy shop. Go check it out she has yummy yarn and and cute stitch markers and she does custom orders as well, just tell her what you want. I am going to email her in just a minute for a custom order, back to the wonderful package that just made my boring day yesterday. I have only been going for 2 to 3 weeks and they came together to give me something so wonderful. They are so much fun and I have enjoyed the time I have gotten to spend and will continue to spend with them on Thursday nights. You girls rock!

THANK YOU ALABAMA CHICKS with STICKS!

Well, since I am off for four weeks, there is plenty of projects to come your way and more post than what has been recently.

Girlz Night Out

2008-01-25T21:17:00.000-06:00

"Thursday Knit Night", met up for Camille's Birthday at the choice of the Birthday girl, it was Mexican and Margarita's. We went to Frontera's, I personally am not a big fan of Mexican and well, don't really drink but nothing could beat the company and all the new girls I met. Don't worry girls, I am sure there is some who don't like Sushi, I just hope you like Japanese when my Month rolls around (July)

So, from L to R, that would be me, Kay, Suzanne, Bibby, Marie, Camille - Birthday Girl, Cindy, Ginger, Jan and there would be Darlene but she took the picture. All, knitters from the local area, how cool is that. Suzanne, was the new girl, she teaches at a LYS, March and April she is teaching Lace and Fair Isle. I am going to take the Lace class. We will make a Lace Dishcloth. It was loads of fun. I am going to miss going knitting with the girls next week.

It's Snowing

2008-01-19T10:29:00.001-06:00

Here is the picture I took, when I just got home. I just got back from morning report. The boys have been outside having fun already. I just like to watch it fall.

So, all you blogging friends who put up with my whining cause we never get any snow, well no reason to whine now. My youngest finally after 7 years gets to play in the snow with Snowballs and make a snow man later. When it turns to ice tonight, they can sled on our sled we had as kids. I picked up from my dads house last night.

Its funny though, I live in in the Center of our state. and it is 4 hours from the beach (Florida) and all the counties below us are getting 3-6 inches more than us. I am not complaining, but I just wondered if it has anything to do with global warming? Well, I am going to enjoy watching my boys and stay warm.

Cocoa Talk Week #2

2008-01-17T19:37:00.000-06:00

Now that we're in the thick of 'Winter'... has your knitting changed to match the season? Are you moving on from dishcloths, and tank tops to afghans, hats and mittens? Has your yarn changed from silk or cotton to wool, superwash or heavier cottons?

Yep, my knitting has changed to match the season. See post below, I just finished a blanket, scarf, fingerless gloves, I have two hats on the needles. The yarn, I still use cotton for dishcloths and have cotton on the needles for a hat, but the other hat is Wool.

Out With The Old and In With The New

2008-01-13T22:36:00.000-06:00

I know I haven't been bloggong much, so I had to be knitting and crocheting. Right? Well, I have and much to show for it. I had several objects from 2007 that I had to complete and get off my needles, so I could start my new projects for 2008. My sister came home Dec. 21st at 11 pm with her she brought the 10 11x11 squares for my moms throw blanket. I had the 10 red. I slip stitch them together, rather than sewing them with a needle. I got all but 4 done by Christmas Eve to give to my mom. Mom understood and just loved and sent it back for me to finish it. Since then it has the other 4 squares and a double crochet around the edge in red.

FO: Mom's Throw Blanket

Yarn: Lion Brand Thick and Quick Chenille

Needles: Clover Bamboo US #13 StaightsThe yarn was OK, it is very soft and as I double crochet it kept me warm or made me hot. The yarn breaks with any kind of tension. It has give after about 10 rows, but cast on doesn't have any give at all.

Here is the scarf for my niece being modelled by one of our neighbors the boys play with. I have 2 more nieces and have to make theirs. They were not Christmas, they were lets see Aunt Holly knitting and want a scarf.

Fo: Wrap Over Scaf

Yarn: Lion Brand - Lion Boucle'

Needles: Us # 10.5 Clover Bamboo

Remember when I had 1 Fingerless Glove, well now I have a pair. I finished the one on the on the right hand. My increase is could of been a little better, I think the one on the right hand fits a little bigger than the left.

FO: Fingerless Gloves from Mimoknits

Yarn: Substituted - She uses Noro (yuck) and mine is Patons SWS (soft and squishy not itchy)

Needles: Clover Bamboo Circulars US#6

Here is where we begin the projects for the New Year.

Here is my small sock to be. It is my homework for my sock class next Saturday. My homework is complete. All 4 inches from the cast on. It was one of the things I wanted to learn for the New Year. So, when I went shopping to one of the local LYS with my sister after Christmas, I signed up for the first available sock class. Little did I know I would get invited to a weekly knit night at Books A Million and the girls would of taught me how and could of spent that $20 dollars on yarn.

This the picture, just doesn't turn out well unless the ribs are stretched out. This is a 1x1 ribbed hat for a man. One of the Dr.s (very young) was making fun and so I told him he wouldn't make fun if I made him something cool and so I am. I am using Berocco Jasper. I love this yarn. Will definately be using it in the future for the boys hats.

Ok, I know you are probably thinking, we got a new puppy for the New Year, but we didn't. This is the neighbors dog, who finds his way to our house from playing with the boys. The neighbors said if we wanted him, we could have him. His name is Max (aka to the kids Bama). He played and ran with the kids and Austin brought him to me and he fell into my lap with exaustion and fell asleep. He woke up ready to play, so as we got ready and headed out to Target, we dropped him back off with the neighbors. I couldn't resist his sweet face. He has huge paws, and will be very big, other than that he is a very well behave puppy, that comes over alot. Just not the right size for our house.

"Defeat the Winter Doldrums" Questionaire

2008-01-12T23:16:00.000-06:00

1. Do you knit crochet or do both? I do both

2. What type of needles or hooks do you enjoy using for making dishcloths? I use metal hooks and I use bamboo or wooden needles. Usually straights.

3. What type of cotton do you enjoy using for making dishcloths? Is there any you have been wanting to try? I use the Peaches and Cream, Sugars and Cream, Cotton Ease, Bernat Cotton and TLC cotton. I would love to try the Cotlin from Knitpicks.

4. What colors are your kitchen and bath decorated in? We are in the process of redoing the entire house, one room at a time. Kitchen - gold, reds, sage green. Bath - Golds, red. Other Bath - sage green

5. What are your favorite colors for yarns? Least favorite? I like just about any color other than orange, black and yellow. Orange has its purpose at halloween. My favorite colors are pink and teal.

6. Do you like winter or do you count the days until it ends? I like winter. I like for it to get cold. Our winters goes something like this, Hot, Cold, Hot, Cold. Hot meaning 80's and Cold in the 20's, anywhere from 1 week to 2. I would like a solid cold with SNOW! My dear pal if you could please arrange for some snow, it would Defeat any Doldrum I could possibly have and you would be the best pal on the face of this earth. I do count the days until it is daylight savings time changes again.

7. What's your favorite way to brighten your day when you are down in the dumps? Do nothing but sit and knit or crochet with a cup of hot tea.

8. What is your favorite treat to indulge yourself in when you are down in the dumps? Something hot and just junk food. Chocolate

9. Do you drink coffee? tea? cocoa? I drink all 3

10. If you could take a vacation starting tomorrow and go anywhere for one week and money were no object, where would you go and what would you do? I would go to the moutains, where there is snow, or I would jump a plane and go visit my sister in Tacoma, Wa.. I would let her know this time, and would want to have my passport to go to Victoria, Canada. Get a cottage on the lake, with the snow cap view of the mountains behind the lake. Cook meals, sit around knit and take in all the little shops.

11. Do you have any allergies or aversions your pal should be aware of? Nope

I Guess It is A Three Post Day - With Some Contest at Hand

2008-01-06T13:02:00.000-06:00

I posted my package from my Winter Wonderland Coffee Swap. My questionaire from the Cocoa Swap is posted. Later this evening I need to work on my blog, settings and such. For now,
I need to mention that there is several contest going on.

There is the pre-sign up contest for the Defeat the Winter Doldrums Dishcloth Swap, that I am hosting with my friend Anne. I didn't get enough of her in the Winter Wonderland Coffee Swap and didn't won't her to have to go at it alone, then she would know who would be spoiling her. So, go on over there and check it out.

Speaking of my friend Anne, go on over to her blog and enter into her Blogiversary Contest, that Anne and her wonderful sister Tina is having to celebrate their 1 Year at blogging together. Their blog is wonderful. Anne's Sunday Bloglines that lead to some other wonderful bloggers and Tina's going ons in Alaska with the family.

Friender is hosting a 99th post contest, she couldn't wait for the 100th post.

Last but not least Sharon before she got so sick posted a 2 year Blogiversary contest. You could probably sneak a entry in their.

Well, if you are in the need for some yarn for your stash, here is a few ways to win.

Cocoa Swap Questionaire

2008-01-06T11:26:00.000-06:00

COCOA
1. What is your favorite way to drink cocoa? Prepared with milk or water? From homemade recipe or store bought? In a tea cup or a big mug? I like to prepare my cocoa with fat free milk or water if I am desparate. Homemade ones are good, but mostly store bought. I fix my cup of cocoa in a big sturdy mug.
2. Marshmallows or Whip Cream?
Sometimes I use marshmallows and other times I use whip cream. I would love to try gourmet marshmallows - flavored ones. Cinnamon, peppermint, caramel or anything that would go good in hot chocolate.

YARN/KNITTING/CROCHETING
1. What is your favorite type of yarn and in what color?
I have came a long way since last year when I began a love for yarn. I just in the last few months started looking at yarns that could make me a yarn snob. I like wool, cashmere, silk blends. I use cotton for my dishcloths. I am taking my first sock class in a couple of weeks and hope that once I accomplish 1 sock, that it will strike a new hint of love. However, everything has a purpose I use acrylics as well. As for color I like bright colors: pink, purple, turquoise, blues and greens. I am not a big fan of orange.
2. Do you knit or crochet (or both)?
I knit and Crochet
3. What is your favorite type of needles, would you like to try something new?
I like wood/bamboo. I use straight, dpn's and circulars. Metal hooks.
4. Do you have a healthy supply of notions?
I have a good supply of notions - stitchmarkers, row counter, gauge measures. I would love a lantern moon sheep tape measure from Paradise Fibers
5. What one thing do you keep thinking you need to buy for your knitting/crocheting habit (outside yarn)?
I haven't broke down and bought a crochet hook holders/ or grippers for my crochet hooks.
6. What is your favorite quick knit/crochet pattern (quick gratification)
dishcloths, baby booties and baby hats, Mandy's candy bag

MISCELLANEOUS
1. What is your favorite thing to do in Winter?
Stay inside, Knit, crochet and sip something hot. I don't like to be cold.
2. What is your favorite animal?
Turtles and whales
3. Do you get the winter blahs?
Sometimes
4. What is your favorite way to beat the blahs?
Just stay busy with kids and everyday life.
5. What is the one thing you are most looking forward to this spring?
The warm weather, taking the kids to the park. Grilling meals.
6. What are your favorite treats?
I like chocolate, biscotti to dip in my hot drinks, and I have taken up with smores lately. Physical treats - massage, manicure, and pedicure. Going to the movies or to see a show at the Alabama Theatre.
7. What is your favorite board game?
I like to play sorry with the kids, monopoly, uno, domino's
8. Do you have any children (furry or human)?
I have 2 sons - Oldest 8 and youngest 7.
9. Do you have any allergies or considerations your pal should know about?
None

Let the swapping begin!

Thank You Cass!

2008-01-06T10:56:00.000-06:00

I awoke yesterday to my boys running into my room with a box. They were screaming your package is here! It was time to get up, I had to go to a family get together on my dads side. I did take a moment with the boys to open my Coffee Swap Package. I got Cass! She was aiming for a post holiday blues - cheer me up package. You know the goodies to pamper yourself with. She emailed me and let me know what type of package I was getting and when it was going out before I ever put that last post up, during my after holiday blue period. She let me know it was n't a Winter Theme or Holiday Theme, it was something to get through those post holiday blues. How cool is that, that she knew what I needed before I ever mentioned it. I love it when swap pals are cool like that. She got me totally right. Everything she put in my package was so ME! I a girly girl through and through and love all the fu fu stuff. So for the goodies.

She sent me some of her favorite coffee's the brand is Equal Exchange Fairly Traded, a dark roast and a full mind and body which sounds great. The Dark roast I can throw some frothy milk and use it instead of espresso. My mug is awesome, you see it in the middle. It is big sturdy, colorful, and has a lid, so when I am sipping my coffee it doesn't pour all over me. There was some massage lotion, bubble bath, and perfume in the cute heart pouch. Cass I am not a big scented person, but I put this on yesterday and it is light enough that it doesn't bother me and smells wonderful. The little purple box was a bath soak, and I used it last night and it was wonderful. She sent some Surina wooden needles and some Rowan tweed yarn that is a Cotton and Silk blend. Too the left you will see some stitch markers and the cute little Lamb decoration that I just kept rubbing. Last but not least some YUMMY chocolates, dark and organic chocolate bars. Cass you did a great job in picking stuff for me. The colors are perfect and would be something I would have walked into a yarn store and picked for myself. Now to find something to put the yarn to good use.

Catching Up From Christmas and Into The New Year

2007-12-31T22:21:00.000-06:00

BEWARE: LONG POST AHEAD!!!!! Grab a cup of whatever you prefer tea, coffee, or hot cocoa - I do all. I do apologize for not posting in so long. I am hostess of the coffee swap and require people to post but to be quiet honest I just haven't felt like it.

So, where I left off at last year until today. Here is the picture we used for the family Christmas cards. I had intended on sending them out to all of my knitting friends but I got mine out to my family the week before Christmas and was doing good to get that done. I usually don't wait until the last minute to get the boys Christmas bought for. This year no excuse I did wait and paid severly for it. They got all that they wanted and was good for them. I might usually have one thing to pick up late but not their whole Christmas. So, the weekend of the 15th, I went shopping and finished their Christmas. I bought groceries for Christmas the 22nd with my MIL. So, I was out in all that shopping mess and stress so, bad I could not think what I needed to go get next.

The week before Christmas I attended the boys Christmas parties. For my youngest sons party it was made easy for me, thank goodness. I had to bring icing to ice the kids cookies. Cameron of course was so good. He packed himself in both the boys school bags, so he would be ready to go to the Christmas party and see his friends from the North Pole. I think I counted 5 elves in my youngest sons class. However, my youngest was sick. His teacher would have sent him home, but new he looked forward to his party. He cough his head off for that 1 hour of partying.

Here is my oldest son's party Don't you love his shirt. It says tough guys where pink - love it and so does he. Ok, I am willing to do anything a room mother agrees to do for a class, but filling stockings and everyone bringing something to fill a stocking, I think is ridiculous. They had fun, but my oldest wanted lip gloss and nail polish for the 8 girls and something cool for the boys. Can you say expensive. We settled on just lip gloss for the girls and miniture skate boards for the boys. I still came out paying about $37 for their gifts. Cameron likes to party when it comes to Christmas.

Speaking of good old Cameron, he stayed busy every night after the boys were in bed. He made reindeer food for the boys to throw out on the lawn for the reindeers. He left Christmas books for the boys, Rudolph and Frosty. He hung garland and lights inside instead of outside. He decorated the den with red and green streamers as you can see in the picture. Then Santa picked him up when he brought the kids presents.

My sister came home the 21st. She got in at 10:50pm. I didn't make it to the airport, but I met her at the in laws at 11:30pm well, to tell her glad she made it, give her a hug and to pick up her 10 gold chenille squares that I would need to start slip stiching together with my red. She had 6. I began that night and worked until about 2a.m. Got up the next morning and had to get the meal ready. I had invited my sister, her husband, my brother, my dad and his girlfriend over for a late lunch. The meal was great. As soon as everyone left, well I went back to slip stitching squares together. Oh, I forgot the squares was for my mom on Chistmas Eve. It was making a throw blanket. 44" x 55".

I got my 1st gift from my friend and Cohost Anne. She sent me some Sugar's and Cream yarn and some of Sharon's yummy soap that I love. There was a canister of chocolates that I assure you are gone from Me and my boys. There was a ornament that went on the tree of a Christmas knitted sweater that had a snow flake on it. Thank you so much Anne. You are a sweetheart. I am glad you are home now.

Christmas Eve, eve -23rd we have a Christmas party for the girls in our family. My grandmother, my mom and her sister (aunt), her girls and then my sister and me. We choose a location the year before and a gift theme. I was so excited about it this year, it was a basket theme. I got my stuff last year on clearance and it was a snowman basket. It turned out really cute and my sister got my basket. We play dirty Santa with the gifts. So, you don't always end up with the basket you pick at first. It can get taken away from you. After 1 other basket I ended up with my mom's basket. It had 4 of the cutest, big Christmas mugs filled with Cocoa, coffee, Chocolate sticks, biscotti, a coffee measuring scoop, 1lb bag of Nutcracker coffee and a bag of Chocolate cover Marshmallows. Aside from our dirty santa gift, we all bring a little something for each of us. We brought little gifts of a tea towels, peppermint bark, jeweled cross ornament, I made bags with recipes for Fireside Coffee.

Christmas Eve, was at my moms. It was lots of fun. We really enjoyed it and so did the kids. I didn't finish the throw and I am putting the double crochet border around it as we speak. It is so warm, soft and really a gorgeous throw. I will post when it is finished.

My sister and I always gift eachother, on Christmas morning at the wee hours of 12am. That is what time we get back from the 10:30 service at my dads church where he sings. When she saw that I could Knit and Crochet she made the suggestion that for our gifts to eachother, we would have something hand made and a book. Well, she went way beyond the suggestion. I also saved a very special present for her. She got her Coffee Swap package as her first gift on Christmas. Anne was sneaky enough to send it to my house.

My sister forgot this great gift in my Christmas gift, it is a antique tea canister. If anyone can tell me where I can find a Flour and Sugar to match it, for my kitchen we are remodeling, I will send you some yarn goodies in the mail.

This was all in a basket from my sister. Some Classic Elite Berrocco yarn, Sugars and Cream, Stitchmarkers she made, a guage measure, row counter, tea strainer, some Chai tea latte mix that I love and makes great Chai tea Latte cookies and for the book that is not pictured I got the sign copy that she stood 3 1/2 hours in line for of Christmas With Paula Dean. My sister is the best. I just got her the Stitch n Bitch Calendar and I didn't finish her present. I couldn't figure out what to make her cause she could do everything. I started her a advent calendar that I pulled the sewing machine out for, for my 1st time. It isn't perfect, but she knows when it is finish she will love it. We had one growing up that we loved and I am making it similar to the one of our childhood memories.

Here is what the boys gave me. A Coffee/Espresso machine. Mine of 3 1/2 years quit frothing milk this year. Everyone knew that I like mugs, coffee, tea and cocoa because I got a whole lot of it.

The boys had a good Christmas, both got skate boards, youngest got his Nintendo DS and oldest got X-Box 360. My oldest changed his mind 2 days before Christmas and said he wanted a Drum set. I told him Cameron was done making toys, because he was down here living with us. Maybe next year you can let him know sooner than two days before Christmas when Santa is already packing his sleigh to make his trip around the world.

I know if everything was good for Christmas, where have I been? Well, the part I left out was Thursday December 20th, I went into work and was talking to one of my coworkers and she tells me of this tragic story. The father/husband is one of our most dearest residents that everyone loves. It changed the whole atmosphere at work, everyone just walked around so in a daze, like this didn't just happen to him. I am one of the research nurses for our Ortho/Trauma and we go to morning report to hear what comes in. All the shootings and horrible car wrecks but it isn't someone you know and at this time of year. He is a great guy, and so kind. He wrote the obituary, which is here. Well, we went on into Christmas and to be honest it just wasn't the same as Christmas's before. The stress of finishing a project, pulling off meals, staying up late and getting up early. Left me tired and exausted. I spent the day after Christmas shopping with my sister and my mom. Hit the LYS sale. Went home and crashed. I know my sister was here but we always had to be somewhere and I couldn't just sit down, put in a movie and knit with her. I went back to work on the 27th and by then I was just depressed. I thought did Christmas really happen. I have a tree here without any presents under it but what happen to the joy of Christmas, I usually have. I am a kid when the Day after Thanksgiving gets here and this year, the spirit wasn't there. I tried, I did the elf and decorated but it all caught up with me. The day I went back to work I went to the Memorial Service of Dr. Bankston's wife and son. It was heart wrenching and literally went home and cried until I went to bed. As I went into the weekend, which I was on call. I had to be at work for morning report at 7 a.m.. Got back home Saturday morning, got in my bed and stayed until I went to bed. Sunday, I went to church and did the same. Things started to get a little better, by Sunday. The Christmas blues have subsided. That is where I disappeared to for 2 1/2weeks.

Here is a good point to refill your cup and get a snack.

As for the New Year a little reflection on the old :

The Christmas before I had recieved from my sister a Stitch n Bitch Knitting book and from my husband how to Crochet kit. So, from January til about June I toiled aound with both gifts and taught myself to do basics in knitting and crocheting. While checking my sisters blog out and seeing all the swaps she was in, I decided to start my own blog and found my first swap. So, we will start with June.

June: Registered for the Dog Days of Summer swap.

July: My spoiler for the swap was Karen and I spoiled Mommie of Drew. Chan was my hostess along with Anne. Karen sent me a great package. I made my first set of Stitch Markers. I entered a contest and knitted up a Mandy's Candy bag pattern writer NH Knitting Mama, which I have enjoyed visiting her blog and her etsy store full of gorgeous, soft yarns.

August: Got signed up for the Knit 1 Tea 2 Swap, and the Fall Into Autumn Swap. Won, my 1st contest from the Dog Days of Summer and got some goodies and yarn for my stash. Chan nominated me Rockin Girl Blogger. Crochet my 1st pair of premature baby booties and a hat for a fellow coworker's premature son, who is growing by leaps and bounds. I got paired up with Sharon for the Color of The Month Swap, which was pink. She showered me with some non-animal pink goodies. Noone signed up for my Pay It Forward, so I don't have any goodies to go to anyone. I guess I can pay it too some charity knitting this year.

September: Started my son's blanket. Made my tea cozy without a pattern to fit a tea for one for my pal Jasmine.

October: I got my wonderful tea package from whom I enjoyed chatting with from Devon, the hostess was spoiling me from the tea swap. She is just a cool person to get to know and if you have the chance you should pop in and visit her. Was very saddened by the loss of Chan's baby, Fred. Got to working on becoming a host with the great Anne for the Winter Wonderland Coffee Swap. Used DPN's for a dishcloth for the first time. Worked on a Angel Package for JoAnn and the Fall Dishcloth Package for Kathy. While working on all these swaps and being harassed by my sister, I was working on her Crochet market bag for her birthday which I surprised her and flew all the way across the U.S. and showed up at her neighbors house 4 days before her birthday. You know I love you sis.

November: Came home for 3 days from Washington and went to Baltimore for a meeting for work. Got a great Fall Dishcloth Package from David and For October color of the month got a great yellow package with some yummy yarns from Ranee, which I could have delivered her package to her door when I was visiting my sister. The Coffee Swap I was hosting was well under way.

December: Started a scarf for my niece. Finished 1 Fingerless glove, have the thumb left on the 2nd. Made my mom a throw blanket, and used my sewing machine for the 1st time for my sisters Advent Calendar. Cameron came back to live with us until Christmas. Spoiled Michelle for the Coffee Swap. Was spoiled more by reading her blog, chatting with her and her sharing all her fun crafty ideas.

With this year, I met alot of new friends, Jessi, Mary and the ones mentioned above which I have grown to cherish. Had fun in some swaps. I believe in eating black eyed peas - for good luck, greens- to be wealthy and - pork for prosperity for New Years. I got a new job, which I love and brought me more money to support this bad yarn habit I have taken up. Last year I manage to keep my resolution of losing weight and keeping it off.

As I start the new year, I have already signed up on a sock class, I would like to do a lace project and I am starting Christmas ahead this year, so there will not be any Christmas blues next year.

I would like to find time to meet with the close knitters around me, like the Knit Nights.

I hope this makes up for the not posting. See you all this year. Happy New Year my friends and family!

Cameron Update

2007-12-13T22:43:00.000-06:00

Mr. Cameron has been busy at our house. He has played hide & seek in the tree with all rudolph friends. Dad (aka Roman) had a talk with him the next morning that he could not be playing in the tree. He has brought snow, that I bragged about. Its a royal pain. The boys forgot to sprinkle him last night and feed him, so he was starving. He decided to use his magic and he came back with "The Golden Arches" McDonalds. He sure eats alot to be a little guy.
My oldest wrote him a letter asking him all kinds of questions. Cameron writes his letters backwards, so the kids read them up to the light on the other side. My son wrote his letter of questions backwards so he could read it. It asked what school he went to and I put Elf Magic University. I will keep you posted on the little guy.

The Love Of A Child

2007-12-13T21:50:00.000-06:00

This week at school was the Santa Shop. You know where you give the kid a $20 and they come back with something that maybe cost $1 or $2 at the store times 3 family members and a friend. You catch my drift. The boys were overly ecstatic about this, they could not wait to buy something for mom and dad. My youngest son went on Tuesday and got his present. He called and called me from his papa's to come get him, he got me something I was going to love. He got home, he said that one year he broke one of my Santas, if he did I never knew it. So, he said he bought me one to replace it. Then my oldest went the next day. He called and called at work, when are you going to be home, I told him since I had been out for the last two days (with a kidney stone) that I had to work. I promise I would be home before he went to bed. I drove into the garage and he opened the door to hand me a little black box. I opened it and it was a ring. He said mom I got you a diamond ring. It is real and it cost $6. I gasped and told him it was beautiful and I loved it.
We got upstairs and got settled, it was close to bedtime. I asked the boys, "Could you not wait til Christmas to give us our presents?" His reply was, "No mom, because I couldn't wait to see you smile."

A Visitor

2007-12-05T22:39:00.001-06:00

It's that time of year. I have two boys and two Christmas's ago, my son in his letter to Santa asked for a elf. So, two nights ago our visitor came to visit for the month of December until Christmas Eve, when Santa will pick him up and take him back to the North Pole to start on next years toys. He is a little late this year, well Cameron is his name made a surprise visit in the middle of Summer. So, he was a little behind in the toy making. You can find others like Cameron here. It is great for kids imagination. My boys love their elf. You have to sprinkle the elf at night time with the magic snow flakes (comes with the elf). Leave him some crackers and water out to eat. The snow makes him come alive after the kids go to bed. Elves sleep during the
day. The crackers are like the crunching of you walking in the snow and the water is the melted snow. Cameron is a mess. He makes messes and the kids know they have to clean it up. He is very mischievious and gets into everything. I will have to leave some post up on what he is getting into. He got caught up on his sleep last night, the night he came he brought them a elf ornament for the tree. Tonight he decorated with themes the boys Christmas trees in their room. Austin's is John Deere Tractors and Dylan's is Sponge Bob. He helps me finish decorating the house for Christmas some nights, he brings presents tomorrow night he will bring Candy canes for the trees with the story of the candy cane and for one of his big surprise closer to Christmas (since we don't see snow in Alabama) he is going to cover the hall floor in snow. So, when I mention what Cameron has done, you will know who we are talking about. He is our tradition now, and for a month a edition to the family.

Now for the knitting news. I am trying to get a hat out for Suzie. I casted on tonight with some soft Blue Sky dyed cotton. It will be so soft.

Well, that will be it for now.

A Swap and A Contest

2007-12-03T21:54:00.000-06:00

I found this contest and swap at my friend Anne and Mary's blog. What a easy contest and the swap sounds really great. When it is cold in the middle of winter that Hot Cocoa can warm you and make you feel all toasty inside. Here's the details on the contest and swap.

Spread the word to your knitting friends... that's what this contest is all about.We're hosting a cocoa , beat the winter blahs swap... from January 1- February 28. For an entry into this contest, post about the swap on your blog and then leave a comment on the swap blog letting us know you've done your part in spreading the word.You'll receive one additional entry for each person who tells us YOU sent them here.So hop to it folks... spread the word!This contest runs from December 1- December 15, our signups begin on December 16!!!

Some Christmas Knitting,Only To Get Side Tracked and Back On Course

2007-12-02T21:52:00.000-06:00

This is 3 1/2 squares to a throw that is for a Christmas present. I will have 6 left to go after tonight. The other 10 my sister is bringing. When it is all finished, we will take pictures. It's the Lion Brand Chenille. I would get alot more done, if I didn't pet it every row.

So, I took a break from doing squares and decided to make the Noro Fingerless gloves from here. She has some great patterns. I had some Noro, but I thought they would be to itchy. So, I used my soft SWS . They are real stringy and I kept getting yarn in my eye and irritating it. I like the striping it made. Lets just hope it doesn't end up in the washer machine. Chan, has told me how quick it felts. I haven't made the other one yet. Maybe after Christmas.

Thanksgiving I was at the IL's and just knitting away on those squares. Well my 3 nieces suckered me into doing them scarves. We draw names and I sure didn't get theirs, but because I am just that sweet of a Aunt and don't have it in me to tell anyone no. I will get them done. The girls picked colors, well they are getting all the same so they don't argue and it covers every color they asked for pink, blue, turquoise, and bright green. They even got some orange and yellow. It is bound to match some of their clothes.

I had a sick child this weekend with the throw up virus, I pray we don't get it. He is feeling much better. We went to the neighboring communities parade last night. My oldest son lost a tooth tonight. He worked so hard on getting it out. It was a busy weekend. Well, off to finish my square.

Yes Lacey, I know you are probably doubting my abilities to make you something too for Christmas and get it on time. Yours is a very special present and you aren't going to be let down. After Christmas, I am going to go ahead and start on your next years because I know what I am going to do. You are going to love both.

Coffee Talk and Some Contests

2007-11-25T21:18:00.000-06:00

What is the ideal setting for enjoying the perfect cup of coffee? Who would be there - or would you be alone? Inside or out? Morning or night? With food or just the steaming cup of joe?

For me, the perfect cup of coffee is enjoyed several ways. I love coffee in the morning on the weekends while reading up on the blogs and the other way would be with good company at Starbucks. Their coffee is always like dessert.

Now I have seen a few contest out and about. My friend Chan has got a contest going. To get an entry, she just wants to know what is your favorite charity and why.

My favorite charity, to just donate time would be the Jimmie Hale Mission. However, this year they had enough people at Thanksgiving to feed the homeless. I also give to this charity one of my favorite music artist, Dave Barnes supports it. I figure as many white chocolate mocha's I drink at Starbucks 2 could help the kids in Africa. I know, people in America need help too, but I figure if I can't go be a missionary than maybe I could help in another way. So, there is my charitable givings.

The other contest Anne sent me to was over at Jane's she is celebrating her 300th post. Yay Jane! She has a cute granddaughter who this week she is crocheting all white hats for her grand daughters cheerleading team, so they can wear them in the Christmas parade next Saturday. What a good grandmother. Anyway, back to the contest. Jane wants to know something you do that is weird. Well, for me I am sure I do alot of weird things, but when I eat chips, I separate them from smallest to biggest. I eat the crumbs, the small ones and then the big chips. Pretty weird, I know, just one of those OCD's I have.

Well, that does it for me tonight. Knitting projects to come this week.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2007-11-22T10:50:00.000-06:00

Hey all my blogging buddies out there I want to wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you enjoy your families. Eat lots of good food and to all who are the brave ones, Happy Shopping tomorrow. Stay safe.

Now I leave you with this...

You Are Lemon Meringue Pie

You're the perfect combo of sassy and sweet.
You always know how to brighten someone's mood, but you're not overly sappy.
In fact, you can be a bit too honest at times. And most people find that refreshing.
While you're always true to yourself, you keep things light. That's how people are able to stomach your slightly bitter outlook.

Those who like you have well refined tastes.
You're complicated - and let's face it - a true enigma.
You enjoy defying expectations, and there are many layers to your personality.
There's not one easy way to define you.

What Kind of Pie Are You?

Coffee Talk Topic #3

2007-11-17T22:34:00.000-06:00

Gosh, I just realized I didn't post last week and I gave the topic. Hope you don't think I am bad hosting. Well, here is this weeks.

The Thursday upcoming is Thanksgiving in the U.S., so let's all - American and not alike! - just share a post with what it is we're thankful for. A wonderful thing to do any time of year, I thought it'd be a nice thing to share for this week with the group!

I am thankful for my family. It's always fun to have them around and spend time with them.

I am thankful for my great job this year, that got me off nights and on a normal schedule.

I am thankful for all my new knitting friends and pals. I love chatting and learning from you guys.

I hope wherever everyone ends up, has a good Thanksgiving day. Gobble! Gobble!

For A Change

2007-11-11T19:53:00.000-06:00

Ok, I have entered this yarn blah, since I got back from traveling, maybe it is because I have so much to do at home. Yes Lacey, I will get to work on Mom's present.
I haven't really wanted to pick up a hook or needle so I picked up a tiny real sewing needle and finished the paw prints on this smocking plate. I did the tigers about 5 years ago for a girl I worked with, that up and quit her job and I never heard back. I haven't known to many Auburn folks who have kids. So when I found it stuck in a drawer and all it needed was the french knots on the paws, I decided to finish it. This lovely piece of work is going to Jessi. She is for Auburn and has a little girl. She can put this in a little girls jumper or dress. Sorry Jessi it so late in the football season, if you decide to put it in a jumper, you can probably make it big enough for next year or save it til next football season. I am just glad it will be put to good use.

Goody's and FO's

2007-11-06T21:03:00.000-06:00

I know I haven't posted any, what they call yarn porn in along time, so here you go. I came home from Baltimore from a class on Saturday and came home to two great swap packages. This was my Yellow Package from Ranee. She gave me some pastel yellow silk. I have never had silk, wonder what it can become. There was some cashmere/cotton and elastic cotton. Along with the yarney goodness she sent, there was some lemon verbena soap, a yellow candle that smells wonderful and lots of yellow kool-aid that will be put to good use for dyeing yarn.

Then David from the "Fall into Autumn" dishcloth swap sent me this package. Perfect for fall. I love the dishcloth, it is pink (love pink anytime of year). I got lots of chocolate, my favorite it's the one in the middle with Chocolate crisp in the middle and coffee flavor yum! I love every fall, candy corn and pumpkins. He sent me one of my favorite hand soaps from Bath and Body Works and some Pampered Chef lemon and rosemary lotion. The yarn is Araucania wool, in the most amazing fall colors.

Ranee and David both really spoiled me and it was so great to come home and have packages for me to open. As soon as I walked in the door, dropped the bags and sat down, the boys came running with the two boxes. They had waited so patiently to open.

I haven't posted any finish projects in a while. I finished two dishcloths you can find here and here. For JoAnn, which her pal fell through this summer, I made her the "Springtime Dishcloth" at I live on a farm. There is alot of great free patterns at that website. I made with some lavender TLC 100% pure cotton. It was so soft. I love that yarn. It would make a great cloth for washing your face it is so soft. For the Fall Dishcloth Swap, I had Kathy. Kathy was the great pal who didn't let on that I accidentally typed my name in a email, that crushed me when I did it. She was so much fun to get to know. Both of these new pals have been awesome to spoil. I will continue to be in contact with them.

Now for the long waited surprise I worked on for the last month and 1/2. I made my first bag. It is a market bag for my sisters Birthday present. Since I have learned to knit and crochet, we give eachother made items and I love it. They are so much more meaningful than the everyday gift card. However, I will take a gift card to the LYS's anytime. This bag was crocheted and made with Cotton Ease. So, taking turns and in between swaps, this is what I was working on. So, I hope all my blogging friends got their fix with this little snip bit of "Yarn porn.".

Oh, one more thing, while I was gone to Baltimore, I got my invite to RAVELRY. Don't have a clue what it is, and what I am suppose to do with it, but I will figure it out and all its greatness I hear my friends raving about. Don't remember what my name is there. When I figure it out, I will let you all know.

I Am Back

2007-11-04T10:18:00.002-06:00

I am back from traveling. I went to Seattle to see my sister for her Birthday and I came home for 3days and left again for a work trip to Baltimore. I am catching up. My last 3 weeks have been a whirlwind. I started by being on call the weekend before I left to see my sister, I had a Birthday party for my son that same weekend, went to Seattle for 5days, came home, went Trick Treating, on Halloween and left for Baltimore the next day. I got home yesterday, and I have been doing matches for the Winter Wonderland Swap.

I have pictures to post, Spoilers to thank, and just catching up. However, it will be this evening. I am going to fix lunch for my boys now and then we are off to see Finding Nemo on Ice. See you this evening!

Winter Wonderland Coffee Swap Topic of the Week #1

2007-11-04T10:04:00.000-06:00

Here is this week's topic of the week:When did you first start drinking coffee? What age were you? Was it about the caffeine, or do you love the taste and smell? Tell us how your passion began!

I started about 8 years ago. I was about 26 years old. I love Cinnamon and a girl at work had a Cinnamon Latte from Starbucks, and it smelled wonderful. So, I thought I would go out on a limb and try it one day when I was on my way to work. At the time I worked nights and that is all I needed to get through the night. As the holidays rolled around that year, I started trying new flavors they put out. I love Pumpkin Spice Lattes, Eggnog, Toffee Nut, Caramel Macchiato's, and just about anything with a little flavor. My husband got tired of the $4.50 drinks coming out of the monthly account, so he bought me a cappucino machine/coffee maker. I started making my own lattes (Starbucks sells their syrups) and still bought some. I started making some flavored coffees in the coffee maker. I used that machine for 5 years and it died this year. I haven't replaced it, yet. I am hoping for Christmas I will get another.

I do love to go into coffee shops, the smell is wonderful. That is how my love of coffee came about.

A Little Sisterly Love

2007-10-20T17:01:00.000-05:00

My Sister didn't have a whole lot of faith in me, and rightfully so when it came to her birthday present. I didn't follow through last year with her book, that I called on her Birthday and told her I was reading it. Well, I have heard for weeks, that she would not get her present until Christmas. I hate to be doubted and second guess. It makes me want to prove you wrong that much more. So, while induring comments that I would not make up there before Christmas and she wouldn't get her Birthday present til Christmas. I held my plane ticket in the palm of my hand, while crocheting thousands of stitches for her Christmas present. I couldn't let her down this year, so what did I do? I showed up 4 days before her birthday unannounced. I love my sister more than she will ever know and I wouldn't let her down for anything.

Winter Wonderland Coffee Swap

2007-10-17T21:21:00.000-05:00

Here is my questionaire to the Winter Wonderland Coffee Swap. Anne and I are excited about this one.

Coffee

What are your favorite kinds of coffee? (Brands, Roasts, anything at all you'd like to share!) I like Starbucks expresso lattes, Barneys has some really good holiday flavors and O'Henrys has a flavored roast that I like as well.

Do you prefer whole bean or ground coffee? I don't have a grinder so it is grounds for me.

This time of year, there are often Holiday Blends available, and many flavored coffees - do you drink flavored coffee? Do you enjoy special blends? I love Barney's Santas White Christmas, Starbucks Pumpkin Spice and it is now holiday flavor but O'Henry's Jamaca me Crazy is so good.

How do you take your coffee? Cream and Sugar? Straight up? Decaf? I like lots of milk and foam. Splenda or flavored syrup. Half caf and half decaf.

Do you prefer drinking from a nice thick mug, or a matched cup and saucer? I like mugs or my travel mugs from Starbucks (season themed) and my pink travel mug from Barney's (thanks Lacey)

Winter and Holidays - PLEASE be descriptive! Your pal will need this information to be sure to put together a package you will enjoy!

What is your favorite part of Winter? I like for it to get cold enough to wear my sweaters and a dusting of snow is nice.

Do you celebrate a holiday in December, and if so, which holiday? I celebrate Christmas very traditional. Love traditions, old and new.

If you celebrate Christmas, do you put up a tree? Yes I put up a tree. It has alot of what the boys have made and their Hallmark collector ornaments and lots of Santas and Snowmen. The boys get their trees put up after Thanksgiving by Cameron (our elf) who lives with us starting the week after Thanksgiving.

Would you enjoy items related to the holiday, or would you prefer a Winter themed package? I am flexible and love surprises. Holiday or Winter is great for me.

Do you collect anything? Are there any holiday or winter-themed items (Snowmen, Angels, Snoflakes, Santas, etc) that you collect? I have Santas in my den, and Snowmen in my kitchen.

Do you wear scarves? Mittens? Hats? I do wear scarves and gloves when it is cold enough. I want to cast on soon for some fingerless gloves.

What is your favorite holiday or winter treat? I like tea, but I could do Starbucks it is my treat and sometimes my meal, how healthy is that (not).

Please share a favorite Winter or Holiday memory. There is so many. We had great Christmas's growing up. We always had great food, two Christmas trees, and couldn't wait until Christmas morning. Now on Christmas Eve, Eve the girls get together (Grandmother, Mom, Aunt June, Sister, and the three cousins. We have a good dinner and then we play dirty Santa with good decorating gifts. That is so fun. Then Christmas Eve is spent with my mom and then Santa comes. Santa takes the elf back home with him on Christmas eve. Cameron, our elf has made quiet a few memories already. He is a mess.

Yarn and Crafting

Do you Knit or Crochet? For how long? I have knit and Crochet going on 11 months.

Do you like wooden, metal, or plastic needles\hooks? Circular or straight? I use bamboo needles. Straights or circulars, just started the DPN's. I use metal hooks.

What sort of projects do you enjoy making? I make dishcloths, bags, teacozies, baby booties and hats. I am ready to try my hand at fingerless gloves, socks and sweaters.

What are your favorite types of yarn to work with? I like Cotton for clothes, baby stuff. I use wool or wool blends for others. I want to try some Cash merino by Debbie Bliss. It feels so soft.

Do you spin or dye? I have the Kool-Aid in my cabinet, ready to dye some yarn. The only thing spinning is my head from time to time.

Do you do other crafts such as scrapbooking or needlepoint or anything else? I smock which is needle point for kids clothes. I use to cross stitch. Last time I scrap booked I finished my boys first years in both of their books.

General

When is your birthday? July 26th

Do you have any children? (Furry kind count!) I have 2 boys. The boys want a dog. I like it when swap partners include my boys. I love doing swaps, but when I open a box or the boys do, I love it when they are included. They are my world.

What are your favorite colors? I like pink, and turquoise. I like just about any color.

Do you have any allergies? Not to yarn, just to bees.

T.O.W. #5 (I didn't do number 4)

2007-10-17T07:08:00.000-05:00

TOPIC OF THE WEEK

Now that it is getting cooler here, it makes me think of apple picking and hay rides. Are you the type that likes to go to participate in all the fall festivities like apple picking, pumpkins, decorating for the fall, hay rides, baking fall goodies, etc. or do you just sit and count the days till Thanksgiving/Christmas/Hanukkah

I love fall, and take in what little changing of trees there is here in the South. I did love the year I was in New York in October. I got to go to the Apple Farm and picked Apples by the pounds. There is nothing like a Nothern Apple. I have been to pumpkin patches and they are lots of fun too. We do put out the Scare crow, and a lit up pumpkin. We will be decorating my mother in laws house for my youngest son's Halloween Birthday Party. I get to head up North the end of the month, so maybe there will still be some color on the trees.

Catching Up

2007-10-14T19:04:00.000-05:00

Ok, I started this Whimsy Flower Dishcloth, this was my first time to use DPN's. I started on circulars and moved it over cause I just couldn't get my magic loop to work. So it became this.

It was for a very special swap partner who has been patient. It has some imperfections if you look at the lines that look like pinwheels. I guess I got off count. So, here is my new Dishcloth. It is the Springtime Dishcloth from here She has several free patterns and some good recipes. I ripped it once because I forgot to knit my border at the bottom. I really like how this pattern is turning out. It is the twisted purl. Its not easy to knit or it might be that I knit to tight. The yarn is so soft and squishy. It is TLC pure cotton. I love the sheen it has to it.

I have been tagged for a MEME 8 Random Things About Me:
1. I am messy at home. It comes honestly.

2. I am a clean freak at work. I like my desk to be clean. I wipe down with santiwipes and there is a guy who puts crumbs on my desk just to aggrivate me. It works.

3. I like to talk to people. When I was little my mom would give me Benadryl to make me quit talking when we would go on trips. My nephew must take after me, he just talks louder than I do, but nonstop.

4. I have to finish RN school at some point. I just can not take away from my kids right now.

5. I am terrified of bees. I am highly allergic to them.

6. When it comes to family gifts, I can't keep the surprise. I have to give hints and it just eats at me until I have to go ahead and let them know. Except for the one I have been keeping for a month.

7. I am very attention deficit. I got that from my dad. I go from one thing to another.

8. I could be a night owl. I love to stay up late. If only I didn't have to get up early.

Well, now to name someone else to be MEME. I have to pass the duties to Donna, Stephanie, and Lacey my dear sister (just think, now you have something else to blog about)

After being tag for meme I remember I forgot to nominate someone for this award

I nominate
1.Stephanie: she produces some of the cutest clothes by knitting, crocheting or sewing.

2.Then there is Marcie She has a cute style and is very creative. Go check out her Etsy shop.

3. Then there is my sister. She has been very busy moving to Seattle and taking over meetings and heading up coffees. She is very talented sewing and knitting. She is a great sister and couldn't ask for anyone better. We kinda lead eachother into creative areas. I started smocking and then she did. She started knitting and introduced me last Christmas with my first book (that she swears I never refer to).

Well, caught up for the moment. Back to knitting and writing my son's invitations for his Halloween Birthday Party next weekend.

OH, one more thing Registration will be opening soon for the Winter Wonderland Coffee Swap I am hosting with Anne. Head on over to here and enter the contest we are hosting before the swap. Contest ends October 23rd. Registration opens October 24th.

Winter Wonderland Coffee Swap

2007-10-07T11:51:00.000-05:00

I bet Anne is wondering what kind of host I am going to be if I haven't mentioned the swap I am hosting with her. Sorry Anne, I am now with my head abouve water. My son and I came down with Strep this week and we have been sick. I got my meds and now I am on a up hill swing.

I am hosting my first swap with Anne. She rocks at hostessing so, we put our heads together a couple of months ago and decide to do a Winter Wonderland Coffee Swap. What swap package could be better than that of Coffee and Yarn. Throw in some Holiday goodies and that will be a great package. Notice when I say Holiday, I don't mean just Christmas, Hanukkah or whatever you celebrate during the months of winter. You have snowflakes, snowmen, mittens and hats. Whatever you enjoy during winter. We are so excited about this one.

We are having a contest over at the blog to kinda start things out on a good track through the snow. Its starting to get colder already just talking about it (even if it is 85 degrees here). Go on over here and check it out.

The Contest
Make a post on your blog, telling folks about this swap, and letting them know registration opens on October 24th

Comment here and let us know that you posted!

Contest Ends October 23rd

EASY, to win some swap goodies. We'll draw a random winner of some yarn and goodies! And if you join the swap, it certainly won't be your last chance at a contest!

And if anyone cares to make buttons - Anne and I are more than open since neither of us knows how! We'll post em up in the sidebar - all are welcome! Lastly - if you have links for Coffee sites, knit or crochet patterns for Winter, Christmas, Hanukkah, or any holiday we might have missed - please send them along!

Can not wait for registration to start.

T.O.W. #4

2007-10-07T11:32:00.000-05:00

How about you? Are there any recipes you especially enjoy having in the Fall? Any foods that are seasonal that you especially enjoy?

My family likes the Chili with the first cool breeze of fall. I on the other hand am not a big fan of Chili. I do eat more soups. One of my favorite is from a package. Bear Creek makes a great tortilla soup. I add a can of tomatoes and corn. Top with some cheese and a dollop of sour cream. Serve it with some tortilla chips and it is soooooo good. I like soup weekly as it gets cooler.

Fred went over The Rainbow Bridge

2007-10-05T21:16:00.000-05:00

My friend Chan lost her baby. Please keep her, Mark and Mugsy in your thoughts and prayers. They need them as they grieve the loss of their Fred.

The Rainbow Bridge

Oh, when we get to Heaven
We hope that we will find
The souls that once we loved
Who left us all behind.

Some left us at the right time
They left this world in peace
Others left too sudden
Without the chance to say Goodbye,
They were gone before we had
The chance to even cry.

There's a special place for grownups
A special place for kids
Me? I'll be on the other side
The side called Rainbow Bridge.

Across the dark green meadow
A'top the hills I'll run
Where the colors from the rainbow
Glitter from the sun.

And there I'll find my sweetheart
Running fast toward me
In my arms where he belongs
for all eternity.

Jean McColgan

Come Join Me As I Get Ready For My Tea Party

2007-10-04T21:11:00.000-05:00

First let me let you know I have been gone due to a virus on the computer that would not let me do anything. It got some tender loving care and now we are back in business. I got my computer back just in time for you to know I got a great package from my "Knit 1 Tea 2" pal. Here it is but there is time for that package later. I gotta get ready for my tea party. You are all invited to see what it takes to prepare first hand for this tea party. So, get comfortable and grab a cup of tea.

I always start my party with a list. I have many things to gather and prepare. First the invitations. I got these invitations and they say "Tea Time", PERFECT! Next I will need the stuff for some special treats for my guest to enjoy, so I got some King Arthur Scone Mix, Dried cranberries to add, and some apricot and rasberry jam. YUM!

I figured I need a few more goodies so I got some Tolberone Chocolate and some Purely Maple Vermont Button Cookies.

So, now on for the tea to consider. Did I want loose, bag, decaf or regular. So, I got some Tazo Earl Grey, Trader Joes Blackberry Fruit Fusion, and some decaf Teaeluxe Apricot Arebesque, and Highland Chai. I got a tea strainer for the decaf loose teas and measuring spoon, so it would make the perfect cup of tea not to strong or to weak. Just PERFECT!

On to the last things I ALWAYS do to prepare for my tea parties. RELAX with Liz Claiborne Chamomille and Lavender bath salts, some lit candles, and some Hands On Natural Soap from the Boston Tea Party.

After all my preparation the "tea party" is always a success. Beyond cleaning up and fun I always need to enjoy a bit of quiet. The boys are usually still out and my husband at work, so I put my feet up and take a few moments for myself with some more tea (never have too much) and sit down and read stories from A Cup of Comfort for Nurses.

When the family gets home I am refreshed and ready to enjoy some family time with the boys playing UNO. It is always fun with the boys. That is the preparation and recovery of all the work for MY Tea Party.

Here is my package from Devon my tea swap pal. I have loved chatting with her week to week. She took everything I told her into consideration. She made some pot hand holders so I can take the hot goodies out of the oven or to hold my hot tea pot. She wrapped those in what I can use to wrap up my goodies to stay warm. She also sent me some Cotton yarn in Apricot color and Creme to go with my tea flavors. She wrote it out and was all numbered how to open it while reading "Holly's Parties" the boys were taking turns opening piece by piece. She was so sweet, she didn't take just me into consideration, she took my boys into consideration, she sent them Nestle Crunch bars and gummy bears and then the UNO game. That means so much, I always feel a little bad when I open packages and they are just hoping there is something in that box for them. Thanks Devon! You rock at spoiling. Also, along with Devon I want to thank Chan and Mary for being great hostesses of this Tea Swap. It was so much fun and worth it. Can not wait for the next one.

T.O.W. #3

2007-09-27T20:41:00.002-05:00

Autumn has now officially begun here in the States!! What is your favorite thing about Autumn/Fall? Why?

The cooler weather, the end of our summers can be so hot. I love it if we get some changing of the leaves. Halloween has been so much fun since I have kids who can go trick or treat. Thanksgiving is a fun time to spend with the family. I really love it all. If I had to chose one thing though, my favorite is the leaves

All Felted Up

2007-09-27T20:30:00.001-05:00

Well, I meant to post this at the beginning of the week. This week has been a total whirlwind. So, here is the tea cozy for my "Knit 1 Tea 2" pal. I hope she likes it. It was my first project to do and make up my own pattern. So, here it is:

FO: Felted Tea Cozy
Yarn: Don't have the tag to it, it was a italian wool, I think it is called di.ve'
Color: Multi (32027)
Needles: 10 1/2 straights

If you want the pattern, just let me know.

Topic of The Week

2007-09-23T11:52:00.000-05:00

When you knit or crochet dishclothes, washclothes or face clothes, what do you use? What size needle or hook? Wood? what type? Metal? Plastic? A specific Brand? Why do you love that needle or hook so much? Is there one you are dying to try? Is there a particular yarn you love and use all the time for clothes? What is so special about it?

When I knit I use what it calls for unless my gauge is not right. Same goes for crocheting. I use bamboo needles. I like circs but not dpns (too many needles to work with, with the yarn too. I love the bamboo, cause it holds the yarn so much better than metal. I like my Brittany needles, but my Clovers from Michael's aren't bad either. I use metal crochet hooks, I would love to get some of those grippers.
As for yarn, I use Sugars and Cream and Peaches n Cream for dishclothes, I am have ordered some cotlin from Knitpicks for some holiday gifts and can't wait to try it. The "Creams" just make a great sturdy cloth.

How To Keep Your Tea Warm Longer

2007-09-20T22:04:00.000-05:00

Well, this is a quick post. I was too excited when I finished sewing the seams up. I just had to go ahead and post a picture. It isn't quite finished it has to be felted and that will be tomorrow night. This is for my tea pal and I hope she likes it. Here is my Tea for One teapot

and here is......

My teacozy I made to keep the teapot warm. It was so easy. Thanks to Anne for all the measurement and felting instructions. I think it is going to be perfect. I am going to run green ribbon through the larger hole I made at the top to gather. Well, that is all for tonight. I will post the finish product this weekend.

I Came Home Today From Work.....

2007-09-13T19:33:00.000-05:00

I came home today from work and got the boys in and settled. Well, Austin went outside as he usually does and came running in with a box. I know I have swap pals and I am anxious to get packages, but I just don't check the mail. The kids and my husband bring it in and why take away that joy from them. At first I thought it was my swap tea pals package and then I saw the Stash Tea logo on it. I love Stash tea, there hasn't been many flavors I don't like. They also have cute teaware, with a big selection. Some of the goods are for my swap pal and the other, well I needed some more tea. I got some scone mix and some white sugar swizzle sticks for my pal and for me, I got some pumpkin spice tea, it is yum. Just like a pumpkin pie dessert. I also received a sample of 10 tea bags of their green tea Jasmine Blossom. Never had that before.

Well, I got on the computer to check out what all my blogger friends had going on today. Well, Chan and Anne both one some of Grace's beautiful knitted shawls in a contest Grace was having. I enter in the Shawl contest and liked the Garner Drop the most and 2nd I liked the one Chan won. However, they were all beautiful. Then I popped over to visit my friend Marcie she has been dyeing yarn. I am going to dye some soon. I got my Kool Aid this weekend, I just need some yarn. Austin will love trying to help me on that project.

I received my pal from the "Fall Into Autumn" Dishcloth exchange a few days ago and I receive my pal from the "Color Swap 2007" I got the hostess Ranee. Its not a secret swap but it is alot of fun and you get to increase your stash in different colors. This month is yellow. After I wind down on these swaps that are going which are the ones listed and the one I am hosting with Anne (with sign ups beginning October 24th), I think I am going to slow down on swaps. I will always do the Dishcloth swap. It is easy and fun. I think though I will turn my focus to the Chemo Caps for Winter and maybe a few projects for myself and boys. Well that is about it for this evening, I am going to go sip on my Pumpkin Spice.

What's Been Going On and Topic of The Week

2007-09-10T20:43:00.000-05:00

Well I am in the "Fall into Autumn" Dishclothe swap. We get one entry for a contest at the end of the swap for every topic of the week we answer, so that way we keep our blog going, which I try to do (other than last week. So for this weeks topic:
Now that in some geographic locations the weather is starting to turn cooler, do you change the type of yarn(s) you knit/crochet with? If so, what do you now knit/crochet with instead and why? If not, why do you not switch and what do you knit/crochet with?
Well, I have only been knitting and crocheting since January, so this year will be the test. As far as projects go, I will be geared more toward fall and winter and would probably use a yarn that is more heavy, with more winter colors. Where as in the summer, I would use brighter colors and lighter weight, because it is so hot. I just think a wool blend for winter to keep you warm and on a hot summer day, I would chose a cotton.

Well, I started this for my son. He has been asking for a blanket since he saw I could knit or crochet one stitch. So, I hope to surprise him for Christmas. He ask me the other day if it was his blanket I was working on and I had to tell him,"No, that is going to be a sweater for me." I hate not telling him the truth, but I want to surprise him.
I would have post the picture of what is coming along for my sisters birthday, but she reads my blog. So, you will have to wait til her birthday.

This last weekend, I did some shopping for my tea pal. Almost done, except knitting something for her. I also took my first sewing class. I got my sewing machine for Christmas, well knitting and crocheting took priority to learn first. So, now I can line my first bag whenever I make one. It was a one on one class for 2 1/2 hours and I learned basic stitches. Satin stitches for appliques and I made some pillows for a pin cushion. I learned about fabric and the difference between good thread and cheap thread. It was very informative and I learned my machine. I don't know what my 1st project will be. We will just have to see.

I Am Still Alive

2007-09-09T21:15:00.000-05:00

Hey all my lurkers out there. I am still alive. Sorry for not posting this last week. I had to fill in for one of my co-workers at work while she was on vacation and with it being a short week, it was just BUSY! I should have more time this week. I have to be home from work this week to pick the boys up from school since my in laws who keep them, have taken a vacation. So, I should have a little extra time post about my fun weekend and update on a few projects.

Did Someone Say Football Is Here?

2007-09-01T17:07:00.000-05:00

I am so glad football season is here, let me just tell you why. I live in the south where football season is the only thing going on, on Saturday. You have to watch Auburn, Alabama, Tennessee and Florida. Well that takes up your whole day. Here at this house Roman (my husband) always watches football at his moms with his father. I know very sweet isn't it? Nothing like a little father son bonding time. I could careless about football, never got into and I was even a cheerleader in high school. I cheered what everyone else cheered go defense or the offense cheers and really didn't grab the concept until maybe my junior year. Didn't care. I liked cheering and tumbling and competition. Ok, back to football on Saturdays (Its real easy to get off on another subject when you A.D.D.). Well, just a while ago, Roman and my brother packed up the kids and headed over to my mother in-laws house to watch the Alabama game. Roll Tide! That means starting today on Saturdays for 10 weeks I get the house to myself. To turn the TV's off (no more SpongeBob blaring, cause Dylan is practically deaf, not really), clean house, blog, or just play in my yarn stash. This is a really good day. I just had to share with all my blogging friends. Well, off to enjoy my next 2-3 hours doing whatever I want.

Fall into Autumn Dishcloth Questionaire

2007-08-31T21:33:00.000-05:00

1. Do you knit or crochet? How long have you been doing it?
I knit and crochet since January 2007

2. Have you made dischloths before? Do you use them yourself, give them as gifts, or both?
Yes, I have made dishcloths. I do both use them and give them as gifts

3. What's your favorite cotton to make cloths from? What cotton would you like to try that you haven't before ?
I like the Sugar and Creme and Peaches and Creme, I have lots of new cotton I received last month in Swaps and contest and can not wait to try them.

4. If you knit, do you prefer circular or straight needles? For all, do you prefer wooden, metal, or plastic needles? I like wooden straight or circs

5. What are your favorite colors? Any colors you don't like much?
I like pink and turquoise. Not a big Orange fan.

6. What do you like best about Autumn?
I love the leaves changing colors. We don't get it that much but when it does, there is some beautiful trees out there.

7. Pies: Pumpkin? Apple? Pecan? All of em? or No Thanks!
All of them. Yum! Yum!

8. When you were a kid, were you the one who couldn't wait to get started with school , or the one who overslept on the 1st day?
I couldn't wait to get started with school.

9. Do you celebrate Halloween? (The real key here guys is especially knowing if you have an aversion to the holiday or little goodies/decorations associated with it, given the timeframe of the swap)
We love some trick or treating even though it will rot my kids teeth out, so yes we participate in Halloween. We decorate and we love the time of year it is.

10. If you had to choose just 3 edible 'goodies' to eat for a full year, what 3 would you choose? Reese's Easter Eggs(they are better than reese's cups), coconut creme pie, and my grandmothers nestle toll house cookies (with milk of course), I love starbucks coffee, but its a drink but it is a goody of mine on daily basis for the last 5-6 years (just think I could of been rich by now)

11. Do you have any pets? Kids? Husbands who seem like kids? ;)
I have 2 boys 8 and 6, and a spouse.

12. If you were to describe a particular yarn that shares traits of your personality, what would it be and why? Is there a yarn out there that would have a big heart, that would be me but multi colored because just as big hearted I can be, I can be a little spit fire too.

13. Do you use your cloths mostly for dishcloths, or as facecloths?
Dishcloths, it took me forever to use them after I made them. I stood there thinking I can not mess this up with these dirty dishes and get the ketchup off my kids plate. Love them, would rather use my dishcloths than store bought.

14. Favorite Fall Holiday: Halloween or Thanksgiving and why? (Feel free to share another fall memory if you do not celebrate either of these holidays)
Thanksgiving, I love the food we get to eat and the goodies which leads into the favorite holiday for us, is Christmas.

15. Do you have any allergies or aversions your pal should know about?
Nope, my allergies are Bees.

A Late Birthday Surprise

2007-08-29T21:08:00.000-05:00

Well, for the last couple days I have had the crud. Beware, I hear it is going around. I came home tonight and fixed me a cup of Vanilla Chai tea to make me feel better after work today. When the boys came in, they brought a box in with them. Austin stood right at my side waiting to see what I had. He kept telling me, mom you know how you have all those friends who keep sending you stuff, that you talk to on the computer? While, opening the box from Seattle(I knew it had to be my sister) he asked if he could have a friend from far away that he could swap packages with. It was so sweet. So, I get the box open and let him open the card and it was a Happy Birthday Card

and here are the goods from the box. My sister just got through doing a fundraiser for their batallion and she made these cute aprons to sell from the guys bdu's. I told her I wanted one and well, she must have listen. I got these cute notecard with my first initial. She sent me some really great yarn. I got some Noro wool yarn, some black & cream Schachenmayr nomotta Punto sock yarn, it is cotton yarn and perfect for socks that came from Korea (when she was living there). She sent me some Bernat, pink, organic cotton.

She sent me this skirt. It wraps and ties in the back. Its a light gray and a darker gray. It is so silky. She got it from Korea as well. I love all it. There was something else she was working on, but she said that it has became part of my Christmas because the military fundraisers have literally taken over her life. The military were glad to have Geoff take command, but I think they literally are waiting for my sister to arrive so they can hand her head fundraiser of projects. Seriously, they are probably already got my sister stationed for their next venture and they will just place Geoff in a good position. Lacey wasn't the one who signed for the military she just married military. However, when they get her in their batallion they have good coffees and hail & farewells. Even though she is my sister, I have to admit they got the VERY BEST! Well, I gotta get some rest now. Good night!

A Little Catching Up From The Weekend

2007-08-26T19:06:00.000-05:00

Before I get started, registration for the "Fall Into Autumn" exchange will open on September 1st and close September 8th at Midnight, EDT @ www.dishclothexchange.blogspot.com. Head on over its a fun swap.

Well, this weekend I was on call I didn't get to do much crafting, and what I did get to do I can not show. It is for someone who reads my blog, for their birthday coming up. I will really pay if I don't get her present to her by her birthday this year. Here is why, last year I got my sister her Birthday present, it was a gift card and a Christian Fiction Book. Well, she lived in Korea at the time and I had it in time for her birthday, except by the time her birthday got here, I was halfway into the book. Which I don't ever read but it was a GOOD book. I am very slow reader and find a hard time to take care of my boys, cook, clean, work, craft, blog and read. I am so behind on my reading now. I know you are going to laugh, but there was so much hype about Harry Potter book recently I started the very first book and I still have about 75 pages to read and just not enough time. I won't finish that series for about 6 years. I love the book and I hear they get better and bigger. Lacey, just know that I am not reading your birthday present and you will have it by your birthday and you will love it. I promise.

Well, 4 days back I got nominated by my friend Chan for

Thank you Chan, I haven't been blogging that long, but I feel special that you thought I deserve it. Well, I will nominate someone, just not yet.

Sorry there isn't any pictures tonight. I will have a little time off Tuesday before going to eat with my boys for lunch and going to work, so I will post something more crafty then.

Well, off to drink my Mango Passion fruit tea and then to bed.

What's A Girl To Do With All Her Pink!

2007-08-24T21:12:00.000-05:00

So, I came home and Wednesday was crazy when I got home, kids still doing homework. However, I looked on the table where they usually lay the mail down and there was a box with my name written all all over it(not really, just my address - sorry no picture). As I opened the box and unwrapped each item, I was in "Pink" Heaven. I love pink and I have to admit Sharon and her daughter spoiled

me with any kind of pink non-animal yarn for the August "Color Swap 2007", the colors were Pink and Peach. I will have to come up with some good projects with all this good yarn. She sent me a "Pink" 2008 Planner (needed one), and a "H" magnetic notepad. I love the pink case, it will be great for holding my hooks.

I LOVE this Cherry Tree Hill Cotton yarn, it is so soft and squishy.

Then last but not least, she sent me one of the things she is famous for, making her own soap. It smells wonderful. She made soap for my dishcloth swap partner(Peach), I don't know who liked it more me or my son. So, for this pink and peach swap, she sent me Watermelon, Sweet Rasberry and a kids soap with princess crowns in it (Hey Sharon, I saw the purple crown in the soap, good way to throw a little of you in there.) I can't wait to use it. All I have to say is Thank you!!!!!! I love it all. Please tell your princess I said thanks and she has my kind of taste.

So I Picked Up the Hook

2007-08-19T21:11:00.000-05:00

I got this yarn because there is a premie baby I wanted to make a hat for, because his is way to big at the hospital and I wanted to make some baby booties to go with it. He has his picture made every Friday and this week he is 4 weeks, and that puts him 33wks (5-7 weeks before he was suppose to be born). He made it last week to 2.6 lbs. He is so tiny. Back to the yarn, I love this yarn. It is so soft.

So, I picked up the hook and here is the outcome for this weeks projects. They are so tiny and so sweet. The booties are suppose to be 3" long. His foot is 2 1/8" long. Room to grow. Not much though. See the needle to the side, I used that to show you the length.

Well, we did a little remodeling this weekend, my back bathroom. While I was working away on my booties, all the men were laying tile in the bathroom. It is going to look so much better, considering, the floor got pulled up before it rotted (thank goodness). We had our works "Hail and Farewell (minus the Farewell)" last night at the Dr. I work for house. I work for 2 Drs. who were military. So after we had 9 new employees join in the last year (not a big turn over, just adding more to the group, due to so much research and so many trauma's that need surgery). The military Drs. figured it was time to "Hail" us in to the group. It was very nice. His wife had a white chocolate bread pudding that was to die for. Since I do his clinic day, I will have to get in good enough to get the recipe.

Well, that is about it. Just waiting to start my Knit1 Tea2 . I think in the mean time I will finish some projects I left on the needle and start another project, can't say it might be someones birthday present. I am going to send my Color Swap 2007 month August off next Saturday along with some goodies for a few special girls.

Until next time...........

For Charity

2007-08-15T19:58:00.000-05:00

There is a contest going on at Anne's blog. She is just interested in knowing what charity interest you and why. Well, I like to make baby hats, and regular hats. Don't have the patience for blankets, just ask my son. I just can not pick his back up, takes way to long. So, I would have to say preemie hats, like the one I am doing now, but the one my heart is really in, is chemo caps. I have worked in the medical field for 15 years. Last year I worked at childrens hospital and everytime I had to take a patient (a kid) upstairs to be admitted to the cancer floor and they had lost their hair, well it rips my heart out. It broke my heart for the child and the parents. When I left to work in a cardiology clinic, I had to walk through the oncology clinic and I would see all those very sick pts without any hair and it broke my heart all over again. I can work with any type patient but cancer patients. I think cancer is a cruel disease. So, my real charity I would want to donate to, is Chemo Caps for all those bald heads in winter for kids and adults. I want to donate to our local hospital, I just don't know how many I could get done by winter. I feel like that is how I can give back to those patients, since it breaks my heart to take care of them.

Some Finished Projects and some New Ones Started

2007-08-13T21:04:00.000-05:00

So, after my very productive weekend I have a few finished projects. I finished my Mandy's Candy Bag. I will probably make another one but with brighter colors. I like bright. So, Here is to you Amanda! Thanks for the cute pattern. Perfect for little presents.

I finished these stitchmarkers and another set, that everytime I took a picture they blurred. They are for a special someone, they are in teapots.

Well, I started a new project. There is a Dr. who works with us. He just had a little boy 28 weeks early. So, I am making a very tiny premie hat. I have put down the needles and I have picked up the hook, just temporary. He is soooooo tiny. He weighs like 2lbs. So, his hat is so little. I will post when I finish this tiny project. I am also going to make some tiny little booties for him.

Our tea party is about to start at the Knit1 Tea2 swap, so I will be making some goodies there for someone. I have in mind what it will be. I can not wait to get my partner, so I can get started on it too.

PIF Exchange

2007-08-12T10:29:00.000-05:00

I was over visiting Alaina last Sunday and she had an exchange going, it is based on the movie "Pay It Forward" with Helen Hunt. I haven't seen it yet, but I am going to go rent it, maybe today. They have it in a book and I would prefer to read but not enough time.

"Here is how it works! I'll send a handmade gift to the first 3 people who leave a comment on my blog requesting to join this PIF exchange!I don't know what that gift will be yet, and you may not receive it tomorrow or next week...LOL... but you will receive it within 365 days, that's a promise! and it will be something yummy!! The only thing you have to do in return is pay it forward by making the same promise on your blog..."So the first 3 people who leave a comment on my blog, I can't wait to see who you are! I have some great treats in stall for you all, just you wait and see!

Successful Saturday

2007-08-11T22:14:00.001-05:00

I got up this morning and got ready to do my running around. Before I left my house, the mail came, and so did my prize from the DDoS contest I won. I got some Sugar n Cream multi color cotton yarn and some awesome Blue Sky Alpaca cotton yarn in a deep turquoise blue color. There is some summer note cards and a gardenia scented pouch. So, two days in a row, I got swag. Thank you Anne for my great prize! So, I got ready and off to the post office I went to mail my package to my DDoS pal. I hope her chocolate does not melt. It was 102 degrees here.

I went by my LYS and in hunt for some non-animal yarn for my Color Swap 2007 pal, and found all kinds of stuff. I got some awesome felting yarn that stripes and some cotton sock yarn and a book to try my hand at socks, when I get ready. You see it is a crochet sock book, that is because I don't like dpns and the knitting looks really difficult for socks. I taught myself to do both crochet and knit, so I can have the best of both worlds. While I was there I walked down the sidewalk to the sewing store 2 doors down and set myself up for my 1st sewing class. It takes place September 8th at 1pm. Who needs football, when you got crafting to do, right?

I went and picked up the rest of my kids school supplies, went grocery shopping. Got a 3 drawer organizer to organize all the yarn that seems to be growing every week(Lacey, you will be proud). Anyone who knows me, knows I like to shop or I use to, well I admit I have a slight problem, every payday instead of shopping for clothes, I buy yarn and goodies. When it cools off I will have to designate one of MY shopping weekend to the boys for school clothes.

After dinner I made some stitch markers that I will post tomorrow. So, now that I have blogged and emailed it is time to go to bed. Early start for tomorrow. Church in the morning.

My Dishcloths

2007-08-10T22:00:00.000-05:00

Here is my dishcloths for my pal. I hope she likes them. The soap smells wonderful. It is handmade by Sharon. Sharon is my swap partner in the Color Swap 2007, month August (it is not a secret swap). Thank you Sharon, you have my advertisement.

DDoS Swap

2007-08-10T20:36:00.000-05:00

Look at what I came home to today. It is from my DDoS spoiler, Karen R.. She sure did spoil me. 2 dishclothes, one says knit now/dishes later (there are many days I feel like that), with some of her favorite lemon dish soap. A book of dishcloth patterns, that I can not wait to try. Some Stash tea, a new flavor I tried tonight and Love it. She sent me some carmel corn with peanuts. The two white bags in the back are pancake/waffle mix and biscuit mix from her hometown in South Carolina. She sent special recipes to go with the mixes, can not wait to make something. All the recipes sound so delicious. It doesn't stop there I got note cards, cute summer memo pad, pencils, a big bag of kid candy (the boys are seeing to it that I share). Karen sent some Yellow Peaches and Cream and some TLC Cotton Plus in Lavender. I can not wait to use it. I love it all Karen. You took alot of time in spoiling me. I love to bake and cook. Thank You for all of it. I also enjoyed my emails from you, they would always come at a time when I needed that extra something and it would leave me smiling. For my first swap, I sure did hit the jack pot. I hope my pal likes hers as much as I like mine.

Swap Info.......

2007-08-03T22:27:00.000-05:00

First things first. I finally won a contest. I don't think I have ever had my name pick to win anything. I am so excited and can't wait to see what I get. I have really enjoyed my first swap (DDoS), the hostess Anne and Chan are great and make things so much fun. They both have answered many questions I have had about knitting and different projects.
Second line of business,

Knit 1 Tea 2 Color Swap Questionaire

Do you like loose tea or bags, or both – something you want to try?I use bags but would love to try loose tea, wanted to try for a while.
What is your favorite kind of tea (Brand, flavor, variety, etc)? I love Stash Tea's. I have not tried not one I don't like. I love Chai and Chai mixes, fruity teas are good too. My Dr. says it is best for me to come off caffeine (I know that stinks), so I am going to have to say decaf.
Favorite color in regards to tea or one you would like to try? (black, green, red, and white) (keeping in mind that this is how this swap is set up).I like black, white, and green. Black is my favorite.
Would you say you were a tea pot kind of person or just a hot water heater kind?I love the idea of the teapot and have one and love it, but I heat my water up all the time when I want tea.
What tea accessories would you like but have never purchases for yourself?I would love a tea strainer so I could try loose tea.
How do you prefer to be pampered? (examples: mani/pedi, bubble bath, yummy treat, etc).I love pedicures, I love a good hot bath or shower, and when I am not enjoying tea, I love to go to Starbucks and get Lattes (my 8 year son even tells me on the weekend, that I should treat myself, only so he can go and get something, coming from him I usually do.).
If you were a kind of yarn what would you be and why?I am new to the yarn world and I am learning, I would say in the summer a good cool cotton, and in winter a wool or wool blend, to stay warm.
If you had to knit/crochet baby booties, a fun fur scarf, or a fair isle sweater, which would you choose and why? I would say fun fur scarf or baby booties, don't have the patience for a sweater.
What other event would make you skip a tea party? (A garden party? A book club meeting? A yoga class? Opening night for a new action thriller? etc?)My son's baseball game (it is serious business)
What treat would you consider essential at your tea party? (Sweet? Salty? Scones? Those petite pastry trays with a couple of all sorts of things? Little crust less sandwiches?)Crustless sandwiches, scones, little muffins, petite pastry trays, or my Great grandmother fried apple pies.
When buying yarn for a project how do you choose - do you buy the one called for or do you substitute?A little of both, just depends on the project and if it is a good substitute.
What do you carry your knitting/crocheting in when on the go?Tote bags.
Favorite movie to watch while knitting/crocheting?I am not that experience, I will miss stitches and mess the whole thing up.
Are you a traditional tea cup kind of person or a mug type of person? Do you care if they match?I have tea cups and saucers, but I like my big mugs.
Favorite childhood birthday party? I was about 7 years old and at one of our malls in Birmingham, there was Restraunt/ Icecream place. My parents took about 5 of my girlfriends and we had a ice cream birthday party. The restraunt had old timey memorbilia and was just a really neat place. Then my friends came over and slept over. Very fun!
Favorite type of scone and jam? I love any type of scone/or muffins. My favorite jam is, it does not go with scones really but I love it with cream cheese and crackers. It is made by company called Ravens Nest locally (they make great apple cider mix) it is Rasberry pepper jam. Its sweet but with a little kick. I like cream cheese - pineapple, strawberry, any fruited. I also love pumpkin and apple butter.
If you use candles, what is your favorite scent? I like ocean for the bathroom, the den and kitchen anything homey scent, cinnamon, vanilla, caramel pears, or just pear, apple, gingerbread at christmas.
If you could choose 3 people to have 'tea' with, who would they be and why? (famous or not, living or dead). My grandmother on my fathers side, My Nana and my sister. Both my grandmother and Nana I would be able to sit down and enjoy tea with. My Nana would see too it we would have some fried apple pies and my sister, well she always lives away and I cherish any time I get to spend with her (whether its tea time or any time).
You've been invited to a tea party, what 'props' will you wear (formal or casual)? If it is formal, then I would wear a cute short full dress. If it is casual, either pants or a summer sun dress. I would wear a hat if I could find one I like. I am a girly girl when it comes to dressing.
Any allergies/preferences you have or are willing to admit to? I am not allergic to anything.
Anything we missed that you want your pal to know?This is my second swap and I loved the first one. I know Chan our hostess is super and I can not wait to get started making something new.
Well that finished my business. Now I just have to get packed to go spend a weekend in Atlanta (Six Flags tomorrow). At least while driving I can be knitting.

Cute Bag - Free Pattern

2007-07-29T10:34:00.000-05:00

Hey there is a free pattern for a cute bag at nh knitting mama's . It is called the candy bag. She has a contest going as well. If you link to her post on your blog about the bag, you will get your name in a drawing to win some swag. If you knit the bag and post a picture, you will get 5 more chances plus the 1 for the link = 6 chances to win. Happy Knitting!

Look What I Made

2007-07-26T20:58:00.000-05:00

When you get into crafts and you learn something new, you are always excited about your 1st completed project. Well, I wanted to make some stitch markers for my swap pal in DDoS dishcloth exchange. I followed the directions on this website and it was so easy. So here they are.

My Birthday, Today!

2007-07-26T17:40:00.000-05:00

Today is my Birthday. It was a good day. My family called and sang "Happy Birthday this morning. The singing gets better and better every year, especially the one who got up to sing to me at 4:00 in the morning (my sister). Its a tradition in our family, no matter how bad we might sound on the other end, you get "Happy Birthday" sang to you. I got to work and Becky one of the nurses sang to me too. I didn't tell anyone it was my birthday, so they got me back. On Thursdays we have research lunch and we go to a restraunt and eat while discussing all the different studies going on. The Drs. and nurses I work with had them sing and bring me desert.
It was great. They let me go home early today since it was my day. So, I went to the store and picked up some Rib-Eyes to grill and some Baked Potatos for dinner. What a good day! Thanks for everyone making it so special!

Happy Early Birthday

2007-07-22T21:01:00.000-05:00

Hey there is a contest going on at http://www.knitinggal.blogspot.com/ I got the info from one of the pals from the DDoS dishclothswap. Check it out.

Well, every July we try as a family to get together one time during the month to celebrate all the birthdays that fall during the month We have my mom on the 8th, my brother on the 16th, my son on the 24th, and mine on the 26th. Today was it. We went to my moms and had pizza for dinner (kids love it) and my mom decide to change things up and instead of a cake she decided to have Ice cream sandwiches. Just a little different. I love celebrating my birthday early cause I get my present from my mom early. It is always a unique something. So this is what I got.

It's a glass purse. To decorate a room around and a gift card to New York Company. We are in the process of redecorating room by room. We have done one of my sons last weekend and we began the other son this weekend. It will take a little more work (that is a whole other post). Back to today. It was fun to get together (we missed you Lacey and Geoff).

I got home and well I had an accident today, I was getting all the kids cups out of the car at the gas station and those red archy poles they put on each side of the gas pump so they don't get hit, I didn't see and turned right onto the red pole.
Yes, I would have a white car. Well, I got the option when I got home, either I can get a laptop for my birthday or I can get a insurance deductible and get the car fix. It is looking like getting my car fix, Happy Birthday to me! I have a few more days, maybe something better will happen by the time it gets here.

DDoS 2nd Contest Answers

2007-07-21T22:56:00.000-05:00

The DDoS dishcloth swap has another contest going. They want to know what is something you have made or been given that you REALLY like. I have several unfinished projects but out of my completed I like my four corners dishcloth. I got the pattern from Abigail's site. I have made several of them.
I do have a favorite given item as well, its the bag my sister gave me for Christmas and my first knitting book "The Stitch and Bitch". I have enjoyed both. As you can see I am person who likes very bright and vivid colors.

I think besides what I have going, I want to try handbags. As the handbag swap is wrapping up, I have seen some very cute bags. I really liked this one

from Mary's site. I got a sewing machine for Christmas and I have not used it yet, so once I get use to it, I want to make me a needle case and hook case. Anyone have a good pattern?

I have been working on my pals goods to send to her. I hope to finish by next week.

Well until next time.

New to Blogging

2007-07-10T19:07:00.000-05:00

I guess I should update my blog. I am new to this blogging world, don't have a clue unless I confirm with my sister what to do. I have not posted pictures yet, guess I could put one of those up. I would love to know how to make my button on the sidebar go to my swap link, haven't figured that one out (will take any advice). I tried the step by step instructions someone posted but it does not link my swap picture to the link.

I am loving the DDoS swap (its my 1st). I got my pal and I have been snooping her site for ideas. Gotten a few ideas, and started her dishcloth.

Well, that is all that has been going on.

Until next time.

Contest Answers

2007-07-05T21:36:00.000-05:00

Christy T. crochets.
Diana C. has never made dishcloths.
Besides me Val D. has been knitting less than a year.
Alana R. has been knitting/crocheting for about 45 years.
Barb N. is from Canada.

This is my first swap and I am already having fun.

Until next time.

Dog days of summer questionaire and answers

2007-06-26T17:48:00.000-05:00

Do you knit, or crochet, or do both? How long have you been knitting\crocheting? I do both I knit and crochet since January.
Have you knit dishcloths or dishtowels before? Yes
What are your favorite cotton yarns? Is there a cotton or linen you’ve been dying to try but have not? I am not to knowledgable about yarn, I use the peaches and cream, and sugar and cream but would be willing to try others if given the chance.
Are there any cotton yarns you don’t enjoy knitting with? Not really
What type of needle do you prefer using? (Metal/Wood/Plastic) Wood
What other projects do you enjoy knitting or crocheting? Well I am trying my hand at a tank sweater - knitting, I have started doing my first chemo cap to give away.
Do you have other hobbies or enjoy other kinds of crafting? I like to smock.
What kind of treats do you like? Chocolate? Candies? Nuts? I like kid candy: airheads, sweettarts, sprees, sour straws, gum. I like chocolate and my favorite is the chocolate covered blueberries at starbucks.
What colors are your kitchen and bath decorated in, if any? Kitchen- yellow, teal, sage green, red. Bathroom- 1. teal 2. tan
What are your favorite colors and what colors do you dislike? I love pink for myself. Not a fan of forest green.
Do you drink coffee? Tea? Other beverages? I love starbucks drinks. I drink hot tea every morning (Tazo, or stash). I like diet dr. pepper.
Do you have any kids (human or pet variety!)? 2 boys 6 & 7
Do you have any allergies? Cats, bees, and some antibiotics
Please share 3 tidbits about yourself that you think your pal and other swappers might find odd or interesting. I am a trauma research nurse at UAB (University of Alabama Birmingham), I like sushi, I love helicopters, airplanes and any aircraft that flies (including space).

Well, until next time.