Where I Am

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

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

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

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

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!

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

"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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.