A Full Week

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

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

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

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

I Won!

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

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

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!

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!

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!

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

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

*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

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

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

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!

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.

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!

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.

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

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!