Really, let me just finish this row. . .

New blog!

2009-08-26T09:56:00.002-05:00

Yes, it's true---I have a new blog.

If you've lost the link to my new blog, please email me & I'll get it to you!

Bummer, dude

2009-08-23T08:34:00.001-05:00

We didn't get the house--the people that did bid 2k over the asking price so clearly they realllllly wanted the house.

We're back to square one & have a little more knowledge under our belts. We don't have to move immediately & the only schedule we have is our own, so we're in a good position.

Now back to knitting!

Not much knitting

2009-08-22T14:25:00.002-05:00

but perhaps I'll have a new place to store my yarn fairly soon. We submitted a contract on a house today! Much of the last couple weeks has been researching homes online (what neighborhood is it in, what school would Sunshine be zoned for, etc) & then going back & forth w/ our realtor. We looked at 6 houses on Thursday. By mid-afternoon I was mentally & physically exhausted. Floor plans, paint colors, & wallpaper ran together in my mind. Two houses stood out & we made arrangements to go back to one of them to measure the master to make sure our bedroom furniture would fit.

Yesterday we looked at one more house & while the price was right, we didn't get the vibes that it was "the" house. But still, 2 master suites, 2 more br's, hardwood floors didn't make up for the fact that the backyard was 75% stone patio (which was pretty but overkill), no garage & the driveway was reaaaaaaaaaally steep. Trick or treaters would egg our house because of the stone steps up from the street & I wouldn't blame them.

So right now, we're one of 3 contracts being presented today at 5. We do know that one of them is for less than our offer (both purchase price & earnest $$) so we're hoping the other offer is for less than ours too.

I know you're concerned about my yarn---there is a nice sized closet in the guest room that would work well.

And the winner is. . .

2009-08-17T09:21:00.002-05:00

Lavender Ladybug & her suggestion of "Sunshine"!! It really fits the Wee One & Hunter thought
"Sunny" was cute too so, congratulations Lavender Ladybug!! I'll be in contact with you so I can get your yarn goodies to you!

I'm told it's a rite of passage

2009-08-15T20:51:00.003-05:00

but it left me feeling like I was either going to cry, laugh hysterically or be sick to my stomach.

The Wee One decided to cut her hair today. By herself. While we were out of the room. You'll remember that this was her hair last week on the 1st day of school. A little past her shoulders, no bangs, unlimited styling options.

Until today. I discovered the hair in the trash & honestly didn't know if I was going to cry, yell, be sick or laugh like a crazy person.
A quick dash to the kiddie salon & we left with a chin length bob w/ some bangs. I'm happy that we were able to do some sort of style as she really whacked off a good chunk on the left side of her head.

So here is my beautiful girl, with her big girl hair cut. I'm getting used to it & it's now hitting me why my parents used to cringe when I used to color, straighten, whatever my own hair.

On the Name That Kindergartener Contest front---we have a winner! The name & winner will be named tomorrow. It was a hard choice & Hunter was torn between a couple of the submissions. Thanks to everyone who played!!

Name that Kindergartener Contest!

2009-08-09T11:51:00.002-05:00

While I'm comfortable posting pics of my daughter on my blog, I'm not comfortable using her name. I've gone so far as to delete comments where people have mentioned her name or asked that they themselves delete the comment.

For years I've called her "The Wee One", which was fine while she was a wee one. But at 5 & in Kindergarten, she's really not a wee one anymore.

This leads me to sponsor a contest---the name that kindergartener contest. Starting now, ending on Friday the 14th. The winning nickname will be chosen by Hunter (he's sort of neutral, right?!) & the prize is some yummy, pretty yarn (to be shown later when I get off my butt & take a pic).

So, name away!!!

Success!

2009-08-07T07:04:00.002-05:00

After much 5 yr old angst & declarations of "I don't want to go to Kindergarten!", we had a successful day. The Wee One saw a friend from last year's class (see hand-holding pic) & they helped each other into the building.

When I picked her up in the afternoon, her teacher told me that she had a great first day--listened well, helped friend from last yr when he fell on the playground, and was just wonderful. YAY!

We went out for ice cream after school & while we were walking to the car she told me "Mommy, you were right. Kindergarten IS fun!"

Get away/ Come here

2009-08-05T13:49:00.002-05:00

I've felt like the worst mother on the planet for the past couple days. The Wee One is so anxious about starting Kindergarten tomorrow. We've talked about being nervous, how it's natural & I've reminded her how she didn't want to move onto the PreK last year, that she wanted to stay w/ her 3 yr old class teacher. And how very quickly she grew to love Mrs. Kathy. Well, now we don't want to leave Mrs. Kathy.

Her behavior has been hit or miss for a few days. I know part of it is school & the other is getting used to being home after spending a month away. But I'm only human & the whining & not listening & attitude & clinginess is really wearing on me. I'm all about a hug & kiss but the wrapping herself around my legs or hanging on my arms. Driving me insane.

We had a pool playdate last week w/ some of our PreK friends & all the moms said the same thing about their children---whining, not listening, acting out. It reassured me but it still doesn't change things. I was relieved to know I'm not alone!

Last night we had Orientation at the Wee One's school & had the opportunity to meet her teacher. I had met her back in the Spring when I toured the school & was impressed with her. Very caring, knew her stuff & just got a very good vibe from her as well as the school. The Wee One found her desk & sat down but that was about it. "I don't want to be in Kindergarten, I want to be at my old school" *sigh* And this was after she realized 2 boys from her old school will be in her class.

So while I want her to stop clinging to me, I find myself wanting to hold her & stop time. I know I've said this before, but how did we get to this point? Didn't I just have a baby? Weren't we just doing playdates where the babies played & rolled around on the floor while we compared notes on sleeping, feeding, etc? I'm so grateful that I've been able to be a SAHM & to be home with her, especially since Hunter was gone so often.

Tomorrow will be a hard day, despite the fact that I've sent her to school before. Some of the other PreK moms from our group last yr are getting together for coffee & moral support. I think we're all going to need it!!

A new reality

2009-07-31T08:44:00.002-05:00

Thank you all for your prayers & thoughts the past month. They have meant a lot & have given my family & I great comfort.

We're entering a new reality & while I'm doing well most days, I do have my moment where I realize that I can't call my parents to ask my Dad's advice on things. I really haven't been able to for the past few months but the finality of it all has settled in.

The Wee One starts school next week so we're gearing up for that. I still do not know how it's possible that she's entering Kindergarten! Time does flies too quickly & I've learned that there is no rewind button. While I have days where I think it would be great to be working outside the home, I am brought back to reality quickly & count my blessings that I'm able to spend my time w/ the Wee One & experience her life with her.

Obviously no knitting is going on but hopefully soon. I have some bebe gifts to make as well as begin thinking about Christmas presents.

Heaven has a new angel

2009-07-17T13:48:00.000-05:00

R.I.P Daddy. I love you & know you're telling story after story & joke after joke in Heaven.

Home again, home again

2009-07-17T09:17:00.003-05:00

The Wee One & I are back in GA, having left VT on Mon the 13th & VA on the 15th. Dad is in the hospital & is comfortable thanks to the effects of morphine. It's been a rough week, not knowing whether we should go back to VT or whether we should come home. We made the decision to come home to let the Wee One get back to her routine before we're called back.

Thank you for all your prayers & warm wishes for Dad. We knew a long time ago that this time would come & I'm at peace with it, for the most part. I don't know if you're ever really ready to acept something like this.

School starts in three weeks & I was pleased to find out that our enrollment fee included all of the Wee One's school supplies!!! YAY! She's all set with a backpack & lunch bag from last year--her old preschool furnished schoolbags so her backpack is in nearly perfect condition. I am debating getting a lunch bag from Land's End---it keeps things cold for up to 5 hours which would be perfect. I'm not sure if her Disney Princess one does the same or not. Perhaps I'll do a little experiment & see before I spend the money.

Not much knitting going on right now, but I did score some great deals on Noro Cash Island & Colinette Lasso while I was in VT. Both were 1/2 off. I should have picked up one more skein of the Lasso.

Vacation, of a sort

2009-07-11T18:14:00.003-05:00

Greetings from Vermont! The Wee One & I came up a little over a week ago to visit my family as my Dad's health has deteriorated since Christmas & we've been given the "prepare for the worst" speech by his visiting nurse & other health care professionals.

I've prepared myself for this as his health has been on the decline for about 10 years. Everytime we leave VT, I think it'll be the last time I'll see him. The sad thing is, this time I might be right.

So anyway! We had a lovely time on the UVM boat Melosira on Lake Champlain, watching the fireworks. A friend of mine from my tween & teen years & I got back in contact courtesy of Facebook. Her dad captains the ship. A generous invite later & there we were, on the lake watching a great fireworks display.

In addition to spending time w/ Memere & Pepere, we had our first Mommy/Wee One trip that didn't involve seeing family! We spent 2 days in Boston & had a lot of fun! I lived in Boston for 7 years so it's strange going somewhere that you called home & being a tourist. You know where things are & how best to get there (T, walk, drive), but you're not local anymore. We got to see several old friends & coworkers---all of whom who had never met the Wee One as the last time I was there I didn't know I was pregnant yet!

We went to the Aquarium (she loved the jellies, turtles, seals & the penguins), ate lunch at Faneuil Hall, people watched on Beacon Hill, visited my old BH apt (she told me she wants to live there one day. Trust me my little bugaboo---we all want to live on the Hill!) , rode on the Swan Boat in the Public Garden & of course, played on the Make Way For Ducklings statues in the Garden!

We got back to VT on Friday & head home next week. I normally don't do this on my blog, but if you've got any prayers/positive thoughts/vibes, my family certainly could use them right now. Trying times are here & are staying.

xox

Happy Father's Day

2009-06-22T09:09:00.002-05:00

Our super-wonderful Daddy (who is home with us this year!) with our super-wonderful girl.

We had a low-key day yesterday---Hunter & the Wee One went swimming while I stayed in, watched the Real Housewives marathon (don't we all appreciate a good table flipping?) & seamed together my Feather & Fan Baby Cardigan.

The weather has been brutal so we've been doing lots of swimming & singing the praises of whoever invented air conditioning! Poor Libby has suffered as it's just too hot to go play ball in the afternoons---I'm going to have to start bringing her in the mornings when it's only in the 80's!

I have a pair of socks on my needles now---Cascade Fixation anklets for me. I found out a friend from hs is pregnant & expecting a girl in December---more pink/purple knitting!

Almost there!!

2009-06-11T16:45:00.002-05:00

We spent the week of Memorial Day on Anna Maria Island in Florida. Now, let me say that we're big Destin, Fl fans---love the Gulf, love the white sands. After spending time on AMI, Destin is nothing but a fond memory. AMI is beyond beautiful & there is a law limiting the height of the buildings so there are no high rise condos blocking your view of the Gulf.

The Wee One at Coquina Beach----look at that water! We went to this beach one day & it was wonderful. Except for the time Hunter went off diving for shells & I couldn't see him.

The sunsets were beyond amazing. This pic was taken on our final night there from our table at The Beach House restaurant. We had such amazing service & the food was so yummy that we went 2 nights in a row. Yummy crab cakes & Hunter maintains the steak was the best he's had anywhere!

The Wee One in the dinosaur's mouth at the Museum of Science & Industry in Tampa. We saw the Body Worlds exhibit which was very interesting. The only part that was a little disconcerting was when the Wee One realized that these were once living people.

The Wee One on Siesta Beach in Siesta Key, Fl. Apparently it's the #2 beach in the country. Soft white sands, goes on for miles, a couple cute lifeguards but sadly the sea shell hunting wasn't that great. The surf was pretty rough while we were there so we did lots of playing in the sand!

Me & my beautiful girl at The Beach House! Hunter has a similar pic as his wallpaper on his phone. Great memories of a wonderful vacation!

Are you sick of playing catch up yet?

2009-06-10T13:38:00.002-05:00

Suddenly May was upon us & the Wee One was graduating from PreK! It was very sad as she's been at the preschool since she was 2 years old. This year was special--not just her teachers (whom she adored), the great mix of kids but the moms too. We had lots of playdates, Mom's lunches out & even yesterday a few of us got together for pizza & bowling with the kids.

Booties!

2009-06-09T09:41:00.002-05:00

I have two friends having girls, one is having her first, the other having her 3rd girl (4th child) so there is gobs o'baby knitting going on & in the works.

Here are the t-strap booties that will soon be sent to NY. Some baby leg warmers are also on the needles to go with. Can I just say, baby legwarmers are fun to knit---they're small enough to knit up fairly quickly, are both practical & adorable & are just a little different than the standard blanket present.

Catch Up Part III

2009-06-06T13:53:00.004-05:00

After going to a friend's bowling party last fall, the Wee One decided she wanted a bowling party too, only "the girls will dress as princesses & the boys will dress as princes" After much discussion I managed to convince her that the boys probably didn't have princes costumes & that a Princesses & Heroes party would be much better.

Catch Up Part II

2009-06-05T08:26:00.006-05:00

On April 25th we went to see Disney on Ice which has become an annual event for us (can't say I mind!). This year we went w/ a friend from school & his mom. The Wee One always dresses like Snow White for DoI. She got lots of ooohs & aahs & it was nice to see other little girls dressed up too!

Playing Catch Up

2009-06-05T08:18:00.002-05:00

Since I went so long without blogging I feel like I need to share what we've been up to & why I haven't been knitting.

We went to Yellow River Game Ranch with my friend Paige & her 3 girls (the youngest is turning 1 this month & didn't make it into our picture). Her oldest is a couple weeks younger than the Wee One so we were pregnant together.

The girls got along really well & played nicely together, which is always nice!

For some reason the black bears made me really sad. They look like they'd really rather be somewhere else.

Isn't the peacock gorgeous? Their colors are so incredibly rich---I took lots of pics of them!

FINALLY! A Finished Object!!

2009-06-04T19:28:00.002-05:00

May I present the Circle cloth---my first FO in a couple months! I started it Monday at Knit Night (mmmm Panera!) & finished Tuesday while the Wee One & I were at the pool. Easy pattern to memorize & fun to knit.

Now I'm in full fledged baby knitting for a couple friends who are expecting. I found some things I liked in a Debbie Bliss book tonight @ Barnes & Noble so I'm feeling very inspired!

Two more views

2009-05-28T10:33:00.002-05:00

and soon we'll be home. Knitting will resume, I promise, but for now enjoy the pics.

Two of the most important people in my life.

And our view during dinner last night @ The Beachhouse in Bradenton Beach, Fl.

Hopefully this will distract you

2009-05-26T08:19:00.003-05:00

I apologize for not being better with my blogging but life (as always) has been hectic. Not much knitting has been going on & right now we're enjoying this beautiful view in Anna Maria Island, FL. Can you hear the sound of the surf?

I promise there will be more going on when we get back & life as we know it resumes.

'Til then, enjoy the view!

5 years later, 4/6/04

2009-04-06T15:59:00.004-05:00

After spending 17 hrs in labor, we were presented with our beautiful baby girl. At 10 lbs 11 oz & 22" long she was the biggest baby in the nursery. To us, she was perfect.

Fast forward 5 years & here we are at her school celebrating her birthday with her classmates. Today is our family celebration--the last time Hunter was home for her birthday she was turning 2. You read that right--he missed her 3rd & 4th birthdays, so today is doubly special. Her party is in a couple weeks & the weekend after her party she & I are going to see Disney on Ice, courtesy of Grandma and Papa & Memere and Pepere.

I'm slowly learning that we're not the only ones who suffer from certain "miletone" birthdays. You know how people freak over turning 30, 40, etc? Well, it happens to parents when their children reach certain ages. Five! She is FIVE. That's the end of toddlerhood & the beginning of "big kid-dom" I don't think I'm going to cry when she starts Kindergarten in August (yeah, right! Did that when she started preschool!), but I will feel sad that my baby is growing up. At the risk of sounding trite---enjoy your babies when they're young as they do grow up too fast!

April 5th 2004

2009-04-05T09:38:00.002-05:00

This is what I looked like. Ginormous. I was 39 weeks & 5 days pregnant. Roughly a 37 lb weight gain.

I was scheduled to be induced the following day so Hunter & I spent a leisurely Monday by going to lunch at Atlanta Bread Company & then walking. A lot of walking.

We were very anxious & excited to meet our beautiful girl.

Books!

2009-03-25T19:59:00.003-05:00

Holly posted a pic of her knitting books so I thought I would do the same. When I started knitting I figured I'd never need to spend money on books because of all the patterns available on the internet. I mean, why would I want to??

I know, it's funny. I laugh when I think about it too!

Not much going on the knitting front. Spring Break is what I'm calling it. I got great news today that a good friend of mine is pregnant & due in October. Hmmm, chilly weather kicks in after October. The possibilities are mind-boggling!

Yarn, glorious yarn

2009-03-21T19:01:00.003-05:00

My knit group had a field trip today to Peachtree City, GA (about an hour & 15 min away) to a brand new yarn shop! Sugarfoot Yarns has opened & can I say--what a lovely little shop! I managed to leave relatively unscathed---the artyarns beaded silk kept calling me. Seriously screaming my name. I left with 3 skeins of yarn--Misti Alpaca handpainted sock yarn, Misti Alpaca lace & Malabrigo (Smellabrigo---private joke for the group) sock yarn.

Here's the group after we made our purchases. Afterwards we went to Tuesday Morning for cheap (I mean, inexpensive) knitting books & then to 5 Guys Burgers & Fries for lunch.

Family Fun Day

2009-03-08T15:24:00.003-05:00

Yesterday we had Family Fun Day while Hunter's unit is in the field. We got to go out to the range to see the tanks/bradleys doing live fire exercises, check out the inside of various vehicles (m1a1 tank, bradleys, and the new stryker med. evac) & play with weapons (blanks obviously!) Enjoy!

We have SNOW!!!!!

2009-03-01T10:52:00.002-05:00

And I LOVE it!!!!

The Wee One donned her snow boots, winter coat, hat, mittens & went out to play. She & Hunter threw snowballs & we made a small snowman.

The only downside of the snow---the daffodils. Snow makes them sad.

Have I turned into a scarf knitter?

2009-02-25T08:16:00.003-05:00

And if so, is that bad? Here is Hunter's scarf, or at least 1/3 of it. Right now I'm about 55% into it. If the chilly weather doesn't last here he'll have it when it gets cold again next winter.

The Wee One has a new interest---tennis! My brother Michael chuckled when I told him "there's got to be scholarship potential somehow, right?" He works in higher education (VP of Student Life at an East Coast university) & after a pause said "Stamford--isn't that where McEnroe went??" She is due to start later this week, pics to follow.

I got a little teary eyed this morning reading the obituaries from my home town paper. The widow of a WWII veteran died & this was in her obit:

Rose would often tell the story of how overjoyed she was when some of Gus's Army duffle bags arrived back to the house from Europe, meaning that Gus was coming home soon, and then again when her brother Jim's Marine Corp. duffle bags started arriving home from the Pacific, meaning that he too would arrive home safe.

It made me think of Hunter's deployments when we'd get the official word to stop sending mail. I also remember going to the PO to pick up a foot locker, covered in desert sand (trust me when I say that stuff NEVER comes out!) & feeling the excitement that he was finally coming home.

So this morning I "connected" with a 98 yr old woman that I never knew just for a moment. I knew exactly the joy she felt knowing he was coming home. I wonder if she was a knitter too.

Fiddle Dee Dee!

2009-02-21T13:31:00.004-05:00

Gone With The Wind is on TCM (Turner Classic Movies) today. Starting in just a few minutes. I have to say, and those who know me best would admit, it is my all time, hands down favorite movie. Of all time.

I think I fell in love with it somewhere around the age of 8 when I saw it for the first time while spending the night with my Aunt Barbara (my Dad's only sister). She told me how she skipped school to see it in the theater! To my 8 year old mind, skipping school was probably one of the worst offenses you could commit. Skipping school? Insanity!

I was smitten the first time I saw Scarlett O'Hara in that white & green dress at the Wilkes' BBQ. How can you not be?

From that point, obsession took over. I looked forward to it showing on tv (once a year back then & before the age of the VCR/DVR). Immediately acquired a paperback copy of the book which I read. And read. And read some more. All 1034 pages. Or something like that. My father told me he had read it in school & proclaimed it the worst book he'd ever read. Sacrilege!!!! Clearly he just didn't get it!

But Aunt Barbara did. And somehow, my Mom too. The GWTW gifts started somewhere after that. Collector plates. Music boxes. My Mom (and other collectors) kept the Franklin Mint in business in the '80's buying everything & anything GWTW for me. (and the other collectors, for themselves). When I was in college & working at Waldenbooks I would snatch up every book about the movie.

While we're discussing books, let me just say that Scarlett, the sequel----bad. Bad, bad, bad. We won't discuss it further. And the tv movie made from it? Blech!

When I lived in Portland, ME, I made friends with another GWTW freak. Her collection was almost as extensive as mine. I had more music boxes, but she had the Vivien Leigh bio. We would have showings at her house. Bring our favorite memorabilia, have drinks and munches & watch the movie. A box of tissues always found its way to the couch as I pretty much cry for the last 30-45 min of the movie. Scarlett running thru the fog back to Rhett? Yeah, I'm a goner at that point.

The highlight of my time in Portland was the movie being shown at the State Theater. GWTW on the big screen???? We were there 2 nights in a row.

Before my ex & I got married he had to sit through the movie. I should have known it wasn't going to work when all he did was mock the movie.

So 30+ years into my love affair with the movie, I find myself comfy on the couch, knitting project nearby & the Wee One in her room for rest hour.

One of these days she & I will take a trip to ATL to the Margaret Mitchell house (I'm ashamed to admit, I haven't been in all the time I've lived here!) . And in a couple years she & I will have a Mommy & Wee One movie night where I'll introduce her to the movie that has been one of my joys since I was a wee one!

Dragon Scales Scarf

2009-02-20T13:04:00.002-05:00

Miss Lisa's Dragon Scales scarf is finally finished!

Today I've been listing baby items on the Just4Kidz website for their March consignment sale. Hopefully it all sells!!

Hunter's scarf is now on the needles--only 3 months after I got the yarn!

Happy Birthday Libby Ibby Bibby!

2009-02-16T09:52:00.002-05:00

Our sweet Schnauzer Libby turns 6 today! Her favorite hobby, as seen in the pic, is playing ball in the afternoons. Okay, any time of day really. She usually starts to bring me her ball around 3pm & it doesn't stop until we've gone out to play fetch.

She's a big snuggle bug & loves belly rubs, ear scratches & loves to be held. As I type, she's on the back of the couch (her perch so she can see outside) and is keeping my back warm.

Hunter's aunt (who is friends with the breeder & owned Libby's great grandmother (Snookie) & great uncle (Ditto) proclaimed Libby to be the "best schnauzer in the world" & agrees with me when I say we really got the pick of the litter!!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2009-02-14T10:34:00.002-05:00

My sweet girl & wonderful husband yesterday at her Valentine's party at school. We weren't planning on him coming so it was a nice surprise!

We're enjoying the fact that Daddy is home with us this year & are taking it easy today as the weather is a little "blech".

Take advantage of today to let those around you know how you feel. Be nice, of course!! Consider yourselves hugged & know how much I appreciate each & every one of you!!!

xox

The pictures don't lie

2009-02-12T14:34:00.001-05:00

I was looking at the hot pink cloth I made for the Wee One's teacher last night & realized there is an error in the top heart. I know errors happen & we excuse them as "design features" but when it's part of a small heart pattern it's pretty obvious & not even claiming a "design feature" can help.

So this morning I CO the Quilted Hearts Dishcloth. Fun little pattern, a quick knit & the best part---no "design features"!!

A very yarn filled day!

2009-02-11T21:47:00.002-05:00

Not one, but two, count 'em TWO FO's! I was trying to come up with a good teacher gift for Valentine's Day & then it hit me----washcloth, shower gel & lotion.

Off to my stash to find pink or red cotton yarn. Obviously it wasn't hard. Next stop, Ravelry to find the patterns. Then I started knitting. When I finished the first cloth (the 5 heart pale pink) I went into what Hunter calls "The Closet of Doom" into my stash of toiletries & found some yummy smelling Bath & Body Works shower gels & lotions for the Wee One's teacher & the aide.

Then I CO for cloth #2 (2 heart hot pink) after dinner. Knitted thru LOST at 8pm & by the time this week's new episode started, I was onto the plain stockinette & garter stitch rows.

Blocking to follow & then to be wrapped up w/ the companion goodies for Friday!

And finally, I purchased one more skein of yarn. This time from Amanda at http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5184795

Amanda dyes the most beautiful yarns & is a fellow New Englander as well as Red Sox fan. In short---she's perfect *wink*

It pays to know people

2009-02-10T18:58:00.002-05:00

Especially people who spin & dye yarn! If you read my previous post you'll remember me lamenting over the fact that I had $$ to spend but couldn't find the "right" purchase.

Well, last night I went to Knit Group (because I refuse to use that S & B phrase) & who should show up but Lacey! She sits down next to me & starts pulling out hank after hank after skein after skein of the most gorgeous handspun. We pass around several of the skeins which are petted, stroked, Ooohed & aahed over. Two have my attention. I made a wise choice & bought one. It's called Frog Stomp & is 156 yards. If you enlarge the pic you possibly can see the sparkles in it. They're called "angelina"!!

Thanks Lacey for enabling me & quenching my need to buy SOMETHING!! I'm loving my yarn & keep taking it out to look at it!

For those of you looking for pretty yarns, check out Lacy's Etsy site http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5145853

I swear something is wrong with me

2009-02-08T18:53:00.003-05:00

Each pay period Hunter's salary is divided up ---the bulk goes to our bill/household account & then he & I have what I jokingly refer to as our "allowances". Fun money, if you prefer.

So many things have been tempting me lately---more Harmony wood needles (I "need" some larger DPN's. Right, NEED!), the 100 Designer One Skein Wonders book, some Noro Silk Garden bulky from the Little Knits sale. A bag would be nice & not terribly pricey right now.

As I go to order these things I realize that while I want more Harmonys, I really don't need them just yet. The 100 Desiginer OSW book--I think I might make something for someone out of there but after looking at it at Barnes & Noble last night I decided that I don't need it. The Silk Garden bulky? It's gorgeous & after using the reg. SG for BIL's mitts & FIL's scarf I realized I do like it but the bulky? Hmmmmm, I dont know that I want that much bulky. I want to make another scarf & mittens for myself & perhaps a headband for cold days but not with bulky yarn.

What is happening here? I'm talking myself out of these purchases. Who am I & what have the aliens done with my body???

On the knitting front, the dragon scales scarf is coming along nicely. The colors are pretty & I'm really liking this pattern. I need to make a baby gift of some sort for my friend Josie who is now living in Germany (it's okay for you to say you're jealous & possibly disliking her right now. I was there too---Germany would be so fun now that the Wee One is a little older!) courtesy of the US Army. When she had her little boy a couple yrs ago I made a baby sweater (heartbreakingly cute baby kimono), a bib & a washcloth. She's not finding out the sex (way to go Josie!! There are too few surprises in this life!) so whatever I make will have to be neutral. I have a month to do whatever it is that I am going to do so I need to get moving on it. Perhaps a blanket. I have to admit, I do like the 4 skein baby blanket as it's quick, is pretty & a little different. Hmmmmm, must think on this.

Back to the fluff you've come to expect.

2009-02-03T18:43:00.003-05:00

My Odessa II hat for the Wee One's teacher from last year. It matches her Elsebeth Lavold Silky Wool scarf from last year.

And the Wee One & Daddy today leaving for Donuts With Daddy Day at school.
The look on her face says it all! Hunter said she introduced him to all her friends "Chloe, this is my father!!!" He admitted to getting a little choked up at the breakfast b/c it "was so sweet" He's a closeted softy!

Truly strange times in which we live

2009-02-03T17:04:00.002-05:00

I normally don't blog about politics because, really, my opinion is just that--MY opinion. It's not right, it's not wrong, it might not make sense to you & you're not here to read about it. But it's times like this that really make me mad.

I try to be a good person. I try to be a good mother & role model to my daughter. I try to be a good wife, daughter, sister, daughter in law, friend, blah blah blah. But I'm not perfect. I make mistakes sometimes. Please, take a moment to pick your jaw up off the floor. You're shocked I know. But when I do make a mistake I own up to it & try to make things right.

Hunter & I try to be good citizens. He serves his country & I think it's fair to say, we've sacrificed a good bit for the country we believe in & love. Our family life takes a hit every other year, our marriage is put to the test & our daughter suffers because she is too young to comprehend why Daddy is gone for so long.

We live within our means & don't look for handouts from the government. We try to give to charity when we can & I volunteer when I can at the Wee One's school & w/ our FRG.

And we pay our taxes.

So, how is it that people like Tom Daschle, Charlie Rangel, Tim Geithner, & Nancy Killefer, who I'm sure have "people" to do things like that for them, can't get them done? Believe me, I've been really busy before & forgotten to do something, but paying taxes? Yeah, not one of them.

Shame, shame, shame.

Light at the end of the tunnel

2009-01-30T13:35:00.002-05:00

The Great Kindergarten Debate of '09 tunnel, that is!

I called our elementary school today to schedule a tour. The parent reviews on greatschools.com aren't favorable at all so I thought I would go & check it out myself. So I call this morning. Tour? Oh no! You just come in during the March "Roundup" (registration for Prek & K students) & you can look around then, if you want to. Um, no. I want to look now before I register her anywhere else.

What is interesting is that a friend of mine who is zoned for another school was given a tour this past week. Treated like a rock star & she left on cloud 9, forgetting that she had ever considered private school!

I called the school district to find out why the discrepancy in attitudes & was told that while they would like to think that ALL schools would open their doors to prospective parents/students, it was up to the principal to set the standard for their school. I understand the last thing any educator needs is a nutty parent walking around wondering if this setting was the right one for their little darling but really, if you don't have anything to hide why not let them come in & ease their worried little minds?

So I have written off this school & will tour what is known as "Choice #1" on Monday. I got a good vibe from the phone call I made today, was told to come by anytime & have spent time on their website & reading their Parent/Student Handbook. Let's hope it goes well & I can find something else to obsess over!

Your actions DO count

2009-01-23T20:38:00.002-05:00

A couple weeks ago I was at Burger King w/ the Wee One for a play date w/ some of her friends from school. We were the last to leave & were walking to our car when I heard the sound of metal on metal. When I looked over to the parking lot I saw a truck backing out & rubbing up on the truck next to it. I was shocked when they didn't stop, despite the damage to the other truck being clearly visible & let's be real---you KNOW when you hit another car.

I wrote down the offending vehicle's plate number & left the information on their windshield. Today, this letter was in our "Letters to the Editor" part of the paper:

My pickup truck was parked and unoccupied in the parking lot of the Burder King on Veterans Parkway. Upon my return to my truck I found damage to the vehicle. Denise is the manager at the this location. She called the police for me. She also informed me they had a surveillance camera in the parking lot.

Officer Michael Miller responded to the call. He obtained a copy of the videotape and also the note we found on my windshield identifying a person who witnessed the accident. They got the responsible parties’ tag number along with a description of the at-fault vehicle. All this information was given to Officer R. D. Hall, the director of the Hit & Run unit.

All this evidence was presented to Recorders Court Judge Michael P. Cielinski. The Judge ruled in my favor and the responsible parties’ insurance paid for my damages.

I have to thank Officer Miller, Denise, Officer Hall and certainly Judge Cielinski. I don’t know how he keeps his sanity. I was at the court for quite some time listening to the hundred or so cases presented to him. He shows compassion when it is called for and is firm when needed.

Obvioiusly I think everbody should avoid Recorders Count if possible. The person who hit my vehicle lost his license and paid a stiff fine. But If you are ever there you are in for an eye-opening experience. Again, thanks to the system that worked for me.

I'm glad that justice was served!

Did someone say 'hat'??

2009-01-22T23:19:00.002-05:00

I thought you did. CO yesterday afternoon, worked on during LOST, which is a feat in & of itself as I usually don't knit while watching for fear of missing something. Stockinette during a season opener is a good thing!

Now to finish the hat I promised her teacher last year!

History is made & 2 FO's

2009-01-20T13:42:00.002-05:00

Jayne Hat for Alida's sweetie which I finished this morning & the Wee One's new mittens which were finished yesterday afternoon. She needs a new hat to go with them!

I think the most touching thing in all of today's festivities was FOX News commentator Juan Williams' voice breaking & showing the emotion he (and many Americans) felt in realizing the moment they had long dreamed of had come.

On the horizon

2009-01-19T09:40:00.002-05:00

Two more soon-to-be FO's. I have another Jayne Hat on the needles for my friend Alida's boyfriend. It's his Valentine's Day present so I need to get it done & out to her in Seattle by the 1st (my deadline, not hers!)

The mitten is for the Wee One. It's mate is 30% finished & hopefully will be done later this morning. It's the first time I've used a pattern that doesn't use a traditional thumb gusset & I'm on the fence on whether I like it or not. It does use waste yarn for the thumb stitches rather than a stitch holder & I do like that, but the lack of thumb gusset is a little "eh" for me.

Speaking of the Wee One, she did indeed have strep. The doctor called a couple hours after we got home to let us know the rapid strep test came back positive. Interestingly enough, she didn't have strep in Sept. They're thinking it was either tonsilitis or that the swab didn't get enough cells. At any rate, we're officially "keeping an eye" on her. I'm hoping we stay strep & tonsilitis-free for many, many months. The idea of her having surgery just isn't appealling to me!

1st FO of the year!

2009-01-13T12:45:00.002-05:00

My Noro Kochoran Easy Mittens for me! I'm thrilled with how they came out & how well I did with matching the colors!

The Wee One conked out at 6pm last night. We were having dinner in the living room (Daddy wasn't home) & she climbed up next to me on the couch. Things got quiet, and when I peeked over at her, saw she was sound asleep. Even Libby barking at our neighbor didn't wake her up. Around 630 I carried her into her room & an hour later gave her some tylenol. At midnight I gave her motrin & got her into a nightgown. She came in our room to wake me up shortly past 7! Her throat looks a little red (spotty, strep-looking) & she still was a little warm so I called the peds clinic & by some stroke of fate, we have an appointment this afternoon. If it is strep, it's her 3rd bout with it in 6 months (Aug & Sept '08) which isn't great. My brothers & sister all had their tonsils out as kinds, I still have mine (and have had strep as an adult!) so we'll see what the doctor says!

Monday Monday

2009-01-12T19:09:00.003-05:00

My Easy Mitten! For me. Two years ago I got a great deal on Noro Kochoran on Little Knits & made a "potato chip scarf" that I love. Periodically I'd take out the leftover skein, lovingly pet it & wonder what would I do with it. After making the fingerless mitts for my BIL & realizing that while I'd never wear mitts, the idea to make mittens was born!

The Wee One was home from school today feeling icky. Low-grade fever, not a big appetite & happy to stay in Mommy's bed watching movies for most of the day. She conked out on the couch at 6 & is in her bed. I'm hoping she sleeps thru the night & gets whatever is ailing her out of her system.

I'm starting to look at kindergartens for her for the fall. 1) HOW is it possible that she is old enough & 2) why is this such a crazy process? What am I going to be like when she's looking at colleges? It's KINDERGARTEN for pete's sake! Part of my problem is that I've heard not-so-great things about the public school that is closest to us. The principal is never available to parents, the PTA is all about fund-raising rather than establishing parent-teacher relations & getting parents involved in the school & that bullying is a problem. If only the school she's at now would offer Kindergarten. It would be a no brainer.

We had a great time in VT with my family for Christmas---both of my brothers were there which was great. The Wee One adores her uncles, aunt & cousins & was an absolute joy. The only sad point is my Dad's health is really bad. He had a quintuple bypass in 2000 & really never recovered from it. In 2002 he suffered from a bout of pneumonia that left him on oxygen (as well as suffering from emphesyma) and by this past summer it became clear that he was starting to show signs of dementia. It was hard seeing him in this condition, knowing that he's not going to get better. The Wee One, yet again, was great---she's not phased by his oxygen tube & would run up to him to give hugs & kisses randomly throughout the day. I love this picture of them!

Off to finish the mate to my mitten!

Back to normal

2009-01-05T07:33:00.002-05:00

Or what constitutes normal in our house. Hunter is back to work today, the Wee One goes back to school tomorrow & I am up watching Rock of Love 3 on Tivo. Don't judge!

Is Ravelry down? When I go to the main page (and any other page--forums, friends, etc) I get this weird page arrangement. Hmmmm.

No knitting right now but I'm thinking about starting Hunter's silk garden scarf. Of course, it's 70 degrees here lately but at least I'll have it done.

Bye Bye 2008

2008-12-31T08:29:00.002-05:00

I promised VT pics so without further delay, I present to you Stowe, VT.

We're back in VA after 14 hrs in the car ---we lost 45 min in PA due to a horrible accident that closed part of the highway. Thank you, Garmin for getting us back on the highway.

And as we say good bye to 2008, it's time for the "official" FO count for 2008----33 is this year's total. Not my best, but certainly not too shabby considering LeslieJ stole my mojo last winter & I didn't knit for 3-4 months!

Happy Boxing Day!

2008-12-26T10:55:00.002-05:00

Had a wonderful Christmas with my family (Mom, Dad, both brothers, one SIL, 2 nephews & obviously Hunter & the Wee One), complete with traditional meal (turkey, various fixings & my Memere's Canadian meat stuffing), pressies & lots of ribbing. Hunter got into the act which was great!

Today we're thinking about going to the Ben & Jerry's factory---we went 5 yrs ago but obviously there was no Wee One then. We took her to the VT Teddy Bear Factory in '06 & she got a bear then (to go w/ the one Hunter had made for her 1st b-day when he was in Iraq) so that might not be a good idea for today.

I picked up some yarn at NEFAC on Tuesday---a skein of Plymouth Encore for socks for my brother Todd (whose other socks are still on the needles!), a skein of Koigu KPPPM for my stash & a skein of Colinette silk to make me forget about Tilli Thomas!

Pics of the snowy goodness that is VT to follow soon!

Greetings from VA

2008-12-20T16:29:00.003-05:00

This is the sight that greeted me this morning as I took Libby out at 715. I'm thinking the early bird knew more about mornings than just getting the worm!

We arrived in VA last night at 11:47 after leaving Columbus at 2pm. Traffic wasn't too bad which was nice---we managed to navigate rush hour in ATL by cruising along in the HOV lane & by going thru Concord Mills well after dinnertime meant a lot less traffic.

Tomorrow we head out to VT. The forecast is calling for snow in NE PA & into NY so we'll see how we fare. We've accepted that we might have stop somewhere for the night should the roads be too bad for us to go on.

Hmmmm

2008-12-13T19:28:00.002-05:00

As we sit here watching The Year Without a Santa Claus I'm realizing something. . .

The end of an era

2008-12-08T16:55:00.002-05:00

http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/12/08/polaroid.farewell/index.html

Polaroid instant cameras & their pictures are going the way of the dodo. The first picture of Hunter & I together was taken with a Polaroid instant camera. It was on Easter '02 & his grandmother ushered everyone into the living room at his aunt's house for their "Easter memory". It's framed & on our mantle.

Monday morning giggles

2008-12-08T08:06:00.002-05:00

The Wee One is watching The Little Einsteins as she finishes breakfast & I finish reading the paper online this morning. Well, the LE's are telling the story of the 3 little pigs & say the 3rd pig has a brick house.

Without missing a beat, the Wee One says "she's a brick houuuuuuuuuuuuse, she's mighty mighty, with a hand out " (Hey, lots of people get the words to songs wrong!)

Her other "favorite" songs? Rock Lobster, Sweet Caroline, and I like to move it. Sometimes she likes Tessie, but not always. *wink*

What I've been up to. . .

2008-12-06T16:37:00.003-05:00

Today we put our tree up. The Wee One was all about decorating & has spent the last 1/2 hr playing with Baby Jesus from our creche.

I thought some of you would enjoy seeing a couple of my new ornaments for this year! Each year I get a new one. Last year it was a dated Spode bell shaped one. This year I got several--a couple at Disney (the Madonna & Child was from Germany in Epcot), I picked up a cute juggling penguin at Tuesday Morning & that "jersey" one.

Then we have the knitting. The Wee One's hat (yarn courtesy of my Ravelry Favorite things Swap buddy, Barnyardchick)--the mittens are done but haven't managed to get a pic of her in them yet. And a secret project. Shhhhh, secret squirrel stuff.

6 years ago

2008-12-04T07:32:00.002-05:00

Hunter & I were married! This picture is him signing the marriage license & me giving a very enthusiastic thumbs up.

What you can't see is the sign down the hall (floor level) letting you know that you can also register your boat or trailer. Talk about one stop shopping!

We went out to dinner (just the two of us!) while we were in VA over Thanksgiving which was really nice. I joked to MIL that we were batting .500 as we've been able to spend 3 out of 6 anniversaries together!

Carpe yarn

2008-11-28T22:43:00.002-05:00

Note to all: when presented with the opportunity to purchase Tilli Thomas silk yarn in quite possibly the most beatiful scarlet red, one should buy it.

(I have picked up 2 more skeins of Koigu, 3 skeins of Wisdom Yarns Poems & 1 skein of Fiesta Rayon Boucle but would gladly trade the Koigu & Poems for the TT. )

Gobble Gobble!

2008-11-27T09:51:00.003-05:00

May each & every one of you have a safe & happy Thanksgiving!!!

Norovember project #2

2008-11-24T20:37:00.003-05:00

I present to you, the Farrow Rib Scarf done with Silk Garden.

Finished in just over a day---I couldn't sleep last night so while I was watching Rock of Love Charm School & Coco Chanel's biopic on Lifetime's Movie Network (oh, the shame) I was feverishly knitting in hopes that I could finish the scarf & would fall asleep a satisfied knitter.

No such luck. Instead I finished just after the Wee One & I got home from school.

I love how the reverse side looks just as good as the right side! This scarf is a gift for FIL for Christmas. When I ordered the yarn from Little Knits (Silk Garden on SALE!!!! I take that as a sign from God that I was meant to buy it), I bought 6 skeins of SG----2 for FIL's scarf, 2 for BIL's mitts & the last 2 for a scarf for Hunter. I'm tempted to make the same scarf for him as it's a simple (read: not fussy, appealling to the soldier in him) pattern.

We'll see what the rest of the week brings in terms of knitting!

My knitter-versary

2008-11-23T19:05:00.004-05:00

I don't remember exactly which day it was but in early Nov. '04 I decided to make a hat for my then 7 month old Wee One.

I had a pattern that was in one of my baby/pregnancy magazines. I figured either my Mom or MIL would make it for us so I printed out 2 copies. After a month of looking at them I realized that I could make the hat myself.

So, off to AC Moore where I found 1 of the 2 colors it called for plus the 2 different sizes of needles. I believe Hobby Lobby privided me with the 2nd color. Easy enough pattern for a 1st project in 20 years----knit, purl, add in colors, work in stripes.

This picture isn't that first hat----for some reason, I don't have any of it on this computer so my 2nd hat will have to suffice. This was made with LB Jiffy using the same pattern.

So many projects followed--hats for the babies of friends, the obligatory "I just started to knit & am required by law to use fun fur" scarves (I sold one of them that Christmas!), and then onto baby ponchos, felted bags, socks, etc etc.

And after being a solitary knitter for a few years, I joined a knitting group in July. What a wonderful group---there is a mix of young & old, novice & expert, seriously addicted & just dabbling. And a wonderful group of personalities. We don't all share the same beliefs but we have knitting in common. Knitting is the great equalizer.

Today I started working on FIL's Christmas present----the Farrow Rib Scarf. I'm using Noro Silk Garden & love this yarn despite my dislike of Noro's Kureyon Sock & the issues I have with Felting regular Kureyon. Silk Garden is just heavenly in the hands. I'm thinking that my Marie Roget scarf might be made with Silk Garden rather than Kureyon!!

3 hours later

2008-11-21T23:20:00.002-05:00

So a couple weeks ago I came down with a cold--moved out of my nose quickly & left me with an awful cough. Tessalon Perles helped as did lots of cough drops & water. Yesterday was my 1st day sans medication so I was thinking I was on the mend.

Yeah, right.

Today I woke up w/ tooth pain. I'm not afraid of the dentist but going isn't high on my list of fun things to do. As the day went on I began to realize that it wasn't my tooth but my sinuses. By dinner time I'm feeling really icky & Hunter does the "poke Laurie's face" test. Above my eyebrows, fine. Right cheek, fine. Left cheek leaves me screaming & jumping back about 5 feet.

So we agree he'll stay home w/ the Wee One while I go to the ER on post. I check in at 645. At 845 I have been seen, diagnosed & the NP tells me that the computer system has crashed & they're trying to figure out how to get the med orders in. Oh & the pharmacist has been called up to Labor & Delivery for a sick bebe. A crashed comp. system, I can whine about. A sick newborn? I tried not to think about it too much as it made me weepy.

My Favorite Things swap

2008-11-21T15:05:00.002-05:00

My box arrived today from BarnyardChick!

Check out my goodies!

teas & hot cocoa (for me & the Wee One)
a candle
crocheted doily
crocheted dishcloth
yummy snacky treats
pretty purple yarn
and some chili mix (she must have known I don't feel like fixing dinner!)

Thanks so much, BarnyardChick for spoiling me & to knitpurlmama for organizing it all!!

Can't knit without yarn

2008-11-20T07:45:00.002-05:00

Did you know this? I was looking at patterns on Ravelry yesterday & found a great *super secret project that will be a present* pattern. No problem with one of the yarns for the *super secret part of the project*---I have that & started that part of the project. But the yarn for the rest of the project? Yeah, I don't have it. Never mind the fact that I saw it at JoAnn's earlier in the day & thought, "Oh, I'll wait & see what I have at home"

Durrrrr!

So after I drop the Wee One off at school I shall make a trip to Michael's or JoAnn's for said yarn for said "duper secret project that will be a present*

Misty Garden is finished & being blocked. Photos to follow!

The 11th hour, the 11th day, the 11th month

2008-11-11T10:27:00.000-05:00

Hug a Veteran today.

Mystery of Marie Roget Scarf

2008-11-09T16:03:00.003-05:00

The mystery has been solved---haha.

Here is the Mystery of Marie Roget scarf in it's all of it's colorful splendor. This will be a Christmas gift for someone (not sure if she reads my blog or not) so we'll just keep it all hush hush. I like it so much that I may have to make one for myself too!

And the Misty Garden Scarf which is also a gift! I love my Koigu & this is a really easy pattern so I'm hoping to get this one done quickly so I can finish my brother's socks (bad Laurie) & get started on MIL's gift.

Perspective

2008-11-06T07:51:00.004-05:00

Jill is a fellow Army wife & a librarian out in KS. Her eloquent blog post sums up everything I've been feeling, especially the "proud to be American" paragraph. I'm guessing the people who don't have pride in their country don't tear up when their 4 year old says the Pledge of Allegiance, don't get butterflies in their stomach when they watch (either in person or on a video) soldiers coming home to their families after a long deployment, or appreciate the hardships that those who have come before us (Civil Rights leaders, Women's Rights activists) have had to endure. How could you NOT be proud???

I wasn’t sure that I’d see this in my lifetime. America has elected a black president. While I didn’t vote for Obama because I disagree fundamentally with many of his positions on everything from the Supreme Court to tax cuts, I still can appreciate the fact this is a historic time.

As for me, I’m disappointed with my party and will join others like me in helping to rebuild it. In a few days. Right now, I need a break.

For now, I’m going to enjoy the silence. No more campaign calls and no more political commercials. It’s time for Thanksgiving carols and baking. Maybe even some cooler weather…and snow? Please?

Btw, I’ve always been proud to be an American. This is a country full of good, honest, decent, hard-working people. I’m proud to work and live alongside them. I don’t understand people who can’t see that and aren’t proud of that.

That is all.

I voted

2008-11-04T13:12:00.001-05:00

Did you?

The Wee One & I got to our polling location shortly past 10 (she was watching Dora Saves the Snow Princess on tivo) & were out before 11.

This was the 6th Presidential election I've voted in. I know she gets bored hearing it but I always tell her that when my Memere & Grammy were born, women didn't have the right to vote & that it's one of our most imporant rights as citizens of the US.

The stinky part of the experience? No stickers!!! What gives?

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-31T08:26:00.002-05:00

The Wee One's school did Trick or Treating yesterday so here she is as Belle. We had a costume emergency on Wednesday night when we realized that her Cinderella dress has a shredded hem. Hmmmm. She didn't want to be Snow White for school so Belle it was.

We found some yellow ribbon in my sewing basket for her hair & a makeshift bracelet. Some beads from my stitch maarker beads provided decoration for the bracelet. All was good!

From my friend Christine

2008-10-28T08:35:00.001-05:00

http://www.helloquizzy.com/tests/howard-gardners-eight-types-of-intelligence-test

Great quiz & in case there was any doubt:

Interpersonal

8% Logical, 22% Spatial, 22% Linguistic, 39% Intrapersonal, 49% Interpersonal, 47% Musical, 25% Bodily-Kinesthetic and 29% Naturalistic!

"This area has to do with interaction with others. People in this category are usually extroverts and are characterized by their sensitivity to others' moods, feelings, temperaments and motivations, and their ability to cooperate in order to work as part of a group. They communicate effectively and empathize easily with others, and may be either leaders or followers. They typically learn best by working with others and often enjoy discussion and debate.

Careers which suit those with this intelligence include politicians, managers, teachers, social workers and diplomats." (Wikipedia)

What has happened to us?

2008-10-24T07:13:00.003-05:00

As a society, I mean.

When I was in grade school (Good ol' St. Francis Xavier) we were expected to conduct ourselves a certain way. Period. Didn't matter if you were in 1st grade or 8th. You behaved at school or else.
If you got in trouble--and this was in the days where your teacher could physically discipline you, and trust me, the nuns (old school nuns imported from Canada even!) did. But if you got in trouble, you got in trouble twice, once at school (complete with discipline) & again at home when your parents found out what went down at school.

Were we abused? Far from it! By the time we were in high school, it was obvious who had gone to public grade school & who had gone to St. Francis. I'm not saying public school kids are thugs, but in this instance there was a distinct difference in behavior. A lot of the ps kids were well behaved but all of the trouble makers in school? PS kids.

A woman who used to live here (we were in MOMS together) is now subbing in her hometown & reading her blog is frightening. The behavior of these kids is horrific. As a Catholic school kid herself, she sees the change in society I just mentioned.

Parents don't seem to want to take responsibility for their child's bad behavior. It even carries over to toddlers. Your 2 yr old wants to take her clothes off all the time? Oh, Sensory Disorder! Your 4 yr old is acting out in Prek? ADHD!

I may or may not have made excuses for the Wee One's bad behavior when Hunter was gone ("her father is deployed"). Nah, I'll own it--- I did. Looking back, I can trace her behavior to occasions in her life where things were upsetting (Hunter being gone). A lot of military wives can't handle it when their husbands are gone, yet I expect a 3 yr old to carry on as if nothing had changed?

I would find a little extra attention & saying "it's okay to miss Daddy, I miss him too" would help. We survived & moved on. And without medication!

Why is it that we are so quick to label our children? Is it out of fear? Are we worried that those around us will judge our parenting abilities? Will we be sent to Remedial Parenting 101? Some of us could use that class!

I'm not a perfect parent & I don't have a perfect child. Far from it. But I TRY to be a good mother. I believe that children will rise to your expectations, regardless of what they are. If you expect your child to behave a certain way, be it good or bad, they will. If you call your child a demon, guess what you have on your hands!

Praising your child, catching them doing something right goes so far in their eyes. They believe they have self worth & their self esteem rises. If your only interaction with your child is to always tell them "no, NO, don't that/brat/ etc" guess what they're going to think. Very quickly they will learn that any attention, even negative attention is good.

Please know that I don't think all kids whose parents seek diagnosis are just posterkids for bad behavior. I just really think (and this is MY opinion & if I can't express it on MY blog then where can I?!) that as a society we're looking for answers that don't go beyond our front door.

*stepping off soapbox*

On a semi-knitting note, I'm mailing out my Favorite Things box today! What a fun swap!

MIL & FIL arrive on Sunday!

Just a few more

2008-10-18T08:42:00.001-05:00

Because it's just so pretty.

Pumpkin Patch Visit

2008-10-16T11:52:00.002-05:00

The Farmhouse in Ellerslie, GA. Isn't it gorgeous?

.

My beautiful girl posing with the pumpkins.
The Wee One & Mommy on the porch & lastly, pumpkins in the yard.

If you live in this part of GA, I highly recommend going. The Farmhouse is open Fridays & Saturdays for lunch & rumor has it, the desserts are to die for.

I just want to sit in the house & knit---it's a beautiful old farmhouse!

Mission Completion!

2008-10-14T17:31:00.003-05:00

Emily has received our box & the Knitting Aces have officially crossed the finish line for Dish Rag Tag: the sequel! I really had fun with this swap & look forward to next year's DRT.

I had a nice breakfast date w/ Hunter this morning while the Wee One was at school. Yesterday morning we cleaned out his old Army closet which is now the Wee One's closet. 8 trash bags later we were done. I am scared for when he retires. Seriously---3 cvc's, 2 K-pots, 4 aid bags, 3 duffel bags, various & sundry other bags, skeeter tent, etc etc. Suddenly my yarn stash was puny.

Tonight we're taking it easy & watching tv. I know there's something going on in Boston that may be televised on TBS involving a certain sports team but today is anti-fan day. No hot dogs, no singing those 3 songs, no wearing red, no prayer.

An open letter to the Boston Red Sox

2008-10-13T19:06:00.002-05:00

Dear Red Sox,

Hi, I'd ask how you're doing but I think we all know.

In case you guys didn't know, I like to knit. A lot. Love to, really. I started going to a knit group over the summer & really enjoy it. Without sounding cliche, it's a wonderful group of women, fun atmosphere & 2 hrs of uninterrupted knitting. What more could a girl ask for?

Well, the last couple weeks I've stayed home from knit group just so I could watch you play. Last week you won, which I really appreciate. I do! I cheered, sang "Tessie", the whole 9.

Saturday night's game was disappointing to say the least.

Tonight's game? What's worse than disappointing? Devastating? Crushing? Straight out painful??

Yeah.

So, if you don't mind, please kick it in & win the next 3 games? I'd really appreciate it!

DishRag Tag!

2008-10-11T07:17:00.002-05:00

Here's the box from Sandra in VA---a pretty green cloth, pink varigated yarn, body spray & a cute little lamb PEZ dispenser as well as the super secret pattern for DishRag Tag. It arrived around 430 yesterday afternoon. I finished the first 9 rows (bottom border) before we went out to dinner.

And here it is shortly past 1015 last night. It's going out in the mail in a little while.

The Wee One's got a nice cough & is camped out on the couch watching the Little Einsteins. I think our plans to go to AutumnFest @ Callaway Gardens have been nixed.

Join me won't you

2008-10-10T19:09:00.003-05:00

Tonight is Game 1 of the ALCS. As they say at the Wee One's school, let's do prayer hands:

Our Father, who art at Fenway...

Baseball be thy game.

Thy Nation come,

Playoffs need to be won,

On Earth, then on to the Cask 'n' Flagon.

Give us this day, a perfect Papi,

And forgive us our losses,

As we forgive those,

Like Bill Buckner.

And lead us not, into desperation

But deliver us from any losses.

For thine is the Power,

And the Glory,

To beat the Devil Rays,

Forever and ever....the Yankees suck

Amen.

GO SOX!!!!!!

I received the box for DishRag Tag & am working on the cloth---FUN pattern!!! My goal is to get it in the mail tomorrow but I feel like I'm fighting a cold or something so we'll see how much I can get done.

Sweet Caroline--Wee One Style

2008-10-07T17:33:00.003-05:00

We're going to work on our renditions of "Dirty Water" & "Tessie"next!

(Sorry, you'll have to turn your head or computer to see it straight on)

I stopped recording before Hunter said "Say 'Go Braves!' " & she replied "Um, NO!"

Sometimes you need a higher power

2008-10-06T06:28:00.004-05:00

Last night was definitely time. So, in anticipation of tonight's game, won't you join me in a little prayer:

Our Father, who art at Fenway...

Baseball be thy game.

Thy Nation come,

Playoffs need to be won,

On Earth, then on to the Cask 'n' Flagon.

Give us this day, a perfect Papi,

And forgive us our losses,

As we forgive those,

Like Bill Buckner.

And lead us not, into desperation

But deliver us from any losses.

For thine is the Power,

And the Glory,

To beat the Angels,

Forever and ever....the Yankees suck

Amen.

GO SOX!!!

Baby, it's NOT cold outside!

2008-10-04T15:17:00.002-05:00

In fact, it's hot. Africa hot (Biloxi Blues anyone?). 87 is our high today. I am sick of wearing shorts & t shirts. I want to put my sandals away. I am a Vermont girl who loves, no LOVES fall. I look forward to cool mornings w/ that crisp feeling in the air. I love nothing more to go walking & scuffle thru the fallen leaves. This whole 90 degree weather in October? Not for me. So, Mother Nature, feel free to send some 60's & 70's this way. As a high temp, I mean!

I was shopping for some fall clothes for the Wee One this week & found the cutest red shrug at Carter's. It's for the holidays w/ just the smallest hint of metallic thread running thru the yarn. Like any good knitter, I thought "hmmm, I could make this" so I didn't buy it. Today I went looking for the yarn---found it at Michael's where I discovered it's 4.99$ a 50g ball. Not bad right. It'll take me 5 balls to make the shrug which is on sale for 15$. Do I buy a ball a week w/ the coupon from the Sunday paper or do I just buy the premade shrug. It is quite cute. I could make her another shrug. Gah!
Here's a glimpse of the little bit of foliage we've got right now. Hey, a girl's got to dream, right??

Another Pats-less Sunday

2008-09-28T19:42:00.002-05:00

*sigh* No football for me today. Not much knitting this past week either---I'm still plugging along on the heel flap on my brother's sock & hopefully will get that done tomorrow before knitting group.

The Wee One is on the mend & tonight Daddy broke out his otoscope & looked in her ears & mouth & declared she is healed! Yesterday was her last day w/ the z-pak so now I'm crossing my fingers & hoping she doesn't get strep again for a good long time!

Yesterday was errand day--we went to post for gas (cheaper than in town), ran to the PX on a fruitless errand. I was looking for Keds for the Wee One, the Sims2 Freetime (don't judge) & a new lap desk for my laptop as my old one was leaking polystyrene beads. No to the Keds, no to the Sims2 Freetime & no to the lap desk. We went to Barnes & Noble for a couple books & much to my surprise, they had a lap desk! It's purple! Then to Red Robin for lunch (yum), Petco (where the pets go) for food for Libby. Only 2 of the dogs up for adoption stole my heart this time. Usually I have to talk myself out of adopting 2 or 3. One day. Groceries & then home.

Today I became one with the couch for a few hours & got to know my Sims2 Freetime game (thank you Walmart!). Is it wrong of me to admit to being bummed that knitting wasn't one of the hobbies?? Again, don't judge!

Tomorrow starts a new school/work week & tomorrow night is knitting group! YAY! I have come to look forward to Monday evenings just for those couple hours w/ like minded ladies. They're a great group & I am so glad I started going!

Wedsday wackiness

2008-09-24T14:38:00.002-05:00

Or maybe not so wacky!

We've been lazy today as the Wee One is home from school with strep. Yesterday she woke up at 345 with a croup-sounding cough. I'm one of those people who is always researching heath stuff in books or on the 'net so after looking up coughs in our child's health book I determined it wasn't croup or whooping cough. She finally went back to sleep around 5 am after taking some tylenol cold medicine & I told her I was going back to sleep in my bed. Of course I couldn't fall back to sleep. She felt well enough to go to school but didn't want to participate at dance class. Hmmmm. So on the way home I asked what did she want for dinner---not hungry & neck (throat) hurts. Hunter & I looked in her mouth & at her throat & sure enough----red spots & pus pockets. Oh joy.

3 hours & an ER visit later we were on our way home & to bed w/ our z-pak.

Libby is at the groomers so short of dropping her off & picking her up, we're taking it easy today.

I'm still plugging away on my brother's socks. I'm working the heel flap on sock #1 & am hoping to have it done by this weekend. I have some other (read: more fun) projects that I want to work on!

The Red Sox are play off bound!!! How great is that?! I'll be able to watch the games as playoffs are always on national channels. WOO HOO!!!! And the *sniff sniff* (sk)Yankees are out. Out. OUT OUT OUT!! Muahahahahahahhaa.

Sorry, got away from myself there. Did you know the Yankees aren't advancing to the playoffs this year? I know!!

Ooops! Forgot one!

2008-09-21T12:33:00.002-05:00

My Harmonic Mosaic dish cloth! I found the pattern on Ravelry after Lacey (I think it was Lacey) added it to her queue.

This is a really easy dishcloth-very similar to the ball band cloth (obviously, right?!) & knits up quickly. I started it Friday evening after we got home from dinner & Barnes & Noble & was done yesterday during Rest Hour. I think I'm going to play w/ different color combos & make up a bunch for Christmas.

FO's & a lazy Sunday

2008-09-21T12:20:00.004-05:00

Wow, time flies when you're knitting up storm!

The first is the ribbed baby hat for a friend's baby boy. I'm trying to work thru my stash of Plymouth's Fantasy Naturale. I love this yarn---it knits up quick, is soft & there are so many pretty colors!

This is the little jacket I made to go with the hat. It's knit in one piece, very similar to the MDK baby kimono & knits up quickly! Right now it's blocking & waiting for the button to be sewn on (I placed it on the sweater just for the picture)

Next we have the little booties--BEYOND quick! I had them done in an hour & a half! I need to figure out what ribbon to put thru the teeny eyelits.

And last, but not least, my Jayne Hat. I was in Atlanta over part of Labor Day weekend with 2 friends who were at Dragon Con. We saw lots of these hats & Lisa asked if I could make one for her. Of course, I said yes & had it done in a day. I'm waiting to see how cute it looks on her!
Today we're being lazy---Hunter got up with the Wee One when she woke up at 8 & let me sleep in until 930! They had cinnamon buns for breakfast so I fixed myself Eggs Benedict when I got up. Hmmmm, hollendaise, bacon---what's not to love?? I'm working on my brother's socks & actually need to do a load of laundry. The Patriots game isn't on tv here so I'll be Pats-less today. *sigh* Oh well.

Thank you, LeslieJ!!

2008-09-11T19:47:00.002-05:00

The ever wonderful LeslieJ sent me this cute sock yarn (for the Wee One) & some crazy Detroit Tiger stitch markers for my birthday.

Detroit? Tigers?? Poor misguided Leslie! (HA!) I tease her about her bad taste in sports teams but I have to admit---her Red Wings are a team I could get behind. Original 6, come on!

Thanks Leslie! I loved the card, stitchmarkers & the yarn is so soft!! I can't wait to work with it.

Giving thanks

2008-09-10T14:57:00.002-05:00

The past couple days I've been subbing at the Wee One's school in one of the 2 yr old classrooms. I didn't volunteer last year b/c I felt like my only real free time was while she was in school. This year, I felt guilty & put my name in the sub. pool.

So yeah, the last 2 days it was me, the teacher (very nice lady) & the kids. Yesterday there were 6 out of the 8, today there were 7.

It's only been 2 years since I was the mother of a 2 yr old but I swear, you forget all the aspects of 2 year olds. Maybe it's so we'll have more children but oh boy! I came home SO tired yesterday! 1500 mg of Tylenol & a diet coke later, I felt like myself again.

So the whole giving thanks thing. . .

One of the little boys in the class has a speech disorder based on the muscles in his jaw not being properly developed. He is adorable, has a sweet disposition & was just a great kid. Today he was so well behaved that I told him what a good boy he was doing. I was rewarded w/ a great big smile.

One of the girls was deprived of oxygen at birth & has the gross motor skills of a 15 month old. She doesn't really respond to her name, doesn't talk, doesn't interact w/ the other children. She is very curious about her environment & seems happy.

And I complain about my child??

The other area where I've been thankful lately is with my health.

I had my annual mammogram in April. Due to someone's error at MACH I didn't get my results for a month when one of the techs called asking if I could go in the following day b/c they saw "something" on the mammo.

I was scared. It was a long night & longer morning while I was waiting for my appointment. I had another mammo & then a breast u/s. Let me tell you that they're much more fun when you're having an u/s during pregnancy!

My primary care doctor called a few days later letting me know that I would being to be referred off post for an MRI. Again, more mismanagement of paperwork, many frustrating phone calls on my part & a call to Tricare later I had my appointment at the civilian hospital for the MRI.

Maybe it's me, but hospital waiting rooms always seem to have the strangest cast of characters. Since I'm trying to be a good person I'll save the descriptions for another time.

Because I'm diabetic, I had to have bloodwork done prior to the contrast media (for the MRI) to make sure my kidney function is normal. Why they wouldn't take my word is beyond me but again, thankful! I managed to pass out during the IV. In a hospital johnnie. At least I managed to stay sitting up in the chair.

The MRI results took a week to get back to me & I am, say it with me, thankful that they came back normal & I'm good for another year when I'll have my next mammo.

It was a long summer waiting & wondering. And yeah, lots of worrying. I didn't blog about it because while I enjoy a good whine, it seemed like it was consuming me. I was worried about all the what if's----what would my course of treatment be, who would watch the Wee One? What if things got really bad?

I feel as though I've dodged a bullet & feel so lucky. Other women haven't been as lucky as I have.

If you are of a certain age or have a family history of breast cancer, please make sure you have annual mammograms. You owe it to yourself, as well as those who love you.

*steps off soapbox*

On the knitting front, I am (thankful) working on a ribbed baby jacket which is done in one piece, similar to the MDK baby kimono. I'm using my bff Plymouth fantasy naturale & the new love of my life---Knit Picks harmony needles. My Crystal Palace straights are jealous.

Ballerina girl

2008-09-09T06:14:00.002-05:00

The Wee One started dance lessons last week. Here she is showing her mad dance moves before we left for her class.

And yes, I think I was more excited about this than she was!!

Fun little meme

2008-09-06T15:03:00.002-05:00

From my friend Alida. . .

10 Years Ago:

Sept. '08. I was working for Origins at Fanueil Hall in Boston & realizing I had made a YOOOOGE mistake leaving Lauder for them . I was also unhappily married to my first husband & had contemplated leaving him in June of that year.

5 Years Ago:

Sept. '03. I was almost 3 months pregnant with the Wee One. I was working for Lancome as a makeup artist & was happy with my life.

5 Months Ago:

April '08. The Wee One turned 4, we went to VA to see the ILS for Spring Break & were looking forward to Hunter's homecoming from OIF5!

5 Things on My To-Do List Tomorrow:-

1) Grocery shopping
2) knitting
3) laundry
4) b-day party for a friend of the Wee One's from school
5) get in bed at a decent hour!

5 Things You Might Not Know About Me:

1) I love drinking pickle juice (and olive juice) from the jar.
2) I have an unnatural love for prosciutto.
3) I broke the ankle of my own goalie playing field hockey in hs.
4) I rented The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew mysteries from Netflix
5) I CANNOT crochet to save my life, despite taking a class a couple years ago. The teacher proclaimed I was knitting w/ a crochet hook.

5 Bad Habits:

1) I can rationalize just about anything, especially a purchase.
2) I can be very judgemental.
3) I spend too much time on my computer
4) I am my own worst critic.
5) I don't discouage George Clooney when he tells me that one day we'll be together.

5 Places I've Lived:

1) Winooski, VT
2) Long Beach, CA
3) Portland, ME
4) Boston, MA
5) Columbus, GA

Im not tagging anyone but feel free to play along!

Sunny Saturday & a pair of socks

2008-08-30T11:40:00.003-05:00

My Low Roll Sporty socks (Cascade Fixation) are finished! I actually BO sock #2 last Monday night at knit group.

I'm hoping that when we do our yarn store field trip next Saturday that I can get more Fixation as I love this yarn---cotton is always good down here & the "sproingy" feel works for me too!

I CO the Vine Lace Scarf earlier this week & soon had the pattern memorized. I worked on it at home & in car line waiting for the Wee One. Thursday I realized there was a mistake towards the end of the knit/pattern row. I was off by a stitch, the pattern was no longer lining up & it happened about 2" down from where I was.
Granted, 2" in a scarf isn't an issue but still, the ripping out is so scary & frustrating. A-frogging I went & now we're nearing the end of the first skein. Yes, it's Koigu KPPPM. I'm also hoping to pick up another couple skeins of this yarn next week too!

The Wee One had a great time at school this week & is back in the swing of things. Yesterday when we picked her up she was crying---she didn't want the school day to end! The director was the one bringing her to the car so we chuckled about how they must be doing something right!

1st day of PreK

2008-08-25T08:39:00.002-05:00

Four years ago I had a 4 month old baby girl who was rolling over, starting to sleep more than 10 hours at night, wanted nothing to do w/ cereal & was a generally sweet baby.

I don't know if I'd say I'd was envious of the other mothers in the MOMS group who had preschool age kids but was more fascinated by them. These kids seemed so fun & wow, some of them were in preschool. They seemed so much older than my little Wee Ones .

Next thing I know we arrived at today & the Wee One's first day of PreK. She's at the same school as the past 2 yrs but will be going 5 days a week now. When we got to school we saw some cars lined up for car line. Our plan was to walk the Wee One into her classroom. I gave her the option & she chose to do car line. When she saw the aide for her classroom she started jumping up & down screaming & squealing. I looked at Hunter & said "I guess she's happy to be here!"

While I'm a little sad that I don't have my little bebe anymore, part of me is so in awe of the big girl she's become. And I'm totally grateful for her having such a wonderful experience at this school! Enrolling her was definitely one of my better moves as a parent!!

On the knitting front I have to give a shout out to Tropical Storm Fay for providing me with so much knitting time this weekend! My Low Roll Sporty socks are almost done. I'm doing the foot this afternoon during rest hour & will possibly get to BO at knitting group tonight. The fit is lovely & I really do love Cascade Fixation. I'm hoping to pick up some more when we do our yarn shop field trip next month!

The things you learn on Ravelry

2008-08-22T16:54:00.002-05:00

Today I learned that all those knitting patterns I've got on my computer can go on my ipod! Did you know this???

Apparently you enable disk use on your ipod (on itunes) which then allows you to save text documents (not word) to your ipod! No more carting around paper patterns or books! How 2008 is this?!!!

Despite my "aha" moment today I came to a sad realization. The baby blanket that I started in 2006 that was mentioned in the previous posts isn't workable. I printed out the pattern (prior to my aha moment!) & started to work on it while watching some Olympic baseball today. It was going to be my equivalent to when the figure skaters who have medalled do their showcase. Sadly, my showcase isin't going to happen.

Somehow the pattern isn't the same. I dont know where/how/why it happened. So it's in my knitting bag awaiting it's fate , possibly BO & use as a baby doll blanket or a dog crate liner for Libby. I've decided to CO another pair of socks for myself--Low-Roll Sporty from Knit Socks. I'm using some Cascade Fixation that I've had sitting around in my stash. After that I'm going to use up some Elann Esprit with a pattern that is, you guessed it, on my ipod!!

Olympic Gold & Silver!

2008-08-21T15:01:00.002-05:00

Here is my Blue Jeans Lace Leaf Shawl as it is blocking on a beach towel in my closet.

And, the up close view. The yarn is knit picks Gossamer in Sweet Pea.

And my Yarrow Rib socks (Noro sock yarn)---finished this afternoon while watching men's field hockey on MSNBC (Germany & the Netherlands).

Tonight we have our Meet & Greet at the Wee One's school & then Hunter has to leave at o'dark thirty for his drive to Ft. Stupid (hey, I dont make this stuff up--it's what they call it) for his lasik consult. He'll have it done on Monday if they approve him tomorow.

So tomorrow my knitting project will be Cathy's rainbow baby blanket (feather & fan pattern) & hopefully I can get it done by Sunday night!

Quick update

2008-08-20T23:08:00.004-05:00

My Lace Leaf Shawl is DONE! Finished. Complete!!! Can I get a Woo Hoo????

My socks are almost done--sock #2 is thisclose to me starting the toe decreases.

I found another UFO from *ahem* 2 years ago---it's my friend Cathy's rainbow baby blanket that for some reason (yarn texture? color?) didn't finish. My hope is to finish my socks tomorrow & then get going on the blanket. If I can get it done by Closing Ceremonies I'll be thrilled!

Pics will follow!!

Things you're supposed to love

2008-08-15T08:20:00.003-05:00

You know how you're supposed to love something just because it's more expensive/exclusive/trendy/fabulous/insertdescriptivehere. But you wind up NOT loving it. That's how I'm feeling about some yarns lately.

My Noro sock yarn for one---totally seduces me with the gorgeous colors & the fact that it's NORO. We're supposed to ooh & ahh over Noro, right? I've worked w/the sock yarn, kochoran & kureyon. Honestly, I liked the kochoran---it was soft & knitted up nicely (it was a scarf) . The kureyon was used for felting projects because you HAVE to felt with it right? Wrong. Again, the colors are amazing but I didn't like how it felted at all. Suffice to say, I don't have any Noro in my stash. Sacrilege, I know!

Same goes for Cascade 220. I was less than impressed with it's felting. I've had better luck w/ Paton's Classic Merino & Araucania Nature Wool than the Cascade. It is soft, knits up well & has pretty colors but felting, eh.

I started the moss grid hand towel from MDK w/ Euroflax---hate it. I've started it before & for some reason couldn't get past the 3rd row. I figured it was the needle size & this time CO w/ larger needles (I've heard it "fulls" after washing & it's better that way). I've got the project on hold right now as I'm trying to finish my UFO's but couldn't get excited about it despite thinking how cute that towel would look in my kitchen.

On the UFOlympics front---my 1st sock is done!! I've finished the cuff & am onto the body of the 2nd. I have 4 1/2 repeats left on my shawl & the finishing so I'm really optimistic about that being done by the 24th!

Hope everyone has a great weekend!!

Laurie & the Amazing Technicolor Dream Sock

2008-08-13T05:38:00.004-05:00

My Yarrow Ribbed sock, that is. Started in March (or was it Feb?), left to sit in my knitting bag until I decided it would be a great UFO for the UFOlympics.

On Monday I worked on it at Monkey Joes while the Wee One played. It had been so long since I'd done socks that I forgot the fun of turning a heel!

Yesterday, I picked up the gusset stitches & for a brief second forgot how to do the gusset decreases & had to look back at the pattern. Now I'm about an inch & a half from starting my toe decreases.

The pattern is from Knitting Vintage Socks by Nancy Bush & is easy. "Easy" means I don't need to constantly look at the pattern to remember the instep stitch pattern! The only thing I'm not liking is the yarn! It's Noro's sock yarn which I picked up at North East Fiber Arts Center in Williston, VT when I was home at Christmas. The colors are SO gorgeous & Noro sucks me in every.single.time with their colors. This yarn is well, hard feeling. Maybe rough is a better description. The socks are for me so hopefully they'll soften after being washed.

On to another topic---the Olympics. Why is it that all the good events (meaning the events I like) are on after 1030/11pm?? Hmmm? I don't need help staying up late, remember? Ive done that w/ Olympics past, Red Sox games (Hello! The '04 AL series against the Yankees?! The '07 AL series & World Series), various knitting projects, etc etc.

Monday night I got sucked into watching the men's gymnastics until 1230! The old me wouldn't have batted an eye at that time. She would have said "right, that's bedtime silly!" But the new me (meaning the more mature, hubby is home so we go to bed by 1030 now) says "no no, I HAVE to be asleep by 11! Sirens will sound if I'm not!"

Last night was the women's gymnastics team finals. I think you know me well enough to know I am all about all things girly. Figure skating, field hockey, dance, and obviously gymnastics. Geeky admission of the day: after Mary Lou Retton won the gold at the 1984 Olympics, I would do a cartwheel & round off off the bench at our field hockey games in imitation. Yes, I am a dork!

So I got smart last night & programmed the dvr to record the Olympics. HA! Take THAT NBC! You show the cool sports when I'm sleeping, fine! I'll watch it in MY time!

It's raining out today so no "guppy guppy" for the Wee One. She goes back to school in a week & a half so I'm trying to give her as much play-at-home time as possible. I'm hoping to get my sock done & CO for the mate.

And I'm off to look at the Olympics schedule so I find out when the field hockey games are being televised. (*Insert raspberry directed at programming execs here)

I'd like to thank the Academy

2008-08-11T08:14:00.003-05:00

And Shawnee for my award. I'm expecting a swag bag much like the presenters & winners at the Oscars get. Thanks!

So the rules state that I, being the fabulous recipient of this auspicious award, must in turn nominate 7 other fabulous recipients. Those lucky bloggers must follow the rules, which are:

1. The winner can put the logo on her blog.
2. Link the person you received your award from.
3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs.
4. Put links of those blogs on yours.
5. Leave a message on the blogs of the girls you’ve nominated

(humor me as hyperlinks aren't working for some strange reason & I dont' do html as it's embarrassing)

So without further ado, my nominees are:

1) Holly !
. She is the hostess with the mostess for our local knitting group, teaches Sunday School, doesn't mind that I bought the stash she was hoping to acquire when our AC Moore closed & has done some pretty neat projects!
http://yarntoknit.blogspot.com/

2) Robyn !
She's a mommy to two adorable boys, blah blah blah, amazing knitting, blah blah blah, and she lives in Montreal. Really, the Montreal part alone should nominate her. One day we'll meet up for a mocha mandarino at 2nd cup, work on some socks & leave w/ a tin of Cinnamints!
http://knitpurlknitpearl.blogspot.com/

3) Amanda!

Awesome projects, beautiful yarn for sale (check out her etsy shop!), sweet little boy, she's a New Englander & a Red Sox fan!

http://nhknittingmama.blogspot.com/

4) LeslieJ!

What would an awards show be without the ever-fabulous LeslieJ??? Sock knitter extrordinaire! Hockey Mom, a Spartan & preschool teacher. If only she wasn't a Tigers & Red Wings fan. . .

http://a-purse-a-day.blogspot.com/

5) LadyWy!

J wins this award based on her knitting & yarn & being a fantastic swap partner. Her DD is an impressive young lady & proof positive that J is an amazing mother!

http://theladywyvern.livejournal.com/

6) Cathy!

Cathy has been referred to as my knitting guru. Seriously, the woman taught me to do cables via IM. I think we've known each other for 7 or 8 yrs at this point. Truly one of the most prolific knitters I've known.

http://www.wishingiwasknitting.blogspot.com/

7) JoAnn! She's a Red Sox fan (yes, I am biased, shush), a fellow New Englander, great mommy, awesome grandmother & loves Disney Princesses & Disney on Ice as much as I do. Plus, I am jealous of her time on the Cape. And her knitting. And her time at Fenway.

http://capesoxknitter.blogspot.com/

Now that our awards are over, I am off to get ready to go to Monkey Joes w/ the Wee One. Last night was her last dose of anti-biotics & we're ready to get out of the house!!

Is it me?

2008-08-09T18:20:00.003-05:00

Is it strange that I don't want to buy my 4 year old clothes with a skull & crossbones pattern??? I admit to loving all things pink & green, grosgrain, Muffy & her 1980's preppy handbook but come on. When she's a teenager & trying to be all rebellious THEN she can sport a skull & crossbones t shirt. But at age 4???

Let the games begin!

2008-08-08T21:14:00.002-05:00

I'm signed up for the UFOlympics on Ravelry & my 2 "events" are my lace leaf shawl & my yarrow rib socks. Today I did a few rows on my shawl

The Wee One has strep throat. Ugh. Wednesday I knew something was up ---she refused iced cream, was fine with going to sleep during rest hour & was fine with coming in from the pool. When she'd been resting for a couple hrs I went in to check on her & discovered she was burning up (100.6 temp in the right ear, 102.6 in the left). A quick peek into her mouth showed bright red dots that covered the back of her mouth/throat. So I got her dressed, brushed her hair & off to the hospital we went.

Our hospital has a new clinic in the ER--it's designed for minor illnesses & is meanto get you in & out in a shorter period of time. We were in & out in 30 minutes. A new record!! 10 min. wait in the pharmacy for her z-pak & motrin and we were home bound.

And a hint to those parents out there whose kids won't touch pedialyte, gatorade etc---get the pedialyte freezer pops! She loves them! Had 2 yesterday & 2 today! I feel like I've pulled one over on her. VICTORY!!!!!

Yesterday I had renew my DoD id so we did that (I didn't let her breathe on anyone) & then to target for a new toothbrush for the wee one (again, dont breathe on anyone) then it was home for lunch & rest hr. Today we lazed around the house & rested. I worked on my shawl & fought the urge to CO a new project! I have 6 more rounds to finish the shawl. Then I'll work on my socks. It's a pretty easy pattern & I do like the yarn (noro sock) so those will be fun. Plus they're for ME! Just in time for cooler weather.

The French athletes are walking into the stadium for opening ceremonies. Their costumes are eh. The Poles look they're going to be bridesmaids at a casual wedding. I won't even discuss what the Finnish women had on. So sad. You know, the people who didn't make the team are home watching & pointing & laughing.

The US outfits are sort of yeah, well, yeah. I'm glad that Pres. Bush stood up---for a second he looked like it wasn't going to happen!

Not a lot planned for the weekend other than knititng, relaxing, hopefully a little back to school shopping for the Wee One & maybe a hair cut.

I'm looking forward to watchng the gymnastics, swimming/diving, soccer, track & field & field hockey. I remember one Olympics--Barcelona maybe, the field hockey was played at like 3am my time. I caught several games!!

The Wee One was a baby during the last Summer Olympics. She was 4 months old & would be doing tummy time or playing on the floor. If they wereshowing swimming, field hockey or soccer she would glue her eyes to the tv. It was bizarre. Only those sports, too. It'll be interesting to see what she likes this time.

Okay, the ambien is kicking in, so I am going to hop into bed!

Have a wonderful weekend!

GO USA!!!!

So yum!

2008-08-05T18:14:00.005-05:00

This was our dinner tonight. So so so yummy! I used a lecreuset baking dish & skipped the foil. We also substituted provolone for mozzarella. Can you go wrong with pesto & cheese???

Baked Pesto Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
1/2 cup Pesto with Basil. (I used jarred pesto & possibly more than 1/2 cup)
2 plum tomatoes, sliced (optional)
3/4 cup (3 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese

1. Preheat oven to 400° F. Line baking sheet with heavy-duty foil.
2. Place chicken and pesto in medium bowl; toss to coat. Place chicken on prepared baking sheet.
3. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink in center. Remove from oven; top with tomatoes and cheese. Bake for an additional 3 to 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Makes 4 servings.

Just one more. . .

2008-07-30T13:29:00.003-05:00

Mason-Dixon Washcloth. Sugar & Cream in Cool Breeze Ombre.

Moss grid hand towel is next. Or perhaps the chevron stripe towel. I have a gorgeous hank of claudia's hand painted yarn that would look great in that pattern.

Is it the 8th yet????

FO!

2008-07-30T07:52:00.002-05:00

Granted it's "just" a dishcloth but a FO nonetheless! I started it on Monday night at Panera w/ the Columbus Knitter's Group (the phrase 'stitch & bitch' irks me so you won't see it used here) & finished it before leaving 2 1/2 hrs later.

I can't touch my Yarrow Rib socks or my Lace Leaf Shawl until the Olympics start as they're my "events" for the Ravlery UFOlympics. Of course, now I'm totally motivated to work on them! I need small projects to do between now & Opening Ceremonies. The Wee One's Monica just needs straps & I have another dishcloth (the round MDK) on the needles. Perhaps I'll get my mohair scarf done by next week too.

A funny---Hunter's birthday is next week & I've been trying to come up with the perfect gift as it's a milestone b-day. The hard part is he just came home from a deployment & has been shopping up a storm. New stereo in his car, tinted the windows, he got a new laptop while he was there, has bought numerous video games. He bought a fancy schmancy camera over there. Bought a new lens for it on our trip to Paris. We bought souvenirs in Paris. We shopped in Orlando & got some kitchen crack at Calphalon. Why must this be so difficult?????

So my friend says "what about sky diving lessons?"

For the average man skydiving lessons might be fun & exciting. For a soldier? Eh. If he were interested in jumping out of a plane he would go to airborne school & get paid to do so.

I did manage to come up w/ a good plan for his birthday but you'll have to wait until next week to hear about it as I know he reads my blog on occasion.

Yes, I am the mother of a little girl

2008-07-26T12:43:00.002-05:00

and today performed a time honored ritual of signing her up for dance classes!

I started dance lessons when I was 7 or 8 (interestingly enough, the same time I learned to knit). The first year I was only interested in jazz (or modern, whichever you prefer) but after that the tap bug hit. Of course, for years I'd threaten to quit tap but stuck with it after finding out you couldn't be in the elite group unless you took both. After a few years I decided that ballet was my passion. Really, unless you have a God given gift, starting ballet at 12 is rediculous. The year I was able to go en pointe (freshman yr of high school) I quit ballet to play field hockey figuring that 4 years of field hockey would look better on a college application than ballet.

I finally stopped dancing when I was 23 or 24. I still have days where I think I should find an adult tap class & relive the fun I had.

So fast forward to the Wee One. She loves to dance, loves music & can be quite the little ham, as most girls her age. For the past year I've debated whether to sign her up for dance classes or soccer. She can run & kick a ball w/ the best of them & really, either would be a great choice.

Last week I saw an ad for a local dance school's open house in a local parenting magazine. I was already considering a program thru the university but really wanted something that offered a traditional dance program. I consulted w/ a friend from my days in the MOMS club whose girls have taken dance from yet another school for her opinion.

Today we visited the dance school, I chatted w/ a mom whose daughter will start her 4th yr at the school, saw some recital videos & met w/ the owner (who started the school in 1979). Pretty impressive & got good vibes so here we are!

We ordered shoes & went to buy a couple leotards & some tights. HOW did we arrive at this day? My baby is old enough for dance lessons?! Wow. I hope she enjoys them as much as I enjoyed my time dancing & that it becomes a lifelong source of joy for her, be it as a student or watching a performance.

If we discover she doesn't enjoy it, part of me will be a little sad as I want her to really enjoy it but if she doesn't there's always soccer.

And music.

And tennis.

And swimming.

And of course, knitting *wink*