Lora's Keyhole

Celebrating 100 days

2011-03-18T07:22:00.001-07:00

So bad!!

2010-06-17T18:26:00.000-07:00

So tomorrow is the last day of school.
I've blogged ONCE since then. UGH.

For a while this blog is going to be neglected. I won't delete it because of the memories it holds.

I have been diagnosed with Myeloidysplastic Syndrome (MDS)
PM me and I can send you the link to the new blog.

Hi, I'm still here and knitting!

2010-04-16T10:52:00.003-07:00

WOW It has been a LONG time since I've blogged. Don't even know if any of you are still reading this, but I want to start blogging again, so no time like now!
I will show some of the things I have knit since I last posted.
Below is the Shalom Cardigan. LOVED this knit. All the modifications I made are on my Ravelry page. It is warm and cozy!!

The next little knit is what I like to call "Pirate Butts Ahoy"!! I made two pairs of these for a good friend. She has two boys and they look so cute in them.

My family back in Kentucky has been popping out babies lately and I've enjoyed knitting the next two little sweaters for new cousin's in the family.
I saw this little sweater and really enjoyed the knit. It went to cutie patootie Piper. I really think the sweater is prettier in person, just saying.

The sweater below went to sweet little Olive. I had to do some searching for this pattern as it was an out of date pattern that is not published any longer. This was a very enjoyable knit and turned out beautiful! Who know how long it will take the wee ones to grow into them, but I hope one day to see them in the sweaters.

This sweater was knitted for my beautiful niece, Lana. She was so over joyed that she got to go with me and pick out the buttons. I had buttons in mind, but she didn't know that. Luckily I found the buttons I wanted and Lana loved them!! There are more pictures of Lana on my Ravelry page. The jacket was designed by my friend Denise and it's called Mya's Jacket. You can buy the pattern here on Ravelry.

Last day of the school year

2009-06-25T05:40:00.001-07:00

It's finally here. The last day of the school year. Isn't summer almost over?? Anyway....

Just a couple fun things to share.
Jacob had his final concert of the year and really enjoyed learning how to play the viola.
These are Jacob and Nathan's spring pictures.
Nathan age 5. Jacob age 8.
Teacher's gifts from Jacob. They say "Thanks for helping me grow."
Next post will be knitting goodies. I have a couple things finished.

Say Hello to Otto

2009-05-25T17:10:00.001-07:00

Say Hello to Otto!!! Isn't he just the most adorable polar bear!??

Nathan isn't home at this moment and does not know that Otto is finished! I have placed Otto on Nathan's bed to rest because I'm sure he will have a busy day tomorrow!!!

Hey! I still have a blog!!??

2009-05-21T15:41:00.000-07:00

Yes I have been knitting!! I finished this baby sweater at the beginning of the month. It's the Baby Trellis sweater from Knitty.com. Aren't the button's cute as...well...a button?!?? :o)

Here's a shot of the back of the sweater.
This past Tuesday, Nathan and I went to Yarn and Fiber to meet Ysolda. What a beautiful sweet person! I enjoyed looking at all her hand knits and I have been asked by my son to make Otto the Polar Bear. So below is the head of Otto and the start of his body. I love that this is a seamless pattern!! Very clever!

This is Nathan and Ysolda. Nathan is holding all the little animals. Even a little mouse on his shoulder.

He really enjoyed playing with the stuffies and Ysolda was very happy to let him play with them.
As soon as I bought the pattern for Otto and printed it, the ink had not yet dried from printing and Nathan asked me "Are you finished yet?" LOL What a silly boy.

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-10T10:08:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day to everyone!

Hampton Beach

2009-05-07T04:35:00.000-07:00

We went to Hampton Beach this past Saturday. It was still a little cool but not too cool. The boys, running on the beach. The both found little grab pincher claws.
Me and my hubby.
Me and the boys (and my trailer park-a-chino, aka Mtn. Dew)
LOVE this picture of my three guys!Nate and Jake in the back of the Jeep, eating PB&J. We took our own snacks. We were going to eat on the beach, but it became to late and the wind kicked up a bit and we didn't want sand in our sandwiches.

Next post will be knitting related :)

Making Pretzels

2009-04-18T10:16:00.001-07:00

The boys and I made pretzels today. Yummmmmmm

Making things better

2009-04-10T03:58:00.000-07:00

You should watch 60 minutes this Sunday (4/12/09). I'm kind of excited to see if there's anymore to this clip!

Watch CBS Videos Online

Brent is not on this project... or heck, maybe he is. I can't keep track! I've heard about the arm but I've never seen it in person. This video almost makes me cry! Look how happy that arm makes that guy!! Making things better....it's all good. I hope this takes off and helps many others!

MS Walk

2009-04-09T04:08:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine has MS. Her father in law is going to Walk the MS Walk in honor of her!! How's that for a good FIL!!
I also have family back home with MS. I did the walk years ago in Kentucky. It's a great cause.
My friend is now taking part in a new treatment for MS and the money raised from this walk will go to help fund that trial.
Consider donating...

MS Walk

You know what they say about guys with Big Feet?

2009-04-06T10:24:00.000-07:00

They say don't agree to knit them socks! My goodness these felt like they took forever. But they are done and a PERFECT fit! I am very happy with them and I like the Trekking sock yarn a lot!!

Enjoy Brent!

Pattern: Globe Trotter socks
Yarn: Trekking (XXL)
Started: 2/15/09
Finished: 4/5/09
Size: US1 needles
cast on 70 stitches and followed pattern from there.
6" cuff
LOOOOOONG foot.

Meeting a New Little Man

2009-03-12T10:36:00.000-07:00

I finally got to meet Gabriel!! He was even sporting the little sweater I made him. And I must say, he looked pretty awesome in it! It fits him well and his mom, Persnickety Sarah, said she really liked it too! Double score!! Sarah said he should get a lot of use out of it too. That just makes me happy! Thanks for coming out and meeting up with all of us last night Sarah. Too bad he fell asleep on my shoulder and no one else could hold him. I bored him right to sleep!! I promise I'll share him with the other knitters next time. :o) (yeah right, give me that baby!)

Pattern: Baby Yoda Sweater
Yarn: Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece (Ravelry Links)

The Saddest Blog Post Ever!

2009-03-02T09:49:00.000-08:00

Today mom and dad and Lacey are going back to Kentucky. They got here on Thursday afternoon and my house and been a wild place. We spent Thursday evening at the house. Friday we went to the Amoskeg Fishways and to the Mall of Nh. Friday night we went to Poor Boy's Diner in Londonderry, NH for dinner. It was GOOD! Saturday we did some shopping in the morning and then in the afternoon went to the Verizon Wireless Area for the First Competition. Lots of cool robots there, Jacob and Nathan even got to try the controls for a robot behind the scenes! Sunday we went to the Mall again and then came home and hung out. Brent took all three kids out for awhile and Mom and Dad and I had a nice quiet visit. Monday morning brought SNOW!! I was secretly wishing, OK everyone knows, that the snow would keep them here another day, but seems like the airport is on schedule. As soon as they pulled out of the driveway the blues set in and I was very VERY sad to see them leave. It's hard being the one left when the others are going. Luckily the boys had a snow day and didn't have to go to school, so I have their company today to get me through the day. It's a funny feeling, them leaving. It's almost like I feel like I lost something and I need to run and find it. Panicking that I've lost something, when all I lost is the company of my parents and niece. Anyway.....I'll show you some pictures from the visit. Check out the little remix I did. I couldn't find a good song that I liked and I don't know if you can add your own, so if you don't like the music, turn down the volume :o)
Mom, Dad and Lacey!! I'm going to miss you all terribly!! Call me when you get home! I love you all.

Channeling Your Inner Elton!

2009-02-16T17:48:00.000-08:00

My niece and nephew channel their inner Elton John! I love it!!
Rock on!! You wear it well!

Happy Valentine's Day

2009-02-14T05:46:00.000-08:00

What a great Morning. A lovey morning with the menfolk. The boys lavished me with Chocolate and a glitter bouncy ball. OH MY GOSH I love the glitter bouncy ball! It has hearts inside and lots of glitter. I also got handmade cards...I'll talk about those more in a minute.
Jacob received the latest Diary of a Wimpy Kid book. He loves reading these.
Nathan received an Alvin and the Chimpmunks Valentines DVD. He was so funny when I gave it to him. He said "OH BOY! It's always what I wanted. (pause) What is it?" LOL OH that kid!
Brent received two long sleeve thermal shirts. He was VERY happy. He's been wanting a couple more of these.
It was a great morning indeed.
The cards were handmade. The best!! According to the back of Jacob's and the barcode, the card is worth 10 dollars. WOW expensive card.

Nathan and Brent worked on their card together. You have to click to see a larger view, but according to the card (an excuse my language here, I try to keep the blog clean) I am a lucky bastard!!! :o) Apparently this card is worth over $500 bucks!! Wow! I hope your day is grand and you have someone that is your "Everything".

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Old Days, Good Times I Remember....

2009-02-09T19:17:00.001-08:00

Jacob, flying in our front yard back in Kentucky.
Brent, the boys and I on a beach in Rhode Island on Nathan's first birthday.

Brent and Jacob rock it out in our basement back in Louisville.

The boys at Newport Aquarium (Nathan about 1, Jacob about 4)

Thanks Chicago for the title.

In the Sticks.

2009-02-08T06:39:00.000-08:00

Mom and Dad went down to Grayson Co. Kentucky yesterday to our little second home. It's just a trailer, but the memories from there are probably in the millions!!! As some of you know, Kentucky was hit with a bad ice store and the area where my family is was not spared. Some of my family just got their power back yesterday. Mom said that her and dad worked for 5 hours straight and hauled 8 loads of sticks/branches to the back of the lot. Mom and dad have over 5 acres of land that they inherited from my mother's parents. The surrounding lots of land belong to other family members who also inherited the land or bought it off other family. On a funny note: Lacey hopes to inherit this land from Mom and Dad. She LOVES it down there!!
It's good to know that the power is slowly coming back to the family and they are all still doing OK.
Dad and one of the many loads of branches.

Front yard with all the limbs and branches down.
More of the front yard. There aren't as many trees in the back of the lot.
More of the front yard.
I love this front yard. Many things have happened in this front yard.
Volley ball games, family reunions, blow up swimming pools, my kids and Scott's riding around on a Little Tykes Hummer/Jeep for HOURS, Scott and I riding on the lawn mower for hours (we didn't have a Jeep or Hummer!), playing Frisbee, football, hayrides with friends.
Man that yard has had some fun!

Happy Groundhogs Day

2009-02-02T08:17:00.000-08:00

Well I don't know about the official ground hog, but my little knitted guy saw his shadow. He was NOT happy. Happy Groundhogs Day!

Pattern: Godfrey the Groundhog

There's still hope in finding lost pictures!

2009-01-30T13:05:00.001-08:00

Back in September of 2001, right after 9-11, Brent and I traveled with Jacob (who was 1 year old) to New York for Grace and Paul's wedding (good friends that live in KY but grew up on Long Island and went back to get married as their family is there.)
The day after the wedding we went out with Grace, Paul and Fump (one of their friends, honestly I do not remember his real name, they just called him Fump) to Jones Beach out on Long Island. I had forgotten the camera so had bought a disposable one. At one point on Jones Beach, Brent was walking in front of me carrying Jacob and Paul was walking beside him. Grace and I trailed behind a bit chit chatting. We looked up at the same time and all we could see of Jacob was his feet sticking out the side of Brent. Each little shoe of Jacob's was placed in each back pocket of Brent's pants. It was a cute image, so I took a picture.
Well....yes you guessed it. We lost the disposable camera. I called the hotels we stayed in, in New York and on the way home in Pennsylvania. No one had seen the camera.
Well I stumbled upon a blog that gives me hope now. http://ifoundyourcamera.blogspot.com/ I doubt I'll ever see the pictures, but knowing that someone set up a blog like this kind of gives me hope.

Car issues can't get me down, no sir!

2009-01-26T13:00:00.000-08:00

Car issues. We all have them, we all hate them. A couple months ago it was inspection and needing new control arms that hubby put on. Last month it was ordering new CV joints and axles and hubby putting them on. (Thank goodness for a car savvy husband) Last week it was a low tire that I had to get plugged. Yeah, the warranty was still good on the tire. GREAT NEWS!!
Today I'm driving around and kinda realize that my car is pulling to the right a little bit. I look at the tires and the front tire is a tad low. I figured when I went to get Jake from school I'd run by the gas station and air that bad boy up, wouldn't want to get a flat in this weather, no sir! Yeah, well, on the way to get Jacob, POP!!! I look in the rear view mirror to see what I had ran over. Hum, nothing in the road...around the corner and I was at Jake's school. After Jacob got in the car, off we go and MAN is the car driving funky now!! So, I round the corner heading back and I pull over to inspect. FLAT AS A PANCAKE!! That tire popped! After changing the tire, we were off to the same store as last weeks tire escapade since I knew we had a warranty. A different guy from last week is working. He comes out and looks at the tire and says "We don't carry those." I thought for a moment.... "Really," I say, "Last week I was here and they plugged a tire for me and said I had a warranty." The guy tells me that they are not tires they carry and that another local store carries them (one I KNOW we haven't been to because I don't know where they are). I told him it was odd that they fixed the tire last week. So after he goes back in he searches a bit and sure enough, the tire ARE UNDER WARRANTY (thank you very much, I'm NOT crazy..oh hush). So they look at the tire...it's not patchable, so I have to get a new tire, and they have to order it. They'll have it tomorrow.
Now if you know me and my car issues...usually my dad gets drawn in some way, some how. This time he showed up in a very interesting way!!
I get home and there's a box on the porch. Now let me just tell you, I am loved. I have the best parents and they are talented to boot!! Check out what my dad made for me!! (see told you he'd show up somehow, a gift for me on a day that I'm dealing with my car!)
Since I got a bread maker for Christmas from one set of the in-laws, I thought I would like a nice bread box. And nice indeed!! This bread box even came with treats for all of us. My Grandmother even enclosed 4 skeins of Red Heart Yarn, bless her heart!! It is a pretty color! I'm thinking maybe a Wallaby for Lana. Nice and washable. There were Oreo Cakesters, A tin of Peanuts, 2 boxes of Fruit Rollups, some bubble tape bubble gum that was heart shaped and some chocolate covered orange jellies (YUM!) Thanks Dad!!! I love the box!!! L-O-V-E IT! Thanks mom for the treats and yummies. Tell mamaw thanks for the yarn.Other than that, things around our house is pretty much the same. Lincoln did get a new supersized dog bed (that was MUCH NEEDED) and Nathan now loves to hang out with him. I think Lincoln likes the snuggles too.

There's been some knitting going on. I made some Bella mittens out of some yarn that Sonya sent me and they are SOOOO nice and soft!! They are made with Alpaca. Delicious yarn! Thanks Sonya.
The palms are made with Baby Alapca from Plymouth Yarns and the sleeve/cuffs are made with Cascade Alpaca. I love these mitts/armwarmers.
I have some other things on the needles, a surprise gift that I can't post because that someone might read my blog, some slippers for me, and some socks for me. And if you follow the Yarn Harlot's blog. She just made a pair of socks out of some of Heather's yarn. I got the same colorway and printed the same pattern because I really like how the pattern shows off Heather's yarn.

Small Quick Notes...

2009-01-24T19:03:00.001-08:00

More Knitting

2009-01-08T13:32:00.000-08:00

More knitting. Finished knitting is always so satisfying.
This is a purse for my friend Tina. The Pattern is called The Luckiest. I sure hope she likes it. It was so fun to make.

Next is the awesome and cute little Sack boy!! Jacob requested I knit him in Blue. I am now getting request from Nathan for one in Red. :o)
This is a baby blanket I made for an Army buddy of Brent's that lives down in R. I. Hopefully we'll be able to go visit in February after the baby is born. I used Bernat Satin yarn and it's so soft and very washable!! Nice for a baby.
And finally, another Baby Yoda Sweater. This is such a fun knit!!! This one is for our neighbors who just had a baby over the holidays.
Now to figure out what I want to cast on next. Don't know if I want to jump right into another Sack boy, but if I don't figure out something, I guess I will.

Picture Tagging

2009-01-06T16:59:00.000-08:00

Here are the rules:

* go to your 4th picture folder
* go to the 4th picture in the folder
* tell everyone 4 things about that picture
* tag 4 more people 1. This picture was taken at Seneca/Cherokee Park in Louisville, KY. If you're from Louisville then you know my confusion of remembering which freakin' park it was since they butt up against each other and you never know when your in one or the other.
2. It was a beautiful day. I'm not sure really what the weather was. I mean look how we're dressed. Jacob in long sleeves, shorts and snow boots. Nathan in a light jacket and jeans (in the swing to the right). And Brent in long sleeves and shorts.
3. The bathrooms in the background were probably locked on that beautiful day. They oddly always seemed locked.
4. The boys both still like to swing on the swings.

I tag Heather S., Ellen, Carol and Dot.

Just for fun, here are some other shots we took with our camera that day!!

Jacob peeking through the trees.
Nathan and a RARE happy moment with a smile!! LOVE that picture of him.And here are both of the boys. I think Jacob was probably 4 years old and Nathan was about 1.

Holiday Recap and Knitting

2008-12-30T06:09:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful Christmas. We stayed home this year again and didn't travel back to Kentucky to visit family. Although we missed our family greatly, we still were able to have a wonderful holiday. The boys were apparently good because Santa did not disappoint. At one point Jacob announced, "Wow Mom, we got everything we wanted!" Music to my ears!

Jacob received a guitar from Santa and a CD player from Mom-mom and Pop-Pop, so there's been a lot of rockin' along with all the new CD's he received too. If he's not listening to The Plain White T's, then he's listening to The Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Uncle Chris sent Mouse Trap and we sat on Christmas afternoon and had a good round of that game. My mouse was quickly trapped by Nathan, and shortly after Jacob's mouse was caught. Jacob and I grew tired of watching Brent and Nathan battle it out. After about 20 minutes of going round and round, they called it a tie and put the game away. It was fun.
Santa brought other awesome toys that the boys wanted. They've done a good job of sharing their toys with each other too!
I have been knitting, I swear I have!!! Let me see what I can show you.
These are Mitt Envy Gloves that I made for Jacob's teachers. I found some little matching magic gloves to put under them because fingerless mitts in New England at this time of year is a bit silly!! Need to cover those digits!
Lacey requested a new Skull hat. We won't mention that my brother put the first one I made her in the dryer and shrunk it. No we won't mention that at all. All I have to say is I'm hopefully off the hook of being reminded about the cardboard box in the oven incident now...hum?? Scott?? ya think?? :)
I also made a Baby Yoda Sweater for Baby Gabriel. He's not here yet, but word on the street is he's going to make a grand appearance within the week!! Good Luck Sarah!
Sleep walker socks. YUM!! Can I just say I love these socks! I used the Claudia Hand Painted Yarns that the Connery girls got me for my birthday. The colorway is called Circus Dancer. I could just dance with these anyway!!
And last but not least, my favorite knit of December is this beautiful braided cable hat made out of Noro Iro yarn that was gifted to me from Uli. I LOVE this hat!! It fits my big melon head and doesn't slip off like other hats!! I saw a hat like this on Ravelry and thought that the cable pattern looked familiar. I looked through the knitting books I had here at home and sure enough, one of the scarves in a book I have was the same braided cable pattern. So I just winged it and this was the outcome. But if your a pattern person there is a pattern on Ravelry for a hat like this. The top of the hat their is a bit different from just the plain stockinette that I did.
Here's wishing you and yours a great new year!

Getting into the Christmas Spirit!!

2008-12-20T05:33:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays!

Snow....and so it begins

2008-12-19T12:50:00.000-08:00

This video was taken last year about this time in December.
It's beginning to snow now outside and looks to be a good dumping upon us.

Learning other's traditions - Froehliche Weihnachten

2008-12-06T10:24:00.000-08:00

My friend Uli stopped by the house today to pick up some things. For those of you who haven't had the pleasure of meeting her, she is a sweet gal from Germany who has been living here about 2 months or so.
She told me of a tradition in Germany and left some sweets for the boys.
I was very excited for the boys to get home from shopping with Brent so I could share this with them and give them their sweets.
Here is the story Uli told me:
On the Eve of Dec. 6th, little children in Germany shine their shoes, and in the morning they will find a special treat.
This sounded like such fun I had to google this and find out more. Below is what I found:
On the eve of Dec. 6th children place a shoe or boot by the fireplace. During the night, St. Nicholas, the patron saint of children, hops from house to house carrying a book of sins in which all of the misdeeds of the children are written. If they have been good, he fills the shoe or boot with delicious holiday edibles. If they have not been good, their shoe is filled with twigs.
There are some more traditions here that I found interesting and can't wait to share with the boys.

Uli, thanks for opening my eyes to some new and exciting ways to celebrate the season with my boys!!

Above: The boys with their treats from Uli. Below: Mandatory picture my mother makes me take of the boys. She's taken their picture with Santa Hats every Christmas since they were born, and since we are so far, I have to take the photo and send to her. Love this picture. Just might go in the holiday cards this year.

Tis the Season...

2008-12-01T12:43:00.000-08:00

To be jolly! And boy am I jolly today!!!! Nathan had his followup visit with the eye Dr. that performed his surgery about 2.5 weeks ago. She is happy with the outcome of his eyes, and believes that with patching and him wearing his glasses, he may get that vision corrected and even get his depth perception back! How wonderful is that?!?!!!! He did a great job today while the assistant measured his eyes, test after test, naming letter after letter. I told him he was doing a great job and winning, so we celebrated by going and buying a toy. He even insisted that we get Jacob a toy. What a great kid! Our next visit is not until April of next year. Isn't that wonderful!! I'm also glad that I had good weather to drive in today, since it snowed yesterday. Luckily most of the snow was washed away, and it was actually in the 50's in the town we were in, in Mass, so Nathan and I took our coats off and enjoyed the sun. Imagine that...no coat on Dec. 1st in New England!! Who would have thought?!?? :o)
The boys got to visit Old St. Nick a week or so ago. I swear that Santa just sends their hair into wild mode!! OK, OK it could have been the hats they were wearing since it was cold outside, but I still blame Santa. ha ha
HAPPY HOLIDAYS! May your days be Merry and Bright.

2008-11-27T04:25:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving!
Nathan had a little program at school yesterday and he was one of the pilgrims. Mighty cute pilgrim!!
Nathan also made a Turkey. Now this has the be the cutest turkey idea I've seen!! Yep, you got it, that's a potato!

His eyes are healing find and still looking good. He's just looking at me funny in that picture. :o)

Jacob is thankful for the 4 day weekend and has already started his own count down to Christmas. Every day I get an update on how many days are left before Christmas...no stress there. (HUSH CHILD!! UUUhhhh!)

What ever you do today, I hope you are safe, happy, loved and Thankful.

I am cracking up!!

2008-11-17T19:26:00.001-08:00

This picture of my parents is just cracking me up!!! They went to the Smokey Mountians last week with some friends and emailed me some pictures. This one was too good not to share! They are such fun people!

A wild and crazy week.

2008-11-14T12:57:00.001-08:00

Well Mr. Bean had his eye surgery yesterday. It was a LONG day. The surgery took only 1.5 hours of the whole LONG day, but I must say that was the most stressful time. Think about it. We've met the Dr. who was doing the procedure twice. All the other people in there, yeah, NEVER seen them before. How it is that we turn our children over to total strangers during times like this, but for a night out for dinner, we really want to know the person babysitting our child? It's a scary thing.
Mr. Bean was a trooper! He didn't have any sickness from the anesthesia (thank goodness), and today he's full of energy! Know what...it's wearing me out....know what else... I am not going to complain, my child feels good and is happy today. I couldn't ask for more! :o)
Below is a before picture that shows you the amount of turn in his eye. The two pictures below are pictures from today. Still a LOT of red in the eyes, but that is to be expected. But look!! He still has the most beautiful eyes!!

Ah, Mr. Bean.... how I adore you! (yes mother, I know...he needs a haircut.)

Scarrrrrrrves.

2008-11-10T10:06:00.000-08:00

Ready for a good time??

2008-11-07T04:01:00.000-08:00

Yes it's that time of year again. I pack up every thing related to my knitting and a change of underwear and head off for a weekend with the girls! This year we are heading to Vermont. I am so excited and look for a chance to relax some before next weeks surgery with Nathan! I need the down time after all the phone calls yesterday to the insurance company and dr's office and billing dept of the hospital.
I am riding in the party van again this year. Sarah (who is blogless) will be carting our wine drinking butts up there (bless her heart!). No doubt she'll get us there in record time. OH I say weekend with the girls but there will be one guy there. Boy is he in for a wild weekend. haha. I'm sure he'll get more info than he ever wished over this weekend, but then again, he's used to us.
OH I need to charge the batteries in my camera!
OK. they are on the charger.
I will be making the tequila balls I made in the previous years. I wasn't going to until Sarah told me I couldn't ride in the van unless I made them. Hum..no pressure there! haha
I'll be working on a sweater and a baby blanket for our friends in Rhode Island.
Hopefully when I get back, I can blog that ONE of those projects got finished. Here's hoping!

A wonderful day.

2008-11-05T06:29:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we played in the leaves. It was so pretty outside we could not let it go to waste in the house all day.

No knitting to show right now. Things are slow in that area. We have been preparing for an upcoming surgery. Nathan will be having surgery on his eyes the 13th. Keep us in your thoughts on that day.

My boys are SO funny!

2008-10-30T04:26:00.000-07:00

If you know me and my boys, you know there is ALWAYS something going on that is down right hysterical, odd and or simply funny.
Last night was no different.
Big thanks to Caroline for breaking up the madness in my house, or maybe adding to it, while Brent is away for work.
Caroline stopped by and had little gifts for the boys. Magic Tricks!!
Of course an impromptu Magic Show was put on and Caroline and I sat on the couch in tears!! They were so funny!
I would share with you the hilarity of it all, but really, you had to be here. You just had to be here, Right Caroline?
Even after Caroline left, Nathan was in the living room doing his magic show for no one sitting on the couch.
It's good to laugh with friends.
Thanks Caroline, I needed that last night!

It's a Trick, we got Treats today!

2008-10-26T14:38:00.000-07:00

Our city T or T's on an odd day. They do it the Sunday before halloween, so that means today.

I present to you Neo from the Matrix and Patrick Star from Spongebob Squarepants.
We had a blast!

I ended up making both costumes. I couldn't find a Patrick costume anywhere locally, and a trench coat for someone Jacob's size wasn't easy to find either, so out came the sewing machine.

Play that Funky Music

2008-10-23T10:51:00.001-07:00

Guess who's starting viola lessons!

Recycle

2008-10-22T11:23:00.001-07:00

Can you recycle a kid??

Remind me to check my bin before I place it out on Monday!

Family and Friends

2008-10-13T05:20:00.000-07:00

With the recent events that happened back home in Kentucky, it has made me appreciate, love and cherish my family and friends more.
Friday was Brent's birthday. Ericka was so nice and made him one of her awesome cheesecakes. Her husband even did a bit of shifty work at his job so he could run home and get the cheesecake so they could bring it to me at knitting on Friday Night. Look at this cheesecake. Don't you wish you could have some!! It's totally delicious!!!!!!

There's a little under half left. If you ever are in the presence of one of Ericka's cheesecakes you better treat yourself to a bite!
Saturday Jacob got the treat of having a sleepover at a friends house. When we went to pick him up on Sunday the parents said that Jacob is welcome anytime at their house. It made me proud to know that Jacob showed his best behavior while at his friends house.
After we picked up Jacob we programed Brent's new TomTom to get us to Milford, NH for the Pumpkin Festival.The TomTom was a great gift from Brent's mother. We are having fun trying to trick it. :)
There were some rather LARGE pumpkins at the festival. The one behind the boys was over 1000 lbs.!! It was grown in Bedford NH.
The fall season is upon us in New England and I'm sure the Leaf Peepers are in full force up North!!
We introduced the boys to fried dough with powdered sugar and a bit of cinnamon on it. Nathan had on his clothes and in his hair. I'd say it was a hit, wouldn't you??

Jacob wasn't crazy about it at first, but after I put cinnamon on his, he looked like this.....
Yeah, he likes cinnamon!
On the walk back to the car we crossed some train tracks and this was the view down the tracks.

I received some mail over the weekend from a swap I joined. This was called the "Favorite Things Swap". You were to pack your pal some of your favorite things to have while knitting. My pal, Jenny, sent me a wonderful package!! A handmade project bag. I love the fabric used on this! Some orange cotton Jawoll Sock yarn, Size US2 DPNs, Burt Bee's lip balms, Bee's hand cream, Chocolate!!! with peanut butter in it no less. yum, and a book. The book is one she told me she reads to her son. I was so touched that she involved something personal like that, that I can share with my boys. Thanks Jenny!!

I missed a family reunion this past weekend back in Kentucky. I did get a treat though. I called my mother yesterday evening and she was just saying goodbye to her brother, Edward. Jacob is named after this uncle of mine (Jacob Edward). I was able to speak with him on the phone and it was so good to hear his voice and chat for a bit. I hope one year we'll be able to go home for one of these family reunions that I grew up loving going too. It really sucks that I missed getting one of my Aunt Lorene's fried apple turnovers!!! grrrrrr

Numb.

2008-10-07T07:53:00.000-07:00

I read bad news from home today.
I'm a bit in shock. I knew this couple. Went to cook outs with this couple. They were so fun.
article

Socks Socks Socks!

2008-10-06T13:14:00.001-07:00

I finished the Uptown Boot Sock from Interweaves Favorite Socks Book. The yarn is from Sereknity.com. And it's the Vintage colorway from last year. Vintage colorway of recent is a bit different.

Dumbo!! Do you see what I see??

2008-10-02T13:23:00.000-07:00

We never know where our mother is taking us.

Well now, this is an odd sign!!
LOOK OUT! LOOK OUT!! It's Elephants on Parade!!
WOW these things are huge!
Just a couple clowns, clowning around.
Ringling Bros. is in town and yesterday the Elephants walked right down Elm Street. I, of course, HAD to go see this! I have never seen an elephant parade. It was AWESOME!! If you didn't know.. I LOVE ELEPHANTS!! Sonya, are you a little jealous right about now??

In other new....Nathan is FIVE today! Where does the time go?? Below is a picture of the boys a couple days after Nathan came home from the hospital.

I'm still here.

2008-09-25T10:34:00.001-07:00

Yes I'm still here. School started and then preschool started and then I started walking the mornings Nate's in school and boom....busy busy!

There has been knitting and sewing, so I'll get to the fun stuff.

I knit this hat. Not sure I like it. TOTALLY not flattering on me for sure! Found the pattern on Ravelry, but didn't fav or queue it there so now I can't remember where the pattern came from. Anyway... too holey, don't care for it.
Sewing has been fun. I'm making these List takers now and they are going to make nice gifts this year for teachers and such. Watch for some on my etsy in the next month or so. The pattern came from JChandmade. I really enjoy reading Jennifer's blog and seeing what she creates with that sewing machine of hers!!
She also had a free tutorial about how to make fabric magnets. These are quick and fun!
Remember this sweater I posted a month or so ago that I started. Well I was going along loving the knit until my husband uttered the simple words "Raw Hamburger Meat". I couldn't go on knitting knowing that I'd look like walking meat. I ripped out the arm. Gave the yarn to my good friend Heather of Sereknity and she dyed it for me.

Below is the picture of the yarn now. It's a beautiful Eggplant color and I'm much happier with the yarn. Thank you Heather!! You saved the yarn for me. It looks more purpley in person. Trust me...it's SOOOOO much better!
I am knitting some socks from Heather's yarn. This is Vintage "Vintage". She dyed this yarn last year and has since changed her Vintage colorway a tad, so I have the vintage Vintage color. These socks are going to be so nice and warm! The Eggplant color in the socks will match my sweater perfectly!

And finally, a reveal package from my Secret Pal 12. My SP12 was Courtney. This gal spoiled me really well!! The yarn is so yummy, the ducks are too cute (stitch markers) and she also sent some homemade pear preserves! Courtney was great with emails and reading up on my blog and Ravelry queue to see what kind of things I liked. Very sneaky. Thank you Courtney for all of the treats you sent my way during this round of SP12. It was a great round.

UH OH! it's too cute!

2008-09-16T05:30:00.001-07:00

Pattern: Uh-Oh's by Anna Hrachovec at Mochi Mochi

Anna had this video on her blog too the other day and I thought it was too cute so I wanted to post it too. The little crochet person is adorable!! I want to learn how to make those little dudes. :)

I can dance!

2008-09-09T09:18:00.001-07:00

It's rainy out and I'm cooped up in the house and maybe a little crazy! What else is there to do but DANCE!
Get up and dance with me.

Growing Up Too Fast

2008-09-08T06:21:00.001-07:00

It happens the same time every year!! School starts and my kids get older! Jacob is now 8 and in third grade, (picture below from first day of school last week for Jacob.) I made cupcakes in ice cream cones and sent them off to school on Friday, the actual day of his birthday. I can't believe I have an 8 year old! Everything for his birthday was Tony Hawk related. Clothes, Tech Decks, back packs, skateboard knee pads and elbow pads.
If Jacob turning 8 doesn't get you all worked up...how about this?? Nathan is going to Pre-school this year!!! He will be 5 in October. FIVE PEOPLE, FIVE!!!! This is going too fast! I don't have babies anymore. I have BOYS! Below is the picture I took this morning of the boys ready for school. Nathan was very excited. Brent took him to school since it is close to his work. Brent said he was holding Nathan's hand and when they got in the school Nathan said "Let go Dad. See you later." ....and off he went. LET GO?!?!? LET GO?!?! Are you freaking kidding me?!?! LET GO!
And so, we did. One in 3rd grade, one in pre-school. I AM HOME ALONE!! Do you hear me?! ALONE!! (OK, OK the dogs here) It's quite, no TV, no PlayStation, just me and the hum of the computer and clicking of keys. I did go to the gym this morning at Brents work and actually enjoyed a work out.
I am so proud that my boys are excited about school. I hope they keep that excitement!

I can't wait to pick up Nathan and see how his day went!

Labor Day Weekend Fun!

2008-09-01T05:27:00.000-07:00

Wow this has been the busiest weekend of our lives since we moved here to New Hampshire. And let me tell you, It has been WONDERFUL!!!!!! I almost don't know where to start. How about with Zeland. That's the big fella with Brent in the picture below. We are dog sitting this weekend and this 3 year old German shep. mix has won us over. Yes, Yes, even me, the one who claims not to be a big animal person. Hey Melissa, now I know how you feel when we come and take Lincoln home. We are SO going to miss this boy!

On Saturday we went to Tokyo Joe's Studio for their annual open house. The boys had a great time. Jacob even got in on the fun and jumped in to take a turn on the dunking booth.
He is always prepared when it comes to going under water.
Nathan got in on the fun by throwing the balls and dunking people. I think he left the dunking booth a couple times to play on the other jumpy blowup things, but always came back to the dunking booth.
Brent and a couple of other "kids" took a turn in the jumping cage. They were doing flips and such. Yes it's true, boys will be boys!!
Saturday after the open house we went home and met up with my good friend Caroline. We crashed her sister's pad and went swimming in her pool. COLD COLD water! Nathan swam until his lips were blue. We had to make him get out. He loved it! Later that evening we went out to dinner with Caroline.
On Sunday I took advantage of Brent having a Sunday morning off from working out at Tokyo Joe's and went to The Yarn and Fiber store in Derry, NH. Gina was working so a couple of the Manchvegas Knitters decided to go keep her company (ok ok I called and harassed a couple of them to remember to meet me there, but watch, they'll be ever so thankful I did!)

Jackie finished a sweater she had been working on and she picked out the coolest Skull buttons to put on it. I think I want some of those buttons for the sweater I'm working on. Brent says things are only cool if they have skulls on them. So I want a cool sweater. LOL
After knitting for awhile on this beautiful Sunday, some people walked in and the girl was holding a dog. Um, HELLO, didn't you see the sign that say "No Pets..." wait a minute, HEY THAT'S BOB FROM RAVELRY!!! Ok, forget the sign and GET IN HERE!! He was with Casey and Jess and two of their friends on a road trip to somewhere north of us in NH. We had the most enjoyable visit with the five of them!! Casey and Steven (one of the friends) came in a sat at the table where we were knitting/munching on goodies, and talked with us, while Jess and, oh forgive me I've forgotten Steven's wife's name, shopped around the store. Bob tested out his four legs on the carpeted area and seemed to be enjoying the traction he got on the carpet and was like a flash zooming around the room!! (See, I told you the gals would be happy I called them about coming out to knit.)
In the picture below from left to right: Jackie, Caroline, (blogless) Amanda, Bob, Jess, Gina, Me and Casey.

After the enjoyable morning and early afternoon at Y&F, I went to the grocery. Was NOT looking forward to that because Sundays were always crowded at the grocery, and I still find it comical when the REM song comes over the speakers playing Shiny Happy People, but these people are far from happy and even FARTHER from shiny when the grocery is that packed. (That song always comes on when I'm at the grocery....ALWAYS!) But being a holiday weekend, I guess most people were gone because I was able to enjoy my REM song with out a lot of people at the store!
I got home and got the groceries put away and then the boys and I went back down to see Caroline at her sister's house and we invaded the pool again. This time both boys swam until they were shivering. I took the chance to sit back and relax since Caroline was taking a dip. The kids ENJOYED playing with Caroline. After swimming I walked Nathan back to the house and grabbed my knitting and went back to hang with Caroline and knit. It was the perfect afternoon to sit and knit.
Isn't Caroline's penguin too cute!! It's a bag and there's a grommet in the back to thread your yarn through so your yarn ball stays clean and doesn't roll away!
I started a sweater yesterday morning at Yarn and Fiber. Below is how for I had gotten for the day. I'm loving that big fat Cable!!

And finally, HAPPY ANNIVERSARY MOM AND DAD!!!!!! Wish I could be with you all to celebrate. Hope you have a great day!

2008-08-26T07:10:00.000-07:00

It's our 13th wedding anniversary. Yep I still like him.
Brent and I camping sometime in 1995 after we were married.
Brent and I at our "Pack the Pantry" Shower that our friends threw for us. Little did he know that would be the only time in his life he'd see me holding a mop, broom, duster, or what ever that thing is I'm holding....
Brent and I (looking dazed for some reason) at my Brother's wedding in 1997.

Possibly interesting information about us (but probably mostly useless or something you already know.)

Met in Feb of 1994
Engaged Dec. of 1994
Married Aug of 1995
1st child - Jake - Sept 2000
2nd child - Nate - Oct 2003
At one time we had 4 dogs, Kramer, Molly, Lincoln and Trixie.
Still have Lincoln.

My favorite song that was sung at our wedding. "If" by Bread

Love you Brent!

Getting Spoiled and FO's!!

2008-08-21T07:32:00.000-07:00

Where do I start?!? Let's start with the spoiling.
I had joined a swap on Ravelry called the Pill Bottle Swap. The Instructions that came with the swap simply said "Take as needed, preferably daily. Repeat as often as desired" In side the package was all these goodies pictured below! Thank you Karen! You're an "angel" ;o) Two skeins of Cascade Fixation, peanuts, knitting needles, tapestry needles, stitch markers, "L" notepad, Needle tip protectors, a cut zippered bag with a matching mirror.

Next in the mail was a package from my Secret Pal 12. A book of patterns from Debbie Macomber, Labels for my sewing projects, Wool to hang outside for the birds to come and take to make warm beds (they'll be needing that here in the North!) And some Lavender and Shea Butter Soap. OMG but it smells goooooooooooood. Thank you SP! Love all the goodies.
Now for the knitting. I knit these pedicure socks and they are going to be gifted out. They were a quick knit on size US7 needles with Paton's Classic Merino Wool that I got a Michael's while in Kentucky.
And the Summertime Tunic. I'm still not sold on this as being a great finish project. I don't like how it looks on me. Trust me it looked WORSE with out the bright white shirt underneath. Maybe it will grow on me and one day I'll be like "HEY I like this". Last night at knitting I was threatening to sew up the bottom and have myself a new Bag!! It's made from Cotton/Linen.
I do however LOVE LOVE LOVE the ribbon I bought to accent it with. It's just perfect!

On a not knitting note but still worth mentioning (maybe some of you won't care). But I am now officially a resident of the state. Yup. I surrendered my Kentucky License yesterday and got one for here. Hello New England!!! You are home now! I have proof!

Got Beans?

2008-08-16T08:11:00.000-07:00

We went to a Fisher Cats ballgame last night. I had to take Nathan to the bathroom at sometime during the night. The conversation was like this:

Nathan: Mommy, maybe you can get some beans.
Me: Yeah? You think so?
Nathan: Yes...maybe if you have good behaviours you can get beans for your birthday.

Me: {Immediate Laughter with tear streaming down my face!!!}

I could not even come up with a response on that one! We also got free soccer balls.
My boys

If you're totally confused on why this is so funny......shoot me an email. I'll let you in on the joke. Most of you who know me....you already know and I'm sure I should have put a disclaimer at the beginning of this so you didn't spew your drink on your monitor. For that, I'm sorry!

Yep, I had a birthday!

2008-08-11T18:04:00.000-07:00

Yeah I know...my birthday was over a week ago, but I've been celebrating since the middle of July people!! It all started in Kentucky with my knitting friends and mom. Mom bought me some clothes, Sonya got me a sewing book I've been wanting and some other cute goodies, Ruth gave me some of her hot off the press patterns that she designed (find her HERE on Raverly). Sonya made those sinfully delicious cupcakes. It was good times baby, good times.
The gals here in Manchvegas were not to be outdone though. Yarn and Patterns (knitting and more sewing!) and Fancy Bags and beads and the Olympics (oh wait that wasn't for me). Jackie made an oh so good will you marry me Carrot Cake (my FAVORITE kind of cake), and I do believe I might have asked her to marry me?? Did I not Jackie? She declined.....said she kinda liked the spouse she had, he's a keeper. I am truly blessed to have all these knitters in my life. I am so glad I found this group when I moved here and I'm so happy with the friendships that have blossomed out of it!
I got a gift card in the mail from my mother in law saying that I should go out and get that new purse I've been wanting. So I'm kind of excited to go shopping for a new purse. I had told her when I was home that I needed a new one, so instead of her picking one, she is giving me the choice! SWEEEEET!!!!!!!!

Jackie cutting the cake. Ms. Gina behind her in the pink top.
This years color theme?? ORANGE!! Nope wasn't planned. Just came out that way and I am SO HAPPY!!!! Left to right: Sereknity in Campfire colorway, Schaefer Yarn "Anne" in color #28, and Claudia Handpainted Yarns in Circus Dancer colorway. They are all vibrant colors, happy colors, and I need to get knitting so I have a nice pair for Fall!!

I have been knitting and finished this little cute elephant. Jacob named him Eduardo the elephant. Find the pattern HERE.

Thanks to all my friends and family for a wonderful birthday. You guys rock!

2008-07-30T07:51:00.000-07:00

OH but Etsy is dangerous!!! I've been surfing today and just look at this list of things that I have decided I love

Watermelon Sock Yarn (complete with seeds) See some knit up on ravelry here.

Knitting is Sexy!

Ducky Stitch Markers

Elephant Wristlet

EEEEE LOVE THIS Elephant Wallet

ok better stop now.... I Love etsy! And don't forget I have an etsy shop myself!
http://loraskeyhole.etsy.com

On another note, TODAY IS WEDNESDAY!!!!!!!!!!!! That means knitting tonight! I haven't knit with this group in a little over a month! Can't wait to see them. Hope they are ready for me to come back. :o)

2008-07-29T09:19:00.001-07:00

Today is my good friend Sonya's Birthday
This one's for you Sonya!

2008-07-28T12:40:00.000-07:00

Crap...had a post all typed out and hit something and whoooooooooooosh...all gone. Ok granted it was only 3 lines but still....

Anyway, we are home. We have Lincoln. (Thanks Melissa!!) and the car did great coming home and we even got better gas mileage with the new alternator! (Thanks Dad and John!!)

Now for week 7 of Secret Pal questions:

What is(are) your favorite place(s) to knit?
I like to sit on my couch and knit. I like to knit with my knitting gals where ever they may congregate!!
What supplies (besides yarn & needles) make the setting perfect for knitting?
Maybe a Mtn. Dew. OH let's not forget Tequila Balls. yum. But the BEST setting is with my friends, be it in Kentucky or New Hampshire. There's something about being with other knitters that makes your project all the more fun! As far as supplies....I think cute stitch markers are fun as long as they don't get hung up in the knitting.

2008-07-24T11:11:00.000-07:00

So my dad got the alternator. I had a friend that was going to come over and replace it for me since Brent is still in New Hampshire. I wanted to have the part on before he got here tomorrow so we could leave on schedule. My friend got hung up running an errand for a family member so off to plan B.
What is plan B you ask? Sonya's Husband and my Dad!! John and Dad were able to get the alternator off and get the good one on the car. John checked my fluid levels on the car and aired up my tires to make sure those little things were taken care of too. I am so glad that John and Dad were able to get the car fixed and I know it was a load off Brent's mind. Two people he knows and trust to work our car.
Of course this didn't go with out the ribbing of John. He told Sonya to never answer the phone again. and I said "Especially if it was a 603 area code!!!" hahaha
Again, I am so happy I was somewhere with friends and family when the car flubbed up and not on the road back home. I can only imagine how much someone might have took us for!
It also gave Sonya and I some chit chat time while they worked on the car. Occasionally Sonya and I would hold a light or walk around to trip the motion sensors for lights.
I didn't take the camera but Sonya got a few shots with hers.
But gladly....the car is fixed. *whew!*
And now for some special pictures!A visit with my grandmother, the boys great grandmother.
She was so happy to see all of us and glad we came to visit her a few times while we were in town. I think it made her days when we'd visit.
The great elephant knit along. I can't help but sing this little song in my head when I see these little fellows. That's Nicole in the back ground, one of the KY knitters.

2008-07-22T19:56:00.001-07:00

OK... maybe I jinxed myself. Go back to THIS blog post and read the second paragraph, last sentence. Yep... It's all my fault.
All I can say is thank goodness for Dads like mine!

2008-07-22T06:28:00.000-07:00

Just sit right back and I'll tell a tale, a tale of a not so faithful CAR!!!

Oh. My. Gosh.
It's insane the stress my car is giving me.
Here's the story. Saturday I go to grab some dinner for my parents and I. When I step on the break, the radio starts bleeping at me, (this apparently is the way a car say, hey dummy, somethings wrong, remember this!) So later Sat. afternoon about 6pm, I load up the car and the boys to go to my brother's house for the evening. I was excited because I was going to go out with Sonya for the evening to hear Strum beat (yeah I know you know I made it there, but you are going to listen to this story anyway.) SO..... *reaaaaarrrrrrrr, click click click click.....rearrrrrrrrrrrrrr, click click click..........*sigh*........... beep beep beep beep beep beep beep (me calling dad in the house where my car is parked infront of) "Dad can you come outside please" Dad comes out. Reaaarrrrrr click click.....* Off comes the battery and off we go to Auto zone to get the battery tested. "Sir, this will take about an hour." So dad and I go back to his house and sit and wait an hour. Go back to Auto zone about 8:30 and get the battery, bring it home put it in the car and Rearrrrrrrrr purrrrrrrrr purrrrrrrrr YEAH it runs (no my car doesn't sound like a cat...but it's all i could think to type.
So without shutting the car off, I call my mother inside the house and say SEND THE BOYS OUT QUICK! And out they come and off we go to my brothers house.
yeah...go get a drink, I'm not done yet. I'll wait.
.
.
ok....so off we go to Indiana to see my brother and his family so the boys can have a sleep over and I can meet up with Sonya later. We get about, oooooh 7 miles down the road and the car starts dying on me this time on the entrance ramp to the highway. LOVELY! I make it on the highway and to an exit ramp where it dies TWICE down the exit ramp. I pull over into a closed business and call my repair man, aka, DAD. So dad and mom come with the van, I have dad drive the car back to his house so he can see what's it's doing and I drive the van. Wouldn't you know that STUPID CAR was running good like Nobodies business!!!! OH the nerve of that car!! But I wasn't taking any chances with the boys in tow with me and mom let me take her van to my brothers house. FINALLY about 9:30 we were on our way to my brother's house. I got to meet up with Sonya and we had a grand time, see her blog for the fun of the night!
So on Sunday I loaded up my boys and my niece and headed back to mom and dad's house to see what we needed to do with the car. I went out to it...it started up nicely, so I asked dad to go for a drive with me. It was great! The car was running well.
Later that evening I decided I would take the boys to see some family. Car ran fine... on the way home we stopped at a drive thru to get some food and the car started having the radio beep at me again... Oh dear I've pushed it too far and it's pissed again.
So... long story short..yeah right. My car needs a new alternator! Brent's in New Hampshire and I'm in Kentucky and the car is being a PITA! So it looks as though my last week will be spent watching who ever I can talk into working on my car. I guess the good news is Sonya's hubby can get me an alternator at cost and one of dad's friends said he would get one for dad at cost too!! Things are looking up it seems. So I hope that my dad and brother in law can get the alternator in. My poor brother in law....he wonders how he got sucked into this mess... well he can blame his brother for marrying me. hahaha My dad...oh he's used to me and my weird car antics. I'm sure my repair bill tab with dad spans the USA and then back!!
I am thankful that this is happening while I'm here and not on the road home to NH with the kids. That would NOT be a good situation. I'm safe, my kids are safe and that's all that should matter. So today I shall de-stress myself with knitting and the company of my mother.
Ok so this post isn't so boring....I'll find some fun pictures to add. :) After all this IS vacation baby!!!Dad and Jake on the Tractor. Jacob was so happy he got to drive it!Nathan and dad on the tractor. He said at first he wouldn't drive it, but had a blast!Carl and I at My Bar in Indiana
Jacob eats WAY to many White Castle Burgers. He had a belly ache later!
Nathan and I at Gattiland. He's driving a motorcycle, I'm knitting. We went there with Sonya and her kids Sunday afternoon. It was so fun to see Sonya's kids. They are growing up so fast.
If you made it to the end of this blog post....thanks for staying...love you too :)

2008-07-20T12:20:00.001-07:00

I love the live music scene in Louisville!!! Thursday night, Mom, Dad, the boys and I went out to Macca's Seafood Restaurant to see our friends Another Colour. We had a grand time and a lot of my friends were there. Some I called and told I'd be there, some were there to see Another Colour and didn't know I was in town, so they were surprised. They couldn't believe how the boys had grown. I did get up and sing with them on one song for my Dad. We sang "The Rose" by Bette Midler.
singing

Jacob and I cutting a rug, dancing a jig! He's so fun
Grace and Paul, Another Colour, under the Umbrella singing away!
The Another Colour groupies that we used to hang out with almost every weekend.
And more pictures of me and my high school girlfriends. Jenny (holding Nathan) wasn't able to come to dinner and karaoke the other night, so she met me at Macca's for dinner. Nathan took a shine to her and only left her side long enough to eat his food.

Sonya and I went out last night... more pictures from that after Sonya gets them off her computer. I love love love hanging with Sonya when it's just the two of us. We didn't do a lot of talking last night. We both are big fans of live music and enjoy just sitting, relaxing and listening. We did have some entertainment other than the music. The bartenders were flipping and throwing the drinks around all night. Almost like Tom Cruise in Cocktail. Sometimes Sonya an I would see something odd and just look at each other and start laughing. We just KNEW what the other was thinking!
We went out to see Strumbeat. Someone has a video of them on youtube. FINALLY! I can hear them when ever I want (as long as they don't remove it)

2008-07-16T15:56:00.001-07:00

I am still knitting while here visiting my family. I've gone to knitting practice here with the gals each Tuesday and have met some more super knitters I just want to bring home with me! I finished my Lisha Lace Scarf, and love it!! You can buy the pattern directly from Gina on her blog. The boys are at the inlaws tonight and my parents are gone out for the evening, Brent's doing the work gig, London or somewhere. I can't keep up with him. So that leaves me alone with mom's camera.
Nope...not a good angle to see the scarf.
Hum....Hello Boob, then straight up my nose. All clean :o)
By now the camera has apparently had enough of my mug and starts beeping at me in an odd way, but a better angle. So I try again and Voila, me wearing my Lisha Scarf. You can see better details of my scarf if you're on Ravelry. If you aren't, FOR SHAME! Also the cutest little elefante!! I adore this pattern. Gina printed out the pattern sometime ago and I begged her for it and finally made it while here in Ky with the knitting girls here as a KAL. I hope to get a picture next Tuesday of the Elefante's on parade with other's that have finished. (Knit, Sonya, Knit!)
I started another project, A summertime tunic from interweave knits. I'm excited to get this done in time to wear SOMETIME this summer I hope!
Also on the SP12 side of things I need to catch up on questions of the week.
What yarn (that you don’t have/haven’t used) would make your stash “complete”? Hum...well I don't know. I am not one of those knitters who buys yarn just to buy. I'm one of those who kind of needs a project in mind.
What yarn do you never want to be without?**
Sock Yarn. It's nice to have in the stash so when you don't have a project going you can just look for a sock pattern and get going.
Where is your favorite place to go for vacation/holiday?
Well before I moved to New England, it was New England. We went on a vacation once to Ocean City, Md and that was fun!
Where is one place you’d like to go?
I would love to visit England or Ireland or Germany.
What is your favorite type of project to take along on holiday/vacation?
I would have to say socks or stuff animals to knit! They a pretty portable and the animals keep the kids excited to see the finished result.
Tell us about a time that you packed too much knitting or were stranded without knitting.
That would be the Christmas we flew home to see mom and dad after we moved to New England. Our layover in Chicago was supposed to be 1 hour.... um yeah HELLO... CHICAGO!! It was 4 hours and my knitting was in the bag that I checked!! I figured I would put it in there because one hour is not long enough to knit when you have to keep kids entertained. After four hours I was longing for something to do!

Well that's enough of that! :) I think I'm caught up on the questions and hope that gave you a fun read. I'm off to sit on the couch, enjoy some quiet knitting time. Maybe I'll call the knitters at B&N tonight in Manchvegas.

2008-07-14T15:47:00.000-07:00

I told you there would be more!!
Me, Tina and Meredith faking "Proud Mary" because for some odd reason the guy didn't have the lyrics showing! Tina did a cute shimmy stomp thing just like Tina Turner......gosh she's fun!
In the picture above is Meredith, Tina, Tracy and I. We sang "Puttin' on the Ritz" by TACO. Yeah..... Super Duper... haha
Who needs a mic when you have a bottle of Smirnoff to use! Don't know what I was singing here.
This is Sonya and I at Dublin's Cellar, the second place we went last night to hear a live band, Kimmet and Doug. We were faking a song for the camera.
Here are Kimmet and Doug singing a little ditty. Kimmet looks happy clapping and all. :) I had a SUPER DUPER time with the gals. It was fun to get together with them and even introduce Sonya to them.

2008-07-13T06:19:00.000-07:00

Girls Night Out!! I went out to dinner last night with some old dear friends.... OK they aren't old, but I've known them all since the 9th grade (one of them since the 6th grade!) and we all graduated together. We met at Tumblweed for dinner, trotted over to Akiko's Bar for some Karaoke, and after the thunderstorm (my that came out of no where), walked two blocks to another bar called Dublin's Cellar and listened to Kimmet and Doug sing. My friend Sonya, who didn't go to high school with all of us, showed up later.

Left to right: Anita, Meredith, Me, Tina, Tracy at Akiko's

Meredith (known her since 6th grade) and Tina at Dublin's Cellar

Me singing Karaoke at Akiko's

Meredith, Tracy, Me and Sonya at Dublin's Cellar

Anita(wake up girl), me and Tracy
I had such a blast hooking back up with the girls. The last time we went out together that was almost 5 years or so ago...I was very early on pregnant with Nathan, you do the math.
I took some pictures last night but it was with a disposable camera, so more photos might show up later. :)

2008-07-11T19:01:00.000-07:00

More Vacation picturesSwimming with Uncle Brent

Jake jumps in the pool screaming "CANNON BALL"
J

Lana kicks back and relaxes.

Nathan and I at Churchill Downs watching the horse races.

Jacob's winning ticket. He bet on a horse named "General Jake" and he won $5.50!! He was so excited!

2008-07-07T07:39:00.000-07:00

Random vacation pictures that make me smile.

Looking at worms

The Wii is a Thumbs Up Baby!!!

My two favorite Red Heads!!

Cute as a button!! (Jackie, she'll still fit in the suitcase. Want me to try again?)

Watching the fireworks. (Cover the ears!!)

Jake watches from inside the house.
This is so fun!!

2008-07-06T07:37:00.000-07:00

UH-OH!!
But in a good way!! I am keeping my secret pal on her toes! Making her chase me all over the mid west and east coast. haha!
I got a package here at mom's house yesterday with the Mochi Mochi Uh-ohs pattern that I've been wanting for SO LONG!!! There was also some yarn inside and a nice personal note! No pictures at this moment, but I plan on trying to make these Uh-ohs when I finish the scarf I'm working on. They are just too dang cute!!
Thank you Secret Pal!!!

2008-07-03T07:30:00.000-07:00

We are having a good time in Kentucky so far. The weather has been nice and really not that humid so far, but looking outside today, it looks like rain and things might be taking a turn. UGH Hello frizzy hair! haha
The boys are enjoying their time with their cousin's. We spent the day with them yesterday. My nephew, Luke, cracks me up!! At one point yesterday, he told me out of the blue "I love you" I swear that kid is sweeter than sugar! That boy never hushes either... if he's not talking, he's singing! Adorable!
I have yet to make it to a yarn shop!! OH THE HORROR OF IT ALL! But in time we'll get to a couple.
Tonight the boys are staying over at my brother's house and Brent and I will have some time alone! We'll probably crash at 8:30 and sleep until 11 am. Yeah...we're wild that way! We went out to dinner last night with his mom and her husband. After dinner they took the boys back to their house for awhile and Brent and I got to stroll along Bardstown Rd. One of our favorite things to do! We stopped in and saw Rodney at Twisted Images. He is the tattoo artist that has done most of our work that we have on us. He's moved the business into a new building and I really love the character of the place. It's an older house in the Highlands and it just feels neat in there. I can't explain what it is, but I like it!
I had my favorite breakfast today!!!! I have not had this probably since we moved to New Hampshire!! BISCUITS AND GRAVY!!! Oh the beauty of B&G!! LOVE IT!
I'm still knitting on my Lisha Scarf and loving every minute of it! If you haven't check it out, jump on over to Gina's blog and buy yourself a copy! It's a beautiful project! Check out her recent podcast too. I need to download it and listen to it....but we are never still for long, but I'm sure soon we'll putter out and relax! haha!
Melissa, give our Lincoln a big hug from us and tell him we haven't forgotten him and the family keeps asking about him. :)

2008-06-28T04:26:00.000-07:00

(singing)All my bags are packed
I'm ready to go
I'm standin here outside your door
I hate to wake you up to say goodbye (LATER DUDES!!)
But the dawn is breakin
It's early morn
The Suzuki's waitin
Brent's blowin the horn
Already I'm so EXCITED I could cry (gonna see my family!)
So kiss me and smile for me
Tell me that you'll wait for me
Hold me like you'll never let me go cause
I'm leavin In my Suzuki
Don't know when I'll be back again (ok ok ... late July)
Oh babe, I can't wait to go

Oh please John Denver forgive me for thrashing one of your great songs. We are off to Kentucky! I can't friggin' wait. It's 7:36am and I swear if those men folk don't wake up I'm going to explode!!! This time would probably be well spent packing my knitting instead of blogging, but just wanted to say, "SEE YOU IN KENTUCKY!" Watch for post from there. Manchvegas girls...save my seat.... I'LL BE BACK (in my best Arnold S. voice)

(singing) Mama, Mama I'm coming home!!!!!!!!!

2008-06-26T05:58:00.000-07:00

Last day of schooooooool!!!!!!!!! Yeah and I kinda over slept and missed my morning walk with Marion and Debbie. Sorry girls! BUT!! That did give me time to work on the gift card package for Jacob's teachers DD Gift Cards. Check it out.

I think they turned out super cute!! I had fun getting the paper, inks and stamps out and making the card holders. The little pockets for the hand written note and the DD gift card just makes me smile. Pockets in cards are fun! I "wrapped" them in some bags that I got soap in from Ericka, so they smell wonderful too. (yeah I kept the soap...that stuff is MINE MINE MINE, no one gets my Mow The Lawn Soap!!) I'm happy with the finished result! They looked cute down in the bags. I thought about stamping the bags, but was running short on time, so I forgot about it and said plain is good.
Now I'm off to run errands and pick up some passes to a museum from the library. We are meeting some friends this afternoon for some fun!!

2008-06-25T08:24:00.000-07:00

School is almost over. Tomorrow is the last day of Second grade for Jacob. He is very excited to move on to Third grade. I am excited too, but failed as the Suzie home maker mom by not getting HANDMADE end of year gifts for the teachers. I had to opt for Dunkin' Donuts gift cards. Jackie did some super cute facecloths and added soap with them, too cute. Another blog I read made the teachers a cute tote bag. These are things I can do, but with our big trip looming in the back of my mind I can barely complete a sentence!! All that is on my mind is laundry, get food, and pack. Now most of you know I usually do things last minute, and I'm sure that won't change, but I'm attempting to get organized for this trip. Heck I'll be gone a month. SOOO excited.
The lovely Melissa has agreed to let Lincoln be Rusty's pal for the time we are gone. YOU ROCK MELISSA. I wonder how long until we get ransom notes saying we have to do such and such to get him back. I worried last year. LOL
Now off to Google a snazzy way to give the teachers the gift cards....I got to do SOMETHING handmade!

2008-06-19T06:32:00.001-07:00

New Goodies in the etsy shop! Take a look through Lora's Keyhole!

2008-06-18T18:40:00.000-07:00

More Questions for SP12.
The hostess are asking questions each week and we are to post our answers so our secret pal can get to now us better. I missed last weeks so I'll do both questions now.

Week #1 question:What is your favorite summertime drink??
Hum.... Well I like Iced Tea, but I also like Diet Coke/Pepsi. As long as it's COLD and has ice.. :)

Week #2 question: As a kid, what did you look forward to most about summer vacation/break/holiday?
I would say I always looked forward to our annual family reunion on my mother's side. As a kid they used to be on Father's Day Sunday. Now they've changed them to October since it's usually cooler in Kentucky by October, rather than the middle of hot hot June! Swimming was fun. Sleepovers with friends. Things like that. :)

2008-06-17T06:06:00.000-07:00

SP12 Questionairre.

What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely not like?
I'm not super picky about my yarn. I did once work with some merino/tencel sock yarn that was super delicious!! I like Knit Picks Shine, it feels good. Some Acrylic is ok...I like Vanna's Choice, used it for a sweater for my son.
What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
I have the Knit Pick options set.
How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I started knitting maybe getting close to 4 years ago I guess?? My friend Tamelyn and Heather taught me one weekend when we got together in Tennessee. (Miss you gals!) I would conder my skill level close to intermediate.
Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
Yes I have an Amazon wish list...it's over there to the right --->
What’s your favorite scent?
I like fresh clean scents. Glade Rain shower is a favorite of mine. Nothing too musky. Definitely not patchouli oil...ick.
Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
OOO yes!! I like Peanut butter and Chocolate, like Reese's Peanut Butter cups or Fast Break by Reese's. Do not like the new whipped Reese's though. I also like Chocolate cover Raisins. A new favorite, not really sweet is Wheat Thins Tomato and Basil crackers. Yum
What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
I sew, I bead, I rubber stamp. I do not spin. I have a drop spindle and some yummy fiber from my good friend Heather at Sereknity, but haven't spun it yet.
What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
I like classic rock and some current music. Elton John, Billy Joel, Maroon 5, Jann Arden, Hem, and lots of others.
What’s your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can’t stand?
Favorite colors: Green and Orange...not together, but I like them both. I'm not a big fan of Yellow. If yellow is mixed in with other colors though it's alright, but just not alone.
What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
I have a hubby, 2 sons (age 7 and 4), and a dog, Lincoln.
Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
Now that I got my hair cut short you can bet I'll be wearing more Scarves. I do wear mittens. Hats and ponchos, not so much.
What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
Toys for the kids! Love a lot of the Mochi Mochi patterns but don't have any. If I had to chose which I'd like to knit it would be the Uh-Oh's and Tubby.
What are you knitting right now?
Right now I have a sock on the needles and I'm attempting a new lace scarf designed by my friend Gina (and it's kicking my butt....lace doesn't like me yet)
Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
YES
Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
I like Straight and circular, bamboo or aluminum......plastic, not so much.
Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
No and No.
How old is your oldest UFO?
I started a back pack and an elephant back when we lived in Kentucky so over two years old. I think I frogged the Elephant, but I still have parts of the back pack.
What is your favorite holiday?
OH I like Halloween and Christmas
Is there anything that you collect?
I used to collect Elephants.
Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
I want some yarn to make the Lotus Blossom Tank, but haven't figured out what I'd like yet, It calls for SWT Bamboo and I like the color Murgahogany. I do not have any knitting magazine subscriptions.
Are there any new techniques you’d like to learn?
None that I can think of at the moment.
Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
Yes I knit socks...I wear a size 8.5
When is your birthday? August 3rd.
What’s your Ravelry ID? Lorak

2008-06-13T14:44:00.000-07:00

It's Father's Day weekend. As I sit here and think of my Father, I think of my Mother too. They both did their best raising Scott and I. Me, Dad and Scott 1973 (I was 2)

Dad taught me to drive. Parallel parking was another thing though. One time we were practicing parallel parking and he decided to be the car behind me. Well.... I bumped him. After that he sent me to driving lessons and let them deal with my parking problems. He also taught me how to change my own tire. Something I'm very grateful for! He's always there to lend me a hand when something is wrong with the car. So Dad, when I come home this summer and you help me again, which I'm sure something will come up, Put it on my ever growing tab. :o)

He (and mom, let's not forget her on this one) spent MANY hours at Band functions. Driving us kids around, making sure other kids had rides home, and if they didn't he'd take them home. Like the time he put Demetri's bike in the van and took him home. He just made sure we were all safe.

Dad (and mom) did their best with Scott and I to make us the people we are now.

Happy Father's Day Dad. And THANKS to you and mom for giving us the right kind of upbringing. I think we turned out okay!

2008-06-09T13:38:00.001-07:00

2008-06-05T12:34:00.000-07:00

I was tagged by Gina for a Meme.

1. What was I doing 10 years ago?
10 years ago I was living in Louisville and no doubt spending LOTS of time with my baby niece Lacey.... we spoiled her.

2. What are 5 things on my TO-DO list for today?
Walk, take Jake to school, pick up Jake from school, cook dinner, have the boys take a bath.

3. Snacks I enjoy: OH!! Wheat Thins, cookies, peanut butter whatevers!!!

4. Things I would do if I were a billionarie:
Buy a house, Pay off debt, Travel, spoil my family, and get a cleaning crew.

5. Places I have lived: Louisville and Manchester. Kinda boring eh.
OK here's the street names..makes it sound more interesting. Camden Avenue, Bowman Drive, Mary Ellen Drive, Dart Drive, Alger Avenue, Appleton Street and the street I live on now.

6. Jobs I have had: I worked at Everythings a $1, Baby Superstore, United Parcel Service, National Health Services and Satco Inc. Currently employed as Mother of the year. hahahahah

7. Bloggers I am tagging for this MEME:
Sonya
Tabitha
Carol
Dot
Cyn

2008-06-03T04:26:00.000-07:00

hee hee

Multimedia message

2008-05-31T09:07:00.001-07:00

Swing time with a break in the rain.

2008-05-29T07:54:00.000-07:00

Nathan says, 'It's a shiney day!'

2008-05-25T11:57:00.000-07:00

We went to the beach again yesterday. The boys just LOVE spending time there. Cookies!
Sand castles
and flying the remote controlled air plane that flies across the water with ease!
SO FUN!

2008-05-18T06:57:00.001-07:00

Brent Returns To The Cage.
Last night Brent returned to the cage for MMA Fighting.
Brent came out on top with a win! I was so excited, nervous, you name it, I felt it! ;o)
Nathan and I took Brent to the place where the fight was early and Nathan got to run around in the cage!! Oh how I wish I had a video camera. I know it looks like he's dancing, but he was running around throwing punches. It was so cute!
It was a great night! Afterwards we went out with some of the other fighters from his team to celebrate (two other guys from his team fought too).
Big thanks to Caroline for hanging with our boys at home! It was nice to have sorta a date after the fight. Hey, at least it wasn't the hospital!!! ;O)

2008-05-15T04:33:00.000-07:00

I started this Scarf back in April. It was going to be mom's mother's day present. Let me tell you, it was HARD to send this away because it was so pretty and soft!! She received it a day or so late because I was slow mailing, but her birthday present was in there too, so that was super early. haha. This scarf is an easy knit with fantastic outcome! The pattern is easy to memorize, and it looks awesome on Mom!! Check it out!

Seafoam Scarf by Ali Green
Yarn: Koigu Painter's Palette Premium Merino 2 skeins (knit til I ran out of yarn!)
Lacey also got her socks I showed you a post or so back! Doesn't she look THRILLED!! That little handsome guy in the background is my nephew, Luke. (Spittin' image of my brother. It's almost scary!! haha)Check out Luke's face... as if to say "What's the big deal?? They're socks!" LOL I also made her a little sock blocker Key chain to match. (Thanks for putting the keyring on Mom and Dad!)

2008-05-11T16:54:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day.

I had a great day today. Spent the day with my boys!! Jacob woke me up about 10am (wow I can't believe I slept that long!) and gave me a gift he made a school. I loved it. There was a Tea Bag, Biscotti biscuit, and Hershey's Kisses inside. YUM.

Then after breakfast, (Brent cooked), the boys gave me a card with a disk in it.

Yeah! I've been eyeing this game for awhile and Brent said it was all Jacob's idea to get me the game.

The A frame for my swing was no surprise but it's part of my mother's day gift too. I'm super happy with it and the boys even scored a disc swing on the end. The bench swing was a gift for Brent and I, handmade by my father about 6ish years ago.

2008-05-07T20:35:00.000-07:00

Happy 10th Birthday Lacey!
Brent and I apparently called her at the same time tonight. I called my dad's phone and got ahold of her and Brent and the boys called my brother's phone. She had us on at the same time! Lana, her sister, just turned two a couple days ago. Lots of family things in May.
I miss my family.

2008-05-06T10:23:00.001-07:00

Knitting, Sewing, Knitting, Sewing.

Either way things are getting done. I finished two sock bags the other day. I swear those little sheep just make me smile everytime I look at the bag! On the inside of the pink skull bag I used the knit talk fabric I got last summer in Kentucky.

I also finished some socks for Lacey. I really liked this sock yarn. It was Maizy by Crystal Palace Yarns. I think she'll like the colors too. I made her a sock keychain to go with them.

2008-05-01T14:15:00.000-07:00

Wallet Fever. It is going around. My friend Dulcey is making some out of duct tape. I think they are neat! I pulled out the sewing machine (finally!) and tried out something I found on Craftster.org under the monster list of handbags, wallets and purses tutorial list they have.

The first one I did, I did not cut to size like the pattern was written out, so I got a BIG wallet with big pouches... I like it, but it's too big.

The tab up top is to attach a snap onto. Just have to decide if I want to buy snaps that snap on or just use the ones I have, but that means hand stitching them on.

The cards kinda slide in the slots on the inside (above) but I like the fabrics together.

This next one I like MUCH better. I used the sizes suggested and it came out a little better. This one needs a snap too. The cool fabric came from my good friend Sonya. She finds the COOLEST fabrics!! Can't wait to do some fabric shopping this summer with her. Or just knit, whatever! :)

The card slots on this one are snugger. (is that a word?) I like this one. Next one I make thought I think it needs a little interfacing to make it a tad stiffer. Again, need snaps.

So I think tomorrow I'll try to do some more sewing. I had fun today with it. Maybe I can get myself in gear and cut out some more wallets tonight and then sew them tomorrow. This would be great to hold on to for gifts when I need them.

2008-04-30T03:12:00.001-07:00

**swallow your coffee, use the bathroom, This is a warning. This is a spewable/laughable pee in your pants post**

Kids are entertaining. Kids say the darnedest things... and so on.
Being the mother of two boys, ages 7 and 4, is a fun job.

So what's the disclaimer above about?? Your not laughing yet? OK here's the story.
Last night I got the ole visit from old Aunt Agnes and wasn't quite prepared. You know what I'm talking about. So explained to the boys I needed to go to the store for "girlie things", that's exactly what I said. I HAD to take the boys because Hubby is out of town. (Seriously I thought about calling someone to come over so I could go alone but I thought, nahhhh)
So we get to the store and I'm standing there picking out my "girlie things" and Nathan LOUDLY asks "CAN I HOLD THE BAND AIDS??"
Quietly I answer "Yes."
So then off to the counter to pay with all the "girlie things" and Nathan plops the "band aids" on the counter and announces again (and still loud, why don't children come with a volume knob?) "I HAVE THE BAND AIDS." and I get a comical look from the check out gal. I simply smile, pay for my things and leave. Guess who wants to carry the band aids.....
ANYWAY... so we are in the car on the ride home. Jacob asks me "Mom what are those things for?"
I tell him that I have a little bit of a tummy ache and those things will help me feel better (yeah right... work with me, I don't want to tell him too much).
He then says "A tummy ache, well, shouldn't you be puking by now??"
Me: "Um...I'm not that sick!!" What is he thinking????
SO... yeah it goes on more. We get home and we are going in the back door and Nathan is all kinds of excited, "MOM! Can I help you put the band aids on?!?!"
Me: "Um....NO!"
Jacob: "Can I help?"
Me: "NO...I can take care of myself."
I had tears rolling down my face. Those two made that trip so fun. I mean have any of you ever had that much fun buying "girlie things"??
I love my boys!!

2008-04-27T09:37:00.000-07:00

My little chef

http://s5.photobucket.com/albums/y180/mlkstamper/?action=view&current=april022.flv
I also finished some footies. Ran out of yarn though. Started with Socks that Rock "Sedona" and finished off with Sereknity "Tree Frog". I have them on today and they are comfy! I plan to make more footies!

Also this past week was Jacob's "spring break". We stuck around the house. Went to the park one day, watched movies and such. On Thursday we went to the Currier Museum of Art, and then Friday went to the movies and saw Horton Hears A Who. (LOVED IT!)

2008-04-16T14:00:00.001-07:00

Silently the tree falls.

If a tree falls down in the woods does it make a sound? I'm going to guess No, because this tree fell down two houses down and I didn't hear a darn thing!!! My windows are even open too today. My boys ride their bike up and down that sidewalk. Just yesterday they had out their battery operated Hummer and they were driving it up and down the street with the neighbor's son. I'm just thankful it fell toward the street, didn't hit any wires, and didn't hit any cars or people! Whew!

2008-04-15T08:02:00.000-07:00

Super quick knit! These are coffee sleeves, but I didn't have a Starbucks or Dunkin' Donuts cup to model with them, so my diet Coke helped out.
You can find the pattern here. I knit both of these up yesterday. They took about an hour each. They are going in to a coffee themed raffle basket at Jacob's school.

I found some of my old coffee rubber stamps and made a little card that told what they were. Surely any coffee lover would know!! I also put the washing instructions on the back. I used scrap yarn left over from other projects. One is totally washable, but one was 100% wool, so I just put to hand wash both of them to be on the safe side.
Thanks to everyone for the great comments on my hair! I washed it today and styled it myself and didn't do half bad!!! It still looks good. A LOT less shampoo was used that's for sure. The stylist put something on my hair called "Silk Drops" to give it a shine, so I think I might need to get something like that.

2008-04-13T17:23:00.001-07:00

I did it.....
I was sweating bullets......
I got a New Hairdo for Spring!

This is Before (kinda a crappy picture but taken a couple weeks ago. Most current I could find.)And here is the after!! I am so jazzed and feel so light and springy! It's an adjustment walking past the mirror and seeing the new me. I've had long hair for years. I haven't had it this short since probably freshman year of high school!! Now if I can style it as good as the gal at the hair salon did, I'll be in business. :)

2008-04-09T06:57:00.000-07:00

Middle of the week. Today is supposed to be a nice day! Can't wait. Bring on the spring weather. I AM READY!!
I want to thank all the people who voted for me and my "Hippie Nate". I came in on the top five but did not win. BUT one of you did.
The winner is: (drum roll) ELLEN!!! If you get a chance, jump over to Ellen blog and check out her amazing Bead Work!! She's a very talented bead artist!! Thanks for your vote Ellen!

Yesterday I went to the library with Nathan and met up with Gina and Jackie and their children. My goodness but that's a nice children's section in the Londonderry Library! This has inspired me to check out some other libraries in the surrounding areas, because I'm just not happy enough with Manchester's Children's section in the Main library as I was with what I saw yesterday! Thanks Gina and Jackie for a fun afternoon. I love hanging out with you gals and the kids.
Last night Brent and I watched American Idol. We're addicted. Our favorite of the night was Jason Castro. He sang Somewhere Over the Rainbow, but with a different style. He took the twist of Israel Kamakawiwo'ole. It was beautiful. You can hear Israel's version here.
Here's Jason's version. Beautiful.

2008-04-05T17:06:00.000-07:00

It was a beautiful day today. Hubby fixed the tires on the stroller and we took a nice long walk today. The boys enjoyed playing outside for awhile too. Still doing some knitting here and there. I got my sock from the Wee Sock Swap that I posted about a couple post back. My sock came from Paula. It is super cute! I forgot to take a picture of the one I sent out, but maybe Caroline will post it since I got her name in the swap.

I also got the sewing machine out and made myself a new purse. This was a trial run. I like it and have some ideas and plan on getting some different fabric to make another one for myself and work on some kind of closure to keep it closed.

Sonya's out tonight in Lexington, KY probably hanging out with a huge group and the Yarn Harlot. Sonya was so excited and was getting her picture taken by someone (not sure) but she said she'd blog the picture because she was on the phone with me, so I'm there on the phone, you just can't see me. haha!! I can't wait to get back to Kentucky and hang out with my knitters there. I miss them.
Thanks for all who voted for me on the contest. It is now over and they are going to chose from the top five who they want as 1st, 2nd and 3rd. They aren't going to go by the counted votes, they are just going to choose from the top five. So there's still a chance I could win something. I am going to work on a little something too for my contest for those of you who voted for me!!! I really appreciate your support! It was a fun knit and fun contest.
While I'm in a thanking mood:
Ericka, Thanks for thinking of me even though we weren't close to the fire. So good to know I have some friends here that really to care about me and my menfolk!!
Melissa, Thanks for the countless rides to Windham!! I tease you're my driver, but you know I think the world of you!!
Jackie, Thanks for the orange yarn!! It will be put to good use and will cheer another friend. (BTW, did the warning I email help any?? HAHA)
Brent, (even though you probably don't read this), You just rock as a best friend and husband!
Sonya, Thank you for the gift in the mail this week. It added some Sunshine to my day! :)

I've been tagged by Caroline:
The Rules: Post the rules on your blog. Link to the person who tagged you. Share 6 non-important things/habits/quirks about yourself. Tag 6 random people at the end of your post by linking to their blogs. Let each person know they've been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.
1. I'm scared to get my haircut.
2. I don't like the blankets all messy when I go to bed. If they're messy then they're all nubbley.
3. I didn't drink coffee until we moved to NH.
4. I put spaghetti noodles in my chili (odd to some NH people when I tell them. I think most Southerner's would understand.)
5. I like peanut butter sandwiches WITH my chili and spaghetti (or spagilli as Sarah calls it)
6. I need 3 pillows to sleep comfortably, and Jacob took my favorite one, but he's my son, so I sacrificed and gave it to him and seem to be fairing well.

I tag anyone who wants to do this because I've asked enough from my friends this week.

2008-04-01T11:04:00.000-07:00

The Voting Starts today!!!!!

You have to be registered on their forum to vote!!

You have until April 5th to vote.

If you vote for Hippie Nate, leave a comment on this post and at the end of the contest, I'll collect all the names and put them in for a drawing for a prize!!!

Here's the link to the contest poll:

http://www.adhdknitting.com/forum/topic69.html

Remember you have to register to vote. To register is free. It's just so you can use their forum! These gals that run it a very cool and fun. I've had some great converstations with them!

THANK FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!

2008-03-30T14:59:00.000-07:00

http://www.adhdknitting.com/forum/ Where to Vote

http://www.adhdknitting.com/gallery.html Gallery, go to pull down menu and select My Ex if Full of Knit.

Hey all! The contest I joined it going to Start!!!! Please go and vote for me if you would!! Mine is "Hippie Nate". There are some other great ones there too!!! Thanks a bunch!! Below is the email I got from the organizers!!

~Lora

The “MY EX IS FULL OF KNIT” contest is about to end March 31,2008 at midnight. It is now time for our members and their friends to vote. The gallery will be set up with pictures of all the submissions. So we need you to vote for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners. Thanks for all your support. Please post and pass this on to everyone you can think of.Voting starts April 1st and ends April 5th,2008 at midnight.:)
1st PLACE $500 WORTH OF YARN
2ND PLACE $300 WORTH OF YARN
3RD PLACE $200 WORTH OF YARN

Voting will take place in the forums (link above!) of the ADHD Knitting site, you must be a registered user to vote. (Registration is FREE)

2008-03-24T10:30:00.001-07:00

Etsy update!!

2008-03-24T08:21:00.001-07:00

Hurry! Sign up! You know you want to! Sign ups close Thursday the 27th.

Find the pattern here

2008-03-21T07:19:00.000-07:00

FO FRIDAY!! Woohoo!! Ok so I showed you some stuff Wednesday just cause I couldn't wait until today.

Well today is fun! This one needs it's own post!!

I named this one "Hippie Nate"
It's for a contest, so I would appreciate your vote when the contest rolls around!! Some people are knitting their Ex's...some are not. I chose not too, because 1. none of my ex boyfriends are worth the yarn!!! and 2. I think Hippie Nate is too cute!! Just like my Nate! He can keep his toys in it, as it's a little bag. I even peyote stitched a dread bead on the front dread. Someone, I don't remember who, asked me "What would you do if your son came home with dreads?" My reply... "Probably Nothing." There are so many other wild and crazy things kids can do, I think I'd welcome something as harmless as dreads!! Click on the image below to go to the site for the contest!! Look for Hippie Nate. I'll post another reminder when the contest starts.

I will also have some updates on the etsy shop soon, I promise!! Below are two of the new wristlets/keychains that will be posted in my etsy shop! I think I'll order more supplies to make more. There are only 3 of each from what I got from my first order.

Have a wonderful Easter weekend!!!

2008-03-19T10:42:00.000-07:00

It's still snowing here in NH. Not as much as it has been, but it's still spitting here and there. So how fitting is it that I make a cute little (he's not so little) penguin! Sad part is, this penguin gets to go to Florida. Can I be a penguin too?? This is a Fiber Trends Pattern and I used Paton's Classic Merino Wool and Lion Brand Fun Fur and the orange yarn was Nature Spun Wool. He has Orange eyes and is Super Snugly!! ENJOY JESSICA!! (that's who it's for)
Also on the finished list is a Neck Cozy for a swap. I doubt the person receiving this reads my blog, but if she does, that's ok too. :) This is going to Canada, and as far as spring goes...I don't think it's coming too soon so it will probably get some use!
This is an up close of the cable going around. This is made with Jiffy Quick and Thick yarn. Thanks Jackie for the skein!
We received a package yesterday from Jacob and Nathan's great grandpa and grandma in Indiana. Lots of candy goodness inside! Jacob looks happy...Nathan looks bothered and bored.
But after we opened the box, happiness and sugar rushes took over! :)
Hopefully I'll have some Esty shop updates soon. I have some keychains/wristlets in the making as you read this.

2008-03-10T04:09:00.000-07:00

Mom and Dad's visit, like I said, was great! I would have loved to have gone home for a visit and a break from snow.... but if I went that would have been short lived... BIG TIME! Check out my parents house. They had about 10 inches of snow over the weekend. There's dad, shoveling. As if he didn't get enough of that the day he was here that it snowed.

Stay warm Mom and Dad. I still be your snow will be all gone before ours!! I went to Persnickety Sarah's wedding over the weekend. Oh my gosh, did I dance!! It was a beautiful wedding, good food, and fun dancing. The DJ really kept the place going (well except when he tried to play Billie Jean by Michael Jackson...the dance floor almost collected dust! Luckily he realized and switched songs fast. LOL) Congratulations to Sarah and Michael! I hope you are having a wonderful time on your honeymoon!

2008-03-07T18:48:00.003-08:00

Blogless Amanda decided to take a CUTE little dog sweater and find other uses for it! No one had a camera, then I remembered I had my cell phone, so I snapped a couple shots.

You are so fun Amanda!! I love hanging out with you.