I made these stitch markers last night! I think they turned out pretty cute... one did already fall off while knitting last night, but I think a little super glue will fix that.

I just got home from Michaels...wooo I love it when Clay is on sale!! I bought all of this today. They had it on sale for $1.00 each!! I got a dragon book the other day that gives you ideas and tips on how to make dragons so I needed some different color clays, and I think I've gotten a good selection now to work with.

I also have been working on a piano hinge book. I used to love making hand made books and I really enjoyed going back to making one and decorating the inside. Take a look.

It's really fun FEELING creative!! I am also working on two beaded dolls.
Here's a picture of one of them but the other is not ready for a photo just yet. I still have to finish the back on this one.

Snooze Alert!!

Now how's this for brotherly love. Jacob had been asleep for awhile and Nathan just curled up on the pillow with him. So sweet!

Brent and the boys and I went running around yesterday and check out what I found this time!! Close Knit Cafe'!!! I can't wait to go visit!!


Brent and I went out Saturday night and heard a couple good bands. Check out their myspace profiles and you can hear their songs.
http://www.myspace.com/themerediths
http://www.myspace.com/thenorth
http://www.myspace.com/extrabluekind
I love Louisville....there's some good music running through here.

I also came to the conclusion that I have a bathroom soap fetish. I always want to know what the soap smells like and I feel the urge to share with Brent when it's a good smelling soap! He seems to appreciate my weirdness sometimes...at least I don't share the stinky soaps. Haven't you ever been somewhere and their soap just smelled SO GOOD you wanted like 12 gallons of it!?!? One time we went to an O'Charley's to eat and they had the best smelling soap...Went back to the same one later and they changed brands... bad move O'Charley's.. I just love good smelling hand soap. Odd...but it's the simple things that entertain ya sometimes. :0)

Things are going smooth around here. Not too much excitement to report on.
The other night Brent and I were having a discussion in the car about some people at his work and reasons they were getting fired and such. Sometimes you forget little ears are listening. Jacob pipes up and ask, "What does fired mean?" and Brent tells him, "Fired is when you lose your job." Trying to keep it simple ya know...but the kid doesn't miss a beat... "OH Mommy got Fired!!" Geez thanks Brent.. LOL I guess we could have been clearer with him, but I think Brent was getting a kick out of that a liiiitttle tooooo much... Silly man!
Tonights Knitting night.. Meeting with the girls, so I thought the above picture was perfect for knitting night :)
Still doing the job search thingie. No one banging down my doors yet, but I saw a couple more positions with the Board of Education I'm going to check out. Wish me luck~

OK... I think I've found my new calling!

A LOCKSMITH!

Yesterday the dead bolt on our front door was...well.... dead.. It would NOT unlock!!! This is not really a problem as we use our side door most of the time, but if I want to get the mail I'd like just to step out the front door and get it quickly. Plus it's easier to watch for Jacob's bus when it's cold. I can see when it turns on the street, then head down to meet him half way.

So..I got the door lock apart.... yes APART!! Now...I'm having a weeeeeee bit of trouble getting it back together like it was. Why is it once to take something apart it never quite goes back the same?!?

So it's either I'm destined to be a lock smith or maybe I should remove all doors from this house and install beaded Curtains!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
Brent and I had a wonderful new years eve! We went to Bearno's By the Bridge and listened to Strumbeat and a little of Butch Rice. It was a blast. Once we found out we got a free cab ride home with our payment of getting in the place we found another new friend for the night!

Meet Mark.......Makers Mark... Very Smooth individual! LOL good with coke too. I'm hoping that the bands will post some pictures because I forgot my camera that night...dag it!

We've been relaxing around the house the past 2 days. Jacob goes back to school tomorrow and Brent goes back to work and I guess that means I go back to looking for a job! I've dabbled here and there online the past two weeks but not seriously looking since it was the holidays.

Hey Carol... Are you home yet?? I'm just dieing to know where your hubby took you!!! I guess it wasn't here since you didn't come see me. ;)

Wednesday night we went bowling! Boy we had fun! Nathan and Jacob did great and hand a ball!!

This is Nathan waiting for his turn. He really did a good job!

We will have to remember how much the boys enjoyed this and do it again sometime!

Not a lot going on lately. Kind of calm after the holidays. Mom and I may run to the knitting store today and see what we can get into.

Here are some Christmas pictures from the Morning here at our house.

So I'm really getting into blogging and such and I think Nathan thinks I spend too much time on the computer.

What do you think??

Oh how I love Christmas. We have the Holiday shuffle down pat!!! Here's the low down on what, where, when and the OMG of it all!!

Christmas Eve: The Inlaws (father and step mother's side) WONDERFUL dinner and night of presents!! The kids hit the mother load at this stop! Jacob got one of those Read With Me DVD things, and that is super cool!! Nathan got toys and lots of clothes but seemed more interested in playing with the dog :)
Christmas Morning: SANTA CAME TO OUR HOUSE!!! Jacob woke up and came and got Brent and I out of bed. We told him we never heard Santa, so go check and see if Santa came. He when down stairs and peeked and all you could hear were his feet running back up the steps to us saying HE CAME HE CAME!! The kids hit the mother load with Santa too!

Christmas Afternoon: My grandmother's house. Brent and I got a crocheted afghan!! I've been sleeping with it ever since!! It's so special!!
Christmas Evening: The Inlaws (yep again, this time the mom and her hubby) I scored 19 skeins of white yarn and a sweater pattern!! I'll have to see if this is what I want to make or maybe something else. I think, believe it or not, I need more yarn for it!

Day after Christmas: My parent's house. OK... by now Nathan had enough of being good!!! Note I have not said one crazy thing he did! Well this one topped the cake!!! Nathan put Jacob's NEW shoe in a candle!! My dad got into the kitchen just in time to save the shoe on fire, luckily Jacob can still wear it! Nathan was not hurt and I'm VERY happy about that!

Today we stayed home and rested. I am glad the holidays over, but we had FUN!!!!!!

Well...lots of crazy stuff going on today in my house!!! First off. KNITTING!!! Working on some socks!! FUN FUN!!

And then my dear son Nathan, the two year old decided to lock himself in the bathroom with the cold water on in the sink. Well...I'm shook up a bit but finally got him out. DH was on the phone with Jacob while I'm franticly looking for a flat head screw driver...water's flowing in to the basement like Niagra falls..... Jacob's telling me to Calm down Calm down, I'm sure that was coming from Brent. I laugh now but I was in tears trying to get the door unlocked. I do NOT know how those door knobs work so I'm unscrewing everything I can, and finally I figure it out! Got Nathan out...he is a bit wet, but comes out smiling... Little stinker!!

The little stinker after we broke him out. He looks so sorry doesn't he?? Hey friends, do not ever expect me to bust you out of jail...I can barely get a kid out of a bathroom!!

The basement floor under the bathroom....needed to be mopped anyway!

The bathroom door after I got him out. I'm thinking of removing the lock. This would mean no more private time in the bathroom, but I'm willing to take that after seeing my skills at taking apart a door!!!

On that note...Nathan is laying down on the floor so I could only guess that means we've all been worn out from this!!! So I'm going to go rest...and find a DRINK!!!!!!!! Where's my Diet Cherry Coke?!?

We saw the movie "Chicken Little" tonight in 3-D. Very cute and the boys seemed to enjoy it. Every once in awhile Jacob would say "WOW that was close!" haha!! It was cool to have the feeling of things closer than they really were and it was his first time experiencing that! I enjoyed it too. Nathan wouldn't wear his glasses though...he just paced the floor and ate popcorn and Candy, but he was quiet most of the time. The theater was pretty empty!! We were glad. No big crowd to deal with. The 3-D glasses were cute....they looked just like Chicken little's glasses. Cute green glasses. If you have a kid...this is a fun movie to see over the holidays!! Take in an early show and sit back and enjoy!

I also got a Christmas gift from my Fairy Bead Sister. Jacob and Nathan got presents too. LOOK!!

Dr. Seuss Puzzle

Darth Vader Lego Set

He played for 2 hours with this!!!

I got a coooooooool calendar with knitting projects for each day! Can't wait to try some!

A discussion over dinner,
Jacob, "Mom we are going to celebrate Hanukkah Christmas this year."
Me, "We are?"
Jacob, "Yep!"

Today I went to Jacob's school and helped a little with their Christmas party. I didn't know that 20 Five year olds could be so GOOD!!! His teacher and the assistant have their stuff together! I am glad. Jacob is on 2 week break from school, so I'll have them both home for awhile. I can't wait to spend some time with Jacob! I miss him while he's at school and I'm home with Nathan. I feel like I need them both with me. :)
I did some more Christmas shopping today and I'm still not done. Maybe in the next couple days...who knows. It's so fun to buy for the boys. I can't wait for Christmas morning to see their bright faces.
I finished a bracelet this afternoon while Nathan napped. I'll get a picture of it later, as it's a gift for someone.

Christmas Wrapping 101

Ok...first tip I have here...
Get rid of the little elves..they are NO help!

All they want to do is look at their cute little reflections in the Christmas wrapping paper.

We did a little dancing (see video here, no sound) with my Rosie O'Donnell Christmas CD. Rosie and Ricky Martin are fun to dance too! My little elf is good at dancing so at least I do have a dance partner.

I did some shopping for Christmas yesterday and I've finally got the Christmas spirit. Although I was getting worried because "Santa" couldn't find what Jacob wanted that was at the Disney store, but PRAISE be to EBAY!!! "Santa" found the item and we've already received shipment confirmation!!! yaaaaaahooooooooo

On another note...beading and knitting. Been doing a bit trying to finish up for Christmas. I'm trying to knit a little bag to felt to use for some jewelry I'm giving someone. I hope it turns out. Of course!! I'll get a picture...sheesh back off :)

OK....so.... if you saw this sign while driving down the road would YOU stop?? I had too! I'm sorry but this needs more explaining to me. "YARN" Oh you tease! What you do mean YARN!? Well I found out. It was a yarn shop! Nice looking and hope to go back and visit again, but there's a very nice one closer to me that I have even met a couple people at and I love the atmosphere in the closer yarn shop.
Speaking of yarn, I finished another project. A head band for me for those cold days. It's a bit big though...Maybe if I wash it it will tighten up a little bit.

This is me sporting my new headband. I like it! That's my darlin' Nathan with me. Love his Cheeeeeese expression???

Next project please!!!! I got some patterns from my friend Cris and some yarn from my friend Heather, so I'm sure both of them are waiting for something to come out of those gifties :) Thanks girls!! Off to see what's next!!

BTW, I'm starting to enjoy unemployment! LOL

We have a brownie gremlin!!! I know that when I left for the bus stop the section on the right was cut fairly neatly...or so...but when I came back from the bus stop there was a HOLE in my browines!!! I think the name of the gremlin is Nathan... (daddy was sleeping..he wasn't alone! chill out!) The only way I know this is because of the chocolate on his mouth HAHA!! What a crazy boy!
I started knitting myself a headband for this cold weather...Maybe I'll finish it soon :) Can't wait to try it out!! Watch for pictures!

Sometimes ya just need time to yourself!! Know what I mean?!? Today it is going to snow and schools are letting out early, so Jacob will be home early today. I better find some things for them to do, or movies to watch!!

I hope to work on finishing a hat I'm knitting for Brent.

I have to go to a notary and get something notarized and then mail it off, along with some Christmas Cards and another beaded face.

(Later in the day) HEY I finished that hat I was knitting for Brent. I think Jacob and I model it very well!!!

OK...got my little elf helping me with Christmas cards today. He was coloring an extra envelop I had. It is proudly displayed on our fridge now.
He had fun coloring while I worked on finishing up some stamped Christmas cards. I just have to address them and get them out!!

Nathan and I went running around today. Went by Jacob's school to visit, and then to Mom's school and had lunch with her. It was nice... OH and it was Snowing!! So pretty!!
We came home and sat down to relax and while I was chatting online with Heather, Nathan fell asleep.
AHHH what a life!! Elmo video, bean bags, and a nap!! What could be better ??? :)

HAPPY MONDAY!!! I had an interview this morning! It went great...until... they told me what it paid. Let's just say if I would have taken this job I would have LOST money! I get more from Unemployment! haha! Anyway, it was good practice.

My mom and I had a fun weekend. We shrunk an old sweater and made it into a CUTE purse! I see more of these in my future!! TOO FUN!

On another note...I went to a super fun Christmas party over the weekend. They had karaoke!! OH MY did I have fun. Sang some songs from Grease with my friend Jenn, sang a little Frank Sinatra "That's Life" and who knows what else. Now all I've been listening too today is Nancy Sinatra singing "These Boots are Made for Walkin' " MAN what a fun song to dance too. I'm so glad no one can see in my basement because I'm having fun with this song!! HAHA!!!

I went to Ben Frankin's Craft store today and I must say...their book selection on knitting stuff is MUCH Better than Michaels and Hobby Lobby! I'll be heading back there after I find a job! And they have yarn that can be felted.... OOOO Purses..hats....oh I can't wait!

Well....off to check on Nathan...he's gotten quiet all of the sudden... The other day this happened and about 20 minutes later I FINALLY found him sleeping under..yes UNDER the bunk beds!! I couldn't find him at first and was like "OH I've already failed as a SAHM!!!" LOL!! But alas, he found a dark spot and went to sleep. Funny kid!

Brent and Lora

This is an old picture of Brent and I....taken about a year ago. Brent took the picture with his super long arms. haha
The job search is going well. I had 3 places to check out this week and talk to, and I feel good about how they all turned out. At least I came out feeling like I am still employable. One thing I wasn't ready for was TEST!! OMG they want you to take a test to get hired... OH I used to have the worst test anxiety!! I think I did well though. If not...well off to another job, these are stepping stones.
The boys are gearing up for Christmas.... well Jacob is. He hasn't really said much about what he wants except he saw some Higgly Town Hero figurines at the Disney Store and I may try and go back and get those for him. He's a pretty easy kid to please!!
I guess tomorrow I'll start on my Christmas Cards. Need to go ahead and get those addressed and mailed out and use our stamps we have before the new rate takes effect.
Well..I think it sounds as if Nathan has fallen asleep so I think I'll take this time to create SOMETHING with my beads!!
Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!

Happy Monday. I went to the gym today with my Best friend, Tina. It was nice to get out and chit chat and work out. Nathan got to play in the kids area there and I think he enjoyed that!! He was great today, seeing it was our first day as Stay at home mommy/son.
I made the bracelet you see above today. Got the pattern from www.bead-patterns.com for a contest I played in with them.
Tomorrow I have an Interview at 10am so wish me luck!
Wednesday I have a test with Jeff. Co. Bd of Education. Wish me luck on that too.
Now to find something to wear...ack!! Not having to Dress up at my last job kinda makes the pickin's slim!! I may have to go to Goodwill one day and see if I can find something worth interviews!! Now THAT should be a challenge! LOL

Things are going better. :) I have been sending out resume's left and right. I got a letter back from the Jefferson County School District and I have to go take a typing test and some other test for the position.

On the fun side I've been knitting and beading between the resume send outs. I looked at my work space and thought, "How do I work in this mess" , but seems I manage and get things created. Lately I've been working on beaded faces and having fun with those. I have to get that lamp working so I'll have some good light.

I also finished a little knitted hat for the boys. There's a couple spots where I dropped a stitch and I have to get them fixed, but it's a hat!! No pattern, I just winged it... slid it on their head a couple times in the process. I'm working on another now for my DH.

ok...Heather taged me she challenged me to the 5 Women meme thats been circling the Blog circuit so here are my the 5 Women who have Inspired me...
My mother-she's such a good mother, friend, girlfriend, you name it! She's always there for me and the boys and my DH. She supports my beady habit by wanting almost ONE of everything I make, so I normally have to make two!
Carol aka Mamarox-with out the push from this friend, I don't think I would have come to the love of bead that I did! She also has the most beautiful out look on life and I strive to remember to keep the same positive out look! you can check her out at her website SassyArtGoddess.
My best friend Tina- Tina and I met our freshman year of Highschool. We have been best friends ever since. We've gone through a lot together and have supported each other through sad times. I think the worst was the loss of her mother.
There are a lot of other gals out there that are big inspirations and just awesome women in my life!! Heather, Becca, Ellen, Cris, Dot, Donna, Tamelyn, Celti, Lea (miss our chats girlie), Grace, Jenn, Stephanie.

Now for some Holiday Spirit! We went to the mall yesterday and ran into a jolly old man! :) How fun!

Tuesday...Doom's Day...
I was layed off...laid off....booted out the door from where I worked for 9 years, today. HAPPY FRICKIN' TUESDAY!
I came home and felt sorry for myself for about 15 minutes then though...NAH this is not the way to go out! SO I went to Walgreens and got a Mtn. Dew, Fast Break Candy bar, and some bubble bath and "Celebrated" Turned on some rock -n- roll and relaxed. This is the first time I've been jobless since I got a job waaaaay back when I worked at "Everything's a Dollar" and yes, everything was a dollar! (Don't you love those stores! Great for kids! haha)
I'll be pulling Nathan out of daycare and attempt to be a full time mommy at least until the new year. I will enjoy the Thanksgiving Holiday with my family and Christmas Holiday with out worrying about deadlines and commitments for work (did I send that email? Did I fax the shippers?? Did I send the bills off??!!) What a blessing!!! I'll be a new woman! HA! I have a paid in full membership to the Gym, that INCLUDES childcare, so during the day while Jake's at school, Nate and I can go to the Gym..I can work out and he can play with other little ones! I'm rather excited now that I'm writing all this down!
Hopefully I can do some more art and knitting while looking for a replacement job!

A HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHOUT out to my friend Heather! Hope it's a great one!! :)

Well lookie here!! I finished my first pair of knitted socks!! I love them! They will be nice and warm this winter. And yes...one is longer than the other. haha! What do you expect for a first try!!
Thanks to my husband for taking a picture of my socks with my feet in them. Like the rolled pant look??
I have some yarn left over from the socks so I may try a kid size pair of socks for one of the boys. What fun!

I finished my first knitted sock last night!!! I'm so jazzed. I started on the second one this mornining about 5:30 before I came to work. Wonder if there are any other 5:30am knitters out there. LOL.
Here's the sock!! woohooooooooo

Me and the boys on Halloween

Halloween was a fun night. We took the boys around our neighborhood, my parent's house and my husband's father and step mothers house... we even squeezed in Grandma K's house too, hadn't been there in awhile!! She seemed happy to see the little ones :)
Jacob was GOING to be Darth Vader but then changed his mind to be Buzz Lightyear. It turned out cute because I had gotten Nathan a Woody from Toystory costume. They were cute as could be. Well, just look for yourself :)

My sock knitting class is going just grand and I'm getting comfortable with some of the gals in the class. We Turned the Heel last night!! WOOO I thought it would be harder!! Once I finish the sock I'll post a picture of it too. I really want to try a felted bag soon too!

Happy Day before Halloween. I tried to take the boys to a halloween party last night but Jacob got scared, so after a bowl of chili we came home. ALL that dressing up for 30 minutes...whew! Hopefully Trick or Treating will go smoother!
Brent and I took the boys to the park today near the University of Louisville. It's a beautiful day out side here in KY. Jacob played tag with some of the other park kids. It was cute. Nathan just roamed around greeting people, "HI!" I think he even wanted to take a nap at one point.

Silly kiddo.

Here's Jakey-boy swinging.

HEY!!! I figured out how to get a picture on here. This is an older picture. Nathan was just 3 months old.

I have a blog I started on myspace.com but that my change over to here if I can work with the pictures now.

I'll be posting things I knit or bead on here. Silly stories about my fmaily and such.

Here we go... happily bloggin away.