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.

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. :)

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.

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.

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!!

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)

Etsy update!!

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

Find the pattern here

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!!!

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.

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!

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.

Blogless Amanda. Alway having fun!!

Pay It Forward.

Yes, I'm doing it. I'm Paying it Forward. Random Act of Kindness (you just have to be one of the first three to comment!)

The first three people who comment on my blog will receive something handmade from me, if they in turn will do the same thing...See the rules below:
Pay It Forward rules: I will send a handmade gift to the first 3 people who leave a comment on my blog requesting to join this PIF exchange (and email me their mailing address), and who make the same pledge on their own blogs.
I don't know what that gift will be yet and you may not receive it tomorrow or next week, but you will receive it within 365 days, that is my promise! The only thing you have to do in return is pay it forward meaning you will do the same for three people who comment on your blog. Chances are very good you will receive the gift within a few weeks :)

Mermaid Fingerless Gloves are finished!
Started 2/5/08
Finished 3/5/08
Yarn: Fleece Artist Sea Wool
They are so warm and cozy and snugly! I am SO glad that I am finished with this knit. I got lost in the pattern and had to tink quite a few times. On the second glove I did there were moments when I wanted to frog the whole project. I doubt I will EVER knit another pair of these again. I just didn't enjoy it. BUT... let me tell you, I am glad I did them, I love wearing them. They are awesome and the pattern is great! You can find the pattern for the socks on Knitty.com. I just modified the sock pattern into fingerless gloves (as did many other people on Ravelry.) I winged the thumb and knew I wanted fingers or knucks.
They are super snug and very warm.
Now watch....next week it's going to be 60 freakin' degrees or something and I won't be able to wear them. But hey, if it hurries along spring, I'm all for it!

Mom and Dad went home Monday. We had a great time and they got a lot of spoiling done the days they were here. Not just the boys either!!! :o)

They finally found some T-shirts at the Airport (Thanks Chris).

How cool is my mom?!? Look at her, shakin' what her momma gave her!! She could hula hoop like "wicked awesome"!! She told dad they would have to see about making her one when they got back to Kentucky. Dad and Nathan get some snuggle time in. Lots of hugs these past couple days!! I laugh because nearly every picture of Nathan in the house from all the days they were here, he's in his undies. I swear we do own pants for the boy!! TWO drawers full! Out of 121 pictures he has pants on in only the ones outside the home! haha Brent and I took over the camera for a few self portraits. CHEEEEESE
Me, Nathan and Mom. I like this picture.

It was a GREAT visit and I secretly wished it would snow again, I know!! I said I wished it would snow!! What the....?? But ANYTHING that would have kept them here another day would have been alright by me!

Random pictures of the visit so far!! Sometimes pictures speak louder than words!

Actually the lights were out above and they were reading in the dark. Nathan was holding a Diego Flash light that Mom Mom and Pop Pop brought him.

Pop Pop and Jake at the mall.
Me and the boys in a photo booth at the mall. Talk about laughing!! Oh we had a time!
Nathan attempting to teach Mom Mom how to play the PS2. It was rather comical!
A little snuggle here...
And a little snuggle there!!

I did some sewing.... Mom had bought this fabric when she was in Alaska and I made us some new sock bags. The blue one is moms and the yellow is mine!

I also worked on some more key chains. These are made a little different than the others. I gave mom one that had the knit talk on it and I kept the other one. The middle one goes to Sarah of Persnickety Sarah because I owe her a gift/prize from a blog contest.

Still enjoying the visit!! Love having my parents here!

It's snowing again... Know what? I DON'T CARE!!!! Sorry, should have had you sit down. haha. But I'm OK with it because I have company and that makes me happy! Mom and dad are here for a visit. Maybe we'll even let dad have a go at the snow blower!
No pictures to share yet, but I'll have some soon. All the ones mom has taken so far are of the boys and you've seen them before. haha!! I do have a picture of Mom and Nathan playing the playstation (oh gosh that's a story in by its self hahaha!!), but it's still on my camera.
I hope to get some shots today of the boys and my parents to share.
We went shopping yesterday at a mall in Salem, NH. Yeah I got lost trying to find it and we ended up in Methuen, Mass. Lovely... But I found the express way and we found out way back out. We were looking for NH tshirts for mom and dad to buy for my nieces and nephew back in Indiana, but we haven't found any yet. Any tips you locals??

Lora's Keyhole has some new items! Check it out and spread the word!

You may or may not know this about me. But I enjoy watching American Idol. Last night I just think I picked who I want to win. Watch this guy! Amazing

David Archuleta, Age 17.

I've got the "sewing bug" again. Feel like a little creating. I'm waiting for some goodies to come in the mail to finish off these pretties!! Watch my etsy store to see what these become!! :)

LORA'S KEYHOLE

Yep, I'm here.

Yep, I still hate snow. Today I was out chipping away the ice on our driveway, ya know, preparing it for more snow tomorrow because, well I don't know why because, but I hurt my neck. I don't know how, but I can't look to the left very fast or zowie momma!! PAIN!

Anyway......................................

Nathan and I signed up for a Mommy and Me class and he's having a blast! I am enjoying watching him too! They have big inflatable slides and jumpy thingies.

Brent's over the flu (he had it last week around Valentine's day. um yeah, don't kiss me...) and luckily neither of the boys have it yet. I haven't either, but sure as I hit post on this blog, I'll wake up with something to go along with my stiff neck.

Guess it sounds like I'm whiny and cranky a bit... well.. I am.. dang snow.

The bright side is MOM AND DAD!! They will be here this time next week. I can not wait to see them!! Haven't seen them since July. Wish they could tuck the nieces and nephew in the suit cases and bring them. :)

Nathan and I were talking about his name last night while we were playing a game. I asked him what his name was and he told me his first name and last name. I said his name again but inserted his middle name. He looks at me and quickly says "No Mommy! I'm not whining!!" Guess he's caught on that I only use THAT full name gig when he's whining. LOL!! I laughed at that.

Jacob's doing well. Not much to write that's funny about him. He's your typical 7 year old.

I bought a journal. One to write funny things in that the kids say that I think are cute or funny. It's small enough to fit in my purse.

Well...off to read a bit, go to bed only to wake up to see what the snow has in store for me tomorrow. I know I won't be shoveling if my neck is still acting up.

Can someone shoot me some 70 degree weather...even if only for an hour or so to melt the crap off my driveway and sidewalks?

OMG and I'm so with Melissa on the pot hole issue!!! Seriously Manchester...there's some out there I think my car would fit in!! YIKES!!!!

Please hurry Spring. I need to thaw out.

Happy Festivus. Brent and I went to a Festivus party Saturday night. Yes there was a pole. Yes there was pole dancing. It was a guy, it was a bit creepy, and no I did NOT take a picture! haha. There was lots of food and lots of people. I knew ONE person at the party..... Brent. I did meet some people Brent worked with, played a round of darts (and lost), but I had fun.

I've been in Nh now for what, about 18 months....and I'm just now realizing that Brent and I do not have the same friends. Yes, he's met some of my knitting friends and likes them, and yes I've meet some of his coworkers and like them too. But when we go out to any kind of gathering, it's always "his" or "hers" friend group. I miss the "our" group. Friends we've both gotten to know at the same time. It makes going out more fun when we both know people. I'm not saying I don't have a good time with my friends, boy howdy I DO!!! But I sometimes miss the times that Brent and I go out and have a good time with the "our" friends.
Guess I'm a bit homesick ......good thing mom and dad are coming for a visit in about two weeks!! Can't wait to see them!

Do you have Mitt Envy?? Well I do... or maybe don't... or yeah I do.. but no I don't.

OK here's the deal! I made these awesome fingerless mittens!! They are called "Mitt Envy". So I have them but I don't have mitt envy. (I know..goofy play on words)

The yarn is Koigu KPPPM. and they only took one skein. I have a third mitt done. It was the very first one I did and I totally missed a thumb gusset increase, so rather than rip it out I prayed I had enough in the skien to do the third mitt, and I did...had a bit of yarn left over even!! SO...I have another ball of the same color and I may be making more of these in the same color way and stashing them away for birthday presents or christmas presents or something.


Also, today the boys had dentist appointments. They both had to have work done for icky cavities. Nathan just had one, so he got what they called "The Silver Star" I don't know who was more scared..me or him, but he got through it and even tried to show my dad (who he was talking to on the phone) his Silver Star. Jacob had to have more extensive work done, but Brent said that Jacob didn't even feel the stick of the needle when he got the novacaine! I'm pretty impressed with the dentist office we found. I really like the Dentist and his assistants are very patient. The dentist even dug in his special hiding spot for two special little toys for Jacob and Nathan that he had not put out yet for kids to pick! Pretty cool eh?

Jacob meets an Author!! (**one who's not dead!)
Today I took Jacob (and his buddy Brayden) to Barnes and Noble to meet the Author of "Diary Of A Wimpy Kid", Jeff Kinney. http://www.wimpykid.com/

Jeff gave a little presentation which Jacob sat through WONDERFULLY! We then got in line to get our books signed, but it was LONG!!! So we went to the cafe in the book store and got a treat, shuffled over to the restrooms, then went and picked out book marks to go with the books. After all that we still stood in line for about 20 minutes to get the books signed. It was all worth it when Jacob's friend, Brayden, announced "This is the best day!" and Jacob agreed!
Both of the boys were quiet on the ride home, noses in their new books!

The boys, waiting in line.
**On the way into the store we were talking about Authors and how exciting it's going to be to meet one. One of the boys commented "I thought all authors were dead!" ::giggle giggle::

Alright. I finally feel like blogging! Today I got OUT of the house with both boys, we went to Barnes and Noble and had a wonderful time! The SUN even cam out after the rain passed and it felt so good to soak up some of the rays (even if we were in the car). Then we went to the Dollar Store and they got some little tablets that dissolve in water and spongy Dinosaurs come out. There's a half hour to myself!! haha!

Also on the fun side of life. I'm hula hooping!! I am having fun with my hula hoop and trying to build up minutes each day.

I also made a sweater for Nathan. This is the Wonderful Wallaby (size 6) in Navy Blue. The yarn is Vanna White's yarn from Michael's. For a kids sweater this is awesome! Washable, and yet still soft!! Sweater started Jan. 18, 2008 finished Jan 27, 2008.

Nathan wasn't so sure about the sweater while I was still in the process of knitting it. He was excited that I was knitting it, but when he put it on, well apparently the fit on the shoulders puzzled him. I explained I still had some knitting to do. And below, the finished sweater with my handsome little man in it! I think it looks great on him. I will admit I totally missed the part in the pattern where it said to do some ribbing around the neck before you knit the hood, but still, the hood works. He doesn't put the hood on too much, but he loves the front pouch/pocket for toys!! Great storage (mental note: check pocket before washing)

Peek a boo!

Now go grab a hoop and "Shake what yer momma gave ya!"

Swiped this from Mamarox.

The Recipe For Lora

3 parts Naughtiness 2 parts Wisdom 1 part Slyness Splash of Impishness Finish off with whipped cream

What's the Recipe for Your Personality?

Really?? 3 Parts Naughtiness?? MOI???
And, I don't even care for whipped cream!!!
*sigh*

I finished the Celtic Braid Socks. Guess what. First time ever, I ran out of yarn for the project I'm on!!! No worries though. I pulled out some left over yarn from another sock and just finished the toe. I kinda like the fraternal look of the socks....twins but yet something is a bit different. If I do this sock pattern again though I'll change the heel. Something about the heel looks too boxy for me. Hopefully when I block them, that heel will smooth out.
I love this yarn!! It was awesome to work with. It's Rio De La Plata yarn and it's yummmmmy!!