**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!!

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!)

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!

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!