Bye Bye 2008

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


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

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

Happy Boxing Day!

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

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

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

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

Greetings from VA

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

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

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

Hmmmm

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

The end of an era

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

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

Monday morning giggles

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

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

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

What I've been up to. . .

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

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

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

6 years ago

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

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

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

Carpe yarn

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



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

Gobble Gobble!

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

Norovember project #2

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

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

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

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

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

My knitter-versary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3 hours later

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

Yeah, right.

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

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

My Favorite Things swap

My box arrived today from BarnyardChick!

Check out my goodies!

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

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

Can't knit without yarn

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

Durrrrr!

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

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

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

Hug a Veteran today.

Mystery of Marie Roget Scarf

The mystery has been solved---haha.

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




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

Perspective

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



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

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

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

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

That is all.

I voted

Did you?

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

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

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

Happy Halloween!

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

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

From my friend Christine

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


Great quiz & in case there was any doubt:

Interpersonal

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

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

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

What has happened to us?

As a society, I mean.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

*stepping off soapbox*

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

MIL & FIL arrive on Sunday!

Just a few more

Because it's just so pretty.

Pumpkin Patch Visit

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





.

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

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

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

Mission Completion!

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




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

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

An open letter to the Boston Red Sox

Dear Red Sox,

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

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

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

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

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

Yeah.

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

DishRag Tag!

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









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

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

Join me won't you

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


Our Father, who art at Fenway...

Baseball be thy game.

Thy Nation come,

Playoffs need to be won,

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

Give us this day, a perfect Papi,

And forgive us our losses,

As we forgive those,

Like Bill Buckner.

And lead us not, into desperation

But deliver us from any losses.

For thine is the Power,

And the Glory,

To beat the Devil Rays,

Forever and ever....the Yankees suck

Amen.

GO SOX!!!!!!




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

Sweet Caroline--Wee One Style

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

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

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

Sometimes you need a higher power

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



Our Father, who art at Fenway...

Baseball be thy game.

Thy Nation come,

Playoffs need to be won,

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

Give us this day, a perfect Papi,

And forgive us our losses,

As we forgive those,

Like Bill Buckner.

And lead us not, into desperation

But deliver us from any losses.

For thine is the Power,

And the Glory,

To beat the Angels,

Forever and ever....the Yankees suck

Amen.

GO SOX!!!

Baby, it's NOT cold outside!

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

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

Another Pats-less Sunday

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

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

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

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

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

Wedsday wackiness

Or maybe not so wacky!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ooops! Forgot one!

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

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

FO's & a lazy Sunday

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

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






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








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









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

Thank you, LeslieJ!!

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

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

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

Giving thanks

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

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

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

So the whole giving thanks thing. . .

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

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

And I complain about my child??

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

*steps off soapbox*

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

Ballerina girl

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

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

Fun little meme

From my friend Alida. . .


10 Years Ago:

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


5 Years Ago:

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

5 Months Ago:

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

5 Things on My To-Do List Tomorrow:-

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

5 Things You Might Not Know About Me:

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


5 Bad Habits:

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


5 Places I've Lived:

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

Im not tagging anyone but feel free to play along!

Sunny Saturday & a pair of socks

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

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







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

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

1st day of PreK

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

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

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

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

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

The things you learn on Ravelry

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

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

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

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

Olympic Gold & Silver!

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







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









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


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

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

Quick update

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

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

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

Pics will follow!!

Things you're supposed to love

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

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

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

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

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

Hope everyone has a great weekend!!

Laurie & the Amazing Technicolor Dream Sock

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I'd like to thank the Academy

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

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

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

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

So without further ado, my nominees are:

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

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

3) Amanda!

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

http://nhknittingmama.blogspot.com/

4) LeslieJ!

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

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

5) LadyWy!

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

http://theladywyvern.livejournal.com/

6) Cathy!

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

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

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

http://capesoxknitter.blogspot.com/

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

Is it me?

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

Let the games begin!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Have a wonderful weekend!

GO USA!!!!

So yum!

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


Baked Pesto Chicken

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

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

Makes 4 servings.

Just one more. . .

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

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

Is it the 8th yet????

FO!

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

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

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

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

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

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