Adventures in life and knitting...

I am 1 month old today!

2012-02-09T17:27:00.001-05:00

And I weigh in at 9 lbs!!! That's 3 pounds in a month!!

My Due Date

2012-02-06T12:44:00.001-05:00

Would have been today. But somebody was impatient. He is almost a month old (3 days to go). Last week he was 7 pounds 12 ounces, so he is easily 8+ now. Poor thing has had a rough first month. He now has a mild cold. The picture is from after a long
nap his happy mood lasted about 5 minutes then the crankiness was back. Poor babe

Sorry

2012-02-03T08:53:00.000-05:00

Had to go back to the old way of commenting. Spam found my little blog. Why I have no idea. Blogger wasn't picking it up as spam either and I really hate dealing with spam. I mean really A whole page about a hockey jersey or Uggs!?!

My life

2012-02-01T22:00:00.001-05:00

Just a quick picture. Knitting here and there when I can to keep the sanity. Mj since being a preemie loves being right over my heart. So he is there often. He is a snuggler too and really with being such a cutie how can I say no?

3 weeks

2012-01-30T14:27:00.001-05:00

And it feels like Mj has always been here. Can't imagine life without him

Tim Tebow fan?

2012-01-28T13:24:00.000-05:00

Mj at a day short of three weeks showing his support of Tebow

2 weeks

2012-01-23T22:31:00.001-05:00

Time has flown. Mj is 2 weeks already. This little cutie makes the sleepless nights worth it.

: )

2012-01-18T20:42:00.001-05:00

Happy and content

2012-01-17T23:41:00.001-05:00

Is a sleeping baby on your chest at home. Makes the hell that is the NICU worth it.

I don't think he likes the hat

2012-01-14T23:06:00.001-05:00

Mj is a preemie and in our hospital preemies get a handmade hat made by volunteers. I love the face he made when she put it on

Like father like son

2012-01-12T13:22:00.001-05:00

It looks like MJ is just like his daddy

Guess who is here?!?!

2012-01-09T20:10:00.001-05:00

Born at 1:09 today (date is also 1/09/12). 6 pounds 3.5 oz and 19.5 inches long.

Cutest Hat Ever!!!!

2012-01-05T21:37:00.002-05:00

This is the hat!

Easy and quick. I used leftover blue and green that i had dyed years ago. plus some natural and black i had around.

one of the sheep must be camera shy ; )

35 weeks 2 days

2012-01-04T11:42:00.001-05:00

Mj might be coming soon. I have had such a burst of energy today getting more errands done in a few hours then I could do in a week. The energy amazes me since people have noticed and commented that they have noticed I am not sleeping. Nope not much sleep going on here, between acid reflux, having to pee every 15 minutes and a certain someone who thinks night time is dance party time sleeping at night is more like a series of cat naps. Boy do I miss sleeping.

Homecoming Sweater

2012-01-04T01:16:00.002-05:00

I love how fast of a knit it was. I love the buttons! Found left on a shelf with sketch books at Michael's.

Pattern: Baby sophisticate
yarn: Malabrigio in brown - not even 1 ball!

Now I just have to make him a hat to finish off his homecoming outfit.

=)

Meet MJ's Monkey

2012-01-02T01:25:00.002-05:00

Pattern here

Started back in October '11 then put aside for other things. Tried to finish it last year but it was a no go. So today it got finished.
Here he is testing MJ's swing.

Happy New Year!!

Me walking home

2011-12-22T09:17:00.000-05:00

Well my shadow anyway. Strange thing is here it is the second day of winter and I had to take my jacket off. It in the 50's

Christmas hats 1,2, and 3

2011-12-20T08:50:00.001-05:00

Number 4 and more pics tonight

33 Weeks

2011-12-19T18:45:00.000-05:00

Estimated weight at least 5 lbs! 3 weeks until he will be allowed out. I personally would like closer to 36 weeks then 40 since he could wind up being a 12 lb butterball. = )

Just a little cold this morning

2011-12-13T09:28:00.000-05:00

But oh so pretty!

Another doggie picture

2011-12-06T14:42:00.001-05:00

Hershey has found a new favorite spot to sleep. She curls herself around or over the bump. She stays through all the kicking, pushing and nudging going on from the babe.

Cute dog picture

2011-12-05T12:29:00.001-05:00

Still here big as ever. 31 weeks today. At least 5 more to go though honestly I don't know where those 5 weeks are going to fit. The babe is already up in my lungs. The doctor said he is a good size already so it looks like fun times are ahead.

What we did on Black Friday

2011-11-25T18:42:00.001-05:00

The NJ Devils were playing the Islanders and Hubby's friend gave us his tickets. I am a Devils fan and these are the only times I cheer against the Islanders. Bad news - Marty wasn't in goal. Good news - Devils won. Sorry Honey ; ).
FYI my Devils jersey still fit at 7.5 months : )

Mother nature smiling

2011-11-22T09:12:00.001-05:00

Found on my walk home from dropping the kids off at school.

Wild thing

2011-11-21T15:55:00.001-05:00

You make my heart sing.
My son got his new glasses today. His eyesight got bad enough that he finally needed glasses. He is not to thrilled with the idea but now that he has them is happy he can see. He picked the frames himself and they totally remind me of Charlie Sheen's character in Major League ( 80's baseball movie)

Christmas Hat Number 1

2011-11-20T11:17:00.002-05:00

Just a quick hat plus some mini ornaments and battery operated lights and you get =

Now only 5 more to go (along with a million other things to do)

=]

Today

2011-11-14T18:45:00.001-05:00

Was the 4th grade field trip. Which means that it was Drama Girl's turn. So at 28 weeks pregnant and filled with mommy guilt ( but you went with Skywalker) I endured, and I mean endured a hour long bus trip both ways to spend 3 hours at the Bronx Zoo. The zoo itself was great! Warm and sunny and no crowds what so ever. I took my big camera ( kicking myself I did not bring my telephoto lens) and Drama used my iPhone to take pictures. This is one of hers. The peacocks roam freely around the zoo and are very use to people. We were walking out of The Mouse House and practically tripped over him.
It was wonderful to spend time with just her the two of us. I just wish we didn't have to take the bus back home =]

Something from our walks

2011-11-11T10:28:00.001-05:00

Every day we pass a line of these bushes on our way to school. This one is much brighter and intense the the others. I have always loved how this one stands out from the rest. I hope the color comes through. It is really a bright intense red. It was cloudy yesterday.

So

2011-11-10T00:01:00.000-05:00

With a million things started for the baby, let alone Christmas knitting, what am I working on? A blanket for the babe. First square done hopefully 4 more to go. I am using bulky yarn so it is flying but also eating up a lot of yarn. I bought all the yarn the store had so hopefully I will have enough.

Today's Project

2011-11-04T23:42:00.000-04:00

A crib sheet. How does one take a picture of a crib sheet without a mattress? Crib and mattress coming soon so maybe an action shot.

Bibs!!

2011-11-03T22:45:00.001-04:00

Here are 6 bibs I made from some stash fabric. They all have flannel backing. The hardest thing was getting the snaps right. I bought a kit and well the snap setter was a piece of crap. So new setter and they were done! It only took about two hours from start to finish including many interruptions from the kiddies. :)

Just to prove

2011-11-02T23:03:00.001-04:00

I can't see my feet when I look straight down. Though i can see their reflection.

26 weeks

2011-11-01T23:45:00.001-04:00

Scary thing is I feel huge already! 14 weeks left to 40! Time is a flying!

Starting him young

2011-10-13T19:07:00.001-04:00

Hubby and I got tickets to the Islanders hockey game. We are starting MJ young. It is hockey season after all. =)

Poppage has Occurred

2011-10-11T12:54:00.002-04:00

23 weeks. The boy has been kicking, flipping, pushing and anything else it seems to get more room and I guess my body finally gave in. I can see my feet anymore without leaning over.

(New shirt in picture. WIP stands for work In Progress.)

The boy is also getting in the way more and more. LIke overnight. All of a sudden I can bend over to well. It looks like the fun part is coming soon - beached whale stage.

=)

A little something

2011-09-27T21:37:00.002-04:00

I should be knitting on gifts for christmas. Should be. Am I ? Nope.

I started this little sheep when I was at my Mom's for Hurricane Irene for the baby. What child of a knitter and wool lover doesn't need a sheep. It is Love Ewe. So Cute!

While taking the kids to school this morning we passed a morning glory in almost full bloom. Just one. Usually there are hundreds but since it is not really the season it is just the vines. In a sea of green and sidewalk was this little flower.

It made me smile so I had to take a picture.
=)

Half way there

2011-09-19T15:21:00.000-04:00

Today I am 20 weeks half way according to the technical count. My last two ( the girls ) were early by weeks. My son was born on his due date. So either I will keep following trend and go early (just make it past New Years MJ) or he will wait until the end

10 years

2011-09-11T22:20:00.003-04:00

It sure doesn't feel like it.
I remember everything.
I remember taking hubby to work that morning.
I remember laying in bed with my 2 month that day son to take a nap since he was up all night
I remember my mom calling over and over so I would answer
I remember she said a plane hit the twin towers
I remember turning on the tv just as the second plane hit
I remember watching in shock
I remember a camera man accidently film people jumping (they were talking about debris falling) and hearing him say "My god"
I remember watching the first tower fall
I remember the second tower falling
I remember I could not put my son down at all that day
I remember just holding hoping that everything would be ok
I remember hearing the fighter planes going over head day after day

Ten years later I remember everything

Let the celebrating begin!!

2011-09-06T09:15:00.000-04:00

First day of school for my bunch.

Goodnight Irene

2011-08-26T12:05:00.002-04:00

has been stuck in my head as I pack. Why? Well Hurricane Irene is coming and the kids and I are bugging out to my mom's. I hope everyone in her path stays safe. Please people if they tell you to leave do it! Better to be safe then sorry.

70%

2011-08-24T12:25:00.002-04:00

Yesterday I had my regular OB appointment. With my last pregnancy I had Placenta Previa so because I had some barely there spotting all heck broke loose. Now last time I found out the scary way waking up with blood all over so this barely there didn't really worry me since it could have been caused by many different things.

Anyway the best part was I got to see Speck again. I asked the tech if she could see if it was a boy or girl and since Speck was moving like a jumping bean she couldn't be 100%.

So she said she was 70% sure that Speck is a ....

BOY!!!!!

A Hat!

2011-08-23T12:20:00.002-04:00

I have been knitting I have 2!!! baby sweater that need to be blocked and buttons. Buttons will not happen until gender is found out. Hopefully soon!!

I also have been knitting some small things too. (Wait until you see the booties!) I could not help my self with this hat. I saw it in adult and child so I actually got some brain cells to work together and crunched numbers to make a baby size (hopefully)

It's a Lil Devil Hat!!!!!

I LOVE IT!!!! I can't wait to take a picture of Speck in it. (Only 24 more weeks to go)

I want one too. And so does Drama too.

=)

Finally

2011-08-09T14:31:00.001-04:00

I finished something!!! A pet bed for the Hershey. As you can see she loves it.

Now

2011-08-03T13:43:00.002-04:00

that I am passed 12 weeks and everything has been checked and ultra sounded I have been given the all clear. Not that I could get away with hiding it much longer

Seriously people. That's me a week ago. The more kids you have the faster you show but damn that was fast. Not many of my normal clothes fit so my outfits are interesting because really I don't want to have to buy maternity clothes for a little more then a months worth of wearing. So hopefully I can get to fall. I did buy one pair of maternity shorts but thats it for summer.

So our little Speck got it's name from this

Sorry it's a little fuzzy but this is how my OB confirmed Speck. See the arrow and the little speck it's pointing to. The tech had to put that in there so we could see what we were looking at. That is 4 ish weeks.

4 weeks later we have the gummi bear stage

Seriously Speck looks like a gummi bear. Alll that in 4 weeks. Pretty amazing. That picture is from 5 weeks ago so Speck is even bigger now. Barring any medical reason we won't be able to see Speck until September for the 20 week ultra sound. We have heard Speck's heart beat. The little stinker was just like his siblings, being difficult to get the reading. Moving away from the nurse. It took 10 minutes to find the heart beat long enough to get a beats per minute reading. Preview of things to come?

=)

So

2011-08-01T11:59:00.002-04:00

it's been awhile. 2 months today since last post. Really?! It doesn't seem that long.

So since June 1st

Drama had her dance recital

I some how managed to get all three of my kiddies to pose for a picture without anyone making a face and they are all smiling!!!

Summer baseball has come and gone. Believe it or not practice for fall ball has started.

Our primary doctor is having a baby girl in a few weeks so I had to make her a little something. Gift was received with lots of wows.

Last day of school

Made 20(!) "roses" for gifts for teachers.

My son had a birthday. Double digits!!!! My baby boy is 10!!!. Pictured here with his new bike that his grandma bought for him.

Hubby and I celebrated 10 years married!!!

Our youngest turned 7 (pictures came out blurry)

And well if you notice the ticker on the top of the page...there is going to be a 4th. I am finally feeling "normal" My energy is back. What little morning sickness i had is gone. I do get queasy here and there but that's easily dealt with. Now if only this heat would go away I would be so happy. Fall where are you!!

Visitors

2011-06-01T19:21:00.001-04:00

We had some visitors just a few minutes ago. I was in my way to bring my son to music lessons and these little guys were eating away under the watchful eye if momma. They live in the pond across the street (behind the trees on the other side of the street in the picture). The kiddies have watched them grow, from momma sitting on the nest, me rescuing them from traffic and stupid people who blocked the babies way through the fence to the four you see here. It's a bigger nature lesson then they could have learned in school. Btw the babies are about the size of chickens now. So I guess I should call them goslings now

Spring has finally arrived

2011-04-26T09:44:00.000-04:00

Last week the kiddies were off for spring break but it was rainy and in the 40's. Today they are back and it is beautiful. So much so that re-entry was hard. It took us twice ad long to get there. It is amazing how a few days of warmth changes the landscape

Peeps! Pizza! And Pop!

2011-04-16T19:44:00.000-04:00

I am working on a peep assembly line here getting ready for some Easter fun. ( I mentioned the pizza and soda because they were in the picture)

Baseball!!

2011-04-10T22:03:00.002-04:00

It is spring even if the weather doesn't want to be spring like. It was opening day yesterday and the sun did come out and it was warm for the game ( then got cold by evening)

My boy got a game ball for the game, catching a hit for an out and getting a hit to drive in the the run that tied the game. They went on to win. The whole team played great and we were very proud.

BTW. This picture will be the only proof that his uniform was this clean

The bobbin is full

2011-04-07T23:02:00.000-04:00

and the Llama fluff is done. Now for plying = )

My Socks

2011-04-06T22:50:00.002-04:00

I finished my socks today.

Oooh colors!! You can see that on the right sock I had the dreaded Noro Knot. The knot totally disrupts the color parade and in this case reversed it. I am totally ok with it because these are just socks and I am not the type to worry about matching my socks

Yarn Noro Keuroyon in color #170
Pattern: Spiraling Coriolis by Cat Bordhi

(yes I did finish Hubby's socks. The pictures are in my camera that I never seem to be able to keep the battery charged.)

=)

Made me smile

2011-04-03T20:50:00.001-04:00

The Hershey finds the strangest places to chillax as my son says. ( that's a combo of chilling and relax)

My little bunny

2011-03-25T22:05:00.001-04:00

I needed something quick to make and I wanted the satisfaction of finishing something. This little bunny fit the bill. So far all of the kiddies want one so I may be making more in the future. I am not sure of what number out of 111 he is. I need to get my act together. : )

It's my

2011-03-24T08:28:00.002-04:00

Birthday today. I am the whole 34. But today is different.

But first a quick little history. You see my Dad's Brother was born on March 21 and my Dad was born on March 22 and My Grandma (my Mom's mom) (Who was my best friend - more so then anyone before or since) was born on March 25th. So as you can see this week was always busy in my family on both sides and you know what I loved it. Now a days not so much.

My Dad has been gone over 8 years, My Uncle 15 and my Grandma 11. I am the last one. I have not liked my birthday ever since. I miss them more this week then at any other time of the year. I am usually not a fun person to be around this week (ask Hubby he can tell you)

But I am trying to be better. Both my brothers were born on the 24 of their months. (My sister would be born on the 24th too but she decided to come over 2 months early)

Other people share my birthday. Houdini for one. Kay from Mason Dixon Knitting fame and fellow raveler/friend Georgiana and I know there are many other people too.

Even Mother Nature is helping, because today I got one of my favorite things - SNOW!!!!!! I remember 1 time having snow on my birthday and it was just a few flakes here and there. It is not a common thing this late into March.

Hubby sent me this one. It's the fields from where he works. I woke to this email and considering the hell of a night I had it made me smile. He took it when he got to work (that would be about when the sun is just starting to come up) It is one of the most romantic things he has done. Something simple like taking a picture of a field of snow because he knows I love the snow and it is rare to have it on my birthday.

The snow was still around hours later so I had to take some pictures while waiting to put the kiddies on the school bus

Now since it is my day. I am going to grab something to eat and take a nap.

=)

Happy St.Patrick's Day

2011-03-17T21:38:00.001-04:00

And maybe your day includes GIANT sugar cookies. (seriously they are between 6 and 7 inches). Recipe from Martha Stewarts Everyday Food and should be on their website too. One cookie equals big time sugar rush - you are warned. = )

Do you see what I see

2011-03-11T11:48:00.000-05:00

Sun!!!! I am just sitting out here in the sun. It is so warm, though the breeze is still chilly. I am watching The Hershey chase birds. Silly thing. She is not the only one happy spring is coming. I am already planning on getting the garden ready this weekend. Not planting anything just yet just have the need to be outside.

Wrist update. Swelling is down and I am being sent for a CAT scan because genius that I am totally forgot that I am no longer allowed to have MRI's due to the fact that there is metal in my spinal column. I even wear a medic alert bracelet! Anyway if the CAT scan doesnt show anything I may have to have exploratory surgery. Sounds like fun!

I am loving the birds singing! So nice to hear them again (well until they start at 5 am again)

well at least it isn't broken

2011-03-09T10:40:00.001-05:00

the doctor thinks it was either broken (which it isn't) or i snapped a tendon. i wasn't doing anything crazy, just picking up a bucket. It wasn't even heavy and something went pop. Of course it is my right hand and i am mostly right handed. i say mostly because i can use my left for many things, like writing, but the hard part is when you need 2 hands. For example knitting,spinning,sewing, crocheting and say getting dressed (or typing). it has not been a fun day. I can't get my MRI until the swelling is down. that could take a week or more. Part of that is up to me not using it and resting it. that is the hard part.

=)

Well

2011-03-04T20:46:00.001-05:00

The last few weeks have suck big time. I am not going to go into it because well I lived through it once and I dot really want to re live it, ok? Now in the face of such sucky-ness I decided some really yummy yarn from the shrine of really really nice stuff (Sanguine Gryphon) will make things a little better. (sorry for crappy picture. The yarn looks amazing in the sun. Will take better picture when there is some sun)

Babies..

2011-02-13T20:17:00.003-05:00

There were a bunch born last year. I made a bunch of baby stuff and still need to post most of them. This post is about one for a little cousin born in November.

First though a little something for the big sister

A little knitted bunny, which believe it or not is made from a knitted square with ears added.

Now for the little babe. I made her a quilt.

Ladybugs and strawberries.

Bright and cheerful for a happy little babe

I tried some free hand quilting. Not to bad IMO.

Mom and girls love them.

=)

Items number 2 and 3

2011-02-07T08:18:00.002-05:00

Hats!

The Hubby actually asked for a hat! This is a big deal because well ever since the Islander sock incident he hasn't asked for anything from me. Now he has asked for socks and a hat!! He picked the yarn. Something I totally would not think he would wear but hey hehas his hat and has worn it many times already.

(I have mentioned before he always has to make a face when getting his picture taken this is half a face. I am getting quicker at snapping them and not giving him enough time to make said face)

Yarn is Cascade 220.It is 3 different colors. Black, grey and white. 2 by 2 rib for enough to cover the ears then knit around. Basic hat really just big for my big headed and big footed hubby. = )

My hat is left over Cascade 220 and Suri (which is a fuzzy alpaca yarn) The brim is 2x2 ribbing in just the Cascade 220 then I switched to larger needles and added the Suri in. I wanted a floppy hat. I got a floppy hat

=)

A pair of socks

2011-01-28T22:37:00.001-05:00

Too bad they do not match. I knitted both socks toe up and used as much as I could. Now to start the mates to these - say the woman who takes forever to knit the second anything ( sleeves, mittens, mitts and socks ). To make my point I have since made 2 hats and there is no socks on needles yet. Tomorrow?!?!? (hopefully)

Our weekly snow storm is here

2011-01-26T22:39:00.001-05:00

4 inches of snow, then an inch of ice follow by 6-8 inches of more snow by morning. Schools haven't cancelled yet because it is midterm week. Let's see if the powers that be use their brains

Finally Finished Item Number 1

2011-01-25T19:41:00.001-05:00

Here it is January 25 and today I finally have my first finished item of the year. I started and finished the embroidery on Sunday while watching football. Today I put the finishing touches on it and framed it. The frame is just a hoop with the fabric gathered in the back with a running stitch. Pattern is from the blog So September (soseptember.blogspot.com) She has some really pretty things and I love looking around (her Etsy shop isn't to bad either)

It looks like

2011-01-24T17:40:00.000-05:00

Squirrels are taking over Bikini Bottom. Our fish rearranged our Bikini Bottom and this is how it ended. I just had to take a picture.

Breaking news

2011-01-18T00:33:00.001-05:00

The love of my life has really big feet! His sock is on the right and mine is on the left. Yes people 2 different sock 2 different Cat Bordhi patterns at the same time. His on size 2 needles, mine size 6 in an effort to keep the strain off my hands. (Hubby has size 12 feet) But I will make them since anything I have made him he doesn't like - that didn't sound right. He doesn't wear hats, the first pair of socks I ever made was for him but I didn't know about what yarn to use so I used yarn that didn't work. "Quitters" is what he calls them. The second pair I made him in his fab sport team colors, well many bad thought were knitted into them. Boy did they give me a headache. Every time he wore them his team lost. So they are now considered cursed. So as I knit these I will think loving happy thoughts because after knitting the thousands of stitches that it will take to make this pair he better LOVE them = )

The New Year

2011-01-04T09:00:00.002-05:00

Well here we are. 20-11. Wow.

This year a few cool things will happen. My Boy will turn double digits this year. I will be the mother of a tweener!! So not ready. I see every day little pieces of him growing up. Snapshots of the man he will become. I am amazed at how quickly all my children are growing up. The past 10 years have gone by much faster then the 10 years before.

The Hubby and i will also celebrate 10 years of marriage. Married for ten years!! Amazing. It seems to have gone by in a blink of an eye. We have had our ups and downs and at times more then our share of downs but we are here together.

Now for the crafty side of life. Toni and I have agreed to a bit of craziness. To finish 111 items by Dec 31, 2011. She is also the one who started the whole "cold sheeping". Can we do it? Why not. All crafts are counted because well knitting 111 items in a year just may be a step or two into insane. We are not that crazy =)

=)

Happy New Year

2011-01-01T00:25:00.000-05:00

Fireworks are still going off here on Long Island. It is tradition here for fireworks.

I watched the new year come in with my son ( his first, my girls tried but they were not able to stay awake) Hubby has work in the morning and even though he wanted to stay up the sandman won.

So, to 2010 farewell. It was a hard year but we made it through. Oh and one more thing- Don't let the door hit you on the way out.

= )
Sent from my iPhone

Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T21:09:00.000-05:00

Or Happy Saturday. =]

= )

2010-12-22T07:47:00.000-05:00

I just smile everytime I see these guys I made them just before surgery. I do believe the pattern is from the blog Jelly Wares. I'll link back when I can get to sit at the computer.

Snow?

2010-12-20T21:53:00.001-05:00

There is a halo around our moon tonight (google it I can't link from my phone and no sitting at the computer yet for me)
"halo around the moon, rain/snow will be soon"
(yes that is our moon and no you can't see the halo in it. I couldn't zoom out far enough to catch it)

It only took 4 days

2010-12-20T09:02:00.001-05:00

Here is a teacher gift. It is the Breckenridge Cowl. I had made one before for my mom and it was a really quick knit (started and finished during a hockey game). This one took a little longer =)

Update

2010-12-18T16:57:00.001-05:00

I am laying here in bed listening to my kids sing Queen. Granted it is " we will rock you". But hey it is in my opinion better then most music out today. ( ahhh I am turning into my parents. They used to say that!) anyway I am pretty sore and bruised. More sore then pain. Each day better then the last. Today I could actually go potty by myself!! =). It's the little things you know?

Sadly no knitting has been going on and I only have till wednesday for three if them ( they're teacher gifts). They are the only gifts I am going to stress over. Everything else will just have to go with the flow

: D

Sent from my iPhone

We finally had snow

2010-12-16T10:20:00.000-05:00

And judging by my girls big smiles they loved it. We had so much fun walking to school on this morning that we were late. Oops. = )

In other news. I am minutes away from another surgery. Gotta love smart phones. I am blogging from pre op. : )

well

2010-12-09T08:35:00.002-05:00

the trial was great. so great in fact that the doctor squeezed me in for the permanent one on the 16th. That is a week away. This just happens to be really surgery, not an outpatient thing. So basically I am trying to get everything done by the 16th since I am not sure of what I am going to be able to do afterwards. If it works as well as the trial I am golden. Just wish there was a way to push Christmas back.

In other news winter has showed itself (though it looks like it will be temporarily since it will be in the 50's in a few days) I made these last year and they are really warm.

Cascade 220 (grey) and Noro silk garden, a set of needles and my brain = these mittens. They are a little snug but when i wore the yesterday the grew just enough so there were no to tight.

How I spent my morning

2010-12-02T17:31:00.000-05:00

After getting up earlier then I have since I was breastfeeding, to travel to the lovely hospital this is what I came home with. ( I am still groggy so hopefully all makes sense). This is a Spinal Cord Stimulator - trial version. I have electricity running into my spinal column to over stimulate the nerves so the pain is less. I know I haven't really talked about my back here before but for almost 2 years now I have been in a LOT of pain. The doctors can not fix it so it is all pain management at this point. I can tell you right now the only pain I feel is my very sore back muscles that spasm every so often. The other pain that has caused my life to be hell- not much feeling of that. I am in love with that little wire. = ). Hopefully this has been enough writing to hide the picture. Sadly that wire will come out on Monday = (. But if all is ok by Monday I will get scheduled for the permanent one.

Spark

2010-11-30T22:56:00.002-05:00

Here is the finished sweater

It was a test knit and it is up (and if you check it out here you will see a certain someone)

The only mods I made was to undo the ties and make a frog closure. It makes it easier for her to close it

The new owner of said sweater is impatiently waiting for it to dry. =)

On my way to get milk tonight

2010-11-19T20:23:00.000-05:00

This is what I saw. It was not the only house, just the one I could safely take a picture of. Plus I had to take radio station out of the car's memory. It is just too early for 24/7 Christmas music. Funny thing is,well besides it not even being thanksgiving yet, is that the house a few houses away from this one still has Halloween decorations up. Too early people!!!

1 Down 1 To Go

2010-11-18T14:49:00.001-05:00

(better pictures soon)

2010-11-18T08:31:00.002-05:00

This has got to be one of the strangest things I have bought. My son had a field trip to the Bronx Zoo. As our little group visited the gift shop I came across this little handmade notebook. It wasn't until after that I read the note card on the back.

The paper is made form elephant poo.

No lie. Here is there website.

Love the name - Mr. Ellie Pooh's Elephant Dung Paper. Even the pencil included is recycled from found pencil and hand sharpened.

(Yes you can actually see the grass that passed through the elephant in the paper. There is no smell and it is sanitized)

Onto the sleeves!

2010-11-09T20:42:00.000-05:00

My little helper

2010-11-09T00:42:00.001-05:00

Progress

2010-11-07T22:29:00.001-05:00

Well there has been some in the purple sweater. I am on my second out of a possible three. Not quite half way. This is a test knit. It is called Spark. I tested the adult version called Flint. Yes I know I don't think I showed any pictures. I think I am going to redo some of it. I get more into that when I get it.
Oh and the blue sweater well there has been progress on that too. But, it is a Christmas gift and even though the giftee knows all about it- I still want to keep it as much as a surprise as possible so expect limited pictures

Is it possible

2010-11-03T22:30:00.001-04:00

To knit 2 sweaters in a month? We shall see!

Ok America

2010-11-02T18:13:00.001-04:00

I voted. Did you?

The big bad

2010-11-02T09:23:00.001-04:00

Hershey!! I was walking the kids to school and loved how the sun was turning the Hershey into a wolf. Yes Hershey is wearing a sweater (and yes I knitted it). She actually needs some help keeping warm when it is 40 degrees out.

Happy Halloween!!!!

2010-10-31T21:44:00.001-04:00

Yeah it has been a while. ; ) Lots of stuff going on.

= )

I have something to say.....

2010-09-12T09:04:00.002-04:00

I want to say this. It may come out a mish mash of words but I hope the point is there.

There are people out there who are !@#$% idiots.

From a certain one down in Florida who wants his 15 minutes of fame. To men and women around the world who kill in the name of god. People who think they are better then everyone else because of __________ (fill in the blank) We are all humans. Regardless of who we love, worship, eat, or what ever.

You see my best friend who is like a sister to me is from Eygpt. She is Muslim. She covers her hair because she wants too. We have had many discussions about how stupid the world is. Yesterday we sat together watching our children play together worried about the world.

Then she tells me that some one where she works told her that she was stupid because she covers her hair. That because she covers her hair she is going to bring bad attention to herself. She was upset I could tell but she said she just let it go. She thought this woman was her friend.

I am raising my children to see people for who they are, not what they do. It just amazes me that in this day and age we as a race can not get over that we are all the same.

I am not religious at all but I do know this. No matter what religion is practice, Love thy Neighbor and No killing seem to be on the top. Remember WWJD? I liked it. Not because of the whole Jesus thing but because it made people think for a second.

I know I am rambling, It just really upsets me that my friend who is one of the most generous and loving person on this planet is being harassed because she wears a scarf on her head.

Yeah!!!!!!

2010-09-06T21:48:00.001-04:00

In less the 12 hours my 3 angels will be in school!!!!!!!!!

Maybe now I can get things done? maybe?

Recap

2010-08-01T21:14:00.002-04:00

It has been busy here. Finally can catch my breath.

A certain Hershey has made herself at home. She still has some bad moments - like the car. We took her to a baseball game where dogs are allowed and had a hard time in the car. She had fun there was loved very much and was better during the car trip back home. Loud voices also seem to cause her to hide but she is much better. Of course her good moments she is just a ball of love to everyone.

We had a birthday in the family

Had to include the picture cause well to have all four kids in one place and all smiling, well mostly, is a rare event = )

Last but not least. The Boy's baseball season is over. The team went all the way to the silver medal round and had a pretty good last game. The other team won but that does not make this momma any less proud. This was the first year for summer league and there is a ton of pressure to win. I could so go into my "they are only 8 or 9 what is your problem ...." speech but I will not.

My Boy very tired but happy.

=)

Ok?

2010-07-29T12:36:00.001-04:00

Why do I need a spindle?

2010-07-15T18:57:00.001-04:00

Asked the Hubby. Why to spin at the baseball game of course. : ). My
little home made spindle made from my junk drawer- a chopstick, a
pushpin, 2 washers and a little rubber band and this puppy spins. Of
course I have nothing to compare it to.

Using the Brain

2010-07-15T13:53:00.002-04:00

Well things are not going as planned these days. My Doctor has told me that I am no longer cleared to work and told me to file disability. That in itself is depressing. I am 33 after all but there is nothing that can be done about my back and it will get worse on its own let alone under stress of working. Still it is not easy to take.

Anyway I was surfing the internet and reading all about the Tour de Fleece (I have been spinning as much as I can but I am still spinning my brown Llama and well it looks brown- though my other yarns are drying so soon I will have pictures.) anyway back on my track. There are amazing yarns being created on a spindles. Now I once tried a drop spindle and well I put the drop in drop spindle. Well I figure after spinning on a wheel for over 2 years I just might be able to be able to use a drop spindle again. There are plenty of "How to make a Spindle" on the internet. My first attempt was not great and had my youngest asking if that is why they are called drop spindles. I understand the principle of how one is made and went about making my own. 2 heavy washers and a chopstick later I had a spindle that I could keep going.( the smaller of the two with the fluff still attached)

I know not a great picture but it was the best I had.

I never thought

2010-07-08T17:34:00.001-04:00

That I would look forward to 85 degrees. But I am. I am again at the
ball park. Baseball 5 days a week, which at first I thought lots of
knitting time but with this heat wave so not happening. Maybe tonight
though we have a nice breeze and I have a better project-cotton- that
I am working on so just maybe just maybe.

Excuse this interruption....

2010-07-07T09:23:00.002-04:00

Last night my son and his team won. This mean they qualify for the gold medal round. = )

Here comes the bragging part. He hit a triple, batted runs in and stopped 2 runs from scoring and stopped the other teams rally.

Ok I am done for now. = )

Happy 4th!!!

2010-07-04T20:04:00.002-04:00

Ahh 4th of July. It amazes me how time is just flying!! Things have been a little busy here so how about some bullet points! - aka not much time and I am being a little lazy ; )

1. Yesterday the Tour de France started which means The Tour de Fleece started too! I did spin yesterday and did get a good amount of spinning. Today not so much but I did try hand spinning so at least I attempted. Hopefully tomorrow I can spin some more (do you hear that my back!)

2.My spinning companion.

as always

3. It has been busy because of this guy

My OMG he looks like a professional baseball player and what the heck happened to my little boy!

Summer ball. Like I mentioned last time he made summer league and this was taken before the first game. White uniform and the catcher position equal never white again.

My #11 in action!!!

This boy of mine is going to be 9!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! in a week! I know moms out there will agree with this but I swear he was just a baby the other day. Summer League is taken very seriously here so there have been baseball 5 days a week which for this Momma means knitting. Well when I can I should say. They are playing the seed round and having played 2 games they are 1-1 with 1 more game to go. It gets exciting and well my gauge is everywhere!

4. Citron is in the bind off stage. I am doing a beeded bind off so I can only work in it at home. I worked on it for a few hours and well I am about 10% of the way done. I hope to be done before 2011.

5. Speaking of birthdays. My #11 got one of his gifts early

Meet Hershey

She is a sweet little terrier that has had a not to happy past we are finding out. she is good with the kiddies (prefers them actually). It is so sad in the animal shelter. If we had the room I swear I would take them all home. Hershey and Snickers are adjusting pretty well too. Hershey needs a little time to adjust I think. There are certain little things that other shelter dog owners can tell you let you know that the past may not have been so great. I can tell you though when you see that they start to trust you it is a heart warming thing.

One very proud Momma

2010-06-27T11:32:00.000-04:00

My son made summer baseball. There were tryouts and he was rated in
the top. He is amazing. He has this natural catching ability that is
wow. I know I am his mom but Hubby and I are his toughest critics.
This is the first time were I can just sit and watch him and he just
absolutely amazes me!!

Current Project

2010-06-25T15:16:00.003-04:00

Now that I have finished all the teacher gifts for this year (need to upload them) I have now moved on to something I want to make.

Citron.

(picture taken a few days ago. I am further then pictured)
I am Knitting ALong (KAL)-ing with the Stash Knit Down group over at Ravelry. (Yes I need them now more then ever)
I am using Malabrigo Lace held double on size 7 needles (see stash busting, 2 skeins of yarn instead of 1) I am almost at the end of the 4th repeat which just leaves the 5th repeat and the ruffle left to knit. Of course the number of stitches double in the ruffle and rouching sections so it does take a bit longer to knit them and of course purl them back.

Aaaaaand when all the knitting is done. I am doing a beaded Bind Off!!! Those beads are what is getting me through those long purled rows.

=)

Operation Fayfay

2010-06-24T10:24:00.002-04:00

A little over a year ago my Hubby had to have his shoulder fixed. How much damage there was they were not sure until the doctor actually got inside. What fun! Anyway I was told I would see him again in about 2 hours. Reality was 4.5 hours later when he was wheeled back into the recovery area. The whole time I was a wreak. Kept telling myself they are just fixing his shoulder, but well I guess you could call it a very active imagination. Scary things, especially after the 2 hour mark and the nurses could not tell me why it was taking so long.

Well I knitted. I brought with me a beautiful and easy scarf pattern to knit. Fayfay

I was using a ball of handspun that had been sitting around for a while. It was pretty and well I had told myself to start using my handspun (still need to do that) I wasn't sure of how much I had but I figured I had enough for this lacey scarf.

Oh it was enough. I knitted most of it in the waiting room and finished at home nursing a very sore Hubby.

It needs to be reblocked. It is almost 10 feet long! I just kept knitting not even thinking that once it is blocked it will grow. It is lace after all. I just had too much on my mind at the time. I have bought blocking wires since I last blocked it and hoping that a re block will help. If I try to get more width then it should shrink the length (hoepfully) enough that the scarf is a little more wearable. If that doesn't work I may just have to rip out some of the length.

My Sheep's Hot Flash

2010-06-22T10:39:00.003-04:00

Over at the "Cold Sheeping" support thread I fessed up that my sheep had a major Hot flash. Well I didn't want to post all the picture (many pictures) that showed what I bought over there but some wanted to see so I decided to make a blog post about it. (Very picture heavy)

This is what started it all. 5 balls of Cascade 220 in black for Skywalker's new sweater. As you will see these 5 little balls opened the flood gates.

In no order what so ever here we go:

Fleece Artist merino2/6 in ebony

Dream in Color Smooshy in "Good Luck Jade"

Dream in Color Baby in "November Muse"

Malabrigo Silky Merino in "Velvet Grapes" (to go with the other 4 I have)

LB Cashwool in "Charcoal"

Universal Yarn Cotton Supreme in "Brown"

Knit Picks Stroll Sport in "Clematis Heather"

Knit Picks Comfy fingering in assorted colors Marlin, semolina, honeydew, lilac, peony, peapod , and flamingo

Knit Picks Felici sport in "Sorcery"

Knit Picks Felici in "Rainbow"

Hand Maiden Sea Silk in "BLue Lagoon"

Dream in Color Starry in "Dusky Aurora" (it has real silver threads in it!)

Lorna's Laces Shepherd Worsted in "Whitewater"

Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sport in "Black Purl"

Gale's Art BFL/silk in Stormy Seas (the only fiber I bought)

Well that is almost all of it. I am missing picture of 2 yarns and for some reason they went poof! One is just like the Clematis Heather except it is in worsted weight (4 balls of that one) and the other is also from Knit Picks. It is Elegance, which is a alpaca silk mix I believe in Barn Red (also 4 balls)

So there you go my splurge. All that yarn is equal to the amount I knitted last year. 61 balls or 12,761 yards or 7.25 miles. Oh boy!

ETA: I also bought hanks of Knit picks Bare to dye, but I didn't think you wanted to see that.

Happy

2010-06-20T19:03:00.001-04:00

Father's Day and Happy Anniversary to my Hubby. I love you!