My weekend

Hey all. We went to the Epcot Food and Wine Festival on Sunday with no children (they got to hang out with Mamaw) and we had a blast. No strollers or I Wants, and it was a beautiful day. We did the Behind the Seeds tour at the Land Pavilion which shows many different ways to grow food - hydroponics, sand, hanging, etc plus fish, gators and eel. One of the plants that we saw is called a Sensitive Plant because when you touch it the leaves close up to protect itself. It was very cool. I took video (which Travis laughed at!):





Here is a pic of the "Earthquake effect" - the guide shook the plant a bit and this happened:










I (and 2 others) were given a vial of lady bugs that we got to release for pest control, here are my bugs:









I released them on a white eggplant tree. Here's the gator area... I swear this one was staring right at me!










And for the final pic, this was outside the Australia area - there were 3 huge balls of "yarn" and I just HAD to take a pic. Travis is just lucky that I didn't drag the knitting out of my bag to pose with it!









It was a great weekend. I peeked at Jake's grades online - all As with 2 A+ and 1 A-. I was really wanting to brag on him but we just got a call from the principals office - Ugh. Maybe next time. I did make some progress - I'm about 1/3 done with 1 front of Mom's sweater and I ripped out the hat. Somehow I had gotten turned around on the had so it got screwy. I really didn't need to take on another project, now did I. Speaking of not taking on other projects, I just got this book. I know, crack in my water, but how hard can making 225 5" squares be? LOL. Sigh, but it is REALLY pretty and a goal that I will work on between cleaning up puke sheets and grounding a 7 yr old.

That's it from me for now. Have a great day.

My new toy, and some progress

My new toy.... is broken. I opened it up and got ready to sew up a bag and wait, what is this? Why is it sewing BACKWARDS??? Stuck in reverse. And no using reverse to make it go forward. UGH!!! So, it will be sent in for warrenty work locally I hope (I'm on hold with Singer now to figure it out).

With the profound lack of sewing going on, I did work on Cliffy's blanket and started a hat for one of my brothers. Here's pics of both as of right now:












I know there isn't much to the hat yet, but I've only just started. AND knitting with homespun is not fun. It's so splitty that it is much better suited to crochet, but I am better at knit hats than crocheted ones so there you go. I had toyed with the idea of a scarf but a hat uses less yarn and I didnt have that much homespun in the stash. Only 2 almost whole skeins of different colors and a few coordinating shades of grey/black if I need it (either stripey hat or stripey scarf). I have 2 brothers and I'm not sure who will get this or the other one (yep, I said other one) but I have a little time before Christmas.

I didn't cast on any Mom sweater fronts or sleeves, I'll do that at lunch today.

I am still on hold with Singer, and lunch is in 15 so I'll stop writing and try to get some work done before lunch. Have a great weekend.

O Happy Day!

I am just a little excited by my new present!! I look forward to playing with all the feet and quilting do-dads!! I have been cutting bag fabric and now have more than a dozen just waiting to be sewn up. Yippee!!! That is all.

No updates or pictures.

I didn't work on anything yarny last night while watching NCIS and Knight Rider (LOVE me some Justin Bruening!), I flipped through the tv guide, did the crossword, ate a fudgecicle (my solution to the ice cream addiction), held a whiney baby. I did at one point bring the knitting bag to the couch, but didnt open it.

I don't know how much I'll get done today either since it sounds like Sean's daycare will be calling shortly because of coughing and boogey nose (we'll see if the mucinex works).

I did have some thoughts on another new project though - a little girly top. I love how it looks in my head and I have high hopes for it.

That's really it for now. Have a great day and keep my little tow head in your prayers - he's done with his antibiotics so it obviously wasn't bacterial, just viral, but his breathing is still loudish so the treatments aren't doing too much to help.

Some real progress!

I have officially finished the back of Mom's sweater. It made me 10 minutes late coming back from lunch, but that's the price we pay for seeing things through! Everyone but my Mom can see a closeup of the fabric here and the whole back minus about an inch here.

I still love the color, but it amuses me that it stretches out so much from that tiny, ribbed thing. Hey, it's the right size so that's all that matters, right? Next... a front, followed by another front and 2 sleeves. Sigh. This is taking WAY longer than I expected.

My sewing machine has not yet shipped, but should in the next day or so. YAY!! I am pretty excited about that.

Other exciting news - I submitted a thing to another mag today. I also have that one idea that I've sketched out but haven't tried yet - color work and knitting. We'll see how that works out.

Today I started writing down my Christmas list and I found a few areas lacking. My yarny gifts include Mom's sweater, Cliffy's socks(in theory if it EVER gets done), Joann's socks, These socks that do have an probable intended recipient and these which is admittedly only A sock not sockS but may also have an intended - not sure yet... which is part of the reason it is still only A sock and has been since FEBRUARY. And while that is quite a bit of yarny goodness, I was thinking of making my brothers hats or scarves. It's cold up yonder, and I think they would like it but I am not sure if my Dad ever wears his Alpaca hat - hopefully he hasn't shrunk it yet.

Along with finishing the sweater, Cliffyghan and other blue sock, I also have that American Flag Afghan that is a commission that I haven't even started yet, but it doesn't really have a deadline becides my self-imposed "before Christmas". Good thing, eh?

Lots of clicky today I know but hey, it's OK. Have a great day.

an update, with a pic

I finished mom's bolero and put it in the mail to her today since I dont know when I'll see her next. Wanna see? Course you do. It's not the best pic in the world but the flash washed it out so you get the no-flash version.










I also did an inch or 2 on mom's Christmas sweater and am almost close to done with the back. 2 sides and 2 arms to go. Sigh.

But, I bought a new (used) sewing machine! I have been coveting them on Joann's website - a Singer meant for quilters, it has the extension arm, 8 different feet plus a bunch of different stitches (my current one only has straight and zig zag). But, I really didn't have the $100 to spend on it. Then, I got some back checks from Aflac (love you Aflac) AND it was on sale for $80 and free shipping. Hopefully I'll get it in about a week. So, if anyone needs a beginner (REALLY beginner) sewing machine, you let me know.

Yesterday was a half day for me - I caught some of what Sean was handing out - and I went home early. Went to the docs and got a script for antibiotics (in case it gets worse) and something to help me with sleep (an old timey anti-depressant that is used in low doses for sleep without so much of the chemicals). I am able to take it with the melatonin that I had already started taking but wasnt really working, so we'll see if this helps. And if it improves the depression than that's a bonus, yes?

Well, I need to get back to work now, have a great day and Mom... dont forget to send a pic of you wearing your new bolero!!

Sean update

I have not been vomited on in nearly 11 hours! I took Sean to the doc's at 10, we were there for 2.5 hours. About an hour of that was waiting (Saturday is sick only and be seen as you get there.) and the rest in treatment. No ear infection, no strep. His problem? Asthma. We went down this road before with Jake but its different with this one. So, when we got there his pulse Ox (oxygen level) was at 92 (it should be at 99-100) and he ordered a treatment of albeuterol and discussion of a script for orapred (oral steroid). Sean did NOT like it one bit! After he stopped freaking out, pulse Ox again - 91. Shot of steroids, another treatment of something stronger (which he loved even MORE because he hurt from the shot). Pulse Ox - 94. He said that the shot takes about 45 minutes to start workiing, so a few minutes rest then another treatment. If we dont get it to the 95-97 range we go to the hospital. Next treatment, pulse Ox - 95. Whew. Home we go with these directions: albeuterol every 4 hours, antibiotic 1x a day, orapred 2x a day, Pulmacort (another breathing treatment) 2x a day.

He's sleeping now, a 2.5 hour nap, which is good. I slept for a bit, but hunger got the best of me (missed lunch). Jake's been good, playing games and generally being quiet which is a Godsend.

Hopefully tonight and tomorrow will be better. Have a good one.

Not better

Sean is up this morning after throwing up pedalyte not once but twice in the last 12 hours. Poor baby has not eaten hardly anything in a whole day plus some and kept down even less. Yesterday I kept putting off the idea of taking him to Dr. K because he was doing ok, just blah and pukey. Last night he started with a fever and rapid breathing and by the time I got to where I wanted to take him in it was too late, even for After Hours Pediatrics. But there is hope... Dr. K's office is open today. So, at 9, I will call and make an appt. He's been tugging at his year so it's probably that but I cant imagine that causing so much yak. Sean fell asleep at 7 and slept through until about 11, then he was up most the night, only sleeping inermittently. Boy am I sleepy!!

Last night I managed to cut fabric for 5 bags and 2 linings and crochet about half of an arm on the bolero. I actually figure to be done with it with about 2 hours of work, so I'm excited about that.

Well, back to watching Bunnytown I suppose. Have a good day.

projectile vomit is not pretty

I am at home with a sick baby. And by sick I mean throw up in bed last night then when Mommy & Daddy are trying to strip the bedsheets throwing up again from the changing table. Did you know that your projectileness is much more far-reaching from up there! Sniffly, sneezy and general not happy. Fast forward to this morning (after 9 wake-ups at night, sans vomit) when Sean was just blah and Mommy was exhausted. Call into work, and realize that I dont have very much milk so a stop at the store is in order. No problem. The store is 2 miles away. 9am I get shoes and socks on Sean, strap him into the car and take off. halfway there I hear it. You know, the IT that I was dreading. So, I turn around and drive back home. I go inside to get a towel, get him out of the car then straight to the bathroom. pedalyte and juice and a nap.
Wake up from nap and eat a few bites of chili-mac and some peaches. Feeling better! Horray! Off to the grocery store. Again. SO I put shoes and socks on, strap him into the car and off we go. Through the store and all is good. Back home, put stuff away and watch AMC.
Still doing good. There's a new linen store RIGHT NEXT to Joann's. Handy that. So, back with shoes and socks, out the door and all is well. Pull into the parking space between the linen store (did I mention it is a discount linen store?) and I hear the IT again. Sigh. I get out and do my best to wipe him up with my little washcloth I keep in the car for dewey windows. Back home. He fell asleep on the way here and is currently in bed.

SO... how was your day?

Oh, I found another Mom analog (stand-in) and had her try on the bolero. She's Sean's daycare lady's daughter. Her 11 yr old daughter. Fits great! So, thats good. I told her not to grow and it'd do me great! I will work on the sleeves more in a few minutes.

Not much going on this weekend, Sunday I was going to have an alone day - Travis at work and both boys with their grandparents and Shamu but Jake was not good last night and lost the trip. Maybe in a couple weeks. No trips to see my mom and grandma, you know with the vomiting and all, but soon.

That's it from me, have a great weekend.

online spending at its best

Hi!! At lunch today I finished the body of Mom's bolero and started the arm, got half way and tried it on Damarys. She claims to have fat arms but it was too tight so I ripped out the arm and made it bigger. I am about 4 rows in and it is supposed to have 20. I like it and it looks pretty bolero-like. Sorry that I didnt take a pic but I was too busy frogging and wanted to get some sembelence of an arm before lunch ended.

Today, in the Readers Digest, I read about a website called www.fatwallet.com that gives you rebates on stuff you get online. Stuff like fabric at www.fabric.com that is on sale AND gives a rebate of 5%. It's black and will be perfect to line my manly market bags. I have 4 yards on the way as we speak! I spent $15 including shipping so I make that 75 cents! They put all your rebates in an account that you can transfer to paypal or what have you. Pretty groovy I say. Joann's is on there too, but I go through mypoints for the few times I purchase online from them.

After the above 2 paragraphs, you can see that I am doing a pretty good job of ignoring all the stuff that I should be doing (including working apparently). But, that's ok... it all gets done in the end.

That's it from me for now. Have a nice Thursday and enjoy the season premier of CSI. Love you CSI. Welcome back!

Progress, with a picture!

I was working more on the bolero last night and ignoring the sweater. Deadline smedline. Here's a pic so far. Please notice that it looks nothing like anything that would possibly fit a human, but it's right so far. I am on the armholes now, so it's going pretty quick. This one's not a surprise so I don't have to hide it.










I also got an encouraging note from the Crochet! mag looking forward to seeing more submissions from me. I am starting to get excited about my Letter Baby Jacket being published, and I hope that other folks love making it as much as I did. Of course they won't have to deal with math, so there's always that plus! I have a few ideas bouncing around that I will start playing with shortly. It would be so much more better if I could figure out how to make fair-isle look right in crochet.

Jake went today to get his blood work and Travis said he was a trooper. That surprises me a lot since he's usually such a wuss about EVERYTHING! He was very brave and didn't cry or anything. Now we wait. I have noticed that he mainly tics when we are eating or when he's reading, and sometimes walking if he's not happy to be where we are at. I am hopeful that the Calmag will start working soon.

We got our mattress yesterday and it was nice to sleep on. Travis got his new pillow but I will get mine tonight (highway robbery at BB&B, I'll go to walmart). Travis got one of those contoured pillows that claims to help with snoring. It lies. But he said it was comfortable so that's a good thing.

That's it from me for now. Have a good one.

a glimmer of hope

How pathetic is it that this is a glimmer of hope, but there you go. That is the "expensive corner" for gas, which does give me hope that the rest of the city will come to it's senses.

In other news, my new mattress got delivered today. Yippee horay!! Travis took a pic of it and sent it to my phone before he promptly laid down to take a nap. Rude. Anyway, I am thrilled to have a brand new mattress - my first I think.

In more other news, I started mom's bolero that I wasnt supposed to start yet. I'm kooky like that I guess. I had some tv to watch last night and didnt want to pull out the Christmas sweater, even though that has more of a deadline. The bolero is currently more of a test to see if we like the yarn enough to sufice or if I need to go and by some. This is stash Red Heart so not the softest thing in the world until it's old and washed many times but we were looking for "somewhat stiff" so my go-to simply soft is a no-go. So, I got a few inches into that but failed to take a picture. I'll try to remember that tonight.

Tonight we have errands - Bed bath and beyond for some new pillows (love you 20% off coupon), then goodwill for a bedside table and a donation. I am trying to convince myself that I want a new sewing machine that does more than sew in a straight and zigzag line. I like my machine well enough but I am looking. My mattress gives me a firm NO from the in-laws where such an extravagant gift would normally come from so now I will stalk goodwill and the like for something. I did also find out that a very nearby vacuum shop also sells refurbed Singers so that is also a possibility. I want the step up from the bare bones Kenmore that I have now, then find a nice home for it when it's replaced. Nothing wrong with it but it just is really bare bones. That reminds me, I need to borrow the canned air so that I can give it a nice blowing - it needs it!

And finally, Sean found a skull cap that I made for Jake some time ago. It has always looked like a Jewish kid at temple on Jake because he has such thick hair and a biggish head, but it looks pretty normal on Sean! (That is a wipe that Sean is playing with. He loves 'em, but in a healthy way.) That's it from me, have a great day.

TGIF

I had a crown decide to jump ship last night. Well, I was eating a milk dud at the time so I guess I sort of helped it along, but that crown has been there a good year at least and had many duddy friends in the past... so why now? To end my week on a high note? Yeah, that's it.

How about some progress. I "finished" the pink bag:













As you can see, it has rough edges. Apparently it is supposed to have rough edges, "it's utilitarian not beautiful". Whoopsy! I am going to try to put a faux-serger edging on it and see if that looks ok. I didn't put a pocket on the front of this one only because I don't think it really needs it, it can just fold nicely and not have to fold into a pocket if that makes sense?

I also got to the armhole portion of Mom's sweater. It's just back and forth on fewer stitches for 6 inches. We'll see how long until I start a sleeve or a front just to keep myself sane. I like it because it's pretty and I am completely in love with the yarn color (I'd say that even if I didn't do the dying) and it's an easy peasy 3x3 rib but sometimes easy = boring. I briefly thought about starting the other blue sock or even some stars for the flag afghan, but the thoughts were fleeting. Perhaps Monday when I need something small to take to the dentist, we'll see.

My MIL is giving us our Birthday/Christmas gift early - a new mattress! I am so excited, mainly because I cannot ever remember having a new mattress, and also this mattress came with the husband 9 years ago, so I guess it's time to upgrade (the mattress, not the husband!) I just hope that my current Queen sheets will fit the new pillow top Queen because it would be just terrible to have to go out and buy all new bedding (It's really hard to convey sarcasm via the keyboard, but really it's there).

In very exciting news, today is bonus day. Yippee!! AND... I don't have to buy a new fridge with it because ours is currently doing ok. Ice cream doesn't freeze solid but its not soft serve any more either, so I'm happy with that. Besides I have moved the meat and bourbon into that freezer and all the other stuff to the big freezer. This has served the dual purpose of no soft ice cream + ease of getting meat out for supper. Wait, I forgot to get something out this morning. Whoops. Oh, it's leftover night. Crisis averted. So what am I going to do with my bonus? Pay off credit cards, and possibly Haaaavvvee to buy new bedding. I can live with that.

That's really it for now. BTW I got some Cal-Mag for Jake and melatonin for me, wish us luck. Have a great weekend. Wow, that was wordy. Are you impressed? I am.

Suprising lack of progress

I have, in the past 2 days, managed to knit 1.5 inches of a sweater that is only 104 stitches in width. I have about a half inch to go before the armhole decreases, which is a good thing.

I did nary a stitch last night during Bones and House, just sat there watching tv. Shocking, that. I stared at my bag, glanced in the corner where Cliffys afghan lives and avoided eye contact with the market bag that is waiting for its time with the sewing machine.

I did think about Mom's next sweater, I even looked to see what yarn Walmart had while I was there - nothing. I need to go to Joann's and do some fondling there - hopefully something will inspire me. I haven't even started my Commission flag, but I did tell him it would be after my Christmas knitting was done - although I dont know if I can wait that long. It'll be nice to have some crocheting interspersed with the knitting.

Yesterday was a long draining day, with more questions than answers after Jake's trip to the doc. Jake has been having a persistant twitch in his neck for about a month. Previous symptoms (lasting a month or 2) were whistling, spitting, licking (everything - his shirt, walls, tables, Sean) and throat clearing. Doc is hesitant to label him with a tic disorder without more testing, so he sent us along with a scrip for bloodwork and is having us journal his symptoms. Not one twitch the whole time we were at the doc's office! It's like taking the car to the mechanic and it not making the clicking noise for him that it makes for you ALL THE TIME! In a couple weeks if symptoms persist with us trying to make him aware of what he is doing, it's a trip to the neurologist. He says he's doing it on purpose because it's fun and that he can stop, but he's really unable to control it for longer than he is thinking about it. Mom suggested Cal-Mag and Omega 3, so I'll see what I can find with that to see if it helps.

This is the first whole week for Travis on the new schedule, he had Tues and Wed off and went back today. Weekends will suck but hey, what can you do.

That's it for me for now. have a good one.

The weekend.

I don't have much to report on sewing, crocheting or knitting except that Mom has put in her order for a sweater that is not the sweater she's getting for Christmas. More of a shrug or bolero really. It will be crocheted and it will be black. Beyond that I'm not terribly sure yet.

On the Christmas sweater, I have about 2 inches of k3p3 before I work on the armhole decreases. It's moving along nicely but my fingers aren't functioning well this morning so I'm not sure how much I can get done today. Last night I managed about 4 or 5 rows before I gave up.

Actually I did finish the green and white bag and noticed a mistake that is hidden inside a pocket (until you turn the pocket out when you fold it together. Sigh.). So, that will be my practice one! I took it shopping Saturday morning and it did its job well. I also cut the fabric to size for bag #2 and bought some new needles for my machine. But that's it, I swear!

I went to my Grandparents yesterday, Grandpa was doing yard work when I got there so he's doing MUCH better. Thank goodness! Grandma is doing well too, Cliffy is starting to get his taste back so all around good news.

I'm adding some video of Sean counting. Have a great day.

Progress, unseen.

You know, when you actually work on something it gets further along? According to Ravelry, Mom's sweater has languished since April without much going on with it. I had a good start (Started 3/13) and went along well then... nothing. But, in the last few days since the quilt square and convention socks got finished I've added about 6 inches to the back. 5 and some change to go, plus 2 fronts and 2 sleeves. I wont bore you with another picture of a green ribbed square piece of knitting that has grown only a little since it's last pic.

I dont think I mentioned it here but my Grandfather is in the hospital, has been since Monday. He went in with high blood pressure but nothing has come of that. He had some work on his heart (a long c word that I wont try to spell) revealed that he didnt need stents which is a good thing and he should be heading home today. Raina (the granny nanny) has been staying with Grandma and they have been doing well. I will be going over on Sunday to see them and I am really looking forward to that.

I guess that's it for now, back to work. Have a great day.

Show and tell

I have taken some pics to show off some projects. I have worked a little bit on Mom's sweater,here's what I have so far (imagine that this also shows the collar done). Of course, Mom... no peeking.

Here is the first market bag so far and the front and back of my quilted square!!! I know, my quilt corners are wonky and I dont know why that is. I guess before I take on a real quilted anything that I need to take that class. Add it to the list.




















Isn't it very exciting!! I will try to only work on Mom's sweater until it's done. I also need to figure out how to work in time to make a million market bags with no time to sew? Sigh.

Finished Objects, and Disney

Lookee, a pair of socks! Sorry they are out of focus, they looked fine last night when I took it. These have will have a home come Christmas. Yay, 2 down...:










Sean and Jake watching the parade. Sean was THRILLED to see Mickey!! We did a meet & greet but I dont have those pics, I'll have to get them from Travis and post them later on.


















Sean and I waiting for Travis and Jake to finish riding Rock-n-Rollercoaster.











In other news, I have made a few inches of progress on Mom's sweater and my quilt square will have its binding worked on today at lunch.

And finally, Sean's potty training has taken a drastic turn. I am trying to convince him that it's not a hat but I don't think he believes me (yes, it's clean).

Neglectful

Sorry about that! I dont really have the time or energy now to blog either, but I wanted to post a quick hi and update. I have gotten to the round and round bit of the 2nd Convention sock. I have half way added the border of the quilt square and now only have to stitch the back down. I did a few rows on the back of Mom's Christmas sweater but made no discernable progress.

My Big Christmas Project has started taking progress. I have taken Laurie's idea of buying cloth shopping bags for her friends/family and turned it into a sewing project. I have been buying fabric for the outside and lining from the remnant areas and have quite a bit amassed so far. I started working on one - green with white dots - and have gotten it 50% done. I need to figure out what the HECK they are talking about with the handles - then stitch up the sides and bottom. Add the pocket it folds up into and viola! Multiply by like 30 and we're set! I have not done the recipient list yet but I'd like to give each 3 or 4 of them. I have a few different patterns that I am trying at first, looking for the easiest and most usable one then repeating it. No pics as of now but I will try to remember to take some.

Back to work now, have a good one.

A Note...

From Jake's teacher - today was math test day:

I just wanted to let you know how awesome Jake is doing in class. He is so smart. It is really exciting for a teacher to have a student so excited about math. He is a joy to have in class.


:)

Just pics for now

The brown/black/white socks - done (notice the close up of the star toe):













One and some Convention Socks done:










Sean sleeping...












That's it for now. Convention pics next time.

I'm back

I am still alive but very VERY tired. Sean was sick and stayed home with me yesterday when I was supposed to be sleeping, whoops. Oh well!

Updates - I finished my first convention sock Sunday and started the second (pics tomorrow). I sold my American Flag afghan for $105 with an order for another that came with $100. The guy that is getting one made lost this year and the year before and I told him to just order one, it's cheaper - only $80. But he let me keep the whole $100. The downside - making another American flag afghan! SOOOO many stars. I did give him the option for something else - just in case. We'll see what he wants and I'll work it in before Christmas.

On the project list currently:
Convention sock (maybe going to my step-mom for Christmas) 1.25 done
Cliff's afghan 50% done I think, maybe less
Mom's sweater - I have some done but it's hiding just now and I dont remember how far I had gotten.
Brown socks - done done done. Yay!!!
Blue socks - 1 done, 1 to go. I forgot who they are for, but they will find a home

Is that it? I think so. After I finish this convention sock (pretty quickly) I'll start working on Mom's sweater during lunch again and Cliffy's afghan at night. Depending on my moods I'll work in Russ's commission. That's not so bad, eh? Sigh.

My dress looked great but a little, um, showy. I thought that the lace would fix the issue but no, not so much. Note to self - if I make another one it will have a higher neck!!! Pics when I get them.

That's it for now,lotsa work to do. Have a great day!

1 pair finished

I finished the brown/black socks (pretend there are 2 there... actual pic of 2 to come after Convention). 1 Christmas gift down, eleventy seven to go.

I have pressed the hem of my dress and it is all set and ready to go. Sean is stinky, brb. OK. I only hope that I can wear it since it looks like Hanna may be aimed at Jacksonville... not a good thing!










I leave tomorrow morning for Jax, today I visit my Mom and pack. Wish me luck and dry weather! I have no idea if I will be able to post while I am there, but if now, see ya in a week.

Showing Off

Today will be all about showing off. First is me showing off my dress:












Jake showing off his skating moves:


















The sock I accidentally started while Jake was showing off:









And finally Sean showing off what he is learning from his big brother:











That is enough for today. Have a good one.

Done stuff

I finished the American Flag afghan and brought it in today. I finished during the closing ceremonies! I also finished the dress for the most part. I need to trim up the lace and find some ribbon that I like. I also need to press it and get a slip then I'm done.

Sean got his new Elmo bedding and elmo toy. The toy came first, and here he is the first night sleeping not just With Elmo but On Elmo:









And the new bedding:












He really likes it if you couldn't tell.

That's it from me for now. Today during lunch I will work on quilting the square, or maybe the brown sock. We'll see how I feel.

37 in a row. Hehehehe.

Because I'm a dorky fangirl with many loves in my life including my 2 favorite movies (Stand By Me and Clerks) I give you this:

http://wilwheaton.typepad.com/wwdnbackup/2008/08/thirty-seven-in.html

I am an avid reader of Wil's blog (see that, we're on a first name basis!) and this was today's entry. I think that would look GREAT in my living room! I sent the link to my brother in law, maybe he could be in THAT show next year... and bring ME! Hosted by Kevin and Scott - what a cool thing that is!

Anyway, enough of the drooling, pointing, and going on. I worked a little on the quilt square and none on the afghan. I did get the bodice together as far as it will go and added the pleats to the skirt. Still to do: iron the pleats down, sew the 3 skirt parts together and put in the zipper. Once the dress is together I add the ribbon and viola! Dress. I did "try" the bodice on and I noticed that it is a little, ahem, showy. We'll see if I can do anything about that! I don't think there would be a gaudy enough necklace that would distract from THAT much cleavage.

Tonight is cosmic bowling. Travis is already sleeping, I was for a little but Jake and I both got hungry at the same time. Burrito for me and spaghetti o's for him. mmm crapfood. Back to bed until 9 or so, then around 11 we'll head over there. We'll see if Jake makes it or not.

We picked up the pics today, they look SO cute. My boys are adorable!

That's it for now, have a great weekend.

Progress

Yesterday on the way to Diz I worked on my quilting and made some pretty good progress until I realized that I hadn't brought scissors and got to the end of my rope, er thread. So I kept riding along actually looking at the scenery and talking to Travis - so uncommon for me! On the way back home I realized that I had another needle and set the done one aside and did up the other on and kept right on quilting. I think that I've gotten all of the inside done and only have the outside left then the border. I am still a little fuzzy on the border directions, but I'll jump that cliff when I get to it.

This morning I did the border of the star field on the flag afghan. The trip to my Mom's got called on account of weather (very crappy) so the kids and I headed to walmart before the downpour. Made good time too since it started raining abut 15 seconds before I pulled into the driveway. Sean loves when it's raining, he says "raining" and "run, run". He really likes when I run to the house, kind of like a giddyup ride I suppose.

This afternoon Sean fell asleep just before AMC so I watched that and Jake played a playstation. After AMC I laid down for a bit then Sean tried to get up twice and kept sleeping but I was done for, so I got up. I got the stuff out to start working on the bodice of my dress but as soon as I did Sean got up for real. Tonight is open house at Jake's school where we get to meet his teacher. After we get home I will work on the dress again. I didn't sign up for Ravelympics (picking projects to complete during the time of the olympics) but unofficially my goal is to finish the things I need for convention - my dress and the flag afghan. BOY would that make me feel so much better to know that I dont have to worry about such strict deadlines! After all, Convention is only 4 weeks away. Check that, 3 and a half weeks away. YIKES!!

Studios day

Today we head out for the Disney Studios. Let me tell you that I've called it MGM for so long that it is hard for me not to say it. On our trip I do have a couple missions. I want Sean to see "mouse" or Mickey. He has Mickey diapers and every time he sees him he says Mouse! Or mouse and puppy (Mickey and Pluto). He even recognizes other Disney things as Mouse like the pirate socks I was wearing yesterday. Another mission will be to get something to hold gift cards in for Convention, maybe with some candy. I think I know what I will get if they still have them - princess and pirate "treasure boxes". Jake has one that he filled with all manor of fake eyeballs, rubber skulls and "gold" rings. I can't remember how much they were, but we shall see.

I didn't get any crocheting, knitting, quilting or sewing done yesterday but the night before, as I was watching Phelps win another gold, I sewed the bodice sides together. Now I have 2 halves (right and left) of dress and lining. They actually look like they are part of a dress so I am very encouraged. I think that I have probably 2 or 3 hours on it so far. I have to sew the sides together and do the skirt (not lined) and add the ribbon. I thought about doing some last night but I spent a couple hours playing the Diablo pc game instead. That thing is a time suck, I swear!

I am thinking of starting a basic sock with some stripey yarn for the trip to and from Diz today, that way I don't need the book. Or I could just take the quilt piece. We'll see. It is looking pretty crappy out right now, I wonder if we'll still go?

Tomorrow I go to my Mom's, she's taking the day off. I don't know what we'll do besides visit with Grandma, but it should be fun anyway. Now... where was that other yarn shop down there again?

kidpics

Here are some of the pics we had taken.



















Last night I cut out the pieces to my dress, and hopefully I'll have it done by the end of this "vacation". Sean woke up a few times last night, and for good at 5:45. It's only 8:48 and it's already been a long day! Not much on the agenda today, maybe go to my office to see Damarys for lunch, and a stop at Mamaw's office. Not sure yet. I will be sleeping when Sean sleeps though. I am so glad that Jake is big enough to keep himself occupied during naptime.

That's it from me.

6am is NOT morning

I keep trying to convince Sean that normal people sleep until 8 but he's having nothing of it. It's been a rough few days since he's got 2 teeth coming in and he's miserable. Friday night he decided that 3am was morning... and it took an HOUR to convince him otherwise! Sleepy sleepy.

Anywho, we got out the little potty chair (as opposed to the little potty that goes inside the big one) and he seems to like that one. We also went to Burlington last night and bought him a toddler bed. I cant believe he's getting so big!

Jake is looking forward to our week together. So far, nothing on Monday, Play date at the park on Tuesday, Daddy is taking off and we're going to Disney Studios on Wednesday, to my Mom's on Thursday (and open house at school... we get to meet the teacher!) and Friday night - midnight bowling and Sean will stay at Mamaws. Jake is SOOO excited about bowling. I am worried that he wont be able to stay awake, but the plan is to take a nap during the day, then go to bed early - like 8, then up at 11 to go bowl. We'll be home probably around 3. Busy week!

I've gotten another stripe finished on the flag afghan, I think I'm at 8, but I can't tell from here and I'm lazy. I still havent gotten the navy I need to finish the star field. Maybe today.

That's it for now, have a nice Sunday.

busy busy

Today is my last day in the office before I have a "vacation". This is the last week before school starts and Jake has no school or daycare, so I took Sean's vacay at the same time. It saves us money, so that's a good thing (better to pay off the stupid ticket!).

Our office has been busy with the SuperShow draw then yesterday with the boss's birthday lunch and meetings, so I haven't had a chance to work on the quilt piece. I did start another pair of socklets but haven't gotten far. I wanted to test the pattern and didn't have it with me so I stopped. I will work on that at lunch today I guess.

This weekend we dont have ANY plans. Isn't that great! I finally get some time to clean the house (Travis will take the boys out so I can get some work done). Next Friday will be cosmic bowling again - that was SO much fun! Jake wants to go. We'll have to see if he can manage to stay up that late. I think that even with a nap he'll have problems, but we'll give it a go. He's thrilled!

Plans for next week include a play date at the park, a Daddy day at the Studios and a trip to my Mom's which may or may not include lunch with an old friend, and bowling Friday night. Nothing Monday at this point. It will probably stay that way.

That's it from me for now. I may blog from home next week, depends on if I have anything to talk about!

Not a good day

I got a speeding ticket on my way to work this morning.

Let me clarify. I got my FIRST speeding ticket on my way to work this morning.

sigh.

kids and fabric etc.

My aunt Lorraine sent me some pics today from her visit, and she got a REALLY good one of Jake! Not an easy feat, I tell ya.









Speaking of pics, we had family pics taken on Sunday, and they came out pretty ok, we should have them back in a few weeks but this week I should have them online. We havent had family pics since Jake was 3, so this is a big deal for us! It constantly amazes me how much Sean enjoys Jake. He will just laugh and giggle. They are so funny together.



I wanted to show the green fabric that I got from ebay:









When it came in I realized that the flowery one has quite a bit of purple in it, which is handy because I got some remnants at Joann with a dark purple and a light purple. I think they will look good together, so that may be the runner. Very springy. I also got a little box of 4 fabrics that are also in the greens/purples. Apparently that is where my head is now? We'll see how it all works out. I am still hand quilting the little pot holder, I've finished 4 complete squares and almost finished 1 other one. 4.25 to go! Then the binding edge. When it looks ANY different from the last pic I showed you I will post another one.

I worked on the flag afghan last night. It goes quickly but I get sick of it quickly too. I also bought the fabric for the dress that I will attempt to make for Convention. It's shiny with matted flowery leavy things, no other colors just tonal. I also got the thread, zipper and lining fabric so I'm all set for it. Now I just need to work up the courage!

Well, that's it for now, back to the mess on my desk. Have a good one!

Quilting is hard.

I just thought I'd throw that out there. Here is my block. It is together and being quilted. The backing that you dont see is the tan fabric and the edging will be the red. I am doing this completly by hand and learning a very VERY valuable lesson. Dont hand quilt. It takes for FREAKIN ever and is not the prettiest thing. I was doing pretty good with keeping my stitches even when I was piecing it together, but now they are horrible! It's a lot harder to be even when you have to go through the whole sandwich than just two pieces of fabric.

However, I did win 5 green fabrics from ebay for cheap. NO clue what I'll do with them, but probably something quilted. The book has a runner in it for the next project, looks like it might be green.

Still on my plate in order of finishing:
American Flag Afghan - stars are all together and ends woven in. I need to crochet the border (after I see if I have more blue in stash, if not I need to buy some). I realized that I cant read and had to frog the 1.5 short rows I had done and have only re-crocheted 1 of them. I make that 6 down, 7 to go. Thankfully the afghan itself doesnt have a border.

Cliffy afghan, Grey socks, Mom's sweater, blue socks - havent touched them since the last update. All those are for Christmas. Perhaps I will get something with yarn done soon!

Also, no word yet on the summery socklets.

A blog. With pictures!

Yesterday I went to a Grammar and Proofreading class. I thought I was pretty good at this English thing, had a good handle on grammar and editing. I. Was. Wrong. Very, very, very wrong. I'm out of time, so here's the pics real quick like:

My tote bag finished- outside and inside:















Pickles, the new bird:









And finally, Sean's new haircut. "Does this haircut make my ears look big?"









Hopefully I'll have the whole 9 blocks of my quilt square together (I have 6 together so far) to show you. That's it for now, more about my crappy grammar tomorrow.

Whoopsy!

I may have accidentally started to accumulate stuff for a sorta-new hobby. Completely by accident. See, we went to Tia's for lunch yesterday. MMMMM, Tia's. And across the street is the crappy USF Joann's and it's moving-therefore selling all their stuff at 40-75% off. Well! I couldn't just drive past it! I went through the yarn and needles and crochet and knit books and I got another set of size 2 dpns (because I can never have enough) and some stitch holders - not much else to be had. I also got a book called "I cant believe I'm quilting!". Then a rotary cutter, a set of fat quarters that are all matchy and a small cutting mat (which I regret because it is WAY too small, but only $3). Also 2 patterns (one for a dress that I will try to make for convention... wish me luck! and the other for Jake jammies) some thread, a magnifying glass and 2 cow tails. Well, I didn't get the magnifying glass or cow tails, Travis did, but I did Eat some cow tails, and Sean LOVED them!

I went home and read the quilt book and learned lotsa things. I still needed a cutting mat, scissors, ruler (not that kind) and needles (since I haven't decided if I want to machine quilt or hand quilt). I bought these things (plus a pair of cute sandals) at Walmart on the way to work this morning. Whoops. In my defense, quilting is like sewing, right? And sewing is NOT new. AND I did try to quilt that once, failing somewhat. I gave quilting some time to think about what it did, now I will try it again... at 40-75% off! We'll see how it works out. The book has me starting with a quilted 9-block square, like a pot holder. Tonight, I shall attempt it. (I also accidentally put a bid on eBay for some fat quarters. Shhh!)

Sean's first joke

I think I have a class clown in the making. This morning as I was getting Sean dressed I took his folded socks out of the drawer and sat them next to him. He picks it up and says "Nanna", takes a pretend bite and says "nanna mmmm. nanna mmmm!" Our other accomplishment is that he went peepee on the potty again last night before bath. We were so excited!

Today Jake gets to go to the Rays game with summer camp and he's pretty excited. He brought his glove... just in case!

Yesterday I had a site inspection, again, at the Gaylord. I like that place, it is so pretty and the people are great. If you ever need to throw a party for a million of your closest friends, they can hook you up!

I'm feeling a little better today then yesterday and the day before, a little less overwhelmed. I don't know if I will be visiting Grandma this weekend, Sat we have family pics and a birthday planned, and I will be going next weekend for my mom's Mary Kay thing. I think it will depend on how she is doing, if she starts doing worse I'll go, if not then I wont. If we don't go out there we plan to get an armoir for our tv in the living room - the Grand Floridian and Animal Kingdom Lodge are re-doing their rooms and all their stuff is up for sale... hopefully cheap.

No pics today, too lazy to get my camera, however you can see pics from Epcot w/ the Hansen boys and Crue fest here.

No progress on the sock yesterday, 2.5 hours of driving and no knitting, damn shame really.

Here's a quick project update:
Cliffy's afghan: Deadline Christmas: about 2.5' square. Not NEARLY big or fast enough.
Brown socks: Deadline Christmas: 1 done, 1 half done.
American Flag Afghan: Deadline 9/4/08: stars done and 80% attached. 5/13 stripes (the long ones) done. REALLY need to get a move on that!
Mom's sweater: Deadline Christmas: I don't remember how much I have done on it, the collar and half the back I think. Still needs half the back, 2 fronts and some assembly required.
Blue/white stripey socks: Deadline Christmas (I think): 1 done. They don't really have an intended recipient yet.
Damarys socks: Deadline Christmas: Exactly 0% done. They were frogged and not re-started. It's only a slight problem.
Green knitted footlets: Deadline before Summer ends so I can use them: 1 done, ribbing done on the other one. Its in my bag now and I'm ignoring it in favor of the brown socks. At least the brown socks have a recipient besides myself!

Overwhelmed

I'm sorry that my posts have not exactly been reliable! I am bombarded with death and dying and sickness and I am having a hard time dealing. I should post about my tote bag that I made in sewing class, show a pic of my 2nd sock (I finished the heel turn at lunch and am on the gusset), or link to the pics Travis took from Epcot when we saw the Northwestern boys. I just dont have it in me. I can't hold a thought or follow my to-do list. On the plus side, my not eating much has helped me lose 4 pounds. I'll try again tomorrow.

Update, pictures, colapse

Grandma is home with hospice there almost around the clock. She was pretty close to normal yesterday and I have not yet gotten an update today. Please continue to keep us in your thoughts.

I have a few pics from our Epcot day (although Travis has the pics of the Northwestern guys). I told Sean to go wake Jake up in the morning, and when I went in there he was sitting on Jake's bed cross-legged saying "Jaaakkkkeeeeeeee!" over and over. Jake, as you will see, has the blanket pulled up over his head! I got the camera too late to get that pic, but gt this one:









It rained while we were at Epcot, and here is Sean weathering the storm:









I think I will sign up for the sewing class on Thursday. I got the sewing for dummies book and it just came in today. I was flipping through it and it seems like a good thing.

Yarn-related, I've been working on 2 pairs of socks, one crocheted (which I am not thrilled with) and the brown/grey/black 2nd sock. That's it. Sad really.

More later.

Grandma update

Yesterday I picked up my Aunt Lorraine from the airport on the way to the hospital. I was there from about noon until 4 and I came home utterly exhausted. I've not seen her as bad as this before, and it's quite disconserting. I am glad she was doing well last time the boys saw her because that is what they, well Jake anyway, will remember.

At 10 I'll drop the kids at the in-laws place and Travis and I will head over to the hospital again. I've got some girl banana bread (minus the nuts) in the oven which I'll take with me. Half wheat and half white flour, so it should half please everyone! On a related note to that - my mom gave me some of those green bags and she Swears by them. Me - not so good. They killed my bananas just as quick as if they were just on the counter... hence the banana bread.

I sent over the proposal for the socklets, and it was well received. I should know if they want me to send it up in the next week or so.

We are still planning on going to Epcot on Sunday to see the Hansen boys from the Northwestern. I AM THRILLED! I love Deadliest Catch, and that is the ONLY reason I will be braving the 900 degree heat. We will see them, go to Germany for a late lunch/early dinner then home.

I just realized that I havent showed you a pic of the new bird yet. Jake named him Pickles, he's cute but kinda shy and doesnt like people yet. Every time we try to hold him he tries to fly away... with clipped wings. It's really just falling but without the style that Fergus has. Poor little guy. We'll keep at him.

OK, it's starting to smell banana bread. Have a good weekend, and I'll report more if I have it. Please Lord, dont let me have it!

Not a good day

Grandma is back in the hospital, and they are not very optimistic. I have the glass people coming sometime today to give me a new windshield, then I will head out there. I feel bad because 4/7 of our office is gone, and 1/7 that is here is out on errands this morning. AND I have NO idea when glass guy is coming because they are working me in. By noon if they arent here I will divert him to my house where Travis is staying home for me to be able to go, then I will take the truck.
OK, this is disjointed, please keep us in your prayers.

Sewing, finishing, tra la la

Hi! How are you today? I'm pretty good. Today is Stacy's birthday. I used to say she was my hopefully soon to be sister in law, but since I've been saying it for, oh, 5 years now... I just say Stacy. So... Happy Birthday Stacy!!! We love you.

Moving on. Tonight is sewing 101 and I'm pretty excited. I dont think we actually get to make anything tonight, but its really learning the basics of the machine and stitches and other such stuff. Maybe sewing 201 will involve an actual project! Its funny that I am such a novice at this but I have made a few things... a Bob the Builder costume when Jake was 1, my dining room curtains and matching living room pillowcases and a front curtain for my MIL. Let us not forget the lion and tree costume Jake used these past 2 years for school. But, really... I SUCK at it. Actually I think it's more that I am a very lazy sewer (er, sew-er?)and I dont like to do things like "match thread" or "change the bobbin". Perhaps tonight's class will change that? Hopefully it will be fun at least!

I finished up a project last night - the little footlets:









I like how they turned out, but the picture leaves a bit to be desired. I obviously didn't take a picture like that of my own feet, and the ones I did take werent great either. But you get the picture, so to speak.

That's really it for now. Nothing big and exciting except that I brought some Tia's salsa with me for a snack this afternoon and I'm positivly salivating at the thought!