Not usually one to politick

But I read this in the online paper last week and it struck a chord:

"I don't know how Sen. Jesus would vote on health care. I don't think he is a socialist, a free-market capitalist, a Democrat, a liberal, or in the case of prosperity Gospel adherents--a Ponzi-sheme artist. I don't think Jesus is for fewer taxes and smaller government, or more taxes and bigger government. People who claim other wise are creating God in their own image. These matters fall under the domain of Ceaser. Unfortunately, our version of Ceaser leaves much to be desired, as we have seen by the machinations in Congress. Need a vote? Give a bribe.

Republicans obsess over the fate of the unborn and the near-dead but seem much less concerned about those in between. Democrats will pay for it all with Medicare cuts everybody knows aren't coming. Both sides tell us we won't have to sacrifice when, in fact, I think we should be asked to sacrifice.

So my prayer is this simple: Dear God, by the time they are done, please let everyone who is sick in the upcoming decade see a doctor. And please have us pay cash.

For he will deliver the needy when he cries for help. The afflicted also, and him who has no helper.-Psalm 72:12"

--the article was written by Mike Thomas. The article appeared on Dec. 24th in the Orlando Sentinel.

Merry Christmas!

November 2009 Newsletter

November 2009 Newsletter

A glimpse at the why

We face a humanity that is too precious to neglect.

We know a remedy for the ills of the world too wonderful to withhold.

We have a Christ too glorious to hide.

We have an adventure that is too thrilling to miss.
--Theodore Williams

Photo by Paul Triller, www.paultriller.com

Knitting Progress!!

Since it is technically winter here, I've been trying to take advantage of the cooler bits of the day to get some knitting done. I got out the Toshtastic Shalom and have been making good progress.

I knit two squares of the blanket last night, while missing my knitting ladies in Jamlando. :) Here's how it's looking now, complete with adorable 3-year-old to provide scale.

We just hosted a group, you can read about it here.

October 18...

...is National Chocolate Cupcake Day!! And since we're moving this weekend, I should be able to bake a batch to celebrate in our new house!!

Sustainability

This past weekend we had the privilege of meeting the family of our nanny, Miriam. They live in Los Encuentras, a small town in the mountains.
Their house is made of concrete and mud block with a tile roof that isn't quite perfect. The floor is dirt and several of the interior walls are tarps.

But what they lack in material possessions, they've quadrupled in kindness, hospitality and love.
On their property there are 4 houses, each houses a relative of Miriam's parents. They live together in a little community, helping each other and enjoying time together.
Mama Carmen and Miriam's Tia Frances bake bread to sell in the market everyday. The flour for the bread comes from the corn and wheat on Miriam's Dad's farm. From seed to finished product, they do it all.When the corn is ready to be harvested, they lay it out on tarps until it is dry. Then they grind it by hand into flour. They make a lot of dough, then prepare tortillas, bread and sweet bread. On days that they don't go to the market to sell the bread, Miriam's cousins, Frances (10) and Lucy (9), sell it door to door in the town.

While we were visiting I learned how to make a corn tortilla, prepare the dough for baking the bread and how to form the sweet bread with filling. It was a great experience. So many strong women, joined in camaraderie and work.

Miriam's mom took me aside while we were there and told me that their door is never closed to us. I think we'll go back often -- and I'd love to spend a day baking and selling with them. :)

Happiest 7th Birthday Alison

Seven years ago I got the opportunity of a lifetime -- thanks to one very special little girl, I got to be a mommy!

Alison, you are an amazing daughter. You're smart and funny and beautiful. I love you! I love the way you devour books and tell knock-knock jokes. I love that you're learning more Spanish everyday and really embracing life here in Nica.

I love you baby!!

Never forget

It's weird to be in another country on days that are special in America. On Labor Day, there weren't any BBQs with friends or big movie openings in Nica. It was just another day to the people here. We took the opportunity to learn about the history of Labor Day and practiced our Spanish as we retold it to our teachers and friends.

Today is another of those days. Judging by Facebook, it's been a day wrapped in somber thoughts and rememberings. I don't want us to forget that. Last night, we told Alison about what happened 8 years ago. We told her what we were doing when the planes hit. How we felt that day and the following weeks.

Today I had a long conversation with a friend about it. She was aware of the event, but not the date.

While we prepare to celebrate the 14th of Septiembre (Independence from William Walker) and the 15th of Septiembre (Independence for Central America from Spain), we are embracing this new culture that we live in.

But on days like today, I want to remember home. I want to always remember.

Besties

Things are going well here in Nicaragua and I have a bigger post in the works.

In the meantime, I am so happy to have two girls who are adapting really well. Their smiles everyday are great to see.

Contrary to this photo, we do not make them sleep on the floor, they were just being goofy one night on their Jeanne Kolb original blankies. :)

¡Beinvenidos a Nicaragua!

We arrived safely in Managua late last week and this week has been BUSY!! We're trying to get settled in, acclimated to the roads and the culture, sleep a little, learn Spanish and more!

A few observations:

* There are a lot of crocheters here and one of the girls who works in our complex told me where I can buy yarn!

* After years of stick straight hair, apparently the humidity here is strong enough to curl my hair a bit.

* Alison believes that she can leash all animals and thinks they should live in our house. Including the parrot that lives near the patio.

* Emily is in heaven because it seems that the national food is chicken. :)

We're headed out to the base today to play with the kids who live nearby. Lots of ball kicking and practicing our Spanish. Photos soon. :)

3 days!!

In three days we get on a plane and move to Nicaragua!

THREE DAYS!!!!!

If you were to see the current state of our house you'd probably wonder if indoor tornados are possible.  We've already shipped down four containers and now with a little bit of courage and the magical powers of Space Bags, I've got to get everything else into eight trunks and two carry-ons.

YIKES!!!

Sock Yarn Blanket, megaknits-style

A few of you have asked in person and online how I am making me squares. Here's the pattern:

Cast on 31 sts.

Knit.

Slip 1 Purlwise, Knit 13, Slip 2, Knit 1, Pass slipped sts over, Knit 13, Slip 1 Purlwise.

Knit.

Slip 1 Purlwise, Knit 12, Slip 2, Knit 1, Pass slipped sts over, Knit 12, Slip 1 Purlwise.

Knit.

Slip 1 Purlwise, Knit 11, Slip 2, Knit 1, Pass slipped sts over, Knit 11, Slip 1 Purlwise.

Knit.

Slip 1 Purlwise, Knit 10, Slip 2, Knit 1, Pass slipped sts over, Knit 10, Slip 1 Purlwise.

Knit.

Slip 1 Purlwise, Knit 9, Slip 2, Knit 1, Pass slipped sts over, Knit 9, Slip 1 Purlwise.

Knit.

Slip 1 Purlwise, Knit 8, Slip 2, Knit 1, Pass slipped sts over, Knit 8, Slip 1 Purlwise.

Knit.

Slip 1 Purlwise, Knit 7, Slip 2, Knit 1, Pass slipped sts over, Knit 7, Slip 1 Purlwise.

Knit.

Slip 1 Purlwise, Knit 6, Slip 2, Knit 1, Pass slipped sts over, Knit 6, Slip 1 Purlwise.

Knit.

Slip 1 Purlwise, Knit 5, Slip 2, Knit 1, Pass slipped sts over, Knit 5, Slip 1 Purlwise.

Knit.

Slip 1 Purlwise, Knit 4, Slip 2, Knit 1, Pass slipped sts over, Knit 4, Slip 1 Purlwise.

Knit.

Slip 1 Purlwise, Knit 3, Slip 2, Knit 1, Pass slipped sts over, Knit 3, Slip 1 Purlwise.

Knit.

Slip 1 Purlwise, Knit 2, Slip 2, Knit 1, Pass slipped sts over, Knit 2, Slip 1 Purlwise.

Knit.

Slip 1 Purlwise, Knit 1, Slip 2, Knit 1, Pass slipped sts over, Knit 1, Slip 1 Purlwise.

Knit.

Slip 1 Purlwise, Slip 2, Knit 1, Pass slipped sts over, Slip 1 Purlwise.

Knit.

Slip 2, Knit 1, pass slipped sts over.

That's how I do it. I leaves an edge with very identifiable stitches to pick up and all the "work" is done on the one side.

If you forget how many you're supposed to knit before the decrease in the center, look for the gap - knit to one before it. If you still can't tell, count the number of stitches on your needles. Subtract 5 and divide by 2, that's how many sts. you should knit on each side of the "v".

:)

Pack it up, pack it in

Everything needs to fit into 12 containers. Eight on the plane with us, four strapped in the back of the truck. So far, so good.

Happy Independence Day!!

It's been busy in these parts, but today was a day for celebrating with friends and welcoming our little Emily officially into the world of big-girldom. :)

That's right, our little Emily is 3 years old!! Happy Birthday Lovey!!

SYB Insanity

I'm currently 6 months into knitting my Sock Yarn Blankie and can confidently say I'm halfway to my expected end point.  Well, my originally projected end point.

There's been some suggesting going on.  Suggestions regarding the size of the blanket.  Some seem to think that a big bed-size blankie is the the blankie for me -- I'm not sure, but we'll see.

In the past week I've been able to meet up with two other SYB knitters -- one at WWKIP Day and the other, my dear Wendy who came to visit one last time before her big move.  

If SYB was a in-home sales company, I'd have like 10 people in my downline by now!  I've some how managed to make the blankie look so interesting that several others in NYGK have asked for starter kits and I've happily complied.  Before I leave for Nica, I'll be sure to snag photos with each of them. :)

Apple in a Cup

Emily doesn't like to hold cold apples.  Thanks to IKEA, she has a little solution.

One more week of 20s

In seven days I will be 30 years old.  

Each time I try to sit down and reminisce about the last 10 years, I'm overwhelmed.  So many things that mattered to me 10 years ago are insignificant now.  Others are even more important.  I've changed a lot, but some things are still the same.

I feel good about turning 30.  

I have an amazing husband, two great girls, a family who loves and supports me, a purpose, a faith that becomes more unshakeable with each passing day, great friends (some of who are more than a decade old).

I pray that at 40, a lot of these statements will still be true. :)

Getting Greener All the Time

A few weeks ago the girls and I visited two of our local farmer's markets to see what they were all about. The produce tents reminded us a lot of Mexico and I found so many great deals on amazing fruits & veggies. I also picked up a basil plant to see if I could manage to not kill it.

When we got home, the basil plant got a place of honor on our desk, with great sunlight and daily watering by me. I've enjoyed picking the leaves and adding fresh basil to lasagna, sandwiches and pasta. When Wayne & I went to Mexico last weekend, I forgot to include plant watering in my list about stuff around the house for the girl's sitter.

On Monday, I found a sad, wilted plant.

I was pretty bummed out, but figured a little water might save it. By the time I got home from work Tuesday, the plant was back to it's old self. Hooray!

This morning, we visited another, Sunday-only market that we've not been to because of church, but our service this week is tonight. It was a gorgeous morning to walk around. We grabbed some great produce, once again and scored a big basket of less-than-desirable peaches for $1! We're going to make smoothies so we don't care how they look. :)

One of the plant vendors had some chives & mint plants for sale. Encouraged by the basil plant, we picked them up. Then after a quick stop at Old Time Pottery, we had an afternoon project that everyone could help with.











$.59 terra cotta pots + crayons + herb plants = great personalized desk garden! :)

Two-Day Projects

I've not abandoned my Blankie or my sweater, but a few smaller projects have worked their way into my hands over the last week.

For Emily, Legwarmies!!! She loves them and it's a little difficult to get her to not wear them.  As soon as Ali saw them she asked for a pair and some for her arms.  I know it's been raining a lot lately, but these two seem to forget that typical weather this time of year is in the 90s!

Each warmie took just about two days. :)

Before the warmies, I knit up to bibs for one of the ladies who brings her son to the Center.  She's a really great mom and a bit overwhelmed by everything, so I figured a small gift would let her know I care.  I knit two of the Baby Bib O' Loves from Mason-Dixon Knitting.

Fun with PhotoBooth

I sewed some dresses for the girls last weekend.  Nothing to fancy, just a smocked top sundress to wear to church on Mother's Day.  I was getting ready and asked them to take some photos of themselves with PhotoBooth.  I ended up with a lot of this...

Stitches South: In photos, in reverse

Blogger is being difficult and I'm too sleepy to mess with it.  So, the top photo is my haul -- I spent less than $75 and got everything I need to make a Shalom sweater, which I have already started.  That's some smooshy, beautiful madelinetosh Tosh Worsted.  I *heart* it mucho!!

Next up, Mom, me and Adrienne on the market floor at Stitches.  I wanted to take millions more photos, but there was a no cameras rule which I only broke for a few minutes.

In the car, at yummy breakfast with Amanda at West Egg Cafe and at the Georgia Welcome Center.  It was fun, and fast, road trip -- I hope I get the chance to go again sometime.

Day 24: Road Trip

I'm off to Stitches South -- no classes, just hitting the Marketplace all day Saturday.  Great post of photos and fun coming soon.

Day 18 & 19: Central Florida Fair

Honorable Mention February Lady Sweater!

First Place Ampersand Socks!

It was a gorgeous day, weatherwise!  A fun day -- full of friends and family.  Alison overcame her fear of all rides scary.  I rode 'The Ring of Fire' with my Dad.  Emily won a fish she's named Rocky.

Fun!

Days 16 & 17: Lots of working

I've worked almost 24 hours in the last two days and I'm posting this from work -- crazy! But a blessing and I love what I'm doing. :)

Tomorrow is the Central Florida Fair and NYGK is demo-ing from 1-5PM. If you're in the area, come by and visit us in the Creative Arts Building. I'll find out if I won any awards and be back with lots of photos tomorrow.

Day 15: Taxes

Have you filed yours?

We haven't. A few months ago our Quickbooks crashed. I knew it was a big deal, but haven't had the time to get everything back together. Last weekend I was determined to do them, but got caught in the avalanche of re-entering and filing the data.

Needless to say, I didn't get everything done. So two days ago, I filed for an extension.

There's something very tempting about taking my 6 months more to get them done, but I may try to work on them this weekend.

Day 14: Stitches South

I'm going with some of my knitting group friends.  Plus we get to visit with a former member who moved to Atlanta.

Are you going?? Want to meet up??

Day 13: Back in Love

After a brief respite to knit some items for an upcoming charity auction, I picked up the Blankie again.  I'm just as in love with it as ever.  Great ideas aside, I've got a good thing going.  I'm glad I took the time to really think about it before frogging.  :)

Thanks for all of your encouraging words.  Photos soon.

Day 12: Happy Easter!

It's not about eggs, candy or bunnies.  It's about a God who is not dead, but who is ALIVE!

Luke 24: 1-10

Day 10 & 11: I majored in Communications

Blogger ate yesterday's post and instead of reposting, I'm just moving on.

I went to school to be a filmmaker.  I made lots of short films in college which may creep up here soon if I can get them transferred. :)

Today, I broke out the point and shoot camera, through some footage in iMovie and made this:

Not too shabby for 10 minutes of work.  It was fun to make too, especially the credits.  I love fonts and typography.  More to come soon. :)

Day 9: Smells fruity

A few weekend ago, I got together with a few of my knitting friends to dye some yarn with kool-aid! It was a lot of fun!

We used the directions found here and had some interesting results.

I was aiming for pink and purple, but got red and purple. Plus a lovely yellow yarn I have no idea what to do with.

Day 8: Lots of working

Is keeping me from blogging, but tomorrow there will be photos.  Promise.

Day 7: Sad

Tonight was my dear Wendy's last night with the NYGK ladies. In an effort to not have to say goodbye, I invited her to dinner on Thursday -- she leaves on Friday.

I'm bummed and sad.

:(

But also very happy and excited for all her new opportunities...

Day 6: Potato Chip Scarf

Totally cute scarf! I'm just finishing one in Moonlight Mohair (which was only $1.99/ball at my Michaels) for a charity auction my boss is collecting donations for.

But the MATH!!!

90 sts to start, then you double them, to 180!! Then double that to 360!! The double that to 720!!

No wonder it's taking me three days to bind off. :)

------------

An aside: We're getting a cold front and it's beautiful outside!

Day 5: Blogshare

http://neverpayretailagain.blogspot.com/

This blog has TONS of sale info, coupons and tips to save money on almost everything. It's a great add to your bloglines or google reader. Just keep in mind that you may end up shopping for great deals you may not have been shopping for if you didn't know about them. :)

Day 4: My house smells like garlic

Restaurant Style Spinach-Artichoke Dip

4 cloves garlic
1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
1 (14 ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
1 (10 ounce) container Alfredo-style pasta sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Place garlic in a small baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven 20 to 30 minutes, until soft. Remove from heat. When cool enough to touch, squeeze softened garlic from skins.
In an 8x8 inch baking dish, spread the roasted garlic, spinach, artichoke hearts, Alfredo-style pasta sauce, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese and cream cheese.
Cover and bake in the preheated oven 30 minutes, or until cheeses are melted and bubbly. Serve warm.

Make a lot -- there will be none left. :)

Day 3: Where I Write About My Hair

I'm getting my hair cut in the next few days and while that may not seem like a big deal, I'm very excited about it. My hair has grown to a reasonable length for short hair and I'm happy to have more options.

I'm considering "inverted bob", but need to do some googling to make sure I have my terms right.

Day 2: Happy

I spent today with my dear friend Wendy at Universal Orlando. I was one of the lucky few who won tickets from the Super Bowl and Wendy is moving next week so we had a girl day.

We had an amazing time!

The lines were short and pleasant. The weather was decent. The company was stellar.

I rode Dueling Dragons, The Mummy and The Hulk in the front row! We brought clothes to change into and went on all the water rides - twice!

It was great and now I'm sleepy.

Day 1: Ease in gently

With a short discussion.

I have over 100 squares of my blanket done.  

Around square 60 I got a better idea of how I could have arranged the colors, but continued with my current plan 'cause both wouldn't work together.  

To my knowledge, no one else has tried my idea.  

I get lots of compliments for how I'm arranging things now, but let me tell you, the new way -- wow! :)

So a few days ago, I said out loud to my dear Wendy that maybe I'd just rip it all out and start over.  Or abandon what I have and start over.

I don't know where these crazy ideas come from, nor have I done them, but I feel like I can't be happy with my already crackalackin' blanket if I continue....

3.5 lbs!!

I'm freaking out guys!  

I was looking for some yarn to finish a stripe -- again! not the greatest guesstimating skills. :)  I wrote to a few Ravelers who had it in their stash

es and kept my fingers crossed.  

One friend wrote back that she not only had the yarn I need, but "some other scraps" she could get together.  Those "other scraps" amounted to 3.5 lbs!!!! of partial skeins and scraps.  Wendy did the math on how many ounces that is, but all I know is that it was one HUGE number.

My blanket passed out when it saw the bag.  I'm surprised I didn't too. :)

Too busy

I've been neglectful with the blogging, which I think is an inevitable part of blogging.  I've been busy with work, missionarying, fundraising, knitting, etc, etc.  

This morning I was mulling over how to get out of my rut and back in the swing of bloggy things -- and I decided to NaPoBloMo April.  I may even start now to flex my blogging muscles, but my main goal is April.  30 days.

In the meantime, Emily enjoys cupcakes:

30 Years!

Happy Birthday to the most amazing husband, daddy, guitar player, scorpion killer, Mario Kart-er, man of God and friend I have ever known. I can't wait to see the amazing things your next 30 years will bring. :)

Love, Megan

Boogers

I haven't posted in 2 weeks! Ick! My sincerest apologies, I've just been working a lot.

My teaching position has turned out to be a whole lot more. In addition to my two knitting classes and a knitting group I'm hosting at the center, I've taken on a lot of administrative work for the center.

It's very rewarding to support such a great place. I love to see the kids and adults who come in for classes. I love the comfortable and positive environment. I love the creativity.

I'll just have to manage my time better so that I don't ditch you all for 2 weeks again. :)

It's Just Like the Oscars!!

I've been nominated, twice!, for a KreativeBlogger Award!!!



I'm so flattered!! Thanks Harriet & Nicole!!

As a new nominee, you are encouraged to:

1. Copy the award to your site.
2. Link to the person from whom you received the award.
3. Nominate 5 other bloggers.
4. Link to those on your blog.
5. Leave a message on the blogs you nominated.

Here are my nominations, in no particular order:

1. Adrienne -- quite possibly the craftiness lady I have the privilege of knowing.
2. Becky -- who will one day figure out how to knit and run at the same time. :)
3. Ann-Marie -- who is so creative she hosts craft nights!
3. Guinifer -- sock-knitter extraordinaire!
4. Alyson -- whose creativity has spilled over onto her husband!



Um, and that right there, is 85 squares of fabulosity!

I've Been Cheating

I don't know if you've noticed, but there have been quite a few projects making their way through my progress bar badge. Some have only been up for a day, others a few days -- shhh, don't tell, but I've been cheating on my blanket.

It started innocently enough with a gift for a friend. She'd had some things happen to her and she was far away and I wanted to hug her. So I knit her a hug. More specifically a Cashmere Neckwarmer Kim K. But that little baby was on and off the needles and posted so quickly I don't have any photos. Should some turn up, I'll post them. I will say this, the pattern is quick and makes a lovely warmer. :)

Next up was a Slouchy Star-Crossed Beret by Natalie Larson for another far away friend. I did manage to grab a few photos of this one, but all self-portraits so forgive their somewhat crumminess.





Knit out of some buttery soft, wonderful, amazing Malabrigo. Swoon.

Next up, I remembered that my favorite Star Wars fan is having a baby. And we're attending the baby shower this weekend. So what better gifts than a Baby Yoda Sweater by Cari Luna and matching Yoda Hat by Sunshyne Leland?



The hat is finished and needs only the glue application to the ears. It felted beautifully and to just the right size. I used the recommended Patons Merino in Leaf Green.



The sweater is finished being knitted, but the seaming is taking some time. I've never had to seam a sweater and want very much for this to be perfect, so I'm trying to be meticulous. I used Cotton-Ease so it'll be super washable for the mom- and dad-to-be.

Last night I picked up my Scraps Blanket for the first time in almost two weeks and fell immediately back in love with it. I pulled out my yarns that have yet to be knitted and dreamed about how each square will look. I think our "break" might be coming to an end.

Happy Valentine's Day, here's some Soap!

In an effort to not burden any of her classmates with another pencil or piece of candy, last weekend Alison and I made Valentine's Soaps. Very easy and kindergarten-helper-friendly -- you use the microwave.

Let me be clear, you're not actually making soap per se, more like reforming soap. :) Here's the deets:

What you need:



Bar of clear glycerin melt & pour soap
Food coloring
Mold (we used a Wilton lollipop cookie sheet)
Soap glitter
Soap fragrance

What you do:

Melt the soap in the microwave per packaging instructions.
Mix in glitter, fragrance and food color.
Pour in mold, let cool for 20-30 minutes.



Bingo-bango!