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!

RECIPE: Amazing, Easy, Crock-Pot Chili

Perfect for a frosty day, which it isn't today, but it was when I went grocery shopping.

INGREDIENTS:



2lbs ground beef
2 packets McCormick's Original Chili seasoning (I usually do one regular, one low sodium -- they also have a hot and a mild)
2-15oz cans beans (I use one light red and one dark red kidney beans, we've also tried black beans)
1-15oz can petite diced tomatoes
1-12oz can Rotel diced tomatoes & green chilis

Brown beef. Drain.
Empty all cans and seasoning packets into Crock Pot.
Add beef to Crock Pot.
Stir.
Cook on low as long as you want -- sometime I'll cook it all day, but you can go as short as one hour.
Serve with cornbread, sour cream, diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar, etc.

Yum!

The Emperor of Ice-Cream by Wallace Stevens

Call the roller of big cigars,
The muscular one, and bid him whip
In kitchen cups concupiscent curds.
Let the wenches dawdle in such dress
As they are used to wear, and let the boys
Bring flowers in last month's newspapers.
Let be be finale of seem.
The only emperor is the emperor of ice-cream.

Take from the dresser of deal,
Lacking the three glass knobs, that sheet
On which she embroidered fantails once
And spread it so as to cover her face.
If her horny feet protrude, they come
To show how cold she is, and dumb.
Let the lamp affix its beam.
The only emperor is the emperor of ice-cream.

Work at Home Mom

(click it, there are notes)

Never underestimate the kindness...

...of knitters!

I've been experiencing an avalanche of generous donations for my Sock Yarn Blanket --- it's AWESOME!!

The stripe thing is working out pretty well, except I misjudged how much of the pink/red I had/needed. I got this far:



And discovered I was 2 squares shy and out of yarn. OUT OF YARN!!! And this was one of the lovely donations I'd received.

So I hoped on the old Rav and prayed someone else owned this yarn and I could convince them to share with me. I messaged three people, the only 3 who had it in their stash. All three, lovely ladies wrote me back within 4 hours and said they'd be happy to send the yarn. No cost, I didn't even have to pay shipping.

Sherry in Alaska had replied first and today, I received this:



Wrapped in festive, glittery tissue.

Thanks Sherry!!!

Beat the Cold Chicken Soup Recipe

We've had a handful of overnight, hard freezes in Central Florida, with some chilly days. Wayne and I have come down with the sniffles. I know that if it's this cold here, the rest of the country is probably feeling worse.

Today I'm making my chicken soup from a chicken. While I'm known to heat up a frozen pizza every once and a while, I'm also a big fan of making things from scratch.

Make a pot and enjoy!

INGREDIENTS

• 1 (3 pound) whole chicken, cut into pieces
• 2 quarts water, or enough to cover the chicken
  
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 stalks celery with leaves, chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 5 black peppercorns
• 6 cubes chicken bouillon, crumbled
• (1 bay leaf)
• (1/4 teaspoon celery seed)
• (1 pinch dried thyme)

• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 1/2 cup sliced celery
• 1/4 cup minced onion
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

DIRECTIONS

1. In a large pot combine chicken, water, large onion, celery with leaves, fresh parsley, peppercorns, bouillon, bay leaf, celery seed, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover and simmer 3-4 hours.
2. Strain stock, reserving chicken, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
3. Skim fat from top of stock.
   
4. Remove skin and bones from chicken and cut meat into bite-size pieces.
   
5. Return stock and chicken to pot and stir in carrots, 1/2 cup sliced celery, 1/4 cup minced onion, dried parsley, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 30 minutes.

We have different opinions on the whole noodles v. rice v. nothing debate, so I usually just make some on the side and add it in a per bowl fashion. If you'd like them in your soup, just add them after the stock and chicken are hot again and cook as directed. Also, ingredients in parentheses aren't absolutely necessary. :)

40 blocks & a class

I've completed over 40 blocks of my Sock Yarn Blanket and still very much in love with it. I'm alternating solid and mis-matched rows and have just started the second solid row. These blocks aren't only finished being knit, but finished -- I wove in the ends. It was a lot of ends.



A few ladies on the Rav suggested keeping all the end scraps in something glass as decoration. I searched high and low, but came up empty with my existing vase supply, but I'm on the look out.



Wednesday was my first knitting class and I think it was a success! I learned a lot about how things are going to have to progress, but feel confident that my little knitters are going to be great!

It's Colorful up in Here!

Those are just a sampling of the wonderful partial skeins and scraps of sock yarn I've received this week. For what?

I'm making Shelly Kang's Sock Yarn Blanket!!!

When I saw it on Ravelry I started thinking about how every time I knit a pair of socks, I always have a bit left over. Sometimes a pretty big bit. I thought I could easily make a blanket out of all my little balls.

Then I started cataloging what I have and discovered that I could do it, but my blanket would be pretty plain and have a lot of some yarns and very little of others. I joined a few enabling groups over on Ravelry and now the mailbox is a very colorful place!

I've also joined two swaps with goodies that will arrive later this month.

Tomorrow: photos of the first two finished rows! Providing I finish the second row. :)

FO: Just in the knick of time

Pattern: Ampersand by Kirsten Kapur

Yarn: Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks that Rock Mediumweight in Atomic #6

Needles: US Sz. 2.5 Addi Turbos, 2-16" circs.



My second pair of Ampersands and I couldn't be happier. This pattern is easy to memorize and creates a great fitting sock. A third pair may be in my future. :)



I bound these lovelies off on Dec. 31st thus meeting my 6 pair goal for 2008! It was a good year of sock knitting.

Put Your Feet Up
FO: Leyburn Socks
FO: Ampersand Socks
Boyfriend Jaywalkers
Sassy Birthday Socks
Just in the Nick of Time Ampersand Socks

Dear 2008 (Part 2)

July is when things started to get unexpectedly exciting. Emily turned 2, I discovered new things to be allergic to, I broke my rib while Wayne was in Nicaragua and also managed a little knitting.

In August I went to the beach, made some huge life decisions and even though the first week only ended up being 2 days, Alison started Kindergarten.

September started off with an amazing FO, we left for Mexico and in our first week there we celebrated Alison's 6th birthday and I finished my first project in another country.

October was spent entirely in Mexico, which just made for more interesting things to write about. Like visiting scenic places, going to Nicaragua and having my heart broken for the people there, pila-ing lots of clothes and knitting calcetines.

In November I voted from Mexico, went on the grand adventure of trying to get my haircut with a pretty big language barrier, came home from Mexico and had a lovely Thanksgiving. O yeah, and I caught the cowl bug.

December brought my first cowl, a new job and a lovely Christmas with family and friends!

Thank you 2008 for all the blessings and memories you gave me. Thank you dear reader for sticking around, even when it got a little lame. I'm excited to see what 2009 has to offer!!

Dear 2008 (Part 1)

You've been good to me in ways I could not have even imagined last December.

In January I saw my youngest sister marry the love of her life and got new floors!

In February, Alison wrestled an alligator, I finished some socks and my longest bike ride ever!

In March we celebrated Wayne and how much he loves us.

In April I made a Sweetheart, Alison made me laugh and I won some prizes!

In May I finished another pair of socks and Ali graduated Pre-K!

And in June I somehow managed to post 31 times! I celebrated my birthday, finished some socks, came in 2155th in a balloon race across the Internet, got the best haircut ever and spent a relaxing weekend at the beach.

Merry Christmas!

“In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ[a] the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

‘Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.’”

Luke 2:1-14

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!!!

What are you listening to?

My Christmas CD, which has been playing almost non-stop since the day after Thanksgiving, contains the following songs:

1. Carol of the Bells - Barenaked Ladies
2. Christmas/Sarajevo 12/24 - Trans Siberian Orchestra
3. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen - Barenaked Ladies, with Sarah McLachlan
4. Do They Know it's Christmas (Feed the World) - BAND AID
5. Carol of the Bells - Trans Siberian Orchestra
6. Jingle Bells - Barenaked Ladies
7. All I Want for Christmas is You - Mariah Carey
8. Give a Little Bit - Goo Goo Dolls
9. Santa Claus is Coming to Town - Bruce Springsteen
10. Christmas Canon Rock - Trans Siberian Orchestra
11. Breath of Heaven - Jessica Simpson

I've got a few more favorites on the iPod, but this CD has been my go-to collection of holiday music for the last few years. What's your favorite get-in-the-holiday-spirit tune??

Poser

While some children chose to scream and cry in his face, Emily thought Santa deserved better. So she chose one pose and stuck with it.

Cacophonous Life

Teaching Mrs. Tingle

I got a job!

As a knitting instructor!!!

I'm really excited!!!!!!

:)

I'm like the fastest knitter ever

Just kidding, these socks are still on the needles...

But in the meantime I've finished two other projects! Since we just got back from Mexico, I'm not going to kill myself trying to knit a bunch of Christmas gifts. So while everyone else has top secret posts, I'll be sharing it all.



Project: Felted Mittens & Hat for Penny

Yarn: Malabrigo Worsted

Needles: US4 & US7 DPNs, 16" US 8 circular

The mittens turned out great, the hat may have felted too much. Quick project for warm hands.



Project: Gloria Cowl by Orinda5

Yarn: The YoYo Plies in Futurama <-- gorgeous handspun! :)

I loved, loved, loved knitting this baby up. Since it just so happens to be cold this week here in sunny Florida, I can see myself churning out a few more cowls. My neck has never been happier.

Easy Kids' Craft: Dyed Pasta Necklaces

While I was busily cooking on Wednesday and Thursday I kept the girls occupied with this cheap and easy craft. Here's what you need:



White vinegar
Ziploc bags
Food coloring
Rotini or other pasta with holes
Wax paper
Yarn/string

What to do:
Put 1/3 cup of vinegar and lots of drops of food coloring in Ziploc bag
Fill 3/4 of bag with dry pasta
Shake it until pasta is covered (you can add more vinegar or coloring if needed)
Remove from bag and lay a single layer on wax paper to dry overnight



The next day, have the kiddos string the pasta into necklaces, bracelets, tree garland, whatever. :)

Baby It's Cold Outside

Maybe not today so much, but the other night I had to run to Publix for some pasta noodles and my coat alone was not cutting it. I assessed the situation:

Arms: warm
Legs: warm
Torso: warm
Neck: not warm

Solution: Cowl!

I've read countless blogs about the amazing cowl with nary an interest. Until that night and my chilly neck. A cowl is not only a practical item, it is also a fairly quick knit and I have lots of stash yarn that would be perfect for it. Here are some of the contenders for Cowl #1 ('cause from what I've seen, they're addictive and I'm just going to commit to wanting to make more than one).

Gloria Cowl

Darkside Cowl

La-la-love-you Cowl

Give thanks

It's been a lovely day with friends and family. I successfully made a great dinner. I played some Wii and even won a few rounds.

I'm thankful this year in a way that I don't think I've ever been before. God has blessed our family abundantly and I am super thankful!

13 Things I Don't Want to Forget About Mexico

* The sound of a traffic jam outside the gate
* Fresh cut roses for sale on the side of the autopista
* Windy rides in taxis
* Saying "Hasta luego", whether you will or not
* Everything-arias
* Mountains of fresh produce at the market
* Brightly colored buildings and graffiti
* Being in the middle of a thunderstorm as it comes down the mountain
* The taste of fresh bread
* Fresca toronja
* Tipping everyone and buying toilet paper
* Gorgeous old churches and buildings
* Mariachis for rent

New-er Hair

As some of you know, I was highlighting my hair pretty hot and heavy over the summer. It turns out that the Paul Mitchell school down the street has some really great prices. Well, it occurred to me when we decided to come to Mexico, that I may not be able to highlight anymore. So before we left, I dumped a box of brown on my hair and figured it'd been a good run.

That was until Deborah found this great little salon in town. And their prices are even better than the Paul Mitchell school! I went a few weeks ago with the other ladies here in the program, but I just got a pedicure.

Yesterday I went back with Jacqueline for a trim, but the "mechas" or highlights were such a good deal that I decided to get some. The language barrier was a little difficult at times, but armed with photos of this haircut, I think I made out pretty good. :)

Sisters

I come from a family of all girls. I've been blessed with two sisters who I'm sure I've devalued at times in my life, but who now I appreciate very much. One lives far away in Colorado, the other closer, but she's about to move. And we're about to move, so I guess that's a moot point.

As the girls get older I find myself reminiscing more and more about when we were little. Little things like the way they help each other, or tell on each other, or try to fix a problem that will get them both in trouble before I find out are daily reminders of my childhood.

I've said before that I'm very happy with their age difference and that's not just talk. Alison got a whole year with Emily before she started school. She was already quite a person herself when Emily was born, so she was really quite helpful. As Emily's getting bigger, I love watching how they care for each other and assert their personalities.

Yesterday we went to the Zoologico de Chapultepec in Mexico City and they were all about the adventure. I was really pleased that I got to snap this photo:



It makes my heart smile to know that as we embark on this great adventure, they will not be alone -- they'll always have each other.

James 1:26-27

26-27 Anyone who sets himself up as "religious" by talking a good game is self-deceived. This kind of religion is hot air and only hot air.

Real religion, the kind that passes muster before God the Father, is this:

Reach out to the homeless and loveless in their plight, and guard against corruption from the godless world.

---

Lately I've been spending a lot of time thinking about this adventure we're about to embark on. There are details to work out, monies to raise and lots of other things, but I feel an immense peace.

God is good and He will make it happen for His glory. :)

I voted

I sent in an absentee ballot from Mexico.

Tuesday is a very important day for the history of our nation -- not be apathetic, don't count anyone out -- just go vote.

Don't know where your polling place is, click here.

Calcetín Tejido

The socks took a rest while we were back in class this week, but we're off until Monday and I have high hopes. Our classes this week focused on public speaking and it was a little nerve-wracking to say the least. My hope is that with this training, even though it'll be awkward, I'll be able to deliver an update in a church or at a lunch without sounding too crazy or rambly. :)

Here's the Amps this morning -- I've already knit on an additional inch or so and may be able to start sock 2 today...

And then she asked how long it would take

I finished the birthday surprise for my sister a few days ago and as a lazy weekend was upon me and a fit of sneezing and stuffy noses consumed me, I started a pair of socks.

I'm knitting another pair of Ampersand socks, this time out of some delightful Socks that Rock. O, so soft and squishy. :)

Julie, one of the other interns here, asked how long it takes me a to knit a pair of socks. I explained that some have taken months, some weeks, but never days. Then I cast on, and here on day 2, I'm halfway through the first sock.

Maybe this is the pair of socks to take less than a week. Maybe I'm going to get eaten up by public speaking classes this week and won't be able to work on them again until the weekend.

Maybe.

Very, very

While I was in Nicaragua, it seems like Emily grew up.

I've heard from my parents and sisters who see her on Skype every week or so that her hair has gotten longer and she looks taller. Those things were true for me to. Even after just 5 days.

In the midst of just plain growing though, she's also learned some new words. Most noticable is her use of the word 'very'.

In the shower she'll tell you to be careful because it's "very, very slippery", except it sounds more like va-wee, va-wee swiper-wee.

The same is true for very, very delicious food or times you need to be very, very careful.

It's adorable and I love it, but it's also a pinch sad to be seeing my 'baby' grow up.

Cultural Experiences: A tale in two parts

On Saturday morning our water went out. This was surprising for a few reasons. One, we're from the Estados Unidos and typically as long as you pay your bill, you have water. Two, we have several large cisterns all over the base that we pump water around to. Turns out we hadn't gotten water from the city for almost a week (they only turn it on every few days) and the cisterns were empty.

In addition, our washer and dryer had gotten fried in a power outage the weekend prior (just as we were leaving for Nicaragua).

I had a suitcase full of dirty clothes from my trip, plus eight days of the girl's clothes that needed washing. On Saturday night the team returned and Wayne brought eight days of dirty clothes home. Also, I hadn't showered since Thursday night.

Water was necessary to say the very least.

Mike & Deborah invited us over to their condo where they not only had water, but also two showers and a pila. A pila is a cement sink used for washing clothes in most Latin countries.

I spent almost two hours "pila-ing" our clothes, but only got through about half. It was a learning experience nonetheless -- I know for sure now that I need a washer and dryer in Nicaragua, albeit with a pila backup. Plus I know that I'm a lot tougher than I thought I was.



----

Saturday was kind of a frustrating day with the no water situation, so at around 7PM, I volunteered to run to the grocery store for some ice cream reinforcements. I opted to take Ali with me and we stood outside the gate waiting for a taxi.

After about 10 minutes we were in the taxi and on our way. It was easy to tell him where we were going, there's only one Bodega in town. We found the ice cream and paid the cashier.

As we exited the market, we went to the taxi area and were ushered into a car. I gave the driver our address, but due to my crummy Spanish, I actually confused him quite a bit. We ended up about 5 miles out of our way before I figured out he thought I was going to give him directions. I stammered out a few "Lo siento"s (I'm sorry) and kept a jovial attitude. Alison and I were actually laughing about the whole thing.

In the end, he got us home, and even was so gracious as to not charge us extra.

----

Central America is definitely a different place, but even with the bumps in the road, I'm enjoying the adventure.

Fun Days!

My trip back to Mexico -- three flights, one bus trip and a taxi ride -- was long, but uneventful. I was so eager to get back and see the girls, but so sad to leave Nicaragua and an infirmed Wayne. He's feeling better now and he and the team return late tomorrow night.

The girls and I have been enjoying having some time to relax and play. When we're in "class" here they are watched by a mom and daughter duo that have worked with the missionaries here at the base for years. Macadea and Sarai are very sweet and kind, but it's nice for me to have some quality time with the girls.

This morning we celebrated our freedom to do whatever we wanted with PlayDoh. It was Emily's first experience with it and we had a lot of fun.





This afternoon Alison finished something big.

Tonight we are going to the Chinese Acrobat Circus which is up the road for a few weeks. We've heard it's really fun and tickets for the three of us were under $15!

In case you're wondering, I haven't knit anything in over a week. I brought my knitting for the plane trips, but was told I'd have to check it. I want to knit, I just need to make time. :)

I'm in Nicaragua

Yep.

I know that last you heard I was in Mexico, but apparently I've become a bit of a traveler. Friday I was in four countries on my way here -- Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua.

Today we worked a dental and medical clinic down in Ciudad Sandino at the training base. It was amazing and life-changing and all those things people always say about missions trip. But it was more.

It was my first look at a future home.

It was the first time I saw the people God is stirring my heart for.

Today I think I spoke more Spanish than I have in my whole life and as frustrating as it was at times, it was also amazing.

Si.

Tezpotlan again

Yesterday we visited Tezpotlan, the day before we went to Mexico City. After a week of classes it was nice to have some "cultural immersion" days. We saw a lot of great things and got to practice our Spanish.

We bought Emily the most adorable handmade doll. It was only $4US!!! In the market there were embroidery "shops" that had what looked like fingering weight yarn. I was tempted to buy some, but it was mostly acrylic and I had no idea what the yardage was.

FOs in Cuernavaca, MX

I'm supposed to be knitting the rest of my sister's birthday gift (and am now), but the project is on very expensive and cherished Addi Turbos. Although the FAA is down with knitting, I was still a little scared they'd try to take it away and I'd lose my ATs.

So I decided to take an old size 7 circular and some cotton and knit some dishclothes -- totally easy pattern to memorize, totally inexpensive supplies to lose if push came to shove.

Here at the base we go through a lot of dishes. Last week my team was the Kitchen Team and we counted that we were washing somewhere close to 50 cups a day. There are 11 of us here, but all the cups are the same color and no one can keep track of one for too long, so 50 cups. As I was washing, sanitizing and drying I started thinking about knitting and then it occurred to me that I could leave the dishrags here instead of taking them home.

So they are loved by all and sure to be well used by us and future groups in their kitchen. And speaking of the kitchen -- check this out:



That stove has 4 burners, an oven, a grill, a huge skillet, a deep fryer and a broiler! And that list may not even be complete, those are just the things I've seen it do in the last two weeks. :)

Things I've Learned in Mexico

* Corn tortillas will taste good eventually if you don't have flour tortillas.
* 11 people can eat a lot of food.
* Scorpions are scary, even to Wayne.
* The rainy season is not just a cute way to describe a time of year.
* Emily can get out of a Pack n' Play.
* I'm a lot stronger than I thought.
* My Interpersonal Skills could use some work (we've been in an Interpersonal Skills workshop this week - super enlightening).
* My Spanish could use a lot of work.
* When you're cooking, learning, cleaning and living in community, there's not a lot of time to knit.

I apologize for the drive-by posting, but I'm pretty tired. I promise the next own will be better, maybe even with FOs. :)

I've had an excellent opportunity come up, you can read more about it here.

Feliz Cumpleanos Alison!

Alison turned 6 yesterday and our Mexican family bought her a cake with candles and everything. We had a little party at our mid-day meal. The cake was pasteles con tres leches and it's super rich, but tasty. Alison got the strawberry on top. :)

En Mexico

We made it. It was not the easiest trip, but we arrived safely at the training base at 2 AM on Saturday morning.

This weekend has been wonderful. We've been settling in and getting to know our 10-week family. The weather has been fair and even a little chilly at night - which is a blessing because the base has now air conditioning.

We lost Emily's binky on our last leg of the flight which has made sleep times a little tricky, but she's adapting. Historically it has taken her three days to adapt to any great change, so we're over the hump. :)

I've brought some knitting, but haven't really knit a stitch. But maybe tonight - I have a birthday gift to finish.

This week we go and live with a Mexican family in their home. This family has been instructed to speak only Spanish to us. I keep thinking it's going to be funny instead of frustrating. Fingers crossed. We also will be attending Language School in shifts so one of us is always with the girls.

Remember, remember

Roughly an hour ago, seven years ago we were shook by our vulnerability. In the weeks that followed we became better people than I think we thought we could be.

Remember that day. Remember the innocent and brave lives lost. Remember that we are all part of this, united.

Happy Birthday Seester!!

Hey Lady!

February Lady Sweater by Pamela Wynne

Yarn: Jojoland Wool, colorway 438

Needles: US Size 7

Dates: Started - June 19, 2008, Completed - August 31, 2008

Love it!



This sweater knit up relatively quick. The gull lace pattern is easy to memorize and recognize on the needles so you can pick it up and put it down with out having to check a row counter or tally sheet. I knit the sleeves before I finished the body, just to save myself form Purl Row Syndrome - I'm not the purl stitches biggest fan and having to do entire rows of it was a little daunting at times.

I cast off on Sunday afternoon and being very proud of myself, I decided to wear my FLS on my date with Wayne. I wore it for two hours before giving in to the 90 degree heat, but she's definitely coming to Mexico.

I didn't make any mods, but now I wish I would have followed the Rav crowd and made the sleeves a bit slimmer.



Again, I love it!

Stormy Weather

Well, hurricane season is still in full swing. Gustav didn't cause us much trouble -- although it did keep my brother-in-law from going back to work on his oil rig in the Gulf.

But this morning's news is bleak on the stormfront.

Coming later this week -- Hurricane Hanna (it's seldom a good sign when they become hurricanes before they even make it to Cuba).

Fast on her heels, Ike.

And behind him, Storm 10 -- not as scary since it has no name.

Alison's early birthday party is this weekend and in an effort to have a lot of fun and not have to clean too much, it was being held at the park by our house. Even if Hanna doesn't hit us directly, we're so water logged that even a little rain is going to flood out the park. I hope she gives up and decides to take an easterly course back across the Atlantic.

And Ike -- don't mess with my flight to Mexico.