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.

(Not) Hurricanes are great for knitting

Well TS Fay came, saw the sights, decided to stay a bit longer and flooded my front yard.

Alison's first official week of school was two days long - one of which was the only day this week I would have called school off for. I do not complain though, because I know that the school board is made of people who are not hurricane whisperers and their main concern was the safety of my child. Plus, two of the make-up days are after we get back from Mexico so it looks like Alison will benefit from two additional days of public school that she would have otherwise missed.

We lost power for 16 hours, 6 of which I had a generator for. It ran the computer, cable, TV and refrigerator quite well. We lost Internet for 4 hours. I can't really say whether one was worse than the other.

I knit my February Lady Sweater.

A lot.

So much that I was convinced I would be finished with it by the end of this weekend. But then the knitting seemed redundant and I needed a change.

Did I start another pattern?

No, I finished the second sleeve.

When I got bored again, I wove in all my ends.

This sweater is ridiculously close to completion, but I am long-torsoed and am reaping the downside of that now.

It will be finished for Mexico though, because yesterday we got our list of things to bring and at the bottom were the beloved words: "a light sweater".

19 days until we leave!

First Day

Alison started Kindergarten today. Dropping her off was bittersweet. Anyone who knows me has heard me say that Ali and I were ready for school to start again. But I didn't realize I'd be so sad when she jumped out the the car and headed in.



Seriously, she treated it like a band-aid.

As soon as she shut the door, Emily started crying for her and moments later I was a mess too.



Hopefully tomorrow will be better.

BIG NEWS on the missions blog!!!

WINNERS!!!

THANK YOU!
THANK YOU!
THANK YOU!

We are so blessed by everyone's generosity and support!!!

And now, the WINNERS:

Nicole won 1 skein of Del Sol Superwash Merino sock yarn by The Chicks with Sticks!!

Kelly won 1 skein of Nanners Superwash Merino sock yarn by The Chicks with Sticks!!

Michelle won 1 skein of Largo Superwash Merino sock yarn by The YoYo (now available at the Loopy Ewe!)!!

Bianca won 1 skein of Masking Envy Superwash Merino sock yarn by The YoYo!!

Christine won 1 skein of Delite Superwash Merino sock yarn by RubySapphire!!

Andrea won 1 skein of Meggy Superwash Merino sock yarn by Ruby Sapphire!!

Patricia won 3 knitting needle bracelets from Sassafras Creations!!

I am on my way out the door for a meeting, so if you won and you see this - can you email me your address?? Otherwise, I'll email everyone when I get home. :)

Send Us to Mexico -- And Win Fabulous Prizes!!

On September 12th we'll begin a 10-week, intensive missionary training course in Mexico.

At this training we will:

* spend a week living in the home of a family that only speaks Spanish
* hear from renowned Bible and missions teachers
* learn how to plan our budget and raise support for our move to Nicaragua
* participate in conflict-resolution training
* learn how to lead a short term missions team
* learn how to practically survive in a foreign country on a fixed budget
* plus lots more

The cost for the four of us to attend is $8000. This includes airfare, room, board, shots, etc. We are supported by our home church, Fusion Church, but need additional funds to make this happen.

You can learn more about what we'll learn and what we'll be doing in Nicaragua by visiting our missions blog: http://hellopapaya.blogspot.com

Here's where you come in - we're having a raffle!!!
Since you've read a lot, let's see some prizes first!!!



1. Del Sol Handpainted Superwash Merino Wool by The Chicks with Sticks
400 yds. - Fingering weight



2. Nanners Handpainted Superwash Merino Wool by The Chicks with Sticks
400 yds. - Fingering weight



3. Largo Handpainted Superwash Merino by The YoYo
425 yds. - Fingering weight



4. Masking Envy Handdyed Superwash Merino by The YoYo
250 yds. - Sport weight



Top:
5. Delite Handpainted Superwash Merino by RubySapphire
550 yds. - Light Fingering weight

Bottom:
6. Meggy Handpainted Superwash Merino by RubySapphire
550 yds. - Light Fingering weight



7. A set of 3 knitting needle bangles from Sassafras Creations
You pick the colors! :)

If you hadn't noticed, that's a lot of sock yarn! I love sock yarn! I love the yarn I've received from each of these ladies and the bracelets I have from Sassafras Creations are amazing! Ann-Marie, Alyson, Nancy, Lauri and Sam are great ladies who have graciously donated all of these prizes.

Here's what you do:

Click that button up there in the top, right corner that says "Paypal Donate".

For every $10 you donate, you'll get one entry into the raffle for one of these amazing prizes. Give $50, get 5 entries.

You can give as many times as you'd like or just give all at once.

The raffle will end at 12 PM EST on Wednesday, August 13th, 2008. Winners will be announced around 6 PM that night. :)

**If you'd like to donate a prize, please email me: megan (dot) tingle (at) gmail (dot) com

Please give generously, we're going to revolutionize a generation and you can help! :)

It fits!

Pen's gifts arrived a bit early and her mommy let her open them. All told, this sweater should last her two years if we're lucky. :)

FREE TIBET

None of us are free until ALL of us are free

Join knitters worldwide in a challenge from Bev.

25 Months

Emily has begun to talk. Not for the first time, but seemingly out of no where she's got conversation and sentence structure down. I imagine part of it is having Ali home, creating more "adult" conversation.

She's also started naming things on her own. For instance, the sun is "the hot". Aptly named really, where'd they get the word sun anyway.

This morning, she counted to three. And not just for giggles, she was counting herself in before beginning a rousing rendition of a song I've named "The Monkey, Boots" because the lyrics told me to. Why did she have to count in? Because she was providing herself musical accompaniment on Daddy's guitar.

I love that kid.

****

The raffle is shaping up rather nicely. I plan to officially begin it and Internet-wide promotion tomorrow when I've got all the prizes coordinated - they are wonderful and lovely and generous. :)

If you'd like to get a jump on the whole shebang, just click the Paypal button up there on the right - in the official raffle, each $10 donated will equal one entry. If you give between now and the official start (approximately noonish on Thursday), I'll give you two entries for every $10. :)

We're on a mission

Things have been a little crazy around here - and don't look like they'll settle anytime soon.

We've accepted the call to full time missions in Nicaragua. Yeah, you read that right, we're moving to Nicaragua. Not today or tomorrow, but it's coming.

Our first step is attending a 10-week Missionary Training in Mexico in September. We've started the process of raising the needed funds to get all of us there. We know that God is bigger than our circumstance and His glory will be seen in the next few months.

I'm going to try to keep the content here knitting and kiddo related, although the occasional missions bit may come in. And I'm planning an amazing raffle to help raise some support - details coming as soon as I hear back from a few prize donaters.

In the meantime, if you want to follow our adventure, you can here: http://hellopapaya.blogspot.com.

It rained the WHOLE TIME

Yesterday my darling, British friend Becks and I took the kids to New Smyrna Beach. We'd checked the weather report and saw that there was a chance of precipitation, but we figured we'd soldier on.

Minutes after we'd unloaded everyone and everything from the van, the sky opened. A few of the casualties included Becky's clothes, Elijah's clothes and a lot of towels. We camped out in the van and ate our picnic lunch.

It slowed down so we got out to play a bit. Eli and Ali camped out under an umbrella and tried to build a sandcastle while I trekked back and forth to the ocean collecting buckets of water for the moat. Except it was still raining and it was windy and I kept getting rain in my eyes.

We stayed for 2.5 hours in unchanging conditions, hoping against hope that it would clear up.

Then the beach patrol pulled everyone out of the water and closed the beach because it started lightning off the shore. We took that as a cue to leave.

It was probably one of the worst days to ever, ever go to the beach, but we had a lot of laughs, I ended up with a little tan and the kids still think we're the coolest.

FO: Drive Thru Sweater (aka Quicko Cheapo)

Pattern: Drive-Thru by Wendy Bernard

Yarn: KnitPicks Swish Superwash in Fired Brick, Truffle, Copper and Camel Heather

Size: A little smaller than 2

Recipient: my niece Penny, who will hopefully be able to wear this for two years. (modeled by Emily as it is in transit to Pen)



A quick and easy gift for any kid. The colorwork is so simple I don't know that you could even call it colorwork. I cast on 104 stitches to make it a bit smaller and then just did the math for the yoke.



One major modification was the omission of the fourth decrease section and the neck ribbing. I "finished" the neck 4 times before I got something that would fit over a child's head.

The yarn was delicious to work with although I bought way too much of the red. It's soft and squishy and I hope, hope, hope that it'll stand up to washing the way it says it will.

A little less my baby

A few weeks ago Alison went to the dentist for the first time. We received a glowing report which included her lack of cavities and the appearance of her first permanent molar. The dental hygenist also pointed out that Ali's bottom, front right tooth was a bit wiggly. And the new tooth was already coming in behind it.

The dentist took a look and said that as long as the wiggling progressed and food was not getting trapped between the two teeth, we were all set. Alison took to task wiggling that tooth every day and I asked each morning and after each meal if it was still in.

Last night after dinner Wayne asked the "look" at the tooth. I don't know how you were raised, but I remember what went down when my dad wanted to "look" at my loose teeth.

After a bit of screaming (which started way before any tooth touching) our baby is shy one tooth.



She's so big. I remember when she had no teeth and we excited when the first one broke the gums . . .

Knitting!

I spite of the bum rib I've been able to knit a bit.

I've completed a few more pattern repeats on my February Lady Sweater. It's coming along nicely and fits pretty well (photo taken a few days ago).





I'm also working on Wendy's Drive Thru for my niece, Penny. I've completed the body and started the arms last night. Or arm rather. I'm hoping that by the end of NYGK tomorrow night I'll have at least one arm finished.

Wednesday Morning I Decided to take a Shower

A seemingly harmless and uneventful thing to do really. Except that's not quite how it went.

I stepped into the shower, slipped and grabbed the shower curtain to steady myself. This proved to be a good idea and a bad idea. Had I not grabbed the curtain, I would have cracked my head on the tub wall and probably have been laying there until Alison woke up.

But I grabbed it and saved my head, to the detriment of my rib unfortunately.

I slammed into the tub wall with my rib cage and immediately knew I was dealing with a little more than a bruise. And, the shower curtain rod fell on my head.

I eventually managed to stand up. I rehung the curtain. And since I was already there and have been indoctrinated to believe that if it's broken you can't hurt it any more, I took a shower. A one-handed shower.

I carefully dressed myself and Yahoo! Answers'd broken ribs. The jist of the postings was basically that I should seek medical attention, but they probably would not be able to do anything for me.

I did and they weren't.

After poking, prodding and determining that it was in fact broken, the Dr. offered a $300 x-ray. I asked what we'd know with an x-ray and how that would affect our take home care ideas. She said it wouldn't actually tell us anything further, but we'd have a picture. I passed on the x-ray.

I've spent a few nights sleeping in the recliner, taken a lot of Tylenol, sworn off Darvocet (I still hurt and it put me to sleep) and tried very hard to take it easy.

Poor Wayne got the story via email almost 12 hours after it happened and managed to call from Nicaragua. I broke down and cried on the phone 'cause I was so glad I didn't have to be the tough one for a few minutes.

He's home now - hooray! I spent a lot of time resting yesterday because I hopped myself up on Tylenol and pretended everything felt fine to pick him up at the airport on Friday night. Turns out I got to pay for it all day on Saturday.

Tomorrow I promise some bona fide knitting content. Promise!

Vamos a Tampa

This past weekend the girls and I hopped on a train and headed to Tampa. We decided to take the train for several reasons.

1. The girls have never been on a train and liked the idea.
2. The travel time was only 1/2 an hour longer than driving.
3. All three of us could travel for just $36 round trip, that's like a 1/4 tank of gas in the gigantor SUV I drive and the trip would certainly take 1/2 a tank round trip.




The train was late so we ended up waiting an hour and half to leave. The girls decided to watch some Barbie as the Island Princess to pass the time.

While in Tampa we visited the Florida Aquarium and Lowry Park Zoo. We were hosted by my great friend Jany from college and had a great time.



1. Petting Stingrays, 2. Ali at the Big Tank, 3. Emily at the Big Tank, 4. Alison under the sea, 5. Ponies, 6. Popcorn is more interesting than giraffes, 7. Ali the bat, 8. Train ride home

Created with fd's Flickr Toys.

Free Day at the Museum

In an effort to increase traffic and get kids into the Orlando Museum of Art, they offer free admission to local residents on Thursday afternoons. They also have an arts & crafts area, the Creative Station, where you pay a buck and get to make something related to a current display.

What's even better is that they have a real commitment to what would be considered children's art, especially in the summer. Last summer it was the art of H.A. Rey (Curious George), this summer William Joyce (Rolie Polie Olie, George Shrinks).



The exhibit was displayed in a large, open room. All of the drawings were hung at child eye-level and grouped by book. Each section had the book available for reading. In the center of the room, beanbag chairs, rocking chairs and more copies of the books were available.



One of the girls favorite pieces was a drawing by Joyce from when he was 5-years-old. It was framed and displayed the same way all the others were. Seeing that piece on display really amped Ali up for the Creative Station. She made a wonderful coloring/collage piece that depicts a well-decorated frog.

We're really good at following directions

I apologize for the tininess of the video - I think Emily adjusted the camera settings - and you may have to turn it up to hear the music, but trust me you want to hear it for the full comedic effect.

Things you should know: Aleve

Last night we attended a lovely dinner party at a friend's house. There were yummy things to eat, great conversations and lots of laughs (some involving Wayne and a trampoline). Toward the end of the evening, I started developing a little headache. I asked the hostess if she had some Tylenol and she said, no but that she did have some Aleve. I took the recommended dosage with the recommended glass of water, plus a few Wheat Thins.

We drove home, thanked my mom for watching the kids and settled in to watch Kill Bill Vol. 2. While checking my email I noticed my feet were itching, but also saw a big mosquito bite and figured that was it. A few minutes later my hands started to itch.

Is this sounding familiar??

I immediately told Wayne and we started tearing through the medicine drawer/cabinet/etc for some liquid Benadryl and the leftover meds from my shrimp fiasco. We turned up Benadryl tablets and I took two.

Wayne left to get some liquid Benadryl and I laid down and tried to stay calm I the hives spread everywhere. My tongue and lips started to swell, but not in a dangerous way. Wayne returned, I chugged some Benadryl and fell fast asleep.

I woke up groggy and swelly this morning. My hands and feet are still swollen, but the itching and hives have passed.

I wrote a quick email to our hostess asking if anything we'd eaten had been made with or near any shellfish. Nope. I eat Wheat Thins everyday, so I figured they were safe. So I googled Aleve allergies.

Wow! Is that a can of worms. Apparently Aleve allergies are totally common - but its just a brand name for Naproxen which I took after both pregnancies. I couldn't find anything substantial linking shellfish allergies to naproxen allergies, but at least now I know to stick with the Tylenol.

You've come a long way baby!

1. Emily: 0 Months, 2. Emily: 1 Month, 3. Emily: 2 Months, 4. Emily: 3 Months, 5. Emily: 4 Months, 6. Emily: 5 Months, 7. Emily: 6 Months, 8. Emily: 7 Months, 9. Emily: 8 Months, 10. Emily: 9 Months, 11. Emily: 10 Months, 12. Emily: 11 Months, 13. Emily: 12 Months, 14. Emily: 13 Months, 15. Emily: 14 Months, 16. Emily: 15 Months, 17. Emily: 16 months, 18. Emily: 17 Months, 19. Emily: 18 Months, 20. Emily: 19 Months, 21. Emily: 20 Months, 22. Emily: 21 Months, 23. Emily: 22 Months, 24. Emily: 23 Months



Happy 2nd Birthday Emily!!

good morning!

Emily's "big" gift was her new big-girl bed. She's been sleeping in it for nighttimes and naps since we returned from the beach. Since she's still pretty little, we went with the IKEA extendable bed and currently have it on its smallest setting.

She is a very different girl than Alison. When Ali was moved to her big-girl bed (because I broke her crib) she thought that it was the whole world and wouldn't get out of bed unless she was sent a gold-embossed invitation with pearl inlays. It was an expensive time.

Eventually she would play near the edge of the bed, but for months she would patiently wait for you smack dab in the middle of the bed.

When I put Em to bed on Monday, she waited about 30 seconds, then came to talk to me in the living room. Luckily, she can't open her bedroom door, so if we just leave it shut she gets the idea. From what I can tell, she's not getting up to play and has grasped the concept. We crack the door later when we know she's out cold.

Click on the photo, there are notes. :)