And 30 posts!
Here's a wrap-up of a month of posts:
Photos of Alison: 9
Photos of Emily: 11
Liquid Candy Bars Eaten: 1
Sweaters Knitted: 1
Soccer Games Attended: 4
Memes: 2ish
Comments: 27 (thanks friends)
Thanks for bearing with me. I won't be posting every day, but have a renewed love for posting. Talk to you soon (but not tomorrow). :)
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Day 29: A Total Cop-out
But it's for a good cause.
Go here.
Link to the post.
Ping technorati.
Poor starving college students everywhere will feel your support like a warm hug.
---
It's been a long day and I just want a Milky Way.
Go here.
Link to the post.
Ping technorati.
Poor starving college students everywhere will feel your support like a warm hug.
---
It's been a long day and I just want a Milky Way.
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
A Million Ends
that need to be woven in. Ick! But I'm going to count this as one more Christmas gift done!
This little project (which I can't go into great detail about) took under two days and I'm just a little impressed with myself. More details after Christmas. :)
This little project (which I can't go into great detail about) took under two days and I'm just a little impressed with myself. More details after Christmas. :)
Monday, November 27, 2006
Take a Deep Breath
Over a lovely pizza-rific lunch with Nicole today I had a happy realization. I am 100% capable of completing my gift knitting. Hooray!
In other news, Wayne and I will be going to Atlanta for a handful of days in December for our 5th anniversary. I'm really excited! A lot of our friends at our new church are from Atlanta so we've been picking their brains for ideas of where we should go.
We'll be dining at Dante's Down the Hatch, visiting Stone Mountain Park (maybe with our bikes) and hitting the IKEA store.
Happy accident: the traditional gift for a 5th wedding anniversary is wood. We were kicking around ideas while shopping on Friday and remembered that we really need nightstands. So we looked at some and experienced a bit of sticker shock. We wished that the IKEA they're building in South Orlando was finished and then - we remembered there's an IKEA in Atlanta!
So we'll be able to buy our gifts on our trip. Woo hoo!
Can anyone recommend any good yarn shops in Hot-lanta???
In other news, Wayne and I will be going to Atlanta for a handful of days in December for our 5th anniversary. I'm really excited! A lot of our friends at our new church are from Atlanta so we've been picking their brains for ideas of where we should go.
We'll be dining at Dante's Down the Hatch, visiting Stone Mountain Park (maybe with our bikes) and hitting the IKEA store.
Happy accident: the traditional gift for a 5th wedding anniversary is wood. We were kicking around ideas while shopping on Friday and remembered that we really need nightstands. So we looked at some and experienced a bit of sticker shock. We wished that the IKEA they're building in South Orlando was finished and then - we remembered there's an IKEA in Atlanta!
So we'll be able to buy our gifts on our trip. Woo hoo!
Can anyone recommend any good yarn shops in Hot-lanta???
Sunday, November 26, 2006
more Christmas gifts to knit
Baby gifts, done!
Shorter list of Christmas gifts to knit, yet to do.
Only 4 more days of NaBloPoMo, can you believe it??
Back to Christmas knitting!
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Another Reason to LOVE Old Navy
Or how I got an amazing deal, just for being nice.
We stopped by Old Navy this evening, thinking that the frenzy of shopping would have subsided and there may be some clothes left. We were mostly right. The frenzy wasn't so frantic, but the clothes were mostly on the ground. Apparently a herd of frenzy had preceded us.
There was this poor girl trying to rehang everything and make sure it all had tags. I joked around with her for a bit while Alison commented on the fact that the people who put these clothes on the ground were terribly impolite.
We all agreed.
So we grabbed a couple of long sleeves shirts for the girls, Emmy's were supposed to be 2 for $12, but one of them was marked $2.97. Ali's were supposed to be 2 for $15. Well we get up to the register and the next thing we know the guy tells us our total is $12.87!
He rang everything up for $2.97 a piece!
What a blessing those Old Navy friends were tonight. :)
We stopped by Old Navy this evening, thinking that the frenzy of shopping would have subsided and there may be some clothes left. We were mostly right. The frenzy wasn't so frantic, but the clothes were mostly on the ground. Apparently a herd of frenzy had preceded us.
There was this poor girl trying to rehang everything and make sure it all had tags. I joked around with her for a bit while Alison commented on the fact that the people who put these clothes on the ground were terribly impolite.
We all agreed.
So we grabbed a couple of long sleeves shirts for the girls, Emmy's were supposed to be 2 for $12, but one of them was marked $2.97. Ali's were supposed to be 2 for $15. Well we get up to the register and the next thing we know the guy tells us our total is $12.87!
He rang everything up for $2.97 a piece!
What a blessing those Old Navy friends were tonight. :)
Friday, November 24, 2006
Wayne's Sweater
Men's Zippered Raglan from Last Minute Knitted GiftsSize: Medium (extra long)
Started: October 5th, 2006
Finished: November 24th, 2006
Handpainted yarns Handspun Kettle-dyed Wool in Black Forest
US size 8 16" Addi Turbos, US size 8 32" Susan Bates Metal Circs.
I am that shopper
I'm so exhausted.
Today we shopped like nobody's business.
And we stood on line. A lot.
And Wayne wouldn't let me knit in line, he said it was rude.
I told him, so is frowning.
Lots of Christmas gifts purchased, more to knit. Must knit the gifts.
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Happy Thanksgiving!
Things I'm Thankful for:
My husband: he's my best friend, greatest ally, love of my life, support system, and smokin' hot in my opinion.
Alison: my best big girl, an adventure in parenting, a source of copious hugs and kisses, my palison.
Emily: Supergirl, wonderful sleeper, a beautiful smile, my anenome (it rhymes)The rest of my family, too: My Mom who will help anyone, anytime; My Dad for his corny jokes and general Daddy-ness; My sister Aileen, who's busy making us more family members, congratulations Beanie!; My sister Erin who can't put my children down (or stop buying them clothes) but neither of those things are necessarily a bad thing.
God, for sending his only Son to die for me, little, insignificant me.
My friends that I can count as dear to me: Carlin, Nicole, Jany, Alison, Lisa, Andria, Victoria - I love you ladies!
All yarn manufacturers and yarn stores worldwide, without which I would have nothing to knit.
My house, my enormous American truck, my Addi Turbos.
What are you thankful for??
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
They can't say it if it isn't true
SNOW!!
I live in Orange County, one of the prominently mentioned counties listed during the weather report this morning. I can't believe I slept through this!
I live in Orange County, one of the prominently mentioned counties listed during the weather report this morning. I can't believe I slept through this!
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Sibling Rivalry
I spent my evening watching a friend of mine's children so that she could go out to a romantic dinner with her husband for her birthday. Alison had a great time playing with them and we had a fun night.
However, at one point in the evening, when the 3.5 year old was getting pummeled by the 20-month old, I had a moment of clarity. My sisters and I used to fight like this when we were kids.
The same kicking and hair pulling and scratching.
The same screaming and sitting on and petty reasons.
And then I realized that this is what I have to look forward to with my lovely ladies. Right now, Emmy will pull Ali's hair and it's funny, but the time is coming soon when she may get her hair pulled back.
Pray for my sanity.
Monday, November 20, 2006
Almost there
My wonderful Mom is going to sew in the zipper on Friday, then we'll have one warm Wayne. :)
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Three **** Inches!!!
I only have the last 3 inches of the collar of Wayne's sweater left to knit and I JUST RAN OUT OF YARN!!!! Grr.. Not altogether, I'd die if that were the case. But now I have to stop and wind a-whole-nother ball which means I won't finish knitting it tonight. Hopes dashed once again.
---
After a lovely morning at church, we went to the Orange County Fair and nobody died and no rides fell apart. In fact, we got unlimited ride wristbands and wore the heck out of them. Alison wanted to go on everything, and I pretty sure she made it on to every ride she was tall enough for. We were accompanied by one of her friends from soccer and his family and it was a lot of fun to have a closely-aged friend along.
Highlights of the day include, but are not limited to: bumper cars (Mommy vs. Daddy & Alison), the liger at the circus, and holding hands with my husband.
---
To my secret pal: I read the jacket, just the jacket of my wonderful book and immediately knew that it was a heavy vacuum of time. I may have to wait to read it until after Christmas, but I am totally psyched to read it! :)
---
After a lovely morning at church, we went to the Orange County Fair and nobody died and no rides fell apart. In fact, we got unlimited ride wristbands and wore the heck out of them. Alison wanted to go on everything, and I pretty sure she made it on to every ride she was tall enough for. We were accompanied by one of her friends from soccer and his family and it was a lot of fun to have a closely-aged friend along.
Highlights of the day include, but are not limited to: bumper cars (Mommy vs. Daddy & Alison), the liger at the circus, and holding hands with my husband.
---
To my secret pal: I read the jacket, just the jacket of my wonderful book and immediately knew that it was a heavy vacuum of time. I may have to wait to read it until after Christmas, but I am totally psyched to read it! :)
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Super Fun Saturday
We had a big day and I'm really sleepy.
Ali had soccer pics today before her game so we had to be there at 8AM - that's early to wrangle together all the Tingles. Very early. Today they played really well and won their 3rd game in a row. The SURGE are currently undefeated!
One of my favorite things about the games is that at the end, after the teams high-5 and do their 'good games', all the parents go out to the half field line and make a tunnel with our arms and cheer as our happy little players run through. It helps you reconnect to the idea that we're here for our kids to have fun, no matter how they play. Their smiles as they run through 'the tunnel' are priceless. Maybe one of these days I'll get a picture of Ali on her way out.
We rushed around dropping things off that needed to be returned and then rushed home to get ready for our next activity: The Corn Maze!
Our friends, the Camps, accompanied us out to Mt. Dora and ran around in the corn with us for a couple hours. It was a lot of fun and I took a few pictures, but they're all of the Camps, no Tingles. Grr.
Must sleep.
Ali had soccer pics today before her game so we had to be there at 8AM - that's early to wrangle together all the Tingles. Very early. Today they played really well and won their 3rd game in a row. The SURGE are currently undefeated!
One of my favorite things about the games is that at the end, after the teams high-5 and do their 'good games', all the parents go out to the half field line and make a tunnel with our arms and cheer as our happy little players run through. It helps you reconnect to the idea that we're here for our kids to have fun, no matter how they play. Their smiles as they run through 'the tunnel' are priceless. Maybe one of these days I'll get a picture of Ali on her way out.
We rushed around dropping things off that needed to be returned and then rushed home to get ready for our next activity: The Corn Maze!
Our friends, the Camps, accompanied us out to Mt. Dora and ran around in the corn with us for a couple hours. It was a lot of fun and I took a few pictures, but they're all of the Camps, no Tingles. Grr.
Must sleep.
Friday, November 17, 2006
Grab Bag
I totally flaked on my 'Thursdays are for Recipes' thing, so here's one just a little late.
Green Beans with Garlic
INGREDIENTS
1 tsp. olive oil
1 tbsp. butter
4 large cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 14 0z can of chicken broth
1/2 tsp. sugar
1.5 lbs. fresh grean beans cut into bite-size pieces
DIRECTIONS
In saucepan place olive oil and butter over mediumheat; add garlic and onion. Cook and stir constantly until tender, about 3 minutes.
Add chicken broth, sugar and pepper to taste. Bring to boiling; add green beans. Return to boiling, cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer 10 to 15 minutes or to desired tenderness.
Serve hot.
---
In reponse to the copious comments on that last post - Thanks! I've been laughing all morning at each respondents take on the whole shebang. Maggie did her homework. My secret pal shared my Mommy-ness. And Anne-Marie couldn't help but notice that I live 'at Disney World' - I remark back that there is a marked difference in carnival money and the amount of money you spend with the Mouse. :)
---
Also today I received an order I'd placed from RubySapphire yarns today and it is gorgeous! I can't show you what I ordered 'cause sadly, none of it's for me and I don't want to ruin any surprises. But what I can show you are the cutie extras they sent along:
Little marble magnets, mini Tootsie Pops and the cutest keychain EVER! It's a miniature hank of hand-dyed yarn. And it's SOFT! My keys are very happy. :)
---
I may post again later as I have high, high hopes of having a finished sweater to show you. Disclaimer: I often have high hopes that don't turn out, so I'm not going to beat myself up about it if it doesn't happen.
Green Beans with Garlic
INGREDIENTS
1 tsp. olive oil
1 tbsp. butter
4 large cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 14 0z can of chicken broth
1/2 tsp. sugar
1.5 lbs. fresh grean beans cut into bite-size pieces
DIRECTIONS
In saucepan place olive oil and butter over mediumheat; add garlic and onion. Cook and stir constantly until tender, about 3 minutes.
Add chicken broth, sugar and pepper to taste. Bring to boiling; add green beans. Return to boiling, cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer 10 to 15 minutes or to desired tenderness.
Serve hot.
---
In reponse to the copious comments on that last post - Thanks! I've been laughing all morning at each respondents take on the whole shebang. Maggie did her homework. My secret pal shared my Mommy-ness. And Anne-Marie couldn't help but notice that I live 'at Disney World' - I remark back that there is a marked difference in carnival money and the amount of money you spend with the Mouse. :)
---
Also today I received an order I'd placed from RubySapphire yarns today and it is gorgeous! I can't show you what I ordered 'cause sadly, none of it's for me and I don't want to ruin any surprises. But what I can show you are the cutie extras they sent along:
Little marble magnets, mini Tootsie Pops and the cutest keychain EVER! It's a miniature hank of hand-dyed yarn. And it's SOFT! My keys are very happy. :)
---
I may post again later as I have high, high hopes of having a finished sweater to show you. Disclaimer: I often have high hopes that don't turn out, so I'm not going to beat myself up about it if it doesn't happen.
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Convicts
Do any of you have that person in your family or are you that person who believes that all carnival/fair rides are assembled by convicts??
Do you tell these things to your 4-year-old??
The Orange County Fair is in town and we have to drive by it on the way to dance class and the library and the pizza restaurant. Alison is wicked excited about it - they even have a circus (something that I can't help but feel conflicted about) - and Wayne's being dodgey about the whole thing.
Does anyone know if this theory is even true??
Do you tell these things to your 4-year-old??
The Orange County Fair is in town and we have to drive by it on the way to dance class and the library and the pizza restaurant. Alison is wicked excited about it - they even have a circus (something that I can't help but feel conflicted about) - and Wayne's being dodgey about the whole thing.
Does anyone know if this theory is even true??
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Taste Test: Lava Bars
You may remember that a month or so ago I received 2 Lava Bars - the world's first liquid chocolate bar - from Nicole. Well tonight after soccer practice I put together my panel of taste testers.
Okay, so Emily didn't test the bars, but she wanted to show you that she can sit up. Supported, but up nonetheless.
I squeezed a generous portion of bar on to each testers finger and asked them what they thought.
Alison said, "Great! Can I have some more?"
I was undecided. It has a weird aftertaste.
And Wayne said, "Horrible!"
Emily wanted you to know that she can stand up too. :)So I'm going to let Ali finish off the one we opened slowly over the next week or so, if it stays fresh in the Ziploc baggie, but the second one is up for grabs.
Leave a comment by Friday at noon - Florida time - and I'll draw a winner and send it off for you to try. :)
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
meme-a-licious
This is cute and I found it here. An equally cute blog if I do say so myself. :) You can only answer with one word. Just one.
1. Yourself: mommy
2. Your boyfriend/girlfriend (spouse): incredible
3. Your hair: long
4. Your mother: caring
5. Your Father: photographer
6. Your Favorite Item: Noro
7. Your dream last night: running
8. Your Favorite drink: g&t
9. Your Dream Car: landrover
10. The room you are in: warm
11. Your Ex: ick
12. Your fear: harm
13. What you want to be in 10 years? filmmaker
14. Who you hung out with last night? kiddos
15. What You’re Not? competitive
16. Muffins: chocolate
17. One of Your Wish List Items: needles
18. Time: late
19. The Last Thing You Did: knit
20. What You Are Wearing: jammies
21. Your Favorite Weather: snowy
22. Your Favorite Book: atwood
23. The Last Thing You Ate: pringle
24. Your Life: amazing
25. Your Mood: sleepy
26. Your best friend: Wayne
27. What are you thinking about right now? sleep
28. Your car: big
29. What are you doing at the moment? blogging
30. Your summer: hot
31. Your relationship status: life
32. What is on your TV? Law&Order:CI
33. What is the weather like? chilly
34. When is the last time you laughed? B&N
---
So you're wondering about the sleeves, right? I finished them this morning. Last night was looking good, until I ran out of yarn. And there was no way I was going to stay up long enough to wind another ball and knit the last 2 inches.
I started on the yoke this afternoon and completed a whopping 2 rows during SnB tonight. There are a lot of stitches. I swear.
1. Yourself: mommy
2. Your boyfriend/girlfriend (spouse): incredible
3. Your hair: long
4. Your mother: caring
5. Your Father: photographer
6. Your Favorite Item: Noro
7. Your dream last night: running
8. Your Favorite drink: g&t
9. Your Dream Car: landrover
10. The room you are in: warm
11. Your Ex: ick
12. Your fear: harm
13. What you want to be in 10 years? filmmaker
14. Who you hung out with last night? kiddos
15. What You’re Not? competitive
16. Muffins: chocolate
17. One of Your Wish List Items: needles
18. Time: late
19. The Last Thing You Did: knit
20. What You Are Wearing: jammies
21. Your Favorite Weather: snowy
22. Your Favorite Book: atwood
23. The Last Thing You Ate: pringle
24. Your Life: amazing
25. Your Mood: sleepy
26. Your best friend: Wayne
27. What are you thinking about right now? sleep
28. Your car: big
29. What are you doing at the moment? blogging
30. Your summer: hot
31. Your relationship status: life
32. What is on your TV? Law&Order:CI
33. What is the weather like? chilly
34. When is the last time you laughed? B&N
---
So you're wondering about the sleeves, right? I finished them this morning. Last night was looking good, until I ran out of yarn. And there was no way I was going to stay up long enough to wind another ball and knit the last 2 inches.
I started on the yoke this afternoon and completed a whopping 2 rows during SnB tonight. There are a lot of stitches. I swear.
Monday, November 13, 2006
Holy Stockinette Batman!
Bam! Do you see that??? The bottom sleeve is Sleeve 1 for Wayne's sweater, you may remember my triumphant completion of it on Friday. The top sleeve is Sleeve 2! Can you believe it?? I was really hoping to finish it today (and still may) so I kept putting off posting. I'm so proud of myself.
I'm starting to get an idea about setting a deadline for the whole shebang, but don't want to jinx myself.
Pow!
Sunday, November 12, 2006
Feeding the Fiber Beast
14 Ways to Afford a Yarn Addiction Without Breaking the Bank
1. Stalk the sales – get on your LYS mailing list to know when they’re coming up and be price aware. Know you’re getting a real deal.
2. Unravel your duds – Take apart a sweater or blanket you already have and never wear.
3. Hit the thrift stores – You can find needles, yarn and garments to pull apart (see Idea 2)
4. Teach – Yarn stores and craft stores are always looking for competent knitting teachers, you could end up with a steep discount or free yarn, plus a little moola in your pocket.
5. Trade up – Participate in a yarn swap.
6. Start a finishing business – If you are really good at seaming sweaters or installing zippers, offer to do it for your knitting friends for yarn money.
7. Know your online discounters – Don’t miss out on hefty discounts at sites like élann.com, gotyarn.com and onefineyarn.com.
8. Bid wisely – eBay is a great place to get yarn, but make sure you’re not ending up paying more. Double check the price at your LYS and remember you’ll be paying additional shipping.
9. Go pro – Set up a booth at a Farmer’s Market or create your own etsy.com store and sell your goodies.
10. Work part-time at your LYS – Your not going to get rich working part-time, but the discount could be worth it.
11. Develop your own patterns – You can sell them online or submit them to knitting magazines.
12. Roll your own – Start spinning! It’s fun and relaxing and in the end a little less expensive.
13. Knit a sample – Lusting after a new hot design, but can’t afford the yarn? Ask you local shop owner if she’ll discount the supplies if you let her display the item for a season.
14. Ask for the gift of yarn – Birthdays, Christmas, Easter, any holiday or gift-giving occasion can be your ticket to free yarn. Try setting up a wish list online at wists.com.
1. Stalk the sales – get on your LYS mailing list to know when they’re coming up and be price aware. Know you’re getting a real deal.
2. Unravel your duds – Take apart a sweater or blanket you already have and never wear.
3. Hit the thrift stores – You can find needles, yarn and garments to pull apart (see Idea 2)
4. Teach – Yarn stores and craft stores are always looking for competent knitting teachers, you could end up with a steep discount or free yarn, plus a little moola in your pocket.
5. Trade up – Participate in a yarn swap.
6. Start a finishing business – If you are really good at seaming sweaters or installing zippers, offer to do it for your knitting friends for yarn money.
7. Know your online discounters – Don’t miss out on hefty discounts at sites like élann.com, gotyarn.com and onefineyarn.com.
8. Bid wisely – eBay is a great place to get yarn, but make sure you’re not ending up paying more. Double check the price at your LYS and remember you’ll be paying additional shipping.
9. Go pro – Set up a booth at a Farmer’s Market or create your own etsy.com store and sell your goodies.
10. Work part-time at your LYS – Your not going to get rich working part-time, but the discount could be worth it.
11. Develop your own patterns – You can sell them online or submit them to knitting magazines.
12. Roll your own – Start spinning! It’s fun and relaxing and in the end a little less expensive.
13. Knit a sample – Lusting after a new hot design, but can’t afford the yarn? Ask you local shop owner if she’ll discount the supplies if you let her display the item for a season.
14. Ask for the gift of yarn – Birthdays, Christmas, Easter, any holiday or gift-giving occasion can be your ticket to free yarn. Try setting up a wish list online at wists.com.
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