JoyLinnKnits

A funny thing happened on the way to Community Service

2011-09-13T01:53:00.000-04:00

So Sunday was a day my Stepson was scheduled to do some community service. From what I understand, there is a requirement for community service during the 4 years of High School. Being that Chris is part of the football team, his coach provides some opportunities for service. Not a bad thing at all...So Sunday was Chris' turn to work at a fall festival at a local church. We figured that we would drop him off and pick him back up in 2 hours. We had no idea!

Once Rebekah saw the horse and ponies in the back...there was no going home and coming back...we were doomed to stay. And we had a blast doing so! Chris had his work to do and Jim and I followed Rebekah around as she played on the inflatables, rode the horse and both ponies, played on the inflatables some more, and got her face painted like a butterfly, played on more inflatables and met a little girl with whom she bonded quickly and they played on the inflatable obstacle course together. Jim and I enjoyed some great food and I caught up with one of my cousins who attends the church! It was great family fun and all because Chris had to do community service! Gee Thanks buddy!

Learning something new!

2011-09-06T01:21:00.000-04:00

My Best Friend, De-De, came for a visit in August. We crammed a lot of activities into 10 days! We cruised in the Dream Cruise in a '63 Cadillac Convertible. We cleaned out my spare bedroom that is a computer room and yarn stash room...wish I had before and after pictures...but I didn't do that. Suffice it to say, it was about a 4 day job to clean that room up and organize yarn and books, and then clean the dining room up and organize the yarn in there and De-De carried it upstairs to help me organize all my yarn into one room. It was such a labor of love and it is truly appreciated!

We stayed up late and knit and watched movies and talked and looked at pictures and just had a fabulous time together! We visited the Michigan Fiber Festival on Saturday and I learned how to weave a basket...This was one of the new things I learned. I've never done any basket weaving before and this class was a great way to learn it! Just before I left, I shot off an email to a friend of ours, Sally, who lives right near the fairgrounds. She stopped by to visit and invited us to dinner after the Festival closed for the day. What a special treat!! Sally and her daughter were such gracious hostesses! They treated us to a meal that would rival any 5 star restaurant!! Delicious and beautifully served. It was sweet fellowship! It was the cream on top of a great day!

By far the best thing about De-De's visit was learning to spin!! De-De taught me proper drop spindling and stick spinning. And I was finally able to get the hang of pre-drafting and then drafting fiber while spinning. Then De-De taught me how to spin on my very own Fricke Spinning wheel. This thing is perfect!! It has a whorl with 5 different speeds, came with 4 bobbins, and a lazy kate to boot! I absolutely love it!!! And I realized that I don't have to be afraid of spinning anymore!

De-De takes these awesome pictures!!

You can truly tell this is beginner yarn but I love it!!! Rebekah and I both enjoyed having De-De's attention and even though she is visiting her daughter now, we miss her company!Told you...awesome pictures!

And yet again...It's been a long time

2011-08-15T00:07:00.000-04:00

Just the other day my Step son was complaining because his summer is almost gone and he "didn't really get to relax" He's been going to football practice because he'll be playing Freshman Football for the Waterford Kettering Captains!! I've never been a "Football Mom" so there's lots to learn...But it's all good. I'm proud of him.

But I was realizing that my summer is almost gone too...not that I got any time to relax with responsibilities of a home and family and a full time job with overtime required to pay bills...But here it is halfway through August and I'm still wondering where July went! It has been a great summer though. We managed to make it to the beach owned by our association and really enjoyed the sun and sand...and we will still have time to enjoy it more! We also got to enjoy Rebekah's first Carnival. We paid for the wrist band and let her pick the rides...She kept wanting to go on the Ferris Wheel....Mom or Dad had to ride with her. needless to say...she' is still waiting to ride the Ferris Wheel!! She was almost fearless going on those kiddie rides alone. Some even flew in the air...and she loved it...Even put her hands up on the Kiddie Coaster!! She had a blast and my heart was full of enjoyment at her fun!!! We even enjoyed a few trips to the ice cream store!

In the middle of all this fun, we managed to help Chris get his stuff together for football and starting High School this year. It's a daunting task to take on a child when he is entering High School and try to make that experience enjoyable for him. But I really believe that Chris is not only having a good time being part of a team but that he is also going to succeed in the 9th grade!!

On top of all of this...I managed to knit project one and 2 of the Camp Loopy Challenge. The first project was knitting a shawl using 2 colors. It only had to be a shawlette...but I'm not much of one for little shawls...so I used 6 skeins of yarn! Considering that I finished that shawl in the one month given (June 15-July 15) and it used 1200 yards of yarn...I should have no trouble finishing the last project...using 800 yards of yarn! Only 800! That's easy! I knitted my Pamuya and added some yardage. I'll be knitting Old Shale for project 3 and won't be adding any right now. I also managed to finish my Baudelaire socks for Project 2. So tonight...I plan to cast on my Malibrigo Rios for the 3rd Camp project. And why, you may ask, do I do this...It's all for Wollmeisse...a free skein of Wollmeisse yarn...That ellusive yarn that is incredibly hard to obtain and so I am doing all of this for a freebie!!

Camp Loopy Cast on!

2011-06-15T08:51:00.001-04:00

I've been waiting to Cast on for my Camp Loopy project and then fell asleep before the official time! So I got up early this morning and got started! YEAH! I'm camping with my dear friend De-De and we are both knitting Pamuya but with different yarn. The Loopy Ewe has so many cool ideas and this is a hit for the owner. Have to buy the yarn from them and there will be 3 projects this summer. Very creative marketing!

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Happy Easter!

2011-04-24T13:23:00.001-04:00

Rebekah had a blast finding eggs after church today. Then she hid them and made Mom and Dad find them! That was incredibly fun for us!

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HE IS RISEN!

2011-04-24T10:47:00.001-04:00

O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus

O the deep, deep love of Jesus,Vast, unmeasured, boundless, free!
Rolling as a mighty ocean In its fullness over me,
Underneath me, all around me, Is the current of Thy love;
Leading onward, leading homeward To my glorious rest above.

O the deep, deep love of Jesus, Spread His praise from shore to shore!
How he loveth, ever loveth, Changeth never, nevermore;
How He watches o're His loved ones, Died to call them all His own;
How for them He intercedeth, Watcheth o're them from the throne.

O the deep, deep love of Jesus, Love of every love the best;
'Tis an ocean vast of blessing, ' Tie a haven sweet of rest,
O the deep, deep love of Jesus, 'Tis a heav'n of heav'ns to me;
And it lifts me up to glory, For it lifts me up to Thee.

One of my favorite ressurection day hymns.

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A Little More Fiber Adventuring!

2011-04-23T23:36:00.001-04:00

OK. 2 years ago my DH, Jim asked me what I wanted for Christmas. I wanted a drop spindle. I found one on Etsy made by Mainewoods. I ended up getting a Top Whorl and a Bottom Whorl and some roving to play with. I got the spindle in 2009 and tried to play around with spinning but had NO CLUE what I was doing. So I put it all away and went on with my knitting and got into some dying and have had fun...

Recently, my BFF, DeDe decided to have a Fiber Adventure Week. She's been dyeing, spinning, weaving, playing with Silk, all sorts of thing having to do with fiber! So much fun to read her blog posts about what she was adventuring into each day. This spurred me on to doing a little creative dyeing myself with my daughter yesterday. Today I got a different bug.

My husband asked me later why I didn't tell him what I had planned when we came home from grocery shopping today. I scrounged my stash looking for those spindles that I had put away long ago...Ironically, it was Jim who found them for me! And then later had the nerve to ask me why I didn't tell him it was going to take up my time for the next 2 hours! Well what did that matter...he was content to watch the Detroit Tigers beat up the Chicago White Sox. Ah well. So I got on the phone and called up DeDe since she is the one who started all this Adventure stuff..

And I Predrafted fiber in preparation for spinning...I would have never figured this out if I hadn't had DeDe as a teacher...This is why I failed those initial tries 2 years ago! I had no clue how to get started! According to DeDe's instructions I predrafted a bit more...but found I was a bit afraid to really let the fibers slide apart to much. Need more practice!

Once it started to look like this, I was ready to start Spinning on the stick I had...this is practice for a brand Newbie spinner trying to learn over a phone...and let me tell you just having a Smartphone doesn't help in times like these! Especially when that stupid Smartphone won't email or text pix while you are on the dumb phone...but I digress...

So I followed the instructions that I was given and within minutes I was creating the first steps of spinning yarn!! I was spinning it by drafting ( allowing the untwisted yarn to slightly twist while holding it away from the twisted, or spun, yarn) with my right hand and twisting it by rolling the stick on my leg with my left hand...I immediately changed hands and went the other way...much easier for me. Just a few minutes and some patient guidance via phone from DeDe and I had the beginnings of YARN!!!

I still have a long way to go and lots to learn. I was able to learn how to add more fiber to be drafted and then how to ply a short section together on my hand...I ended up with this...which has a long way to go and a lot of learning ahead...but I loved it!! I am creating yarn! I still have yet to learn how to spin on my spindles...but I ran out of time..tomorrow is another adventure...

Oh...by the way...my first attempt has already been confiscated as a princess crown! High Praise indeed!

Our Friday Fiber Adventure

2011-04-23T00:00:00.001-04:00

I have been watching my Best Friend's adventures in fibering this week and developing a jealous streak a mile wide. She has so many talents when it comes to fiber that I can only help but be jealous. So I got a little motivated to try something new with Rebekah today. It's the time of year we remember Christ's death and Celebrate His resurrection. Easter. Jim, Rebekah, and I colored some eggs as we have each year.

Then we needed to find something to do with the leftover dye we had. I really did not want to just dump it out without trying something new and fibery with it. So here Rebekah and I used a 10cc syringe and shot little injections of egg dye into already prepped bare yarn. I had already purchased yarn for this from Knitpicks. They have a great selection of bare yarns for dyeing. So anyhow...I prepped the yarn by soaking in water and as we already added vinegar to our easter egg color pots...I only added another 10 cc to each. After we were done with our eggs, I let Rebekah choose whatever colors she wanted to inject onto her yarn. She had so much fun! And I must admit so did I. We used up almost all of the left over egg dye just shooting it onto and into the yarn spread on the plate.

This is the two plates we ended up with...I finished wrapping it in plastic wrap and microwaving each plate for 2 minutes...then swapping plates and continuing that process every 2 minutes for 3 cycles...all of the dye was used and the water ran clear. After leaving it to cool off on the counter for a while...we rinsed the yarn in cool water with a dab of herbal shampoo...I didn't see any dye come off in the water so I was thrilled that the dye struck.

This is the result of Rebekah's after processing...right now the yarn is hanging in the kitchen to dry...and the process of choosing an appropriate pattern to make up socks for Rebekah and I...

So this is how we spent out Fabulous Friday Fiber Adventure. It turned out really nice. Rebekah's skein is on the left and mine is on the right. I am having trouble waiting for it to dry!!! I must tell you that this is DeDe's fault...she encouraged me to try something a little different with fiber. Maybe next time I will break out my drop spindle and play with some roving...

Just goofing around

2011-02-10T17:47:00.000-05:00

I got a great deal the other day on one of those bags with the plastic picture slots for holding snapshots of your favorite people. I only paid 3$ for the bag from Michael's because of their 40% off coupons. I have been wanting one of these bags and they had some in pink. So I decided to go through some of my recent pix of Rebekah and settled on only 5...because there is only 5 slots....it was a little hard to settle on so few. So I decided to share a couple here. I've already shared the one that I like while making paper mache the other day and here are a few more of my favorite daughter!!

She's a handful during the day but so cute when she sleeps! And she is a total fashionista!! She tells me what she wants to wear...

And then there is having fun with daddy!
And lets not forget my current favorite right now...my new Droid X will let me take Sepia pictures and I managed to get this one while we were riding the carousel at the mall a few weeks ago. So this is how I spent some time this afternoon. Along with knitting. Yes I haven't completely forgotten my knitting. I have completed one goal this year by trying a new craft with the paper mache. I can't believe that Joann Fabrics had coupons for 5$ off one item as long as it was at least 5$...so I managed to buy some Crayola paints for 2$ after using that coupon. I have been a customer of Joann's for many years and get the flyers sent to the house...and I have NEVER seen this coupon for 5$ off...5@ off a 25$ purchase...but not simply 5$ off...and what do you know...I go the newest coupon flyer for starting Saturday...and it had another 5$ off coupon. I have been trying to save money by couponing and this is a great deal for me! So anyhow...that's how we were able to get the paint for our paper mache project and we painted them last night. I haven't ever tried Paper Mache and I was excited to work on this with Rebekah. we had a blast. Dad took some pictures and I will post them later and get a final picture when everything is dry!

2011-02-01T18:53:00.001-05:00

Everyone gets in the fun

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2011-02-01T18:52:00.001-05:00

Rebekah pasting

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New Craft for me

2011-02-01T18:51:00.001-05:00

Rebekah and I decided to make papermache masks today. We have balloons, newspaper strips, flour and water. Rebekah mixed the paste and together we plastered the newspaper strips in the balloon. They are drying now and we will finish the rest after they dry.

So much fun!!!

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Just getting started on 2011

2011-01-20T02:51:00.000-05:00

OK. I actually survived 2010. And I have come to the conclusion this morning that January of 2011 is almost behind us! I cannot believe it. Seems like yesterday was Christmas. Well, actually, Monday was Christmas Tree take down/takeout day....so last week was Christmas, right????

I took a few days to look over my goals from 2010 and was surprised that a couple of them I actually did meet. I did make some socks from Cat Bordi's New pathways, I listened and read many books, but I don't think I got to the 50 mark. I did finish Jim's Wedding Afghan. And that's about all for accomplishing the goals. I worked toward all of them but I fell somewhat short of most of them. So incorporated into my goals for 2011 I have many unachieved goals...I'm wondering how many will still be unachieved in 2012? But that's a whole year away! So....

Here is my official list of goals for 2011:
Physical
1. Be 25 pounds lighter by 2012.
2. Exercise 20 minutes a day for 3 days a week.
3. Increase water intake and decrease pop intake
4. Do something with my hair.

Spiritual
1. Read Bible through in 2011.
2. Memorize one scripture at least every month.
3. Get back involved in church regularly.
4. Participate in a Bible Study.
5. Keep a prayer journal.

Home
1. Take back control of CHAOS.
2. Keep laundry under control.
3. Clean out computer room.
4. Clean and organize Dining Room.
5. Develop coupon budgeting.
6. Develop and stay on budget for household.

Hobbies
1. Read/listen to 50 books in 2011.
2. Read something recommended that I would not normally read.
3. Complete 3 Knitting UFO's.
4. Complete 2 projects using stash yarn.
5. Challenge the TKGA Level 1 Master Knitter Program.
6. Learn a new technique in knitting or craft.
7. Keep Ravelry updated.
8. Design socks for Rebekah.
9. Teach Rebekah to knit/crochet/weave/sew...something crafty with Rebekah.

So there it is. My official list of goals for 2011. I can't say that I am unhappy about 2010. I had a lot of obstacles to overcome last year, Jim's Hospitalization in January, Jim's Hip replacement in April, the terrible schedule of classes for May through December, starting Rebekah into Preschool and driving both Rebekah and Jim to and from schools, working midnights and trying to survive on one income, modification of primary mortgage and not losing the house...and so much more!

And through all of the year of 2010, I have not lost my Lord and Savior, He has been beside me all the way every day even when I had little time for Him (to my shame). I have not lost my best woman friend, DeDe. She has challenged me, encouraged me, and lifted us up before the throne of God in prayer when we needed it. I have not lost my dear husband, James. And I am grateful to God for His Mercy and Grace and continued work in our lives and marriage. I have not lost my dearest Daughter, Rebekah, although she is growing and quite a tomboy sometimes and performs feats that make a mother's heart quake! So, in all, I have lost nothing and gained much from 2010 and for all that I have learned and the experiences I have gained, I am grateful!

Regressing...seriously regressing

2010-08-20T22:51:00.000-04:00

Hi! Its been a long summer! Jim's been doing awesome in his studies and although it's finals week, He's going to end this semester with 2 solid A's and a B which is great for him after all he's been through this year. This summer is almost gone. I can hardly believe it! Seems like just yesterday I was picking Chris up from his last day of school to spend some time with us for the summer...this week, we were buying some school clothes for him to start 8th grade in a couple of weeks...and Rebekah will start preschool in September. I'm not sure I'm ready for my little girl to be growing up so soon.

My summer has basically consisted of work and driving. Jim has to get to school somehow...and after his final next Wednesday, he will have his 6 day summer break before he starts his final semester at OCC. After this fall semester, he can graduate with his Associates degree in Business. He'd like to take some more business classes after that...we are praying the funds come in for this.

So I have been doing a fair amount of knitting and listening to books and I realized that I haven't updated my blog at all!! In a way it's been interesting...I did get bitten by the Fair Isle bug finally. I'm part of the Sock Knitters Anonymous group on Ravelry which has a mystery sock every other month. July was a sock by Chrissy Gardiner done in colorwork. I really enjoyed knitting this and learning the technique! that accomplishes one of my annual goals. I just have to finish the second sock. I also used stash yarn from about 4 years ago...so that counts as well...2 goals worked on...

I've also been working on a couple of shawls that I'd like to finish. My ILS yahoo group is going to be doing the Icelandic Lace Shawl again. I bought the kit a long time ago from Sarah's yarns but the group was finished with the knitting so I shelved it. I dug it out in preparation for the KAL on the yahoo group. If anyone is interested, we will be starting October 1st and it's supposed to be a pretty easy knit. Its the Icelandic Lace shawl yahoo group.

So with all of these things on my plate plus I pulled out my February Ladies Shawl from the UFO bin and started working on it today. I really needed something to have on hand for those times when you need something to work on that is able to be done without directions or light, something that an be put down in the middle of the row and picked back up without losing stitches or forgetting where you are. So I decided that I had to cast on two more things. Seems everyone has to knit the Jared flood Noro scarf at sometime in their life. I picked some Bernat Mosaic for my first one because I couldn't justify 50$ of yarn for a scarf right now...but I ended up finding a clearance sale for some real Noro Silk garden yarn...so now I have 2 on the needles...sorry, no pictures of the Noro one yet....

So I have 3 shawls, 2 scarves and one sock on the needles and nothing completely finished for the summer knitting season!! Unless you count the 2009 Christmas Socks that I finally finished for my SIL!!! However I failed to get a picture of them...stupid! I also did some knitting on some Chemo caps for my Aunt. Quick and easy...gotta love those projects. My Aunt is recovering well from chemo and we pray that this does the job. This is my mom modeling my Aunt's hat. My aunt is her sister. And , of course, Bekah modeling one of the other hats.

So that's my summer in a nut shell...looking forward to next year for the first summer in 4 years that Jim won't be taking college classes!!!

Firsts of the Summer

2010-06-02T14:40:00.000-04:00

I am officially declaring it Summer Time! It feels like summer, it looks like summer, it has to be summer except for the calendar which hasn't caught up with the weather yet. We have been enjoying the wonderful weather so far and the firsts this year.

First off...Corn is in at the grocery! this is the first Corn on the cob that Rebekah has had this year and the first time she's ever "dug in" like this. We enjoyed a Bar-B-Que outdoors last week and Rebekah had to butter every one's corn...before digging in to her own...which she completely enjoyed! Afterwards, she had to finish Daddy's ear of corn too...

This year is also a first in that Mommy has been playing outside on the trampoline. I am trying to lose weight for a "Biggest Loser" competition at the hospital where I work. So I have been trying to exercise on the trampoline. Sometimes Rebekah joins me!

We have so much fun playing outdoors...it's so hard to believe that it's not really summer yet! I have a summer girl.

This weekend was Memorial Day, the first holiday of summer, and the parade and sunshine and flags and veterans, we thank you for sacrificing for our freedom. My Dearest Husband is an Army Veteran and I am so proud of him! He served in Communications in Germany. I love him and I'm so proud of him!! Thank you honey!

So we went to the parade on Monday. Armed with bags...who can resist giving candy to a little girl like this???? She came away with a HUGE haul of candy and lots of fun was had by all....even the lady who stood next to us during the parade was picking up candy for Rebekah! It was so much fun! Even Jim got into the action, cane and all!

So we have begun the summer fun even without summer...but we even have fun without the sunshine! This is Rebekah's first experience with paint...and very closely monitored by myself...I LOVE being a mom!

Getting Ready for the Second Half...

2010-05-26T18:20:00.000-04:00

We have been experiencing more drama in our lives since my last post. Jim had a total hip replacement in April. He is rehabing well but told me the other day that he is ready to be done with rehab. it seems that he has been in the rehab mode all year! Rebekah joined in his early rehab too... She's turned into a real monkey over the past month. We've been able to enjoy summer like weather already in May...it's unbelievable how warm it has been still in May. We are having 88 degree days! So we do a lot of playing outside in the early morning or in the late afternoon...I am developing a tan already!

So...this year has been a year of testing and trials so far...I realize that testing is designed to conform me to the image of Christ but I have to ask how much testing we can bear in one year? That is why I am declaring the month of June to be the new year! Jim is finally feeling better and he is back to school again after being laid up for the first half of 2010...and best of all...He is passing Algebra and Accounting with flying colors!! Rebekah is growing like a weed and developing an attitude of a princess...if we are not constantly careful she would run our home if she is allowed. Very hard headed child of mine...but a delight too! Here she is modeling Sweetheart Lovey. This is a great pattern that I test knit for DeDe and Rebekah loves to wear it.

I have been working on Jennifer's socks that I promised for Christmas. I was sidetracked by Jim's hospitalization in January and then lost the pattern and then decided that I really didn't like the first pattern I was using so I switched to Yarnissima's Sottopassagio.

I have also developed a new obsession...I found out that I am usually wide awake when the designer/dyer Claudia updates her Wollmeise website. This makes it possible to obtain some elusive Wollmeise yarn. This stuff is so hard to obtain that there is actually an entire board on Ravelry dedicated to giving tips on how to order this yarn. I managed to obtain 2 skeins from a fellow raveler and I can see why people are obsessed!! It is really saturated with color. I haven't knit with it yet...Need to finish Jennifer's socks first. Then I'd like to make up Sottopassagio socks out of the wonderful yarn that DeDe sent me for my birthday.

Oh and I turned 45 in May...It sort of passed without a lot of fanfare. Mom and dad watched Rebekah for us while Jim and I went to dinner and a movie. We enjoyed Iron Man 2 and the time being a couple. But I deny being that old...in fact, when the census worker came to our home (because I had lost our mail in copy of the census) and asked how old we were on April 1st...my initial answer was 43. I seem to be in denial!! Obviously I can't be that old being the Mom of a 3 year old!!

So that's about all for the catch up...I have been knitting, farming (on facebook), playing, praying, working, taking care of Jim and Rebekah, reading...Oh yeah I have been reading...mot as much as I'd like to but I have been....I finished listening to Flatland on Craftlit...this is my favorite podcast! If you enjoy listening to books you;ll love this podcast...in my opinion that is. I don't always agree with everything but I love Heather's Commentary about the books we are listening to. She puts a lot of hard work into researching the literature and giving us free Literature enhancement in a podcast. I feel so much smarter after listening. I think that Heather is an amazing literature professor and wish she had been around my college when I was taking English!!I'm not into math, but I found Flatland interesting! And right now we are enjoying Jane Austin's Persuasion. It's one of my favorite Austin books...Next up is Twain's Connecticut Yankee in King Aurther's Court. So join us if you have never listened...give it a try!

Well that's all for now! Have a wonderful day and Happy Knitting!!

I know! It's been a while!

2010-04-11T01:31:00.000-04:00

And I blame it on my friend, DeDe...she skipped off to Honduras and I haven't had my Kicker-in-the-seat-of-the-pants....to get me going and remind me to keep up with my goals for this year...but honestly it has been a really busy 3 weeks....

Easter has come and gone and it was fabulous!! We had Chris with us for the week and everyone enjoyed having him...I think Rebekah most of all...someone to play with. She loves her big brother! We colored eggs, and hunted them after church...Rebekah wanted to hunt them every day for the next week! Hated to throw out those eggs...but it was necessary after a while.
Everyone got into the fun!

We had wonderful weather for the time Chris was with us. The only drawback of the entire weeks was that we had just learned on Thursday that Jim would need a hip replacement this coming Monday. This meant visits to doctors, hospital, pain clinic, and another doctors office, and the college to pick up Jim's books for the summer classes...it happened so quickly that I was driving Chris home before we knew it and Rebekah was very upset because I would not stop the car and turn around and get her brother! She was really miffed for the rest of the evening!

So as I mentioned, Jim is going back into the hospital...and he vowed he wouldn't go back...but if he doesn't have this hip replacement...he won't be walking. He's in an incredible amount of pain. It only took 2 weeks from the PCP appointment and xrays to looking at having his hip replaced tomorrow! We know that God is in control of all of this, but it is hard to accept having to return to the hospital again...in the same year...willingly...

On the knitting front...I was challenged this year to make socks from Cat Bordhi's New Pathways book. And to use one of the Master patterns...so I am chose the sideways Master Pattern and I knitted my swatch! Just to be a good girl and do all the steps! I can't believe I knitted a swatch for socks! I am using some great yarn...Lorna's Laces, Shepherd sock, Black Purl...Its' really turning out lovely so far. I took some time last night when everyone else in the house was asleep...and measured my foot and instep and found my gauge and my rows per inch number and plugged all those numbers into Cat's formula for perfectly fitting socks...I'm sort of excited and really curious as to how these are going to turn out....I want to do the Jeweled steps or whatever the name is...I can figure out how to add those six little pattern stitches to my socks...since I'm using the Master Numbers and not the written pattern...my foot takes more than 62 stitches for socks!! So this is progress on one of my goals.

I also finished a couple more books...The Time Traveler's Wife by Audry Niffenegger, Stardust by Neil Gaimon, and I'm half finished with Undead and Unemployed by MaryJanice Davidson. Something tells me that I will be getting plenty of sock knitting and book listening done in the next 4 days...and no housework...but since we will be living at the hospital with Jim...who needs to clean house! I can't believe that I am going to have to mow the lawn sometime this week!! YUCK.

Oh...I should also explain that I have been battling illness myself for 4 weeks. I had bronchitis, asthma, reactive airway disorder...all in all a cough from the very pits of Hades itself. I went to see the doctor and got antibiotics...nothing worked...so I went back a week later hacking even worse and wheezing badly enough that I needed a breathing treatment in the office...never done that before...and ended up on steroids...40mg a day for 6 days then 20 mg for 5 days...If you have ever had steroids...you know that they give you a taper and you have all this energy for 6 days...and that you stay awake solving World peace with your mind running in 30 directions...Imagine taking twice the dose every day for 6 days...you get jittery, and anxious, and nauseated...you have energy but just don't want to do anything!! Or can't do anything because you can't focus on a single task...you flit from one thought to another....not the best thing to go through while needing to coordinate and prepare for your husband's surgery...And I will be finished with my course of steroids today...the day before Jim's surgery...so I will have the steroid crash when I need strength and energy...Ah well just my luck it seems! So if this blog post seems to ramble, to flit, to be completely incoherant...just remember that I am under the influence of some pretty powerful drugs. That's my story and I'm sticking to it!!

Spring Has Sprung

2010-03-22T00:04:00.000-04:00

OK...so officially, it was yesterday, but it seems like Spring has been trying to get here for a couple of weeks...you know it's Spring in Michigan when the orange barrels begin to pop up everywhere...and when it's 50 degrees outside and guys are wearing shorts...not just short sleeved shirts...but shorts and sandels...we long for spring to take over through the whole long dreary winter and when it finally gets here...it quickly melts into summer. I am one who enjoys Spring. A season of new life, growth, and rebirth...A season to break out the barbecue grill and dust off the hamburger turner, a season to go looking for last years tulip bulbs to pop up...and to search for the tiny crocuses as they peep through the grass...

All of these things bring to mind colors...and my good friend, De De sent my daughter some yarn while Jim was in the hospital. (She sent me some too....but I'm working with Bekah's right now...) The yarn is Superba Mexico. It has a number 003 as a colorway...but I think it looks like Spring flowers...like in an English Garden....and so I am knitting Bekah another pair of monkey socks...called Spring Flowers. She's already in love with them...and I have to admit that I am too!!

I did manage to finish my test knit for DeDe...another knitted item for Bekah that she is in love with...Sweatheart Lovey...

And since we are having such fabulous weather in Michigan...we took the opportunity to get some pictures outside!! So all you people who fled South for the winter...you can come home now...weather is fine!

Is There a Medal for Last Place??

2010-03-14T22:13:00.000-04:00

I am still trying to work on my knitting project that I was supposed to complete during the Olympics! Can you believe it....I only have a couple more rows and the bind off to finish. But between work, and work relates inservices of 4 hours, and ACLS recertification class, and working with no breaks, and being sick for 3 days with 2 days of recovery, and taking care of Jim for 2 days while he was sick, and then trying to clean house, and Spring Weather arriving early....Well I am still working on this project. It's gorgeous so as soon as it's off the needles I'll be posting about it. But I do think I now qualify for entering it into the Paralympics (since they are after the Olympics)...

I decided to take this evening now that my husband and daughter are asleep, and finish this project. to that end...I broke out my ALL TIME FAVORITE Movie!! Pride and Prejudice.
This is not the newest version out...Simply the BEST version ever produced...and now it's in Blue Ray...be still my heart!! Colin Firth in all his glory as Mr Darcy. Oh it's Eye Candy to behold!!! As a fabric lover (Knitting, sewing, and wearing...) I love the Blue ray edition! You can see the lace of the colors and shawls the ladies wear, you can see the weave of the jackets the men wear, you can see the tiny prints on the dresses that I bet you NEVER knew were there until you see it in Blue ray....So I am having my own little marathon of knitting and watching my favorite show in hopes that I finish my project in enough time to qualify for at least last place!!!

I did manage to finish reading a book last week...actual reading, not listening to an audiobook....Duty and Desire, by Pamela Aiden. It's the second book in the Fitzwilliam Darcy Triolgy that she has written. I highly recommend these 3 books if you are a Jane Austin Fan as I am...And if you are, you will also want to be listening to the Craft Lit podcast currently we are being treated to Jane Austen's Persuasion. Very good!!! And Heather Ordover is very interesting to listen to!

Well that's enough for now...wish I had a finished picture to show you...but I will have to finish it to show you!!! Stay tuned...

Unexpected Guests

2010-03-07T21:35:00.000-05:00

Today was a day that we were supposed to be in church...And shame on me...I overslept again and we ended up not going. I miss not being in church and am not happy with myself for being even a little lazy. No excuse...

Anyway...Jim and I decided it was time to finish cleaning around the house today then...so I started cleaning up the kitchen. This week has been a rough week for both Jim and I. Tuesday, I came down with a horrible case of Noro virus and as a result, I was sent home from working in the ER 20 minutes unto my shift on Tuesday. (I was overheard in the bathroom...embarrasing) I managed to make it home before anything else happened...and am I glad they sent me home when they did...I'd have been mortified enough to quit my good job if anything else had happened at work!

So this was our first unexpected guest of the week...it kept me down for 3 days...poor Jim had to watch Rebekah and listen to me moan...I was sick enough that I didn't even pick up knitting needles for Tuesday or Wednesday! Thursday I began to feel human again and decided that I just might live...Jim sits up all of a sudden and says, "I need a bucket" I barely had time to get one from the kitchen! Fortunately, his Second Unexpected Guest of the week only stayed around for 24 hours!

back to today...

I was cleaning up the kitchen which had largely gone untouched for the week...and heard the dog barking and all of a sudden Jim is crying for me to get the door (in my sleepshirt and loungepants no less...) because he'd fallen and couldn't get up...and lo and behold...our Third Unexpected Guests were at the door. These we were very happy to see...we haven't gotten together with Jim's Mom and Step Dad since Christmas...before Jim was hospitalized. It was so nice to spend the afternoon with them. Bekah had a blast dancing for Grandma and Grandpa and showing off her toys and especially spending some time coloring with grandma. She absolutly loved the day!! And we are very glad our Unexpected Guests decided to come for a visit!

A little late...but we're still chugging along!

2010-02-26T21:43:00.007-05:00

Well it's a little late for my weekly blogging attempt...but at least I'm still here!! Jim is getting stronger every day and for that we are very grateful to God. This past 2 weeks has been so incredibly busy and full that I hardly know where to begin!

Rebekah got to go sledding for her first time ever last week. Our church has a little hill in the back and the kids get to sled on it one Wednesday night of AWANA. Last week was the first time Rebekah had ever gone sledding. She was so excited that she got dressed in her snow pants, coat, and boots about 5PM and AWANA doesn't start until 6:45!! She was so excited and so cute!! The cubbies went sledding first and they had such fun. Rebekah and the other little girl that was with her went down the hill screaming and laughing and loving every minute. They would pull the sled back to the top of the hill and promptly jump in for another run down the hill!

Rebekah has also been potty training. She all of a sudden decided that it was time to use the potty instead of a diaper. I was in the bathroom the other day and Rebekah came in and said...I have to go potty Mommy. So she proceeded to pull off her diaper, lift the lid and sit down and go. She was so excited she hollered for Daddy to come look at her. "I'm doing it" she told him and proudly showed off the results!! So I got her some pull ups as a reward. It is still a work in progress...she's had a couple of mistakes, but she's getting it down.

She is also developing an independence streak a mile wide! She wants to do everything herself. We let her do what she can as long as she is not in any danger. She wants to help fix dinner with me. She stirs things, shakes gravy, mixes koolaid, even puts milk away...she can lift the heavy milk carton!! I'm grateful that my daughter is interested in cooking. At least I know she will be able to cook and clean when she gets older!

I have been working on a project that is really lovely...but I won't be able to finish in time for the ravelympics. I have to work the next 2 days so I won't be able to knit like when I'm at home...so I decided to finish up Rebekah's socks so that I could at least have those completed...

The other project that I have been working on is a test knit for DeDe...I will post pictures when it's finished and I have permission! It's been really fun to knit!

God is still working in Jim and my life while Jim recovers and adjusts with new medications. I am dealing with trying to get overtime in while taking care of the stuff around the house. God showed His care for us last week when my car quit. I got a ride home from the store from a nice couple and didn't end up dead. A few guys from church tested out the car and loaded it up and took it to Davison to be worked on. The guy who works on our cars was able to fix the problem for only 240$ and he changed the oil too. He also replaced the headlamp that was burned out. Would you believe that the next day the other headlamp burned out!! I still have to fix that.

We experienced 2 dumpings of snow in this week. I have Dad's snow blower but it failed to start. New gas and oil...but it still wouldn't start. So I had to bring it in to the kitchen to warm it up for 2 days...and then it started. So like a guy! You have to feed it and keep it warm for it to work well!! Oh well, it's works now and that's all that is important.

Olympics 2010

2010-02-14T21:13:00.004-05:00

I'm all about watching the winter Olympics. I prefer them to the summer. Maybe because I grew up on a lake in Michigan where my Dad used to create a great sled run from the back of the house up against this huge oak tree, down between our house and the neighbor's, and across the front lawn out onto the ice in the winter. It was fantastic! We used to have kids from all over the neighborhood coming to our house to slide...I remember the hours my brother and I spent skating on the lake, and ice fishing. I prefer the winter activities to the summer...I prefer the summer weather to winter though...don't get me completely wrong on this! I'll take sun over cold any day! I just really enjoy the winter Olympics!

That said...I have been looking forward to the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics and the Ravelympics that go on during the same time. It's a chance for me to look at stuff I'd like to finish or frog or try to complete during the 17 days of the Olympics. I'm trying to finish Rebekah's socks, make a second pair of socks for her,and I'm working on a really cool test knit...all for Rebekah! I would love to finish my SIL's sock from Christmas but in all honesty... I have the SSS (second sock syndrome) with that particular pair of socks!!

I've been reading, and finished The Graveyard Book and started one by James Patterson The Eighth Confession I think.

I'm ashamed to say that I haven't kept up with daily scripture reading like I have with other things. And I failed to memorize another verse this week. Those 2 things are now my priorities. I didn't lose anymore weight this week...but I didn't gain anything either.

My husband is improving everyday and although it is still hard for him each day, he is persevering through God's graciousness. It just takes time and I was never aware of how long recovery takes until now.

Now back to the Olympics!!

The one without pictures...

2010-02-07T03:34:00.003-05:00

Well this post will have to be without pictures...Jim and I both lost our computers to the place that is called "Geek Squad"/Best Buy...on Tuesday we took both computers in for service...again. Mine has a corrupt hard drive that will have to be replaced...and Jim's won't turn on...go figure...they just replaced this when they had it in for service in September and October for a month and a half! We are crossing our fingers and hoping for the best this time...

A bit of an update on Jim...he is getting stronger every day. Trach hole is closed completely...He is moving around better, more steady now. We have seen 1 doctor already and will see another this week. Rebekah has been trying to "take care of Daddy" she's really helpful with some things. She's been showing her independance though...most heard phase right now is "No, I want to do it". Just wish it were about the potty training!

I finally managed to get the first book of 2010 finished! I have listened to all 34 CD's of Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon. I also listened to Coraline by Neil Gaimon. I'm finishing up listening to The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaimon also. I'm reading 2 others...but haven't finished them yet...since my iTunes was on the hard drive that failed...I have lost all the new books I loaded into iTunes...Bummer! well the library will have them again...
I'm trying to have a vareity of things to listen to and to read...

I have lost a total of 8 pounds since the begining of 2010...which is good! We are not eating fast food now...Seems that we ate a lot more fast food when Jim was in school...probably the convenience...I don't miss it! I enjoy cooking and Jim and Bekah enjoy eating what I cook...It is rather lovely to have a family that enjoys eating good food! Not to mention a daughter that prefers veggies and apple slices to french fries!!

I haven't been so good in memorization and scripture reading...those are the things I really should be focused on...and I am not going to offer any excuse. I can find the time to do anything that I want to do!

I haven't started any new knitting projects, although Rebekah asks when I am going to knit her next pair of socks...during the olympics!!I'm on Team Michigan for Ravelympics...should be fun! I haven't been part of a team before!

Well that's all for now...have a fun week!!

A Gift from the Past

2010-02-01T01:32:00.006-05:00

We have spent a great week so far. Jim has seen a visiting nurse, physical therapist, social worker, and a new Doctor. He is gaining strength every day and for that we are grateful to God for His Blessings on our lives. We are trusting Him for even greater things. We spent the weekend together with Chris watching TV and playing games. Just a quiet weekend at home.

I also got a small gift from the past this week. Mom sent a package with a book that has helped her and she wants Jim and I to read...You Are What You Think. But along with the book was a small baggie of yarn. Mom had been doing some cleaning in their house in Florida. This is the place that Grandma T lived in before she passed away. Grandma used to manage a Stretch and Sew shop here in Michigan. I can remember going to work with her. She let me roll elastic and bag the customer's purchases. I must have been 9 or 10 and this was some of the best memories I have with Grandma. Years later Grandma worked alterations for Jacobson's Department store. Grandma was a great knitter...she was one of the ladies at the Rochester store in MI who could work alterations on St John knit dresses. I watched her steek and re-knit entire skirts...and at the Florida shop, she was the only one ding those dresses. I was proud of my Grandma! So when Grandma passed away, I was able to rescue her sewing machine (the one that I learned how to sew on...A Bernina) and her knitting stuff. Apparently I didn't get everything because Mom found this bag of pink yarn which I am sure came from one of those St John alterations. It is fingering weight yarn and I have 88 ounces of it. It's a really pretty pink. I burn tested it and although I can't tell if it is cotton or wool...I know it is not acrylic. Rebekah took one look at this little treasure and exclaimed "My new socks!"

And it only took 4 and a half Years!!

2010-01-25T01:54:00.004-05:00

Well, I have just finished Jim's wedding present. I bound off my Reversibly Cabled Afghan about 20 minutes ago. The ends of the yarn are not tied in...but Jim is using it and he loves it. He was discharged on Friday from the hospital so I didn't meet my goal of finishing it before he came home...but I am glad to finally have it off the needles. It is incredibly warm almost hot. This is Aran weight yarn to begin with and the afghan is reversible so it is knit almost double and very heavy. It's gorgeous if I do say so...and you can't find the mistake I made in counting rows. When I first began this afghan...I had a deep set aversion to charts and wouldn't use them to save my self...I have learned to use charts since because of all the lace knitting i have done in the mean time...and looking at the charts for this was so much easier to follow this month. I'm sure if I'd figured out charts before...I would have been done before the wedding!

On the other note...We are praising God that He has seen fit to allow Jim to come home. He is adjusting to home life again. He lost close to 30 pounds while he was in the hospital...most of it muscle, I can see the lack of muscle in his arms and legs. He is really weak but was able to navigate the stairs yesterday so that he could sleep in bed. He's already been seen by the VNA of Michigan and is supposed to have home Physical therapy and Speech Therapy. He is gaining strength every day but still has a long road ahead. He has to learn how to deal with anxiety and stress in more appropriate ways and he knows that. She we are both praying for God's leading to the best ways for Jim to manage his own stress. He came out of this whole ordeal a diabetic as well...so dealing with dietary changes has been challenging for him. He has an appetite and taste buds for the first time in years and is wanting to take advantage. Beside that, he isn't smoking and wants to snack all the time. These are just matters that we are turning over to God in prayer.

Playing the waiting game...

2010-01-19T20:26:00.006-05:00

Well so far this year it seems like Rebekah and I have been playing a waiting game...waiting for Jim's slow recovery. As of right now, Jim is finally off the ventilator and the trach was removed today and he is being transferred from the ICU as I am writing this! God is Good and His Mercy endures to the heavens! We are so grateful for the prayers that have been prayed on our behalf! It seems like so long ago that I took him to the ER, it's actually been 3 weeks today...and now it seems that things are really going fast towards his homecoming! We are hoping that he'll be able to come home, but realistic that if the doctors feel he needs inpatient rehab somewhere that's what we will do. Patience is a very difficult thing to learn.

While Jim has been in the hospital, Rebekah has spent every day with very generous people from our church. It is going to be wonderful to let her go see Daddy tomorrow! In the mean time, Rebekah and I have been really enjoying our Mommy/Daughter time together each evening. She has turned into a Tinkerbell fanatic...on top of Disney Princess obsession that I bet every little girl has! I must say that I can't wait for Jim to get home so that he can have his share of Tinkerbell watching. 4 times a day to watch the same movie starts to get monotonous...good thing for iPods and Audiobooks! We have learned to play some games and I get all of the smiles right now! I'm not sure how I'm going to feel going back to sharing my daughter's attention when Jim does come home!

Toward my 2010 goals...I lost 4 pounds this week..only 21 more to lose! I also completed 1 skein of yarn towards the completion of Jim's Wedding Present Afghan...It's Lily Chin's Reversibly Cabled Afghan. It's only taken over 4 years to finish and I'm feeling in the home stretch now. When I began 2010 and challenged myself to finish this...I had 4 skeins of Woolpak 10 plus half of the one I was currently knitting with. As of tonight's blog post...I have the half I am knitting with plus 1 more. So consider that this is so huge it is not a take-a-long project, therefore I only work on this one while I'm home and watching TV after Rebekah falls asleep...before I fall asleep myself. I have found myself knitting in my sleep so to say. Or should that really be sleeping while I knit???

I also turned the heel and am half finished with Jim's prayer socks..the pattern is Kristi Schueler's Gentleman's socks so that is another step towards my 2010 goals.

I am working on memorizing Psalm 138 and have been able to memorize the first verse so far. I cheated for the first 2 weeks of January and refreshed my memory with Philippians 4:6-7. Scripture and God and Knitting and Friends have been what has gotten us through this trial so far. I intend that these things are what will get us through the rest of 2010 as well!!

Some days are better than Others

2010-01-12T00:53:00.012-05:00

I've been making some progress on goals that I have challenged myself to this year 2010...I weighed myself on Sunday...and I will officially tell you that I weigh 200 pounds plus some! I wrote it down in the calendar that I am keeping track of everything in. I have also managed to blog once a week now...it's only 2 weeks.but it's coming along. I am working my way through a very long audiobook and even though I've been listening to it everyday and everytime I visit Jim...I still have 17 CD's of the book to finish. I started working on Jim's socks...prayer socks now, and I have only 2 balls left to be finished with Jim's Wedding Afghan. Somehow I find myself with less time now than before!

I have managed to re-memorize scripture. Philippians 4:6-7 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. THis is an old favorite and perhaps for the first full week of 2010...you could consider it as cheating, but it is so appropriate for what our family has been going through to memorize this verse...hiding God's word in my heart...It gives me something to think on during the difficult times when fears and doubts arise and I want to rail against God. I remember the verses I have learned now and as a child and they comfort me. i honestly do not know how people could make it through difficult times in their lives without the Lord.

So as the title indicates, Jim had a pretty rough day on Sunday but Monday was great! He was confused and restless all day on Sunday and wanted to go home. On Monday, he was calmer and off the ventilator. Praise be to God!! It's been a very rough Roller coaster ride this past week with the decisions that needed to be made for Jim's care in the hospital and for taking care of Rebekah. It is really hard to leave your daughter with someone else for the night while you go to work. But my church family has been awesome!! And Rebekah is having a grand adventure in all of this. I think she likes going to "Old McDonalds" every day and the dollar store! The sad thing is that Jim is missing out on a lot of firsts for her.

We had a wonderful snowfall over the past 2 days...I didn't teach her this, but she immediately flipped on her back and started making snow angels...must have been something she picked up from TV. We had so much fun outdoors...then Becka asked if the snow would still be here for Daddy to play in. So incredibly hard to answer that one! Like I said...some days, or even moments, are better than others!

We experienced a dreadful financial setback today as well...totally unexpected and immediately, my mind went back to that verse! It is very hard to leave those burdens in God's hands...but I have too much other stuff to deal with and need God's help to deal with everything He is putting on my plate right now. God had to know in advance what a shock it was going to be to me today, so He provided a care package from a dear friend I have yet to meet in person but is most dear to me. God prepared for her to send the package and mail it so that it would arrive on the very day I needed it most. If that isn't God...I'll eat the box it came in!! Rebekah and I had such fun going through our care package from DeDe today. Isn't it lovely! Rebekah wants me to knit her some more socks today!

look at all the fun things I got today! And I have it from good authority that the books is a great read...another to add to my list. Will start reading this one tonight!! thank you so much DeDe for being a vessel that God used to help me today!

So I have a choice now...i can choose to give in to the melencholy that accompanies the facts that my husband is still in hospital with a tracheostomy and I have to leave my daughter with other people while I go to work and I now have no padding financially to fall back on...or I can Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication WITH THANKSGIVING let my requests be made known unto God, and His peace which passes all understanding will guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus...

My Pilgrims' Progress

2010-01-05T16:23:00.005-05:00

2010 has begun pretty rough for our family. I took Jim to the Hospital on Dec 28 and he is still there...in ICU....and on a ventilator to breath...from Pneumonia. I have rediscovered the comfort that comes from resting in God's arms. the only place I find peace and comfort is under His control. This is one of my goals and I'm relying on God so much right now as it should be...This has been my constant companion (next to my cell phone!)

I also set a goal to finish Jim's Wedding Afghan that I started knitting over 4 years ago before we were married...it has been relegated to this bag despite having only 4 balls of yarn left to knit in order to complete the afghan. I got it out on Sunday night and am going to finish this thing before Jim comes home. I realize just how much I love my husband and how much I miss his voice. This is a very hard day for me as I had to make the decision whether to allow the doctor to trach Jim. It's an easy decision to think about as a nurse...VERY hard to decide as a wife. I hope that this decision will make it easier and quicker for Jim to be at home.

I also decided that Jim needs socks...prayer socks in particular...I will be working on these as well..started one pair this afternoon...I finished another pair of mini monkeys for Rebekah and she loves them! Just have to get a picture of them when my model is awake...

So this is the story of my progress so far...Oh and my wonderful brother cam over to watch Rebekah on Sunday so that I could go to the hospital...and he vacuumed the living room even under the couch (GROSS) and put the bikes up for me...and didn't remind me what C.H.A.O.S. my home has become...He's a terrific brother.

My church family never ceases to amaze me in loving and giving. When pastor told them I needed help to watch Rebekah, sometimes over night...there was an outpouring of people willing to help me out. I am so grateful and God is again showing me His care and comfort that only he can provide!

2009 in Review, Bring on 2010!!

2010-01-02T19:17:00.003-05:00

All right...so 2009 is behind us and it has been a very busy year. Seems like yesterday I was trying to figure out when Easter was for 2009 and here it is 2010 and I'm still trying to figure out when Easter will fall...

We had a great year. Jim has been working hard at Oakland Community College and has studied hard to get through. This last semester was the hardest, but he pulled it out with an A, two B's and two C's. I'm so proud of him.

This year saw Rebekah turn 3. She's been growing quickly and polishing her quick wit. She's learned to dance and wants to be a ballerina right now. She has even learned to do an Irish dance like they do on the Wiggles. She's learned to tell knock-knock jokes too! She started Cubbies this year too, and has been memorizing scripture. She's learning to draw, she's perfected counting and counts everything...at least to 10 that is! She's a big help to mommy as well as a fashionista!! Just try to tell her that dresses are for Sunday School!!

God has been working in many areas of my life and I am trusting Him that He knows what He is doing. I just have to be patient and obedient and those are the hardest things for me to do. But because He is patient, He is continuing to work in my life despite me!

God allowed me to make a new friend online this past year. I had the opportunity to do some test knitting for her (you can check my Ravelry page to see Concerto and Symphony). She has helped me in so many ways and for that I am grateful ( you know who you are!!) She encouraged me to set some Challenging goals for 2010 and so I am going to list those now...to make it all legal and all...I am still working to develop Professional goals. Those are hardest to come up with because I really cannot see myself going back to school at ager 45 with a 3 YO daughter!!

Anyhow...here's my goals for 2010!!
Spiritual
1. To read something from God's Word every day of this year.
2. To keep a prayer journal and update weekly, pray without ceasing.
3. To memorize 52 different verses or passages.

Personal
1. To lose 25 pounds this year.
2. To organize housecleaning and gain control of C.H.A.O.S.
3. To go through clothing and make donations to Salvation Army.

Hobby-cal
1. To knit a pair of Cat Bordhi socks from New Pathways book.
2. To design my own sock pattern for a toddler. (This is an encouragement from the friend who challenged me to do this!)
3. To learn to spin with my drop spindle (Christmas 2008 gift from Jim!!)
4. To finish at least 3 UFO's.
5. to read/listen to 50 books/audio books
6. To knit 3 different things from stash yarn only.
7. To organize fiber/accessories/needles into 1 room.
8. To blog weekly.
9. To finish Jim's Afghan that I started as a Wedding present in 2005.
10. To knit at least 2 pair of socks for Jim this year.

This is just the begining of the year and I am like anyone else starting out with New Year's reolutions...I'm excited. But I tried to make these realistic goals that I really want to accomplish and I'm going to trust God to help me to attain these goals for 2010!!

Long Time...playing catch up!

2009-12-13T16:16:00.018-05:00

Well it's been such a long time since I blogged and I really don't want to bore you with everything that has been happening. Suffice it to say that it has been a very busy semester for Jim. He has taken on 5 classes with a total of 15 credits and he is passing all of them and has A's in 3 classes. i am so proud of my husband!! it has been a hard haul but the end it coming into sight for him. So needless to say, I have been busy driving us all around and playing with Rebekah.

Rebekah started Cubbies this year at church...she Loves it and is able to repeat all the verses she has learned so far! She's got about 12 of them memorized to sing. I caught on quickly to how fast she learns and remembers when we sing...so we make up little tunes to learn her verses by, all the I have to do is hum the first bar of the tune and she is saying (or rather singing) the verse. I am so pleased that she is hiding God's Word in her heart at this early age. It will definitely give her comfort in the future. She is also learning other things like how to play organized games and take turns. She has good teachers and I so appreciate their willingness to participate as leaders in AWANA so that Rebekah can benefit from them.

Rebekah turned 3 since I last posted. She had 2 parties!! And was princess for the entire week...or month...or maybe I should just say she is princess everyday...sometimes good and sometimes bad, but she is still a princess in our eyes...Grandma T made her a pink twirly dress that she adores and has a hard time taking off at night...She talks about her grandparents all the time...both sets. She got huge box of play doh fun stuff from Grandma and Grandpa D. and got to spend time with Aunt Carol and grandpa and Grandma at Bob Evens where only her meal was free!! Still she had so much fun celebrating her birthday with everyone...

She was Sleeping beauty for Halloween and kept putting the dress back on for 5 days... Until I hid it so I could wash it!! She had so much fun going out...even if she did insist on wearing the heels that came with the outfit!! Now she begs to wear it to play dress up in. I am so grateful for a child with an imagination beyond watching TV all day!!
God has blessed us and Jim and I are ever mindful of the treasure that God has shared with us to raise and train up to love and obey God. In today's day and age we know that raising a child has a lot of hard times, there is so much to combat in our society that is against God...We pray that God will continue to help us guard her heart and keep her drawing close to Him.

We are getting ready for grand Christmas this year. Jim has been out of a job and going to college for over 2 years now and the Lord has really provided for us in ways that I never saw...there are times that I am nervous and not trusting but somehow we seems to make it despite the difficulties of one income. It can be done, we just have to learn to cut back. This Christmas will still be wonderful as we are all together and healthy and safe. Rebekah and spent some time coloring pictures and decorating the tree...

Through all this I have been knitting... I've done some test knitting....Symphony and Concerto...

And some Christmas knitting...and some knitting that was supposed to be for Christmas. Have you ever tried telling a 3 YO that she has to wait until Christmas to wear socks like these!! These are mini Monkeys that I adapted from Cookie A's now famous Monkey sock pattern! Rebekah loves them! and they were so much fun and easy to knit...now it's time for more...After I have some fun playing with my daughter right now!!

Labours of Labor Day

2009-09-07T13:49:00.005-04:00

Some of us end up working holidays...people are always sick and hospitals never close their doors. However...as a nurse...I'm still supposed to work only 2 of the 4 summer holidays. For the 2nd year in a row...I've worked 3 of them. And I worked 5 days of the 9 "winter holiday" obligations last year too...We'll see what happens when I turn in my requests for Winter this year...Maybe I will actually get one complete holiday off. I understand that as a MN shift person...my holiday is actually the night before. But I still consider it working on the holiday if I have to go in to work on Christmas day at 7PM!!! We'll see.

That little rant being done...I'm glad that I worked last night and now I have my 3 day weekend for my holiday!! I've got so many things planned to do with 3 days in a row off. There is laundry and cleaning and spending time with Rebekah and Jim and taking care of the kitchen and making meals other than hot dogs on the grill...I love it.

Rebekah is growing up too quickly....She will be starting AWANA on Wednesday night. I was part of AWANA as a child and later I was a leader for 8 years and now my daughter will be starting at the earliest age. She'll be 3 in less than a month...so she will start her first year of Cubbies. She's already got the beginning pamphlet and we have been looking it over every day. I am ready to be back into the mode of going to church on Wednesday nights!!

I really have been doing a lot of knitting lately...but some of it is test knitting so I cannot share it yet. I am working on my Venice shawl, my MIL's Susie hoodie, my February Lady Sweater, and some socks. I joined the Sock Knitters Anonymous group and although I really do not like the color yellow on my... I decided to try the Mystery sock. It's a Nancy Bush design and already has some interesting stitches. The one is called a Vikkel Braid. I've never seen this before let alone done it. Followed the directions...and Walla...Vikkel Braid. OK...so I did look at the tutorial because my first attempt at the braid was worked on the wrong side of the sock. Now I've got it right and it works well.

To top all that off...I still have several UFOs hanging around the house and I was sent the Lollipop Skirt link by a friend. Rebekah took one look and pronounced it her "Sunday School Skirt". So I had to get the yarn and start up. This is a rather easy knit...all stockinette in the round...gets sort of monotonous...but it makes for really easy knitting when I don't want to pay attention to my knitting.

And I just got the yarn for another test knit!! Lots of knitting to be done!! But must attack Mount "Washmore" first!!

The Dream Cruise 2009

2009-08-15T23:04:00.006-04:00

I have been in the Dream Cruise before. Sometimes it was on my way to work...sometimes it was to gawk at the classic cars. I can still remember the first year my dad took us and we drove Woodward Avenue with the classic cars all around us...we were in a GM van with both side doors open so that we could see cars on both sides of us and so that the people sitting on the grass next to the road watching could see through us...

This is the first year I have ever ridden in a classic car!! It really adds to the dream cruise when you can cruise in a classic car. People are looking at your ride...asking you to peel out...taking pictures of the car you are riding in...waving at you. It was so cool!! Dad drove the 1963 Cadillac Convertible and we enjoyed 2 hours of the Dream Cruise today. It was Rebekah's first cruise and she loved it...even if she did fall asleep!

This was by far the best Cruise I have been in! Thanks Dad. We even got in a White Castle Slider or two!

A Week of Firsts

2009-07-30T14:55:00.005-04:00

This has been a week of firsts at our home. It's the first time I finished a project and bound off...then found a dropped stitch and had to rip back. Can't show pictures...because I didn't take any!! I was too upset with myself.

It is also the first time I've done Monkey socks and finished them...to give them away as a gift for a friend...I tend to do that...Baudelaires and now Monkeys...

These were wonderfully easy to knit. After one repeat of the pattern...it was easy to keep track of and fun to knit. It only took so long because of all the other things I am working on...

This week is also a first for Rebekah. She is growing up too quickly!! Our church is having VBS this week. It's a space
theme and Grandpa is the "Captain". She is really enjoying it and has fun watching Grandpa in the skits each day. She is still only 2 1/2 but she is learning to integrate and play with other children and follow instructions and leaders. I'm looking forward to having her be in AWANA this fall. It's one thing for us to teach her Christian principles, it's another to have them taught by someone else and for her to practice things like sharing and playing fair and obeying adults (including her parents!!)

The first day..she was dressed and waiting at the door for Grandma to pick her up...off she went to her first time at VBS. No crying or anything...She's such a big girl!! And she had fun at Bible School and learned about the Bible being the Ultimate Authority. They played games and made crafts...

A cool new thing

2009-07-14T19:19:00.004-04:00

I was looking at a friend's blog and found this cool new gadget!! If you scroll to the bottom of the page...you'll see my travel logs. Where in the world I have visited and where in the US I have visited!! It's really cool!! Check it out...Now I know which states I need to visit to see all 50 in my lifetime! It helped that as a child, my family used to go on vacations...a lot...and we spent one summer out west in a Winebago. I remember it a such fun...but I'm sure that my parents would have a different story about how Brian and I complained and fought all the time!!

I guess that looking at things mow...my life has been really good..even during my single years...all the placed I was able to visit and such. I only hope that we will still be able to give some of that to Rebekah as she grows up. Grand Canyon, The Smokie Mountains, The Appalacians, Mount Rushmore, Washington DC, New York, Chicago, Africa, and Europe. It would be so much fun to share some of those memories wit Rebekah as she makes her own memories in the future.

Speaking of Rebekah...We've been swimming lately...Rebekah is learning to float now...She likes her ladybug. We had a great time for the 4th of July as well. I can't believe that the summer is more than half over!!

I have been knitting even though it doesn't actually look like it. Right now...I have a new shawl...Mia Bella! And I started into my next shawl...Masked Ball in Venice. I also have a pair of Monkey socks on the needles for Kristine. Actually...I have 2 pair of Monkey socks...one for me as well. And I'm a test knitter as well. Once I can show pictures of that I certainly will!! Plus I have 2 sweaters on the needles and one sweater that I really want to do with some awesome yarn that was handdyed by Wendy, the Yarn Fairy!! I just haven't been able to let myself start another sweater with 2 in the works already!! Here's a pic of my Mia Bella (with our new digital camera...long story, but FYI Digital camera + Mountain Dew + 2 1/2 YO daughter and Best Buy warrenties will get you a new camera all the time!! Love it Olympus Stylus 10mp camera that is also WATERPROOF!! It acutally allows you to take underwater pictures!! anyway...)
I love this shawl. It was the las KAL on the Knitting Delight yahoo group (german) and Brigit Freyer always produces such lovely shawls!! Here's mine!!

I suppose this is enough catch up for now!!

Oh...AWESOME recipe for Apple Dumplings!! This is one of those "eat at your own risk" recipes!! Totally yummy!! And really great warm with ice cream!

That's all for now!!

What have I been up to??!?

2009-06-08T17:01:00.011-04:00

OK...so between Facebook, Plurk, Twitter, Ravelry, and my blog...my blog suffers...it takes a little longer and there aren't any word games!! We really have been doing stuff. It's been so long that I won't bore you with all the pictures and things...

Jim is doing great this first half of the summer semester at OCC. He's getting A's in all 3 of his classes and these are doozies!! But he is doing great and I'm so proud of him. And he still has time to help Rebekah learn to ride her tricycle. What a great Dad!!

We had a great Mother's day and my birthday. Mom was home from Florida.

We celebrated Memorial Day with the annual Waterford Parade down Dixie Highway. Now Rebekah wants to go everyday!! She loved it. And loves having Grandma and Grandpa home from Florida.

Rebekah is now able to count to 12 and say her ABC's. She also learned "Hallelujah" yesterday at church and is having a great time singing today. She was the hit on Palm Sunday morning...I was ringing bells up front... She is such a joy!

I have been knitting too. And because of the Cyber Fiber Retreat that one of my yahoo groups had (Love it!!) I also learned to kool aid dye yarn...

And I've knitted hats and shawls and still working on sweaters and making plans for more shawls...I'm almost finished with this one (only 6 more rows...but lots of beads, that slows it down...)

And we have still had time to fly a kite!!!

It's finished!! My first BSJ

2009-02-08T20:13:00.005-05:00

I had an online friend challenge me to knit a BSJ (Baby Surprise Jacket) from Knitting Workshop by Elizabeth Zimmerman. So I found some stash yarn and started. I headed the instruction to not try to figure it out and just knit. I should have taken a picture of the object that I knitted before I sewed up the 2 seams. It sort of reminds you of a rectangle with a cinched waist. I really enjoyed knitting this and here's the finished object!! Except for buttons. We will find some tomorrow.The only problem is that you don't see the color in the photo. There is burgundy and a hint of pink in the yarn itself. It just shows up grey in the picture. No matter how I tried. Oh well...Rebekah likes it!!

We finally had warm enough weather to make a snow man that Rebekah wanted to do all winter. It had been so cold that the snow wouldn't pack. Chris came for the weekend and we had such fun!!

To Play or Not To Play

2009-01-20T10:52:00.013-05:00

It seems like I have too many things to do!! Most of all...I play and I love playing with...My Little Princess. I had a difficult time convincing her to take off the dress for about 5 days!! Even then, it was only to put on Princess Jammies...Oh to be a child again.

I have been doing some knitting as well! Currently, I am working on my Harbour Lights Shawl

I am also working on Pearled Romance...Charlotte Bronte...
Lady Jane...and looking ahead to a Spring Shawl and Mystic Star.

I also finally started my February Lady Sweater that I have been dying to knit for about 6 months!!

I'm just glad I'm not the President and have time to play with Rebekah and knit!!

(these thoughts and pictures uploaded while watching the Presidential Inauguration today.)

Whew!! It's a brand new year...

2009-01-01T16:39:00.008-05:00

Happy Holidays!!

I made some resolutions yesterday. I want to lose weight (doesn't everyone?) I need to spend more time in the scriptures (doesn't everyone), and I need to finish UFO's this year. I have a challenge going with another knitter to knit the most yardage this year.

I cannot believe that the Holidays are over. We were busier than it seemed. Jim finished up his first Semester of school with flying colors except for one class. We had a great Christmas and now are enjoying the New Year today. We watched the Spartans lose the Capital One Bowl game and the Red Wings win the Winter Classic Hockey game that was played at Wrigley Field.

I have been contemplating my knitting lately...I am casting on for Harbour Lig hts shawl by Sivia Harding. I'm using Dream in Color Baby in the colorway Beach Fog and beads from Alada Beads in Sterling Heights. I'm also working on Pearled Romance in Zephyr in colorway Cassis. I finished my Fall Shawl but don't have it blocked yet...I'm also considering some Monkey socks from some of the sock yarn I have. I have yarn for the February Lady Sweater that I want to do this year as well!! I know there is much more that I will find to do this year so I hope that I will stick with it and finish up some of the many UFO's that I got organized to finish when I was in the Finishupitis contest.

We had a great Christmas. Rebekah had a great time opening her gifts and everyone else's. She got a Baby Doll from Uncle Brian and Aunt Jennifer. After ripping off the paper from the end of the box, she couldn't wait to get into it!! She loves her Baby!

It's been a long time!

2008-12-01T02:24:00.005-05:00

I have been really busy lately between Jim's school work and my work and Thanksgiving and starting to get ready for Christmas. I was able to finish my Central Park Hoodie and My Baudelaire socks. I'm working on some stuff now from a couple of years ago. I'm in a Finishupitis contest and it's been a good motivator towards getting things done that have been on the Needles for a while. Here they are!!

Now back to my regularly scheduled knitting!! More Finishing to come soon!

Halloween Haul

2008-11-03T02:21:00.007-05:00

I can't believe how long it's been since I posted!! Well...We bought 4 bags of candy to pass out on Halloween. I figured that we would take Rebekah around for about 20 minutes and then come back home and pass out candy for the rest of the time. It didn't work that way. The weather was so nice! People in our neighborhood were out on their porches sitting in lawn chairs to pass out candy. The kids were out without need of coats. It was like a scene from those Disney movies with the kids trick or treating in California or Florida where it's always warm. Anyhow...we took Rebekah out as Angelina Ballerina. So was absolutely adorable!! I did knit her some ballet slippers but they weren't appropriate for walking outside in (although she loves those slippers!!)

I sort of figured that she would get tired. Should have known better!! She walked the entire way about 1.5 miles around our neighborhood and back home. I only helped her up some of the steep steps. She got to the end and was saying "Treat" and then she'd wave and say "Bye Bye" when we walked away. Even some of the other kids were commenting on how cute she was. Can you hear the pride in my voice as I write this? We had so much fun as a family and I am so glad we had this beautiful day so that we could enjoy Rebekah's first Trick or Treat!

She ended up with a shopping bag full of "CANNY" and chips. So far, I am very proud of her...She knows were the candy is and hasn't been pestering up for more. We do limit her candy intake because she's already a handful without being hyped up on sugar!!

I just had to throw in this one...Rebekah and Daddy love to build tall block buildings. I absolutely love watching Rebekah play! If there is one thing I am praying for as a toddler...I want my Daughter to have fun playing! I don't want her to grow up so fast and join the ranks of kids who hide out in their rooms on computers and cell phones and video games. She loves her Mommie and Daddy and demands their time and attention to play with her and I think this is a good things for her and for us as a family.

I the knitting way...I have been working on my Fall shawl. It is coming along really nice. I decided to take it off the needles and put it on fish line to sort of spread it out and take a picture. It's a yarn blob on the needles and I can't really take a picture of it, So I quickly spread it out on the bed...This is one of those quick snap shots so it doesn't show the beauty of the shawl as nicely as it really is. I wish I could take classes in photography so I could compose better!!

Can you believe...All that work and I forgot to measure it!! It's still on the fish line right now so I will lay it out again and measure what I've done so far. This picture is through clue 5. I think it's a lovely way to use this variegated yarn that I love from Knit Picks. The pattern and the yarn don't compete.

I'm starting work on The Charlotte Bronte shawl. It's for Knit The Classics Yahoo group. We are going to be knitting this shawl or another project of your choosing and listening to or reading classic Bronte. I'm still finishing up the Craft Lit episodes for "The Turn of the Screw" and when I'm finished with those, I have "Jane Eyre" ready to listen to and "The Tenant of Wildfell Hall" as well.

I really like Craft Lit for a podcast. Heather Ordover is amazing! Classic books that are in the public domain are read each episode. Well, chapters of the book that is. Right now we are listening to Little Women (one of my favorites growing up) But what makes this podcast so great is Heather's explanation of the literature and things to be aware of. It's like having a mini Literature appreciation lesson. I'm really enjoying it. I just found this podcast, so I am also going through back episodes of it as well. It keeps me company on the long drives when Jim and Rebekah fall asleep in the car. I would recommend this podcast to everyone. I also recommend Faery Knitting with Erin. She reads the fairy tales that are public domain and discusses knitting, goats, milk and cheese...all very interesting. There are several other podcasts I listen to, but these are superb for the book and story telling!

SOTS3 is finished!!

2008-10-15T20:42:00.006-04:00

I did it this time, I finished the Secret of the Stole III in time! I loved knitting this one and it looks beautiful. Rebekah loved it too and posed for a couple of pictures. I still have to block it but it looks like I will have to wait until Friday to do that.

I also started to work on the Fall shawl by Wendy McDonnell. It's a shawl that she designed for using the variegated yarns that we like but never seem to be suitable for most stoles or shawls. There is a lot of design choices that we get to make, like where to place the flowers and buds in the second clue. I am finding it very interesting. Not like others I've done that just chart the whole thing out. This is my shawl. I'm sort of designing it a little because I get to pick how the sections will ultimately look. So far, all I have are pictures of the first clue. I'm still working on the second clue.

Catching up on my Knitting

2008-10-07T16:10:00.005-04:00

It has been a profitable kniting weekend (even if the laundry hasn't all been folded and put away). I completed Clue 8 of SOTS3. I can't believe that this stole will be finished next week!! It's been so nice to knit and is turning out beautiful. I don't have a clue as to the theme except for snow. Maybe Aspen or Colorado. We will know soon. I just want a chance to win the grandprize of that yarn from Colourmart!!

I also started the armholes on the Central Park Hoodie I'm working on. I didn't have a clue as to how to keep this going in the round but it seems to be working for me this way and I'm controlling the 3 skeins of yarn at one time so far. I like how this pattern is turning out and am planning to maybe knit it for myself without the hood, just a collar. It's also a nice easy nit and the cables make it look fancier than it really is. I use the cableing without a needle method that I learned from Grumperina's Blog.

I also started the pansy shawl from Schoolhouse press. As if I'm not already in enough KALs!! I have started and frogged a number of shawls...so it remains to be seen if I will end up finishing this one also!! I bought the yarn from Wendy of http://www.wendysmodestdress.com It is hand dyed and smells wonderful even while I am knitting with it. It is simply beautiful yarn to knit with, soft and smells scrumptious!!

Next month Wendy is hosting a Finishupitis contest on the Icelandic Shawl Yahoo group and I plan on being involved in that. I promise not to start anything else (fingers crossed) and will figure out what projects I really want to finish and which will end up in the frogged forever pond!!

Really!! I have been knitting!

2008-10-04T12:51:00.014-04:00

It's been a bit of a hard week. Jim and I have both been ill, Rebekah has the sniffles. I worked 3 nights in a row (which totally kills me). I also started Precepts Bible study at church (the best in deapth Bible study I've ever done) and today is Rebekah's 2nd Birthday!! We had a little family party with Grandma and Grandpa T and Uncle Brian and Aunt Jennifer last night with Spaghetti and salad and cornbread muffins and cake and ice cream. I have been waiting for her 2nd birthday for a while!! Here's why...

When Dad was 2, my Grandparents gave him this wagon. On my 2nd birthday, I had cake on the same wagon. Mom and Dad have this wagon now and Rebekah plays with it when she visits Grandma and Grandpa....so....

Rebekah had a great little birthday party! And I have documentation that a Ride-Em wagon will last over 60 years!! And still provide lots of fun to children of all ages.

On other fronts, I am working on the Central Park Hoodie and got to the sleeves. I don't know if I am doing it right to qualify as knitting in the round, but it looks good to me and is working in my mind. Maybe I'm "unventing" something in my own way. Anyhow, it's fun!! And I promise to take a picture soon. Check here for further updates or on my Ravelry page (joylinnknits).

I also finished Clue 7 of SOTS 3. I can't believe that I have kept up with this one!! I hope to finish in time and be entered in the final drawing for the Colourmart yarn!! That would be so great!!! This is not the greatest picture. I took it at work over the only thing I could find that was big enough. It's not such a great backdrop, but it's done! I should have posted it earlier. I finished it on Wednesday night.

Yarny Goodness in the Mail

2008-09-26T14:18:00.005-04:00

Remember when I won the completion prize for Clue 3 of SOTS3? It came in the mail yesterday! YEAH ME!! Its scrumptious yarn. Hand spun/hand dyed from Yarnzone. It's naturally dyed in green from mexican Olives. I think its gorgeous! And there is a pattern for a lacy scarf that I can make with it. Rebekah took the bag with the yarn and added a couple of skeins and was trotting around the house with it yesterday. Also in the package was a tiny skein of yellow yarn that Rebekah claimed. She made me take the staple out from the card and give it to her and immediately, she rubbed the yarn on her cheek! I'm raising a Yarnaholic already!! I wish I'd taken a picture of it. I can't post that because she is spending the night at Grandma's tonight and I don't have the picture. But I can post this picture

Drastic changes

2008-09-23T22:26:00.002-04:00

Ok, I've been thinking about this lately and just up and called my hairdresser today. She had an appointment at 2 so I colored my hair, rinsed it out and went to see Kacie who cut it off. She cut off about 6-7 inches in the back. I love it!! I guess I should have taken a picture of it and I will, I just felt a need to post today and that's the big decision I made. It made me feel so good that I had to put on makeup to go to work, it just didn't feel right without makeup...ya know? I'll get a picture tomorrow and post it up.

I'm still working on SOTS3 and am really surprised to still be keeping up. We are into clue 6 now and it is beautiful!! I love my yarn and plan to send a finished picture to the dyer that I bought it from on Etsy. I am also still working on the last sock of my Baudelaire pair. I am also loving to work on Julie's Central Park Hoodie. This yarn is scrumtious!! It is so soft. The pattern calls for Donegal Tweed. I used some of that a few years back for another project and while the colors are beautiful, the yarn is not soft. I decided to use Shepherd's Wool from Stonehenge Mill in Michigan. Heritage carries it and it is lovely. 250 yards and soft!!! Beautiful!!

Anyhow, that's all for now. Some day soon I will bake some cookies for Jim. He's been hinting pretty loudly for them!!

UFO Wednesdays

2008-09-17T18:41:00.006-04:00

I had an "I got it" moment today. I have had several projects languishing as UFOs and have been trying to decide what to do with them. So I had this idea (or brain fart, call it what you will) and decided that Wednesdays will be Work on UFO Day for a while. Having decided this, I picked out my Peacock Feathers Shawl from Fiddlesticks and began to work on it. I had to do some reading of the directions because this particular pattern is mirrored. You have to work the chart right to left to the center then work it back left to right from the center to the end of the row. Then you also have to reverse the stitches on the second half. It's not really as complicated as it sounds, I just had to get my bearings about me before I started it again. I hope that this idea will help me to get some of those UFOs completed that have been sitting around for quite a while. I started with my shawl like this:

And ended the day with it looking like this!

I've been working on Chart 2 of this pattern today while watching Rebekah. I was able to finish the whole chart but found that I was making a few mistakes and really had to tink a lot more than I should have. It's probably the cold. Jim has been hit by the cold bug that Rebekah had earlier this week. I am coming down with it as well but colds don't affect me like they do Jim. But this has been a great day for Rebekah and me. She is learning new words every day and I am having a blast watching her grow! Thank you Lord for the gift. Right now she is dancing to a commercial because she loves music. How blessed I am!!

Catching Up...It's September already!!!

2008-09-16T16:41:00.006-04:00

It's a busy time for us at the Catanzaro house but some of us still have time to play and reflect on nature and all that God has created. Rebekah has found books!! I am reading to her now from a children's bible story book for her naps and before bedtime. She loves reading now. I like this picture. It sort of speaks for itself. Rebekah is such a good child. We are so glad that God has given us this precious one to take care of and raise while we are on this earth.

September is always a busy month for everyone, especially those who have children going back to school. My Stepson, Chris, started a new school in CrosLex, but Rebekah doesn't start school for a few years. However, I find myself as busy as anyone with kids in school! I Completed Clue 5 of SOTS this week. It was so nice and only took 2 evenings of knitting. (However, my evening goes from 10PM to 2AM because of the night shift work) I sat up alone and watched all 6 hours of Pride and Prejudice. It flowed so easily. I finished on Sunday night and because I knew that I would be finished early, I had gone to Heritage (http ://www.heritagespinningandweaving.com/) to pick out yarn for the Central Park Hoodie that I decided to do for Julie (my Stepdaughter) for Christmas. I picked up some lovely yarn in green, actually, it's Ivy. It's Shepherd's Wool from Stonehenge Fiber Mill. It's wonderfully soft and is knitting up beautifully! I think that Julie will be happy with it. I also picked up 2 of these Fiberspheres. They are wonderful for yarn that is wound from hanks when you are using them, as the ball gets smaller and more messy to manage...it's all kept neat inside the ball!! I love it!

I also started practicing with Attitude of the Heart (our worship team at church) on Mondays and Resounding Praise (our bell choir) on Thursdays. It's a busy time!! But I love being part of these groups.

In the meantime, I have been working on my second set of Baudelaire socks (these are for me). Jim is going to school, and Rebekah is being herself. She is learning so much and her vocabulary is growing on a daily basis. She surprises me with words. She is also learning to knit. I have no doubt that she will be knitting soon!!

I WON! WOO HOO!!

2008-09-09T23:54:00.003-04:00

I posted my Pictures of Clue 3 last week at the last possible moment for me (after a 2 hour last minute knitting marathon after getting home from a 6 hour drive to Lexington to pick up Chris). So there I was, sitting in a chair all alone with the TV on and everyone else in bed, finishing Clue 3, snapping a picture and posting it quick enough to count for the drawing. DK and Mr. K picked me!!! I won!!!! And best of all...I finished Clue 4 already. i just don't have a picture yet and probably won't be able to get it done and posted until Thursday or Friday (due to work and sleep). I just can't believe that I won!! YAY ME!! And thank you DK and Mr. K!! Stay tuned now for pictures....

Life has a way....

2008-09-05T23:47:00.003-04:00

Life has definately gotten in the way of my knitting this week! I barely finished SOTS3 clue 3 in time for the completion prize cut off. I am posting this right before midnight...I just finished and laid it out on the couch and snapped a picture so I could get it posted! Jim started OCC for the fall semester this week and I have been working in the ER every night that I work. Let me tell you...It's been a little brutal to be knitting. Anyhow, I was able to get it finished and finished a set of Baudelaire socks last week for Kristine.

SOTS3 starting off much better than its predecessor

2008-08-19T05:01:00.001-04:00

When I determined to knit lace last winter, I signed up for SOTS2 and spent 3 weeks on the first clue then 2 more weeks trying to catch up. I was never able to finish the clues on time until the very end. I blamed it on being on vacation, I blamed it on Rebekah, I blamed it on being in the car while knitting...everything except the fact that I was learning how to read at the time. Since then, I have done a few other KALs and learned how to read charts and most of all, my lace fabric. I learned how to identify when I made a mistake before I had to frog or tink. Actually, when I started this shawl, I was amazed that I only had to tink about 20-30 stitches a couple of times to correct a mistake. I didn't have the numerous mistakes I encountered the first time. I was excited!

I already love this stole and I don't even know what it looks like! I just know that the first clue took only 3 days to knit instead of 3 weeks!! I finished it tonight and took a couple of pictures. They aren't that great because I'm at work and the lights are fluorescent and the background is a rough towel, but at least it's done!! Now I need to finish my Baudelaire sock so I can get it done by Friday morning to qualify for the Ravelympics WIPSwrestling.

Speaking of Olympics, is anyone else a little mystified over some of the judging inconsistencies that have been going on? Chinese girls who fall and still medal over others who do not. Ties that go in favor of China. Chinese girls whose birth certificates say they are 12 but whose passports say they are 16...all smells a little fishy to me! Anyway...Michael Phelps is AMERICAN and goes to University of MICHIGAN!! Can't make his medals Chinese any way you cut it.

Knitting Baudelaires in style!!

2008-08-15T04:24:00.013-04:00

Tuesday night I had a WONDERFUL opportunity! My Dad won a raffle for the Pepsi Party Suite Tuesday night at the Tigers Baseball game. I have never seen the suites and it was awesome!! Jim wasn't well so he stayed home with the kids while I watched the Tiger game and knit socks in true luxury that I probably will never experience again. I finished one sock and started on the second sock while watching the game and eating! We had a spread to begin with Chips, veggies and dip, hotdogs, sausage, and chicken. During the second inning, we were treated to Pizza. During the 7th inning, we were given desert. Plus, the fridge was always full of Pepsi products to drink. This suite was right up from the first base line. It was a great view and wonderful time. There were 12 of us all there to watch the game, plus a TV inside the suite that we were able to watch Michael Phelps swim to another gold medal. On top of this all, the seets were padded and comfortable to knit in! It was such a treat. I will be spoiled now and always remember this. We are supposed to go to a game tonight. I know I will be comparing the nose bleed seats to the suite life! The guy in the picture is my brother...the DOCTOR. He's married though. This is Brian and Jennifer and Lyle (friend of my Mom and Dad), perusing the chips and veggies.

We had a great view of the game as well. I can't get over how much we enjoyed that game!! Even if they did lose.

Today, I tried to get my little helper to hold up the finished sock so that I could take a good picture of it. She was having none of that! She had better things to do with her time!

She learned this little trick from her brother!

Gearing Up for Secret of the Stole III

2008-08-06T16:20:00.008-04:00

I finally had time to swatch!! I have been watching in lace envy as others swatched and posted getting ready for SOTS3. I've been waiting for this one since DK finished up the last one (Savannah). I ordered some lace yarn from an Etsy Independent Dyer Beyond Basic Knits. I Love this yarn. I originally ordered it in purple Ice Queen which is gorgeous, but I decided to order some more yarn from BBK and I ended up getting the pink from them. I also ended up getting 2 skeins of Superwash sock yarn from them--Black Cherry Soda and Frost Bitten--They are gorgeous! When they sent my order, I got a coupon for 5$ toward my next order. Great Seller!! The colors are gorgeous. What do you think??

I plan to use the Black Cherry soda to knit a pair of Monkey Socks during the olympics. That will be my Ravelypics contribution.

I am still working on Casablanca although it has been slow. I have been assigned to CCU and ICU at work but ended up in the ER even night because of their low staff levels. Working the in ER leaves no time for knitting. It's been really slow knitting! But I will get there. I really like this stole and am looking forward to completing it.

The picture is crappy, I didn't put it on blocking wires and pin it out. But you get the idea and the story being told in this clue 4. I think that's what really impresses me about this KAL, the story in the knitting.

Baudelaire Beginnings

2008-07-21T18:19:00.004-04:00

Last night at work I was used as a sitter. Can you believe paying an RN with 21 years experience to sit with a confused Alzheimer's patient in the CCU? They really didn't need me in the ER and the CCU didn't need me either except that I held more experience than the 3 other nurses put together. But I am a pool nurse and can be told where to go and what to do. So I accepted the position of sitter and aide to CCU for the last 8 hours of my shift. Guess what you can do for 8 hours while watching a confused patient sleep and helping him up to the chair, back to bed, up to the chair, bed, chair, bed....KNIT!! I finished my first Baudelaire sock and listened to 4 episodes of Lime and Violet. It was a long night but productive for knitting. How many people get paid full wages to sit and knit for 8 hours? I did a little search for stretchy bind offs because I can't stand the Sewn Bind offs (fiddly) and found this one on Grumperina's website. I have permission to use it here.

Work 2 sts in pattern (either knit or purl). Move yarn to back (if the last worked st was a knit, this is already the case). * Transfer the 2 worked sts to the LH needle, and k2togTBL. Work 1 st in pattern (move yarn to back if it was a purl), * repeat between *.

I have learned many things from her website and this is just another one! If you need to cable, check out her site to learn how to do it without a needle. I love it!!!

This is a really nice bind off with a nice edge. I think it went well with my sock. I really like these socks. Socks that I like I finish quickly and this first one only took 3 days thanks to an ideal night last night. I haven't cast on the second one but believe me I will. I just need to get back to Casablanca before I get too far behind in that one!!

I think the cables and lace make these socks really sexy. I can't wait to work on the next one. I'm even planning to do a pair of monkey socks after all the talk about those! I like the lacey stuff!

Long Time, Little Done

2008-07-18T22:43:00.010-04:00

Wow!! Time is flying here!! I can't believe that July is half over, where did June go?!? It seems like just yesterday that we were at the 4th of July parade!

I was going through my projects and realized that I have so many things started and very little finished!! How sad. I had to take time off from the KALs that I am in and finish up my Booby socks that are a gift for a friend's Birthday. I was able to get them finished on Tuesday night.

I had a little tr ouble getting my "model" to cooperate for the pictures!

I also finished up clue 3 of Casablanca last week but didn't find time to lay it out for pictures utnil now. My little helper is in bed...I added in one extra "window" for a few extra rows. I probably won't need the extra lenght, but I like how this is looking and it is so much fun to knit. Anne (Catlady) is such a fun designer. Her clues all tell the story of how and why she designed the clues. I am loving this. I'm working on clue 4 but it isn't done yet. I'm officially behind since clue 5 is out today!!!

On another note, I have been going to Physical Therapy 3 time a week for a tendonitis in my shoulder. The therapy is working. But sitting there, doing 10 mintues on an "arm bike" and looking out the same window at the same trees then 5 minutes of stretching and 10 mintues of bands...gets a little monotonous. So I dug out my little Sansa mP3 player and loaded a few episode of Lime and Violet. They are hilarious to listen to while you are doing therapy or knitting on break (I can only watch so many Law and Order Re-runs at 2AM). I am happy to admit that I love the Yarn Porn but have not succumbed to ordering any new yarn. I am desperately close to ordeing a skein of Socks That Rock, but I haven't so far. I have been listening to the older episodes and found myself casting on these...

I spent a few days listening to Miss Lime talk about her Baudelaire socks that I had to cast on my own with Brown Sheep Wildfoote in Blue Blood Red. They are really fun! I have never done toe up socks and tried the figure 8 cast on that was recommended. I did not like how it left a gap of stitches once the first row was knitted after the cast on. So I frogged and tried Judy's Magic Cast On. This was so easy and turned out beautifully!! No gap! I can now say that I am liking the toe up. I can try them on so easily for the proper fit.

Well, that gets me caught up for the time being!! Just in time to be getting ready for SOTS 3!! I love taking part in DK's KALs. I learn so much and she has gorgeous patterns. Ands I enjoy trying to figure out the puzzle of the mystery with each clue. I will be using stash yarn this time. I have to decide between Knit Picks Shadow (pink) or Zephyr (cassis) I have time to decide. I'll probably swatch them both and then decide.

Wow, sorry for the long post, but it's been a while!

Long Weekend (for me)

2008-06-29T21:28:00.010-04:00

Jim had a class to go to on Saturday and Sunday. Leaving me to myself with Rebekah most of the day. I had a 4 day weekend to be able to take care of Rebekah. IE...Rebekah napping = Quality Knitting Time!! I finished clue 2 of Casablanca on Saturday night while watching Casablanca on DVD. I can't believe that I never watched the movie before.

This KAL is turning out out to be a delight to knit!! It just flows from the needles and it looks gorgeous. I don't even mind stopping to put the beads on.

Trying to block this thing out for pictures today was a little tough!!

I also did some work on Mystic Meadows, some people have finished this one and I'm still on I worked on the second clue!! I worked on the Goddess Anniversary shawl but after finishing clue 2 I decided that I hated the yarn that I was using for this KAL. As a result I frogged the whole thing and am going to start over tonight.

On Thursday, Julie came by to celebrate her birthday with us. We had cake and barbeque and a couple of fireworks. We had some fun playing on the trampoline too.

Happy Father's Day Jim!!

2008-06-17T16:37:00.009-04:00

We went to the Tiger Game on Sunday for Father's Day and Kids Run the Bases. Except for the 1 hour Rain Delay we had a great time. The Tigers won the game (with very little help from Todd Jones who almost lost the game as closer) there were 2 home runs. Rebekah loved it and was cheering and waving (although,not when Mom had the camera ready). It was a non knitting day and we really enjoyed the whole day and Jim got to run the bases with Rebekah. All in all, it was a great Father's Day for a great Father!!

It was a great day, but long. Rebekah loves her big brother and decided she had to watch TV with him. It's too cute to pass up!!

Mystic Meadows

2008-06-13T11:26:00.007-04:00

I was able to get the first clue of Mystic Meadows finished finally. It seems that I don't have as much time to knit as I would like. The best time I have of knitting without interruption is at work between 1AM and 4 AM when patients are asleep (unless I'm in the ER or a patient is having problems). While patients ALWAYS come first...I still have more knitting time there than at home with a 20 month very active child!!

Deep Funk

2008-06-03T06:33:00.003-04:00

Ever have one of those days?? I had one a couple of days ago when I was face to face with a character assessment of me that totally floored me. First of all, I had no idea. Second, there were some inconsistencies in what had been documented. Third, Someone that I know has gossipping about me. I hate that most of all. Of all the things in this world Gossip is something i avoid, I don't gossip and I don't like it and it really hurts when I find out that I am the recipient of Gossip and then the fall out.

Anyhow, Now I have been confronted with this assessment and I have had to do some very hard thinking and praying about myself. I don't like that either...But I really believe that God has used this situation to shake me up out of my complacency and contentment and force me to face my own nature and confess some things and take care of my relationship with God.

This whole event has come on the heels of having a discussion with Jim about the same things! It looks like God decided to really give me the old 1, 2 (or take me out to the woodshed). It is enough that I haven't been able to pick up my knitting for 3 days and that's really something! Anyone who knows me is aware that I always have knitting with me. I spent the shift last night doing nothing...no knitting...but a lot of praying.

I have a ways to go in dealing with my feelings and getting my relationship with Christ back in order. Until then...I will just press on.

Weekend Fun!

2008-06-02T13:07:00.017-04:00

We had a busy weekend. Friday, we drove to Port Huron to pick up Chris. he's such a great Big Brother! Rebekah really loves him. Saturday was a day for cleaning around the house and buying a swing set from the neighbors. Rebekah loves it!!

Rebekah and Chris spent some time outside playing on the swing set and blowing bubbles. We are finally enjoying some beautiful weather in Michigan.

Jim surprised me last month with tickets to the Tom Petty concert at the Palace. We enjoyed an awesome concert. I have never been to concerts until I met Jim and am really enjoying getting caught up on my "Classic Rock" education. We had so much fun!! You'll have to take my word for it that this is Tom Petty...

While I was trying to locate my camera for the concert I found Jim's camera with some old pictures that I had forgotten about. These were taken about a year ago.

Finding these pictures was like finding a $20 bill in your coat pocket after it's been in storage all summer!! My little girl is growing up so quickly and I'm glad we have these pictures to keep track. Only 4 months and she will be 2. It hardly seems like I've been a Mom this long, but it seems like I've always been a Mom with Rebekah around. She is such a joy. Off to go play with my family now!!!

Casablanca Beginnings

2008-05-29T18:04:00.005-04:00

I started the swatch for Casablaca and I love it!! Even Jim said that it was the prettiest that I've done. I am really pleased with the yarn. I'm using Knit Picks Gloss in Natural with clear beads that are copper lined. A little more expensive than most beads, but I was really pleased with the effect. Unfortunately, they don't show up as well in pictures. My swatch ended up being 23.5 cm by 20 cm. I used size 6US needles.

Whew!

2008-05-20T12:21:00.006-04:00

It seems as if I've been knitting all weekend and in every spare moment. I was able to complete the first clue of Slow Bee and the start of another. I like the new clue better than the old one, you can scroll down and see the old one and compare if you want.

I counted the beads on Slow Bee. This is what slowed me down, it takes a long time and interrupts your rhythm to place beads. Believe it or not, there are 299 beads placed in this clue!! I really like the overall effect, so I will continue with the beads. You really can't see them in the pictures, probably because it was 1AM when I took them and there is no sunlight to make them sparkle. They are beautiful in the sunlight but really don't show up well in photos.

I also started working on my Booby socks as a gift. I really have to work on these every day in order to finish them for A birthday present. I get sidetracked in wanting to finish the clues on time...A birthday is more important though, especially a best friend!!

My Second Mother's Day

2008-05-14T00:32:00.010-04:00

This past Saturday marked my first Mother/Daughter luncheon. I got to be a Mother, a Daughter, and a Daughter-in-law. It was a nice day and a very special occasion. Rebekah even enjoyed it. She preferred Grandma to me after lunch though and she preferred the cheesecake more than the salad!!

Sunday marked my Second Mother's Day. But again, Rebekah preferrs Grandpa to me after church.

We had a quiet day at home while Jim worked on his homework, I did some knitting. It was wonderful. Even Rebekah cooperated with a 3 hour nap!! I started working on my Peacock Feathers shawl and got the first chart completed.

By Monday, I was ready to cast on and start my Slow Bee Mystery 1. I was under the impression that the clues were going to be smaller, but it seems there is quite a bit of knitting in this one. It also takes time to stop and place the beads. But I really love the effect and am thrilled with how gorgeous both of these shawls are looking!! My husband is right though...I am doing an awful lot of knitting and less paying attention to him;) Have to do something about that!

A New Start

2008-05-06T14:14:00.005-04:00

Today was Jim's first day of College!! I am so proud of him. Going to college is not easy and even harder when you are in your 40's!! It is a hard undertaking that he is doing and I think it is a wonderful thing and a new start to our lives together!

I also got a new start on another project. I finished my Mystic light but it isn't washed and blocked out so no pictures yet. I did finish the swatch for Slow Bee. However I cannot decide which beads to use. Do I want really subtle, hardly seen or shiny and visible but really pretty. I have a less than a week to decide. I shall ask my husband, the college student!!!

With peacock beads

With silver-lined beads

They don't really show on the monitor well. However it proves that I am getting my knitting done!

Busy, Busy, Busy

2008-05-02T11:17:00.007-04:00

I am so glad that spring is here!! Jim's "Sticks" as he calls his peach trees, have their buds on them now. I am really proud of my husband, too. He is now a college student!! He registered yesterday for sumer classes that start next week. Such an exciting new adventure!

I am trying to finish my Mystic Light. I was really having trouble with the 4th clue but I finally figured it out and now that I have wrapped my mind around the pattern, it is finishing up quickly! I hope to have it finished soon.

I started on another and completed the first clue of ML. I'm doing it in the recommended Zephyr in Sage. I wasn't totally sold on the color, but Joan had it in stock at Heritage. (And I got it at sucha good price that I couldn't pass it up. ) I'm using beads from Emilia Beadelia's bead shop on ebay. She has a great selection and fast shipping. My beads are size 8 clear with a rainbow finish. I think the whole effect is gorgeous! I'm looking forward to this knitting challenge.

ZOO-RIFIC!!

2008-04-10T20:27:00.009-04:00

Even though it was cold, we took a trip to to the Detroit Zoo today. We all had fun seeing the animals and walking around the park. Rebekah even enjoyed the snakes! We saw brand new Butterflies just out of their chrysalis.

Clues 2 finished!!!

2008-04-10T20:14:00.006-04:00

I finally took pictures of the 2 KALs I'm in. The Blue is Secret of Bad Nauheim and the Red one is Mystic Light.

I stopped on the way home from work the other morning because a really nice sunrise was reflected in the lake. I took a picture but it doesn't give God credit for his beautiful creation I saw that morning. That's a real Mystic Light.

Go Tigers

2008-04-10T19:47:00.006-04:00

Friday, April 4 was our first trip to the Tiger game. We had a lot of fun even if the Tigers did lose. Rebekah enjoyed watching the game and the kids behind us and the hot dogs. We rode the carousel during the game. Rebekah started out a little frightened, but got over it soon and was laughing as soon as the carousel started up.

We picked Chris up on Saturday and had fun playing outside on the new toy!!

Progress on clues 1 and 1!

2008-04-01T17:56:00.003-04:00

I was able to spend the day knitting yesterday and by this morning I had finished clue 1 of both Mystic Light and Secret of Bad Nauheim. I don't know how some of the knitters get their clues done in 1 day! I did decide about half way through Mystic Light that I didn't like the way it was turning out and decided to frog and go down a needle size. I figured that it looked much better that way and I was able to loosen up my tension. I was knitting so tight on the size 5 needles to keep it from looking sloppy. Going down to the 4.5 needles, I was able to get a better stitch definition in my opinion. It's such a beautiful pattern! Secret of Bad Nauheim doesn't have much going on yet like the Mystic Light but I like it as well. I joined another KAL too. I'm getting to be pretty bad at this! I'm going to have too many thing OTN and nothing done! Here they are...

The background isn't so great for the Mystic Light but I wanted to be able to measure it for the first clue to make sure I was on the right track size wise...It's 23 inches x 13 inches (58cm x 32 cm). Bad Nauheim is 21.5 inches x 4.5 inches (52cm x 12 cm).

All in all I've learned so much. I learned how to read charts in the SOTS2 group and in the Mystic Light, I've learned how to cable without a needle. In all these groups, I am now able to "read" my knitting and correct mistakes. It's such fun!

Savannah Completed

2008-03-28T11:19:00.003-04:00

I was able to finish my SOTS2 stole, Savannah, on Saturday March 22. but I didn't get it washed and blocked until yesterday. I tried to get it done by the deadline but couldn't. I tried blocking it several times but had to wait until Rebekah was asleep to get it done, she kept pulling out the wires!! Such fun... Anyhow, here it is completed. I wanted to put it outside on the bushes like others have done for the SOTS2 group, but wouldn't you know...One of those freak Michigan winter days happened and it snowed pretty hard yesterday. I thought it would still look nice from the tree anyway. It measures 65 inches by 24 inches at the widest parts. I love it but have realized I have another problem now. I don't have an outfit worthy of wearing under my beautiful stole! I will have to go shopping at Macy's (Awww Shucks!) Kristine, are you available???

On the next front, I started both Secret of Bad Nauheim and Mystic Light. They are both looking gorgeous and I hope to have the first clues of both finished and posted soon. This is such fun!! I also picked up a special project at a LYS that I visited (Knitter's Kove in Commerce Michigan) that I intend to knit up for Kristine's birthday. We'll see. I have a few months so I think I can do it!

He Is Risen

2008-03-26T21:45:00.009-04:00

We celebrated Easter at church this Sunday and I was grateful to have Chris with us for the weekend. We were even able to snap a quick family picture on Sunday morning.

Rebekah enjoyed dancing around church in her new dress. Julie and Jessica joined us later for some Easter baskets and Rebekah laid down to color.

Remembering Grandma Linn

2008-03-26T20:53:00.007-04:00

Friday morning at 2:15 AM, my Grandmother passed away. I was able to spend time with her before she passed and I thank God that he allowed me to be able to be there. I remember my Grandma as a very funny lady. She had a very dry wit and was always cracking jokes. The day I first introduced Jim to her, she pulled out a pad and paper and had "several important questions" for him. At our wedding, she told the photographer that it was his job to make her look younger! She was a wonderful lady. I miss her very much.

She has 5 children, Roger, Rhona, Ronald, Donna, and Caroline. My Mom is Donna. These pictures were of 4 generations of Mothers and Daughters. I was so happy that Grandma was able to see Rebekah. Grandma lived to be 90. She saw and lived through much in her life and I will remember her in love. I love you Grandma!

My Favorite Step son!

2008-03-26T15:59:00.019-04:00

A couple of weeks ago, Chris visited us and when we took him home, we were all treated to seeing new kittens. Chris' cat had a litter of new kittens and we took a peek.

Last Thursday, we drove up to Chris' school to watch him play basketball against the teachers. He played really well and Jim and I are both very proud of him!
Thursday was also the first day of spring and time for our first trip to Sundae's for ice cream! Rebekah had a ball!

Happy Anniversary Mom and Royce!! 25 years

2008-03-15T21:38:00.011-04:00

Today was a busy day with no time for knitting. Jim and Chris got their hair cut while Rebekah and I went to Kohls for a little shopping. We all went to the grocery store then stopped at Mc D's for lunch. Rebekah enjoyed hers! Then it was time for Mommy and Rebekah to get haircuts too. After a little nap, we all headed across town to meet up with the Davis/Catanzaro/Weeks/Phabian/Bohanon clan to celebrate Mom and Royce's 25th Anniversary. They are really wonderful In-Laws and we really love them. Rebekah had a great time with Grandpa Royce! For the first time, she really tried to color at the restraunt instead of eating the crayons. She's getting so big!

We celebrated their anniversary at Don Pablo's and Mom got to wear THE HAT! Go Mom!! Rebekah tried a little of everything including the White Chicken Chili! She eats anything...but tonight, she found out about ketchup...

All in all, it was a very special get together with everyone for Mom and Royce's anniversary. Happy 25th Anniversary, May you be blessed with many more years!

A little Tinking, Lurping, Swatching, and Rebekah

2008-03-12T02:43:00.006-04:00

I decided to swatch for Mystic Light yesterday and ended up doing 3. I like the way it feels and looks on 4.5 needles (left hand swatch) but it is way to small even stretched to block (7cm x 10cm) so I was afraid that my shawl would end up too small. Then I swatched on 5 needles (Center). It works to 9 x 11. So to be fair I also swatched on 5.5 needles (right) too big. I put up a close up of the middle one on 5 needles so I can decide. I think this is how I will need to knit this in order to be close to the right size for my shawl.

Today, I decided to do a little work on my SOTS2 clue 8. I was going along just fine until I made a couple of errors and had to find them. I had done the wrong row of the pattern of the middle motif 2 rows before that so I ended up tinking and lurping back to the right spot to fix it. I really have learned a lot from this KAL and others because I can "read" my knitting now and find an error. It was a pretty exciting revelation to me! Anyhow, as I was moaning and groaning about my mistake, Rebekah felt the need to comfort Mommy and climbed up beside me and kept patting my leg and giving me kisses. So I asked Jim to take a picture of Mommy's Little Comfort. She is such a blessing! Even if she does go for the cookies....

Happy Daylight Saving Time Day

2008-03-09T03:17:00.000-04:00

After a busy week, I was able to finish clue 7 of SotS2 in just enough time to post for the completion prize. Maybe I'll win something this week...Who knows. The stole is turning out really lovely. You wouldn't be able to tell from the way I threw it onto the living room floor and pulled it out and snapped a quick picture, posted it and then went to bed before going to work last night.

I also got my swatch done for Bad Nauheim. I really like the yarn but think that I might use a bigger needle. I swatched with 3.5 needles but I think I will try another swatch with larger needles and see if I like it.

I have to get my yarn ready for Mystic Light now. So many projects....So little time!

Well, must get cracking!! Happy Daylight Savings Time Day!!

Yarn search success

2008-03-02T21:21:00.000-05:00

I went back to Heritage today and found some yarn for the Mystic Light and also for the Secret of Bad Nauheim KALs that will be starting soon. I love their handpainted yarns! The Red and Purple yarn is called "Bloomfield". It's a 50/50 silk/merino yarn that is colored "Grand Traverse". It compliments my wardrobe and my skin tones and interprets Light as a Red Dawn in the Morning, or a Red Sunset at night ( I guess it depends on the weather). Anyhow, it will be lovely! I'm excited...

The other yarn I got today is for the Bad Nauheim KAL. It's called "Touch Pure Merino" and is 900 M/100G. It's Turquoise and a lovely color with subtle shadings. The camera doesn't pick up the shadings very well. I have to find my ball winder so that I can get these yarns wound and start swatching.

Rebekah fell asleep in the car and Daddy took a nap with her while I was in the LYS. I wish I'd had my camera. They were sort of facing each other while napping in the back seat and front seat tilted back. It was really cute. Rebekah has also been trying to put shoes on lately. She loves wearing shoes. We had some toys given to us by a really good friend and her daughter, Ari. I got those out and Rebekah was in hog heaven trying to walk in her heels!

Well, Time for some sleep! happy knitting all....

Joy Linn

A Joyful Heart is Good Medicine

A new adventure

2008-03-01T20:17:00.000-05:00

I decided that it was time to try blogging. An interesting way to communicate with family and friends. I'm a little nervous about what to write about. Right now life revolves around Rebekah Grace ( my 17 month old daughter), who is at the moment dancing to a commercial theme song. She's the best blessing of my life next to my husband, Jim.

I am loving being Mommy to this little one, you can see why. We have our hands full with her. Fortunately, Jim is now a stay at home Dad for a bit so we are able to raise her now. She's a bundle of energy we sometimes call "Hurricane Rebekah".

I am involved in 2 current KALs (Knit-a-long). One is Secret of the Stole II and I am finished through clue 6 and getting ready to work on clue 7. I have really learned a lot from this KAL and the yahoo discussion group. It has been a great way to pick up knitting tips. I absolutely love it and recommend joining a KAL to any knitter. I'm using Fino Alpaca with a Twist in the color Ruby Slippers. It's so lovely.

The other KAL I'm in is the Spring Shawl Surprice. This one is more of a challenge and I haven't gotten as far as I'd like. I can't knit on it while watching Rebekah because she demands so much attention. I've finished Clue 2 but lost the pictures. So I'm posting the only picture I have so you can get an idea. I'm using Jagger Spun Maine Line 2/8 in the color Iris. It's turning out really nice.

I registered for 2 others. I had so much fun that I had to keep at it! I'm currently choosing yarn for Secret of Bad Nauheim and Mystic Light. I ordered some Fleece Artist yarn today and will see when it gets here which I will use. I found some really yummy yarn at my LYS (Heritage Spinning and Weaving in Orion, MI), but it's too thick for Mystic. I will have to keep it for another project now. It's some of their own handpainted yarn so I may go back and check it out and see if they have more in the right weight. I really like their handpaints! Joan has some beautiful colors and wonderful selection of yarns.

Well, it's time for knitting now that Rebekah's gone to bed.

Happy Knitting Everyone!