Extreme Adventures in Knitting and Motherhood

Extreme Adventures in Mothering... HAS MOVED:)

2009-01-24T08:56:00.002-05:00

Hi all.. just popping in to say I've moved the blog over to Wordpress! Please update your links- and stop by to say hi!

Extreme Adventures in Motherhood...

The Final Countdown.. to MOPS International Convention!

2008-09-30T13:46:00.001-04:00

Shoes- Check. (Let's hope I did better than last year in this arena)

Black pants- Check (after 6 days of searching every store in Michigan for pants that don't make me look like a buffalo in drag from behind..) (well thats only kind of a CHECK...I finally gave up looking in the three-way mirrors.. funny how little I mind my backside if I don't LOOK at it...)
527 tops of which, I will wear exactly: 5. Check (I never know what I'll FEEL like wearing- so I need to bring options.. I need to wear my purple MOPS Polo when "on duty" so the actual times for wearing my "options" will be minimal...)

Laptop and enough electronic cords, chargers and devices to power a third world country- Check. (a girl's got to stay connected for pete's sake.)

Knitting that I know I will have no time to work on- check. (ok- so MAYBE on the plane...)

Name tag- Check (For once I didn't even have to look for it.. someone told me to keep it on the fridge with the magnetic backing- works like a charm!)

Breakfast bars and instant coffee (gross- I know) in case of dire caffeine and calorie emergency- check. (I might pick up some chocolate covered espresso beans to replace the instant coffee-- starbucks has them- the calories would be worth the taste and caffeine:)

Shemergency kit- cause it should have everything I may have forgotten- Check.

My To Do list is shrinking - and my excitement is growing ... I wonder what it will be like? I wonder what God will say to my heart while I'm there? I wonder what weird things my hair will do in the Dallas heat? I wonder how much laundry will accumulate in my 5 day absense? I wonder how my 4 guys will survive on Banquet Chicken and Velveeta Shells and cheese, and pizza carry-out? I'm about to find out all the answers in T-minus 20 hours... the final countdown has begun!

BIG NEWS! I've been asked to "live blog" from the convention- so if you want to know the scoop and see what MOPS convention is really like- make sure and watch the MOPS International Convention Blog for updates!

Dear Lord- I pray that you'd prepare my heart and the hearts of the thousands of Moms who are preparing to come and be refreshed and challenged at MOPS Convention- I pray that you'd be with the MOPS Leadership team- the speakers and families-- Most of all- I pray we see you in everything at convention- I love you lord- amen.

Mom's day out-- gone right and wrong....

2008-09-29T10:31:00.000-04:00

My hands trembled just a bit as I buttoned the pink silk blouse. I felt like a busty- rebel. For a nursing mom- DRY-CLEAN ONLY was not just risky-- it was downright DANGEROUS. (Just how dangerous I was about to find out. The Hard way.) This day was special. I was going to a MOPS event, just over the state line. (A regional event in Toledo- Ohio) I was looking forward to entire day devoted to building up MOM'S. That's ME! It was within driving distance and more importantly, within the range of security for a nursing mom. (Just over an hour from home.) A Mom's day out- a Mom's day of refreshment.. The first since my second child had been born.. I needed it-- BAD. I'd been planning and pumping extra milk for days. But, now? I was nearly ready.

I stepped back to take a look at the over-all effect. "Not too bad" I said to myself. Black dress pants.. pumps... pink silk blouse, full make-up AND hair both washed and styled on the same day (*gasp* amazing...I know!). I grinned at myself in the mirror. I double checked that breast-pads were in place and well secured and hidden in my NON-NURSING BRA. (... a bra without flaps-- this was truly a big day out..) I made sure I had an extra set in my purse.

I checked my watch, "Just enough time, for one more nursing before I leave." I grinned at my preparedness. For a nursing mom- "empty before leaving the house" is just as important as for a mom getting a potty-training toddler into the car for a long ride..

I tiptoed into the baby's room sat down in "our" chair and we both enjoyed one more for the road....quiet early morning nursings were some of my favorite times. When we were done- I took him in to a sleepy daddy, I kissed them both.. then went to the kitchen to go over my list one more time.

1) Pumped Milk in freezer- check.

2) Formula and bottles on the counter in case of emergency- check.

3) Diapers- clothes and necessary baby supplies phone numbers and instructions - out and visible so daddy could find them even if he were truly..blind.. check.

4) Cell phone charged and ready.. check. (this was an old school cell phone- about the size and weight of my current laptop.. It's been a while)

I was as ready as possible.

Time to go. I felt a twinge of sadness as I pulled out of the driveway. I headed over to meet my girlfriends - and we drove on together. Guilt and giddiness fought for control of my postpartum emotions as we crossed the state line. Giddiness won. I was out for petes sake!

We arrived on time.. (something rare for a groups of nursing moms) We took our seats- and enjoyed the entire day. There were laughs... there were happy tears as I heard things that reminded me how much I love being a mom... and a few happy tears of relief as learned I wasn't "the only one".

The day offered up everything I'd hoped for, and needed. Fun- encouragement-something to challenege me and make me think, girlfriend time and mommy time. I missed my guys- but was relieved that everything went so well. My check-in calls (oh, probably enough of them billed one minute at a time..to fund the current economic crisis relief plan...) revealed that the frozen milk supply was holding out.. and the diapers were too. Added bonus- I didn't hear crying in the background. (much). SCORE.

When my girlfriend asked if I wanted to stop on the way home to eat... I should have known I was pressing my luck. But- I was having sooo much fun..... and I had everything "covered" with my preparedness...and things were well at home...so I figured, "why not?"

There was one thing I hadn't counted on.. A newborn baby crying at the restaurant.. and the power of milk-let-down on a pink silk blouse. The baby's cry sounded like "Danger, Danger Will Robinson!" But, it was too late. My milk let down like a bad levy.

HELLO. DRY CLEAN ONLY? More like GARBAGE ONLY. There were not enough extra breast pads in North America to soak up that mess. When that tiny baby started to cry-- my Mom-ness kicked into overdrive. In record time- I drenched the entire front of my blouse, which- promptly turned see through. I was now busty- (a bonus to nursing) and see through- OOPSY. Not the look I was going for.

I ran into the bathroom- ""GREAT.. no papertowel" Save the trees, but soak the moms" I thought to myself..I aimed the hand dryer down my blouse in an attempt to dry up the mess.. it didn't exactly work. I made powdered milk. Yuk.I hadn't planned for this. I didn't know what to do... My tears flowed just a little slower than the milk.

The moms I was with, found a sweater for me in someone's bag.. and together- they brought it into the bathroom for me. (Friends, don't let friends, drive soaked.) I slipped it on. It wasn't my sassy pink dry-clean only-- but it was DRY. That's when the silly began. The other moms had all been there- or somewhere like it in the land of Mom...They rolled out breast feeding horror stories that made us all laugh until breasts weren't the only thing at risk of leaking....the bathroom turned into an impromptu MOPS Meeting...

It didn't take long before I felt better. Soggy- but better.

We drove home still laughing.. and talking and giggling... I wondered if my hubby would notice that I had changed my top.. (He didn't,of course.) I arrived home to a hungry baby.. and plenty of milk to feed him. (apparently it doesn't take THAT MUCH milk to soak the front of a silk blouse..)

At the end of the day-- I wondered if it was worth the work..

preplanning- and milk pumping- 10 + hours

writing out instructions and worrying in advance- countless hours..

cost of a trashed clearanced pink silk blouse- $24. (I just couldn't figure out how to explain a breast milk stain the size of Texas)

A day of encouragement, refreshment and connection with other moms?
Priceless.

If you can make it to a MOPS event in your area-- I can't recommend it enough...it's worth the time the expense and the preparation.. a hundred times over... - I also recommend wearing wash n wear.. and maybe a raincoat for a blouse if you're nursing:).... you won't be the only one.. that's for sure:)

PS- if YOU ARE at a MOPS event- or anywhere else for that matter- and see a busty woman in a soaked see-through top---don't hate on her... offer your sweater or jacket to her-- really- she's probably not holding her own wet-t-shirt contest... she's just a nursing mom at the end of a mom's day out....:)

Stitches, right and wrong

2008-08-20T13:10:00.000-04:00

I'm having eye trouble. I must be. Or maybe, it's visual processing issues.... Maybe I should call the doctor..an opthamologist maybe? Maybe I should try Lasik... but, I'm not sure any medical intervention can help. The problem seems to be more systemic than just a visual one.

See the beautiful purple sock in progress? The intricate twisting of the stitches? The socks are the "Oak Leaf Socks" from the online magazine "knotions". It's a beautiful pattern. It's a beautiful yarn. (Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock in Blackberry) .. I should love them... but I can't seem to see them as others do.

When I look at them.. I mainly see the mistakes. It's almost like they have been highlighted, or circled in red ink. There are probably thousands of stitches already in this sock. and to be honest a very small few in comparison are incorrect. Yet- to me they stand out. BOLD. Instead of seeing the thousands of RIGHT stitches.. I focus on the ten's (maybe) of wrong ones. I nearly ripped them out to start over.

Instead, I put it on my foot, not because I wanted to- but because some wise soul suggested, that before I rip them out, I should put them on and have another look. I was shocked. From that distance, from that angle- I could suddenly see the pattern. IT WAS THERE afterall! Sure, the mis-crossed stitches were still there... but the overall pattern, now caught my eye.

There is something bigger in this pair of socks than a few crossed stitches. There is my ability to choose to gain perspective on my mistakes, and allow my eyes to be refocused. To see the bigger picture. In life- this is not always my first instinct- not towards myself- or towards others. My instinct is to be critical, and allow the few mistakes to distort my view of both myself and others. Sometimes this is wise and necessary.And sometimes, I "rip" a perfectly good person (most often myself) because all I focus on is faults or mis-crossed stitches.

My eyes may have issues.... but it isn't a doctor I think I need... I think it's a change of perspective.... and the only way MY perspective is changed, is through the one who always sees things with truth and grace. I think I'll be asking Him for help.

"Dear Lord, my critical eye is not hidden from you, both it's strengths and it's weakenesses. I ask you to help me gain perspective.. to focus on the right stitches and not the mis crossed ones...both in myself and those around me. I ask for your wisdom and for your grace to permeate my heart and then my world--- I love you lord- amen."

While.....

2008-08-13T12:49:00.000-04:00

If there is a theme around here, it's WHILE.

While I Wait. While I Work, and In a While.... (sidenote- if you type "while" enough it starts to look like you spelled it wrong:).

We're still in a waiting period.. but not frozen in mid air. There is much to do while waiting. There is coping.. There is working, there is waiting. For coping-- I have prayer- reading, spinning, knitting and people. For working--- I have 3 kids 2 cats, a beagle and the Dh.. they are, as always, keeping me busy:)

While I wait: I am spinning. I decided I could use my go-knits pouch (from the Loopy Ewe) to hold my fiber in process- it works GREAT! and snaps right to my wheel for outside spinning and travel and keeping the pets out of the fiber!

Also feeding people- still predominately with slow-foods:

Yesterday the boys spent an hour shelling peanuts, then we made homemade peanut butter! It was great!

Very simple- home made peanut butter:

2 cups roasted shelled salted peanuts, (skins removed)

1/3 cup oil, (peanut- but I used vegetable oil and a little less than 1/3 cup)

1/4 cup sugar.

pulse in food processor until peanut- buttery! store in fridge.

Later this week we'll be experimenting with peanut butter cups:) YUM.

As for knitting- I'm working on a pretty pattern from the new "knotions" online magazine. It's called the "Oak Leaf socks" a nice foray into twisted stitches, for me. I'm learning a lot and should improve by the time I am ready for the second sock! (assuming there is to be a second sock:)

The sock blocker is from the loopy ewe- just in case anyone is curious:) The yarn is Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock in Blackberry.

I'm knitting them on US size 1, Knitpick Harmony DPN.s

So thats what I'm doing---- WHILING away the summer---- While I wait.. While I work and in a while...

How bout you?

In Mid Air....

2008-08-09T09:12:00.000-04:00

When I blogged THIS a few weeks back, ... I had no idea how appropo' it would soon be. Funny, how that works sometimes:)

I recently took a few "nose plugged, jumps" in my life (ok- some were more like being pushed off the edge of a waterfall.. but, same effect;) I took a few risks, I made a few changes and a few decisions. I closed my eyes, I plugged my nose...jumped... and now? I am hanging in mid-air, waiting to land.

At the waterfall, the payoff was immediate. I plugged my nose, closed my eyes and I felt the rushing water on my toes before my brain registered that I had actually jumped. This time? Not so much. This time? I'm starting to wonder if I'll be able to hold my breath long enough to survive the jump. I don't so much like waiting.

Am I really concerned about surviving? No. Not really. This isn't survival type of leaps.. but I sure am concerned about my comfort upon landing:) For now--- I don't so much like the waiting. It FEELS like I may not make it.. it FEELS like the jump is endless... but, I know it isn't. It's temporary. In the big picture of my life .. this waiting to land will be like the waterfall jump caught in the picture.. a moment in time. Emotional, exciting, risky even maybe pivotal ..and also, eventually, OVER.

My oldest snapped this picture at the waterfall, while I was mid jump. Once I get past the pudgey mom-bod and the unflattering shot, I see something that resonates with where I am now. There is something about the attempt to self protect that is in my plugged nose... something about the closed eyes trying not to see what I'm doing.. and something about the arms and legs flailing about trying to steady myself in the air... it almost makes me laugh. Almost. Because I feel like if you could take a picture of my right now--- and capture my emotions--- I'd look about the same.

My arms and legs are flailing around trying to steady myself with possible plans a, b, and c... my eyes are closed in a lil denial of fear once in a while.. and my nose is plugged to keep out the water of worry that sometimes floods my mind. And, I am waiting to land.

In the picture at the falls- I see a woman exercising faith. Sure- faith based on experience of watching other jump safely--- sure- faith based on taking an exploratory walk around the bottom of the falls to find out where the rocks are.... Sure- faith based on the ability of my body to work the way it was designed... but still, faith.

In the picture in my mind of my current journey in mid air.. I see much of the same. A woman exercising faith. Faith is rarely clean cut and unemotional. Faith can be messy, clumsy, flailing. Faith can be strained..and stretched like a muscle. Through it all? Faith grows.

The truth about my life is this: I've been through enough rushing waterfalls of faith to know that when I jump.... I will land. When I land... I will be different. Stronger, maybe not in myself--- but in Him. Even now--- still in mid air-- I am sneaking in breaths of fresh air.. words of encouragement for people God puts in my life and from their experiences...both living people and peole I've only met in the pages of my bible. Once in a while.. I even pry open my eyes and enjoy the view of the beautiful rushing water of life...

You know--- I think I just might land... eventually :)

A few things I've been reading that have given me gulps of fresh air for the jump:

Matthew 17:20

Deut. 31: 6 "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified ..... for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."

"Dear Lord- I know the jump I am experiencing is eventually going to end in a landing of some sort.... I know sometimes landings are hard- and painful.. I also know that you are always there to catch and comfort me. I don't know what the outcome of this jump will be--- But, I do know that where ever I land- you will be there--- and ARE here.. even in mid air. I love you- Lord, amen."

While I am waiting.... I am focusing on doing the things that give me the air I need for the jump... I'm praying.. I'm reading.. I'm knitting and spinning and spending time with my family...and in the sunshine. Once in a while-- I even sneak in a good cry in the shower:) What do YOU do when you wait? How does it help you?

I can't.... be WE can- make a difference.

2008-07-29T08:59:00.000-04:00

I dialed the phone, not sure what to expect. 1 ring.. 2 rings then a click and pick up. I'd never heard the voice behind the smile before. I wondered what to expect.

A sweet but sad voice answered the phone. The voice dissolved into tears... we talked. I heard both her heart and the scary details of her situation..... I felt overwhelmed. This was a bigger problem than I could fix. I listened. We talked through potential solutions.. we prayed together... and then hung up.

What on earth can I do to help? The need was way bigger than what I had to offer in help. What I have to share wouldn't make a dent. I couldn't even wrap my arms around this person and hug her. She is too far away. I took some time to think and pray... I knit. I sat. I wandered around the house wondering how I would feel if it was me.... I felt overwhelmed with the size of the problem...I felt powerless to help.

I remembered the words of Mother Theresa.."There are no great things, only small things done with great love" That is how Mother Theresa faced the overwhelming poverty and need that surrounded her... one person at a time... one small, loving act, at a time, and trusting that it made a difference. It did... and still is. Her ministry of love is known all over the world.... I thought about the knititng in my hands.. and how each small stich adds itself to the garment...and creates something useful. (one stitch--- not so much:)

" Would small things done with love make a difference here? now? for this friend? " I just kept wondering. I thought some more... I prayed. and then I decided to ask her permission to help... and to enlist the help of others. Together we offered up bits and pieces.. ideas... words.. yarn (you knew yarn would be involved at some point) books, thoughts prayers....all the little bits started forming themselves into a plan... and then the plan launched.

The plan was to hold a small fundraiser- simple paypal donations made directly to a family in need of their rent money. Each donation would have the chance to win a prize donated with great love. Nervous.. we waited.... (maybe a bit nervously) Then... the donations started pouring in. Ravelry knitters- especially Loopy Ewe Yarn Shop group members- are giving small things with great love. Sacrifices...small and large ... each whatever they can do... and together making a difference.

The world is full of bad news. Fraud, inflation, economic messes. Watching the news is overwhelming- I try to avoid it, mostly... because I feel at a loss to be able to change it. I know, I can't. Not alone.. I don't have the time, the money or the resources to change the world... or do I? Maybe changing the world means doing small things with great love...maybe changing the world means doing what you can when you can, where you can... maybe it all adds up.

It sure is adding up for one family. As of this moment- we've raised enough to keep them in their apartment. Now- we're working on making sure they have groceries. People are looking to see if jobs can be found.. they are checking their contact lists to see if they know anyone local to help....they are making a difference. Not just for this family... but for the generations that come after this one.. and for themselves.. because they know they are making a difference.

Why share this? Because--- there is hope. There is hope that we can make a difference... hope that God can provide...hope that things can get better--- if we each do small things with great love.

For Ravelry members... you can click here to see what we're up to... and maybe even help make a difference.:)

If you'd really love to help-but are not a rav member... you can look in my sidebar for my e-mail address to contact me and I can share with you how you can make a difference.

I know--- I know.. how do you know this isn't yet another internet hoax.... more people manipulating for profit? I'd say you can take my word... but why? The truth is -- there is always risk involved in helping.. always risk of backlash of fraud.... personally? I refuse to let that stop me from helping... Because if we STOP helping.. stop trying... we all lose.

Most readers know that I am a Christian... someone who desires to follow God. Not just in my words.. but in my actions. My convictions affect my choices. Here is the example I have to follow... and I may be walking with a limp and wandering around... on ocassion... and struggling to even find the path... but I am. One small step at a time.

The good samaritan

Freedom - observed

2008-07-25T08:43:00.000-04:00

A movement in the rear view mirror caught my eye. The driver behind me at the stoplight was bobbing her head, to music I couldn't hear. I smiled to myself. I've been known to traffic dance too:) I turned to peek- and saw that not only was the driver bobbing and traffic dancing, but the passenger was too. Beautiful, full smiles graced their faces....the passenger's hands were dancing, I could almost hear them laughing.

That's when I noticed the deep colored, headscarf. One of my neighbors was out for a drive with her daughter. As always- she was beautifully clad in one of her many headscarves. It made me smile. First, because I love the diversity of where I live- and second? Because I know full well- that this woman was enjoying something special. Where she is originally from- she would not be driving or leaving her home without a male escort- this silly, mother - daughter moment in the car- would have been lost.

She caught me peeking. I smiled. She smiled back. Mom-to-Mom- we connected. A tiny nod said "Yep- I love my kid, too- been there, enjoy". I am glad my neighbor is here. I'm glad she has found a place to both worship freely and live freely.

I am also glad that I can- even though, *by some*- we could be perceived as polar opposites- even- enemies of each others faith. I'm glad there are still places where this is true. I'm glad we both live where we can speak freely and live fully and disagree respectfully- by choice. I hope that you, can too.

Peace.

Extreme Adventures in Blueberry Pie;)

2008-06-27T08:52:00.001-04:00

Extreme Adventures in Blueberry Pie:

2 pints washed and picked blueberries stems removed
1 cup (ish) sugar
zest and juice from a small lemon (or 1/2 lg)
1/4 cup (ish) cornstarch
pinch of salt
pat of butter

pillsbury pie crust (ref section)

preheat oven to 350

line pie plate with 1 crust

mix sugar, berries, cornstarch, salt lemon zest and juice in lg bowl

dump all into crust. top with the butter cut into bits-

put on top crust, crimp with fork, then brush with a bit of milk and sprinkle with sugar

poke a few vent holes into the top.

bake for about an hour-

best blueberry pie ever. I based the recipe from some filling I bought at William Sonoma- it’s the fresh lemon that makes it YUM.

Enjoy:)

serve with vanilla ice-cream or whipped cream:)

Over-reactive parenting with a side of "I don't know what I'm talking about"

2008-06-19T10:10:00.000-04:00

Cleaning, top to bottom, with a deadline, it makes me cranky. As does working in one room, only to enter another, and find a NEW mess.

All of which happened the other day. It was a perfect storm of circumstance and over-reaction. It was not pretty.

I was in the living room folding laundry, while the dishwasher ran, the washing machine and dryer tumbled, dinner was cooking, I was sweating and everyone was supposed to be getting ready for dinner. (Multi- tasking- I am gifted, in it.)

That's when I suddenly noticed "the quiet". Not good.

Quiet, in a house with 3 sons, 2 cats and a beagle, does not equate peace, it is a siren of warning, louder than the weather alert. I looked up from my multi-tasking duties. The living-room got the "all clear". Hubby was relaxing on the couch after a long day, the beagle was sleeping. I walked through the kitchen. No smoke. (this is good) When I hit the foyer, the scent of raspberry handsoap filled my not so sensitive, nose. That was not right. (Our house usually smells like: dinner, a locker room febreeze or a pet shop... not so much, like raspberries.)

Faster than a cheetah on Starbucks, I flung open the bathroom door. Slimey, pink handsoap dripped like honey from the countertop, slid down the cabinet fronts and puddled onto the bath-rug. It took 20 minutes to eliminate the slimey foaming mess. During which, I built up a rather foamy head of fury.

Careful examination of the sticky evidence, clearly revealed the culprit. The lid lie on the counter, removed from the pump bottle. The bottle lay on it's side and perfectly formed, 6 year old handprints outlined in foam, dotted the countertop left uncovered by liquid slime. I'm sure the neighbors fled to their rooms, when I demanded the little delinquent to go there, for his own safety. (WHOOPSY windows were open when the yelling began.)

I heard some kind of defense being raised, by the delinquent, from his jail-cell, but this judge had already delivered her verdict: GUILTY AS CHARGED. I returned to the living-room to inform the husband of the delinquency, via continued tirade. Not quite speaking to him.. (or anyone really) just on a really good (or bad) yelling roll.

At some point, a deep, calm voice sounded. "I took the lid off the soap, when I washed my hands." "Oh." "crap" was my response. Every bubble in the foam of my fury popped and left me a slimey mess. I'd cast judgement on a situation, that I knew nothing about. I was wrong. I hate that.

I called the unjustly tried prisoner, down from his cell. I apologized. I set him free. Of course, part of me wanted to build up another fury towards the actual culprit. And part of my knew that the little handprints were proof that he had indeed participated in illicit acts of mess. I was justified, wasn't I?

The small voice in my gut that is usally right, said "NO." I realized the real culprit, was me. I'd let the stress of current events pump me full of hot air like a bubble on the verge of popping. It didn't take much to turn me into a puddle of momma- fury.

I took a deep breath, let it out slowly. Then, shut my mouth. (unbelievable, I know) The current deadline, is one of my own making. I cannot expect life to not go on, just because I have a goal in mind. Stuff happens. My family lives here. This is not a magazine shoot, it's a party, to celebrate.

I am resolved to try to enjoy the preparation process (and the bumps it may bring... ) without diminishing the event's joy, by creating stress, instead. Oh- I still have my spreadsheet. I still have a deadline, and goal.... but, I've also asked for some help... from friends, from family, and from the only one who can change my cheetah like, anger reflex.....God.

"Dear Lord- please help me to honor you... and not overreact to normal to things just because I have an agenda. God, it's hard to work only to find it totally undone in a moment- it's frustrating! Please help me to be patient.... and not to kill anyone- emotionally, with my fury. I love you Lord- and am glad I;m not alone in this... oh and Lord... good weather for this deadline would really be nice;) amen"

Condiment Conspiracy

2008-06-17T15:46:00.000-04:00

Extreme Adventures In Motherhood, Live Mom Report:

Leaking condiment bottles are a capitalist conspiracy of waste and consumerism. The condiment producers have formed an alliance with the cleaning supply manufacturers.. they have created a self maintaining vortex of mess making and cleaning… Be forewarned.

Which means- no matter HOW often I clean the fridge- it’s disgusting.

Nest Unrest

2008-06-12T12:09:00.001-04:00

For weeks last summer- I watched and waited...Daily I snapped pics and excitedly posted them to my blog. I saw bits of my yard being woven into a home for a tiny red-breasted family to be. I saw a devoted momma , carefully build. I watched her darling keeping a careful eye over her as she gathered.

Finally- came the big day and I watched her tend her eggs. They were an amazing color of blue.

I watched because she had built her nest in the light next to my patio door. The light is a motion detector light. It was NOT a good place for her to nest. The eggs never hatched. I, cried.

A few weeks ago- I again noticed bits of my yard, again being woven into a home in the light. I felt sad for her. The light and constant interruption of my rambunctious family would make it impossible for her new nest and eggs to survive. She just didn't know better. Before it was too late... I begged hubby to pull out the yard bits that she'd carefully woven, to encourage her to move her home... he did. I cried.

A few days later- we watched as yard bits, again became woven. This time? It is in my favorite willow tree. A much better place for her to nest. I'm watching. I'm waiting. Maybe- maybe this year there will be a tiny family. For now- I glad we did the hard thing- and un-rested her nest.

To be honest- I've experienced this in my life. I've tried to settle in where maybe I shouldn't have. Only to have God lovingly reach down... and unrest my nest- encouraging me to move along to a safer place- or a better place to nest. Maybe today- when you popped by- you were feeling a little like you're nest is in unrest. If so--- I pray you find hope- in the truth that if God is unresting your nest--- it will be for your good.

much love- ts

One of my favorite passages that give me hope in all nesting circumstances is Jeremiah 29:11-14-

11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back from captivity. ^[b] I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile."

Dear Lord- I pray that you'd guide and direct the weaving of our lives and homes- I love and trust you- amen

Slow is good- even when you're busy

2008-06-10T13:15:00.000-04:00

In third grade choir- we sang Simon and Garfunkle's "Feeling Groovy" . (Don't laugh. It was the seventies and, and yes- I went to a pseudo-hippie, somewhat progressive, elementary school. ) I still remember all the words.

Just in case you don't remember- (or have never heard them) here they are:

Slow down, you move too fast, you've got to make the morning last
Just kickin' down the cobble-stones, lookin' for fun and feelin' groovy

Feeling groovy

Hello lamp-post, what's cha knowing, I've come to watch your flowers growin'
Ain't cha got no rhymes for me, do-it-do-do, feelin' groovy

Feeling groovy

I've got no deeds to do, no promises to keep
I'm dappled and drowsy and ready to sleep
Let the morning time drop all its petals on me

Life I love you, all is groovy

All this slow-fooding has brought this song back to mind. This morning, in the middle of printing off the end of the graduation announcements, spread sheet creation of my to do lists, list making etc...map printing etc... I decided to catch up on a bit of baking. (I owe someone, some promised cookies;) Yes- it's possible there was a psychotic break in the making. Wasn't I busy enough? But, I knew- I needed to bake.

I have to say- at first it *did* feel like "just another thing to do". But- once the butter sugar and eggs and vanilla were in the mixer... the most effective aromatherapy ever, filled my nose. Chocolate chip cookies. Somehow- my nose bypassed my emotions and told my brain to chill out, and I started to enjoy the process of baking and announcement making.

It's true- I was multi-tasking. It's also true- that I was working to finish much needed projects... but- a little like knitting on a deadline- I still found both enjoyable. Whole wheat oatmeal chocolate chip cookies were cooling on racks before the printing was complete. Then- I picked up my knitting needles- and settled into my current project. A nice simple "Birch" wrap in Rowan Kidsilk Haze... a pretty deep sky blue.

I still have loads to do. I need to get to the post office, I need to continue cleaning and getting things ready for the big day. But right now? I smell cookies. I feel soft, pretty knitting.

In the next room, is the graduate- whom I am so proud of. Cuddled next to him- is my youngest- chattering away and watching him play. If I move too fast- this morning won't last...

So, I won't. At least- not today. I can accomplish my goals without losing the moment.

Years ago- I read a book called "Too busy not to pray". In my current life phase- I am busy. Very busy. Really- I'm too busy not to pray- too busy not to catch and savor moments and enjoy them... I hope you make time to do the same;)

(and maybe a batch of cookies too--- these are whole wheat/ and I add half a cup of oatmeal too- whole grain yummies- that's nearly , healthy:)

Random Updates

2008-06-07T17:45:00.001-04:00

Things are busy here. The graduate is filling out job applications. The parents are cleaning for the party.

There are tomatoes and peppers growing in the yard. (That is a first..as I hate dirt- with the exception of sand;)

I have sold of loads of excess yarn- and in return- bought the bestest mixer I've ever owned;) A refurbished Kitchenaid.. and yes- they really are that wonderful;)

The slow food movement and locally grown adventure has continued with a quick side-track for chinese last night to round out our "Kung-Fu Panda" theme night. (I t really HAD to be done) Movie was cute.

There has been continued knitting- I finished up my Shetland Shawl , in Sundara's Silky Aran- which I cannot recommend highly enough. I've cast on for a variation on the Birch Shawl- this one is point up- so much less aggravating than castin on hundreds of stitches:) With the added bonus of the ability to stop when ever I am sick of it;) Yes- I am probably the last knitter on earth to knit the Birch- but- I am like that- we know this.

Tomorrow will be a mixed bag of emotions as the oldest graduates.... for now- I'm just trying to figure out what to wear that will coordinate with running waterproof mascara. (I think I could cry that much- let's just say we are experiencing the "perfect storm" hormones + life change + child's life change= buckets of tears. Even Maybelline can only hold upto so much:) I may have to cry the ugly cry before hand- just to get it out of the way.

Also- there is nothing like planning to invite everyone you know to your home to make you realize how shabby things can become in 9 years of living in a house...the carpet- the bumps and bangs in the walls... but- then- it's been lived in with love and memories.. (I'm telling myself) so we'll just enjoy it:) (and pray for a nice day so folks can enjoy the yard.

More later- when I can think of something beyond pomp and circumstance;)

Now- for something entirely poo.. I mean NEW.

2008-06-04T14:13:00.000-04:00

"Did you forget to flush?" I asked the culprit, without a doubt that he was, in fact guilty.

"What color was it?" He asked slyly avoiding the question.

"Ummm brown" I replied- parrying his dodge.

"Was it lumpy, or smooth????" He asked- evasive, once again.

"Both." I answered- readying myself for the next blow.

"It was probly Keeb* " Was his answer. *keeb aka: the cat

"The cat does not use the toilet and you have toilet paper hanging out of your pants. Please , flush next time!" I shouted, exasperated by his attempt at "tefloning" and pointing the blame at an innocent kitteh.

"I can't" He replied.

"Why?" I ask- afraid of the answer.

"Cause I want my brothers to see it.. it was HUGE" He says, eyes the size of saucers with pride and awe.

Parenting- the stuff they DO NOT tell you in books. But, I will, in mine;)

I shall refrain from a picture today... the word picture here should tide you over;)

PS- this morning I was the mom of 2 highschoolers and a kindergartner- now I have a college kid. *sigh* grief and joy-- I have it:)

And Adventure in "Real Food"

2008-05-08T12:08:00.000-04:00

*Blink* *Blink*

That was pretty much my answer to my primary care physician a couple of weeks ago, when she asked me a question I had NO answer for. (Me speechless? I know- it's shocking.) We were discussing my (now plateaued) weight gain. "Trouble shooting". (As if I may not KNOW what I've been doing wrong.) It started off fine... until she asked whether we'd had any dietary changes.... I said "You know, we're probably eating more pre-packaged and convenience foods..."

That's when she asked me "Why?". My response was exactly this:

*Blink* *Blink*

I didn't want to say what I was thinking. "Laziness...convenience...ease."

I left with a prescription for blood work and to eat breakfast. My answer, which I finally gave after losing the "she who speaks first, loses" game- (my doc can be brutal when she needs too be she just stood there looking at me waiting for an answer! ) has bothered me, ever since.

I did a pantry/fridge evaluation. My pantry and fridge, both flunked. Almost everything had an expiration date further in the future than my youngest son's graduation. Instead of actual foods listed in the ingredients, there were chemical combinations that sounded like diseases. That can't be good.

So- I'm doing a little experiment. We'll call it a "real-food experiment". My goal is not to lose weight or diet... (alhtough that would be nice;) but to eat actual food as opposed to chemical cocktails in ever-fresh packaging. It's May- and farmers markets are opening up, it should be fairly easy to find actual- real food. I love to cook- and actually can do it... it's time to stop being lazy.

Yesterday- we baked whole wheat flax seed bread and had whole wheat pasta with easy homemade pasta sauce. Yum.

Today- Noah and I are making a second attempt at home made Mozzerella (yesterdays shall remain unmentioned... gross:( ) We'll toss some more ingredients into the bread machine (I and I put chicken, canned tomatoes, black beans, onion, green peppers in the crock pot to cook all day. I'll serve it up over brown rice with a salad on the side. It wasn't hard... but it's all actual food. No powdered cheese... no rice mix of salt with pseudo-flavoring.... just, real food. There will still be plenty of treats and snacks...some "real food" and some "junk food"... but definitely a move towards the "real".

I can do it.. and I have the time... so I will.

Stay tuned- you'll get to watch the wins and losses- enjoy:)

From the top left: Whole Wheat Bread with ground flax. Home made pasta sauce. Second row- OOPs thats not food... thats my Tuscany Shawl from "No Sheep For You" .. Indigo Moon Fingering weight yarn in Aubergine. I love it;)

Bottom row- What was supposed to be Mozzerella cheese- but someone accidently let it boil....That's a loss. and real ingredients for today's chicken dinner;)

Whole Wheat Bread Good for Toast- I added 2 tablespoons of cold milled flax seed, and instead of oil, I used fresh butter;) .

Tracey's Homemade Pasta Sauce:

fresh mushrooms, sliced

chopped onion, minced garlic, green pepper diced

turkey sausage (1 lb)

1 lg can tomato sauce

1 can diced tomatoes with garlic and onion

1 small can tomato paste

salt and pepper to taste

Brown turkey and drain, add onion, garlic, green pepper, mushrooms, salt and pepper sautee until veggies are slightly softened.

Add tomato sauce, tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir and simmer until pasta is ready. (about 45 minutes) Serve with your favorite whole wheat pasta;)

Today's dinner-

Chicken and sauce-

Whole chicken cut up

Can tomato sauce

can tomato paste

can of black beans

onion, garlic and green pepper chopped, salt and pepper (I'm part Italian.. can't cook without these ingredients;)

toss everything in the crock pot, and cook until you are no longer afraid to eat it;) (I usually cook on high for 5-6 hours) Serve over steamed brown rice;) Maybe with a few grates of parmesan or fresh mozzerella.

Knitting Breaks the Language Barrier...

2008-05-06T11:17:00.000-04:00

We were in our "fence free" yard. I was knitting away, DH was doing the "commentary" for my youngests' individual soccer tournament. (Interestingly enough, he always wins when he plays with invisible opponents- however it's usually a close game ... he's all about the sports drama. ) Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed 3 varied sized potential soccer players, hovering at the invisible line that divides our yards.

"Hey- go ask if they want to play" I called to the soccer meister. 3 "real" players joined him almost immediately. My youngest introduced himself- and they returned in kind. However- my little guy kept asking their names. They were not names he was familiar with. Finally, he shrugged his shoulders and just went with it. An epic game of "make up the rules as you go" soccer soon unfolded. A chair and a soccer net were the goals. Dandelion clumps marked the sidelines. Much cheering and laughing rang out.

After awhile, the soccer game dissolved, and all of the kiddos were watching me knit. I have a few ideas why watching my knitting was more interesting than the playscape or soccer net. Magic, rhythm and color are kid magnets for sure! But, even I, was surprised by what happened next. "I always wanted to learn to do that! Can you teach me?" Said the doe-eyed female soccer player who had held her own playing against 2 boys.

"Sure can" I went inside to search out needles and yarn that would work for a quick project. In a few minutes, she had caught the basic stitch. She quickly declared she'd "Teach everyone at school." Then she started planning her next projects..."How long will it take to finish? I want to finish this today!" Her excitement was contagious, and soon her older brother wanted in on the fun.

I came back from inside with another set of yarn and needles. He was quick to catch on as well. We all chatted and knit until their mom's voice called from next door. "Time to go!" They were next door visiting Grandma. I told them they could keep the knit supplies, and to keep practicing. It was getting chilly and nearly dark- so my youngets and I went int too.

After a few minutes- I heard happy chatter out back. The staccato of foreign language filled the yard. I went out to find my neighbor- (who speaks little english- I'd assumed) Happily helping her grandkids knit away. The gentleman soccer player was telling Grandma she wasn't do it the way I'd showed him. I went over- and found that yes- actually she was. I learned to knit "middle eastern... eastern uncrossed" or "combination or continental" style. My lovely, Lebanese neighbor knit the same way. Funny- continents-religion and language barriers instantly seemed to melt away.

We've always done the "suburban smile" greeting and said "Hi". However, that has been the extent of our conversation. (If that even counts as conversation) But this day- I heard about a sweater knit for her husband and her enjoyment of knitting with her grandkids. I met her daughter-in law- and found myself sounding like an older female version of my youngest, as I asked and repeated her name several times, before I finally got it right. In the 7 years or so that we've been neighbors, this was the most conversation we've had.

I'm excited about the potential knit- pal I've found. And about the kiddos who'll be coming back to visit, knit and play soccer with my little guy. This week- instead of knitting in my house- or knitting in the backyard- I think I'll move to the porch and see if anyone want to join me;) Amazing, what finding a common interest can do for your neighborhood;)

Oh, Canada... A Knitters Adventure In Toronto- More Big Girls Knit Book Launch!

2008-04-28T09:58:00.002-04:00

A knitting adventure? Is that an oxymoron? I can assure you, it's not. (Contrary to the border guard who giggled on my explanation of the trips purpose.) I know- because this weekend I had one. An international adventure of epic proportions. I went to Toronto for the More Big Girls Knit Book Launch at Lettuce Knit! Which just so happened to coincide with the DKC Knitters Frolic. (Yes- the border guard also thought that explanation equally, HILARIOUS.)

I know, I know- I went to the first launch and wrote about it already. What can I say? It was such an amazing experience, I wanted more. That's exactly what I got. MORE. More of the same- and yet, something even better.

What really struck me this time, was the people and the knitting community that is Toronto. Walking up to Lettuce Knit- was a thrill. I'm a long time reader (ok ,stalker) of YarnHarlot, Amy, Jillian,(ok- a fellow Michigander- but in her heart, she's Torontonian) Jen, Indigodragonfly and a number of other Torontonian knit blogs...all of whom are Lettuce Knit regulars. Ocassional skeptic that I am, I had wondered if it was all hype. I wondered "Could it really be that great?" I also wondered how the regulars would respond to a loud, foreign invader.

Actually- I was a little (ok, a lot) nervous. I mean- these people actually know each other! They have a history together. I didn't want to feel like a third wheel- or a party crasher. Worse yet, I didn't want to feel like a knit-reject. Clicks (or should I say cliques?) are an international phenomenon... one I've experienced before, and don't like. But not this weekend. Not with these knitters and not at this shop. By the end of the evening- I felt like one of the girls. (well except I talk funny, apparently...)

I should back up a bit. The day had started much earlier, however, at the Frolic. I met Danielle and Indigodragonfly and we were quick to hit it off. Danielle and I could just about keep pace with each other in the verbal arena. (I think we near wore out Indigodragonfly!) And at one of the first booths we visited together, Indigodragonfly and I discovered we're fibre (that spelling is for my new Canadian friends) twins! (Which could have led to fibre fights, but didn't, as we're both quite sweet;) We quickly developed a rather symbiotic relationship- helping each other buy yarn.

Between the Frolic and the launch party- we hung out for a bit and talked - then I was invited to dinner at "The Big Fat Burrito". The infamous haunt of Lettuce Knitters! I had the most incredible steak burrito- which I shared with a homeless guy. (politics aside- we have to find an answer (answers) to homelessness...just sayin') Then, we walked to the shop for the launch.

Lettuce Knit is located in Kensington Market. Which- is just that- an amazing "find everything and then some " kind of neighborhood/market. The doors are open- goods of all sorts are displayed on racks and stands on the street. There are luscious fruit stands are on every corner. (At one stand the mangos were so irresistible- that a little guy, probably 4 or so, kept swiping one off the table, to try for a taste. Mom kept putting them back and telling him "no". However, like a tiny comedian, he kept reaching for another. FInally, in a Mom's desperate move of distraction- she held his arms over his head, laughing. The brilliant creativity of Kensington must have rubbed off on him- as he immediately leaned forward, mouth open, and bit a mango ""bobbing for apples" style! (I immediately fell in love with him, as well, and would have tucked him into my bag had it not already contained a lifetimes worth of yarn!)

Kensington Market was a sensory overload of the very best kind, with no sense was left un-touched. My nose was treated to a caucophony of aromas. (A pretty good trick, as I lost much of that sense, to a nose job years ago) The scents shifted from delightful to obnoxious within just a few feet. The scent of fresh (mostly fresh anyways) fish, bread, fruit, meat and humanity all created a tapestry of scent that will be forever etched in my mind and entitled "Kensington Market #5."

In addition to sights, textures and scents- there was music both lyrical and lingual, everywhere! It poured from the doorways and from street performers. Voices added to the music in both barter and chatter. It was truly amazing. It was life, concentrated. I think it was there, that I fell in love with Toronto. (I was also glad to have someone leading me around, or I'd have wandered aimlessly -albeit contentedly- for weeks!)

Still nervous- (me, anyways) we made our way through people and sights. I thought maybe it was the burrito when my stomach flip-flopped with nerves as we came up to the street that houses Lettuce Knit. Then, I saw it. There were knitters everywhere, on every step of the porch and on chairs, in both the front and backyard! They were smiling, chatting (knitting- of course;) and helping with projects and color choices. There were kids eating cupcakes, giggling and performing. (kids love an audience, and in these knitters they sure had one;) There was much passing of babies, and I could just about hear ovaries bursting with ripened eggs at the sight of them. (They were truly, that cute;)

The atmosphere was great. Energetic and fun. It was like Sesame Street came to life. (If Sesame Street suddenly became a bit PG 13;) I started shopping as soon as I got in the door;) The shop is tiny- but LOADED with the very best of knitterly goods. Soon- a fabulous Irish band arrived, and started playing the most beautiful music! Within minutes of arriving women were again transformed by the designers magic. There were cupcakes. There were sweaters. There were door prizes! (I won the most incredible Jordana Paige Knit bag!-see pics) There were knitters everywhere. It was fabulous.

Beyond the shopping potential and pure eye-candy of the place, there was a pervasive feeling of home. My nerves over how these knitters would receive an outsider, were totally unfounded. It was an amazing group. Everyone I met, had a story, design sense, a sense of humor or creativity that was remarkable, and they were quick to share them. (many had all of the above!!) A hotbed of design and designers surrounded me. I had a few questions about patterns (as every yarn I saw was begging to be immediately knit-up) when I threw them out to the group- each was met with, "Well, ask____ she's over there, she designed it!" I was amazed, and a little (ok, a lot) awe-struck.

After my visit, I think I have a better understanding of knit-community and what it can be. I can see how this atmosphere of synergy encouragement and creativity have birthed so many designers and artists of color, texture and word. I was sad to leave Lettuce Knit- the Knitty crew and MBGK Team . I will miss them and the Toronto they enjoy. But, they've inspired me to get involved in my local knit community and see what it can become. I mean- if Canadians can tolerate me... maybe a few Americans can as well;)

More after I catch up on laundry-- (is that even possible? Probably only if my family spends a few days in a nudist camp- which ain't happening...)

PS- HAPPY BIRTHDAY DENNY!

There are no popsicles in h*ll.

2008-04-18T11:16:00.000-04:00

Youngest child: "MOMMY! I want a popsicle!"

Mommy: "No, it's almost time for dinner."

Youngest child: "I will eat my dinner-I promise! - I'm STARVING for a popsicle."

Mommy: "I said, NO."

Youngest child: "PLEEEEEEASE?" (voice pitch rising to a whine that only dogs can hear level...)

Mommy: "You can have one after dinner, not now."

Youngest Child: "MOMMY, I NEED a popsicle!"

Mommy: "If you ask me again- you won't get any after dinner, either."

Youngest child. Arms crossed. Brows furrowed. "You are the devil".

I've been a mom for over 18 years I thought I'd heard it all.... I've been called a lot of things.. but really now, The Devil? Hilarious. Told you- there are no popsicles in h*ll, because apparently I am the devil and do not allow them.

Mental note- Next week buy nasty tasting sugar free popsicles.... that'll teach him.

Garbage Jenga- Winner takes all (the trash out)

2008-04-07T10:51:00.001-04:00

Shoe boxes, sushi containers, empty coffee cans, paper toweling of nefarious sorts. Empty milk bottles, dirty bamboo chopsticks and a few vaguely-recognizable foodstuffs.

Each object, precariously perched upon the other, a leaning tower of garbage- a haz-mat situation in the kitchen- really- a rousing family game of Garbage Jenga.

What started as a necessary kitchen garbage can, has become a family past-time. Each day's game of Garbage Jenga offers a chance to win. The game grows through out the day, every family member adding to the tower, bit by garbage-y bit. Each one quietly backing away from their last addition, afraid the meer sound of their footsteps could lead to jenga-tastrophe.

The rules of the game are simple: Whom ever placed the last item on the garbage pile prior to it's toppling, is the tortured soul who must: (cue the scary music) TAKE OUT THE TRASH.

It's truly amazing to see the engineering skills employed to reinforce the garbage tower. Please note the turned up edge of the garbage bag that gives just enough additional room in the can for items to be slipped into the sides without adding to the height. (It's the height that gets them-every time.) I have explained countless times- that the energy exerted in reinforcements, arguing (about who's turn it is) and studying garbage tower engineering is considerably more than what would be required to simply TAKE out the TRASH... but alas... they disagree.

And so- each day..the game begins anew. An empty box- coffee grounds, a candy wrapper, a broken toy or *gasp* a pile of old schoolwork at a time...

Just one question? Garbage Jenga- does this count towards our one million minutes of family game time?

I will refrain from describing the argument that ensues over who has to replace the garbage bag with a clean one...or who has to pick up the garbage that inevitably drops off the jenga pile and onto the kitchen floor as it's being bagged.. let's suffice to say it's not a pretty sight. Really- I have no clue why my extremely intelligent family seems to be incapable of taking out the trash without waiting for a trash-alanche or my (loud) complaints.... but there you have it- just another adventure in motherhood, you gotta laugh to survive ;)

On Spring Teases and the Biodegradability of Dog Poo (Or lack thereof)

2008-04-02T10:48:00.000-04:00

The sump pump is running and my allergies are in full, sinus attacking bloom. It would seem that Spring is attempting to Sprung. (sprang? spring? Whatever.)

However- I'm not yet convinced that it's here to stay. I am jaded. I do not trust Spring. I live in a land where Spring likes to tease. Spring arrives for an hour or two in the morning-- all sunshine and green...and then flees to somewhere that the snow has abandoned, by noon. One day it's 60 degrees and sunny, the next day, we get a dumping of 4 inches of snow. The chances of a thunderstorm and a snowstorm are about equal in any given day. In Michigan, Spring is more of an "in the moment" thing than an actual "Season."

Spring, is also attacking Mothers. It's doing it's best to make us look bad. We promise a park trip and the weather immediately turns sour. We plan an indoor activity... and the sun pops out and demands attention. If it snows and I make my kids shovel... the rest of the snow will melt by noon. (Which I did last week--- and will never hear the end of.) If I don't make them shovel... the snow will solidify into a mass of dirty ice that could only be compared to the driveway's attempting to turn into a comet--- and my kids will slip on the way to the bus stop. Of course... they will then say: " Can I sue my parent for a slip and fall accident?" and: "You said it would melt, mom." To which I offer the lame: "I guess, I lied."

As of today- the snow is nearly all gone. The sun is shining in my backyard, I grabbed a cup of coffee and joined the cat in front of the doorwall to soak up the sunshiney goodness through the glass. Once my eyes adjusted to the brilliant light.. (takes a while after the long winter here in Michigan...) I noticed the dog poo. Perfectly piled little gifts our beagle has been leaving us all winter long---like left over Easter eggs found in July, they are not a welcome surprise.

What I do not understand, is this: A winters' worth of garbage that blew through the yard, is gone. The papers and bits of plastic that blew out of frozen garbage cans before they could be emptied into the truck...are all gone, blown away by the Spring breezes (read: near gale force winds) or somehow melted away with the snow. The left over fall leaves have disappeared, becoming one with the grass, as they should. The yard looks pretty good aside form the mud, until you look closely, thats when you'll notice the poo.

Perfectly preserved little piles, dotting the yard. The one thing that is naturally biodegradable (it's already halfway there- for pete's sake, it's been digested!) remains. The poo piles. WHY does dog poo- not biodegrade? Why does it last through snow and ice and rain and sun and global warming and global cooling and sleet and hail all seemingly, un-changed? I don't get it.

I have no answers. I have no spiritual analogy... only preserved piles of poo. And the task of assigning my sons to clean them up.... which they are already arguing about. They have offered munerous suggestions in regards to the poo:

1) Leave it until the "Lawn guy" comes and the mower will turn it to mulch.. (Ummm no- that's a good way to lose a lawn guy)

2) Let's call it a science experiment and see what happens to it. If we document it carefully maybe it will someday win us a Nobel Prize.

3) The grass will grow and cover it.... (It will... until one summer day we turn on the sprinkler, instantly re-constituting the poo-piles into slippery death traps...which will of course be the day the youngest want to run through the sprinkler...)

4) Haz-mat? (Ummm a possibility)

5) Can we move? (a thought to consider...)

A final thought.... there MUST be some chemical or industrial application for this (seemingly) indestructible and renewable (daily) resource.... cars running on dog poo? Roofing made of dog poo? Bricks made of dog poo? I don't know....if only I could come up with something....and patent it... and sell it.... then I'd be able to pay the "poo patrol" to come and take care of it for me.....*sigh*.

Until then.... I'll knit.... in front of the doorwall basking in the pseudo-Spring sun, with the cat.... our eyes on the sunny-blue sky... not the ground...the ultimate in poo -pile denial;)

Udates, virus' and a Keegan Lane Yarn Review!

2008-03-31T12:38:00.000-04:00

I've been:

1) sick

2) recovering

3) playing nurse for everyone else who's been sick. (Everyone's been so kind taking turns... aka stretching out this season of sickness for all it's worth! And- As I've taught my guys to share--- they have been sharing liberally... good with snacks not so good with virus' and bacteria. )

4) Celebrating the never ending birthday of my youngest. (Somehow, this kids "birthday party" has cloned into parties..... one for one part of the family--- another with friends, another with another part of the family......and the immediate family..... and so on... and so on...maybe its the birthday business making us sick???? PS- the yellow frosting on a McDonalds birthday cake is permanent... at least when it comes into contact with acrylic nails at 2:30 a.m. when I NEEDED some cake... caught yellow handed, I suppose! Be forewarned:!)

The sickness thing is just annoying.... enough said. And expensive... tissues... tissues... with lotion... tissues with anti-viral dots... decongestants... throat lozenges and GIANT bottles of Ibuprophen.....not to mention popsicles and chicken soup by the case.

But- we're recovering.... I think.... let's just say--- the amount of bleach and various sanitizing chemicals I've been using have effectively removed my fingerprints... I could now be a spy. (Not really... but sheesh- I've been bleaching everything but the pets... and they are nedt on my list of carrier-suspects;)

So- instead of flus, colds and strep--- lets talk pretty yarn!

This past week I recieved an order from my favorite online shop- The Loopy Ewe. In it, was carefully tucked, 3 beautiful skeins of a new (to me) indie dyer- "Keegan Lane Yarns." I purchased: Shy Violet, Ballet Slippers and Milky Way. Each handpainted skein comes with a pretty little matching (I love matching) stitch marker. The colors are terrific- and the yarn is knitting up beautifully. The twist on the yarn is smooth and even-getting guage wasn't a challenge at all. The dye work is lovely and it was well skeined- no knots or bad bits. An A+ New dyer! I highly recommend.

The base yarn reminds me of Socks That Rock and Wollmeise--- very nice.

Stats:

US 1½ / 2.5 mm (I'm using Knit Picks Harmony DPN's

Yarn

Keegan Lane Yarns Ballet Slippers Toasty Sock

1 skeins = 420.0 yards (384.0m)

I started a pair of no-purl monkeys (based on Knitty's original pattern. I used Keegan Lane Yarn in the "Ballet Slippers" Colorway... but once I started knitting- I decided it was begging to be a pair of jaywalkers! (The jaywalkers are in the pic above.)In the end- I think it was worth ripping them back and starting again in the jaywalker pattern--- just seems to make the most of the yarn and pattern! However--- I now must absolutely make a pair of no-purl monkeys in a more subtle colorway;)

They are fast and simple and prettiful;) Meets my sock knitting requirements! If you can get your hands on a skein (or 5) of Keegan Lane Yarns... I highly recommend it!

Today, I've posted a devotional at Laced With Grace called "Me, Version 2.0" You'll read about my most recent Windows Vista update... and how God's been trying to update me- too;) (A little hint--- I keep clicking "Update later" Sound familiar?)

I hope you'll pop over for a visit- and read some of the other great posts at Laced With Grace- the girls writing there are just phenomenal!

Also- today is the last day to enter for the Laced With Grace Contest-- the prize is a wonderful 50% scholarship to the Proverbs 31 "She Speaks Conference." Make sure to leave a comment at LWG for one more chance to win!!!

Dear Clothing Designers- I am fat and average--- please stop torturing me....

2008-03-27T11:05:00.000-04:00

6 hours... of my life.

6 hours spent wiggling and jiggling and sweating in claustrophopic conditions attempting to find a "casual" outfit that "worked". That's what clothes shopping has come too. I hate it. Which is probably good for my budget, but, is not so good for my self esteem. Three way mirrors with flourescent mega watt lighting is enough to make Angelina Jolie, cry of shame. (umm maybe not- but one could hope I'm not alone crying in the fitting room why don't they call them the unfitting room- the truth is we go in there to see if something doesn't fit- correct?)

There is a strange dichotomy in the current fashion industry- the focus seems to be on one of two things: getting people pregnant (risque half nekkidness)--- or making them look like they are. (That statement solidifies my "approaching 40 sounding and getting old award" for the year)

Cute top after cute top was tried on---sadly, what was cute on the rack was either maternity-ish on the bod, or just plain in appropriate. This lead me from one store to another--- in search of the perfect (or at least the not embarrassingly bad, outfit. It probably didn't help that I was PMSing--- but PMS or not-- ugly is ugly, and fashion is weird.

Things I do not understand about current fashion: (and that prove I am old- and fat)

Tops that do not allow for women to have br**sts. (Where exactly am I suppose to store them? Offsite?)

Tops that draw and quarter br**asts. (four b**bs are NOT better than 2) Empire waists are to be placed UNDER the br**sts..l not in the MIDDLE of them!

Tops that have ribbons bows and strange gathering where one least needs it...ruffles at the bottom of tunic length tops are just WRONG.

Tops too short to avoid muffin-topping. (What used to be known as ones hips...) (I know-- my problem isn't so much muffin tops as a bundt cake butt)

Tops that require the purchase of additional layering pieces to make them even remotely appropriate. (However- nice try with the "selling up" attempt Fashion industry-- it's working) Also-layered tops that are sewn together in such a way as to become a mass of knotted fabric in the washing machine... yeah- love that.

Please stop making t-shirts that look fine until you get them home, then they turn see-thru. (Especially when they actually fit- that's just plain mean.)

T-shirts sized to fit barbie dolls.. and sold for full-grown adult women. Really--- do you think I will buy more black t-shirts if I have to buy a size 2 x?.. I am not a 2 x... thats ridiculous. Vanity sizing works for me.

Wrap tops that don't wrap--- they GAP. *Also the whole point of wrap tops is that they can be wrapped and fitted to perfection... please stop sewing them at weird places--- it defeats the purpose of the wrap.

Tops that are otherwise perfect- but with one strange fatal flaw--- like sleeves that make my wrists look fat...(they do--- I swear!) or openings where I least need them..

Built in bras that do nothing but mush and smoosh. (Hello... any one over a b cup will end up with the infamous uni-b**b. Like 4 b**bs, one is not better than two.)

Jackets cut ...almost to fit---if I didn't have br**sts.

Cropped.... anything.... but especially jackets and tops.

Jeans--- should we even go there---? I would however- like to thank the fashion industry for upping the rise from 1 1/2 inches to 4 1/2. So much better. :(

Also- proponents of global warming thank you for improvement of cracks in the atmosphere.

Skirts--- there seems to be only 2 types- those of the "I thought I was a belt, but I am a skirt" type...and the "Oh my word, how much ugly fabric can we elasticize and still be able to call it a skirt, not a tent? " type. 'nuff said. I just want a normal skirt that fits my butt AND my waist and isn't too short or too long... is that too much to ask?

Suggestion: Think Pencil-skirt but with one of those ergonomic grip things on it;)

Weird huge belts on highwaisted pants.... "Hello, my b**bs are sitting on a belt-shelf?" Not a good look.

Pants with ankles more narrow than my wrists.... my goal is not to look like a giant "?" Question mark. Fluffy tops with tiny bottoms are weird.

Shoes... well shoes are always weird-- and uncomfortable, but i love them anyways. Probably because I can get them to fit.

I don't get it at all. I am the "average" size according to statistics. (Although I am not exactly liking the statistics..) If I am the average....why are clothing manufacturers making clothing designed for stick figures with perky b**bs that look cute in maternity tops???? (And since when do stick figures have b**bs at all? And why do mannequins have nip*les? But, I digress....)

In short- Clothes shopping- not so fun. Making fun of clothes shopping??? Yeah, pretty fun...

However- I will say this: "Silver Jeans" ???

Yeah- pretty much perfect. So Perfect- I bought them without being on sale!!!!

Ok, enough complaining--- anyone have recommendations for tops- skirts etc???? List your fave's with links in the comments;) Or- go ahead and complain--- it's that kind of day;)

As for personal updates--- my family is sick yet again- and on Spring Break....

This time looks like a nasty cold- or flu thing. Current score? 2 down- 3 to go.... we're dropping like flies around here...

Will someone, please send sunshine, quick????

PS--- just realized bathing suit season is nearly upon us------help!

Dirty Microwave, Bane of my Existence. Leech of my Time.

2008-03-07T11:53:00.000-05:00

The dirty beast crouched in the corner. The brave and well armed Knight-ess of clean, raised her bottle of Windex in what could only be percieved as an act of war. The beast growled, for a moment- a strange glow emanated from the dark gape that could be it's mouth. A beep sounded. The Knight-ess wondered if it was an alarm, understood only by like-beasts, calling for help. Glancing to her right and left- she saw no beasts coming to it's aid. A ruse. She saw right through it.

Undaunted, the shining Knight-ess thrust her paper- towel lance forward. The "SQUEAK" of wet toweling on plastic, metal and glass deafening. Her arm shook with effort. Sweat stood out on her brow. Just when she thought her battle was won, the beast, with new-found dirt (hiding in the not so wonderful too clean, grilling element) struck back. What she thought was clean- alas, was speckled with dried Spaghettio's and tomato soup. Withdrawing her arm, she bumped the glass, leaving a smudge of sweat and (quite possibly) tears. The beasts haunting , blue-green blinking (12:00) eyes glared at her in an assumption of victory.

The Knight-ess dug deep into her soul... with a mighty cry of "Tonight, we dine in CLEAN!" She deftly swiped at the dirt. One. More. Squirt. And the deed, was done. In place of a beast stood a shining clean appliance.

The Evil Microwave was defeated. Clean ruled the kitchen once more. (well- most of it) All hail the Knight-ess! Huzzah! Hoorah! The Knight-ess soon found herself surrounded by a cheering crowd. (wouldn't that be nice?... especially when I clean the floor around the toilet--- I deserve it!)

That night-along with the King and Princes of her beloved home, she not only dined in clean... she dined OUT.

THE END.

Why hasn't anyone invented a self- cleaning microwave??? When I bought this new microwave- I had no idea what trouble would lie in wait. The heating element is a pain to clean around. But- at $50.... I'll put up with it for a while.... it will eventually die of old age- and then.... THEN my friends- I will find the perfect kitchen appliance. (However, with my luck... this microwave will live forever, out of spite. No worries- this Knight-ess of clean (clean enough that is) is capable of leaving a spoon into a cup of tea and reheating it until it either: A) causes a nuclear meltdown- thus destroying the evil microwave or B) Scares everyone in the house with sparking and noise enough to warrant a replacement for breach of trust.

I need to get out more. 'Nuff said.

Please note- I am fully aware that I could have cleaned every Microwave in Michigan in the time it took to post this....but this, my friends, is considerably more therapeutic.

In Which Smugness leads to Stupidity.....Or: Knitting fights back;)

2008-03-05T11:29:00.000-05:00

I usually smile a smug little smirk when I come across the knitting directions : "Being careful not to twist."

"Do you think I'm an idiot?" I wonder to myself.

Today- I may have proved myself to BE an idiot. The evidence started mounting on Friday, actually. That's when I cast on the 10 bazillion stitches of icord for a new sweater. A lovely colorful sweater, in fact. Ruth Sorenson's "Autumn Cardigan." I had ordered yarn, swatched (I NEVER swatch) and finally, cast on.

After 3 failed attempts and several panic attacks concerning the length of the required icord, I picked up the required stitches in 2 colors, and started the colorwork ribbing. Whew.

knit knit knit, purl purl purl. For nearly 6 days. This morning, After my second cup of coffee. (Optimum time to start knitting for the day.) I took a close look at the project in question. The colors are working together nicely, the ribbing looks good, I'm happy with the consistency of the fabric and the icord snapped into size once I started the ribbing, as it should have. "I am the sweater master. " I thought.

That's when I noticed the twist. A twist is NOT part of the pattern.

5 or six times I tried to smooth the stitches on the needle. I thought (hoped) it must be the way I was holding it. Finally, I laid it on the kitchen table, smoothed the 327 stitches carewfully, and found it was true. I ws knitting a moebius sweater. CRAP.

I growled. (Literally, not figuratively) I stomped my feet. I frowned, and then, well after a careful look-round, I threw my knitting on the floor. My teenagers laughed. The dog sniffed to see if I had thrown her a colorful treat. The youngest put his fingers in his ears and continued watching "sprout". Feeling like QUITE the idiot, I picked it back up. I growled again. I showed them my moebius. They laughed again. I said it was a homeschool demonstration. They didn't believe me.

I finished another cup of coffee. Then set about considering my options:

1) We're buried in snow at the moment-(hence the boys are home to witness my shame) -- so burying it in the yard sounded feasible. However, - I knew that (like things the dog leaves in the snow) as soon as the snow melted it would return to haunt the knitter who'd created it.

2) I considered ripping it all out. While beautiful in color--- the Kauni is just too "sticky" and rough to have that be a best case.

3) I thought about losing it in the stash, viable option, but I would be sweaterless.

4) I nearly ripped back to the icord and started again.....

Finally- I decided to take a risk. This sweater is constructed with "steeking" . The sweater has stitches down the front that would later be cut through to turn a tube of knitting, into a cardigan. I looked at the twist. I found my lucky leopard scissors. I told myself "It's JUST knitting." Trust the process.

Then- I cut up my knitting. *gasp* Typically- you would steek after a garment is finished being knit, AFTER sewing a line of reinforcement stitches. But, I didn't have that much room. I held my breath after I cut. I picked it up. I looked at it. I had expected it to run like a cheap pair of nylons. It didn't.

I CAREFULLY untwist it. I started knitting, again. By george... I think I fixed it! I immediately graduated from "idiot" to "brilliant". Yet another reason to love knitting. Like a roller coaster of yarn.... one minute you're up... the next one you're down.... there is always another hill to climb!

Now I'm just hoping this excitement doesn't smite me on the backside by having all the stitches unravel before I can reinforce them......and praying that my guage doesn't result in a sweater of either mythic or microscopic proportions....... But- I can guarantee this--- no more smugness when I read the directions.

Smugness = Overconfidence. Confidence = appropriate risk... OVERconfidence= stupid mistakes.

Point learned. (I hope;)

"In Which, I Forget I am The Mother"- or "How to lose by Winning"

2008-03-03T10:47:00.000-05:00

"No. No games today- you've been online WAY too much, we're having a family day." As the words came out of my mouth, I knew there about to be a fight. I was ready for a knock, down drag out, go the distance, epic type, battle. In my arsenal, I held both the classic Mom weapons of: "Because, I Said So" and "As long as you live under my roof, you'll do as I say." And- a Mom's best weapon- I was right. Balance had gone out the window with a new online game to conquer.

However- my being right was quickly lost in doing wrong. Apparently, I wasn't the only one prepared for a fight. The child with whom I engaged in battle- is most certainly, his mothers son. We verbally dodged and paried for half an hour. He gave (loud) reasons why the weekends should be his to do what he wants, and I gave (even louder) reasons why he WOULD be doing what I said. During the battle, I forgot I was the Mother, and- quite possibly forgot what the argument was even about. It was no longer about making time to be together... it was about MAKING my kid (now, really a man) do what I said.

At one point, I looked over to find the youngest, trying to watch the Disney Channel with his fingers in his ears. He looked like a bystander in terrorist attack... waiting for a stray round that might hit...The yelling finally ended, but the emotion did not. The computers stayed off and everyone got ready for church. We were even EARLY. (That does not happen often.) However, the car ride was eerily quiet. There were short bursts of attempted conversation, but we all knew it was just to cover the anger and hurt that we felt from the battle bruises. Winning didn't feel like I'd hoped.

Church started and a video played. It was a family "connecting" via text, blog and cell, but not with each other. I looked at the notes in our program they were entitled "MySpace, or Ours?" Over the next few minutes- music, video and message communicated the message that had been lost in our verbal battle. We laughed "the unfomfortable, this is too like our morning, laugh" and he kept elbowing me though out the service. "Can you believe THIS is what church is about today??? It's weird!" He said.

"It's God." I said back.... In thaqt short hour or so, both of our attitudes had changed. I watched this Man/Boy respond to God through the ministry of the service. I watched him squirm, under the gentle conviction of an unbalanced life reflected on, and I squirmed along side of him, under conviction of another sort.

I didn't think I was wrong. But- I knew I had DONE wrong... The same message that I had wanted to communicate to Him, was communicated through out the entire service- with humor, with creativity and with respect. All tools that I both profess and possess, but threw out the window as soon as I forgot I was the Mom and started a death match over control.

We spent the afternoon at the Outdoorama. (I feared permament blindness from all the camouflage.) We ate junk food (nothing like a concession stand corn dog. YUM.) and I watched all three kids and their Dad fish in a giant bathtub. (I mean a trout pond...;) No less than 4 times throughout the day, my oldest said he was glad we had spent it together, and that knew we were right. (The Dad had wisely stated his opinion without actually getting caught up in our battle... a very wise man.)

This morning, it hit me. My son was more mature than I was. He had admitted he was wrong, he had allowed God to change his attitude. I however, had not. I wasn't wrong in what I said... but I was wrong in how I said it. Crap. I hate that.

The bus will bring him home this afternoon, and I will be here, waiting to apologize.......for forgetting I was the Mom;)

"Dear Lord- ... I love you - and ask you to help me to communicate in a way that honors you and the children you've entrusted to my temporary care. Help me to DO right as well as BE right! amen."

"She Speaks" Contest at Laced WIth Grace!

2008-03-03T09:36:00.001-05:00

Laced With Grace Reader’s She Speaks Contest!

I'm excited to announce an awesome contest at Laced With Grace! The LWG Team is excited to announce the offering of a $250 partial scholarship to the Proverbs 31 Ministries She Speaks Conference! Here are the details of entering... from the LWG site:

"Because there are so many of you who dream of writing, speaking, working in ministry, or being a better blogger, we decided this would be a great opportunity to help one of our readers take a step closer to their dream. To achieve this, Laced with Grace is thrilled to team up with the Proverbs 31 Ministries to offer a partial scholarship for the upcoming She Speaks Conference.

This conference offers something for everyone. The conference date is June 20- 22, 2008 and will be held at the Embassy Suites Hotel Resort & Conference Center in Concord, North Carolina. In addition to the writing, speaking and ministry tracks offered this year the conference is including workshops tailored for bloggers.

To read more about She Speaks (click here).Our contest prize is a voucher valued at $250.00 to be applied to a conferee’s registration. The winner will still be responsible for the remaining portion of their conference fee as well as transportation and all other expenses.To enter our contest drawing all you need to do is stop in and leave a comment as well as the words; “enter me.” You can enter once a day, so stop in everyday and leave us a comment from March1st through the 31st on the daily devotionals. Each day you enter we will drop your name into the virtual basket and on March 31st we will randomly draw a name. We will announce the winner on April 1st – no fooling!

Some of the writers for Laced With Grace will be in attendance and would love to meet you there. Thank you again for joining us at Laced With Grace. We pray the words you read here inspire you, fill you up, and most of all honor the Lord Jesus Christ.

To add the Laced With Grace button to your sidebar (click here).

I've been writing devotionals with the team at Laced With Grace since September 2006, I can tell you- the team over there is incredible! (I'm often surprised, and always honored, that they let me play in their virtual sandbox;)

Everyday, you can click and find a fresh devotional, something shared from the heart of another woman on the journey. Each woman at LWG is unique, each has varied experiences and passions. Our paths are diverse, but our journeys goal is the same... to find ourselves closer to God than we were before.

I hope you'll click over and enter the contest- I also hope you'll click over and meet some of my sister-girls!

The Kauni Cure

2008-02-29T15:44:00.000-05:00

The weather has been YUK... Everyone here has been sick. Even the dog is sick of winter and she LOVES the snow. I've tried brighter light bulbs, looking at beach pic's (which just make me miss the beach) and denial. But-nothing is working. Like it or not- it's here-(and it's grey) the Winter doldrums. DUM DUM DUM.

What's a girl to do? Well- A vacation in a sunny spot would be nice.... but with pending college costs and thread-bare furniture... that just isn't a priority right now... so- instead- a little alternative medicine:

The Kauni Cure. I ordered 4 balls of Kauni Yarn from Little Knits. It arrived and I've been winding it and playing with swatching. My plan is to knit the "Autumn Cardigan" Designed by Ruth Sorensen. Since I was once asked by a teen girl whether I was "goth" because I wear so much black.... it is safe to say these colors are a streeeeeeetch for me. But- at this time of the year- a little drastic color therapy is necessary. The Kauni is a true Shetland style wool. Very sheepy (read has bits of grass etc) and well not the softest thing ever, although I understand it softens up quite a bit after a nice long soak. This project is all about color- so we'll forgive the feel for now.

This will include- "steeking" which involves taking a scissors to finished knitting and a number of other techniques that I haven't tried yet. Really--- I have no clue whether I can knit this or not- it may be entirely past my skill set. But- hey it's only yarn, it's only knitting- and Pushing Daisies won't be back until next year...

I have to do something while my family watches "Don't forget the Lyrics" , "Deal or no Deal" (which I just can't stand , as no one wins and it's dumb luck.... no challenge no play-along-ability of yelling out answers or ANYTHING) and American Idol (which is sometimes ok, sometimes annoying- but not bad background music for knitting;)

So- as a cure for the winter yuks, I'll be starting this sweater this weekend..... a fresh adventure to beat the winter blahs.... or a major knitterly crisis of identity--- who knows?

Either way- should be fun to watch--- unless you want to join me in a little Kauni Cure- and knit along!

Wandering Path to Perspective

2008-02-27T17:58:00.000-05:00

For some of us- the most direct route is NOT a straight line... or is it?

You can click todays post at Laced with Grace to find out;)

We're battling bugs left and right here- at this time of year- Lysol is my Raid.

What is a Christian?

2008-02-21T14:45:00.000-05:00

Someone recently asked me about my faith.... A "What are you?" Kind of question... my answer was lame--- this is what I wished I'd said.... (well- with a little less dramatic flair than Maya--- - I'm definitely no Maya, couldn't carry it off;)

BEAUTIFUL CHRISTIAN SISTER By Maya Angelou

'A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ that a man should have to seek Him first to find her.'

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not shouting 'I'm clean livin'' I'm whispering 'I was lost, Now I'm found and forgiven.'

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I don't speak of this with pride. I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.
When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not trying to be strong. I'm professing that I'm weak and need His strength to carry on.

When I say.. 'I am a Christian' I'm not bragging of success. I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not claiming to be perfect, My flaws are far too visible but, God believes I am worth it.

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I still feel the sting of pain. I have my share of heart aches, so I call upon His name.

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not holier than thou, I'm just a simple sinner Who received God's good grace, somehow!

As far as the pox that is upon us (the sickness going through the house) .... we're recovering (or taking turns being sick- I suppose.... one after another.... regardless of how many things I sanitize... I think my nasal passages are permanently scarred from Lysol. ) ... + I'm currently down with another hormonal migraine:( HATE that.

I forgot to link to my post at Laced With Grace on Saturday--- please pop over for a devotional visit!

Sick Kids = Crazy Momma

2008-02-20T08:54:00.000-05:00

The phrase "Dropping like flies" seems to fit for my family this week. Dropping with various viral/bacterial infections, that is.

Middle Son- did not return to school until today, and I fully expect the school nurse to be calling at any moment- to go pick him up. Youngest son, now has a fever and has been laying around all day. Spin the wheel and we'll see who's next. The oldest? Me? DH? The dog??? Round and round she goes--- where she stops- the nose must blow!

The oldest rarely gets sick- he just complains about everyone else "faking it." (hard to fake a fever... but you knpw- he's the oldest- they always complain... ;)

We've a few rules about sick-days:

1) If you're too sick for school- you are too sick for video games. (Mostly for the big boys)

2) If you're sick.... you're pretty much spoiled. Soup? Cocoa? Patting or be left alone? You got it.

3) If mom is sick- not much changes. (I think that's a universal rule of mothering... however- last week I was down with a migraine- and actually went to be early... that's a pretty rare occurance!)

So- what do you do when you're kids are sick? With the youngest- it's a jammie/cuddle/pick the carrots out of my chicken soup kind of day... (I usually make him pick them out himself... why DOES Campbells keep putting carrots in their chicken and stars soup????? Are there any kids that eat them??? Is there some kind of farmer/Campbells conspiracy??:)

Hope the flu- hasn't hit you!

Will update when I'm not picking carrots out of soup....;)

New and reviews: "A Body of Work" and "The Pirates That Don't Do Anything"

2008-02-13T15:35:00.000-05:00

I just finished Body of Work, by Christine Montross.

The writing is fluent, full of both emotion and fact. (Something usually hard to balance.) It details a med-student's experience with her "assigned donor cadaver" in the anatomy lab. I found it offered great insight into the "making of a doctor."

The book delves into the history of scientific exploration of the body, as well as into our cultures experiences and perspectives on death, and the body, in general. It is quite descriptive, so the squeamish may struggle through this one.. However- as I admit I pass out over injections and need to be medicated for dental visits...the writing style keep me from losing it. A wonderful, insightful read that was intriguing and well done.

I look forward to reading more of Christine Montross' writing.

- the small print disclaimer: this book is not written from a Christian perspective... but that doesn't mean it didn't have some spiritual meaning to me;)

Now-for something entirely different- another review: (we go from one extreme to another here...)

Veggie Tales new movie: The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything

I will preface this by saying:

We love Veggie Tales.

Noah and Dad set out to see this movie on a "daddy date". Noah left the theater 3 times during the movie- "cause he was scared." He came back in because he " loves Veggie Tales and wanted to see the new movie".

Noah's review of the new movie was this: "I never thought Id be scared of a Veggie Tales Movie." Shaking his head in disbelief. There were scenes in the movie that may not bother some little guys- but bothered mine. (The cheeto's that turned into toothy worms, and sword stabbing's in particular, did him in) My DH didn't find anything objectionable about the movie- but found it a little more "intense" than what we've come to expect from Veggie Tales. (I replied it was a Pirate Movie.... so some pirating was to be expected...) I suppose my guys just assumed Veggie Tales could do Pirates without scariness.

I'd still recommend this one- as it may not bother other kiddo's- but if your's are very sensitive this one may not be for you. (Although, my guy watches the generally accepted age- appropriate cartoons and likes fighting and bad guys getting busted as much as the next guy- so I was surprised by his strong reaction to this.) There is so little decent media content ,that I want every movie that's appropriate for young ones to be well attended. and make the $ that will assure future clean movies... but- as a Mom- I also want to offer you a caution:

Where Pirates abound, some fear, could be found;) Arrrg.

Knitting:

Working on:

Mittens but currently madly finishing a pair of my hubby's favorite slippers (his do not have fun fur trim:) for Valentines day... better get back to work..... can't give them to him soggy wet from felting... (well- I CAN and I may if I have too! and he'll love them and me, anyways!... or rue the day he asked for more slippies!)

Lost my Luggage on the Road to the Land of Mom

2008-02-11T12:31:00.000-05:00

I picked my outfits carefully. I matched shoes and bags. I researched and learned the language of the country I was planning to move to. My guidebooks and insider tip books were dogeared, underlined and packed to go. I had learned the history and political environment of my new homeland. The tools necessary for my survival and comfort, were packed. Everything ready, I counted down to my departure.

Excited, nervous and a little nauseaus, I boarded my (very bumpy flight) and made it to my destination. Exhausted, I waited at baggage check. All I wanted was to get settled in.

Around and around the luggage carrier went- I saw all kinds of luggage passing me by.... suitcases that looked like mine, but weren't. Duffles like those I'd left at home...But not mine. I stood there long after the last bag was gone. Watching.

Normally- I can roll with most punches. My view is- whatever I forget or lose in travel- can be bought/replaced on arrival. (I'll tell you about trying to find a strapless bra in Germany. Let's just say, I don't speak German, but now know: Busten halter. )

But this wasn't just any trip. This was my voyage to Motherhood. Not a vacation- but a serious life move. And when I arrived? All that packing and preparing? Somehow it didn't arrive when I did. After a bumpy pregnancy, I arrived at motherhood exhausted, travel worn and completely unprepared. Like a traveler who packed "heavy" only to find her luggage lost- I was in trouble.

Yes, I'd read the books. (just about all of them, I swear!) I even had experience with children. But none of it prepared me for motherhood. The "insider guides" (all those Mom written and full of wisdom books) left out so much. The "language in 30 minutes a day" (books by professionals who gave me opposing advice in every book) .....well- they didn't cover the universal baby language of crying. (Mine or the babies;)

After a bumpy pregnancy I arrived exhausted, travel worn and busier than I'd ever been, and completely un-prepared.

Luckily- I was met by a welcome wagon. New to the "mothering neighborhood" I found a group- MOPS International, that helped me fill my new life with the skills, tools and support I needed.

Nobody had all the answers... (a few may have thought they did- but that's just part of being Moms) But together--- we figured it out, got through it and grew. Meeting after meeting...year after year... speaker after speaker convention after convention... slowly my suitcase full of preparations was more than replaced.

It even started overflowing. I still don't have all the answers, (Still think I do sometimes... but my kids are quick to point out the truth.) but I don't feel totally unprepared anymore.

Even when change comes- I know I'll have help. Like for the next phase of mothering I'm quickly entering, there are always other women who've been there- done that- and now proudly wear the t-shirt ready to help the next Mom survive! (You can call me multi-tasking/ multi-phase mom... I have one getting ready for college in the fall, and one going to first grade.. as well as a middle child who'd gladly point out that he is listed last....) we are all about change around here...including my entering my *gasp* forties!

I've never been here before--- but other moms have. And- at MOPS....I know I'll be able to pull on them for support through this too!

If you're a mom- and feel like your luggage didn't arrive at mothering when you did..... you're not alone. And you're welcome to come to MOPS, for a cup of coffee, a little encouragement and a bit of suitcase re-packing;)

(MOPS is an International Support group for Mothers of Preschoolers... please stop by the website and find a local group to be involved with!)

Knit Michigan.. Knitting for a cause!

2008-02-05T09:50:00.000-05:00

Momma's day off;)

Yes- it happens once in a great while. Saturday was "Knit Michigan" so I took the day to do a little fibery goofing off, for a cause.

There was shopping, and knitting and meeting fellow Ravelry members. (See the group pics)

Knit Michigan is an even hosted to raise funds for a number of local cancer related charities. Knitters were encouraged to bring "Chemo Caps" a huge pile were donated;) As well as $.

A great day- I'm planning on going next year too;)

I met so many great knitters! Here are just a few:

Tanya

Russelmomma

Frottez-

RedfordPhyl-

There was knitting, spinning, classes, shopping, great people and food... the bases were certainly covered;) A terrfic day off!

Today is my day to post over at "Laced With Grace" Pop in for a visit!

Guilt at the Grocer...." Paper or plastic... Ma'am?"

2008-01-30T12:18:00.000-05:00

Items from actual grocery list in cart? Check.

Decision made about brand of toilet paper? Check. (why is this so hard? side note- my guys have only one request--- no recyled paper product TP... they KNOW it isn't actually recycled Toilet Paper- but paper that's been recycled and made into TP... but they just can't get over the hint of recycled-ness in this case Takes a LOT to gross out my guys--- but this does it. ;)

Coupons remembered, and used? Check.... (Well ,I remembered I had a couple in the bottom of my purse- I get credit for those;)

Child not permanently harmed due to parental paranoia and desire to avoid purchasing 500 candy bars...(PUT THAT DOWN!) and same child still in possession? Check.

Debit Card located, and ready to use? Check. (I can't be the only one with a weekly panic attack because I can't find my debit card... can I?)

Major impulse purchases avoided? Check. (well... mostly.. I think I may have a problem with magazines....)

Just when I thought I'd safely navigated through a trip to the grocery store without incident... it happened........

"Paper, or Plastic, Ma'am?" Asked the boy at the end of the lane...

We shall, for now, ignore the entire "Ma'am" portion of the statement. (It deserves it's own post) For now- let's focus on the guilt inducing question: "Paper, or Plastic?" As in bags. For what felt like forever- I stood, mouth agape and debit card in hand.... In shock and fear. My mind went 1,000 directions at once.

"Paper? Is it recycled? How many trees will I destroy? Plastic? Is it recycled? Is it recyclable? From what source? What chemicals were used in it's making ???? Is this a trick question?" It feels like a set up.

The pressure and weight of the decision was crushing my brain. I felt like a character in an old cartoon.... a giant vice squeezing my head--- it's handle being cranked by a teenaged grocery bagger--- his cartoon voice echoing maniacally as he asks over and over...."Paper or Plastic, MA'AM??????"

All I could think of was why didn't I bring my big blue Ikea bags... perfect for toting so much.... or the cool handmade morsbag I'd been gifted. But, no, I was all worried about toilet paper grocery lists and coupons. I was more concerned about keeping from killing my clepto-kid, (Hey- he doesn't ASK me to buy things--- he PUTS them in the cart... isn't that stealing?) than the good of the Earth... "Can I phone a friend? " I wondered if 411 would have Al Gore's number....

I must have mumbled plastic...Because that's what I got. But- even now..... I'm stressed over the results... it takes 1000 years for a plastic bag to break down??????? and 50 years for a tree to grow to harvest size???? Trees produce oxygen..... I like breathing.... Sheesh. The guilt. Either way.

Next time- I'm taking my own bags... (If, I remember) I don't need the stress;)

So- how bout you? Paper or plastic... or whatever they got? What do you say????

I personally believe (now I sound like a beauty pagent contestant) we should be good stewards of the Earth- as God created it and has given it to our care... but what does that mean? Does it mean Paper? Or Plastic? I couldn't find either one mentioned in the bible.

Genesis 1:26-31 (NIV)

Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground."

So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them.

God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground."

Then God said, "I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds of the air and all the creatures that move on the ground—everything that has the breath of life in it—I give every green plant for food." And it was so.

God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day.

For now- for us...it means paperbags--- or bring my own... I think. Trees seem more renewable than plastic is degradable...

I also think it means I need some chocolate.....to recover. ;)

PS---- The one thing I have no guilt over- is having used disposable diapers... I'm just that selfish! Besides- they probably saved my guys from watching their mother have a total breakdown over washing and soaking diapers... just sayin;)

Sheesh- can't I just go to the grocery store without drama? Apparently, not.

Matrix Mom saves the world from toilet paper extinction.... and knitting updates;)

2008-01-28T13:49:00.000-05:00

"Noooooooooooooo!" I screamed. Time slowed down- as I - with Matrix like Mom- moves- spun and dove for the toilet paper. I had to rescue the earth from toilet paper extinction. The last roll of toilet paper (here, anyways) was being sucked at the speed of light into the evil vacuum cleaner. (Gotta love a Dyson) The sound of the roll, still attached to the holder, spinning like a gangsta's wheels, was deafening. Sheet after sheet was eaten by the Dyson monster, before the carnage even registered in my brain. I had to act fast.

I just went in there to clean the floor- not save the world's toilet paper supply. But- alas- I was called upon to serve- and serve I did. I have no reason why it didn't cross my mind to shut off the vacuum... I just remember feeling... so much... At that moment- I felt betrayed by my long time, trusted friend- I feared that evil entities were dwelling inside...hiding behind the pink and grey plastic. I knew I had to move fast- to rescue- then later, I would consider conquering the enemy. That- or my brain froze like an over heated lap-top and all I could do was grab at the toilet papaer as it flew off the roll. Either way. I win the prize for domestic dufus;)

I will not yell at the vacuum. Out loud. Any more. Today, anyways... We will work through the boys and the beagles' new fear of vacuum cleaners this afternoon... I think the trauma of my tortured screams can be healed, with time and love....

So- let's talk about my knitting- now that you've been assured of my psychotic break. Apparently I was wrong---Hemlock isn't just a poison.. and it totally IS contagious! Fortunately- unlike most virus' you CAN catch this one repeatedly;) At least when you're knitting...The Hemlock Ring Blanket, that is;)

This is the third Hemlock Ring Blanket, (pattern recipe found at BrooklynTweed). that I've finished.... It's in Moda Dea Silk n Wool. (Joann's) It's about 65" across. A nice lap blanket size. I knit it for the new living room sofa/loveseat that I don't own yet...it's my motivation to save up $ for it;)

Then there have been mittens. These are called "Bird In Hand" by Kate Gilbert. Being knit in Berrocco's Ultra Alpaca in Navy and Natural. US size 2 DPNs. They are basically turning out HUGE. (I firmly believe they are in cahoots with the vacuum, but I digress) I am going to finish them anyway--- because I think they will be adorable- tied together and hung on my front door!

I have to thank Kasiaiscarly and Kat for nominating me for this:

AWWWWW ;) Thnx ladies....

And now--- for just a few of the (Way more than this) people who make my day:

Iris- who inspires everyone who clicks...

Cara - who makes me laugh and who's header makes me click.. repeatedly

Kaymac- even if she hasn't posted in forever

and Heather- who's courage and grace is awe inspiring!

And of course- Kasiaiscarly and Kat as well;) (links above)

The internet- a great place for people to make your day...(even when you lose a battle with toilet paper and a vacuum cleaner) who 'da thunk it?

PS- going to do laundry- if you don't hear from me in 48 hours- send in the Marines.....I may be going after missing socks in the dryer....

Sleeping Ninja, Crouching Mom

2008-01-23T16:16:00.000-05:00

10:55 p.m. - Arrange covers, 5 year old and dog on bed. Tell everyone to SHUSH. Turn out all but reading light. Wait for the soft tell tale snoring sounds to emanate from the bed. (they are the dog- not the boy.)

11:18 p.m. - Turn out light. try to re-arrange covers after using feet and legs like a lever to move hefty beagle.

12:02 a.m. - Wiggle lower in the bed to attempt to cover shoulders. Notice 5 year old laying sidewise in bed, decide not to risk waking him by moving.

12:42 a.m.- Move to outer third of bed- recognizing that size does not determine need for space.

1:15 a.m.: Wriggle, wriggle, scootch, scootch. Hope that arm dangling from bed may provide a counter-weight and keep you from falling out altogether.

1:53 a.m. Sense presense on edge of bed. Tell myself not to freak. Open eyes. See glowing cat eyes staring back at me. Carefully, push cat from bed. When cat whines. Blame dog. (a Mom's gotta have boundaries.)

2:08 a.m.: Shuffle, shuffle. SHOVE. SHOVE. Move dog and child. Pull up covers to not quite shoulders, turn over, close eyes.

2:49 a.m.- Feel a small foot kick Ninja style into the small of my back. Flip child over and tuck very tightly into blankets. Consider getting up to search for pajama's with straight-jacket arms and leg shackles online....

3:03 a.m.- Wake up realizing my arm has fallen asleep because of the strange contortions I must make to stay on the bed. Decide sleep is worth loss of blood-flow. Go back to sleep.

3:27 a.m. : Dream I smell feet.

3:27 and 15 seconds a.m.: Realize it's not a dream.

3:28 a.m. : Realize that I smell feet, because feet are in my face. Turn over. Plan on having Ninja child wear socks to bed tomorrow. (Somehow, a bath never seems to solve stinky foot boy problem)

4:04 a.m.: Smell something worse than feet. Realize the Beagle's breath smells like....... something worse than feet. Push beagle to foot of the bed. In sleep deprived state, apologize to dog for making her move.

4:51 a.m. Pray for alarm to ring.........

You would think, that when the husband travels- I could at least enjoy the extra space in the bed. Not so. When Daddy is gone- everyone vies for his spot. The dog. The child. And- this week, the cat. I keep thinking I'll get a bigger bed- so that the night time visitors will have more room, but I know the truth. They will conquer any space available.

Tonight... everyone is in their own bed.... (I swear!) at least until they wake up to pee... or hear a noise... or are lonely.....or cold..... or can't find a stuffed toy....

Then, it will be me- Crouching Mom on the edge of the bed- while Sleeping Ninja Boy and his beloved sidekick: Bad Breath Beagle battle me until the sun rises.

I can't wait for the Daddy to return... at least he is big and keeps the Ninja and his sidekick limited in space.....besides... He's quite a nice place to warm my feet;)

North American Auto Show Charity Preview... Panic- the final countdown, and therapeutic sarcastic humor for all!

2008-01-18T11:14:00.000-05:00

Here's the updated check list-(scroll down to my previous post for the original plan) ***If you happen to read- and see me there- (pudgey red-head- in either a dusty deep lavendary rose-ish- long strapless gown...(or a long black one from the closet- or a short black one.....I can't decide...sans glasses due to my extreme vanity and excitement over the once a year wearing of false eyelashes...) Say hi;) Told ya- panic has set in......

1) Nails- done. (not much stress there... except I'm always somewhat paranoid that the nail techs are talking about me in Korean...totally my own paranoia. I hope.)

2) Roots- (Hair- not tree) currently undergoing their chemical transformation from gray(ish) to red.

3) Shoes?- done- they meet the requirements afore-mentioned- black, high heeled (small platform as well) and beaded. Comfort level? May be able to avoid a visit to the podiatrist next week- (see post below) ;) However- never really can tell until they've been worn indoors and outdoors (WHY is this event always one of the coldest days of the year?) over hill and dale....

4) Dress--- well- let's just say I have options. (yes- I know what day it is... and yes- it really IS this hard for me to decide)

5) Bionic tummy-tuck underwear? Purchased. I will breathe during the day- but asphyxiate by night. If you don't hear from me- Look for my body under some random car-where I will have been swept by the cleaning crew-- think: The Wizard of Oz witches death by house---but without the striped hose and with higher heels.

6) False lashes? Purchased.... Twice- accidently bought some glittery ones the first time... NOT the look I'm going for. (you would love to see pics of my trying to affix these anorexic caterpillars to my eyelids. Picture something akin to agility training the same anorexic caterpillar.)

7) The epic shaving/plucking of all things hairy? (I'm Italian- this is a long-term project) This shall begin when I sign off. (insert horror movie music here. And- be very glad that I am not posting a *Blair Witch type video of this event- but- know--- it would be an appropriate venue. Trust me, it's scary. )

8) Accessories: Panic has set in- I can either: no longer bear to carry or not locate any of my (too small to carry anything I need) handbags-I'm running out after the chemicals are rinsed and dyeing is complete. It's quite possible that I de-cluttered/ gave them away in the great house cleaning saga of 2007. Crap.

9) Steel myself for the quizzical looks and conversation stoppage when people ask what I "DO" and I tell them I'm a stay at home mom......get emotionally prepared for the small percentage of people who do not know how to respond to this- and who choose the following options for response:

a) Completely ignore me for the rest of the conversation

b) Feel like they have to justify their own decision to work... I don't judge someone elses calling- choice or situational need to work...I'm just doing what I (we) feel is right for us;)

c) In-advertantly invalidate the choices and sacrifices we've (my hubby and I) made for me to stay home... by saying "I wish I could ..."

d) Try to engage me in "appropriate" topics such as---Marth Stewart's imprisonment/ subsequent release, Which mini-van hybrid I prefer or drive (I don't, seriously my dream car would be convertible and red...but I digress;) and "How I can stand just being home all day"....

FYI- I am fully aware of my over sensitivity here.... I know, I know....which leads us to:

10) Attitude- God and I will be working on that, for the rest of the day. (OK- the rest of my LIFE;) I will have a good time. I will get over myself.... (mostly)

I don't actually hate this event- because

a) A number of local charities benefit.

b) It is a valuable networking event for DH.

c) The cars and stuff are all actually quite cool....

d) It really IS fun to play adult dress up once a year....

e) God always grows me (as you can tell there is a lot of room for growth here) through this event....

SEE YOU ON THE OTHERSIDE.....

North American Auto Show Charity Preview 101: From a wife who knows the woes....

2008-01-14T11:52:00.000-05:00

1) Dye roots so as not to expose the true age/ hair color of said exec's wife. (Although brilliant people will quickly figure out that our 20 year marriage leaves me well over 20) Also- search for a way to grow hair 10" by the end of the week in order to achieve the grecian -goddess type style most desirable for this once a year event. (I only wish my hair was long one week a year- and this is it. Hmmm what to do... Wig? Hairpiece? Or deal with it- and work the short- mom hair cut?.. Look for me, I'll be the one working it;)

2) Attempt to lose 30 lbs in 100 hours. (So NOT, happening) which leads us to...

3) Purchase extreme underwear that will remind the breasts where they belong and will keep them there for the short-term. Preferably something that will do double duty as a tummy/thigh eraser if possible. (giving birth kids in three different decades seems to confuse the breasts as well as the brain... it apparently makes the run south to escape the chaos) Preferably, said underwear will contain the steel undergirdment of a small city- go with that, it will also assure good posture- although diminished lung capacity could limit your activity.

4) Visit every local (or not so local) store that carries formal wear, to search out the perfect gown. Keep in mind that the perfect gown does not exist, and if it does- it looks like the one you wore last year and the one before that, ad nauseum. FYI it will be Long (to cover cankles) black (always sooo slimming) and matte (we do NOT need a satin shiney hiney- trust me) jersey (a bit of stretch may make the difference between survival and death from asphyxiation) with various necklines and accessories (some of which will be lost between the car and the door.)

5) Spend too much time compensating for your lack of creative choices in gowns, by searching for the perfect shoes. They will be pointy, high heeled, over priced (but, ON SALE) and uncomfortable- quite possible hazardous. But hey- shoes fit. They will however, take forever to find, leave you in pain but, and be beautiful. Unforunately, no one will see them see # 4, above. (Bring comfy slippers for the ride home, you'll need them.- and, if you're really the pro-active type- go a head and schedule a podiatrist appointment for early next week- after traipsing around in 5 inch heels climbing in and out of cars and walking around downtown in the freezing cold....you'll need it. But- your feet will be fabulous;)

6) Purchase yet another set of false eyelashes, (way long, black and crazy curled) which you will promptly rip off in the car on the drive home. (Hmmmmm... we recently got a new(er) car.. I hope a CSI investigator doesn't buy the old one.... they may be intrigued by the eyelashes and broken fingernails left on the floor...

7) Schedule an appointment for fingernail torture session- I mean a fill or new set of acrylics..... they never break- but surely will do so on Friday- go ahead and schedule the fix now;)

8) Understand, that although decades past puberty, your body will manage to produce a pimple THIS WEEK, that could rival a senior-picture nightmare. Stock up on clearasil (or better yet Retin-A) now. Worst case start a new trend- carry a decorative fan.. this could help with the whole underwear induced lack of oxygen thing...

9) Consider a few tanning appointments, but, remember you live in Michigan, and, although slimming and offering a healthy glow... this ALWAYS looks lame unless you have actually been on a Carribean cruise since Christmas. In the current economic climate in Michigan.... If you have been, I probably wouldn't admit to or draw attention to it.... you could be targeted for an executive stoning.

10) Unless you have a dramatic flair (why, thank you for noticing, yes, I do) Schedule an appointment with a drama coach to practice feigning interest and a knowledge-base in cars and the surrounding industry. (OK- this one I have covered- while not really caring about cars-- Oh the tragedy---I do care about and have an interest in the automotive industry- because my man does;)

I know- I know- every year we go, (you can click every January's archive for some ridiculous post in regards to the Auto Show) and every year I stress and complain. It is rarely as bad as I think it will be... and, I have even sensed God in the middle of it reminding me of who I really am, and the opportunity to meet people I wouldn't have otherwise.... all of which I've learned from, and enjoyed... but really--- just once I'd like to not spring a pimple and be able to find a gorgeous (cheap) gown that fits and shoes that are HAWT but comfy....maybe next year I should send a letter to Santa Claus;)

The truth is- this night isn't about me.. it's about being there for my hubby... and- since he's my date.. it's all good, well- except for the shoes... they HURT.

For something less whiney and more inspirational- You can click over to my post today at Laced With Grace- the group devotional blog I also write for;)

Mothering as Mixed Media Art

2008-01-09T17:22:00.001-05:00

Crayons, pencils, glitter, fabric, papers of all sorts, scissors, staplers, paints, pens.... the supplies, the process, I was in love... with art. From elementary school, art of all sorts was "it".

Art classes were never "missed" not even in high-school.. when, well--- let's just say that "class" was sometimes "optional" between chats and hanging out with my friends;) But art classes? those were never missed.

There were classic "general art classes" with pastels on black construction paper, perspective drawing with pencils and tools, painting with various paints, (tempera to watercolors to acrylic) soft sculpture, sewing, (this was back in the days of home-ec and home arts) architecture and pottery.

Then- there were the "other" fine arts. Music. (violin, guitar and year after year after year of choir) Drama. (Not just the drama between classes either- the real stuff- like playing a wench in "Princess and the Pea" and tiny parts in Fiddler on the Roof and some random play where I had to actually choreograph a "Can-Can" and then dance it.. complete with ruffled skirt!) As a side note...drama- is also where I met my husband, in highschool) Then- there was Dance. (Yes- with a Capital "D" Dance 1, 2 and 3.. all of which I was mediocre in, but loved. Then, Literature. I read ever big fat classic book I could find. And Writing. I still love writing. OIf it was creative. I was there.

Somewhere in my heart- I always knew art would be a part of my life.... but what would be my "medium?" I never could draw with style... Oh- sure- I could recreate "stuff" in pencil so it could be recognized, mostly. If you squint and turn your head just right. I just couldn't find "my thing." But, I sure tried it all.

I always desperately WANTED to sing like a star. (This was the age of "Fame" and I spent WAY too much time spent singing in the basement to my parent 8 tracks then cassettes.... yes- I'm old, get over it) But, I was much more of a "fill the choir rows, second soprano, can hold her part, but not sing solo" type. (However- it took me years to figure that out. (Smart? Maybe.. but quick, I am not) In 1st or 2nd grade I took my "Fisher Price Record player" up in front of the whole school and sang "Jack and Jill" in a talent show.

Violin? We can suffice to say that I was never that "First Chair Girl". Guitar? In 3 or 4th grade I wrote a song (Summer Days, how original) and played it/sang it with my guitar, leg braces (lovely pigeon toed gal, that I was) peeking out from under my long, red and white checked 70's skirt in front of the whole school.... it was awful. And wonderful. I loved it. Even if the rest of the school didn't.

And then, I grew up. Classes had to be paid for. Not skipped. (Well- except for breakfast.. ocassionally) My plans became "realistic." My search went from "From what do you love".. to "what will make money?" (I eventually settled on a husband for that;) Kidding..... Kidding. Classes became "part of the track". Choir was for church, and art? Art was too messy, a waste of time and you know...for nut jobs.

In my early 20's I became a mother. And somehow, along with stretch-marks, morning sickness and poop cleaning skills, art, snuck back into my life. Songs were sung for tiny ears that loved every off-key note. Fresh green peas were steamed and whirled into fingerpaints. I mean dinner. Eventually, the scent of crayolas' came back into my life. Watercolors came out of hiding... afterall... I had to SUPERVISE these activities... didn't I? Music of all forms came back. Music I made, music they made (my 3 boys) and music we shared. (Although I still don't like "Queen", much ... umm... my oldest went through a PHASE... which is motherese for something you hope and pray will END) . It did. They always do.

There was lot's of dancing. Crazy, wild- abandoned dancing to Sesame Street or 80's tunes. Singing of songs we made up and songs we heard. (My husband often is our song writer..."the cheese danish song" is truly, a classic!)

There was art in everything.... on the paper bits in the bottom of my purse, crayons at restaurants, mashed potato sculptures and Lego architecture. Stuffed animals had to be re-molded into their original shapes with a bit of soft sculpture artistry. Somedays even nail-trimming was a feat of artistic ability as I told adventure stories to distract them from the snippers. (Which ,they were sure were really, legal ways for mommys to kill their children.) As a Stay at Home Mom... there has been plenty of art and creativity in meeting the budget. It's amazing how many things one can doodle from all those zero's in a checkbook... especially when they stand alone in little columns.

There has also been glue. Lot's of it. Glue to make things, glue to fix things. Even glue to suture things.. (and stitches too- but not recently- gotta love Derma-Bond!) All the art bases. covered. Daily.

Looking back--- I can see- art never really left my life.... it's always been there.

Mothering... is mixed-media art. Art isn't about perfection, it's not always pretty. It doesn't even have to make sense to others. It is creative, unique. It is a process of discovery experimentation and expression. Art is shared. And so, is mothering. I finally found my media.

A (near) Christmas Catastrophe...When Partylite goes bad...

2008-01-07T12:17:00.000-05:00

The house was clean, the candle wicks were trimmed and the candles were carefully placed in their holders on the mantle, (safely out of reach of the little ones to coma) and then they were lit. Christmas music was playing from the TV (closed & behind the armoir... we don't have a stereo:( I pods however, we have;)

The ham was in the oven baking away and all was ready to go. My knitting basket was snuggly placed out of the way of the food and chaos- (with projects both in process and gifts ready to be wrapped) next to the fireplace. The Stockings were hung by the chimney with care- in hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there...Sorry bout that... but, it was a picture of Christmas party readiness;) Our family arrived. The kids were anxiously playing upstairs, asking every two minutes, when it would be "present time." All was Happy Christmas chaos and bliss;)

Until, I was taking the ham out of the oven and heard shouts from the living room. Adult shouts. "Tracey! The candle is melting all over!" I ran into the living room to find an absolute WATERFALL of vanilla scented wax dripping off the mantle onto the floor, a longaberger basket full of knitting, wrapped gifts that were placed on the floor (that could have been kindling) the woodwork, wall and the fireplace tools. WHAT A MESS!

Several already finished squares for my Mitered Square Blanket were ruined. 2 Christmas gift- ready headbands (knitty's calorimetry) and a number of skeins of good yarn. Hours and hours of work all ruined. In the 40 minutes from candle lighting to dinner prep, the candle (a large square pillar) had melted through the side, smoked from the top- (leaving soot on my wall) and flowed hot wax like lava over the mantle, down the wall and into my knitting basket and onto the carpet..

Our picture of Christmas bliss had almost become a Christmas inferno. I'd estimate $400 in damages- counting the work involved in the property damaged and the clean up. The knitted objects were a complete loss. The basket is wood- the wax was easy enough to remove but the waxy oily residue will now be a part of the "finish" permenently. Diminishing the collectible value. (yes- I collect them.... I know.. Iknow) How sad. I won't even mention the upset this caused during our Holiday!

I can't tell you how many Partylite candle parties I've been to. I have always found them the highest quality, and best burning. I've never had drip problems and have most certainly NEVER had a lava-flow of dangerous wax before. But this problem? This one has put a damper on my candle use. Quite possibly- a permament one. (They remain out- but unlit. Pretty, but pointless when it comes to candles.)

The pics are all from post clean-up. The waterfall o'wax and most heavily damaged projects/yarn had to be put out to the trash in the middle of the party.

I am posting in hope of saving my readers from a similar potential catastrophe.

Potential- catastrophe because:

1) I never leave candles unattended, or lit, in the reach of little ones. I am so thankful there were observant family members in the living room! Which probably saved us from a house-fire. I'm also glad no little ones wandered over to the wax dripping from the mantle- I was dripped on when I went to clean it up- not an awful burn, but on a little one, it could have been terrible!

2) I take fastidious care of my candles (wick trimming, centering, etc) and rarely use anything but partylite... (which I've always counted on for safety and quality in the past) But even with care- candles can be dangerous and damaging.

3) Compared to what could have been- the damages are upsetting, and a loss, but minimal when you think of the damages a fire would have caused.

So- as you're re-decorating for the new-year, lighting candles you've been given as gifts or getting ready for your next gathering... BE CAREFUL. Candles are fire. Fire is dangerous. (yeah, I know you know.... but you know- I'm a Mom... I have to say it;)

FYI- (mostly on the urging of my mom- a retired insurance adjuster and Grandma supreme...) I've contacted Partylite and am waiting to hear back from them. I will post an update when they respond. Also- as previously said, Partylite Candles have been my absolute favorites.... I hope this was a sad and messy fluke.

But- ladies- (and gentlemen)

Be Careful!

Random knitting, SpinOut Prize,MommyCastPrize and avoiding taking down the Christmas Tree....

2008-01-05T16:10:00.000-05:00

Bad knitter- bad wife. I looked at my husband's coat the other day and realized he's wearing a scarf I knit the year I learned how... ummm garterstitch brown ugly....blah.

So, I cast on a "noro stripe" inspired by (ok- copied off of) Brooklyntweed. I'm using Plymouth's Boku in a brown and a green/brown colorway. US size 7's. To match his green hazel eyes;)

Also still working on the Hemlock Ring blanket: Somewhere on row 91 I think....

Filed under More exciting news- (read: less boring)

I participated in the Heifer International fundraising drive via Cara at JanuaryOne.... and I won a prize! A big prize!

Behold, the new Lexie Barnes Lady B who resides with me!

The bag is a wonderful size, big- but not bulky. Fabric is coated canvas and ballistic nylon (I believe) pretty and durable. Perfect.

It is loaded with inner and outside pockets- and is in beach happy colors... (perfect for michigan in January) INSIDE the bag were 2 skeins of gorgeous Sundara yarn! One of her most awesome silk lace in "sunshine" and one of herw coveted sock yarn in Pine over sunshine... lovely! Top it all off with a bit of soak in Citrus and some lovely crafters balm... and I say Merry Christmas Happy New Year to me!

A HUGE Thank you to Cara for organizing and doing all the work involved in SpinOut-and the giveaway... she's preggers and working- so this was an especially hige undertaking- THANKS SO MUCH!

OK- I'm nearly embarrassed to say, that after a methodic and obsessive stalking of the MommyCast website- (one of my favorite mommy- podcasts) I won a number of fabulous prizes from their holiday giveaway! You can click through to see all that I won... suffice to say- shoes for the boy- and me) (haven't arrived yet.. will post pics when they do) turkeys, (ok, turkey gift certificates...) a CD (Alvin and the Chipmunks... which was a very cute movie;) and a new digital camera for my purse were all involved!!!!

(I enter contests all the time- but never win anything!- can't say that anymore!) I'd like to thank MommyCast and their sponsors for all of the goodies- it was really overwhelming and exciting! Looking forward to the new boots and shoes for my guy.... gotta love packages that arrive in the mail... for free!

And- yes- I meant the title- I'm avoiding taking down the tree.... I love Christmas... but hate that naked feeling when the tree is gone... no matter how much I fuss with furniture... it's just not the same.

We generally try to make the tree stripping as fun as the tree decorating--- popcorn, movies (Underdog on demand) and cocoa.. but you know- taking down is just not the same!

Knitting, Writing and Resolutions

2008-01-03T09:18:00.000-05:00

Finding Grace in a Chinese Carry-Out Calendar, Is my post at Laced With Grace today.(the group devotional blog I write for) . Please click over and give it a read!

I have been knitting... I started another Hemlock Ring Blanket in Moda Dea Silk'n Wool Blend. (This one is to match the new living room furniture I have not purchased yet;) I'm using US size 10 Knit Picks Harmony Interchangeable needles. The colorway is called "Latte" which is probably the reason I bought it;)

As for resolutions.. I only have 3.

1) To submit writing weekly (articles and 2 potential book proposals) and either be published or have 100 rejection letters by the end of the year. (I'm calling either one a win.....it's rejection desensitization therapy;) It's time to stop talking about it and start doing it;)

2) To participate in and post about my family's experience with "Every Monday Matters" (Introductory post next Monday on that one)

3) to lose 25 pounds. (Hide the cookies... it's time to take better care of Mommy)

Have you made resolutions? What are they? And why???

running... out... of... time....

2007-12-19T10:38:00.000-05:00

Have yet to knit-

A hat (copy of a Hollister Co. Hat ) (already started...fingers crossed, which makes it hard to knit, I'll tell you that.)

Tiny little ballerina slippers for my niece.

Have yet to do....

Oh- way too much to list here. Let's just say I have 3 spreadsheets I'm working from...

Christmas Spreadsheets: (yeah, I'm crazy like that)

1) Christmas gifts- bought to buy and wrapped columns.

2) To do list- cleaning

2) To buy- cook/bake list for parties- (Christmas Eve and Christmas day)

PS- have to make a trip to the vet- our girl Sami (aka: bad dog Sami) had another (much smaller) seizure this morning... please pray for our girl. thnx.

Holding On, Letting Go....

2007-12-18T17:22:00.000-05:00

It's been a theme around here lately- the holding on, letting go thing. (yes- I know, a recurring theme- shut up;) My oldest turned 18 last week. And again- I had to pry my fingers loose from around him... so God could continue His work without my getting in the way. A letting go.

Then- I've been cleaning, de-cluttering and clearing for the holidays. (Yes- still, I know I know) I belong to a local freecycle.org group and a request came through for baby gear/clothes for a crisis pregnancy center. The truth is, I've been holding on to my youngest's baby gear. There are warm clothes- blankets, a stroller, bassinette, pack n play... all the accoutrement, just sitting in the basement and closet so I could ocassionally get all hormonal and run a hand over all that baby blue and Noah's Ark theme stuff. Holding on.

When I saw the request, I felt like it was directed to me. Not so much by the requester- but by God. I knew someone holding on to so many baby things that could help. ME.

I suddenly thought it might be selfish to hold on to things someone else needs so much. I responded with an e-mail and started packing it up. I kept the most memory laden- tiny footie- pajamas...Easter, Christmas and special occasion outfits, the silkies (my little guy has a blankie thing;) have been love beyond usefulness, and are staying. Every single one. The rest? I'm letting go.

Being a mother is an ever changing job. One phase shifts to another. Preschool turns to college, play pens to soccer fields. There is a bit of grief mixed with joy over each new phase.

I am done with the baby phase. I cried a bit while I packed it all up. Somehow it made it official, no more babies. (Well- there have been miracles- but at this point, it looks like that song has ended;) First, I felt sad, then-then, a tiny flutter of excitement. God has always taken me from one phase to another in my life. Sure- sometimes the journey is round-about. Sometimes I wish there was a heavenly GPS system telling me what and where I would turn next. But- there is always something next.

I have enjoyed every phase of mothering. (Yes even the pre-teen and teen thing;) I know- that I'll enjoy the next. Whatever that may be.

Dear Lord- It's both sad and exciting to see where you'll lead next. It's also scary. My days as a SAHM with little ones at home are quickly ending. Noah's readying to go to school, Mike's looking at colleges, and Matt is maturing and growing by leaps and bounds. I love being a Mom- and know that doesn't end- but it does change. Please help me to move through the changes with grace and love. God- help me to know what and when to hold on, and when to let go. I'm ready for whatever you have next- I love you Lord- amen.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you" Jeremiah 29:11-14

Snow day

2007-12-16T12:49:00.000-05:00

The walks are shoveled, the fireplace is lit, cocoa has been served. (Drips and coffee cup bottom shaped chocolate rings are still on the kitchen table, somebody really should clean that up) There are crystalized mittens gloves and snowpants dripping on the hard wood. Shearling slippers have been warmed by the fire, and put on tiny snow reddened feet.

Chili is in the crockpot... and I'm happily knitting while I check my "instant order updates" on Amazon. A little snow? - (ok , a lot of snow) won't stop me from Christmas shopping!

The rest of todays plans? Movies on demand, "Facing the Giants" DVD and "Little House on The Prairie Christmas" DVDs, dinner in front of the fireplace... maybe a bit of shortbread cookie baking...and knitting, lots of Christmas knitting- while my teens play runescape, the little guy thaws, and my tired from shoveling our house and others- DH naps;)

...a perfect snowday. Keep warm- ts

On the blowing of candles and registration for the draft....

2007-12-14T09:13:00.000-05:00

Vanilla cake with chocolate frosting----Check

Sushi- check (and yuk.)

Quizno's Classic Italian 12" sub-Check

Sobe Energy drink- yellow- check

Salt and vinegar chips- check

(A strange combination for dinner- but the birthday boy's favorites- just the same.)

Birthday presents and cards- Wrapped and ready.

Dinner shared, lights off, candles blown, and cake eaten. Our family tradition of sharing favorite memories of the person being celebrated, was enjoyed by all. All the bases of a birthday have been covered. Or, so I thought.

After the celebrating was over- he announced- "Mom, you know I have to go to the post office" .... *blink, glazed look of confusion on the face of the mother. "Huh? Not NOW? Right?" I was in my comfy sweats- not exactly visit to the post office wear. "No but soon, I have to register for the draft." was his answer. Without thought, my face communicated what my heart was feeling. My husband and sons looked at me like I was crazy. (not the first time)

"You knew that" Was their reply. I suppose- somewhere in my brain that information was stored. But, it was stuffed in the back stored somewhere under: "things I don't have to think about." Until now. As a woman- turning 18 meant being able to vote- the ability to get into bars/clubs.... but register for the draft? Not so much.

Sure, we don't have a draft. But, we're at war. Every single day, husbands, sons and brothers, mothers enlist and are called on to serve and yes- to even fight.

Regardless of your political viewpoint, in honor of my boys birthday- and in honor of all the men/women serving or left behind-will you pray with me for them and for our nations leaders?

"Dear Lord- Today, I see the boy you entrusted into our care- become and official "adult." I still see the tiny boy with big eyes behind the 200 lb man who is now in his body. I love him as much as any mother loves her son- I pray that you'd be with him every day, continue to guide his choices and be at work in his life, where ever theat leads.

God for all those mom's, wives- sisters who have loved ones in the service- I pray that you'd be with both them and their loved ones with guidance, love, compassion, protection, healing and peace. I ask you to guide our nations leaders, and I pray for peace and security- two things that you alone can truly give. Amen"

I think I can..... Maybe? A colorwork challenge

2007-12-12T10:49:00.000-05:00

I always think I can't do new things... until I try. For as long as I've been knitting- I've avoided colorwork. As in- run from it like it's on fire... avoidance.

Then, I found this hat pattern. Too perfect for my little guys Christmas . I had to at least TRY.

Now- I've less than 10 rows to finish the colorwork. And- I'm still in shock. I can do this! It's no where near as hard as I'd thought it would be. Sure- it's slower than straight knitting , but no more so than lace.

I have to say- one of the things I like about knitting- is facing a challenge- and conquering it. Often-one challenge leads to another. Next up for me? The hat is too long- (actually an adult size pattern. So, I'm faced with a big challenge. To rip it all out- and start again... or- to CUT through some of that knitting at the bottom, pick up stitches around the brim.. and knit back down.

The idea of cutting my first colorwork makes me feel like throwing up. But- I'm not the first to do this, and I won't be the last. I'm planning on using this tutorial from Knitty. I'll finish the colorwork first- and will post the process.

For now- Imagine me here- knitting on the couch this afternoon- then cutting up the same knitting... chanting, like the little engine that could "I think I can, I think I can...."

Sure- it's knitting- but I take that confidence gained into other areas. I'm always amazed that God can take even the most mundane and secular of tasks and use them to help change and grow me.... and you - too.

Is there something you're afraid of trying? Something you'd like to be able to do-- but might fail at?

Say it with me---"I think I can, I think I can... Oh Lord- please help me not wreck this..."

I received my PIF pkg from- T---- Oh how cute! A purple (yes- one of my fav colors) felted bag- stitch markers for the Cat Bordhi sock book--and the cutest little roving sheep! THNX so much for a great pkg!

Beagle prayers needed....

2007-12-09T19:38:00.000-05:00

This is our girl Sami- usually I have something ridiculous to say about her.

Like: she ate my cracker barrel rocker, (well- ok- part of it) or, she licks the boys face as an appetizer to her dog food... or that when confronted that sharing with the dog could lead to germs--- Noah responds "She doesn't mind." Ridiculous stuff like that.

Not tonight. Tonight, I'm asking for prayers of our girl. She had a rough evening. Looks like she has a seizure. This resulted in my turning into a puddle of crying goo- after trying to do a doggy heimlich maneuver- 'cause I thought she was choking.....then a frantic visit to the emergency clinic. She couldn't stand- just flopped on my lap (all 30 lbs of her) on her side- and paddled her feet like she was running. Breathing was "weird." Noah said she wasn't blinking. Neither was I. And, I may have been holding my breath- too. It lasted probably a couple of minutes. VERY LONG MINUTES. I think I prayed- I know I cried out Jesus name- asking without much in the way of words -for help.

By the time we located the number of the clinic- and had her leash- she jumped up to go to the door. "Bye bye" is her favorite place;) I think that's when I started to breathe better- myself.

The emergency vet said it may never happen again. (We're going for what's behind THAT door- thank you very much) Or- it could start happening more often.... or once in a while.

I don't remember ever having a pet have a seizure. It's a scary thing. Fortunately, DH was home--- but unfortunately so were all the kids. At one point Noah asked if Sami was dying. That's what pushed the tears out of where ever I was holding them in at.

Everything is quiet now. Sami's sleeping- I'm calm,(er) the kids are fine. But- if you have a second- we'd appreciate prayers for our girl Sami. Yeah- she's a dog- and she's even sometimes bad--- but she's ours. And we love her to bits.

Matthew 10:29

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father.

Dear Jesus- I know- she's a dog- but she's ours- God if you care for sparrows- and count the very hairs of our heads- then I gotta believe you care for our girl Sami- please help and heal her- please help us as we take care of her--- and God? Please help me not turn into a pile of goo- if this happens again... I love you Lord- and am glad that even when all I could do was cry your name- you were there. amen

I was a good mom when I woke up. For about an hour. Then- not so much.

2007-12-07T17:34:00.000-05:00

Everyday-for a week at 3:00, Noah (the youngest) has been dragging a kitchen chair into the livingroom, decorating it- using a pillow for a steering wheel and enjoying his new favorite show- "The Let's Go Show."

Until yesterday. When I broke my own Mom Rules,* along with his heart.

In a flurry of Christmas cleaning.... I pulled the "decorations" off the kitchen chair and tossed them into the trash without a thought. At 2:58, I heard a broken hearted cry coming from the living-room. "My art, my decowations! They're gone!" (still a little speech issue) Tears slid down his face like winter sleet on a window.

This was not the "whiney, bratty" cry. This wasn't even the "I'm so mad at you, I could kick the dog" cry. This, was the truely- broken hearted, cry.

And, it was my fault.

In general- I have a Mom rule.* (Oh- I have lot's of Mom rules- but ,let's focus:) One of my Mom rulesis- to never throw out my kids stuff without their prior knowledge. (I thought I'd already learned this Mom rule- the hard way.) I believe it's better to have the fight up front, than to quietly avoid it and make it much worse later...

This time- I didn't even think about it.

I just threw it out. Why? Because, I was cleaning house. I was getting ready for the holidays. (Yes- it takes this much) I was so focused cleaning- that I totally missed out on what was important to my little guy. I COULD have just taken down the projects and tucked them into a folder. I could have slipped them into the basket on the counter. I could have hung them from any one of 50 magnets on the fridge- just for this purpose. Instead. I dumped them into the trash.

Like I said- I was a good mother when I woke up- for about an hour. Then, I got over it.

We had the "Mom's make mistakes" talk. (Again...sheesh we have that talk a lot) We got the crayons out and set up the printer. Before the "Let's Go Show" was over- a little heart was mending- and the kitchen chair was plastered with new creations.

I knew I was forgiven when he climbed up on the couch, next to me to show me a new picture....made for me. Tears popped into my eyes. I swallowed. HARD. Then smiled.

Being a Mom is like this some days- you wake up the best mom ever- an hour later you're a witch and by dinner time- you're the queen, again. The Circle Of Mom.

Dear Lord- I know- I know we've talked about this so many times before---- but-as we go through the holidays- please help me not break my kids hearts in the name of cleaning and craziness... I love you Lord- and definitely will need your help on this one--- (and every one) amen.

At the altar of a dirty floor....

2007-12-05T10:28:00.000-05:00

Funny, how dirty your kitchen floor suddenly looks when you're getting ready to host the holidays, isn't it? OK- funny? Maybe not so much. But, dirty? Absolutely.

I updated my ipod- (am loving the Third Day Christmas album) and broke out the yellow bristled, wooden scrub-brush used by generations of floor cleaning freaks before me. I filled my mop bucket with the hottest water I could coax from the tap, added a cup (maybe more) of sudsy ammonia (to which I was repeatedly told-"It smells like lemons and pee in here" ) and a cup of Armstrong Floor Cleaner.

I put on my very "me" rubber gloves. And, set to work. Let's just say I'm not so sure about the floor- but my sinuses are quite cleared and I have inhaled enough ammonia to be under no risk of fainting for the foreseeable future...

"Slop. Swish. Scrub. Scrub. Scrub. Wipe. Scoot. Repeat." For 2 hours. I slowly made my way around the kitchen floor. I was working to remove 8 years of mop-n-glow build up which had become one with both the flooring and the dirt. As a side note- if you're looking to create a permanent surface- and don't mind if it's ugly... I highly recommend the combination. Seems to be impermeable....well- to anything but dirt.

The first day- (yes, this has been a multi day process) I scrubbed away a layer or two. But, half way through the kitchen I pooped out, and started scrubbing with less voracity. I finished with the mop. Minimal progress made.

The second day- I remembered reading somewhere- to let the chemicals do their thing--- (i.e. let the cleaner set for a minute before starting to scrub) and made better progress. I started at the opposite end of the kitchen-just in case I pooped out again....which, I did.

By the third day- my knees were bruised and my sinuses had been scorched. But. The floor. Is (mostly) clean. The wax and dirt finish has been removed. I'm getting ready to put on a few coats of new (dirt magnetically charged- I'm sure) wax. My sides are aching, (from all the bending and swishing....n scrubbing) my sinuses are creating scar tissue and my knees will never be the same. (I'm secretly hoping they will be better- and that the chemicals I've been kneeling in will have stunted the growth of hair on my very Italian legs) I'm tired- and am considering moving the stove and fridge out one inch farther. ( To ummmm... cover the line of demarcation where the scrub-brush will and will not fit)

But- my heart is lighter. Somewhere around day 2 of the great floor scrubbing challenge- I realized I haven't spent this much time on my knees in way. too. long. Not in the floor scrubbing sense.. (though admittedly a little more of that done would have improved this situation- earlier) But, in the altar of prayer sense.

My faith tradition does not have set times to kneel together, in prayer as part of a typical "service" . We often pray standing up- or seated or some combination there-of. Personally-I believe that prayer is ongoing communication with God- like breathing- it's just part of what I do each day. But- as far as specific- intent, time spent in prayer- lately- it's been a little like my kitchen floor. A frequent good mopping, but no real knee bending, deep scrubbing.

While I was scrubbing away- I realized I had an opportunity to spend some time- in focused meditative, prayer. And so, I did.

Good thing- too- as we're entering the Holiday craziness.... (OK I may already be full on Christmas crazy- hence the floor restore;) I don't want to get so caught up in the "stuff" of Christmas that I miss the heart of it.

Dear Lord- I ask that you'd constantly remind me to pray.... whether I'm on my knees or in the shower- help me to listen to you as well as to talk.....help me to be focused on you and spreading your love..not on clean floors and perfect gift wrapping...I do love you Lord- amen

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.....

2007-12-04T10:03:00.000-05:00

Snow has been falling off and on. The tree is up. It has been "topped." There are little paper trees- with battery powered votives on the mantle. The kitchen island centerpiece has been switched for Christmas. Cocoa and cookies have been consumed in quantity. Noah has made his "Christmas Surprise Book."

Yep. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas....

Outside the lights are up- and no one fell off the roof;) I'll snap some pics to post after dark.

This afternoon- I'll attack the foyer- bannister- with garland. I've been procrastinating about it- because it always makes me itch! I need to start wrapping ... but am avoiding that too- makes my back ACHE.... Oh, man- I'm getting old;)

How chocolate milk can help with the aids crisis...

2007-11-30T09:41:00.000-05:00

The teens were in the front room. I could hear them killing headless pigs on Runescape.....I made my way through the room to check on them, aggravate them a bit, and pick up in there. Next to the middle guys laptop, was a red ribbon. Perfectly twisted and pierced with a pin.

Boys don't generally have ribbons. "What's the ribbon from?" Ready for whatever random answer was about to come.... wondering if a cute girl was involved and somewhat irritated by it and the bowl with ramen noodle residue and assorted wrappers also being left on the coffee table.

Without so much as a glance up from wood chopping (another runescape thing- which I absolutely do not find fun in the slightest....) he answered "Oh- I didn't buy chocolate milk today- instead- I bought that- they were selling those for Aids research at lunch......."

I had to leave the room. (ok- in full disclosure- it is getting close to my period---- but- my boy sacrificed his beloved chocolate milk for others. *sniff* I love that kid.)

That boy drinks chocolate milk for lunch every single day. He loves it. And- If there is world championship for "getting the most for teenage dollars" This kid would be the champ. He budgets and plans his lunch money spending for the week......and instead- he donated it to Aids research.

For once- I didn't nag about the ramen noodle bowl.

I want to be like my kid when I grow up. (well- except for the whole killing headless pig things- and virtual wood chopping.....not so much wiht that)

In honor of chocolate milk giving---- I'm going to check into getting involved with this the global P.E.A.C.E. plan... what are you doing about aids?

Dear Lord- I pray that you'd continue to grow my guys in compassion and generosity, I love you Lord- and thank you for them all. amen-

knitting update- Flower Basket shawl- is on pattern repeat 5:

Freecycle Method of Holiday Preparation.....

2007-11-29T12:57:00.001-05:00

The holidays will be here in no time... I don't mean the season of the holidays... I mean the holiday party!

I mean Christmas Eve. It will be HERE. At my house. In no time.

For me- this equates to a month of furious cleaning- and touching up and wishing my kitchen floor would renew itself over night. (That good old cheap vinyl flooring--- so shiny nice until the dirt gets ground in and no manner of cleaning will improve it. You have no idea how dirty a kitchen floor can get when 3 men in hunting boots repeatedly tromp through it- regardless of a Mother's tormented screams! ) Is there a limit as to how many throw rungs one can have in any given room???? (Currently the solution to my worn flooring- is to cover spots with throw rugs;)

So- I'm cleaning. And clearing. And de-cluttering. Too much yarn. It must go. Baby items? Ummmm, I'm 39, my oldest is going to college in the fall, and the youngest will be entering first grade. I don't exactly have a need for baby items, cute as they may be. In addition- my tubes are tied (TMI- but true) ...I think it's safe to give away the "baby stuff" ;) There are boxes from when we moved 8 years ago- that haven't been opened.....I'm sure there are things in there that I no longer need. (Or, have a clue what they could be;)

To be honest- I've also had a bag of clothes in my bedroom ready to be given away for months. I also have a box of books, ready to go. In my bedroom. Now- as I daily focus on an area to clean... I'm finding all kinds of useful (for others- not so much for us) stuff. Coats out-grown, shoes (who BUYS all these shoes, anyways?) too small, past season, stuff never opened- and no longer needed- or won't be missed.

Thus far- I've done pretty well at getting things ready to give away---but actually doing it? Well- that's another story. (See the box of books and the bag of clothes mentioned above. ) Until now. I've found Free-cycle signed up for a local group, and now, all I have to do is send an e-mail - see who can use what I have- set up a time for pick-up and put it on the porch.** Voila. What once was clutter- is now someone's treasure.

I'll admit- it's much easier than loading up the truck- toting stuff all over trying to find a place to donate it, and ending up at an undisclosed shopping location with new stuff in bags to bring home.....(that's a bit counter productive, wouldn't you say?)

Free-cycle is a mom's best friend- eliminates the waste of tossing usable items, meets the needs of those locally, and provides an easy OUT for the stuff that needs to go gracefully from our homes.

I'll admit- however- that my first pick-up has been a little stressful. I was flooded with requests for the offer, and hated to have to say it was already spoken for. There are also some pretty serious needs posted- and I could see one being quickly overwhelmed or feeling like you have to help everyone.....which is just plain not possible.

The key will be remembering the legend of the starfish, and knowing that you make a difference to each one you help.

Are you cleaning like a maniac? As you get tready for the holiday season- do you recognize how blessed you are- and want an avenue to help others? Do yu have the "mom-rule" of cleaning out - giving away old toys before new ones can come in? I highly recommend Freecycle as a way to bless others with what you no longer need, or, with whatever you can cheerfully and generously give.

** if preferred- you can arrange other methods of delivery- I just like the ease of porch pick up.

For me- generosity and giving- is all about Jesus and loving His people. Each one.

Dear Jesus- As we go through our holidays- and everyday- help us to find ways to make a difference one person at a time. I love you Lord- amen-

EDITED- To add- Wordpress is being stubborn and weird today-(like not allowing spacing between paragraphs and putting EVEYRYTHING in italics) I apologize about the formatting issues- Will try to fix later- I have meetings this afternoon;)

Cleaning the silver- a holiday tradition... 'Cause I only do it once a year;)

2007-11-28T11:36:00.000-05:00

OK. So- it's actually, mostly cheap silver-plate. (With the exception of a couple of awards that my Husband has won for work... ;) But- it still has to be cleaned. Eventually.

Funny. The silver really gets disgusting. Most things that get this disgusting at my house- are simply thrown out. (Hence, the great pile o crap for my kids to haul to the curb each week;) But the silver? I clean it every year. It's too valuable to toss. (Even if it's only "real" value is sentimental.)

So, once a year- I bring out the "toot" (our favorite euphemism for gaseous expulsions) scented cleaning products, soft cloths and freshly update I-Pod, and I set to work.

Buff- scrub, polish and shine. Eventually, the bronze patina gives way to the luster of the silver below. What looked ready for the trash pile- is now (mostly-as you can see- I'm not a perfectionsit about this) ready for holiday display. What was too disgusting to hold my own afternoon tea-let alone offer to company- is now ready for service.

Some days- I feel like disgusting silver. Tarnished with my own gunk- and with my responses to the gunk and offenses of others. Sometimes, everyday living seems to leave a tarnish on my life. I feel ready for the trash heap. Definitely, not ready for service, let alone display.

True- sometimes I am a mess. (no-one who reads here regularly- is surprised by this) But, does that mean I'm ready for the weekly trash pile-o'crap? Nope. There is someone who values me enough to do the hard work of cleaning up my gunk. He sees past the tarnish- and knows I am valuable. He knows just how much buffing and scrubbing I need- and is ready to help. Even if there is a stench involved;)

Not- just once a year. Not once a month or even- just once a day. But, constantly.

Why? It has nothing to do with me- I'll tell you that. It has everything to do with Him. The silversmith who created me for a purpose- and lovingly tends to me- banging out dents- clearing off tarnish- or melting me down for a total re-make. His name is Jesus.

He says- His love is for all who accept it. A gift for the taking- for simply- believing.

Today- I'm cleaning the silver. And asking God to clean up my tarnish.

Dear Lord- I just can't seem to keep- tarnish-free- I ask- once again- that you'd do the work of cleaning my heart- let me be a reflection- of you- I love you Lord- and thank you for the gift of your love- amen

In which the microwave dies- and with it my ability to cook....

2007-11-27T10:38:00.000-05:00

It's just one of the many things I am culinarilary (just made that word up- I like it) dependant on.

It takes up my counter space and requires constant cleaning. (Why can't ANYONE put paper-towel or a napkin over what they are cooking???? Including me:()

Like a magic black box- (sometimes considerably brighter than me) it heats everything from spaghettios to cold coffee-it has faithfullyu served.

In addition- as a SAHM- it is one of my few and much trusted friends/co-workers. The microwave- has just been so close to me- being in the kitchen and all--- where I spend so much of my waking LIFE!) (along of- course, with the washer-dryer, the stove, dishwasher and fridge- we also chat- but they tend to be more reserved.)

At least- it was. Until Sunday night.

When my microwave gave up the ghost.

We (ok- maybe it was just me) quickly went through all the phases of grief:

Shock- (WHAT? Something is wrong with my microwave?)

Denial- (It's just a fuse- it'll be fine)

Bargaining- (Maybe, if I clean it- it will work...)

Guilt- (maybe I worked it too hard...I should have cleaned the vent more often.. it's all my fault.)

Anger- (I can't believe I ever bought such a piece of crap!)

Depression- (I have no microwave. *sniff* )

Acceptance/hope- (I can get another microwave... maybe it will even be better! I CAN live without a microwave!)

By Monday night- I could stand it no more. There was no popcorn... I am incapable of cooking vegetables on the stove-top and I had a pile of pans with burnt spaghettios begging to be cleaned (that part isn't true- I swear FlyLady!- but sounded funny) ...so I trudged off to Walmart- in search of a replacement.

I stood in the microwave aisle like a deer caught in the headlights of oncoming traffic. I had no idea there would be so many demands on me so soon after my grief. Overwhelmed, I looked from shiny microwave to shiny microwave.

There were: White ones. Black ones. Stainless steel ones. Microwaves the size of my first car. Microwaves barely big enough to make a bag of popcorn. Microwaves with grilling capabilities and microwaves with more buttons and options and computer memory than my laptop.

I settled on a (cheap) stainless/black model with a grilling capability. (Which I will probably never use- but- my kids (probably to bring green army men to a painfilled, melting doom) will.

As you can see in the pic above- she now proudly sits on the countertop. Maybe, a little too proudly. Although, she's already proved competent in the cooking of last nights green beans, I have a concern. She seems to be glaring at the toaster and cavorting with the coffeepot. I think she is unhappy with the cultural diversity on the countertop.

Apparently the toaster is not of their "ethnicity". White plastic is frowned upon by the much prejudiced stainless crew. Too bad. It's my house.

I like cultural diversity.

I think I need to get out more.

Instead- I'll distract you with my shiny pretty current knit:

In a fit of unoriginal hat overload rebellion- I cast on a new piece of lace that I plan on wering for Christmas.

It's the Flower Basket Shawl- from Fibertrends/ interweave press. A very simple 10 row repeat. I love the yarn- Zephyr silk/wool laceweight- 2 strands held together- Ruby and Garnet. I'm knitting on US size 5 Addi Turbo Lace Needles.

Maybe this will calm my Christmas cleaning- shopping nerves.... more pics are on flickr.

Personally- I think it's mis-named. To me- it looks like angels with their wings raised over their heads.... like this- but then- I think I need to get out more--- or maybe use less fumey cleaning supplies;)

And now- to work on painting the trim where the bad cat has scratched away the wood AND the paint....

Wii, wii, wii all the way home... or not- looks like a better chance of a coyote in the backyard, than a wii under the tree!

2007-11-25T15:32:00.000-05:00

Refresh.

Refresh.

Refresh.

I keep clicking and checking to see if anyone has it in stock. They don't.

But, the internet is not my only world----

In the real world- my alarm (internal) has been set early- -so I can go out stalking stores....

Friday Morning I was out at 5:00 a.m. (Got a decent start on my Christmas shopping)

Saturday Morning I was up at 5:30. Nada.

Sunday morning- 6:00. Nothin.

Shopping started- but, as far as the Wii of the boys dreams????? No luck. The small one has been wanting a Nintendo Wii- since they came out last year. It's at the top of his Santa list. As hyper and jumping like a jumping bean he is--- it really would be a good system for him. He wants- the High school musical game (he's my rock star) and Mario something or other- and of course- Sponge Bob Squarepantis........

The problem is- they are out of stock everywhere! Oh sure- theoretically they come in- and out of stock.... but thus far- not while I've been online- or in store.

I've posted a request on Ravelry- to trade my Ashford Joy Dt with bag and extras for a wii bundle..... Have had a few sweet people say they are interested and looking... but so far- no Wii. Wahhhhh :(

It won't be the end of the world if we can't get a Wii. Christmas has little to do with Wiis or other expensive toys.... And I refuse to overspend on a unit through ebay- (though it is tempting...) or other secondary market vendors...(the amazon ones have crazy prices) but there is that very normal mom-desire to see Christmas wishes come true...... so for now- I'll keep trying;)

A few Wii search tips-

(Lots of sweet people have shared their experiences)

1) Watch the ads for Sunday sales- then head out before everyone but God is up. Wait in line- you might get lucky.

2) Keep. Clicking "refresh" (Amazon is going to cancel my prime- membership)

3) Use a web-based wii- tracker- they'll do the clickin for you and you can subscribe to the rss for instant updates.

4) Make friends with your local game store employees.....they can give you an idea of when shipments sometimes may come in.....(maybe I should bake a pie? No- better yet- brownies?)

5) Just keep shopping- eventually you'll accidently find one.... or not;)

It's still early in the Christmas season.....not time to panic. Yet.

I've cast on a Flowerbasket shawl in Ruby and garnet Zephyr for pretty shiny holiday cheer knitting.....pics tomorrow.

Hmmmm... just a random side not-

Seriously- if you live here- you have a better chance of having A coyote in your backyard than you do of finding a Wii....

No lie- this morning, we had a visitor- a coyote in the neighborhood! (I'm sure. I checked. It wasn't a dog. It was one of these . I ran upstairs to tell my mad hunters--- (to come kill it and save all the children, and small pets) but they rolled over without much regard.

It ran back and forth along the edge of the swamp- I mean pond-- plenty of time to make sure what I saw- but-no time for a pic.

I called the police. They said and I quote "They are part of nature" I said- "Yes- but not part of my neighborhood".

I'm telling the president of the association... she's pretty tough;)

Actually- the whole coyote thing creeped me out. We live in a small sub. No street lights. The kids leave early in the morning for the bus stop. (Not just my kids- all the neighborhood kids) I don't like the idea of a coyote running around.

Will check into a private animal control service. Maybe they could trap it or something......since my in-house animal controllers- seem to only be obsessed with killing deer.

Dear Jesus- I pray for safety of the kids at the bus stop- keep that coyote away--- help him find some nice rural place to play---amen ps- Lord- a wii would be nice--- but you know--- it's not like food or anything;)

Welcome to the Pie Hole---Apple pie Tutorial- Thanksgiving 101;)

2007-11-22T09:39:00.000-05:00

4:05 a.m. Thanksgiving morning- 2007

To do list:

1) Coffee. Check.

2) Make old fashioned oatmeal with almond slices and dried cherries- topped with fat-free half and half and brown sugar- Check.

2) Make one bowl instant apple cinnamon oatmeal. Check.

3) Heat a plate of cinnamon toast sticks and serve with warm syrup and french vanilla hot cocoa. Check.

4) Locate- handwarmers- hats, boots, attach handwarmers to various un-reachable body parts with double sided tape- Check.

5) Wave goodbye to the hunters by 6:00 a.m.

6) Update Ipod- load for cooking. ;)

7) Begin the Great Apple Pie Caper of '07.

And so begins Thanksgiving 2007. Don't be impressed. (I didn't think you were;) I typically manage to mumble "good luck, be careful" to my guys - before rolling over and going back to sleep... but today is special. It's Thanksgiving. And- I am thankful to be My husband's wife- and my boys Mom. So, I made their favorites- and sent them off warm and cozy.

I'm not cooking this year- (well- officially- I'm not- but I will be tucking a turkey into the oven before we leave to go to dinner---we GOTTA have turkey leftovers!) Yesterday- I made the Cranberry relish- and today- it's a tutorial for :

(mostly) homemade apple pie.

The pics are in my sidebar or here if you need to see them larger;)

Preheat oven to 350-

Ingredients:

3lbs Granny Smith Apples- washed

1 1/2 -to- 2 cups sugar

1/4 -to-1/2 cup flour

pinch of salt

cinnamon

Pat of butter

Pillsbury Prepared pie crust )told- it's almost homemade;)

2 Tblsp milk

cinnamon sugar to sprinkle

Directions:

Remove pie crust from box- let sit at room temp until pliable.

Peel, core and then thinly slice (about 1/4-1/2 inch thick) the apples. In a bowl, combine with flour, sugar cinnamon and salt. Mix or toss to coat apples.

Sprinkle pie pan (I prefer the Pampered Chef Pie plate stone) with 1 Tbl flour and a sprinkle of sugar. (helps to avoid soggy bototm crust)

Unroll and press bottom pie crust into pan.

Fill pan with apple sugar mixture. (Pack 'em in there- make em fit. Plan on cleaning the oven later if it runs over;) )

top with a pat of butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Unroll second pie crust, place over apples. "Crimp" Top crust to bottom using a fork. Trim excess crust with a knife. (reserve)

Roll put the dough and cut into holiday themed shapes- (I like leaves and pumpkins-)

Use a pastry brush to brush pie top with milk. Place "cut outs" onto pie top by brushing bottoms with milk.

Sprinkle pie with cinnamon sugar. Use sharp knife to cut "vents" into pie top.

Bake at 350 for 50-60 minutes.

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Receive the praise;)

Thanksgiving... A day to be thankful.

I am thankful that God is patient and kind and loving- that that he not only puts up with me- but loves me- issues and all.

I'm thankful to be surrounded by family and friends- (crazy or otherwise)

I'm thankful to have enough to be able to give. (I'm thankful that I know the secret is you always have something you can give- no matter how little)

I'm thankful that you stopped by today;)

I'm thankful for warm slippers and hot coffee.

I'm thankful for turkey and stuffing. (and loose waisted pants;)

Happy Thanksgiving- to you and yours-

ps- oh sorry to "Pushing Daisies's" for stealing the Pie-hole reference;) Not that I watch it online every week or anything.....;)

I will now distract you with apple-y goodness! Pies done!

Cranberry Relish tutorial....

2007-11-21T13:03:00.000-05:00

Ingredients:

2 - 12 oz bags fresh cranberries

1 1/2 Cups sugar

1 giant (Christmas stocking type) Navel orange- zested- then pith removed and cut into large chunks

1) Wash- pick over cranberries (It's our traqdition to have the kids do this part)

2) Zest orange (I use a very sharp peeler- make sure you there is no pith- it's nasty-bitter)

3) In Food processor- pulse the sugar and orange zest together

4) Add your cranberries- pulse to a coarse chop

5) Add the orange chunks- pulse till your preferred consistency.

Caution- my oldest has been known to eat this by the bowlful. (SO has my step-dad) Also great with pork- and chicken. My FIL requests it.... He's diabetic- and I've subbed in splenda for him- it works- but isn't quite the same.

I will be making 3 huge batches.

Refrigerate over night. Serve with turkey n trimmings;) & a side of handknits if you got em;)

At the bottom of the mosaic you can see 2 more Yarn Harlot's Unoriginal Hats- one in Ironstone Orange yarn and one in Malabrigo Chunky- Snowbird... the CHristmas knits continue;)

Tomorrow I'll be baking my "famous" apple pie- want a tutorial? *** my guys call my simple apple pie famous- what can I say;)

Secret Pal 11 Revealed!

2007-11-20T11:48:00.000-05:00

Somedays, I just LOVE my Mail person. Yesterday was one of them. (Too bad I scared him with the whole swollen eyes and blotchy face thing) No worries- It wasn't personal. It was SP 11 package-related.

I received my reveal package from My SP 11 - Carly! Inside this pretty package were goodies galore!

There were 2 gorgeous hanks of Ultra Alpaca- these will be mittens for ME;) A beautiful skein of Silk from The Natural Dye Studio. There are also adorable sheeptastic stitch-markers from Sunneshine!

You can also see in this pic- the reason for Sami's extreme interest in this package. Newnman's Own Doggy treats--- Sami is a cookie eating Dog after my own heart- ;) She says thank you as well.

Here, we see what could only be evidence of the addictive nature of catnip. Cappucino has been sniffing and cuddling and whacking the daylights out of his (No. He is NOT sharing with Truffles. And, if Sami comes within toy snatching distance- he promptly slaps her in the nose- good thing he's de-clawed!) new cat nip toy. 'Cino meows his thanks, and wonders if you may know of a 12 step program that would include his keeping his nip.

Thanks so much again- to Carly- for being such a remarkable SP11!

Hazards of Clearance Shopping. A Cautionary tale.

2007-11-19T11:08:00.001-05:00

"Mommy- your eyes look fat" At least this time he wasn't talking about my butt being boinky.

The boy is right. I have to squint to see the screen as I type. (OK- I have to squint to see my fingers... since I'm the queen of hunt and peck typing;) It's not a problem with my glasses. My prescription hasn't changed in years. It's not a problem with the computer. It's a problem with my eyes. They are swollen, burning, itchy and puffy. Not a good look. (I am however- amazed at the body's ability to shape shift beyond recognition.)

This weekend I succombed to yet another clearance shopping hazard. This time it was way discounted make-up. Discounted enough to make me try a brand that I haven't bought before. Hence the allergic reaction that has left me with more bags around my eyes than I have in my closet... (I tend to collect bags- what can I say?) Bring on the hydrocortisone/ benadryl cocktail. Could I get that in an IV drip, please?

This would be fine, if it were a first offense of poor clearance- risk management. Alas- it was not. I am a repeat offender.

Other hazards I've encountered:

1) Clearance hairdye that resulted in purple hair. (Fine if that's what you want- but let's just say my kids wanted to take me in for show n tell- the purple haired mom- a classic) Also clearance hairdye that resulted in jet black hair- but I kind of like the snow-white thing;)

2) Clearance Christmas gifts- OOPS- two left gloves. Not good unless you're family has a birth defect of this type. Gift recipients are rarely impressed with my skill at getting more for my gift budget.

3) Countless pair of clearance shoes that are either- "not quite" the right size- two different sizes or two left- or two right shoes.... The worst part? These are most often purchased for the mister.....which means my shame is public. EVERY time! (One would think I could learn to double check... but I tend to be blinded not just by allergy swollen eyes- but also by the words "Clearance" and "final Markdown"

4) Clearance clothes that I MIGHT fit into... (this could go either way- too big or too small. When I went to MOPS convention- I had to wear black dress pants- I found a pair I liked- ON CLEARANCE and bought without trying on---they were 3 sizes bigger than I normally wear- I thought they'd work. They did not. They were clown pants.)

5) Clearance name brand bags in colors that are pretty in nature- but not so much in clothing. (In other words- I cannot bring my matchy-matchy self to carry them- even IF they were a GREAT deal.)

We will not discuss my many sins of clearance purchases for my kids clothes. Suffice to say teenaged boys do not like "past season" .

Safe clearance items?

Yarn.

thats' about it;)

Oh my word. I just thought of something- what if it wasn't the new makeup- what if I'm allergic to knitting?

hydrocortisone infused candles to burn? Benadryl laced chocolate? Coffee benadryl martini? (I don't actually drink-(Dad's a recovering addict) that's as close as I'd get to a martini;) Mask gloves and goggles?

I better go lay down. I think I'll ice my face.

Sister clearance shoppers- be careful out there. Those deals can be brutal.

Does Harlot's Unoriginal Hat Fit in the Woods?

2007-11-16T11:12:00.000-05:00

It's that time of year. When the men of my home and heart- leave each weekend (though this week for most of the week) and become one with the woods. It's weird.

It starts in October. With "archery season". For which- our yard is graced with a 3-d deer target. The neighbors probably think it is some strange very early Christmas decoration. Until- the arrows fly. My guys then stand on the patio- and proceed to shoot Rudolph. Which- is probably payback for the whole "santa" thing. (ummm will refrain from explanation- but suffice to say- they finally figured it out;)

Arrows often also land in the pond/swamp behind our yard. Once convinced they are "on target"- they drive an hour and a half before dawn to sit in the dark in a tree and wait to see if a deer comes out. They sometimes fall asleep, but don't admit to it. (One can only wonder how one falls asleep in a TREE... but will I not ask.) After dark again- they drive home- eat the chili that has been cooking all day- a fall into a stinky deer riddled sleep.

They have survived Archery season. And- at least in regards my hunting men- so have the deer.

However- archery is not the end of the "season." November 15 started "gun season."

This is counter intuitive to everything that is within a mother. A mother is wired to protect her babies- never mind the fact they they may be the size of a full grown grizzly bear. (Have I mentioned that my oldest is a rather big boy?) A mother is wired to teach her children to stay clean, not to touch hot stoves, or play with dangerous things. We teach them to be kind to animals- not to pull the dogs tail chase the cat or burn ants with your glasses or magnifying lens.

Then-in November out come the guns. Not toy guns. REAL guns. (No target practice in the yard for this one- the neighborhood association would frown on that idea;) They sit in the kitchen, cleaning them. Every "ch ch" of the empty guns being cocked, makes me cringe. "Don't point it towards ANYTHING!" I yell. They shrug. They are well trained in gun safety. I am not. They know it.

They look at me as if I am - both crazy and lame. (Including the Daddy) I keep the youngest in the livingroom. I knit. FAST. A LOT. The youngest proceeds to turn the dog into a deer and make every toy he owns into a gun. He stalks her. He shoots her. She licks him. I finish hunt hats.

They prepare to leave for the "hunt trip." Packing who knows what. For hours. I put their hats on their heads. I tell them the hats are my protective, warm (trying not to be smothering) love- following (stalking) them into the woods. They acknowledge my craziness. They leave.

I knit. I clean. Two of my favorite coping skills. Along with prayer and cin'ocolate. During deer season- I combine them all. I knit more hat's from The Yarn Harlot's Unoriginal Hat pattern. I knit LOTS of hats. 8 so far.

I remind myself that God is sovereign- even in the woods. I remind myself that this time together with their Dad is good for them. I remind myself that knitting is just as crazy to them. I remind myself that they will mess up the house when they get home. I remind myself of the hunt camp stinkin laundry about to arrive in my laundry room.

I savor a few days of eating off of "zoopals" with the little guy. We watch Shrek the Third - 497 times. We eat popcorn, drink cocoa and use FIRELOGS. (the men around here think wood is much better.) We stay in our jammies. ALL DAY. WE play with the tangrams for homeschool. We try not to miss the big guys. We pray they get a deer- and we pray the deer escape;)

Conveniently coinciding with deer season-The Christmas knit season of 07 has begun. Aside from the ocassional accidental falling asleep with a cable needle in my cleavage.... (ummm... it happens to be a rather convenient place to stow it between cables.....) it is considerably safer than deer season. At least in theory.

To answer the question- "Does Harlot's Unoriginal hat fit in the woods?" The answer is yes. In orange. The oldest called me to say his hat was "Perfect" And toasty. And awesome.

Score. ;)

Unoriginal hats for all!

2007-11-12T10:19:00.000-05:00

My I present the first set of "Unoriginal Hats"

In my artistic series- titled "unoriginal hats for all."

Sounds so much better than admitting to my OCD like tendancies are once again running free... but count them- 6 hats done! (bring on the Christmas knits!)

Clockwise from the top- Malabrigo Chunky in Olive for my middle son. (US size 10.5)

Malabrigo Worsted held doubled for my niece. (US 10.5)

Berroco Ultra alpaca haled doubled for hubby.

Paton's classic merino camoflage for my oldest. (size 11 he has a pumpkin sized head;)

Jaeger Natural fleece- for my FIL- us 11 should have gone down a size on this one.

And Lion brand chenille- size 11 should have gone down a size here too.

More hats in the queue- Malabrigo chunky in teal for my step dad....etc....these are quick and simple- but cute- sorry no one would model for me-- and well- I look like a dork in hat;) (hair too short- none sitcks out- makes me look bald;) which would be fine if I WERE bald... but I'm not and I have too much invested in hair dye to not let it be seen;)

Can you do me a favor- I have a few friends (a bunch actually) with health issues that could use prayer -- a young woman, a new mom, a dad, a pastor.. my SIL and well my hubby too--- seems like when it hist the fan--- it really hits the fan and spreads. thnx

ps the boy's face is still healing- looks like he's a foot ball player now- down to dark marks under his eyes a aross his nose.... what a month!

Secret Pal Box of Amazon Goodness!

2007-11-09T10:21:00.001-05:00

Amazon boxes on my porch are.. ummm.. not exactly a rare occurance. With one exception- I USUALLY know they are coming- and WHAT will be in them. Not this time!

A great surprise was inside! My SP 11 sent me 3- count them 3 knitterly surprises! 2 Debbie Macomber books- AND The First Book of Modern Lace knitting;) YES!

Thanks Sp 11- for rockin my day!

Hmmm what to knit what to knit.......;) Will keep you posted-

Furious over Aquadots- and Walmart.

2007-11-08T18:11:00.000-05:00

Alright. I mostly do not post rants. But today- I'm furious. I went to a local store, WalMart. To pick up a few things. Since it's Christmas time -(sheesh- can you believe that?) I checked the toy aisle to see if I could pick up a few things. On the shelves I found AquaDots. They've been on the news ALL DAY. RECALLED.

These have been recalled for being extremely dangerous. I spoke with a store employee who said "Oh yeah- we know we're in the process of pulling them." There had been no one in the aisle pulling them. Afterwards- I (stealthy sleuth Mom that I am) circled back. No One. Still on the shelves. I asked to speak with a store manager before leaving. Manager was busy but employee took note of the issue. They are probably still on the shelves. Hence- the fury of a mother scorned.

I could have pulled the items off the shelves and into a basket in about 30 seconds. (Now that I think of it- I should have)

How long do stores have to remove dangerous products? When confronted with a dangerous item- WHY on earth would an employee answer "oh yeah we know"- and not DO something about it?

Is it the big-box store mentality? Too much red-tape to pull an item? What if kids (teens) go in purposefully hunting for this item? I'm furious. Will put a follow up call in to the store. Already called a local news team.

I am sure this bothered me so much because it is an item the little guy has been wanting, desperately. Last week we spotted them at another store- and had them in the cart. But they were missing the "pen" part. So we decided not to purchase. Good thing we didn't- as the little guys has a history of putting things in his mouth. But, we could have.

So- Moms who stop buy here- PLEASE don't purchase or allow your child to use Aquadots. If YOU see them on the shelves- say something. I'm sure all the recalls lately are making it difficult to keep up. But- unless they want lawsuits- they better.

PS- it will be a while before I step back in a Walmart. Service- prices blah blah blah--- but flagrant risking of the safety of kids? THAT WILL KEEP ME OUT.

Hope you don't find any.... But if you do- speak up.

sheesh I think I'll be knitting toys this year! Maybe with cat hair- we have plenty of that around here- and I know it's not contaminated with anything- but cat spit.

Edited to add:

At 6:30 My Hubby went back to the Walmart- to see if the Aquadots were still on the shelves. The ones on the pegged rack were gone- but 4 pkgs were left on the shelf below. He took them to the manager. Ridiculous. Still furious- but at least they are off the shelves. (we hope)

Fade to... green? Yarn Harlot's Un-original Hat pattern

2007-11-08T09:58:00.000-05:00

This boy is just a fount of knitting inspiration. Please note- the nicely matching hat I've made for his big brother from "The Yarn Harlot's" "Unoriginal" Hat Pattern. (Actually- It just happened to match- I swear!)

I used Berrocco's Ultra Alpaca in some randomly stashed green color. I held the yarn doubled and used a set of five US size 10.5 DPN's. This could very well be, the Hat of Christmas 07 around here. It's a nice knit (not boring- but still easy) and FAST..... Have I mentioned I like FAST? Will be trying to work out a matching scarf pattern later. Then- I need to find a pattern for THIS. That would be perfect for the middle boy.

I'm experimenting with Jaeger Natural Fleece on a size 11 for my potato headed, oldest son. (boy has a huge head... just like his Dad;) It's a very marled look- totally different than middle son's hat. Which is both good, and necessaary as they do not "Do"-matchy- matchy.

I'll also be working up a smaller version for the youngest... he DOES do matchy matchy;)

More pics later. BTW... my down stream sp reently received a pkg and posted about it- she likey she likey. Whew. Let's just say our tastes are not exactly the same so I was REALLY glad she liked her goodies;)

Pancakes, pity and Knitty.......

2007-11-06T16:25:00.000-05:00

The boy's face is healing. Unfortunately- the bruises look worse before they get better. It doesn't show well in the pic--- but let's just say, that in the battle with the coffee table- my little warrior was not triumphant.

No worries- he's certainly workin' the pity factor. I can barely look at him without feeling bad and like I should fix this boo-boo face- he is assured of pretty much whatever he wants. And he knows it.

Today- it was pancakes. "'N butter and syrup". He also wanted them to be "famous" and put on the blog. Hence the pancake post.

Yes- it made him feel better. He admits his face doesn't actually HURT, unless he pokes it. Stinker. Cute stinker, but stinker, just the same.

As we are currently awaiting diminished bruising and swelling- a lot of knitting is getting done. I "Accidently" cast on another chevron scarf from Last Minute Knitted Gifts.

It's an experiment in yellow. I don't like yellow. But- I do like black..... so we're workin a bee/tiger thing here. It's a special gift for someone;) I'm using the Debbie Mumm Traditions Yarn available at Joann's. Using a US size 6 needle on this. Turning out quite nice.

More soon;) After the swelling goes down.

And the pity factor wears off. ;)

Oh my word- what a weekend.... Mitered square blanket - blackeyes and bad dogs...

2007-11-05T10:42:00.000-05:00

My SP 11 has requested to have visual confirmation of the bad beagle who resides within our hallowed walls.

Bad Beagle? Only kind of I suppose. Let's just say Beagle have "issues".

1) Beagles chew. (apparently only expensive DPNS, and Cracker Barrel Rockers...and shoes, and toys...) Though- honestly- she's not a pup anymore- so there are fewer and less frequent chew-tastrophes... just the occasional head or appendage chewed off of an action figure..

2) Beagles Bark. At the dark. At the deer target in the backyard. At critters- real and imagined. At people they know- at people they don't know. They also bay/bugle but not too often;) (on a side note- I can mimic a psycho beagle bark quite well. )

3) Beagles run. Away- after things. To things... to no where. And- if when you run off to get her- and your children accidently leave the patio door open... then upon returning- they let her run into the house--- she will promptly run back out the backdoor- laughing all the way.

4) Beagle chase. Rabbits. Cats. Kids. Bugs. If it moves- it's game.

5) Beagles sniff/snort and beg for- food. Enough said- SOMEONE around here shares his food with her quite willingly. When confronted about germs--- his reply is "She doesn't mind".

Beagles are also- sweet, loving, tender with a little guy and GREAT foot warmers....not to mention cutests dogs evah. A little beagle tip: If you fatten them up quite a bit... they can't run as fast;)

Beagles also make wonderful buddies for little guys, though sometimes they believe little guys to be edible.

As for our weekend.... well- Friday night was date night... which ended in my husband's cell phone disappearing... which led to a furious hunt which resulted in nada- which led to an insurance claim and much aggravation.

Saturday- was a well planned day. In theory. The older guys all went hunting. The little guy and mommy had a jammie/ movie night. Everything was wonderful (including 2 sundaes for the little guy) until his head mysteriously met with the edge of the coffee table. (dancing and or karate were involved...)

This led to frantic dressing, (can't go to the ER in my jammes) icing and finally yet another set of "head injury" cautions posted on the fridge. (there were no stitches... just a rather large "goose-egg" right between the eyes and a small cut. Looks like the world's cutest boxer. Also- as the swelling is right between the eyes- so he has a bit of a black eye thing going on and looks a little cross-eyed. Poor kid. However- it didn't actually make him blurry- that was my camera;)

Told ya. It was quite a weekend.

On the upside- a detective called- they had a lead on my Hubby's missing tom-tom.... some pawn-shop.... they'll call back if they found it. (fingers crossed and prayers offered) New phone should arrive today. We won't be responsible for calls made while it was missing. (and he couldn't be interrupted on the phone all weekend... it wasn't entirely bad ;)

As for knitting.......well- still working on the mitered squares blanket. I made a quick chart on graph paper and figured out a pattern for the squares and a count for how many squares I'll need. I'm pretty visual- so I used colored pencils- and a pattern typically used in quilting.

I'm getting 3 squares per skein of Debbie Mumm Traditions Yarn. So I'll use 16 (17 of one) squares of each of three colors. Red, Green and Brown. I'm also using the Brown for the mitered garter stitch border.

And that. is the weekend in review. Looking forward to a better week;)

DPN Holder To beat all!

2007-11-02T15:27:00.000-04:00

I take knitting with me EVERYWHERE. In the car- to the store...the mall... everywhere.

Knitters know, the best travel knitting is small, portable and with a pattern that can be memorized. Socks, are perfect. Except for the DPN's poking through your bag and getting snapped in transit.

No more. This morning, on Ravelry- I found a new product made right here, in Michigan. The Knitzi. It's handmade from Great Lakes hardwood. each end simply screws on and off- a slit in the side keeps the knitting and the DPNs perfectly safe inside. No more snapped needles. I also ordered the Knitzi bag- which perfectly holds my knit in progress and knitzi- perfect for putting in my purse or knitting bag.

I have used other types of DPN holders. Elastic one with plastic caps- fine, but, I've also had them pop off while in my bag- resulting in lost and broken needles. The elastic has also lost it's stretch....

My new knitzi is quality. Hand finished- smooth and light. Available in loads of sizes and more styles are in the works.... I'll be popping in their site to pick up a few more- I have an SP who'll be needing one of these in her reveal pkg;)!

OK- I'm not affiliated or anything..... I'm just happy as could be with a new and innovative product- produced right here in Michigan! Besides- they kindly upgraded me to "pony express": shipping and a few hours after placing the order- my Knitzi was delivered to my front door! Turns out they are located within just a few miles of my house;)

I'm always impressed when an order I place online arrives within a week... this was remarkable;)

Go ahead- pop over for a visit--- you'll love them;)

And here's a bonus- a beautiful FREE sock pattern! Twinkleberries It's your gift for stopping by their site!

I'm sensing Twinkleberrry socks for Christmas!

Boo!

2007-11-01T13:05:00.000-04:00

Halloween is a bit controversial- I know- if you want to read a bit of my persepctive on it- you can visit my last post at Laced with Grace .

Although things are festive- they don't get too scary around here- with the exception of my personal re-enactment of the prom scene from "Carrie".

I died my roots. As you may have guessed by now- I am not exactly a natural redhead. EVERY single time I am in the shower rinsing out the burgundy goopy dye--- I think about the prom scene......gross.

That was random- sorry- too much sugar.

Wonder if I can balance that out with caffeine?

For dinner- The older men had Sushi- that's too scary for me. I passed and had grocery store middleastern food;) Tabbouleh, hummous, pita and falafel. ;)

Noah was his traditional "Spiderman" I asked him if he was sure he wanted to be spiderman AGAIN this year- and he said - "Mom, I AM Spiderman." Enough said.

The second most scary thing about Halloween around here- is Pumpkin carving. Mostly because of the smell. An interesting (or not so much) tid-bit about me- is that since a nose job at 16- I don't really have much of a sense of smell.... but Pumpkin guts? That, I can smell. AND I HATE IT. Instead of actually carving- I read this book aloud- The Pumpkin Gospel. It glows in the dark- So we also read it in the bathroom, with the door closed. (darkest place we could find) Umm- I suppose the boys/men around here- start their bathroom reading habits young.

I thought about wearing a clothespin on my nose- but that seemed a bit un-festive. So I was in charge of pictures. Daddy really came thru- Noah desperately wanted the "Pirate ship" Pumpkin... Which is usually WAY beyond our pumpkin skill set--- but Daddy took his time- and actually DID IT! Score another one for Dad.

The older two did finally get off of "Runescape" long enough to go out- (hey there is free candy involved- they aren't too old for that...) The oldest- wore his full camo hunt suit. ANd the Middle- was "The Guitar Hero" Complete with guitar.... because he IS the Guitar hero- Matt is unbelievable on that game. I, however- stink. BTW- Guitar Hero III? It well- it rocks.

While the rest play- Noah and I dance. That, we can do.

Noah has a bit of croup- so he didn'yt hit as many houses as he normally would... but he seems to be quite happy with his "haul."

Tomorrow I plan to post a tutoriAL FOR PLAnning your Mitered Square blanket--- stay tuned!

Fiber expo --- meet your inner alpaca

2007-10-29T14:12:00.000-04:00

I think, Noah is an alpaca. He seems to be in love. He spent most of the afternoon "humming" to alpaca's.

We went to the Ann Arbor Fiber Expo on Saturday. I picked up a few fibery goodies- including some BFL Roving--- which nearly spins itself. Nice.

There is also some alpaca yarn in a nice lt brown natural color.

The center pic is Briar Rose Sea Pearl. Yum. Not pictured is Briar Rose Earth Song.

The top center- is a new pair of slippers to be felted for Mr. I'm trying a new pattern- a bit simpler than the FT pattern- will review after felting.

The Blue is handpaint BFL and Merino blend- earmarked for a special project.

The Fiber expo was great. Not so big as to be totally overwhelming. Was able to hit every vendor- (I think) As close to rhinebeck as I'll ever get;)

Noah also loved the angora bunnies---- but no animals came home with us. Although SOMEONE in the car smelled a bit like an alpaca......

I seriously doubt the "association" would appreciate farm animals. Just sayin.

I'm hoping to have some handpun- and hand knit Christmas prezzies complete soon. ;)

Fiber expo- just heard about it!

2007-10-27T11:36:00.001-04:00

Fiber Expo- today- going now- just heard about it at Raverly......

see you there!

Theft. Stinks.

2007-10-25T10:49:00.000-04:00

I ALWAYS lock my car. I am the one who nags my husband to lock his car. But- apparently- I messed up. Big time. I know what happened. The other night- on my way home from Target- The sunset was SPECTACULAR. ( you can see the pics if you scroll down) I ran into the house- grabbed the kids -they know i'm crazy- and the camera and ran upstairs to watch it together. In the commotion, I must have forgot to lock the truck.

Yesterday- when I went out to my car to go pick up groceries- I noticed my husband's Tom-Tom- (His Christmas gift from last year) was GONE. It had been on the dash board the night before. Stolen.

It's just a "thing" but it made me so angry. DH called the police- they will be by tonight to make a report. But- the bottom line? It's gone. Something special I bought for my hubby (who is hard to buy for like any man) is toast. I was (ok- I still AM) furious.

The anger- I expected. What I didn't expect- was the fear I felt later last night. I felt vulnerable. Afraid. Like maybe our neighborhood isn't as "safe" as I thought. I checked and double checked the window and door locks before bed. I turned on every light- inside and out.

This morning, I realized some people live in fear like this all the time. Their neighborhoods aren't safe. It isn't just an ocassional thing. It isn't just "stuff" being stolen, but real violations. real hurts. I can't imagine how hard that would be.

This morning- I'm calmer. I managed to pray for the person who stole the tom-tom. I keep thinking "what a dumb thing to do- what a dumb thing to be imprisoned for". In all probability it's a kid who wanted to make a few quick bucks. Totally not worth being arrested for. The police said there have been a few other cars broken into, other stuff stolen. Who ever is doing this- has done it more than once. Eventually, they will be caught.

I hope they stop. I hope they get some help. I hope they find out their life and freedom is worth so much more than "stuff." I hope they realize they are hurting people.

The tom- tom can be replaced. (besides- now I know what to buy him for Christmas this year). But freedom, lost can't be.

I feel so bad for this person- and for those who live in crime ridden areas.... will you pray for them with me?

"Dear Jesus- you know I am angry. I am hurt. But- God- this is just a thing- so totally not as valuable as the person who stole it. I pray that they'd learn their value in your eyes. That they wouldn't squander their life and freedom over "stuff". Lord- I pray that I wouldn't either. I may not steal, but God- you know the truth is I spend too much time worrying about, taking care of and cleaning- stuff. I guess I'm as guilty as anybody of wasting my life on stuff.
Help me to value people more than things- the way that you do. Jesus- I ask you to be with those who live with crime on a constant basis. I pray for them to have courage, and for protection. I pray for the police pfficers who confront crimes big and small, that you'd be with them and protect them, adn give them wisdom and courage. And- Lord- it would be nice if the police could get the stupid tom-tom back... I love you Lord- amen"

2 minutes of sunset

2007-10-24T12:09:00.000-04:00

For more of today's pics visit:

Wordless Wednesday

Secret Pal and knitting update;)

2007-10-22T13:29:00.001-04:00

Hunting socks for my guys- big and small;)

Thuja pattern from knitty.

I used Moda Dea Washable wool-

Big socks- US #6's as per pattern

For the tiny socks- I used US 3's- cast on fewer stitches and knit to foot measurements- just use a multiple of 4- np.

Easy to adapt- and finished both pair in just a couple of days.

Now- they will be ready for Noah's first time out hunting with the big boys;)

(Daddy has taken them into the woods for the first time when they turned 5) May need to make a Noah hat with some more of this wool- and probably mittens too;) Can we really carry the matchy thing too far? I think not

All the gooodies this weekend were not for someone else;)

The happiest package arrived from my (new) SP 11!!!!

A gorgeous new journal - (love the tooling on the cover) and beautiful silk bend mystical creation lace-weight! There WAS chocolate... but well... there isn't anymore;)

There is also an adorable yarn ball/ knitting needles stitch marker- WAY cute- THNX so much! SP !!!!!!

A most sincere pumpkin patch, found....

2007-10-21T19:16:00.001-04:00

Mission:

To find the perfect pumpkin.

Problem? To whose description of "perfect" must one subscribe?

Our family is as opinionated about pumpkins as it is about everything else. So a Pumpkin must be found for each member- to meet their specific requirements. (I did not,however find one without guts... I hate the smell of pumpkin guts)

First- we had to find a great pumpkin farm.

Done. Within a mile of home- and u-pick;)

Next is the search....

Short round fat pumpkins? Tall pumpkins for big grins?

Tiny pumpkins for tiny people? White pumpkins? Smooth or bumpy pumpys?

We managed to find one for each of us- and pretty much covered the pumpkin preference bases;)

Just have to fend off the pumpkin smashing hoodlums for a few days and we'll be set.

Well- except for the whole gutting thing....I'll wait till the last minute for that;)

Now to find a copy of "The Pumpkin Patch Parable"

And try to convince Noah to dress as something I am capable of costuming...... that should be fun.

How bout a bag of leaves?

The Year of Living Biblically

2007-10-19T16:30:00.000-04:00

I've been listening to this, this week. (gotta love audio books on my i-pod;) I found it Entertaining- and surprisingly, challenging.

So far- here are the questions that have risen from it:

1) I wonder if God thinks my attempts at holiness (following the Bible's teachings) are as silly as Jacob's often are in his book. I'm guessing the answer is sometimes "yes".

2) I wonder what following Jesus really looks like? (I keep thinking of Jesus washing Judas's feet this week...... )

3) Where is the line between "legalism" and honoring God by following...

4) I think it's interesting that Christian's keep a "Letterman's top 10" type list of sins.......Not the 10 commandments, but a heirarchical list of worst to minor sins..... While the Bible simply says all sin separates us from God. The size of the sin doesn't change the distance. We're all sinners. In need of forgiveness. I'm no better, or worse than anybody else.

5) I think this book is a great example of our desperate need for grace. There is NO way that we could daily track and live by every law that is listed in the Bible. That's kind of the point. We can't do it on our own- we need the relationship.

6) How can I follow more closely? Without losing sight of WHO it is I'm following? (When I get all legalistic-- I tend to forget all about Jesus... just being honest)

Here is where I'm camping out ;)

Galatians 3

Any thoughts?

Fiber GodMother, THANK YOU! Mitered Squares blanket, Debbie Mumm "Traditions", and Pumpkin Pie "Thuja Socks"

2007-10-17T10:37:00.000-04:00

Happy Mail! I participated in the "FiberGodmother" Swap- and wow! A box that must have made my mail-person cringe... it was HEAVY!

You can click through to flickr to see the descriptions- Suffice to say= YUMTASTIC! Gorgeous handpaint roving..reading materials beautiful and cute stitch markers..... CHOCOLATE... a Morsbag in an adorable sheepy print;) Dark chocolate peanut M & M's A wonderful pkg- thnx so much!

Mitered Squares Blanket from "Mason Dixon Knitting" I'm using a new yarn- Debbie Mumm "Traditions" I found at JoAnn's Etc (the mega store).

Apparently- this yarn is tough to find- it's a Jo-Ann brand- and seems to only be available at the bigger stores) but I must have had a lucky day;)

My goal with this project is to make a "fall" inspired throw. The yarn's color changes are lovely, and they are blending well together. The yarn itself has a few "quirks" mostly due to the type of yarn, not the quality. It's a loosely spun wool plied around an acrylic core. Once in a while the wool "bunches up" and I have to smooth it out a bit with my hand. Not a big problem. There are also a few (2 or 3) knots in each ball- since I'm working in squares it doesn't bug me-however- if i were using it for a large- one piece project- it might.

I'd compare it to noro transitions ( and other various noro's) - minus the sticks and twigs. Also- big plus- this is only $5.99 a ball. Another plus- I like the tonal variant here- better than the multi colors.

I'm knitting this on US 6 bamboo needles and I like the fabric. I think I will be using the brown variegate for the mitered border..... But that's open to change.

Pumpkin Pie Quickie Thuja's

US #6 DPN's (I'll go down when I make these again)

Moda Dea Washable Wool in Tangerine (Another nice surprise from JoAnn Etc)

These are "hunt socks" for my husband- thick- soft wool- to wear with his boots. At 2 1/2 days to knit- really- how can you beat that? What has taken me so long to knit this pattern?

Will be casting on at least 2 more pair- for my other hunters- and will work up a tiny pair for the little guy;)

Hmmm I may need some too;)

orange would be cute with my croc's for fall;)

Love, at 19....years of marriage.

2007-10-15T14:14:00.000-04:00

When I say "Love"- what do you think of?

My first instinct is to think of elementary school Valentine's day parties. (No clue why) Which always reminds me of construction paper flowers, red and pink paper hearts and paper doilys. I remember carrying home those Valentine treasures- struggling to hold my umbrella to protect them from the rain and blowing my breath carefully and furiously to keep snowflakes from melting on the covers. I remember carefully written magic marker messages, dripping and streaking. I remember rain drops making tie-dye patterns in my hard work. I remember tears. I remember them placed lovingly on the fridge- raindrops and all. I remember elementary and parental Love.

I remember Jr High love. The drama the pain. The ridiculous thoughts and the stupid plans. I remember notes passed. I remember check boxes: "Do you like me? Check here for "Yes"- check here for "No"...." I remember insecurity... And I remember enjoying it all.

I remember love at 16 years old. It was hearts and flowers and palpitations and REALLY bad poetry. (Not just mine) It was stolen kisses and planning dates. It was going WAY out of my way between classes so I MIGHT get to see him....It was car dates and prom gowns. It was wonderful.

I remember love at 20 years old- it was getting ready for a wedding. It was flowers and cake and planning and dreaming. It was royal blue frosting up a nose on a honey moon drive. It was a walk on the beach then listening to the ocean on our honeymoon bed. It was wonderful.

I remember love at 21 years old- It was pregnancy and bedrest and struggles and laundry in piles...It was tears and fear and sharing them all. It was day dreaming together of what kind of parents we'd be. It was wonderful.

I remember love at 31. It was wedding vows renewed. Another gown, another cake....a (badly) sung song... it was our two son's standing beside us- our friends gathered- it was wonderful.

I remember love at 33- it was a surprise pregnancy, that changed our family and grew our love for each other. It was shuttling middleschoolers and throwing up before breakfast- a washcloth handed to me to wipe my face. It was hands held during appointments with genetic counselors, it was worshipping together and knowing God was with us. It was wonderful.

Oh sure. I remember wanting to kill each other. I remember praying God would change each of us. I remember consciously thinking... "God- I love him.. but I just don't like him, please help me!" I remember being convinced he was thinking the same. I remember yesterday, when I yelled about laundry and mud left on the floor. I remember the hurts I've caused, and the hurts I've felt.

To be honest- the love we have now- barely resembles what we had then. It is as alike as a paper Valentine and a beating heart. A paper valentine is fragile and pretty- but doesn't weather storms. It wilts- the words written on it seem to waver when hit buy rain drops. A paper Valentine is about impression and expression- it's pretty and begins love.... but doesn't endure.

Now- I know love at 39. After 19 years - our love is less Valentines day and more living beating heart. It is sometimes bloody messy. But it is beating - fast and furious. When the pressure is on, and the race is hard- this love beats harder. This love becomes stronger in the training and struggle. This love endures. It doesn't wilt, drip or run.

Sure- today- as we celebrate 19 years of marriage, there will be pretty cards with ink that runs. There will be starry (somewhat wrinkled) eyes and nostalgic talk. But more than that- in the background.... there will the constant beating of a real, live heart.

Our love- no longer paper and doilys- but growing and living.

Happy Anniversary Honey- I love you- even more than I did.

And yes- I'd marry you again. And again. And again.

Even if you're a dufus and I'm a dork.

Monkey Boy- Meet Monkey Mom

2007-10-12T10:32:00.000-04:00

"Help me Mommmmmy! I'm twapped!"

I heard the little panicked cry from the living- room. To be entirely honest- I didn't exactly run from the bathroom to his rescue.

Like the little boy who cried wolf, we've been here before- not all Noah crisis' are real. Most are imagined. (Like standing in the pantry screaming to be rescued when all he has to do is push the door open.) I learned a long time ago not to freak.

I finished my lip-liner and gloss before I went on my rescue mission.

OOPS. This time it was true. I found him lying in front of the armoire that holds the TV in the livingroom. His left arm -up to just above the elbow- was mostly out of view. It was pinned under the armoire.

The armoire is a pretty typical 7 feet tall and thousand pounds of oak, particle board and media equipment with flashing clocks. If you toss in an additional 10 pounds of accumulated dust - (somebody really SHOULD clean that) you've got the picture.

I tried to pull it out. No go. He screamed.

I tried the "wiggle method." Nada.

I thought about butter- then, thought about the beige carpet. "Not that desperate, yet." I thought.

I pulled again- He screamed. Again. Louder.

"Stop screaming- I can't think" I yelled. (volume helps? right? ) I was starting to freak- just a little.

I thought about all those news stories I've heard- about parents suddenly being able to lift cars off of their pinned children. I tried to move the armoire. Nothing. (it was worth a shot.) Incredible Hulk Mom- I am not.

The thought of having to call the fire department to free my child from the monster armoire was not appealing. I looked at my watch- (the flashing clocks are useless) I wondered if I could keep him busy playing one handed gameboy until my teenagers came. They are pretty strong- I was convinced the three of us could lift it.

"What were you doing?" I asked him. More to kill time, than to get an answer. "I had to get my TOY!" My mind instantly went to all the stories about monkeys with their hands in coconuts "Are you still HOLDING it?" I asked.

"I have to get it" He said. Sheesh. A classic. I live in a monkey house. No doubt about it.

It took some convincing- and the locating of an implement to prove that I would fish the toy out as soon as his ARM and BODY were out of the way.

He finally relaxed his grip- we bent his elbow and he was free. Just a few red marks and that faded pretty quick. No permanent damage or butter messes. What a relief.

"I love you mommy, thanks for rescuing me" He said.

I had to laugh. I didn't exactly "rescue" him..... he just let go of the toy.

Funny- I'm pretty sure that from God's perspective I've had my arm stuck for a while- too. Holding onto something, refusing to let it go and but not able to hold on and make it work.

I wonder what would happen if I just let it go? Would he be able to rescue the thing I love? Would He fish it out and hand it to me?

It just might be worth a try.

Matthew 16:24-25
"Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it."

"Dear Jesus- help me not be stubborn- trying to rescue myself or hold onto and grab for things on my own that you want to freely give me- I love you Lord- please help me to stop bein a Monkey mom- amen. Oh- and thnx for helping me figure out how to free the boy....the butter would have been a bad idea."

To Catch a Hummingbird and Find Faith

2007-10-11T10:42:00.000-04:00

Today's post "To Catch a Hummingbird and Find Faith" is live at "Laced With Grace"

Make sure and click over for a visit!

Wordless Wednesday- Autumnal Treasures

2007-10-10T10:03:00.000-04:00

Mitered Square Blanket- New yarn review: Jo-Anne's Debbie Mumm "Traditions"

2007-10-08T13:25:00.000-04:00

Will someone please tell Michigan it's fall?

Weird. Leaves are covering the grass. The early morning sky is misty. It LOOKS like Fall. But opening the door is enough to baffle your brain. Although it's cold at night.... it's 87 degrees or higher during the day!

Indian Summer? Global Warming?

Who knows. I've decided to just close the windows- turn on the air and pretend it actually IS fall.

In honor of fall- I started a new knit project. Mitered Squares blanket. From Mason-Dixon Knitting.

I'm using a surprisingly happy find from Jo Anne Etc. A new yarn line: Jo-Anne's Debbie Mumm - "Traditions" In "Adirondack." I'll be alternating squares of this color- with other fall colors- reds burgundys and another colorway in greens.

The yarn is an acrylic/wool blend. Machine washable- colors are great. Like Noro without the vegetation. Or the itch. Softer. With sheen.

Will update the review after a few balls are knit up;)

So far- Thumbs up.

US size 6 needles

41 things About My Man. Happy Birthday Husband!

2007-10-07T08:23:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday!

1) His birthday: October 7, 1966

2) He asked me to "go with him" at 10:22 p.m May 22, 1985. On the phone.

3) He is the best Dad I have ever met.

4) He makes people laugh.

5) He is incredibly intelligent.

6) He is gifted in connecting with people.

7) He can cry in a manly way.

8) Watching him worship makes me want to worship God with more abandon. (Yeah- maybe I would if I wasn't watchin my man;)

9) He's got legs;)

10) He likes me. (Sometimes I truly wonder why!)

11) He likes his kids. (I don't wonder why bout this one;)

12) He talks to me about his work....like I can understand it. (which helps me get it;)

13) He has a quick sense of humor. Lightening speed, actually. You never know when a zinger is coming.

14) He had spinal meningitis as a young child. (remembers the spinal tap... poor thing)

15) Has overcome incredible odds with God's help.

16) Used to be afraid to fly. (Like, we drove to FLA on our honeymoon afraid) He's not anymore. Can you say frequent flyer?

17) He's a man of courage. (defined as: one who does not experience the absense of fear, but moves forward in it's presense.)

18) He introduced me to Jesus.

19) He hunts deer. (mostly I still think "ewe" about that... but- it is a "man thing" and is an awesome opportunity for my guys to connect....and give me a bit of "quiet time" ;)

20) He likes our bad beagle.... but doesn't admit it often.

21) He used to hate cats. He likes ours.

22) He is a man who can listen.

23) And talk. About anything.

24) He "bought" 2 robes form our honeymoon hotel.... (in Disney world.. for one night) he wore the original for 17 years. And still has it's threadbare self folded up in the hope chest with my wedding gown.

25) He married me twice. (renewed our vows)

26) He's taken me to many of the countries on my "to visit before I croak" list.

27) He gets up early with my highschoolers. Sometimes makes them eggs for breakfast.

28) He's the kind of guy who will go to the store at 10:00 p.m. for baked goods to calm a craving... whether you're pregnant, or NOT.

29) He's also the kind of guy who will buy you a present no huge reason- but if you're pregnant- it might be a huge pink t-shirt with elephants on it. He will swear he thought they were bears. He will never buy you elephant themed paraphernalia whether you're pregnant, or not.

30) Every year he'll drive you to the airport at "too early o clock in the morning, so you can attend MOPS Convention... then he'll return home to keep the kids and pets from killing each other and destroying the house for 5 days......

31) He will come to understand and even appreciate your "thing" for cameras and photography.

32) He won't gripe about the additional "thing" for knitting... but may not understand it.

33) He love hand knit slippers. (fiber trends clogs...these make knitting acceptable)

34) He thinks I'm a hottie... even at 900 months pregnant with son #3.

35) He loves summer and a/c.

36) He loves home made potato soup and grilled cheese.

37) He is a classic meat n potatos kind of guy. (Don't send him to the grocery store- he'll arrive home with pounds of meat- but nothing to go with it;)

38) He can do a "walk-thru" of a computer problem via the phone- and even solve it.

39) He married me on: October 15, 1988.

40) He can think both "inside" and "outside" the box when needed.

41) He is the best, most loving, most fantabulous, incredible, men evah.

Happy Birthday Husband! I love you!

Just Me and Noah......Welcome to date day!

2007-10-05T09:51:00.000-04:00

The sun is shining. There is no rain. There doesn't seem to be a flood on the horizon and animals are not lining up 2 by 2. (The 2 cats, however, are fighting in the hallway!)

But today- it's all about me and Noah. My Noah. The most incredible 5 year old, that I know. Friday's are "our days." I've talked previously about dating my kids. Somehow- our dating tradition has taken an interesting turn with Noah. The emphasis is heavy on tradition.

On Fridays, we go to "Fridays" He seems pretty set on the idea that "Friday's" is where you MUST go on Friday. A law, rule or at least tradition not to be broken. So, nearly every week, we head out for our lunch date. I ask, each week, "Where should we go?" and he laughs. "Duh, Mom it's Fwiday! We have to go to Fwidays!" (those "w's" are not typo's he's having a little trouble with "r's" ;) Some weeks he starts asking "Is it Fwiday yet?" On Monday. (He sounds a lot like the rest of us.)

Noah's menu never varies. He starts with Fried Mac ' Cheese, (something surely thought up by the devil to inflate my thighs, especially when dipped in ranch dressing!) then moves on to pasta with sauce and "parmish" (his very informal and special word for parmesan). Rootbeer from a bottle is his extra special treat.

I have iced tea and whatever menu item my hormones call for at the moment.

After lunch we head to the "bookstore." We talk about books, read them (and more often than not) buy at least one. After that the schedule varies- we might hit a park, or head home. Usually we end up on the couch with our new books being shared.

Friday is our special day to savor together- once he's in school (soon- working on that plan) we'll simply shift our time. Traditions change with my kids needs. But the memories don't. They are forever.

In the busyness of mothering- I'm learning to pause- and enjoy. How bout you?

Psalm 90:12

Teach us to number our days aright,
that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

Lord- I pray that you'd help me make time and number my days right... take my schedule Lord- my laundry, my housework, ministry and responsibilities.... show me and help me to take up your priorities- I love you Lord- make every moment count- amen.

***Updated with pics from our day out--- it was EXTRA special- bookstore AND the park;)

Wordless Wednesday- Fallen

2007-10-03T07:56:00.000-04:00

Carseats to Convertibles

2007-10-02T09:17:00.000-04:00

I researched for weeks. I went to every toy-store/baby supply store in Michigan. I carefully examined each possibility.

Some looked uncomfortable. Some weren't soft enough. I was Goldilocks in search of the carseat that would be "just right."

Our budget was newly-wed/ newly parent tight. I debated the practicality of an infant carseat that would only be usable for a short time. But when compared to the convertible infant toddler seat, there was no further thought needed. The infant seat was cushy, soft and would cradle my baby, not quite as well as my arms, but the seat would be safer, if not as comfy.

We bit the budget bullet and ate macaroni and cheese for a month. We bought the cushy, safe seat. Later, we did it again to upgrade to the toddler seat. Finally, we moved our little guy to a booster seat, then the big-boy seat belt, his feet dangling, but not quite reaching the floorboards.

I swear it was yesterday. No- yesterday (well a few days since) it was my two oldest climbing into a Mustang convertible (the irony of that being my all time favorite and never ridden in car is not lost on this momma;) with a friend of theirs and heading off to Walmart.

There were no carefully chosen carseats. There was no Mom adjusting the seatbelts. Their feet no-longer dangle. They are old enough to drive themselves. My two oldest sons are men now- no longer children. They are good guys. They have level heads on their shoulders. They wear their seatbelts without fuss. They do their homework. (Mostly) They choose their friends well.

I am proud. I am glad. I am relieved that they survived fevers, stitches and asthma attacks. I'm glad that I haven't totally "wrecked them". (I suppose the jury is technically still out on that one- but so far-so good;) I like my guys. I like who they are and who they are becoming. We're not picking carseats anymore- we're visiting colleges. Discussing options for career paths, instead of toddler seat versus infant seats.

The decisions are no longer mine to make. I have input, but not control.

I remember as a young parent, being at the park, or the grocery store, and having a gray haired smiling face lean in close to mine, whispering, "Treasure this time, it goes so fast." I remember praying that I could survive a showerless, un-ending new mom day, and thinking that if one more person told me to treasure it- I would scream. In their face. Later I could plea post-partum. I would thoroughly enjoy it.

Before I had the chance to, I must have blinked. When I did, the carseat turned to a convertible. The worst part? I realized all those smiling gray heads were right.

The days do seem to crawl- but the years slip by at light speed. I am in an interesting place. I am both a Mother of young adults and a Mom of a Kindergartener. I am not rushing through this one. I know by experience how fast time goes. There is a carseat in the back of my old SUV for my youngest today, but he'll be driving it (probably the same one, I now realize, as we prepare our budget for college expenses!) tomorrow.

Left to my own devices, I'd be afraid. I like control. I feel most confident when I have the most control. I had a lot of control in choosing a carseat. I was confident that I had made the safest decision. I have little control or even illusion of control anymore. It should scare me.

But- mostly- I'm not. I know- that my guys are in the safest carseat of their lives. They are in God's very own hands. He has a plan for their lives. Sure, it probably includes pain and learning the hard way and sickness and most likely even loss. But by experience- I also know- that whatever "wrecks" or "car accidents" that happen in their lives- He will be there to comfort and to heal. He will be there to guide and direct. He always has been for me.

I trust His plan. (Even though I sometimes wish it could be different)

Jeremiah 29:11
" For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to
prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Dear Jesus- please help me move through this next phase of mothering- as my guys drive around top-down in convertibles- help me to trust in your plan for them. God- I pray that ypu'd always be close to them as a a carseat- giving them protection, healing them when hurt and drawing them ever closer to your heart. I love you Lord- and thank you for the privilege of being their mom-and cheif car-seat chooser- amen.

Fall Flowers- Hemlock Ring Blanket complete;)

2007-09-30T19:59:00.000-04:00

Body by baked goods.....

2007-09-28T11:46:00.000-04:00

Caution visitors- this is a "girlfriend post" be forewarned.

Boink. Boink. Boink.
I feel a thumping on my hindquarters. Not something that happens every day.

"Mommy, your butt is boinky" Came a little voice from the rear.

He continues to bounce his head off my back side like a vertical, portable trampoline as I attempt to make dinner.

As I cook spaghetti, I wonder what happened to my body.

I used to be a runner. like 6 + miles a day kind of runner. Not so much any more. The knees can't take it.. and let's face it I barely find time to shower somedays an extra our to run just isn't in the schedule.

I used to consciously build my body with protein drinks and healthy foods-I watched the scale to make sure I didn't dip BELOW a safe weight. I was all "Body by Jake" and Aerobics in the living-room.-- Now my body could be better described as "Body By Baked Goods" Cookies- cake... bread... yum. Not so much with the ice cream or cheese cake. But give me chocolate or face my wrath!

It's not just the "muffin tops" that are an issue. Although- they have their place as well. It's the "Bundt Cake butt" and even worse- after nursing three sons--- it's the "Baguette b**bs" that bother me most. Let's just say- I heard a song about it...."the girls hang low...and they wobble to and fro- you could tie them in a knot, you could tie them in a bow- you could throw them over your shoulder like a continental soldier... yes the girls hang low....."

My youngest- who has an uncanny sense of reality- once interrupted my "lean forward, let'em swing, then haul them into the bra-garage" method of bra fitting that I learned at Victoria Secret-(just a note- when your body's built by baked goods- VS becomes a resource for breast care as opposed to recreational usage instruction or inspiration...well mostly;) ) This method is also known as the "Cha Cha b**b slide".

He announced with a sense of awe-

"Mom, your b**bs are long!"

From then on- I've remembered to close both my bedroom door AND the bathroom door before dressing.

Bundt cake butt- baguette boobs and muffin tops and all- this is the body I have- I think I ought to take better care of it---I'd hate to start feeling like "day old baked goods" in the clearance bin at the grocery.

PS have been quite sick all week- this post has been written under the influence of cough and cold medication the author may revoke any statements herein after the meds wear off.

MOPS convention was centered on "Dwelling well" One of the scriptures was pretty convicting:

1 Cor 6:19-20
"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body."

Dear Lord- Please help me to better care for the body you choose to dwell in- but while your here- help yoursef to the baked goods- I'm all about hospitality! I love you Lord- amen.

MOPS International Convention: A lesson learned between sessions: If The Shoe Fits, Wear it... if not--- CHANGE THEM!

2007-09-24T11:59:00.000-04:00

Shoes lie.

They act all wedgy, heeled and comfy in the store.. then, they sneak up and attack with skin blistering pain in the middle of the airport.

I know. I know. It was my own fault. I have traveled enough to know never wear un-tested shoes while traveling. But these looked perfect!

They lied.

The real problem is- as soon as I realized they were more effective than steel wool at removing the skin from the tops of 8 of my 10 toes (before I ever made it through airport check-in) I should have changed my shoes.

I didn't. I though I'd be ok. Besides- I was carrying a brown bag... and wearing a brown jacket.... I couldn't exactly wear the alternative I had in my bag..... they were black! Matching shoes and bags is just the way I roll.... I didn't know any better.

I do now.

For 5 days, I crept through MOPS Convention trying every pair of shoes I had. Tennis shoes didn't work. Flat brown sandals didn't work. My "Always comfy-yet cool" back-up black pumps didn't work. I slipped my shoes off and on- countless times. I bought 3 new pair of WAY over priced- (and now pretty much wrecked) socks and wore them instead of shoes.

My feet looked like raw hamburger. They felt like they were on fire. My MOPS Sisters were there for me. Ever ready-and prepared- bandaids were presented with appropriate sympathy. Neosporin WITH pain reliever was a blessed balm. Extra time in the shower (a real sacrifice when you're sharing a room with 3 other women) was gladly given. AT the end of the long days- when I just wanted to whine about my feet. No one said "shut-up---it's your own fault" (I knew it anyways;) they just listened- with empathy and yes- the pity I wanted;)

At the airport I had been encouraged to change my shoes- I should have listened. At our training that first crazy day, I was again encouraged to just take off the shoes. I didn't.

Was it pride?
Appearance management?
Stubbornness? Stupidity?

Probably a little of each. But, today- while I'm resting my feet and letting them heal. I have had time to think about other things I've "worn" that did the same kind of damage:

Attitudes that hurt but became habit.
Behaviors that hurt me (like eating cookies at midnight because they are THERE) but I am too stubborn to let go of.
Sins that seem pleasurable but cause scarring.

Shoes lie. So do attitudes, behaviors and sins. They seem like a good fit, they seem appealing. They are not. We may feel locked in- because it's all we know. (I'm admittedly a matchy- matchy clothes and shoes kind of mom) But- in reality we simply need some help to CHANGE them, then heal the damage.

We may need confrontation about what we're wearing. "Girl- those shoes got to go" or "Are you sure that's an attitude you want to wear?" We may need a balm to place over our wounds. Words of love- in the face of pain. We may need a band-aid to cover and protect. A friend to help work through feelings and ideas. A friend to protect our heart. A friend to help us find something that is a better fit- something that heals instead of hurts.

Finally- we might need time to rest and heal.

How are your "shoes" fitting? What are you walking around in? Stuff that hurts but you don't know if you want to change? Cause it's all you know? Don't be stubborn, like I was. I'll be nursing these feet for days. Cute shoes will be put away for quite a while. I'll be barefoot for a while- trying to heal. trust me- it's not worth it... If the shoe fits- girl - go ahead and wear it- if not- CHANGE EM... and change em QUICK! Before the blisters form and the skin tears.

By Sunday- the day I came home. My toes were so bloodied and painful- that my bandaids and socks were sticking to the wounds. I needed some help getting them off. There are "other" shoes that I've worn for years- attitude and sin that I've grown so accustomed to, and that have so wounded me- that I need help with removing them.

Good thing I know someone who specializes in cleaning wounds changing hearts and healing hurts. His name is Jesus.

If you're feeling blisters form on your heart....or that your attitude and behavioral shoes aren't fitting- or that you've encountered wounds that need healing- He cares and can longs to help.

John 13
Jesus Washes His Disciples' Feet

It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come
for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were
in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love.

The evening meal was being served, and the devil had already
prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the
Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was
returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and
wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and
began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped
around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, "Lord, are
you going to wash my feet?"

Jesus replied, "You do not realize now what I am doing, but later
you will understand." "No," said Peter, "you shall never wash my
feet." Jesus answered, "Unless I wash you, you have no part with me."

"Then, Lord," Simon Peter replied, "not just my feet but my hands
and my head as well!" Jesus answered, "A person who has had a
bath needs only to wash his feet; his whole body is clean. And you are clean, though
not every one of you." For he knew who was going to betray him, and that
was why he said not every one was clean.

When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and
returned to his place. "Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked
them. "You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am.
Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash
one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done
for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a
messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you
will be blessed if you do them.

Dear Lord- I pray that you'd wash my feet-my hands and face and heart. I ask you to heal my wounds and those of my sisters and brothers- God I pray that you'd give us courage to take off the shoes that hurt. I pray that you'd help us break through the pride- stubbornness and other reasons that cause us to walk in shoes that hurt. I love you Lord- and pray in your name- amen.

MOPS International Convention Time!

2007-09-18T16:06:00.000-04:00

Drawing 4,000 Moms From Across U.S. and Beyond, MOPS International Convention Visits Orlando, Sept. 20 - 22, 2007

The kitchen is clean. The laundry is done... (in theory, anyways) The fridge is stocked- packing is in progress. Why? Because I leave in the morning for MOPS International Convention! You can click the link above to see the press-release. I'm looking forward to a wonderful busy and filling time in Orlando.

I've been involved in MOPS for 17 + years (since my oldest now nearly 18! was just a few months old) I began as a MOPPET Coordinator where I organized and planned activities for around 100 children. Following that season of leadership, I became MOPS Coordinator of our local group. I Coordinated a group of incredible leaders for a number of years. Then- God called me in a whole diferent direction- to be a MOPS Mentor.

Next- God called me to Field Leadership- yet another level of challenge! In Field Leadership- as a Council Coordinator, I've been focused on building the leaders in our local area. At the end of August- I accepted a new role in Field Leadership- as a Ministry Advancement Coordinator.

It will now be my responsibility to help our area build awareness, and build more groups. I'm excited- and anxious. Change is difficult- but od has called and quipped me every step of the way... so now we're heading down this new path together.

I guess- if you asked me what is it about MOPS that tugs at the deepest level of my heart- I'd have to say- it's because I see each MOPS groups as a safe haven for Moms. A place to stretch and grow and make mistakes. A place to be accepted and loved. A place to find and grow in God and find yourself, in God.

What does MOPS look like? Well- MOPS looks very different in different places. Sure- there are soccer-mom groups- ;) But there are also inner city groups- and military groups and international groups and groups that meet on work sites and groups for Teen- Mom's, and groups that meet in prisons.

MOPS Convention is a time where Mom's of all sorts come together- to worship, to learn, to goof around...and to learn enjoy all the different types of Moms that God has created.

If you asked what a "typical" MOPS Mom looked like- I couldn't answer. She may be African American, Hispanic, Caucasian, Middle Eastern, Indian, Australian, Catholic, Baptist, Non- Denominational, Lutheran, Methodist... or something all together different.

A MOPS Mom may look like me- or like you. She may be married, single, divorced, widowed, (does anyone use that word anymore?) a mom of multiples- an adoptive /forever Mom, a homeschool Mom, a Public School Mom. A MOPS Mom may have long hair, short hair- or no hair. She may wear make-up or not. She might be tatooed and or pierced. She may be older- she might be younger. She may have preschoolers AND teenagers. ;) She may be a step parent- or a legal guardian.

In the end- I'd have to say- she's a Preschool Mom.

And this- week- around 4,000 of them will be in Florida- learning to be a better mom- and where the next step in her journey with God may lead... will you pray for us? Thnx;)
ts

MOPS International- Mothers Of Preschoolers.

Hemlock ring, Hanging Vine Stole....Weathers turned cold in Michigan... so on to hot-cocoa knitting!

2007-09-17T10:04:00.000-04:00

Hanging Vine Stole: from Heartstrings

Yarn- Knitpicks Gloss in "Cocoa"

Needles- Knitpicks Harmony Interchangeable
US size 6

loving the pattern- the needles and the yarn. Any questions?

Can you say knitted chocolate?

Close up of the needles:

Hot Chocolate without whipped cream? Not on my blog!

Yes- my Knitterly OCD has caused the cast-on of yet another- hemlock ring- this time a blanket in Patons SWS "Natural" ivory colorway. It's a thank-you gift ---being knit on - YET AGAIN The new Knitpicks Harmony needles--- as far a a review goes- I think multiple projects being knit at the same time on these needles says it all--- loving them!

A post called "Lines Blurred, Eyes Strained, Freedom Gained" Is up at Laced With Grace- please visit me over there today- too;)

This week is UBER Busy. Getting ready for MOPS International's Annual Convention!

Gotta pack my sandals and my Bible---I serve God through MOPS as a MAC- (Ministry Advancement Coordinator- convention is a VERY busy event for field-leaders and Mom's alike! Will need to attempt the impossible today- find CUTE and COMFY shoes..... or not.

Please pray for convention as over 4000 Mom's gather to be cared for- challenged and encouraged--- ummmm and goof around;) A LOT.

Blocked pic of Hemlock Ring Doily/shawl: No wonder I'm obsessed with this pattern!

Fiber God-Mother Questionaire:

What are your fiber-related hobbies? (Knit, Crochet, Spinning, Needlepoint, etc.) - I knit, spin

How long? - I don't know about 5 years?

Which are you *most* into? - Knitting, \then spinning

How would you classify yourself in this craft - Intermediate- advanced

What is your current fiber-related obsession? - current projects.

What are your favorite items to make? - Lace n socks- they always fit!

What are you making right now? - Hemlock Ring blanket- Hanging Vines Stole and Monkey Socks need to finish a CPH.

What other crafts or
Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? - Watercolor painting- spinning, photography

About the fiber:
Your favorite yarn(s) (brand or type)? - mostly natural stuff.

What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? - not so much about the acrylics or novelty stuff.

Is there a yarn you've been dying to try? - Sundara mostly solids...

Are you a fiber snob? - picky yeah- snob- no- but then again yeah.

About the tools:

Hardwood, Bamboo, Aluminum, Plastic? - mostly wood cept for cotton then metal....

For knitters: Straight, DPN or Circular needles? -all of the above;)

Favorite gadget? - kacha collector and measuring tape fiend--- want the little Lantern moon b-day cake;) my ipod;)

Anything you've been wanting to try? - everything? New Knitpicks DPNS!!!

About you:
Do you pamper yourself? Or do you generally come last? - often last- but do what I need so as not go crazy;)

What does an ideal day off/free hour consist of for you? - Good food- friends - knitting.. a great book..music... quiet time preferably on a beach.....

Are you allergic to anything? - banana's

What is your family situation? (Partner, spouse, kids, etc.) - Husband, 3 sons- 18, 15 and 5

Are you owned by any pets? - Bad dog Sami the Beagle , Cappucino the kitty nazi and Truffles the clumsy cat.

Your favorite color(s)? - purples, reds, pinks (deeper is better) blues... like jewel tones- rich colors;)

Any colors you just can't stand? - Don't much like yellows- and greens can make me look pretty pukey:(

What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.) - light florals- lavander, vanilla

Least favorite? (Maybe you're not "allergic," but it makes you want to die) - cat pee?

How do you feel about candy? - chocolate....yum.

Any dietary restrictions? - Nope- olny self imposed and I'm not following thru with those much lately;)

Is there anything that you collect? - YARN;) McCoy piece mostly in cream color.... longaberger baskets....milk glass.

What is your favorite holiday? - Christmas

Do you have an online wish list (e.g. Amazon, Things I Want)? Amazon- my e-mail

Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? - Yes.What kind of music do you like? pretty broad-
U2, Coldplay, Casting Crowns, Third Day, Springsteen, ummm classical....

Any special requests in case your Godmother wants to make a CD for you? - surprise me;)

Favorite movie(s)? - no real clue here;)

Any "fan" stuff? (e.g. Firefly, Wonder Woman, etc.) - sheepies;)

Anything we missed? Tell, Tell!

Hemlock Ring Blocking!

2007-09-14T10:20:00.000-04:00

Pin. Stretch. Pin again. Stretch again. Hemlock ring is blocking!

Blocked- 50" across
Colinette Jitterbug just under 3 skeins
US #5 Addi lace needles
about a week to knit- if you include a major re-do.

Will post more pics after it's dry.

CLick thru to flickr for a better view of the pics.

Hemlock Ring progress

2007-09-13T09:23:00.000-04:00

Hemlock Ring- in progress of bind off! This has been a fast an lovely knit!

You can find my project "stat's" and pattern links here.

The flickr grid above should be clickable to the individual pics.

I snuck in a pic of what arrived at my house yesterday- the new Knitpicks Harmony needles-

I'll post a full review later- but suffice to say that:

1) they are beautiful

2) they are smoother than almost every other wood needles I've bought.

3) the price-point is great especially when compared to the few other makers of laminated wood needles.

4) points are sharp

5) they will match every project I work on...yet have enough contrast to clearly see even black or similar dark yarns.

6) did I already say they are smooooooooth and pretty????????

ravelry users- don't forget- I'm at soltrcy;)