They're Baaaaaack!

Oh, yes. Thankfully, the mitten was found and you should have seen the grin on his face when the lady at the customer service desk handed it over!

And mine, too, I am sure!And an Adult Flap Cap in Lamb's Pride Bulky.

I look dorky, but warm.
Otherwise, not much to report. I have been tired. Grey days or bug, I am not sure. Still, a couple of naps never hurt anyone.
Oh, and I put my name on the bus list for Maryland Sheep and Wool at Knit One this afternoon.

I asked the Mister for a bus ticket for my Birthday, he agreed when he knew I would be coming back. Awwww. Love you, too, honey.

So, if you are going to be there... let me know! It is my first foray into the festival and I am anxious to see and do as much as I can manage. I am feeling a bit overwhelmed already, though.

Disco Monkeys

Do a little dance, have a little fun...

Monkey

Frotissima Colori Disco Socka Color, Color 01

Ooooh, Sparkle.

Thanks for your helpful suggestions to keep track of kid mittens. We haven't had issue before, but INBA was walking through the store with his 'shark' hat in hand and mittens shoved inside, swinging it around. So the mitten must have flown out without his notice. Usually, he is very good about keeping them in his pocket or the bottom of the backpack.

I am going to get some groceries in the morning, so I will ask one more time if it was found. Then, I guess, I will have to make another.

I am willing to wager that he will be more careful in the future. He was quite upset.

GONE!

And so it goes with mittens.
If anyone sees INBA's pop up paw in the Giant Eagle... please save it for us. I finished it just the other day, he wore them only 2 mornings to school. *sigh* Oh, and they are red, of course.
He cried and cried and then demanded that I knit a replacement.
I sure hope they find it.

Weekly Wrap Up

On Valentine's Day, The 2nd Grand made oral presentations of their biograpy book reports.

Eldest was Abraham Lincoln.

He made the hat... isn't he cute?Whew, what a week. It has been crazy busy around here for about 3 weeks now. For some reason this shocks me, being the dead of winter and all.

The boys have Monday, President's Day, off, too. I don't know what we are going to do with that day, but I feel like we need a fun distraction.

Like, Hawaii.

Or, Key West.

Back to reality.

Laurie is on a quest to make this a better world, one act of kindness at a time.

And because we cannot be trusted to just be nice to one another for the sake of being nice to one another, she has created a contest to entice and enourage us!

Absolutely Fabulous! I believe is how she says.

Go check it out.

And in case you wondered, I gave up coffee and bitterness for Lent. Not one in the same, but go together when I write it like that!

My Number Didn't Come Up

So, I got out of having to go downtown for jury duty.

The roads were nasty again this morning, I was glad not to have to navigate them, especially after driving the boys to their school. We live in a different school district than the one that their school is located in. Our district's bus takes them to school, but our district was delayed and the bus is then delayed even though the district next door is not. Convoluted, I know.

But the boys don't care because the snow is still here, if a bit icy.They are taking advantage of the neighbor's back yard again as I type.

Don't worry, I can see them out the window by the computer.

Who knows what tomorrow may bring, but I am glad for weather that encourages them to be outside running up and sliding down the hill.

Snow Day!

AT LAST! A SLEDDING DAY!!!

Sorry, didn't mean to yell.

But the kids were outside for at least 3 hours today!

They helped me shovel the driveway and then they were sledding.

Here, in our front yard and then later in the back of our neighbor slightly up the hill. Their back yard is steep and unusable- except on a day like today!

I didn't go back in to get the camera because the snow was starting to mix with rain.

They are tuckered out.

YEA for SNOW DAY!

It will be gone tomorrow, probably.

Last night I didn't know what to do with myself. The only thing really on the needles now is the sparkly monkey and a travelling sock that is on the front seat of the car.
So, I made this.
Foliage. (Loft by Zitron, color: herbs, one skein: 50g)
Really quick... except that I didn't go to bed reasonably because I was so. close. to. done.
Isn't it grand?
I was hoping that it would pool more than stripe.
Still, I want to make another.
I have one more ball of the Loft. Maybe a pair of mitts and it becomes an addition to the gift basket... hmmm.

2 hour delay!

It was 4 degrees (F) this morning and windy. There was talk of -25 degree wind chill.

So, the school was delayed.

The boys don't go back to bed though. Oh, no. I think they were up about 15 minutes early even!

I guess that is what I get for staying up late to finish this... He found it laying on the arm of the chair and put it on immediately. :)

Last Thursday Night Knitting (Bloomin Yarns) Dee asked if I was going to have it done for Valentine's Day for him.

Brilliant idea! And the inspiration I needed to crank it out.

Thanks, Dee! 'cept the kid couldn't wait and wore it to school today.

He says he will wear it again on Thursday, anyway.

Do my bidding...

ok, maybe not so much.

But the Mister took the boys over to a birthday party at the Center for Creative Play yesterday and he asked me if I wanted him to stop at Trader Joes.

Torn.

I especially look forward to going to TJ's now because they opened a yarn shop in the same plaza. Dangerous? Yes. Delightful? Definately.

What won out?

I *heart* Spicy Chai Latte.

And I am really busy this week and it would be next week, maybe, before I could go.

That is the thing about having INBA in 1/2 day kindergarten. One must painfully prioritize what gets done in those 4 precious hours. The 2 1/2 between when INBA gets home and Eldest gets home allows for hardly more than a grocery run to Giant Eagle.
Speaking of chores... the laundry is calling.

Hope your week is wonderful (and warm!)

Out of Time-Out

I don't think I mentioned that I got mad at INBA's vest.

It is a "Right Twist Mock Cable" ribbing (#1 from Vogue Knitting Stitchionary 2) in a modified "Basic Vest for Children" pattern by Knitting Pure & Simple.

(I really like this pattern, have knit it several times for the boys. Well, never actually just as written. It is basic after all, and you know how I am. But it is a great place to start.) Anyway, the pattern is only a two row repeat: twist one row, knit even the next.

I separated for front and back at the appropriate length measure and didn't pay attention to which pattern row I was on... yes, I divided on an even row. So when I went to purl back, I couldn't twist on the front. *ACK*

Unknitting or worse, frogging annoys me.

I am much better than I ever used to be about accepting the progress, postitive and negative, of any given project. Still, I was annoyed that the stupid vest let me do that. (Yes, I am blaming the vest. So?) And it went into time out. But only for a week. My love has waned, knowing how it betrayed me, though. Only those 4 measley inches added in the last week.

To make matters worse. My camera doesn't like the color. Red Pepper (Swish Worsted) and seriously the color of red peppers. And it is lovely yarn to work with. *Sigh* I may have to renew my commitments to this project. INBA is pestering me, too. *Sigh* And he wants one with "Big Ropes" now, too.

A Mother's work is never done.

But my Monkey is.

Well, one.

It is fun to knit.

But, I think I am more picky about my socks than I thought.
I only have a bit of the ribbing done on the second sock.

Check out the close up...

Those little bits that look like white fuzz...

S.P.A.R.K.L.E.

On the family front...

My 2nd grader has a baaaaad case of "Mom is stupid, I am king of the world."

This is not pleasing, especially since I have had a headache for the last 10 days (I think my version of the virus that is going around) and my tolerance is about, oh, nil. Parenting is hard. And time consuming. And frustrating.

Of course, it is quite nice when people tell me how charming and warm he is.

I think I need to go find someone to tell me that today.

And the Winner Is...

Some lovely child is going to look smashing in red socks.

There is still plenty of time for you to make a baby warm, too.And another distraction, I mean, rationalization for doing what I do, is this blog.

Fun and inspiration and enabling, all rolled into one.
The Monsoon STR from Last February is finally knit up. I did use the garter stitch short row heel from the Feb. pattern, but that was it. It is nice yarn to knit with and the color is *sigh* wonderful. I am anxious about how these will wash and wear. My other knit up STR is furry and greying... but still warm and soft.

Pinewood Derby 2008

Eldest took 2nd place in his den, but didn't make top three in the Pack Finals. He is thrilled and proud and roaring to go for next year. He is plotting the enhancements already!

Way to go, Eldest!!

Fool's Game

I was so happy yesterday, thinking that I had survived a really busy week.

Then, I checked to make sure my post was posted properly... and it was dated WEDNESDAY! OMG! Really? Thursday and Friday still to go?!?

Fool.

And still chugging along, although the worst is indeed over. And really, I don't mean to complain. I enjoy every minute of what I have been doing. I just am not used to being on someone else's time frame and juggling things that I do not usually juggle.

It is a little stressful.

So let's think about Monkeys instead.

Disco Socka Color color no. 1.

I think I saw somewhere it was called Marine.

Gorgeous works just as well.

I sure wish I knew the trick to get the sparkle to photograph.

Saintly

Here they are, the 2nd grade Italian Saints.

Boy, that was a spectacle!

I have been volunteer gone insane this week. I won't bore you with the details, I will only say that I have been leaving the house a little after 8 and not getting home until after 4. It feels like I have a JOB and I am beat. Hats off to you who do this all the time. My house is a wreck and I am too tired to knit in the evening. But you know, I have slept really well!

Next week will be back to normal. I hope.

But then... Lent begins next Wednesday!! I have been debating what to give up this year. Last year and the year before I gave up my bad attitude. It was very effective. I don't think that my attitude is as bad as it was (not by a long stretch) and I am wondering if I could possibly improve even a little more... There is only so much one can do when the situation is as it is, though, don't you think? Cop-out, I know.

The other thing I am considering is coffee. I have pretty much gone off the coffee. And since Giant Eagle quit brewing the pumpking spice, I can resist temptation, sometimes. I don't make it at home, at least. So it wouldn't hurt me to quit it all together.

Don't even think for a minute that I could give up chocolate or sweets in general. I recognize my weakness and there is no point in pretending that my body chemistry is complete without the antioxidants in chocolate. :)

Are you giving up anything? How do you decide?

Good Monday!

It is Catholic Schools Week here in the Diocese of Pittsburgh. So this means that there are a lot of things going on at school this week. And, I am neck deep in the book fair, so I am at school every day this week... Hey, this is starting to feel like a job!
Today was Purple and White day and they have a pep rally this afternoon. (Go Tigers!!)
Tomorrow is a Saint Parade. The kids all pick a saint (nationality designated by grade) to learn about, dress up as and parade around. I made a hooded tunic for Eldest as his saint was a Camalodese monk of the Benedictine order. Now, who knows what he really wore, but Eldest looks smashing in his tunic.
Wednesday is the Grandparents Mass.
Thursday is Slippers day.
Friday open house in the afternoon.
Whew.
I will try to get pictures tomorrow, but if I don't post again until Friday... I needed a nap.

As far as my knitting... INBAs red vest is in time out. It made me mad that I divided the front and back and didn't pay attention that I messed up and would have to be crossing cables on the front when I am purling across the back. So until I am not mad at it for letting me do that... TIME OUT!
Therefore, I started a new project... Monkeys. Not just any ol' everyone-else-has-already-made-'em Monkeys, Blue SPARKLY Monkeys. You must wait for pics, sorry.
And, I know I keep saying it, but the Bauhaus may make a reappearance, soon!

Finished Stuff

Here is the picture of the FO I mentioned the other day.

Classic Wool Socks by Peace Fleece.

The Mister gave me the kit a couple Christmases ago, I started them early last year and just finished them... They are worsted weight yarn knit on size 5 needles. Yuck knitting, but the warmest socks ever!! And the weather has been very cold. Perfect combination.

And because I have been feeling so much better, I have actually been able to spend more than 2 minutes at the sewing machine and I made these...

Yes, the bag lady strikes again. I can't help it.


And I finished the baby-poop socks.

I thought that they were going to be the first Christmas knit of 2008.

I didn't know for whom, I just knew that they weren't for me.

I finished them last night after talking to a friend who is on Day 8 without a cigarette... and I knew that she deserved a reward, and I knew that she wanted nothing more than handknit socks, and I was right.
Of course, I didn't mention my issues with the color :)

So, I am not one up on everyone in the holiday preps, but I do have an estatic friend making herself healthier.

Another Busy Week

Man, it has been a busy week. The Mister is, again, older than me. The debates and explainations with the children that even if for only 3 months that Daddy's number is bigger than mine, He is still and always older than Mommy, are taking a lot of energy. More than one would have anticipated, actually. But it is worth it in the end, I believe. Because at some point they will answer without thinking, "Yeah, Daddy is older than Mommy."
The technicalities are irrelevant at that point. Merely, Mommy's ego is preserved. This is truely important. Truely.

Oh, amidst this I do have a FO, I will perhaps take pictures tomorrow. But this makes me think about many of the blogs that I have read lately speaking to the blogging of WIPs versus or in addition to, even, the FO. I have been perplexed by this... who has enough FOs to post even semi-regularly? And what do you have against (WI) Progress? Yeah, I suppose if you only added a stitch or two... but that stitch or two could have turned a corner, gotten one out of a slump, made that funky pattern rendering make sense...
So, my two cents is... Sure, I strive for a finished object. Sure, sometimes (often) the progress around here doesn't look like much. It remains, however, that we are all a work in progress. This family is in progress, this person is in progress, this life is in progress. To banish the acknowledgement of that work while still in progress is to diminish the real joy and satisfaction that is obtained when something does reaches the finish line. The journey matters.

And that nicely leads me, much to my surprise, to the other thing that I wanted to acknowledge today... A life incomplete, unfinished. How ever you celebrate the Federal Holiday that commemorates the birth of Martin Luther King Jr., consider this quote from the late Dr. King...

"Peace is not merely a distant goal that we seek but a means by which we arrive at that goal."

The boys are off school Monday and Tuesday... so until then... Peace be with you.

C'est Moi?

What Heather Means

You are truly an original person. You have amazing ideas, and the power to carry them out. Success comes rather easily for you... especially in business and academia. Some people find you to be selfish and a bit overbearing. You're a strong person. You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone. You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together. At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together. You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection. You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive. You have the classic "Type A" personality. You are a seeker. You often find yourself restless - and you have a lot of questions about life. You tend to travel often, to fairly random locations. You're most comfortable when you're far away from home. You are quite passionate and easily tempted. Your impulses sometimes get you into trouble. You are wild, crazy, and a huge rebel. You're always up to something. You have a ton of energy, and most people can't handle you. You're very intense. You definitely are a handful, and you're likely to get in trouble. But your kind of trouble is a lot of fun.

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

Thursday!

Wow, the week has flown by.

Before we get much further, here is my next nudge to charity knitting.

It is the newborn campaign underway for Afghans for Afghans. There is a link in the sidebar, too, to their site. If you are local to me, we can consolidate shipping. I would like to fill up a priority mail box.

And here is a picture of the bears, only one is missing, I think. So one for each person on the mission trip. Better than nothing, I say. And I am going to monkey around with project spectrum this time around.

The theme is the Elements... Earth, Fire, Water, Air. It starts Feb. 1, I hope to be able to follow through with it.
Oh, and I am Co-Chair of the Silent Auction for our church's Extravaganza Fund Raiser... If you have any good ideas for auction items or anything else that you may have done for similar events, please, share with me! I am looking for ways to freshen up our event and make more money, too.

Blog Angst

I have tried several times today to make a nice post with pretty pictures and something is prohibiting me. I would blame blogger, but my computer has not been on the well behaved list lately, either.

So, I will just say... The bears were well received and packed up to go to Jamiaca. Big Huge Thanks to those that took the time (I know it was not nice of me to ask over the holidays) to make a bear- or two! I sure do appreciate it, I know that BBINH appreciated it and I am sure, most importantly, the children will appreciate it.

And...
We are getting snow, too. Funny to believe that it was nearly 70 degrees not even a week ago. But again, I am hoping that the weather man is right and we get another 3 inches by tomorrow night. The boys would love to be able to go sledding. And you would not believe how much they like to shovel the driveway!! I am sure this is only because we only need to do it a couple times per winter. Only twice so far this one. That's ok, we take our entertainment where we can get it.

I Almost Forgot!

I hereby pledge to send a handmade gift to the first three people who comment on this entry. No real promises about time frame, but it’ll be within the next 365 days. In return, you have to post the same offer on your blog, and prepare to send a gift to three other people.

So I was over at TKR and I commented to her and now I am giving you that opportunity. What say you?

Let's Go Adventuring

First up, Happy Birthday to my MIL. I can't say how many candles... just that it is more than 35. Which is a good thing since the Mister is going to be 35 next week! I need to frost the cake, yet, and make some potato and leek soup. Would you believe that I have homemade bread in the oven to accompany? I suppose it will still be apparent that I didn't get her a "real" gift. *shrug* The Mister did.

And I found the most interesting catalog in my mail today. National Geographic Expeditions. Oh, my wanderlust is in high gear. Even INBA is planning his escape. Of course, THIS is where he wants to go- who wouldn't- at 16 grand per person. Oh, that would be nice, but only if we take the St Petersburg extention for another 2200 pp. I would go just about anywhere they go. I would love to go to Tanzania and Kenya, but political unrest pushes it down the list. *sigh*
The other half of this point is to make CQ aware that they have an expedition to Peru. Days 5 and 6 are Machu Picchu.
There, now everyone has wanderlust.

Rock - n - Roll

Errr. something like that.

Rock and Spin, but that is a bit redundant for Rock Day.

So, Rock On.

We celebrated a day early, but in full spirit. That is Julia, the Celtic Queen, Laurie and Me. And our wheels. All different, all fabulous.

Julia also brought her drum carder. Oooooh, aaaaaahhhh.

Obviously, I am still on that steep part of the learning curve. This is some sunshiny roving that CQ gave me for Wool-tide. It happens to have been dyed by Julia. Very fun and bright. I am going to try to wash this up and use it as a single. I apparently have gone from over spun to slightly underspun (within inches sometimes, lol) and this is in no condition to ply. So we shall see what happens.

And this... my camera refuses to photograph properly. The ladies will verify that it is really mermaid green and rosy burgundy. Oh, with sparkles. Too fabulous to photograph! Ahhh, the joy of carding and mixing your own. Laurie did this batch of beauty... such a good friend. It becomes evidence that while having your friends over to your house to spin is great, not so easy to stop once they are gone!
And I notice, too, that I spin more consistently when I am not so tired. Heh, go figure.

Point of Grace- How You Live

I saw this over at Bev's. Beautiful song with a message that is right-on.

California Dreaming

Here's my Rocketry in Cotton EaseThis is for a California Baby, so I thought fruit to be appropriate for the buttons.
And really, not the most functional buttons- too many edges to catch- but it is for a brand new baby and cute out weighs everything else.

And did you know...

That the second Saturday in January (next Saturday) is Invite a Neighbor to Dinner Day here in Pennsylvania? Honest. It is.

There is an article in Cooking Light (Jan/Feb 08) about the family that petitioned to have the day created in 2002.

Anyway, the thing that most caught my attention was a quote by the Mother of the family, Mariette Danilo, "When people cook for you and entertain you, they tell you that they value you. They are saying that your relationship is important and that suddenly changes everything."

How true.

Community building- one neighbor at a time.

Here is their website. And Cooking Light has some menus to inspire you.

What's for dinner? Can I come?

Don't Forget the Bear!

Remember, it is for a good cause and is really quick to knit... which is a good thing because I need you to get it on its way to me this weekend. :) Thanks. This was Grandma's gift to Eldest.

The KNEX Coaster Ferris Wheel.

I think that the Mister (mechanical engineer) enjoyed helping to put it together as much as the boys did.

The Rockin' Sock Club shipment arrived just before Christmas, too.

Very pretty.

I didn't sign up for next year. I think when it comes down to it, I am just not a good club girl. I don't get all wrapped up in what everyone else is doing... unless I think it is a good idea for me, too. Shockingly non-trendy. Yep, that is me. Suburban Housewife, boring me.

Boring as I am, I do make some cute stuff.

Like this korknisse out of sock yarn (leftover Mardi Gras Jitterbug.)

I made, oh, 8 or so of these little guys and gave all but this one away.

And since my spinning wheel was my Christmas gift and INBA was impatient with the hand spindle and Laurie had carded up all that colorful wool for him, we spun this up on my wheel. I plied the colors with some white that I had done previously and then finished plying color on color. I still need to wash it, but when it is done, he wants mittens. The picture does it no justice, it is quite pretty.
But everything is a process.
Here is a vest for Eldest, I hope to finish this weekend. It is a nice dark purple (grape 39,) Nashua Creative Focus Superwash Merino. The light is funny today... Pittsburgh Winter.

And a sock of Lorna's Laces Safari... just a plain sock. I gifted Celtic Queen some Sahara Jitterbug for Wool-tide and suffered from wanton desire for the colorway (it doesn't help that it was Jitterbug.) This was the closest in the stash. Nice, but like having a burger when you really want pizza.

This is the first sock in STR Monsoon (February club color) that I am doing in Garter Rib. It is a really nice sock! I am anxious to get the other done. I did a short row garter heel. Love it! You don't have to pick up wraps. FAB! So I did a garter stitch toe, too, to try to keep it even. I don't think that I really needed to do that, now. I am very excited about this pair. Better pics later. I seem to have as much a thing for a purl ridge as I do for sparkles!

Happy New Year!!

I hope it is peaceful and prosperous for us all.


The boys go back to school on the 3rd. It will be nice to have a routine again. We have all enjoyed and had our fill of lounging around and playing games. The Mister dismantled the tree and boxed up all the bric-a-brac this afternoon. The house feels a bit naked. But the boys quickly spread the trains around the living room- INBA recieved yet another train set for Christmas, this one Geotrax- they have that and the blue track Thomas sets intermingled in there.
The New Year's pork roast is braising in the oven. The house smells like cabbage and dark beer. I use the 'braised pork and sauerkraut' recipe from the "Joy of Cooking" and Yuengling Black and Tan. YUM. We had our New Year's Eve Pretzel last night, a "tradition" that I just learned about this year... and will very much be a tradition from now on! I think I will make a braid of this recipe for Easter, too. SO GOOD!

As for the rest of this year... I suppose I will continue to strive to be a loving mother and wife and friend. For knitting aspirations, I will figure out a way to make a sock that fits the Mister nicely (darn skinny ankles!) I hope to be healed enought to finish the Bauhaus Fair Isle for him, too. And just so it isn't all about him (imagine!) I would like to make myself something, too. If I don't find a sweater to fall in love with... the "Cape Collar Jacket" in the Winter 07/08 Vogue Knitting (they don't have it to preview on the website, phooey)that just came yesterday might be one to, though... maybe a beautiful lace shawl-like the dark blue beaded diamond one in the middle of the top row. For the boys, I have a vest 2/3 done for Eldest in school color purple. I have some red pepper swish superwash for a vest for INBA, next.

I have plenty of FO's to show, but the camera is AWOL at the moment, hiding in the car, I think. So I will save the deluge of pictures for another day.

And don't forget that Chez Mayhem celebrates Rock Day (St. Distaff's Day) next Sunday at 1pm! Partly work and partly play....

Heinz Hall Christmas Postcard

Merry Christmas from the POPS!

Happy Bday, INBA!

My baby is 6 today! Whoa...

He had his party last weekend. I have a double chocolate (that gene came from me) cake on the cooling rack. He is so proud to be 6! Very cute.

It has been busy around Chez Mayhem. Parties and Pageants and Concerts and still I managed to get Accupuncture on my shoulder yesterday! I am very pleased and I think in combination with the Neuro-muscular massage, I may quit complaining about how much my shoulder hurts-Without Surgery!!!!!!!!!! But let's not get ahead of ourselves. *big grin*

We saw the sun yesterday. ALL DAY!! I couldn't figure out why it was so bright and light at 7:30 am... it was that elusive sun-thing that we hadn't seen in weeks! Boy, what a nice change. Of course, today we are back to the thick grey clouds and it will be gross from dawn to dusk... but we saw the sun YESTERDAY!!

Ok, that is my little update. I still haven't written the Christmas letter...but I have the pictures, stamps and labels... close counts? No? Alright, gotta go, then.

Frosty

It was the Mister's Friday off, so he and INBA built a snow man. The snow that fell that morning was perfect packing snow.

Nothing like making a snow man that is twice your size!

This guy was even taller than the Mister!!

Great snowman snow.

The snow is pretty much gone now. It has been raining and 40 degrees.

Friday night, the MIL came and got the kids. The Mister and I went out to dinner and Saturday we went out to Lunch and to a matinee performance of "This Wonderful Life."

Really good! The MIL gave the Mister the tickets for his birthday (which is next month) because "It's a Wonderful Life" is his favorite movie, ever. Lucky me to be his wife and obligatory date! And man, is it weird to be without the kids for 24 hours.

Of course, they don't miss us. Grandma takes them to movies and sugars them up and lets them stay up late watching tv. Awwww, do we have to go home?!?!?

I felted the Mother of the Pea-with-one-more-in-the-pod's bag... but I wrapped it up to send without taking a picture. OOPS. It is awesome, though... trust me. Her bday is Wednesday.

I am car-less today. The Mister's car is in the shop (maybe alternator issues or worse, some mysterious electrical issues) and he took my car to go to work. I am homebound, unable to go mail my package to her. Geesh, the first time in a LONG time that I am on the ball and ready to be on time! Thank goodness that it is the thought that counts.

What It Takes

To get me to blog is apparently a toothless king.

That would be INBA who is the 2nd King in the Kindergarten Christmas Pageant next week. I knit him a pretend crown in Knit Picks Merino Style crocus. We hot glued some plastic gems on to make it really sparkly.I say toothless because last Friday he lost his first tooth and Monday the second. Oh, and please notice the fabulous frog sweater (olympics 2006) that fits him perfectly now and will inevitably be passed to a nephew next winter.
Back to the tooth for a moment.
The tooth fairy forgot to come pick up his tooth Friday night. I wasn't home to call her because I was at my knitting group at Borders. Borders was open until MIDNIGHT!! I got home later than usual and went straight to bed. No time to call the toothfairy. oops.
He was not happy.
Tooth fairy came Saturday night.

Here is my progress on my Jamaica Bear. I just need to seam and stuff. There is plenty of time for you to make one, too. I need it by January 5. It is quick and just uses left overs. Easy Peasy, as the kids say, and a good cause.

Mother of the Pea (with another in the pod) bag unfelted. It is a Bully Woolies bag, Santa Fe kit. I just need to felt it (today) and send it off for her birthday on Wednesday. My friends are all moving off into the next age demographic!! Yikes. 35-44!?!?!? I know plenty of nice people that are 40+, I just don't know if I am ready to be lumped in there, yet. I still feel 25. I do realize that I am soooo not in tune with a 25 year old in the year 2007. Still, admitting it is another story. Anyway, this is for her birthday- once I felt it.

Girl fix hat... for my niece for Christmas to go with this book.

I forget what the yarn was, but it is pink... and it is a wool/microfiber blend, so it is soft.

I got a little carried away with the i-cord, so it has two knots and I really like it.

It is many pinks, did I mention that? Girl fix.

The Noro Aurora scarf for 2nd Grade teacher. You can kinda see the glint of the metallic wraps. I am not really happy about parting with this scarf.

SPARKLY. Want to keep SPARKLY for myself.

SPARKLY party lace scarf for Kindergarten teacher.

But I am not so lacey, so SPARKLY may leave peacefully.

Otherwise, the holidays are steam rolling through. My rum balls are maturing (festering :) to be handed out, maybe next week. My shopping is pretty much complete, my knitting is nearly so. It is snowing again and I actually hope that the weather man is wrong and it won't turn to rain and warm up into the 40s this weekend. The boys have way too much fun for it to go away. And, it is so much more pretty to look at than the dead grey ground.