Knitted-N-Photos

Never enough time

2010-11-26T19:34:00.000-08:00

This morning, I got out of bed and faced the hustle and chaos of being a mother. "He is touching me" "She took my toy" "Moooooom!" At times, I am at the end of my rope and just want to escape. I run the constant marathon of being a mother, a wife.. a friend. Sometimes, in the middle of all the chaos, I stop and look in the mirror and wonder: Who is this person? When did she get so tired? Why is she looking so frazzled?

The main question is Why? Why do I do all this? I wake up and take care of everyone else, and forget to do anything for me. There is NEVER ENOUGH TIME!

Never enough time to breathe. Never enough time to be me. Never enough time to STOP. Stop? Perhaps we need to stop and remember what is important. To me, what is important IS my Family, my friends. My Husband. Because, how would I feel if one day, I woke up and it was all gone. I am grateful EVERYDAY for the fights, the constant chaos and fatigue that comes with being a mom, a wife and a friend.
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A little over a year ago, my amazing Sister in Law Kristin lost her 2 year
battle to leukemia. She was a fighter. A mother. A wife and a wonderful friend.
Up until 3 weeks before her passing we were celebrating her remission. Then,
about 2 weeks after a family reunion/camping trip, she was gone. It was very
sudden and took us all by suprise.

About a month ago, I felt a huge nudge to do something beyond myself. I am not
the most physically active person. I have done enough to keep in shape and keep
up with my kids. I resisted for a while, but finally after several small
indications that it was the right thing to do, I signed up a few weeks ago to
run a Half marathon in Support of the Leukemia/ Lymphoma Society. Money raised
though this society goes to pay for research, learning materials for new
patients and their family. God inspired me to reach beyond myself and do
something I never thought I could do, to help others like my sister in law and
her family through their time of trials.

Please, look into your heart and if you can:

http://pages.teamintraining.org/sac/AveGiant11/tntplummer

Even if you can’t give a large amount, no amount is too small I have heard people say- We would love to give, but we just can’t afford it, then head to Starbucks. Is a couple days coffee worth another lost life?

To be honest, I am scared. I spend so much time taking care of others: my kids, my husband, my family and seem to never do anything for myself. Beyond this marathon being ran to help others like my Sister in Law, I am doing this as something for me. I believe that as mothers, we do for others and forget ourselves. I am finding since I started training, I am doing things for me. Taking care of me.. What a better calling to make time for myself as a mother while doing something amazing for others.

If you have read this far.. Thank you and God Bless

Candy Chaos

2010-10-31T16:04:00.000-07:00

Once a year. We dress our kids up. Send them parading around the nighborhood, hoping to score MASSIVE amounts of candy. Most years, I am ok with this. But this year, in light of my recent decision to get in shape and RUN, the need for excessive amounts of chocolate in the house is not so important. On top of it all, I am really not a huge fan of candy for the kids. Sometimes, it takes us until Easter to eat 1/2 our October Candy. So why go out?

Is it the sugar rush, we all know is pending? The whining which will occur if we go not? Perhaps, it is just fostering the joy of childhood, which involves walking up to houses, decorated in such a manner to FRIGHTEN small children for no reason but to laugh at their fear? Then send them home to their parents to deal with their nightmare ridden state.

Halloween makes no sesnse to me. I just don't get it.

Friends...

2010-06-30T22:11:00.000-07:00

There are people who want to be your friend. They want to be around you. They take the time to make sure your included when something is going on. These are the people you should surround yourself with. People who will enrich your life, make you a stronger-better person.
Why do we always try to be around those who make us feel unimportant or like we don't matter? Isn't the whole point of friend: having someone whom enriches your life as much as you want to enrich theirs.

I have come to realize over the last month or so, that it is time to grow up and face reality that is life. Friends are great to have. I tell my daughter, you can never have too many friend. They enrich you, make you a better person. But are all "friends" REAL friends. This is the question I have been asking myself. I have started finding that, the people I want to be with, are not always the ones I have the most fun with. But rather that I enjoy being with them, even when all we do is sit and just be there. YES, fun can and will still be had. But, honestly, I want to know your my friend because you like me. NOT because, I am a hoot sometimes. Because, honeys- there be times, when this hoot is not fun and I need someone to be my person. That if I want to talk, they will listen. If I want to cry, they will wait and if I just need to be around someone... there is no need to do anything.

So many books about self-help out there. But really, when you really need to fix something, it is not the words on a page of a book that will always be a fix. It is the words your writing within yourself that matter. Needing to look in the mirror and like what you see. This will reflect onto the people your put around yourself. And further will reflect onto them and maybe, make them feel better about themselves too.

Do you want to just be the person people want to hang out with when the going is fun? Or do you want to be the person they just like to be around period!

She is dying...

2010-06-17T23:37:00.000-07:00

My beautiful dog is probably going to be gone by tomorrow night. She is on her last bit of energy. Tired. Barely holding it together. It is almost midnight and I am sitting in the backyard just holding her and loving her to try to keep her calm. I know she is just exhausted. She has fought the last 2 or 3 months to stay around.

(Con't) 6-18 @ 4:07 pm- My darling Dakata crossed the Rainbow Bridge today at 3:02 pm. She was brave to the end and hopefully knew she was loved.

She was met by our other dear ones gone before: Treat, Dallas, Baby the cat and her littermate sister Callie.

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Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

Great day with kids!

2010-06-15T17:35:00.000-07:00

Today was one of those, hmm, what can we do to keep the kids from getting "bored"! The Answer?? Explorit Museum in Davis. It is a lot like the one in San Jose, but not as big and not so crowded. The kids had a serious blast. We went with Claire and her kids (Ashlynn and Alex). Also had plans to go with another friend, but her smaller one was feeling ill. So, we bopped on over and picked up Gabriel's friend Corinna.

Small drive to Davis (25 min), not a lot of traffic.

I think the biggest success was parachutes. They had this huge wind tunnel that you could put different things into, to see if the wind effected them different ways. Foam square, parachutes, etc. Next to the wind tunnel was a craft table. All of the kids made their OWN parachutes and got to test them out. Would a paper clip in the basket make it fly faster than a metal ring?? Add a paper clip.. hmmm. Was FABULOUS science experiments and the kids had so much fun!

Then onto water play, static electricity, perhaps testing how acidic certain items can be?? There was something for all ages. Gabriel got into the higher tech things. Rebecca: the microscope was soo cool. Saw a feather up close, starfish, hair, coconut fibers. NEAT!! Zachary: was all about the water table, and testing how to make a dam and flow tubes. (shhhh don't tell his dad. The Civil Engineer in him would giggle)

All in all, a great day. Finished off with a trip to McDonalds and playground.

Another Crossroad:

2010-06-14T17:49:00.000-07:00

I have found this last month or so, my personal life is at another crossroad. With the end of school this year, we have faced the end of constant friendships, that is possible to not withstand the seperation. People that I enjoyed company and time with, are moving into a new phase of their life, and I am not sure where this leaves "us" I have started to re-group and create new relationships that hoping with remain more constant.

Things have been so chaotic in so many aspects of my life, that the need for friends who remain constant, will be there whether my days are pinks and sparkling.. or doom and gloomy grey.

But, it begs the question: When do you let go? When do you move on? Are the moments of yesterday worth the effort for the tomorrows? At what point in my life, does the need for frivolous friends become a non-need, and the need for people who I can trust when the chips are up or down... is more important? And who are the people to trust with your whole being?

I feel as if, there are so many changes lately, I don't know where to begin and where to let the constant remain. I do not want to make decisions based on feelings I am dealing with right now.

I am so tired. Tired of feeling lost. Tired of the chaos... just tired.

The mother at McDonalds..

2010-05-31T23:50:00.000-07:00

You brought your child, perhaps 4 years old into the play area. Then went back into the dining area, to the very back and pulled our your computer. You sat down, with your back to the play area. And this situation continued for almost 45 minutes.

During this time, your son... bullied other kids. Stole food off other peoples tables and was not behaving. For quite a while, no one even knew he belonged to. I was tempted to call the police.

It was not my job, nor was it the job of the other parents to "watch" "control" or otherwise maintain the safety of your kid. So when I finally asked inside the dining area who the child belonged to... for you to claim he "was fine" was not only frustrating but ridiculous.

Yes, the room is enclosed. The doors are emergency, so bells will sound. But have you really considered, how long it takes to grab a child and bolt out one of those doors? I am frustrated, upset and bothered that a parent could be so unaware about their child.

10 Rules of Basic Etiquette for the non-Crafty:

2010-05-26T18:54:00.000-07:00

10 Rules of Basic Etiquette for the non-Crafty:
-Just because I am crafting in a public place does NOT mean I am fishing for compliments, comments, advice. etc…. I am minding my own business, how about you minding yours. Plus, before you decide to help yourself to my personal private space, from my crafting supplies, equipment etc. please pass me your wallet. If your gonna snoop in my personal belongings I get to snoop in yours.

-Do not rubberneck my crafting project from two tables away or over my shoulder for 10 - 15 minutes watching me, then have the audacity to ask me “Did you do that?” You will get the “Nope. My invisible friend Matilda did it, but doesn’t like to feel like a freak so I fake it for her.” Plus do NOT crowd me, most crafts have sharp ended tools and I am not adverse to jabbing you with one so you get my point.

-When gushing “I could never do that” be honest with yourself and the crafter in question, finish the sentence with “because I do not have the patience and I am a abject moron.”

-All Family & friends, if I ever chose to create something for you it is an honor. It is NOT like going to the store and just picking something up. Creating the gift takes time, forethought, pre-planning, and time management. Keep in mind socks are NOT simple, neither is a scarf or a hat, they are basics where we learn and try new design and pattern ideas. Be very honored when we feel a practice piece is worthy of gifting to you.

-NEVER EVER gift yarn, notions, patterns expecting it to be used for you. Do not hint that I make you something. Ask me simply and straightforward. I may or may not make it for free if you buy the yarn, or may charge you for my time… either way be proud and humble to think I would even consider doing it for you since you are too lazy to learn to do it for yourself.

-If gifted with a handmade crafting item, thank the creator profusely even if you never want a hand made gift from them ever again, then state its beautiful and I’ll cherish it but handmade is really not your thing. This gets the giftee and the creator off the hook for more gifts that can be appreciated better by someone else on the creators list.

-If you are the recipient of a handcrafted item and decide within 2 years its not the thing for you, offer it back to its creator before selling it or regifting it to someone else. Its insulting to ask about a piece made for you to find out you donated it to goodwill, I got $5 at my garage sale for it, or hear from you “oh, that grey sweater. I gave it to my ex-boyfriends girlfriends best friend because it just wasn’t me.”

-If the hand crafted item is wearable then WEAR it, if it is decorative USE it. If you are so overwhelmed that you want to take care of it so it won’t get destroyed FRAME it. If you choose to do none of these things give it back to the person that made the item because you do not deserve it.

-Do not blame the creator if a thing you have bullied them into making for you does NOT turn out the way you want it. If you are so damned picky take the time to learn the craft and make it for yourself.

-We craft because it relaxes us, we enjoy it, we can take our time and be proud of what we are doing. Selling our creativity for profit will stress us out, put us under deadlines, and generally make us want scream. That is why it is a hobby and not our JOB so quit pestering us by how much money we could make yadda yadda yadda.

(borrowed from selfish knitters on ravelry)

Original thoughts.. random moment

2010-05-26T17:29:00.001-07:00

It seems in life, there are people who regardless of how hard they try, they cannot have an original thought. They will copy and mimic people, and utilize their creativity as their own. Sometimes, it is the small things, that really seem to matter the least that will drive you completely insane. I am being vague. I know.. but there is a person, she is a acquaintance.. not a "friend" who it seems, copies a lot of other people. It could be a comment, a pattern used or something basic.
It was not till recently that I discovered, she had copied something of mine. Claimed it as her own and I don't know, in a way, knowing this has been done, taints what was special to me. I know, most people would say.. who cares. Move on. But this person is like nails on a chalkboard to me and this just adds to the frustration I feel.
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On to other things:

Been working on my Goddess Knits Anniversary Shawl (2010) for the past 3 weeks. I am so excited how it is coming along.
I am about 1/2 way through the 3rd clue and feel great about the progress I am making. 1 year ago, I started my first lace shawl and it was by the same designer I felt insecure in the pattern and using yarn that thin. Now, it has become pretty easy.
Here is after the 2nd clue:

I had hoped to have it completed faster, but hey it is lace.. a fickle and frustrating lover. lol

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School is almost out for the 2 oldest kids. I cannot believe that my oldest will be in 3rd grade and my sweet girl will be starting Kindergarten. Where does the time go? How are they growing up so fast?? I am going to miss this stage, feels like it went by way too fast!

Feels like forever...

2010-02-01T21:37:00.000-08:00

I keep meaning to sit and blog. Then I get sidetracked into alternate universe called mommy land. So many things have happened over the last few months, I do not even know where to start.

-My sister in law lost her battle to leukemia. Although we were not as close as I wanted to be. She meant the world to me and her death hit me really strange. I kept thinking of those conversations I always wanted to have with her. The calm that I felt just sitting with and being around her. She was one of those people, you just knew she was good. People liked her. She was and will be so missed.

It got me introspective though. What would people think if I was gone? Would the love be as amazing as it was when she passed. I keep thinking about, whose life have I really impacted and what difference have I really made? (In those who are not fruit of my loins) Do I have "friends" who will miss me or will they honestly feel the loss when I am gone. It is pretty morbid, but it just really had me wondering.

I also felt myself reflecting more on my relationship with my other 2 sister in laws. What can I do to make them better? Stronger? Lasting?? I want something better with them. But at times, I have no idea where to start....

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My knitting has really taken off. I have completed 2 hats in the last week.

The first is Wotcher Tonks hat. I originally made it, just cause I liked the yarn. It is out of the Opal Harry Potter Tonks sock yarn. But I think I might send it on to another fellow HP friend. I really like the pattern that the yarn made. Thankfully the colors were not too bright and scary to look at while knitting.

Then today I finished a hat for a special friend from my son's school.

This pattern was just a basic k2p2 on the brim, then a knit all the way around. About half way, I added a row of K3, yo, K@tog.... Then finished it off. Soooft yarn and so scrummy. Was a gift from beadsnyarn (thanks)

I am going to try to get back on the blog again. Sorry was gone for a while. I think I needed some me time to re-group and find myself again.

A dream?

2009-08-05T22:14:00.000-07:00

Ok, first. I AM addicted to So You Think You Can Dance this season. The caliber of talent is beyond belief these past few weeks. My daughter, loves to sit in the room and watch with me. Tonight, being the Finale week, was AMAZING! Thankfully for Tivo type set up, I was able to use the pause as needed. LOL. Becca, my sweet girl, was entranced by it all and insisted on showing me HER dance moves. Which in my humble opinion were fabulous too.

But, it got me thinking. As I watched the show and the little girl who has captured my heart. The Dream... We all have them, but sometimes we lose them along the way. For as long as she can walk, she has wanted to dance. Dance and DANCE! She glows when she is moving to the music. I watched the people in the Finale tonight and they talked about their dream. To Dance.

I want to give that to my daughter. I want to wrap her dream up in a pretty bow and wrapping paper and say here.. TAKE IT! Leap for the stars, it is yours to attain! Grab it with all your heart. I am so proud of her, what she wants. She knows at a young age what makes her happy. What a wonderful gift. My hope is that 5 years, 10 years from now, she still glows with excitement at learning a new move. A new step.. and new joy.

-I hope in my eagerness to give her this dream, I don't make it something that is should not be. I see so many parents push their child into something. Then it no longer is pure, beautiful, special.

That gleam and laughter in her eyes tonight. As she danced about the room. It was infectious! I could not help but laugh with her and applaud when she was done.

Becca, sweet Becca. YOU CAN DANCE! Mommy is so proud to be your biggest fan.

Driving in the car...rambling

2009-05-27T23:23:00.000-07:00

So, I will be driving in the car. Being very introspective. Kids in the back seat, talking, yelling, you know what normal kids do. I will come up with something to blog on, then by the time I get home.. BLANK! I cannot remember (blaming mommy brain, since there is no other excuse, I guess)

Last few weeks have been pretty hectic. With the older 2 having birthday parties, field trips, and end of school chaos. LAST DAY tomorrow, for both. What will I do with them for 2.5 months, no school.

Knitting: LACE! I love it. I thought it would be so hard, but in fact, I am finding it sooo relaxing. The technique. The pace is slow and the final result... beautiful.

UGH, Zachary just woke up.. blog more later

Anxiety Attack

2009-04-24T00:08:00.000-07:00

The last 72 hours has been so chaotic. With the finances, Tom's work and more.. I have kept a brave front. The kids need me to be strong. Tom needs me to be strong. I am so tired, but yet, I keep moving ahead.

Today, in the parking lot of Becca's pre-school, I was fine. I was laughing and feeling great. Then all of a sudden, I could not breathe. I could literally feel my heart beating in my chest. I was complete mess. I had heard about panic attacks, people talked about having them. But, I have never had one till today. I thought I was going to die. I was so scared. I sat there in the car, with my baby boy in the car... and thought I would die.

I hate feeling so out of control.

Try too hard?

2009-04-22T20:11:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I feel like that parent who everyone looks at and thinks, Man.. she is trying too hard to fit in. :(

I am/was a member of an on-line community. For a year or so, I was obsessed (yea admitting it) with "belonging" I needed to "feel" important there. Until, I read something I was not supposed to read. and found out what some people thought of me, that I thought were my friends. I am devastated, to say the least. I never really re-covered or felt like home there again. I still go, still post.. but part of me died that day. I guess I was trying too hard. I still yearn to belong there, but feel like I am forgotten, a thing of the past now. :(

Lately, been really getting involved with stuff for kids. Dance, baseball, soccer, etc. I love being a parent to kids who are participating in things. But again, I am not sure I belong. I try to socialize, talk to other parents there. They talk to me, but I see them talking amongst themselves much more animated and intimate than they do with me. Are they just tolerating me? Am I "trying too hard to fit in?"

As a parent, staying at home with 3 kids, I long for adult interaction. I need stimulating comverstation.. something about a topic NOT involving Star wars, princesses or Elmo... I have friends, we are great together, but we only get together about once every 6 weeks. The parents at sporting things, dance, ballet.. I see them every single week. And I wonder, am I trying to hard?

When does the need for acceptance become too much? At times, it feels like high school, jr. high.. and I am still the heavy kid in the corner, socializing with everyone, but never really fitting in anywhere....

Moment to reflect

2009-04-12T18:49:00.000-07:00

HAPPY EASTER!

As I sit here, watching the kids, in a sugar induced chaos. I am thinking about how lucky I am despite the chaos. lol We are all healthy. Happy and we are together today. Sometimes the bigs things in life, seem to distract from what is really important. Yes, the bill sometimes do not always get paid on time. Sometimes, we argue because of the stress. But regardless... we are a family. We are together and as long as we are, nothing can really harm us.

I hope you and your family have a fabulous day...

Rantings of a mother...

2009-03-11T00:06:00.000-07:00

Baseball. America's past time. Inspired millions of children yearly... peanuts, popcorn and cracker jacks. And I seriously don't know if I ever want to go back.

Tonight, at my oldest son's baseball practice, I was informed "he was not good enough" to play on the team. In front of my son, standing right there. They are moving him down a division, before the season even starts. With just 2 practices to base this decision on, they have basically shot my son down and moved him down. This is the same kid, who spent the entire weekend, practicing, throwing the ball with his dad, uncle and g-pa... so that when he got to practice today, he would "do better" and be able to stand tall knowing he did his best.

DANGIT! He did a GREAT job tonight. He was catching the ball, throwing and getting the ball to the person he was aiming for. But, nope, at 6 years old, I already have to explain to my child why life is NOT fair. Why he is "not on the team". I know, sometimes you don't make the team. I know this. But the issue was, he was already on the team. He had the shirt, the socks, the hat and they kicked him down. I am furious. Livid. I want to yell at anyone who will listen. But instead, I had to maintain my calm, discuss this with the needed "people"- coaches, commissioners, etc. In order to make the best decision for the "team" UGH!

So, I drive home, listening to my son cry because he did his best, "why was it not good enough" " I did everything they asked me to do, and they still don't want me mommy?" "I did everything daddy told me to do, and tried so hard. My friends are on that team" I want to scream. Yell.. jump up and down and fight for him. But no one is listening...

I hope, I really hope that this move is a good thing. That maybe just maybe, it will make him a better baseball player and a better team player. But right now, right now..

I am one very mad mother bear!

March "Madness"

2009-03-02T23:28:00.000-08:00

Starting March 1st, several people (no telling how many) are casting on projects using Malabrigo Worsted and other weight yarns. The object is to raise the "ranking" of this particular brand. Now up until a few weeks ago, never heard of it. lol

BUT, WOW.. this is the yummiest and so soft yarn I have felt in a long time. So delicious...

So far, I have cast on 3 projects in the past 2 days. LOL, but I need to finish 1 other project by the 6th. Knitting is supposed to be relaxing, right? lol

Random Oscar Musings..

2009-02-22T19:21:00.000-08:00

Sitting here watching the Oscars. They are doing a great job moving on, keeping it flowing.

They just awarded the Best Supporting Actor to Heath Ledger. He was a wonderful actor, who will be missed not only for what he achieved, but for what he was never able to do. Grow old, watch his little girl grow up, get married, be a grandfather. Find love again, and more. He won an Oscar tonight for his amazing performance of the Joker. But I cannot help but wonder if it was a token win rather than REALLY deserved. His performance in Brokeback Mountain was incredible, Oscar worthy. This year, so many who were VERY deserving, were passed over, to honor Heath. If he had not of died, would he have won?

He will be missed most of all, by the person who probably will never remember him. :(

On The Needles?

2009-02-22T10:58:00.000-08:00

I seem to have several items on the needles right now. I am not sure if it is a lack of direction, or that I am feeling so much more confident in what I can do, I am eager to try it? Started a project with cables this week. YEA! I think I botched up the pattern just a little, but as long as I stay consistant, it should still look nice. Then there is Rebecca's poncho, the Old Shale blanket, a few items on the needles for a fairy gift (NOTE TO SELF: must finish these sooner than later)
-Then starting next week, I am getting involved in Malabrigo March Madness. Yea, sounds like some strang cult nonsense, pretty much is. I have approx. 9 projects waiting to be cast on the 1st of March. A few of them will really stretch my comfort zone: Shalom Sweater, Lace projects, Meret Beret.. yummy fun.

-Note to self: be careful what you blog about. People are reading. lol. I walked into knit night on Wednesday night, to a gale of laughter and chuckles. Apparently, one of my recent blog posts, raised a few eyebrows and I was subjected to a few jokes my way. Did not mind, was funny. But need to remember, if you write it, they will read it. lol

Strangest dream last night..

2009-02-16T16:06:00.000-08:00

Ok, so DH and I are about 90% sure we are done having kids. But there is this nagging feeling in the back of my mind, that maybe, we are supposed to have 1 more. Who knows why. Perhaps all the miscarriages, leaving that empty feeling? The longing of what could have or should have been.

Anyways, last night, I had a dream, had another baby. Little girl. Was so vivid, so real. I could see her face, smell her little head, and like it was meant to be. Wow, what can I say. Was so there!

Really excited.

2009-02-08T23:14:00.000-08:00

I have finally decided to spread my knitting wings. After several scarves and basic items, I am now tackling something a little more substantial. While a have a nice Blanket in the works, I really want to do something out of my comfort zone.

I am debating between 2 different Lace style shawls or scarves. Yea I know another scarf, but it is more than the usualy KNIT PURL patterns, so it counts lol.

More to come once I decide and cast on.

End of Winter?

2009-02-02T10:19:00.000-08:00

What is the day going to bring? Lil Phil comes on out of the hole, and decides whether of not we have 6 more weeks of winter. Here in California, it has been 60-70 degrees during the day. Not exactly winter weather... the flowers are thinking, hey, lets bloom. But my gut tells me, that we have another cold spell in our future. The trees are getting little buds and my fear is that this cold spell will kill the crop.

Winter is my least favorite season. Shades of Green- spring. I thrive during that time of year. Of all the seasons, spring is my favorite. I love the fresh bloom of the flowers. The butterflies, ladybugs.. kids playing in the front yard. I feel so re-freshed. Is it ok to wish for the season to come early? This past winter has been so draining. Mentally, emotionally. I am exhausted. I need to feel revitalized and re-newed. I need to see the beauty in the world again. Things are so harsh in the winter.... makes me sad.

New Shop/ open and selling

2009-01-30T23:38:00.000-08:00

knittyphotomom.etsy.com

You can find: Enchanted Snuggle baby carriers, hand dyed yarns, knitted items! I am so excited to finally be open and taking orders. After spending the past month, dyeing skein after skein of yarn... whoo hoo!!

Come check me out. If you see something you like, buy it. Adding more yarns all weekend.

44..13, 14, 15 1-20-09

2009-01-20T23:45:00.000-08:00

Yea, they are just a bunch of numbers. But they are such historic numbers they need to be noticed and called out.

44- the number of Presidents who have been elected to office since the inception of our nation. 44 times, people have gone to the polling place, and in one form or another made their opinion count.

13- Amendment to the US Constitution abolishing slavery in our nation.

14- The amendment provides a broad definition of citizenship, overruling Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857) which had excluded slaves and their descendants from possessing Constitutional rights. The amendment requires states to provide equal protection under the law to all persons

15- United States Constitution prohibits each government in the United States to prevent a citizen from voting based on that citizen's race,[1] color or previous condition of servitude (i.e., slavery).

It was not even really till the 1950's that the 15th Amendment was really utilized, and the 1960's that segregation became "unpopular"

That is a mere 40 years. 40 YEARS!! And in that time, racial lines are still drawn everyday, sadly, even now, in the year 2009, there is glaring examples of prejudice in our nation.

BUT TODAY, after 43 Presidents before him, our nation elected and put into office a man of integrity (we hope) who is also African American. So many people, thought the day would never come. That the US would never be able to step across racial lines and make this step into the future. But it happened today. I have no idea what the next 4 years will bring. But I know today, I am proud to be an American.

Head is spinning...

2009-01-18T23:00:00.000-08:00

to say the least. The past 2 weeks have been a major ride in the parenting department. Last week, Gab woke me up saying it hurt when he went to the bathroom. I get up to look. Yep, red pee. ICK. So being the ever dutiful mom, I call, make Dr appt. And off we go.

Ped is clueless...

Orders tests....

Ped calls, wow, no clue still...

More tests...

Waiting and waiting...

Let's go see specialist our Ped says, ok...

Specialist orders...

MORE TESTS....

Mind you, this is a 6 year old little boy, that NOW is scared of needles even more. Blood work, urine analysis.. the works...

Specialist wants an ultrasound. I am ok with that, just tell me, what is wrong with my son. Till this point, there has been no diagnosis. No ok, I think that it is this....

Just more tests and waiting.

I hate waiting.

2009-01-18T22:59:00.000-08:00

Sacramento Indie: Craft and Trunk Show...

2009-01-18T18:02:00.001-08:00

Don't miss out!

Something for me?

2009-01-05T09:53:00.000-08:00

After knitting like crazy for the last 2 months, I can finally make something for myself. Now I am sitting here looking at all this beautiful yarn, amazing patterns and have no idea what to make.

I started on a really pretty patagonia scrunchie scarf before the holidays that I would love to finish. But then I want to make so many other things.... lol

Something for me? What should I make?

Scrunchie Scarf, Running Waters, Clapotis??

School is STILL out..

2009-01-02T18:03:00.000-08:00

Holiday break, Christmas vacation... winter vacation.

Kids out of school. Mommy I am bored. What's to eat? 2 more days and they go back. I am sure when they do go back, I will miss them. Been a long 2 weeks....

Things to do:

2009-01-01T20:59:00.000-08:00

Kind of like the bucket list, lol

Things you've already done: bold
Things you want to do: italicize
Things you haven't done and don't want to - leave in plain font

1. started your own blog
2. slept under the stars
3. played in a band
4. visited hawaii
5. watched a meteor shower
6. given more than you can afford to charity
7. been to disneyland/world
8. climbed a mountain
9. held a praying mantis
10. sang a solo
11. bungee jumped
12. visited paris
13. watched a lightning storm at sea
14. taught yourself an art from scratch
15. adopted a child
16. had food poisoning
17. walked to the top of the statue of liberty
18. grown your own vegetables
19. seen the mona lisa in france
20. slept on an overnight train
21. had a pillow fight
22. hitch hiked
23. taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. built a snow fort
25. held a lamb
26. gone skinny dipping
27. run a marathon
28. ridden a gondola in Venice
29. seen a total eclipse (moon)
30. watched a sunrise or sunset
31. hit a home run
32. been on a cruise
33. seen niagara falls in person
34. visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. seen an amish community
36. taught yourself a new language
37. had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. seen the leaning tower of pisa in person
39. gone rock climbing
40. seen michelangelo's david in person
41. sung karaoke
42. seen old faithful geyser erupt
43. bought a stranger a meal in a restaurant
44. visited africa
45. walked on a beach by moonlight
46. been transported in an ambulance
47. had your portrait painted
48. gone deep sea fishing
49. seen the sistene chapel in person
50. been to the top of the eiffel tower in paris
51. gone scuba diving or snorkelling
52. kissed in the rain
53. played in the mud
54. gone to a drive-in theatre
55. been in a movie
56. visited the great wall of china
57. started a business
58. taken a martial arts class
59. visited russia
60. served at a soup kitchen
61. sold girl scout cookies.
62. gone whale watching
63. gotten flowers for no reason
64. donated blood
65. gone sky diving
66. visited a nazi concentration camp
67. bounced a cheque
68. flown in a helicopter
69. saved a favorite childhood toy
70. visited the lincoln memorial
71. eaten caviar
72. pieced a quilt
73. stood in times square
74. toured the everglades
75. been fired from a job
76. seen the changing of the guard in london
77. broken a bone
78. been on a speeding motorcycle
79. seen the grand canyon in person
80. published a book
81. visited the vatican
82. bought a brand new car
83. walked in jerusalem
84. had your picture in the newspaper
85. read the entire bible
86. visited the white house
87. killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. had chickenpox
89. saved someone’s life
90. sat on a jury
91. met someone famous
92. joined a book club
93. lost a loved one
94. had a baby
95. seen the alamo in person
96. swum in the great salt lake
97. been involved in a law suit
98. owned a cell phone
99. been stung by a bee

Kool-Aid

2008-12-31T00:37:00.000-08:00

My hands smell of Hawiian Punch, Lemonade and a touch of Lemon Lime. Why you might ask? Well, I have spent the most part of the night dyeing yarns. Mostly Worsted weight and a few thinner ones. Some to keep, and some, I hope to sell. DH said, if I can show it will sell, he will let me do this. I am just hoping that "this" will be a good business venture.

My hands smell of Kool-Aid, lol Is it strange to keep sniffing them?

12 Days of Christmas

2008-12-24T16:32:00.000-08:00

From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young > Catholics.> It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their church. Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality which the children could remember.

-The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.
-Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments..
-Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love.
-The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John.
-The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.
-The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.
-Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit--Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, > Leadership, and Mercy.
-The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.
-Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit--Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control.
-The ten lords a-leaping were the ten commandments.
-The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.
-The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed. So there is your history for today. This knowledge was shared with me and I found it interesting and enlightening and now I know how that strange song became a Christmas Carol...so pass it on if you wish.'

Dear Santa...

2008-12-23T22:03:00.000-08:00

Dear Santa, I've been a good mom all year. I've fed, cleaned and cuddled my children on demand, visited their doctor's office more than my own doctor, sold sixty-two cases of candy bars to raise money to plant a shade tree on the school playground. I was hoping you could spread my list out -- over several Christmases.Since I had to write this letter with my son's red crayon, on the back of a receipt in the laundry room between cycles; and who knows when I'll find any more free time in the next 18 years, so now

***Here are my Christmas wishes****
I'd like a pair of legs that don't ache (-in any color, except purple, which I already have) and arms that don't hurt or flap in the breeze; but are strong enough to pull my screaming child out of the candy aisle in the grocery store.

* I'd also like a waist, since I lost mine somewhere in the seventh month of my last pregnancy.
* If you're hauling big-ticket items this year, I'd like fingerprint resistant windows and a radio that only plays adult music; a television that doesn't broadcast any programs containing talking animals; and a refrigerator with a secret compartment behind the crisper where I can hide to talk on the phone.

* On the practical side, I could use a talking doll that says, 'Yes, Mommy' to boost my parental confidence, along with two kids who don't fight and three pairs of jeans that will zip all the way up without the use of power tools.

* I could also use a recording of Tibetan monks chanting, 'Don't eat in the living room' and 'Take your hands off your brother,' because my voice seems to be just out of my children's hearing range and can only be heard by the dog.

* If it's too late to find any of these products, I'd settle for enough time to brush my teeth and comb my hair in the same morning, or the luxury of eating food warmer than room temperature without it being served in a Styrofoam container.

*If you don't mind, I could also use a few miracles to brighten the holiday season. Would it be too much trouble to declare ketchup a vegetable? It will clear my conscience immensely.

*It would be helpful if you could coerce my children to help out around the house without demanding payment as if they were the bosses of an organized crime family.

Well, the buzzer on the dryer is ringing, and my son saw my feet under the laundry room door. I think he wants his red crayon back.

Have a safe trip Santa, and remember to leave your wet boots by the door, and come in and dry off, so you don't catch cold. Help yourself to cookies on the table, but don't eat too many or leave crumbs on the carpet.

Yours always with love and appreciation, A Mom

P.S. One more thing. . You can cancel all my requests, if you can keep my children 'young' enough to believe in Santa.

2 weeks, no school

2008-12-22T09:19:00.000-08:00

I am sitting here, Monday morning with 3 kids. 3 kids for 2 weeks! Lol. Now don't get me wrong, I love my kids. But the usual daily routine is gone. They are "bored" because it is freezing cold and rainy outside, so indoor activities are the only options. Coloring, TV, drive mommy nuts, color, read a book.. and on and on. Last year the weather was nicer, and we were able to do outside stuff. The Zoo was a huge hit last year.

2 Weeks, no school......

~Special Girl~

2008-12-18T19:44:00.000-08:00

Today was last day of school before holiday. I went to pick up DD, and she was in full "Merry Christmas" mode. She was standing by the door, as all the kids were leaving, handing out flower petals (just one each- so I have enough mommy) and giving them hugs and telling them Merry Christmas! She was so worried she would miss someone, and a few got more than one. But the sheer sweetness of the moment was adorable. I love that little girl!

Pay It Forward

2008-12-16T17:23:00.001-08:00

Pay It Forward Exchange I'm SO EXCITED to be a involved in the Pay It Forward Exchange! I found out about it from _!
Let me tell you about it, these are the instructions: "It’s the Pay It Forward Exchange. It’s based of the concept of the movie “Pay it Forward” where acts or deeds of kindness are done without expecting something in return, just passing it on, with hope that the recipients of the acts of kindness are passed on. So here’s how it works. I will make and send a handmade gift to the first 3 people who leave a comment to this post on my blog requesting to join this PIF exchange. I do not know what that gift will be yet, and it won’t be sent this month, probably not next month, but it will be sent (within 6 months) and that’s a promise! What YOU have to do in return, then, is pay it forward by making the same promise on your blog.
I will now Pay It Forward to you THREE, I wonder who you will be?! Please, be a PIF! You will enjoy it just as much as we do!"
And, remember...you have 6 months to get your gifts done! Come on, you know you would love to be one of my angels. Then, one day, but you don't know when....you will get a gift that I have made especially for YOU!
Please remember, you don't have to knit or crochet to participate, anyone who can make a nice handmade gift is welcome to join :)

Thinking about my dog :(

2008-12-10T18:32:00.000-08:00

Holiday season is here. We were putting up decorations this weekend. 14 years ago, I made a stocking and a stocking holder with Dallas picture in it. I was out of the house running errands when DH put everything up. He and Gabriel decided to not put Dallas's holiday items up (which makes sense) because they did not want me to be sad. I guess I am just missing my little crazy dog this year.

Fish Tank... eww

2008-12-08T17:16:00.000-08:00

I have been telling DH for weeks, that fish tank NEEDS to be cleaned out. Fresh water, all the way to the bottom. Nooo he said, that is all just excess food and such in there. Never mind the water was turning... GREEN!!! Gross!!

So today, with the help of a 6 year old and a 3 year old. WE cleaned out the fish tank. Took them lil fishy guys out, with some of their OLD water (so as to not shock them) Poured the rest down the drain, filtered the rocks and cleaned out the tank. Then, re-assemble!

WOW, what an amazing difference. The water is CLEAR! And the fish look so happy.

2.5 weeks till Christmas???

2008-12-05T12:23:00.000-08:00

Ohh noooooo. I am knitting and knitting as fast as I can. Completed: 3 scarves. On the Needles: 3 or 4...

I still need to start: 5 more, I think. I am in a small panic, I thought I started early enough to finish all of these, but now, I am not so sure I will have enough time.

Ok, need to stop bloggin and start knittin again. K, P, K, P.. panic

Strange mom??

2008-12-03T17:53:00.000-08:00

Yes, I am that strange mom.. lol

I had someone approach my car today, while I was waiting outside to pick up Gabriel. "Ohh your that strange mom!" Umm excuse me?? "You know, the mom who sits in her car and knits everyday, we were talking about you the other day"
Umm Excuse me??

Apparently, I am now the newest gossip, lol. When I inquired further, they were talking about asking where to learn to knit and how impressed they all were with my projects. lol

But, I mean, I know I am strange.. but lol seriously?

Knitting needles?

2008-12-03T12:36:00.000-08:00

There are so many to pick from, wooden? Metal? Plastic? WhaleBone?.... etc. What is the right needle for me? I have found that my projects work great when I am using wooden ones lately. Not sure if the grippiness of the wood or just that I am confortable with them. I am using a pair of Denise Needles with circular attachment and well...... HATE IT. Constantly slipping stitches or just dropping them totally. I feel so uncomfortable with them, why? Everyone raved about them when I got them. Might just sell em..

What is the right needle, who knows?

Gabriel has a "girl" friend

2008-12-02T17:19:00.000-08:00

He keeps telling me it is not a girl friend, but a friend who is a girl. But she sure is pretty mommy. lol

They hold hands, play together and just are so cute. If I must say, for a 6 year old, he did pretty good job getting one of the cute girls in class.

Inspired by Knitpurlgurl...

2008-12-01T20:46:00.000-08:00

I was working on my blog just now and was adding people from Ravelry that I wanted to follow, noticed a neat sidebar she had listed.

100 projects in 2008.

Well, 2008 is almost over, and despite knitting all day lately that will not happen here. BUT: going to set a goal for myself in 2009... In order to improve, but not frustrate myself, I am thinking 60? Is that too much?
Not enough. At least 50.. hmmm

Well: Here we go...

2008-12-01T19:49:00.000-08:00

Been told I need to start a "real" official blog, rather than counting on places like MySpace or other stuff like that.

I am a stay at home mom. 3 kids who are my world. My DH is a civil engineer/ owner of his own company.

I love to knit on my down time to relax. So watch here for posts about knitting projects: etc.

For "work" I do photography. Working with kids, infants, maternity and family shots.

To be cont..........