Sunday, October 29, 2006

Did She Really Say That???

You bet she did. Here are just a few of the conversations we've had with the littlest princess this week...

Bran: Don't you like your meatball?
Littlest Princess: Apparantly not.

Littlest Princess: Holy crap Mom! I want that! (While watching toy commercials during Dora.) I want that too! And that!
Me: My goodness, you want all those toys?
Littlest Princess: Yes, I want everything as seen there.

Littlest Princess: Holy crap Mom! You have to go online and order now!
Me: What do I have to order now?
Littlest Princess: There's a thing that puts beads on your hair! You just stick your hair in it and the beads magicably appear!
Me: That sounds neat.
Littlest Princess: It is! You just go online now and purchase it for 20 bucks.

Bran: I'm so sorry sweetheart! I didn't mean to get your nose. (This said after he bopped her in the nose while trying to jump over the cat.)
Littlest Princess: My God Dad! You have to be so careful of me! It's just a little baby girl nose! Not a big, huge nose like yours!

There are others that I can't think of right this minute that are equally or even more funny. I swear this kid is 3 going on 14. Remind me again why we pay for cable???

Friday, October 27, 2006

Classy Cables

Daddy asked for some plain colored socks he could wear when he dresses up. He likes his "flashy" socks a lot but not for going out. I find this odd since he wears Hawaiian print shirts for dress up. Maybe that's the problem. His flashy shirts and flashy socks are clashing. At any rate, I've started a pair of Opal Uni socks in Farbe 1269. To keep me from being bored to death with a solid color pair of socks I chose a cabled pattern.


Nice, eh? It's the Men's Cable Socks pattern from the Vogue Knitting Socks Two book. I really like it alot. I like the little cables so much that I'd love to carry them down the top of the foot. Here's my problem with that idea...

The pattern was originally written for size 5 needles and dk weight yarn with a CO of 64 stitches for the rib then increasing to 72 stitches for the cabled pattern. Since I'm using a fingering weight yarn I knew I needed a size 1 needle and I normally use a 64 stitch CO for Daddy's socks with fingering weight and my size 1 Turbos. No problem there. I wondered if the 72 stitches in the cable pattern would be enough though. Instead of fudging the numbers I decided to go up to a size 2 for the cabled portion of the leg which is working out wonderfully. Nope, no problem there either. I know, you're wondering when I'm going to get to the problem so here it is...

I have to do the foot of the sock on a size 1. If I want to continue the cables they will have to be worked on a size 1. Unless of course I decide to be completely insane and transfer the sock to dpns once I get the cuff finished so I can work the top in size 2 and the bottom in size 1.

So what do you all think? Should I can the idea of continuing the cable? Should I switch to dpns and continue the cable? Should I switch to size 1 and forge ahead with the cable down the top? If I do, do you think there would be a noticeable difference in the cables from the cuff to the foot? And, if I continue on with the cables on size 1 should I sitck to the 72 stitch count or decrease back to my original 64?

Wednesday, October 25, 2006

Some Socks

I just finished the socks I was working on for my dad.


They match except for the heel and toe. Not bad considering I really wasn't being anal about it to begin with. I have to tell you that I'm really proud of myself for sticking with this pair. As we've already established, last week sucked. I did not knit one stitch all last week nor much of the week before since my nerves were shot just thinking about the week I had ahead of me. And looking back, I should have known last Thursday was not going to be a good day when I came downstairs and heard my hubby shout from my desk..."Don't be mad." He didn't want me to be mad at this...


Oh sure, he looks sweet and innocent enough but don't be fooled. Let me show you what he's really like...


This is mild compared to what it looked like before Bran spent hours trying to fix it. Yes, VERY proud of myself for finishing.

Sunday, October 22, 2006

Long Overdue

I received a package from my Hot Socks pal Paula on Thursday afternoon. It was filled with wonderful goodies. Just look at the great stuff she sent:


Paula sent me some amazing Twinings Darjeeling and MarketSpice Connoisseur's Tea (which I'm sipping as I type), some fruit and walnut treats and some See's Candies (not in the picture because they went too fast) that brought back wonderful memories of my Grandpa who used to send me See's all the time from California where he lived, some foot soak and lotion, a pretty postcard from her home state of Washington, a handy little knitter's book to keep inventory of all my goodies, and last but not least, a gorgeous hank of Mountain Colors Bearfoot in Huckleberry and a Mountain Colors pattern to knit it into. Thank you so much Paul for the awesome package!!! Thursday was the worst day I had all week and it was so nice to have something to cheer me up at the end of the day. Your timing couldn't have been any better and the things you chose were just perfect.

I also want to thank everyone for taking time out to say a prayer and for leaving a note. Having you share your stories with me has meant more than you will ever know and I just appreciate you so much for doing it.

This past week was incredibly stressful. I had to take the kids to see the law guardian on Monday morning. I always dread that since she's never seemed the least bit interested in helping the kids. She's also not ever been a fan of mine and has accused me of turning the kids against their father even though that couldn't be farther from the truth. For the first time in 10 years, the kids emerged from her office with smiles on their faces. I was elated to say the least. Tuesday morning brought a phone call from our attorney that was full of promise and made me actually look forward to the court hearing I had Thursday. True to form, none of the violations the ex has made to the new order were brought up other than the fact that he didn't go for the evaluation like he was suppose to. And, like usual, he was given yet another chance. So we now go back to court in January and all the abuse the kids have suffered is once again swept under the rug. I was discouraged and then to have our lawyer tell me that the kids might not be telling me the exact truth about the abuse was enough to push me over the edge. He told me that kids tend to be dramatic and like to embellish things so it might not really be as bad as it sounds for them when they're at their fathers. This is coming from a man who has NO children himself AND that we're paying $200 an hour to fight for our kids. I put on a smile and politely told himt hat was not the case and we went our separate ways. I called him later in the afternoon to ask a question only to have him treat me like crap. Not a good day.

But this weekend was homecoming weekend and there were lots of people at the football game. We tied 6-6 which really sucked but at least we didn't take a loss. My aunt came up for the game and then spent the afternoon with us. We went to Lake Placid to buy shoes and boots for the baby since we got about 4" of snow on Friday and she had outgrown her boots from last year. I did a little grocery shopping and then came home to start dinner. We had homemade spaghetti and meatballs and Aunt Noreen stayed and ate with us. We couldn't have had a better day if we had tried. Today I am surrounded by my family watching the race with a great cup of tea and my knitting. Life is good.

Random Fact

My front tooth is chipped. It happened when I was in 5th grade at the bus stop one morning. Two girls from my neighborhood got into an argument and started pushing each other. The head of one "pushee" connected with my face and caused the chip. The dentist said it would probably wear itself down over time and not be noticeable. He was wrong. I've never had it fixed because I hate dentists and only go for things that are absolutely necessary.

Wednesday, October 18, 2006

Rest In Peace

I've been struggling with whether I should post this or not. Even though I still fell odd about it, I'm going to do it since I feel an overwhelming urge to talk about it.

On Monday evening, my aunt called to ask if I had my cousins phone number. I could tell by her voice that something had happened and my immediate thought was that my uncle had died. I never expected her to tell me that my 38 year old cousin had committed suicide.

My cousin was an alcholic. He had a horrible childhood with a father who was very rarely around and an uneducated mother who tried her best to raise 3 children on a housekeepers salary. I'm not in any way trying to make excuses for his alcholism, just saying that he had a helping hand. He was a grown adult and had been offered help many times. I've learned over the years that you can't help someone who doesn't want help.

When he would drink he would normally start calling the family wanting to visit and get together. When we were younger I would always make time for him. Once I had Dan that changed. I didn't want my children to be exposed to those kinds of situations. I made it very clear that I didn't want him at my home when he had been drinking. Pair that with the fact that he moved all over the place and well, that meant we didn't see him much.

The last time I heard from him he called from the Watertown area. This was after he'd been out of touch for well over a year. He called to say he was doing well. Had a great job. Had met a nice girl. Had his own place. When I spoke to him then he sounded good. He sounded happy. Then a month or two passed with no word. Like so many times before, he started calling again just out of the blue. Said he was still doing great. Had an even better job. Had been sober for almost 3 years. Then he said he wanted to come to visit. I told him I'd love that but only if he wasn't drinking. He swore he wasn't and even though he didn't sound it, I couldn't help but feel a little wary about the idea of him coming to the house. Then he started calling several times a day and when I didn't answer because I was outside away from the phone with the baby, he became angry. I knew he was drinking again. I called him back to talk and heard him slurring his speech. My heart sank. I so badly wanted to give him what he wanted. Family. He said he'd be back in touch to let me know when he'd be able to take time to come visit. I never heard from him again.

I know it's not my fault that he chose to end his life. But I still can't help but feel a little ashamed of myself for pushing him away. I can't imagine the pain that pushed him to do what he did. Sadness. Lonliness. Desperation. I wish I could have done something to take those feelings away. To tell him once more how much I loved him. But sometimes we just never get that second chance.

I hope that my cousin is right where he wanted to be. With family. He lost his mother several years ago and I'd like to think that she was there to take him in her arms and love him again. Which is exactly what I've been doing even more than usual with my babies and hubby. Try it with your loved ones. You'll all be glad you did.

Friday, October 13, 2006

Friday the 13th

I know lots of people think today unlucky, but I never have. I've always welcomed Friday the 13th. It's always brought me incredible luck.

The boys won their game tonight. The score was 6-7. I love games that are that close. They keep you right on the edge of your seat. (They also won this past Saturday. Score was 13-6. I was waiting to post a picture or 2 but the school doesn't have any posted yet.) Tonight's win made us division champs. That's huge. The boys have worked so hard this year. I'm so proud of them. They've only had one loss and that wasn't a division game. Our best runner was taken to the hospital tonight after being knocked unconscious. Word is he's doing fine but if you'd like to say a little prayer I'm sure it wouldn't hurt. :-) Next Saturday is the last game for JV and we play here at home. It's homecoming weekend and the team we play is a division below us so it should be a nice easy win for the boys. Keep your fingers crossed.

We left the game and stopped for gas. I ran in to use the potty and the football lottery tickets caught my eye on the way out. I had left my wallet in the van but mentioned it to Bran when I got back out. He took $10 in and got 2 tickets. I scratched them and won $20. We went and grabbed a quick bite at Burger King then went back and got 2 more tickets. I scratched them and won again. This went on for a half hour. I'd get a couple more tickets and keep a little cash. We ended up leaving with $75 more than we had started with. I won well over $100. Of course had I not kept buying a ticket or 2 each time I won a little I wouldn't have ended up with the final $75.

Then, I walked in the house tonight and found this on my kitchen counter.


This amazing box is from my KTS2 pal Trish and contained these awesome goodies...


Another beautiful card, PG Tips black tea, Stash double spice chai, lemony tea pot shaped cookies, a ginger in dark chocolate bar, a hank of hand dyed Opal (one of my faves) in a gorgeous green colorway, 2 hanks of Koigu (another one of my faves), beautiful green beaded stitch markers, an entrelac dishcloth, and MY NEW FAVORITE TEA CUP AND SAUCER!!! Can you believe it??? Thank you so very much Trish!!! I absolutely love everything! You totally went above and beyond and I am just blown away by your generosity. I hope your pal was as good to you.

Tuesday, October 10, 2006

KTS2 Thank U

I received a wonderful envelope in the mail this afternoon from my Knitters Tea Swap 2 pal.


There was a cute card that read "too much of a good thing is wonderful" AND a Chai Spice, English Breakfast, and Vanilla Hazelnut tea bag inside the cd case (yes, the gorgeous picture of the yarn in the tea cup is actually a card slipped into the front of a cd case...how creative is that???) AND a mini sock blocker. The note inside the card said this was a taste of what was to come. I. Can't. Wait. Thank you, thank you, thank you secret tea pal!!! As soon as the kids go to bed I'll be brewing up a cup of tea to sip as I knit tonight. I can't wait to find out who you are!

Tonight I will be knitting the mate to this...


I had forgotten how much I love Opal sock yarn. I can't wait to see what color is going to knit up next and they just seem to fly off the needles. I knit this sock in 2 evenings. It is Petticoat, Artikel 36874, Partie 3. I swear I could smell butterscotch while I was knitting this sock. It has a 7" cuff and a 10" foot and will be for my dad. The other day when it was really cold out he reminded me how cold his feet get. He went on to remind me how his hand knit socks are the warmest and most comfortable socks he has. How could I resist making him more when he put it that way? I'm such a sucker when it comes to my daddy.

Friday, October 06, 2006

On This Day In 1995

I gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. She was so tiny, only 6lbs 6oz, and was having a hard time breathing. She was born at 8:26 am and it was about 9 at night before she was brought into my room. I couldn't wait to hold her in my arms. She was such a sweet little angel and I was head over heels in love with her.

Darcie is smart and funny. She is stubborn and moody. She is a blessing. Best of all, she is her own person and I love her so much for that. It still amazes me how you grow to love your children more and more each and every day.

Since this is the last year for birthday celebrations at school (she'll be in middle school next year and they don't do classroom celebrations) we went all out. I made 2 dozen birthday hats. They are sugar cones. You fill them with Goldfish crackers (or any other small treat) and then sit them atop a cookie. We spread marshmallow fluff on the tops of the cones after filling them with the Goldfish and then rolled them in sprinkles. After setting them upside down on the cookie I went around the outside with some colored frosting and then topped them off with some on the top. You can never have too much frosting when you're 11 you know. We also sent in punch and made goody bags for all her classmates. Now tonight we'll go to Applebee's (her favorite) for dinner and then shopping so she can pick something out for her birthday. She's looking forward to it.


Happy 11th birthday Darcie!!! I love you so very much and am looking forward to celebrating lots more birthdays together!

Wednesday, October 04, 2006

Punkin Progress

I'm making progress on the Glad Ragg sock. Really. I am. I foolishly strung the beads onto the remainder of the skein of yarn I had from the first sock thinking it would be plenty for the cuff of the sock. Guess what? It's not. So now I have to take the rest of the beads off and string them onto the new skein. I hate stringing beads.

These gorgeous yarns arrived Saturday from Savvyminx Yarns. They are Cherry Cordial and Cobalt. Every time a new hank arrives I say I can't wait to get to it. These are no exception. I wish I had more hands and more hours in the day for knitting.


In football news, the boys smoked Malone 33-8. Dan was finally put on offense and defense team and got a lot more game time this week. He had an amazing tackle towards the end of the game. I really wish my stupid camera would quit eating batteries and hold a charge so I could get my own pictures since this was the only one I could find on the school's website. I think I really need to just suck it up and buy a new camera.


While we were at the football game Dailaesse saw twin little boys running around with pumpkin hats on. She immediately noted that they were knit and told me I could make one for her. We went through the stash yesterday to get yarn. The result? Punkin. I used Patons Canadiana. I must admit that it wasn't too bad to work with. Of all the acrylics out there it's got to be one of the best. Dailaesse loves her hat so much she wants to wear it on our walk downtown today. Bran thinks I should make one for each of us to wear for Halloween. I just might.

Sunday, October 01, 2006

SP9 Questionnaire

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?

I love natural fibers! My favorites as of late are Yarn Pirate, RubySapphire Yarns, Savvyminx Yarns, Lazy Perry Ranch, Fleece Artist Merino, Socks That Rock, and Koigu for socks. I have a serious Etsy problem (as you can see) and am totally in love with Perchance To Knit and Urban GypZ. I also love everything and anything Rowan, Debbie Bliss, Schaefer, and Manos. I hate to say it, but I absolutley loathe acrylic. I hate how it squeaks across the needles and I hate the way it feels in my hands. I never used to be a snob but after using natural fibers it's hard for me not to be.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?

I have a circular needle case that houses the majority of my Addi Turbos. The rest of my circulars are in a 3 ring binder inside plastic sleeves. My straights are in a quilted needle roll. My crochet hooks are in a great leather zippered case.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?

I've been knitting for about 17 years. My mother tried teaching me when I was about 4 at the same time she taught me to crochet but I just couldn't get the hang of knitting no matter how hard I tried. I bought a video, Keeping You In Stitches, when I was 16 or 17 and learned from there. I would say I'm somewhere close to advanced.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?

Nope. :-)

5. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products, etc.)

I love fruit scents. I am addicted to Yankee Candle. I just sniffed a Tea & Honey candle last night that I now wish I had bought. It was wonderful!

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?

Of course I do. :-) Milk chocolate is my favorite.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?

I crochet and cross stitch. I bought a drop spindle some months ago and have yet to get the hang of it. it's currently collecting dust in my pencil holder on top of my desk.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)

I love country and yes, my computer plays MP3s.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?

My favorite color is blue. Any and all shades. There really aren't any colors that I don't like though.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?

I have the 3 most wonderful kiddos in the world aged 15, 11, and 3. I'll be married to my second husband for 6 years on November 25th. We have a Shih-Tzu and a cat.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?

I wear scarves every so often and I love mittens. I never wear hats because they make me look like a dork. Ponchos are a big no-no when you're 4' 11".

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?

Socks are my current fave but I like knitting lots of other things too like hats, sweaters, shawls and dishcloths. I love the Fiber Trends felted clog pattern. The only thing I've not knit is a doily and I can't imagine that I wouldn't like to do it.

13. What are you knitting right now?

A sweater for my youngest daughter, socks for me, a shawl for my aunt, socks for the hubby, and a sweater for the FIL.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?

Absolutely!

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?

I much prefer knitting with my circular Addi Turbos. Although Bamboo certainly has it's place as well.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?

Both. :-)

17. How old is your oldest UFO?

Really, really old. About 8 years old to be more precise.

18. What is your favorite holiday?

Halloween.

19. Is there anything that you collect?

Needles, patterns and yarn. Not necessarily in that order.

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?

I have about a dozen colors of Socks That Rock on my current wishlist. I can't wait until they open signups for their club next month. I'm definitely joining this year. I have a subscription to IK and have been thinking about subscribing to Vogue Knitting again.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?

I've still not gotten around to trying moebius.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?

I love knitting socks! My feet are 9.25" long.

23. When is your birthday? (mm/dd)

April 16th.

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