Looking back at 2007

I sat down to make our "Christsmas Cards" this year, and I just couldn't put thoughts to words. I don't know how much better I'll do here. For the card, I made a collage of images, from January to December. So much has changed in 2007.

January: birthday knitting: little girls poncho with a hood, 2 little girls purses, cupcake from OS.
February: finish the kintting on the Sunset tote, Karabella wrap, 2's cardi, spiral rib bag from OS.
March: T turned 4, one twinkletoes (WIP), felted fortune cookie (I actually foun this yesterday...just needs to be felted.), Hobo bag (needs a lining for Aunt Mary)
April: R turned 2, sign up for my first swap, work on a miter blanket for 2 (still a WIP),
May: I turned.... I finished my dental work, Serendipity, Aruba Bubble, Lutea Lace Shoulder Shell
June: my dad turned 60, 2 little girls purses, ruffles to riches (needs a lining WIP)
July: M turned.... and the next day I fell! warshcloths as gifts, Baby Bolero #1
August: we began homeschooling, begin Morestripes, Fetching, Baby Bolero #2, sidekick, first sock, Dreamswatch
September: KP&S, The City Bag, little girls purse, start Diamonds & Pearls (WIP), Felissa bag, Wire knitting
October: Huckleberry Ascot, little girls purse, Bauble, my Dad died.
November: OS KPPPM Fingerless Mitts, little girls purse, Orange Kitty Socks 1 (WIP), mail my first prizes
December: 2 Shortrow Caps, Koolhaas (almost done might finish tonight)

When you I look at it all, I feel like I accomplished a lot. And I can't believe how much I've learned. Just this week, I cut my first STEEK. I know, I have yet to blog about it. Soon though. And...I updated my Knitting Survey. I added it to the sidebar (I know it's hard to find...I didn't want it too obvious). I hope I learn as much in 2008.

2's pink hat

Another Sideways Shortrow Watch Cap.
Started in the car Christmas Day...Finished the 27th.
Universal Classic Worsted Tapestry (lost the lable)
I think a little more than 1/2 the ball.
#7 Circular from my Bamboo Sister Set



Notes: I used a bulky weight yarn and #9's and the cap fit me. I used a worsted and #7's and the cap fits a toddler. I didn't change the pattern any. I didn't add stitches or extra wedges. My brother has asked for a cap, and I'll use the olive heather Cascade 220 I bought in Laguna Beach. I'll probably add extra stitches and wedges to make a bigger cap.

December Roses...

My husband sent me these just before Christmas, but I didn't get a chance to get the photo up for last Friday. Isn't he sweet. Actually this is just some of the roses. There were 100. 5 different colors. For the 9th anniversary of our engagement.

Ursula (my FFBE downstream partner) just got engaged. And, she wants to hear your engagement story too. Leave her a comment to be entered in her Engaging Contest. And you can read my story there in her comments. Wish her all the happiness in the world.

Laguna Beach

It was my SIL's birthday on Sunday. Just the adults enjoyed a late brunch at Las Brisas. This was the view from our table (but I went outside to take this photo). I love these flowers. I'm not sure what they are, but they sprout from a variety of agave. And the sun was setting. And the smell of the salt in the air. I so needed the cleansing air.

I took the opportunity to visit a 'new to me' yarn shop. Just south of Main Beach, right on PCH is Strands & Stitches. And their phone number...497-KNIT. It is such a CUTE shop. I'll definitely be back.

I picked up some Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran for a Koolhaas. As an Architect, how could I not knit this hat? This is already OTN. You can see it in the bag. I thought I could finish this before Christmas...but, that was before I knew how hard KTBL would be for me. My hands ache after one repeat (8 rows for those of you who haven't looked at the pattern.) I frogged 3 times before I figured that keeping the 6 on the left needle after the ribbing and only changing the right needle to the 8 would give me extra room to get the needle into the back loop. Is is just the way I KTBL? Or, does anyone else have something to say about this? Isn't this a pretty blue?

And some Zoom. This is soooo soft. It was going to be another Koolhass, but now we'll see. I probably wouldn't have bought this if I hadn't picked it up...and couldn't...put...it...down! There's something to be said for visiting the LYS. I don't think I could ever switch over completely to internet yarn shopping.

And a heathered Cascade 200. Because I just couldn't resist it's heathery green. And I don't have many "boyish" yarns. I think this will be a hat for my brother. But, I wish I had picked up the Araucania Nature Wool in this color.

I was working on a hat for myself on the drive down to Laguna. I was close to finishing, but I wasn't sure if the yardage would be enough. It worked out. And now I regret not spending the $8. Who was I kidding. How could I not NEED the yarn? I'm sure if not for the hat, I would have found something to use it for. Here's my Sideways Shortrow Watch Cap. I saw this here. Araucania Nature Wool Chunky Multy in #202. I think I used 9's...but now I can't remember...maybe it was 8's. One of the blues matches a polar fleece I have from Land's End. This will be the hat I wear everywhere this winter. Yes, it still has a string hanging. I wasn't sure if I liked my seeming (3 needle BO...but on the inside, it messes up the garter ridges). I've since woven the ends in. But it wasn't worth another photo shoot. I'm not so good at photographing my own head. I always cut off my nose or the back of my head.

Living Nativity

A local church (though not the one we go to) has a Living Nativity every year. This was their 21st year of doing these performances for the community. We've been going for the last 5 years, only missing last year. I love that the kids have memories of this. Here they are with M in front of the stable. There are sheep...just to the left.

Here's 2 with Nana petting a Camel. Camel is soooo soft. I think I'll have to get some camel yarn. (It's no wonder where 2 got her gorgeous hair color...their heads blend...and I'm lucky...my mom's just now getting a few grays.)

And here's the sheep. I couldn't get them to stop eating for a shot of their faces. The 'shepherd' explained to me that they rarely stop eating. They continually graze...and when there isn't available feed, they're chewing their cud.

After the performance...there's hot cocoa and homemade cookies for everyone. It was a fun night. Already on the list for next year.

From the Garden

I know that not many places can you find flowers year round. We really enjoy our sunny days. Our yard needs some maintenance badly, but you can edit that in photos. =0) Here's a salvia we picked up at the local University Arboretum 4 years ago. It grows 7-8' tall...and by February these stalks will be cut back, not to return until next fall. It sure is pretty though. And the hummingbirds and bees love it.

This rose bush is from the original owner of this house. We've neglected the roses this year, and still they give us these beautiful blooms.

Our yard is full of Iris from the original owner. These are one of my favorite flowers. I can't cut them for inside though because the deep purple drips from the petals. Hmmmm...I wonder if they would dye yarn?

And normally I'm good at deadheading the hydrangea, but this year life has been too full. I really like seeing these dried blooms.

Oh...and the Cocoa Swap signups are SOON! I'm excited about this one. Sign up!

Knitwise: I've been swamped just with the house stuff...and the Gecko. No time for real knitting...

• I did knit another few rows on Diamonds and Pearls. Somehow I misplaced the pattern again...this one has bad luck. But, I think I can read the knitting from the 4 repeats I've done. I might be able to pull it off. I'm pretty impressed with those skills...but I'd better not be too proud or the scarf will get frogged. (Pride = Fall)
• And I wound a ball of Araucania Nature Wool Chunky Multy last night. Hopefully this will be a hat for me.
• I think I'm ready for the toe decreases on the first tiger sock. But, when 6 told me the sock was itchy I slowed down.
• I have some new yarn too...My MIL shopped at the Loopy Ewe for Hanukkah!!! She bought me 3 balls of Austermann Step Dune, Boysenberry, North Cape. These are destined to become Jaywalkers, Monkeys, and ??? Have any suggestions for me? These are socks I needed some needles for, but M said to wait until Christmas. I'll CO soon though.
• Other Hanukkah gifts were small scissors for sniping yarn, and these. I put those right to use.

FOUND!

M sent me these links. And with stories of Geckos lost for months I started to worry...so I prayed. Something nudged me to look behind the washer and dryer. I had already looked under the shelves, the freezer, the bookshelf, and under the washer and dryer. What did I have to loose? There she was...


To get to her I had to move the washer and dryer. Not an easy thing...and then it's dirty under there.



Then she went under the washer to hid from me. So I bravely grabbed a worm and put on the floor where she'd have to come out far enough for me to catch her. I DID IT! M enjoys reptiles of all sorts, I get jumpy when they wiggle. But, I did it...I caught her and did not drop her. I walked over to the cage...which of course had the lid on. She jumped onto the lid...but I was able to pick her up again and get her in the cage. I hope she realizes how good she has it in that little tank...worms and crickets delivered...a heat lamp and a heating pad under the tank. A nice geode to lay on top of...a tube to hide in...and a driftwood structure to climb on. What more could she want. Maybe some yarn. =0)

Now, does 2 hours of Gecko Search & Rescue count as school??? I'd say so.

Have you seen her?

There really should be a REWARD. I may pay the child that finds her.

Last night the lid was left off Beckie's (the geckie) cage. This has not been a problem before. But this one time...she was able to climb her driftwood and escape. So, in the garage, where I do laundry, homeschool, and blog...we have a Gecko on the loose. To make things harder...she's nocturnal, so she's not likely to get up until tonight when she's hungry. I was ok with the Gecko in the cage...but a Gecko on the loose...sort of makes me feel like there's a mouse in the house.

Away...

M's office Christmas party is something we look forward to each year. M and I really make the most of this...and enjoy the weekend away from the kids. Our mom's split the shift with the 3 wild ones...and we enjoyed the peace. This year, our dinner was at this restaurant. Dinner was great... Then the office generously pays for each couple to stay the night at the hotel afterward. It is such a treat to have a bath...our tub at home is small and filled with kid bath toys. This was just for me!!!

Here's the view from our room. It's still a little cloudy as the rain had just let up. If I looked really hard to the left, I could see a bit of the water. But, I can't even complain that we didn't have a beach view...this was so lush and green. At night, we could see all the neighbor's Christmas lights.

Here's the sandcastle that's just inside the entry of the hotel. And there were real live Carolers singing too.

We ordered room service for breakfast, and were thrilled to discover that it was covered as well. M had French Toast and I had the Belgian Waffle. We strolled the grounds after we checked out. The view of Catalina Island was so clear, the rain clouds had lifted leaving gorgeous clean air.

We drove around Dana Point, and I had to find the LYS. We visited Strands. It was a lovely shoppe, and the yarns were beautifully organized by color in cute cubbies, but I didn't really need any yarn. And I couldn't justify a purchase of yarn I didn't know what to do with. I looked through the Elle Rae book, but M said I might be getting that for Christmas so I should wait. And I wanted to pick up US #2 DPN's, but he said to wait on those too. He did fall in love with the Lizard Ridge squares that the shop owner was working on. It will be a good thing to have a yarn enabler in the house. I'm just wondering if I could knit that out of something other than Noro? I've never knit with Noro, so I'm not sure if I'm a Noro hater like some. But, it's not like we really need the warmth of a wool blanket. And wool and small children don't seem to mix well. I would jump at the chance to knit this...if it could be washable.

Then we had lunch at this cute bistro. The owner and his wife seemed French. Always a plus...M & I both took French in High School. The food was so yummy. M and I decided that it may have been better than the expensive dinner. Well, maybe just different. But this kind of quiet afternoon is more my taste than big fancy dinners. M ordered the Croque Monsieur and I had a whole grain baguette with sun-dried tomatoes, roasted eggplant, avocado and brie.

A lazy drive up PCH to Newport Beach before we hit the freeway to go home. We stopped and shopped a bit. M bought new sunglasses. I got new shoes. (Nancy, I've been meaning to email you...I get that catalogue. And I love the Soft Spots I've ordered from there. -they're on sale now- It's hard to find shoes with no heal though...not sure if what I bought would be supportive enough for you...but they're so comfy.) That will be our presents to each other, but we both had to try things on to find a good fit.

Miss Chief

That's what we call 2. Mischief. She's always into something. Today, after lunch before 2's nap, I wanted to check my email which I hadn't done yet for the day. I logged on, then the phone rang. I ran and grabbed my cell from 4 who had already answered. It was Nana, and she doesn't usually call during the day because she's a teacher. Great Gramp's eye surgery went well this morning. So she was just giving an update. When I stepped away from the computer, 2...

• almost joined a yahoo group.
• launched a spybot search and destroy.
• and sent a document to print

HOW!!??!! Seriously. She's got great random control of buttons. Wether they be computer, TV, stereo, DVD. I'm nervous about what she'll get into when she actually know what she's doing.

The Sunset Tote

When I finished knitting the Sunset Tote, 2 thought it made a good sleeping bag.

I felted the ST on Saturday, and it's drying with a box of kitchen garbage bags inside. I used a single crochet edging instead of the whipstitch suggested in the pattern.

I opted for Grayson E. handles in Grape. I think this might get a lining. I could have waited until this was really a FO, but with the Christmas season upon us...that might be awile.

Whatever happened to my V-Neck Tee?

I started this in September. Nowhere in the pattern does it say to measure under the bust, or the fullest part of the bust...or anything like that. I decided that I'd be a small.

I knew that there were problems. I still couldn't conceive knitting an X-Small. If I'm an X-Small...what about all the thin women out there??? I'm not HUGE, but I need to lose at least 15lbs. and 25 if I want to be where I was at when I got married (though many thought I was too thin then). I'm not complaining about my weight so much here...as how can a 5'7" 160# woman be an X-Small. It's great for the ego....but not if you have to frog this much knitting.

I decided to blaze on and knit the last 2" of the bodice on Friday night. Saturday I tried this on. There was so much gaping. And I couldn't blame it on the cord still being in the stitches. And at 45" around...and the fullest part of my bust is 38"...39" with a padded bra, there was nothing left to do but FROG the entire sweater. I now have 3 balls of yarn again. I'm going to wait until this head cold is gone before I try to look at the numbers of the sweater again.

Today, because of Anne's Sunday Bloglines, I saw this. Here, Friender knits a 2-4 sweater for a 5 yo. I have that pattern too. I'm wondering just how generous these KP&S patterns?! So, if you want to feel good about yourself...buy a pattern where you can knit the smallest size.

My prayer didn't work...

Healthwise: This morning, 4 out of 5 of us are sick. The kids have croupy coughs and runny noses. I have a sore throat and a runny nose. M is outnumbered...and it may just be a matter of time before this is a family party.

Kidwise: I'm sad though because 6 woke up and said "Mom, my prayer didn't work. Last night, I prayed to get better, and I'm still sick." M is explaining that prayer isn't just about telling God what to do and when to do it. I'm just sipping my tea and trying not to talk...because it hurts my throat.

Knitwise: Last night I couldn't sleep. So I started another ladybug purse. I know, I thought I was done. But I had the yarn. I have the pattern memorized. And my cousin has 2 little girls who will love purses for Christmas. We don't usually exchange gifts with all the extended family, but I love these little girls (4 & 2...the same months as my 4 & 2 even). And, I haven't been sleeping well. I almost finished the first purse last night. The I-cord handles take a while, but those I can take with me to work on wherever. The purses will look like this pink & purple one. One with a pink handle and one with a purple handle. (I got a huge bag of that yarn on clearance, and it felts great...but what other than a little girls purse do you make?)

Oh, and yesterday I finally felted my Sunset Tote. It's been on my WIP list for so long. I bought Grayson E. handles in purple for the tote. I didn't buy them here...but it's the link that I got to work. I'm so excited to be almost done. It will take awhile to dry, then I may want some lining...but it's almost done!!!

Hot Cocoa Swap and the end of another week.

I think the timing of this will be perfect. We can all use a pick me up after the flurry of holidays. The Hot Cocoa Swap sign ups start December 16th. Check it out. Leave a comment there that I sent you, and I get an extra entry in their contest (Dec 1-15). Sign up on the 16th, and it could be me sending yummies to your home.

And to add some sunshine to the day (it's raining here)... A sunflower from my friend's yard. I took this last week when we were playing in their backyard.

I guess I don't get this because it's not often like this. But in other places where it's really winter...do you have to leave the lights on all day just so you don't feel like you're in the dark? I feel like every light in the house is on...and that just makes me think of an old country song. Do you know which one I'm talking about. It always makes me laugh. M and I have an inside joke with this song, because a neighbor got carried away with those solar yard lights...and now their "front walk looks like runway lights" =0).

It's funny how I know the words to that song...even though it's been years since I listened to Country all day long. Just after I got married, I was convicted about what I was putting into my head. Since then, it's pretty much been all CCM when I get to choose, and I'm even more careful about the kids. I can still sing "Don't give up...don't give in...don't step aside...don't run and hide, You've got to just hold on...and Keep your eyes on HIM." And that was from a musical when I was in probably in 3rd grade. My current kid favorites are Steve Green and Hermie and Wormie. I love that when these songs are in their heads...they're memorizing scripture. We also really love this CD from CEF. I don't think that it's ironic that I have a better day when my disc changer is loaded with these CD's. I think I need to order more for stockings.

Knitwise: I knit away on my fingerless garter mitts last night. I have less than 10 rows on the 2nd mitt and I'm starting to worry that I may run out of yarn. This can not begin to be a trend for me. I just can't live with one skein projects taking me too much yarn. And these mitts are in KPPPM. There's no way I'm getting more of the same yarn. I don't even know if I still have the ball band.

On Morestripes, I've finished the front and back!!! =0) Now I have to sew and cut the steek. I'm excited more than scared, but I need another adult in the house if I'm going to pull out the sewing machine. Then all I have to do is sew up the sides and put on the ribbing at the neck and arm bands. I hope to be wearing this soon.

I bought this pattern. And I think I already have yarn that will work. I hope to start this just after Christmas...and then I'll have a white sweater for spring. When I'm always looking for a little something to wear with a sundress or just over a tee.

Nativity

Tammy asked this question, "What are your favorite ways to get ready for the holidays?" on her blog this morning. It was such a good question...I decided to post here.

On a radio program (probably Focus on the Family) the year we got married, I heard about a family who collected nativity sets. Then on Christmas Eve, the Mom and Dad hid all the baby Jesus figures. When the family returned from the Christmas Eve service, the kids had to hunt for them, and replace the correct baby Jesus before any gifts could be opened. They were talking about how their kids were in college and still insisted on the hunt when they were home for Christmas. I decided right then that I wanted to collect nativity sets. But, only one per year.

This year I set up a wood nativity in 2's room. And the boys have our playmobil set in their room. The little people set is by the fireplace. And my big glass set that was a gift is still waiting. We also have a nativity calendar with soft people to velcro up, and a Veggie Tales set (I love the pea in the wagon), and a hand carved wooden set that came with paints to "paint your own" but I've left it as is. This year, I've ordered this set.

I really want to add photos to this for my family memories...but for now...I'm a bit behind.

I'd love to know..."What are YOUR favorite ways to get ready for the holidays?"

Come on down...

You're the next contestant on the Price is Right...Sorry...feeling a bit silly today =0) I closed the contest and drew names (can't do anything in my house if we don't do 3). I just haven't had time to post. Send me an email with your addresses (my email is on the profile page)....

And the GRAND PRIZE WINNER!

I love those little fingers. Each kid drew a different winner in the contest. But in my book...we're all winners every time we focus on THANKFULNESS! Now I'm off to decorate for Christmas. I can't wait to start the Christmas music...but I always wait until the day after Thanksgiving.

Colors

I was taking photos in the yard on Tuesday to make color books with the kids. There is a color page to go with each of the colors, and I had stickers too. We've been talking about mixing colors. We'll print these photos for their books. We took picture of --

Red..

Yellow...

Blue...
Orange...

Green...

Purple...Brown...

Black...
and it wasn't on the list but...PINK...


This is the same rose. The 2nd photo I took on Tuesday. The first one is from last weekend. I love how roses open up. Nancy's brother gave her a November Rose. If no one's given you a rose lately...consider this one from me to you. Hugs-XOXO

THANKFUL!

Yes, it's my crazy life. But, I'm THANKFUL that I can be a mom to 6, 4, & 2!

Monday, when I was calling Dr's to find someone who would see us before the holiday, Nana came and took 2 for a special trip. They were heading to Great Gramp's so that he wouldn't be alone for Thanksgiving. They'll spend the day with my Gram's sister and her family. 2 will be the princess...she'll be the only little one. All of my mom's cousin's kids are in college.

Tuesday we visited the orthopedist (a different one) for a cast. When M had 4 at the ER, only the radial bone was broken. About 2 hours before the cast appointment, 4 & 6 had a fight over a soccer ball in the backyard. When they re x-rayed 4's wrist. Both bones were broken. M & I think he broke the 2nd bone in the backyard...but we'll have to pick up the x-rays from the hospital to prove it. I'm having a difficult time convincing this one that he can't do handstands coming off his bed with a broken wrist. And yesterday...he showed us that he can still ride his razor with a cast. OY! It's going to be a long 4 weeks until our re-check.

We had an amazing day yesterday at our Co-op Thanksgiving Party. We had a pot-luck last year and enjoyed it so much we did it again. I will say that our party was better than the real Thanksgiving for me. And it might be this year too. The highlight of the afternoon is the leaf pile. C (our host) decided to collect her leaves (and the neighbors too) for the week leading up to the party. The kids had so much fun jumping in and throwing the leaves.

She sent each of the kids home with a goodie bag too. Perfect for taking to our family celebrations today. There were dried apricots, pretzels, raisins, stickers, a maze book for the big kids, and a turkey craft. I know...I homeschool with a bunch of over achievers. When I catch up, this will all be on my other blog.

This morning, we had our traditional Holiday French Toast. I'm totally missing 2...but I know how important this gift of time was to Nana and to 2. Nana appreciates the hugs of little ones as she's getting over her loss. 2 loves her Nana lots!!! I'm often reminded this is pay back. I was that close with my Gram. And I want that for 2 as well...so I'll let them have all the special time they want. 2 is so precious...I can't keep her to myself.

This afternoon, we'll head over to M's sister's house. She's cooking the turkey. Which is a good thing...because if I was in charge, we'd be having PB&J's. I just couldn't do the cooking this year. I'd rather color with the kids than eat an elaborate meal.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!

(This craft is from last year, but I didn't know about blogging my photos then. And I'm not totally crazy. We did the hands one day in the back yard...a big piece of paper...paint in a paper plate...kids in their underwear...and they ran in the sprinklers to get clean. The feet a different day...one kid at a time...and I just traced 1's foot...no paint for her. Then we assembled these another day. I think the craft took 2 weeks. Just so no one thinks this earns me a Supermom award.)

Little Girl Purse

Before:

After:

My last little kid purse.

Pattern: Ladybug bag from Pursenalities

Needles US#15, 16"

3 Cascade 220 pinks. Hot pink held doubled. One HP and one Quatro held together. Q doubled. One Q and one light pink held together. 2 strands LP. 2 strands of fun fur held with the LP for 3 rows before the decrease round.

***I just noticed this in my drafts. I'm leaving the old date on the post and just hitting publish.