Four Dollars of Happiness

It's gray here. It rained a little this morning on my way to the Dr. I love fall. But, I need to bring color inside to keep me happy. I'm glad I know this about myself. Life is better when I don't feel gray like the sky. I stopped at Michaels to pick up some things for my FFBE pal's box, and I saw these for only $1 a stem. I already had the vase and marbles at home. I'll enjoy these as I decorate for fall.
Healthwise: The kids are still recouperating from this weeks's illness. 2 saw the Dr. on Wednesday, then went into Urgent Care that night for a breathing treatment. We dealt with this repeatedly for 5, but he's grown out of it some. She's still raspy when breathing. And it feels odd giving an inhaler to a 2 year old. I got results from my MRI. The good news is that I won't need surgery. Instead I was sent down to the lab for a blood test. Now they're trying to rule out RA. I feel like I've been in that building enough this week to get a job there. Right now, I'm super thankful that I live in Southern California and not some place chilly like Canada. Really, with the knee brace, it's throwing off my wardrobe. I don't have jeans that fit over the brace and it sticks to things like sweats. So I'm wearing lots of skirts. I get compliments everywhere I go...hmm what does that say about my usual style. Now, I have to decide if I should knit some leg warmers to wear with the skirts?! =0)

FFBE Weekly Topic (1)

As of this weekend, the season has officially changed on the calendar - but what makes Autumn feel like Autumn to you, and why?

Usually for me, it's FOOTBALL! But, no...I'm not a part of the Football-a-long this year. In high school, I went to EVERY football game. Even when I didn't "have to". And by "have to" I mean that I was always involved, so the cheerleaders have to be at all the games. Except, freshman cheerleaders weren't required to be at some away varsity games because of the travel involved. I still went. My freshman year our team won CIF. That game was SO COLD. It was played at a college stadium in Bakersfield. It was so foggy, that we couldn't see the stands on the other side of the field. My friend and I had each brought a sleeping bag to sit in...and small pocket heaters that backpackers use. I've never been so cold....or had so much fun. There was another COLD game during playoffs in my senior year. We were up in Kern County. The guys needed oxygen along with the water during timeouts. And for one game, we loaded into my friend's RV during half-time. No amount of jumping around could warm us up. What is it with December games...I mean...we live in Southern California.

Even after going away to college, I'd try to make it home weekends for games. My brother was on the team after I went to college. He was a lineman. And while I love football...I hope my kids choose something with less injuries.

I've been taking my kids to the J.V. games at my alma mater. They are usually in the afternoon...and they're free...so it's a fun time for the kids to run around. 2 loves to watch the cheerleaders. And the boys favorite part of last season was when the quarterback broke his arm and the local fire chief had to check him out. (It's great for the fire chief...he had a son on the team...but he could be at all the games because this was 'work')

Now if I could just find some sock yarn in our school's colors.

What is it that they say about pride???

That it always comes before a fall.

So last night, after I'd finished the waist shaping on the V-neck, I was feeling proud of myself. My knitting speed has definitely picked up over the last year...and I dreamed of wearing the sweater SOON. I decided that with the help of M, I would try it on. I didn't want to place all the stitches on waste yarn, so I put just enough and had M hold the tips of the needles while I slipped this over my head. Here's my fall...TOO BIG! Well, not insanely to big. I could wear this as a loose sweater, but the model photo shows the sweater more fitted. And I was hoping that this would be smallish on me, so when I loose 10 pounds, I could still wear it. My gauge is spot on. And I'm knitting the 36, which is the small. I knew that no way would I be a x-small. That might be my before pregnancy #3 self, but I can't seem to loose weight this time. So, how is this small too big? I can pinch 2 inches of fabric under each arm. What comes to my head...Knitting Daily...and Bertha...and negative ease! Are you KNITTING DAILY? Do you remember those posts? I decided that there was no way, at this point, that I would rip back and start from scratch. That doesn't mean that it might not come to that, but for now I'll try a more modest fix. I ripped back to just after the first set of paired decreases. I'm going to SSK, K1, K2tog, under each arm every 6 rows instead of the suggested 10. The shoulders seemed to fit ok...but I haven't knit the sleeves yet. I'll just have to wait and see what happens. I guess I can just be glad that it only took a few days to knit 10 inches. If it doesn't work...then I'll try an x-small. Who knew??? I wish that the knitting pure and simple pattern had more schematics. Is it just because I think like an architect, that I'd like to see the plan, with dimensions drawn for the sweater?

I hope this sounds coherent. It was a long night. 4 & 5 seem to be doing much better. 2 was up several times in the night. We're struggling to keep her fever below 102 (that's with Tylenol). And the humidifier is on but her croupy cough is scary. I've been up with her since 5:30...she didn't want to go back to sleep. In between getting her some juice, and more crayons...I'm typing. The sun is up now, so the scary part of the cough is past, but we may be heading to the Dr. today.

V-neck Update ***edited

Here's my Knitting Pure & Simple 3/4 sleeve. I'm excited about how basic this sweater is. I can see myself knitting another after I catch up with some of the projects in my stash. I'm having a hard time not casting on for 72 other things right now.

I finally made to the point where I'm working this in the round. I'll make much faster progress now that I'm not counting for the increases and neck shaping. Decreases every 10 rows are easier to remember. The weather has cooled off quickly this fall. Maybe I'll have a chance to wear this before December. If I can knit regularly this week I could finish the body before the weekend. Then on to the sleeves. And after that, I've got to get back to my Morestripes. I left that behind when I got to shaping. I want to wear it though....so I guess I must think and knit.

And today...we should be at MOPS. But, 3 kids with fevers. I guess it's a good thing that we finished those Minkies. They're off watching PBS and I'm checking blogs. Probably not much 'school' either today. I'm sure we'll do lots of reading and hot tea.

***I got this yarn and pattern in May. It's 80% acrylic and 20% wool. I sure hope that the neck doesn't roll in like it does in the photo...or I'll have to beat it into submission.

Minky

I've been sewing. Actually my mom's been sewing. I cut and pinned the pieces, but the 'gas pedal' for my sewing machine is something else you need your right leg for. 5 saw this green minky at my LYS (it's actually a quilt shop with a yarn corner). He'd been eyeing it since May. We finished his blanket last weekend.

And in our house you can't just make one of anything. So this weekend we took a family trip to Tall Mouse. 2 & 4 picked out their flannel and I chose the Minky to match. These blankets cost way more to make than to just buy...but the love is priceless!
You can tell that 4 isn't feeling well. He's had a cough all weekend. I'm just hoping that this time the cold doesn't have to travel through all 5 of us. His flannel was special, because of the orange kitties. With the extra fabric, we'll be making small blankets for their lovies.

Bracelet???

So, I finished the bracelet that I was talking about here. And, I'm not so in love with it anymore. When I first saw this in Lace Style, I had to knit it!!! (Miss Me...to save on the book budget...since that allows for more yarn...I check out knitting books at the library...that doesn't always work...but sometimes I'm glad that I didn't buy the book...although Lace Style is a book I'll be asking for for Christmas now!) I made myself finish my 2nd sock before I CO with the wire. It's cute, but what you can't tell from the photo is that it's way to big for my wrist. And, no matter how I stretch it, I can't get it to look like it fits.

So, I slipped it over a glass jar. I like this better, but I'm not sure this is the exact jar I'll use. And if it was going to be a votive in the first place, then there would have been many more beads.
Still, I'm glad I explored this technique. I think I'll find a way of getting the desired result. I'm still looking at these from Knitty, and these from Indigo Muse. And while googling to find any other knit jewelry I found these at Grammieknits. I thought of buying the kit that she did, but after seeing her own creations...and knowing I stink at following a pattern, I'm going to strike out on my own again. I sure would like to see what Ravelry has on the subject. But, I doubt I'll be in before Christmas. I totally wanted to avoid the "time suck" that people called. I don't want to give up knitting time. But, hearing how it may save me time in the long run convinced me to sign up. Of course, I'm soooo late to the party.

Healthwise: I had an MRI on Friday night. I'm so glad my head stuck out a bit. It's one thing to be claustrophobic...and still another to deal with the NOISE. They put headphones on me...but still, I couldn't think over the buzzing in my ears. Usually I'll sing to myself when I needed to feel calm. I couldn't think enough to remember the words to any song. I'm SOOO glad that's over. And I'll call for an appointment on Monday to meet with my orthopedist and go over the results.

Another Rose

I just wanted to share a bit of pretty today. This rose bush is in my front yard...and it's probably the only thing left that was here before we moved in. I love RED! And seeing this when I go out to my car always makes me happy.

Accessories

My finished socks! After I turned the first heel, I began to wonder if I really needed a practice sock. But, it turned out to be a good idea. Once the heel flap is 1 1/2", then you increase 3 sts evenly spaced along the row. The first sock has 3 little holes. I twisted the stitches I picked up on the 2nd sock, and what do you know...no little holes. The first sock also has a hole at the inside of the ankle...and the 2nd sock doesn't. I just pulled tighter. Are there any tips??? What are the places these little holes might appear and how should I avoid them??? I'm sure the holes will be smaller on tiny needles (not #5s) and with a fingering weight yarn (not dk), but still...who wants holes in their socks. And...the pattern calls for 2 balls of yarn. And each sock was knit with it's own ball of yarn. I think that I might have enough yarn left to make 2 a pair of socks! Any suggestions for kid socks??? Could I just knit the same sock on smaller needles? And shorten the leg and foot?

I learned a lot from these. I really liked the slip stitch heel. I like stripes of this yarn better in the stockinette than in a 2 x 2 rib. I probably would have liked a 3 x 1 rib. But, I think that the 2 x 2 makes my foot look fat. I know...are feet really fat? I never thought before that all my extra weight ended up in my feet. I'm ready for my next pair of socks...but I think Christmas knitting will keep me from getting to them soon. I'm going to ask for a sock club subscription for Christmas. =0) Are there any I should look at? I've been looking at Scout's Swag, Blue Moon, and I know about the Yarn Pirate.

My bracelet. I picked up the supplies at Michael's for less than $10. I thought this would make good gifts. But it's not easy knitting. For the K3tog, I ended up pushing the 3 sts off the needle. I would squish their loops together, then fold a length of wire together and thread it through. When I picked the loop up on a needle, then I would pull back the extra wire. This pattern row was so difficult that I knit 2 plain rows instead of 1 in between. And I don't think that I'll knit 12 rows. I think I'll end short for a narrower bracelet.

Just an Update.

Today is a busy school day, but I wanted to write about yesterday while it was on my mind.

Healthwise: I saw the orthopedist. Today I need to schedule an MRI. I need to ask about being backed in (so my head isn't in the machine) or if there is an Open MRI available. Especially since I can't take my ipod in with me. I have it loaded with music that's refocused me and gotten me through a bunch of touch days at the endodontist. The fun part...or the part that makes me feel 75...I have a temporary handicap placard for my car. This will really help at church...they're building a parking structure and so during construction parking is very limited. We used to walk from home...but M has been dropping me off all summer. And, this will help a ton in other places where I would encounter a full parking lot. For the last 9 weeks, I've pretty much just hung around home. But, we have to move on with life...even if I'm not back to full strength. At least I've perfected driving with my left foot. Yes...that was the biggest reason we didn't go far from home this summer. It's hard to drive with the left foot...and it took me awhile to get good enough to trust myself with kids in the car.

Kidwise: Yesterday, while I was at the orthopedist, one of my old youth group girls (she's a junior in college now) watched the kids. We'd seen her in August watching some other kids and they had a lemonade stand. My kids have been waiting for their turn. I totally can't get over that 5, 4, & 2...made $16.25 selling lemonade for 25 cents a glass. And A. made them count change...so there weren't a bunch of extra tips in the jar. They set up in front of our house during pick-up at the local elementary school. And they used lemons from the tree in our yard. My little entrepreneurs want to do this again soon.

Progress without Photos

I finished my 2nd sock!!! I'm so excited to have a pair. I was scared for a bit that I wouldn't want to knit the 2nd sock. But, I wanted to cast on for a bracelet and needed those size 5 DPNs. I could have ripped them out of the sock, but I figured that would do me no good. So, I trudged my way through it. That sock was ripped more times than anything else I've knit. First, because I was knitting the heel flap (is that what it's called) while I was waiting at the Dr. for the effects of my Epi-pen to wear off. It's hard to knit when your hands are shaking that badly...but I guess my brain was also a little fuzzy...I couldn't handle a k1 sl1. Then the toe. It was almost 11pm...but I wanted to finish so I could start the bracelet...I somehow forgot to decrease on the top of the foot, and only did the decreased on the bottom of the foot. And I didn't realize this until I only had the 10 stitches on the bottom...and couldn't figure out how there were still 22 stitches on the top of the foot. Duh! When I ripped back, I must have started the toe too soon. So I had to rip back and add 2 more rows so the 2nd sock wasn't shorter than the 1st. Seriously. But, they're done. I'll try to have M help me with photos. I will not contort my leg to get a photo when that might bring pain with it.

I cast on for the bracelet. It's from Lace Style. I tried this a few weeks back with the recommended wire...but I struggled. I got some 28 gauge and tried again. It's still hard to do a K3tog. I think I'll love the finished product though. I knit on that a bit last night...but it's not the same as knitting with yarn. I wanted to do some wire knitting since I saw these napkin rings, and these tiny votives. I think I'll try a different pattern before I give up on it though. I think it's just the K3tog that's killing me.

I've to to work on some of my OTN projects. I'm learning why you should always take notes of where you left off when you set a project down. I've got 2 projects where I'll be reading my knitting to figure out where to pick back up.

Hibiscus (2)

This is sort of a cheater version of Friday Flowers. I almost forgot today was Friday. This is the Hibiscus that we bought my MIL on Mother's Day last year. My FIL sent me some pictures of the boys, and he included some of the hibiscus that's in a pot on their porch. So, I didn't take this photo...but it's recent. I love that orange! It reminds me of the sun at sunset.

I've Been Tagged!

I was tagged by Julie. Maybe becasue it doesn't happen very often, but I like being tagged. Or, maybe it's becasue someone is interested in my life...and when you're surrounded by toddlers all day, it's as though the world revolves around them and no one wants to know about me, Kristen. To little ones, only MOM is important.

So here goes with 8 random things about me:
1) I carry an Epi-Pen. I've used to think that I should hide that, because I was embarrassed. But after this week, I want to tell everyone I know. I have a Brighton wallet. There is a large zippered section on the back. That's where my Epi-Pen is. And I will make sure that people I spend a lot of time with know my triggers...and where the Epi-Pen is.
2) I've only traveled to 3rd world areas. Deep into Mexico, Rural Russia in 1993, and China in 1996 and 1998. Maybe these places don't qualify for the official definition of 3rd world...I didn't check into that before writing this...but there weren't real toilets...squatties don't count.
3) I was on my High School Drill Team...because I love the way the sequins on the uniform sparkle in the sun. I sometimes still sit and watch the rainbows my wedding ring makes in the sun. I love my husband!
4) I have a knitting machine that my Gram's brother bought me when I was 12. I haven't figured out how to use it. But, I want some knitted pillows for our living room, and a knitting machine would be a great way to quickly finish the backs.
5) My Dad has always built and sold custom wood furniture. He's currently a High School shop teacher. When we married, I had more power tools than my husband. (I miss the smell of fresh cut wood. I'll get back to that love when the kids are a bit older.)
6) For our anniversary last year, M and I took a Glass Blowing class at a local art glass studio.
7) I never looked into the link for the Yarn Harlot in L.A. I just assumed that I would go. I didn't see that reservations were needed until the spaces were filled. I guess that's best, because right now I couldn't walk from the parking to the auditorium.
8) I live close to a great used book store. A while back I bought Beth Moore's Praying God's Word for $8. This book has helped me so much, it's worth way more than the purchase price. It's more of a tool to use than a book to read.

I'll tag:
Nancy the first prize I ever won, the fist alpaca I've ever owned, the first hand dyed I've ever owned. And a great perspective on life...Days Go By.
Beth my first real commenter. She love's Third Day...and I do too.
Gail the first blogger I ever found. I was searching for homeschool stuff and saw her Tuesday Teatime. That's when I realized that knitters blogged.
Katie my SFBE swap partner...and a fellow blond.
Leslie my neighbor and mom of 4 boys!

I don't know why this took me so long to write. Maybe because I haven't given much thought to myself like this in awhile. Maybe because I woke up at 5am. But whatever...if this is too much and I've tagged you...and you can't continue this. Know that I won't be offended. Just, I tagged you because I want to know more about each of you =0)

FFBE Contest #2

1. Post on your blog, and give us SOME kind of secret "Bag in Progress" photo. You could share your yarn before you started, or a close up of your knitting, or the patterns you pondered when you began, or what you're still pondering! I alread did this here. I planned on using this Moda Dea pattern, but since I wasn't using the required yarn, I added more stitches. I knew that the SWS would felt small from my Sidekick experience. Anyways, now I'm not sure about the tabs for the scarf. I liked that you could swap the scarf out...and change the style of the purse. I especially thought that a child's belt would look cute in there. So...comments please. Should I continue with the tabs? Or is a that basic shape in a striped yarn too much with the tabs? I'm working on the i-cord handles...but then I'm ready to either add the tabs or felt.

2. Post a link to the blog of one other swapper that you 'met' and have continued to read through the 3-2-1 contact post! I've added Mommy + Knitter to my bloglines. She's a mom to 3 like me.


3. Post a link here telling me you entered! Done.

4. Do this no later than September 23rd! Done.

My Knee!

I know that some of you have been praying for my knee…and I wanted to say thank you. I saw an orthopedist today, and finally have an update. I fell July 12th. This Thursday will be 9 weeks. I had x-rays, but what I’ve damaged doesn’t show up on an x-ray. It’s the medial meniscus. I had a cortisone shot…and that’s where things got interesting. There was a mistake…and the nurse used iodine to clean my knee before they drained the fluid and gave the shot. I didn’t see all this happen because I was lying down. The Dr. walked out of the room…and the nurse stayed with me while I let the shot settle in. When I sat up…I saw the orange stain on my leg. I’m allergic to iodine. Quickly there were 3 additional nurses in the room. I had to use my Epi-pen. Then in the commotion, one of the nurses that came in wiped the blood that was running down my leg…and I saw she had latex gloves on. I’m allergic to that too! She had just come in and hadn’t seen my chart. I guess I shouldn’t go to these kinds of appointments by myself. When you’re lying down, someone has to be watching. Anyways. With the shot, I should feel 90% better by next Monday, or when I go back, we’ll discuss my surgery options. I would appreciate your continued prayers. I’m not asking that I wouldn’t need the surgery, but a quick healing would be wonderful. Just, with surgery, M will have to take a week off work since I wouldn’t be able to take care of the kids for a few days. And there are many other details to figuring all of this out. On the upside: I got practice with the Epi-Pen as I'd never used it before, and after the surgery...Lots Of Knitting Time!

A Pet!

Miss Me, if we lived closer then your cellar dweller could have come to live at my house. Instead, we went out and bought this today. No name for this little one yet. I'll write more about more about him/her? (how do you know?) soon...this will be our science for awhile. I think the kids are too excited to sleep. I wonder what they would do if we got the cat they've been asking for? Don't get me wrong...I love cats. That not why we're not getting one. Having a pet is like having another child. Feeding and caring for our new addition will be M's job. He's wanted one of these since he was a boy...and his parents always said NO. If we had a kitty, it would be my job to feed it...and right now, my quiver is full. When we do get a cat...it will be an orange one. Both of my boys sleep with Purrz. When they saw orange cats at the pet store they about came unglued. They couldn't figure out how God made an orange kitty to match their lovies. Well, off to knit. I've bound off on my FFBE bag, and I'm working on the handles. I'm also working on my 2nd sock...and today I picked up some wire and beads to knit with. Good night.

A Rose

Look what I found in my backyard!

A Rose
by Elizabeth
A lovely rose with petals soft

A scent so sweet and light

So beautiful a flower

With colors shining bright.

But something not so savory

About the fragrant rose -

The thorns, so sharp upon the stem,

That sharpen as it grows.

Yet still lovely is the flower

Despite the thorns that prick

Just as life and love are sweet

They too have thorns that stick.

But do not fear to live or love,

Life's not exempt from pain

-So pick a rose, you may get hurt,

But you will also gain!

I found this poem online when I was looking for something to go with my rose. I keep thinking about the "Life's not exempt from pain." There is a bunch of ugly going on around me...and in this world. But, if I hide from the pain...I will never experience beauty and joy. I'm praying for a friend who's left her husband...it seems we hear about when the husband leaves...but this time it's her...and she WAS my friend. I say was, because she's pushed everyone away. I was her last friend in June...and we've not talked since then. PAIN. Recently a friend of a friend's son has been diagnosed with Krabbe. He was fine until May, when he started stumbling. He has deteriorated quickly. He will be 3 on Christmas Eve, but at this point no one is sure if he'll be here then. This is so hard to watch. He's just 4 months older than my little one. We are on the prayer list for this little boy, and everyday I plead for his healing, and the strength of his parents. PAIN My Gram passed away in March of 2006. My Gramp lives alone. I see his PAIN. They had almost 65 years together. I know the beauty was worth the pain.

Sometimes, I want to be cautious, and to be protected from pain. God, help me to grow, to not hide from pain that You've intended to be my gain.

FFBE - My Pal's Bag

I'm making good progress on my pal's bag. I'm using SWS...I really liked the way it felted on my Sidekick. Here's a picture of the striping...but her bag isn't yellows, greens, and grays. I did a little photoshop in case she happened across my blog...and saw her favorite colors. I'm so happy with this bag...it will be perfect for fall. I may have to make one for myself...oh wait, I'm getting a new bag in the mail soon. This is so fun. I can't wait. I wonder what my bag will look like.

September Calendar

New calendars here. I just updated my desktop. I chose the sunset sky.

Sidekick

Here is my finished sidekick. The bag is cute. My strap came out longer than I expected, but it fits great "snugly under the arm if thrown over the shoulder." Just like the pattern said. Here's a instance when not all knitters knit equal. Nancy just posted her sidekick, and she only needed 1 1/2 skeins of the SWS. I went a wee bit into the third (just to finish the handle and the closure). This will probably be a gift, I'm just not sure for who yet.
Over the weekend, I CO for a sweater for myself. The yarn is Universal Classic Worsted LP in Indigo. I'm noticing quite a trend with denimy yarns. First my SFBE pals bag, then the Felissa bag, then the Sidekick, and now this. Guess I like denim more then I thought. I wish this sweater had finish dimensions in the pattern. I've been looking at Knitting Daily's galleries and I appreciate knowing how sweaters fit different bodies. I'm knitting a size small here...because I want a snugger sweater. And then I'll pick up extra stitches for size M sleeves. (My arm are big from carrying 2 around...she's 37#) That should give me the fit I want, but I wish I would know before I get so far into the sweater that it's a pain to rip back. I'm well into the neck shaping. I think I'll "try it on" when I attach to work in the round. I'd like to figure out how this pattern works...because I could see making it in different yarns...maybe one for my mom.

Felissa Bag

I've been meeting with M's cousin once a week to teach her to knit. She chose a pattern from my Pursenalities book, and I made the same bag along with her. This was a great first project since you knit 25 purl 6 knit 25 purl 6 (or something like that) each round. She got the hang of knits and purls quickly. I felted mine this week. I wanted to photograph my finished bag with her pre-felted bag, but I don't think that's going to work out. I need this as a gift, and her bag still needs the I-cord and crochet finishing. The finished bag is really cute, and dried perfectly with a box of Delux Mac & Cheese inside. It's little, but with a long strap so it can be worn messenger bag style. It still needs a closure. I opted to add a magnet instead of the button loop shown in the pattern. This was fun...since I knit with a friend.