Fushia

It's not quite Friday on the West Coast yet, but I'm going to get this up early for tomorrow. Here's my Friday Flower. I've been unable to be consistent this summer, but this is a really special flower. It's a Fushia. From my Gramp's backyard. I'm just home from Napa, and trying to get ready for the first day of school on Monday, so things are a little crazy. When I'm scattered, flowers make me feel centered.

My Gram taught us to pop open fushia bloom when they looked as if they would burst. It was such a joy watching my 3 at their Great-Gramp's house popping flowers as I have done so many times. I've got some special memories of our trip to share, and some almost FO's so I hope to be back to blogging. I've missed typing my thoughts.

Blue Skies!

Last week, there was some Blue Sky in my mail box. Isn't it lovely. This is a present from Allison. It was such a surprise! And looking at it on the shelf in my living room is like feeling a hug every time I glance at it. I KNOW that my gray cloud can't follow me forever. And glimpses of Blue Sky help to maintain HOPE! (Thank You Allison!!!) Any ideas of what I should make? This I definitely want to be for myself. I want to try to make these handwarmers with this yarn. I had to buy new needles. And now I have them. So as soon as the blanket is done I'll start some smaller projects. This probably should be a hat...in honor of Allison. And it will be cute at a set...that's not so matchy matchy. Any good pattern suggestions? Or is it calling to be a scarf?

This week:

Blogwise: I've been interrupted by a lousy email that is trying to kill my computer. Somehow it got stuck on send...and I've been receiving it every 5 minutes for over a week. I now have it set to permanently delete but it's still clogging my inbox. This was from a family member. She's so sorry to the 50 people that are stuck in this dilemma. But, that does nothing for my outlook. On the plus side...my Gmail is unaffected. I can still email all my bloggy friends.

Yesterday I was interrupted by a puddle in my yard...that turned into a new water heater. I'm so thankful that my water heater is in a little closet off the garage. There was no yucky puddle in my house. And this was a good reminder about how much I take hot water for granted. It's a luxury that many in our world don't have. Many don't even have clean water, let alone running water. I'm so grateful for the blessings I have.

Knitwise: Last night I added the 5th ball to the Wedding Afghan. Thanks for all the lovely comments. I know a knitter would swoon over a gift like this. I hope that a non-knitter gets that it's a gift of love. And...I sort of feel bad about giving anything of warmth in June...in Las Vegas.

Some of my knit time this week was sucked into a g00gle calendar. I had a curriculum meeting with another homeschool mommy. She brought over all the books she's ordered for next year...and I shared mine with hers. That was fun. Do I really have no life when I get excited about text books? And then I started a g00gle calendar for our school year. I just love that I can print in month/week/agenda! And...sharing calendars...that's so fun. I am easily amused.

Kidwise:
I though I'd try a fun/easy experiment for my kids. We picked some more Shasta Daisies from the yard. Then, I added Wilton purple food coloring to the water. So, do you have any idea why they flowers turned a bit aqua? My Friday Flowers this week have been in my kitchen since Tuesday...getting a bit more aqua with each day.



And...did you notice that the aqua matches the Blue Sky yarn? This must be my new color of HOPE.

A Wedding Afghan

I don't know yet if this is a mistake or not, but I picked up this pattern book at Michael's of Afghans and Throws to knit in 10 hours. I was glad that most of the patterns were on US #15 and not the 50's that most speed patterns call for. I use #15's for my felted bags, and those are quick, but not uncomfortable. I cast on May 3rd. But then when we had heat spells, I couldn't work with this on my lap. Then I had to finish my Clapotis...the KAL deadline had already passed. And then I had to work on my socks...because it was hot...and they are small. So, I picked this up again with the cooler weather. I've knit 2 balls of yarn, and I attached the 3rd last night during Grey's. Here's where I'm at...

The pattern was for a throw, and the finished dimensions were 54 x 42. I wanted it larger, so I added 2 extra 16 stitch repeats.

I really like the lace pattern. And the 10 rows are easy to memorize. I have markers in between the repeats and that's helping with seeing the stitches on this fuzzy yarn. It's Paton's Divine. That's 76.5% Acrylic, 10.5% Wool, and 15% Mohair. Which means don't knit this while wearing black pants.


This is for the wedding I'll be in Vegas for June 21st. It's M's cousin. I hope the happy couple likes this. And I hope that I can finish this in the time I have left. That means that I'm really counting on June gloom (our So. Cal foggy mornings in the month of June).

I'll leave you with a few Shasta Daisies I picked from my yard. They've been a bit of sunshine for me this week. And my blue skies...well they came from Northern California.


This is how brain dead I am this morning. I think it's the end of school that's done this to me. I put the memory card into the card reader to download my photos, then I took my camera to set up and take photos of some yarn. I make this whole little display, and my camera tells me NO MEMORY CARD. Duh. So...yarny blue skies to follow. ;0)

Out my window.

Awhile back while driving up the 57, I had to take this photo out the window. (I was in the passenger side.) This is the one time of year the hillsides are pretty. I love these yellow flowers. I refuse to call them weeds. Though, if they took over my yard, I'm sure I'd think differently.

I had M pull over to get a better shot. Here's a bit closer. Aren't they just so light and airy.

And check out my car knitting. It totally matches. Of course I didn't see that until I was home and looking at the photos on Picasa. But, I did like the folds of the green in my lap so I took a shot. This is my 2nd hat. I'm almost done...so I'll felt these soon.

And here's a close up of the bloom. Happy Friday!

Have a wonderful weekend.

The Yard...part 1

Beth asked to see my GIANT Bird of Paradise. To be honest, I'd been thinking of doing some cute sketches for documentation of our yard. I saw this here last year. And I know I could totally do that. And M has done a fantastic job on our yard...but you know how all time seems to get sucked up. Well, I may do those sketches one day. But for now...here's the left side of our driveway. We don't have a huge yard...those are hard to come by in So.Cal...and our house is little too. But, I like it. We've made it ours. The BoP was the only thing there when we moved in. And those things are like icebergs...more under the surface than you see above. The only way that thing is moving is with a bulldozer. (Can you see how it hides my Expedition? I actually had to move so you could see the tail end of it.) So, since it was staying, I chose oranges and purples for the plants surrounding the BoP. That salmon geranium is definitely a favorite. Just below the flax there is some white trailing lantana and statice. To the left of the BoP are 2 Pampas grass...just right now they're trimmed back. I like that this grouping hides us from the street. When our butterfly bush fills in, I'll take a photo of the right side of the driveway...and then move into the backyard. It's time to start visiting the local arboretum too. Hopefully soon we'll have some new blooms.

A party at my house...

4 turned 5 this week. Today we're having the party. Lots of wild things and monster trucks at my house tonight. I'm really working on the Supermom part of this. His party is low key. Mostly just a family dinner. M took the day off. He'll take 5 to buy the balloons and stuff. I already have a 31 flavors cake. I'm just hoping and praying that I can stay calm...and not get worked up over how clean my house is. I mean with 4 other people running around today...there's no point. I'm going to keep reminding myself that this party will be remembered for the fun we had. Not whether or not I was able to wipe down all the sticky surfaces. Really...with 6 sets of fast fingers I can't keep up.

Here's some flowers from my yard. The Bird of Paradise in our front yard is gigantic. I think someone planted it then never pruned it...then we moved in. The mound of flowers is about 6' in diameter at the base. The leaves splay to about 10' in diameter and it stands about 8' tall. It hides the view of M's car from the street.

I love these Narcissus. I love that they make the whole yard smell wonderful. I've just learned that I don't like the smell of them in my house.

And when I went out to snap these photos...there was the most gorgeous sunset. I just had to share. Now, I don't know how to adjust all the settings on my camera even though I can. I don't even know if my photo does the God who turns the Earth in His hands justice.

What makes me happy...

I know that life is an exercise in focusing on the beauty and ignoring the dirt. Pouring yourself into eternal things and not getting tangled up what doesn't really matter at all. Being a glass overflowing rather than a glass with a few drips. (Yes, I'm skipping right over the 1/2 - full / 1/2 - empty.) I KNOW these things, yet it takes effort for me to not look at the mess that surrounds me...and see the smiling faces that greet me at 6:15 every morning. So, I'm focusing on what makes me HAPPY.

My azalea. My mom bought this for me when I moved into my first apartment. It lived in a pot by my front door. I've managed to keep it all these years...in spite of the newspaper kid who always managed to get my neighbor's paper stuck in my azalea...in spite of the kiddos in my yard now who like to use clippers and don't know the difference between precious plants and weeds. My azalea is blooming right now. I can see her from my knitting chair. That profusion of hot pink makes me HAPPY.

I love the deep purple of these iris. These were in the yard when we moved here...so it's always a pleasant surprise when they bloom.

I almost ripped this sedum out when we moved in...it was a little burnt on the edges of the leaves in August. But in February every year...look at these pretty little stars.

Look closer....Those little stars make me HAPPY.

And I don't like to do dishes...and we make a lot of them. But, I love my kitchen sink. It's in the corner. And these windows look out to the driveway and front door. I LOVE my little IKEA tree and decorate it for the seasons. I've just changed the decor...but last week I took this photo of my Valentine's day decorations. You can barely see my heart flag hanging out the right window. But, this little corner...makes me HAPPY. And I can tell you, it's not the overflowing sink of dirty dishes.

And this was a MOPS craft that I wasn't able to finish during our table time (probably because I was nursing 2...not that she's still nursing...but this craft is probably 2 years old.) Anyways, I found this with all the supplies and partially put together. I added some scripture that I'm trying to memorize. And this makes me HAPPY.

We had a field trip on Wednesday. That made me HAPPY.

Now...what makes you HAPPY? Maybe this will turn into a little contest. But, I'll surprise you on that one. =0)

Friday Again? Already!

My Mom bought me a bunch of Gerbera Dasies from Trader Joe's. Aren't these pretty?

Last night I CO for another washcloth. I'm trying to make 2 for each of my kids Easter Baskets. In fun colors for them to use in the tub. 2 was up late so that was the only knitting I could do with her on my lap. I've been bringing these to Bible Study with me. I sit in the back...and I've already finished 2 cloths. I just don't like to CO while listening...then I can't count. And I worked a bit on my Jaywalker after she finally fell asleep...just before M came home from his Bible Study. I've been at the spot where I finished the heel flap and needed to PU stitches for a month now. But, often I just can't count. I'll have to learn about sock patterns where there is no counting. I read something on WendyKnits about her heals designed so she doesn't have to count while commuting. I think that sounds like something for me. So, now it will be smooth knitting until the toe. I really want to wear these socks before it's too warm. Must. Knit. Faster.
And while movie watching last weekend with M, I CO for a new project. I'll tell you about it when I get photos taken.

Catch Up?!

I'm not sure if this will really have me back up to date. And even then, I'm only caught up on this blog. The rest of my life is still 2 weeks late. I guess, what should I expect, I was born 2 weeks late (1). And ever since then, I've had this thing about being on time...or better yet early. I walked at 9 months (2). I was spelling as soon as I could talk...OK, my first word was C-O-K-E...because I wanted soda from my dad and my parents spell talked thinking I wouldn't get it...so why do M & I spell now in front of our kids (3). I've rushed through so many things, only to get myself back to being 2 weeks behind. I think I should call it a wash...and just give up.

Here's my soon-to-be-felted-tulip. I knit this in December, and finally photographed it 2 weeks ago. And then that time warp kept me from getting the photo to my blog. This will have to count for my Friday Flowers since it's raining too hard to go outside and take pictures.




I've been tagged for more things than I remember right now. I know that some people find tags and memes obnoxious. I don't. In fact, I'm truly flattered. In school, my friends called me Barbie...thin, blond, California Girl with a boyfriend who drove a brand new Mustang (M). I didn't see what they saw. I was still afraid of not fitting in. I think that's why I love getting tagged, it makes me feel special to someone (5). Isn't that all we really want. It's like not getting picked last in P.E. Also, in my whole life, I never won anything except a french fry radio that didn't really work...Until Now! The radio was in some raffle at a McD's. All students who had participated in the jog-a-thon got a free lunch. I put my free lunch coupon into the raffle after getting my meal and won a radio shaped like an order of fries. Seriously that's it. And now, just since the beginning of the year, I've won at Allison's blog (oh, wait...that was just before the New Year). Michelle's blog. & The marshmallow contest. Should I go buy lottery tickets? I've never bought a lottery ticket before (6)? Or, maybe just enter another contest. Miss Me, my first upstream swap pal is having her bloggiversary...and her first contest. Go here to enter. I seriously can not believe I've won so much. Maybe this is just a hint that 2008 is going to be so much better than 2007.

Now...will getting caught up here help me put away my Christmas decorations? They are in a giant pile...I just can't get them into the tubs that they came out of. How is that? The only new thing was a Christmas tree skirt. I might have to give in and buy a new Rubbermaid. That's not going to fit my system because I label my containers and the new Christmas container would be out of sequence. (7). I am a dork. Guess that's why I worried about fitting in. Just don't tell anyone about my alphabetized CD's. (Hey...that could be #8)

If you're a careful reader...you noticed the numbers. There's my Random 7 for Dorothy (rules are at the bottom). And...I've been awarded the YOU MAKE MY DAY award by Julie and Krissy. How cool is that for someone who likes to be tagged?! OK...I'm not tagging anyone right now. I started this post last night, but I was falling asleep. So, I had to finish the links this morning. And, if I take anymore time my kids might have a mutiny.

7 Random Facts Meme

Here are the rules, and they must be posted to your blog. Link to the person’s blog who tagged you. List seven random and/or weird facts about yourself. Tag seven random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs. Let each person know that they have been tagged by posting a comment on their blog and also so they can look at your blog and not tag the same people all over again!

Felt Fridays?

For weeks now, I've had the intention of showing you a felted flower on Friday. The weekend M & I were away in December, I took my flower kit from Ursula to the beach. Sure seems appropriate for her too given that I was engaged in her fiance's hometown. Anyways, that was a fun, quick knit. I finished the tulip that weekend. And it has been awaiting it's trip through the washer for too long. So, do I have that ready today....NO. I wish I did.

Instead, this is where I give a basic update and you pretend there are photos. Some year when I catch up...I'll add posts to document the FO's.

MoreStripes: Finished January 12th. I wore it to church the next day and no one said a thing. I'm not sure if that's a good thing...because it didn't look 'homemade' in a bad way. But, that could have been because it looked horrible on me...all those horizontal stripes when I need to lose a few pounds. Doesn't matter. I LOVE IT!

Felted Bowl: I finally knit one. I think that's how I originally found Beth. But, I digress. It was super quick. And so fun. And not another felted purse. (Not that I don't love the ones I've received, but I've knit so many I've run out of people to give them too.) I see more of these in my future.

Purl Critter: I'm not showing a photo...so I think it's safe to say what fun knit I'm working on for my Hot Cocoa Swap Pal. I'm using a sock yarn...bet you can't guess which one?!

M's Hat: (ravelry link) I have a basic pattern to start from, but this is a cloche not a beanie. And I don't think M will look good with the eyelet row. But, I'm so glad I found this pattern. I've CO and frogged 2 times. Now, I've CO and knit 12 rows, and I'm going to have to frog again. The hat only 'stretches' to 20". And I say 'stretches' because it doesn't stretch. This hat would be snug on 6...his head measures 20 1/2". My head is only 21. But, M's head is 23". His hair is thinner every year, and I think soon, he'll need hats to keep warm in winter. So, I'll keep working on this one even if I don't finish it in time for our cold days this year.

My Jaywalkers: I'm ready to start the heel. I enjoyed knitting these when I didn't need to check back with a pattern. I wish all my knitting could be from memory. I'm just not there with socks yet.

So, I need to CO for something else. These are projects I have the pattern AND yarn for. Do I revisit my KP&S V-neck? Do I start my Lily Cardigan? Or, do I CO for a cute little bag. (My MIL gave me the Disco Lights for Christmas.) I'll still work on the socks and the hat and the critter, but I need something with substance since my MoreStripes is a FO.

And...Look what I found in my yard. It was such a suprise. I totally forget where they are planted from year to 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.

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.

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

I made it through 2 more days...

I made it through Wednesday. I LOVE our homeschool Co-op! I brought a parachute and some balloons to play with the 2 & 3 year olds (3 moms 5 kids). That was so much fun!!! And the bright colors are enough to cheer the day. The boys were out in the pool house learning about CANADA. I'm so behind on my other blog, I have yet to write about that lesson or MEXICO last week...but I will get to it.

M leaves for work at 4:30 am...and Wednesday he didn't get home until after the kids were sound asleep. That doesn't happen a lot, but the kids are so sad...and I'm so tired. We really miss him.

I made it through Thursday. We had a fire in the fireplace and lots of library books in the morning. All that reading made me want to get to my book. I was tricky. After I put 2 down for a nap, I filled the tub. Each boy got 30 minutes in the tub...and I got an hour to read. It was chilly in the house...and I didn't want to turn on the heater...so I just turned on the heated bed pad...and the kids snuggled with me and a book when not in the tub. I finished reading The Robe! I won't spoil it. I also finished the PowerPoint for my Dad's Memorial service this Saturday. That's where all my image editing time has gone. If I could do that all day instead of clean the house and laundry, I probably would. I spent a lot of time in Photoshop with my before kids.

Today our EF visits (educational facilitator). I know she's understanding...but I'm still nervous about the lack of schooling these last 3 weeks. Her last visit was the day my dad went into the hospital. I know that having the kids close at times like this are part of the reason I homeschool...but I have a hard time when I feel like I'm just scraping by as a mom...and not really being a teacher. I know all mom's must feel this...but that doesn't make me feel better.

Now, on to the weekend...then looking for a fresh start. Hopefully I'll have lots of knitting pictures for the blog. It's been gray outside...now I get why people struggle to photo knitted items in bad light.

I just realized...it's Friday. Here's some flowers. My husband's office sent these. The basket is HUGE.

Sureal...

There's no other way to describe this week. Today, these were delivered to my house. Thanks MOPS ladies! And we've had 3 yummy dinners delivered. It's been great to have the support of family, our Sunday School class, my MOPS table, and our homeschool group as we try to regain equilibrium here.

Yesterday was the service at the Riverside National Cemetery. Here's a few photos of the day.



My Mom received the flag from the honor guard. She was so grateful to be holding 4 on her lap through the service. There's nothing like the cuddles of a little one to sustain a Nana's heart.


My hand placing 5 roses (for the 5 in my family) as a final good-bye.

My mom had chosen a "pine box" as that's what the woodworker in my dad would have wanted. And while this is "good-bye" for now. I am so grateful that I have the assurance we'll be reunited in heaven one day.

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)