If you're squeamish, don't click through here.

Oh. My. Word. It's midnight and I'm having trouble sleeping. I struggle with panic and anxiety. I'm praying for emotional healing there. But, in the mean time, there are certain things that hit my panic buttons. Throw up is one of them. (This was a problem for me in the past, but it got so much worse in 1998 when I was terribly ill in China.) Just the thought that one of my kids might be sick can send me over the edge. Well, today was horrible...and great all at the same time.

7 sat on the living room floor after dinner and complained about a headache. I told him not to shake his head, because his brain didn't need to be bouncing around in there. He cuddled up on the couch next to me while I checked my emails. I kissed the top of his head and he didn't even wipe it away. He went down the hall to play in his room and about 1 minute later, he was standing at the end of the hall (right where I could see him from my vantage point on the couch). He said, "Mom, I know why my head hurt, I just threw up." And as he spoke those words, vomit sprayed from his mouth. I told him to run to the bathroom quick. He did...but threw up many more times on the way. It took me & M forever to clean it all up. He covered his bed, and we had just changed the sheets. There were 2 spots on the bedroom floor. One spot at the end of the hall. And a giant pile by the door to the bathroom (where the vacuum happened to be sitting and the unwound cord was right in the pile). Then the entire bathroom floor was covered. He eventually did throw up in the toilet, but not for another 30 minutes or so.

Now for the good part. I didn't completely freak out. I won't say I enjoyed myself. But, in the past I've come so unglued that I had to walk out into the back yard for fresh air. I would ring my hands and rock back and forth. I would be having an all out panic attack. Today I didn't! I'll claim that as a victory even thought it's after midnight and I'm still not able to go to sleep. I fixed a glass of 7up with a straw for 7. I got M a bucket and paper towels and a spatula for the carpet. (If you've never thought of this before, a spatula picks up big pieces quick. I also have used a spatula when the kids spill yogurt on the kitchen floor. It squeegees the floor and then I can grab a rag and cleaner.) I loaded the washer with the bedding. M scooped up the majority of the mess on the carpet. Then I used the floor cleaner to pre-treat those spots while M moved on to clean the bathroom mess. After about 1 1/2 hours of cleaning, we put 7 in the bath to clean off himself. He was feeling 100% better when he got out of the tub so I'm wondering if he was allergic to the rice in our soup. He's never really liked rice. M continued with the carpet cleaner and I took a bag of trash over to the school dumpster (I didn't want that smell hanging around). Then I used bathroom cleaner on the bucket. I used a bleach solution on the cord to the vacuum. I changed the load in the washer. I put a blanket on 7's bed for him to lay on top of and then a towel over his pillow. I took 5 to brush her teeth and get in her jammies in my bathroom. (8 was with my mom so he missed this event.) Once the kids were settled I went in to clean the toilet and the bathroom floor. When I finished with that M was praying with the kids and telling them good night. Then I moved on to use comet to clean the kitchen sink. I ran the dishwasher with everything from dinner and the strainer I'd used to bleach some toys and the spatula from the carpet. I started another load of laundry and then I mopped the kitchen floor (I was convinced that our feet that were walking on the yucky carpet had tracked germs into the kitchen.) It was after 11 when I finished with the floor. 7 had thrown up around 6:15. I'm too anxious to go to bed, but I'm trying to focus on the victory I had in being able to be the Mom. I am SO THANKFUL that this didn't happen yesterday when we were driving home from Napa. This would have been disastrous in my car. I'm praying that this was some fluke and not a bug that we'll all pass around now.

If anyone has actually read this...you deserve an award. I so wouldn't have read this. It would have made me panic. ;0) I think it's TMI, but I had to post this for myself. If you do happen to read this...pray for our health around here. This was a bad bug and it really hit out of no where. I'm praying that it doesn't hit the rest of us. And, I'm wondering if I need to have 7 allergy tested. Ok...it's almost 1am. I'm going to knit since I'm up...and I think I just heard the dryer buzz.

Wrapped in Hugs!

I'm just going to pretend I posted this a long time ago. You know you're really bad about posting things when a friend sees a new shawl in the living room before I blogged a Thank You. My internet connection was horrible 2 weeks ago and last week was monopolized by Little House Camp. I blinked and July is almost over. At the beginning of the month I had an MRI. I'm horribly claustrophobic. I remember how terrified I was of that little tube when I had the MRI on my knee. I took a little pill and asked a lot of friends to pray this time. And then Friday morning...I read that a friend was sending me a HUG in the mail. On top of that, I read What's That Noise and it SO encouraged my heart. How could this not be a good MRI? God had full knowledge of the scary things in my life. He has allowed it, because He knows what's best for me. He didn't just leave me there, He's holding me when I tremble. When I arrived, I was impressed with the new 3T machine. The bore is SO much bigger. I almost felt calm. I know the prayers of my friends and family were with me.

So, since M asked for some knitting, I figured that he owed me some photos. I couldn't get shots of myself in the shawl. Here I am...wrapped in a New Jersey Hug! Thanks Grace! I love the shawl. In the box there was a little mouse too, but it seems that my little mouse (5) took it to her room before I got a photo.

I love the span on this shawl...it's really generous and wraps around so cozy. It was even chilly enough for me to enjoy it a few mornings which is super rare for July. I'm counting that as a gift from God too. Since we're not running our AC, we really appreciate the cooler temps.

I really think this shawl was destined to live in L.A. I mean...don't you see Laker purple and gold?! ;0) My kids love that.

I can't wait for the cooler temps to return. So I can wear more hand knits.

Finally less Loopy!

If I meant Loopy, as in the Loopy Ewe, then I wouldn't want less of that. But, I've been LOOPY for a month because of the combination of pain killers and muscle relaxants that I've been taking. I saw my primary care DR on Monday, and she had me start weaning off some of those pills that the Ortho had recommended. She also gave me some fancy pain patches. The patch is 4" x 5" and I cut it in half and place it on my left and right lower back. It REALLY helps. But, it's not enough for me to be completely off the other meds. I also have a referral to a rheumatologist. This really is quite a journey. I have a lot to post about. Hopefully, now that I can think straight and type I'll get some overdue things up here.

Just a Quick Update...

My blood is all good. No RA, No Lupus, and good white cell count which means No Cancer.

I saw the orthopedist yesterday and came home with 3 new prescriptions. I started 2 yesterday and I'll start the 3rd today. I'm just careful. I had a reaction to the new prescription I had about a week ago. A muscle relaxant and 2 for pain. I wasn't realizing this, but my back muscles are still spasming. Before we (me and the team of DRs) can make progress, we have to stop the pain cycle. It is good to know that this is not anything BIG. Although, none of this rules out Fibro...

Knit Stop-Motion

You HAVE to see this commercial!

It's a busy week here. I had to visit the lab yesterday for a blood draw. Today is my last physical therapy appointment. Thursday I visit the orthopedist to have him look at my back. I've been not talking a lot about it because I'm trying to pretend it isn't happening. I've been in pain since Thanksgiving. I take advil with each meal. At first I didn't go to the Dr. because everyone that was going had H1N1 or some other germ/cold/flu. I didn't want to get sick in the waiting room. I held out until January (the holidays were over) and then I went to the Dr. Trying to handle things with non invasive treatments she sent me to physical therapy. I've been working on core strength. That is something I needed, but now it's obvious my pain is more than just a weak core. If you think of it, could you pray that the Ortho DR really sees what's wrong? And that the blood tests show what they need to. At this point, the DRs are thinking RA or Fibromyalgia or something else in the auto-immune spectrum. I really don't want to be needing a DR with all the HealthCare DRAMA!

Color Days

I'm off to Physical Therapy and the Dr again today. These appointments 2x a week are eating up my blogging time. I'm praying that we can find out more about what's causing my back pain.

We've got a friend coming for dinner tonight to celebrate St. Paddy's Day! It will be fun. I'll take lots of pictures. But, to give the blog some life in the mean time...here's some fun links to our old color days.

It all started with GreenDay. Then came...

PurpleDay

BlueDay

OrangeDay

We did celebrate RedDay but I forgot to take pictures. And YellowDay didn't happen in 2008 because my hubby was laid off. These color days have been a favorite in our family. We continue to celebrate colors and letters. This week, for example, is "Y" week. Every Monday, the kids have Muffin Tin Monday lunch.

This time it included Yoplait, Yo Go's, and other yellow things. I had left over puff pancake that they dipped in lemon curd. I love that my kids LOVE lemon. I added the carrots and apple just to keep them healthY. And YES, my 7 loves Yellow mustard. He sucked it right out of that little packet.

The others didn't get mustard in their MTM. The rest of "Y" week includes "Y" manuscript practice for the boys (8 learned cursive this year). 4 has been learning her letters all year. She'll be writing well before she starts Kinder next year. She has a page that is manuscript practice, a page that is phonics practice, and then we make a collage with magazine pictures of the "Y" sound. We started these letter days/color days when 8 was in Kinder and now 7 & 8 like to go with to the store to pick out the fun foods for our letter day.

ACK! and YUM!

ACK! I was going to start the decreases on the 2nd front of my Heathered Hoodie...after 5 repeats of the XO cable pattern...and somehow my gauge on this front was off. AGAIN! So, I frogged it and I'll knit this front for a 3rd time, checking with the other front after each repeat. I think on my next sweater I'll knit both fronts at the same time!

YUM! I got the Pioneer Woman's cookbook for Christmas. I made her scones yesterday morning. We changed out the pecans for walnuts because we have TONS of walnuts from when M picked them in Napa. M is thrilled with this recipe. Maple & Walnuts! The only thing that could make this better for him would be bacon. This is a cruddy time for me not to be eating wheat*. I took one bite. But, I don't want to risk it with eating more.

*Healthwise* In December I gave up gluten. This wasn't some fad diet for me. In recent years, 2 of my cousins have given up gluten and felt tremendously better. For them it helps with the pain of Fibromyalgia. One horrible day in early December I ate a packet of instant oatmeal for breakfast (trying to use up things we have) and a flour tortilla (bean burrito) for lunch. I had the worst stomach pains ever. I know that instant oatmeal has added gluten. I'm sure the tortilla had all sorts of other bad things in it too. I felt like I'd eaten a bottle of glue...yes, that's gluten for you. The next day I gave up gluten. I felt SO much better 48 hours later. For 30 days I was gluten free. Then I added back oats (but only steel cut oats), so I'm not truly gluten free anymore. And I'll have soy sauce if a recipe calls for it. But, I'm still not eating wheat. At a birthday party on the 31st, I thought I'd try a cookie (my Italian friend makes the best Italian Almond Cookies with Icing). I paid for it the next day with a bloated tummy and a tummy ache. So that pretty much will keep me from trying to eat wheat for some time.

I owe the blog a post....

this will either take 3x the normal post or have numerous typos. I just typed that 4 x. Last week, I injured the pointer finger on my left hand and now I'm wearing a fancy brace until I decide to go to the Dr. My bro...came over yesterday after the pumpkin launching contest at the local university...he taped it up for me. This really is harder than it looks. But the worst part of the injury...I'm a continental knitter...it's my left pointer...My Yarn Finger. Last week I was having a hard time purling, but I persisted. Now, I think I'm going to have to learn to 'throw' if I want to keep knitting.

I've got photos of the pumpkin carving and the pumpkin patch to share. I've got a boy turning 8 this week and there will be much cake to celebrate. I finished Ishbel, but she still needs blocking. AND...I won a contest over at Chan's! That's big news! There will be photos soonish.

My hunt and pecking is driving me nuts. Never take one finger for granted.

I don't have a fancy title...

Ok...so I didn't win the bike in my sidebar. But, you can see who did here. I think she deserves it way more than I did.

Kidwise: VBS was last week at our church. It was so fun for the kids. I don't think I actually relaxed any more by not working at VBS. I was busy keeping 4 having fun while her boys were at church. 6 really understood things more completely this year, and after church on Sunday he prayed to accept Christ. I'm praying that he grows in his faith.

Healthwise: 7 had his ear rechecked on Friday at our primary care Dr. She was concerned enough to send us on to an ENT. We saw the ENT on Monday. There is a large scab on the eardrum keeping his hearing from returning to normal, but it appears that the hole in the eardrum is healed. The ENT looked into the ear with the normal scope, then took 7 down the hall to use a microscope. He can get the ear wet now...and we'll go back in 6-8 weeks to see if the scab has fallen out. Pray it falls out on its own, or we'll have to look at having it removed. =0(

Knitwise: The positives out of the Dr's appointments...knitting time for me. Bummer though because I ripped out all the progress I made. I'm working on the Sanity Socks from last August. I had a completed set, but one sock was too big. I decided it was worth frogging and making the socks the same. I've been so stressed out, I was knitting too tight and now that 2nd sock was 1/2" smaller (width) than the 1st. I'm starting on that sock for the 4th time!

Schoolwise: I can't believe our First-Day-of-School is less than a month away. I'm so not ready. But then...I am ready to be back to our routine.

Sorry there's no photos...this is how I started the blog when the little ones were 5, 3, & 1. Updates and stories. Things I needed to remember...and things I need to process. So many friends have been talking about the changes in blogging...and bloggers disappearing. I know life is SO BUSY. That's just it for me. But, this blog is SO important to my mental health...I'll continue...even if no one reads. The friends I've made here are just a bonus. I'll do my best to blog...even if that means less photos. I'm blogging from my laptop...all the photos are on the external drive with my desktop. Hmm...I need to figure this out.

Home from the Dr.

7's eardrum burst while we were in the waiting room. He's got an antibiotic. Hope the throwing up stops once the ear feels better.

I've got an antibiotic too. UTI for me.

Did I mention it's M's birthday tomorrow? Happy Birthday hubby! The cake is beautiful and since we're all feeling yucky there will be more cake for you.

Just Checking In...

I've had some fun posts planned in my head. Lots of Red White & Blue family fun. Some finished knits. Some kid art. But, the photos for all these things are on the desktop, and it seems I'm only on my laptop these days. I do need to update something...so here's the bullet points.

Healthwise:

• Only one kid had the tummy bug! That's a HUGE praise!
  
• I've not been feeling well though...something different though. I'm frustrated that I might have to go to the Dr. tomorrow.

Kidwise:

• Both boys have learned to swim! 2 down/ 1 to go.
• A lot of life feels like that (2 have learned to read, write, ride a bike, swim...and one to go...I don't want to miss the fun things that are happening right now...but I can see that my kids will demand less of me when all three can participate).

Momwise:

• I'm not sure if it's the laid back attitude of summer or what, but I'm feeling blue. I'm not sure how I want to fix this either.
• I'm not finding time for the things I need...reading, knitting, exercise.
• And I NEED to be purging too-small clothes from the kids closets.

Schoolwise:

• I'm working on planning school for next year. Mostly, this has me going through last years stuff and putting papers in the recycle bin. I'm also cutting up magazines for future collages (I save images we might need and get rid of the rest...boy did we have a lot of magazines.)
• I bought a cute ABC scrapbook for our Alphabet study next year. I've never really scrapbooked, but I think this will be a fun way to remember our year.

Knitwise:

• I CO for Cece (chic knits) for my mom. I hope I can have it finished for the start of school.
• I'm also working on finishing up some 2nd socks.

Guess that's it. I really want to work on Finding Joy in my everyday life. I think there's a book I need to buy.

*** ETA*** 7 (the one with the tummy bug that probably wasn't a tummy bug) threw up again this morning. This time I'm pretty sure it's an ear infection. I'm waiting until 9am to call the Dr. and try to get 2 appointments. One for him and one for me.

25%

I'm about 25% complete on my fingerless mitts.  I decided to only knit 5 repeats instead of 7 before increasing for the thumb.  I missed my counting and had knit 6 before I noticed.  I'm loving these mitts.  It's been so warm here though, I'm wondering if I should keep them or give them away.  

I'm 25% certain that I'm getting the COLD M has been fighting for the last week.  I'll probably be certain by morning.  It's that nasty thing going around with a sore throat and a fever and lingers for days.  M has been sick since Friday last week.  3 has been sick since yesterday.  The boys cough...but I think they're sill a normal temperature.

My computer has only 25% of it's life left.  It will no longer connect to the internet.  Thank God we chose to back up everything before the New Year.  We have another computer waiting...just need the time to do the swap.  Until then, I'm using my mom's MacBook (which I love).  I don't want to bother with photos on her computer...so no new WIP photos.  

I wish every day could be like this.

I can't believe all 3 of my kids are still sleeping. I think this is the latest they've slept in in a long time. It's almost 8am! I've had a full cup of coffee and some reading time before being bombarded with a zillion questions. I wish every day could be like this.

Now of course, saying that means something will go wrong to make me take that back. At least I can say...Every Morning Should Be Like This!

Knitwise: I'm still knitting away on my Clapotis. I thought since the KAL deadline was extended that I'd try to finish. It's longer, but there's still so much to knit. How are some of these finished so quickly? Does it come down to yarn choice? I love the way mine curls around itself. I'm happy with the stockinette side or the reverse. Both fascinate me! Maybe that's why I'm not finishing. I'm distracted by petting the knitting.

Healthwise: I met with an oral surgeon yesterday. I have scheduled an appointment to pull the tooth. I really think that I can handle 1 appointment better than 5 right now. I do feel a little 'redneck' though for just pulling a tooth. We lived in TX when we were little, and my brother and I always joke about our 'redneck' roots. Of course, he's the one with car parts on the lawn, and shotguns. If you don't know what I'm talking about, then listen to some Jeff Foxworthy. In all seriousness though, I'm just a little scared that this could be a chain reaction. It is a possibility that the neighboring teeth could loosen. I've been encouraged by my Gram. She wore dentures as far back as I could remember. I confirmed this with my Gramp. She got them soon after her 3rd child. Technology wasn't what it is today. And they wouldn't have had the money even if they could have saved the teeth. The part that encourages me...She Had The MOST BEAUTIFUL SMILE EVER. And that's because a smile comes from your heart and not your teeth.

OK...I hear talking. I'm off to serve breakfast to the 6, 5, and almost 3!

I made it through.

If there ever is such a thing as a perfect root canal, this was it. I can only attribute it to the prayers that were said. I have something to show you...but with the vicodin I took last night, I'm not sure when I'll really feel awake. Thanks...to those of you who prayed.

Hard Days

I know that I'm not the only one having hard days. And I know that when I sit back to count my blessings (M, my kids, a house to live in, etc.) I can see that I am truly blessed. In spite of that, I feel like I've had more than my share of hard days lately. Ok...for the last 2 years. I want so badly to be the cup overflowing person. I'm really trying. And I'm reminding myself that "the testing of [my] faith produces endurance."

So, for a little background. I don't know if I've ever written about this here, but my teeth really suffered after my pregnancy with 2. Actually, I had to make an emergency trip to the endodontist when I was 5 months pregnant. Then, I started to visit regularly when she was only 5 days old. The short version -- I had 8 root canals, 9 crowns, and assorted other fillings as a result of my 3rd pregnancy. Our dental bill was similar to the price of a compact car. I was so grateful to finish my regular trips to the dentist just before my little girl's 2nd birthday. And then I've had a few cleanings with good reports. So I was a little sad this time when I had a small cavity. I went in on Friday for the filling. My dentist drilled...and drilled...and then looked at me and said "CRAP!" Seriously, that's what she said. But, I have a different relationship with my dentist since I saw her every 2 weeks for a year. She called my endodontist...and he could see me right then. So, I left with a hole in my mouth and drove the 6 miles between the offices. I tried to do the root canal right then, but without the "happy pill" that I normally take. I couldn't do it. I was to nervous, and started freaking out. He can't work on me when I'm shaking. So, he filled my tooth with cotton, and packed it shut. And I have to go back on Wednesday. I'm in pain...probably not the tooth since he was able to clip the root...more likely the 4 shots I had (2 at the dentist, and 2 with the endodontist). This will be my 9th root canal! It's hard to wrap my mind around that. I spent a good part of Friday evening crying. I feel like crap for not being able to just take the drilling. And I don't really have the luxury of another day to have the appointment and recovery time. And I feel like a bad mom for all the things I've not been able to do since 2 was born...first the teeth, then I had 2 1/2 clean months before my knee...and I just started to drive like a regular person (not with my left leg)...and now another tooth. All this with losing my Dad, and the anniversary of my Gram's death...its just too much to handle for me. Part of me wonders why I need such lessons in endurance. Is it ironic that this was my Good Friday experience. If you've read this far...sorry for the dental woes...but go read this blog, especially this post, it has been so helpful to me lately.

CO-itis

I've been working on another post about the weekend, but I keep getting a G00gle Server Error, and can't load photos. Today, enroute to co-op, 2 spit-up all over herself. I was nervous all day that it was a tummy bug. But, there hasn't been a 2nd overflow, and after her nap she's fine. I was so nervous that I was winding yarn. And looking around on Ravelry. And CO for a Cloud Bolero (ravelry link). I also wound some sock yarn for 2's socks. It's a yummy sherbert color. This nervousness (or maybe I should be honest and call it panic) is good for my knitting. Not so good for getting other things done.

Socks #2 & #3

So original. I know. I decided I'd number my socks, just in terms of keeping track of their photos. And you get my creative title.

Sock # 2 is the Orange Kitty sock. It is not yet a finished set. It is a sock. I was able to try the sock on all 3 of my small ones. First 6...it's too snug.


Then 2...she's the most willing wearer of knit socks...but these are still a bit big for her...and she doesn't stand still for photos.


Finally, on 4. When I went down in needle size, these were too tight for 6 so I made the length based on 4's measurements. They fit him great.
Now, I just need to convince my kids that socks are good to wear. It's warm here, so socks are optional most of the year. And I have to order the boys to wear pants when we're going outside. Otherwise they're comfortable in shorts...in January. So, I'll knit the 2nd sock, but these may become part of an Advent calendar. I saw the one at Garnet Hill, and thought it would be fun to make.

Sock #3 is a toe-up Jaywalker (ravelry link) in Austermann Step Boysenberry. The yarn was a Hanukkah gift to me from my MIL. I love the way the colors are working out in this pattern.

I thought I'd try something new. Or 2 things new. I'm knitting this sock toe-up. My others (#1 & #2) have been cuff-down. And I'm trying magic loop. My others were on DPN's. I got new needles for Christmas 32" US #1 and US #2's. So, I read up on Ravelry...and thought that I could use my #2's even though they were 2.75 and not 2.5mm because people thought these were tight socks and I have wide feet. On the toe-up link from Ravelry, I'm knitting the 2nd size. The knitting is going faster than I would have imagined. Even when I had to rip back a few rows because I tried knitting at the Dr's office and shifted the pattern one stitch. But, I'm having a problem. See these bumps...

Will those go away? Do I just ignore them, because if I'm wearing a shoe they'll be hidden? Is it because the sock isn't tight enough for my foot and it's not stretched out enough? Did I do something wrong? This was really hard to photograph, but where the dd's meet the toe of the sock there's excess fabric. Am I being too hard on the sock? These bumps aren't huge...but I see them. If you're a sock knitter...or if you know a sock knitter...especially one who's knit the Jaywalkers...I could use some help. Do I start over? Would this not be a problem if I knit top-down? Do I just ignore them and continue? These socks are for me. And they're only my 3rd pair. How can I really expect perfection just yet? Anything else?! I'll work on something else today...and com back to these when I know what to. Thanks for your help.

Healthwise: The Dr's appointment I was knitting at...mine. I was at my 3 month check up with the orthopedist. He wants to know when I want to schedule surgery. He said I can wait. I figure June will be better. My mom is a teacher and will have more time in the summer to help with the kids. And, I won't be trying to teach post-op. It's frustrating. Here's a link I found last night when I was looking on the computer for options. It's funny that I have a Dr, yet I check the computer for suggestions. I'm thinking I'll try the exercises on my own along with the ones my Dr. suggested (can't afford a babysitter to go to physical therapy 3x a week) and then see where I am in May. Maybe I'll be able to postpone the surgery...at least until I'm 40. There's just no reason I should be falling apart at 32. Then again, this is the same knee I injured in Softball (Jr. High) and Drill Team (High School) and on the trampoline. All 3 were pretty big injuries. One involved a full leg brace for 6 weeks.

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!!!

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.)

I have no words...

My dad passed away on Saturday at 6:30 am. He'd been in the hospital since the previous Friday. And while last week was a rollercoaster ride, I'm sure this week will bring just as many dips and turns. It may take me awile to gather my bearings.