Let the CONTEST Begin...

January's Contest is up and running.

A little different then my past two, I will have multiple winners this month as I will be drawing a winner on a weekly basis. I am very excited about this.

Below is a picture of the first prize to be won.

Prize for week one, is my dishcloth in a bag…(small knitted hand bag pattern available at http://chezplum.com/patterns/isabeau-purse/ filled with a skein of cotton yarn and an original dishcloth pattern designed by me. Which by the way I still have to design, LOL. Good thing I have a week to do it in, plenty of time, LOL.)

Just ignore the needle sticking out of the bag, I was just seeing how much could actually fit in there, LOL.



Okay so to enter in the contest today this is what I am asking from you...

Tuesday- Poll:

New years resolutions:

1- Do you make them every year but tend to forget them by February?

2- Do you make them and follow through with at least one?

3- Do you even know what a resolution is?


Post your answer to the poll in the comment section along with your Resolutions for 2008 and earn an entry in the contest for week one.


Resolution- definition for those who chose option 3…
Noun: finding a solution to a problem, a decision to do something or to behave in a certain manner.

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There you go, I am so excited about some of the upcoming things I will be blogging for your entertainment. I think I may even hit my 10,000th hit during this contest as well. I am still amazed that so many people have viewed my page.

Well it's 2:20am here in NY and I better go to bed before I figure I might as well just stay up for the day, that would not be good.

I think the excitement of having a contest again has me all wound up.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

AK

Bring it ON!!!!!!!

Woke up to a Winter Wonderland this morning. This picture was taken after my husband snow blowed, so you can imagaine what was there before. It's beautiful though isn't it? I can't think of a better way to end the year then with a blanket of pure white snow. We are supposed to get some more tonight too. In a way I think it's God way of saying I am giving you all a brand new start. Washing us white as snow, the slate is clean, we can make this the best year ever. All our sin and failures and disappointments and worries have been buried in the winter snow, only to be ressurected into victories with the New Year ahead. My prayer is that you too will see this gift and embrace it and let God bring miracles into your life every minute of every day. We have so little time here on earth to make a difference, I don't plan on wasting a single moment on anything but praise and worship and thanksgiving to a God who is the I AM in my life.

Okay seems I am in a preachy mood today. LOL.

Speaking of the NEW YEAR I am planning on starting up my Blog contest tomorrow for the month of January. I am thinking of having prizes on a weekly basis instead of just one winner for the month. The prizes will be small, like a ball or two of yarn, maybe a gadget, or some needles etc. I have a few things collected. I love giving prizes so I think it will be fun to have several winners a month. Don't you? For those of you who have won in the past, my apologies for taking so long to mail out the prize, this will not be a problem in 2008. Mostly because my son Jim is home and he will help me get things done. I am so glad for that. As I am sure you all will be as well. LOL

I usually have a goal of reaching 2000 hits for the month but instead this time I ma hoping to reach the 10,000th view of my blog during this contest. This should happen, as it is less then 2000, and we have been close the other two contests.

So get ready everyone, tomorrow is only hours away. Tell your friends, link to my blog from yours, make a note to come visit daily, you never know what you will find here waiting for you this month.

Have a wonderful New Years Eve, and get ready for the best year ever ahead.

Is it OVER already???

Well It's December 26th already... I think somehow Christmas came early this year. I knitted away like a crazy person but I finished all my projects.

I made 10 scarves, all different, 2 hats, a pair of mittens, and pillow with a huge bow on it, it was a free pattern from the Caron yarn site. Let me tell you, the bow seemed to take forever and I literally finished the bow 30 minutes before we left for the Christmas Eve gathering and gift auction the pillow was for. Talk about marathon speed knitting.

We took Adam to a Christmas program at my mom's church, Hannah and Colin, were in the play and Adam loves them. Hannah was an angel and Colin was a mouse. They had Muppet's too and Adam really liked that. That was Sunday night. Adam was supposed to go home and we were going to get him again the next day, but he ended up spending the night with us. No problem except now I have not wrapped a single gift for Adam yet and can't do that with him in the same room as me.

Monday, Christmas Eve, we go to my mom's house. Every year all the grand kids put on a play, this is year 19. My son Joe, played Santa this year, Adam had not been to see Santa so when Joe came in the room Adam climbed on my lap and said "Go home now???" But Santa had some puzzles in his sack for Adam and after that Santa was Adam's new best friend, LOL. We brought Adam home to his mom around 6:30pm, so he still has not opened a single gift from us yet.

Tuesday we have out annual BRUNCH at my sister Dayna's. Everyone is usually still in their jammies and it's relaxing and fun. She has 4 children, Robbin 25, Chuck, 23, Autumn 18 and Hannah 6. Well this year she Gave her son Robbin an ornament that said to my favorite oldest child, She gave Chuck one that said my favorite middle child, and Hannah got one that said my favorite youngest child... and Autumn got a necklace (which by the way I WANT...)poor Autumn she was feeling so left out... now Dayna had staggered giving out those ornaments too, she brought one out about every 45 minutes or so... so the suspense was so funny. In the end Autumn got one that said to my favorite middle girl child but she said it was too late. It was funnier then I am probably letting on here...

I am still trying to upload photos to share with you all. I have several. I even made another original pattern. This is frustrating to me for sure.

My house is a mess... I am baffled too, we did not have a tree or any gifts to open here so I just can't figure out how it got so cluttered and messy. This is my job today.

My brother and sister in law also brought us a complete dinner to cook, Ham, potatoes, cabbage and carrots. I was going to make it tonight, but it's church night so I think I'll wait until tomorrow.

I am still planning on a contest in January, it will run all month long but I think each week might have a different theme... I am thinking maybe if I can promote it a little I might reach 10,000 hits. In fact I might name it the 10,000 Hit contest.

I miss blogging, and hope if I can somehow convince TOM to leave I can blog daily again starting today.

Merry Christmas
AK

1930 Hits To Go

Yep, it's hard to believe but I am less then 2000 hits away from 10,000 views to my blog. This amazes me, that so many people care to see what I am chatting about on a daily basis. I know I haven't been blogging like I usually do, I've been frustrated, I like to blog with pictures.

Any I remember I promised a picture of my mom and my other sister Dayna from the wedding last month. Shelly was kind enough to remind me I never followed through. So today is the day.

This picture was of Dayna's shoes, but it wasn't until after I got home and uploaded the picture that I saw it also got a great shot of the HUGE tattoo on her leg. Now the fact that she has a tattoo utterly baffles me, Dayna is so afraid of pain and a little on the hypochondriac side, and I can only imagine how much that hurt and what kind f infection she could have gotten from that. No thank you, I'll keep my skin tattoo free.


She looked very pretty though in her new dress, and I think I actually caught her in a smiling moment too.


Now my mom, well she is almost always smiling. This too amazes me as she spends all day, 5 days a week with her grandchildren, homeschooling them. They are in first grade. Isn't she beautiful, and Ma you don't look a day over 50... PS her birthday is in 5 days... and I just turned 45 so you can guess her age from there. happy Early birthday Ma, I love you.


Speaking of birthdays, my baby just turned 22 on the 11th. This is Joe, the reason for all my grey hair, and probably the reason I gained so much weight back. LOL. I swear from the year he was born he was in the emergency room at least once a year. Joe is Adam's daddy, can you see any resemblance?


So there you go... a short but sweet update. Adam is here tonight but he is sleeping. had a cough and fever all day, poor baby. I think they are taking him to see Santa tomorrow, I wonder how he will be, he really doesn't feel good.

I've been working on scarves for the last 2 weeks, and I even created the snowball pattern to match Michelle's snowman hat. I just can't show any pictures of it yet.

My other son Jim comes home on Wednesday so hopefully he can help me figure out what happened to my program. I am looking forward to having him home again, I missed him. I was going to show you a picture from his final project at school but he has set his photos to private and I can't get in there. Oh well... I guess it can wait until next week.

Hope you are all well, and not too stressed over the holidays. Remember the reason for the season...

HUGS to all
AK

Pay it Forward

Well I have decided to PAY IT FORWARD. What a cool idea.

I hooked up through CAT's blog http://craftyncer.typepad.com

The guidelines:

"I will send a handmade gift to the first 3 people who leave a comment on my blog requesting to join this PIF (Pay it Forward) exchange. I don't know what that gift will be yet and you may not receive it tomorrow or next week, but you will receive it within 365 days, that is my promise!

The only thing you have to do in return is pay it forward by making the same promise on your blog.

"Want to participate? Be one of the first 3 people to leave a comment on this post and make the same promise on your own blog.

Not So Random Acts of Kindness. And 365 days to do it in!!! I like this idea a lot!
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Well I had a pretty good weekend. Saturday I had a ladies get together with the women from my church. It was a nice relaxing time. They had lots of food there but I was good, drank mostly water and didn't eat any desserts while I was there.

My DR report came back better, but I still have to go back in 2 weeks to make sure it's still good.

I didn't have Adam over the weekend but he was here a few days last week. He is getting so smart. I taught him what a trapezoid was on Friday. He loves shapes.

I ordered him the Fisher Price Easy Link Internet launch system for Christmas. He love playing on the computer and wants to do it himself but I won't let him, but with this system he can play and I don't have to worry about him getting onto any other sites or messing up my system.

Still don't have my photo program worked out. This is not good. I need to get to those pictures. And I need to add pictures. I need the GEEK SQUAD.

I have been working on scarves this past week. Finished 4 and 1/3 out of 10. They are for Gary's nieces and Adam's mom and her new boyfriend.

Still trying to teach myself how to change colors in the middle of knitting, it's so much easier when crocheting. I might have to wait until the New Year. I have so many new pattern ideas floating in my head right now.

I really need to get back in the swing of things and blog daily, I guess I am in a funk because I can't post pictures. I feel if there aren't pictures no one would really want to visit. I am sure that's not true... but either way I need to fix this before the January contest.

Speaking of contests, two of the ones posted in my side bar are ending today, so if you haven't checked them out today is the day.

I am planning on getting a better link system on my side bar for all your blogs and list them... Haven't figured out how to do that with just a name and not showing the full http address. But one thing about Ravelry... if you are on there and in my friends list I can pop right to your blog from there, I love that.

OK this is long, so I'll go.

God willing I will blog more tomorrow

AK

Did Ya Miss Me?

Well I am still here. Been pretty tired and not on the computer as much as I like.

Adam was here earlier this week so that preoccupied me as well.

I went to the DR's today for my repeat blood work, so I am praying that the news is better this time. Hopefully I will know tomorrow, but most likely won't hear until Monday or Tuesday.

I finished another pencil scarf, this one I did in yellow. Adam was modeling the red one around when he was here. He knows it's a pencil. Such a smart boy.

I'm working on two other scarves as well, I am 30% done with one and 20% with the other. I am using circulars even though not needed cause I always drop a needle. It works like a charm except when you get knitting and suddenly one of the sticks disconnect from the cord and go flying across the room. That's what I get for buying cheap needles off of EBAY. Oh well.

My husband the "Hunter" finally got a deer. He's been cutting up the meat every night, one leg at a time. He is also catching mice with peanut butter. I feel like I live in a zoo or something.

I sure wish I could upload pictures, I hope when my son returns he can help me. I tried the system restore and it didn't work. It wouldn't let me put in a date before December 1st. Bummer.

I really love Ravelry. I love that I can see all my friends blogs at a glance from there. I also found a new LYS sort of near me. Maybe in the Spring I will go there for a knitting class, I'd like that.

Not sure if you noticed but I have added a few new contests. I do update that as I find more, even if I don't actually blog. I do miss blogging everyday and will be back to that I am sure before the New Year starts. I also am planning a new contest starting January 1st so don't give up on me ok?

I guess that's all the update from me for now. It's cold, I've had a cold forever now and I am just tired all the time. Welcome to winter in New York.

Maybe I'll get to blog again over the weekend.

Thanks for checking in, it really means alot that you are all still here.

HUGS
AK

Happy Birthday Dayna

Today is my sister Dayna's birthday. She is two years younger then me but she is my best friend. I have been so blessed by her in so many ways. God even rewarded me by allowing me to buy a house right next door to hers. If one of us slams a door at our house the other house shakes, that's how close we are.

Our boys are the same ages and her daughters are my joy... when I lost my daughter at birth she was wonderful in sharing hers with me. I can't imagine life without my sister.

You know it wasn't always like this. We used to fight always when we were younger, but I would stand in front of a truck, to save her, now and even back then.

So many memories we share though, like loving the Bay City Rollers, going to every home Padre game, spending vacations with our Nana and cousins, tanning in the backyard reading harlequin novels together and music. We loved music, still do. You would find us singing everyday, we always knew all the words to every song.



If I sing " M I C K E Y .... M O U S E" to this day it makes her have to run to the bathroom, I used to love doing this in the car on a road trip, LOL

She loves lady bugs, but is terrified of stink bugs. At one time she looked like a pirate, with a silver capped front tooth and a patch on one eye. You can bet money that wherever she is there is a book near by, she loves to read.

There was a time when our parents were divorced that we were separated, I living with my dad, and she and my other sister Erin, living with my mom. We were even at one point forbidden to see or talk to each other at all. But we would sneak out and always found a way.



My sister has the biggest heart of anyone I know. She will bend over backwards to help you, even to the point of exhaustion. She has been making a lunch everyday for my husband for the last 2 years, just because she wants to.

When I was burned in a house fire she drove 60 miles to the emergency room at NASCAR speeds, even got pulled over by the police but she was still there by my side in miracle time. I can only imagine her crown awaiting her in Heaven.

So my blog today is dedicated to my sister, my friend, and I hope that by telling you all a little about her that you too will be blessed.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAYNA
I love you and my prayer today is that God brings you answers to your hearts desire, peace and joy in your days always and rest.

signed...
(devil eyes... the nickname she gave me because I have 2 freckles one above each eye brow)

I've Really Done It Now...

Well I approved an update to my Internet explorer the other day and now I can no longer get my camera photos to upload.

This is BAD, very BAD

I know next to nothing about how computers work, I can follow directions but other then that I am so not knowing. I know I am admitting I am not the smartest person in the world, LOL, but don't tell anyone, especially my kids and my husband.

I took a picture of the two scarves I am currently working on and of the mystery prize that I am mailing out to Prairie Chicken but I can't show them to you.

Oh no more pictures of Adam, what will I do??? I need the GEEK SQUAD. Where is "CHUCK" when I need him?

Anyway, this is part of the reason I have not been blogging daily. So frustrated.

We got a little bit of snow last night, just about an inch, but it's a taste of what's to come tomorrow. I can hear the New Yorker's digging out their snow blowers and shovels already.

Speaking of Adam he came over Wednesday morning and he was still in his jammies. They were fleece feetie jammies, so cute. Well he wouldn't take them off to get dressed to come to my house. He wore them all day, and then that night when I was getting him ready for bed I tried to change him into clean jammies and he started crying, NO jammies on, jammies on. He wore them 2 days straight, LOL.

I was knitting on one of my scarves last night and I was using circular needles, mainly because I always drop one of the needles and if I use circulars they never hit the floor, lol. Anyway I was knitting along nicely, talking on the phone and then I looked down and only one stick was still attached to the cord. OOPS, guess you can drop a circular after all.

I'm working on a couple new pattern ideas, one is SHREK, that's really challenging me. I also have a few ideas for some intarsia type patterns I just can't figure out how to do the intarsia to test them out. I need someone to come watch over my shoulder to tell me what I am doing right or wrong. Any volunteers????

Well I guess that's all for now... Welcome to December.

AK

And AK returns, finally

I am so sorry that I haven't been here. I missed it, really. I was sick and just thought I'd take one day off to rest up, and it turned into four. Oops. I am still recovering from what I guess was a sinus infection, hopefully it will all be over by today.

While in bed (and not so patiently, I might add)waiting for my yarn to arrive I have been working on making butterfly squares. I want to do all the borders in white, which I am out of, so what I have been doing is making the brown center bodies and then making the butterfly wings. When my yarn is delivered (please God, let that be today) I will start doing the borders around them. The butterflies really work up fast, I'd say about 10 to 15 minutes tops for each one, and that's with me watching TV too.

Here is a picture of some of the butterflies I have finished... in another bag I have about 100 brown bodies still to sew on wings too, but that picture would have been boring. LOL



Then last night, I suddenly had to knit up a mitten. Why? No clue. For who? Got me. But I did it, only one, in a bright green chunky yarn... here it is.



LOL. Pathetic huh? I suppose I can make the matching glove and maybe a hat to go with it and donate it somewhere.

I have still managed to stick with my eating program and the weight has been dropping off again. I have been here before and usually something happens in my life to throw me for a loop. This is no exception. I told my mom yesterday I feel like a bowling pin, I get up after getting knocked down but they just keep throwing those stupid balls at me. Okay, if I have to be a bowling pin can I at least be the 7 or the 10 pin? At least maybe the ball will miss me and not choose me on the split everytime. I always seem to land in the headpin spot though. God says to whom much is given, much is required. He has a plan for me, I guess it's in my best interest to let Him have His way now so I can get on with it.

What have you all been up to while I have been MIA? Decorating for the holidays? Working on Christmas gifts? Shopping?

I just got a phone call, Adam will be coming today instead of tomorrow. I am glad, I do miss him when he isn't here.

I promise to try to continue blogging daily, I always have something to say. Right now though, I want to find a nice small glitter Christmas picture to put on the blog.

Thanks for all the good wishes and prayers, I really needed them.

AK

I SURVIVED

Well the wedding was very nice, small but beautiful. Of course my sister was the sunshine that day. She was very happy.

Gary and I were both sick, (as the picture shows) but we still had a nice time. The brunch buffet was very good. I managed to stick with ym protein and veggie only plan and still had plenty to eat.



This picture is my sister Erin and her son Colin, he walked her in and gave her away too, it was so cute. Just before this picture was taken Colin ran in all by himself almost tripping and landing into the grooms lap. Then you heard the minister say "Colin, you are supposed to walk your mom in" and like a flash Colin ran back out, we all laughed.



This picture is as they were saying their vows. There is a huge golf course in the background. The girl in the red dress in my niece Autumn (maid of honor) and the other girl is my other niece Hannah (flower girl). And of course the groom is Tommy, Bride is Erin and Colin on the side.



We ended up picking up Adam after the wedding as they were all sick at his house too and they needed us to take him. I just brought him home a little while ago, and now I am ready to put my body aches and stuffy head under the covers and take a nap.

Been working on butterflies... I am going to make up a bunch of them first and then sew the square borders on afterwards.

I should be back tomorrow... with some pictures of my mom and other sister maybe. They'll probably kill me for it, LOL.

Black Friday/White Wedding

Oh I remember those days when at 5am I was out at the malls. My mom and my sisters would all go too. We'd have the flyer's divided between us all, each with a different store assigned, then we would all meet up in Walmarts at the end. Haven't done that in years.

But now Black Friday has another meaning... it's my baby sisters wedding day, well at least this year it is.



In fact the wedding is in about 3 hours so I can't post too much. I am definitely full blown SICK today as well. I have been denying this cold all week, but it's here in full force today.

How was every ones Thanksgiving? We ate at my sisters, and it was a nice time. My favorite part is always to see the special holiday carving Dayna fixes up for us. She says she was up until midnight carving out this baby, but I don't believe it for a minute, LOL.



After dinner and dessert (which I did not have any, yay me) we watched a DVD together. Last night it was "Hairspray" with John Travolta. it was funny. Even my mom watched it.

Now however, I am going to try a hot shower and some steam to clear my head. It will work, right?

Have a wonderful day, and if shopping may you find all you are looking for and more.

AK

HAPPY THANKSGIVING (USA)

Thought I'd brighten up your day with a couple Thanksgiving pictures I received in emails this year.





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Yes the mittens and hat came out pretty good. I made the hat first and quickly realised I didn't have enough blue to make 2 mittens that's why I decided to split them half white and half blue. The pattern for them was from Crochet Central
The mittens (Bev's marvelous Mittens) were here http://www.bevscountrycottage.com/bevs-marvelous-mitts.html
The hat (Bev's Family Hat) was here http://www.bevscountrycottage.com/sa.html

Thank you for the Twinkletoe's link. I just love them. I am a little nervous though as I have never used double pointed needles. But as soon as I get a pair I am going to try them. I wish I could try them before Christmas.


My sister is cooking Thanksgiving today. I have a butternut squash here my mom was supposed to take and cook but she never got here to get it. I guess I will see if I can figure out how to cook it myself. If I don't blog for awhile I probably cut off my hands trying to peel the think, LOL.

I saw my niece Autumn for about 5 minutes yesterday, She is home for Thanksgiving and my sisters wedding tomorrow. Looks like when the semester is over she will be coming back home, she doesn't like the college out there and wants to go to a local college here in NY. Same school my son will be going to when he comes home from Chicago in December. Maybe the kids are having the empty next syndrome instead of the parents. Huh?

Well I am off to get some breakfast, find a recipe and watch the parade. I'll check back later to see who was here.

Where's the Turkey Wednesday...

Well did you think I was gonna skip blogging today? Naw, not me. Adam ended up staying overnight so this is really the first chance I have had to get online.

Turns out he didn't have a hat or mittens, well that sure gave me a mission, LOL. So I hurried and crocheted him a hat and mittens, below is the set,



Then I decided to get a picture of him modeling them... of course I forgot he had just finished a fudgsicle so when I went to upload the pictures they sure made me smile.



This picture I plan on making the background on my computer screen as soon as I can remember how to do it, I've done it so many times but it always takes me a hour to remember.



That's pretty much all I have today. A quick hello, and prayers that you all have a great Thanksgiving tomorrow.

Oh one last thing, nit sure if any of you saw the knitted Turkey hat, well my husband saw someone wearing one in our corner convenience store, I told him I could make him one. Hmm maybe I can make one that looks like a deer head to camouflage him in the woods. LOL, with orange horns, of course...

AK

Adam is coming today, hooray

Hello, I finally called about Adam yesterday, I was a missin' him so bad. He has some play groups and things happening with Head start so he is a busy boy now. Really though this is as it should be. He should be home with his mom most of the time during the week and maybe spend a day or two visiting his Gamma and Papa. He is free today though and they should be calling anytime now to have us go get him. Papa must miss him too cause he didn't go hunting yet either so he can see him for a little while.

My mom is getting her hair cut today too, so she will bring Hannah and Colin over to play with Adam while she is gone, Adam will be thrilled. He will go home tonight after dinner, until I am not sure when.

I got an email today from someone who found my Star of David pattern. They have a blog dedicated to the Star of David, it was pretty interesting to read about all the pictures and the stories behind them. He wants to put my picture on there as well, how cool is that. In case you're interested here is the link to his blog...

http://star-of-david.blogspot.com/
(couldn't get the link option to work, grrr)

I sent the crochet butterfly pattern to Wendy and Cat yesterday. Wendy sent me a photo of hers last night, she did it in cotton and all in one color and it looks fabulous. I can see this also being used as a small wash cloth too. I think she noticed a couple pattern errors but I am not sure where they were yet. It was late and I didn't look at it compared to mine yet. But here is the picture of her wonderful work. Can't wait to see what Cat's and maybe Shelly's if she has time, looks like. Thank you very much ladies, it's funny I am usually the one testing the patterns, this is a first for me. LOL



I have been working on smileys yesterday. I have the balls and hats made but haven't made any faces yet. I am saving that for last. I might even put some hair on a few of them too.

Well the phone just rang and we are headed out to get Adam, time for me to go be a Gamma. LOL

Have a wonderful day everyone, I know I will.

AK

Did you survive the weekend?

Isn't that the best picture??? I loved it, and it is so true too.

How was your weekend? Saturday was a bad day, but Sunday improved 100%. Maybe it was being in God's house among other believers, but I always feel refreshed and strengthened and ready to face Monday.

This week DH has off to hunt... but it's cold so he hasn't even gone yet. I just sent him to the grocery store. To spend more bill money of foods I need to have in the house. I needed to get him out of here for a few minutes... he was messing up my routine. That's why I am so late blogging today, LOL.

I typed up the butterfly pattern and emailed it to Shelly to test knit it, if anyone else out there crochets and can open a Word attachment I am happy to send to you as well to test for me. I have never written a crochet pattern so I could use the feedback.

I made some smileys yesterday and a couple yoyo's. I ordered some yarn from Joanns.com my dad sent me $45.00 for my birthday (ha now you know how old I am) and I spent it all on yarn. Maybe it will be delivered today, that would be awesome.

I miss Adam... I wonder if we will even get him this week at all. I am going to call there as soon as I publish this post. I haven't seen him since Saturday last week. Too LONG.

Sigh... I have dishes and laundry to do today too. Seems those things are never done anymore... they reproduce faster then I can conquer them.

Hope everyone is taking time this week (and everyday) to find things to be thankful for. Good or bad God is always there, He always provides and we should be thanking Him without ceasing. His love is enough to warrant that, if you ask me.

{{{HUGS}}} to all
AK

It's Sunday and I am blogging

Well I know I said I wasn't going to blog on Sunday's but I had to show the shower pictures, right? Besides I am up early. My husband (the hunter) couldn't find his cell phone this morning and felt the need to wake me up at 4am by calling my cell phone number instead of his. 30 minutes later he finally found it in the pocket of his pants from the day before. Um wouldn't that be the first place you'd look? He even suggested maybe our son took it, now why would he want our crappy cell phones when he has a razor phone??? I did go back to sleep for an hour maybe but had some weird dreams. I expect to sleep after church today for sure.

OK onto pictures...

First off meet my baby sister Erin... she is tiny, 5'2" and small in size all around if you know what I mean... so this picture is probably the biggest she's ever been, LOL


Of course they made the traditional bow bouquet, but not really enough bows so she wore it as a hat, as you can see she is thrilled about this accessory.


No Hannah on the other hand loved the hat and was thrilled to model it for everyone.


This gift is a trinket box, it had other boxes inside and a letter written by my Auntie Lorraine (my mom's sister). This box belonged to my grandmother who died over 20 years ago, and it had been handed down to her, so it's well over 100 years old. It was given by Grandma to Auntie Lorraine and she is handing it down to Erin... Erin is to pass it down to Hannah someday. It was a teary sentimental moment.


Erin loved the pillow, hot off the needles. I was actually an hour late. I got several compliments, several requests for some refrigerator towels and even more for the smileys. I'm gonna be so busy.


There were some nice gifts including a set of pans that are PINK and a portion of the purchase goes to Breast Cancer research. I of course love the pink pans.

I also decided I am going to make either squares or yoyo's for each pound I am losing and when I reach goal I will sew them all together into my victory/goal afghan. I was talking with Shelly about it and we thought maybe a square with a butterfly on it. We searched the web but couldn't find a free pattern we really liked, but there was one in a book for $8.00... I decided to see if I could invent my own version as I am eager to get started. This was my final result...
WHAT DO YOU THINK SHELLY? And everyone else of course. This would be my first original on purpose crocheted pattern.



Well how's all that for not usually blogging on Sunday's??? I am off to shower now and get some breakfast. I am really hungry. It was an emotional roller coaster yesterday and I was so tempted to just eat a loaf of bread to soothe myself but I didn't.

Looking forward to being refreshed in the house fo God this morning. One place I can be sure to feel His presence and love and strength to continue walking forward. I hope you all can find that today as well.

Aunt Kathy

It's "B" Day.... Bridal Shower Day

Well it's B Day, LOL... and the question is, AM I READY? I guess sorta, kinda. The Smileys will probably not be finished, but I will have a few to wrap with a note that they are multiplying as we speak, lol. They just wanted some alone, private time, Hahahahaha

I have a few different dishcloths I have made from patterns I have wanted to try and KAL's too, I also have a matching set of the dish towels I crocheted on election day, and then I have the 2 patterns I wrote yesterday.

The first was made with white cotton, same pattern as I used for my BIL when he got married in August. But I never wrote up the pattern so I basically had to re-create it. It's nice, a little more rectangle shaped then I like, and will be great if you know someone named Erin who is marrying a Tom (LOL) but if you know how to make your own letters that part can be changed. Anyway here is the picture, I know you are on pins and needles, LOL



Then I got to thinking, I had a request from someone looking for double wedding bands, and why not adapt this pattern a little more so it's more generic... I decided to have two hearts side by side at the top, the interlocking wedding bands in the middle and one heart centered on the bottom.

My description... When God joins two hearts together in marriage, they become one.

I wanted the picture to stand out and since I don't know how to block yet, I test knitted this pattern in acrylic yarn, it holds it's pattern better without blocking. I actually used a light blue yarn but I changed the color to pink when I was cropping it, why? Because I LOVE PINK. LOL. Anyway, what will I do with this now? I think I will make another square, all knit or stockinette stitch, the same size and sew them together and stuff for a little pillow. Haven't done that yet, that's my project for this morning. Anyway, all that to show you this new pattern...



Both of these will be posted on my pattern blog as well as my Ravelry pattern design page.

Ok really I have to go knit, no time to play right now.

Have a wonderful day everyone
Aunt Kathy

OMG, is it almost tomorrow?

I decided to blog first, maybe this way I can get it published before noon time. It seems it takes me 3 hours every morning to do my Weight Watcher stuff, emails and blogging. That is a long time. I think I need to improve my skills a little, huh?

Yesterday I made a couple Christmas gifts for two ladies from the NASCAR Weight Watcher message board... they were not on my list exactly but when I finished the project they both came to mind so I am sending it to them.

The first is the dammit doll... initially I made this with Adam's mom Angie in mind, since she is the one who taught Adam to say that word by osmosis, but when I finished it I realized it looked more like a voodoo doll... I am so not into voodoo but there is a girl named Cuda who always kids she has one, I know she doesn't, but I am going to send her this doll with a container of straight pins and the colored cut out numbers of most, if not all, of the NASCAR drivers. LOL. So she can pin a number on the doll anytime one of them crash out Dale Jr, (her favorite driver) hahahahaha

I sewed his legs on backwards, so the seam from the rounds is on the front instead of the back, and all I could say to that when I was done was "dammit!" And hit the doll against the wall. When you check out the link for the doll you'll see what I mean by that.





Next I made a couple acorns. I will make a few more with perhaps a different face on them. Another NASCAR Weight Watchers friend, Squirrel, has been throwing acorns all week... having some bad days, so hopefully these little nuts will help keep her from going nuts and change a bad day into a good one.





Now that's what I was doing yesterday... I should have been finishing up what I am giving my sister at her bridal shower Saturday, OMG is that tomorrow??? I have balls made up but no hats for them yet or smiley faces sewn on. Plus I have a dishcloth to make her as well, one of my own designs, I made one up quickly for DH's brothers wedding but I never wrote up the pattern, so now I have to do that and re-create it.

Of course somewhere in between I need to pay bills, fold laundry, take a shower, plan dinner, call the DR, call my mom, put away the clean dishes, get my badges on POGO, read some blogs, visit Ravelry and feed the metal monster...
(that's the wood stove of course)

Yikes... I may not get that all done before Thanksgiving...
Where's that dammit doll????

Can't think of a title today, Thursday

I always want my title to be something creative, that might grab the attention of people blog hopping, but I am just running out of ideas this morning.

I added yet another contest for you all, this one is for a someone opening a yarn shop so the yarn is really nice looking. Make sure to check it out.

I was looking at the patterns on Ravelry yesterday, did you know there are 50 pages of patterns? Anyway I found several I am interested in. One was for a "Damn it" doll. Made me think of Adam and how last week, he said "Damn it, I made a mess" so I HAD to get this pattern and have already started it. I am almost 1/2 way done. I love it.

I also came across today a pattern for crocheted hot pads for Christmas, and they are beautiful. Here is a picture of them... and the link to the web site for the pattern.

http://promotions.drgnetwork.com/newsletters/talkingcrochet/pages/TCNL2607_patt.html



I had a ton of hits on my blog yesterday, like 70 or more. It must have been because I was blog hopping yesterday. I think I visited and commented on maybe 20 new blogs yesterday.

Adam never came yesterday and it looks like he won't be coming until Monday. Which actually works out good for me as I have a bridal shower party for my sister on Saturday. So I will keep him Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, he can spend Thanksgiving with his mom and Friday after Thanksgiving is my sisters wedding so I couldn't take him then either.

My blood work finally came back... well actually it has been back for awhile but the DR finally called me last night. Everything looks good, my cholesterol and triglycerides have dropped, my sugar is only slightly borderline but I can work with that with diet and exercise, no meds needed, woo hoo. I do need to go back and have my thyroid checked and my protein count checked as well. But no kidney failure threats this time. God is good, He is a Healing God. I will make an appointment for that sometime next week.

My message went fairly well last night, I think it could have been better, I always think that. I have 2 months before it's my turn again, maybe I'll feel more competent in the New Year. {{{sigh}}}

Ok I have been sitting here a long time, I need to get back to my yarn.

Have a wonderful day, may God bless you and bring you all peace and joy today.

AK

It's Wednesday, do you know where my message is?

I know I know I was supposed to be working on this yesterday. I am such a procrastinator.

I decided to make a few smileys while I watched some things I had on the DVR, and then I remembered an email I received awhile ago from a woman looking for my plastic canvas pattern for the Methodist Church symbol. I made these magnets years ago for my MIL and how this info ended up on the Internet still baffles me. She said she found me from a Christian Web site and I didn't have a computer back in those days. I must have talked about them somewhere though cause she found me. Anyway yesterday I got the itch and decided I HAD to figure this out. So I (now are you sitting down for this?) walked up the stairs into the bedroom closet. I thought maybe I still had one saved in case I ever needed to make another, but I couldn't find it. I did however find some plastic canvas so down I went to get creating. I made one and 3/4 through decided I had forgotten how to work with plastic canvas, LOL, it looked a mess. But I don't give up that easily, unless it's on my diet, so I tried again. I finally finished it last night at midnight. Yes, midnight. Anyway here is the picture of my final project... and of course looking at it now I can see where I should have had white instead of red but I am not going to re-do this, I am not going to re-do this, I am not going to... OK you know I am right? Grrrr



Adam is coming today. His mom is still in Florida and his other Grandma (Janmum as Adam calls her) has an appointment today.

Then of course it's church night and I don't have a clue what I am going to talk about for 25 minutes... well I sort of have a clue but I haven't backed it up with scripture or figured out the filler parts. Does that make sense?

And well, I have to knit something today, right?

CONTESTS- Remember everyone just because I am not running a contest there are still several out there to be played. All a little different... I have links to them all on the right side of the blog near the top. One ends tomorrow so if you haven't been there yet don't forget to go today. Most of them only require a comment to be entered. Thank you Michelle for the link you posted yesterday... I love Thankful contests.

Now if you happen across a contest please let me know and I will add it to the list, OK?

It's a beautiful day in New York today... but tomorrow it's all going to change.

Oh and a PRAISE report too... My mom's brain MRI came back clean and clear, no signs of tumors anywhere. God is so good. I was pretty confident of this outcome, I had such a peace about it. We still need to find out what caused the blood work to be off, but it was a great news day yesterday.

My Dr on the other hand still has not called me about my blood work. I will try again today. Very frustrating. I feel like I need to find a new DR again. There has to be a DR out there that cares, somewhere. I told my mom yesterday, if I wasn't so old and out of shape, I'd go to medical school and become a DR just so I could have a good one, LOL. I'd make house calls for people and wouldn't charge thousands of dollars for the flu shot, etc. Ahh dreams are good, aren't they?

Well I have talked off your ears, I better go now. Have a wonderful day, find a reason to smile, thank God for your blessings big and small, be thankful for the miracles in your life.

{{{HUGS}}}
AK

I've Been Tagged...Tuesday

It's Tuesday and I've been Tagged by Wendy. So here are my answers. I am tagging five people but no pressure OK, I won't be offended if you don't want to play.

38 things about me that you may or may not want to know.

1. Name one person who made you laugh last night? Shelly

2. What were you doing at 0800? I was on the computer

3. What were you doing 30 minutes ago? Posting on Weight watchers message board

4. What happened to you in 2006? I took a train ride (31 hours) to meet and stay for 18 days with someone I have never met in person... you know who you are... LOL

5. What was the last thing you said out loud? Whatever

6. How many beverages did you have today? so far just a glass of water

7. What color is your hairbrush? Pink

8. What was the last thing you paid for? Pizza

9. Where were you last night? Home, watching TV, talking on the phone and knitting

10. What color is your front door? Off White and Dirty

11. Where do you keep your change? In a dish on my computer, Adam likes to count the COINS (he calls them coins, not money, it's too cute)

12. What’s the weather like today? Rainy now but will be sunny and nice later although cool

13. What’s the best ice-cream flavor? Death by Chocolate

14. What excites you? learning something new (I am after all an old dog)

15. Do you want to cut your hair? Yes if I thought I'd look good all the time. I once went very short and everyone loved it but I felt like a boy. My hair is long now but I keep it up most of the time, I might as well cut it, but I am scared.
.
16. Are you over the age of 25? Oh yeah

17. Do you talk a lot? Depends on who I am with, but I can talk an ear off if motivated. LOL

18. Do you watch the O.C.? No What does that stand for anyway??? Only Crochets???

19. Do you know anyone named Steven? Yes, the worship leader at my church (oh and my imaginary boyfriend when I was 14, LOL)

20. Do you make up your own words? Yes, and as a spin I usually sing them too. LOL

21. Are you a jealous person? I don't think so, except for ... oh wait... maybe I am.

22. Name a friend whose name starts with the letter "A". Alison

23. Name a friend whose name starts with the letter ‘K’. Kathy, really and it's not me either, LOL

24. Who’s the first person on your received call list? Shelly

25. What does the last text message you received say? I think it was from AT&T but I never opened it. I don't text.

26. Do you chew on your straw? Not on purpose, but it does look a little out of shape. Maybe I need a new one.

27. Do you have curly hair? Yeah... curly, frizzy, gray...

28. Where’s the next place you're going to? To church, tomorrow night

29. Who’s the rudest person in your life? My son Joe, close second is my husband

30. What was the last thing you ate? Little Debbie snack Sunday night before I went to bed

31. Will you get married in the future? Nope once is enough

32. What’s the best movie you've seen in the past 2 weeks? I don't think I've seen one in the last 2 weeks

33. Is there anyone you like right now? Lot's of people... might be better to ask who I don't like that list is smaller

34. When was the last time you did the dishes? 5 PM Monday night

35. Are you currently depressed? I'm better today but yes, I am a little on the down side right now
.
36. Did you cry today? Not yet, but the day is still young

37. Why did you answer and post this? Because I was tagged

38. Tag 5 people who would do this survey.

http://insanknitty.wordpress.com/ Michelle

http://ibbysplace.blogspot.com/ Mary Ann

http://leighsknittinandgardeningescapades.blogspot.com/ Leigh Ann

http://babiesandbitsofyarn.blogspot.com/ Tiffany

http://www.theknitoriousmrsb.blogspot.com/ Mrs. B


Ok There you go...
That took forever, my stupid computer wouldn't let me copy and paste so I had to restart and well let's just say I am frustrated. Grrrr

But it's done... I am off to work on that Lacy Top again today and my message for church tomorrow. Adam comes for a few hours tomorrow too, so today is the day.

Have a great day everyone
AK

Veterans Day (observed)

Thank you, thank you, thank you to all our service men and women who have volunteered to fight for our freedom, past, present and future.

Hello everyone...

I think I have decided to wait until January to start a new contest... Things are just going to be so hectic and I think waiting is a good idea. I of course will still try to blog everyday if I can.

I finished the pencil scarf, I ran out of red yarn but I still think it's long enough for my little niece who is two. Here is the finished product.



I posted the link to the pattern yesterday, and the designer even commented yesterday too. That made me smile... I wonder how she found my blog??? If you are reading again today please tell me, inquiring minds want to know, LOL.

I received a package Saturday from Shelly, so not expecting it. I remember her telling me she was making me something but I forgot about it, and then here it was. A beautiful shrug... This picture doesn't do it justice but you can at least see the color she used. And we all know I love pink. I also like the "Silver" lining... I am thinking that is a sign of good things to come.



Yesterday was my baby sisters birthday, HAPPY BIRTHDAY ERIN.... love ya lots.

My other sister Dayna came home from visiting my niece in Indiana last night, I haven't heard how her trip was yet.

I think I am going to work on that lacy top I started months ago today. I really don't feel like starting a new project, so it's that or more smileys... maybe both.

Having stomach troubles today, they started yesterday... I am frustrated with myself because I know it's my own fault. So today is bed rest, fasting and prayer.

I preach on Wednesday too so I need to work on that message too, but I need to do it without the computer as this aggravates my stomach issues.

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend and if you get today off I hope you have some fun planned. Remember to say a prayer for our troops today and everyday.

Aunt Kathy

The Weekend

I think I will use this blog for both Saturday and Sunday... one because I am blogging so late and the other so I don't have to rush around before church tomorrow.

As you can see Adam was having some fun today with Papa playing with bubbles. What a cheap inexpensive way to have fun with the little ones, huh? He went home about an hour after that, so I know he went home happy.

He is starting to show a personality when he talks now too, with some funny expressions. Some of my favorites are... " Nope, not yet"... " Gamma, watch this"... and "Dam it, I made a mess" ( I am trying to get him to say Oops instead... hasn't worked yet) and my favorite is "I used my NOGGIN today".

I finished the Feline Fantasy cat cloth from the 2008 calendar... I think you can buy the pattern from Alli's blog store too http://alliknitts.blogspot.com/



I also started a scarf today for a Christmas gift, I LOVE it. I made a couple small changes to the free pattern I got off of Knitting Pattern Central... http://zakkalife.blogspot.com/2007/10/knit-pencil-scarf.html

here is a picture of the work in progress. I hope to finish it tomorrow watching the race.

I haven't heard from prairie Chicken yet with her mailing address... I am going to have to go hunt her down, LOL.

Are we all wanting another Contest in December or should I wait until the New Year... or perhaps I can have it run the 2 months... maybe a little different then the others, not based on commenting everyday but maybe a few other things??? I'd love some feedback especially since we have seen a few other blog contests in action.

I tell you I think I am drinking about 100 gallons of water a day with this wood stove going. I need a humidifier or something. I am just so thirsty and dried out.

Well I guess that's about it for me today. Hope you are all having a wonderful weekend, don't forget to play in the contests that are about to end.

Thank God for everyday, but especially Friday's

I finished it last night finally... the pattern wasn't hard at all, but I did goof up a few times... mostly forgetting a yarn over and had to undo a few times. However I must be improving as a knitter cause I was actually able to undo things like ssk and k2tog... in the past I'd have ripped out the whole thing and started over.



Sue if you happen to check in today, I really like how it turned out. This wasn't a free pattern but well worth the $2.00 donation in Janet's husbands remembrance. It's called Heartstrings For Janet, you can find more info here...
http://heartstringsforjanet.blogspot.com/

Here's a picture of one of the quiet moments between Adam and Colin... yes there were a few, not many though. But they played good for most of the time.


I didn't get to finish the picture cloth from the calendar that's today's mission.

Norma I wanted to thank you again for including my patterns in your database, that really means alot to me.

If you are looking for some patterns check out all the work Norma has done to gather info for you
http://dishandwashclothmania.wordpress.com/

That said, I need to go get Adam some breakfast and get off of here before I am stuck playing Dora games for 2 more hours, my legs can't take it right now. LOL

Have a great day and remember no matter where you are, what you are doing, God is with you, and He will never let you go. That is definitely something to be thankful for, right???

HUGS
AK

I am here... sleeping but here

Oh man am I tired. I can't seem to sleep good even with the CPAP. Partially because my nose is plugging up and I can't breathe and I guess partially from stress and not eating right.

My mom has to have a brain MRI today so I will be watching Colin for a little bit. Then Adam comes and will be here until Sunday.

I figured out the Ravelry problem. I had to switch from Internet Explorer to Mozilla Firefox instead. And once I did that everything was back to normal. I can't tell you how depressed that was making me. I was so frustrated.

Oh and I have finally been added to the designer database on Ravelry too. It's under my name Kathleen Brundige, as of last night I am on page 21 of the designers so far. 21 is my favorite number, LOL.

I am working on a couple dishcloths today. One is a picture pattern from the 2008 knitting calendar, and the other is a lace pattern that Sue from Harvest Moon made in remembrance of Janet's husband Dave who recently passed away. I'll post pictures tomorrow.

Well I wish I had something good for you all today, I am just too tired to think.

Thank you all for the birthday wishes.

See you sometime tomorrow with hopefully something interesting to read.

AK

Did You Miss Me???

Election day was LONG and tiring, but I love doing it. Not sure why? I like seeing my neighbors and I think it is so important to vote and voice your opinions. We should see voting as the privilege it is. It's not a hardship, but a right to freedom.

I brought some crocheting with me, I figured that would be easier to work on as I have to set it down quickly when someone comes in. Knitting is too risky, although I have knitted there before. I had some dish towels, so I crocheted tops onto them, I made 5 and gave two away to voters that said they loved them. I haven't made these in over 10 years.


Monday was my birthday and Hannah and Colin had homemade birthday cards in the folder with their school work... they were so cute, I took pictures of them and hope they will post here in a minute.
This is Colin's Front and Inside



And here is Hannah's Front, Inside and Back too




I also made 3 squares for Janet (the one who lost her husband) I took pictures of them as well.


Tonight is church and tomorrow Adam comes, so I need to keep my feet up today. Still suffering from TOM ( a month now, geez)which is probably why I have been so tired these days, or could it be I am OLD????

Ravelry is all messed up on my computer. All the words are jumbled together and I can't even read messages sent to me. It's weird. Is anyone else having problems?

Oh I found a couple more contests on blogs and they are listed on the right side in the other blog contest section. Check them out, we all love a contest right?

My mom is home and said the trip was wonderful. She goes tomorrow for the brain MRI, praying that they find no evidence of what they fear might be there.

My sister leave tomorrow to go see my niece, the one my mom was just with... it's family week at the college. I would have liked to go, but my life is crazy.

I guess that's about all for now.

Oh yeah... I wish everyone could be a winner... If I was rich... but the really BIG winner through all of this... is ME. I have met some great people through these contests and I am blessed. I pray that even if you don't win my mystery box that God blesses your socks off... or dishcloths... or shawls...LOL