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I just couldn't resist this little piece of "artwork". I wish I could put it on the wall at home!!! Make one, it's easy!!!!

Oh, and happy Monday. Work is crazy, it's year end and I'm exhausted already.

Merry Christmas

So it's finally Christmas! The best day of the year for so many reasons. The first we celebrated last night at church with the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. I was so blessed to be a part of a wonderful time of worshiping the newborn King once again and I just pray that those who attended felt the same way.

This morning we opened our few presents here at home before driving to the fam. My hubby totally surprised me with a NEW CAMERA!!! I've been eyeing this one for a while and he's so good at surprising me (he does this every year) but this was a biggie and I'm so happy. The problem is, I think I have the picture setting too big because I can't seem to upload them very well!!! Ugh!! Should have checked that closer before I snapped 45 pics today, huh??? I wanted to show you a couple of the things I knitted with their new owners, but I didn't catch everyone. Here's what I have...



This is Grandma (she's 94) and her new shawl. She never wants us to spend money on her and I didn't go hog wild (wish I would have done one more ball, but hey, it's big enough for her) and after she opened it I told her that I just had to knit her something and she was very happy with that. We love her so much!!!



This is Addam, my nephew, and the hat I made for him. He is such a great kid and I was so happy that not only did the hat fit perfectly (he has a rather large brain) but he loved it and didn't want to take it off!!! Perfect compliment for any knitter~!!!!

The socks I made for MIL are shown here...



She can't wait to wear them since it's freezing outside and she's always chilled. So overall, it was a very happy Christmas. I'd share more pics but I'm afraid I'll have to try that another day. I love my family!!!

Holy Snow Batman!!!!

So, ok, since the last time I've posted, we've had about three feet of snow fall in West Michigan. No, that's not a typo, three FEET!!! Maybe more, I can't really tell. All I know is the snowbanks on the side of the road are so huge I can't see around them when I'm driving and it's making people very crazy. I've luckily been safe on the roads so far, but in the past five days we've had school closings, work closings, church closings, and mall closings. Just to name a few. This is serious winter stuff folks. And the funny thing is, the first day of winter was two days ago. I'm already sick of it. It's not even Christmas yet!!!

I wanted to share kind of a funny story as related by my hubby tonight. I got home from work and he wasn't home, the kids had said he was at the store. No biggie, I thought. So when he gets home, he's crazy mad. I don't know what he's mad about, but he's in the crankiest mood he's been in for like ever. I've known this man for 20 years, this was at the top of his rage. Yikes. Poor kids, they didn't even realize it was coming.

So, Dad is mad and he is throwing things around and I'm wondering what the heck this is all about. Then he says, "some idiot hit the Jeep." Ahhh, little light bulbs going off in my head since we've had to put so much money into that thing in the past month and I just can't fathom another stupid repair bill. So he calms down. I ask him how bad the damage is and he starts giggling. Ok, so he's raging one minute, now he's almost laughing and I'm praying for his sanity and mine. "My Jeep is fine, but she isn't going anywhere... except maybe to jail!" Ok, so now I need to hear this story, right!!!!

He was leaving Meijer (which is a nightmare on a good day but the day before Christmas Eve was like every freak of nature and their brother was there getting crap they probably don't need at the last possible second) and was already crabby about the shopping experience from hell (there's more to tell there too it turns out) when the traffic in front of him slowed to a stop. So he stopped. So the lady in a newer VW behind him decided to become intimately acquainted with his trailer hitch. It wasn't a good meeting. She pulled off the road. He followed suit. Several people were pulling off that had witnessed and were already calling 911. The lady gets out of her car yelling all sort of obscenities and demanding that hubby show his insurance information and that the accident was HIS fault! Yea, right.

So the cops show up and listen to several stories from hubby, the crazy lady, and witnesses. He then proceeds to right her a ticket (with her continuing to hurl naughty words left and right and is now screaming AT the cops which is why she's likely going to jail) and send hubby home while the tow truck comes and hauls off her pretty and now useless vehicle. The day before Christmas Eve. Now if that's not holiday spirit for ya!!!! Holy cow. Get a life lady, if the person in front of you stops, especially in weather like this.... STOP!!! Don't ram into them and then scream that it wasn't your fault because guess what??? It is YOUR fault!!!! I almost wish I was with him for this so I could have witnessed it myself. Almost.

Oh, and Merry Christmas early everyone. I only have to work half a day tomorrow and then I'm off til Monday. I'm so happy I could cry. Or sleep. Sleep is good. But I'm knitting now. Need to finish knitting..... Can't wait to show off all the things I knitted!!!!

One week til Christmas!!!

Are you ready??? I am!!! Finally I'm feeling really relaxed. My shopping is done, only need to wrap up a couple things too. Also in the past two nights I finished two knitting projects that I was hoping to get done before the big day. I started another one that would be nice to get done in time, but it's not totally necessary. So I should have some good gift-giving vibes this year like usual. I totally love giving the perfect gift! I know this year I wasn't able to spend lots of cash, but I got something special for the people on my list, and that's what matters. Even if my silly neice only wanted a gift card. Seriously, she's such a shopper she just wanted gift cards. Or money. I chose the gift card. Maybe she'll let me tag along this year for the annual mall day after Christmas? Maybe?

So this new computer is divine, but I haven't loaded in the camera software, and I'm not entirely sure I'll be able to since the camera we have is also from 2001. I haven't tried that hard yet either, so we'll see. I'm truly hoping to share lots of pics next week after the big day so I can have all my handknits properly shown off on the proper peoples!!!!

So my friend at work became a Grandma on Sunday. How perfect!!! But they need some prayers tonight because baby Dakota is in the hospital and we're not entirely sure what's going on. He's lost a lot of weight. In fact a whole 12% of his weight. This is not good. And he's puking up bright yellow stuff. So let's just pray they figure it out and he can be a good eater and gain lots of pudgyness in the coming weeks, ok!!!! He's sure a cutie patootey!!!

One week. I love Christmas!!!!

Why does this always happen....

We had to get a new computer this week. We had talked about it for at least six months. Our Gateway was from 2001 and was dying a slow and painful death, but somehow we were managing to keep it going. At least we were trying. You see, since we just had to pay about $2200 for hubby's car to get fixed (no car payment, it's a good thing) we just didn't see the finances holding out for a new computer and were hoping against hope that we could at least wait until February so the tax return would give us a little extra and then we would get a new computer.

So last Thursday I came home to find the computer off, which is unusual, and it would NOT reboot. Total system failure. It puked. It totally and utterly died. Hubby brought it to the computer fix it place on Friday and was told that it would be at least $600 to fix our seven year old computer. The guy actually told him it wasn't worth it, just replace it. I'm not surprised. I'm not happy, but not surprised. So he called me (I was at work) at told me the news and ran around to several different stores before he settled on a new system for us. It's really nice, I'm still learning how the heck to use Vista, but it's not bad. It's actually really really nice. We ended up with a new HP, we really didn't want another Gateway. So hopefully nothing major will come up in the next couple months, because if it does we can't fix it until our taxes come back. Let's just pray we'll be ok!!!!

Now I need to wrap all my Christmas presents, cuz I'm not buying anything else!!!!

What the heck???

I'd like to know where the heck the last two weeks went??? Did somebody steal them?? Did they even happen???? Seriously, I feel like I'm moving in super high speed and I've just missed what's really important this past couple weeks. I went back to work and hit the ground running so to speak. We finished our Christmas shopping (I think) but sometimes it feels like I'm missing something. I seriously hope it isn't something big, like one of my kids (they are in bed sleeping, I just checked) but if it is I guess I'll figure it out.

So what's been keeping me so busy? Well, work of course, which is fine, but also the kids running around (youth group, band concerts, etc) and mostly my singing. Tonight we wrapped up this season's Messiah performances. It was so nice to sing something so intense and beautiful and HARD again. It makes me want to go back and train and get a degree in performance and stuff. I know, fat chance of that happening, but I really really really want to. So I'll look into it at least. If I get the nerve up. Ok, whatever.

Oh, and I've been knitting like a madwoman!!! Of course I don't have new pics, I keep finishing late at night and the light is so bad and I'm just being lazy about pics. I've finished a hat, a shawl, several dishcloths (for a charity thing) and I'm working on a couple more Christmas presents that I'm not finished with but will be soon (I hope). Then after Christmas I want to make another sweater. I have several in my Rav queue that I'm dying to try, but I'm so not sure which to do first!!! We'll have to wait and see what mood I'm in next January!!!

The other thing that's kept me occupied is facebook. I know, what a waste of time, but I've caught up with tons of people on there from college and from high school! They're even talking about a reunion in 2010. Maybe this one will actually happen!!! We'll see. I really don't want to think about how many years it's been since high school, but since I feel like a different person than I was back then, I guess it's ok. It's kinda fun catching up and realizing that most of those people are different now too! That can be really good!!! So love ya old buddies, can't wait to see ya in person!!! Holy cow, it's been a long time. How did we get this old?????

What the heck????

Happy Almost Turkey Day!

I've talked before about how blessed I feel at this stage in my life and that is even more true this Thanksgiving holiday. I know it's tomorrow, but my hope is that I'll have such a turkey coma going on that I won't even feel like touching the computer!!! I love holidays. Especially those that bring family together. My only wish this year would be getting my ENTIRE family together, but I know that's not likely as they are spread out all over. But our immediate family is nearby and that's enough. Really, it's awesome!!!

So I took younger son to a movie yesterday... Bolt in 3d!! IT WAS AWESOME!!! I laughed so hard that I was crying literal tears! I couldn't catch my breath. Hilarious!!! Ok, go see it, seriously!!! My vacation has been very relaxing yet slightly productive. Didn't even realize you could do both!!! Duh!!! Finished knitting one present, realized I have lots more to do and I'm a little frazzled, but trying not to let it get to me. Most of our shopping is done thanks to a "quick" trip to Kmart the other day!!! Holy cow, great deals!!! Suddenly I'm realizing that I'm almost ready for Christmas and ds is asking to put the ornaments on the tree today!! Yippee!!! At least I have one kid in the house that likes to help, the other one would rather sulk or play video games. But then, he's 12, what else can I say???

Ok, so I was just on facebook (big shocker) and took this quiz, let's see if it will post here....


Your Result: The Lively Center of Attention - Bad result? Click here to take the quiz again!

Others see you as fresh, lively, charming, amusing, practical, and always interesting; someone who's constantly in the center of attention, but sufficiently well-balanced not one to let it go to their head. They also see you as kind, considerate, and understanding; someone who'll always cheer them up and help them out.

Can you believe it??? I like to be the center of attention. Never would have guessed it. Never. And I never use sarcasm either. Ever.

Happy Thanksgiving.

It's been awhile...

Wow! Where have the past couple of weeks gone??? They've been crazy, but that is nothing new, is it? Not much is new, but I'll do a quick update....

We had to replace the engine in hubby's Jeep. Yes, the engine. At $1600 I'm just praying it lasts us another 10 years, because the Jeep is paid for and we can't afford another car payment anytime soon. So as painful as that check was to write, I think it was the wise choice.

We went to Lansing last weekend for a night out that won't soon be topped. Met up with a dozen friends for a great night of fun and music and dancing and laughter and reminiscing and .. you get the idea... I have pics up on my Facebook, but they are a little embarrasing so I'm not going to cross-post them here. It was great to feel free and young again, even for a night.

While in Lansing I picked up yarn for a shawl for hubby's Grandma for Christmas which I was 2/3 done with yesterday and just wasn't happy so off to the frog pond it went! I started over last night and so far so good. The shape was just off and I like this second version much better. Hope she likes it and manages to stay warm again. Also picked up a sweater's worth (I hope) of yarn for me!! It's a pretty heather blue/grey color that I think is just perfect for a Mr. Greenjeans cardi that I've been thinking about. Probably will start after Christmas!

I've been working alot, but this week... I'm ON VACATION!!! Yes, I'm not working and no, we're not going anywhere. Our kids are off from school and while we have conferences and choir practices and son #1 is at a retreat weekend until Sunday and all that, we decided to keep it simple and hang around and maybe get a couple things done around the house. Sounds great to me!!!

My friend who is sick still doesn't have any answers. They are still waiting for some test results, but one possible thing they are looking for is Myasthenia Gravis. It's scary, but can be treated. We're hoping that's it. MS is still a possibility, but probably not likely at this point. I'm still asking for prayers if you're willing to join me.

Other than that, we are just plugging away! The snow has been falling all week and I'm not ready for it. I know I've lived in Michigan my whole life and I should be ready whenever for whatever, but I'm not. It is pretty though. The view at work this morning was spectacular. Let's go play!!!

I am so blessed...

I just wanted to say today that although I feel super stressed, overworked, underloved and definately underpaid and underappreciated, I am so blessed. Explain? Ok, I will.

I have friends right now suffering from cancer, friends that might possibly have MS, friends whose spouses are suffering from dementia, friends that are dealing with deaths of loved ones (we've all been there) basically all sorts of bad and unfun things. I'm alright. That in itself is a major blessing. My family is healthy, I'm healthy (mostly) and although I'm exhausted, I'm not dying. Noone can promise how long you'll live, I know that better than most, but I can live with the hope of a long and productive life and right now I see that as a great thing.

I have a job. My husband has a job. Neither are the best paying most ultimately satisfying jobs ever made, but we are working and are (for the most part) able to afford our current lifestyle and the occasional fun item and we'll have presents under the tree again this Christmas. I think that in the state of the current economy especially in Michigan, this is a thing to be very thankful for, and I am thankful.

I have so much else to be thankful for. The gift of music, the gift of laughter (my kids are banging around together giggling in the next room and that makes me smile) the gift of friendship, and yes, even the gift of knitting. Knitting is an art and I believe that art is a gift, so I'm thankful for knitting. It makes me happy and that's a blessing.

On that note, I've been knitting a couple pairs of socks these past few weeks that I don't have pics of yet (camera batteries are dead and I keep forgetting to buy new ones) but since they're not done, I'll keep the suspense going. I'm heading to Lansing on the 15th with hubby to see some old friends and I'm going to hogtie him if I have to so I can stop at Threadbear and pick up a sweater's worth of something!!! I NEED to make myself another sweater. My first one was a huge success and I love to wear it so much I'm afraid it's the only thing I'm going to wear on my days off until I make another.. so I need to buy yarn NOW!!! Hopefully I'll find the right yarn next weekend to cast on, the sooner the better!!!!

Today I hope that you find the things that are blessings in your life. Even the littlest things count. List them, even a few, and I'll guarantee that when the snow starts to fly you'll feel better. At least on the inside, where it's warm, and there's fuzzy handknits to keep you even warmer.

Happy Election Day!

Ok, is that even a real name for today? I don't know.. but I voted! Did you???? I hope so, even if you didn't vote for who I voted for, it's your vote so make it count!!!!

I got some new makeup today to go along with the new hair (which I still don't have a great pic of, sorry) and I'm so excited to try it out!!!! Somedays it's the little things, you know????

My lovely friend Coggie tagged me on her blog post that I'm supposed to play along this little game called: list 6 quirky yet boring/unspectacular things about myself. Or something like that. This will probably not be easy.. let's see... in absolutely no particular order...

1. I often randomly break into song. This happens without me even consciously being aware of it. Sometimes I am singing what I hear on the radio, occasionally in harmony. Sometimes it's what's in my head. Sometimes I harmonize with the song in my head. That's when I freak people out.

2. I hate mushrooms. Actually, they sort of freak me out. Why anyone would eat fungus that grows in the shady part of the undergrowth in the forest is beyond my comprehension. I don't like them on or around any of the food I eat, never have and never will. Even the thought of having to put a mushroom in my mouth literally makes me vomit a little. Gross.

3. I can go months without shaving my legs. I know, it's gross. But most of the winter I just don't really see the point. My legs are always covered and no one ever sees them and I really don't care so I just don't take the time or the energy which can be better spent on other things. I have no idea what I mean, but I just don't shave until spring usually. I know what you might think, but since my husband and I work such off hours, even he never sees my legs. It's truly sad.

4. I cut my grilled cheese sandwiches into triangles, diagonally across the middle. Not any of my other sandwiches, just grilled cheese. I'm not sure why, but part of my brain seems to think they taste better that way. When it's not cut like that I just don't enjoy it nearly as much.

5. I eat things in twos. Candy, cookies, pretzels, peanuts, etc. If you see me nibbling on something, most of the time, you'll see me grab two of whatever that is at a time. I can't help it, it's a sickness. There are just no reasons for most of these things, I swear.

6. I hate to call people on the phone. This didn't used to be a problem for me, but it is seriously a thing I avoid like the plague now. I think it's because of all the emailing I do. Maybe because I just hate feeling like I'm interrupting people and don't want to be a bother. I will call certain people (family mostly) and will make the necessary calls for my job, but when I'm thinking of someone and would like to know how they are doing, I just drop them an email really quickly and that's how I start most of my conversations these days. I used to be the girl on the phone for hours a night while I was a teenager, but I just can't seem to do that anymore. I love it when people call me, and will still talk forever, but I don't call people. What the heck is wrong with my brain???? I have no idea. If you have a cure for my sickness, please share!!!!

Ok, so if I'm going to tag five people who might actually read this and play along, (I have no idea if anyone reads this, so if you do, please let me know) let's try... Lori, Trish, Amy, Margo, Angie... and Coggie, this all your fault but I already read yours!!!

Why do I always do this...

I overscheduled my weekend.. AGAIN! It seems like the minute I get a free afternoon, or whatever, that I'm scheduling something else I can "fit" in .. as IF I need one more thing to do!!!

Well, that was my week. And weekend. Now it's almost over and I'm wiped out! I got my hair done on Wednesday, which was lovely (it's darker and a little shorter but no pictures yet, sorry). Then Thursday I had praise team practice, again, no biggie. Then Friday was Halloween and I was so tired after work that I ended up napping during Trick or Treat time (which was lovely for me) and hubby handed out candy while the kids went around with friends. Then of course I couldn't sleep Friday night! Worked Saturday morning, then went to nephew's birthday party (which was fun!). Gotta love 7-year-old's that are smarter than you... seriously!!! Then shopped for a new tv cuz ours was dying (that happens to tv's after 20 years as it turns out!).

Ok, so that's not so bad, until today. Sunday is usually pretty stress-free for me. Even when I sing in church like today, it's usually very rewarding and uplifting and all that. And it was all that today as well! The stress started with me forgetting to set my clocks back last night (because I was too tired to think) and getting up an hour early. I was all ready to leave when hubby reminded me of the "real" time. A little annoyed at myself I ended up just getting a bite of breakfast and getting to church early. I sat in our green room and knit for half an hour before rehearsal started which was just fine and dandy. After church I grabbed a bite of lunch by myself before choir rehearsal. Then had to run back to church for another rehearsal and service for a special prayer evening we had for members of our church who are hurting, sick, in desparate need of uplifting before the Lord. It was a lovely service and all in all a lovely day. But now I have a headache that won't go away and I'm so wiped out I barely remembered that I should at least check my email before bed!!! And now that I have.. I'm off to bed.

Hopefully writing this out will remind me that I need to stop doing this to myself... hopefully!!!

Day of the Errand...

Yes, it's Tuesday, which in my world is the Day of the Errands!!! Although, it really wasn't too bad.. of course, it's not over yet!!! So for several weeks the kids have told me that they knew what they wanted to be for Halloween and that they were going to use stuff we already had here in the house and all would be well... until this weekend. No all of a sudden younger son decided that he wants to be "something scary!" What's that supposed to mean??? Well, in nine-year-old land, I think it means gross. At the very least, disturbing. And that, means buying at least a mask to wear over that darling little face of his. Oh the agony!!! So tonight after homework we are heading out to shop for a mask or whatever... ugh!

Today I did get to go to my usual Tuesday morning women's Bible study class that I have been doing for several years. The past two weeks I've had to go to the partner class on Wednesday evenings that is truly lovely, but it's not MY class, you know what I mean? It was so nice to see all my "girls" again!!! And you know what? The best part was, they said they missed me too!!!! What an awesome group of ladies they are, truly. And all this time that I've been working extra and stressed out... they've been praying for me and for my friend. They are such a blessing to me and I am happy to get to know each of them better all the time.

Ok, enough sappyness. I love sappyness, but that's enough even for me. Helping ys with math homework while watching the clock until it's time to pick up os from basketball tryouts... we'll see how that goes and I'll let ya'll know when I know if he makes the team or not. Is it bad of me to almost hope he doesn't make it so I don't have to attend all those games??? Oh, I'm definitely the world's best mother today, aren't I??? Oh well, I love them anyway. They're just stuck with me!!!!

The Frogpond is pretty this time of year...

And so go my socks. Into the frogpond. For you non-knitters out there, that's when you need to "rip" out a section or in this case the whole thing for whatever reason. When you say "rip it" over and over, it's like a frog saying "ribbit"... you get the idea. My 9 to 5 socks were looking pretty, pretty small that is. I think I have a pic somewhere.... let's see....

Pretty pattern...



Here's a closer up on my hand so you can see the detail which is lovely...



A little fuzzy I guess, I'm not a great photographer.

So anyway.. I'm starting them over. Not sure exactly which needle size I'll use, but it won't be in the size 1's for sure!!! What the heck was I thinking???? Guess I wasn't thinking, and therein lies the problem.

It was a fun weekend for singing! I sang in the Celebration Singers this morning (we sing for the more traditional service, although not necessarily traditional music) and then the praise team was fantastic at the contemporary service... then choir was great! All in all, a musicians dream!

And on that note (get it, I made a joke) I'm going to watch some great Sunday night TV and eat a few cookies and veg out until I have to work again tomorrow morning. Such an exciting life I lead...

The weekend's here!!!

And I'm exhausted. It was a busy crazy week but I made it through. Never got a chance to meet the new baby yet, but I will. Today is a mixture of sleeping in (thanks family) and pizza and cookies (thanks hubby) and football (yea fall!). Of course, I should try to get some knitting done of one of the three projects that I've got on the needles instead of sitting here searching Rav trying to figure out what other projects I'd like to try!!! But alas, that's what I found myself doing just now. Crazy isn't it!!!

Ok, so I found out that the booties I made for that adorable little girl my friend just birthed are WAY to small. I'm thinking of giving them another try only much bigger, that way she can put the first pair on her dolly and match! Wouldn't that be cute? Now for the time... whenever that might be!

Seriously though, hubby decided to make cookies yesterday. Now, when I make cookies, I make one batch of cookies, which I don't do very often since hubby's are always better than mine. Seriously, he's like Mr. Field's for crying out loud!!! But when hubby makes cookies, he makes COOKIES!!! Last night he made several dozen chocolate chip, then today he's making more!!! Like I need this temptation around!!!! Not only are there more chocolate chip cookies than should be allowed by law in my kitchen right now, there are also peanut butter chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin and I think he's making regular peanut butter cookies as well!!! HELP!!! I'm surrounded by yummy treats and I can't find my way out!!! Seriously, I'm going to need to hit the mall for some shopping therapy if this keeps up!!! But I don't feel like going anywhere, nor do I feel like even getting dressed. So cookies and I are going to be best friends today. Oh happy weekend....

Just a note.

I was so happy for my other co-worker friend today.. she had another baby boy!!! Ryan Jon joined the world this morning and I have yet to meet him in person (maybe tomorrow) but I did see a quick pic and he's super duper cute! Just like his big brothers!!! Congrats to his family and when I get a chance I'll see if I can post a pic of me and little Ryan! I know a few other people who are having babies soon and I am happy for them all, and more happy for myself that it's not me having them!! Seriously, that ship has sailed for me, but I will always love babies and will love to hold and spoil any who come my way!!!

So I have been working a lot again this week. Last week was long and tiring and this week isn't going to be much better I'm afraid. My friend is still sick and she is having more testing to see if they can finally get to the bottom of it. I'm hopeful but not holding my breath. I really think she needs to go to another hospital, and she's working on that also. We'll see....

Rehearsal for the Messiah went better for me this week, even though my personal practice time was minimal due to my schedule. I'm getting really excited about it and can't wait to perform in all our black-robed glory in December. If you're near Zeeland, come on by!!! I'm sure I'll blab more about this in the future. Suffice it to say that I'm so glad to be back in "choir geek" mode again, I've missed it!!! Didn't even realize how much until this week.

Wow, so I'm home tonight watching "Biggest Loser" and getting a little tired of the tears. Geesh people, haven't you seen the show before? They always make you face your fears and try things out of your comfort zone.. even I know that!!! Criminy!!!! The whining has GOT to stop!!! Ok, end of rant.. for now!

So hopefully I'll meet a new little baby this week.. I guess time will tell. In the meantime, I'm working, knitting (a litte at least) and trying not to go crazy. It's a stretch for me, I'm always a little nuts!!! Enjoy this crazy fall weather, it sure was nice to see some sunshine today!

Nothing like diving in...

So, I know I said it was going to be a crazy week, and it has been so far! But I said a few days ago that I was thinking of changing directions and moving on, for now, from the rock star dream and going back to my roots as a choir geek (no lie, that's what hubby calls me). So, nothing like diving in without really thinking about it. I joined the Zeeland Civic Chorus!!! This group has been performing Handel's Messiah for forever, maybe 60+ years in a row and it's been at least 15 years since I've done it personally. We had the first rehearsal on Sunday and I'm STILL a little sore! Wow, am I out of shape vocally or what!!! I mean, I sing ALL the time, even on stage several times a month, but only easy radio stuff mainly and only 5-6 songs per time and that vocal marathon that is the Messiah is SO not the same thing AT ALL!!!! So I'm just praying that it will come back especially since I don't have a lot of time to practice between now and next rehearsal which is Sunday. I'm kind of freaking out!!! Seriously!

On top of that, I have the longest week of work going on, which is going fine but I'm getting really tired! Along with all the usual Mom stuff, homework, running errands, etc... my laundry needs to be done in the WORST way and I'm not in the mood (are you ever in the mood for laundry? I'm not!). Ok, I'll stop complaining!

On a fun note, I've found SO many people on Facebook lately! It's been kind of an obsession that I must check it as often as I can and I have been invited through it to see a great friend of mine (who happens to be an awesome musician as many of my friends are) play/sing at a dueling piano bar next month! I can't wait, just need to find a sitter so hubby can come too!!! Wouldn't want to leave kiddo's home to fend for themselves for THAT many hours (it's in Lansing, little more than an hour away). Plus, I may crash at another friends, depending on how the night goes!!! Other friends are coming from other parts of the state and I'm so excited to see them all!!!! Nothing like a good reunion with awesome people to get you revved up, and I'm ready to dive in again!!!!

Ok, gotta go, it's getting be bed time again, I'm whipped!!!

No more babies yet, but projects are done!

I'm anxiously awaiting a few more babies, from my friends that is, this woman is NOT having any more! Thank you very much!!!! But until I have cuteness galore to show off, I thought I'd share what I've been knitting.

Here's a pair of socks I finished this weekend....



My sister actually GAVE me this awesome yarn called Blue Bunny Superwash Merino that was awesome to knit with and feels so warm and suggly on the feet... I must get more! Thanks, Sis, for feeding my evergrowing addiction!!!! I wasn't sure at first if I liked the way the colors were pooling, but I think it's kind of neat. I couldn't for the life of me figure a way to make them match, but I think that's the charm of handknits anyway.. don't you? I'm starting another pair now. I have four different sock yarns waiting for me to make them into socks and I would love to start another sweater soon... or by the first part of next year!! So I'm a knitting fool!!!!!

I also finished that purse for my friend. She's happy with it! I gave it to her just this morning. Ended up with a great magnetic clasp that I hid inside the lining for a neat clean look. I loved not having to make a buttohole in this fabric!!!! Hard to see the cables, isn't it?



Anyway... I learned a little something from this project. One, I actually like doing cables, although all-over cables can be a little grueling. And two, I'm NEVER knitting a black sweater. Ever. Never ever. A little black knitting goes a loooonnggg way lemme tell ya!!! But I am glad I made my friend happy. She's a great person and a wonderful friend to everyone. And she's going to look lovely at the wedding next month!!!!

Well, I'm working a lot this week, so if I don't blog again for a couple days, it's cuz I'm trying to pry my eyes open or my ass off the couch... whatever! One way or the other I will make it through and try to smile on the outside even if I want to cry on the inside!!! Seriously, it's going to be a looong week. See ya on the flip side!

My Baby Fix Begins...

I have several friends who are having babies this fall. The first one had her's on Monday!!! She was a little early, but I'm thrilled as I had already knit her a hat and booties this August (I posted them a long time ago) and now I was able to give them to her.

This is Carly. I work with her Mom and have been friends with her for a long time.



And here's us with her big brother Blake!



He's such a lucky big brother! He just turned four on Tuesday, which makes their birthday's one day apart.. just like my kids!!! Such a lovely family.

Here's Carly in her new hat that I made, it's a little big...



I'm so happy for them. She is an answer to many, many prayers and will be cherised by Mom and Dad forever.

Other than that, I've been working on a clutch purse for a friend and took a pic of my progress. I don't think you can see the cables real well, but here's what I have....






So now I need to shop for a closure, I'm thinking of a neat snap thing. Then I need about one more cable repeat, block and add gussets to the sides and seam them up. I'd say I'm about 75% done and the wedding she needs it for isn't until November... so I'm good!!!

Thinking seriously about joining the Zeeland Civic Chorus this winter for the 68th (I think) performance of Handel's Messiah. I've done it before but it's been years and I'm missing that sort of thing right now. Rehearsals start tomorrow, so I really need to make up my mind. I'll let you know what I decide!!!!

It's Thursday.

Nothing special about Thursday. Except that today the sun came out again. Yesterday it was rainy and grey and sad all day, and today the sun came out. Sunshine makes me happy. I know that's a really goofy thing to say, but it's so true. I've always been very affected by the weather, seasonal affect disorder or somethingorother it's called... who knows. I'm just happier when the sun shines. It was a lovely Thursday.

So tomorrow, provided the weather cooperates, we will once again take the kids to the high school football game. We've gone the past five weeks and I think we'll try to make as many as we can before the weather really gets bad. Last week it was VERY chilly, but that was alright. I'm hoping for a warmer evening tomorrow, and no rain, if it rains I'm not going.

I guess I'm totally avoiding the whole mess in Washington and on Wall Street. I mean, it's killing me to think that all that greed and mishandling of everything could really ruin my future and that of my kids and my parents and stuff. But I try to avoid thinking about it as much as I can. I think if I think about it too much I'll get all depressed and I just can't let that happen. It may start other things that I really don't want to happen like drinking binges, eating binges, and just generally unhealthy behavior from this thirty something wife and mother. That is just not a pretty sight!!! In the meantime I'm going to pretend that everything is fine and we are going to have new wonderful leadership very soon and the whole thing will just go away and everyone can just come and join me in the loony bin.. there's room for more at this crazy party!!!!

In the meantime I'm spending lots of time on Facebook and Ravelry talking to people who get the kinds of things that I get... yarn is good. You can never have too many handknits to wear, and friends come in ALL shapes/sizes/ages/colors/degrees of fuzzyness... you get the idea. Oh, and I'm dying to make another sweater... just as soon as I can afford the yarn again....

----------------------------
I almost forgot... my horoscope (I never read these things anymore, but it totally caught my eye.) said that I should change the plan that's not working, or something like that. I was just thinking about the fact that the music thing isn't coming out like I thought (I haven't heard more, but I'm not getting a good feeling) and I've been getting the itch to audition for a play at the Civic theatre. Is that totally crazy? I mean it would mean more time for myself, less for the family, but I really want to try! Does that make me selfish? Or just creative? I'm so confused.... But I agree, if it's not working, shouldn't the plans get changed instead of just trying to make the broken plan go the way you think it should go? Ok, I'm babbling again....

Well..

It's been a week! Where the heck did the time go????

So, yes it was a busy week. Mainly I was getting ready to do my very first craft show! My sister, Mom and I got a table at my church's annual craft show for our handknits and jewelry (Mom's the jewelry maker and she's awesome!). My son also got in the action and made up several bracelets that were really cute. Sis made Christmas ornaments that were adorable, and I made several (dozen) washcloth/dishcloths along with scarves and a few other odds and ends.

Here's a few pics of our table...



the ornaments are on the tree....



This was so cute!! I think everyone should have one this year, don't you???

And here's my stash...



Ok, the two things at the front were NOT mine... just sayin'.

So, we had lots of people come and look and not very many sales. Unfortunately. I really would like to do it again, but next time I'll have to knit up different things because there were several other sellers with the cloths and lots of other jewelers (although Mom did ok). Sis sold a couple ornaments, but nothing close to what we were hoping. So we'll think about it. That's all I can say for our first experience. But it was fun.

Now I'm just thinking of a few gift ideas, so I won't say them here, and my friend just asked me to make her a clutch for a wedding she has next month. I've started that today, but I'm not sure if the yarn is right, although I think it's going to be fine. We'll see!

Oh, and I had another friend (these are both co-workers whom I adore!!) who had a baby yesterday!!! Remember the baby hat and booties I made awhile ago? Yes, their new owner was born yesterday. I will go meet Carly Ann (not sure how she spelled it..)this weekend, let Mama get back on her feet as I'm working all week and stuff anyway!!!! Hopefully I'll get a pic of her wearing them and be able to post it next week. Won't that be awesome!!!!

Off to make sure that my kids are getting in the shower, it's that day of the week!!!! (yes, we have to schedule things like this...)

It's Tuesday!

If you know me, then you know Tuesday's are my day off work. This is a very important day for me. Usually I have mega errands to run, occasionally have doctor's appointments, and since it's fall I have my wonderful women's Bible study that I've been doing for several years (love those ladies!). Well, today was Tuesday. That in and of itself made it a wonderful day. I slept in until 8am (yippee) and went to Bible study which was wonderful even though it was raining and not all that warm. On the other hand, being a little cooler afforded me yet another excuse to wear my new sweater and those pink lemonade socks I made!!!

Now, that sounds like a pretty mundane day so far, right. Right. Well, after class I got an idea of how the set up will be for Saturday's craft fair at church. Yes, I'm doing a craft fair. Yikes. With my Mom and Sis and Son. Double yikes. I've been knitting dishcloths and scarves like a fool most of the summer on top of all the other knitting I've done and I just truly hope I sell something and don't feel like it's all been a waste. I have hope that it will at least be a fun day with my family. At least.

So then the sun started shining. It turned actually pretty outside as occasionally it rained while the sun was shining. God's just a little crazy like that! What a gift.

Then I had a meeting with another musician tonight. I wasn't going to get all hyped up about it, but he was really nice. He is a singer/songwriter looking to branch out and try new things and wants a girl to sing with. After meeting him I realize that I really want this to work so I'm trying REALLY hard not to get super excited as he told me he was still "interviewing" two other women. So, finger's crossed, I'm going to try to put this out of the front of my mind and just let happen whatever's going to happen.

So that was my Tuesday. Now I'm home to watch Biggest Loser which I adore and knit some more. It's a sickness I tell you. Sick. And I love every stitch of it!!!!

Happy Tuesday.

I did it!!!

I finished my first sweater!!! I was so excited to be able to get it done in time for our fall uniform colors to change at work (which is this week) and just to wear it in general now that the weather's turning cooler and I love wearing sweaters in the fall and winter. The pink is perfect and I wore it to church this morning to several compliments (thanks!) and I felt so pretty and fresh!!! What do you think????



This is the sweater by itself and here's me wearing it...



For some reason when my hubby takes my picture I look like a dufus, so please excuse the expression, focus should be on the pink sweater anyway, right!!!!

So now I'm ready to start another project, this one really turned out well. I did learn something though... buttonholes. Do them right or they look goofy. Mine are NOT perfect, but I'm going to live with them since it's the first sweater I've made. Next time I won't settle for mediocre buttonholes I tell you... never again!!!!

I had no idea...

I just looked at my friend Bam's blog and she had this thing about being Canada on it, so I took the quiz and looky.....

You Are China

You adhere to the ideas of loyalty, honesty, sincerity, and duty. You respect authority and age. You believe in social harmony. You are big and bold. People consider you to be someone with a lot of potential. You are coming into your own right now, and you are figuring out your place in the world.

What Country Are You?

I had no idea!!!!

If you're the praying kind...

I have a friend who needs prayers. She's a co-worker of mine as well but a friend for several years whom I adore. She's a young lady who's very sick right now and our prayers for her need to be many. If you're the praying kind, I'm asking for you to pray for Anne.

She's having what the doctor's right now are calling "complex migraines" which basically means they don't know what or why she's having symptoms. The symptoms she has, besides a massive headache like a vice squeezing the top of her head (sometimes it's in other locations) are numbness in her entire right side of the body and very confused state of mind as well as delayed and garbled speech. It's as if she's had a stroke. This has happened several times over the past couple of years, but they are getting more frequent, more severe and are not really clearing up. She's missed several days (weeks actually) of work which is hard on her family as well.

So my requests for prayers are obviously for her health, we need her to get better for herself and her husband and two pretty little girls who need their mama. We also need her back at work!!! Today she had an MRI (finally!) and although we don't know anything yet, we pray that this will help the doctor's come up with a diagnosis that they can treat quickly and completely. She's a young woman and should not have to live like this. No one should for that matter.

If you're the praying kind, I know that Anne and her family would really appreciate any prayers you can send up. I thank you as well. Not only do I need her at work, she's a dear friend and I miss her greatly. This whole situation is breaking my heart.

Hugs and prayers and love to you, Anne! We miss you!!!!!

Another weekend...

It's been a nice weekend, very pretty outside and calm and quiet inside. Seriously, I haven't been super productive, except on my sweater!!! I'm getting so ready to wear it and it's coming along nicely.

Here's the body...




And I even got a whole sleeve done today. Helped that I'm going with a shorter than normal sleeve length, but this should work well for me!




So pretty good weekend all around. Now I'm sitting at the computer putting off a quick project that really needs to get done tonight, but it won't take long, I just have to make a quick cd of some songs for a meeting with a fellow musician I have scheduled for Tuesday!!! Of course, I have no idea if this is the right thing, but I'm keeping my options open. I feel like that's the only way to get my "career" started, even locally, you know! And I have another one tentatively scheduled for the week after.. so that's a good thing I suppose. Neither one of these contacts are blowing me away, but I'm hoping that meeting them in person will change that. Hard to tell what someone's all about just from a few emails, you know! Not like I've read their blogs or anything... maybe I should ask if they even have one... now THAT's an idea!!!!

Ok, so I'm off to enjoy the evening... what there is left of it.

Oh, by the way... my small family grew by one this week. I have a new cousin!!! She lives in California, and I hope that someday I'll meet her, but I know that's not likely since I haven't met her big brothers in person yet either... I miss them still. But she's a lucky girl, with awesome parents and two big brothers and grandparents that love the crap out of her!!! Oh, and all us extended family do that too....

And I'm converting from a die hard Lion's fan to a Giant's fan. Eli's cuter than John anyway....

Ahoy matey's!!!

In honor of National Talk Like a Pirate Day... I found this out on Ravelry and just had to play along so I could get a picture of myself with a parrot!! Very cool! And very Jimmy Buffett like am I! I'm not so good in talking like a pirate, but I did find a quiz (thanks Coggie) and found out my Pirate name....

My pirate name is:

Dirty Bess Kidd

You're the pirate everyone else wants to throw in the ocean -- not to get rid of you, you understand; just to get rid of the smell. Even though you're not always the traditional swaggering gallant, your steadiness and planning make you a fine, reliable pirate. Arr!

Get your own pirate name from piratequiz.com.
part of the fidius.org network

Arrrgh... that's probably enough swash-buckling for me... I have grass stains to get out tonight.

Just a quickie...

... sort of. Since I spent the weekend knitting I thought I'd share my progress on the first sweater I've ever done!! Here's what I have so far. There are 11 repeats of the lace pattern done and from what I can tell I'll need roughly 20 before I do the bottom garter edge. Then it's off to the sleeves, which I'm a little nervous about because I may either have to learn a new technique or use a smaller needle, either way makes me a little shaky. Here's a quick pic, don't mind the yarn tails...



Other than that, I've been reading a great series of mysteries this past few weeks and I'm LOVING book 4!!! Today was the first day of my new season of Bible study that I do with the women at my church. I love it and although it is more work, it's so rewarding that I don't mind. I'm sure this one won't disappoint!!! There are even a few new ladies joining us this year which is always fun, more friends to get to know!!! Yippee!!!

Hopefully I'll be able to finish the sweater soon, the pic I took last weekend didn't show up on the camera since the batteries must have died mid-shot! That's ok, there's more to see now anyway. Off to knit some more and help kiddo's with homework!!! Oh, and maybe I should start some supper.. we'll see!!!!

Raindrops keep fallin....

Yes, it's a very rainy weekend. Although rainy days can bum me out in the worst way, I decided that this one wasn't going to!!! Fortunately for me I have a wonderfully beautiful pink sweater that I'm knitting for myself (my first) and I love the color so much that I'm only putting it down to post a little since my hand is killing me!!! Seriously, I've already knitted on it for like six hours today or some crazy thing. I'm neglecting the house (like usual) my reading, my kids.. whatever. I'm just knitting. And you know what? I'm not that bummed that it's raining. Seriously!!!

I took a picture of my progress a bit ago, but then the batteries in the camera died - drat! So I'm not sure if that one is even good, but I'll worry about the camera later. I'm more worried about knitting. This is a fun sweater to knit so far, and the pattern seems well-written as of the rows I've already done. Also Ravelry has been very helpful with tips from knitters who've already knitted this pattern. God bless Rav!!!

So other than knitting, today I went to the library (in the rain) and the grocery store (in the rain) and then later I even made tacos... and I never cook!!! They turned out great, although it's one thing that I can make, as I've done it before, so whoopity doo!!! The kids were thinking the world stopped turning when I started browning the burger, and it was kinda fun messing with their heads!!!! I can be an evil mom sometimes, I swear!!!!

It's going to be raining again tomorrow according to all the news channels, which means after church (in the rain) I'll be ready to knit all afternoon!!! Laundry be damned... I have to knit this sweater!!!!!

Hopefully I'll have finished product pictures to post sometime before Christmas, and if I'm seriously serious for a while, maybe even by Halloween??? Could it be??? Yippee!!!!

Hey, one for the road... if you're not on Facebook, I highly recommend it. I've been finding so many of my old friends from college and high school on there lately that it's really fun to catch up with! So if you're there, look me up, and if you're not... what are you waiting for??? Catch the facebook craze!!!!

-- I spend way too much time talking to myself everyday... can you tell????

Happy Patriot Day.

So it's September 11. Seven years since that awful day when America was attacked seemingly out of nowhere. I remember every detail of that day in my life. I don't know anyone personally who died that day, but I remember crying for each and every one of them. I remember feeling so overwhelmed with sadness and anger and rage and questioning what the hell was happening. I remember it all.

I remember wondering and worrying for hours until we realized my aunt, who was a flight attendant at the time, wasn't on one of those plans but was safely secure in a town in Illinois, or was it Indiana, it didn't matter. I remember telling her that if she wanted me to I would drive all day and night down there and bring her back to my house in Michigan so she'd have someplace safe to stay for a few days. She respectfully declined. I understood. Somehow it was just too much for all of us to take.

I remember being so thankful that my children were so young and wouldn't really understand what was happening. And being thankful that they were safely in the daycare center where the tv's weren't watching the news, but the radios were happily playing kid cd's so there weren't any public newsflashes for them to overhear. They wouldn't have understood anyway. Neither did I.

I remember being at work that evening and people were just quiet. Eerily quiet. The office was so quiet as we all did our jobs without excess talking, listening to talk on the radio instead of the Bee-Gee's and Barbra Striesand. Whispers even. Lots of whispers. Phone calls to companies we regularly did business with wouldn't go through, and then we'd realize it was a company near New York City, and we'd wonder what would happen. Would we get the product we ordered yesterday? Did it really matter? Who would really care? Why were we at work? We should be watching Peter Jennings explain this whole thing to us. Who did this? Why? How? What's going to happen next???

I remember the week after that in kind of a fog. I was alright, my kids were alright, and somehow we needed to keep moving. Soon it was the next day, and the next day, and the next week. Every day it was more normal. Sort of. But not really. It never would be a normal world again.

Now seven years have past. My kids are more grown up. They know what happened from the details they've read about or seen on tv, but they don't really get it. They didn't live it. Thank God. But we have all moved on. I still think about the families who lost people that day. I'm still sad for them. I know about loss, but somehow this is different.

But I love this country. I love our land of opportunity. I love raising my children to be free to speak their minds and disagree without fear of reprisal or persecution. I love the freedom to worship God in our own way. I love singing at the top of my lungs while driving down the road with the windows open. I love America. I love life, and I wish you all a Happy Patriot's day.

God Bless America.

Making lemonade...

I guess I'm turning lemons and making lemonade tonight. I didn't get the gig. Got the email tonight after I got home from knit night and I have to say I'm completely bummed. I really thought that the wait was over and I'd finally found my group. But it isn't. Ugh.

So to console myself I spent the last hour on Rav picking out a pattern for my pink yarn that's calling my name over there. "Hey you, will you finally get around to knitting me into something, please!!!" And after all this time of thinking I was knitting it into a pullover, I've changed my mind. I'm going to try the February Lady Sweater that I just printed off. Now, this may take all winter, we'll see. It will be my first real attempt at something besides hats and socks, I'm a little nervous, but it would be great for work and this color is awesome.

So here's the yarn....



and if you're on Rav you can find the pattern. I'll keep you posted!!!!

And as they say, when life hands you lemons, make lemonade... (and add lots of vodka!!!) Ok, maybe not everyone says that... but maybe they should.

Off to swatch!!!!

Busy weekend!!!

So, first of all... no I haven't heard back from the gentleman from the band, but I'm trying to be patient. Trying. So to keep my mind off the wait, I kept busy with sports, knitting and family. Pretty good trio!!!

It started Friday night with the local high school football game. We have two high schools in our district and they share a stadium. Therefore, there are home games EVERY Friday night!!! It's pretty awesome. For the first one last week, here's the kiddo with the crazy hair....



Don't worry, it washed out the same night, but I'm SO glad I snapped a pic before the game. He was so easy to find in the crowd, and SO many people commented. I'm sure he'll do it again soon....

So at the game this week I brought along some yarn and started a dishcloth which was more than half done at the end of a 41-7 smackdown!!! This was the team that didn't win more than one game in the past three years, now this season they are already 2-0!!!! Go Chix!!!! On the other hand, the other team which were state champs two years ago, and last year missed the big dance by one game, are so far 0-2. Big difference from last year!!! Hopefully they will both end up with great fun seasons.

The next morning (this would be Saturday) we got up and went to our nephew's soccer game. He's in Kindergarten. It was riveting. No, I'm serious!!! He even scored a goal!!! Yippee!!!! Again, with the dishcloth. Sure helped for all the time he was sitting out. Then I put it away while he was goalie. That kid rocks.

So Saturday afternoon I finished my socks. They are awesome!!!! Here are some pics....





Love them. Serious love. Can't wait to wear them all winter!!!

Also finished dishcloth (no pictures, it's just a dishcloth people! Hot pink, use your imagination...) and then started a hat. I'd bought this yarn a few months ago on major sale and there was a pattern on the ball band for a cabled hat. Never done much with cables, so I tried it! Started while watching Notre Dame play SDSU, great football game, and finished today during the Colts/Bears game (which isn't over yet as of the time of this post) (go Peyton!) and here's the hat.



It's a bit small, but I think I have someone I can gift it to that it will work for. We'll see. Otherwise it will go in the give away bins... it was still fun to knit!!!

So now I have to figure out what to knit for knit night tomorrow, assuming that I'll make it (which I should) and it will most likely be... socks. I have tons of sock yarn sitting there staring at me. But I should do more dishcloths, but I'm bored silly with them right now. So, I'm thinking socks.

With that, have to get ready for beddy bye now.. I'll be back!!!!

Not yet....

I'm just home from my meeting/audition with two members of a newly formed band. It was really nice to meet them. They are professional, personable, and downright nice guys that I had fun with! I'm sure it will be a few days before I hear, although as far as I'm concerned sign me up!!! But as I said in my last post... in His time. If this is the right place for me, then I'll go for it, if not they will find someone else and no hard feelings. I actually said that to them and they nodded as if to say they understood. I truly hope they did and that I didn't make a fool of myself. At this point only God knows. So maybe I'll be coming to an event near you.. or maybe not!!!!

On that note, I'm tired. It's been a long rainy day and I'm tuckered out. Going to sit in my chair and veg out for a bit. Oh, and maybe knit a little!!!!

Good night....

All in His time...

As yesterday was the first day of school, and my day off, and the last HOT day West Michigan is truly going have for the year (we think) it was kinda nuts around here and silly me never got around to picking up the phone to call band guy.

Fortunately we have this amazing internet to connect us whenever we want. I emailed him late last night (well, after 10pm I'm sure) and apologized and asked him to please email back or call or I'd call or whatever but that I was still interested and please don't hate me and so on. Well, it must have been the right thing to say because today we've exchanged several emails throughout the day (even though I'm not really supposed to use the computer for myself at work but it was quick and who really knew?) and it's set. I'm meeting him tomorrow and we will jam for a while and see if I'm a fit for this group he's starting. Apparently I'm talking to the guitar player, and there's already a drummer, a bass guitar player and a lead guitar player as well, so it's a nice size group. They are all a little older than me with lots of experience so I'm trying not to be intimidated. I know the style of music they are going for, but not all the songs yet, which is fine because I like to learn new songs.

So if this is where God wants me, I know it will work out. And if it doesn't, then it isn't the right place yet. I hope I don't get nervous tomorrow because right now I'm excited, but my back still hurts quite a bit and I know that can affect my singing. Again, I have faith that if this is right for me that God will not let it bother me or at least not let the pain affect the music. Sounds like hooey to some people, maybe to you, but I believe it and that's what matters right now.

As I say, it's all in His time....

Could it be???

Do dreams really come true??? That's the question I've been asking myself for more than a year. I've been a singer and musician all my life, mostly for fun, but I earned a bachelor's degree in vocal music a while ago. I then spent several years starting a family which was the path I chose at the time. I've never regretted that. Seriously, I love being a wife and mother.

So beginning of 2007 I finally decided that it was time to see if I could make a career, even part time, of music. I started scouring the internet for musicians and bands that might be looking for a singer, something that felt like a good fit. I went on several "auditions" and meetings and all sorts of things. Nothing fit. Not a one felt right, although a couple came close. So I prayed about it. I realized that it wasn't me, it was the band idea. I am not a girl who hangs out in bars. Not that I mind going out occassionally, but I'm not a big partier. I got that out of the way early in my life. Now don't get me wrong, I like a drink now and then, but I don't see myself hanging out in a bar three weekends a month for the next 20 years. I just don't.

So I gave my search over to God. If He wants me to be in a band, then it will happen. If not, I'll content myself to play at church like I have been and take it from there. I love playing and singing in church, so it's wonderful. A few weeks ago I noticed someone looking for a singer/player for a possible Christian band. Turned out I must not have been what they were looking for, that fizzled. So last week I emailed another prospect. I figured it wasn't for me again, until today. Today I get an email that he says was the third one (I never got the first two) so I quickly emailed him back as I was on my way out of the house for a few hours. I told him I'd call him tomorrow since he left his number. So that's it. I'll call him tomorrow and I'm SO excited! Maybe this is God's way of telling me that I SHOULD do more with my music. I'll pray about it some more, but I'm definitely calling this guy tomorrow. Is that crazy??? Maybe, but I'm not sure it matters.

So tonight I can barely contain myself. Tomorrow is the kids' first day of school (yeah!) and I have a chiro appointment for my back (which is improving) and now I have this awesome phone call to make. Please let this be it!!!! I just want to play and sing and make awesome music and if that pleases God then it's what I should be doing and I'm so excited!!!!! I'll let you all know when I know something... ok!!!!

In the meantime, I finished the first pink lemonade sock, off to work on the mate so I can wear them!!!! The first one is cute and it fits... bonus!!!!!

Happy Labor Day???

Is that even an appopriate thing to say? I guess it is if you work for a living like most of the people I know and actually get a day off since it's a holiday and all!!! So, Happy Labor Day! I truly hope everyone is enjoying a break with family/friends/whatever... enjoy!

I enjoyed my Sunday even with a still aching back. It's really mostly my tailbone at this point, I'd say the pain part is turning a corner to totally manageable at this point. Hooray! Hard to sit in a hard chair or any chair for a long time for that matter, but I need to move more anyway, so that shouldn't be a big deal.

So after church today (which I played at and the band rocked for God today no less!!!) we went to hubby's brother's house for a dinner with the fam. It was lovely! Grilled chicken and ribs, plethora of salads, fruit, dessert, you get the idea. The kids all played nice (for the most part) together and then G&G took them home (that's short for Grandma and Grandpa, the coolest people in the world!) and even took their newest step-cousin too!!! Super duper!!! Then we sat around with hubby's brother, his wife, my sister and her hubby and chatted which was really nice. Then hubby and I went to see a movie which we never get a chance to do and WOW was I glad I saw that!!!

We saw "The Dark Knight" which I've been wanting to see since before Heath Ledger died, mainly because I love me some Heath, but also since the reviews were so good. Now I didn't rush right out when it came out for several reasons. First, I hadn't seen the first movie for the background story. Second, I never had the time!!! Third, doesn't matter because the first two were good enough! So hubby borrowed a DVD of the first movie from a friend and I watched that this week while I was laid up anyway. Good movie!!! But in the theater, "Dark Knight" did not disappoint. I'm sure 2/3rd's of the universe has already seen it, and I'm happy for you. But now I'm equally happy for me. Not only was the movie great but I'm glad to have seen the last performance by that brilliant man. God bless you Heath, may you rest in peace....

So now we're home and I'm checking all the stuff on the blessed internet that I haven't checked all day because I was kinda busy but in a good way and hubby's having a snack and I'm about to crawl in bed with a good book cuz that's what I love to do. Hopefully when we pick up the kids tomorrow they'll still behave for us so we can get all this laundry done before school starts on Tuesday!!! It's hard to do laundry when you can't bend over. I need help! On that note, I'm off. But not before I share a pic of my elder son in total shock and horror.... taken by his father.... oh he'd not like this at all if he ever saw it....



Couldn't help myself!!!!

TGI... oh whatever...

Ok, so it's Friday. Big whoopidy doo!!! Seriously, I took four days off for vacation and spent most of that time flat on my back. So today I actually had to work because no one could cover for me (and I have to work tomorrow morning too...) and my back is now officially KILLING ME!!! I spent the first hour home after work in bed, then hubby made dinner (yum) and I thought I'd check emails and stuff before heading back to bed. It's been about 15 minutes, and I'm done.

Seriously, Friday stinks this week. Give me Saturday!!!!!

Have a great weekend....

A little different...

So I thought since I haven't knitted and really haven't moved from the couch in about 24 hours, I'd sit up for a few and check out my friends' podcast while I typed up a little blog post of my own.

We as a family don't get many real vacations, like when you pick a destination and travel away from home and actually be a tourist someplace other than the same county you've always lived in. (Our's is a beautiful place, but it's home, ya know!) So this past June hubby and I decided that the kids needed to see Mackinaw Island. For that matter, so did I!! I've lived in Michigan all my life and had never actually been to the island. So we looked online into camping/hotel rates and decided that if we were going to spend three nights up north in June that we would rent a cabin instead of tenting and it was WAY cheaper than hotels. Plus, bonus we could have a campfire!!! So that's what we did. We drove the four hour drive up to the bridge and pulled into our cabin which was brand new and wonderful... here's a couple looks of the interior (it really sleeps six and it was so great!)




Sorry that I forgot to take outside pics, but the place was awesome. Here's a view from just a very short walk toward the water still at our campground, we didn't pay extra for the view but it was worth a couple steps to see this...



See what I mean!!!! And of course I could bore you to tears with all the fun we had but here are just a couple of the things we saw

Whitefish Point in the Upper Peninsula on Lake Superior

and of course Taquemenon Falls, we skipped the lower falls due to a storm...

And these are my favorite views on Mackinaw Island!!!!



I think that's enough for today. I love to travel and see new things, even when they are close enough to home that you can drive there almost without stopping!!! Hopefully we will travel more in the future, after all my family and friends are spread out all over this wonderful world we live in!!!! So happy travelling and I need to hit the couch again really bad... that darn back!!!!

Oy! My aching back!!!

Well, on this past Saturday I helped a dear friend of mine with a garage sale at her late mother's house. I grew up across the street from this neat lady and my friend and I spent so much time together as kids that I knew their house as well as mine, you know that kind of friend? So when she asked for my help I jumped at the chance. What are friends for!!! I got there REALLY early Saturday morning (and I'm not a morning person) and we began to take stuff that she had ready from the previous day's sale and pull it out onto the driveway so it was more visible and easier to walk through. Standard stuff, right? Well, she warned me that there were some heavy boxes and I'm all like "no biggie" and bent over to pick up a tote full of picture frames and wrenched my back. I knew immediately that it wasn't good, but I grinned and moved on. Throughout the day I was getting tighter and tighter and of course I wouldn't say anything because she would feel so bad and I didn't want that!!! So that night and the next day I spent basically sitting around taking pain meds and dealing with it.

So today, Tuesday, it was getting really bad. I had spent the morning with elder son running errands and after about 45 minutes running around Meijer (our fourth errand so far) I was spent. Seriously, bad pain. So I called the chiro from the car and she said to head right over. Eight minutes later I'm hobbling into the waiting area and after just a few minutes they strapped me to the traction table and began to manipulate my spine!!! Ouch!!! But, after probably 20 minutes (longest visit yet) of traction, adjustments, actuator applications and biofreeze, she sent me home with a follow-up appt on Thursday and told me no bending, no sitting in a chair and ice it as often as I need to for the next day or two. Well, I'm just happy that I don't have to work the next two days because it would be hard to do that without sitting or bending!!!!

I'm telling ya'll this because I didn't knit a stitch today and the reason is because it's really hard to knit while lying on the couch!!! I'm dying to pick up my socks and work on them but I CAN'T!!! It's killing me, almost as much as it's killing my back just to sit in the computer chair and type this. Point number 8billion why I want a laptop!!!! I think I could have propped up enough for a laptop at least for a little while today, but alas, there's nary a laptop to be found near my house!!!! UGH!!!

So tonight after watching tv all day and reading on and off between naps, I'm full of energy and needed to be upright for a few minutes. I'm not going to be long, cuz it's hurting again... so I'm off to ice down the back muscles once again... after a short potty break??? If you're as old as you feel, then today I'm 110 at least!!!!!

What a day!

It was such a nice day off today! All I really accomplished was knitting and spending time with my boys and my knitting friends, but that was enough for me!!! I watched movies with the kids, elder son was having a bad allergy/asthma day (well, couple of days) and the two kids and I stayed inside most of the day and enjoyed it. Then tonight was our knit night! We meet up at a local Brew Pub (yummy!!!) and sit outside on the patio when we can, which we did tonight, and eat/drink/knit and share!! It was wonderful as usual and I showed off a couple of new FO's!!! (that means finished objects for those of you who may not knit because I didn't know that six months ago, seriously!)

Anyway, I've been knitting baby gifts for my co-worker friend who's having a baby girl in October and I'm so happy for her!!! So I've come up with this hat...



and since I had PLENTY of yarn left over, I made these booties (sorry for the picture quality....)



And I just know they are going to a great home!!! Now if that baby would just get here to model I'd be REALLY happy!! LOL.

So I know last post I said I was off for a few days this week and I'm so glad. I'm considering taking the boys to the beach tomorrow if I can get the weather and the kids to cooperate. If I can't, I'll go alone!!! Seriously, I live 15 minutes from the most beautiful beach on Lake Michigan (IMO) and I haven't been there but once this summer. Such a waste!!!! Of course, if my back doesn't cooperate... we'll see.

Ok, so here's what else I was working on for myself today....



I'm calling them my Pink Lemonade socks. Done in a free pattern called Lilypad socks that I found on Rav. It's my first time cabling and it's going really well! Sis loaned me a better cable needle than I had in my own stash (gotta get me one of these!!!) and that's really helping. But all in all, I'm pretty happy so far. My plan is to make me a pair of socks that look like summertime to make me happy this winter when all I can think about is getting some sunshine!!! It's going to be like a little bit of summer in my sock drawer! Amazing!!!!!

Happy Monday everyone!!!!!

So I thought since I had the day off I'd figure out a little more how this blog works. I think I'd like you to know that I've only been knitting since sometime in January 2007, so not very long. I'm not a designer and so far not a spinner or dyer of yarn, but maybe someday (as my sister says!) I'm sure I'll give everything a try. I've been on Ravelry since the beginning of 2008 and I LOVE it!!! It's where I've met some wonderful new people, both literally and in cyberspace, and have learned so much about the craft of knitting and the fiber world in general. If you are at all interested, I sincerely hope you give it a look!!!

I thought that I would show off a few of my knitted items. I will tell you that most of the things I knit come from patterns that I've found for free via the internet. I have purchased a few, but mostly I save my money for yarn and get the patterns for free (and it's legal folks) when I can. That's another thing about my knitting. I'm an equal opportunity yarn shopper. What I mean is, I love LYS shopping, seriously!! But sometimes what I need/want for a pattern is found right at Michael's or JoAnn's or something. I'm not opposed to shopping at those places whatsoever, so basically I'm not what my sister calls a "yarn snob" but I'd love to be. I love all the high quality fibers that feel like melted sunshine in your hands and next to your face, but I also know that there are times and certain projects that a less-expensive yarn will totally do the trick!!!

That being said, the first pair of socks I made for myself look like this....



The pattern is from an actual book (slouch sock pattern by Sandi Rosner, in the book Not Just More Socks) and the yarn is from LYS, namely from Friends of Wool in Holland, Michigan. I fell in love with the purples and pinks, they are my favorites!! Well, so are blues and greens and .. you get the idea. I shopped at FOW because I was told they had a great selection of self striping sock yarn and they do! I had no idea what they would look like when they were done because it was the first time I'd used that yarn and that pattern but I love them. They are not exactly the same, the stripes are slightly different because of how I started the second sock, and I don't care!!! A lot of knitters care about very matchy matchy socks, but I don't. I think it gives them character!!!!! Anyway, just a brag about my first pair. When I can find more to take pictures of I'll post them, but right now I have two pair that are MIA somewhere in my house.

Ok, so on to another topic. I have two sons, as mentioned in the first post. Elder son is such a joy most of the time, but very shy and quiet (most of the time). My younger son is such a free spirit. His idea last weekend was to dye his hair green. Yes, green. Our school colors are green and gold, so he thought about having green hair for the first football game and beginning of school (which starts next Tuesday). So here's younger son with green goo all in his hair....



And here's him after we rinsed....



I think he was disappointed that it wasn't glowing, but alas, he only left it in for 20 minutes. I think next time (yes, we're doing it again) we will leave it in for a couple hours!!!! More on that later....

So that's all for right now. I'm off to make some lunch and shop for buttons before knit night! Later.

Hellooooo out there!!!

Well, I've done it. I've finally entered the blogosphere!! Several ladies I know from Ravelry have been trying to get me to blog, so here I go! Let's just see if I can keep up with them.

I'm going to try and put stuff here about myself, my life, my hobbies, whatever I feel like. If you like it, let me know! If you don't, then let me go (as the old country song used to say) no, but seriously, you can tell me that too. Or you can just pass me by and I won't feel bad. Honestly. Seriously!!!

So. Here's a little about me in case you stumble along this first blog and wonder what crazy lady is making this stuff up. I'm married for 14 years and have two sons. Elder son is 12 and entering seventh grade this year. Younger son is 9 and going into fourth grade. They keep us busy, but they are really cool kids (at least I think so). I work full time at an optometry office which I like. Hubby works third shift so most nights I'm home with the kids and once they're in bed I'm kinda bored. Thus, the birth of the blog!!!!

Ok, so my hobbies are sort of a short list. First, I knit. Second, is music. I'm a trained singer but I don't use my degree (much to Mom's chagrin!) except for singing/playing at church and such. My rock star career just hasn't taken off like I'd hoped, but then no one goes looking for the next great singer at the eye doctor, right??? So much for that theory! The rest of my hobbies pretty much revolve around the family, like watching sports (love football and hockey) and camping and whatnot. The first two hobbies are for me, the rest are a combo for the four of us. Most of my friends are people I met in college and sadly they don't live nearby, in fact they are pretty spread out around the world. As are my family. Other than immediate family (parents/brother/sister types) they are all over the place! So the internet is my friend, and now I'm going to be even more acquainted!!

So I think I'll give this a try for my first post and try a little more tomorrow. I'm not going to promise a daily post or anything, but once I get started I'll get a feel for this and we'll see where it ends up!

Have a great night and I'm off to bed now....