She's Alive!

To those who view this little blog on occasion I am sorry to be so behind in blog-land.
I have no real excuse (homeschooling, chores, appointments and of course KNITTING,rearranging my entire scrapbook area too.) Like I said no good reason to be out of the loop.
Part of my problem was I got behind on my blog-lurking,low and behold my regular reads have been blogging fools. So I had to catch up,then I was inspired to do all the projects they have been working on. That was followed by a short period of depression (after realizing I have to do one thing at a time). Then the sun came out for a few days I had to enjoy that for a little while.
On to the update. The kids have had a bad round of colds, followed by the grumpy laziness that accompanies feeling crumby for that many days in a row. Not to mention the fact that our very new washer quit, leaving me to go to laundry mat with 6 baskets of laundry. That being said, I am so glad to finally be done with all that and on to better things.
I have, believe it or not, finished some projects and faithfully started others. My goal is to knit from my stash for a while. That is, if I can stay out of Knot Another Hat. hehehe.
I will post picture of the new craft area soon. I am awaiting my new valentine gift (new camera) thanks to my very generous cousin..
Also finished, with promised photos from those who got these wonderful knitted projects. A cute little pair of toddler socks for my friend's little girl. Two pairs of knitted cable mittens, finished for a super duper YVONNE instructed class at KAH.
Almost done with my first sock (FOR ME) made out of the yummy Lavender Sheep yarn.
Details to follow. I am at the second repeat in my afghan square and feel like I may actually finish it before class on Saturday.. Oh the things that make me happy.
My scrapbook obsession has taken a little vacation but now will be full force again with the new SPACE. Can't wait to get going on that again.
Well, I should get back to my non-profit job and earn my keep.Hehehe.. Oh boy. I have learned this past week that just when you think you are immune to the embarrassing things your kids could say to someone. THEY surprise me with another do oozy. Details later.

Another One Bites the Dust

Well I have just finished my mitten class. Which was not as hard as I thought it would be. The ladies were a hoot and Yvonne the instructor was so great. I am glad she has the tolerance for the roudy bunch of us. I have to say I have a little bit of mitten fever now. I am currently trying to get my stuff sorted out to make the trip to Celebrate Portland (scrapbooking marathon.

This is another photoless blog because my camera is malfunctioning. SURPRISE, SURPRISE... Let's keep the theme going. I am glad that we are currently recovering from all the sick bugs this is a help with the sanity...

My stocking is almost done as well. I am still a little bummed that it has taken so long to get to this point but the light at the end of the tunnel gives me hope.

The boys are still trucking along with all their school work. Some days are more productive thatn others but I will take what I can get...

I am off to finish the dishes and cast on the toddler socks. I am having sock withdrawl and can't wait to get the quickie sock done..

For all who lurk about.. Happy WEDNESDAY. My youngest turned years old today! Amazing how time flies when they are making a crazy mess and tormenting each other.

Blog Land Is Acting Up

Hello All-
I have been experiencing technical difficulties with everything in my bubble recently. This dishwasher is almost working again. The broken glass top stove is finally repaired. Our dryer is now drying clothes (it's new). The washer is making a hideous sound on the wash cycle and we feel as if we may visit the Wizard in Oz when it hits the spin cycle. That, will need to just cooperate until the money tree grows in the back yard (maybe in the spring).. hehe..

I was dealing with the added sassy talk of my 2 year old yesterday. He has been having a marvelous last 6 months with potty training. Yesterday (keeping with the theme of malfunctioning items) he picked several times during the day to pee in various locations in our home. Being the kind, patient mother that I am.. (heheh) I banished him to the highest tower to be guarded by a fire breathing dragon. (mommy) Until he could change his baditude (bad attitude).
At which he barks. I don't like it. I hate my bed. I'm hungry. You are so mean..
This doesn't not penetrate the resolve of this kind mommy. Who was joyfully singing as she mopped up pee spot after pee spot. I was mulling over the types of punishment that would fit the crime, not able to muster anything more creative than rubbing his nose in it like a puppy. Or making him clean it up I opted for the time out to continue. It took about 45 minutes for him to come out and say MOMMY I AM HAPPY NOW. DO YOU FORGIVE ME? Big accomplishment. I am always amazed at how they answer my questions about bad behaviour. I ask hey bud why are you peeing on the floor. To which he gleefully responds. Cause I want too. What do you say to that.
Anyway that concludes this weeks-- I can't believe he did that moment..
I am off to bake and plan a very last minute bday celebration for two of my boys. Being five years age difference between the youngest and the second born I am glad that they don't mind sharing party time for now..
I will update the knitting with photos later today. Off to save the world by feeding the troops.. heheheh

Monday's Should Have a Different Name

Well I just wanted to update with a quick I am still alive. I have been on a mission to complete my post Christmas projects. I have 4 things that I need to finish before I can start anything new. Hahahah.. My hubby thinks he can limit this. I am trying to be a submissive wife. This is very challenging for me at times in other areas. SOoooooooo knitting is sorta one of those things he has not BOTHERED me with.. Well I think his motivation for telling me to finish is so he can wear the sweater I started in October for him..

What Have I Done This Year?

Look! Pictures on a actual posting day.....Here are the projects I did this week. They still need to be blocked but I am so excited to be done with them..
I was reflecting on my year. I don't do this very often, it can be down right depressing. Knowing nothing really changes EVER at our house. Some may find comfort in the steadiness of this kind of thing. I just kind of get claustrophobic. My changes come in rearranging furniture and moving books that have been read and replacing them with books that NEED to be read. Don't get me wrong I LOVE that...

So, Did I make any discoveries? Did I contribute anything of value to the world? Did I do anything exciting or fun? Did I accomplish anything? Did I make a difference?

Well the answer to these things did not immediately enlighten me. I was reading some journal entries from this past year ( yes I do have a journal, Not a DEAR DIARY, more like a place to write down information I can blackmail my kids with later..)

I did make a discovery- cooking oil and maple syrup in the hands of a 4 year old and his 2 year old brother are weapons of mass destruction. My advice- do not make this CHORE a lesson. Clean it up yourself it is not worth the art work they create on the appliances while they are "cleaning".... You will have to clean it up anyway.

Did I contribute anything of value- A friend shared that their son (who has down syndrome) shared he was thankful for my oldest son Austyn. They shared how sweet my boys are to Josh. They fight with him like any other sibling or friend in their lives. My son Makoa rushes out to open the door for any LADY we know just to be a GENTLEMAN. My four year old Cole says the sweetest things to people. Like "I love you big." "You are my most strong friend"- When I tuck him in at night he says "Mom you are the best and dad is the best." This is a rare treat but he means it from the bottom of his heart.. Alex has an amazing ability to make people laugh...
So I look at this as raising young men who may make a difference...

Did I do anything fun or exciting-- I LEARNED TO KNIT.. AND MADE SOME NEW FRIENDS.. The meeting new people thing for me is a huge challenge. I love to stay at home and be in my comfort zone.. I have discovered I like MOMMY TIME away from the kids, chores and my house..

Did I accomplish anything- Well in the knitting arena. I made 6 felted bags, 4 baby hats, 3 adult hats, 2 pairs of felted baby booties, 4 pairs of adult socks, 3 pairs of kids socks, 1 toddler tank top, 1 baby vest, 1 baby tee, 1 pair of baby booties, 2 dishcloths, 1 headband, 2 pairs of felted slippers. That is all I can remember right now. This is a pretty great accomplishment for me considering I started knitting about April of 2006.

The jury is still out on weather or not I made a difference. But this year my resolution is simply to LAUGH more and not take life so seriously. Just ENJOY what is my LIFE-- MORE....
Happy New Year to all of you who have made me find my laugh again. A very special Happy New Year to those of you who ENABLE me to purchase things I HEART without looking at me like I have completely lost my mind.. Heheheh. You know who you are.

Tagged! Aggh!!

Hmmm. This is the first tag I have ever received. Do I know 6 things about me? Let alone 6 interesting or unusual things? hehee. Very funny Vonnie, Very funny.
Well here goes....

1. I was born on July 3rd, 1976. This isn't really that unusual. But how many new mom's get a fantastic view of the fireworks show 5 hours after giving birth to their first child?

2. I have a sort of sick obsession with ANYTHING organizational. I secretly look at the Storage/Organize it all type magazines, while shopping in the store. If I bought them and brought them home, my hubby would never let me hear the end of it. It just makes me happy.

3. My first born was born in 1996, and my second born is six years old. Again not very interesting.. hehehe. Four boys and a husband make our little family SIZE 6.

4. I always wanted 10 kids with 6 boys (until I had four boys in a row)..

5. Until this year. I have really only ever had 6 close friends. Not including family members. This is weird for me.

6. I would love to write children's books and poetry and get paid for it when I GROW UP! But for now I will just be content 1. Homeschool my 4 boys 2. Read as much as I can 3. Continue to find new ways to get out of doing the laundry (felting is a great excuse) 4.Knit 5. Scrapbook 6. Blog

Good Tidings We Bring to You and Your Friends

Twas the day after Christmas and all through the house.
Scattered paper and boxes, the dirty socks of my spouse.
The stockings were flung by the new underwear.
In hopes that our mother would not give a care.
The children, were tired and begged to be fed.
While visions of a housekeeper danced in my head.
I vaguely recall papa snoring away.
I scurried about storing food from the day.
The boys were all busy hording their loot.
Legos, pirate ships and things that you shoot.
My hubby was nestled all snug in his bed.
I opted to check out my stash instead.
My stocking was filled with girl stuff you see.
Stuff that was put there especially for me.
A rare gift indeed, I did not have to share.
The Reeses Peanut Butter Trees were unwrapped with care.
I reread the certificate for scrapbooking fun.
The joy, that was bubbling, had just begun.
One, thin little gift sat under the tree.
It was from hubby, what could it be?
I tore open the paper and threw off the sash.
I clapped and I giggled, I thought it was cash.
But to my surprise! It was the best gift of all.
Knitting for me winter,spring, summer and fall.
We had a blessed holiday season. Thanks to family and friends.
Best wishes to you as your New year begins......

At the time of this post the camera was buried somewhere in the piles of wrapping paper and boxes.. Or possibly in the cushions of the couch. Not surprising to the faithful few who lurk about. I will have to post picture later... hehehehe..

The Gifts Go On!

Well here are the last of the LAST MINUTE gifts. Just drying up the felted slippers. I hope that they are a huge hit.
I just wanted to wish the faithful few readers of my blog. A very MERRY CHRISTMAS. I hope that you new year is filled with many joyful times. I know I am looking forward to a fresh start after the HOLIDAY.
If I was the resolution type I think I would have to resolve to just be still and go to sleep. More sleep is what I truly want for Christmas.....

The Stockings Were Hung...

Here are the last of this years stockings. All sewn up. I don't like a few things on them but oh well. They are checked off the list. If they are not whole-heartedly received as they were lovingly made, then people are just not deserving of this kind of effort next year.



The Christmas tree is finally up! With decorations too. I can't believe it actually got done. This year has just not been a decking OUR halls kind of year. Sad but true.
Thanks to the crew at KNOT ANOTHER HAT for all you laughter vacations away from the " What the HE-- was I thinking project mania".

Well I will be finishing a couple more things for the next family and then I am only down to a couple must finish items the rest will be wrapped up on the needles and become January's AFTER CHRISTMAS projects. That is fine with me.. Then I will not be so overloaded and we can actually comsume a REAL MEAL. Without paper on it and veggies.. hmmmm.

Just wanted to update you all that tomorrow is the dreaded annual posing for a Christmas Photo insert in the gift cards.. ehehheehhehe.. This is always a tearfully ended event. Were I am unconsoleable and swearing I will never do it again. EVER!!!!! But some how I am sucked back in each year by the tree, my kids in the morning (after they are fed) are sooooo cute and the christmas music just mix and I have to get them around the tree for a photo.. More on that later. I must run off to sleep for a few hours and get up and do it all again tomorrow..
Merry Christmas to you faithful few.

Fa la la la la!

Pictures are FINALLY working again! My camera is still taking photos really slowly. I can't see through the screen very well either. Oh well... The stocking are completed.
I finished the sewing projects for my mom and sister's family in Hawaii. I am even going to mail them TODAY. This will be the first year in like 5 years, we've gotten stuff to them BEFORE Christmas.
The boys are about to pop with excitement about decorating. We have been the traveling Christmas decorators. Helping a few of the folks in our chruch. It has been fun but we are a little unmotivated to decorate our own home.
I am crusing along on my other holiday projects but still feel a little pressure to get them finished with the deadline approaching. I am at a loss for a few people and others just don't appreciate homemade gifts enough to INSPIRE me to whip something up for them.
Well I need to get off the computer and get on with our school day. The troops are eating and I am going to savor the quiet for a few minutes.
Hope all of you faithful few have a happy holiday week and a MERRY CHIRSTMAS..

Mean Mom RETURNS!!

Hello to the faithful few. I am a terrible mother today.. Or so my kids have informed me of that. They have been chomping at the bit to rush out into the snow. I on the other hand have not staged the dry off zone. Is it toooooooo much to ask for a little paitence in this? I mean seriously, a few more minutes will not crush the spirit of snow playing children across america. I said be thankful you live in an area where there is snow. Some kids have never seen snow. They started laughing at me and telling me I need to go get some sleep. WHATEVER!! Just passing on tidbits of knowledge. hehehehe
So on to knitting news-- My hubby sweater I was knitting away on is now a whole size smaller than it should be. Need to figure out what I am going to do about that... Grrrr... Then I finally finished the two socks at once project they are blocking now I will post about 30 photos when I finally get them all taken.. hehehahah..
I have started another baby cutie tanky shirt. Also almost done with the first sock for one of my boys for christmas.. So I am staying busy.
I will also be going crazy with my christmas sewing projects. Then on to the baking and goodie baskets.
Well that is all for now. We have all recooperated from the Thanksgiving food-fest.. Ughhhh!! Hope all of you enjoyed your Thanksgiving.
One thing I am thankful for this year are the new poeple I have met and the laughs we have shared this year. I am looking forward to getting to know you all better this year.
The "I CAN"T BELIEVE HE DID THAT MOMENT" are few and far between this month. Is that good or bad? What will I write about if my kids start to become NORMAL?
My advice to those of you who go to church. Don't let your kids spin in the back row and jam out to the WORSHIP TEAM practice, with out a helmet. My lovely little 2 year old was jammin his heart out and whacked smack dab into the pew arm. (wooden pew arm) with his eye. He looked like a Rocky movie. Poor GUY...

She Lives

I can't really tell you what has been going on for the last two weeks. That is a long time for me not to blog.
Life has definitely taken on a rhythm of its own this past month. With plans for Thanksgiving being finalized that has taken lots of time.
The boys are all about the same. Busy, busy, busy. Makoa has decided he LOVES swim lessons. This is great considering the last swim lesson teacher probably still has scars from the claw marks the left in her neck, while clinging on for dear life.
I will be finishing up the first of the Christmas gifts soon. I finished a cute little baby vest for a lady who wanted it for a shower gift. I hope the recipient appreciates it.
Well I really should run my errands and clean some toilets today. So that we don't get turned into the county for a suspicious odor....

A New Day

Mom Log: Calendar Date- November 7th, 2006.
Today started with strange life forms, visiting from another planet.
The boys woke up unusually pleasant for my morning people. This is a good thing. I am praying that it stays so nice.
To those who had concern for my troops. They ended the afternoon in the well behaved and cooperative manner, I know they are capable of.
Good News may be just around the corner. The dryer may be okay. We have an electrician friend who came by last night to peek at it and he thinks the dryer may only need a new cord.
This is a plus... Cause I soooooo don't want to have to spend the money on a new dryer. I have soooo many worthy things I could invest in.. CHUCKLE, CHUCKLE.. I have some friends on the inside who know what I'm talking about..
In other news-- My friend Miss. Vonnie from lavendersheep is whipping me up some DESTINY sock yarns. I can't wait to see the finished product.
You have to check out my side bar and check out her blog. She has a cool ETSY store there and you can see all her cool creations.
Her yarn is so fun. I wanna be a spinner/dyer like her when I grow up..
She is just a nice person too. So of course I HEART NICE PEOPLE!! Thanks Vonnie....
I will post some pictures when I get it..
Until then off to feed the ailens maybe food is the key to their happiness.

"Is she crying or laughing?"

This is what I heard as I was in tears in my bathroom after returning from 3 hours at the laundry mat with all four boys at 7 in the morning..
"Is mom in the bathroom?". "Yeah, why?" ,"Is she crying or laughing?".
I was crusing along finishing up my projects yesterday and was on a mission to track down a FUNNY SMELL. It was sort of a burning rubber or nasty meat grease. I was not sure. All day I smelled it. SOOO last night I switch the laundry and was loading the dishwasher when I hear a huge POP! Not to alarming, if the power hadn't went out.
So I am scrambling down the hallway to switch the breaker, and the smell is really bad now.
The dryer is fried. GGGGGGGGGGGGGRR. I don't know if it is worth the repair man coming to look at it for $50-100. That is just to come out and let me know if it is fixable. hmmmm.
Well, I had two wet loads and the washer would not spin out the water. Soooo, I think what ever happend with the electricity last night has now killed both my washer and my dryer.. This is not what a mom with 4 boys wants to realize with 5 over flowing baskets waiting for her. Fast forward from 1am (going to bed) to 5:30ish (waking up for the day). I need to get the laundry done.
Well, off we went to the little laundry mat at 7ish this morning. My kids were acting like DEAF-MONKEYS. What is up with that? I could not get one of them to CALM DOWN. So I came home and cried in the bathroom at the love and obedience they showed their mother in public and have gotten absolutely nothing else done.
Just thought I would give you all a quick up date- Also to say don't worry if I am a little slow in posting. I may be on vacation to my white-jacket spa. I will let you all know when I return. hehehe..
Chow for now.

Hello All

Well to the faithful few. I am finally updating my blog. I have had family in from Hawaii and we have had a full couple weeks of running and site seeing. Followed by pumpkin carving and coloring.
Swim lessons have started for the troops so that has pretty much taken over my life for the past week or so. We should be in a bit of a slow down mode now that the Hawaii crew is safely home in much warmer weather.
How will I recover from the lack of sleep and now the RAINY weather? Hmmm...
KNITTING and SCRAPBOOKING of course. hehehe..
The photo below is proof that we had some wild fun with the cousins... The litte red tank was partnered up with a white turtle neck. Because of the COLD weather we were having. Not exactly the right conditions for a tank top. I am going to request a better shot now that they are back home in the sun..
STAY TUNED..
Believe it or not. We have had a lull in the I CAN'T BELIEVE HE DID THAT MOMENTS too..
I HEART that bunches... I am still working on the Hubby sweater and finishing up the two socks at once. I will post photos soon of all the finished projects.


Don't they boys look so angelic.. heheheh.. hmmm.

I did it !!

I finished the cute red tank top for my little niece. She looked so cute in it. I am awaiting a copy of the fashion shoot. hehhe. I will post them when I get em..
This weekend while driving to the coast for another RETREAT I completed the first pair of socks for Socktoberfest. YEAH!!! They are also a bday gift for my cousin. How great is that two tasks completed. I am still trying to catch up on the sweater for the sweater class. I heart progress.

Almost ready to finish up the two socks at once. This has not been a project that I want to be friends with. I am trying to love it I just don't know about that.

Well I will posting again soon with pictures..

Are we There Yet?

Well to the faithful 3 or 5 readers here is my post update!
I was able to finally firm my babysitter for the Friday departure to the coast scrapbook getaway. In spite of my GLASS BEING HALF EMPTY attitude leading up to this. I was on my way Friday after noon for a weekend. Yeah, you heard it a WEEKEND of scrapping and relaxing.
Motivated by my deep desire to sleep in past 6:30 am, not having to share my dinner and a chance to finish my dreaded childhood album. This, spurred on by the phone ringing, several times, reminding me that I was indeed just a few moments from the boy noise around me.. hehehe

We went to Pacific City and the weather was pleasant, cool, misty, cloudy coast weather. I love the coast when it is stormy. Crazy, I know.. I had no guilt for not walking on the beach everyday and just enjoying the chatter of other ladies. Not only did I complete my album project, finish my first book of the fall into reading and finish (minus the side seaming) the cute red tank. I enjoyed just hanging out.

Gasp!!! I found I enjoy other things besides laundry, cleaning and dishes..

I made a new friend. Can you believe it. I have someone else to annoy with my I CAN'T BELIEVE HE DID THAT moments.

Well I will close with a few highlights from the weekend:
We were given a forced tour of the Tillamook Cheese Factory.. Inside jokes flew with this event.. Anyway after a rather disgusting video of how the cheese is strung into spaghetti like strands. We were fascinated by the cutting and wrapping of the cheese. Ending our tour with the tasting of the squeaky cheese. Cheese curds are something else. I don't think I will love them like some people I know..

We arrived at the beach house in time to enjoy a full evening of scrapping and reading. Of course a little bit of KNITTING.

After a nice relaxing weekend and reuniting one of the scrappers with her family we were blessed with a 5 1/2 hour trip home.. I am not sure if this is a completely accurate time frame but we hit every traffic issue between Lincoln City and Troutdale. I will leave out all the other details to painful to recall, like the potty stop at a local McDonalds. This was the only downer of our trip. If it were not for the leg cramps and bladder problems. It may have been more enjoyable.

That said I am actually looking forward to the possibility of NEXT YEAR!!!

Here are some of the pictures. Not exactly the best photos ever. I hope you can see the details of the first finished sock of the Socktoberfest..

Here is the lovely hat I made for my cousin, she will be here from Hawaii in a week.

Another shot of the Di.Ve' yarn hat.

Here is a better photo of the unblocked sock for Socktoberfest and cousin gift..

Today's I CAN'T BELIEVE HE DID THAT moment brought to you by ALEX (again)
As he was running after his older brother, in a rage to get his toy back. He ran smack dab into the living room bookshelf. The whole time he was screaming. "I want my toy! He stole it from me" " Give it to me!". Remember he is screaming and carring on about the toy. He now has a lovely bruise in a line down the side of his eye. He got the toy back and that was alllllllll that mattered. Oh my!

What's That Under the Bed!

I promise the following is true, names have not been changed to protect the person involved. I need a little giggle.
I do not make these stories up. They REALLY happen. To often during my day, my boys will bless me with yet another, I CAN'T BELIEVE HE DID THAT moment. Here is today's event.

We have a sleep walker. He comes into our room and climbs into bed with us. I have never permitted my kids to do this unless they are sick. But our YOUNGEST is persistent in everything he does. Why should this be any different? Anyway back to the story.....

It was the usual 2:30 - 3:00 A.M. attempt to climb in and snuggle up, on mom's side of the bed (of course). I usually shoosh him back to his own bed. Except this morning I felt the 3 blanky pile beside me and wonder where he went. I am not a morning person (I may have mentioned that before) SOOOOOOO I was a litte in between awake and delirious. When I hear a muffled cry. I thought, OH NO I am squishing my 2 year old. I started to wake up (ABRUPTLY). Looking all over for him, in our king size bed it didn't take to long, it seemed like a long 10-15 seconds, realizing he was not in our bed! The sound WAS still in our room.. Hmmm.

After assessing our rather small bedroom, I see two little feet sticking out from under our bed. YES! Under the bed. He must have crawled around looking for a spot to bunker down and didn't realize he was UNDER the bed not IN it..
I am telling you reality. This is a day in the life of a householdofboys. heheheh

On to other news:
I have gotten about 3/4 through the cute toddler tank top
2 Socks at a time is into the finished gusset
Socktoberfest sock one is a toe shaping away from completing the 1st sock
and I am down to the last decrease rows of the hat I am making for my cousin (bday)
I will post pictures soon. The batteries have finally made it to the charger.

Happy Monday!!!

Progress, Love Progress

I have been trucking along, only to come to a scccccccreaching halt on the two socks at once thing. I noticed, about 5 rows down, a runner.. Grrr. I dropped another stitch. My bad word vocabulary is not available for use because my kids are listening. But BAD WORD, BAD WORD.. Picking up stitches is not something I am very good at, so I have finished up a little baby hat for my nephew, and am working on a pair of socks, for the sock of the month. Still need to read up on the requirements of that.

I can say,being almost ready to do the heel flap on the first sock in just a few hours of work. Makes me feel like one sock at a time is just fine with me..

I am still sewing up a few gifts and am almost finished with my add on book to the Fall into Reading challenge..

Like I said. I lllllllllllloooove progress. And I am still doing laundry through it all. Nice...Very NICE.