I can’t really begin to describe the importance of this gift but I wanted to show off a new member of our family and try to explain how he came about to live here.

A few weeks ago, on my Christian Artisans list, I mentioned that Jess had a really rough day due to missing daddy and some skeletons from her past.  Tina contacted me and said that she and her family felt compelled to send a “little something” to Jess and the family.  Well, this “little something” arrived yesterday.

Introducing the newest member of our family, Major Bear.

Major Bear came from Build A Bear Workshop complete with a birth certificate and offical “orders” which state:

“Orders-Major Bear is deployed for his lifetime to the “L” household to combat sadness and provide comfort”.  Let me tell you, this momma boo hoo’d along with Jess.  Major Bear came with a complete wardrobe as well.  Of course, I had to take a picture of him in his “bear boxers” and BIG BLACK SOCKS (how cool is that my SFS friends!).

Then there was the Army Tee Shirt, jeans, and high top sneakers.

Jim will get a kick out of this outfit, as it’s totally pro Buckeyes!

And Jac loved this outfit as Major Bear now has his own “bear tags”

Major has a full schedule this week already.  He slept with Jessica last night, will spend the  night with Jac tonight and Saturday, Chris plans to make sure that Major is watching the football games rooting for the top 2 teams to fall so OSU can go to the National Championship game.  Major also sat in daddy’s spot at the dinner table last night (but camera batteries died and I couldn’t get a shot of that!)

Thank you again, Tina and family, for blessing ours in such a “major” way (no pun intended).

A special note to my daddy…you taught me that paybacks can be a bugger…so watch out.  I thought I taught you better then to introduce a new idea to my Obsessive Compulsive child and then leave and have me deal with the fallout.  No less then 300 times yesterday did I hear how he needs a digital camera so he can practice taking pictures to prepare himself as a zoologist/photographer at the north pole.  He tells me he will be leaving the day he turns 18 and perhaps Jim and I can come visit him.  I took glory yesterday in coming up with ways to get back at you.  The thing that kept coming to mind was he turns 15 next summer….I shall tell him you plan on buying him a brand new Mustang and you will teach him how to drive it and he can only discuss the details with you!  He has already woken up this morning doing “research” on photography and taking notes on how to get a good picture.  But, I guess the silver lining on having a child with ADD and OCD is that he is only compulsive about the subject until distracted by a new one.

On that note, I am off to start our day.  May yours be filled with sunshine and blessings.

Os, si I figured Weary on Wednesday just didn’t sound too uplifting.  I’ve been in a “funk” lately and need to snap out of it.  So, actually I was warped on Tuesday and weaving as well.  I hope to finish up the latest scarf today.  It’s beige chenille and a two toned green silk done in plain weave so it’s going really fast.

It’s sooooo soft.  Jac says he likes the pattern an would be able to play teeny tiny checkers on it.

Speaking of Jacob…very trauma filled day for him yesterday.  He wore his new birthday shirt and was sooooo proud of it.  Well, he decided (even though mom always tells them not to) to wrestle with Caleb in the living room.  Can you see where this is going?  Caleb’s claw punctured the shirt and now there is a rip.  He kept telling me he didn’t care but after a bit he went to his room and I could hear him crying his heart out.  He was not a happy person to be around the rest of the day.  I will mend the tear today. I was going to do it last night but he asked if he could watch (and stand guard perhaps???) so we will fix it up today.

Homeschool co-op went well yesterday.  We made Spirelli cards.  Spirelli is a form of Dutch papercraft.  Almost like string art really, however, you use paper cut outs with “jagged” edges to make your string pattern instead of using a board and nails like more traditional string art.  After a brief explanation on what to do, the mommies got together and just enjoyed each other’s fellowship and we pretty much left the kids to work on their own.  I was really surprised and amazed at the creativity of the kids.  They seemed to enjoy themselves.

And yes, I let them use my 20/2 rayon and cotton weaving yarns for the project.  The kids really did a great job.  I can’t showcase my children’s artwork as they are already in the next box to be shipped off to daddy and they asked that I leave them a surprise. 

I never did pull out the Christmas stuff yesterday so it’s looking like Friday or Saturday.  Today, my friend, G is coming over and we are going to teach her to knit.  She’s excited about that.  The kids are excited because they think they are going to teach her.  I am excited because there will be another adult in the house

Hope everyone has a great day today.

I was sitting here trying to think of a title for this post.  I decided tired on Tuesday fit.  I should have done Moody on Monday for yesterday and perhaps weary on Wednesday for tomorrow.  Do we see a theme emerging?  HA.

Today our homeschool co-op meets at our house.  We will be working on making Spirelli Cards.  I’ve done several samples to show off and hope the kids (and the moms) have fun making them.  I know my kids have been wanting to for weeks since I got the first card and the supplies.  However, I thought it would be an unfair advantage for them to have already done them.  Chris, of course, disagreed and argued that he could be a helper.  Nice try, but a no go.  Hope everyone has a great time today.

I may drag out Christmas stuff toay as well.  I am truly not in the mood nor do I desire putting up Christmas stuff.  But the kids really want to get the tree up.  Maybe I will wait until this weekend.  Our neighbor across the street has gone all out with lights and other Christmas items and I think that’s getting the kids in the spirit of wanting stuff up.  Me…..bah humbug (ok not really…but close)

Yesterday Jessica pulled out her Barbie Computer (a learning toy) and started clicking away on it.  She told me she was emailing daddy.  (she got to instant message with him on Sunday and she calls that emailing).  I asked her what he was saying.  She said B-R-B.  I smiled and asked her what that meant.  She just gave me a slight huff and said “Be Right Back” (kind of with the “duh” attitude kids are really great with).  I asked where daddy went.  She said, “oh either to get more coffee or to go potty”.  I got quite the chuckle out of that one.

Then Jac was playing with his new watch and timing things.  As I sat knitting he timed me and let me know that I knit 11 stitches in 10 seconds.  He timed himself (he did 11 stitches on 33 seconds) and Jessica (she did 11 stitches in about 64 seconds).  He declared me the winner and said, “Hey mom you are right…practice does make perfect.”  woo hoo….gotta mark it on the calendar that I was right about something.

Yes, today is Jacob’s birthday.  Usually we celebrate birthday’s in the evening after supper.  This time, however, we decided to celebrate after lunch so we could be sure to get pictures up for daddy to see after he gets off duty.

Jac’s wish this year….for daddy to be home for his birthday next year.  I tried not to boo hoo when he whispered that into my ear so no one else could hear.

Jacob was so happy to get this John Deere shirt.  Now he says he can wear his shirt and be like Daddy!

The wallet received rave reviews and is much loved.  Knowing daddy bought it before he left, made it extra special.

A new watch with flames on the watch band was also a hit.  And of course it was black and had some red on it just like the watch Josh got for his birthday.

Another hit was the $$ received.   Between grandpa, my Aunt, and “Miss Kelly” the child raked out with 55.00!

Tonight we will eat Chinese Chicken Salad and probably  have more birthday cake.

Enjoy your day and hug someone special today.

Today the kids and I skipped out on church.  Our pastor is doing a series on family and today was his annual renewing of the wedding vows for the married couples.  I just couldn’t bring myself to go this morning for it.  Someone in my church family understood and sent home (via my next door neighbor who also attends our church) a long stemmed red rose just for me.  I was instant messaging hubby at the time so it was truly a boo hoo moment.  So, to that unknown friend, thank you so much for your kind hearted spirit to think of me.

We did head out to eat for Jacob’s birthday meal.  His birthday is tomorrow but since he invited grandpa to attend, we needed to go today.  He picked out a new restaraunt in town and this was a first visit.  It’s place called Rosa’s Cafe Tortilla Factory and was really good.  We all left happy and full and still with money in the wallet.

Then we headed over to the ice cream place for double scooped ice cream cones.  I had none (boo  hoo) but seriously wanted a milk shake.

Personally I was cold just watching them eat.  But they enjoyed themselves an as soon as we got home, they ran off to play with friends.  I got the chance to “talk” with hubby and work on a new pair of socks.

And speaking of socks….here’s the latest socks finished for Socks For Soldiers.  I did complete them a day ahead of my self imposed deadline and think they are great.  Gonna be hard to put them in the envelope this week.

And since it’s now getting late into the evening, I think I will go find a good book, curl up in bed, and pray for sleep.  Tomorrow it’s back to school and the craziness of being mom to my crew.

Catch ya later.

 on

My Bubs isn’t feeling so good.  Yesterday he was outside with the kids running around. He played in the snow flurries and cold air.  By last night, he couldn’t get out of his bed.  I worried a bit and called my daddy for advice.  We put warm compresses on his leg, gave him some anti-inflamatory meds and bundled him up.  I had to help him get into my bed last night to sleep with me.  Of course, I slept like a pretzel.  He slept like a rock.  This morning he’s walking but is uncomfortable.  He’s happily staying covered on his bed watching everyone else go about their day.

And another chenille scarf finished.  Beige warp/darker brown weft 2/2 twill.  Easy and quick weave. Soft and warm scarf.

Have a few more chenille scarves on tap as there are some Christmas orders coming in.  And hopefully tomorrow or Monday I can show off another pair of finished socks.  Am about 75% completed with the pair I cast on Monday evening.

This morning was a perfect morning for applesauce donuts (recipe link on left sidebar).  So I made a batch for the kids and snuck one for me.  More then that would not be a good idea for me.

Better make sure rooms are getting cleaned and chores getting done.  Kids are eager to go out and play in the snow (flakes).

 It’s  on

The current temp here is 21 degrees and let’s just say I am cold!  I didn’t realize I was so cold Wedensday night until I took my shower. I got in thinking how nice and warm the water felt and just stood there for a bit.  Then I leaned back to get my head wet and burned the tar out of my scalp.  This morning I realized it’s still hurting especially when I comb my hair!  Ouch!

Gonna head out and do some shopping later this morning. Normally I wake early, sneak out of the house and let hubby and the kids sleep.  Sometimes I can be home before they even get out of bed.  I bring home donuts and some fru fru coffee and breakfast ensues.  Not so this year.  No sitter available at the crack of dawn and since almost all the Christmas shopping is done anyway, not a whole lot to get.  However, there are a few things I still need to get and will head out later when daddy comes over to stay with the kids for a bit.  I will treat myself to a fru fru coffee and be happy with that.

Didn’t get to weave much last night but that’s ok because I got to spend time chatting with hubby and that was really nice and way more important :).  Did get some knitting done early this morning and hope to finish the sock by tomorrow so I can show the pair off.

Tonight, the kids and I are going to have pizza and movie night.  I’ll order a few pizzas and we will sit around and watch Miracle on 34th Street to kick off the Christmas season.  Josh did request that it be the new version of Miracle on 34th Street and I am ok with that.  It really seems to run true to the older version.  But we will end up watching the old version sometime before Christmas too.  It’s a classic afterall.  Sometime next week, (perhaps after it warms up a bit) the kids and I will haul the Christmas stuff out of the shed and put up lights and the tree and all that good stuff.  Stay tuned on how it turns out.

Until the next time, don’t overdose on left over turkey and dressing and stay warm (or cool depending on where you might be)

It’s very weird today.  I am so used to waking up early (not unusual) an putting the turkey on and making sure all preparations are completed for our Thanksgiving meal.  We’ve tried to always open our house to single soldiers or those who couldn’t make it home with families for the holiday.  It’s always been such a cool thing and I enjoy it a great deal.  But today, so far, the only thing I’ve cooked has been New England Pumpkin Cake (Foodie Frieday recipe link on left side bar).  We will take that to have to eat at Daddy’s and Barbara’s (did I mention that my daddy is getting married?  No…hey guess what?  My daddy is getting married next January).  The kids are watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving parade.  Kind of neat, as I used to (and still do) love to watch it as a kid.  They’ve never really been that into it, but this year are all sitting around watching it very quietly.  Jim not being here has really put a downer on the day.  There have been times when he’s had to work, but we’ve still enjoyed the dinner together.  This year, it just doesn’t seem right.  But he’s with us in heart and mind.  We love ya Jim!

Last night I put a beige chenille warp on the loom and Kelly picked the weft colors (sight unseen.  I just gave her choices and asked her to pick one).  She chose brown.  I’ve decided it looks very “Thanksgiving-ish” in the brown tweeds.  Thanks Kel!

May your day be blessed and you find things to truly be thankful for.

I was saddened to hear this morning that Mr Whipple passed away yesterday.  I grew up with that man saying, “Ladies, please don’t squeeze the Charmin.”  Upon hearing the news I immediately wanted to squeeze some in his memory. 

Chris and I stuffed socks and beanie caps in a box til it was overflowing.  We taped that box up so much I think we added another dollar in the price of shipping due to the extra weight of the tape.  Oh well.  It should be there tomorrow and here’s a sneak peek at what’s inside.

That’s 33 pairs of hand knit socks and 6 beanie caps dyed (mostly black) for our soldiers serving in US military.  I received all those items (except for one beanie cap) in the months of October and November.  That’s a lot of knitting and dyeing.  Way to go SFS knitters.  You all rock.

I did receive my reveal package from my SP 11 pal.  The amazingly talented Debra from my Christian Artisians list was my secret pal.  This time around she sent me some white Bamboo Yarn (last package had black and green and my daughter stares at it jealously…but she’s NOT getting it ha ha), cotton yarn, yummy baby alpaca yarn, and a handwoven shawl she made on her triangle loom.  *Sorry honey, but it sure did made me long for that triangle loom you made me oh so long ago that we no longer have.  But no worries, we still don’t have one ;)*

And, can we just say that yesterday’s shopping trip to the grocery was less then fun?  Not only did I spend more then I wanted (but still far less then our normal budget) but it just wasn’t fun!  I stood in front of the various coffees suddenly overwhelmed.  Seriously, I kept thinking of the limited coffee choices my DH currently has, how much we enjoy drinking coffee together, how much I miss him, and the tears just started rolling.  The kids, bless them, just sort of huddled around me, some probably feeling quite embarassed and some truly concerned.  Other military wives walked by and gave me that look of, “I know EXACTLY what you are going through, sister.  But it will be ok.”  So, this morning honey, I will drink a cup of Pumpkin Spice coffee and think of you.

I never did get to bathe the animals yesterday.  The fog and chilly air hung around til after noon and it didn’t get nearly as warm as expected.  We’ll see how today goes.  Really must get them bathed as *gulp* (Jim don’t read) Thursday night and Friday we have a chance (40%) of snow!  Do I really think it will snow?  No….however, it may rain and be chilly and that would not be a good time to bathe kitty cats.  So today is bath day!  Stay tuned to see who gets more wet…them or me  (I pretty much know the outcome already having bathed 3 cats many times before)

Well, it’s off to get breakfast ready, do some schooling stuff, some more laundry that didn’t get finished yesterday (sheets) drink more coffee, bathe animals, clean house, mop floors, and perhaps somewhere in there get some warp wound for the next weaving project.

Til the next time, may God richly bless you and you find contentment in all you do.

It’s on   and I am feeling

The Fair Isle socks for  are finished.  I finished them last night around 11:00 (yes, Kelly, that means weaving in the ends ).  Took the picture and went to bed.  Unfortunately, sleep didn’t stay long and I was up at 3:30 this morning

But here they are in their completed glory.

specs:

Female size 7/8

under 1 ball of Knit Picks Felici used (perhaps enough left for some fingerless mitts?)

just over 1 ball of Knit Picks Essentials used

knit on size 2 needles

4 days from cast on to bind off.

They will go out in the mail today along with a pile of dyed socks (hope to remember to get a picture and will post tomorrow)

We continue to recycle the pile of sweaters purchased on Friday and Saturday.  I think we have taken apart a total of 5 now.  The kids really are having a blast and even Josh is getting in on the action.  Not really sure what the appeal is of ripping and skeining, but hey, they look forward to it each night.  Two of the kids want to know how to tear apart the seams so they can do the sweater from start to finish.  I will show them tonight and see how it goes.  They are working together and not fighting each other, so it’s a great family building thing.  I am riding the excitment for all it’s worth and will continue to let them do this

~~~~~

I saved this post and ended up going back to bed.  I actually was able to do it and slept for another hour and a half.  Woo hoo.  Now I feel a bit behind schedule but that’s ok.  I will get over that, maybe by noon. (ha ha)

Today is laundry day.  Loads and loads of laundry.  I have already started but have many more to do.  Not just normal clothes today, but towels and sheets and then more towels.  Today and tomorrow are going to be nice days (like 80 something today) so I need to bathe the animals and get them taken care of before the cooler weather sets in on Wednesday (Thursday our high will be 40 something). I also need to do our food shopping today too.  This time I came up with the menu plans.  Wonder if I will still save money on the grocery budget? Oh and let’s not mention school for the kids.  It’s a short week for them so we need to get some things done.

So, I guess I better get going since some of the kids are starting to get up and are wanting breakfast.

Hope you have an amazing day.