Summertime

  I do relish summertime and most things that the season brings. The one thing I do dread is...the heat. Now I know what you are thinking. A Texas girl born and bred should be used to the heat. Not me, nope. I don't mind 80 degree temps. I do mind the 100 degree temps or the days where it feels like 99 degrees yet the thermometer clearly says 85 degrees.
  I do enjoy the sunshine and the things you can't do during any other season. I, and so does my daughter, are fishes during the summertime. We spend numerous days out in the pool. I can't keep my Jordan out of the pool most of the time. I usually have to bribe or drag her out of the there.
  I had a love of camping and fishing as a child. I haven't been in years. Summertime is the best time to enjoy those things. I hope to take Jordan out for her first fishing trip this year actually. It's a shame DH (dear husband) is such a city boy. I think he would find it relaxing and peaceful.

  Have a wonderful day!

  

Summertime fun

Jordan

Lots of firsts

  There is a lot of firsts going on with my knitting. I have several projects going that include my first KAL (knit-a-long). I began working on my first pair of socks. I am working on a blanket that is multiple hexagons put together coupled with my mitts.
  My first KAL is called Nefarious Web. There are four clues, four pieces of the pattern, that are released on Wednesdays. The first clue was released on June 6. The second clue was release yesterday, June 13.
  So far so good. It is my first shawl and my first beaded project. It is fun to have others participate on the same project. It's nice to encourage those that struggle and cheer when they over come their obstacle. I enjoy seeing the progress of others and compare notes.

Picture of the first clue finished

(Sorry for such a crummy photo)

  I am still working on Glorious Cable Mitts. I have started the cabling and am on row 15. It is slow going for multiple reasons. I do love the way the cabling is turning out. The pattern calls for size 0 needles which are very tiny. The needles I am using now are the right size but they aren't very good needles. So I ordered Chiaogoo Red Lace circular needles from a shop called  Handsome Fibers on Etsy. I think it will make knitting my mitts much easier.

Here is a photo of my progress so far 

(again sorry for the crummy photos) 

  My first pair of socks are going smoothly with the help of friends. I still can't believe I have one sock completed. The other sock is maybe 75% done. I have done the toe and the gusset. Now it is time to turn the heel but I am afraid I am going to need help with that. My precious socks will have to sit in their bag till Saturday when I meet up with knitting group. :( My first toe up socks have given my a love for sock knitting. It is reasonably assumed I will be making more socks. I think I have developed a love for it. To test that theory out though means I must make more. 

Progress on my sock

(the gusset is not finished in this photo)

  The blanket I am working on, I believe, is an amazing piece of knitting art work. The pattern is called The Beekeeper's Quilt. I have knitted 4 hexagons, or puffs as some call them. The pattern creator used left over sock yarn to make this blanket. It will be a blanket that is cuddly, soft and a way to give a room character. Don't you think so?

This photo is Tiny Owl Knits on Ravelry.com

Enjoying Every Day Life

  I am sitting her playing on the computer while Jordan naps on the couch. Silence other then the dogs nails clicking on the wood floor. I'm trying desperately to enjoy it. I am, I promise.
  Okay, really, I am trying to not freak out. Yes, it is quiet other then the dogs nails. Yes, Jordan is napping on the couch. But I am freaking a little thinking something is wrong with Jordan. She NEVER naps. I mean almost never naps, not even when she is sick or tired after a long day. Yes, she may nap in the car but for no more then 10 minutes. She also almost never puts herself down for a nap. Which is what she did.
  I know. I am a crazy, over reactive, worry wort who will drive my child insane by the time adulthood is reached. Yes, I know all that. Doesn't make me worry any less.
  The silence is affecting me a little. I can't stop the yawning. The dogs nails clipping on the floor is driving me a little nuts. (I think I am going to have to make Tyson some doggie booties.) I think I will join my baby girl and nap on the couch. Sleep should stop the worrying....nap time.

Bedtime Battles

  Jordan, lately, has been fiercely battling against bed time. She refuses to do her bedtime routine and fights us once the word bed is spoken.
  Her bedtime routine is a bath (bath night is every other night) then a small snack (fruits). I take her to the bath room to help her brush her teeth and to braid her hair for the night. Jordan then says good night to Daddy and Brother. I take her to her room and tuck her in. I read her a story, dim her lights and close the door.
  Yeah that doesn't happen too often any more. Sometimes we can get through most of the routine. It's when we get to her room. There is always something else to do before bed. She wants to clean her room or find a certain toy to sleep with.
  Or she has excuses. Daddy and brother are too loud in the living room and are keeping her up. Tyson (our boxer) keeps licking her even though he has been laying in her doorway sleeping. Her favorite excuse is she needs me to stay in my room because it's my bed time too. She won't sleep until I go lay down.
  I thought, at first, she maybe she just needs some extra time with Momma or Daddy. Tried that and it seemed to make things worse. She wants to cuddle with us in our bed. I've tried reading to her longer, trying music to sing her to sleep.
  I am out of ideas. I refuse to put a t.v. in her room so that's out of the question. I've tried giving her extra time to play out side. I've tried music and cuddle time. I've tried different reward systems.
  Hopefully this thing with bed time passes. It should pass. It's just her testing the boundaries. Right?

Tornado Season & Every Day Life

  Tornado season has officially begun in Texas. Two and a half weeks ago a tornado touched down in San Antonio and earlier this week several tornadoes touched down in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. I live not far from the Dallas/Ft. Worth area and luckily no damage here. Unfortunately, for one family member of mine there house did sustain some damage but I am glad to report no injuries. They were some of the lucky ones as many of their neighbors were not able to return to their homes. Times like these make me realize miracles still happen.
  The past two weeks have been very busy for both Jordan and I. I have been helping two friends move. (If any has ever moved, then you know what a pain in the ass it is.) One is moving closer while the other is moving farther way.
  It was fun seeing how helpful Jordan is and realizing she is no longer the baby girl I brought home from the hospital 4 years ago. She is turning into a smart, full of sass, helpful and kind, yet can be a brat, girlie girl.
  The friend I helped move into my area is the one who actually runs the knitting group I recently joined. My mother took Jordan while I helped Vicky arrange furniture and sort through boxes one day. Then I was back over there (after spending the weekend with Hubby) to help unpack and arrange some more. Jordan helped keep Vicky's dogs occupied and helped unpack as well.
  We helped my other friend pack her house and sort through what's to be taken and left. It's hard to have a close friend move farther away. It's something Jordan and I are experiencing for the first time. This friend has played a nearly daily role in our lives for over a year now and I am sad to see her and her family go. There, of course, will be visits and get togethers but it won't be like it used to.
  Change is very hard on me and not something, I think, I deal with well. Jordan doesn't understand why her little friends have to move or why they can't just live with us. It's....difficult. I am not sure how to explain things to her without leaving her emotionally scarred for the rest of her life. Hell, I have trouble dealing with difficult situations. I am a bad bad mother when it comes to these things. I always try to watch what I say or do around Jordan because I am terrified of messing her up and then being the person who cause her to go down a revolting, cursed path. One that she may never be able to come back from. Yeah, I know. I am being overly dramatic but then again what mother isn't when it comes to her kid/kids?
  On a side note, I have been working on my wrap when I can. It's coming along quite nicely. But my main thought on this project is I will be so glad when it's done. I've told myself I will NOT start another knitting project until this one is done. So instead I started working on out Disney scrapbook.  :)

Home & back into the swing of things

  We are home and have been for a week. As much as I loved going to Disney and spending time with my family, I am incredibly happy to be home. I missed my dog. I missed my bed especially.
  This week was a time to return to our schedules and get back to every day life. Hubby went back to work and my son went back to school. Jordan (daughter) and I spent the week slowly working back into our normal routine.
  The area we live in had storms come in earlier this week. Unfortunately for us, it some how caused a leak in our laundry room ceiling. So Tuesday I spent the day cleaning and soaking up all the water from the floor. Wednesday I reorganized and put things back into place in the room. I went ahead and bought more of those plastic tubs and labeled them and placed everything in those tubs. Hopefully the roof was patched right.
  Today I met up with my knitting group. We mainly talked and I enjoyed just being able to have an adult conversation with some one other then my hubby or mother. I never even pulled out my knitting.

  Here are some pictures from Disney World.

Disney Trip Countdown

  Today is Monday and we leave for Orlando Thursday. The whole family is super excited. Jordan, my daughter, asks every morning if we leave that day and my son can't stop talking about the trip. I am one happy momma. Even my husband is excited, but I think he is more excited to be way from work for 10 whole days.
  I started packing my daughters clothes today and gathering up what I can. I am finishing up laundry so I can start to pack every one else's clothing. I like to plan and pack ahead of time as much as possible. Now if things actually turned out that way.
  Unfortunately, I woke up this morning with severe sinus pressure and sneezing. I am hoping it's just allergies and not another sinus infection. Finger crossed.
  Today is such a pretty day. I have my windows and doors opened to let the breeze in. Doesn't help my allergies but Jordan and I couldn't resist.

Knitting Needle Knitting Bag, Part 2 cont.

  I finished my bag Friday evening. :) I was so ecstatic to finally finishes the project and be able to use it. Even my husband commented on how nice the bag turned out.

Finished!!!

 I have been using the bag since and love it. It is just the right size to hold my wrap project or any small project. I am very proud of myself for sticking with this project after the mishap and seeing it to the end. And doing it so quickly.
  

Knitting Needle Knitting Bag, Part 2

  Sunday night, I began panel one on the Knitting Needle Knitting Bag. This time around went much more smoothly. No frogging (tearing back the knitting) or dropped stitches. I was and am very pleased with how easy and problem free this bag gone.
  Last night, I finished the second piece and one of the handles. I started the second handle and my luck ran out. I ran out of yarn. :(  Since it was so late I tried to work on the lining. Unfortunately I didn't get very far. Everyone decided to go to bed early and my sewing station is in my bedroom.
  Today after a play date, I will be going to pick up more yarn to finish my bag. I hope to finish the handle today and line it before I sew up the seams. Fingers crossed I will have the bag complete by Friday morning.

About 4 repeats into the pattern.

Panel one done with dowel.

Some of the lining.

Both panels done. 

Oops!

  I finished the Knitting Needle Knitting Bag last night. It was seamed, lined and the dowels put in place. I was so proud of myself. :) It was late so I went to bed thinking I would clean up my mess today.
  Today came around. I cleaned up my mess and ruined my bag in the same instance. I was picking up my hooks and one had gotten caught in the bag. The hook somehow ripped the yarn. My bag could not be saved. :(  (I don't think I was tugging on the hook or bag.) I am heartbroken. Two weeks worth of time and effort down the tube in less then a minute. And I forgot to take a picture of the completed bag so now I really have nothing to show. Oh, well.
  I think I will go through my stash and see what I have. I may start over again. Actually, I know I will. Hopefully I have something in my stash goes with the lining I have picked out. Fingers crossed, I can start on the bag today.

Knitting Needle Knitting Bag

  Last week, I figured I'd tackle this Knitting Needle Knitting Bag. I've been wanting a bag that can double as a purse and a bag for my small knitting projects. It took me a while but I finally found it in the knitting bag.
  I did make a few changes to the pattern. I used worsted weight yarn instead of a bulky yarn. I also seamed the sides completely where as the pattern calls for seaming the sides up to 5 inches. Instead of using knitting needles, I will be using dowels and caps. I am afraid that even if I glue the live stitches, they will somehow fall off the needle.
  I finished the body of the bag last Friday. Over the weekend, I seamed up the sides and bottom and knitted the handles. I am waiting on my package from Hobby Lobby that contains dowels, dowel caps and stain. Hopefully that stuffs arrives today so I can finish the bag. Although I am unsure on how to attach the handles.

This is the body of the bag in progress. ( Sorry, I can't figure out how to rotate the picture.)

Body of the bag completed.

Handles and the fabric I've chosen to line the bag. 

Sick Kid, Disney Trip

 My daughter has been sick since Friday with the worst crud that is going around. She has a bad cough, drainage, sore throat and a fever. Nothing seems to make her comfortable. My poor kiddo :( She did finally get a full nights rest last night. Even though she is sick, she still has a good attitude.
  We've had birthday parties to attend the last two weekends. There is also one next weekend. It's birthday season here among Jordan's friends. It's going to get busier then usual.
  Just three more weeks to Disney! I can't believe how close the trip is. We started planning this trip almost two years ago. Both my kids are so excited to actually get away and have fun. Jordan is looking forward to all the princesses and Zach is looking forward to no school. (Typical 13 yr old, right?)

Mysteries & Cables

  My son and I were watching a show called Mysteries at the Museum. It's actually quite good and really can draw in the viewer. Any way, there was a segment about a child's doll that is either possessed by a demon or by the spirit of the child. The narrator goes on to explain deaths and other unusual happenings concerning the doll. Of course my son finds this fascinating. (What 13 year old wouldn't?) Turns out so was my daughter. So fascinated by it that it gave her nightmares about her big Mickey Mouse doll coming alive and killing her. Let's just say last night was a little rough.
  On a positive note, I finished my second panel of the cable throw and was able to cast on for the third last night. Today I have finished the second cable in the panel and have 6 more to go. I will take Jordan (my daughter) to the store to pick out the color for the last two panels some time soon.

  I am excited on how well it's turning out. I do have a problem with tension between some of the stitches though. I still think it'll be good for my first cable project.  

Disney Trip & Knitting

  Things have been a little hectic lately with finalizing details for our Disney trip in March. I am looking forward to spending time with my family and making new memories with my kids. Though I am anxious about the plane ride and how well my daughter, Jordan, will handle all the traveling. My biggest concern is the TSA and all the horror stories about how they treat small children. Fingers crossed it all goes well.
  On another note, I am extremely excited about my knitting. I have met a wonderful group of ladies who meet up twice a week to knit. I am in heaven when I am able to join them. I have only been able to meet with this group twice but I have already learned so much. I enjoy seeing their projects and the progress they make.
  I am working on a couple of different projects right now. I am working on a cable throw for my daughter and a wrap for me. I finished my son's Christmas stocking two weeks ago and I love the way it came out. I also want to knit my first pair of socks and well as knit a bag for me. I feel like I have to get it all done before our trip. I don't know why.

This is the first panel to my cable throw. I like the way the yarn changes shades. 

This is progress I've made on my wrap so far. I just <3 the way it is turning out. 

This is my son's Christmas stocking.