Pink-N-Sparkly

Happy 4th of July America!!

2009-07-04T22:37:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July! Enjoy these fireworks from Benton City, WA courtesy of my iPhone!!

Katie's Graduation!!!! Go Class of 2009!! Congratulations Katie!!!

2009-07-04T10:10:00.000-07:00

Okay, bear with me on this one. As I added all the pictures, I noticed I added them all chronologically backwards! So, we'll work our way backwards through the pictures!!

This is the stage after the party. This is all of the prizes they had for the kids. There were TV's, laptops, cameras, ipods, Wii's, Xbox's and more!! Plus, every kid got a $40 gift card for Walmart!

Before the prizes at the school, we were at the all-night graduation party. I was 'lucky' enough to chaperone!! LOL! Here are a few of the activities available to the kids. They rented the court club. I ran the 'casino' room!

They got to take a gues with them. This is Taylor. She went with Katie.

This is Trina. Katie often babysits for her. She came to keep an eye on Katie!

Some of the kids didn't make it all the way to the end!

This was a game where you had to ride the bikes to run the ATV game on the TV. This is Amanda (in the white) and Christina (in the black). They are a couple of Katie's buddies.

They had swinning for the kids.

They had two rawuetball courts. One for racquetball and one for dodgeball.

Before the all-nighter, we were at our house with friends and family for a Congratulatory Luncheon for Katie.

Katie and her Uncle Ty. Russ' youngest brother. He graduated from OSU the weekend after Katie. Way to go Ty!

My cousin Richard and his wife Jennifer leaving our house for the ride home to Ione, OR.
My uncle Kelly, Richard's dad on his way home to Ione. This is my Mom's brother.

Jen getting her leather's back on for the ride home.

This is Katie with her Uncle Charlie and Aunt Chelsie. This is Russ' sister and her husband.

Mikey and PennKnit's son swam the whole time.

Katie and her Grandpa Mike. Russ' stepdad.

Katie and her friend Emily.

My Uncle Dan, Katie, my Aunt Kay (my Mom's twin) and my cousin Sarah (Katie's Godmother).

Hazel (my cousin Derek's fiance - they got married a couple of weeks after Katie's graduation), my cousin Dalton (our Godson), Jennifer and Novalee, Kelly, my cousin Derek (in the back), Richard and my Aunt Debbie. Kati in the front.

katie wearing what's left of her pinata 'graduation hat'.

Everyone helping Katie pick up the pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters and one dollar bills from her pinata!!

Russ' Mom (in the middle).

Kay brought me this boquet of roses from my Grandma's rosebushes!!

Before we were at our house, we were at graduation!

Katie and three of her friends walking out together.

Our 'stash' waiting for the party!

We decorated citranella candles for the bugs!

Katie's friend Kayla's graduation and her beautiful daughter, Ryleeanne!!

2009-07-04T09:54:00.000-07:00

What's Mikey been up to?!? Find out...

2009-07-03T22:49:00.001-07:00

He plays in the bath for hours, has been 'camping' in our living room since the day after Katie's graduation (since June 7).

He had a really good time when PennKnits came out with her son. They swam and rode the 3 & 4 wheelers. We knit!!

This one, he posed for and asked me to take this picture! What a ham!!

Soccer awards!! Way to go Mikey! We're proud of you!!

This one above, is Mikey and his VERY VERY VERY VERY good 'friend' Jordan!! Yes, the INFAMOUS Jordan. The one who ALWAYS calls - they talk almost EVERY day!!

Mother's Day & my Birthday

2009-07-03T22:43:00.000-07:00

I.GOT.THE.CLEAR.CONVERSE!!!!
These are not pic's of my feet, but these are the shoes I got. I can't wait to start making socks for them! I've worn a few pair I already have and gotten TONS of compliments. The other is the gifts I got from the kids. They put it in one of the balloons that I had to pop to get my gifts!!

FO's!! WooHoo!!

2009-07-03T21:23:00.000-07:00

This was made on Sunday, June 28 for PennKnits' Aunt Nancy who has Breast Cancer. I liked it so much that I'm going to make myself one too!! It's made from leftovers of my Diamond Pattern sweater that was made with Nashua Ivy.

I'd been waiting for just the right sweater pattern for my Nashua cotton. I LOVED this sweater from Drops! I get lot's of compliments when I wear it!!

These were made for DH's grandma Neva. I also made her a matching Little Coco bag to go with them!

These were for a Breast Cancer swap. The first one is a double-wide wash cloth with a 'princess' crown and it says 'Princess'. The second one is just a Breast Cancer Awareness ribbon dish cloth. They were for "Princess Sara" from Ravelry.

This was for a St. Patrick's Day swap. I love this yarn! I went back and bought myself some in a mauve! It's a bamboo.

This is something I've been wanting to make for a long time! It's featured in the October 2008 Crochet Today. It is crocheted carring two color yarn and with beads, then felted. LOVED how it turned out!!

This was just finished on June 26. It is for my mom's birthday! I was late getting it to her (her birthday was June 23 and it just got mailed today). Hope she gets it before seeing this!! It's Dawn (50% wool/50% silk)

This is my Diamond Pattern sweater from Nashua. It is made with Nashua Ivy and has a silver sparkle through it! Bonus! It is short sleeved. I loved it!! It is made side to side and has live stitches that are then grafted together with Kitchner stitch through the middle of the pattern that goes down the back (first pic). LOVE this!!

Okay. Made this in RYC Luxury Cotton. Got the yarn as part of a gift from a swap. LOVE the yarn, screwed up the pattern or something. It's a sleeveless pullover with a little bit of a v-neck. Didn't finish it (not seamed). Going to take this out and make something new with the yarn!

This was made from some of my Dollar Tree novelty yarn! LOL! I loved this! It was very fun!

Spring sprung, then summer sizzled....

2009-07-03T21:03:00.001-07:00

Different pics from around our house and yard. Walnuts, cherries, peaches and apples. Flowers and weeds. Big birds stealing the humming bird food - he sits on one side and makes it tip, then gets the nectar as it spills out!

Wow, I'm finally blogging....

2009-07-01T16:08:00.000-07:00

Okay, I wanted to share another blog with you! I have a TON of things to share from FO's to my daughter's graduation, but for right now, I want you to visit this totally cool blog and check out her fantastic giveaway!! Check it out by clicking on the button on my sidebar or by clicking http://beeinmybonnetco.blogspot.com!

A pink monster truck?!?! Oh yeah, that rocks!!

2009-03-14T23:25:00.003-07:00

We went to the Monster Trucks last night and it was awesome! You have to check out the videos at the end of this blog! Watch Transaurus transform into a dinosaur and eat a car! Check out pictures of the PINK monster truck driven by a lady from Seattle, WA! She kicked those boys' butts!! There were speed motocross, quad racing and the tuff trucks! We almost didn't make it, I left the truck empty...see below....when the display reads "0 miles to empty" it usually means get your @ss to the gas station! Oh, and I really wanted one of those pink checkered flags, but they were $5.00....no thank you!

Transaurus - part 1 (transforms into a dinasour and eats a car!)

Transaurus - part 2

Transaurus - part 3

Get er Done - Freestylin' - part 1

Get er Done - Freestylin' - part 2

Public Disturbance - Freestylin'

Bigfoot Bad Boy - Freestylin' - part 1

Bigfoot Bad Boy - Freestylin' - part 2

Welcome Agnes!

2009-03-14T09:43:00.000-07:00

I finished my first Noro sweater last weekend, but am just now getting around to blogging it!
My husband wanted me to make him a seatcover for his truck with this, but then I told him how much it would cost!! It is a reverse stockinette and I really love it!!

2 new bags!!

2009-03-02T18:19:00.000-08:00

I (finally) made the crocheted bag from Crochet World, October 2008. It is a tapestry crochet, felted bag with beads. I love it!

THEN.... I get home and have a package waiting!! I got the coolest breast cancer bag!! It is gorgeous!! I also got a pink-n-sparkly candle, some yarn and snacks, some lip gloss and pink highlighter tape!! Did I mention I love my bag!!

Happy 18th Katie!!

2009-02-28T16:36:00.000-08:00

Well, I'm officially old! DD turned 18! Here is what she got for her birthday!! She was pretty excited! It's a 1994 Honda Accord and it's loaded! This should be a good car for her for quite a while!

Katie and her friend Sam at Spooky's.

My cousin Jennifer and my cousin Sarah (in pink - www.knotanotherhat.com)

My mom and dad.

Katie and her friend Yaret (sp?)'s little sister Sarah - She kept getting money!

mo' money!

clothes and shoes!

Michael and Naomi (Jennifer's little girl).

Mallory, Campbell (both Sarah's girls), Naomi and Michael

My aunt Kay (Sarah and Jennifer's mom) with Katie.

Katie's first lottery tickets from my aunt Kay!

Katie and her friend Yaret (sp?). Her mom made Katie a gorgeous Tres Leches birthday cake!!

Katie & my mom blowing out candles and cutting cake.

Michael had to be bribed to eat! He wanted to stay in the game room, so Russ' Mom and brother-in-law bet him he couldn't eat!

My cousin sarah, my mom, my dad and my aunt.

MUST....HAVE.....THESE......SHOES!!!

2009-02-26T21:51:00.000-08:00

I cannot go on without these shoes!!!! I WANT THEM!!!! I told my husband this is ALL I want for my birthday!! It's not until April though and I don't know if I can wait that long!!!! Here is where to get them: http://www.journeys.com/catalog_detail.aspx?ID=63450. They are only available at Jouneys. How cool are these for knit socks???? Do you think they had these in mind???? (These are not my feet. I borrowed them from flickr.com)

1 year Knitterversary!!

2009-02-17T21:52:00.000-08:00

Today is my 1 year knitterversary!! Can you believe it? One year ago today, Pennknits taught me to make the Breast Cancer Awareness dish cloth!! Wow did I NEVER think I'd figure out knitting! I was SUCH a tight knitter....now I'm very loose! I have since made multiple dish cloths, scarfs, hats, fingerless gloves, blankets, sweaters, socks, knit with beads, knit with cables...WOW! My husband said, "Wow! That crap has been in our house for a year now?????"

I have participated in about 15 swaps on Ravelry. I also knit over 6 miles in the last year!

I took a (very small) gift to Pennknits today as a thank you for teaching me all about this wonderful hobby/lifestyle/addiction!! I think she thought I was a little (k)nuts!!! (I find I ALWAYS want to put a "K" in front of anything that starts with "N"!! Also, from all my friends on Ravelry that are either from Canada or in Europe, I find I sometimes slip "u"s into words like coloUr, favoUrite, etc.!!

Well, it's been a helluva ride and I can't wait to see what the next year brings!!

Happy Valentine's Day!!

2009-02-14T08:22:00.000-08:00

Be very careful out there!! Valentine's day is getting dangerous!! When I got home from work yesterday, my husband said he was taking me to Outback Steakhouse! WOOHOO! Well, we called ahead on our way into town. It was 6:30 and we had an hour and a half wait! Okay, at least we're on the list and found out ahead of time so we didn't have to sit there. So we messed around in town and went over at about 7:30. I figured if there were people who got tired of waiting and left, they may call that name and go directly to the next. I wanted to be a little early just in case. WRONG! There were so many people crammed into the little waiting area and all the way out the doors. I had to basically pushed my way through, excuse me, excuse me.... No one wanted to let me up front. I guess they didn't want me to get ahead of them. When we checked in, we still had about 45 minutes. Okay, for those of you who know me, you know that my husband is on a cane. It was so dangerous in there, they could not have been meeting fire hazard codes. Some guy totally SHOVED Russ aside and he almost fell! And do you think any of those 20-somethings would give up their seat on the waiting benches for him? No! Anyhoo, we finally got to sit to wait and that was much better. Then, the hostesses brought around h'ourderves (sp?) for everyone waiting! We got Bloomin' Onions and Bushman Mushrooms! Anyway, it was a really nice dinner and we had a great time!!

THEN...

I wanted to stop at Wal-Mart on the way home because I can't find my crochet hooks anywhere and I needed pink beads for the Breast Cancer bag I'm going to make. Wow! Was Wal-Mart the night before Valentine's Day a mistake!! I told my husband, in and out! 5 minutes max! It was dangerous in there! People were fighting about who saw the last singing monkey first and who grabbed the last box of chocolates out of who's hand! Since we didn't have to go near that section, we got to just watch and enjoy the entertainment!

Hope you all have a happy and SAFE Valentine's Day!!

Knit Picks swap package received and LOVED!

2009-02-11T18:24:00.000-08:00

I LOVED everything I got in my package from Knitastic132!! This is from my Ravelry group Books & more swap! We swap a book that our spoilee wants and yarn for a project from that book. I got the coolest package ever because of all the books I put on my wish list, this is the ONE that I really really wanted! My best friend Pennknits has it and I love it! It is Sensational Socks. It has different sections and within that section it offers multiple stitch patterns you can apply to the leg. It also has charts for each section that allows you to make your socks with any kind of yarn and for anyone. Down the left side, it has various gauges and across the top is foot measurements. You then find the gauge of the yarn you want to use, your foot measurement and where they meet on the chart tells you how many stitches to cast on for. Then, each pattern gives you directions for using 4 dpns, 5 dpns or double circulars! This is my fave part because I prefer dpns and without fail, I will find socks I want to make, then the pattern will be for double circulars and I have to re-figure the pattern. THANK YOU Robbin!!!

Okay, I also got some green sock yarn from Knit Picks and some pinkish/red sock yarn from Knit Picks, a set of Knit Picks metal dpns, 2 bags of candy, a ghiradelli chocolate/peanut butter bar (my fave candy combo) and a huge Valentines day Hershey bar. I got some really great Vanilla lotion, glimmery chap stick and the new keychain from Knit Picks that looks like an in progress knit sweater (which I've been wanting)!!! I love it all, thank you SO much!!

Fave Things swap package received...and other goodies!

2009-02-09T19:41:00.001-08:00

Okay, so this is one of my Valentine's presents from my mom. PINK TOOLS!! How cool is this???

This came from Turkey. Ice was cheap on eBay.

I got this from my friend Dora aka Knitgrl on Ravelry. It is from the My Fave Things swap. I got the cutest little felted purse and a pattern to make a felted purse! I also got some really cool yarn. Dora sent some biscotti for me and DH and also her kids sent some candy which I gave to my kids (which they thought was REALLY cool!) and last but not least was a candle!! I love it all. Thanks so much Dora!!

Wedding pictures - DH's cousin

2009-02-09T19:22:00.000-08:00

Pictures from DH's cousin's wedding in Vancouver WA this weekend.

Mikey loved playing with Logan and Landon again. Logan (on the left) was in the wedding and his little brother was the ring bearer. He is about 2. He came down the aisle with the pillow in his mouth like a dog! It was SO funny! Their dad was one of the groomsmen and he was SO red from embarassment. They tried to take it out of his mouth, but he held on and started shaking his head like a dog playing tug-o-war!!

DD captured Sasquatch on film!! Oh, wait, it's just DH's uncle!! LOL!!!

The car was all decked out.

Okay, so here is Mikey in the orange. This is the men's fight for the garter. He was right in the middle of it, and it landed right in front of him, but he REFUSED to touch it!!

Removing the garter. Mikey wasn't too sure about this part.

Mikey is waiting for the throwing of the garter.

Okay, so Dh's sister gave Mikey money for the Money Dance and told him he had tuck it into her dress and dance with her. Well, he saw where she was putting the money and he THREW the money at her and literally RAN away! He is on the left side RUNNING for his life and she is CRACKING up!!

Father of the bride gets a dance.

Okay, so Mikey sat down to play his game and LITERALLY within SECONDS he was surrounded by girls! Every time one stood up, the little one in blue (who was also the flower girl) scooched on over!!

Over the river and through the woods, to Grandmother's house we go.....

2009-02-09T18:31:00.000-08:00

So, we went over to Western Washington for the weekend. DH's cousin got married (pics to post in the next blogpost) and we spent the weekend visiting family. His maternal grandma moved to a new place in Ridgefield. DH grew up in Ridgefield, so it was kind of cool for him to have family back there. She moved there from Kalama. Right now, the owners of the property are putting a double wide in for her. It's never been lived in, but it is not ready yet. In the meantime, she is living in their Mother-in-Law's quarters. They have the coolest statues and landscaping that I just had to play tourist and take lots of pictures!

Mikey tames a wild warthog!

Mikey on a VERY cool bench

Mikey between two sawing bears

This is part of a long area that runs along the road at the edge of the property just behind the gates.

These buffalo are full-sized like they would be in real life and are all made out of metal. Notice the old stagecoach behind them.

This is a little mill on the creek. The wheel actually turns.

This guy has a fishing pole in his hand.

Mikey on the bridge over the creek.

This little shack is also along the creek.

This moose is hilarious. He is VERY tall. Look in the background at the bear. Not sure what he was on.

Huge moose in background. Bear in foreground has a big salmon.

These moose are lifesize and made from metal.

This is at the beginning of the creek. You can see the double-wide in background.

The eagle at the top of the pole is very large.

There is a rock on left that says Mt. Ridgefield.

This guy is right inside the gated entry. Grandma's double wide is in background. This guy has a microphone. He's singing. LOL.

This bear is by the bandstand and he also has a microphone. Not sure about the singing bears.

These horses are full size or even maybe bigger than some and also made from metal.

This is on the inside of the gate looking out. It says Vaya Con Dios (go with God). There are two bear cubs teeter-tottering on top.

This is taken from just down the road a bit from her house. It is Mt. Rainier.

This is taken from very same spot. It is Mt. St. Helens.

Now, these are from his paternal grandma's. She collects jewelry. I love going to her house and looking at all of it. I have never been when I didn't find something new. I also like to find jewelry for her.

She is also one of the most amazing quilter's I've ever seen. She hand embroiders designs on pieces of material, then hand stitches them all together. She makes these for members of the family. It's usually one per family kind of deal because of the work involved. Katie has one that is amazing.

These were taken from the car on the way through the gorge. This is a little waterfall just past Multnomah Falls.

This is looking back towards Multnomah Falls.

Sock it to Me Round 3, Package 1

2009-02-05T22:17:00.000-08:00

WOW! I'm not sure how to top this! This is all from Kelly, from my Sock it to Me, Round 3 Ravelry group. Okay, where to start?! I got some REALLY cool Opal sock yarn, a really cool sock pattern: Celtic Cable Socks, Stephanie Pearl-McPhee's Never Not Knitting 2009 desktop calendar, a pink heart ice cube tray, a bag full of candies, 2 pink dish towels with hearts, some lotion and chap stick, a really cool re-usable Target 'green' bag, a pink candle with hearts, a little pack of hand-knit wash, a key chain from the Loopy Ewe (which says that sock yarn does not count as stash - this was cool because I used it as proof to my husband!!), and I got another key chain made out of a recycled pink knitting needle!! I have to tell you I REALLY had a day today, so when I came home to find this, it REALLY cheered me up!! Thank you so much, I love it all!!
My husband said 'it must be nice to have Christmas every day!!' LOL!

Valentine's Day Package!

2009-02-04T19:43:00.000-08:00

Okay. Here is what I got from Lysecreations! I got a set of DPN's, three different kinds of yarn! Some soap, lotions, perfume and body oils - that she MADE! I got 3 bars of Trader Joe’s chocolate! I got a GORGEOUS pair of fingerless gloves - my first pair - AND these are crocheted from her own original pattern of which I got the first pair!!! Oh, and did I mention that she sent me an autographed copy of her own book?!?!?! It’s called Bitter Woman, and looks like it’s going to be a great story!! Oh, and it’s all topped off with the cutest little monkey - in his boxer’s no less!!

FINALLY - Guinevere is DONE!

2009-02-02T10:13:00.000-08:00

So, my Knit Picks swap on Ravelry has a challenge out to everyone to commit 20 minutes a day to finishing something. I chose Guinevere to finish. I started this in July and REALLY wanted to make this for myself. I had to put all my personal knitting aside for Christmas knitting, then I started Swap knitting, and just never got back to any knitting for ME! Well, I am SO excited. I had half a front panel and the sleeves (caps) left. THAT'S IT!! I finished it, blocked it and put it all together this weekend! I'm wearing it today and totally showing off! I feel all peptobismally! I'll post pictures tonight!

Edited to add pictures:

Now, I can't believe I am telling you this!! I have to take it apart and put it back together...correctly this time! LOL - I sewed the two front panels on backwards (so the right is on the left and the left is on the right with the wrong side out!!)!!! I looked at the lacework! I swear I did!! Oh well, Pennknits says "Practice makes perfect!" I say to her, "Bite me!"

Swap Package

2009-01-31T19:00:00.001-08:00

Here is a picture of the great package I got from Bartons15! This is for the Celebrate Spring swap. It is a LOVELY skein of merino lace and a pattern for Stole My Heart! It is going to be a BLAST to make! I also got some yummy coffee, soap, Payday's, and stitch markers!! Thank you Linda! I love it all!!

World Wide Knit in Public Day - June 14, 2009

2009-01-30T13:44:00.001-08:00

Join us in the Tri-Cities for World Wide Knit in Public Day on June 14, 2009!
Welcome! We are busy organizing a local World Wide Knit in Public Day event here in the Tri-Cities! More information will be posted here as the details unfold. For now, we are getting the word out and looking for feedback and participation interest! It will not be restricted to knitting! This will be a fiber-friendly event! Spinners, weavers, crocheters, dyers….all are welcome! Sound like fun? Want to meet other knitters and have a REALLY fun day? Join us!

I needed more yarn, so....

2009-01-28T17:40:00.000-08:00

Okay, yes, I know I have issues! BUT, www.discountedbrandnameyarns.com had Cherry Tree Hill solid sockyarns on clearance for $12/skein (normally $20/skein!), so I bought a couple (Hey, just think of how much I saved!!!!) Check it out before they're all gone!

You've got mail!

2009-01-26T17:54:00.001-08:00

When I got home yesterday, I had lots of mail waiting for me! Here are some of my eBay finds:

Christmas ornament of a lady reindeer w/knitting bag. Her tag asks if you are Knotty or Nice!
Next is some recycled sari silk. Followed by Tahki Yarns Hand-dyed Rayon Krinkle. The next is 800 yards of wool in 5 colors. Then we have Hollywood Special Effects: Take Two! by Yarn Bee. This is followed by Artful Yarns Fable, a cotton/silk blend. What a nice surprise after a long day at the office!!

Russ' clogs

2009-01-20T17:55:00.001-08:00

I finally finished Russ' clogs and then got them felted. He was impatient!! He also got mad because I gave them a 'haircut' and he wanted them left 'harry'. These were HUGE before we felted them!!

My Coffee & Chocolate swap package arrived from Canada today!

2009-01-20T17:43:00.000-08:00

My new friend Heather from Canada sent me the following package for our Ravelry group "Chocolate & Coffee" swap:

I got two WONDERFUL skeins of Cherry Tree Hill sock yarn with TWO patterns that I've been wanting!!! Hope Floats (a Breast Cancer Awareness pattern) and Hanging Leaves!

I also got some yummy chocolates and treats, a really cool coffee I haven't tried before. I got a couple of bath items and Burt's Bees chapstick/lip glosses and lotion.

I got some knitting needles (DPNs) and notions! One of these is a set of labels for my handmade's. This is going to be great to put into my Mom's vest I'm working on!

Thank you Heather, I love it all!! Hope you're having fun in Hawaii!!!

Organization Smorganization

2009-01-14T17:50:00.000-08:00

Okay. I was supposed to go through my stuff and condense, cut down, throw out, yada yada yada. Well, I ended up going from 7 tubs to 10! But it looks better! Does that count? I also used my swift and ball winder to wind up my new yarn I got on my shopping expedition last Saturday. I started a Noro sweater and the back is done already! I'm very excited!! My Valentines Day swap is ready to post and my project for St. Pats Day swap is done! Pics to come after gifts are sent!

Mother Nature

2009-01-13T20:32:00.000-08:00

Here are pictures of the flood in Benton City and West Richland. These are from Saturday morning, so they are well below the highest levels. In Benton City, it went clear up over the roads into town. The RV park was about 4' under water. The picture below of the water about 2' below the bridge, later that day the water went over the road on the east side of that bridge. The sunset was a nice finish to a hectic day (plus it's very pink!)

Welcome Ryleeanne!

2009-01-13T19:00:00.000-08:00

Well, she isn't here yet, but I'm sure Mom is ready! This is Katies friend Kayla. She is due in Feb and we had her baby shower last weekend. I helped her Grandma with it! Lot's of fun! There was another girl there (Kelsey) due w/in 11 days, so I couldn't resist getting them together. We played lots of fun games including one where if you said the word 'baby' someone could take your clothespin! Here is a picture of the winner! Can't wait until I get to babysit! Plus, I have some wonderful patterns and yarn ready!!

Kayla on left (Her party!), Kelsey on right

Michael w/Tara's little one!

Katie (left) and Kayla

Diane, winner of most of the games!

Swappin' Fool

2009-01-09T09:32:00.000-08:00

Wow! I have recently discovered swaps (as you can see from my previous post). Well, I’ve gotten a little crazy. Here is a list of my current swaps (from www.ravelry.com). This is as much for me (to help me keep it straight) as it is to share with you!

Valentine’s Day Swap -
1 hand-made item (valentine theme) (Done!)
Supplies for 1 small-medium project including yarn, needles and pattern (Just picking up needles today! Everything else - Done!)
Goodies (Picking up today!)
Secret swap (have partner)
Contact on forums 1/week
$30 guideline
Ship date - Jan 23 (Totally do-able!)

Sock it to Me Swap -
Must have a blog (Duh! You're reading it!)
Must post to blog at least 2x/month (Ok, force me!! LOL)
Must send a package to partner 1/month for three months (No problem!)
At least one package must contain a pair of hand-knit socks (Worst case scenario, it doesn't get out until the 3rd month - I can make socks in that time - I know what I'm making and picking up the yarn today and picking up some things for the first package today!)
Not a secret swap (do not have partner yet)
Must contact partner at least 1x/week either by ravelry, email or blog
$30/package guideline
Ship dates are Feb 5, March 10 and April 5, delivery confirmation req’d

Favorite Things Swap -
At least 3 of MY favorite things
1 item is to be a skein of yarn (picking one out today!)
1 item is to be hand-made (Have most of what I need to make this - already know what I'm making!! Just need to pick up one more thing!)
1 item is to be store bought (Going shopping today!)
Goodies (Going shopping today!)
Secret Swap (I think - haven’t got partner yet)
$20 guideline
Ship date - Feb 14

Celebrate Spring Swap -
At least one skein of yarn (No acrylic allowed - too funny!) (LOVE the no acrylic rule! Cracks me up! Yarn is already ordered!)
Pattern to match theme of Spring (Already have a pattern for the yarn!)
Goodies (We have similar likes, so should be easy! Going shopping today!!)
Not secret swap (have partner)
Contact w/partner 1/week
$25 guideline
Ship date - Feb 15, delivery confirmation req’d

Coffee & Chocolate Swap -
At least 1 lb of coffee (Penny is going to have to help me pick out coffee!! We're going shopping together today!)
Chocolate! (Most of you who know me, know I'm not much into chocolate, so Penny will have to help me here too! Although, my daughter has a very expensive chocolate taste, so I'll probably get some of what I get her)
Yarn & purchased pattern (Already have one picked out! Just need to pick it up today!! If it is not available at my LYS, I have found it online!)
Goodies (This is the easy part for me! Going shopping today!!)
Not secret swap (have partner)
Contact w/partner 1/week
$34 guideline
Ship date - Feb 15, delivery confirmation req’d

St. Patrick’s Day Swap -
1 hand-made item (Irish theme, Ireland, green, clover, celtic, etc.) (Already know what I am making and picking up supplies today!)
1 skein of green yarn (Done!)
Goodies (Will wait until I have a partner to see their likes)
Secret swap (I think - haven’t got partner yet)
Contact on forums 1/week
$30 guideline
Ship date - March 10, certified/registered/trackable in some way req’d

Ravelry Scarf Exchange Swap -
Make a scarf for partner based on their likes (Have several patterns picked out, picking up some yarn today. If it doesn't match what they like, I'll keep it for me - do you know I don't own a hand-knit scarf????)
Package includes scarf and goodies
Goodies guideline $20 (will wait until I have a partner to see what their likes are!)
Not a secret swap (do not have partner yet)
Must contact partner at least 1x/week
Ship date April 1

Wow! Penny says I have an addictive personality and I know she's totally right, but I still end up doing things like this! It's almost just an excuse to go shopping and knit!! Nothing wrong with that is there?? Plus, I'll be getting cool presents in the mail, too!!

Wish me luck! I won't be able to post my treasures until after they've been sent, but stay tuned.....

I got my swap present... and I now have a pink platypus!

2009-01-05T17:51:00.000-08:00

Okay, that doesn't sound right, but it's really awesome! This is the coolest thing ever!! I also got a super cute tape measure / pin cushion and some really yummy sock yarn (pink of course!)!! Oh yeah, and some cookies and a very cute card! I don't think Alexia could have done any better!!

I felt camo

2009-01-02T17:42:00.001-08:00

Michael raided Penny's closet and came home with her Jumpers (yeah, A's mama really does wear combat boots!!) and a private's hat. He barely took these off to sleep!! REAL Army gear!! They went well w/his felted clogs. He also asked me to make him a felted bowl out of his leftover yarn like the other one I made for my swap. Now I'm on to Russ' clogs, then my clogs. Then, I have 2 baby sweaters to start and one to finish. Oh, and did I mention that I got a hand-made swift from Penny for Christmas?? Yeah, I did!! (Her husband made it and her mom made the bag it's stored in.) I also got a ball-winder from my mom. I just bought a new knitting book today, called Socks a la carte (http://www.crafterschoice.com/) . It will go nicely with the new sock yarn that came in the mail today!!

My Guitar Hero

2008-12-30T21:02:00.000-08:00

Santa brought my family a Wii for Christmas. We also got from various family members other games and accessories. One of these, was Guitar Hero. OMG!!! This is addicting and SO fun! Here is a video clip of Michael! He is one rockin' dude!! This is on Freestyle, so this is really him playing!!

For The Love of Weird Christmas Swap

2008-12-30T20:54:00.000-08:00

One of my Ravelry groups is For The Love of Weird. We're having a Christmas swap, but don't have to have our packages mailed until 12/31/08. Here is my package! If you are my swapee, here is what is coming your way!! Hope you like it! I included some beaded stitch markers I made, a candle, a gold & crystal bracelet, and I made you a felted bowl. I also included candy and the pattern for the bowl! You also said you wanted to try something with ribbon yarn, so I put a few skeins in! I hope you like it!!

Before I gave it a 'haircut'. It's still fuzzy.

Christmas pictures

2008-12-30T20:19:00.000-08:00

Here are some family pictures:

My Dad:

Katie trying to cover her face (but not in time!):

Michael getting his RC Car:

Michael and Naomi (Cousin Jennifer's daughter)

Mom's Christmas tree

Russ' Brother

Russ with his gifts (he's giving these, not receiving them!)

Russ in his hat with the elk metal art I bought from a girl in Prosser. She made these for her Senior project and donated the money to the local animal shelter.

My pink christmas! New pink robe, pink PJ's and pink massage slippers and of course my pink Victoria's Secret Santa hat!

Katie chose money over gifts, so we wrapped individual bills in about 20-something boxes!!

Michael opening his RC helicopter

Michael digging the Transformer shirt from his sister!

Chocolate stinks?

Woo Hoo! Hot Wheels!

Another shot of Russ' gifts to give.

Michael in his new insulated overalls and snow boots! Perfect for riding the motorcycles in the snow!

We don't need no stinkin' shovels! Russ drove the 4-wheeler up onto the porch and plowed his way off. It has a snow plow on the front!

Baby, it's cold outside!

Father Christmas

My snow globes

Michael's village

Our tree

Christmas presents revealed

2008-12-30T19:59:00.000-08:00

I can finally post pictures of some of the other Christmas gifts!

This is my MIL. I made her the Forest Canopy Shawl.

These are Katie's felted clogs (pre-felting):

I'm making Michael a pair in Camo, Russ a pair in Gray and myself a pair in pink-camo.

Hubbie's hat:

Dad's hat:

Dad's Fingerless Gloves:

Phatfiber Yarn contest!

2008-12-12T17:20:00.000-08:00

Visit this awesome blog and be sure to follow the link to a fabulous Etsy shop!!

The yarn is very yummy!! Plus, you can enter their contest!!

http://phatfiber.blogspot.com/2008/12/danido-and-giveaway.html

Michelle - 1, Christmas gifts - 0

2008-12-09T08:51:00.000-08:00

I’m winning the race! I have completed 6 (two were not knit) more Christmas gifts! I can’t post them here though, because the people they are for, might see them! I have actually added to my list of things I want to make for Christmas gifts! I have 10 things I still want to make (nothing super big and 2 are not knit). We’ll see.... Wish me luck and lots of Excederin....

That's a HUGE blog!

2008-12-01T20:03:00.001-08:00

Okay, hold on to your computers....This will be a huge blogpost! It's got a little of everything!

Okay, here is a picture of DD's green scarf (to be a Christmas present).

Also, here are a few pictures of my Aunt's scarf (to be her Christmas present). They are cherry orchardists.

Blocking.

A pink sky to welcome me home Saturday night after having been at my Mom's since Wednesday.

Stitch markers I made with my 60% off Black Friday JoAnns's finds.

Mikey making bracelets for me and my Mom with leftover beads.

Buttons I bought at JoAnn's on Black Friday for my white Princess Embroidered Cardigan.

Clasp I bought at JoAnn's on Black Friday for my Cotanani Seville Jacket.

Shell buttons I bought for my Thermal sweater.

Bracelet Mikey made for my Mom.

Bracelet Mikey made for me.

Lanyard I made for work. Break-away of course (safety first!).

This is a scarf that my mom made. We took some of the stitch markers I made and attached them to her scarf!!

My Mom beading.

Far left is DH's brother, 2nd from right is DH's sister's husband.

Mikey discovering the piano.

Ok. Now this is pretty cool. It's the book they send to prospective students for 2009-2010 for Oregon State University. DH's brother goes there and is in the book! I couldn't get the pic to save and post right.

These are some of the 'formal' pictures back from DH's sister's wedding in August. I posted some we took, these are from the photographer.

I LOVE this one!!

Super cute!!

Love this collage. The upper right has Mt. Hood in the background and wheat in the foreground with the sunset.

Thanksgiving at my folks. My cousin Sarah (Knot Another Hat)' DH and littlest one (Mallory).

She loves to play ball! She is so dang cute!!

Russ' mom wanted a nice picture with her kids, too bad these are her kids!! See anything funny? Russ' brother is flipping everyone off (look at the pop can) - and yes, it was on purpose! It took a lot of shots to get a halfway normal shot! (DH, sister, youngest brother, mom, other younger brother).

proud of that pop can!

Couldn't resist the angle of this shot!!!

brother on far right (proud owner of the pop can)'s son (our nephew).

My dad (w/back to camera) and uncle playing with the kids' puzzles. (Their excuse was that they were putting them away- yeah, right!).

This is my cousin and his dad and his wife. She is the proud recipient of the Harley Davidson baby kicking bag. You may be able to see that the Dad and the Dad-to-be are both wearing HD shirts. My aunt just got back from a trip to Italy with her sisters and brought them shirts from Italia.

My cousin (and godson) and DD. Can't see his shirt, but it's another HD shirt. This is the only side they'd show me.

This is the sweater Mallory was wearing when they showed up. Sarah made this!! It is SOOO cute!!

Mallory with my aunt (she is the recipient of the Cherry Scarf).

Campbell and Mallory (Sarah's), Mikey (mine) and Naomi (Jennifer's - Sarah's sister).

That's a HUGE bird!! 29.76 pound turkey!! Mom said she barely got it to the front of the store because people kept stopping to ask how big it was!! I tried to get Naomi to stand by it because it totally dwarfed her, but she was scared of it!!

Kay and Naomi putting bacon on the salad (I think more went in Naomi's mouth than on the salad).

Check out the fam. Here is another shot at the two biker boys. Check out that hair on my uncle! Yes, it goes down almost to his waist!

Mikey and Naomi. These two are always inseparable!!

Here is one of the tables. We all had to write three things we were thankful for on a leaf that my cousin Jennifer made or we weren't allowed to eat! It then became our place card! Some of the men almost got really hungry!!

Mikey asking to have his pic taken on the way to G&G's.

Check out our new entertainment center. It is much nicer than what we had our TV sitting on before. Russ got it from his friend (our neighbor)'s dad's estate. (see my glass and decanters?)

This is something else he got. It is really neat. Each 'cubicle' opens. One is a phonograph, one is a shortwave radio, one is the speaker and one is storage for the records. The shortwave had a oil trans-something or other. When DH tried to turn it on, we could hear crackling and smoke was coming out. We could hear it burning, but couldn't see any flames. It was the oil all dried up and burning!

WOW. That about covers it! Now that you're done reading this, you better go take a nap!!

Thanksgiving Funnies....Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-25T16:39:00.000-08:00

The Parrot

A young man named John received a parrot as A gift.

The parrot had a bad attitude and an even worse vocabulary. Every word out of the bird's mouth was rude, obnoxious and laced with profanity. John tried and tried to change the bird's attitude by consistently saying only polite words, playing soft music and anything else he could think of to 'clean up' the bird's vocabulary.

Finally, John was fed up and he yelled at the parrot. The parrot yelled back. John shook the parrot and the parrot got angrier and even ruder. John, in desperation, threw up his hands, grabbed the bird and put him in the freezer. For a few minutes the parrot squawked and kicked and screamed. Then suddenly there was total quiet. Not A peep was heard for over a minute.

Fearing that he'd hurt the parrot, John quickly opened the door to the freezer. The parrot calmly stepped out onto John's outstretched arm and said "I believe I may have offended you with my rude language and actions. I'm sincerely remorseful for my inappropriate transgressions and I fully intend to do everything I can to correct my rude and unforgivable behavior." John was stunned at the change in the bird's attitude.

He was about to ask the parrot what had made such a dramatic change in his behavior, when the bird continued, "May I ask what the turkey did?"

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

NEW TURKEY RECIPE

Your dinner will be the talk of the TOWN!!
You should try this!
Sure to bring smiles from your guests!
Here is a new way to prepare your Thanksgiving Turkey.

1. Cut out aluminum foil in desired shapes.
2. Arrange the turkey in the roasting pan, position the foil carefully. (see attached picture for details)
3. Roast according to your own recipe and serve.
4. Watch your guests' faces...

May your stuffing be tasty
May your turkey be plump,
May your potatoes and gravy
never have a lump.
May your yams be delicious
And your pies take the prize,
And may your Thanksgiving dinner
Stay off your thighs!
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!!!!!!!

Rocky Road Buster Brown - September 20, 1996 - November 21, 2008

2008-11-22T19:58:00.000-08:00

This is a memorial tribute to the best dog in the world! We had to put down our dog yesterday. He was a purebred Chocolate Lab and we loved him like a member of the family. My son always said Rocky was his brother!

He was a Christmas present to Katie back in 1996 (she was only 5 years old).

When we picked him out, he was the 'runt' of the litter. He was the fattest, but he was the shortest. We called him 'Stocky Rocky'. He was named after two things. Being a 'Chocolate' lab, we got Rocky Road. Buster Brown was the name of another puppy we had when Katie was really little. She wanted to name Rocky after buster, so we ended up with Rocky Road Buster Brown for the name on his AKC paperwork, but we just called him Rocky (unless he was in trouble!).

He loved all kinds of sweets, apples were a particular favorite, he LOVED cheese.

About 10 years ago, Rocky had a run-in with a lawn chair and some duct tape. We were having a garage sale and had him on a leash which was tied to a lawn chair. There was some tape lying on the garage floor and he sniffed it and it stuck to him and he freaked out because he couldn't get it off his nose. Then, the lawn chair fell over and scared him. Then he took off running, while still tied to the lawn chair. The lawn chair is now 'following him' as he is running down the street barking over his shoulder at the lawn chair. He ran into our back yard where my husband was able to help him.

He was the best hunting dog! He went on point at only 4 months old! He loved to pheasant hunt!

Rock was so good with the kids. He also put up with cats, birds, you name it! We have a picture (somewhere) of him sitting in our kitchen with a parakeet on his head! We also have pictures (somewhere) of him laying on the porch with a litter of newborn kittens cuddled up to him and 'nursing' on him!

Rocky is survived by his Mom, Dad, Sister, Brother, 2 Grandma's, 2 Grandpa's, numerous Aunts, Uncles and Cousins.

I could go on and on. Rocky will be missed and remembered forever! We love you Rocky!!

Baby bag done!!

2008-11-16T16:08:00.001-08:00

Well, I just couldn't put this down! Here is the final product! Now, I'll start the Mother-in-Law's Forest Canoy Shawl!

Okay. Harley Davidson blanket becomes a Baby Kickin' Bag...

2008-11-16T10:23:00.000-08:00

I didn't have enough yarn for the Hooded Baby Blanket, so I decided to make the Baby Kickin' Bag. This is what it is supposed to look like on a baby, for those of you who haven't heard of it. You put the baby in it and it's like having a blanket on, but they can't kick it off!

Mine is a little more.....well, orange!

Second hat complete, on to Harley Davidon Baby Blanket!

2008-11-09T14:32:00.000-08:00

I finished my second ever hat! Tomorrow Penny & I will mail my two and another one Penny made to her mom. She just mailed two more on Friday also! We will make sure she is stylin' and profilin'!

I also just found out that my cousin's wife's due day may be changing from January 1 to December 1! She goes back to the Dr. on the 19th and they'll be a little firmer on the due day. However, I am no longer shooting for Christmas for her baby gift, now I just better get done! I am making them an orange hooded baby blanket with black edging.

Chemo Caps Complete!

2008-11-08T21:25:00.000-08:00

Well, one anyway!! I finished one of Penny's Mom's hats and started the second one!! This is the first time I've ventured to try more than one color on a single project. However, it's not much of a venture, because I only did it like I would add a new skein of yarn! I didn't do any kind of fairisle. Oh well, maybe next time!!

Hibernating projects, Xmas projects, Backyardigans and Birthdays

2008-11-07T19:56:00.000-08:00

We'll start with Michael's birthday. About a week earlier, I took him and a buddy to see Backyardigans Live. I had got the tickets with my VIP member points from one of the local radio station. The boys had a really good time.

This is Andrew & Michael with their "Shields".

Katie and Michael helping me to clean up:

This didn't turn out so hot this year. I didn't have the proper frosting tips. The windows, hood and numbers turned out bad.

On to Xmas projects....

Okay, this is Michael's camo sweater. I had to restart it. The other pattern had so much errata I couldn't keep it straight. I need a pattern that is just written right from the start and doesn't need 'fixes'. I hope to finish this for Xmas.

This will be a pair of socks for an Xmas gift. It is the Wildflower pattern.

This will be a nice, big, cozy scarf. I don't have a pattern, I'm just wingin' it. It'll have fringe when it's done. If there's enough yarn left, I'll see if I have enough for a hat.

This is going to be a peach version of the baby kimono (like the blue one I made). It is for my mom to give to a friend of hers that is having a baby.

This is for Penny's mom. It is a Chemo Cap. It will have a rolled brim and an eyelet pattern. I hope to finish it as soon as possible. She really needs it right now and it's getting colder by the day in Montana!

I don't know why this posts sideways, it's not saved sideways. Anyway, this is the pink & purple yarn for the other hat I want to make her.

This is going to be a hooded baby blanket, sort of like the hooded towels, but a blanket! It is going to be a Harley Davidson version! I have ordered the black yarn for the edging.

And the hibernating....

This is where I am with Guinevere. I am about halfway done with the second front panel. Only the back piece has been washed and blocked. This will only have little 'cap' sleeves, so I'm almost done!

This is my favorite thing I've made so far, I think. At least it's right up there my hot pink sweater. It's going to be the Forest Canopy Shawl. I'm making another one for an Xmas present!

Too cute not to share!

2008-11-06T20:12:00.000-08:00

So, last night I started 4 of my Xmas projects! Penny said I have to count my hibernating projects, so I guess I'm up to 9 (I think). Anyhoo, I started another Baby Kimono, a scarf, a hooded baby blanket, and a hat for Penny's mom. This one has my top priority right now as it is getting colder.

I have officially put all of my knitting on hold....

2008-11-05T20:31:00.000-08:00

I have SO much Xmas knitting to do!! I can't say who is getting what, but I do have 11 people to knit for and here is what I am making:

6 baby gifts
5 hats
2 scarves
2 pair of socks
1 set of wrist warmers
1 sweater
1 shawl

(and a partridge in a pear tree.....JK - don't expect to see any picture of a knit partridge in a pear tree!!)

Hibernating:

Guinevere sweater
Gomasio sweater
Forest Canopy shawl
Thermal sweater
Beaded cell phone bag

Congratulations to Alice Archer!

2008-10-31T12:43:00.000-07:00

Well, we won't be going to Hawaii this year, but please join me in congratulating Alice Archer! You can read her story and the other finalists by clicking on the link below. Thank you all for your votes and your support!!

http://www.winterbeachparty.com/hawaii/nominationVote.cfm

Vote for Russ '08

2008-10-26T22:10:00.000-07:00

Oh my gosh!! I can't believe it has gone this far!!

Well, a while ago, I entered my husband Russ into a contest to nominate him as being deserving of a trip to Hawaii. I didn't think it would come to anything, because the Walla Walla & Tri-Cities area is so huge and there are SO MANY deserving people.

Well, of all the people who entered, Russ is one of the top 5 entrants. I have placed the link at the bottom of this email. I ask each of you to please join me in voting for my husband, Russ. I think he deserves a vacation and I think when you read his story, you will too.

Each person can vote only once. Please pass this to anyone I may have forgotten or whom you think may help. Voting is open until October 30th at Midnight. Thank you for your time and support!!

http://www.winterbeachparty.com/hawaii/nominationVote.cfm

Ribbit!! Ribbit!!

2008-10-22T18:04:00.000-07:00

I'm frogging the pink marshmallow sweater!! I don't like it on. The shoulder seams are too far over and the sleeves are so heavy that they hang down too far. I have found another pattern that this yarn will work for. So, I'm going to take this (finished) sweater apart, re-wind the yarn and start a whole new sweater!! Here is what I think I will try. The guage is the same and I should have plenty of yarn.

Knitting update

2008-10-15T19:27:00.001-07:00

I finally finished my short-sleeved cardigan. I just need to find buttons.

Also, I recently made a baby kimono for one of my baby presents I need.

Before sleeves were done:

Blogging update - Garage sale cleaning, deer hunting & ebay finds

2008-10-15T19:03:00.000-07:00

Okay, this will be an eclectic post!

I am having a garage sale this weekend, so I've been cleaning house. Are you ready? I got rid of 35 pairs of shoes and kept 35 pairs of shoes!!! You should see the piles of clothes and purses and coats! And, my closet and dressers are still full and there are still piles in front of my dressers!
Oh well, baby steps, right!

DH and neighbor went to his Dad's for opening hunting in Oregon back at their ranch. They have 3600 acres in a hunting preserve. They used to run a pheasant hunting preserve and sporting clay course there. Below are pics of the ranch, DH, the neighbor and DH's brother and dad.

Ranch from the hill:

Neighbor:
DH:

DH's brother & deer:

Neighbor & deer:
DH's dad & brother & deer:
Okay. I recently bought a little sewing machine on ebay. I wanted something to do 'craft' type sewing now and then. I found the perfect thing for me. Now I can finish the quilt I've been working on by hand!

HUGE SALE!! EVERYTHING MUST GO!!

2008-10-08T15:23:00.000-07:00

Cleaning house and shop. More than can list here. Featured items:

· Yari self-propelled 36” sickle mower
· Honda 4-wheeler
· 1944 original M1 Carbine carried in WWII with original bayonet and name of soldier who carried it
· Beretta 12ga Automatic Shotgun - engraved gold trigger, 28”, model A301
· 2 Cast Iron Antique Fire Trucks - great shape
· 1955 Chevy Bel-Air, 2 door post, 350/350, have 99% of all stainless/chrome, lots of extra parts
· 1993 Hyundai Excel, 2 door hatchback, newer tires and transmission, needs engine
· 1969 Chevy C-20 truck, 90,000 original miles, automatic

Email for more info.

Short Sleeved Cardigan has been cast on!

2008-10-03T13:57:00.000-07:00

I couldn't stand it any longer. I had to cast on! My husband said, "What are you doing? You haven't even finished the other one." I know, I know, I have a problem. It's just so pretty!!

Baking for United Way!

2008-10-03T13:33:00.000-07:00

It's time for the United Way Campaign at work. My friend Pennknits is one of the two people organizing our department's fundraisers. We just had a bake sale and raised over $350!!

So, I got out my pink baking stuff and here goes....

Plus, my son is very into helping promote breast cancer awareness too. He says I should make a club. So, he made a sign. It says, (read phonetically) "Sine up now for brest cancer and help to fight it". However, he had some spelling problems and some issues with wrap text.

When I was done, there was a little bit of dough leftover, so my DH wanted to make Mikey a special cookie. Look for the 'Little Man'!

Some people like to say I never cook, so, here are pictures to prove that I at least, bake!!
My kitchen was one big pink mess!!

DS's 2008-2009 school pictures and DD's class of 2009 Senior Pics

2008-09-28T13:14:00.000-07:00

DD is a SENIOR this year!! I am SO old!! Here are some of her Senior Pics. Pennknits took them for us (visit her blog by clicking on the link on the right side of my blog). They turned out AWESOME!!! We are SO happy with them!! Thank you Pennknits!!! (These are just a couple - they took over 350!!)

We also decided to take our own pictures of DS for this school year instead of paying for them. Pennknits and I took these. He's a ham, so it was pretty easy!!

Knitting update

2008-09-28T12:58:00.001-07:00

I have finished the back on Guinevere and started the front.

I have also updated my ravelry projects.

I have the following ready to start:

Short Sleeve Cardigan:

This is the yarn I am going to use. I bought it at Knot Another Hat in Hood River, OR. The link to their website and blog is listed on the right side of my blog. You can view Sarah's blog and see her Short Sleeve Cardigan.

Seville Jacket:
This is the yarn I'm going to use. It's Mirasol's Cotanani.

Princess Embroidered Cardigan:
This is the yarn I'm going to use. I got it from Knot Another Hat in Hood River, OR. You can visit their website and view Sarah's blog by clicking on the link on the right side of my blog.

Quilted Diamond Vest:

This is the pattern amd the Valley Yarn I'm going to use. This is a great knit and the vest looks awesome when finished!!

Print O' the Wave Stole:
I've decided to start a stole. Here is the yarn I'm using (Patons Lacette) and a picture of the pattern.

Between family and friends, I have 6 baby projects to make!! Here is some of the baby yarn I have:

I also have the following bulky yarn to use for something. I have 10 of each except for only 4 of the pink. (Patons Divine).

A true inspiration

2008-09-24T15:51:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine at work told me a while back that her mom was a two time Breast Cancer survivor. Any of you who know me, know that I have a passion for this cause. So, when I heard that her mom was doing the 3-day walk, I couldn't believe how amazing she was!!! I wanted to help her reach her goal, so I bought some raffle tickets she was selling for a quilt to raise money.

Recently, I received the following update of the event. I have asked her permission to use her story here because I wanted to share it with everyone.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Michelle, Sue and Cheryl,

On Friday, September 19, 2008, the eight women of Team Hartley began our 60 mile journey in the Twin Cities for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer 3-day event. All eight team members finished the walk before 4:00 p.m. on Sunday. It was grueling, the hardest thing any of us had ever done. It was also an amazing and unforgettable experience.

An inspiring Opening Ceremony was held at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds early Friday morning. Looking like a long pink and white snake, the line of over 3,000 walkers enjoyed sunshine as we walked around several lakes, enjoyed nature trails, walked along the banks of the Mississippi, and through the streets of St. Paul. Huge crowds cheered us on in designated “cheering stations,” thanking us for walking to end breast cancer. Along every street and highway, drivers honked their horns in support. School children came out of classrooms to give candy to the participants, and high school cheerleading squads cheered us on at Pit Stops, where food, water and medical help was available. I, for one, had to stop at almost every medical tent for blister care, but I wasn't alone. A couple thousand others suffered as much or more than I did. Friday and Saturday nights were spent at camp in two-man pink tents at Harvest Park. Dinner was served, entertainment was enjoyed, blistered feet and sore muscles were tended. Walkers were up before dawn to get an early start on the trails each morning. The Closing Ceremony was held on the front steps of the State Capitol on Sunday afternoon at 5:00 p.m.

The members of Team Hartley trained by walking over 600 miles each in preparation for the event! We raised a total of nearly $20,000 for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation. Most of the donations received were from individual contributors like you. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for making it possible for me to participate, and more importantly, for helping us in the fight against breast cancer. I thought of you every step of way!

Many thanks for your support,

Debbie C.

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Debbie,

You are truly amazing!!! Thank you for sharing this experience with us. Would it be okay if I posted your journey on my blog? I'd love to share it with some of my friends. Many of them know how I support Breast Cancer Awareness, so I'd love to share how awesome you are! You can check out my blog at http://www.pink-n-sparkly.blogspot.com/ (I know, go figure). Anyway, if it is okay, I'll probably just copy your story and pics and add a little blurb explaining that I work w/your daughter. Let me know! Take care!!

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Of course you can use my experience, my photos, anything you want. I am honored that you want to! I will check out your site. Thank you very much, Michelle. I'm not amazing. I'm just a middle aged woman who has had to fight breast cancer two too many times! and I don't want my daughter or granddaughters to go through it, or anybody else. I am very impressed to know that you are involved in the cause too. We make a difference! :-)

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Okay. I have to warn everyone. When I looked at the pictures of these amazing women and thought about everything they have been through and what an experience this must have been, I was crying!! The 3-day walk is one thing I really want to do someday!!

Debbie is in the back row, second from the right:

Pink-N-Sparkly

Happy 4th of July America!!

Katie's Graduation!!!! Go Class of 2009!! Congratulations Katie!!!

Katie's friend Kayla's graduation and her beautiful daughter, Ryleeanne!!

What's Mikey been up to?!? Find out...

Mother's Day & my Birthday

FO's!! WooHoo!!

Spring sprung, then summer sizzled....

Wow, I'm finally blogging....

A pink monster truck?!?! Oh yeah, that rocks!!

Welcome Agnes!

2 new bags!!

Happy 18th Katie!!

MUST....HAVE.....THESE......SHOES!!!

1 year Knitterversary!!

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Knit Picks swap package received and LOVED!

Fave Things swap package received...and other goodies!

Wedding pictures - DH's cousin

Over the river and through the woods, to Grandmother's house we go.....

Sock it to Me Round 3, Package 1

Valentine's Day Package!

FINALLY - Guinevere is DONE!

Swap Package

World Wide Knit in Public Day - June 14, 2009

I needed more yarn, so....

You've got mail!

More swap packages ready to post...

Russ' clogs

My Coffee & Chocolate swap package arrived from Canada today!

Organization Smorganization

Mother Nature

Welcome Ryleeanne!

Swappin' Fool

I got my swap present... and I now have a pink platypus!

I felt camo

My Guitar Hero

For The Love of Weird Christmas Swap

Christmas pictures

Christmas presents revealed

Phatfiber Yarn contest!

Michelle - 1, Christmas gifts - 0

That's a HUGE blog!

Thanksgiving Funnies....Happy Thanksgiving!

Rocky Road Buster Brown - September 20, 1996 - November 21, 2008

Baby bag done!!

Okay. Harley Davidson blanket becomes a Baby Kickin' Bag...

Second hat complete, on to Harley Davidon Baby Blanket!

Chemo Caps Complete!

Hibernating projects, Xmas projects, Backyardigans and Birthdays

Too cute not to share!

I have officially put all of my knitting on hold....

Congratulations to Alice Archer!

Vote for Russ '08

Ribbit!! Ribbit!!

Knitting update

Blogging update - Garage sale cleaning, deer hunting & ebay finds

HUGE SALE!! EVERYTHING MUST GO!!

Short Sleeved Cardigan has been cast on!

Baking for United Way!

DS's 2008-2009 school pictures and DD's class of 2009 Senior Pics

Knitting update

A true inspiration