Sunday Snaps

Most of my crafting time this week has been devoted to this... a baby blanket for my future granddaughter, Emily.

The majority of the time that I can take a moment and sit, I've got this covering my lap.  It may not look like much because it is bunched up on my needles but it is huge!  This photo was taken about three days go so it's even bigger now.  I'm almost to the scary edging - I'll have to toss in a two dpns into the mix, working new live stitches into the bind off of these.  It will be interesting!

I broke up with her

It was time. I had no other choice.  I broke up with my doctor.  When you spend almost a year being ill and nothing is getting done or improving, the ability to reach them is near impossible, and the service from the office is horrid at best then it is time to break it off and find someone who will help... and that's exactly what I have done.

I have used all my resources and will meet my new doctor on the 21st.  Not as soon as I would like but I am hopeful that I will be listened to and changes will come soon.  Sometimes, just that glimmer of hope is enough to help you through until your next appointment.  This practice has very high ratings in regards to quality of service and efficiency so that is good.  The woman I spoke to on the phone was funny and very helpful.  I was able to get Pokey registered too.

Yes, I have high hopes that things will begin to take a turn for the better this month.  I really do.  Most people view break ups as sad and mourn what once was... not me.  I feel as though a weight has been lifted, some of the worry has left me, and a feeling of renewed hope has taken it's place.  My only regret is that I didn't break up with her sooner.  I wouldn't have tolerated such events from a retailer providing a service so why in the world should I accept it from my healthcare professional?  While I value my yarn and all the fun crafty things that go with it, I do think my well-being is more important so I should give it as much respect as I give my crafts.

Onwards and upwards, and praying for answers - and solutions - before the month is out!

Sunday Snaps

I know I don't normally do collages on Sunday but hey, some stuff has been going on and I was feeling collagey today... so that's what I did.

On Tuesday, I made a gorgeous Garlic Citrus Turkey for supper for no other reason than it was Tuesday.  It was so delicious and looked so great, I had to take a shot of it.  It was super simple - onion powder, garlic salt, orange peel, lemon peel, Worcestershire sauce (on top and in cavity), and a bit of pepper.  Added about half a cup of water to the bottom of the pan and just popped it in a 350 oven for 20 minutes per pound, laying foil over the top (loosely) after two hours.  It was magnificent.

On Wednesday night, I found a pattern in my email inbox and fell in love.  I had to make.  I literally went out that night and bought yarn with my pocket money and the pattern with my revenue from my Variable Star Shawl pattern sales.  It is a completely new adventure for me - knitting with charts!  I've never used lace charts before but I figured it out and am now up to the second chart and plugging along.  I am so very proud of me.

Friday marked the start of Spring Term for the Harry Potter Knitting and Crochet House Cup so I was eager to get something posted - my Detention!  I finished that beautiful shawlette on Monday, took it off the blocking pins on Thursday night so I could weave in the ends Friday morning.  I do love it and the success of that is what prompted me to feel confident enough to attempt the baby blanket for my soon to be here granddaughter, Emily.  My little jellybean is due in September but this blanket is going much faster than I anticipated so I will definitely have it done in time.  I also started a Hello Kitty sleep sack upon my son's request - that alone made me swell with pride.  My son actually asked that I make his daughter something!!  That has never happened before so I jumped at the chance.

Yesterday, Hobbit and I went up to see my folks.  Pokey had to work so we went just the two of us.  We had fun.  It was chillier than anticipated so we didn't go swimming but we did watch "Paddington" and then went to visit the Appleton Museum.  The girls had fun and I got to spend time with my family so I was content.  On the way home, I broke out in hives from my chin through my decolletage.  Complete works followed shortly after - sneezing, tummy issues, watery eyes.  Needless to say, I fell asleep early.

Today I am almost human... well, I'm less splotchy so that is always a plus.  The rest will wind down in time, I'm sure.  I've got a pile of wash to get done today and then I'm going to just relax and play with my yarn.  I have no plans today and I like it.

I hope y'all have had a great week and were able to get some time to do the things you love.

I'll sleep... eventually... right?

Yesterday, I got some medicine where the side effects are just fabulous... flushing, hot flashes, sweating like a sinner in church, and insomnia.  I am exhausted - no sleep... none... quiet literally, I may have dozed for an hour and a half if I'm being generous.  My face feels like it my eyes are going to fly out of my head, though I've been reassured that can't/won't happen.  Oh, let's not forget being incredibly irritated at everything.  So what did I do with all this time?  Take a look...

I started with this little thing...

I ended with all of this... and yes, you are seeing correctly...

It includes a lace edging worked sideways.  If you have to be up due to insomnia, might as well be productive.

Magical weekend

So we celebrated Hobbit all weekend long.  First on our own at Walt Disney World - specifically the Magic Kingdom and then supper at Chef Mickey's on Saturday which was her actual birthday - and then we went to my folks' house on Sunday to celebrate her and Daddy since his birthday is Thursday.

Here are some photos of the fun we had - in collage form to save you from colossal scrolling.  The first set is from the parade at the Magic Kingdom, then the second is supper at Chef Mickey's, followed by the final set of my folks' house.

It was magical - and exhausting - weekend.  Time for me to relax!

Double digits, oh my!

Today is Hobbit's birthday.  She turns 10 at 10:10 am ET.  It is so very hard to believe that she is even here, much less that she's been around for a decade now!  Y'all know I don't get milestone sappy because I'd rather celebrate than sob, but wow... this girl has put me through the ringer, that's for sure.  So to celebrate my little Hobbit in all her glory, here is a look at the past decade with my little tsunami...

This little curly headed monster has been working those dimples since the day she was born - saved her hiney a lot!

Then the "terrible twos" hit... and have yet to actually let go.  That face, yeah I still get that... a lot!

This little stinker has taken us all for a ride - such a roller coaster ride.

Mary Poppins... not hardly... too mischievous... though she does love her best.

Me and my mini me... we do know how to act a bit silly... most of the time.

Never one to be afraid to take the path untraveled, my little explorer and independent girl.

Never afraid to follow her own heart and be nothing less than exactly who she is... fairy wings and all.

Even if that means smearing her face with mood changing lipstick to get people to laugh.

By her 5th birthday, she had it all figured out.  Blankie, bunny, and juice was all a girl needed.

Still, if making waves made her giggle... that's exactly what she did!

She would get lost in her own little world, complete with imaginary friends Harry, Hermione, Ron, and Hagrid.

Always making sure to grab the best moments of life and hang on tight...

and always with her own signature touch of sass to go along with it.

Eight years into the journey with my mini me and I swore, I wondered if she would make to double digits... seriously!

Though along the way, she finally started to learn some calming methods... then we learned, she was academically gifted.

Lots of things clicked then - she was challenging, sure, but partly because she just wasn't being challenged herself.

and though we still have days that we both just feel like we've been beat down and run through the ringer...

We still manage to find our smiles and love our way through every obstacle.

So Happy Birthday to my sweet, caring, lovable, trying, impossible, intelligent, driven, determined, silly, frustrating, and funny girl.  You have brought so much into my life that I simply couldn't image it without you.

I love you, Hobbit.

You know, that slow kind of crazy

That's the type of train I've been on lately.  You know the kind.  It's crazy, you know it's crazy, but it has just enough sane moments in it to make you think it's doable.  Oh yeah, those are actually worse than the full blown crazy trains.

I've been finding moments to stay sane though.  I've been knitting and even gathered up all my stuff for my Summer OWL.  I'm going for a Potions OWL - three colors - by working a Color Affection.  I even have a shawl chosen for my BROOM, just hope I can figure out a way to make it fit the Mission.  I also got some new yarn today which, as you know, makes life perfect.

I made these for Peanut's roommate as an Easter present since she came home with her for the break.

I made these for Peanut and they were so silky feeling.  She honestly liked them and I'm sure they'll get used.

Here are the fixings for my Potions OWL.  It's going to be gorgeous, I just know it!

This is my fabulous yarn.  I'm going to make my mama something with it.

I have been knitting a lot more lately so that I can be just as well versed in that as my crochet.  I am enjoying it but my goodness it is a much longer process.  What takes me a few days in crochet will take me about three times as long as knitting.  I'm sure I will never be as fast knitting as I am when I crochet but I feel good about the progress I've made... I mean come on, I made thumb gussets!

Time for some comfort food - hamburgers and fries.  I will be back shortly, I hope y'all have a great weekend!

Drumroll please...

Way to go, Lauren!  I have already notified our winner of her good fortune and I would like to thank everyone for their participation.  Stay tuned because you never know what I'll have up next.

Have a beautiful Thursday everyone!!

Sunday Snaps

I finished my first set of fingerless mitts... and am now casting on the second set - yay, me!

I need to finish the second set before Easter, as they are presents for somebunny and I hope they love them as much as I do.  Don't worry, I have a second skein of that happy pink stripe yarn to make myself a pair once I'm done with the presents.

I hope your week has been crafty and full of yarny goodness.  Don't forge to enter my giveaway for a chance to win "Knits for Boys" by Kate Oates - it all ends at midnight on April 2nd.

Let's hear it for the boys!

I know when I go through patterns, I gravitate towards the girly stuff.  I admit to getting wrapped in the super cuteness that is ruffles and bows... but now, there is a knitting pattern book devoted to the awesomeness that is our little boys!!

"Knits for Boys" is a delightfully designed creation from Kate Oates.  This girl knows what a boy wants - every pattern in here is perfect for your wee man.  Seriously, everything you can think of making him is found between these covers.  Shorts, long johns, bow ties (because bow ties are cool), socks, hats and mitts, and yes there are plenty of sweaters too.

Just take a look at some of the scrumptious designs, graciously title "grow with me projects" because they are all 'tweakable' so you can make the exact size you need to cover their growth spurts - and we all know how quickly they grow on us, don't we...

With all of the wonderful designs - from casual to classic - your little man will be dashing.

With bright photos, simple schematics, and detailed instructions, there is no way to fail!

You want a copy of this awesome book now, don't you?  Well that's great, because the fabulous folks at Stackpole Books is waiting to ship one to you!!  All you have to do is...
a Rafflecopter giveaway Open to residents of the U.S.A. due to shipping costs.  Be sure to leave me a valid way to contact you - email address or Rav ID.  I will announce the winner on April 2nd - good luck, y'all!!

22 years ago...

I can't believe that my baby is 22 today... she went from this...

to this...

My baby is all grown up... she's literally taller than me... so smart and gorgeous. I don't get sad, like some parents, that my kids are grow - I simply am amazed at the people they turned into and this one, I'm rather proud of all she's done and faithful in all that she will do.

Happy Birthday, Peanut.  I love you buckets and buckets and oodles of noodles!

Variable Star Shawl

It's finally done and ready for you to enjoy, my Variable Star Shawl pattern.  I have spent several weeks tweaking and fine tuning so that it would be perfect for you and now, the time has come to release my newest creation.  I hope y'all love it as much as I do.

As always, you can download it through Ravelry by clicking this link -

Inspired by the knitted Hitchhiker, I created a lace crochet alternative.

Created by an easy to memorize four row repeat, you get this beautiful fabric.

The crescent shape makes it so very versatile.  You can swoop it from one shoulder to the other...

Or you can wrap it around, tucking the ends under like a super comfy cowl.

No matter how you wear it, it will look fabulous.  Great for fingering, dk, and worsted weight yarns.

I can't wait to see everyone's shawls when you get them done.  I know this pattern will become an instant favorite while maintaining it's timeless elegance.  You can go crazy with color or keep it low key with just one - any way you work it, it will be an amazing addition to your wardrobe.

Sunny Side Up

I named this shawl project that because it reminds me of eggs... tasty treat and project.

I've got a new pattern being tested right now - there are still a few slots open if you'd like to lend a hand - and after a little bit of a bumpy start, it seems to be going swimmingly now.  I hope to have the pattern ready to release by the end of April.  I hope y'all love it as much as I do.

Here is a quick Wednesday Wound Up of what all I've been working on lately...

I made a hat for Pokey - pattern chosen by the HPKCHC Quidditch Match 4, colors chosen by him.

I finished the last piece to my HPKCH OotP Mission.  I honestly like how it turned out too.

Not much progress on this beauty but that should change next week.

So that's what I've been up to lately.  What all have you been working on?

Things brighten up a bit...

My goodness, what a week it's been! Hobbit has been horribly ill though she finally was able to keep all her meals down yesterday and no fever so she hopped on the bus today... granted, I have to pick her up for a dental appointment at 2 so she'll miss some things at the end of the day, namely PE so I'm not that concerned, but she's getting back to her normal routine which is always a great sign after a long illness.

Introducing, Baymax - the 2011 Toyota Corolla!!

Yesterday evening, after all the doctor appointments, I got a new (to me) car! I told Pokey on Friday when we had all the horrible stuff happen - Hobbit sick at school, I couldn't reach him, then I had to call a cab to go get her - that I was getting a car this weekend. I had been crunching our budget numbers and was able to work out exactly what we could do and still live life like normal. I figured if they could meet my numbers, great, and if not then I would simply walk away because I've been without a car for several years now and a few more months wouldn't kill me.

So we went to the local Toyota dealership where Pokey had gotten his car a few years ago and I just lay it all out there - what I had to put down and what I wanted my payments to be.  I didn't feel fabulous and I am never in the mood to haggle so I figured we could get things done faster if I simply state it at the get-go to move things along.  The VIP Manager - the name of a salesman who deals with return customers - pulled up two cars for me to test drive and decide on since I researched all of them online prior to going down.

Long story short, the guy came back wanting me to put down $500 more than what I said I wanted to and that my payments were going to be $68 more than I want I said I wanted them to be.  So I thanked him for his time and started to walk out.  Pokey knows that I don't like to be toyed around with so he smiled at the guy and said "you heard the boss, thank you for your time". I have honestly never seen someone scramble so fast in all my life!! He told me to just wait, please sit, he's got other banks he's waiting on for the financing. I stood and waited... and amazingly enough, I got better financing - with my down payment as it stood and my payments came in at $0.32 below what I told him I wanted to pay - with a better company!!

To be completely honest, my daddy was the one who told me that if they can't do what you want, just get up and walk away... wowzers, it worked.  I remember watching him make deals when I was younger and I always thought he had some kind of super power.  He was never rude, he simply stated the facts and if they could work together, that was awesome, but if they couldn't come to an agreement then he stood, smiled, shook the man's hand, and thanked him for his time and efforts.  I simply did what my daddy has always done.  I do think it's funny that Pokey always lets me negotiate things because I do our finances and know where or if there is any wiggle room so he just smiles and tells people that he married up... lol.

It seriously looks and feels like a brand new car - I'm very tickled.

So here is my new (to me) car... it's a 2011 Toyota Corolla with 38k miles on it... It's my first 'grown up' car so it feels a little weird. I usually get sporty things - compact SUVs, step-side pickups, three door coupes, and my Bug. This is my first 'adult' looking car but I guess at 42 it was about time. I do like it and I'm pretty sure that Hobbit will name it Baymax. She was super excited and to celebrate, Pokey took us out to supper at Cracker Barrel - but I got to drive.  Granted, neither Hobbit nor I ate much but having breakfast for supper at one of our favorite places is always a nice treat.

Here's the inside of Baymax... He's (yes, cars have genders in our family) super comfy, has a huge trunk, and all the neat bells and whistles are on the actual key. I thought the coolest key I ever had belonged to my Bug - it flipped out of a case when I pushed a button - but this one beats that.  No flipping, it's right there.  I have to be careful I don't pop the trunk or something when I turn it on.. yes, that has crossed my mind more than once.

I must admit, I like having the sense of freedom again.  I can go to the yarn store, grocer, my folks' house, shoot anywhere really. It's nice to be independent, in that respect, again. My husband is amazing for buying me the car... and yes, even though I crunched the numbers, worked the budget, negotiated the deal, and wrote the down payment check, he still bought it for me because he brings home most of the money. We are a true partnership and if he had said that he wanted me to wait until we had a bigger cushion so he felt better then that is what we would have done... though I know better than to bring him anything until I know we can handle it because his knee-jerk response to me has always been "if you want it, then we'll get it" - I learned early in our marriage to be careful what I randomly say I want because it will show up somehow. He is such a good man, always working to make me happy regardless of what it is and I love him for that - and it works both ways too.

So that is my happy news this week. I hope I can finally go back to work tomorrow - I've been having a horrible episode this week but I went to the doctor yesterday and they drew blood and ran tests. Hope to have some final answers by Spring Break so this nonsense will be over too. Even though I hated the tests, it's nice to know that things are going to come to a manageable end soon.

I hope y'all have been having a fabulous week.  If we keep our face to the sun, things will always brighten up!

Tuesday Tunes

I've got this queued up to go in the morning because I'm doing my best to control an episode though I fear I'm losing and I vowed that March would be better... so here goes, the perfect song to get you through this Tuesday...

Sunday Snaps - Squishy Edition

Hugs from Mama - Ravelry project page

When you've got a baby girl as ill as I have right now, you find something to do in the middle of the night to ease your worries and fears while they battle fevers and viruses... this is what I chose.