and they call me 'Mommy'...

Josh week 9

2011-10-16T01:47:00.001-04:00

Josh week 9, originally uploaded by zzwhitejd.

So sad. I took week 8 on Thursday, but it seems my iOS update gobbled the pics from just that day. On with week #9, no #8. Really bummed.

Joshua, week 29

2011-05-26T12:33:00.001-04:00

Loving my new shirt. The one pregnancy splurge! 29 weeks, Work In Progress, originally uploaded by zzwhitejd.

Well, the kid should get ONE post somewhere... right? My poor neglected blog.

Whoa...

2010-08-16T10:55:00.002-04:00

Only 3 posts this year? I am so sorry! I guess between FB and Twitter I've nearly abandoned the personal blog. Life keeps going and I keep busy. I guess in some ways I have far less available time than I used to. I'll try to find a way to post more regularly... maybe from Flickr or something.

Ok, kids are sick... gg!

4th tooth about to GO!

2010-06-07T17:55:00.001-04:00

4th tooth about to GO!, originally uploaded by zzwhitejd.

Dang, is all I have to say. 4 teeth at once. See that one? The SIDEWAYS TOOTH?!?!
Good grief. Hello milkshakes and liquid dinners.

My guys

2010-02-28T15:07:00.001-05:00

My guys, originally uploaded by zzwhitejd.

I love them both so much!

Out to dinner at The Counter near South Park

After quite a break... something AWESOME!

2010-02-22T13:01:00.000-05:00

YIP.2x010310 Christmas at Grandparents

2010-01-03T22:52:00.001-05:00

YIP.2x010310 Christmas at Grandparents, originally uploaded by zzwhitejd.

Christmas... again!

...in which I learn to share

2009-08-20T21:24:00.001-04:00

365.240 ...in which I learn to share, originally uploaded by zzwhitejd.

My LEGOs from 11+ years ago meet LEGOs purchased just this very afternoon. I took the kids to the new store at Concord Mills and we had fun on the Pick a Brick wall then came home and spent hours playing. Even Jack has done really well with them, I've been impressed.
I gave my Dory an unopened pack from Micky D's Happy Meals from 1999... she put together her first instruction led build. Oh, the milestones.
All of them (secondhand via Grandma Marcille, today's purchase and what I can share from my past), they *almost* fit into my old bucket. Almost. Heh.
(In front of Dory is the tub with the rest. i.e. My Hogwarts Castle & Express train and some Star Wars are still in hiding in said tub. Not sharing those. Not yet. Can't bring myself to do it.)
I might have a slight problem and I can't wait to share it with them both.
I love my kids.
I love LEGOs.
I think I might just love Kindergarten.

Ba & Olivia

2009-08-16T17:05:00.001-04:00

Ba & Olivia, originally uploaded by zzwhitejd.

Oh, that Ba, churning out another bundle of snuggles & smiles... introducing sweet Baby Olivia Jane!

First in forever haircut, front & back

2009-08-16T17:00:00.001-04:00

First in forever haircut, front & back, originally uploaded by zzwhitejd.

It's been AGES since Dory had her hair cut. Oh, several years really? Last time we shaved her head for the 2nd time in order to squelch her Trichotillomania. It worked. Her hair was down to her waist and getting to have split ends... it needed a trim and she was ready for it. I think it turned out great, and she is thrilled. Yeah!

(Sorry for no posts in so long.)

365.191 Just as you are. Right now. Today.

2009-07-07T13:38:00.002-04:00

365.191 Just as you are. Right now. Today., originally uploaded by zzwhitejd.

Mary Heather (rainydaygoods on Ravelry) posted on Flickr a super sweet photo of herself for Operation Beautiful. Like quite a few of us who do the whole project 365, I was quite taken with it and decided to do one myself as my 365. I scrawled out a quick sign on Dory's art paper with her crayons and dashed out the door with Jack to the park where Dory was in camp to pick her up.
Once I had her, I set up the camera, set the timer, let the lady sitting at the table behind the camera stare at me all puzzled, and made the mad dash back to the kids before the timer set off.
Overall, I'm pretty pleased with it. What a wonderful thing we women need to be reminded of!
However, unbeknownst to me until yesterday, this photo became my very first to hit Flickr's Explore! I'm in shock. Floored. Who knew? I won't begin to try to understand why or how the Explore really works with it's mythical 'Interestingness' factor... but I'm so honored. So I just had to share with you!

See?!? Here is page #22:

Spud & Chloe!

2009-07-06T14:35:00.001-04:00

Spud & Chloe!, originally uploaded by zzwhitejd.

My prize from the Blue Sky Alpacas contest arrived. What a great morning I'm having, even with the near constant tantrum from Jack and Dory's attitude.

O hai, Ohio!

2009-06-11T14:53:00.005-04:00

Oh, how I am SO glad to see you...

The trip up... ha.

Near Death!!

YIKES.

Okay, let me back up... we had a great drive to Ohio yesterday. The kids *didn’t* squabble in the back, they played nicely with their lap boxes and few new toys. I tell you, those were a freakin stroke of genius on my part! I will TOTALLY toot my own horn on that one.

Anyway, I even convinced Dory to take a nap by telling her it would make the time pass quicker and the two of them took a nice nap while it rained, no - torrentially downpoured for a few hours.

It was a good thing they both slept. A really good thing.

I couldn't see more than about, oh, 30’ in front of the car. Complete whiteout haze and rain. So, when the white truck in front of me that I could barely see stated fishtailing and hydroplaning... well, I paid attention. Of course it didn’t take more than a split second to see why... a tidal wave of mud and dirt was flinging itself across the road in front of me coming from the left. It was if a giant machine was digging and flinging it as hard and fast as it could - but I couldn’t see it. Between the whiteout and the mud wall flying at me I am amazed that we came out the other side to see a tractor trailer coming to a halt in the center median, folded in two, in my side mirror.

It jackknifed right in front of me. Had I been 50’ further up the road... we would have been toast.

But, we weren’t. Whew.

I got off at the very next exit, in Corbin KY, in an attempt to calm my nerves. It was nearly 15 more miles until I was able to do that. My teeth were chattering as if it were 32F outside.

I called John and told him I loved him and called my Mom to tell her THANK YOU for the safe travels prayers.

We didn’t have any other issues the whole drive. All except for those few moments of terror were long car ride unheard of bliss.

Now, was it worth it? I’m not sure I wouldn’t have preferred screaming the whole way. Really not sure....

That said, we had a fun/cute little lunch stop. :)

More knit designing news!

2009-06-02T11:24:00.003-04:00

I won another contest. Ok, I think I might get it now... I'm not too shabby at this. Blue Sky Alpacas ran a design contest for their new yarn line release, Spud & Chloe. I entered, and was one of the winners! (Ravelry link, sorry Non-Rav peeps) The contest was for a design with any of the regular BSA line, in anticipation of the S&C release... with a arm full of the new yarn as half of the prize. My pattern will also be highlighted on their website for a month sometime soon.
I have already released Traveling Bivalves over on JonquilMom.com as a free download.

Also, as I hinted at a few entries ago, I have agreed to license several of my patterns to Buffalo Gold. In order to switch gauges and pattern nuances over to their yarns... a sweet box of sample yarn landed on my porch this morning from Ron at Buffalo Gold. (Pretty sure the yarn will be my 365 today... how could it not be?!?!) Since I didn't feel like I could ethically license one of the patterns they were interested in, I'm cooking up a new pattern for the Mythology Series. :) I'll let you know when it's released and it will be available from me as well.

Anyway, I'm a wee bit excited with the recent career path that seems to have come from thin air.

What a week...

2009-05-30T17:44:00.004-04:00

So, I've alluded to my ankle in the last post about Jack wandering out the door...

Monday looked just about like this all day. Did I ever say this was fun? It's not, in case you were wondering. I'm sick of it. My foot is a very lovely shade of sickly yellow-green now and not anywhere near as swollen... but my butt is killing me. I honestly hurts from sitting so much with my foot up. Bah humbug.

Over the week I have become more and more bored, and finally decided to rent a movie via iTunes since Netflix wasn't fast enough for once. I debated and debated... and in the end decided that if I was going to rip on Twilight as I had been doing among friends that I should go ahead and finally watch the movie.
Dang, I'm a total sucker.
I've had such a hard fall this week... make that 'falls'.
By the 24 hours expiration period that iTunes gives you, I had watched it nearly 3 times. Now what am I doing?
Yeah, I bought the book. Just one so far... I figure it will force me to take them slower and spread my apparently inevitable irritation, that all of the other fans feel, out just a bit. I don't know quite what it is about vampires and teen flicks that I adore so much... but good grief. I feel nothing but absolute shame right now.

Speaking of blood suckers, more enjoyment this week:

Yes, my red blood all over my white pajama pants thanks to this little evil thing. She bit the ankle that I hit on the bed while frantically trying to find Jack. Ouch. I feel even worse for Dory, she has 5 from a walk with my mom on Friday... and she welts like I do. Sorry kiddo.

My highlight of the week was that after we had to cancel the trip to Tricia's house on Monday due to the first thing in the morning before-I-even-got-my-coffee sprain Tricia decided to come and visit us on Thursday for a few hours. The kids were so very excited. She got to spend a little time with each of us while she was here...

Have I mentioned that this pretty lady is getting married? Yep... and our household contains the Flower Girl, the Ring Bearer and the Matron of Honor.... (since this wedding will be in the summer in Charleston, I think it's gonna' get pricey quick.) I'm so excited for her! :)

My other highlight this week... there was fluffy yarn mail. That always helps. :)

The meaning of PANIC

2009-05-28T11:08:00.003-04:00

I wake up every morning with Jack crying or calling my name. This morning was a wee bit different though.
To back up a tiny little bit, our A/C is out and the windows upstairs were all open for air. It's been very humid and it's getting pretty warm this week.
In the middle of the night Dorothy decided to crawl into bed with me to snuggle since John was gone and we woke up to hear Jack crying/screaming mad. Since my ankle is busted I had Dory go get him from their room so he could come crawl in the bed too.
However... even though the gate was locked, he was not there.
Uh oh.
I hobble out of the bed and whack my good foot on the bed bracket instantly bruising and ripping some skin off...
I glance around upstairs, but he's not here. I can still hear the crying.
I hobble down the stairs with my cane as quickly and safely as I can, trying to listen for the direction of his yells in between calling his name. As I came around the corner off the stairs I see the back door is WIDE OPEN.

Um.

Yeah.

Huh.

Ummmm...

I sat down on the ottoman to collect my panic and try to formulate a plan for chasing a toddler though the neighborhood at 6:30am while I have a busted ankle and am only half dressed... when I just call out to him.
He came waltzing through the door screaming mad.
As he collected his anger and I collected my nerves he stared telling me something about Abby. Abby was apparently outside. I called Abby and, just like Jack, she came waltzing in the door.

Jack had, apparently, decided Abby needed to be let out, hopped his gate, figured out the lock on the back door and let the dog out. He was crying mad because he couldn't work the latch on the dog's lead.

Geez. Way to wake your Mommy, Sir.

365.147 Swatching Buffboo

2009-05-22T21:57:00.001-04:00

365.147 Swatching Buffboo, originally uploaded by zzwhitejd.

It's a hint of news to come... but it's related to Buffalo Gold yarns. I'm really very excited!

(Okay...)

2009-05-22T18:09:00.000-04:00

So, I'm dying to see Harry Potter too.

Tea Time!

2009-05-20T22:01:00.000-04:00

A good time was had by all!

This is the movie I want to see this sumer.

2009-05-19T12:10:00.001-04:00

Opening in NYC, LA, and SF June 12th. I won't be there... can you go see it for me?

I've been profiled!

2009-05-15T18:33:00.003-04:00

Someone who writes a blog thinks enough of me to profile me as a designer! I am so very flattered. Please go read and leave comments!

Art

2009-05-03T22:27:00.002-04:00

Jack has been obsessed with creating new art galleries on the fridge every day for the last few weeks. At times it is really cute, at other times, quite annoying. He'll get so upset over the magnets and their lack of ability to hold the papers he wants. It's cute really.
He has loved Dory's Ikea paper roll and will provide paper for himself before you can get over there to rip it off for him if you are not watching. He'll take one crayon and swipe it around a few times, run to the fridge, fix it up and yell at the top of his little lungs "TAAA DAAAAAAAA!!!!" Which is what he is saying above. :)

Dory and Grand have had some serious art days lately and she has blossomed in the pictures she makes.

She decided a few days back that one of her drawings needed to be up on the wall. She asked me for a fork to do that with. **eek!!** I suggested that we NOT use a fork and surrendered my blue painter's tape for the job. She and Jack took forever arranging and rearranging the pictures to their liking.

This was also about the time John came home from work to find a long curl of paper dangling from the ceiling fan and inquired about it... apparently he doesn't recognize Spanish Moss when he sees it.

Today's strength.

2009-04-29T22:38:00.002-04:00

Psalm 127
1a. Unless the Lord builds the house,
They labor in vain who build it;[...]
2b. [...] For He gives to His beloved even in his sleep.
(NASB)

Stitches South... the Loot

2009-04-29T09:50:00.004-04:00

365.123 Loot (OMG LOOT!), originally uploaded by zzwhitejd.

Yes. I have a Small Bob.
Antonio gave him to me to piece together myself from the 'how to put Bob together' photos. He's still missing the gray around the nose and paw pads.

Anyway, on with the material loot:
2 ShiBui Sock
5 Malabrigo Worsted
4 Madelinetosh Worsted
3 Louet Merlin
3 BSA Melange
1 Miss Bab's Yummy
1 Habu Stainless Wool (XS-46)
1 Buffalo Gold BuffBoo Sport (gift)
7 Fibre Co Terra
1 Planet Earth Fibers silk w/ beads
1 Cherry Tree Hill sampler (free)
1 Sanguine Gryphon Bugga!
1 Malabrigo unnamed yarn (gift)
1 Malabrigo made crochet Ewe (gift)
1 Homestead Heirlooms leather purse handles
2 Lantern Moon 7" DPN
1 Lantern Moon Destiny 16"
1 Susanne's Ebony crochet hook
1 Addi's sampler circ (free)
1 Miss Bab's gift wallet (free w/ purchase)
1 Sassafrass knitting needle bracelet
Various buttons

And this concludes the material haul from the weekend. (A very small handful of things purchased next day and not picture here.)
I must say, I didn't have this much money to blow on my own. I had a gift certificate from winning the Super Bowl pool in the knitting group and a gift certificate form my IL's for Christmas that Webs left me use in person as well as some savings from selling my knitting patterns.
Needless to say at this point, I would think, I had a crazy and wonderful weekend away from the kids. I was ready to get home and certainly missed them... but the break was wonderful and filled with all sorts of fibery goodness & good friends, new and old.

Easter outfits

2009-04-23T00:08:00.002-04:00

Click to embiggen.

Sorry... Savannah continued. Finally.

2009-04-22T22:53:00.003-04:00

So, the drive down was nice, that I recall... but Netflix sure came in handy that afternoon! John went in to work for a few hours and left us to unpack and settle in at the hotel - which let me just say is NOT EASY with these two. I finally got them to settle down and watch some Dora and other cartoons on the Mac because while we had a nice large flat screen TV in the room it didn't get a single little kid friendly thing on it. Let's just say I was thankful for bedtime. All week.
On Tuesday we went ahead and headed out of Statesboro, where we were 'stationed' (GSU), and went into Savannah -- to go shopping for WARM CLOTHES. The weatherman had somehow managed to lie to me when I was packing. We had shorts and were expecting the 70's and instead got the 40/50's. BURR! Luckily we found several things and we had brought jackets in case so after buying them each a pair of jeans and socks we were a bit better off. We first hit the health food store just south of Forsyth and got yogurt and carrots. I know, weird lunch, but it worked and was yummy. (And I found a new yogurt I am head over heels about!) I had thought we would head over to the Jepson Center at the Telfair Museum... but it was closed on Tuesdays. GRRR. So, we went for coffee and cake (gluten free cake!) at the Gallery Espresso. We tended to set up shop there everyday at some point. From there we wandered over to Shaver's Bookstore and took up residence in the sweet little indy bookstore. Took home a few bedtime stories while there. I also called my old store and had them order a anniversary present for John. Don't tell him about it though. ;) After that Dory was determined to ride in a horse drawn carriage... but I didn't exactly want to spring for that, so then she decided on a trolley... but I didn't want to spring for that either so we hopped on the free city trolley shuttle. I think it was a wee bit of a mistake this trip. The kids loved it at first, but I heard an earful about a dealer at one corner... thank goodness it wasn't so obvious that I was getting questions from my kids. If I were more naive I might have even missed the conversation myself. Well, by the end of the circuit, the kids were falling apart with hungry and tired. We headed 'home' to the hotel. After, um, more cake.
Wednesday we did finally make it over to the Jepson Center and as I was rounding them up to leave the first part of the kid's area, Dory misunderstood me and wandered all the way to the front door of the gallery by herself. 2 entire floors away. I. was. livid. Wow, I was so mad. Not to mention a wee bit scared since she had, upon getting there, been reprimanded by a docent for touching a statue... that was at the very entrance to the kid's area... who puts a 'do not touch' statue at the entrance of a touch everything area? DUMB.
...to be continued, but the aptop battery is dying.

Savannah!

2009-04-12T23:47:00.003-04:00

It was.... a trip in almost every sense of the word. More on it tomorrow.

Whew!

2009-04-09T01:13:00.001-04:00

FINALLY! So, yeah. It's fixed. I still have some clean up to do to fix the footer and the visual clutter... but no more crazy scroll down!
HAPPY DAY!

New Blog

2009-04-05T19:58:00.002-04:00

Since I have recently let my 365 become a lame excuse for a post... I started a 365 related blog so that those of you who do not use Flickr can enjoy some highlights and comment there. In the meantime, I will try to go back to a semblance of normal (whatever that is) here.
:)
K?

Dory's 5th Big Day

2009-04-04T18:19:00.001-04:00

365.82 Indoor Picnic

2009-03-22T00:37:00.001-04:00

365.82 Indoor Picnic, originally uploaded by zzwhitejd.

This was from last weekend when I had a cold (which I swore to myself was allergies until the last day of it). John and Dory decided to throw an indoor picnic int he living room, complete with pizza, bacon, crackers and hamburgers... a teddy bear assortment and wine. Jack and I enjoyed it quite a bit.

365.85 Dorothy

2009-03-22T00:35:00.001-04:00

365.85 Dorothy, originally uploaded by zzwhitejd.

She'll be 5 in 6 days... and she will be happy to tell you that. She's really growing up. meep

She wanted to pose for me today. Mostly I took lots of silly faces, but only one really sweet one.

Language explosion

2009-03-22T00:26:00.002-04:00

It's safe to say that Jack is fully lingual now. It started about a month ago when something seemed to click overnight, and has steadily grown since then. Last weekend while I had a cold (thought it was allergies) I took him in the car with me for a short trip tinking it would knock him out for a nap.... no.... he talked the - whole - time. Non-stop. About everything. Including the dirt on the side of the road. And when I was allowed to go through the traffic light because it had just turned green.
Yeah, he's lingual finally. And it happened all at once.

John sent gifts...

2009-03-12T00:39:00.002-04:00

John went out of town on what will be a zillion trips this year and since this one was a few days longer than normal he sent extra special cards in lieu of the normal postcard. Jack LOVED his. Dory, well... she had just waken up because after taking a ton of pics with Jack he decided it was time for her to see hers and show her his... so he went to the gate at the stairs and yelled at the top of his lungs for her until she appeared.

Overall, they were a HUGE success!

MalabrigoYarn.com

2009-03-11T17:25:00.003-04:00

It's been a while since I announced Chimera's win, but about a month or so ago Malabrigo added it to their site... the front page!

I just thought you all might like to see. ;)

365.74 Spring Fever

2009-03-08T22:47:00.001-04:00

365.74 Spring Fever, originally uploaded by zzwhitejd.

Went to the playground again today and had a great time - we nearly had it to ourselves! We hadn't visited this one before, but it's nice and always empty when we drive by. No idea why.
After nearly an hour I think I had sufficiently exhausted them both. They were sludge-ing back to the slide rather than zipping my me.
This photo was shot under the play platform with my crapy cell phone camera... proving how awesome editing can be.

Oh, me ears...

2009-03-03T10:33:00.000-05:00

Created by Train Horns

Yeeoouuuch!

jenny.jpg

2009-02-21T01:38:00.001-05:00

jenny.jpg, originally uploaded by zzwhitejd.

A blast from the past. Cloning? No....

Freaky smart for 2.

2009-02-21T01:15:00.002-05:00

I was in the kitchen trying to get dinner to the table when a moody and unhappily restrained (aka snuggled) Jack sat in his Daddy's arms.

John said to Jack: Jack can I get a hug?
Jack: No.

John: Jack can I get a kiss?
Jack: No.

John: Jack do you want a tickle?
Jack: Nooooo... (with big upset eyes)

John: Jack can I get you to say 'no'?
Not even looking at Daddy as if he's catching on he says "Uh-uhhh."

*Dory and Daddy crack up at this point.*

John: Jack can I get a kiss?
Jack: No.

Seriously. It's true. It happened. Good grief.

365.54 Forced family time.

2009-02-16T01:30:00.000-05:00

365.54 Forced family time., originally uploaded by zzwhitejd.

Stuck waiting for tow truck, 2.5 mi from the mechanic's. That's Jack bouncing around on my lap. Dory is behind me in her car seat still yelling about how she wants to be first to spot the tow truck.
We were already on the way to the mechanic's for a few minor issues on John's truck. We all pulled off to get gas and the hose for the radiator blew on said truck, smoke rolling out from under the hood - therefore needing the tow for the last fraction of the drive.
Can't make it up. You just can't.

365.52 Whipping up a batch of Valentines

2009-02-14T01:27:00.000-05:00

365.52 Whipping up a batch of Valentines, originally uploaded by zzwhitejd.

Totally last second, and not a one of them actually hit the mail. However... I will say the whole 4 we made took about 4 hours. My nerves were SHOT after this crafty morning.

Lucky recipients are:
Lucy Caldwell
LJ Kiser
Great G-Ma Dorothy
Um.... maybe we only got through 3.

365.49 I'm going to need to talk to your supervisor...

2009-02-13T01:34:00.000-05:00

365.49 I'm going to need to talk to your supervisor..., originally uploaded by zzwhitejd.

"This bill is just not correct."

(That is my backup hard drive he's talking into.)

and, moments later:

A Day at Grandma Debbie's

2009-02-10T01:45:00.000-05:00

Table tent, originally uploaded by zzwhitejd.

What could be better than playing under a tent converted table with boxes and blankets AND Grandma? Beats me. :)

We headed over to Mom's now that she has left her job on Monday morning after the monthly food delivery. We needed out of the house and had a great time.

The kids helped pull corn stalks out of the garden until Jack was determined to pet the neighbor's cat and went tearing through a MASSIVE red ant mound. You remember the red ant attack of '08 with John, right? Could have been soooo much worse. We abandoned the garden after stripping Jack down to his skives right there in the back yard.

Later, Jack found my (I think, maybe was Tricia's) old Casio PS-6080 and quickly found the demo tunes. Dory and Jack commenced bickering. Dory won. I almost got so lost in nostalgia that I brought it home... I DID come to my senses though. Into a 'toy for Grandma's house' box it goes. I can't believe the batteries still worked. They don't make things now like they used to.......

O hai, Sweater-ish!

2009-02-04T23:57:00.001-05:00

O hai, Sweater-ish!, originally uploaded by zzwhitejd.

(Sorry Becky - it's one of those awful knitting posts...)

I have had 2 skeins of Applewood Malabrigo Chunky for a few months now - with nothing in mind for them other than I was in love with them and knew they needed to be used together. Searches across ravelry just wouldn't produce anything to actually produce with them and I have no experience with something 'large' so who knew how far I could get with them before running out...

So, on the 31st, i sat down with needles and the first skein and cast on. Cast on what you ask? Um, I didn't know. I just cast on. And knit. and decided to throw in an increase here and there and kept knitting. Thought, oh, how nice those increases are lining up - very Zimmerman-ish. But then... well, this side is too long. Hummm, a button hole might help that then. Oh, shoot, I ought to make that a tab and bind off this bit to even it out.

Then I stopped for 2 days.

I had something in the shape of a rectangle that wrapped around my shoulders pretty nicely. 1/2 of my first skein was gone so I knew if I wanted to actually *make* something that I needed to go lacy.
I asked Chrispy but she didn't know. Said what I knew all along, that it was time to flip through my stitch dictionaries. It's why I have them anyway...

(TBC - Jack just woke up. There you go, Ba, a kid thrown in!)

365January09

2009-02-04T21:29:00.001-05:00

365January09, originally uploaded by zzwhitejd.

Wow, lots going on this past month... and at the same time, not much. It's really kinda' cool to see each day portrayed like this. I'm really tickled to be doing this project.

365.38 He's HOME!

2009-02-01T21:24:00.001-05:00

365.38 He's HOME!, originally uploaded by zzwhitejd.

Can we just tell you how excited we all get when Daddy is on his way home from a business trip?

Attack the Daddy!!!! Oh, the sheer level of excitement that awaits the unsuspecting guy is really pretty much unexplainable.

Living a Sitcom Life

2009-01-29T17:45:00.000-05:00

I go to change Jack's dipe this afternoon and found out too late there was poo... and then once the diaper is all removed and I am contemplating how to get him to sit there while I go get a washcloth, I hear the dog - thought it was the bi-monthly veggie delivery and I forgot to set the box back out for pick up...
I go to set the box out telling Jack to "HOLD STILL DON'T MOVE..." and manage to knock over a small bulb flower pot which shatters, dirt, dead bulb and all on the floor a few feet from him in the process...
What do you clean first? A gooey bottom or dirt and ceramic shards?
I went for goo.
Then, of course Dory wants to 'help'.
There was no veggie delivery today, that's next week.
-Oi.

Kinda' a Surprise

2009-01-25T13:54:00.000-05:00

:) I love my husby. He's so good to me!
Last night was the (overdue) 30(1)st 'surprise' party. I say 'surprise' because I had to bring the ice and keys so he could get into his office and cake knife... lol. Also, Dory knew... and well, she's a great secret keeper, I tell you! All week long it was, "There is NO PARTY, Mom."
However, the scope was a surprise, who was a surprise, etc... and may I say, it was wonderful...
I had the BEST cake I have had since my wedding cake. Period. To boot, it was GLUTEN FREE. AMAZING. I made myself absolutely sick on the sugar. And then had more when we got home.

Anyway, I'm rambling - and a picture is worth a thousand words.

The Interrogation

2009-01-25T13:35:00.001-05:00

The Interrogation, originally uploaded by zzwhitejd.

She spilled before the camera was on - then was completely mum.
This was filmed right before she and Daddy went on their errands for the event.

Snow Angels

2009-01-20T17:28:00.001-05:00

Snow Angels, originally uploaded by zzwhitejd.

Jack & Dory play in the snow.

Jack Translation:
"Where's Mom?"
"Oh! There! Mom!"
"Yes"

Discussion Topic: END CORPORATE "PERSONHOOD"

2009-01-17T10:12:00.001-05:00

END CORPORATE "PERSONHOOD"

An 1886 Supreme Court clerk's headnotes misreading (Santa Clara County vs. Southern Pacific Railroad) applied the 14th Amendment to corporations, extending to them all the rights, but none of the responsibilities, of human persons. The result has been the steady erosion of our democracy since then, and the consequent rise of the corporate state, which is primarily responsible for the military-corporate-media-academic complex, the expansion of the often brutal U.S. global empire (including the IMF, WTO, and World Bank) with its protecting militarism, and the destruction of our only planet's environment, all in the service of corporate capital's endless lust for power and profits. Corporate personhood is at the core of all of our problems. Ending it is the start of the way back to humane civilization.

- ED CIACCIO (RETIRED TEACHER/CURRENT ACTIVIST)

LOL, ok... so I find it really funny - and very true.

2009-01-16T21:18:00.001-05:00

YOU KNOW YOU ARE A CELIAC IF…

…you’ve ever had to give a doctor a crash course in Celiac 101.
…you weep at picnics, parties, receptions, and breakfast, lunch, dinner.
…you’ve “brown bagged it” to an elegant dinner
…a 7 course meal is a 1 course meal for you -Lettuce.
…you’ve installed bookcases in your bathroom.
…you’ve driven more than 40 miles to buy a cookie.
…it takes you 4 hours to grocery shop and your eyesight is ruined.
…you hold your breath through the bakery section.
…you feel like you need a loan to pay the grocery bill.
…your bread weighs more than a moon rock and just happens to resemble one as well.
…you’ve disinherited loved ones for putting their knife in your mayo.
…you’ve brought a suitcase full of food with you on an over night trip
…your family thinks you’re crazy for not tasting their new chocolate chip cookie recipe, because surely a little nibble couldn’t hurt right?
…you can spell transglutaminase and dermatitis herpetiformis.
…you show up at the annual church pancake breakfast with a mask and lettuce roll-ups
…having solid poop is the highlight of your day.
…you have actually doodled a new cartoon dog on your notes named “Sprue”
…you have actually considered using a gluten-free bagel for a hockey puck
…you’ve mastered saying “I actually enjoy MY food” (without your face twitching)
… you hide the gluten-free cookies when guests come over, so they don't eat them.
…you read the ingredient label on green tea - plain green tea.
…you pay relatives back east exorbitant shipping rates to send you a $12 six pack of gluten-free beer.
…you cried when you saw your usually careful significant other or family member brushing the crumbs off their hands (from making a gluten-containing sandwich) RIGHT OVER the open utensil drawer
…you hear of a new health food store opening in a city close by and get ridiculously excited only to drive there, spend 2 hours walking around, reading labels, only to leave empty handed
…you take a list of safe drinks to the bar with you, and actually consult the bartender before you order a drink.
…it drives you crazy when someone says they completely understand your diet, they did Atkins.
…people roll their eyes at you when you say “no thank you” to someone’s gluten filled dessert
…..your friend invites you over for your birthday and want to make you a gluten free birthday cake , but you plead with them not to, because although you’re trying to seem like you don’t want to put them through the hassle, you’re secretly terrified of cross contamination.
…your ‘favorites’ sites are mostly celiac sites
…you’ve mastered the art of lying when other people ask you if you’re hungry.
…you go to a potluck at a friends place and your dish is gluten-free -you dive into it first so that you get something to eat before others contaminate it.
…you long to look at the contents of other people’s fridges and pantries just to see if you can eat anything

365.22 New Shoes!

2009-01-16T13:51:00.003-05:00

365.22 New Shoes!
Originally uploaded by zzwhitejd

We had a pair of Mary Janes custom made for Dory, and they were dropped off today. Can you say love? She is barely taking them off! I'm thrilled they don't have big pink hearts or purple flowers cut out in garish ways. Grizzly bear hide! I wonder how much a new hobby would cost me...

365.19 'brown', can you sign it?

2009-01-14T13:58:00.000-05:00

365.19 'brown', can you sign it?, originally uploaded by zzwhitejd.

Sign Language part 2 started this morning. Grandpa couldn't make it so Jack went to class with us. I was impressed with how well he did... Can you make the sign for 'brown'? (We worked on colors today.)

Mmmmm....

2009-01-07T02:15:00.001-05:00

1:55AM

Chocolate Torte!

As I expected:

2009-01-02T21:38:00.002-05:00

The rash from a few day's ago adventure has indeed been followed by a bought of the sniffles. She was fairly congested this morning, but was almost completely clear and normal tonight. I am interested to see how she is in the morning.
As such, our day's worth of errands was aborted and we sat at home all day recuperating. I cleaned off the bar some, knit a little bit during the day (freak occurrence no matter what John thinks...), and snuggled within an inch of my life. There were lots of books, I think the favorite of the day was The Library by Sarah Stewart. It's a very cute rhyme about another bibliophile. I swear, our house might just someday look a bit like hers did.

Year in Review: Knits

2009-01-01T17:01:00.003-05:00

1. Cliodna, 2. Baby Bailey, 3. Jack attack, 4. First Socks, 5. Hello Washcloth, 6. Mmmm, 7. Beaded Neckwarmer, 8. TitBit, 9. Sophie, 10. Chimera, 11. First Pattys, 12. Jack Attack, 13. Whelk's Mobius Cowl, 14. Hemlock Blanket, 15. Silky Squares, 16. Sooo, what's in there?, 17. Vine Lace Pot Cozy, 18. You go girl., 19. 365.6 FO, almost., 20. Tricia's gloves, 21. Chimera in Mal Vaa..., 22. Mitten Girl, 23. Calorimity, 24. Baby Bonnet, 25. Matching Neckwarmer, 26. Soaker #1, felted, 27. FP Cozy, 28. Jack's Sweater, 29. Beaded Mitts Test Knit, 30. zinnia, 31. Vaa Cap 1, 32. Chip off the 'ol Block, 33. iPod Lanyard, 34. Sig Cover, 35. Calorimetry, 36. nano cover

Yes, I know...

2008-12-31T02:33:00.004-05:00

It's gone bizerk. I'm working on it. Anyone know how to get this in particular to stop? I'd, of course, like all the bars across the top like normal.
Yes, the side bars are at the bottom... and I mean plural, I made a 3 column layout since the 1 side bar was beyond unmanageable. I also moved a ton around, added a 365 Flickr feed and put a scroll bar on the unruly archive list.

I guess this is what happens at 2-3am when there are no kids in my lap and I'm juiced on way too much caffeine. Remind me not to do that again.

UPDATE: ok, so bars are up and blog is down. E gads.

The Magic Potion

2008-12-29T15:42:00.006-05:00

Earlier today I thought I was brilliant. Erm, maybe not.

Dory had a mild case of hives/rash on her face that was completely unexplained. I pulled out the Benadryl at John's urging. She wasn't itching and as I said, it was very mild, so I wasn't sure she needed it just yet...
Anyway, she looked at it and decided that something that shade of pink could not be good for your body. I was sooo proud of myself. Other kids would see candy, she saw... "um, no". I had to convince her it was okay just this once to drink something so unnatural looking. I called it 'Magic Potion' like a fairy would use to cure something. That is would fight the bad thing in her body and make the hives go away. She downed it lickity split.
She took a nap.
Fast forward 5 hours... I told her it was about time for a second dose just to knock it out completely. Next thing I know she is coming to my side declaring that she is "not a very good pourer." Can I say my heart stopped as I looked at a few pink dribbled down her dress?
I looked around the kitchen and had to ask her where the cup was, ask her if she took any when said cup was *empty*... One cup full. How high? Up to the top. Where's the phone? *sigh*
While she stripped her dress off and began soaking it in the bathroom I called Poison Control. Guesstimated her weight (later rechecked, overestimated by 3#), guesstimated amount in the cup (for the record it holds 5tsp, I measured later), decided to believe her when she said just one cup. She hadn't been panicked yet, so had no real reason to lie.
Tonya said, I wanna watch her... call me back at 7pm & basically to get her full of food, make sure I can rouse her if she falls asleep again, don't worry if her pupils dilate... and no more Benadryl for at least 24 hours.
Okey doke.
So, she's full of food, bread, apples, cheese, water and a lollypop. Sugary at John's request to combat the sleepiness (I hope that doesn't backfire with a hard crash).
Now, we wait.
Update at 7pm.
________________
And... she's clear. She never fell asleep, just got cuddly and drowsy. Eyes never dilated. Just a grumpy blood sugar crash right about 6. So, we are done with our OD adventures for today.
Separate, yet related note... hives are still there some. I'm guessing it's viral now.

365.Starting

2008-12-26T23:34:00.003-05:00

I've known several people this past year who have participated in a project called 365. It's basic premise is that you take one photo everyday for an entire year. I decided to start my own on Christmas Day this year. I was going to wait until the new year, but well... why? It's almost TOO tidy that way. My life isn't exactly tidy, so I don't expect this to be either. Feel free to follow along over on Flickr, or not. ;) Either way... I plan on uploading one time a week, maybe more often if I feel up to it. Some will be from my camera, others from my phone, still others... who knows, maybe my Mac's iSight. Anyway, off I go, on yet another new adventure.

First Dollhouse

2008-12-26T19:45:00.001-05:00

First Dollhouse
Originally uploaded by Jonquil Mom

:) I'd say Christmas went well.
Merry Christmas to you and yours!

I caught Santa!! (kinda)

2008-12-25T00:02:00.005-05:00

The kids are never going to believe me...
We were watching Santa's progress all day long. After they went to bed, I had work to do wrapping their gifts. (nothing was wrapped) John, Grand and I were quite busy until Grand was about to leave and Daddy had already gone to bed. (he's under the weather) I double checked on Santa's progress and sure enough.... HE was HERE! Well, in Charlotte anyway. I had to check on Jack after Grand had left, and Santa apparently didn't want to see me either since he dropped by while I was upstairs.
So, I caught him on the satellite, but not in person. Drat. I'll just have to try again next year.

;)

In support of Raw Milk

2008-12-22T21:13:00.003-05:00

It was an interesting day today... it started with the funeral of a friend's 23 day old infant. Very, very sad... (Previously posted about that)

...and then moved to my normal bi-monthly milk delivery down in SC. As soon as I pulled up and parked I got a tap at the car window with a guy holding a digital video camera pointed at me asking for an interview. Um, ok. Good ting I wasn't frumpy dirty last second out the door Mommy today! I was still pretty dressed up from the morning.

Turns out his name is Max Kline and he is riding across the country in the next 40 days in support of Raw Milk, stopping at deliveries like ours, farms, and other supporter's homes. Very interesting seeing as food myths are of personal interest to me.

I wish him well on his journey and can't wait to see his finished product. I hope he can help make an impact on our crazy backwards culture.

In other milk related musings... it was last month that I noticed, for the first time since I was about 13, I drink milk without thinking about it twice. Seeing as it resulted in such pain for so long - even sometimes with Lactaid - I was naturally hesitant to just up and drink a glass even though with raw I can. Well, I am happy to say... I can now chug it with the best and not think twice. The pain is a pretty distant memory! Bring on the gluten free cookies and a big tall glass of the creamy goodness. :)

Leaf Piles

2008-12-18T12:38:00.004-05:00

Over Thanksgiving, 'Uncle' Andy came to visit. He stayed over at the IL's and spent one of his days raking the front yard into piles 'o fun for the kids - who then had a BLAST. Thanks Uncle Andy!
Follow photo to Flickr for more of leaves...

A Serious Prayer Request

2008-12-17T22:34:00.003-05:00

A friend of mine from Charlotte Mommies and Nourishing the Carolinas had a baby girl, Eleni, right before Thanksgiving. She is not well and keeps encountering setbacks. They had no warning of her condition as the ultrasound never picked it up.
This evening there has been news that even after a 15 hour heart surgery a few weeks ago that there now might be a big problem with her intestines. Given her current state, this is not good news.
Please, pray with me for this little bundle of joy. She needs every one she can get right now.

Thank you.

Update: Eleni died on the 18th. :( Please pray for their family.

Kitting for Kiddos!

2008-12-17T01:20:00.004-05:00

Ha! In a grand return to blogging, I thought you might like to see some recent pics of Jack and his brand new sweater that has sat in the sidebar for what feels like forever. He was not thrilled with my photo session since he had just woken up from the nap he took on the way home from Church on Sunday. I am so stinking proud of this thing. I think it looks great. One of my favorite things about it is the buttons. They are of the 3 billy goats Gruff, Puss in Boots and Rumpelstiltskin! Completely cute little boy troll fairy tale buttons. I got them at Purls in Asheville.
There were a ZILLION ends to weave in. It will be a long time before I do anything striped again. That was murder. What possessed me to think a striped sweater would be a good FIRST sweater? GAH!

--
Bob sweater, by by Kim Hargreaves for Rowan
The Fibre Co. Savannah DK, doubled, in Lime, Bleu Marine, Linen, Marigold and Rum Raisin (a linen, cotton, wool and soy blend)
US8 needle
--

This just proves there are pictures to be had, even if I have been bad about putting them up! More to come, I promise. Think fall leaves.

Cliodna: Mythology Series #2

2008-12-16T17:09:00.009-05:00

I am proud to also finally debut Cliodna, also entered into the Malabrigo contest with Chimera. Much more reserved in structure, but with a similar beautiful pattern, Cliodna is available in two sizes, snug and loose. It is a quick knit, using about half a skein of Malabrigo Worsted.
Also available in my Etsy shop.

Via Ravelry with PayPal

Chimera Won! (and finally debuts)

2008-12-16T16:53:00.010-05:00

The Chimera pattern was selected by my fellow Malabrigo Junkies on Ravelry as one of several winners for the Designing Junkies 08 contest.
What does this mean for you? IT'S NOW FREE!!! See? We all win. :D
Click through the title link for the Ravelry Download of the PDF -or- click the PDF image below. (There are benefits to using Ravelry directly, of course.)
It is fully charted, with chart overview and 3 pages of ready to print zoomed charts. 6 pages and full color.

Christmas Knitting

2008-12-15T17:46:00.002-05:00

Wow, I ever understood why knitters started their Christmas Knitting (yes, uppercase 'K') months in advance. Mainly because I had never thought about it in any real sense. I didn't really intend to knit for people this year, but then, well, money was tight and I figured handcrafted goods would be well, good!
So far, it's coming along nicely, but I have no real drive to get it all completely finished right now, which is NOT GOOD. Especially with only a few days remaining. I know I am over half way here though. So, I truck on. Of course, there will be pics here after the gifts are given, but if you are on Ravelry, feel free to click through the links as I am adding pics as I go behind the pretty wrapping.
<3 Jen

Blogoversary!

2008-12-10T17:21:00.004-05:00

I made it yet again. :) 3 years strong chronicling the kids and my life. Sure, there are holes, especially recently, but this is the first time in my life I have made it very far into journaling... so I think I'm just going to be darn proud. ;-) (Even if I have been a MASSIVE blog slacker lately.)

Thanks

2008-12-03T13:20:00.002-05:00

:) I got a bunch of happy well wishes and understanding. I really appreciate it!
I am feeling a bit better, the start of the week helped - routine and all - and John brought home flowers and treats last night. No, it wasn't apology flowers... he's not been bad! It was good work related news for us. :)
Anyway... things seem a bit better. Thanks. :)

OK - onto a Tea Class tonight with MIL! :) I'm looking forward to it. Girl's night out!

Forgive me

2008-12-02T00:33:00.005-05:00

Please forgive me for not keeping the blog up to date recently. I have been feeling like - see right now, words escape me. I can't finish that sentence. It's shameful. It's not quite depression, but more like apathy. Like the fight is being beaten out of me slowly. I hate it. What's even worse is I can't tell you for sure what is causing it. I can point out little things that prick at it... but not the root. So, as for blogging, I just don't even know what to write about. I have some responsibilities that I am falling down on miserably. Things that should not be hard for me to just get done... but seem like unscalable mountains.

So, here you go... I'll dump some out unceremoniously for you:
-Jack said "Walk the Plank, Arrr" on Saturday on the way to the IL's... it's his second sentence. His first was the week prior, "Here you go", as he slapped something into my lap and ran away.
-Dory is Dory... a bit starved for attention, brilliant and opinionated. I'm going to cut up an old sweater that I accidentally felted a few years ago, and still have, to be a winter coat for her. I think it will be a perfect fit.
-Thanksgiving was good. We had Turkey at one house, and Ostrich at the other. We did not celebrate it here this year, opting instead to travel. John didn't want to worry about company coming when he was going to be gone just prior to it on a business trip. Ok, I get it. But see? The fight is gone. As much fun as it was, I hated it. Is that awful to say? Thanksgiving was great! Really! It was! Good food, great company, behaved kids... and yet... Blah.
-John has lost 24 pounds so far and is making tremendous strides towards losing much more. He likely already has and just has not reported it yet. I'm so very proud of him and the accomplishment!
-We've been attending a new church that I am very happy with (or was until the last sermon series... not fond of the new speaker that we have had).
-Jack finally got his birthday celebrated at our Thanksgiving get together, and the weekend prior. I do have pics.
-Uncle Andy made a rocking pile 'o leaves and the kids, he and Daddy spent a good amount of time rolling in them Saturday. I have a video to edit of it to show you.
-More FOs to blog about for my knitting readers. Even a killer swap package that hasn't made it up. (Thank you Amy!!!)

How am I doing? *shrug* I'm doing.
And that's not good. See? I'm even apathetic enough to write this post. The list above just looks like a glaring list of failed posts to me.
So, please, forgive me. For not blogging more regularly like I usually do. For being snippy with you for what you think is no reason. For not being as joyous over your excellent news. For not getting that thing done on the time line that I set.
I'm trying. I am. I just have no zip right now.

A walk in the woods

2008-11-23T00:50:00.005-05:00

A walk in the woods
Originally uploaded by Jonquil MomI need to knit John a hat.

We all took a hike today over at Reedy Creek along the Umbrella Tree trail. It was the first time we had really taken the kids hiking. They did great! The trail was .7mi in length, but due to the terrain, more like 1-1.5mi... Jack did some riding on Daddy's shoulders, but even he walked most of it. Abby went along and seemed soooo pleased to be out away from the house.
Afterward, we headed for a coffee shop to warm up. Jack was wiped out and out cold - so he slept the whole time on the couch there while John taught Dory the beginnings of Chess. It seemed like she did a pretty good job! I dare say she knows nearly as much as I do now...
Really, a good day... other than John decided he really should have worn a coat. It was about 40, and felt a bit colder due to the shade and breeze.
I sure hope we can do this more often. :)

A log with a hole.

2008-11-23T00:44:00.006-05:00

Dory was fascinated by this hollow trunk. She practically wanted to climb in with whatever was hibernating.

A log with a hole.
Originally uploaded by Jonquil Mom

Can you see us?

2008-11-20T00:39:00.001-05:00

Fort Day
Originally uploaded by Jonquil Mom

The fort got sooo much larger after I took the picture, but they had a blast for the whole day Tuesday playing with the folding table and the kitchen chairs. I think we had every available towel, play silk, baby blanket and afghan available draping something... There was *no* room under/in this table, Jack is slithering under the bars and Dory is firmly planted between them. The whole day I was pestered with questions of "Can you see me?" Most of the time, the answer was a very definite yes.

Jack

2008-11-20T00:34:00.001-05:00

Jack
Originally uploaded by Jonquil Mom

Peanut was overdue for a nap on Monday? (Maybe it was Tuesday), and cute about it. He was so zoned.

Patience, I have none.

2008-11-18T14:46:00.002-05:00

So, I have entered myself into this contest for my patterns... and now... I wait. I wait right along with everyone else who entered. We are **ALL** on pins and needles, jumping at every new forum post over on Ravelry. Oh, the wait is killing me. The sheer anticipation of glee or bummer, either way. Oh, how I hate surprises.
LOL, this might be a good cue to me not to submit my patterns to magazines (like Interweave Knits)and webzines (like Knitty, Popknits or Twist Collective)... the thought had crossed my mind but I might be much more of a self publishing person. The torture is a bit much.

Flounder Blues

2008-11-15T14:45:00.002-05:00

Ok, I know some of you are here for the kids and some of you are here for the knitting. Today... you get neither! Tough tahooties, get over it. You get of Pickles & Blues instead. Market rambles.
So- remember when John and I had date night last week? We headed over to the Tailgate Market Fundraiser. Bill, the Pickle Guy, also has a jazz band and they played for us. We thoroughly enjoyed Bill's band and the songs... so much so that John bought the CD. It's been in our car ever since.
This morning I worked the market for Summer, since she could not man her Felicitea booth. Well, I set up right beside Bill and ate pickles all morning. Yum. REAL pickles, cultured, fermented and no vinegar. Yep... yummy. I even came home with a jar of pickled green tomatoes. Seriously, good.
Anyway, over the course of the morning I told him how much we like the Flounder Blues... and he let me know there was a music video for it. It's not huge and fancy, but it is fun. I like the imagery I get in my head a bit better, so listen to it once without peeking... but the video is cute, and I just have to share. Of course, if you don't like the idea of going fishing or gigging... well, then you might not like the video.
I wonder if we can find some flounder for dinner now...

John is side tracking me...

2008-11-14T22:56:00.005-05:00

Your result for The Quick & Painless ENNEAGRAM Test...

4- the Individualist

you chose BY - your Enneagram type is FOUR (aka "The Romantic")

"I am unique"

Romantics have sensitive feelings and are warm and perceptive.

How to Get Along with Me
* Give me plenty of compliments. They mean a lot to me.
* Be a supportive friend or partner. Help me to learn to love and value myself.
* Respect me for my special gifts of intuition and vision.
* Though I don't always want to be cheered up when I'm feeling melancholy, I sometimes like to have someone lighten me up a little.
* Don't tell me I'm too sensitive or that I'm overreacting!

What I Like About Being a FOUR
* my ability to find meaning in life and to experience feeling at a deep level
* my ability to establish warm connections with people
* admiring what is noble, truthful, and beautiful in life
* my creativity, intuition, and sense of humor
* being unique and being seen as unique by others
* having aesthetic sensibilities
* being able to easily pick up the feelings of people around me

What's Hard About Being a FOUR
* experiencing dark moods of emptiness and despair
* feelings of self-hatred and shame; believing I don't deserve to be loved
* feeling guilty when I disappoint people
* feeling hurt or attacked when someone misundertands me
* expecting too much from myself and life
* fearing being abandoned
* obsessing over resentments
* longing for what I don't have

FOURs as Children Often
* have active imaginations: play creatively alone or organize playmates in original games
* are very sensitive
* feel that they don't fit in
* believe they are missing something that other people have
* attach themselves to idealized teachers, heroes, artists, etc.
* become antiauthoritarian or rebellious when criticized or not understood
* feel lonely or abandoned (perhaps as a result of a death or their parents' divorce)

FOURs as Parents
* help their children become who they really are
* support their children's creativity and originality
* are good at helping their children get in touch with their feelings
* are sometimes overly critical or overly protective
* are usually very good with children if not too self-absorbed

Charting

2008-11-14T15:59:00.003-05:00

I'm tired. I'm confused. I'm overwhelmed. All of this by a simple little - ok, not so little - chart. I've been trying really hard to get this pattern out in time for the Malabrigo Junkies design contest on Ravelry, but, wow... it's kicking my keister. Wanna' see a pic? Here you go:

ETA: The chart is written, it was more the translating from chart to written directions... and it has been decided that can wait awhile. :) Thank you for all the kind comments and notes!

From Flock Photos

2nd haircut

2008-11-10T12:38:00.002-05:00

Before...

And After...

Does it say anything that both pics are of him strapped down? lol

Halloween 2008!

2008-11-10T11:55:00.005-05:00

Jack as Bam-Bam Rubble... and he would not leave the costume on.

Dory as a Monarch Butterfly, she would barely hold still. She is keeping a look out for Ba and the kids so we can head out!

Off we go, Dory flapping in the wind.

Bam-Bam and a hatless cowboy.

The men are organizing the attack. They did a great job!

Patiently waiting for the door to open. All night Jack refused to say 'Thank you.' Dory did well, but Jack got off with it being cute due to his age. The boy will have to learn.

Jack's very first lollipop. :)

All in all, a really good night. Dory traded her candy out for a knitting kit. She was pleased and is doing well with it. I think it is just a great tradition that Ba and family come with us, it makes it so much more fun. I also love that we have such a great neighborhood for going door to door. Dory's costume stank though, who knew the smell of a magnum sharpie wouldn't air out in a day? It gave us all a headache once back at the house, so she was stripped of her wings. By the end of the nigh Jack was *finally* saying 'bam-bam' and bopping the bat on the floor. He had earlier been quite determined that is was indeed a baseball bat and needed to be swung. Apparently he's a natural at that, John should be thrilled. Maybe he'll go as a Yankee player next year.
:) Yeah, it was good.

UPDATE: Ba posted some more of the kiddos here. :)

Jack Attack... finally!

2008-11-07T23:56:00.004-05:00

At long last, I finally put the Jack Attack up on Ravelry as a free download. I do not have the pattern hosted here like I do the Mabel and Patty - so if you want it, sign up for Ravelry. Enjoy!

From Ravelry

My Taste in Art quiz

2008-11-04T18:14:00.001-05:00

Your result for What Your Taste in Art Says About You Test...

Balanced, Secure, and Realistic.

16 Impressionist, 2 Islamic, 9 Ukiyo-e, -24 Cubist, -29 Abstract and 16 Renaissance!

Impressionism is a movement in French painting, sometimes called optical realism because of its almost scientific interest in the actual visual experience and effect of light and movement on appearance of objects. Impressionist paintings are balanced, use colored shadows, use pure color, broken brushstrokes, thick paint, and scenes from everyday life or nature.

People that like Impressionist paintings may not always be what is deemed socially acceptable. They tend to move on their own path without always worrying that it may be offensive to others. They value friendships but because they also value honesty tend to have a few really good friends. They do not, however, like people that are rude and do not appreciate the ideas of others. They are secure enough in themselves that they can listen to the ideas of other people without it affecting their own final decisions. The world for them is not black and white but more in shades of grey and muted colors. They like things to be aesthetically pleasing, not stark and sharp. There are many ways to view things, and the impressionist personality views the world from many different aspects. They enjoy life and try to keep a realistic viewpoint of things, but are not very open to new experiences. If they are content in their live they will be more than likely pleased to keep things just the way they are.

Take What Your Taste in Art Says About You Test at HelloQuizzy

ACC anual show

2008-11-02T14:31:00.002-05:00

The American Craft Council has an annual show here in Charlotte, and I got to attend yesterday. In keeping with tradition, I brought home a new mug for the year.

I'm already using it to death and love it. I have to knit a cozy for it since it lacks a handle so my hands don't get burned by the pipping hot tea and coffee.

I hope to get links up to my show faves soon. :)

Wedding!

2008-11-02T14:21:00.002-05:00

Gail got married on SecondLife on Saturday night. :) Here's a pic of me at the reception.

AAACCCKKKK!!!!

2008-10-29T10:08:00.003-04:00

I am SO BEHIND!

Halloween costumes to make... Dory wants to be a Monarch Butterfly and Jack is going to be BamBam Rubbles.
Food to pick up... UNFI was delivered Saturday when I was at SAFF, and it's still taking up room at Lisa's house.
One last second design to enter and write up... Chiodna, a cabled cowl demanded last second attention.
Jack's 2nd birthday is tomorrow... *nothing* is done. Nothing.
Bills to pay... Um, yeah.
Blog entries to catch up on... EEK! I'll never remember it all. At least I have pics of some of it to remember what all happened this month. And the Tweets might help fill in a few gaps.

Okay, a to do list makes me feel a *little* better. (But not much)

The weather has turned cold for the moment, and I didn't prepare in time so the kids are not ready for it. Nothing from last year fits now, of course.

Can I go back to bed?

All Fun and Games... until...

2008-10-23T14:54:00.006-04:00

After everyone else left the party, we still had fun. Pile 'o kids style. Until Dory decided she had enough, of course. Such a big fuss for a little bump. More bruised ego than anything. Jack and LJ (Monkey) were having a blast though!

Happy Birthday to Bailey, as well. It's why we were over there playing, not that we need any excuse.

Pinchable? Absolutely. Kissable too.
As you can see, she just loved wearing her new hat(insert Ravelry link, of course). LOL

This cold is a doozy.

2008-10-18T22:48:00.001-04:00

It has the kids not tired and slumped on the couch, but jittery and over and beyond hyper. At night time they don't want to sleep and when they do they start coughing and hacking. I am so ready to be done with this round. My nerves can't take it.

Sick Day Story Time

2008-10-16T11:06:00.005-04:00

There seems to be some sort of plot to keep us from going to story time at the library. We've been a whopping twice in all the kid's days. Every time we are set and ready to go something happens, like they take a break for a month - or we get sick. Like today. We were all set for the 10:30 story time for Dory, and um, well... she's got a cold. It came on hard and fast last night.
So, I told her we would have our first one right here at home at the same time today.
Here was the program:

A, B, C, D, E by Justin Roberts on Great Big Sun
We handed out the shakey-shakies (egg rattles) and sang our ABCs.

The Z was Zapped by Chris Van Allsburg
Dory named each letter. Jack tried.

Number 1 by Hot Peas and Butter from Jack's Big Music Show, Season 1
Everyone did a boogie dance to the song.

Planting a Rainbow by Lois Ehlert
We talked about the difference between seeds and bulbs.

Mahna, Mahna from Muppet Hits (sorry, no link... )
Tried to clap the rhythm. It's a bit hard...

Hush!: A Thai Lullaby by Minfong Ho
Everyone joined in on the "Hush!" and we practiced some signs for the different animals and words we knew.

If You've Got 1 by Justin Roberts from Great Big Sun
We did all of the motions the song suggested. :) It was fun.

As they "put away" the rattles I ran upstairs, grabbed a rubber stamp and pad and met them in the hallway as they "left" and passed out pretty yellow daisy stamps to match the Growing a Rainbow book.

Our first mock story time was considered a huge success since Dory and Jack wandered around for 5 minutes showing everyone they could their stamps... including the dog.

All Quiet on the Eastern Front...

2008-10-10T16:56:00.003-04:00

I've been working like crazy the last week getting 2 patterns written up for release on Ravelry as a part of the Malabrigo Junkies board October design contest. Both have been, or are in the process of being, test knitted and are really close to being ready. So, I'm sorry for the silence, but nearly every minute has been consumed with the process that is so new to me. I've really been enjoying it though.

Watch out for the Jack Attack hat and the Chimera 'thingie'. Necklet? Cowl? Dickey? Scarflet? OH, who knows... false sweater 'thingie'.

Also: Becky, welcome to the knitting world. Get thee self onto Ravelry posthaste.

8 years

2008-09-29T21:22:00.002-04:00

8 years ago today, John and I started dating.

8 years ago I could not imagine this house, many of my friends and my 2 beautiful children. What a wonderful 8 years! I look forward to the next 8 years, even though today is one of those days that will go down in history much like the night Diana died. The DOW fell 777 points, 1.2 Trillion Dollars, largest point drop in history, and one of our local banks, Wachovia, was taken over. What does that mean for the other bank in the area, Bank of America? It's all pretty downright surreal for me. What will the next 8 years look like? Where will time take us? I don't know. I could see it coming, believed it was coming, but still am surprised by it.
But I know I have a great family because of one little kiss, 8 years ago tonight. I know God put us together and held us there when we didn't want to be. I expect another great 8 years with my sweetheart and children. We are lucky John has a very stable job and that he's young enough that pension loss (if there is any) isn't catastrophic.

Tonight I count my many, many blessings.

Happy 8 years of Grand Adventure, honey... on to the next 8!

(PDL)

Prayers for all of you who are hurting tonight.

Riding the train!

2008-09-28T14:36:00.001-04:00

Just our luck, we missed the train as we walked up! No big deal, or so I thought at the time. The next one broke down a ways down the track... and we waited over 40 minutes for the next one. Dory was so patient. I think it was just general train excitement. I was much less patient. We bought the ticket at 2:29, and that was after crossing the tracks and traffic after the last train left station. It was about 3:15 when we finally boarded. So much for every 12 minutes on Saturday.

Other than that, our trip to Downtown yesterday was fine. We went back to the SOKHOP convention after it being quite the fiasco the previous day. It was good, nothing to really report there.

Bug Ball

2008-09-28T00:02:00.005-04:00

On Friday night we went the the Bug Ball at Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens with Grandma Patty. We had a wonderful time!

Dory is always full of surprises... she did this:

(It's a Walking Stick. She asked to hold it.)

And then this:

(That's a Madagascar Hissing Cockroach there folks. She 'petted' it.)

But when we went to the conservatory...

She would not do this:

Go figure. My fearless little girl is afraid of sugar water on your finger.

We also decorated wings for Jack, decorated a pot for a butterfly plant, and had a grate time trying on bug glasses. It was a great evening!

RIP, Miss Zelda Mae

2008-09-27T23:55:00.005-04:00

Grand's sweet, sweet 19 yr old kitty passed this morning after losing her battle with kidney failure.
She was a tiny little thing that had a taste for Canaries and antagonizing bigger cats.
She was a calm lap kitty who often was shy with new people.
She had a very sweet 'half "ow"' from a car accident as a kitten that in her last years developed into more of a normal meow again.
Most of all, she will be very missed because she was very loved.

To the ER we go!

2008-09-23T23:48:00.001-04:00

Ok, on with my story… Missed knit night tonight. Spent it in the ER with Hubby. He is the proud new owner of an Epipen.

So, I was on the way back from the Tuesday Farmer’s Market and he called to ask where I was since he was locked out, not having taken his keys to work. I told him we’d be there soon and that he should pull some weeds….

Got home and found him limping. A fire ant bed lit him up with 40-50 bites. He was standing on it because he thought he was backing in the holly bush and getting pricked. He completely tough guy ignored it. I was supposed to walk right back out to knit night, instead went to get benadryl at the super close store. Once I got there, he called… and we knew it wasn’t going to be enough. By the time I got home he was at the neighbor’s with the kids and I got the benadryl in him and called 911. As the paramedics were looking at him debating on a transfer, the lights swam on him. Off we went. Whole body was swelling. Lips, eyelids, arms, neck… teeth were going numb.

Long story short… he’s lit up with benadryl, pepcid, prednisone and epinefrin… swelling is down and he’s snoring hard. He’s going to be completely fine, but on drugs for the next few days still. We all got back home about the time knit night was completely over, whole thing from when I got there to walking back in our door was about 3 hours. I gave him the fully earned hard time.

So… ER - yeah, fun evening. I think I did good to get the food shoved still in my bag into the fridge.

eta: John's Version

Come outside, the weather is perfect...

2008-09-22T21:18:00.001-04:00

I set them out, and they did pretty well with it. I wish we had a fence so I could do this everyday! The weather was amazing, absolutely beautiful... about 74 and sunny. Amazingly, I actually got some housework done.

Shiver me timbers!

2008-09-19T01:54:00.002-04:00

It's International Talk Like A Pirate Day. Here be my Ravatar on Ravelry. Arrr....

First Day of ASL

2008-09-16T13:53:00.002-04:00

Since we are homeschooling, when do you get that great traditional first day of school picture? I'm not sure. But, we are starting our first add on class of ASL and so, I took my chance in case this is it. So... there you have it, Dory's first day of 'school'. She was excited and it went really well. I feel really good about how many signs we already know, and we are going to practice finger spelling the ABC's now as well. I'm enjoying it, and I know Dory is too. Too bad it's only once a month right now! When she gets older it will be more frequent.

Happy Birthday Grandma Patty!

2008-09-14T09:10:00.009-04:00

Jack and Daddy had a good time in the kitchen - Jack is quite the Monkey Man now, and will climb anything and everything! The age two antics are in full swing as of this last few weeks, its easy to see his birthday is right around the corner. We had a great day over at Grandmas house, and have all sorts of things coming up to do with Grandma still. ;-) Like a Tea and Chocolate pairing benefit Thursday evening!
John is leaving Wednesday for his annual Fish and Chips with the guys. He says he's going to be in a tent while the rest of the guys (other than Ted) will be in a cabin. Good luck... I bet he'll fall prey to temptation! Anyway, Grandpa is babysitting so Patty and I can attend the tasting/pairing. I'm pretty excited about it.

Dory painted Grandma two teacups and I knitted cozies for them. I drew frames around the pictures and even added a tiny plaque on the lower right hand side... then made them "Gallery Series" numbered editions on the bottom. I am super pleased with how they came out. They don't look like the traditional hideous kid scribble all over and actually seem pretty cool to me. But, I could be very biased on that. I don't know! Grandma loved the cups and said the only problem was that the cozies covered them up... of course!

---
Adding the pattern to the Ravelry Database. Direct PDF download is here. Enjoy Patty's mug warmers.