Cowls, Cowls, Cowls

This is the lovely package I received from my Swap-Bot pal. Its a very warm cowl too along with a lovely handmade journal. I really like the postcard too...very retro.

Thank you, Amanda!

Look what I got ;)

~ Questionnaire SP14 ~

Welcome Secret Pal and thank you,

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? My favs are LB's cotton, Debbie Bliss Cashmerino and Merino DK, Sock yarn and soft acrylics ~ lovely baby yarn.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in? I've makeup brush and pencil cases for most of my needles.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced? I've been knitting consistently for almots 3 years and I'd say I was intermediate.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? Yes, I have an amazon (link in sidebar) and cbd wish list.

5. What's your favorite scent? Sunflowers and a newbie ~ Sensual Amber (personal); for home ~ fresh linen or vanillas.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy? Yes, anything chocolate ~ Cadbury Dairy Milk is a fav.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin? I crochet, cross-stitch, sew, make wreathes and I'm learning to draw. I don't spin but maybe one day.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) Mostly classical along with country, christian rock and contemporary. My computer/stereo is MP3 equipped.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand? Red, red, did I mention red. I don't really have a color I can't stand ~ I love color especially bright ones.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets? I am a wife and mother of 3, whom I homeschool.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos? Yes, especially scarves and hats.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? Baby things, dishcloths and footie socks.

13. What are you knitting right now? Dishcloths and 4pr of socks.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? Yes, these are special gifts.

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? I love circs but use all types. Do prefer aluminum but have fallen for Brittany Birch's thx to SP10 pal and bamboo is nice.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift? Yes, I now own both though I still occassionally use my kids hands. LOL

17. How old is your oldest UFO? Not counting items in storage ~ hmmm, 1 yr old.

18. What is your favorite holiday? Christmas

19. Is there anything that you collect? Lighthouses, books, band shirts/buttons.

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? I'd like more Brittany needles. I have e-magazine subscriptions, borrow anything else from the library. I also get Lion Brand/Tahki/SWTC and more updates which I enjoy. You can look at my wishlist for books I'd like to own.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn? Not at the moment.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements? Yes, I love knitting in the round and short heel rows. Heel to toe - 9.5"; Toe to ankle - 7.5"; shoe size 7.5/8

23. When is your birthday? Nov 12th

24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID? RockstarMom ;D

Its a mystery......

I received my Whoduknit Mystery Yarn Ball from Penny. It is too cool and I can't wait to get started. She sent a new book for me to read "No Graves As Yet" by Anne Perry that looks very interesting. She only gave me the first part of the pattern and has taped up the actual pattern which I can't open yet. I only need one missing piece of info then I can get started and know what I'm making. Heehee ~ off to email her and get that hint.

~ Lacy Love Scarf ~

I'm done ~ making my lovely scarf. I love the colorway and the pattern, it was an easy knit . Its warm and snuggly. I'm glad I made this one and look forward to making another.

Here it is with details:

Yarn ~ Malabrigo Intenso

Pattern ~ Lacy Scarf by Debbie Bliss

Needles ~ Bamboo 10s

Now to get motivated to finish off my stashalong list. I've only one item left now and I can't seem to get it done. Its my CPH ~ its over a year old and it really needs to be finished up. I'll work on it this week though I really want to start another project. Its the only thing left unfinished, well except for the B2S I have to buy yarn for since it is official ~ the yarn is gone. LOL

I want to make new socks, I want to make a sweater, I want to make dishcloths but for some reason I really am not interested at the moment. Could be the fatigue, the stress, and being sick on an off the past 3 weeks. I don't know but I'm getting excited about receiving packages in the mail and getting DirecTV ~ woohoo. I have sent off my ISE7 package and I will be sending off my KCS4 package in the next day or so. I've all the goodies and I've even scored some local, well to Arkansas, roving for my international pal. Can't wait for her to get that. ;)

I'm looking forward to a mini-vacation soon ~ definitely need it and I can't wait to go to Vegas. Dh and I are finally going, wow its been over a year since we won those tickets. Oh well, better late than never.

Gotta run, need to update and send emails. Have a great evening!

Knitter's Progress

I've been busy and unfortunately, sick. I have managed to complete another project ~ woohoo and it is a good thing since I would love to have another swap done.

Here is the pic of my ISE7 pal's completed scarf:

I'm also working on a KAL w/i KAL project for me ~ Lacy Love Scarf, which is the same pattern as above but modified a little. The February KALs theme is "Love of self" so I choose something red and pretty to make. Here is a progress pic:

The KCS4 is underway and I've just took a roadtrip to a lovely yarn shop in Arkansas and found goodies for my pal. I hope she loves them as much as I did. The yarn shop is called Knit Wicks and its in Rogers ~ downtown area. It was very nice, the trip and the shop. ;) I hadn't been on a roadtrip in a long while so it was nice to get away by myself. I'm looking forward to going soon.

Nothing else to report since we've all been sick off and on for the past week. I'm prayerful that its coming to an end and grateful that I'm off today and tomorrow.

Talk w/you all soon.

~ KCS4 ~

Woohoo! Its back ~ Knitters Coffee Swap. I'm ready and getting excited cause my pal lives in Singapore. Here are my answers to the questionaire:

1. Whole bean or ground? both
2. Fully-loaded or decaf? fully-loaded but will try a good cup of decaf
3. Regular or flavored? either ~ really not suppose to have hazelnut ;D
4. How do you drink your coffee? cream and sugar, please
5. Favorite coffee ever? too many to choose especially flavors but enjoy starbucks alot.
6. Are you fussy about your coffee or will any old bean do? I can be fussy.
7. Favorite treats to have with your coffee? lemon crumb bar, chocolate cinnamon bread, or cookies ~ butter or sugar.
8. Anything else about your coffee preferences? I like it very hot so I can linger over it longer.
9. Yarn/fiber you love? cashmerino, sock yarn and anything soft.
10. Yarn/fiber you hate? not fond of novelty yarns or anything too rough but will work w/it if called for in pattern.
11. What's on your needles? Pr of not pedestrian peds, a lacy scarf for my ISE7 pal, and my CPH.
12. Favorite colors? reds ~ deep autumn/fall colors
13. Allergies? hazelnut (but claritin rocks!), green tea and some cat dander
14. Anything you really love, really don't like, or just need to get off your chest? nope ~ I'm really easy to please. oh yeah! I love chocolate. ;D

Slacker Reporting In ;)

Its been very busy here though I still haven't managed to unpack all the boxes. LOL I've been working the store alot but have recently been given some days off. I'm resting today and will get back to work tomorrow on those boxes.

I've lots to share but will only get pics up today. Enjoy!

FOs

'08

November Mid-Month Dishcloth ~ Monthly Dishcloth KAL

Christmas Present ~ Sk8Chick

Christmas Present ~ Riley

Christmas Present ~ Studmuffin

Christmas Present ~ coworker

Christmas Present ~ coworker

'09

Scarf for coworker

~ Da Boys Peds ~

ISE7 Progress 1

Final SP12 Package ~ details soon :)

Living Outta Boxes pt 4

Ok so there hasn't been much to report since I've not been successful at emptying these here boxes. ;). Though its increasingly difficult to find needed documents (birth certificates), personal items (socks), and just simple things like a checkbook. Thanksgiving wasn't a challenge to my surprise. Everything I needed, I found without a problem especially the new rubbermaid which was still in its original box. Lol

Life is moving along for us. I've been reminded and accept that I can only do so much and that I need to fully rely "lean in, rest on" God for everything. I know this but sometimes you forget because you get so focused on what's in front of you. ;) We did manage to do some school work today and took a field trip on Mon ~ yeah me!

On the knitting front:
Da Boy's socks ~ really bad 2nd sock syndrome around here but now that's over discovered an error and will have to rip it back ~ ouch!

CPH ~ found all missing pieces need to get to work.

B2S ~ still missing yarn ;(

Socks ~ have at least 3pr lined up when da boy's are done

Swaps ~ joined one "ISE7" looking forward to making another scarf

Gifts ~ planning 1 pr of socks, 5 scarves and 1 pr of gloves for me *yes very modest doable list ;)

Well my thumbs are tired ~ posting from mobile. More later. Nite!

A month has gone by...

It has been a long one too. I'm sorry for my MIA but it was unavoidable. Life has been happening and is actually still outta sorts since most of our stuff is in boxes. I need to update with pics, knItting and life but its hard to do from my cell though I am getting the hang of it.

In brief...the following has happened:
* completed fair jobs
* won 2 ribbons - 1st & 3rd place
* rec'd awesome pkgs from my SP12 & ASSS pals
* sent my pkg to SP12 & ASSS pals
* moved to a new house
* bought myself a truck - Ford Explorer..red of course
* increased hrs @ work to pay for truck..lol
* started mtg friends & knitting again

That's all for now...my elbows are starting to hurt. Have an awesome week!

~ SP12 Qs ~

Catching up on the SP12 questions of the week ~ starting with the recent one. Enjoy!

#11
What is the best thing you've ever received in the mail/post?

I've received some awesome packages in the mail but I'd have to say my very first SP10 packaged would have to be considered the best ~ the yarn, the books, the goodies ~ oh I could go on and on.....but I'll stop especially since my recent SP12 package was awesome too. I love getting packages in the mail which would explain my addiction to swaps heeheee!

#10
What Olympic event would best describe you knitting/knitting style?

ETA ~ My event would probably be the balance beam ~ my fav in my youth ~ since some of my knitting doesn't fit my personality nor my experience level or my available free time creating an unbalance state of being. Though sprinting wouldn't be to far behind since I love to take off on something. Now if I could only finish some of these somethings. ;)

#9
Have you ever entered your knitting (or anything else) in the fair? Would you ever consider it?
Nope ~ though I have signed up to enter 3yos ago but never did finish that lovely blanket. LOL I'm considering it this year now that we have a sock category but we'll see. I'll share if I do decide to enter. I work the fair and am allowed to enter as long as it isn't an area I manage and knitted or other handcrafts are not under my supervision. Yeah me!

#8
What is your favorite supper for a hot summer evening?
Tuna salad with ritz type crackers from Aldi's ~ yummy. Oh don't forget the homemade iced tea ~ delicious!

Recipe ~ just need a can of tuna (albacore is good), macaroni noodles, mayo, onions and seasonings ~ Adobo, season salt, pepper and onion powder if no onions. Thats all ~ so easy.

~ Cloth goodness ~

This post has lots of cloths to show off since thats what I've been doing while keeping cool. We leave Wed for the conference and I'm looking forward to some RnR in an air conditioned place. It reach about 115 w/the heat index yesterday and let me tell you it was hot hot hot even in the cool a/c'd mall which was crowded due to tax free day. LOL I'll update more when I'm feeling better ~ enjoy!

L2KDC Summer Swap ~ its lovely and she sent stitchmarkers too. Since I only sent a cloth and some hand cream ~ I sent a lovely thank you today. I hope my pal likes it ~ it was that lovely crocheted flower I made when the swap began and then I realized it was suppose to be knitted. Heehee ~ it worked out.

9 Baby/Child size washcloths

Oh ~ here is the ISE6 scarf, you know Yarn Harlot's One Row Scarf I did:

Talk w/you all soon.

~ Jul 27th ~

update time ~ not much going on around here just hot and I mean hot. We are in the midst of a major heat wave with heat warnings. Temps are over 100 degrees so we haven't been staying home but getting out to places that are cool. Heat advisory warnings last til 7p but its been cooling off after that time for the last 2 nights which is a blessing.

On the knitting front:

~ Progress on B2S is moving along though I've ripped out both front pieces after realizing I'd done them wrong. There is another error but I refuse to fix it. I also managed to loss the 3rd ball of yarn so progress has stopped on the back til I find it. LOL

~ Socks ~ none so far for the month though I'm planning to crank out a couple of baby socks for a friend. They will be preemie since she had the baby early ~ this weekend to be exact. I was knitting a quick hat and socks for the shower that we were having today but need to change that. ;) Its a girl and I'll post more when I know more.

~ ISE6 extra scarf done and off. It was a blast making Yarn Harlot's One Row Scarf. I look forward to making another one.

~ L2KDC Summer swap ~ thats off too. I ended up sending a cloth I made awhile ago b/c I forgot this was knitting swap LOL ~ crochet would have been odd and I became bored with the KAL cloth I was making. ;)

~ KAL cloth, guess I don't need to mention this again. Don't know what to do with it but I may frog it and use the yarn for something else.

Thats about all. Looking forward to going on vacation next week and spending time doing whatever I want along with going to the conference. I hope to get some knitting done and see some new lys ~ more about this later must get through this week first.

Have a wonderful week!

~ Jul 17th ~

Its quiet around here, Da Boy is at a friends for the night, Sk8Chick is at the movies and Riley and I are watching Porco Rosso. We plan to watch a couple of movies before we go to bed.

My knitting is doing well, I've cast on for the ISE6 angel scarf and I'm really lovin' Yarn Harlot's One Row Scarf

Here are some pics of my knitting:

B2S as it looked on the 14th

here's it is now ~ I've set it aside to work on the scarf and will hopefully get it done by next weekend.

Malabrigo ~ Amoroso (so lovely)

Lovely Scarf

I should be able to finish up the scarf this weekend and get it off in the mail by the first of the week. I need to make a trip to the PO next since there are several things I need to get off. Along with this I need to make a baby shower gift for a dear friend and I think it will be a bath set ~ it should be a quick knit though I've not picked a pattern yet. I'll search ravelry later and also will be looking over my Debbie Bliss baby books ~ you never know I may knit up something else. I'll keep you posted.

Off to enjoy the movie, knit some more and of course read blogs. ;)

~ Jul 6th ~

its been a very good day ~ I got to get out of the house around 3p and hangout at a coffee shop. I'd never been to this one and I had a blast. I also got some major instant gratification in too ~ I made 2 crocheted dishcloths, count 'em ....one, two. They are the same, yet they aren't. I did one using a G hook and the other a J which is a little bigger than the other but I don't care. I love them and one will be for my L2KDC pal in our next exchange.

Yarn ~ Sugar n Cream ~ Creamsicle

Pattern ~ Crochet Flower Dishcloth

I also started on my monthly dishcloth kal and I managed to get 18 rows done today. I hope to finish it off by tues. Here is a pic, not sure the color yet but its kinda turquiose though this month's color was teal or shrimp ~ didn't have either so I improvised. ;)

Yarn ~ Peaches n Cream
Needles ~ #8 circs I've also made some progress on the B2S and I am liking it very much.

Its very hot around here and we will definitely need to make a change because we are starting to have difficulty breathing. We know we need to move and its just a matter of finding the right place, at the right price too. I don't want to have to work full-time or increase my pt hours to be able to afford a place because it would make homeschooling very challenging. It is definitely something our family is praying about.

Sk8chick treated us to dinner and then we went to Sbux for some knitting time ~ it was fun though noisy at times. We cashed in on some treats and now we are home. The kiddos are watching a movie and I'm updating my blog. Not much else to report, so I'll talk at ya later.

~ SP12 Q#4 ~

1) What yarn (that you don't have/haven't used) would make your stash"complete"?
There isn't a particular yarn that would make my stash complete ~ though there are a few I'd love to try. For instance ~ knit picks lace and sock yarns, corn yarn, schaeffer yarn, cascade sock yarn...hmm....I think I'll stop here. ;)

2) What yarn do you never want to be without?
Sock yarn ~ especially CTH and Regia, oh Drops Fabel is a fav too; I'll need to have some Cascade 220 and Sierra on hand as well ~ they knit up nice and fast. I think thats all for now though I'm sure in time this will change and expand.

~ June 16th ~

Goodies in the mail. . . while I was away, I received my Yarn Junkies-Black package from Kathleen in MI. Its fabulous, there is sock yarn ~ Araucania in charcoal 107, one that I was planning to buy myself and 2 skeins of Hempathy in cool blue 09, another wish list item. I’m loving my yarn ~ lovin’, squeezin’, huggin’ and calling them my very own. Whoops ~ thats looney tunes. LOL Here is a picture of them which also includes a little note and lovely crocheted bookmark ~ there‘s a hope angel charm on it:

~ Araucania Ranco in 107 Charcoal ~ sock yarn ~

~ Hempathy in 09 Cool Blue ~

I’ve been gone for almost a week and it was a good time though I was very tired. I didn’t realize how tired until the drive home yesterday. I couldn’t actually drive all the way as I’ve done in the past. I wasn’t physically able to do ~ my body is sore, swollen and simply worn out. Its my own fault since I took that new job which I really thought would be great. I love the work, the store and helping people, but I stand alot and it’s just too much for me. I will get a good pair of shoes this week to the tune of $60 but if I ever leave this job, what will I do with the shoes? I know, I should just think about my body for now since the shoes will greatly help in feeling better. My schedule for this week is much lightly than past weeks and I’m very grateful. I was thinking of working more for the summer to make a little extra $$ but now I will just rest. You know, I’m not getting any younger ~ I’ll be 41 this year and I really want to live and feel better about myself but first I have to learn to say "no". LOL

When I was away, I was visiting friends and enjoying the scenic beauty of the East Coast. Oh how I love that side of the world ~ beautiful mountains, tall trees and lots of water. Ok back to earth, I do miss living on there and visiting was great. I attend the CM Conference in NC where I visited with lots of online friends, friends I made last year and a lot of new friends. My girls and I left on Wed at 1am headed for TN to picked up my dear friend Leslie and her son. This leg of the drive started out great, we drove thru OK and AK w/o a hitch and good time, I might add, but when I got to TN life as we knew it changed. I love the countryside I mean mountainside of TN but its a very long drive that turned into a nightmare for 2 reasons ~ construction detour and storms. I used mapquest to get me to my friend’s home but it gave me incorrect directions for the detour, so guess what happen? You’re right ~ I got lost. The directions actually took me into the main construction area not the detour which was I640 and into downtown Knoxville which was under a serious storm warning. There were actually 3 parts to the storm and I ended up in all 3 ~ lots of rain, hail, thunder and lightening. I was over 5hrs later than planned which means we arrived in NC at 10p instead of 5p.

The good is ~ we had a blast. Leslie, as always, is a great roommate, her son and my daughters had a good time getting to know each other and I got to sleep. ;O In another post, I’ll share some of the things I learned at the conference to keep my daily report separate. Due to major fog and the generous hospitality of Leslie and her family, the girls and I stay with them before we headed home. I’m glad we did because we got to enjoy her a little longer and Riley made a new friend, Miss M. She is adorable and loves the same things that Riley does though there is a 11 yr difference in their ages.

We made it safely home though we ended driving into a storm that was over OK ~ wow 2 storms in the same cross-state trip, who knew?! I’ll do again to have as much fun as we had. I returned home to my hubby who had been home alone, Da Boy was with a friend off at the lake and now at their family home in Ada. He is having a blast, so I’m not too mad at him that I’ve not talked to him since he left a week ago. Hubby was glad to see us and had done some cleaning which was very nice of him. ;) The house was very inviting and he even had a pot of coffee waiting though I didn’t get to enjoy it until 2hrs later ~ I past out, I told you I was exhausted. ;)

I did some knitting ~ I finish my friend’s peds.

Yeah me! I worked a little on a scarf but I know I need to rest so knitting has not been a priority. I’m getting excited about knitting again but it will be slowly and more for gifts. I really think I can make things to give away for Christmas if I start in the next month.

Thats all for now. Have a great week!

Long awaited post

I promised you and the lovely bunch at ISE6 details about the package I received this round. So without further ado, here it is:

My pal, Chelle, decided to use her heritage for this rounds theme ~ chinese luck. Wonder how she knew I love chinese...food. LOL

My scarf is a shade of red ~ which means happiness, success and fortune, its also my favorite color. Its made from Crazy 4 Dyeing yarn. There is also a very lovely card and a bear dressed in a sheep costume ornament. ;) The scarf is a beautiful, intricate pattern that I will enjoy wearing, once the weather cools. LOL (wow ~ I've 2 lovely scarves from this exchange)

She sent a lovely embroidered bag with a dragon design ~ the dragon represents blessings and power. *here it is w/a lovely skein of Crazy 4 Dyeing in Cool Moss ~ 100% merino wool superwash.

On special occasions, guest would receive a red envelope, called a "hong bao", with money inside which represents good luck and wards off evil spirits to be opened after Chinese New Year ~ my envelope contained a 2008 Canadian quarter (now did she know I collect coins). Its beautiful and its after Chinese New Year so I'll have good luck. ;)

Bar of soap w/the Eiffel Tower ~ smells yummy, a Lush ball ~ can't wait to try this, and a bar of milk chocolate ~ my favorite thing.

This rounds we were to send good karma to our pal along with something they will remember us by ~ I will definitely remember the thoughtfulness of Chelle and cherish the heritage she has shared with me. Thank you. ;)

~ SP12 Questionaire ~

Disclaimer ~ no one is allowed to say anything, either in comment or otherwise. I joined and thats the end of it. ;D For the record ~ its the only swap I'm in. Woohoo!

Now we return to the post (I own ya'll a post too, don't I?! ~ I'll get on later and write it up)

Welcome Secret Pal and thank you,

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? My favs are LB's cotton, Debbie Bliss Cashmerino and Merino DK, Sock yarn and soft acrylics ~ lovely baby yarn.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in? Currently all needles/hooks are in their original packaging in my tote bag.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced? I am a beginner. I learned to knit when I was 12yos from a friend of the family and started again 6mos ago.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? Yes, I have an amazon (link in sidebar) and cbd wish list.

5. What's your favorite scent? Sunflowers and a newbie ~ Sensual Amber (personal); for home ~ fresh linen or vanillas.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy? Yes, anything chocolate ~ Cadbury Dairy Milk is a fav.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin? I crochet, cross-stitch, sew, make wreathes and I'm learning to draw. I don't spin but maybe one day.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) Mostly classical along with christian rock and contemporary. My computer/stereo is MP3 equipped.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand? Red, red, did I mention red. I don't really have a color I can't stand ~ I love color especially bright ones.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets? I am a wife and mother of 3, whom I homeschool. We have a 3yo german shepherd mix named "poochie."

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos? Yes, especially scarves and hats.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? Baby things and footie socks.

13. What are you knitting right now? A pr of footie socks.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? Yes, these are special gifts.

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? I love circs but use all types. Do prefer aluminum but have fallen for Brittany Birch's thx to SP10 pal and bamboo is nice.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift? Yes, I now own both though I still occassionally use my kids hands. LOL

17. How old is your oldest UFO? Not counting items in storage ~ hmm, almost 2 yrs old.

18. What is your favorite holiday? Christmas

19. Is there anything that you collect? Lighthouses, books, band shirts/buttons.

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? I'd like more Brittany needles. I have e-magazine subscriptions, borrow anything else from the library and just stop my subscription to Interweave Knits since its more economical for me to get it w/a coupon. I also get Lion Brand/Tahki/SWTC and more updates which I enjoy. You can look at my wishlist for books I'd like to own.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn? Not at the moment.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements? Yes, I love knitting in the round and short heel rows. Heel to toe - 9.5"; Toe to ankle - 7.5"; shoe size 7.5/8

23. When is your birthday? Nov 12th

24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID? RockstarMom ;D

~ Happy Memorial Day ~

Its been very busy for me lately hence the neglected blog. I've not been reading, blogging or knitting much. I've managed to complete 2 of my pressing projects this weekend which I'm very excited about ~ SWiii socks & my ISE6. I will be visiting the PO tomorrow to get them on their way along w/some other goodies that need to be sent out. My new work schedule along w/the rising cost of gas will now be the main reasons I will be limiting my swapping especially since getting to the PO is more difficult to arrange even for the 24/7 machine. LOL I've only one more swap package to send actually and that is to be sent in July then I'm done. I will only be an angel and swap stickers which I can send from my house as long as I have stamps on hand ~ now where did I put that book of stamps. heehee I love swapping but my life is a bit too complicated for them now. I'll just participate in kals and groups and watch others swap. ;) I know I'll miss the fun but to be fair and not disappoint anyone, I'll sit out for a season.

On the home front ~ I'm working on my flylady tasks on mon & tues when I'm home though I've been doing the zone from the week before, much easier for me. Its coming along and I'm pleased to say I'm finding things that have been missing for a while. My new pt has been awesome and stressful at the same time. I spend most of my week at the store, but its temporary ~ we are in the process of hiring more staff, and there is much to do and learn. I spend my sundays sleeping in or knitting at the lys before going to work and mon & tues hanging out w/the kiddos doing school, playing games and cleaning. We'd like to move in the next 6mos so its best to get started on downsizing. I've enjoyed the process this time round, I guess b/c I know exactly what I want and where I'm going unlike in the past.

School is coming along and I've lots of ideas and plans running thru my head. I want to do more, see more and read more so that will be my focus when I return from my conference. I'll be going to a CM conference in 2 wks to learn more, be recharged and spend time reflecting/resting and enjoying the company of some online friends. When I get back we will start our summer program which will actually be a 6wk school plan w/2wks off before starting again. This will help w/planning and keeping me from getting bored or sidetracked. They have improved a lot in the last few weeks though I'm finding that they need more of my attention than I gave them but glad I'm able to do so now.

I've not been reading much lately either ~ though I'm leading/helping w/3 book studies at the moment. Besides these, I've not read anything not even my email. I've over 300 emails to read and respond to but I've not had the energy to do them. I've done the moderator ones, those I must do but I'll get to my own personal emails soon. Btw, this means if you've emailed me in the last 8 days, I've not read it and will soon. ;)

On the knitting front ~ I've already mentioned that I finished the Sock Wars socks and my scarf for my ISE6 pal. I've only 3 other projects OTN ~ my CPH, my friends Peds and a snuggle scarf ~ a gift. I've not been motivated to start anything else nor have I've had the time. I did manage to use my 2 free days from SAL and I purchased some clearance cotton on one of them ~ lovely bright colors. I'm not sure what I used my other purchase on ~ I've packed up alot of my yarn but it was probably sock yarn. LOL

Today, I spent time cleaning a hot spot in my room then we went shopping. I picked up some items for an angel package I'll send tomorrow and then to Wally World for yummies. We had a mini-bbq at house just for us. It was fun and we are full. The kiddos and I watched "Juno" afterwards, I actually didn't watch the whole thing but its was funny what I did watch. Not fond of the explicit language but I think it might have been a good film ~ the verdict is still out for me. All in all its been a wonderfully peaceful day and I did take time to be silent today though it wasn't at 3p. I hope you all had time w/your family and memories of those who have gone before us. I think thats why it was very peaceful around here too.

I'm going now, need to go to bed ~ busy day tomorrow. Have a great week!