.

Posted by: tpryst on Buzznet

Here is my pumpkin I made. I don't know what Blogger's deal is, I still can't post a picture with them. Grrr...

.

Posted by: tpryst on Buzznet

Look what I got the other day!! Yay! I found these at Michaels here. Aren't they cute?

Field trip tomorrow. Our middlest son is going to a planetarium. I remember going to the planetarium when I was in school. He might like it more than I did. Especially if he's anything like his dad.

Two weeks tomorrow is the date we have set for moving! I can't believe it's almost here already. Two weeks will fly by. Especially with all the packing I still have to do!! YIKES!

Comfortghan Squares... Like I need another thing to do...

With moving and packing... ;) I think I want a diversion from it all, though... And I love making comfortghan squares. It's not a whole afghan, and you can do it when you want you aren't on a time schedule.. (Especially when the person doesn't even know you're making one for her.. like with an RAOK....) :p I still don't have batteries for my camera, but this is the square I am making, and in almost the exact same colors. The purple is a deeper plum color, though. I finished one square about five minutes ago, and will make them until I run out of the plum. I think I have enough to make two more probably...
I finished a pumpkin like the one Mimi sent me, a couple posts ago.. Mine turned out a little bigger, but the perfect size to put some candy in.This is going to the same person I am making the comfortghan squares to. With some candy corn in it. :)) I love doing RAOK's.

My Reveal Package Came Today, And More!...

Today was an awesome mail day! I got both my reveal package and my sock/slipper swap package, too! I don't have any batteries in my camera, or I could post pictures. As soon as I get batteries, I will. Everything is wonderful! My Secret Pal is Cheryl, aka 'Diamond'. And, she sent me a 'diamond' paperweight, in an elegant red velvet drawstring pouch. It's just lovely! She also sent two rose earmuffs, with a sample tube of Chanel No 5! in the middle of each rose!!! I love
that perfume! My husband doesn't even get me roses and perfume, I felt so pampered. ;) A hydrangea magnetic notepad, a pelican knick knack, very cute. A magnet that says 'You Don't Frighten Me, I Have Teenagers' LOL! (I am beginning to understand what that means, believe me!) A package of dolphin buttons! More crochet leaflets, and a fun fur leaflet, too. With scarves and mittens and hats. I haven't made any hats or mittens with fun fur yet. And a lovely notecard from Cheryl, too. She has been the greatest swap partner. And even with a hurricane damaging her house; she still sent me a package with everything going on in her life. I was so fortunate to have such a good Secret Pal, and hopefully we will be able to stay in touch in the future.
And, my sock/slipper swap partner is great, too! Joanne sent me a pair of socks and a pair of slippers!! The slippers are so thick and comfy, I didn't want to take them off today! They were made with a burgundy/brown mix yarn. I love those colors together! And the socks are awesome!! They are navy blue, and have a one inch ribbed cuff. I remember her saying in the beginning of the swap that she wasn't a great crocheter, but they are awesome! I must be a really bad crocheter, if she isn't all that great of a crocheter!! Because the socks are just perfect. I want to find out what pattern she used, I want to make some myself.
If all swaps went this well I would join every swap! I know some people were very disappointed with their swap partners. Not sending anything, not responding to things sent. I feel so bad for them. Especially when they were good to their swap partner! I don't think I am going to join any more swaps for a while, just because we are moving and the next few months will be hectic. And then we will have to move yet again. I will do the RAOK thing, though. In fact, I just sent one out two days ago, and I have a box ready to go for someone else, too. In between packing, cleaning, cooking.... and all the regular stuff...

This is the pumpkin Mimi sent...

This is the pumpkin Mimi sent...
Posted by: tpryst on Buzznet

I am going back to using the way I used to post pictures to my blog. Blogger is having issues with theirs. I guess.
Well now you can see the pumpkin Mimi sent me. And, how tiny it is, too! Next to the card she sent. I love it it's so cute. I haven't decided what I'm going to put in it yet. Thank you again Mimi!

In less than three weeks we will be moving, I can't believe it. I've been having panic attacks lately, and this is the only reason why I can think of. Usually once I figure out why I'm having them, I can sometimes talk myself out of having them. Usually I just try not thinking at all about anything (that is bugging me), and sometimes that works... Ha ha... I must not think much... I know some of you were thinking it.. ;) I am waiting to hear back from a landlord we might be renting from, he's checking all our info out, then he said he will let me know. I guess that doesn't matter, we can find another place to live if that one doesn't go through. Which, I kind of hope it doesn't, because I would rather have a month to month or six month lease somewhere (in case I absolutely can't stand it there...) This one will be a year lease.

I still miss Koda. He must be doing good with his new owners, they haven't called me with any problems yet. I emailed one of the other people who bought one of the puppies, to see how she is doing, and he is supposed to email me some pictures of her. He said they just got her spayed last week (which also relieves my mind, now there won't be any grandpuppies, and people coming to me... 'Can you take any of these puppies?'...) I just want to see what she looks like, and how she is doing... I suppose I could drive by the other peoples' house and see if I can see the other male, too. I was thinking about sending them a card with a gift certificate to PetCo or something. And hopefully they will send me a picture of him...

We have company coming over today, and we are supposed to go over someones' house for dinner tonight, too. I should probably get the whip cracking.. ;))

Okay what is the deal with Blogger? This is what my pictures keep turning out like. It doens't matter what the picture is. I

What the heck is up with blogger lately? I can't post any pictures, anyhow. Ughhh....

Well I found a home; loving, I hope, for our last puppy. A retired gentleman and his wife wanted a companion. Stupid me forgot to get his phone number to call him and see how everything was going. (And caller ID battery is dead....) This puppy had a problem with being in his cage too long, and some people might not be able to handle the yelping every morning, first thing. I wanted to see how he is. I miss him... :(( I think I have 'empty nest' syndrome or something. sniff.... Well I hope they love him and are taking good care of him. I am not so worried about the other two; I did call the people who took them, and checked up on them a couple of times and they seem to be happy with their puppies. Well.... I guess if there's a problem, he'll call. Every time the phone rings, I think, 'Oh, maybe that's him!'

Look What my Secret Pal sent me!

Now this is my secret (to her) pal, not Peekaboo. I got this in the mail yesterday. Isn't it cute? She also sent a little black cauldron with a face on it, and a towel she had started which I think will use for a runner on the table in the living room. What an unexpected but nice surprise! Thank you, Mimi! ....Okay for some reason the picture will not post. Hmmm... I guess I will try tomorrow or something. It is a cute little pumpkin with a lid, to put things inside. I love it.

Well only three weeks (and one day) until we move. I am trying not to get stressed out about it. A lot has happened that I'm happy about with the whole thing, though.

Depression sets in....

I'm feeling a little depressed. I know why, my mom just left to go back home, and I probably won't see her again for I don't know how long. Especially since we will be moving in another month. I will just have to save my money and then be able to take a vacation and go visit her; maybe in the spring or summer. The whole family is moving away from each other. Kind of weird since we've all lived in Michigan all our life. (Not that Michigan is so great, but....)
Well I have a gazillion things I should be doing right now.
Have a Good Day Everybody!!

I made two pumpkin pies this morning. Here's one of them. Yummy.... (Yes, I'm a little weird, blogging about a pumpkin pie). I do not do pies well, though. So I am kind of proud of these. They look much better in real life, though. I love pumpkin pie, it's my favorite.
I almost mailed my socks for the Sock/Slipper swap today. I went up to the post office, mailed a box for my SIL, and was going to put stamps on the package of socks, but I couldn't find them anywhere in my purse. That would be just like me. I have no idea where they are. I hope I find them around here somewhere. I can't imagine how I could lose them in the house. Ughh... My brain...
Well I suppose I should get some more done around here before Hubby gets home.

A Postcard from London

I got this in the mail today! It's from my brother. Even though he's already been back for about a week. I wish I could go to London someday........ It looks like fun.

A Tested Purse Pattern--The Matrix

Here it is, finished. I tested this purse pattern for Mimi, who is my Secret Pal for the Autumn Secret Pal Swap at Crochetville. I used Bernat's 'Matrix', size 10 crochet cotton, and a size 4 mm hook (an F hook). It turned out really nice. I have another ball of Matrix, so I plan on making another one, too. I still want to line this one, as well. I think sharp pointy objects (such as keys) might poke through easily. I would use this to go to a wedding even, it's pretty classy. And the right size, too. Thank you for letting me test it Mimi! ;)

I think I have to work desparately on things to sell in the MIL store now. She's going to be here in less than two weeks and I promised her I would have stuff done for her to take. YIKES!! I only have one bowl done, so far. And two Picasso potholders ready to sew together, but not sewn together yet...

I think I have the flu all the kids have had. Except maybe not as bad. I have a conference tonight with my sons' teacher, so I hope I'll be able to make it!
Well Have a Good Day..

South Bay Socks Are Done!

A picture here would be nice, but in all fairness to my swap partner, I don't want to ruin the surprise if she happens to read my blog at all. I have them and the slippers ready to go. I bought a big bubble envelope today at Kmart. Now I'll just need to go to the Post Office on Monday. Now that I'm done with the Autumn Secret Pals and the Sock and Slipper Swap, I think I am done with swaps for a while. Until we get settled in at our new house. I also have to finish testing the Matrix purse. I have started it twice, then started it a third time in a brown thread. I already have two planned as gifts. And if I can afford more Matrix ribbon, a third, too. I will probably line them. These will make good gifts for women. I also have to start making things to sell in the MIL store, too.
My mom and sister are staying over tonight at our house. Long story.... But I foresee a busy weekend! I hope everyone else has a nice weekend, too!

An F.O.-- A Boa Scarf

Here is a Boa Scarf I finished with the Lion Suede my Secret Pal, Peekaboo, sent me. I love this scarf, it's so cozy I could wear it all day. I used a pattern from a 'Michaels Project Sheet' she also sent me. I think it is the same as this pattern: Plush Boa from Lion Brand. I made my starting chain longer than the pattern called for, since Lion Suede isn't as heavy a weight as the Chenille Thick and Quick is. I also didn't do the third row, since I ran out of yarn. But, I kind of like it just the way it is. In fact, I really like it. Thank you again, Peekaboo!! ;)

Here Is a Close-Up

Second Sock

I have started the second sock for my swap partner. I don't have 'Second Sock Syndrome' at all this time, either. ;) I even want to make some more, and have two different kinds of sock yarn to try.
Sunny came back home. After I drove around for ten minutes looking for her, and asked someone who was standing outside if they saw a little red dog... I came back home, and there she was, standing there. 'What? I didn't do anything...' I don't think she was gone long enough to have gotten 'it'... I guess if she starts getting big and has puppies in nine weeks, we'll know... Ugh... I just want to get her fixed and not worry about it any more.
Anyway... I wasted about an hour at least today doing something that is a complete waste of time but needs to be done.... I washed walls. They were filthy. You would think everyone walks around with their filthy dirty hands on the walls all day. Now if I can just keep everyone's hands off the walls until we move... Oh well they'll still be cleaner than me not doing it at all. And they look a lot better.
Have a Nice Day everyone! ;)

My Dog Ran Away

I let her out on her tie out chain about half an hour ago. I just went to check on her and see if she got tangled up or something (she's in heat, too, so I wanted to make sure no dogs got her...) Well I looked outside and the chain is laying on the ground and she's not anywhere to be seen.... This is about the hundredth time she has run away. The thing is, though, we live on by a major road (traffic wise.) Last time she ran away she ran right out on that road and a truck almost hit her. (I was standing right there and saw it.) I suppose I should go look for her now. She is probably dead this time. (I say that every time.) I hope no male dog got her, I don't want anymore puppies, either!! UGH.....

Finishing Projects, Then Packing...

Actually I have already started on the packing a little. I went through the younger two boys' bedroom today, and went through all three toyboxes. Yes, three. I got it down to two, though. Dirty clothes, gum wrappers, candy wrappers, papers, broken Happy Meal toys.... Then I went through their closet! I must have eaten my Wheaties this morning, eh? (Actually, I had granola...) anyway... ;) I am thinking about having a 'Moving Sale' too. Then we won't have to take all this stuff with us. A lot of the oldest ones' clothes I know the 8 year old won't wear. And, I don't just want to throw them away. And if I were to take them to the resale store I might be out of state by the time they sell, soooo.... Whatever doesn't sell at the garage sale I will have to take with us then take to a resale store out there. Or have another garage sale out there! Or something... I hate to just throw it away. Oh I already said that.....
So I am trying to finish up these socks for the swap then the Matrix purse, then I am packing like a madman.
Our oldest thinks he is going to be rich from selling all his stuff at the garage sale. I told him he could sell what ever he wants and make some money. (He thinks he's going to sell his fish tank for $125, and his Legos for $400!!) He is in for a surprise. It will be a learning experience for him, and it will be fun for him to make some extra money, too.
Well I suppose I should go through some more stuff or something...

I Found a Pumpkin Pattern!

I have been looking for a pumpkin pattern to crochet. And whilst browsing through Crochetville one day, I found this! I want to try it, but I have sooooo much to finish right now. I at least want to bookmark it so I know where it is when I finally get more printer ink...
And, I finally tackled the South Bay toe up crocheted socks. I have a hard enough time confusing myself with out trying to figure something not completely simple out lately... But, I did it! And, I LOVE these socks! These are for my swap partner (hopefully she doesn't read my blog). But when I am done, I want to make some for me. In exactly the same color and everything. I love, love, love these!!!! I have knitted socks before (not for me, but...) these are so comfy, and they look good, too. Now my husband says 'When you're done making those you can make me another pair.' And my son says, 'I want a pair too. In dark blue with red heels and toes.' So, I think I am going to be busy for a while. I guess I should probably make them all socks, since I crocheted/knitted slippers for the younger two...
Hope everyone had a nice weekend!

I'm so nervous!!

I just read at Crochetville that my secret pal is mailing out my package on Monday!! I hope it isn't anything too expensive or too much, I will feel so guilty. I know I can never repay everything she has sent me! (I'm already having a guilt trip....)
And, I'm feeling guilty because I still haven't mailed out my secret pals' reveal package, either. I need to just get up there and mail it, and deal with hubby being mad at me for it later. (Money....) It's actually really irritating.

In crochet news.... I am working on my swap partners' socks now. I finished her slippers, I think I already posted about that. I really like how the socks are turning out, and I think they will go pretty quick, too. I already want to buy some more of this yarn and make myself a pair. It's Moda Dea 'Sassy Stripes' in 'Crush', I guess. It's a red, pink, purple, and white self-striping yarn. It's awesome!! Did you know Meijers carried Moda Dea??? I didn't! (I do now!...)

Have a Great Weekend, everyone!

Slippers

Well I am on a slipper kick now. Ha ha.... ( slipper--kick... get it? Ughh...) ;) I finished a pair of slippers for my swap partner. Now I can't stop!! These slippers I was making for myself, but our eight year old snagged the first slipper before I even finished it! I finished the other one today.I have so many ideas for slipper patterns. I hate that. None of them will probably be any good, either. I might try submitting one, somewhere. We'll see. If no one takes them, I'll put them up on my pattern page.
My dog is in heat again. I want to get her fixed. No more puppies for us.
It's such a warm day today, with the way it's been cold out lately. You never know how to dress now.
I must be bored, I'm blogging and I don't know what to blog about!
I want to go see what 'Fast and Fun Crochet' is all about. Some people at C'ville posted some cute pictures they made from this magazine. I've never seen it.
And, I have this overwhelming desire to crochet a pumpkin! I don't know what I will use it for. It will have to be useful. Maybe I can find a free pumpkin pattern somewhere.

I have some new buttons!

This is my secret pal Mimi's buttons for her blog! Yarns and Threads is her site where she sells her yarns and threads. ;p and 'My Crochet Stuff is her blogsite. We have come to know each other pretty well through the secret pal swap. We never would have met if it wasn't for the secret pals! Crochetville sure does have a way to bring people together!

My Dishies Came in the Mail!!

YAY!! (I forgot how many new pictures I uploaded that I can blog about...) Here they all are. I got one from: Melissa (Cat's Cradle Creations), Jen (JenC), Princsstrish (Princsstrish), Melannie of Montana (Mel2nluvs2Crochet??), and KellyV!! Aren't they all gorgeous? I don't know how I'm going to wash dishes with these. ??? They are too pretty. Thank you everyone, I love them all!!

Another gift from Peekaboo!!!

Will you look at the size of this tote bag!!? It is awesome!! I had my dog (Sunny, who likes having her picture taken--she's funny..) sit next to it, so you can see how big this bag is. Of course, you don't know how big my dog is. But, I can tell you... She is about 14 inches (to the chest). Add another four inches, probably to the tip of her head. So, 18 inches?? (No, I can't do it the easy way and go get a tape measure and measure the bag...) And, she was 27 lbs last time we weighed her. (I think their scale is wrong, though. Last time we weighed her before that, she weighed 20 lbs exactly, and she was bigger. With more fur. Since she's had the puppies, she's scrawny!!) ANYWAY!... Back to the tote bag!! I do have a couple other tote bags I have been using, but this tote bag I could carry ALL my projects in!! Who has to decide any more when we go on vacation which project to take with me because only one will fit in the bag? Now, I can take two or three!! An afghan, even, if I was working on one! This bag is truly made for the serious crocheter! And, Peekaboo must be a serious crocheter, since she knew I needed one of these! ;) I love it! Thank you again, Peekaboo!!
Now, wouldn't you know my camera needs new batteries so I can't take a picture of what I made with the Lion Suede that Peekaboo sent me.... so, when I get a chance to go get some new batteries, I will post a picture of it. Not that the pictures are all that great, but... they are better than nothing.....
Have a Great Weekend! I know I will, with everything Peekaboo sent me!! :)))

This is the thread holder Peekaboo sent!

This is absolutely gorgeous! I have never seen anything like this. Then, last night when I was looking for a pattern (for something else which I haven't posted about yet...), I saw a 'Vintage Thread Holder' pattern in the Crochet-A-Day Calendar. It had a heart around the hole instead of the star. Personally, I like the star Peekaboo made me a lot better. See the hole? WIth the thread coming out? This is ingenious! I guess you can crochet anything! (I always tell my husband: 'I could crochet something like that'..) ;) I'm not the only one who thinks this way. Someone over at Crochet Me crocheted a tomato with a worm from a tomato (w/a worm) her mother gave her to sell at a yard sale! It's cute. Go check it out. I have so many new patterns from Peekaboo, my brain is getting overloaded! (I think I will stay right here...) ;p

Have a Great Day!! It's the weekend!!

My Secret Pal is SPOILING me!!!

She has sent me so many wonderful things already. Now I just got this package in the mail a couple days ago!! You can't see it very well in the picture, but there are two skeins of Lion Suede, in 'Teal' (which I have already made something with!!) Four crocheted coasters; Peekaboo has been busy crocheting, she also sent a star thread holder (with some thread inside!!) I can see a purse coming out of this thread. Two lovely brooches. One I have already worn to church. And, a large safety pin which you could use to wear on a scarf or even a skirt if you need to keep it closed. She sent me stitch holders!! I have never had these before. I usually just cut a contrasting piece of yarn or thread or something to use for a 'stitch holder'. Now I can crochet in style!! She also sent an adorable Precious Moments address book, a 'T' sticky note pad. I have bought these for everyone (my own secret pal included) but never bought one for myself!! Thank you Peekaboo! She also sent many many crochet leaflets; purses, afghans, baby afghan & sweater, rugs, hats, scarves (I've already made a scarf with one of these leaflets, and the Lion suede that Peekaboo sent! I finished it last night.) And, a Moda Dea shrug and matching bag pattern!! I love this!! I've been wanting a simple shrug pattern. I found a couple online, but... This one is nice, it comes all the way down in back. She also sent two card games for the whole family! We may just play them today while Dad is at work. And, my favorite tea in the world!! Madagascar Vanilla Red!! Thank you Peekaboo!! You are the absolute best! I'm so happy to have a secret pal, and you have made it more than I ever imagined!

Secret Pal, You Rock!!

Looky what I got in the mail today!! From my Secret Pal! A Crochetville coffee mug! I LOVE it! I've been wanting to get something from the Crochetville CafePress store. And I probably would have gotten a coffee mug, too. My three year old was SO excited to see the bubble wrap. (He loves bubble wrap, give him a new toy or bubble wrap, I think he would take the bubble wrap) I think this is one mug my hubby won't touch. Do you have a favorite mug that your husband is always taking? Well I don't think my husband will be seen dead with a Crochet hook on his coffee mug! ;)
Thank you Peekaboo!!! You made my day again!! :)

Some FO's

Well I finished some projects this weekend. A pair of Crocheted Socks: I have two people in mind to give these to. They look better in the picture than in real life, I think. I also started another pair, too, the South Bay toe-up socks. I am waiting to see who my swap partner is for Sock and Slipper swap, so I know what size to make them and all... I am making them with 'Wildfoote' in the 'Master Grey' colorway. I got his yarn at the Lost Art yarn store in Traverse City last time we went up. I would post a link for the Sock and Slipper swap, but it is closed. :( And, the Picasso is finishimo!! YAY!! I crocheted a backing, too, and sewed it on, too. I really like this potholder. I'll have to think of some colors to make one for my own kitchen. :)

Going Back To Work....

I may be going back to work... Even with the 'free craft booth' thing. (I haven't even made anything for it yet, BTW). We need real money, right now... I haven't worked in three and a half years. Yesterday morning I worked on my resume. What a joke. I don't even know what I'm doing. I feel a little better about it today. I filled out an online application for a local hospital. I just have to take it in. I'm thinking my only option right now is going to be waitressing again, though. As much as I hate it, it's good money, fast. And it will only be temporary. Until we move. Then we are thinking of opening our own business, which I will help with, too. I was kind of scared yesterday about the whole going back to work thing. But now I'm actually kind of excited. And it will be a break from the kids. And, if I'm just going to a restaurant, my resume will look good....

I May Have a Free Craft Booth Forever!!!

My MIL is opening a consignment store where she lives. She wants me to sell some of my crocheted items in her store!!! I am so excited! I will be very busy for a while, but in a good way!!

YAY!!!! A short post, but I had to share!!

Here It Is: The Picasso Potholder!!

Yay! I took it all apart last night and resewed it (in between coughing my lungs out.) I think I did it right this time. I wasn't going to sleep well last night if I didn't finish it. Hee hee. Now I have to finish off the ends (I have three needles w/ thread sticking out so I knew where the ends were, in case I had to redo it again.) Then, crochet a backing for it, and sew that on. Then it will be finished. I already have some colors in mind for my next one. This morning I found this dangerously close to the butter. GRRR! The only one who was up before me this morning was my husband.... Who has no appreciation for art. (Obviously!) Just joking around...
Well I better sign off to take the younguns to school. Hee hee (I think this cold has gone to my brain....)
Oops, sorry folks. I forgot to give you a link to this most awesome potholder:http://splynda.com/free_patterns/picasso/picasso.htm
I don't know who invented this pattern, but it really is a work of art. And thank you 'Splynda', :) once again, for sharing this wonderful pattern.

Here it is the First Time Sewing It

What did I do wrong??? Ugh.....
See the cough drops? Hee hee... I've been eating these like candy lately...

Or Is It a Hat?

Here it is on our sons' ducky. It really looks like a hat, doesn't it?

A Ruffled Potholder- A WIP

Some pictures finally! YAY!! The top picture is two 'recycled envelopes' I made out of magazine pages. I remember doing this when I was younger. I LOVE this idea! I can see me doing this for a long time.. Well here is one thing I wrote about yesterday, the 'ruffled potholder' I was talking about. This is how it's done, on a 'grid'. You start in the center, and crochet in 'rounds' kind of, wiggling all around until you are back at the beginning. Join, then fasten off. Then start another one. You can use up all your scrap threads (this is why I love this!!) or do a color scheme. I am making this one in sage green and soft yellow to go in my Grandma's kitchen. Last night I started sewing a potholder together to be gifted. That's all I'm saying at this point... So, no pictures until after the person receives it. Which might be a while. I don't even know if she reads my blog at all, but I don't want to take any chances.
Have a Nice Day!

What Is Wrong With Me???

I think something must be terribly wrong with me. I've been cleaning for the past two days-- and LIKING it!!!! That's the weird part. I actually am enjoying it. And, I am sick!! Just a cold, but... Maybe it's gone to my brain, that's what's wrong.... I don't know what's going on, but it's freaking me out. ;)

I wish I could post some pictures. I do have a potholder almost done, I just have to sew it up. It's a surprise for someone though, and they might read this and see it. Also, I still have not taken my camera in to have the pictures printed, so I'm afraid to take any more pictures and try to upload them. I don't trust my computer. The last two times it ate my pictures. I'm also working on a potholder I saw at Crochetville. I don't know what it's called, but I do have a book that it is in. 'Old Time Crochet Made Easy'. It's called 'Ruffled Pot Holder or Hot Mat' in the book. You can read about it in this post at C'ville. It's kind of cool. I've been expanding my crochet horizons, trying 'different' stitches and ways of doing things. I made a 6" square to donate to 'Squares for Survivors', using a 'bullion stitch'. I've never even heard of it before; and I don't know if I could do a whole afghan with these squares, but I do like the finished look. See... right now would be a good time for a picture. It is already ready to ship out, though.
We still haven't sold this last male puppy. He's starting to grow on me, though. He is a stinker at times, like most dogs. But then he will come lay by my feet when I'm washing the dishes or working in the kitchen, he's so sweet.... It just melts my heart. We re-named him (again), Koda McKinley. Our oldest son read a book about dogs, "The Good Dog": one of the dogs was named McKinley, and he liked that name. I didn't think it 'fit' our puppy. I liked Koda, so I said, "How about we name him Koda for his 'first' name, and McKinley can be his 'last' name?" If we end up keeping him, I'll have to send in the papers. I will also definitely have to get one of them fixed!! I won't go into details.... But.... ugh.....
Have a Nice Day Everyone!!!

Well I haven't blogged in a while. I've been kinda 'down' lately, I don't know why. Maybe with everything that's going on with the hurricane. It makes me sick the way people act. Shooting at rescue helicopters, then complaining because no one is coming to get them. ??? Stealing tvs when they don't have anywhere to watch them?? I don't get it. I could see stealing food, especially if you haven't had any for six days, but a tv? When you don't even have any electricity, let alone a house to watch it in? It just makes me sick the way they are acting, instead of helping one another and 'loving your neighbor'. I guess it's too much to expect. Look at the way people drive, or try to run you over with their grocery cart in the store.

I've been crocheting a little. And knitting a little. I finished my dishcloths for the dishcloth swap (a while ago), those are sent in. Now I am working on something else... that I can't talk about, because it is a 'surprise'. It's not the secret pals, although I am working on something for that, too. I have so many new patterns to try, I can't wait. I want to finish everything I am working on, so I can start something new that my secret pal sent me. At the rate I'm going it will be never, though. I have a sweater for my (almost) three year old, an afghan for my FIL, a shawl that I don't even want anymore, still not finished.... (Gift for someone???) An Inspired Lace Scarf, squares to be sewn together... I need to start the Wednesday WIP again, so I can stay on top of things like I used to be. I also have some gorgeous new Lionbrand Microspun yarn my secret pal sent me I want to try.

Well have a Nice Weekend everyone!

I am still in shock from all the awesome things I got in the mail yesterday from my Secret Pal, Peekaboo! I just love everything. While I was making dinner I burned one of the Chanel #5 incense (the boys wanted to see how it worked). I LOVE that scent!!! After dinner and dishes I sat outside with all my new stuff and looked through the Crochet Pattern-a-Day calendar. I can't believe how many patterns there are! Well. Duh, how many days are in a year? It is AWESOME!!! I will never be able to make all those. Then, if that wasn't enough, my secret pal gave me the 'Big Book of Crochet'!! I already see some baby bibs in there that I want to make for a friend. This book has everything! (I guess that's why they call it the 'Big Book of Crochet'...(I'm a little slow this morning... need more coffee....) It even has some bathroom baskets to crochet with fabric strips. I've never crocheted with fabric strips, but I have crocheted with bag strips which reminds me, that bag that I am making my mom is in the Crochet Pattern-a-Day calendar! I've seen a lot of people from C'ville have patterns in there- I won't say any more in case there are some people out there who haven't gotten it yet, I don't want to spoil the surprise... Oh this is hard... I'll just say there is a LOT of stuff in there that I want to make already!! And, last but certainly not least (crochetwise, anyway..) A Family Circle easy CROCHET!!!! magazine!!!! I am LOVING this! I buy FC Easy Knitting all the time, had I seen this (I haven't gotten out much since we've moved.... not knowing where things are kind of has something to do with it...) anyway had I seen this I definitely would have bought it!! Come to think of it, I am going to go see if I can find one for my secret pal.... I am going to be busy with some wonderful, wonderful, new patterns for a loooonngggg time! I feel like a kid in a candy store (with money) hee hee! Then, Peekaboo also sent all three boys a Pez Walgreens truck dispenser. They all loved it (even the thirteen year old had a smile on his face!) Which isn't rare, but... And the two (okay, he's almost three...) year old carried his Walgreens truck with him everywhere yesterday!! I am not kidding, when he went to bed last night, he had his Walgreens' truck in his hand! He loves it the most I think. :)) I just love everything you've sent me, secret pal Peekaboo!! I don't know how I can ever 'repay' you, except maybe by after the 'secret' is out, and I find out who you are, I can make you some things out of the books you have sent me!!

Thank You Peekaboo!! :)

Back to School...

Today is registration day for our oldest son. He's going to a 'real' middle school now! (They both went to a small charter school where we used to live). This school is a LOT bigger. He doesn't seem to be intimidated by it, though, so I'm not going to 'feed his fears', like my mother does to me... He's actually excited to be going here, so I'm not going to say anything. I/we haven't heard anything from our elementary school yet. Maybe I will call them later after I get everything else done...

I am working on things to send my Secret Pal. And I'm going to the store today to pick up a couple things, too.


Have a Nice Day!

My computer is eating my pictures. I took a bunch of pictures today at a family get together I went to. I plugged the chip into the computer....nothing happened. I didn't want to bring up the Dell picture thingy, because every time I do that, there are pictures underneath the pictures I want to upload, (that aren't there before I click on the pictures I want to upload!?) that get uploaded instead. I don't know what I am doing; it's very frustrating. I should just go buy an old-fashioned camera again and do it the old school way, at least I know what I'm doing then; I can put the pictures on CD, and the computer won't erase them. It's so irritating. Fortunately I took this picture before it started doing all this. This is what my secret pal sent me!! I've taken way too long to post it here, but my life has been CRAZY lately. And it's about to get crazier, with school starting. We are starting new schools; have to go and register (I thought I did that already? Maybe I need to go back to school...) Ugh... Anyway... My secret pal, Peekaboo, sent me so much awesome stuff! I can't believe it, still. Four skeins of Lion Brand Micro Spun in Coral. Yummy! I can't wait to make something really special with this. A top for me, maybe. Is four skeins enough? And, a tube of blue beads from the Beadery!! And a bag of beads, too, all different colors. A sheep measuring tape (I didn't know what this was...) hee hee (She told me later) A box of my FAVORITE tea!!! A lovely box of stationery, very unique... I love it! A Starbucks gift card!!! I LOVE this! I've already used it once. I don't want to waste it. Some chocolate covered coffee beans, with coffee and my crocheting (okay, well it hasn't happened yet, but I hope this next week I'll get some quiet time just for me, and I will get all these things together and be on crochet cloud nine! ;) She also sent a "Hug" token. Everything is so wonderful; my secret pal is spoiling me. I still can't believe all she sent. I have a lot in common with my secret pal, too. (The one who I don't know yet...) I better get busy and send my secret pal some better packages now!Speaking of which, I do have a couple things on the way (in the mail), and a couple of things hidden. I just need to get it all together. I hope my secret pal is as happy with me as I am with mine!!
I bought a cat collar for our puppy tonight. I am so sick of taking it outside every morning first thing in the morning after I wake up, stand outside in my pajamas, wait for the puppy to go to the bathroom.... Ugh... Well tonight I put his collar on, and he wouldn't move. He sat there, eating grass. Then he pukes!... UGHHH! Not somewhere out in the back of the yard, right on the patio. Five minutes after I bring him in the house, he pees on the floor. (In his pen, on the tile, but.... I just had him outside for fifteen minutes!!???) I am just getting so tired of this. I am never breeding my dog again. The only possible way I would breed her again is if we somehow got a ton of acreage with a barn on the back forty, and I could put the dogs in the barn so I wouldn't have to hear them, or potty train them, or clean up their mess. Of course then they wouldn't be as socialized then... I just think I am done. I put another ad in the paper for ten more days. I really hope someone will buy him. I don't know how much more I can take!

Not to end on a complaining note,
Have a lovely day, all... :)

Do You Think I'm Obsessed?

Okay. Is this bordering on obsession or something? I have one dishcloth on knitting needles. Another dishcloth, from same skein, being crocheted. I didn't think anything of it until I stopped to look and thought, "Uh someone might think I'm obsessed or something if they saw this...." Hee hee. Well now they are separated. Now I only have one dishcloth left for the dishcloth "In Hot Water" swap. I don't know if I can stop now, after seeing this picture of what I've become.... (Insert evil laughter here...)

Here's the picture

Here we go! This is the picture I was trying to post. This is the puppy we have left (Taz).

Two down, one to go...

Blogger won't let me post a picture today. I was going to post a picture of the puppy we have left. I have sold his brother and his sister. Now he's so lonely... :( No one to play with (fight with or bite.) :) I sold the little girl puppy (Duchess) to a man with no kids, a girlfriend or wife, I think; he already has one dog and one cat. And the big boy puppy (Sumo, he was my favorite!) to a family with three kids. He called me and asked me about 100 questions. They came over to look at the puppies. Then came back the next day and got one. (Yesterday). I hope they send me pictures and keep me updated. As much as the puppies drove me nuts, I will miss them and wonder how they are. (I guess I could do this all over again next time she goes into heat!...)

In knitting/crocheting news: I am on my third dishcloth, the 'Idiot's' dishcloth. Well I must be a true idiot, cuz I can't even get it right! I think I must have not been paying attention and increased a couple times when I was supposed to be decreasing.

I have an appointment for a free foot massage today (for one whole hour!) I should go get ready to go so I'm not late!!

Have a Nice Day!

#2 Dishcloth is Finished!

Well here is dishcloth number two. It's from the Bernat site. I think I found it at Knitting Pattern Central. It's called "Simple Ridge Dish Cloth". Now I'm onto dishcloth #3: 'Idiot's' Dishcloth (link is in yesterdays' post.)

I am also thinking of starting a baby afghan (as if I don't already have enough on my crochet/knitting plate! I already started one motif. I'm not quite sure yet. The baby shower is September 10. I think I would have enough time, but I also want to knit a sweater, so I have to make a decision.... (I think I would want the sweater, personally.) The mother can knit but not that well I don't think. So maybe a sweater would be better. I just have to find a suitable pattern. (It's a girl BTW.)

Have A Great Day!

One Down, Four to Go

Well here is my first dishcloth finished for the "In Hot Water Dishcloth Swap"! (I had a head start, I started this before I even knew about the swap, and decided to join since I was already crocheting a dishcloth...) Now I've started a knitted one. I need to find a pattern where I don't have to count rows, though. I had a garter stich one in one of my FC Easy Knitting magazines, but I can't seem to find it anywhere.... I also only have off-white, black, navy blue, and orange dishcloth cotton. I really don't want to have to buy more, but I would like to do some 'different' colors. Maybe I can find some on sale somewhere. I have to run out today, maybe to go 'back home', and post some fliers up for the puppies. I can't find anywhere around here that will let you post fliers up anymore. Well, I take that back, WholeFoods has a board in back; I did put a flier up there. It's a pretty busy place, too. Plus an ad in the Ann Arbor News, and an ad that's going in todays' paper in The Detroit News. My mom said that's the paper they sold all their puppies from. So, hopefully we will start getting some phone calls.... I've only gotten one call from the Ann Arbor News so far.
My husband says we might move sooner than he thought. I'm trying not to get my hopes up too high, but I'm excited!! I hope he doesn't get the job he was hoping to get. That doesn't sound good. But I really want to move! The whole plan when we moved here was to be moving to CO in a couple of months. So... We will see...
Edited to say: I found the pattern I was looking for, at Knitting Pattern Central. It's called the "'Idiot's' Dishcloth". That would be me! LOL!

**Have A Great Day!**

Another Swap!

Another swap I have joined! The "In Hot Water Dishcloth Swap". I missed the Kitchen Swap; I was so bummed. This swap will be a lot of fun, and even easier than than the Kitchen Swap, since this is only dishcloths. Which I like to make. I have one dishcloth half way done, actually. I started it before the dishcloth swap, so it worked out good. :)

**Have a Great Day!**

My Parents are Moving to Tennessee!

YAY! I can't wait. Last spring my mom moved to Florida (they picked the perfect year to move there, eh?) After wanting to move to Florida SO bad, now she wants to move 'back home' so bad.... (Don't ask me, I can't figure it out either...) She would enter sweepstakes to win a home in Florida, talk about Florida all the time.... Then when they moved there, all I heard was "There's another hurricane coming towards us..." They never got hit (they're on the gulf coast), but... Well, now they got a 'better' job offer in Tennessee, and will be moving there probably by the end of the week. So they will be a lot closer to us in Michigan. I guess my brother and his wife are moving there, too. And my other sister and her husband will be moving way up north. So now I only have one sister, and her husband, in the area (about 20 minutes away).... :( Oh well. It actually works out better for us this way, because we are on our way to Colorado! (eventually) Now we won't have anyone saying to us, "You can't move out of state!" When they all did!... It will give us all a reason to travel and go visit family at the same time.... So I'm happy. I think my mom is too. (I don't know though..) :)

Have a Great Day!

SHIBA INU PUPPIES FOR SALE!!

They are six weeks old today. I have already made up some 'fliers' to post everywhere. And I need to call and put an ad in the paper. This is one of the pictures I put on the flier. (That's 'Whiny Boy', whom the kids have renamed 'Taz', too. FYI) They are done nursing (their mother won't let them, anymore.) And eating regular puppy food. I think they're ready. (I KNOW I am!) :)

Snowflakes in July!!! (Again...)

Here are all the snowflakes I have completed since the start of the Snowflake CAL. Actually there is one more coaster that is almost done. I saw someones' snowflakes at Crochetville that were done in all different colors. Neutral, gold, and white... It never occured to me to do a snowflake in anything other than white.... This opens up all kinds of possibilities!! Hee hee... I have some gold , with a shiny gold thread running through it. I think I'll make something with that. Either a snowflake, or a snowflake bookmark. Even light blue would work. I am going to see if I can find some lurex somewhere to add to plain old thread. I love the way the bottom snowflake turned out. You can't see it very well in the picture, but it is shiny, glittery and beautiful. That has lurex in it. It was sent to me by Julie; I love it. I found a couple snowflake doilies, too, that I might try. I like the Ice Blue Snow Crystal Doily, (it is a PDF file, just FYI) . I also saw another Snowflake Doily that is all right. If I am going to do a doily, it will be the Ice Blue one. That would be really pretty with lurex in it! I saw some lurex on ebay I want to buy so bad. After doing the Snowflake CAL, I think I might like to join the Snowflake Mondays with Julie. Have a Great Day! :)))

Snowflakes in July!

Today is the first day of the Snowflake in July Crochet Along! I have pulled out all my snowflake patterns, and a new pattern booklet I was RAOK'd with! See>>>
I LOVE it! I have been wanting this booklet for a while now. I want to make them all, all at once. ha ha (I think that's why I have so many projects going all the time...) I am going to be good, and only make snowflakes. I have three snowflake coaster patterns, a snowflake dishcloth pattern, a snowflake bookmark pattern, and tons of just snowflake patterns. I think first I am going to finish the snowflake I started from this new book. We will see how many I will be able to get done. With three kids, and a dog with three puppies, there's never a dull moment around here, you know! Which reminds me, I think I am going to start advertising the puppies are for sale. (The pupppies are driving me to do this...) They will be six weeks old this Friday. I was going to wait until they were eight weeks to let them go, but they are done with nursing. Sunny won't let them nurse anymore. And they are eating regular puppy food. So, I think they will be ready by this Friday! I can't believe it is here already. (But, on the other hand, I am glad!) I don't think I am going to do this again. Unless we move somewhere with ten acres and a barn on the back of the property so I can't hear the puppies howling! ugh... I guess I'm not cut out for this. I wanted to see the puppies be born, and watch them grow. And the kids have like having puppies. They are just so much work. And so much noise! I finally got some batteries for my camera yesterday, and I am going to try and get a good shot of the puppies today so I can make up some 'fliers' to post everywhere. I wish I could put a sound system in my blog so you could hear the puppies, and see that I am not exaggerating!

Here is "Whiny Boy", trying to go eat out of Mom's food bowl. He could barely walk at this point, but he was still trying to get her food... (Sorry for the tail right in your face...)

The puppies aregrowing too big, too fast. This was a week ago, I think. They know how to get out of the pen (I only put the pen up about four weeks of age, I think), and go running straight for it as soon as I open the cage/kennel in the morning. One in particular. "Whiny Boy" We kind of gave them all names. "Big Boy", "Whiny Boy", and "Duchess". Big Boy is the biggest puppy. Whiny Boy whines so much it drives you nuts. And the boys started calling the girl Duchess. Big Boy is my favorite. He's the sweetest. Whiny Boy is sassy, and the first to try new things. He was the first to get out of the pen, the first to try to eat puppy food. He kept going over to Sunny's food bowl and trying to eat her food. So I got some and put it in a dish with some water, and he was the first one to eat. He went right over there and started eating like he knew just what to do. The girl, too. Big boy didn't get it for a while. I don't know why I like him the most. He has the cutest face. He has something going on with one of his eyes. I'll have to take him to the vets soon. I'll have to take them all in, anyway. Now which puppy is in the picture? I think it is Big Boy. Only because of the left eye. It looks like his one eye. I was thinking of calling him "One-Eyed Jack". :) In three and a half weeks they could all be gone. :( I can't believe it. They drive me crazy sometimes with their whining and howling, but I will miss them when they are gone. :((( I'm going to have to make people sign an agreement that they will keep in contact with me, and send pictures. (I actually know of one person who bought a Cocker Spaniel, and she told me that's what the person she bought him from did; made everyone who bought one of her puppies sign a paper.) I guess it's not a bad idea. How do you "enforce" it, though? Call them... "Um, Mr or Mrs So-and-So, we haven't received a picture in 30 days. Is there a problem?" Take people to court if they don't send you a picture? Then I have people dropping hints.... "Oh they're so cute. I want a puppy some day.... Maybe I'll take one of yours..." (Not unless you give me $***, you won't!" The person who said that to me is someone I know, and always trying to "make a deal".) I'm just babbling. I got up way too early this morning again. Must get more coffee... Have a great day!

I am having a crochet overload today or something. I have been crocheting all day. (I cleaned all day yesterday, so I'm entitled.) :) This morning I finished a pair of barefoot sandals. (Picture--They look so much cooler in real life!) These are for my mom, in Florida. Last summer while I was there (see how long it takes me to actually make things...) She bought a pair and said "I bet you could make these easily." I got the pattern (Where else?!) at Crochetville, from Cordelia. I've been working on the Summer Sky Halter, trying to finish that up. NOW... I have this sudden urge to crochet a bucket hat! I have a pattern for one somewhere. Uuughh. I need to stay focused....

Here is my progress so far on the pattern testing for Summer Sky Halter. I am on the bottom beginning ruffle. It is turning out so cute. Sorry for the bad picture. I took it on the bathroom counter at 6 am. It was still kind of dark out here.

I've been up since 4:30 because of the dog whining like she is going to die. Last time she did that and I tried to ignore her, there was a big mess in the morning. (She had puppies almost four weeks ago, if you scroll down you can see some of the pictures.) I might post some more pictures of the puppies later today.

Doily Swap

I absolutely LOVE this doily. This was sent to me from Stacy through the Crochetville Doily Swap (sign up is now closed). This photo does not do this doily justice. (I am not a photographer, sorry.) The stitches are so tiny, and neat, it is just perfect. I still have yet to find the perfect (kid-proof!) spot for this beauty. (I'm sure I will, though!) :)

Looky What I Got In The Mail Today!!!

It's DMC Traditions, with lurex thread!!! I'm so excited, I LOVE it!!! This was sent to me from Julie . I was reading her blog one morning whilst drinking me coffee, and she said "Snowflakes or 63 squares" (which should she work on 'today'.) So, I said snowflakes. I didn't know I was going to win a prize!

Thank You, Julie!!!

I love it! This is just before the Snowflake- In July-Along, too! (See button on sidebar for link and more info.) Now I can make some AWESOME snowflakes! Thank you again, Julie. You are so thoughtful, and really brightened my day. :)

What to blog about?

I have nothing to do today! YAY!!! And, the kids are all still asleep! I should be crocheting right now!! I will probably end up cleaning, because I "have" to, with three kids... and four dogs... even if three of them ARE puppies.... :) I wish I could spend the whole day crocheting, eating chocolate, and drinking coffee, but.... this is the real world we live in.....

I have almost finished one thing crochet; the "Wildflowers on a Vine" bookmark, by someone @ Crochetville. This is so simple, but yet, so cool! I really like it. I think I'll send this first one to my mom, to use while she's walking on the treadmill (she's always complaining how the pages blow everywhere while she's reading-- and walking). I tried to read while I was walking on her treadmill, once, I could not do it. Anyway, here is a picture of my almost done bookmark, to the left. I still need to add four more flowers, but you get the idea. I have four headbands left, too. :)

My AJ's Wristbag

Amazing what you can finish when you stay away from the computer for a while! :) I wanted to make one of these purses:
AJ's Wristbag for a long time, and finally finished one, today. I haven't decide who it will be going to. I originally started it to give for a graduation present (along with a gift card, etc...) Next time if I make another one, I will make the body shorter, and the straps a little longer. I'd like to try the Nylon Cord Shells Wristlet bag, too. If I can find any nylon cord.

Aaawww! Look at this cute little face!

Isn't it adorable?! I can't believe they are going to be three weeks old, tomorrow, already! Another week and they'll really start looking cute, and be running around. (I think). (He wouldn't hold his head still, so I had to keep my hand on it. Doesn't he look like a little ewok?!

Calling All Trekkies...

Here is my attempt at crocheting a Star Trek badge. My oldest (Trekkie) son begged me to show him how to crochet one. Guess who ended up crocheting it? It still needs some tweaking to look a little more real, but... Hey....

"In Crochet News...."

Well here is some crocheting! I told you I would post soon about it, and look at how fast I was.. (Same day!) :)
This is a halter pattern I am testing for someone at Crochetville. I've never tested a pattern before, so this is kind of fun/exciting. I really like how it is turning out so far. Too bad I don't have any girls. Lots of neices, though. And, I'm not really "into" the green color, but I wanted to use something from my stash, and it is different, too, so... I think it looks nice. It is a pale aqua color, and the thread is a sage green, but next to the aqua it looks different. I can't wait to see how it turns out when it is all done.

Okay, I know this blog is supposed to be about crochet-related things. So far all I've posted about is my dog, the puppies, and our garden. But, they are just as much a part of my life as crocheting. (More, actually.)

Anyway, so here is our pumpkin patch. Our littlest guy calls it "Those pumpkin pies". :) When we first planted everything, and it was all starting to come up, I told him, "Remember when I made that pumpkin pie? When these get bigger, they'll have pumpkins and we can make lots of pumpkin pies". So he thinks they are pumpkin pies. :) We also planted zuccini, cucumbers, and tomatoes. This is the first time we've ever had a garden. I've planted rhubard in the past, but someone (I won't mention any names, but...) kept mowing them down every time he mowed the lawn. And a couple of years ago, I tried to grow some zuccini in pots: "Container Gardening", but it didn't work out very well. So we are excited to have everything growing so well, and can't wait to actually have some vegetables from them. Next, I want a couple of apple trees. :)

I will try to post something crochet- related soon, I promise! :)