FO

So this was one quick FO. I used one ball of peaches & creme and size 7 needles. Some how through the wonderful world of blogland I found this pattern, Anthropologie-inspired capelet from craftster. It called for thicker yarn and size 11 needles, but I took a chance and used smaller of both and it worked out perfectly! its super cute! Here is a close up of the raglan sleeve increases. I loved that I didn't have to do any seaming. You could easily do this in one day! I think I might make a few in all different colors!

L is taking a nap right now but I'll take pictures of her in it right after she wakes up. Providing she corporates. *edit* She did!

I joined a group.




I'm really excited about it. I'm glad I'm finally doing something to get back into shape! I've been doing some resistance training for the past month and have just started jogging(as most of you know).

As for the resistance training... He he he *grin* let me just say that an infomercial got hubby and I hooked. We saw the My Gym on TV one day and thought it looked pretty cool. We don't have a lot of room in our house and wanted something small.(Hubby has wanted something like this for a while now. He has always wanted the bow flex.) I looked on-line for it and it was out of our price range. Then I tried e-bay and found one for a reasonable price. This was the first time using e-bay(I know I'm behind the times) and wasn't sure what to expect. I was worried that this thing would be in crappy condition, but to my surprise it looked brand new. Still in the original box. Then I tried it. It totally made my whole body sore. I really like it and have been doing it 3 times a week since we got it.

As for the jogging, I've only been able to go for 15 minutes or so. But I feel better today than the first day. I can actually breath and feel really good afterwards. I've been going in the morning before the kids wake up. It helps get my day going! I even started some laundry before I went today. Go me! Sorry, I'm not trying to toot my own horn, but I'm just excited about my lifestyle changes! Blogging about it helps me stay accountable, so I hope you don't mind:o) Maybe I'll start up a regular posting... fitness Fridays... weigh in Wednesdays... stay is shape Saturdays...hmmmm I'll have to think about it! Any ideas?!

Have a wonderful week!

*edit*

I was able to snap a few pics of L! Isn't she a cutie pie?!



Also oh-so-sweet Hubby came home fom work with these in his hands for me! I love lilacs! So pretty and they smell so sweet!

I love spring time!

crafts revealed

I hope all you mommies out there had a wonderful mothers day... I know I did. The only down side of it was that I had to go to bed early because I had to work in the morning.

I finally get to show you what the kids and I have been working on. Remember the salt dough? well that being transformed into some mothers day gifts for the grandmas and great grandmas.

The grandmas (my mom and my mil) got the big ones and the great grandmas got the little ones. The kids loved making them. G asked why all the girls were getting something. then I told him all about mothers day and fathers day. He keeps asking if its fathers day yet. I better think of something good that they can make for the boys:)

I couldn't just let the kids have all the fun, now could I?! This is the one I made. I like it a lot even though its not the best looking. But I could see making ones for all the different seasons.

Last night we had a fire and roasted hot dogs. I don't know why but there is something so good about a hot dog roasted over a fire. Yummy!

And of course we had marshmallows and smores. I was a little camera happy... enjoy!

































It was so stinking hot out that C got to only wear a one-sie outside. She was laying in the stroller and was having fun sticking her leg out.






















This little girl always gets so messy. throw some marshmallows into the picture and she is super messy. Thankfully she doesn't eat dirt anymore. Really she did. here is proof.

Last year we had dug out some big bushes from the middle of the yard. It left a huge kid magnet... a dirt pile. They had a blast...

I'm in the process of making L a little caplet. She got to choose the color and type of yarn out of my growing stash. Hubby said that I can't buy any yarn until its all gone. Ha! like that's going to happen. (I do talk to him before any purchases) But I will try to use what I have when I can. If I happen to need a certain kind of yarn that isn't in my stash I'll just have to go and get some.

Kind of like this. I went back to exchange the extra ball of yarn from G's wallaby and saw that it was on sale. I took it as a sign to buy some yarn for the girl's wallabies. *grin* This is L's wallaby in the making. I took a break on it to make her caplet, I want to finish the caplet first so she can wear it on cooler days when she is wearing just a strappy dress. Its going rather quickly. I just started it yesterday. I think I might be able to finish it tonight or tomorrow. We'll see;o)

till next time!

kNiT hApPy!

Mom, this is for you.

I never really knew what you felt, when you were my mother.
But...
Now I know how much you love me
Now I know the day I was born this indescribable feeling came over you... called love
Now I know how much you worried about me when I was teeny tiny
Now I know what it feels like to be the source of everyday life (feeding and changing diapers:)
Now I know that hearing my cry made your heart hurt
Now I know that hearing my laugh made your heart leap
Now I know how hard it was to punish me
Now I know the feeling in your heart when I first said "i love you"
Now I know why you liked snuggling so much
Now I know why you like hugs and kisses
Now I know how hard it was to tell me "no"
Now I know that you had to set limits
Now I know the proud-ness you had when I made you a picture
Now I know the accomplishment you felt when I said my "pleases and thank yous" without your help
Now I know how hard it was to see me reach a new milestone
Now I know how hard it was to see me grow up
Now I know how happy it made you to see me grow up.
Now I know the joy in your heart when I began to learn about Jesus
Now I know the prayers of your heart for me
Now I know how sweet it was to wake up to my smiling face two inches from yours
Now I know how much you only wanted the best for me
Now I know that you didn't want me to get hurt by anyone or anything
Now I know that you cant control if I get hurt or not
Now I know what it felt like to get mad and yell at me
Now I know how fun it was to dress me up
Now I know how fun it was to do my hair
Now I know how seeing me having fum made you smile

Now I know that you are the best example of a mother that I could have ever asked for!
Now I know that i want to be just like you... A wonderful mother.

Thank you for being my mom

I love you!

The garden is in

So I did it. This morning I got up and decided that today was the day I was going to start running. Well i guess I should say jogging. I guess posting about wanting to gave me that extra push. Anyways I went out an ran for about 15 minutes! I have to stare some where, right?! I felt like my lungs were going to collapse and like my legs were going to fall off, but now I feel great! I love how when you exercise you get that fitness high. The energy just keeps giving. Its a good feeling. I can't wait until I'm over that week or two hump where I just want to quit, then I'll be in the habit of it and it hopefully will be smooth sailing from there.

Today we weeded out our garden and used a rototiller in it. Thanks to Heather! In the past Hubby has to dig it up with a shovel and turn it all over. It kills his back. Then we went and bought our starter plants and planted. I love having a garden! All the yummy fresh veggies, I can't wait! G's favorite veggie is broccoli, so this year it is his responsibility. He will plant it, water it and pick it. He is very excited! We will see how long it lasts;o)

Here we are planting his broccoli. As for the jacket on this beautiful day, he had just woke up from his nap and was cold.

Here is a rundown of what we have, from left to right from the back to the front. (click pic for bigger)We have cucumbers, yellow squash, zucchini, broccoli, green beans, red peppers, yellow peppers, and green peppers, a few different kinds of large tomatoes, roma tomatoes, red cherry tomatoes and last but certainly not least sunsugar tomatoes which are my most favorite. They are little orange tomatoes that are super sweet!

Last night was knitting out at the shop. I love going its so much fun. A good friend of mine kicthenered the toe of her first sock! She was so excited. She was on top of the world! She even said that when she dies she wants to be buried with it on:o) hehehe too funny! Here is her beautiful sock. You know who you are and I'm so proud of you! You are a wonderful person and knitter.

Hubby told me that it was mothers day in Canada, I'm not sure if it is but for all you Canadians out there (Renee) Have a wonderful mothers day!

Have a great weekend!
kNiT hApPy!

Tagged

I was tagged by Amy from A Mile in My Shoes! Here is how it works: Each player starts with 7 random facts/habits about themselves. People who are tagged need to write their own blog with their 7 things as well as these rules. You need to tag 7 others and list their names on your blog. Remember to leave a comment for them letting them know they have been tagged and to read your blog. So here we go. I guess I'll start form the beginning.

1. I was born in a Wendy's parking lot. My parents were waiting for the babysitter to get to their house for my brother and sisters. While on rout to the hospital my mom told my dad to pull over because I was coming. In disbelief he looked, my head was crowning so into the parking lot they went. Needless to say my dad delivered me:) Wendy's sent a bouquet of flowers along with this to the hospital. I love this unicorn!

2. When I was 2 (I think) I tried to eat a spiders nest. My mom freaked out when i started crying and threw it into the yard. She then called poison control, and they asked her if she kept it. Yeah right, If I was in her shoes I would have threw it as far away as possible too. Go mom! She said it kind of looked like a piece of popcorn...

3. I hate popcorn. Maybe its some psychological thing but I won't eat it unless its coated in some type of sugar, carmel or even chocolate covered carmelcorn (from the cub scouts) yummy!

4. I've moved 6 times in my first 12 years of life.
I was born in Eire PA
moved to Buffalo NY (actually we lived in 2 different houses But I wont count it:)
moved to Acron OH
moved back to Buffalo NY
Moved to Utica NY
Moved to Coventry RI
Then moved to good old WI back in 95 and have been here ever since!

5. I ran cross country back in high school. Lately I've really wanted to start running again. I use to love it. I've actually been working out for the past few weeks and think it will help motivate me to start running again. The problem comes when I think of when to run. Do I get up early and run before hubby leaves for work?! Do I wait until after he gets home at night, while its nice an cool and no one can see me?! I guess I should get off my lazy butt and just start.

6. Back in high school in my rebellious days I pierced my tongue by myself. I went to fleet farm and got a hallow needle that is used for animals and did it in my room. I hid it form my parents but my brother knew. He even got me a new tongue ring for Christmas and put it in the hand of an action figure. My mother didn't know why I was so happy that he got me a little toy. My parents didn't find out for a good few months. When they did my mom kind of freaked out, but not too bad because we were visiting my oldest sister, out of town, in a hair salon where she worked. lucky me.

7. When I was younger I never really wanted kids. I actually didn't like babysitting little kids. But God had a different plan for me. G was a surprise, and the best thing that could have ever happened to me. Thanks to him and God I stopped doing some really stupid things and turned my life back over to God. Now I like all types of kids, and love my own! We still aren't sure if we will be done with 3... Who knows?!

Alright now for the tough part...

Renee
Sue
Karen
Amanda
Kimberly
Friender
Michelle

Tag, your it!

The Wonderful Wallaby ~Finished!

Like I thought I would, I finished the wallaby last night! Yippee!

I've never really given the stats of my projects before but I like it when others do. So with that said I'll give them to you:) And *bonus for me, I can look back(in years to come) and see what I've knit and which what yarns and tools.

Start date: April 28th
End date: May 8th
Yarn: Cotton Ease by lion brand
Needles: US 6 & 8
Recipient: Gabe
Pattern: The wonderful Wallaby
Size: 6 (Wilhelmina Wallaby)

I had a photo shoot with him to get just the right pictures! I loved knitting it and I Loved the way it turned out! It fits him great, a bit on the big size so he can wear it well into next year too! I liked the pattern too. I had herd from some people at our knitting group that it was really wordy, I think that is why I didn't start it until now. It really wasn't too bad. I highly recommend it. I will definitely knit it again, for the girls, hubby, and for me too!

While we were out side I laid C down on a blanket. It was too sunny for her, I would talk to her and she'd smile but not open her eyes:) Too cute! So I gave her a little shade and she was happy! Once out tree gets some leaves we won't have that problem. Soon very soon! Here is G and Heather's daughter. They came over to play this morning. The kids always have fun together!

Ever since G's birthday he has been practicing writing letters. We had given him some educational toys, a Thomas & friends My wipe-off book Spelling fun and a Vtech lap top. He loves playing with both. This morning He was practicing writing his name. I thought he did a really good job, and had to share with you all! He was also starting to write my name, mommy, thats why all the M's on there too:) Its cute though, he starts out with the AB and then asks where the G&E goes. Its so awesome watching him learn and grow!

Work & stuff.

I thought I'd share my work with you today. Its kind of crafty... For those of you who don't know, I bake Italian bread. I really do enjoy it, and the hours aren't too bad yet. I think because it is only 2 days a week, and in the beginning of the week. Also C is sleeping through the night (most nights) so I'm not exhausted from her being up all night.

In a day I can bake anywhere from 50 to 120 Italian loafs. It all depends on what day of the week it is and also what time of year. Today was about 60. Here are some right before going in the oven. I fit 16 on each deck. So that was the before and here is the after. Yummy! I love bread right out of the oven with a touch of butter on it!

These are some of the other non-Italian bread I bake. Closest is the rye,then wheat and white is in the back. These are super easy to make, just roll three little pin pong sized balls and put them into a greased muffin tin. And presto out comes perfect break apart rolls. I also make loaf breads out of all these doughs.

There is also a millet bread that i make into baguettes. But I forgot to snap a picture before i left. oops!


Remember these?

We painted some of these salt dough cut-outs a while ago and painted the rest today. I still can not reveal what they will become... but soon I will. Just have patients! In time you will know! Look at my little artist! He loves to paint! Loves loves loves it!

*I finished knitting the wallaby, but still need to weave in all the ends and kitchener up the underarms. I'm sure I finish it once I get off of this computer. In the morning 'll have G model it and post pictures of it tomorrow.

Here is my little man. He is such a good big brother! He loves all babies and will play peek-a-boo with them at a drop of the hat... in church, at the zoo, at a restaurant... But he especially loves his little sisters!

kNiT hApPy!

Just a little linkage!

My brother participated in Rockets for schools this was his third year. It was going on yesterday and today, we brought the kids there to check it out. Last year his team won, I'm not sure how they did this year, we had to leave early, nap time and all. They had a little table where the kids could make their own rockets and then launch them. The launching device was made out of PVC pipes and a empty 2 liter soda bottle. It was really cool. G &L loved it, but it was a bit chilly. The picture on the right is of G in mid-jump. It actually made the rockets go pretty far(30-40 yards maybe).

After reading some of my bloglines I came across a contest. Well actually there will be one if Trek's blog gets 145 comments. So go on over and leave her a comment (on the contest blog) on fun things to do with her daughter over the summer. I think she is pretty close like 126 comments or so. Not too shabby. I think my highest comments on a post was 7. Maybe I shouldn't write that, it makes me look loser-ish. Oh well I really don't care:) I have my regulars and that's all that matters! You guys Rock!

Ok, also I want to win an I-pod. So I have to put this button :

and a link to 5 minutes for moms here on my blog. I'd love to win something, that would be awesome!

I took this picture this morning. All I need to knit now is the hood. I'm almost done! He kept playing with the needle that was still in it. He is excited for it to be done. the other day while we were outside playing a little neighbor boy of ours came over to join in the chalk drawing fun. I was sitting on the porch and he asked me what I was doing. I replied "I'm knitting" and G chimed in with " its going to be my sweatshirt". He seemed proud of the fact that mommy was knitting for him. It touched my heart. Its nice to know that it will be greatly appreciated.

Wallaby and the Zoo

But I'm not sure if there were any wallabies at the zoo. Hmmm, I didn't really look.


We had tons of fun! The weather was perfect. I must say that I was a bit worried taking C along to the zoo and it becoming freezing because of some freak weather anomaly. But like I said it was perfect. It must have been 60-something because we started out with sweatshirts and ended up taking them off. The sun was shining but we weren't sweating up a storm. The kids were in Great moods and the (most of the) animals were roaming around outside!


I think this might be quite the pictureie post too, what can I say, I love taking pictures. Especially with our new camera it rocks! I think I took like 117 pictures just from the zoo, crazy I know.


One of G's birthday gifts form his grandparents was a fisher price digital camera. He was lovin taking he own pics! I even made a file on the computer just for his pics! He feels so special! He actually took some decent pictures with it. He took this one of the zebras. Not too bad eh?!


Then we sat down to eat a packed snacky lunch we brought in with us, and I swear that this peacock was going to attack us. It was literally less than a foot away from us. I pulled L close to me, she probably would have reached out to pet it. It really kind of freaked me out.


The zoo got a new giraffe exhibit last summer. They are so beautiful and elegant! I love them. Look at these two silly giraffes, aren't they cute?!

When we had seen all the animals ( I could post lots more pics of all the animals but I'll spare you:) we could we packed up the kids and not more than two minutes of driving and they were zonked out. They slept the whole way home.

The drive there and back gave me lots of wallaby knitting time! I got a lot done on the sleeves. Then last night at a friends house I finished the sleeves and was able to connect them to the body! It is actually looking like a sweater! This was taken in my back yard, aren't these violets pretty?! They pop up just when Its time to mow the lawn... So we let it go for a little bit, they're just too pretty to mow over.

BTW* I loved knitting the sleeves at the same time. When they were done I didn't have to worry about making another one or whether it would be the same length. I'll definitely do it again!

Have a great weekend! kNiT hApPy!

Happy Birthday Gabe!

Today was Gabes 4th birthday. I can't believe that its gone by this fast! Four years ago today I became a mother. It changed my life in a way I never could have imagined. You could never know the joys or pains of motherhood until you have a wonderful child of your own.

I thank God every day for the precious gifts he has given to me!

Just to warn you, its going to be quite the pictureie post... You know you'll love it!

Here he is, the birthday boy, four years ago and today... my how he's grown. He started life out a bit early at a whoopin 6 lb. 7 oz. 19 1/2 inches. I haven't actually weighed him lately but I know he is 30 somthin lbs, and some what on the tall side for his age, just like his daddy!

We started off his special day (first with presents...) by going to a bakery and letting him and L pick out a doughnut. He picked out one with sprinkles, so did L, of course:) We rarely get doughnuts and they loved it! It was so nice out, so we took home the goodies and ate them outside!

Then hubby had to go to work... :( but we stayed outside and played with chalk. He got some new tools for his chalk and wanted to try it out, I couldn't argue, I love the stuff!

I decided that it would be fun to invite some of our friends out to good old Mc Donalds... We haven't been there in a while and I thought it would be a nice birthday lunch for the kids. I figured I should bring some cupcakes, that I hadn't made yet. So inside we went... so I could make some cupcakes... from scratch! I felt like a really good old school mother! Usually I cheat and buy a cake or even use the box stuff. But not today, I was felling ambitious. Actually I think it is the lack of sleep, I had to keep moving or I think I might have passed out:)

Side note: Last night Hubby cut himself at work (his right hand, ring finger) and had to get stitches(only four). My parents offered to come over so I could go sit with him at the hospital. We didn't get home until a little after midnight. And the kids were in our bed before 5:30. Add that to my already sleep deprived self and I'm one tired momma!

We all had a good time at lunch! Then it was home for a late nap! He had cubbies at church tonight and we brought in a birthday treat, graham cracker sandwiches! Yum Yum.

So my little man is four now. He'll be going to a pre-school this coming up school year... Where does the time go?! I remember when he was my little one that I'd hold and snuggle, I still get to from time to time, thank goodness!

Ok so you bared through that and now you get a knitting update. I started the sleeves of G's wallaby. Yes I said sleeveS. This is a first for me! I was really excited to try something new (both sleeves at the same time on two circulars) in the wonderful land of knitting. I did it all on my own, I had read a little bit about it a good while back. But I was without Internet (at a monthly knitting group at church) when casting on. I'm quite proud of myself for figuring it out.

I'm hoping to continue knitting with the furry that I have been. I might even finish this rather soon, like in a week or two. My fingers are crossed!

Ok that was my knitting blurb. Hubby has off ALL day tomorrow and were are thinking of going to the zoo. As to continue the birthday fun. I'm sure I'll post about our adventures if we go.

And because I can't post without giving you a baby picture... Our little C can't keep her fist out of her mouth. I think I might have a thumb sucker on our hands:)

until next time... kNiT hApPy!