Last day of 2007

Well, the knitting was finished on time. I just ordered the New Years cards and have cleaned thru my yarn stash. Tomorrow I will be photographing projects and hopefully posting them. This has been a busy, but good year.

For 2008, my goals are:
1) enjoy my family more
2) read a chapter a day, underline a verse, pray it and share it (thanks Aaron)
3) listen more
4) talk less
5) sayI love you more & I'm sorry sooner
6) enjoy the company of my friends
7) knitting fun
8) catch up on my healthcare appointments
9) attempt maintaining a clean home
10) pay off all debt except house (this year took its toll with furnace, air, windows, camper upgrade, gas prices and some unplanned health care bills)
ALWAYS: lose weight ;) and pray I don’t ever find it again!

SEE YA NEXT YEAR! Deb

Whew! Just some knitting left...

I have completed all my shopping for Christmas. I have a few things to make, but at least I have all the necessary supplies. Of course, in my normal fashion, I have missed two birthdays I hope they will forgive me. I had cards with knitted goodies gift certificates, but I missed them at the hotel on Saturday. Well off to finish the Christmas gifts.

Tundra Trip to Wonderful Winter Wedding

We just returned from Grand Forks, ND. The idea of driving 300+ miles north to where the temperatures are usually frigid and the wind is biting id not usually my idea of a good time in December. Well, we went anyway. My brother Jay was married on Friday, December 14. Despite the cold location, the trip was a success and the wedding beautiful.

Steph (the bride) and her mother had planned some fun events for the geographically very wide-spread family and friends to get to know each other. My son's highlight (along with his cousin) was the helicopter flight simulator in the UND - John D Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences. There guide allowed my 9yo to give piloting a try. The flight he simulated was that of an emergency/hospital helicopter pilot. After his first bumpy landing, I guess he ended up doing pretty well, flying thru trees, up and down as needed and finally landing on the heli-pad at the 'hospital'. He has informed us he will be going to college there. Since that is my alma-mater and his aunt and uncle live there, what can I say? At least there have been improvements to frozen campus - the best of which is a sky way system that is referred to as the 'gerbil tubes'.

While my son was enjoying the lure of being a pilot, I went to a luncheon at a neat little B&B where all the women gathered. It was fun to see what has been to a gorgeous old house. I was able to meet the mother of the bride, and most of Steph's family and friends. It was also fun to spend some time with my sister (usually located in Oregon), my dad's wife, my dd and my niece.

The Friday evening wedding was beautiful. The reverend who performed the service had a great sense of humor mixed with the seriousness of the vows they were making. Can't wait to get a picture of the bride and groom as well as an updated family picture with everyone there but Dan (sis' hubby). It has been a while. The bulletin was really neat to and started me crying before the service was underway. They had written a dedication to Steph's dad and my mom, who both have suffered with and died from cancer. Following the service there was a champagne reception at the UND art museum. It was fun, beautiful and with the possible exception of M, we all enjoyed it thoroughly. (M didn't really have anyone there her age to 'hang with'.)

I think the only rough spots through this whole adventure were the long drives to and fro, as well as some stress for me about a project at work that many (at work) felt I should be babysitting most of Friday, or however long it took. Oh well, it didn't really interfere too much. Oh, and one final, fun little touch. There was a package for each room of guests. We received a box of Widman's 'chippers'. If you don't know what these are, I highly suggest you go try one. They are the greatest treat for those of us who can't choose between salty and sweet! We're home safe now, relaxing for an evening.

Back At Last...

Hello to anyone who might see this. I have been soooo busy, my computer died, and I only have my pictures on one of the not-networked computers. Excuses, excuses. Anyway, thought I would try to keep up on this. Time will tell.

Anyway, this summer we had a few 'biggies' happen in our lives. The biggest is that we upgraded campers! Below you can see us driving off with the 7 year old pop-up. It had served us well, we have many fond memories and will never forget the years we had it. Now onto the new camper!!!! The best things are: bathroom, 3 real beds, bathroom, full size refridgerator, bathroom, the main area is hardsided - ready when we get there! and did I mention... A BATHROOM!

I know it might seem odd that I am so excited about the biffy, but at my age I fell I deserve to travel only a few feet in the middle of the night or bad weather, not 1/4 -1/2 mile!

As we were setting up our new digs we had a few minor changes at home too. We now have new air conditioning and furnance. OK, not the most fun big purchases, but we live in Minnesota - need them both in WORKING condition!

Anyway, the camper is hibernating and the furnace is on. Now all we are having to deal with are the bills! ladeb

Knitting Show & Tell

Some of my projects this past year:

Gelato Felted Purse

Ellie Elephant (Designs by Cid)

Modular Knit hat, scarfs & mittens (MDT Warm Hearts)

Bright Winter Hat (MDT Warm Hearts)

Bibs & Booties (bib from Mason Dickson).

Matching bib & booties

were a gift, the rest are for MDT Warm Hearts.

Felted Clog Slippers (before & after)

That is all for now. Still to come: socks & tops.

Lazy Sunday

Another first for our family! We all went down to Lake Nokomis last night (11:30pm) and walked around 1 lap with Pastor as he continued working toward his goal of completing the 24 hour marathon. He wasn't running when we took our shift with him, but the fact that he had been moving since 8am and wasn't supposed to stop until 8am the next day was crazy. You are probably wondering why a 52yo man would decide to do a 24 hour marathon - he is so committed to reaching youth and those who aren't comfortable going to 'church' for Jesus. His goal was to raise $75K to complete our gymnasium - where our congregation plans to use it for outreach, after school programs and make it available for community stuff. He completed 74+ miles and his body did finally give out at 4:30 am. We will learn of the financial status next week, last I check, we were over 2/3 the way there.

WE ARE SO HUMBLED TO BE LED BY SUCH A COMMITTED GODLY MAN. YEAH GOD & DAVE!

As for our family, we made 1 lap and went home to bed (1:30am). It was a first for our children (esp. the time of night) and we all learned that there was no way we would attempt 24 hours. Today we are being extremely LAZY, after we went to church this morning.

Pictures of Completions

Knitting relaxes me. Here is more of what I have created since I took up knitting again last March.
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Always Learning

Like the new title! I have being trying to think of something catchy that wasn't already taken. If it isn't new, oops and my apologies.

I find it amazing that I learn new things daily. I believe that when this stops occurring, I will probably be dead. However, I suppose I will learn a great deal in heaven (like the answers to all the yet unanswered questions). Anyway:

WHAT I LEARNED TODAY:
I am not a consistent journal'er or blogger. My intentions are good, but the follow thru is not. I think that is true in other parts of my life. Knitting however has been good for me, fairly quick gratification. Scrap booking works that way as well, but I think I need to print some pictures - it has been over a year since we got that digital camera!

Since that last post I have completed some more bibs, have only the last 1/2 of the hood on my wallaby and the toe of the left foot of the flip-flop socks. I know - need pictures!

This weekend I had a lovely time at Shepherd's Harvest with 6 gals I have gotten to know at Amazing Threads. It was sooo cool to see all the different stages of yarn, the different types, etc. I was especially intrigued by the silk hankies. Of course I had to purchase a few (along with the rest of the crew). The other thing I brought home to try was hand spinning (small wooden spindle vs. spinning wheel). Hindsight, I should have tried it there with someone experienced helping me, but, oh well. Another thing learned.

TGIF: Thank God I'm Forgiven

Fooled ya! Though it is my virtual Friday, today I am just thankful for Jesus. What would I do without the forgiveness he provided?

I am thankful that God has provided me the opportunity to work PT. With this extra time, I have had so much fun! It is amazing how much 'work' that I can find that I enjoy - but doesn't pay! Oh well!

This is day 4 with out our dog Jaz. It is really wierd not to have her around. I am especially missing her on work day mornings - her wet nose wake-up and persistance never let me oversleep. I pray she is adapting and enjoying the increase exercise and time outdoors.

I completed my felted clogs, some baby booties and bibs. I will post pictures this weekend. Knitting is so relaxing! Deb

Lazy Saturday

Isn't it nice when a Saturday comes along and you don't really have anything pressing to do? That is how today felt. The whole family just 'vegged'. Ok, I guess my kids and dh were a little active - they went rollerblading. Dh felt pretty out of shape when he came home. My ds runs in the house and tells me to be nice to him, he had a tough time - kids! We even had time this evening to learn a new game called Dutch Blitz. It was fun and could be played by all (8yo &up).

Some of the relaxing could have been
some blues - Jaz leaves tomorrow, but
I think everyone knows that this is
truly best for her. During my down time,
I continued work on my Wallaby
sweater. I have the arms complete.
Yesterday morning I created the pouch and last night I was able to attach it at the top. I have learned that knitting for big folks take alot more time -not just yarn.
Hope it will be worn!
Good night. Deb

TGIF

I know, I know, it is Thursday. Nevertheless, for me, it feels like Friday because I do not work tomorrow. This has been a long week.

• I was able to 'rebuild' my Quicken finances and was ready for the Tom-the-Tax man - refund coming! :)


• We have decided that our dog Jaz needs more exercise. Because of an issue this week at home that involved herding my son, she is going to Iowa on Sunday to live on a friends farm. This is a very emotional decision for all of us. :( Picture on right is Jaz as a puppy - she is 4 now.


• After reviewing household budget, we decided that the boat is too expensive to keep, so my sister-in-law and her hubby will be getting it. :(


• I have heard of 'teen angst', but we are experiencing 'tween-angst'. Feel free to offer parental advice on how to get through these emotional times - preferably while maintaining personal sanity. If it makes a difference, it is our dd, not ds.


• My father and his wife are moving back to MN from AZ. My dh and I are receiving a lot of questions as to why. No one but my father himself ever knows why he does anything, but my kids will have another grandpa closer by to (hopefully) be involved in their life.


• I have moved cubes at work. I hope that my phone will follow tomorrow - UGH!


• Rumor has it I will get a new boss (AGAIN) in 2-3 weeks. I should be used to this (4 bosses in last 14 months) but that isn't happening.

OK, now I need to end the pity-party. Tomorrow I get to knit with friends (Champlin Knitters) , read with students, discuss a great book (NO: Why Kids - of All Ages - Need to Hear It and Ways Parents Can Say It by David Walsh, PhD) with other parents and then have dinner & knit with friends again (Amazing-Threads).

Tuesday - My Day Off?

Off of what I ask? Well, officially from work - the paid type that is. Today on my 'day off' I have 4 appointments before 3pm. Then I get home to ensure kids complete homework while I try to put the finishing touches on my tax mess this evening. That appointment is tomorrow.

The positive things I am trying to focus on are that I submitted my 2006 claims 3 days ahead of the final due date and 3 checks that said 'VOID after 90 days' were cashed, even though officially yesterday was day 91. Thank you God! Things have really gotten away from me in the last few months and that has to change. I think last week was a good start - all that house clearing and cleaning has given me some renewed energy. Spending more quality time with the Lord will help the most - just have to keep making that TAG the #1 priority.

Happy Easter!

He is risen, He is risen indeed!

I am thankful for my Lord Jesus Christ. Today I am thankful that He has kept me patient while I completely rebuild my Quicken files from scratch and figure out how to prepare for the 2006 tax-man meeting. NO KNITTING TODAY! Oh well.

Speaking of taxes and thankfulness, below is the chemo cap I have knitted 2 for my MIL's best friend. She has been living with liver cancer for over a year now. She says the yarn is soft and the pattern lets her head breath, not sweat. I have the yarn type some where, let me know if there is an interest. I wonder if I can write-off the yarn?

Modeled by dh!

Last Post for Good Friday

I plan to showcase some of my knitting projects here. So, with that said, here is the first two. The first class I took at Amazing Threads was to create a wine bottle carrier. I have made at least three so far.

When I gave one away to my niece for her bridal shower, her mom (my sister-in-law) immediatly wanted one too. My mother-in-law (her mom) was quick to reminder her that she only drank wine from a box. So... for a Christmas gift, I created a custom wine box holder for a 5 liter box of wine. We normally exchange ornaments - the size & weight made her fear for her tree, but in the end, she really liked it. One of these days I will have to pull together all my notes to create the full pattern. Happy Easter! HE IS RISEN!

Look - I am on the WEB

Check out this link: http://champlin-knitters.blogspot.com/ - I am on the web! I got started on all this bloggin stuff because of knitting. I have only attended this group once, but I will be back there on Friday, April 13 (yikes!) with needles in hand.

So... I thought taking the week of spring break off would make life a little easier - WRONG!!!
Starting last Friday, made a quick (5 hours one-way) to Iowa to see my great aunt Kat (not misspelled). She turned 102 on March 23. She was on NBC Willard Scott, received phone calls from 14 different states and from people who had thought she had long ago passed. Not only is she VERY much alive, but at 102 still lives in her own apartment. She is quite the go-getter, politically active, a strong catholic & very on top of her finances - even has been known to say to the banker who gets her call, "I have been banking here since before you were born!" She is still an avid reader with books delivered by the local library. My dd & ds had fun hearing about the 'olden days' with a 3 seater outhouse (one smaller hole for little kids), the buggy ride to church with hot bricks under their blankets, but how cold it was on the way home & stories of the one room school house. WOW - it is amazing. Doesn't she look great (the kids too)!

Just a few notes.

Cool knit sock pattern: scarlettknits.livejournal.com/796.html

Favorite Knit Shop: www.Amazing-Threads.com

Six Hours Until Vacation

Hey,

Notice, still no pictures! This is my reminder to get my pictures on this site!!!!! My week has been hectic but fun. Tuesday I attended my dd's band concert, Wednesday we 'bagged food' for Feed My Starving Children & 2-nite we go to my ds's Art Fair.



Tomorrow I am off with the kids. I took spring break off as well! YIPEE! We will visit lovely Iowa for a day & then spend the remainder of the vacation at home relaxing! Blogging time?! - that is part of the plan as well as reading (or listening on MP3) and knitting. -LaDeb

Stress, Stress and more Stress!

At this moment I am 3 hours away from a meeting that I am dreading! Between my job, getting taxes done, tweener grades issues and attempting to get some sleep, I don't seem to have any time to unwind! Knitting has been so helpful for de-stressing - but it can't work if you can't knit!

Have more pictures - will try to post this weekend, if not tomorrow! LaDeb

Since I cannot seem to remember to get my digital pictures of my knit projects onto this computer, I will show you a work in progress. This quilt was started almost 2 years ago. I love the design and colors. It is my first attempt at quilting. I know it is not done, but my excuse is that I have no sewing/craft area that I can set-up and leave up, so it is often too much work to get it out and work on it.


90 minutes later - cannot upload pictures :( Will try again tonight or tomorrow! LaDeb

Well, this is a first for me. I am hoping to use this blog as a place to show case my hobbies, throw out a comment or two or just scribble my thoughts as they occur. LaDeb