One Solitary Hour

I have one hour to myself. I dropped the kids off at a sitter's house so I could just get a few minutes of solitude...and take out all the trash without worrying that someone was getting bruised and bloodied in the two minutes I was outside. Caleb would normally be at school but I had to pick him up early to go to a dr's appointment. Freaky side note: As soon as we got there we went to hang up our coats. Caleb said, "That's Gabriel's!". Gabriel is a kid from Caleb's school. I thought, Gabriel must have an orange coat. When it was time for Caleb to go in for his appointment---guess who was coming out? Yep, Gabriel. What are the odds?

Is it Saturday yet?

*My nighttime medicine worked a little bit. I still was up in the middle of the night but when I could sleep---it was good. Not a lot of waking up every hour or so.

One Solitary Hour

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2008/01/one-solitary-hour.html

The Stars Aligned

This blog post is brought to you by the following:

• Advil Cold & Sinus
• The Laurie Berkner Band
• A 20 minute cat nap
• Archer Farms Chocolate & Banana monkey bread mix
• Wild Cherry Diet Pepsi
• Possible divine intervention (the kids are playing SO WELL together today!)
  

The Stars Aligned

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2008/01/stars-aligned.html

Halfway

I'm not quite halfway through my week without Carl. It wouldn't be so bad but I'm getting really sick, I think. What I thought was allergies is now a full blown mucus filled party. It is just as fun as it sounds, let me tell you. I finally got to sleep last night at 11:45pm only to wake up at 12:30am and not be able to get back to sleep until after 1:30am. I then woke up at least once every hour and by 6:15am, I gave up. I got up and started my day. I'm hoping Eva will let me sleep a little this morning. We have one errand to run. Luckily it is just to the CVS pharmacy a block away. We're out of diapers for Eva (I was hoping to use this week to re-focus on potty training since she is starting to show more signs of readiness--but I'm too pooped) and I need to find some PM medicine so I can sleep and breathe at the same time.

Halfway

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2008/01/halfway.html

The Bad News and the Good News?

The Bad News: It is so cold here that I didn't want to take out the poopy trash tonight.
The Good News?: My nose is so stopped up I can't smell it anyway.

The Bad News and the Good News?

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2008/01/bad-news-and-good-news.html

Happy Birthday, Caleb!

Today is Caleb's actual birthday. We've been celebrating it pretty much all week since Carl isn't here to celebrate on the actual date (he's in Long Beach for a conference until Saturday).

Yesterday when Caleb came home from school I found out he doesn't have school today. I thought he was just going to have early release like the rest of the district. But, I found out his program isn't having class at all today. Bummer.

Here is my plan for wearing out the kids (and me!) today:

9:30am-11:30am: Children's Museum
12:00-12:30: lunch--Caleb's choice, which I can guarantee will be PIZZA
12:30pm-5:30pm: at home time--playing, singing, dancing, napping (PLEASE???), watching Caleb's new favorite movie "Flab-you-luss" (HSM2), and trying to stay sane.
6:00pm-8:00pm-Ager Indoor Play Center for his weekly developmental play session
8:05pm-BEDTIME!

Happy Birthday, Caleb!

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2008/01/happy-birthday-caleb.html

A Child's Prayer

This is Eva's prayer from last night:

dear Heavenly FATHER,
DAY
bless MOMMY, DADDY, A-LUB
GOOD
bless HARRY POTTER
bless GYVER (macgyver)
bless IT-NEY (whitney), CHURCH
help SLEEP
name Christ
AMEN!

A Child's Prayer

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2008/01/childs-prayer.html

President Gordon B. Hinckley
1910-2008

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2008/01/president-gordon-b.html

Project 365 (366)

01/21/08
Pirate party fun

01/22/08Eva and I went to the Children's Museum on Tuesday morning.

01/23/08Caleb playing the guitar---he says "I'm rock and roll just like Guitar Hero!".

01/24/08Eva and I took some time out to play with a ladybug we found in our bay window. She kept saying, "Oh no! Ladybug lost!".

01/25/08Pinwheel sweater progress. This is such a fast knit--especially considering I just started it on Tuesday! The yellow stripes in the purple section are where the sleeves go. I decided use an "afterthought heel" instead of the provisional cast-on called for in the pattern.

01/26/08
Caleb got this really cool conductor gear from Eric & Connie for his birthday. Since Carl won't be here on his actual birthday, we've been celebrating early. He walks around wearing this saying, "I'm Choo-Choo Soul!".

01/27/08
Carl was rocking out after church today. He's so rock and roll! Just like Guitar Hero!

Project 365 (366)

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2008/01/project-365-366_27.html

Discovering Musicovery

Musicovery is a site where you can listen to streaming music on your computer. That in itself isn't anything too novel. But do other sites let you listen to music according to your mood? I had so much fun navigating through this site and finding new favorites.

I haven't registered yet but I might so I can keep track of my favorites and have something to listen to while I'm reading blogs.

Did I mention you can narrow down your genres and decades?

This morning I'm most feeling like listening to energetic with a touch of dark.

Beware: not responsible for your time lost by navigating this site!

Discovering Musicovery

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2008/01/discovering-musicovery.html

Tea for One

I've been wanting a teapot for about a year now. I look at them all the time online and when I go to Target. I haven't purchased one because I haven't found "it" yet. I don't know what it will be when I find it. Another reason I haven't purchased one is because Carl doesn't really want one. He's not a big tea drinker and prefers to microwave. So, I'm starting to narrow my focus to tea for one teapots.
I found this set while searching online today. Not bad. The price is right. But, it isn't the one.


This one I liked, too. Still...not the one.

Someday I'll find the perfect one for me! The one teapot to rule them all!

Tea for One

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2008/01/tea-for-one.html

Stress Relief--Crafty Style

I've been trying to think of some things to put in the kids' church bags that are quiet and new. You know, things that are novel that they only see on that day. I had some old homemade play dough that was just languishing in a plastic bag. I decided to make some stress balls. Here is my stress ball tutorial.

They took about three minutes to make and I had all the supplies on hand. This was a great craft to do with Eva. She could help me with just about everything. Here is what we did:

Gather your supplies
We used some old homemade playdough, 3 balloons, and some safety scissors. Other items you could use to fill your stress balls could be cornstarch or birdseed.

Depending on the size of ball you want and the size of your balloon, roll off a piece of dough. For our first try I made a ball about 2 1/2 inches in diameter.

Snip off the top of a balloon and then shove the dough inside.
For this first step it is easier to leave a bit of the neck of the balloon. It will get covered up. In the next step.

I next cut the tip off of a pink balloon and covered the white ball completely making sure the opening of the white balloon was at the bottom of the pink balloon.

I used a red balloon for the outside. We cut the opening closer to the body of the balloon. You'll be able to see a bit of the pink balloon through the hole but you could certainly use this to your advantage and snip little holes all over the red balloon to make dots.

You can repeat these steps as many times as you like but we found that three balloons was enough to make a sturdy, yet pliable stress ball.

We made the second ball a little smaller so it would be easier for Eva to handle in her tiny hands.
I think later I might try to make one with some heart shaped balloons to see how those turn out.
Happy crafting!

Stress Relief--Crafty Style

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2008/01/stress-relief-crafty-style.html

Craft Idea

Recycled sweater+sewing machine=Fun, unique and eco-friendly toys for kids.

Make one yourself or buy one here.

Craft Idea

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2008/01/craft-idea.html

Knitting Updates

I finished up some fingerless gloves w/ mitten caps for Carl yesterday. I made an identical pair for his brother, Mark, for Christmas. He is serving his mission in Denver so they are probably coming in rather handy. Carl liked them so much that he requested a pair. I'm glad they are finished. I used the Urban Necessity pattern as my guide but omitted the chart on the mitten cap. I used Cascade 200 wool (charcoal color) and size 6 needles. I messed up a lot and looking back I wish I had not followed the pattern and just done my own thing. I'm probably going to make some of these for my dad and stepmom for Christmas but I'll follow the pattern in my head.


To reward me for finishing that project, I cast on last night for the Pinwheel sweater. I'm still trying to decide exactly what to do with the colors. I only have 4 different colors (it calls for 7). I think I have a good plan. Only time will tell. I'm making this for Eva.

I'm still plugging away on a few other projects. Maybe I'll update those later this week.

Knitting Updates

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2008/01/knitting-updates.html

Travel Quiz

I saw this on Sk*rt and had a really good time playing it! Share your score in the comments! My score on my first try was:

267,921
Final level: 8
Travel IQ: 100

Trying to embed the game wasn't working. Here is the link.

TRAVEL IQ

Travel Quiz

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2008/01/travel-quiz.html

Pirate Birthday Party

Caleb's 5th birthday party (and very first "friend" party) was a HUGE success! I think everyone had a really good time. I know I did. Caleb was EXTREMELY well behaved and was so excited to have all of his friends come to his house. I thought I'd document everything that we did to prepare here on the blog. I have a feeling this is going to be a very long post.

THE INVITATION:

The first thing I did was upload some free fonts from ScrapVillage. I used the Caribbean's Treasure font and the following text:

Ye be invited for some birthday spirits at Captain Caleb's birthday bash.

He needs some shipmates to swab the deck and hunt for long lost treasure.

Chart yer course for the 21st of January at noon.

Join us for some grub, fun & kiddie treats. Wave yer flag if ye be attendin' if not ye'll have to walk the plank.

Yo ho ho let us know, call deck hand Christy at XXX-XXX.

See ye there if ye dare.

I printed them out two to a sheet of regular computer paper. Then, I used my brayer to ink the paper using Chocolate Chip ink. Then I ripped the sides. If time and money had not been an issue, I would have rolled them up into little bottles with some sand and mailed them or hand delivered them. Instead, I folded them up and used a pirate name generator to label them with their Pirate names (like Almost-Crazy Matthew). I put them in a business size envelope and addressed them using the kids' names. For the first time ever in my party planning career---everyone RSVP'd and everyone could make it!

THE CAKE:

I made a yellow cake from a box and used the pirate ship directions found at Family Fun. My cake decorating skills are seriously lacking but I must admit, this cake turned out pretty darn good. I hid the major mistakes with the play pirates on the deck. I found the pirate toys at Michaels. They have little tubes of toys--most of them are animals--and one of them was a pirate tube. They were perfect for the cake. I also put some root beer barrels on there. I used Piroulette cookies to frame the top of the ship and also to make the cannons. I just shoved the candles in the cookies and it worked really well. At the base of the cake, I used an old binder cover and covered it in some blue scrapbook paper (it has white swirls on it--like water!). I then covered that with waxed paper. If time weren't an issue, I would have placed that on a big platter with some crushed up graham crackers on one side for the beach. I also had some extra beads and coins to lay around it but I just didn't have the time or energy to do that when it came down to it. The kids didn't care anyway. They thought the cake was pretty awesome, actually. For the masts I used chopsticks (from HuHot Mongolian grill) and paper (using the same technique as the invites).

THE FOOD:I didn't think to take a picture of the food before everyone started eating. Oops. I also ran out of platter so my poor fish sticks had to stay on the cookie sheet. Here was the menu:

Corn Dog Swords--I used a circle punch with black paper and slid them on the sticks to make them look like swords. So cute!

Potato Planks--uh, french fries.

Goldfish Crackers and pretzels

Fish sticks, crab sticks, and popcorn shrimp

Grapes and oranges--to prevent scurvy, of course!

Jello Jigglers--These were not as awesome as I had planned. I misread the recipe and before I knew it, it was too late! My big plan was to make Berry Blue jigglers and place little fish fruit snacks inside. Instead of having 4 packages of berry blue, I ended up with only 2 so I had to mix in another flavor. So much for my ocean jigglers. They ended up with purple stars. I'm sure they didn't mind, but still. Would have been nice to see my ocean jigglers. Maybe some other time.

Root beer, fruit punch, water, or ginger ale.

THE BOOTY:

The Target $1 spot really came through for me on the party favors. These pirate pouches came with a bunch of coins. All I had to do was find some other goodies to throw in there and we were good to go! I went to Party America and found some great deals. I got some rings, telescopes, and beads (the mardi gras beads were the least expensive). I also included some Hershey nuggets and some Pirates of the Caribbean fruit snacks. I personalized each bag with their name by printing it out (using the same technique as the invitation) and then putting that on a tag made from kraft paper (crinkled up and ripped). We punched holes and then tied them on the outside of the bag. I hid them in our piano bench and the kids all found them at the end of the party (more about the treasure hunt later...). The treasure box was also a $1 spot find. There weren't enough pouches for Caleb so I gave him the treasure chest (he was the Captain for the day, after all!).

THE LOGISTICS: I planned for the party to only last one hour. I figured for Caleb, this would be about as much as he could handle. It was PERFECT! We actually ran a few minutes over but the kids never really had a chance to get bored.

When they first arrived, they played downstairs for a bit and they got their pirate eye patches and a temporary tattoo (if they wanted them). After that, it was story time. I would NEVER have thought of this if it wasn't for my awesome friends that left comments a few weeks ago. Thanks! We laid down some painters plastic and I had made a paper with a huge X on it (Treasure Map font size 550) and their name underneath. We put down their X's and that is where they sat. Carl read "How I Became A Pirate" to them. I had checked out a few extra copies from the library so they could spread them around to see the pictures and follow along.

When we were done with the story we ate lunch. Everyone came upstairs to get their food and then went back down to sit at their X (which is why we put down plastic). This was the most chaotic of the time. I wasn't too organized. I probably should have had them come up just a few at a time but there were enough adult helpers that everyone got served what they needed and there were no food accidents! When lunch was done I brought down the cake. We sang to Caleb and then I served up the cake. When everyone was finished, we cleaned up the trash and folded up the plastic. Then it was time for PRESENTS! I probably should have thought more about this part. It didn't really occur to me that Caleb would be getting so many presents. He was so cute about it. He sat in a chair and when he opened one he showed it to everyone and said thank you. He was very polite and genuinely excited and grateful for the presents. I was so impressed with him.

The hour was up when he as about halfway done opening presents. I had some backup activities planned (musical chairs, pirate dancing, or "walk the plank") but didn't need to use them to fill the time. Parents started arriving. As soon as the presents were opened, we had a quick treasure hunt. I was going to be a lot more elaborate with the hunt but I'm so glad I wasn't. I kept it super simple and that was perfect for these kids. I had a map with 4 pictures on it. The first picture was a table w/ a radio. Once they found that, I showed them which picture was next. They had to find each of the locations in our house. The last picture was our piano bench. They all found it but didn't know what they were looking for. As soon as I told them to open it, they saw their treasure. I purposely saved this for last because I didn't want them messing around with the toys inside and losing things before it was time to leave. Since we were a little late, all the parents were already there so they were ready to bundle up and head home.

It was fun, quick and a great time. I'm sure it will be a while before we have a big birthday party like that but I'm so glad we did this year. Turning 5 is a big deal and what made it even better was that Caleb truly enjoyed himself. He knew what was going on and had a great time with his friends. I'm sure he's going to be talking about this for a long time!

Pirate Birthday Party

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2008/01/pirate-birthday-party.html

Project 365 (366)

No real theme this week. A lot of the days I didn't have time to think about taking pictures so some of them were afterthoughts.

01/14/08

This is Caleb at the movie theater. We watched the VeggieTales movie. It was our present to him for his birthday.

01/15/08Waiting for Daddy at work. Eva climbed up to the front seat and "pretended" to pluck all the hairs on her chin. She has learned from PCOS Mommy (me) that the natural light in the car is perfect for this activity!

01/16/08Toys in the fridge.

01/17/08More dinosaur encounters. This photo styling provided by Eva.

01/18/08This picture is really rotated the wrong way. I took this of Eva when we were lying on my bed one morning.

01/19/08Here is Eva helping us put away some groceries. Like her outfit? Whenever that dress is clean, it is on her body. It used to be my sister's.

01/20/08

The only pictures I've taken today are for the treasure hunt for tomorrow's party. This is one of the spots they have to find in the house to get their next clue.

Project 365 (366)

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2008/01/project-365-366_20.html

Smart Habit Saturday

My SMART habit this month was to actually finish what I've started. Basically, I want to have all of my finished items listed on etsy.

I'm doing okay. I've listed about 7-8. I went through all I have ready and I may have exaggerated when I said I have 30 items ready to list. I realized that a lot of the items I have ready are multiples so I don't really want to list them until the other one sells. So, I'm on track. I have about 8 more items to list. This has really helped me focus more on my shop and I'm really trying to come up with some fun things to make and put in there.

An interesting side effect of getting this in order---I'm starting to finish other things around the house. For the first time since I can remember, our Christmas tree and other decorations are put away before Easter. I cleaned out the linen closet. I cleaned the kids' rooms. I got Carl to dust off the tops of our cabinets. I finally hand washed a sweater that has been wallowing in the laundry since 2006 (it is a very dressy sweater that I only have occasion to wear every once in a while--and certainly not two years in a row! I'm good for 2008). It has all been very therapeutic. My theme for 2008 is "FINISH WHAT YOU START(ed)!".

Smart Habit Saturday

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2008/01/smart-habit-saturday_19.html

Pea Pods and Smocking

The pea pod sweater is almost finished. I just need to weave in the ends, steam it, and sew on the buttons. My dimensions are a little off. The body looks a little long compared to the sleeves. Or, the sleeves look a little short compared to the body. Maybe my sister will have a baby that will have short arms and a long torso. I made the 12 month size so he would be able to wear it later this year.

Once all the knitting was completed on the pea pod, I decided to start on a bag of my own design. I don't know why I just don't finish up some of the other projects I am working on. It is the knitting siren, I guess. She sings and I must cast on.
Here is my progress from last night watching our DVR'd episodes of American Idol. You can't really tell what it is going to look like yet. I'm using my Katia Mexico yarn I got from Ebay (during the week of major stash enhancement for my Lizard Ridge blanket). The stitch pattern is the Smocked Rib. I messed up the counting when I started it so I had to deviate from the design in my head a little bit to avoid ripping out 2 hours worth of work. It should turn out just fine---or at least it will be good practice of the smocked rib (because that's a stitch you use everyday!).

Pea Pods and Smocking

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2008/01/pea-pods-and-smocking.html

TeePee

Yesterday afternoon I called Carl at work because we were on our last roll of toilet paper. I asked him to go get some from the store before he came home. He got a 20 roll pack of some good stuff. I'm so proud of him! He has finally recognized that you shouldn't skimp on toilet paper. The scratchy stuff just won't do!

Last night I cleaned the bathroom.

I found a 12 roll pack hiding underneath some laundry.

I guess we'll be good to go for a while.

TeePee

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2008/01/teepee.html

Random Wednesday

1. I'm so glad American Idol is back!

2. Carl and I are seriously looking into purchasing a house on our street to use as a rental.

3. Last night the kids played at the Ager Center at a special session for kids with developmental delays. IT WAS AWESOME!!! We go every Tuesday night for 6 weeks.

4. The Target $1 spot has some really cool pirate stuff that I got for Caleb's party.

5. The PeaPod sweater is almost finished.

6. The Valentine mailboxes are in my shop.

7. The Bon Jovi concert is a just month away!

8. I've made $50 using PayPerPost. Not bad, for 4 blog posts.

9. I have 4 people on the N-Lighten Nebraska team so far. You have until tomorrow to decide if you want to do it with us!

10. I can't find the remote to our DVD player. This wouldn't be too big of a deal if the power button on the player wasn't broken. We can't use it unless we have the remote. I guess I can't watch Hairspray tonight while I'm knitting unless I can figure out where Caleb put it. He's not telling.

What random things are happening in your life?

Random Wednesday

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2008/01/random-wednesday.html

Clean Up Sk*rt

Did you get your sk*rt newsletter in your inbox yesterday? One of my posts made the top ten of 2007! They give a prize every month to the person that submits the top story.

This week they've added a new feature and they are running a contest to promote it. Now you can vote a story down. All the details are in this blog post. It is quick and easy and you can win over $100 worth of cleaning products.

Clean Up Sk*rt

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2008/01/clean-up-skrt.html

Candidate Quiz

I found this website the other day and thought I'd share it with the blog.

www.electoralcompass.com

The statements are interesting and it is meant to be a guide to help you figure out which candidates are closest to your political philosophy.

I am still undecided as of yet. Really, it doesn't quite matter who I support at the moment. My vote in the primaries will have very little to do with anything. I'm still interested in learning more about the candidates, though.

On this quiz I scored closest to Guliani and Ron Paul. In real life I'm probably leaning more towards McCain. A lot of people assume I'm voting for Romney because he is a Mormon. Religion doesn't really play into my decision making at all. However, I don't like how the other candidates are using it against him. I would vote for a person of any religion if I thought they would do a good job. I'm just not totally convinced about Romney. Truth be told, I'm not totally convinced about any of them---and I may never be.

Candidate Quiz

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2008/01/candidate-quiz.html

Project 365 (366)

Our week in pictures.

01/07/08
I think you'll notice a theme. Caleb has a new favorite sweatshirt. It happens to belong to Eva. Every day when he comes home from school he wants to put it on. Some of these pics look like I may have taken them on the same day, but he really did wear this Dora sweatshirt almost everyday. Eva got to put it on one of the days when Caleb was at school.


01/08/08
01/09/08
01/10/08
01/11/08
Invitations sent out for Caleb's birthday party.

01/12/08

I spent a fair amount of time last night in my craft room. I'm decoupaging those little mailboxes and filling them with "love notes" to put up on etsy. I'll finish them tomorrow.

01/13/08

Eva playing with her Little People and pirates today after church.

Project 365 (366)

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2008/01/project-365-366_13.html

Spray Powder Shampoo

Any mother with young kids can attest to the fact that it isn't always easy to get a shower when you want and/or need one. There were times when I felt my YMCA membership was worth it solely for the fact that they would watch my kids for 2 hours and I could work out for a little bit and then use their showers to wash my hair for the day. All I really needed was some of this shampoo.

I am definitely intrigued by this product. I may have to get some and include it in baby shower gifts for all new mothers. Booties and dry shampoo. Good idea, don't you think?

Another reason I thought I might want this product is to put in my food storage. If there is ever a time when we are without power or water, a little spray powder shampoo might give me just the pick me up I need. In a disaster if I'm going to be eating all that wheat we have stored, I'll want something to make me feel better.

The shampoo comes in different shades so you can best match your hair color and not worry about it leaving flecks or bits in your hair. It also lists no oil residue as one of its features. I'm sure a little goes a long way so this seems like a pretty good value to me. Maybe sometime soon you'll see me sporting dry cleaned hair.

Spray Powder Shampoo

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2008/01/spray-powder-shampoo.html

Rise and Shine!

While Carl is camping with the scouts this weekend, I'm here to fend for myself. Eva wouldn't sleep unless it was in my bed. Even then, she would toss and turn and every hour or so talk in her sleep. Most of the time she said stuff like, "No! It's MINE!". At 4:10am, Caleb decided he wanted to come upstairs. For 90 minutes we tried to all fall back asleep. It wasn't happening. I thought about calling Carl to tell him good morning but he's freezing in a tent somewhere so I figure we're about even.

I'm sleeping in tomorrow---no matter what! I'm not getting up until at least 7am!

Rise and Shine!

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2008/01/rise-and-shine.html

N-Lighten Nebraska

Any Lincoln-ites want to join me in doing this for three months? There can be anywhere between 2-10 people on a team. It costs $15/person (assuming we sign up online). It is not necessarily a weight loss competition. They have an activity accumulation category, as well. Teams can sign up to be eligible to win in both categories. You get a t-shirt, a free entry into the Cornhusker State Games Volkswalk, and support materials. There are also drawings for prizes each month when you track your progress online. Did I mention you could win a MEDAL???? So much better than a blue ribbon!

Any takers? Email me at sra_nelson AT yahoo or just comment here.

N-Lighten Nebraska

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2008/01/n-lighten-nebraska.html

Movie Time

For Caleb's birthday, we are going to take him to see this movie in the theater. We've never tried taking him to the movies before. But, if there is a movie that I think he would sit through--this one is it.

Carl is going to be on a scout campout all weekend and out of town the week of Caleb's actual birthday so we might try and go see it next weekend.

Movie Time

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2008/01/movie-time.html

Now Presenting...

The Crafty Conservative. Now, with less puking!

Carl came home from work a little early yesterday to give me a nap break after I spent most of the early afternoon throwing up. Fun times. He left just before 6pm to go to traffic school, Eva fell asleep at 6:19pm, and Caleb went to bed at 6:45pm. They must have known I needed that! I spent most of the evening laying around and knitting the other mitten. I think they turned out nicely. These were made from Patons Classic Wool in the colorway "Forest". A lady I know asked me to make her some mittens because her hands were just getting too cold. I told her to bring me some wool and I would do it! This is what she brought, and these are what I made. I finished them just in time for this next batch of snow that got here this morning.


Last night I cast on for the Pea Pod set. I'm making it for Baby Ken. Actually, I'm making it for a 1 yr. old Ken but thought I better start it now so I can enter it into the fairs this year. Baby Ken needs lots of blue ribbon clothes, I think. I'm using Plymouth Encore yarn in a hunter green. Some of you will remember it as my very first hoodie. *those at knitting group that heard about the ghetto mansion will get a glimpse in this picture* I liked that hoodie alright but it wasn't quite long enough I never did the zipper quite right. So, once I stopped wearing it...I ripped it out! I love yarn more than I love a hoodie in my closet.

Now that I'm feeling better I feel the need to catch up on a lot of things I should have done yesterday. So, it is off to do some laundry and clean up a bit around this pit. Oh yeah, and knit.

Now Presenting...

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2008/01/now-presenting.html

By the Numbers

Yesterday:

4 times I cleaned up vomit
5 poopy diapers
3 times I found poop not in diapers or a toilet
1 nap taken by Eva
3 glasses of 7 up kept down by Eva
2 Harry Potter movies watched (4&5)
3 episodes of MacGyver (Eva loves this show and requests it!)
2 Pepsis consumed (by me)
730 Kleenexes used (approximate)
3 loads of laundry
30 minutes of time Carl saw the kids yesterday
2 pizzas delivered
4 hours Carl spent at traffic school (funny story: Ryan M. from church was there, too. If only Casey W. had received a ticket they could have had their YM Presidency meeting)
2 nighttime prayers offered by Caleb--one for blessing the primary, one for blessing Big Caleb (a boy from church that babysat him once)
1 mitten knit after the kids went to bed

Hoping for a better day today.

By the Numbers

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2008/01/by-numbers.html

Human Touch Massage Chairs

Many of you know I am a connoisseur of massage chairs. I am a big fan of getting massages and believe they contribute to my well being. When I saw the chance at Payperpost to blog about Massage Chairs, I took the opportunity.

Their chairs give you a choice of automatic programs or you can use the remote to customize the kind of massage you like. The chairs mimic the techniques of professional massage therapists; kneading (my personal favorite), rolling, compression, and percussion. They even have ottomans with a foot massager. My favorite would have to be the iJoy-300. If I spend $60 a year getting pedicures, how long would it take for me to pay off having my own chair?

Human Touch Massage Chairs

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2008/01/human-touch-massage-chairs.html

Big Day

I had a big day planned today. Whitney came over to play with Eva, this afternoon is the day Caleb's teacher comes over for a home visit, and tonight we were going out for pizza while Daddy is busy at traffic school.

That all changed when Eva puked. Darn it all. It was really nasty, too. I washed Whitney's rocket backpack (it was in the line of fire), and disinfected all the toys that she brought. She's back at her house now so it is just me and Eva chilling. Eva is running around like no big deal. I'm hoping it was just something that didn't sit quite right with her and not a bug she could pass along. Time will tell.

I canceled the teacher visit.

Maybe I'll get dinner delivered instead.

I'm bummed.

This makes me feel better.

Big Day

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2008/01/big-day.html

Carl's Latest Venture

Carl has been accepted to a very special school. Not very many have the opportunity to attend.




For the next two evenings, Carl will be attending TRAFFIC SCHOOL!

He got a speeding ticket last week on his way to work. Oops.

Carl's Latest Venture

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2008/01/carls-latest-venture.html

Birthday Parties

Caleb turns 5 this month. We've never had a real birthday party for him before. This year I asked him if he wanted to have a party. He said, "YES!". I then asked him what kind of party he wanted. "A PIRATE PARTY!". Okay, there you have it. I'm planning a pirate party for Caleb. I'm actually going a bit overboard (ha ha) with the planning. I'm sure Caleb doesn't care. But, every time I ask him what kind of party he wants it is always the same--a pirate party. Yesterday he said he wanted a pirate treasure hunt.

I've been doing some research and have found some really great ideas. Most of these involve a little work but not a lot of money. I can handle that. We're going to invite Caleb's primary class. There are quite a few kids and if they all come it could get pretty wild up in here. I can handle anything for an hour. Yes, an hour. That's it. Maybe 90 minutes? How much time do these kids need to get hopped up on sugar and find some treasure?

Check out these cakes. I think I'm going to make the pirate ship. I might just go crazy. But, this is what I was dreaming of when I wanted to have kids. Going crazy planning birthday parties. I'm totally in the zone.

Birthday Parties

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2008/01/birthday-parties.html

Project 365 (366)

Project 365 is something I signed up for a couple of weeks ago. Basically, the premise is that you take a picture a day for a year. Instead of posting them every day, I decided to dedicate my Sunday posts to this project and listing the pictures I took during the previous week.


01/01/08

Eva helping with the bathroom renovation.

01/02/08


We are the dinosaurs marching, marching! Photo styling courtesy of Caleb.

01/03/08

A little unorganized chaos. Styling courtesy of me! The pile on top are the curtains I bought to go in front of my washer/dryer in the bathroom. They are waiting to be ironed and for Carl to install the rod. The rest is just my craft room mess that I haven't been able to be bothered with for the past month or so.

01/04/08

Caleb and Eva having their snack at the Ager indoor play center.

01/05/08

Indoor camping in our family room.

01/06/08
I resurrected my Lizard Ridge afghan this weekend and made another 2 squares.

Project 365 (366)

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2008/01/project-365-366.html