FO #14 The Flower Jacket!

Finished Object #14 (of 2005) has arrived! This is a Debbie Bliss design called Smock Jacket with Floral Panels. I can't recall which book it came from. I had checked it out from the library and then when we moved, I just had a copy of the pattern. I used Bernat Cottontots in white and Sugar & Cream cotton for the swiss darned flowers. It only took me 5 skeins to do this and they cost me a whopping $2.77 (on sale...reg price $3.27) a skein. I had to use size 3 needles and mess with the pattern a little bit to get the right size I wanted using this yarn. I ended up using the six month pattern but got the dimensions of a 24-36 month jacket. I think I was getting 20 stitches per 4 inch instead of the called for 25. But there was no way I was going to knit this bugger on size 1 needles!

I really like this design. I usually find moss stitch tedious but because there are cables and the diamonds, it kept my interest. Swiss darning was much simpler than I had thought. I was kind of dreading that part but once I got started, I even thought of adding flowers to all of the diamonds. But, that would have been too much of a good thing, I'm afraid.

Even the back has some of the moss stitch diamond motif. I thought that was a nice addition to the pattern if for nothing else than to reward me for getting that far along the back without quitting!

All I have left to do with this is a little bit of pressing (the moss stitch hem rolls up a bit) and find the perfect buttons. Any suggestions? Should I go with plain white buttons or jazz it up a bit with rose colored or maybe even a decorative gold or silver? I'll probably go looking for some buttons next week. I still have to finish a boy's cardigan (actually start and finish) before I can send this one out. But, I can't tell you what a great feeling it is to have this one finally finished! I'm looking forward to casting on for the other cardigan (another Debbie Bliss design) as soon as possible. Happy knitting all!

FO #14 The Flower Jacket!

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2005/08/fo-14-flower-jacket.html

Oh So Close!

I'm so close to finishing the flower jacket that I can't believe I'm taking time out to even post this. But, I had to let someone know. It's exciting. It's definitely the most awesome thing I've made (and that's saying something...in my oh so humble way...ha ha ha). Hopefully I'll have it ready to post the pictures tonight. If not tonight, definitely tomorrow.

Oh So Close!

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2005/08/oh-so-close.html

I Don't Think We're in the Ghetto Anymore, Toto

Something I've noticed since moving here to Lincoln...we have a ton of solicitors in this neighborhood. I get about 2-3 a week! I think I only had 2-3 the whole time I lived in the Lafayette "ghetto". Hmmm. We're moving on up. :)

I Don't Think We're in the Ghetto Anymore, Toto

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2005/08/i-dont-think-were-in-ghetto-anymore.html

Just Say No to Prozac

Thanks to all of you for the comments! I'm doing MUCH better! Sugar Daddy pulled off the near impossible by finding a babysitter (just one hour before book group) and I was able to attend. I was pleasantly surprised that nobody else had finished the book so it reminded me a lot of my old group where we only discussed the book for about 15 minutes and then just chatted the rest of the time. And, one of the book group members has a blog, too! Check it out here. I'm starting to feel a little more assimilated.

You know what else is making me feel great? I am a mere 4 rows away from binding off the back of the flower jacket. It's going to be such a relief to have that done!

I don't have much else to report at the moment...just wanted to say thanks for the well-wishing comments.

Allena: missionary splits are when the members of the general population of the church go out with the full-time missionaries assigned to our area.

Just Say No to Prozac

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2005/08/just-say-no-to-prozac.html

Crazy

It happened. It was only a matter of time. I had my first breakdown since moving to Lincoln. It was just the other day that I was telling a friend that I was doing surprisingly well and I wasn't even on anti-depressants! Oh, I think those days are over. Well, at least the doing surprisingly well days. I don't think I'm to the anti-depressant stage yet.

Here's what brought on the hour long cry fest. I have my first book group meeting tonight. It has been on the calendar even before I changed it over to August. I told SD, the third Wednesdays of the month are mine! Last night, he came home from doing missionary exchanges for church and he told me that he was scheduled again for Wednesday night! WHAT? Is he serious, I ask? How long has he known about this. Apparently, he's known for weeks and just forgot to tell me about it. At this point it's too late to call anyone to maybe get a replacement or a babysitter. And, I'm starting to feel selfish because it's just a book group and what he's doing is for his calling at church (he's the new Ward Mission Leader, btw). So, I lost it. I really have been feeling lonely. Lonely lonely lonely. I wanted to try and meet some more people at book group. Now it looks like I'll have to wait until next month. The silver lining? I didn't like or finish the book we were supposed to read so at least I hadn't put a bunch of effort into it.

I miss my old ward (a ward is our church...it is divided up into wards based on where you live). There was always something going on. I'm still not confident enough here to get some of my own things started. I don't know how much of a desire there is for a babysitting co-op but that's on my list of things I'd like to start. Anyway, I'm just having major withdrawls from being super-involved and knowing what's going on to being lonely lonely lonely. I can't even go to the one knitting group that I know has actual people that attend because of missionary splits.

I spent almost 3 hours at the mall today. I sat on a bench for part of that time and talked with another lonely lady. She was 80 and lost her husband 13 years ago. She comes to the mall to watch people and walk around. She assured me that Lincoln is a great place to raise a family. I don't doubt it. I just wish I had some things to do and other people to talk to besides my awesome family.

Whining over for now. I can't believe I'm actually going to post this. But, I am.

Crazy

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2005/08/crazy.html

Tommy Lee Goes to College w/ UPDATE

Here's a show that under normal circumstances, I would avoid. However, since it takes place on the University of Nebraska campus...I feel obligated to watch. I'm most interested to see the sights of Lincoln. They are bound to have Tommy Lee go places and do things that I haven't heard about yet. Plus, from the promos I gather that he is going to play in the marching band. I've never been known to turn down a show with a marching band!

UPDATE: I watched the show. It wasn't too bad. I wasn't too great either. I got bored. I do find Tommy Lee quite endearing, though. I also loved the lady at the chancellor's office that said he was good looking. Is it just a coincidence that the professor they chose as his academic advisor is named Professor Gay? The parts with the marching band were definitely my favorite. I'll have to tune in next week to see him perform at a football game.

Melessa: when I was in Oklahoma I saw the first few episodes of Being Bobby Brown. I know what you mean. But, I was most hooked on Blow Out. Someday soon I'll get more than 3 channels and be able to watch it again.

Tommy Lee Goes to College w/ UPDATE

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2005/08/tommy-lee-goes-to-college-w-update.html

PFA Update #3

Well, I'm only down 1/2 pound this week. Those molten chocolate cakes are catching up with me! I'm not too down, my body fat is down 2%. I can only assume that is because I am becoming a muscle woman. One can dream.

Have y'all noticed that since I've started PFA that I talk about food more on my blog than before? Am I obsessed? Well, maybe. I must tell you about where we ate this weekend. On Friday night we went out as a family to Chipotle. I've never been there before. Holy cow those burritos are huge and DELICIOSOS! I'm already thinking about how I'm going to be able to go again and get another one. It's not the easiest place to go with kids. Plus, there is no way I can eat a whole one by myself. The cilantro-lime rice is to die for. Yummy yummy. It is my new favorite place.

In knitting news: I'm to row 91 on the back of the flower jacket. At row 105 I can start the armhole shaping. That will be a nice change. At least the rows will get shorter. I'm going to be so glad when this is done.

Before I start the next cardigan (for the boy), I need to get 2 sets of circs (sz 2 &3). Instead of trying to find some in town (Hobby Lobby here only carries even numbers up to size 8 and I don't want to pay $40 for addis at my LYS), I bought a Boye Needlemaster on eBay for less than half price. Good enough. Now I'll have sizes 2-15 with all different lengths of cables at my fingertips. I realized this will also be good for this next project because the ribbing is done in size 2 and the rest in size 3 so I won't even have to take it off the needles, I can just switch out the tips. Genius.

I'm going to join the newest Weasley-along. You can find out about it by going to The Blue Blog (I'm too lazy to link to it right now...just go to my sidebar to find the link). I've been wanting to make Weasley sweaters for my brothers (and for myself) but haven't been able to find a pattern and I've been too lazy (notice a pattern here?) to make one up myself. It looks like Allison is going to work one up for us. Awesome. In anticipation for my Harry Potter knitting, I took a sorting quiz. Here are my results. What's up with having more than 100%?

GRYFFINDOR! You scored 20% Slytherin, 20% Ravenclaw, 64% Gryffindor, and 20% Hufflepuff!

You might belong in Gryffindor, Where dwell the brave at heart, Their daring, nerve, and chivalry Set Gryffindors apart. Gryffindors are known for their courage, audacity, and devotion to what is good and honest.

PFA Update #3

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2005/08/pfa-update-3.html

Customer Service

Thank you, Selena at Progressive. I was pretty bummed this morning when I realized that I was getting charged for our car insurance in two states. But, I called you and you worked it all out for me in less than 5 minutes. You were nice and told me that I would be getting back $204. It was a pleasure doing business with you.

Thank you, bank teller at Tier One Bank on 40th & Normal. You smiled at me and told me good morning. You were quick and when you gave me my receipt, you said, "Have a good day, Christy".

Thank you, Elisa at Walmart. Normally, I hate going into your store. It's always crowded and I'm easily annoyed (those of you that know me right now are laughing because you know how true this is). You probably have Selena and the bank teller to thank for my good mood because even the crowds at Walmart didn't annoy me. Maybe it was because I got a good parking space, too. Anyway, you were super fast, helped me load up my cart and when I left you said, "Have a great day and be careful in that rain.".

Thank you, Eric the deli guy at Walmart. Instead of giving me a skimpy sample of the cajun roast beef, you gave me a big huge chunk. It was yummy so I bought a pound of it. Because of the big sample, you saved me from succumbing to a doughnut urge.

Customer Service

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2005/08/customer-service.html

Joke

Here's a joke for today (because I have absolutely nothing else to write about):

A police officer saw a car speeding down the highway.
He started chasing after the speeder . When he got close he saw it was a blonde woman who was actually knitting while driving.
The cop yelled, "Pull over!"
The blonde shouted back, "No! It's a sweater!"

Joke

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2005/08/joke.html

Molten Chocolate Cakes

Because of demand, I'm posting the molten chocolate cake recipe. By demand, I mean one request by Mary. But, I'm sure the rest of you were wanting it too, right? Plus, I don't have anything really good to blog about today.

I found this in Food & Family magazine by Kraft Foods. You can get it for free by going to their website at www.kraftfoods.com I'm always impressed with their magazines. There are actual recipes that my whole family can enjoy.

Just a tip with this one...It takes 2 egg yolks. I was telling Sugar Daddy that next time I make this, I'll have something breaded for dinner so I can use the egg whites for that.

Molten Chocolate Cakes
Prep: 15 min Total: 29 min

4 squares Baker's semi-sweet baking chocolate
1/2 cup butter
1 cup powdered sugar
2 eggs
2 egg yolks
6 tbsp. flour
1/2 cup Cool Whip topping, thawed (optional)

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Butter 4 (3/4 cup) custard cups or souffle dishes. Place on a baking sheet

Microwave chocolate and 1/2 cup butter in large microwavable bowl (I used my PC small micro cooker) on HIGH 1 min. or until butter is melted. Stir with wire whisk until chocolate is completely melted. Stir in sugar until well blended. Whisk in eggs and egg yolks. Stir in flour. Divide batter between prepared custard cups.

Bake 13 to 14 min. or until sides are firm but centers are soft. Let stand 1 min. Carefully run small knife around cakes to loosen. Invert cakes onto dessert dishes. Top with 1 tbsp. of whipped topping and serve immediately.

Makes 8 servings (yeah, right...they're allowing for 1/2 a cake each. whatever. nobody could just eat 1/2 of a cake!)

Batter can be made a day ahead. Pour into prepared custard cups, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Bake as directed.

Molten Chocolate Cakes

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2005/08/molten-chocolate-cakes.html

For Your Winding Pleasure

I bought a ball winder yesterday on eBay. I couldn't wait any longer. It had to be done. Plus, I had Sugar Daddy's approval. We had a paypal coupon (he's a sucker for coupons!) that expired yesterday and we couldn't find anything else that we "needed" that fit the requirements (at least $19.99).

I also wanted to get a swift. Those darn things are expensive. Instead, I found a vintage skein caddy. It should work well enough and the price was right. I'll save up for a swift or ask for one for Christmas if this one doesn't work well enough for me.

I'm plugging away on the back of the Flower Jacket. I have 25 rows done so far. I have to do at least 100 before I can even start the armhole shaping. I'm knitting with cotton on long, straight size 3 needles so my hands get crampy after just a few rows. It's not going too quickly. But, I'm determined to get this darn thing done so I can start on the Scotty Sweater. That sweater is for the brother of the recipient of this flower jacket. I hope to have them both done by the middle of October (at the latest!). They need to be able to wear them this season. I also found out that this family has been matched again for a baby boy due in December. Hmmm.... I believe I'll have to knit something up for that kiddo, too. Their oldest just turned 2, the girl just turned 1, and they're getting another one in December! Wow. This family seems to really have it together, though. The mom thrives having little ones around. I think I would go crazy having 3 kids under 3. Two under 3 at a time is my limit.

I guess that's about it from here today. Happy knitting one and all!

For Your Winding Pleasure

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2005/08/for-your-winding-pleasure.html

PFA Update #2

I finished my second full week of PFA. Before I tell you how it went, let me mention the most awesome dessert I've ever made. In honor of my anniversary, I made molten chocolate cakes. Basically it's an individual cake with melted chocolate in the center. Divine. Sugar Daddy and I each ate two. We had to, the recipe made four and there was no way I was going to get the Frog to try some. Think of THAT sugar high! No thank you.

Even with the molten cakes, I lost another pound. Slowly but surely. I haven't changed my eating habits much. I do eat out less but other than that, I'm not doing too much differently as far as food goes. I am exercising. That seems to be the key. Now, if I can just get my act together and stop eating molten chocolate cakes all day, the progress might be a little quicker. Let's just say, I'm not complaining. I'm in PFA for the long haul...or until Christmas (j/k).

I had a nasty UTI last week that kept me from going to the Y more than twice. Yuck-a-roni. I don't have insurance yet. The coverage doesn't start until the 15th. What terrible timing, eh? I tried some over-the-counter stuff. I gave it two days to work. After that, I went to the doctor. They have a little minor emergency clinic so I went there. The Dr. was really nice. He only works there and I was kind of bummed b/c I would have liked to have him for my regular physician. Oh well. I'll just have to find some other nice person to be my doctor.


Here's a gratuitous pic of Big Apple hot off the presses. Isn't she just so cute? This may be hard to believe but I had a more difficult time bonding with her than I did with the Frog. Maybe because Frog came first and I didn't have another child wanting my attention 24/7. You'll all be happy to know that I'm more than fully attached to this one now and SO HAPPY to have her be a part of our family!




I don't want to play favorites...so here is a pic of my virtuoso, the Frog. You'll also notice one of his Teletubbies, Dipsy, isn't too far away. Look at that form! As a former piano teacher, I must say...watch out world! :) This kid can play a mean piano and he always expects applause at the end. What a ham.

I have actual knitting content for tomorrow. I made a few more eBay purchases (Sugar Daddy approved!).

PFA Update #2

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2005/08/pfa-update-2.html

We've Come a Long Way, Baby!

Seven years ago today, I married my one and only Sugar Daddy. I was 23, he was 22. He was just starting his junior year in college. I had already graduated, but decided to go back to pursue my teaching certification. We lived in a small, one bedroom apartment right off of the University of Oklahoma campus.
Four and a half years later, we got our Frog. Almost 5 months ago, we got our Big Apple. Three months ago, Sugar Daddy completed his Ph.D and is now a professor at the University of Nebraska. Yep, we've come a long way!

We've Come a Long Way, Baby!

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2005/08/weve-come-long-way-baby.html

Knit Night

First off, I must admit that I was lame and didn't take any pics at the fair. My apologies. Especially since Big Apple looked extra cute with her two pigtails on top of her head. I promise to post some pics of her (with her new hair-do) and the Frog soon.

Now, on to knit night. Sugar Daddy met me and the kids for dinner so we could have a good meal and make the switch. He went home w/ the kiddos and I got to go and knit at Threads, Too. They were showing off some Lily Chin creations. She'll be there in September to give some classes. They also got in some Lily Chin yarn. I tried a couple of them out. I really liked "Chelsea". I believe it is the one that has a merino/cotton blend. There is something else in it, too but I can't remember. I might have to use that instead of the recommended Koigu for the cabled purse I want to make. Although, I have some doubts that it may be a little too stretchy. We'll see. I'm in no rush to start that purse just yet.

There were some really nice people there. I didn't want to scare everyone by asking to take their picture so I could post it on the internet. So, maybe next time. There was some great discussion and it was really nice to talk with some grown-ups for a change. I think I convinced one lady to make the hooded sweatshirt from Hip to Knit. Remember this? Hello sweatshirt. Hello Lafayette house. Sorry, don't miss ya. I sure hope I've lost weight since then. Yuck. Btw, Project Fat Arse is looking okay this week. I'll update on Monday.

I'll leave you with a pic of the ever-sweet Big Apple.

Knit Night

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2005/08/knit-night.html

New Acquisition

I've been hoping to get a new entertainment center. We've been using my cedar chest for years. It's about time that I can get out my blankets if I want them without having to take off the tv and all of it's gear. We bought one last Saturday. The price was right, it fits perfectly where it needs to go, and it keeps the dvd and vcr up high enough that the Frog will stop putting everything in them. Here's a pic (downloaded from the ShopKo sale ad). It took all of last night after SD got home from work and most of the morning to get it put together. We'll put the doors on tonight. But, for now that's good enough.

If I can remember to take my camera, I'll have some pics from our outing to the Lancaster County Fair. I'm going today with a girl I met at church. She has a daughter 2 days older than Big Apple. It should be fun. The weather is great today. I think we're going to be around 84 degrees. Perfect!

In knitting news: I finished a sleeve on the flower jacket and I'm about 30 rows (out of 75) in on the second. Unfortunately, the rows get bigger so I know I'm not that close to being halfway done with it. I'll probably be able to start on the back on Saturday or Sunday. I'm also looking for some Koigu (KPM). That stuff is hard to find! There's virtually none of it on eBay and I can't find the color that I want (a deep red or charcoal grey). It's for the cabled purse in Last Minute Knitted Gifts. Has anyone made this with a good substitute for the Koigu?

New Acquisition

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2005/08/new-acquisition.html

My Favorite Food

The Crafty Conservative

Nine years ago (I still can't believe it has been that long) I started an 18 month mission for my church to Guadalajara, Mexico. I was nervous. I didn't speak Spanish. I didn't like different foods (anything other than pizza, hamburgers, chicken, eggs, your basic non-spicy, non-threatening fare). I didn't know what I was getting myself into. But, I was excited and ready to go!

The Guadalajara mission has since been split into two since I served there and I don't know the exact boundaries now. At any rate, I served in the Mexican states of Jalisco, Nayarit, Michoacan, and Colima. In Colima, I lived in Manzanillo. It is right on the beach. We had a hammock and coconuts in our backyard. Geckos lived in my suitcase and shoes. It was there that I was turned on to seviche. *I'm pretty sure it is spelled with an "s". In Mexico the "s" and the "c" are mistaken for each other and I've seen it spelled both ways.*

Seviche is a dish that can be served many ways. I'm going to tell you how you can make it yourself and serve it my all-time favorite way: on tostadas. YUMMY!

You'll need to get a pound of fresh, firm fish. In Mexico, we used huachinango. I think that is red snapper. I used haddock today since they didn't have any snapper. First you need to cut the fish into small cubes (about the diameter of a ball point pen). Put it in a glass or stainless steel bowl (I used my batter bowl...convenient because it has a lid). Squeeze the juice of 2 lemons and 2-3 limes onto the fish. It should almost cover it. Stir it up. Cover the bowl. Put it in the fridge for 4-6 hours or until the fish is opaque all the way through. You should stir it once and hour or so during this time. The lemon and lime juice "cook" the fish. Once it is done "cooking", drain the liquid. You can store this up to 18 hours before serving.

In my small batter bowl, I put a diced white onion, and a diced tomato (no juice). Add to that cilantro to taste. I love cilantro so I just grab a big handful and cut it up right into the bowl. Stir it up. You can add some salt and lime juice to this if you want, but I find that the fish does this job rather nicely.

I keep the tomato mixture and the fish separate until I serve it up. Then, if I have more tomato mixture leftover, I use it to make salsa.

To serve: on a tostada (I love El Charro brand but any will do), place a spoonful or two of the tomato mixture on top and spread it around. Then, add your fish. Sugar Daddy likes avocado on his. I pass. Traditionally it is served with avocado. Eat it up and enjoy!

I have certainly expanded my food horizons since I left on my mission...probably not enough for my in-laws, but my family is amazed by some of the things that I'll eat now. So, there you have it. Seviche. One of my favorite foods.

My Favorite Food

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2005/08/my-favorite-food.html

eBay

The Crafty Conservative

I haven't bought anything off of eBay for over 6 months. About 10 days ago, I decided it was time again to make a purchase.

I spent the Fourth of July with Melessa and her family. I had a great time! So did Frog. He was so in love with Caroline's "Po" doll (from the Teletubbies) that he left kicking and screaming because he couldn't take it with him. This really isn't too big of a deal because he leaves a lot of places kicking and screaming. But, he kept talking about Po. I thought he would forget about it. Nope. Po po po po po. He kept on. I looked for a Po doll in Walmart. No luck. I called some other stores. Nada. I looked on eBay. Bingo. Of course they would have them on eBay.

I found a good auction that had not only a Po doll, but the other 3 Teletubbies as well. They looked like they were in good condition. The shipping was cheap. The price was right. I went for it. I won. They showed up on my doorstep today. I've been on the computer now for roughly 40 minutes and he hasn't stopped playing with them. I can hear him in his room just laughing and playing. As much as I can't stand the Teletubbies, I sure am glad I made this purchase. He's so happy. I haven't seen him this excited about a toy since his uncle Eric got him an Elmo doll. He still loves his Elmo but I think the Teletubbies are going to rule the roost for a while.

UPDATE: I was watching the Frog with his new acquisitions. With Tinky Winky in one hand talking to LaLa in the other he said, "Pbskids. Viewers like you. Thank you."

eBay

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2005/08/ebay.html

Update: PFA

The Crafty Conservative

I've got an update after my first full week of Project Fat Arse. I worked out at the Y only 3 times, succumbed to PMS cravings, ate pizza for 2 days straight, and didn't do much else. All that being said, I still lost a pound. So, at least I didn't gain!

O magazine this month is all about food. They came up with their own Zodiac diet (of course, not a real diet...just for fun). I'm an Aries and this is what it says about me:

Headstrong and passionate, you are terrific at kicking off a diet, not so great at sustaining one. Best bet: a short-term, intense regimen that grips your attention...at least until you get sick of it. Or try a weight loss competition with a friend. You can't fathom coming in second.

That is so true about the competition. If I can win something or beat someone else, I'm all about it. Maybe I'll get my sister to do a competition with me. Too bad she doesn't have any money for me to win from her. :)

Update: PFA

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2005/08/update-pfa.html

Take a Bite Out of the Big Apple

The Crafty Conservative

Just another example of why Big Apple is an amazingly great baby; she has a tooth. Okay, I know that in itself is no great accomplishment. She was going to get them sooner or later. The amazing thing is, we had no idea she was teething! There was no screaming. No fussing. No fever. There was a slight runny nose on Tuesday but that went away quick enough that I didn't even think about it. Sugar Daddy let her suck on his finger today at church and he felt it. Otherwise, we probably wouldn't have known until it was all the way in. From how much is sticking out now, I estimate it broke through on Wed or Thurs.

Take a Bite Out of the Big Apple

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2005/07/take-bite-out-of-big-apple.html

The Sweater

I think I've found an acceptable pattern for my Jo Sharp yarn. It's at knitty.com. It's called Sweetness. I think I'm going to make the mock turtleneck version but with varying stripes. The top will be Quartz (light purple) and the stripes will be Meadow (avocado green), Merlot (burgandy), and Venetian (dark purple). I have no plans to cast on for this anytime soon and I reserve all rights to change my mind. But, for now, this is it.

The Sweater

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2005/07/sweater.html

Knitting Without Tears

Knitting Without Tears by Elizabeth Zimmerman is the latest knitting book that I've read. The author is a true knitting goddess. Her first line is, "Most people have an obsession; mine is knitting". Really. She's amazing. This book reads more like a narrative and less like a book of instruction or patterns. There are some great patterns for seamless sweaters but I'm going to have to ask Sugar Daddy to help me work out the math. She throws in her wit and tries to mend the divide between those that knit English, and those that knit continental. I really never have figured out what the big deal is about that. Anyway, I recommend this book to one and all. Just know that it is not a book that will help you learn to knit. It would be very confusing to try and read this without having made at least one sweater or without being familiar with more complex patterns.

I have made some good progress on the Flower Jacket. I'm just about 20 rows away from completing the left front. I'm dreading the back and the sleeves, but I've got to do them! Here's a picture of the right front that I posted after I finished it. There will be flowers in every other diamond. That's moss stitch inside of two cables. I'm using Bernat cotton. It's not the most fun to knit with but I think it's mainly because the needles are small (size 3). My hands get tired rather quickly while knitting on this. That probably explains why it is taking me so long to finish it. But, I'm resolved to get it done quickly. You may remember that this is for a friend...the one that helped us out so much with our last adoption. I also am going to knit a cardigan for her son that I want to get done before it gets too cold. These are my priorities at the moment...no matter how much that Jo Sharp yarn is calling to me.

PFA is coming along rather nicely. We joined the Y and have been going this week. I rode a bike for 6 miles on Tuesday and swam on Monday. I took the day off yesterday because of our late night with Neil. I was going to go to a water aerobics class tonight but my cravings for salty and sweet are preventing me from attempting to go tonight. Plus, Sugar Daddy got home late anyway. He was in Omaha watching surgeries. I'm glad that's his job and not mine. Yuck. I know he's an engineering professor but they are having him watch them so he can get an idea of how the tools work, what tools are needed, etc... so he can start designing some new ones. Back to PFA and the Y, I'll probably go back tomorrow and ride the bike again.

I got invited to join a book group here in town. This month the book is "Reading Lolita in Tehran". I'm going to the library right now to pick up a copy. They don't meet until the 3rd Wed. of the month so I have a while to read it. Until tomorrow...happy knitting all!

Knitting Without Tears

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2005/07/knitting-without-tears.html

I Am, I Said

Oh yeah. We went to the Neil Diamond concert last night. It was awesome! As much as I tried to remember the whole playlist to give you a song by song analysis, I couldn't (lucky for all of you readers). But, I do have a list of observations on this fabulous night of nights.

1. The only other Neil Diamond concert I've been to was at the Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, IN in 2001.

2. That concert was right after 9/11 and the opening song was America. I cried. I'm such a geek.

3. This concert was at the Qwest Center in Omaha. It is an awesome place. Beautiful. Well, as beautiful as a huge convention center can be. Parking was cheap and close (Sugar Daddy was pleased with that, of course!).

4. I still couldn't believe how close we were when the usher was leading us to our seats. We were in row 14 seats 19 and 20. There were 40 seats across so you can imagine where 19 and 20 were. RIGHT IN THE CENTER! I estimate we were 20 yds. away from Neil. SD says 30 yds. Let's just say we were close. I saw him as well without binoculars as I did with them in Indianapolis.

5. There was a 7ft. tall man (only a slight exaggeration) in row 9 seat 20. Sometimes he blocked my view. Luckily, he wasn't that big of a fan and didn't stand up all of the time. I could just lean over and see Neil better than I could on the big screen.

6. The lady next to me couldn't clap on the beat. It was more than mildly annoying. She also had a bigger butt than mine and she was spilling onto my chair. Gross. Luckily SD only takes up about 1/3 of his own chair so I used part of his.

7. Even with the giant and the big butt, no rhythm lady, it beat our Indy concert neighbors (drunk middle aged women with filthy mouths). I shouldn't be complaining.

8. During the song, Play Me, Neil gave me a little nod and a wave. Even SD attests to the fact that it was me he was looking at. Probably because everyone was sitting down for this one and as soon as he looked my way I jumped up and waved. I'm not even embarrassed to mention this! I'm such a geek.

9. Cherry, Cherry is probably my favorite Neil song. He played his guitar on this one. He is such a rock star.

10. I thank my parents for listening to Neil Diamond as I was growing up. My sister and I used to jump on the trampoline to Beautiful Noise and Forever In Blue Jeans.

11. I wore blue jeans. I also broke out my DiamondGirl shirt. Yep. It's sparkly. I got it at the last concert.

12. I'm amazed at the fan base Neil has. There were people there of all ages. And, we all knew the words. Women love him. Men love him. It was a big difference from the Enrique Iglesias concert where only the women were singing and dancing. The men were just there to make their women happy. Poor SD. I don't think he minded too much.

13. Sweet Caroline. SO GOOD! SO GOOD! SO GOOD!

14. Red Red Wine. Hmmm. Definitely not my favorite song. I didn't like it much before UB40 covered it and once they did, my dislike for the song grew even stronger. It is amusing to see Neil try to sing in a reggae style, though.

15. I'm glad Barbra Streisand doesn't go on tour with Neil. His backup singer does a much better job at You Don't Bring Me Flowers (at least in my opinion). I don't have much of a tolerance for Streisand's voice. It is usually during this song that I get a little "break" from singing and dancing. My neighbor didn't clap her hands during this song either so it made it even more enjoyable!

16. Holly Holy. Anytime I hear this song now I can only think of the movie Saving Silverman. Have you seen it? The plot is silly. If you're a Neil fan, he has a cameo at the end. The movie's stars are obsessed with Neil Diamond so there are lots of good songs and funny Neil"isms". The credits roll to Neil in concert (with the Saving Silverman cast doing backup) singing Holly Holy. YEAH---huh.

17. I think the most heartfelt performance of the night was Love on the Rocks. This song must mean a lot to him. I don't like the song that much but watching him sing it gave it more meaning.

18. Second most heartfelt performance goes to I Am, I Said. I knew this was close to the end of the concert so I wasn't too happy to hear this song. But, Neil's awesome and I knew there would be at least 2 more songs of encore.

19. Cracklin' Rosie. Play it now! Play it now! Play it now, my baby! I was waiting for this song most of the night. I forgot he usually puts it at the end.

20. Brother Love's Travelling Salvation Show. This one was the most exciting visually. Whole sections of the stage can be raised and lowered (below audience view). For this one, they lowered the band and raised up Neil. They lowered the lights also so they were right on him. Then he did his "preaching" section of the song. It was fun. But, again, I knew it was close to the end so I was starting to feel a little sad it was over.

21. I am so glad that I went to this concert. The seats were so great, the music was fabulous, and SD was happy. Neil Diamond is 64. I don't know how long he'll keep touring. I told SD that I don't think I'll need to see him in concert again. But, I don't know what I was thinking. It's going to be hard to keep me away from any farewell tour, that's for sure!

22. Thanks for putting up with this blog entry all about my obsession with Neil. I'll be back to my knitting tomorrow!

23. I need to have 25 entries.

24. Sugar Daddy let me sleep in this morning. He went to work late. He said it was because he knew I was tired. When I got up he was reading Harry Potter. Hmmm.... Either way, I got my sleep.

25. Until tomorrow. I also have some info to share on Project Fat Arse. I know. You can't wait.

I Am, I Said

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2005/07/i-am-i-said.html

Tubby Toast

The Crafty Conservative

I can't get on the computer anymore without the Frog asking me for Teletubbies or Tubby Toast. I took him to Pbskids.org one day to play some games and listen to some music. Now, it's a never-ending struggle to check my email, blog, surf, etc... I can't stand the Teletubbies. I can watch the Wiggles. I can watch Veggie Tales (I haven't been able to find his fruit snacks here in Lincoln...he's been going without). I can't sit and watch Teletubbies. I'm trying to get him to like some of the stuff at nickjr.com but the only thing he's mildly interested in is the Bing Bang song on nickjr radio (it's the song from LazyTown).

Speak of the devil...here he is! Teletubbies! Teletubbies! Puhweeeeeze? Well, here I go. Time for tubby bye-bye.

Tubby Toast

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2005/07/tubby-toast.html

Big Hair

The Crafty Conservative

Oklahoma and Texas have reputations of being "big hair" states. I offer the explanation that they can't help it! My hair is so much more manageable (and less "big") now that I'm back home. I noticed it when I moved to Indiana, as well. Glad to be home in a state where I can get out of the shower, forget my hair, and not have it be like a football helmet when it dries.

Big Hair

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2005/07/big-hair.html

FO #13! I know I've already shown this pic on the blog, but it's cute and what I made was a scarf identical to this one. I finished it tonight. 

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2005/07/fo-13-i-know-ive-already-shown-this.html

Stash Enhancement

The Crafty Conservative

I went to Threads, Too this afternoon. It was merely a trip to get some of my cotton wound into balls. But, they had Jo Sharp Silkroad marked 70% off. Could any sane (or insane, as the case may be) person refuse such a bargain? Let me just say that I couldn't. I won't take a pic of everything I got...let me just link you to the Jo Sharp website if you're interested in the colors I got. A pic of the type of yarn is below. You'll need to click on Silkroad Aran.

Jo Sharp Link

I bought 10 skeins of Quartz, 2 Venetian, 2 Merlot, and 11 Cornsilk. I'm planning on making a sweater for myself and selling the rest on eBay. The average price per skein after the sale was $2.40. Uh, HELLO???? I'm tempted to go back and buy the rest. But, I must resist temptation.

Anyone out there have a good idea for a sweater pattern? Between the quartz and the cornsilk I have more than enough for a sweater my size. But, it will definitely need to have the two colors. Stripes? Yoke neck w/ pattern? Hmmm....

Stash Enhancement

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2005/07/stash-enhancement.html

Pure joy in a ball. 

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2005/07/pure-joy-in-ball.html

A shoe for knitters! Isn't this the funkiest thing? They are sold at JCPenney. I saw them during my trip to the not-so kid friendly mall. 

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2005/07/shoe-for-knitters-isnt-this-funkiest.html

The Not-So Kid Friendly Mall

The Crafty Conservative

It's Lemon Days at the mall here in Lincoln. I don't really know what that means but they were giving away $10 mall certificates to the first 50 families that brought in canned food this morning. Hmmm...was it worth the trip?

The mall setup is wacky. The main part of the mall is on the second floor. The first floor is covered parking. They have escalators. No elevators. What the heck am I supposed to do with my stroller? Well, they have elevators in the major dept. stores. My dilemma? The dept. stores don't open until 10am. I had to be in line for the gift card before then. My only way in was up an escalator. I put Big Apple in the Snugli and hoped Frog would be a good walker. He wasn't. He flopped out the whole way there. I couldn't bend over to pick him up because I had BA in front of me. I had to drag my child through the mall. Lovely. By the time we got to the area where we needed to be, I had sweat running down my face and I was feeling like $10 wasn't really worth the trouble. But, I was already there. I was #40. Had I waited for Frog to behave (instead of using the drag method) I probably wouldn't have made it and that would have made me even more angry.

They gave Frog a balloon and I got a mall stroller big enough for both kids. Nothing like pushing a big fire truck around a small mall. But, it's better than dragging around an almost 50 lb. two yr. old. I went to Bath and Body Works to take back an item and they had an awesome sale. I bought two bags (I envision SD rolling his eyes..."how many bags do you need?"). One of the bags will be a great knitting bag ($9) and the other one was only $1. How could I resist that? Obviously, I couldn't. I also purchased a clearance sweater (Lane Bryant) and some Crocs. I thought these were the most ridiculous things until I wore my mom's pair while I was at home. I didn't want to take them off. Ever. I got black to match my swimsuit since I'll be going to the pool a lot once I get my gym membership. Shopping was fun and it took my mind off how I was going to get us all back in the car.

Here's what I did (after a call to SD to see if he could come and help me during his lunch hour...he thought I was nuts):

1. Find an elevator.
2. Find my car which was nowhere near an elevator but parked right by one of the very "useful" escalators.
3. Unload my purchases and the diaper bag.
4. Find an elevator.
5. Find the place where I am supposed to return the stroller.
6. Put BA back in the Snugli.
7. Pull Frog out of the stroller. He loses a shoe and for the life of me I don't know how I'm going to put it back on him without the baby falling out of the Snugli. He miraculously minds me and I have no problem getting him to step into his shoe.
8. Walk to the escalator (not even a hint of a tantrum!).
9. Thinking I'm home free.
10. Go down the escalator.
11. The tantrums start. Hmmm. Must be the escalator. Frog wants to go again and again.
12. I have no time or patience to take him up and down the escalator. Must not avoid the inevitable.
13. Drag the Frog across the parking lot.
14. Load up both kids in the car with minimal damage to myself and them.
15. Crank up the A/C and vow to never ever under any circumstances do that again.

The Not-So Kid Friendly Mall

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2005/07/not-so-kid-friendly-mall.html

Project Fat Arse

The Crafty Conservative

Before I left to go to Oklahoma, I called my sister. We're both big girls. But, she likes to exercise. I asked her if she wanted to "train" me and help me with some workouts while I was there. She was genuinely excited and was looking forward to "Project Fat Arse". When I got to Oklahoma, our goals changed and we took "PFA" too literally by skipping all workouts and proceeding to eat chinese food and pizza the whole time. Oh yeah. Good stuff.

I'm not a total slacker. I have lost 20 lbs. in the past year. It just goes really slowly. When my insurance kicks in (Aug 15th), I'm going to go back to the dr. and see if (s)he can get my PCOS symptoms under control (one is weight gain). When I was going through fertility treatments (pre-Frog) my reproductive endocrinologist put me on glucophage (mainly used for diabetics) to help out with some of the symptoms and weight gain. It just gave me wicked diarrhea so I stopped taking it. Now I've heard that he probably should have started me on lower doses and have me work my way up to the regular daily dose. I may try it again. I hope I can find a good doctor here.

I bought a scale last night. It is a really cool one that tracks body fat as well. What a bummer it was seeing that number! It scared me enough to have me really kick PFA into high gear. Once school starts and SD is on his regular contract, I'm going to join a gym. I'll probably just do the YWCA. They have a program where you can just have an aquatic membership (my preference) and do all the swimming and water aerobic classes you want. They also have day care for up to 1 1/2 hours. That would even give me time to enjoy the jacuzzi and/or sauna afterwards!

I have been thinking that there are some psychological reasons that I've been keeping from doing some of the things that I need to. Darn that Dr. Phil! :) But, seriously, my RE said that with glucophage and dropping some weight, my cycles could become more and more regulated giving me a better chance of getting pregnant. Well, guess what? I'M SCARED TO GET PREGNANT! I know, I know. I whined and complained and tried so hard to get pregnant for years. The thing is, now I know that what I really wanted was a baby, not the experience of pregnancy. I know that a lot of women that experience infertility don't always feel this way. Some of them need to have the experience of pregnancy and want to have children with their genetic makeup. For me, that's not too important. In fact, I totally look upon my infertility as a huge BLESSING in my life because I now have two fabulous kids that I could never have had myself. When I used to only be worried about the infertility aspect of PCOS, I now realize that the other symptoms are much more problematic (at least in my life). So, I guess I'll get this weight thing under control once and for all (or at least as much as I can) and if I get pregnant, I certainly won't cry about it. I'm sure I'll love any biological child as much as the ones I have now. They just won't be as cute, that's for sure! :)

Project Fat Arse

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2005/07/project-fat-arse.html

Willy Wonka

The Crafty Conservative

I just got home from my solo date to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Here's a run-down.

1. The new songs are so much fun!
2. Johnny Depp is fabulously creepy and "weird" as Willy Wonka.
3. The musical score makes me want to get the soundtrack (but only if they include those as tracks).
4. Deep Roy is the only person playing an Oompa-Loompa. He's just computer generated the rest of the time. It's truly amazing.
5. I wish I could have seen this on an IMAX screen.
6. It is better than the original (which I loved!).
7. It is more true to the book than the original.
8. Did I mention that the new songs are so much fun?
9. The old guy that stole the show on Waking Ned Devine (awesome movie!) is Charlie's grandpa that goes with him. He's awesome.
10. Actually, the casting was fabulous. Okay, maybe having Helena Bonham Carter as Charlie's poor mother is stretching it a little. She has a lovely English accent and it's hard to imagine her as poor.

This movie gets 4.5 out of 5 stars. The only reason it loses points is because I miss seeing Beruca sing with the eggs. Now she doesn't sing...just has a mishap with some squirrels.

I hope none of you feel like this post is a spoiler. I figure most people have seen the original so you can't be too surprised by anything that happens in this movie. But, definitely go see it! It's kid friendly, too (probably 5-6 and up).

Willy Wonka

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2005/07/willy-wonka.html

The local yarn store

The Crafty Conservative

Threads, my LYS, is just a mile away. Threads, Too is located just five miles away. I haven't been there yet. I had an interesting experience when I went to check out Threads and I thought I'd share. Let me preface this story with the fact that I LOVED my previous LYS, River Knits. They were knowledgeable, friendly, and they had some great yarn in stock.

I called Threads on Friday morning to inquire about a ball winder. The lady on staff there said that they had one. I asked about accessability for a stroller (something not possible at River Knits). No problem. At least that was true. I packed up the kids and headed out. I browsed a bit and then mentioned that I was the one that called about the ball winder. They didn't really have any for sale. All the ones they had were open and the one she could have sold me was missing a part and she couldn't find it or the box. I wasn't all too upset because I wanted to check out the store anyway but I could have waited a couple of more days to do it without my two children in tow. I had them order me one because I want to support the LYS but I kind of wish I hadn't and just ordered one myself online.

They don't have much yarn that I was interested in. It was mainly Brown Sheep wool and lots of eyelash yarn. I did leave with 50g of sock yarn that I plan to use with a different color 50g that I have in my stash. The prices seemed reasonable but I think my main form of stash enhancement will now have to become the internet. I probably shouldn't reserve judgement as the lady said that some of the more "high-end" yarns are at the other location. They are having a sale this weekend (10% off everything in stock and up to 70% off some items like beads and cone yarn). I might get some addi turbos at 10% off. We'll see.

Oh, I bought one other thing while I was there...a chibi! I think I got mine for $4. My darning needle I have been using is too big for a lot of my projects.

Lily Chen is going to be in town in September (touted as the fastest crocheter in the nation) to give some workshops. They are too pricey for me and what I wanted to go to is on Sunday (sorry, I have that whole 'keep the Sabbath day holy' thing). Their regular classes are mainly for beginners. I think they have one class where you can learn to design your own sweater. I think I'll pass. Maybe I'll see if they are looking for any other teachers to do a class or two. I have loads of teaching experience (even though it's not with knitting) but I don't really know what kind of class I could teach. Maybe socks. Just a thought...

The computer room has just been invaded by the Frog. He's got his dad here now but he still can't get enough of me! Cute, but I would like a few minutes of privacy. Speaking of privacy, tomorrow night I'm going to see a movie. BY MYSELF! I'm going to see Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. I hope I'm not disappointed.

The local yarn store

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2005/07/local-yarn-store.html

Pics pics pics

The Crafty Conservative

Hope y'all won't mind I went a little heavy on the pictures today. But, they're long overdue. It went even quicker now that I am all hooked up with my DSL connection. I LOVE IT! So, enjoy. I'm sure I'll be back to post again tomorrow.

Pics pics pics

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2005/07/pics-pics-pics.html

FO #12! Here they are...along with my little cuties. We're glad daddy's home, that's for sure! 

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2005/07/fo-12-here-they-are.html

Here are the socks posing with Big Apple. The socks aren't a perfect match but they are pretty close. One toe is pink and the other is green. I'm sure my mom will love them. 

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2005/07/here-are-socks-posing-with-big-apple.html

I absolutely love this pic of Big Apple! This was taken at my mom's house in Oklahoma. 

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2005/07/i-absolutely-love-this-pic-of-big.html

Big Apple turned 4 months old on the 14th of this month. Here she is on the move.  

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2005/07/big-apple-turned-4-months-old-on-14th.html

Here's the Frog on our recent trip to Oklahoma. He's playing on the splash pad in Tulsa. 

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2005/07/heres-frog-on-our-recent-trip-to.html

The Frog is such the little superstar! Here he is with his Aunt Lisa's new sunglasses on. 

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2005/07/frog-is-such-little-superstar-here-he.html

Hey baby! 

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2005/07/hey-baby.html

Look! Here's my armpit! 

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2005/07/look-heres-my-armpit.html

Help me! I'm so tired! 

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2005/07/help-me-im-so-tired.html

Nevermind! 

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2005/07/nevermind.html

Here we all are on Memorial Day when Big Apple was sealed to us in the Chicago Temple.

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2005/07/here-we-all-are-on-memorial-day-when.html

Harry Potter (no spoilers)

The Crafty Conservative

I finished the 6th Harry Potter book before I went to bed last night. SD doesn't read as quickly as me so I've been dying to talk about what happens. It'll be weeks before he's done.

I just have to mention a couple of things (this will not give away anything). Harry and Dumbledore go to visit an old Hogwarts professor. Dumbledore wants to give Harry a chance to speak with him alone so he goes to the bathroom (this is in a Muggle house). He is there for a while and when he comes back, he comments on how he loves Muggle magazines...especially the knitting patterns! Secondly, Mrs. Weasley's sweater for Ron isn't the usual initial...it's a sweater with a golden snitch on it. Hmmm. When will we start seeing patterns for this? Although, I'm still wanting a pattern for the socks that Harry, Ron, & Hermione bought in Hogsmeade (book 4) for Dobby. One has broomsticks and the other has snitches.

I don't have much time to write anything else as I should be getting myself and my family ready for church. Just had to get this off my chest. Much, much more later.

p.s. I also re-read The Hobbit this week.

Harry Potter (no spoilers)

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2005/07/harry-potter-no-spoilers.html

Elmo has Mail!

The Crafty Conservative

Frog will go around the house for hours singing "Elmo has mail!". I felt like singing that yesterday when 3 weeks worth of mail arrived at my house. It took me a long time to go through it and it looks like only 2 of the bills that arrived since 6/24 were due before yesterday. Not bad. I was worried about that since we're new here and I don't know when the utility bills come yet. Two very exciting things were waiting for me in the pile.

1. Big Apple's birth certificate!!! I don't know if you know this but, once the adoption is finalized the certificate lists SD and me as the parents (which we are, of course). When Frog's came I didn't know this and I was so excited! Even with knowing, it still gives me a little jolt of happiness to see our names on Big Apple's.

2. Neil Diamond tickets!!! Is it wrong that I was debating which one to list first? I hope I don't misplace them. I'm getting really excited about the concert. The first time I saw him was so awesome and I'm sure he won't disappoint this time around.

It's still early and the kids aren't up yet. Frog wouldn't go to sleep in his own bed at a decent hour so for my sake, I brought him in with me. He slept fine. I got kicked all night. Oh well. SD gets home TONIGHT!!! I better go get a shower while I can so we can go get my Harry Potter book as soon as the kids are up and ready.

p.s. I have only one "row" (color block=22 rows) done on the Hogwarts scarf. I stopped when I had to switch to the gold b/c Frog was having too much fun playing with the skein. Maybe I'll have some time this morning...

Elmo has Mail!

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2005/07/elmo-has-mail.html

Finito

The Crafty Conservative

I now have this year's FO #12! The Regia socks are done. I won't have a picture posted until Sunday at the earliest. But, I just had to blog about my latest FO! I'm ready to cast on now for Hogwarts scarf #2. I figured that was the most appropriate as I'm anxiously waiting for the book. I was going to pre-order it and just have it sent to me (like the last one) but I wasn't for sure that I would be back home by then. Target has them for under $17 so I'm going there as soon as I can get myself and my kids ready tomorrow. Then, I'll probably spend the rest of the day doing as much reading as possible with two kids around. Maybe I'll be inspired to work a little on my Hogwarts scarf, too.

I'm also in the market for a free baby sock pattern that will work well for my leftover Regia Jubilee. Anyone have a link or an easy pattern they're willing to share?

Finito

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2005/07/finito.html

I was going to post this picture on Tiffany's birthday (July 11th) since she was so kind to send it to me on mine (April 11th). We both turned 30 this year. We've been friends a heck of a long time! This was taken in 1989 at camp. I don't know who bought me that leopard shirt but I really hope I only wore it at camp and not out in "public".  

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2005/07/i-was-going-to-post-this-picture-on.html

Regia, regia, how I love thee...

The Crafty Conservative

Well, folks, I have fallen back in love with my socks. My Regia sock yarn is turning into a mighty fine pair of socks. I'm sure this new found love comes because I'm almost to the toe shaping of the 2nd one. I can finally see an end in sight. But, I'm sure it can't be all that. Last night as I was knitting away (both kids were in bed by 9pm...Frog had been a night owl on vacation staying up until 11pm most nights) I was thinking that I might have enough left on the skein to make a pair of socks for Big Apple. I do have a lone sock from the skein that I can rip out, too, if necessary. The pattern just didn't bring out the beauty of the self-patterning yarn so I didn't finish that pair. I'm glad to be knitting again.

I woke up this morning super exited that tomorrow I would be able to go out and buy the new Harry Potter book. Then, I realized that it's not Friday. Bummer. How can it only be Thursday? I've lost track of so many days lately.

I've started thinking about the upcoming Neil Diamond concert. It's only 12 days away! Wow. I can't believe it is that soon. I need to start listening to all of my Neil cd's to get ready for some singing in the 14th ROW! I only made $54 at my garage sale so I have to come up with some other money making scheme to appease the cheapness of my Sugar Daddy (oh, the irony of his screen name). I haven't told him this yet but I'm only earning enough money for all of my ticket and just enough to cover the difference between the cheap ticket and the expensive one for him. He was perfectly happy to have me get cheap tickets without this earning money nonsense so I shouldn't have to pay for his whole ticket. He's going to love the concert.

I hear some commotion in the other room so I better be done for today. Happy knitting all!

Regia, regia, how I love thee...

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2005/07/regia-regia-how-i-love-thee.html

I'm Back, People!

The Crafty Conservative

I made it back to Nebraska last night. My dad drove back with a load of furniture and I had Sugar Daddy arrange for some guys to be here to help unload. I now have my piano, a "new" couch and chaisse lounge, another tv, vcr, and dvd player. Not a bad haul.

Nothing super interesting happened to me on my trip so I can't provide a fabulous travelogue a la Melessa. Although, it was great visiting with her and my other homegirls in Oklahoma (HI TIFFANY!).

Big Apple was a dream baby on the trip. Now I have some witnesses for some of her super baby antics...like already being very mobile! She gets in her crawling stance and scoots along. She'll also push herself up from crawling position to her hands and feet and kind of launch herself forward. She's good at this but not at determining when it is not safe to do so. She has bumped her head on walls, fireplaces, couches, etc...

I also have witnesses to some of Frog's famous tantrums. He's done worse but I think I just reacted poorly because I have been alone and tired for 3 weeks. I'll be glad when SD gets home (Sat night!).

I started working on the Regia socks again and when I have some more time, I'll update my sidebar with the progress. I haven't even added the via diagonale purse yet. I feel so out of the loop! I need to catch up on some of my blog reading but that's going to have to wait until I can get back out from under this new set of boxes. I have a little bit of work to do around here before it feels like home again. That probably sounds funny because I've really only physically lived in this house for three weeks but it does feel like home.

Both kids are up now and I think I'm going to tackle giving them baths. We didn't have a regular bath routine on vacation because one of the bathrooms where I was staying was "under construction" and the other was not designed for conveniently bathing children. They did get bathed there (I'm not THAT bad of a mother to avoid bathing my children because it was inconvenient for me), but they are definitely due for another. Today's the day.

I should be back to blogging most every day now. Glad to be back!

I'm Back, People!

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2005/07/im-back-people.html

O-K-L-A-H-O-M-A Oklahoma, O-K!

The Crafty Conservative

I made it to Oklahoma, and once again, I am reminded of my stupidity of insisting on visiting in the summer. I haven't stopped sweating since my arrival. My sister was kind enough to chop off my hair (pics to come after my epic journey has been completed).

Frog has been busy playing in the water almost every day. Big Apple is content to coo, roll around the house, sleep, and eat. I've been trying not to get too sweaty and have been catching up on some of my favorite shows on cable.

I'm only a few days in on this trip and I'm already asking myself which is worse: spending 3 weeks alone in a city where I have no friends or spending 3 weeks with my family?

On that note, I'm about to leave Tulsa and head back to Norman where I have no computer. I won't be able to blog again unless Melessa or Tiffany take pity on me.

O-K-L-A-H-O-M-A Oklahoma, O-K!

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2005/06/o-k-l-h-o-m-oklahoma-o-k.html

Few and Far Between

The Crafty Conservative

My posts, I'm afraid, are destined to be few and far between these next three weeks. I'm going to Oklahoma to stay and my mom's old house and get it ready to be sold. She has no phone service there anymore and no computer. I think I'll make it. She left the cable on for us, at least! That's better than our rabbit ears here in Lincoln. Now I can watch Dancing With the Stars without fuzz and in and out color. :)

We're leaving tomorrow morning. It should take just over 8 hours. Sugar Daddy will leave from there on Thursday to go to Massachussets for a summer camp where he teaches principles of flight to 11 yr. old geniuses. He'll be there until July 16th. He's flying back to Omaha. So, I just have to be back from Oklahoma by then. I'm going to try and get back on the 14th, though. We'll see.

I have some really big plans (sarcasm) for while I'm in Oklahoma. My mom is taking us to an ice cream social this Friday. Wow. It really shouldn't be too bad. The only roommate I've ever had will be there with her 4 kids (Lora B. now R...for those who care). We'll probably stay the whole weekend in Tulsa and then spend the rest of the time in Norman.

So, it may be a while before I post again but I should have lots to share when I get back to a computer!

Few and Far Between

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2005/06/few-and-far-between.html

The Crimson Petal and the White

The Crafty Conservative

I finished this book. It was really long and it kept my interest. I love historical fiction. It's a little more "sexy" than books I normally read although, I must admit, it didn't overpower the novel. I've read some books where they throw in outrageous sex scenes that make me cringe and ask "WHY???".

Here's what I hated about the book. THE ENDING!! It was way too abrupt. It didn't bring closure to any of the characters. I found myself hurrying up to get to the ending and was left feeling really cheated. I'm not the type of person that likes to imagine my own endings for the characters. At least not as much as I'm expected to do on my own as Faber suggests.

I'd give it 2 1/2 out of 5 stars.

The Crimson Petal and the White

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2005/06/crimson-petal-and-white.html

Bubba's Banana Bread

The Crafty Conservative

My great-grandma passed away several years ago. Her name was Thelma Hipwell but everyone called her Bubba. She was all of 5 feet tall and probably weighed no more than 100 lbs. her whole life. But, she had spunk. Everyone that knew her loved her. She had a recipe for Banana Bread that could beat any other I've ever tried. I made a batch on Friday so I've been thinking about her a lot. I thought I would pass on the recipe. It's the only banana bread recipe I've ever seen that uses 7up. It makes it nice and airy and DELICIOUS!


Bubba's Banana Bread

4 cups flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. baking soda
2 cups sugar
1 c. butter or shortening (butter is best)
4 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
1 cup 7up
2 cups bananas (3 or 4)
1/2 cup walnuts

Cream sugar, butter and eggs. Beat after each egg. Add vanilla, bananas, and sifted dry ingredients alternating with 7up. Fold in nuts. Bake at 350 degrees F for 45 minutes. Makes 3 loaves.

I sometimes add chocolate chips to the recipe. You can never go wrong with chocolate chips!

Bubba's Banana Bread

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2005/06/bubbas-banana-bread.html

A Woman's Worth

The Crafty Conservative

I'm about to enter into negotiations with Sugar Daddy for an allowance. It's for our own good. I know we're now richer than we ever have been and it's all I can do not to go squander every last cent (not really, but it's a lot easier to justify spending $10 on an outfit for Big Apple than hoping for hand me downs or a Wal-mart clearance).

Salary.com says that a stay at home mom should be earning (on average) $131,471 a year. They got this number by averaging the salaries of the following:
1. Day Care Center Teacher
2. Van Driver
3. Housekeeper
4. General Maintenance Worker
5. Cook
6. CEO
7. Nurse

They counted a 40 hour work week plus 80 hours of overtime. I know I'm not worth getting paid as a housekeeper, general maintenance worker, or a nurse. Sugar Daddy pretty much takes over in those cases. He's also great to take care of the kids whenever I need him to so the overtime hours could be cut in half. That still makes me worth quite a chunk of change. I know that a lot of my "salary" is used for my share of the living expenses. Let's say that taking away the overtime and the jobs I don't do, my salary would be $45K/yr. Two-thirds of that can be used as living expenses (food, shelter, basic needs). So I'm down to around $16K/yr. That's still quite a bit of an allowance.

Here's the dilemma. I'm thinking of asking for anywhere from $5-$15 a day. That would be $1825-$5475/yr. The range is because I don't know what I would be responsible for buying with my allowance. If it is just frivolous money (lunch out with my still non-existent friends, yarn, purses, Neil Diamond concerts, etc...) I would go for the lower range. But, if I'm expected to budget household items (like new furniture and outdoor toys for the kiddos) I may go for the upper range.

I haven't discussed any of this with the spouse as of yet. I'm still trying to formulate my "game plan". Any advice?

A Woman's Worth

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2005/06/womans-worth.html

Mirror, Mirror

The Crafty Conservative

We came from a house with no mirrors. We had one in the bathroom that I had to stand on my tiptoes to see my whole face. I also had a decorative mirror in the dining room where I could see my whole face without being on my tiptoes. No full-length mirrors anywhere. I trusted Sugar Daddy to tell me if my outfit was horrendous. Or, I would go on the porch and hope the sun would cooperate and then I could see myself in the door. Pathetic, I know.

This house we're in now has better mirrors. The bathroom mirror is at the perfect height for me. I can see my whole face and then some. We also have a full-length mirror on the door to Big Apple's room (at the end of a hallway). Frog loves this mirror. Sometimes I catch him having conversations with himself. He'll say, "Hi Frog*! What's up?". Then he'll laugh hysterically and start jumping up and down like a maniac (his favorite activity). This is what I saw from him this morning...

Frog: jumping up and down, spinning in circles, then bumping his head on the mirror Ouch! Oh FREAK!
more laughing, more jumping, more spinning all the while saying oh freak oh freak oh freak.

*names have been changed (could you tell?)

Mirror, Mirror

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2005/06/mirror-mirror.html

Secret Crush

The Crafty Conservative

Is it wrong that I have a crush on Murray Wiggle? It must be. How could something so wrong feel so right? ha ha.

Secret Crush

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2005/06/secret-crush.html

Frog Lives

The Crafty Conservative

That previous post is Frog's way of saying..."I'm feeling so well today that I thought I'd help mommy blog!".

He really is back to his normal level of crankiness and cuteness. I'm so glad. To celebrate we went to Cici's Pizza for lunch. We met dad there on his lunch hour. Frog is back to his normal eating habits as well. I was getting worried when all he would eat was a little bit of applesauce and popsicles. After that, I went to check out the zoo. It's kind of expensive for a small zoo ($6 adults/$5 kids). I wasn't willing to shell out $11 for us to check it out right before prime nap time. So, we took a $2 train ride around the zoo instead. Frog saw goats, llamas, ponies, and a peacock. He was most interested, however, in the cars and trucks driving by. I should save my $2 next time and just stroll him down a busy street (on the sidewalk, of course)! He liked going through the tunnel and when the conductor would toot the horn. Frog would say "CHOO CHOO!". I know he liked it when he was screaming bloody murder and flopping out on the floor so it was nearly impossible to remove him from the train w/ Big Apple in tow as well (asleep in her carseat). He's definitely feeling better.

Frog Lives

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2005/06/frog-lives.html

5788i0000..........3..................

The Crafty Conservative

5788i0000..........3..................

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2005/06/5788i00003.html

The Good News and the Bad News

The Crafty Conservative

The BAD news:

I can't get cable internet here without permission from the landlord to drill a big hole in the side of the house. Not happening.

The GOOD news:

I can get DSL for the same price a month with no drilling of aforementioned holes. Just waiting for spousal approval on that.

The BAD news:

Sugar Daddy is a little mad at me and I'm now forced to find some way to earn $150 in the next 2 months. I'm thinking a couple eBay auctions are in order and I'm having a garage sale at my mom's house when I'm going to visit later this month. That should cover it.

The GOOD news:

The reason I need to earn the money is because I splurged and bought NEIL DIAMOND TICKETS!!!! Can you blame me for getting the more expensive seats? We're going to be in the 14th row!!!!

The BAD news:

Frog is still sick and grumpy. He cried for almost two hours straight this morning. He kept asking for different things and then when I would get him those things he'd throw himself down on the floor and cry even harder. What's up with that?

The GOOD news:

Frog and the Big Apple are both asleep at the moment giving me some time to myself. I'm going to read and knit. I'll use my time tonight when SD gets home to actually work on cleaning the house. :)

The BAD news:

My brother-in-law is very secretive with his personal life.

The GOOD news:

My friend isn't very secretive. So, Eric...how ya been?

The Good News and the Bad News

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2005/06/good-news-and-bad-news.html

"New" Car

The Crafty Conservative

We're the proud new owners of a 2002 Honda Accord LX (silver). I was starting to really feel "trapped" by not having my car during the day. The chances of me actually loading up the kids to do anything substantial is usually pretty slim, but not at least having the option was killing me. We got the car for under blue book value but they accepted our offer without any haggling so we're wondering if we could have gone lower...we'll never know. But, we got our payments where we wanted them with no money down (very important since Sugar Daddy won't get his paycheck until the end of the month).

I've been knitting a little bit on my Via Diagonale. It goes slowly and I hope it doesn't turn into another Clapotis. I still really like the yarn and the pattern is interesting enough to keep me coming back for more.

I've also been reading books like crazy. I finished Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (for the 3rd time...getting ready for the next installment!), The Pearl Diver (I would recommend this book; quick read, interesting), a couple of parenting books (nothing of note, just trying to get some ideas for the Frog), and I've just started The Crimson Petal and the White (I think that's what it's called; recommended by a gal at book group--given *** meaning it's kind of naughty!).

I better go. I've got a Frog wanting to crawl all over me and I'm willing to oblige since he's been pretty sick this weekend. He's a little more clingy than normal.

I get my cable internet tomorrow! Wahoo!

"New" Car

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2005/06/new-car.html

Neil Diamond

The Crafty Conservative

As some of you remember, I love Neil Diamond. At the end of this past school year I even took time out of class to show my 8th graders the "joy of Neil" by having them watch him sing on the Today Show. As soon as we got close enough to Omaha on our drive out here, I started hearing that he was going to be in concert on July 25th. I didn't get my hopes up too much. I've already seen him in concert (2001) and I told Sugar Daddy that it would be enough. At the time, I was telling the truth. But, now I want to go again. Sugar Daddy must want to as well because he didn't put up a fight at all when I asked him if I could get tickets. Unfortunately, there weren't any good seats left. That was the best deterrent for me. I'm not going to shell out all that dough to go to a concert and have rotten seats. I wasn't that disappointed. It is saving me a lot of logistical planning not the least of which is who can we get to watch the kids? We don't even know anyone here yet.
Someone is playing a dirty trick on me. They just added another date, July 26th. The tickets don't go on sale until Monday. I have a chance of getting good seats. I'm torn. I'll give you the update on Monday.

Neil Diamond

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2005/06/neil-diamond.html

Laughing

The Crafty Conservative

Big Apple is laughing now. It takes quite a bit from me to get a laugh out of her. But, all Frog has to do is be in her line of sight and she will smile and crack up. She loves her brother.

Laughing

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2005/06/laughing.html

Just Call Me June

The Crafty Conservative

I am embracing my inner homemaker. I finally live in a home I feel proud of and I'm working really hard to take care of it. I'm also excited that Sugar Daddy is living up to his blog name and has joined the working force. It's odd having him gone 8-5. I've had dinner waiting for him each night that he's come home. I have put Frog on a schedule (or am still trying to...) and Big Apple is still the sweet little girl she's always been. While there are still some boxes about, I felt good enough to break out some knitting. While I should have been working on one of the many projects I have started or in my line-up, I couldn't resist the lime green pima cotton I bought for Via Diagonale. For the contrast color I have a lime green/purple/dark green/white yarn. It's going to be gorgeous. I wound the cotton into balls last night and cast on. I got through one row (192 stitches) before it was time to call it a night. Let me tell you though, there is much knitting in my future. I can't remember being this excited about a project in a long time. I'm coming out of my Clapotis calamity.

Just Call Me June

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2005/06/just-call-me-june.html

Welcome to Nebraska!

The Crafty Conservative

We had our "official" welcome to Nebraska last night. We got to try out the basement for the tornado warning. Being from Oklahoma and having gone through this many times, it was no big deal...and actually, kind of fun. It's awesome having a finished basement. Sure beats huddling down in a closet or bathtub.

I know you are all dying to know...we got rabbit ears. We get ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, PBS, lots of religious stations, and a Spanish speaking station (with some tweaking). So, no cable for us. I think we're going to "splurge" and get Netflix again. We went to the library here and they don't have DVDs to checkout. Our library in Lafayette had all of the newest ones available. Oh well. The library here in Lincoln seems really nice, though. They have a PLETHORA of children's DVDs and multiple copies of each. They also have lots of copies of some of the best and newest books so I won't have to wait so long for holds.

Welcome to Nebraska!

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2005/06/welcome-to-nebraska.html

Here is a pic of us with Sugar Daddy's parents. We took it while they were visiting for his graduation. 

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2005/06/here-is-pic-of-us-with-sugar-daddys.html

Lincoln, USA

The Crafty Conservative

Well, I am finding myself in Lincoln, Nebraska for the second day in a row. I have a computer, my bed and the rest of my belongings in this strange home. I'm still not quite used to things...but, it's getting better. How's this for priorities? We've got the computer up and running but Big Apple's still without a crib. But, really, what's a few more days in a bassinet going to hurt?

Here are some things I wanted to mention before I forget:

1. They now have Diet Wild Cherry Pepsi. It's about time! I am now giving up my Diet Cherry Coke habit and switching back to my first love...Pepsi.

2. Unleaded Plus gasoline is cheaper here than regular unleaded because of the ethanol.

3. I read The Da Vinci Code while we were housesitting. Better than I had imagined.

4. I don't think that I ever mentioned that I finished reading The Nanny Diaries by someone I don't remember but narrated by Julia Roberts (okay for an audio book...glad I didn't waste actual reading time with it, though). I also read The Lonely Boy by Lois Lowry. It's typical Lois Lowry.

5. The Frog has been having a really hard time being a good boy. So much so that I broke down and bought the Nanny 911 book at Wal-Mart the other day. I haven't done much to change yet but he is getting better. I think living out of a suitcase for 2 weeks was a little too much to handle. Now that his toys are back out and he has his room, things have been going much, much better.

6. I didn't cast on for the 2nd Hogwarts sweater like planned. I read instead (see #3). I haven't even thought about knitting (big lie...I'm really wanting to make Via Diagonale from knitty but trying to forget about it as I have a ton of other things in the works. But, I have the perfect yarn for it! We'll see how long I can hold off on that one.

7. I'm getting cable internet on June 13th.

8. I'm probably not getting cable because they want to charge us $53 a month!!! What the heck? We can get regular channels plus CNN for $17 or basic cable (HGTV, Food, etc...) for $53. There is nothing in between. What a rip-off. I told Sugar Daddy that if we can get at least CBS (SURVIVOR/THE AMAZING RACE) with rabbit ears, I'll be able to deal with that but he'll have to foot the bill for Netflix.

9. I'm retired. I am no longer a school teacher and I am also done selling Pampered Chef. They both served their purpose and I am now moving on to super FULL TIME stay at home mom status.

10. We opened a new checking account today and got a free cooler. I love America. :)

Lincoln, USA

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2005/06/lincoln-usa.html