Fiber in the Woods 2006

I got back from a lovely weekend. I left Friday afternoon and drove 40 minutes to Gretna, NE. We stayed at the 4-H camp there. The facilities were so nice. We had a chef (crazy Bob), the lodge all to ourselves, and five cabins. I met so many great people and had loads of fun. Here are some of the highlights.

We spent the first part of Friday getting to know each other and spinning. I just watched and asked a lot of questions about spinning wheels. This picture (above) is of Nancy. She did a class later that night on edible weeds. It was interesting but most of you that know me will understand that it is something I will never do (eat edible weeds, that is). I would consider it, I guess, if someone prepared them for me. But, don't hold your breath waiting for me to go out into the woods looking for plants to eat.
I loved seeing everyone with their different wheels. I have a lot to think about when I'm ready to invest in this new hobby. For now, I'm content with using a drop spindle. But, that takes so long that I doubt I'll be content with that for much longer.

The next day was spent working on whatever we wanted and there were some classes held throughout the day. My favorite was the needle felting.

This is what I made. Isn't it so awesome! I'm really proud of it. It certainly wasn't the most complex design, but it's my style. There were so many creative ladies there this weekend! I can't believe some of the things that they made. We also had a class to make stitch markers. Here we are in progress and then, my final product.

I realize that's a lame excuse for a picture. Forgive me. The charms say: love, live, inspire, imagine.

Those are all the pictures that I took while I was there. What can I say? My hands were busy most of the itime. I'm already looking forward to next year.

Fiber in the Woods 2006

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2006/03/fiber-in-woods-2006.html

I Need Some Lovin'

Frog has a habit of hitting his head against things. He usually gets a sad face and says, "Bonk in the head!". The other day I countered back with, "You need some lovin'?". Not long after, whenever he'd hurt himself he'd say, "You need some eleven?" (he sure loves his numbers!). Last night was different. In the same tone of voice he went up to Sugar Daddy and said, "You need some nine?"

I Need Some Lovin'

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2006/03/i-need-some-lovin.html

Sooner Socks

I made some socks for Big Apple. They are OU Sooner crimson so I've named them the Sooner Socks. It was my first attempt at making up a sock pattern. Next time I'd do a different toe, but other than that...I like them!

Other items of business:

Frog's therapy kicks into high gear next week. I'm looking forward to it. I've already learned not to mess with his lines. Check out his made-for-the-camera smile and line of pretzels. The hard part is keeping Big Apple from eating them. I have to make her own pile far, far away.

Next, tomorrow I am going away for a spinning retreat. I don't know how to spin. But, I have a drop spindle and some fiber. It's a little more than just spinning...we're going to learn needle felting and some beading, too. Plus, there will be plenty of kid-free time to knit, learn to spin, and relax! I'm just staying overnight and will be back late Saturday but I'm really looking forward to it. I only have to take one change of clothes but I'm sure I'll be taking 1 really big suitcase full of yarn! I need to wind some yarn before I go so I can finish Mom's 2nd annual birthday socks.

I've been practicing the short row toe so I can start doing toe-up socks. I didn't do a very good job picking up the stitches from the provisional cast-on. I used the www.knitty.com tutorial and everything. Maybe I just need more practice. I haven't had much luck with the figure eight cast on either. I'll work on it this weekend in my kid-free environment. That should help. I'm always a little nervous tinking around with 4 pointy needles when little ones keep wanting to jump on me.

Are you going to watch the American Inventor on ABC? We're hooked. Although, what's up with those edible snow globes? Why? Why? Why? And....why did she make it to the next round?

I may or may not post tomorrow before I go on the retreat. But, be ready for a full report w/ pictures when I get back. Eric, I know you'll be holding your breath!

Sooner Socks

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2006/03/sooner-socks.html

Mommy's Helper

This week is Spring Break for Lincoln Public Schools and I've taken advantage of it by hiring me a "helper" for three days. A girl from my Sunday School class is trying to earn some money for girl's camp. She loves to clean. Sounds like a good match for me! She's coming 4 hours a day. I already have a couple of projects for her to work on (clean and pack up the spare bathroom, clean out a bunch of my binders from when I was a teacher, watch the kids while I do laundry, etc...). Today we're actually going to run a bunch of errands. I have some things to pick up at the mall and I need to go to the post office. This is going to be great fun! I'm also treating us to Pizza Hut buffet. Sugar Daddy will approve because I have a buy one get one free coupon and the kids eat for free. Pizza buffets are awesome for our family because Frog and Big Apple will both eat it! I'm not looking forward to getting all of the snow off of our car, but it's got to be done sooner or later.

In other news, we've had some answered prayers this week. Before we left Indiana, we sold a truck. It was to an acquaintance of a friend of ours. He warned us he was kind of forgetful and we'd probably have to keep on him about paying us (he was going to pay us in two installments). He was right. We still have the title but not all of the money. Last summer we had a month where SD wasn't getting paid much (end of summer term...beginning of new school year, he was a new hire so he wasn't getting paid for August until later, blah blah). Anyway, things were going to be really tight. We had just moved and had a lot of new expenses. Our rent was twice as much as we were paying in Indiana. I was nervous. Anyway, the day we were in most desperate need of the money, the first check arrived. A couple of months ago we sent this guy a reminder letter and a self-addressed stamped envelope so we could get the rest of the money. We hadn't heard from him again until this week. He called to say that he would overnight the check because he sold the truck to his buddy. We should get it in the mail today. This is perfect timing because we are trying to save up as much as we can for our down payment on the house. Things were going to be a little tight until May but now I'm pretty sure it's going to be okay. It also helped that we are getting a tax refund (Thanks, Pres. Bush, for the adoption tax credit)! Anyway, I was telling SD last night that it was a good thing that guy was kind of a flake because he sent us the money when we needed it, and not when we necessarily wanted it. Does that make sense? I'm just really pleased.

Mommy's Helper

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2006/03/mommys-helper.html

Snow Day!

Nebraska continues to get covered in snow. It's really great snow, too. It's not icy or wet. The roads haven't been too bad, although it is starting to stick on the roads this morning. We weren't expecting the university to be closed...but it is! Sugar Daddy now has no reason to go in to work today and we can hunker down and pack up some things. It will make up for Saturday when I was sick most of the afternoon (I've been having nausea and horrible cramping off and on for two weeks--not fun!) and we didn't get anything done. I feel great today (so far), we've got plenty of supplies (Super-Walmart trip on Saturday), and all the warm clothes are clean (because up until this weekend, we've had an extremely mild winter). All set!

Snow Day!

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2006/03/snow-day.html

My Birthday

I haven't had much to blog about lately. Nothing is really going on. I'm busy getting the house ready for the move, the kids have been sick and cranky (and so have I, frankly), and I just haven't had a lot of energy for anything other than stupid blogthings quizzes and playing Pyramids (when I actually get computer time). Here's my latest quiz.

Your Birthdate: April 11

Spiritual and thoughtful, you tend to take a step back from the world. You're very sensitive to what's going on around you, yet you remain calm.Although you are brilliant, it may take you a while to find your niche.Your creativity is supreme, but it sometimes makes it hard for you to get things done. Your strength: Your inner peace Your weakness: You get stuck in the clouds Your power color: Emerald Your power symbol: Leaf Your power month: November

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

My Birthday

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2006/03/my-birthday.html

What Color of Green are You?

You Are Emerald Green

Deep and mysterious, it often seems like no one truly gets you.Inside, you are very emotional and moody - though you don't let it show.People usually have a strong reaction to you... profound love or deep hate.But you can even get those who hate you to come around. There's something naturally harmonious about you.

What Color Green Are You?

What Color of Green are You?

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2006/03/what-color-of-green-are-you.html

Super Secret Knitting Revealed

My super secret knitting projects weren't all too exciting but they couldn't be revealed because the parents of the recipients read this blog. This week Big Apple's friends, Mckenzie and Whitney, turned one. For their birthdays I made them some really cute hats.



Now I'm working on a pattern for a belt and a purse to match. It's what every toddler needs: accessories!

Super Secret Knitting Revealed

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2006/03/super-secret-knitting-revealed.html

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Last year I made my mom a pair of socks for her birthday. One was finished in March. The other in September or October (probably October). Here's what I have finished for you so far, Mom.
I PROMISE that you won't have to wait as long for your next sock. I'm sure you'll have it by August. ;) Happy birthday!

Happy Birthday, Mom!

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2006/03/happy-birthday-mom.html

Big Apple Turns 1!

My Big Apple turned one today. She's such a big girl. She can walk forwards, backwards, and upstairs. She has yet to master going down the stairs. We're working on it. She can make noises like chickens and bears and will point to her nose about 75% of the time when we ask her. She claps and stomps in just the right places when Frog sings, "When You're Happy and You Know It". During "Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes" she can successfully identify head and toes. The rest gets kind of lost in the moment. She will giggle all day, eat french fries like it's nobody's business, and dance on command. She's busting out of her 12 month wardrobe and is sporting size 4/5 shoes. We love her so much and can't imagine our lives without her. *I thank God EVERYDAY for her birth family and the decision they were able to make that allowed her to be our little girl*

And now, for the pictures. Hollie and Mckenzie from Still Dreaming of Destin came over to celebrate. We were there for Mckenzie's first birthday on Sunday. Anita, the Cabbage Patch Baby joined the family. She's got pigtails just like BA. Frog loves to "smile" for the camera now. This is what we get every time we ask him to smile!
And now, for the cake. I made cupcakes (yellow w/ chocolate frosting--my favorite) and she's got her own birthday plate (I have one for Frog, too). She started off not too messy.
But, it didn't last long.
Happy Birthday Big Apple! We love you.

Big Apple Turns 1!

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2006/03/big-apple-turns-1.html

Computer Woes

My computer is running like an airplane engine again so I don't let it run all day. This means that it takes me forever to get my computer to start up...I go online for a bit...shut it down. It takes forever. Hopefully SD can fix it tonight.

You can expect another entry tomorrow night once we feed Big Apple her birthday cake! Can you believe it's been a year already? I chronicled our adoption journey here on the blog so Big Apple truly is a blog baby.

Computer Woes

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2006/03/computer-woes.html

Just Checking In

It's been busy around Casa Nelson. We had our house inspection on Thursday afternoon. Everything looks pretty good. There are only minor things to deal with and most of those fall into the category of things that the sellers are going to fix before we move in. We took some measurements and I wrote down wall colors that I couldn't remember from before.

Today we bought a used refrigerator. It's a side by side w/ water in the door. That's what I wanted. Sugar Daddy wanted something cheap. We both got what we want and I think it's going to work out well. It's only 5 years old and we got it for less than we would pay for a brand new small fridge. I'm happy with the purchase.

We're also in the market for a double bed. We have a queen for the guest room right now but the extra room in the new house is a lot smaller. All that would fit in there would be the bed and that just won't do since that's my craft room, too! So, we either need to find someone willing to trade their double bed for a queen, or we'll sell our queen and find a nice double to buy from somewhere. We also need a frame for Frog's twin bed (salvaged from the side of the road, of course!). Oh yeah, we're downsizing the computer desk. We've been using a hand me down from SD's brother for a while and it is a largish corner desk. The computer is going to go in the master bedroom now and we want a smaller one to go along the wall. I think we're going to have one heck of a garage sale next month!

Knitting news: I've made a couple of things that I can't reveal yet but Sugar Daddy is encouraging me to sell them for a side job. They are pretty darn cute and I could make enough profit to make it worth my time. I'll be able to post more about it early next week.

Just Checking In

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2006/03/just-checking-in.html

House News

We close on our house April 12. The current owners are going to pay us 2 day's rent so they can move out (they need it to close before they can close on their new house...and move in there). We will be moving April 15th. I thought we would have a leisurely move. It really is just a few blocks away. But, we're going to try and do it all in one day (at least the most important stuff). I guess if we leave our Christmas decorations and all the baby clothes in this house for a while, that would be okay. I'm starting to get equally stressed and excited about the prospect of having our own house. I want to hang pictures on the wall (something SD has not allowed me to do for most of our marriage...unless there was already a hole or nail), bake in my double oven, cook on my gas range (oh, I've missed having a gas stove!), play in our backyard, and do laundry on the top floor and not the basement. I'm stressed about our tax refund getting here in time (thank goodness for the adoption tax credit...thank you Pres. Bush). It should, but I'm still stressed about it. I better not get shingles this month (the last time I got shingles was last year when we were here in Lincoln trying to find a place to live). I'm also worried about how Frog will handle the move. This is one good thing about our not getting the house in the country...his early intervention program won't have to change.

In other news, I have a consumer report for you. My new favorite lip balm. The pack I got has an extra one, too, Nourishing.
Do I really believe in the power of the aromas? Not really. But these scents are a little more grown up than the normal blue raspberry/watermelon/fruit punch variety. Hmmm...my lips feel so relaxed at the moment,

House News

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2006/03/house-news.html

Baby Socks

I made some little baby socks from some leftover Regia that I had from my mom's birthday socks from last year. These are my first March socks. I'm almost done with another pair that will give me my first brownie point over at the Sock A Month KAL. Do you like them, Deb?

Also included in this picture is some artwork by the Frog. It's just pencil. The heat spots are SD's fault.

I'm about to try and get some Wiggles tickets now. They are coming to the Mid America Center in Council Bluffs on May 9th and the tickets go on pre-sale this morning at 10am. SD and I want to see them really badly. I guess the kids will have fun, too! :) So, if you're wondering what to buy me for my birthday (April 11th!!!), that's it...contribute to my Wiggle fund.

EDITED TO ADD: Wiggle tickets have been purchased. I can't wait!

Baby Socks

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2006/03/baby-socks.html

Johari Window

Deb over at Mumbo Jumbo got me started with this whole Johari Window thing. It's kind of neat. You click on the link and choose the words you think describe me best. Delusional, on the verge of insanity, nutcase, etc... aren't options. But, if they were and you chose them I wouldn't be offended.

http://kevan.org/johari?name=craftyconservative

Johari Window

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2006/03/johari-window.html

Counting Down (Updated)

How much longer until Sugar Daddy comes home? Not soon enough.

Updated to add: Who cares? My Girl Scout cookies just arrived! I'm saved!

Counting Down (Updated)

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2006/03/counting-down-updated.html

Blah, blah, blech

I'm recovering from illness, Big Apple is teething, and the Frog has been having more meltdowns a day than I can count (so much for my good week). Sugar Daddy is just annoyed that I keep calling him at work telling him that I can't make it through the day without feeling like someone is going to die or I'm going to pull a Marie Osmond and leave my family for a few days. I don't know what I'd do if I didn't have LPS Early Intervention providing services to our family. I know I said that I was going to wait 6 months to have Frog tested for autism but after seeing his preliminary testing, it's pretty obvious. If it isn't autism, he has definite pervasive developmental delays. I checked a couple books out of the library and have been doing some limited internet research but I'm having a hard time coming up with some real strategies on how to deal with his meltdowns and keep ourselves safe. I feel silly saying that a 3 year old can beat me up, but it's true. Yesterday I was alone with the kids for a while and Frog started hitting me. I was holding BA and trying to keep her safe but I have this 40+ lb kid on my back smacking my head and tearing off my glasses. I was crying (OF COURSE!) and that just makes him even more angry and it becomes a vicious cycle. Two minutes after this particular incident he was singing "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" and wanting to cuddle with me. He makes me so mad and then so happy. It's emotionally gut wrenching. Aargh! At any rate, I know that help is on the way and I can get through this. At least I know it's not my poor parenting skills that are to blame. Let's blame genetics, okay?

No denying the cuteness, eh? Even with his eyes closed. And check out this one! I took this a couple of days ago while I was blogging. At least she wasn't hanging off the computer desk. She was just chillin' underneath it.

Blah, blah, blech

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2006/03/blah-blah-blech.html

Shopping Magic

On Friday I went to the mall to see if I could find a rockin' dress for the swing dance. I got there at 11am. Hollie met me there later. You should really check out her blog for a funny story about what the Frog calls her daughter and a cute picture of Big Apple and Mckenzie at the Children's Museum. Anyway, it was getting late. We had been at the mall for a while. Still no luck. We decided to check Sears. We walk to the women's section and we see it. Like magic. That's the dress. It's got the big band vibe. They have my size. I try it on. I buy it ($10 + 10% off, not bad!). Then I had to find some shoes. We went to a couple of stores but it was JcPenney that had the ones for me. They're even comfortable (big plus for swing dancing). Excuse the fatness...I'm working on it!

The dance was really fun. It was one of the best dates we've ever been on. Sugar Daddy and I were joking that we switched roles for the night. For dinner, we wanted something quick and cheap. I suggested Chipotle (my fave). We can both eat there for under $7 and it's yummy. SD said that we just ate there for Valentine's so he wanted to go somewhere else. We were running out of options. Fuddruckers is right by Chipotle. I said we could go there but we had just eaten there for lunch before we went to the zoo. He said he could eat there again even though we were just there this week. Hmmm. He won't go to Chipotle because we ate there last month but Fuddruckers is okay. I see how it is! He was willing to spend twice as much money to eat a good burger than for me to have a burrito.

The dance is going to be televised on Nebraska public television sometime this winter. I'm sure we'll be on tv. We were right up by the stage dancing by all the pros. Or, maybe that will keep us from being on tv since the really good dancers were right by us. At any rate, we didn't go there to become tv stars. We were there to dance and dance we did.

I don't know how long it will be before we get to go out on a date like that again, but this one will last me a while. Fun times.

Shopping Magic

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2006/03/shopping-magic.html

Big Night

This is where I'll be tonight. Sugar Daddy and I are pretty excited about it. It's going to be on Nebraska public television sometime in the future. This afternoon I'm going to see if I can find me a rockin' dress to wear. One of SD's grad students is going to watch the kids. She lives in Omaha so that will be convenient. I can't wait!

Big Night

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2006/03/big-night.html

Fat Thursday

It's about time for another Project Fat Arse update. Tiffany is the only one that actually called me out on not having any updates for a while. Here's the deal. For the past 15 months, I've been losing anywhere from 1-3 pounds each month. Slow and steady. I'm okay with that. This past month, I went to the dr. and I switched some of my medications. During that month I've gained 2 lbs. I'm not happy about it. I went in this morning to have more blood drawn and have my blood pressure checked. My dr. wasn't available to see me so I couldn't ask her more questions about what more I can do to lose the weight. I've been going to the Y and walking and taking care of 2 toddlers (super-cardio right there!). It's a vicious cycle. I have PCOS and having extra weight because of that is "normal", but I should be able to continue to lose slowly like I have been. I may have to go back to low carb (that seems to work well for PCOS). I'll miss my bread! Anyway, that's the latest.

We're not going to the Children's Museum today. After having blood drawn this morning my energy level is not high enough to deal with the potential stress.

Knitting? I've been basking in the glory of my medal (did you see it? It's on the sidebar!) and have done very little these past couple of days. I did manage to make 1 1/2 baby socks. They were supposed to be for Big Apple but they are way too small. I guess I'll keep them for someone having a little girl. I'll post a pic when they are actually done...probably tomorrow.

Fat Thursday

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2006/03/fat-thursday.html

Happy Times

Thanks to all of you that left such great comments and wrote to me by email as well. If you've been a regular reader of my blog for a while, you know that I've had problems dealing with the Frog for some time now. Things still aren't perfect but we've had such a great week here at Casa Nelson.

The zoo was awesome. Frog didn't throw a single tantrum and he even let me change his diaper standing up in the bathroom (they had mounted that koala changing station thing so only giants could use it...or at least people taller than me). Big Apple was a joy. She just smiled and ate apples and french fries all day. They LOVED the penguins. I already wrote a little about this in the previous post's comments. I'll refer you there if you haven't heard about this already.

Feeling good about myself and how I can handle the kids, we took advantage of another beautiful day and went to the park. This was a big deal. Even bigger than the zoo. At the zoo, I can keep them in the stroller most of the time. That doesn't work as well at the park. Frog is notorious for wanting to swing and do nothing else. He freaks out when it's time to get off the swing or go home. He was like a totally different kid today. He did go on the swings (so did BA and she had a GREAT time!) but he didn't complain when I told him it was time for somebody else to use them. When it was time to go, he took BA's hand and marched with her all the way back to the car singing, "Follow the Prophet" (his favorite song today). This may seem like no big deal. Your kids probably don't flip out and they don't run out into the street and they probably understand the concept of "STOP!". Or, maybe they don't. But, today I feel like how I thought it might when we decided to have kids. It feels good.

Tomorrow...the Children's Museum!

Happy Times

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2006/03/happy-times.html

Zoo Pals

I think of mentioned before on this blog Frog's ability to memorize huge chunks of any dialogue he has seen on tv or videos or listened to on the radio. He'll come up to me sometimes and ask to watch certain things by reciting almost the whole thing. For example, this happened yesterday...

Frog: Watch "Hello, my flower. I'm stuffed up and so congested. I've returned my flower, a changed bee"?

Me: You want to watch the bee commercial?

Frog: Watch "Hello, my flower. I'm stuffed up and so congested. I've returned my flower, a changed bee"?

Me: Just a minute.

There is no way he is going to be able to watch this commercial on demand so I try and distract him. A few minutes later...

Frog: Watch "Oink Oink Zoo Pals. Buzz Buzz Zoo Pals"?

Me: Just a minute. going to my room to have a quick lie down.

A few weeks ago I got the Frog referred to the public school system for their early development program. They evaluate him and see if he qualifies for service like free preschool and in home visits from professionals. I got him referred because of his behavioral issues (hitting, MAJOR tantrums, etc...). After a few visits with the people at LPS, it turns out that he qualifies for services because his communication is at the level of a 20 month old (he just turned 3). He's also showing some signs of autism spectrum disorder (his good memorization skills, his mania for counting things, control issues). The good news: he has a lot of skills that point otherwise (extremely social, good eye contact, pretend play). We aren't going to do the testing for autism for at least 6 months to see if the in home visits will improve his communication skills. They also say that this could be a big factor in why he gets so darn angry at the drop of a hat. I'm willing to try anything!

These past couple of days I have been so proud of him. We went to the Y yesterday and he didn't try to run away out into the parking lot (the first time, EVER!). He stayed with me the whole time and was calm. He didn't flop out, cry, or do anything else that resembled a tantrum. I was so excited. Then, when we were leaving...it was the same thing! He was the vision of calm. I'm so pleased that I decided to take advantage of the 70 degree weather today and we're going to make a trip to the Omaha Zoo. Yep, I'm taking both kids to the zoo by myself. I may regret it later but I can't help but think that he's going to be good. Wish me luck!

Zoo Pals

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2006/02/zoo-pals.html

The Life of a Champion

I wore my shawl to church this morning. For such daintly lace, it sure was hot! I couldn't wear it the whole day because I was sweating in church. Plus, I didn't want Big Apple to spit pretzels all over it.
The medal ceremony was beautiful.

I tried to take Wendy's advice and not mess up the words to the national anthem. I decided to smile and look happy. And, of course, take a bite out of the medal. Why do they do this? Oh well.

I love being an Olympic champion. I love it so much that I've refused to take off my medal.

Sugar Daddy doesn't even question any more why I have him take these pictures. What a good husband!

The shawl is going to "retire" for a few months until she makes her glorious return at the Lancaster County Fair. If I don't win first place, the judges must be on crack.

The Life of a Champion

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2006/02/life-of-champion.html

Wonders Never Cease

I'm done. Not only that, I'm amazed. Here is the Snowdrop Shawl straight off the needles.
And here she is right after a little washing and a zillion pins. This is a queen size bed.

I was a little taken aback by the beauty. I can't believe I made this. In 15 days. It truly was a challenge and I deserve that medal! But, I didn't do it alone. I've got to thank my Sugar Daddy. Without him, the kids would have been starving and wallowing around in trash these past few weeks. I think he knows that I am extremely grateful for his support of my "dream" and I'm going to be repaying him for it dearly. I already promised not to knit another stitch until the Olympics are over. I know that's only 1 more day...but that's a big deal for me and he knows it.

Here's a closeup. Try not to cry.

I used 100% baby alpaca (Perlita brand) color 2105. A skein is 437 yds. This shawl took about 880 yards. Good thing I bought that third skein or I would have been in a big mess! I loved the yarn, the pattern, the joy of blocking, and I'm sure I'll love the finished product!

Wonders Never Cease

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2006/02/wonders-never-cease.html

Beer on the Wall

I've got 220 more rows of the Snowdrop to go....
220 more rows to go...
don't drop a stitch or I'll become a *ahem*
219 more rows of the Snowdrop to go!

Beer on the Wall

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2006/02/beer-on-wall.html

Speed Dining

1. No time to eat with hands. I am now resorting to being "fed" by my trainer.

2. Greasy hair. No time to shower.

3. No makeup. Not even my brand new eyeshadow!

4. Cramping in my left arm. Feel the burn.

5. Three days left. Note to self: go and buy some Depends undergarments. Cannot waste any more time on the toilet.

Speed Dining

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2006/02/speed-dining.html

Olympic Update

Thanks for all of the great comments and your votes. Because of the encouragement I felt that I could do it. That was before I had to pick up 436 STITCHES around the shawl and begin to knit them. It's going to be a long 4 days. I hope I can make it!

Olympic Update

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2006/02/olympic-update.html

Dreaming of Gold

Just a little over a week ago, I started with some yarn and a dream.
I'm a day behind schedule but this is what I have now.

I can't believe how beautiful it looks...even before blocking. The pattern says that if I like it the way it is, I don't have to add the border. I do like it the way it is. All it needs is a good blocking to be done. But, I also have 5 days left to finish it. What do you think? Let your voice be heard.

What's next for the Snowdrop Shawl? Block me. I'm already good enough for the gold. Add my lacy border! You've got 5 days left you coward. Free polls from Pollhost.com

Dreaming of Gold

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2006/02/dreaming-of-gold.html

Hansel and Gretel

We have all homemade computers here at Casa Nelson. My husband is a computer geek and just will not have anything that you can buy at a store (except his laptop courtesy of the University). Needless to say, my computer acts up sometimes and he comes to the rescue. Lately, my fan has been really loud. Like airplane engine loud. His solution? Take off the case. Now I have a quiet computer but it is open for all sorts of stuff to get put in there. Doesn't he know I blog with kids hanging off of me?

I wasn't paying attention earlier and Big Apple snuck around to the computer and put a piece of bread in there. It looked like it was still intact. I pulled it out and found more pieces of bread underneath. I think I got them all. Add a little butter and maybe my computer troubles will be over for good!

Hansel and Gretel

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2006/02/hansel-and-gretel.html

Cop Out

Is it just me? After watching the skeleton and the luge on tv, the blobsled seems like no big deal. I mean these people have all that fiberglass around them to break their falls. The skeleton and the luge are just man against the ice. The bobsled is a cop out for the cowards.*



*I really don't believe that the people that bobsled are cowards. You wouldn't catch me doing that...for sure!

Cop Out

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2006/02/cop-out.html

Knock Knock

From the kid that brought you the infamous "WEEDEATER" joke, comes the next installment of funny.

Knock knock.

Who's there?

Zoom.

Zoom who?

Zoom did you expect?

ha ha ha ha ha

Knock Knock

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2006/02/knock-knock.html

My Inner Martha

I just finished reading this book by Martha Stewart. It was an interesting read...especially for me as I'm trying to find something for me to do to earn money. It was kind of "self-promoting", a lot of talk about Kmart, her new magazines and tv shows, etc... I was hoping for a little more practical advice. Here are some of the things I learned from the book:

1. Have sensible passion. Basically, you can ruin a passion by making it your business. Be realistic about your skills and what exactly you are willing to do for the sake of your business.

2. Invest in your skills. Take the time to invest in yourself and what you want to do. For example, if I want to start designing knit wear I should be doing the sorts of things that will help me fulfill that goal like take design classes or become a TKGA Master knitter.

3. If you're Martha Stewart, being in prison isn't all bad. She got to give talks about being a successful businesswoman and help the other inmates with their goals. Also, if you have a house like Martha Stewart, being on house arrest is a Good Thing.

4. She liked the poncho.

5. Martha's mantra is "Make it Beautiful".

My Inner Martha

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2006/02/my-inner-martha.html

I Heart Ted Ligety

Who saw it last night? Did you watch Ted Ligety win the gold in the combined? Did you? Sugar Daddy was washing dishes when Ligety did his first slalom run. Thank goodness for DVR so we could watch it over and over. He was SO FAST! I love the Olympics. I can't get enough of it. All last night I couldn't stop saying "Ligety ligety ligety ligety ligety". Try it. You'll like it.

I'm having an Olympic size problem for tomorrow night. I can only tape two shows at once and there are 3 that I consider "must-see" tv....Survivor, Dancing With the Stars, and the Olympics. I don't know what to do. I think they Olympics may have to wait an hour. At least I'll be able to see the re-caps later.

Two posts in one day. Frog is watching Sesame Street and Big Apple is dangling from the computer chair. She truly is my little Sunny Baudelaire (from the Lemony Snicket books). We've got the teeth marks in the furniture to prove it.

I Heart Ted Ligety

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2006/02/i-heart-ted-ligety.html

Meant to Be

I think a lot of adoptive parents feel the same way about how their children were "meant to be" a part of their family. I have just another example of why Frog was definitely meant to be my son. He came up to me yesterday with a DVD in his hand.

Frog: More? More Chitty Chitty Bang Bang?

Me: You want to watch Chitty Chitty Bang Bang?

Frog: Mmm hmm. singing Chitty bang bang chitty chitty bang bang....chitty chitty bang bang we love you!

Meant to Be

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2006/02/meant-to-be.html

My 2 Cents

I spent the last 2 hours pushing a stroller filled with 2 cute toddlers in search of 2 cent stamps. The post office is down the street from my house. I should mention a street with hills. Steep ones (for Nebraska, at least). Although, the worst part of the whole trip was trying to get back up my driveway with the stroller. I'm still sweating. This saves me from making the trip to the Y today (although an hour on the treadmill there would have been so much easier). On the way to the post office we stopped at Burger King. As soon as we went in the doors, Frog started singing the "I'm Lovin' It" song (close enough...french fries="I'm lovin' it" no matter where we get them). They had chicken tenders (and fries) while I had a salad. I wasn't doing this to be "good" or anything. I just haven't been able to eat fast food hamburgers since the infamous food poisoning incident of 2005 (darn you, Council Bluffs Wendy's). I wasn't expecting it to be very good. Well, either going up the hill made me crazy or it was actually a decent salad. Yum. I would even get it again!
We left Burger King and had a nice downhill walk to the Post Office. A very busy career-woman didn't open the door for me and my mammoth stroller. But, a nice older woman came up right after and helped me in. Mission accomplished: 2 cent stamps.
On the way back we stopped at the grocery store. I needed some supplies for our Valentine's Day dinner (calzones...how romantic). While we were in there a guy in a wheelchair was telling me how cute my kids are (which I could NEVER deny) and his shoe fell off. I tried to help him put his shoe back on but I was such a clod. He had a brace on his foot and I couldn't get it in the shoe no matter how hard I tried. I finally got it most of the way on and he pushed it in the rest of the way. There's my semi-good deed for today.
The walk home was pretty uneventful. Big Apple fell asleep. Frog was the picture of calm (very rare). I was tired. But, we made it. Oh...and I looked super fabulous in sweats and eyeshadow (I wore a shirt, too).

My 2 Cents

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2006/02/my-2-cents.html

Just kidding about that no blogging thing

I've realized that blogging and knitting don't really interfere with one another at my house. I can blog one-handed. I don't recommend it, but it's possible. I can also blog with kids climbing on me. The same can not be said for knitting...especially a lacy shawl. So, I will continue to blog. I can't let down the 4 people that read my blog, you know.

I learned something new on Saturday. I know how to put on eyeshadow! Can you believe it. One short afternoon with some friends and a Mary Kay lady (also a friend) and I have now entered the world of eye makeup. I ordered some. I decided on the colors Fig (the dual pack) and Spun Silk. I will get them in 2 weeks or so. Most of you know that I'm impatient. I was feeling pretty good about my eyeshadowing skills so I decided to buy a couple of other colors from my local Wal-mart just to get me started. Lucky for me, Almay has 3 colors chosen based on your eye color. Fabulous! I don't even have to come up with 3 colors on my own to match. I am soooo fashion forward. I don't know what to do with myself!

Back to blogging with children...while I wrote this blog my kids:
1. Turned on the paper shredder.
2. Frog pushed Big Apple into the closet.
3. Big Apple dangled from the computer desk and then rubbed snot in my pants.
4. Frog got "banished" from the computer room and is now banging his head against the door saying, "I bonked my head!". Well, duh!
5. Made me feel guilty for blogging about my awesome make up skills instead of making them play-doh and playing pat-a-cake.
Gotta go.

Just kidding about that no blogging thing

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2006/02/just-kidding-about-that-no-blogging.html

Blogging Break

I'm afraid I won't be blogging much during the Olympics. I'm using all of my "free" time to knit the Snowdrop Shawl. Maybe when I get a little bit caught up with my Olympic knitting schedule, I'll be able to blog again. I have a feeling that the final result (the shawl and my impending GOLD MEDAL) will be worth it!

Blogging Break

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2006/02/blogging-break.html

February Socks

I finished my February pair of socks just in time for me to start on my Olympic knitting. These socks are for my sister, Lisa (aka "loser" in the comments).

Pattern: Child's First Socks from Nancy Bush's Knitting Vintage Socks.
Yarn: Fortissima Socka
Some thoughts: I would definitely use this yarn again. I really enjoyed working with it. The pattern was also great. I thought it would tie me down to the book, but the shell pattern was really easy to memorize. It was very intuitive and I could knit on these "mindlessly" even though it looks complicated. I hope Lisa likes them!
Here's a pic of Big Apple. I was in the bathroom and when I came out, Frog had given her a lollipop! She was so cute with it that I let her keep it.

February Socks

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2006/02/february-socks.html

Citius, Altius, Fortius

I'm ready for The Knitting Olympics to begin tomorrow.

I've got my team, Team Deseret.

I've got my pattern, The Snowdrop Shawl, by the Yarn Harlot herself.

I've got my yarn, a lovely laceweight Alpaca in red.

My needles are ready.

Let the countdown begin!

Citius, Altius, Fortius

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2006/02/citius-altius-fortius.html

The Most Expensive Swingset

Here's a picture of the swingset we bought last night. It was really expensive but we know that the kids will love it.

I'm going to love it, too because it comes with a HOUSE! We went to look again at the house we considered our "2nd" choice (because it was smaller) and we made an offer that night because we knew they were going to get another offer from a different family. We couldn't afford to wait. About an hour after finishing all of the paperwork, we heard back that we got it!

It's not as "cute" or "charming" as the country house on the outside. But, there's a lot to be said for the inside. It's a deceptively big multi-level with 4 bedrooms.

Here are some of the highlights. This is a deck comnig off of the master bedroom. SD said he'd install a fireman's pole for me to get down in a hurry. :) The backyard is great and the basement is a walkout. You can kind of see the edge of the patio in this picture.

The first thing when you come in the house is the dining room.
Then, the kitchen...that I fell in love with immediately. It has a gas range in an island and a double oven! Sugar Daddy appreciates the dishwasher. We haven't had one since 2000-2001. He deserves it!
The floor plan is really open and here is what leads off the kitchen. And the view from up there?

I'm not posting any pics of the bedrooms. The previous owners have 4 kids (2 boys, 2 girls) so the bedrooms are already decorated accordingly. Nice. Here is a picture of the basement. The plasma TV was negotiable but we declined. Oh well. SD got his wood burning stove.

I'm really pleased and so is Sugar Daddy. We had a hard time sleeping last night. I thought about how we got this house instead of the Victorian we loved and what lessons we possibly learned from that experience.

1. We knew the process of making an offer. That made it less scary when our realtor told us we needed to act quickly on this one.

2. We would have to do more work on the house in the country that frankly, a young professor trying to get tenure just doesn't have the time for (or a SAHM of 2 busy toddlers, for that matter).

3. If we didn't already have the Victorian house in mind, I probably never would have attended the open house for this one. It didn't have the kind of "curb appeal" I was looking for, but I went anyway because it is just 5 blocks away from where we live now.

4. We were prepared to close on the Victorian on Feb 28th and possibly break our lease. Now, we don't have to. This family doesn't want to move until mid-April and that is EXACTLY when we want to move.

5. I don't really have a number five, but you know how I am about lists making it to at least five. So, there you have it. We had quite the adventure yesterday and bought the most expensive swingset we could.

The Most Expensive Swingset

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2006/02/most-expensive-swingset.html

Christmas All Year Long

We're quickly approaching Valentine's Day. That particular holiday has never been much of a big deal to me. I don't expect candy, flowers, and an evening out. My Sugar Daddy usually shows me how much he loves me every day. He changes diapers, loads and unloads the car, he ALWAYS does the dishes, and he pats my butt at regular intervals (you know, to let me know I've still "got it"). What a guy. For this Valentine's Day I only want one thing. I think it's time we take down the Christmas tree.

Christmas All Year Long

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2006/02/christmas-all-year-long.html

Fat Lady Sings

No country house for us. The other people had 3 days to find financing and they did. Bummer. I guess we'll be city folk for a while.

Fat Lady Sings

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2006/02/fat-lady-sings.html

Choose Your Socks!

Lisa,

For some reason I've been making socks. Not pairs of socks. Just socks. I haven't been able to get to the second sock. So, you have two to choose from. Whichever one you choose to be yours, I'll start making today. So, which one?

1. This sock is made with Koigu merino. It's really soft. It has a scalloped edge on the cuff and is really comfortable to wear.
2. This sock has a really cute shell pattern that you can't really see in my crappy pictures. The color is the perfect OU crimson. It has a shorter cuff than the other ones. It's not as soft as the merino but I bet they will hold up better when you wear them.

And now, for the side by side comparison. Well, for some reason blogger isn't letting me put any more pictures on right now. This will have to do. Try to decide soon because I need to finish the second sock before Friday.

Choose Your Socks!

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2006/02/choose-your-socks.html

Kindred Spirit

Several months ago I started attending a local knitting group, Lincoln Knitters. We meet at a local coffee shop two times a month. The very first time I went, there was just one other knitter that was able to attend that day. Patsy. She was a woman in her late 60's but we found we had so much in common. I felt grateful that we were the only two there. We were able to get to know each other better. We talked about work, families, and of course, knitting. Her grandaughter is the same age as my own Big Apple (and was also adopted). When I came home that day I told my husband that I had a great time and made a new friend.

A couple of weeks ago, I sent her an email to invite her to movie night at my church. I was surprised when I didn't get a response because she has always been so good about replying. I figured that she was out of town or something. The next week, I found out that she had a heart attack. Her reply was something like, "Sorry. I had a heart attack that day. I'm okay. I'll see you at the next knitting group.". Today is our next meetup. Her obituary was in today's paper. She passed away on Wednesday. I'm so shocked. We were planning a trip to Omaha to go to some yarn shops this month. I was supposed to see her today. I'm going to try and arrange for a babysitter so I can go to her funeral on Monday. Even though I only knew her for a while, we really were kindred spirits. I'll miss you, Patsy!

Kindred Spirit

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2006/02/kindred-spirit.html

Search Engine Fun

Here's one of the latest searches that brought someone to my site.

How to ask my sugar daddy for an allowance

I'm glad that I'm able to help so many different types of people through my blog.

Search Engine Fun

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2006/02/search-engine-fun.html

I Aint Afraid of No Ghosts!

Last night I was sitting in my car in the parking lot of the realtor's office (we made on offer on the house in the country), and the Ghostbusters song came on the radio. Is it possible for anyone to hear this song and NOT turn up the radio? Or, is it just me?

Think back. Did you have a Fisher Price record player? We did. We also owned the 45rpm record of Ray Parker Jr.'s hit, Ghostbusters. This wasn't the first song that my sister and I would make up dances to, but this one was memorable. Can you hear the song in your head? Think of that opening bass line. Just think what six and eight yr. old girls could do with the choreography. Let me tell you, we were good. It's amazing that one of us is not a superstar this very day. Maybe the Frog did come by his dancing skill from my tender nurturing and not nature like I previously suspected.

Remember Star Search? My sister and I would play Star Search and make our parents judge us. Somehow we always won an equal number of categories. Lisa (my sister) would almost always win the dancing. She's got "flair". Colonel Hathi's March. Jive Talkin'. Those were the days.

What songs make you turn up the radio every time they come on?

I Aint Afraid of No Ghosts!

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2006/02/i-aint-afraid-of-no-ghosts.html