O

I had my annual exam yesterday. Nothing like a pap smear to start the week off right! The majority of the exam time was spent talking about my PCOS. I have about every symptom you can have (except baldness and diabetes) so we come up with ways to treat the symptoms. The only symptom I don't mind at the moment is infertility. Unfortunately, that doesn't get me off the hook from taking some sort of birth control. Apparently, it regulates the hormones enough for me that some of my symptoms are lessened.

The nurse practitioner (I don't think I've ever seen a doctor in that office--no need--the NP knows everything anyway) gave me a few options: the pill (I have had horrible side effects with many of the pills that have been prescribed to me in the past), an IUD, or the NuvaRing. I went with the NuvaRing because she had a sample for me to take. I still have a little time before I have to try it. But, I'm curious. Do any of you have experience with the ring you'd like to share? Is this all too much information?

Some other things that we discussed were my high blood pressure and cholesterol. Just since last August I've lowered my bad cholesterol 50 points and raised my good cholesterol 10. I'm still not in the greatest place but I'm improving.

In other news, my workouts at the Y are going well. I also had an appointment with the nutritionist last night as part of my Total Body Makeover (TBM) package. I was surprised at how my eating habits have improved over the past few months and how I'm actually doing quite a few things right. When I'm eating because I'm hungry, I do really well. When I'm eating because I'm stressed, I have problems. Solution: lower my stress and better recognize when I'm doing it before it's too late. ha ha--lower my stress.

My TBM trainer, Doug, said I have a good chance to win this thing. I think he's right. I'm competitive. I know what I need to do. I want a free spa day. I asked them if he told everyone that and he said he didn't....we'll see!

O

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/02/o.html

Love is in the Air

I did a fair amount of Valentine making over the weekend. I needed 16 for Caleb's classmates and teachers and I made a few extra for his Primary teachers. I think they turned out really nicely. Caleb helped me with the inside. As you can see, he is working on writing his name. If you look closely you can see most of the letters...just not placed in the right spot. His b's look like p's and his e's are just a little curve. But, he's getting it. Plus, he is consumed with tracing his hand. These cards were too small but he did manage to get some fingers on there. He traced my hand with the magnadoodle the other day and then wrote MOM above it. So cute!

Shhh. Don't tell Carl. Here is his Valentine. I really, really like how it turned out. It is a coupon book. This is the outside. And, here is the inside. There are 4 coupons inside and they have a perforated edge so you can tear one out at a time. I'm not totally sure what all of the coupons are going to be yet but I'm sure he'll like them and he'll be happy that I spent no money (if you don't count the insane amount of money I spend on paper/stamps/ribbon/etc...).

Got big plans for Valentine's Day? I'd love to hear them.

Love is in the Air

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/02/love-is-in-air.html

A Thousand Words

I think I've posted this picture before but it really conveys how I feel. I'm tired. I still haven't had much of a break since Carl's been home because he was at meetings from 10am-7pm (including church).

Tomorrow is a busy day, too. I'm going to the dr. in the morning (thanks, Audra for watching Eva!), the Y in the afternoon for my workout, and back to the Y in the evening (w/o kids) for a nutrition consultation (and maybe a soak in the jacuzzi!).

It's only 8:30pm here but I think I'm ready to call it a night and go to bed.

A Thousand Words

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/02/thousand-words.html

A Little Humor

I'm tired of thinking about the car and I'm counting down until Carl gets home (3 hours) so I'm going to post something funny.

Caleb is starting to get a real kick out of sounding out words. He usually walks around the house and finds things to talk about. He says, "Table starts with the letter sound, tuh, tuh-able."

The other day he came up to me and said...

"Knit starts with the letter sound, nih, nih-t."

That's my boy.

A Little Humor

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/02/little-humor.html

And So it Continues...

I called this morning so I don't make a wasted (ha ha) trip out to RUSSWOOD CHRYSLER (*makes me super mad*). Anyway, I asked for the people that they told me to ask for. I waited on the phone for 10 minutes. Nate picked up the phone. He said that the service department isn't open on Saturdays (duh) but that there were a couple of guys there already working on some customers' cars so I would have to wait until Monday. I reminded him that I was also a CUSTOMER whose car SHOULD have been finished YESTERDAY and I asked him to come up with some way that I could take it in TODAY so they could FINISH the job they started. It probably really would be easier for me to take it in on Monday, but now I just want to inconvenience them a little bit. He went to ask the other service guys if one of them would do it. As soon as I load up the car, we're heading over there.

Don't mess with me today.

And So it Continues...

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/02/and-so-it-continues.html

Broken

My car is back home. I'm very tempted to get some shoe polish and write negative things about the car dealership (Russwood Chrysler) all over the van. I'm also not quite finished reminding Carl about how we got this van for its reliability.

I went to pick up the van this afternoon. It was the fuel pump. I was charged $400. Fine. Whatever. We did buy the van "as-is". I get that. Then they are telling me there are leaks in the power steering fluid and the water pump. That's what I'm complaining about. They talk about their "certified" used cars and how they have a guy on staff that his only job is to check out the used cars and make sure they are good to go. I spoke with the sales people today and told them that those are things they should have checked and if they didn't, they should fix them for me. The sales guy has to ask some other guy but he won't be able to until Monday. Fine. Whatever. I'm not backing down on this. He gave me some kind of spiel on how if they fixed everything on every used car that came through there, they wouldn't be able to sell them because of the money that they have to put into them. Uh, okay. RUSSWOOD CHRYSLER in Lincoln, Nebraska doesn't fix their used vehicles. Apparently, customer satisfaction is only important if you buy an expensive new car. I wish Carl were here.

Okay, so I leave with them knowing that I'm upset. I was on empty so I went to a gas station. It was totally expensive and cold so I only got 6 gallons (I only go through about 1 tank of gas a month these days--in fact, it was only the 2nd time I've had to put gas in it since we bought it). I got into the car and the gas gauge didn't move. I drove it back to the dealership and tried to find someone to help me. They had closed about 10 minutes before. I knocked on the door and one of the sales managers came out. I told him what had happened and that I didn't want to get stranded with kids in the car and nobody to fix the car on the weekend. He said it should be fine that it was probably just that they didn't connect something back up to the sensor. Fine. Whatever. He said I should call tomorrow because they might have a guy in the service department there that can hook it up for me. "Make sure you call because I'd hate for you to have a wasted trip out here," he said. EVEN IF THEY FIX IT, IT WILL BE A WASTED TRIP BECAUSE IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN DONE PROPERLY IN THE FIRST PLACE! Fine. Whatever.

Broken

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/02/broken.html

Puttering Around

My car died. This is bad on a multitude of levels.

1. It happened on my way to pick up the kids from the babysitter and I was about 2 blocks away from my house. This was actually the good news because the tow truck driver just dropped me off at the house.
2. Carl wanted this stupid van because it would be reliable. I'm going to try not to bring up the fact that I wanted to buy the Rendezvous instead of this van when I talk with him tonight.
   
3. Carl's out of town until Saturday night.
4. We have another car but it is in Omaha parked by the airport.
5. They might not have the van fixed until Monday.
6. I feel trapped in the house.
7. The kids won't stop pooping. This is annoying me very much. Mainly this is annoying because they seem to have the uncanny ability to get poop all over the floor. The good news: the majority of their pooping today happened at the babysitter's house. She's so worth the money.
8. I was going to pick up Little Caesar's cheap pizza on the way home with the kids. Now we're spending twice as much for delivery. This isn't necessarily bad news for me, but it will be for Carl.
9. My visiting teacher came over today (they forgot to call me to tell me today was the day). This is normally a very good thing and I love visiting--but it ate up a good chunk of my babysitting time. I did have her help me pick up the family room so I could vacuum. That was good.
10. It's going to cost at least $80 to even figure out what is wrong with the van and I'm mad because we JUST BOUGHT IT FROM THIS STUPID PLACE 45 DAYS AGO!
    

Puttering Around

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/02/puttering-around.html

Time Out for Mommy

Yesterday didn't go as smoothly as the days before it. I'm at the halfway point and I'm taking a time out for mommy day. The kids are going to the sitter's house for 3 hours. Enough said.

Time Out for Mommy

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/02/time-out-for-mommy.html

Little Things

These images were stamped by Christy Nelson and are copyrighted by Stampin' Up.

Carl has been out of town for two days now. Only four more to go. So far, things have been pretty good. The good (Caleb having only one meltdown) has far outweighed any bad (e.g, Eva coloring on the walls and dumping out a bottle of buttons). Here are some of the highlights from the past two days.

• I moved bedtime up 30 minutes. The kids haven't noticed and it hasn't changed their wake up time.
• I did a load of dishes without gagging. I think this has a lot to do with the fact that I haven't fed the kids anything that would be gross in the sink. If you've known me for any amount of time you would know that doing this one simple chore without gagging or throwing up is a BIG THING.
• Instead of spending my evenings hanging out with my husband, I've been stamping. A lot. I've been updating my other website with some of the things I've made. I have an order coming in from Stampin' Up sometime this week that has my supplies for Valentine's Day. I need to have Valentines for Caleb's class ready for next Monday.
• Instead of lashing out at me all of the time, Caleb is starting to use his words to let me know when he is sad. He makes the cutest sad face. It is really hard not to laugh. That turns his sad face to mad and I don't think that one is cute at all! He's also starting to show genuine remorse for some of his actions. I'm really proud of the progress he is making.
• I put together the desk that Eva got for Christmas. It's really cool and I'm going to put all of Eva's color wonder markers down there and her color wonder paper so she'll stop finding my markers and drawing on the wall. This is one of the things that Caleb never did when he was her age.
• Eva is showing real interest in potty training. I bought her pull-ups and as soon as we are done with the package of diapers I have, we'll start. That should be sometime AFTER Carl gets home. It's entirely possible that Eva will be fully trained before Caleb.
  
• It's a short school week so today is the last day I have my mornings to "myself" (Eva doesn't wake up until 8:30am or so, and Caleb leaves at 6:50am). I think I'm going to set up some babysitting time for tomorrow so I can do some organizing around here.
  

Little Things

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/02/little-things.html

Joy Totalus

Alison of The Blue Blog has come up with my first absolutely must-have knitting book. I haven't seen what is inside yet, but I have seen some of her Harry Potter designs over the past couple of years on her blog and I know this book will be fantastic. I've already pre-ordered book 7 that will arrive in July. Now I have this book that will arrive on my doorstep in May.

Joy Totalus

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/02/joy-totalus.html

Bored

Yep, I'm bored.

Bored

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/02/bored.html

Toasty

We haven't had a fire in our wood burning stove since we moved in because I was scared of the kids touching it while it was hot. They have made it a habit of running around the stove while playing downstairs so I had Carl desing the stove crib. We're going to stain it to match the rest of the woodwork in the house. It's not pretty, but it serves its purpose.

The fire makes such a difference downstairs. I sat by it all evening while watching the Super Bowl. Yep, I watched it. I'm not usually a big fan of pro football (I much prefer college) but after living in Indiana, I feel sort of obliged to root for the Colts. However, being a kid in the 80's, I feel sort of obliged to root for Da Bears. It looks like the Colts are going to do it. As I write this there is 1:56 left in the 4th.

How about that halftime show? I absolutely LOVE Prince. Even Carl has converted over to being a fan. It was the best halftime show I've seen in a long time (sure beats the Janet Jackson/Justin Timberlake fiasco).

The commercials? The Career Builder commercials have been the highlight in my opinion. They were standouts last year as well. Last year they had the chimps. This year they are doing a Lord of the Flies/Suvivor theme. Good stuff.

Good thing I'm watching the commercials because otherwise I wouldn't know that Survivor is starting this week and that The Amazing Race All-Star edition is starting in two weeks.

I also kept knitting on my blue cardigan. I have the left front finished and I'm almost done with the back. That leaves the right front and two sleeves to go. I might have it finished in time for fall. It's kind of slow going and I've been getting distracted with other projects.

The kids were really good today and they were really cuddly. It must have been the effects of the fire. Toasty.

Toasty

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/02/toasty.html

Bookish

Most of you know I love to read. I try to read about 2-5 books a month. Some of these books are audiobooks so I can combine a couple of hobbies---knitting and reading!

My super talented friend, Catherine, has come up with a great blog called Book Club President. She writes excellent reviews of books she has read and includes discussion questions for book groups.

Check it out. Pass it on. Request a book to be reviewed. Enjoy.

Bookish

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/02/bookish.html

Doctor, Doctor

I think I've mentioned on here that I switched pediatricians. I never had a problem with their previous doctor, I just found a better one. I didn't know how much of a better one until our first appointment on the 1st.

This doctor has a son that is autistic and holds behavioral clinics for the kids he sees that fall on the spectrum. This first appointment was Caleb's 4 yr. old physical. He's the picture of health. His herniated belly button is fully closed, he's 47 lbs. (oh my!) and 43 inches.

We talked a lot about Caleb's behavioral issues (still a major deal--but I think I'm starting to get a better handle on things) and how preschool has helped him develop some really great communication skills (he can form some basic sentences on his own now and is really good at letting us know what he wants). I'm still concerned with how he acts with just me. The doctor suggested that I'm going to have to get my house super organized with a good schedule and a strategy for handling changes in that schedule (which are inevitable).

This is the part where he makes me cry. He looked right at me and said, "I hope you don't take this the wrong way, but you need therapy.". I teared up and told him he was right. I do. It was like a huge relief for him to say that. It kind of validated what I've been thinking and gave me some extra support when I asked Carl if it was okay if I found a therapist. I have an appointment with my own doctor in a week and I'll ask for a referral then. I'm sure after my week of single parenting next week I'll be totally ready. I'd like a massage, too, but I have a feeling I'm not going to get one of those unless I win Total Body Makeover (starts MONDAY!).

I wrote this post with the intent of using it on Saturday but both of the kids are asleep (OH HAPPY DAY!) so I figure I can put it up now and if I don't get around to posting tomorrw, it'll be okay.

Doctor, Doctor

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/02/doctor-doctor.html

Feeling Better

I'm feeling a little better today. I'm counting my blessings that I didn't get the full-on flu that's been going around here. Some schools around here are closed and most elementary schools have 10% of the kids out with sickness.* Caleb and Eva have had diarrhea for the past couple of days (I also had one more incident of poo painting, but you didn't want to hear about that, right?) but they haven't had any other symptoms of influenza A. Thanks, flu shots.

Today I'm going to take it easy by going to the Y and making 2 dinners. One dinner is for us and another is for a family at church that needs one. We're going to have a Rachael Ray meal (#143, I think) and I have no idea what I'll make for the other family. I do know that it will be something I can put in a disposable container because I've lost more tupperware in this ward than in any other.

I'll probably feel up to knitting again, today. That's when I know I'm really sick. I couldn't even knit! I know, the horror!

*According to the fabulous local paper that I get delivered on my doorstep each morning.

Feeling Better

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/02/feeling-better.html

Name That Virus

I haven't been feeling so well since yesterday afternoon.

I have to leave the house today to take Caleb to the Dr. for his 4 yr. appointment.

Hopefully, that's all I really need to accomplish today.

Name That Virus

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/02/name-that-virus.html

Vacation Days

This is my 39th post of the month. I think I've done pretty well keeping up my habit of blogging every day. I'm now banking 8 "vacation" days for the future.

Speaking of vacations, Carl will be spending next week in Long Beach, CA for a conference. We went with him twice last year for conferences in Long Beach. Now that Catherine has moved, I just don't see the point in us tagging along. Plus, Caleb would do better by not missing school for 3 days (it's a short week next week). I'm planning on going to the Y every day and taking the kids to the babysitter's at least one afternoon for a little respite for me. I'm not looking forward to spending the week without my spouse but I look at it as "earning" my girls weekend getaway. I also just found out that he's going to go to L.A. again in September for another conference (in addition to going to Vegas in April and September). His job is so demanding. ;)

Speaking of jobs, I'm trying to get more organized. I've got a craft room to clean up (constantly) and the bedrooms need help. I'd like to get a handle on things around here so I can work more on my Stampin' Up and craft show goodies. Maybe I'll set another daily goal (like blogging) and work on it for February. I'll think about it today and get back with you all, faithful readers.

Speaking of faithful readers, thanks for stopping by. I appreciate it.

Vacation Days

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/01/vacation-days.html

Progress

The tree is still up but I made significant stocking progress while watching Miss America last night. You would think I would have been rooting for Miss Oklahoma but I found her completely uninspiring. Plus, her final interview answer? What a dud! I can't believe she won. I also had to fast forward (thank you, DVR) through her talent. After the first few lines of "You'll be in My Heart" from Tarzan (total musical theater styling--but crappy regional musical theater) Carl and I thought we were going to die. I was rooting for Oprah loving, tap dancing Miss Georgia. I watched her whole talent number (although not entirely impressed--even I know how to shuffle off to Buffalo) and I liked that she told Chris Matthews about Oprah's love life. Miss Texas was the 1st runner up. I think I had an opinion against her from watching the Pageant School special. If I hadn't seen that, I think I may have rooted for her in the end. Because you know, my opinion and who I root for matters in all of this.

In other news...both of my kids wore pants all day yesterday. I took pictures to prove it. Sure, I could have just put pants on them to take the pictures so it doesn't really prove that they had pants on all day. But, I think most of you know that I am too lazy to do that so I guess it does prove that they had them on all day. Not only were they wearing pants but they were accessorized! Eva had on some sunglasses and Caleb is sporting not one, but two cell phones! If you can't tell, he's letting us all know that he's FOUR!

Progress

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/01/progress.html

Caleb's FOUR Today!

Caleb is having an excellent birthday today. We've celebrated all weekend. These pictures were taken on Saturday. I made his cake in my little mini springform pans that I got free from the Calphalon store next to the Oprah show. The plate was made just before his 1st birthday at All Fired Up in West Lafayette, IN. I made one for Eva, too, right before we moved. If we ever get another kid I'll have to find a new place to make my plates! We're having cake again tonight (chocolate) and his best friend, Spencer, is coming over.

I'm sure they will have a blast playing with this toy that Grandma and Grandpa Greer picked out. *While Caleb was not wearing pants when we took this picture on Saturday, he is wearing pants today* We're also giving him his little mini trampoline tonight. Eva picked out a t-shirt for Caleb that says "Ladies Man". Oh boy, is that the truth. I think he scares some of the little girls in his preschool class. When he gets off the bus he tells them that he loves them. If they don't say anything back he says, "Say, I love you too!".

We went to his classroom this morning for snack time. Caleb got to wear a blue crown with all sorts of stickers and glitter on it. He's been practicing saying how old he is now. We worked so hard for him to learn to say that he was three and he really just mastered answering that question a couple of months ago. He's been mostly right today. I'm so proud of him!

He's looking forward to having some more cake today. He calls it "birthday cake me out to the ballgame". Good stuff.

Caleb's FOUR Today!

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/01/calebs-four-today.html

O Christmas Tree

I still have the Christmas tree up. There are still some presents underneath it (opened, of course). Last year at this time our tree was still up as well. I think we took it down on Valentine's Day or Easter. I remember it was one of those holidays. We've had plenty of opportunities to put it away already but I'm holding out. Why?

I NEED TO FINISH EVA'S STOCKING!

If I don't finish it before I put away all of the Christmas decorations, the chances of it being done for next Christmas are pretty slim. I've been working on it a little bit each night and I'm finally seeing real progress. I think I'll finish it before Carl leaves for his trip to Long Beach (Feb 5th).

Or, when is Easter this year?

O Christmas Tree

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/01/o-christmas-tree.html

Eva's Hooded Sweater

I finished seaming up Eva's sweater and sewing on the buttons so today wasn't a total bust. It fits her like a dream! It's got a little pocket in the front. The pattern is a leaflet from Wendy/Peter Pan. While I was knitting I was thinking the pattern was a piece of junk but now that it is finished and it looks so great I'm beginning to forget about it. Still...I think the next one I make will have some major changes. There is really no reason for the raglan sleeves to be sewn in. It can easily be done in one piece. The yarn I used is Kaleidescope DK . It's a lilac colorway (I can't remember exactly what it was called and I don't have the ball band handy). I bought a few extra skeins in a denim color so I can make one of these for Caleb. There is an option for a zippered collar with no hood. I think I may do that version instead for Caleb.

Eva's Hooded Sweater

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/01/evas-hooded-sweater.html

Uninspired

I have felt very unproductive today. Saturdays are usually big "work" and/or fun days for me and today it has just been blah.

1. I didn't get dressed until 11:30am.
2. I watched about 2 hours of nonsense on MTV.
3. I surfed the web for some shawl patterns (haven't found "it" yet).
4. I drank 2 diet Pepsis.
5. I made a birthday cake for Caleb (it's Monday but we celebrated today so he'd have lots of time to play with his toys).
6. I haven't knit anything and this disturbs me. I did seam up a hooded sweater I made for Eva.
7. I went to Hobby Lobby to buy buttons for Eva's sweater.
8. We ordered chinese food for dinner. It was some of the best we've had in a while.
9. I helped Carl blow up this huge ball toy for Caleb (from his Grandma Greer).
10. I played Pyramids on the internet for 45 minutes.

Uninspired

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/01/uninspired.html

Lace

This time last year I was gearing up for the Knitting Olympics. In two weeks' time I made a gorgeous shawl. Remember it? Here it is at the medal ceremony. It made a poor showing at the State Fair (I blame the judges, of course!) and I forgot to enter it into the county fair! My Snowdrop Shawl is now living it up in Oklahoma with my mom.

I had so much fun making it, that I'd like to make another lace shawl next month. I won't have the crazy deadline like the Olympics. I'll give myself the whole month to finish it. I already have some yarn (the same I used for Snowdrop---100 grams of baby alpaca in ivory instead of red). What I don't have is a pattern.

I'm looking for something free (like the Snowdrop Shawl from the Yarn Harlot) or something I can download for less than $3.

This shawl is destined to be a county and state fair entrant. It will then be gifted to the person that I feel would appreciate it the most. Would you appreciate a hand knit shawl? Let me know.

Lace

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/01/lace.html

The Artist Formerly Known as Big Apple

You all will thank me that I have no pictures to go along with this story.

Yesterday was a big day at our house. We were meeting a Special Education grad student from UNL for the first time. She's going to be working with Caleb for one of her classes. In addition to that we had Caleb's speech pathologist and one of the para-professionals from his school out to work on his program in our quest for me to gain "instructional control" (it's working!). All of this is supposed to take place during Eva's nap time.

Eva didn't nap yesterday. We tried. She was in her crib. I could just hear her playing and jumping around in there. When we were almost done, Linda (the para) asked if she could go and get Eva. She went in there and she called out to me that there was some fingerpainting I needed to take care of. Huh? She doesn't have any finger paints in her crib.

See where this is going?

Poop. All over poop. Stinky, gross poop. I got Eva into the bathtub and Linda gave her a bath while I finished up with the student that needed to leave. I don't think Linda was expecting to have to do that when she came over yesterday!

The Artist Formerly Known as Big Apple

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/01/artist-formerly-known-as-big-apple.html

Vanity

I'm going to register the car today. I've filled out an application for specialty plates but I don't know if I will actually go through with it.

Faithful blog readers, what would you put on your vanity license plate and what do you think I have chosen for mine?

Vanity

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/01/vanity.html

Readers, Beware!

The curse of bad days is spreading through blog land. Heather started it. Then, Kerry. Is it truly contagious?

I woke up this morning and got dressed. I mentioned to Carl that I had an excellent night of sleep and that I didn't remember waking up even once. He felt the same way. Things were looking promising.

Then, I took Caleb outside to catch the bus. I told him to hold my hand so he wouldn't fall. I took a step. I took him out. Yep, I fell flat on my recovering coccyx. You betcha. I was whining to Carl when I came in and he said, "Well, now you have something to blog about". Indeed, I do.

Readers, Beware!

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/01/readers-beware.html

Get Your Train On

My trainer is getting switched, AGAIN! I never technically had any sessions with the second one (because of my broken and/or bruised coccyx) but she doesn't seem to have time to add me on to her schedule. That's okay. She's in charge of all the fitness programming at the Y and she gave me some other options and some good advice. This is what I'm going to be doing...

Total Body Makeover
10 Week Challenge

Starting February 5th, I'll be competing (I can't pass up competition) with some other members at the Y to see who can earn the most points to win some services at a day spa here in town. Here is what the program includes:

1. Pre-Fitness Evaluation. I did this a couple of months ago before I started training. It will be interesting to see if I improved at all just from then.

2. Exercise Programming consultation. This will be a meeting with a trainer that I'll have throughout the entire 10 week session. The trainer will check up on me every two weeks during the competition.

3. Equipment orientation. I don't really need to do this again since I've already been through the orientation.

4. Nutrition Programming consultation. This is going to be the most important part for me, I think. I'll meet with a nutritionist and get a plan geared just for me (and my food preferences).

5. Mid-point fitness evaluation. We're going to have another fitness evaluation at 5 weeks.

6. Post-fitness evaluation. This one will be to measure success and determine the winner.

You earn points by completing workouts, following meal plans, improvement during fitness evaluations, inches lost, weight lost, body fat lost, etc...

I'm going to do this plan for the ten weeks and then use the rest of my personal training sessions after that. So, I will have some sort of trainer through June.

Get Your Train On

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/01/get-your-train-on.html

Something Good

So somewhere in my youth or childhood
I must have done something good

I'm totally feeling it today. We went to the Y this morning, had a nice lunch and then came back to put Eva down for a nap. Caleb and I played nicely for a while and then I gave him a choice:

Play with Nickjr.com or take a nap

Do you see where I'm going with this? He chose to take a nap.

Both kids are in their rooms. It's 3pm.

Okay, here comes Caleb. Darn it. It lasted for about 30 minutes. I'm not complaining! For a kid that hasn't taken a regular nap for 2 years, I'm grateful for the time I had.

Guess it's time to let him play on nickjr.com so I can have a few more minutes of peace before Eva wakes up.

Something Good

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/01/something-good.html

Poppycoccyx

Remember the skating "incident"? It's been a fair amount of time and truth be told, my bum is feeling better. I don't rely on Aleve as much as I did in the past and today at church was the first time it has really bothered me in a week or two. I still am a little slow to get up from the computer chair or the couch but I probably don't use my donut as much as I should. It's hard to carry that thing around all the time. Anyway, I'm considering myself recovered enough that I'm getting back to the Y tomorrow for my workouts. I haven't met my new trainer yet so I'm hoping I'll be able to do that then. I've slacked off for long enough!

Poppycoccyx

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/01/poppycoccyx.html

Modular Knitting

Two months ago at our knitting guild meeting, we had a program on modular knitting. A lady in our group had written a pattern for a vest using the technique and I knew I had some yarn that would be perfect for a project like this. So, I started one. I finished it last week and I wore it for the first time today to our meeting.
I used Jo Sharp Silkroad yarn in 5 different colors. I love how they look together. I wish I was rich enough to buy enough of this yarn to make a blanket. But, the wool/silk/cashmere blend was just barely the right price at 40% off to make this!

I have some new knitting projects on the needles and one that will very soon be a finished object and can be modeled by the very experienced Eva.

Modular Knitting

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/01/modular-knitting.html

Fashion Plate

Here's the latest picture from my fashion plate.

Kerry commented earlier that my kids hardly wear pants. If I took pictures of myself while I'm at home, you'd all see that I hardly wear pants too! When I'm changing diapers all day (I'm the only one that's potty trained) I don't feel like putting pants on and off. We do all get dressed to go out in public. I have my standards.

Anyway...my point is, when I saw Eva in this latest get-up (I had to help her with the second layer---she brought it to me from Caleb's room), I had to take a picture and post it on here. She's not only wearing one pair of pants, but she's wearing THREE! Here's the tally:

3 shirts
3 pairs of pants
2 pairs of socks
1 diaper

Fashion Plate

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/01/fashion-plate.html

International Knit Off 2007

Because being a State Champion knitter just isn't enough for me.

International Knit Off 2007

Bring it.

International Knit Off 2007

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/01/international-knit-off-2007.html

Videos

I was having a hard time embedding the videos into my blog today for some reason. I'm going to just post the links and you can watch them through YouTube.

Beat It

On this one Caleb is in classic form belting out the Michael Jackson tune.

I Got You Babe
Eva helps out on this one by providing her super dance moves and some backup vocals.
Enjoy!

I hope this works!

Videos

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/01/videos.html

The Next Level

It amazes me to no end that Eva and my sister Lisa have no genetic link whatsoever. With my sister it was fringe. She loved wearing fringe. Eva likes to look like a basketball star.

Last night Eva went into her room and came out looking like this.

Those are tights put on over her pants and then a pair of my "snow" socks on top of that. She has her shoes in her hand and tried to put those on as well but had little luck since my socks provided too much added bulk for them to fit.

And, now the "Cheese!" shot.

The Next Level

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/01/next-level.html

Photo Shoot

Eva's favorite accessories are our NBA headband and wristbands. We bought them a couple of years ago so Caleb could be a Harlem Globetrotter for Halloween. She doesn't want to leave the house with them.

Yesterday she came upstairs after dinner and had them on. I grabbed the camera for an impromptu photo shoot. I pointed the camera and said, "Smile!". These are the results.

Photo Shoot

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/01/photo-shoot.html

On the Menu

I'm really excited about the dinner I am preparing for tonight.

It's from Rachael Ray's 365 No Repeat Cookbook (I think it's #115).

Jambalaya Burgers with Cajun Corn and Red Beans

It's similar to this recipe for Cajun Pork Burgers.

I'm making them with ground turkey and the recipe even calls for some shrimp on top. Yum-O.

For dessert I'm making apples wrapped in phyllo dough. I made a different RR recipe a week ago that used phyllo dough so I'm trying to use the rest of it.

On the Menu

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/01/on-menu.html

The End

Carl told me I had to go to church a little earlier this morning so I could get released from one of my callings. He said that they're trying to lighten my load since I seem to have my hands full. Unfortunately, my callings aren't as demanding as my "real" life and they can't really release me from any of those duties. But I must admit, as I was teaching the class for the last time this afternoon I started to feel a weight being lifted. I think it is going to help, at least a little bit. I still have my Relief Society job to keep me busy.

The End

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/01/end.html

Cheapo Vegas

I found a really fun website called Cheapo Vegas. The reviews are hilarious to read.

Here's what they had to say about The Orleans:

The Orleans (Off-Strip)
Fantastic for the price. Every room is spacious, has big beds and a separate sitting area. We don't mean a crummy little table and dining chairs, we mean comfy loungers, maybe even a sofa to call your own. The bathrooms are decent, but not fancy. There is enough space to spread out, or lie against the cool floor when you think you're going to puke. A really neat touch is the little window in the tub/shower that opens to the outside world, so you can yell at people in the parking lot while you bathe. We usually yell, "Come on up, the water's fine!" Rooms have hairdryers. TVs are plenty large, for after you lose all your money and want to watch Judge Judy. These rooms aren't for people who hate frilly stuff because the rooms are awfully prissy. Rooms have hair dryers and irons. they also offer Internet hook-ups for those of us obsessed with our Fantasy sports leagues.

From what I've read so far this seems like it could be a contender. It's off-strip but there is a shuttle that will drop you off at the Barbary Coast on the Strip (right across from Celine). I've checked out a couple websites for prices and it looks like we can stay there for an average of $80-90 a night per room. They have a spa, movie theater, a bowling alley, and Air Supply will be performing there the days we're there. Come on, Wendy...Air Supply. It's a shame we'll miss Donny Osmond. He'll be there in March.

The Las Vegas Hilton has BARRY MANILOW! Their rooms are also much more expensive. But, they might be better and they are right on the Strip. Any place we stay is not going to equal the comfort we had in Breckenridge. But, there is a lot more for us to do in Vegas so the actual time spent in the rooms is going to be less. It looks like we'd average around $120/night at the Hilton.

Should we dream big? There's always The Venetian. They have an awesome spa, gondola rides, bathrooms as big as my first apartment, and shopping along the canals. You also have to pay over $350 a night.

Cheapo Vegas

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/01/cheapo-vegas.html

Vegas, Baby!

Looks like we're probably going to Las Vegas. It's certainly not set in stone yet but we'd like to see what everyone else thinks. You're certainly not committing to anything by voicing your opinion. But, we won't change the place or the date for someone that is probably not going to come.

So far we have decided on Las Vegas from May 23-26. Everything we do on Girls Weeekend is optional. You get yourself there and pay for your part of the room. The rest of the time is yours. Want to go to a show? Fine. Prefer to spend all your time shopping. Good for you. Just want a massage and a kid free meal? Yippee. Want to spend all night at the blackjack table? We might want to have an intervention of some sort...

Anyway, spread the word and see who wants to join in the fun!

VOTE IN THE COMMENTS:

A. Count me in for Vegas! (are you 60% sure you're coming? 80%? 100%?)
B. I would go if it was someplace different.
C. I would go if it was a different time.
D. I'm not going but I want to vote.

Vegas, Baby!

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/01/vegas-baby.html

Mall of America

The Mall of America is in Minnesota. It would be a day's drive from Lincoln but from New Mexico, that would be a stretch! At least we'd have a car available if we choose to go there. There is an IKEA in Minneapolis, too. We would have the option of staying in a hotel at the Mall or we could make our trip be central to Minneapolis and take advantage of fun things to do there as well. There is a light rail service between the Mall and downtown Minneapolis.

Mall of America

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/01/mall-of-america.html

Super Bowl Ads

Some friends of some friends (small world, eh?) are finalists in the Doritos Crash the Superbowl commercial contest. You can vote for their commercial (or others if you so choose) at this site.

VOTE FOR THE DUCT TAPE (or not).

Super Bowl Ads

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/01/super-bowl-ads.html

Sales

I bought a little bit of yarn last night. Personal Threads is a store in Omaha that has a 20% off sale every year. I decided to go and check it out yesterday and see about getting some yarn to make some baby stuff. Behold, the Malabrigo.

Sales

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/01/sales.html

Cards

I've been busy making some more cards. I was really bad about sending the Relief Society birthday cards last year. I ran out of the cards that were made before and I was really slow about replenishing my supply. This year I told myself that I would be better about getting them out on time. But...out of all of these cards, only one is actually for the RS. I'm going to be stamping some more tonight.

Cards

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/01/cards.html

Noteworthy

Caleb is now a Sunbeam! He made it through his first Sunday in Primary without incident. I'm pretty confident he's going to love his new class and going into Primary for singing time.

Eva can finally be in the nursery without big brother around!

Noteworthy

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/01/noteworthy.html

Las Vegas

With so much to see and do, Las Vegas would be an excellent location for Girls Weekend. Acommodations are reasonable, fabulous food to be had (even not so fabulous cheap buffets if you're willing to risk it), all kinds of shows and shopping, etc...

It's an easy day's drive from Rio Rancho, NM. From Lincoln, we can fly there non-stop for $59 each way but they only have flights on Wed and Sat. If we decide to do Vegas we may need to modify exactly when we go to fit that flight schedule. Otherwise, it's almost $400 to fly from Omaha anytime.

The weather should be nice (not TOO hot yet). Shows are going to be expensive if anyone wants to go to one. I will need to be kept busy so I don't play the nickel slots (ha ha, Shanna) at all hours.

Mary--can you blog about the virtues of Phoenix?

Las Vegas

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/01/las-vegas.html

Branson

I thought I'd highlight a couple of the options we have for Girls Weekend 2007. I'll start with Branson.

Branson is in SW Missouri in the Ozarks. It's a beautiful area with lakes and "mountains" (it's not Colorado) and lots to do. There are outlet malls, shows, restaurants, etc... Depending on everyone's budgets we could go super fancy (check out this link!) or economy.

Branson is 12-13 hours away from Rio Rancho, NM and 7-8 hours away from Lincoln. It's 14-15 hours from Christiansburg, VA but not at all too far from St. Louis if you were in the neighborhood, Hollie.

Where else can you see Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede, Spirit of the Dance, Chinese Acrobats, and Yakov Smirnov in such a short period of time?

Branson

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/01/branson_07.html

Girls Weekend 2007

I think it's time to start planning Girls Weekend 2007, don't you? You know you want to come. Here are the requirements:
1. Be a girl over the age of 18.
2. Pay your own way (or find someone to pay for you).
3. Be fun.


I think that's about it. We'll probably do it over Memorial Day weekend again.

Here you can read about last year's weekend. We had quite a good time, I must admit.

Where should we go? Here are some places that have been brought up so far:

1. Las Vegas
2. Branson, MO
3. Mall of America (in Minnesota)
4. Any place there is an IKEA.

Comments are open, as usual.

Girls Weekend 2007

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/01/girls-weekend-2007.html

Bloody Friday

The day started out innocently enough. I finished putting together my cards (the sample is in my craft post from yesterday) while Eva slept. I finished a load of laundry. I ate a leisurely breakfast. Once Carl left and Eva was awake---things went downhill. Fast.

The phone rang. I couldn't find it. So, I went to my room to use the speaker phone. In that time, Eva decided to use her new found door opening skills to go into my craft room. After I was done on the phone (car dealer making sure everything is okay and if I had gone to pick out my jewelry yet), I went to look for Miss Eva. The craft door was closed so I didn't think to go in there. I looked all around downstairs. I went back upstairs. I looked in the shower (one of her favorite places to hang out). I finally heard some laughing in the craft room. I opened the door and she was looking out the window at some squirrels. I looked on the craft table and saw a fully opened box cutter (it was closed before--I don't just leave open box cutters around!) with blood dripping off the handle.

What would you do in this situation? I kind of had a mini freak out. She wasn't crying so I knew it was either a little cut or it was so bad that she was in shock. I found the cut on her finger. It was bleeding like crazy cakes and she wasn't too cooperative to let me apply pressure. She soaked through a couple of band aids and pulled off a couple more before I found one made for finger cuts and put it on as tight as I could without making her finger fall off from lack of circulation. That seemed to do the trick. In between all the bloody band aids I called the nurse to see if there was anything else I should do (it really would NOT stop bleeding!).

She's perfectly fine but I have little bloody handprints in my craft room and all down the stair railing.

Things slowed down a bit and then Caleb came home. He's making up for the good times he gave us over Christmas. The party's over. He has been non stop aggressive for two days straight. This will explain why I'm locked up in my room right now blogging instead of downstairs with my family. Time for a break. Mommy's tired of wrestling a monster of an almost 4 year old all day. As soon as Carl came home I punched the time clock for at least an hour. If this is any indication, I've been limiting my consumption of Wild Cherry Diet Pepsi to a max of two a day. Today's already been a 4 Pepsi day.

Oh, and by the way, the phone was in the bread basket.

Bloody Friday

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/01/bloody-friday.html

Wierd

I got tagged by Amy at Some Call Them Sticks and Strings to do this meme. It's six wierd things about me.

1. I never attended second grade.
2. I can't go totally under water without plugging my nose or I'll gag and/or throw up.
3. I can pick up lots of things with my toes. They are very flexible. I can spread them out really far.
4. Whenever I see that the World's Strongest Man competition is on tv, I HAVE to watch it. Did anyone else see that an American (Phil Pfister) won this year?
5. I taught a high school subject that I never studied in school (I taught Spanish but took German in high school).
6. I'm addicted to Febreze.

Wierd

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/01/wierd.html

Craftastic

I've been crafting hard this past week. Lots of knitting and stamping. Unfortunately, I'm spreading myself between several projects so they all take a long time to finish. These are just a few of the things I've been working on this week.
This is the back of a cardigan using Lily Chin Chelsea yarn in denim. I have the left front done already. You can't tell from the picture but there is some cabling. The pattern is "Marnie" from the book Hot Knits.
I thought I might make Eva a hooded sweater. This is the beginning. As soon as I can get a pair of circs of another project, I'll be able to move it from these short straight needles. This yarn is Kaleidescope DK in Luscious Lilac. I bought this and some yarn to make on for Caleb with my prize money from the Nebraska State Fair.


This is a modular vest in the works. I got the pattern from a lady in the knitting guild I belong to. We had a little tutorial on modular knitting and she was wearing one of her vests. I had the perfect yarn for it! I'm using Jo Sharp Silkroad Aran in a multitude of colors that I bought at 40% over a year ago. It used to be my sweater, Sweetness but has now moved on to other things.

Here are the mittens I made for the kids. I still haven't sewn up the thumbs for Caleb's. I used Cascade 220 in Natural. They took me about 2 1/2 hours including the sewing. I used a free pattern found here. I'm going to use the extra yarn Carl made me buy to make up a few more pair for the Dulaan project. I can only assume the project is still going. If it's not, I'll save them for the hat and mitten drives we have around here.


Finally, I made some cards. I made 14 of these to participate in a swap on Splitcoast Stampers. Everyone participating chose a month of the year and made cards specific to that month. I'll get back one card for every month. I chose June and decided to make a wedding card. I'm really pleased with the way they turned out. The colors in the picture are kind of washed out but I didn't have anyone tall around (or a stable chair) to help me see the buttons on the scanner.

That's all the crafty goodness I have to share with you today. It's craftstacular. Really.

Craftastic

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/01/craftastic.html

The Big Purchase

It's time to blog about the big car purchase.

As you all know, Carl doesn't like to spend money. Ever. Before we started shopping for a new car we agreed on a limit. We knew this limit would not get us anything too much better than what we had but we were hoping for any upgrade. We found a couple of things within our budget. We decided to see what kind of deal we could get on the 2005 minivan (with the highway miles). Carl stood his ground. They sent the big whigs in to tell us why they couldn't go down any further and we would be silly not to get the van at this price (it was $2600 under our previously agreed upon limit). We decided to wait until Saturday and go out and look one last time before making any decisions.

On Saturday morning I found a Buick Rendezvous. It's a 2002 w/ 81K miles. It had all the creature comforts I like but aren't really necessary. For example, I could change the radio station or the cd from the steering wheel (ooooh aaaaah). It's a super cute car and I love it. Carl drove it and we decided to see what kind of deal they would make. The came down to $3500 under our limit. Honestly, I had kind of resigned myself to getting the van (with nothing great about it except stow & go). But, once I realized I could get this for less money with all the extras I really like--I wanted it. Badly. We decided to go to a neutral setting and discuss our options. We went out for hot chocolate and I started to cry. A lot. Sobbing. I knew Carl wasn't going to get me the Rendezvous no matter how cheap it was. I even brought up the fact that it has a French name and he should like that. I was pulling out all the stops. I couldn't stop crying. I tried to tell him that I drive this thing every day and I would like some comfort. We only take it on trips once or twice a year (when we would need the stow & go most) and the Rendezvous would be just fine for that. I pleaded with him about the mileage even though I realized myself that the van's 100K was probably "better" than the older car's 81K. I tried to appeal to his cheapness. No go. We were getting the van.

I cried all the way to the dealership. It's not that I didn't want the van or wouldn't eventually like it. It's just that once I realized that I could get something that I really liked in the price range---I was denied. This blog post would have been very different had we just went ahead and purchased the van on Friday night and I had never seen that Rendezvous.

The van was ready for us when we got to the dealership. I didn't cry at all once we were there. It was out of my system. Plus, I realized something on the way there. With every car purchase that weekend, you got a $250 gift certificate to a local jeweler.
Mama's happy now.

*The van color is called "Magnesium".
*My pendant is an amythest and the earrings are peridot. I was very tempted to go over my $250 limit but w/ tax and everything I had to pay the jeweler only $3.56.

The Big Purchase

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/01/big-purchase.html

Snow Days

We had a good time in the snow this weekend. The kids loved it. We had to drag Eva in but her little hands were just TOO COLD! I have since made her some mittens so she should be able to last a little longer next time. I took these pictures on Sunday before it was done snowing. We got quite a bit and it is really pretty.

About the mittens, I made some for Eva and they turned out great. I started a pair for Caleb and I ran out of yarn before I started the final decreases on the second mitten. I was using up some of my stash wool (Cascade 220) and I didn't have anything else close to it. I mentioned to Carl that I could just rip out the 1 1/2 mittens and start over making them just a little bit smaller. Then, Carl said something to me that I don't think I've ever heard him say before.

"Just go and buy some more yarn."

Okay. No problem.

Snow Days

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/01/snow-days.html

Darn it, Fox!

We wanted to watch the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl this evening. Unfortunately for us, the Fox station here was experiencing technical difficulties. We've resorted to "watching" the game on Yahoo! Sports by refreshing the box score and play by play. We can only assume that the game was awesome. We were down 28-20 until late in the 4th quarter. We scored, got the two point conversion to tie it up. Then, we got an interception return for another 7 points. It was looking good. We almost turned off the computer. Then, with 18 seconds left Boise State scored a touchdown. They didn't go for the 2 points so they ended up with a tie 35-35. We scored in overtime so the final was OU 42- Boise St. 35. UPDATE: I turned off the computer and we turned on ESPN to see the highlights of our big win. Imagine my surprise when I see that Boise State actually won when they scored with the 2 point conversion from their overtime touchdown. Dang it all. And DARN YOU, FOX!!!

Oh yeah, Nebraska lost to Auburn. We got to actually watch that game.

Darn it, Fox!

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/01/darn-it-fox.html

New Year's Meme

As a look back on 2006, I will copy what I've seen on a lot of other blogs and list the first few sentences of my blog posts from the first day of each month.

January: January 1st is almost over. I've had one whole day of this year to mess around and not work towards any of my goals. Yippee! My excuse? It's Sunday...a day of rest.

February: 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?

March: 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.

April: Frog has learned how to use the computer. It started out innocently enough.

May: We got to bed at a reasonable hour last night but for some reason the kids decided it would be "fun" to wake up at 3:30am. Not only did they wake up, they were WIDE AWAKE for 2 hours. Not fun.

June: Is it already June? Holy moly. Caleb went to his last day of preschool (for this school year, at least) today. Last night they had a little picnic at the park and gave certificates to the kids that were moving on to kindergarten. Caleb has two more years to go at this preschool and I can only imagine what kind of progress he is going to make. It was only 7 weeks ago that he started at this school and I can already see a big difference.

July: I'm blogging again from the public library today. Still no computer.

August: I took my items to be entered into the county fair yesterday. I was just about to fall asleep and I remembered something. I forgot to take my SNOWDROP SHAWL!

September: Here's a list of things I want and probably won't get for a while. Time to dream.

October: We bought a computer desk. It's not the one that I had posted that I wanted a month ago. Carl didn't approve. So, we bought a different one last night.

November: I went to Kansas yesterday with my two kids in tow. I was going to visit my friend Kerry (still blogless) that just moved there from Indiana. It's a three hour drive through four states (even though Kansas borders Nebraska---the best road takes me on a fabulous journey through part of Iowa and Missouri). We had to leave the house because Carl was working on the kitchen floor and it just wasn't in our best interest to be around.

December: Tonight is the big game. I'm really looking forward to it. So much so that I'm leaving my house today wearing an OU sweatshirt. This normally wouldn't be a big deal...but I live in Lincoln, NEBRASKA. My car has an OU alumni license plate holder. My van is CRIMSON! My oldest son was born at the OU Medical Center (Sooner born, baby!). I can't help but cheer for the Sooners.

New Year's Meme

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/01/new-years-meme.html

Happy New Year!

We're spending the day at home today. There's a fair amount of snow outside and it sure looks pretty! We took the kids out yesterday to make a snow man (more like a mountain) and realized that what they really need are new hand knit mittens. I made one pair last night and I'll finish the other during the Nebraska football game this morning. They should be ready to go outside again this afternoon. I'll post some pictures from yesterday and maybe today later on. The camera is downstairs and I don't want the kids to see me.

I've spent a fair amount of time in my craft room doing some organizing. We got the bed out of there so now I have more space to work with. Also, since the last time I organized in there I started selling Stampin' Up so I have more stamping stuff to deal with.

I haven't thought of any resolutions yet. I did a horrible job keeping last year's so maybe I'll just skip them this year. I guess I do have some things I'd like to work on this year. My roller skating injured bum is feeling well enough that I think I can call my new trainer and get started again. One goal I do have is that I'd like to blog every day. A blog a day. For me, I think that won't be too difficult. I may need to have some flexibility as far as being out of town and things like that. I could "bank" posts if I blog more than once a day. Hmmm. Maybe it would be better if I thought about my blog posts more before I just came to the computer and just sat down and started typing.

Enjoy the day! I'll be cleaning and rooting for a couple of football teams today. Boomer Sooner!

Happy New Year!

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/01/happy-new-year.html