Someday I'll See Even More!

Someday I'll See Even More!

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/12/someday-ill-see-even-more.html

Here Comes Santa Claus

Santa made an appearance at our church Christmas party on Saturday night. Eva followed around Mrs. Claus and the elves. Caleb couldn't care less until he saw that he could get candy if he went to see Santa.

Caleb has been very attached to his "hair" lately. Notice the yarn on his head? We didn't really want him to wear it for the Primary Program yesterday so Carl gave him a haircut. A real one. We got by without him wearing any yarn hair to church. Today is a different story. He wouldn't leave the house without it.

My mom missed the program (they left early to avoid the ice storms down south) but they did get to see him at practice. Caleb was pretty entertaining. He kept waving at everyone. He was especially trying to catch the eye of Alex, Kori's oldest daughter. He's such a charmer.

Eva was pretty good during the program. She cried for a while when she couldn't sit by Caleb but eventually got into the program. She clapped after "Love is Spoken Here". That was her favorite. Near the end she started saying, "It's my turn! My turn!". She wanted her chance to talk at the microphone. It's a shame she'll still be too young for next year's program.

All in all it was a fabulous weekend and the kids had a great time. I'm trying to get back into the rhythm of life and will start by doing as much laundry as possible today. Joy.

Here Comes Santa Claus

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/12/here-comes-santa-claus.html

Feeling Neil

I was in the mood for a little Neil Diamond this morning. Enjoy!

Feeling Neil

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/12/feeling-neil.html

LEDs for Weddings and Holidays

Did you know that LED string lights are durable and consume 80% less* energy than incandescent bulbs? Seem like a pretty smart alternative to me. These lights are so energy efficient and you can string 125 strands together with just ONE plug.

I'm envisioning wedding receptions and holiday decorations with cool and virtually indestructible bulbs.

Check out the link for these wedding lights. I don't have a wedding coming up but I would certainly recommend these for decorations. I'm more in the market for holiday decorations. As soon as I can convince Carl to put lights on our house during Christmas, you can bet we'll be using LEDs. I think they will appeal to his frugal nature when I tell them they are rated to last at least 100,000 hours (incandescents last around 2,000).

This post has been sponsored by www.holidayleds.com
*Thanks Stacey for the editing!

LEDs for Weddings and Holidays

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/12/leds-for-weddings-and-holidays.html

Shameless

Julie and I have some items at an event this weekend. It is in a house near Sheridan Elementary (and Wendy's house) and there are a lot of cute things. The hostess makes the cutest things out of vintage chenille.


Here's the info:

CRAFT BOUTIQUE-OPEN HOUSE

At

2945 Sewell Street

Fri 10-6, Sat 9-2

Handmade gifts · Several crafters · Great last minute ideas

Bring a friend. Dec 7,8

Shameless

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/12/shameless.html

Omaha Shooting

I wasn't going to write about this but enough people have called and emailed that I thought I better let everyone know that we're fine. We live about an hour away and were nowhere near the incident. Certainly our thoughts are with the victims' families at this time and all those (especially the children) that had to witness this horrible event.

Omaha Shooting

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/12/omaha-shooting.html

A Can of Soup

Little Caesars here in Lincoln on 27th and Normal is having a holiday canned food drive. If you bring in a can, you get an order of crazy bread and sauce for 99 cents. We head by there every Wednesday after piano lessons and I'm glad I knew about the offer ahead of time so I had my can ready to go. I was the FIRST ONE to donate a can! They started this on Monday. I was feeling a little sad. Don't you want crazy bread for a buck? Go and take a can by and get you some!

A Can of Soup

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/12/can-of-soup.html

Mid Week

I started the post as a list of everything I need to do before this weekend but I deleted it when it started making super depressed. There is no way I can finish everything I have planned and I have to be okay with that. I'm going to get as much done as possible so I can enjoy the fun festivities of this weekend. Here is what we have to look forward to...

Friday--Items from my shop will be at an open house; Jewelry party w/ some friends; mom and Greg arrive
Saturday--Primary program practice in the AM; set up for ward Christmas party; ward Christmas party
Sunday--Primary program; Caleb giving a talk; mom and Greg leave

Mid Week

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/12/mid-week.html

Talk About Tuesday

It's a mini sweater factory around here! I've been working on getting my custom orders done for my mini sweater ornaments and by the end of today I should be all caught up! My shop should be stocking these ornaments (and the OU ones) again by the end of the week. I'm taking Eva to the indoor play center this morning (every Tuesday morning we try and do something with Mary and the girl she watches) and I should be able to get a fair amount done there while they run around like little heathens. Last time we went she actually took a nap later in the day (she stopped regular napping in August).
This picture includes the bag I'm keeping my stuff in. Recognize those? They are Organizing Bags (cliick the button in the sidebar). This small bag is just perfect for carrying everything I need to make my ornaments. I keep some business cards in the pouch because when I work on these in public, I get a lot of attention. Speaking of which, I better brush my hair and teeth if I'm going to be getting some attention today!

Got something to talk about? Do it here.

Talk About Tuesday

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/12/talk-about-tuesday.html

Skaters

We were spared the brunt of the winter storm that passed through here over the weekend. We had some ice on Saturday morning and then just a little bit of snow yesterday. Caleb and Eva decided to take advantage of our slick deck yesterday before church and they did a little skating.They zoomed around the deck while I snapped these pictures through the door. Caleb didn't really fall down in this next picture. He was just playing like he had a hurt knee so Eva would come over and kiss it. She's a good little nurse.

I was hoping I would have news of lots of prizes that I won over the weekend! Oh well. I missed out on a NaBloPoMo prize and all of the Design Mom giveaways. I'm still waiting for word on the Dish Rag Tag prizes.

Skaters

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/12/skaters.html

Bubbles

Sadly, there was no bath for me last night. This is not because we don't have a bathtub but more for the fact that I want my first experience in that tub to be glorious. As it is at the moment, I would be bathing surrounded by insulation and staring at pipes. Instead of bathing, I went to Lowes and bought our shower surround and checked out some possible paint colors. We also realized that our tub is smaller than the opening so we have about 6 inches of sub floor showing. Looks like I'm getting a new floor after all. Woohoo! I'm going to shop for that tomorrow. I also found a mirror I love and I bought the curtains to replace the closet doors in front of our washer and dryer. The bathroom is really coming together!

Bubbles

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/12/bubbles.html

Disaster Strikes!

I knew they shouldn't have gone camping! The other leader that went slipped on the ice and broke his wrist. Luckily, Carl took the van (and my cell phone) so he had room to haul everyone out of there. He has to go back later with someone else to go and pick up the other car. Wild. There is ice all over the place and I have to go to the grocery store today...desperately! Carl said the roads aren't too bad. It is above freezing so they are mainly slushy on the main roads. I think I might be able to make my way down to Super Target and knitting group this afternoon while the plumber is here installing my brand spanking new whirpool tub! Mama's taking a bath tonight!

Disaster Strikes!

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/12/disaster-strikes.html

Brrr

Carl is about to leave for a scout campout. The boys get to sleep in a cabin but the leaders have to sleep in a tent. Here is the forecast:

• Tonight: Mainly cloudy this evening. Then a mix of wintry precipitation expected overnight. Low 24F. Winds ESE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of precip 70%.
• Tomorrow: Windy...with a mix of rain and freezing rain in the morning. Rain in the afternoon. High around 45F. Winds SE at 20 to 30 mph.

The scouts might be prepared but they aren't very smart. Who would willingly go and camp in weather like this? I guess now I know the answer to that.

Brrr

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/11/brrr.html

Smarty Pants

Eva had her evaluation for speech and hearing this week. The hearing test was first and she passed with flying colors. The only thing was that she didn't say a single word to the audiologists. She did everything they said but was completely silent. I was wondering how the speech pathologist was going to get her to talk. As soon as the speech pathologist got out the car and the people, she was not afraid to speak. This part was really funny.

The SP asked Eva to put the doggy in the car. It was a pretty big Scooby Doo and he didn't fit. Eva got the dog and pushed with all her might making a really great face. Like this one. Only scrunchier.

After trying for a bit she said, "No FIT!" Then she shrugged her shoulders and said, "Oh well!". It was pretty funny. Maybe you had to be there? At any rate, she's on track and does not qualify for services. I got worried for no reason. It was nice seeing everyone at the office again. They remember me from Caleb.

Speaking of Caleb...his teacher from last year called last night to see if I would bring Caleb in so she could show him off for the workshop she does for other teachers. This will be his second time to do it. He has made so much progress and is really a great example of how this program can work for kids on the spectrum. I took the workshop last spring and they have a lot of video footage of Caleb and other kids from his class and others that are working on the program. It was amazing to see the footage from when Caleb first started to where he is now. They have graphs in the front of the book to show what skills the students have mastered and Caleb's is almost full now. They say a typically developing child should be able to fill it in by the time they are 3 and it covers all the skills necessary to be able to learn new things (labeling, intraverbal skills, etc...). Having Caleb master most of these concepts before starting kindergarten is HUGE and will be a major accomplishment.


It is the end of NaBloPoMo. It is a little anti-climactic as I post every day anyway. But, maybe I'll win a prize? Because, really, it is all about the prizes.

Smarty Pants

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/11/smarty-pants.html

Dish Rag Tag--Vote for ME!!!

Remember when my team won dish rag tag? Now that all the teams have finished, it is time for the individual merit awards. I just so happened to be knitting the dish rag at the American Idol concert. I'm up for one of the prizes. Can you take the time to go and vote for me?

GO HERE!

Dish Rag Tag--Vote for ME!!!

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/11/dish-rag-tag-vote-for-me.html

SWAMPED!

I'm swamped in the most excellent way possible. People love my ornaments. I'm sold out on my etsy shop and I even have a few special orders (for 10 more--some Nebraska, some OU). Every year I think that if I would just make a few a month I would be ready to go for the holidays but then every year I figure I have plenty of time. It feels really great to be "working" again. Everything listed in my shop right now is already made so I don't have to worry about anything there. I'm not going to relist any ornaments until I'm done with these orders and have a few more ready to go! Almost every day for this week I've had at least one order or special request. What is most surprising is that 75% of those have come from people that don't personally know me and have just found my shop through product searches on the etsy site. Love it. Makes me wish I would have started my shop sooner!

SWAMPED!

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/11/swamped.html

I'm Glowing!

I saw this yarn on the Lime and Violet blog. There is no way I can justify buying this yarn at the moment. I have got too many projects in the works to have this kind of yarn in the house tempting me to make baby blankets with glow in the dark stars or a garment with a secret glow in the dark message. Can you imagine the possibilities?

***on a different topic***
I went to Target last night and found those boxes of trim that I used for my tree. They are regularly priced $99.99. I'm certain I got mine for around $20. Keep your eyes peeled for those after Christmas!

I'm Glowing!

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/11/im-glowing.html

Talk About Tuesday

I put up our Christmas tree yesterday. This is the first year I remember in a long time where I was actually looking forward to decorating for Christmas. You see, last year I found some great deals after Christmas and I couldn't wait to try them out!

I got this huge 100 piece trim box from Target. I can't remember whether it was 75% or 90% off by the time I decided to buy it. Either way it was a SUPER deal.

It is so organized inside. I love it. Each layer has individually wrapped ornaments and they have handles on each layer so you can pull them out effortlessly. My tree is too small to use the largest ornaments but I figure we'll have a bigger tree someday. For now, I like my smaller one.
At the bottom of the box are poinsettia sprays and ribbon. The ribbon I'll save for something else but I used a few of the sprays to spruce up a wreath I had lying around.
Here is the tree all decorated. My topper is something I picked up a few years ago. It is a gold wire angel. It goes perfectly with the gold and burgundy ornaments. I also love how the tree matches our walls in our main living areas. This wall is obviously a mustard color (a little darker in real life) and the opposite wall and some other accent walls are a rich red.

The lights are built into this tree. That was important to me. I hate stringing lights. I also really love that this tree has a trunk. There is room to put presents and I don't have to get on my hands and knees to decorate the bottom of a tree. It was also nice when Eva was smaller--to keep her away from the ornaments.


In the next few days I'm going to organize part of our living area downstairs to put our stockings down there. I also need to find time to finish Eva's stocking. This will be the 3rd Christmas I've been trying to finish it. I'm so close that I think that this year might actually be the year it will be completed!

Do you have something to talk about today? Do it here!

Talk About Tuesday

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/11/talk-about-tuesday_27.html

Oil Country

This is how I knew we had passed the line from Nebraska where corn (and ethanol) reign supreme into Oklahoma oil country.

Oil Country

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/11/oil-country.html

Highlights

Here are just a few of the things the kids did while on vacation in Oklahoma.

A serious bubble bath in the bathroom of my dreams (my mom's house).

Jumping on the trampoline all morning with my little brothers at my dad's house. Thankfully, no injuries.

Chilling out at the temple hopping up and down the steps.

I think they had fun!

Highlights

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/11/highlights.html

Eternity

The real reason we went to Oklahoma for Thanksgiving this year was to be able to see my mom and Greg be sealed in the Oklahoma City Temple. I hadn't been to that particular temple yet (it was dedicated a month after we moved to Indiana) so it was nice to be able to see it. Another bonus was that President Gillespie performed the ceremony. He was the patriarch of our stake when I was a youth and was later called to be a mission president in Mexico while I was there (different mission). Melessa was there and blogged about it, too.

Greg is the best stepdad ever and has always treated my family as part of his own. The kids sure love him...probably as much as the ducks and Peter---and that's saying a lot!

Eternity

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/11/eternity.html

I'm Coming Home

It's official. Oklahoma doesn't feel like home the way it used to. Sure, my family lives there and it is great. I will always love coming to visit. But, things have just changed so much that I feel more at home in Nebraska.

Lisa asked me if I would ever stop cheering for OU--even if they are playing Nebraska. I can't imagine it ever coming to that!!! I'll always be an OU alum.

Norman is getting so big! They are building some big hotels and OU has a lot of new buildings.

My mom lives in Tulsa now and I'll probably always feel a little lost in that town.

Even Caleb and Eva are pining for the "new house".

I wish Nebraska had a cool song to sing as we cross the border. Although, I'm pretty sure that there is not a single state that can compare with Oklahoma's state song. Oklahoma, O-K! See you next year, Oklahoma.

I'm Coming Home

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/11/im-coming-home.html

Good Morning Baltimore!

I bought this movie last night. We even stayed up late to watch it.

Today we are driving down to Goldsby to see my dad and Melessa. Then we're heading to Norman to stay with Tiffany. Fun times.

Gotta go!

Good Morning Baltimore!

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/11/good-morning-baltimore.html

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving today! We're just chilling with the ducks and the family. Now it is time for me to have the obligatory pumpkin pie slice (or more) for breakfast!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/11/happy-thanksgiving.html

Oklahoma, O-K!

We're leaving this morning (in a matter of minutes) to go to Oklahoma for Thanksgiving. the kids have been in a super mood because they know we're riding in the car to go and see Peter and the ducks. Peter is the dog. I'm sure they'll be happy to see their grandmas and grandpas and aunt and uncles, too. Mainly they are in it for the animals--which will remain a novelty forever because I will not have animals in my house (besides the human kind).

Besides the announcement that I will be on the road all day, I have a book recommendation.

The Thirteenth Tale

I just read it over the weekend for book group (last night). It sucked me in and I really, really enjoyed it. Good stuff.

See you tomorrow!

Oklahoma, O-K!

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/11/oklahoma-o-k.html

Sweet Caroline

Neil Diamond revealed that a picture of Caroline Kennedy was his inspiration for the song Sweet Caroline. I have nothing against Caroline Kennedy but I kind of wish I didn't know this.

Carly Simon is smart for not revealing her inspiration for the song of "You're So Vain".

Because I think the song is about me.

Sweet Caroline

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/11/sweet-caroline.html

Talk About Tuesday

I went a little crazy at the mall last night. I didn't even buy things for people other than myself. Oops.

It all started when I needed some jeans. I had purchased a new pair early last month and I loved them. I was pretty much wearing them constantly so I figured that I needed another pair. I had a coupon to use but it was one where I had to spend a certain amount to get a big chunk taken off. No problem. I could use some long sleeve tops.

I started in the clearance section. I spotted a denim jacket. I couldn't pass it up. I found a blue sweater. I tried it on. When I came out of the dressing room I got some major oohs and aahs (not even from the sales staff--from other shoppers!). Can you really pass up a sweater that makes other people ooh and aah? I can't.

Then one of the staff let me know that she had a coupon that would work better for me (I had passed my previous coupon's minimum purchase) but I had to find $25 more worth of clothes and it would cost the same amount as I would have paid with my coupon. I found two long sleeve tees that were just over $30 but she discounted them down to $25 because this lady likes me (she gave me a little bit of a discount last time I was in there, too!).

Here's the tally:

Jean Jacket
Blue Sweater
Ivory Camisole
Blue long sleeve tee
Green long sleeve tee
Jeans

I got all of that for under $100! I'm feeling pretty darn good about my purchases and now I have to plan outfits for everyone else around my new blue sweater for our pictures!

Have something to talk about today? Why not do it here?

Talk About Tuesday

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/11/talk-about-tuesday_20.html

Cutie Pie

Now it is my turn to distract you all with a picture of Caleb. We took this on Friday. Check out that smile!

I might think of something else to blog about later but for the moment, this is it!

Cutie Pie

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/11/cutie-pie.html

Distractions

My dreams of maybe having OU play in the national championship game may have been crushed last night so I'm going to look forward to something else.

Enjoy.

Distractions

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/11/distractions.html

Smart Habit Saturday

This week for SMART habit Saturday, I'm going to tackle getting the kids stuff organized. It is time for me to get rid of all the baby stuff and pass it along to my sister (due in February). We are driving down for Thanksgiving so I need to get as much stuff together as I can so I don't have to mail it to her later.

I can't help but think that once I have all the baby stuff out of the house and the get the kids clothes organized that I'll be a happier person. Isn't that the way it works?

Smart Habit Saturday

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/11/smart-habit-saturday.html

Grand Opening

My etsy shop is kind of opening with a whimper today. The kids have been a little demanding the past couple of days so I haven't had the opportunity to photograph most of my items. I don't know what it is about them but they want to be fed and entertained.

Slowly but surely, things are being added. All of my cards and ornaments have free shipping this weekend. Now that I can add my Stampin' Up items, I have so many things to get ready.

I also made some magnets for the WBON fair this week. I really, really like them. I've only got one set in my shop so far but I made six different sets of four. The fair was fairly well attended but people weren't buying. Julie and I passed out a lot of business cards. She's adding her totes to her shop soon. They are made out of recycled sweaters and shirts. There is a green one that I'm absolutely in love with.

The next craft fair I'm attending is my last one for a while. It is on Dec. 1st. I think I'd rather just keep adding stuff to my shop and then do just one or two shows a year just to get out of the house and pass out some business cards. I'm just having a good time working on something like this. People always say you should do what you love. I feel that I'm doing that now.

Grand Opening

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/11/grand-opening.html

What Draws Them In

Every once in a while I check my site meter to see what kind of searches bring people to my little blog.

1. Smells. A lot of people find my blog by searching for how to get rid of certain smells.

2. Conservatism. I've had people stop by looking for conservative Christmas trees and male knitters. I don't know how many conservative male knitters there are out there. I can think of at least one.

3. Can Docs be resoled?

4. My latest favorite? Vanna White and autism. Together. Good thing these people have my blog as a resource. ;)

5. Lots of people stop by looking for Oprah ticket information. I am the Oprah Ticket Master!

What Draws Them In

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/11/what-draws-them-in.html

No Prayer!

When Caleb didn't want to go to sleep and was too mad to say his prayers the other night, this is what he said:

NO Heavenly Father!
NO Thank you for this day!
NO bless Eva!
NO bless Mommy and Daddy!
NO thank you for my teachers!
etc...
NO in the name of Jesus Christ!
NO Amen!

No Prayer!

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/11/no-prayer.html

Autumn in New England

Have you had enough of my incessant blogging about this past weekend? Are you sick of me bragging about all the fun I had with my sister in law, Connie? This might be the last post about it.


Day One: BOSTON

As soon as we left the airport we headed for the subway. But, some nice guys on the bus told us to take the water taxi instead. So, we did! I'm telling you---we just did whatever the heck we felt like this WHOLE DANG WEEKEND!

This pic is of Connie and our water taxi cab driver. We were the only ones and he told us a little bit about the hahbah (which I'm told is the same word for harbor) and some of the buildings. He dropped us off right where we needed to go and that probably saved us a good 30 minutes or so. Time is a precious commodity when it gets dark at 4:30pm.
We went to Fanueil Hall and the food court at Quincy Market. I was able to cross two food items off my list with one lunch. I ate a lobstah roll and some clam chowdah. They were pretty tasty.
Then we decided to do the hop on/off trolley tour and we got off at the Prudential building to do their skywalk tour. About the trolley...our driver, Sean, was AMAZING! He was really funny and full of information. My favorite was about the Boston Molassacre. He drove us into Cambridge and I saw MIT. Carl was accepted there to go to grad school but the fellowship they were offering was the same amount as he would get at Purdue. Cost of living, anyone? While living in Massachusetts could have been a lot of fun, I'm glad we didn't miss out on all those years in Indiana.

This picture is of Fenway park. I took it up at the Prudential tower. They have an audio tour that is really nice and the views were fantastic. It was a really nice day to be out and about.
We ended our day in the North End. We ate Italian food and went to Mike's Pastry. I had some Boston Cream Pie (of course!). Actually, I just took it to go. I ate it for breakfast on Day Two.

Day Two: Some Culture and Rhode Island

We got up and headed over to the Classic Elite Hub Mill Yarn store. It was pretty darn awesome. They have $1 and $2 bins, bags of stuff for $20, loads of discounted Classic Elite yarns, and even some other yarn thrown in for good measure. Poor Connie. She went in for a few minutes and then sat in the car to talk on the phone while I shopped. I forget sometimes that most people don't like to browse in yarn shops. It took me a while to decide what to get. It finally came down to something I knew that I would absolutely love (as opposed to something that was a super deal but not something I really "needed" or would love to knit). I bought some Classic Elite Lush in Keys Green. I bought enough to make a sweater for me.

Then we drove down to Walden Pond. Isn't it absolutely gorgeous?
We next headed over to Orchard House. This is the home of Louisa May Alcott. I couldn't take pictures inside but you can get some views by checking out that website. There was a swift and some other knitting items in Abigail's room. I thought I would enjoy this museum but I was surprised that it was probably my favorite place to visit (besides the yarn shop, of course) on the whole trip. I'm going to have to re-read Little Women now!

After Orchard House we drove down to Stoughton to the IKEA. Yes, we went to IKEA!! I bought some things for the kids and for our bathroom. Good thing I brought an extra bag for the trip home. We then made a quick trip down to Rhode Island. By this time it was about 4:30pm and getting dark. We just headed across the border, drove around for a few minutes and then came back home. Now I can say I've been to Rhode Island!

Day Three: New Hampshire and Maine

We drove up to Maine (bonus state: New Hampshire) so I could go to the beach and we went to the Kittery Outlets as well. At the outlets I bought some dress slacks for Carl ($6 each!) and we had lunch. This is where I ate lobster. YUMMY, YUMMY wicked lobster. It was so delicious. I didn't take a picture because I got the Lazy Man's Lobster where they get all the meat out for you. I didn't know what I was doing so I figured that would be best. I was right. I ate so much good stuff that I really feel like I need a week to "detox" from all the rich, delicious food we ate.

It was almost getting dark so we hurried up to York Beach to take a few pictures. Here is one to prove that I was actually there. Yes, it was cold. Who else would go to a Maine beach in November? Just me!

That concludes my lovely trip to New England. I'm back home now and getting back into my routine. I've got a craft fair tonight and I'm stressing out preparing for it. Normal stuff.

I had a great time but I am glad to be home.

Where would you spend a weekend for some alone time?

Autumn in New England

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/11/autumn-in-new-england.html

A Thousand Words

A Thousand Words

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/11/thousand-words.html

I'm BACK!

I made it back to Nebraska. I'll blog about my awesome weekend tonight when I have more time.

I'm BACK!

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/11/im-back.html

You Give Love a Bad Name

I'm going to see Bon Jovi in February!

They will be at the Qwest Center with Daughtry.

What a line-up.

You Give Love a Bad Name

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/11/you-give-love-bad-name.html

More Highlights

A few of the things we did today include:

1. Seeing Rhode Island.
2. IKEA
3. Eating my Boston Cream Pie (from Mike's)
4. Walden Pond and Louisa May Alcott's home (loved it!)
5. Classic Elite's Hub Mill Yarn Outlet---spent a pretty penny on angora...beautiful angora.

I'm tired...but oh, so content. We had loads of fun.

Tomorrow I am looking forward to seeing New Hampshire and Maine. We are going to eat some seafood and see the beach. Good times.

More Highlights

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/11/more-highlights.html

Safe and Sound

I arrived in Boston this morning and spent the rest of the day being whisked around the city enjoying every minute of it!

I'll go more in depth with my travelogue when I get home and can post my pictures but for now let me just give you some of the highlights.

1. Water Taxi
2. Our trolley driver, Sean, and his awesome accent
3. Lobster rolls and Clam Chowder
4. Skywalk at Prudential Tower
5. Mike's Pastries

Tomorrow will include a trip to a yarn store. We're also planning on driving to either VT & NH or RI. Why? Because we can! Woohoo!

Safe and Sound

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/11/safe-and-sound.html

On My Way

I slept like a six year old on Christmas Eve last night. I woke up every hour (at least) in anticipation for this very moment hoping I wouldn't miss it.

I'm on my way.

Blogging to resume when I make it to New England.

On My Way

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/11/on-my-way.html

To-do List

ETA: Since 2:30pm I have not been able to do anything except keep the kids on track and go to that parent meeting. Caleb is in bed but Eva's still putting up a fight. Carl is at scouts and won't be home until 9:30pm. Doesn't look like much else is going to be done before I go.


In less than 24 hours I will be well on my way to Boston to spend a glorious weekend with my sister-in-law. I've got quite a list of things to do between now and 3:15am (when I have to leave for the airport for my 5:50am flight). This has helped me in the past so I'm going to list them all here and cross them off when I'm done.

In no particular order:

laundry
brush my hair
grocery store
decide which knitting projects to take
pack up knitting projects
pack everything else
decide whether or not to check any baggage (for possible purchases)
double check what I can take as carry on
work on items for my craft fair (which is TUESDAY!)
fix my craft fair display
Start getting my cards organized
Tag my products
Make a gift certificate for the door prize
Drink a pepsi
Fix Eva's hair good enough that it will last the weekend
put away the clothes
set out some outfits for the kids
make a list for Carl detailing when and where everyone needs to be
email Connie (SIL) to give her my cell phone number and a quick heads up on the itinerary
fill up the van with gas
Caleb's home based visit is this afternoon
Take kids to a school meeting (free dinner and childcare)- I'm the parent classroom rep
Put the kids to bed (Carl has scouts tonight)
Make taco soup to last Carl the weekend
Use an exfoliating mask (I'm getting a humongous zit right in between my eyes...perfect)
Go to Hobby Lobby to use 40% off coupons on some supplies for the craft fair
Pay bills
Get money from ATM
Play my last few codes on the McDonald's Monopoly game and hope I win something (didn't win...oh well!)
charge iPod


I better get started!

To-do List

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/11/to-do-list.html

Stuart Little

Eva has been obsessed with watching Stuart Little. She loves that little mouse and Snowbell the cat. I've been sitting down with her sometimes to watch it while I've been knitting. Some interesting things about the movie.

Hugh Laurie (from House) plays the dad.

Taylor Negron (the pizza guy from Fast Times at Ridgemont High) is the sales clerk at the mall.

The most interesting thing of all?

M. Night Shyamalan wrote the screenplay. Really? It's true.

Stuart Little

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/11/stuart-little.html

Talk About Tuesday

Today I'm going to talk about all the crazy knitting projects I have going on at the moment. I have some I have to do, some I want to do, and some I need to get started.

Just in time for the Husker football team to be have its worst season ever, I'm making more ornaments! I've put one at my etsy shop and I'm going to have them on display at my craft fair booths. At least we've still got the volleyball team doing well! I'm planning on branching out and doing some other schools as well. I'll definitely do some OU and Purdue.

I'm also making some baby mitts (thumbless mittens) and socks. I'm having a hard time with the sizing because I don't remember how big (or little) baby hands and feet are. Got a baby (0-6 months)? Will you measure their hand for me? I need to know the length from wrist to tip of the middle finger. On the foot I just need to know the length from heel to toe. Thanks in advance! These will also be in my shop and at craft fairs.
I'm also working on the next Harry Potter scarf for my brother, Joe. He turns 11 next month and he wants a Ravenclaw scarf. My brother, Sam, turned 12 yesterday and his Hufflepuff scarf has been in the mail the past couple of days. Scarves are probably my least favorite thing to knit. Oh well.
I decided I needed a more portable item to knit. The Ravenclaw scarf is my portable right now because it is still small. But when I was still working on the Hufflepuff scarf, I needed to start some socks so I had something to knit at a training meeting I had to go to.

These socks are using a twisted stitch decorative rib and I'm using some Sophie's Toes sock yarn that I got from my Sockret Pal. They are going to be slow going because I really have no deadline for these. They are for me!
Here is a peek at some test knitting. This is my last test knitting project for a while. I can't go into detail at the moment but here is the sneak peek.
I have some other projects on the needle around the house but they are all officially hibernating until I can get a handle on all of these other projects. I'm also working on a ton of cards for my craft fair and my Nov 15th "grand opening" of my etsy shop.

Talk About Tuesday

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/11/talk-about-tuesday.html

Pumpkin Pie

I made these cute little pumpkin pie gems last night. They were super easy, delicious, and came from a box! I bought these on clearance when I went shopping for day after Halloween goodies. I think they are Eagle Brand Pumpkin Pie Gems...or something like that. All you add is a stick of butter (for the crust that tastes like shortbread!), 1/3 c. of milk and 1 egg. Everything else, including spices, is in the box. It makes 6. They didn't last a whole day around here. Yum-o!

Pumpkin Pie

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/11/pumpkin-pie.html

Big Surprises

My kids didn't get the memo that we were allowed to sleep AN EXTRA HOUR last night. Instead they woke up earlier than normal (4:30am!).

Are you surprised I've signed up for NaBloPoMo? I figured I blog every day anyway so I may as well sign up and see if I can win some prizes and find some cool new blogs to read.

Caleb is really starting to like my MIKA cd. Are you surprised that he has started to play those songs on the piano? His favorite track is "Lollipop".

It should also come as no surprise to most of you that I am starting to fall behind on my deadlines. It was bound to happen as I have over-committed myself to myself. Time to re-prioritize and get back on track.

Big Surprises

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/11/big-surprises.html

Looking Back

First sweater. Including bonus spelling error!

First socks.

First contest.

First baby girl. Another pic of the family.

Lincoln?

What I used to do before I entered knitting competitions.

I love Neil Diamond.

I am the Oprah Ticket Master.

Remember Bloody Pegs? How about Eva being able to crawl and climb up on things at 4-5 months?

My first Runza.

100 Things About Me.

Classic Caleb.

My first Gold Medal.

Our first home.

First Girls Weekend.

First State Fair entries.

Broken Butt. This was almost a year ago and I'm still suffering from a sore bum.

In 2007 I resolved to blog every day. I've done it so far. It has been really great to share my life with so many people. Thanks for sticking it out with me for this long! More to come...

Looking Back

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/11/looking-back.html

Items of Note

1. Do you like the new look? Julie did it all. In fact, I came to check on my blog yesterday afternoon and it was taking shape. I came back a little later and all my links were there! It was amazing. Julie--you may want to come up with a basic "blog upgrade" fee because a lot of people have been asking me about it. Cottage business?

2. I also have finally opened my etsy store. You can click on the link in the sidebar or here. It is pretty weak at the moment because I am only going to upload a few items a day. I can't add any of my Stampin' Up items until after November 15th.

3. My 3 year blog anniversary is TOMORROW! Want to celebrate? I guess we'll have to see what I come up with...even I don't know yet.

4. When did the Classic Rock radio station decide to stop playing "classics" from the 60's and 70's to playing songs that I remember all too well? Is it true that Pearl Jam is already classic rock?

5. In one week I will be heading to New England to visit my sister-in-law. I'm pretty gosh darn excited and she just sent me an email this morning with a load of choices for things to do. We're touring Boston on Friday and Saturday and Sunday are up in the air. We'll probably do some stuff in New Hampshire on Saturday and head up to Maine on Sunday. I get to add some new states to my list! Anyone in the know have any "must-sees"?

Items of Note

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/11/items-of-note.html

Don't Mind the Mess

This blog will be under construction these next couple of days. Things may or may not go smoothly. Some of you may never notice. We shall see.

Here are the pics from last night at Trunk or Treat. I used my laziness in my favor and got the kids ready for bed AND trick or treating at the same time!

They were mesmerized by Bert & Ernie.

The candy is separated (some for the kids--good stuff for the grown ups!) and hidden. Thus begins the epic battle of wills. Help me!

Don't Mind the Mess

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/11/dont-mind-mess.html