My Favorite Things

Oprah can do it and so can I! I guess the only difference is that I don't have enough pull with companies that they'll actually give me this stuff to give away to all of you.

For the next few days while I'm gone on my girls weekend to LAS VEGAS, Carl is going to be posting a few posts I did ahead of time that include some of my favorite things. Enjoy!


Today's item: The Family Skillet from Pampered Chef.I earned this skillet for free when I was a Pampered Chef consultant. Knowing now how great it is, I would maybe even fork over the money to get it at full price! I'd at least have a Pampered Chef show and get it for my 1/2 price item.

This skillet is big enough to cook 6 hamburgers at once and you can even put it in the oven to make a skillet cake! Have you had a skillet cake before? Super moist and FUN.

My Pampered Chef runner-up item: the stoneware bar pan.


I got these shoes from Target last month. The price was right and I just needed a simple white flat. I was expecting to wear them to church every once. I didn't expect to fall in love with them and want to wear them every day. They are so light it is almost like walking with no shoes on at all. Granted, when it feels like you're walking with no shoes on you wouldn't want to wear these to an amusement park or on a super long walk. They just make me feel really cute just scooting around the house in these and they can really dress up my "uniform" of capris and a t-shirt. These are the shoes that got muddy before the party earlier this month but they cleaned up nicely with a little wash and some bleach pen. That makes me love them even more!

My Favorite Things

https://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/05/my-favorite-things.html

SMOOSH!

We had a lovely day yesterday. The kids played and played all day. The grownups had a little fun as well. Tara and I went to the mall where we did some shopping. I got two shirts and an undergarment. Tara got a shirt, some capris, earrings, and some cute hair clips for Zoe. We enjoyed a little refreshment from the DQ, made a quick stop at a grocery store, and headed for home. While we were gone, the kids and the dads had made up a new game. SMOOSH!

This is how you play.

The kids lay down on the floor.


The dads raise up a queen sized air mattress high up in the air.


You count to three.

Then, SMOOSH!


Then they kick off the mattress and beg for more.


Repeat.

SMOOSH!

https://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/05/blog-post.html

Visitors

We have a houseful today and I couldn't be happier. The Cooks are here visiting on their way to Utah (from good ol' Lafayette, Indiana). It has been almost 2 years to the day since we've seen them. Eva and Ellie were just babies! Kenna wasn't even on the radar yet! Harry and Zoe were some of Caleb's favorite playmates! Needless to say, we are having a fun time and they are going to be here until tomorrow.

I snapped these pictures just a few minutes ago. I had just turned on Curious George so Eva would sit still while Tara did her hair (she asked to do it!). Caleb is at school this morning.

Last night I was feeling really lucky to have company at the house and then right before bed I got an email from Heather with a link to a blog I read. I didn't have time to go to a lot of blogs yesterday so I missed the announcement. I WON AN ENORMOUS PRIZE!!! What a great day. It's going to be a great week, actually. Two more days until Las Vegas!

Visitors

https://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/05/visitors.html

It's Potty Time!

I have an announcement to make. Caleb sat on the potty this afternoon and didn't cry or scream. I waited until Ashley (the grad student I hired to help out during the week) was here to try it so I don't know whether or not that was a factor. We made a big deal about being able to sit on the Blue's Clues cushy seat and he did it without fighting at all! I'm amazed. I'm elated. I'm hoping this is a sign of good things to come.

It's Potty Time!

https://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/05/its-potty-time.html

Flora

On Saturday, the Lincoln Knitters decided to trek it on up to Omaha to meet with their knitting guild and then do a little yarn crawl afterwards. Two shops were on our agenda: Personal Threads and String of Purls.

I tried to have a specific project in mind when looking at yarn. I even brought my Charmed Knits book so I could get yarn one of those projects. Instead, I started looking at the sample knits all around the store (Personal Threads). I saw a really cute blue top and it was kind of like magic. It was a little like the magic Hollie and I experienced when we were shopping for my swing dance dress. I had to make it. Resistance was futile. I did try to resist. A little.

I couldn't find the pattern in the store. I found the correct notebook but it wasn't in there. I asked where I could find it. They got it for me. Then, I asked for yarn suggestions. They took me straight to the yarn the pattern calls for. They also showed me some that I could substitute (although those yarn choices weren't as good for the design). Maybe they wouldn't have enough yarn for me to make this top. The Lincoln yarn store sure wouldn't. Ha ha. But, this is Personal Threads. Of course they have enough. In every color they stock. Now I have to pick the color. I really liked the blue sample in the store but I'm also working on that blue cardigan and that just might be too much blue knitting to handle. I go to Joanne. She goes for this.


It is this gorgeous pink/hot pink number. Artful Yarns Flora in Hibiscus. 60% Cotton 40% Viscose (a fancy word for rayon).


I cast on pretty much as soon as I got home. I swatched. I got gauge. I cast on for the appropriate size. I knit and knit and knit. It was looking really big. I checked my gauge again. Right on target. I kept going. Soon, I could not deny the hugeness of it. I took it off the needles to get an appropriate measurement. It was four inches longer than I needed it to be. FOUR! While it was off the needles I checked the gauge again. Spot on. Huh? I soon realized that this yarn is a dirty little liar and I couldn't just go by gauge. I decided to make it a size smaller. It is going much better now and looks like it will fit me much better! I took it off the needles to measure and now it is the size I wanted it in the first place. Disaster averted? Time will only tell. On Saturday I was still having grand delusions that I might actually finish this before I go to Vegas so I could wear it to Celine. I know she would be oh so impressed by my hand knit creation. After I had to rip out a good chunk of knitting, I decided that I should remember that this will make excellent vacation knitting and just take it easy this week.

Excuse me, I have to go and knit now.

Flora

https://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/05/flora.html

I Dub Thee...

QUEEN JANET! My mother-in-law Janet guessed the correct amount. Right on the money. I spent $21 on Friday. I spent another $7.75 on Saturday morning at garage sales and we won't mention how much I spent on yarn yesterday in Omaha after our field trip guild meeting. I'm going to blog about that purchase tomorrow (without revealing the total--unless Joanne or Tana spill the beans in the comments) and show you how the yarn is turning into a beautiful garment. Or not. The debate is still out. I showed the yarn and the pattern (clearly, an adult sized pattern) to Carl and he asked if I was making that for Eva. Maybe it was because he only saw one ball of yarn and hasn't noticed the other 13 that I stashed away as quickly as I got home. Anyway, that's all I've got for now. Pictures of my newest knitting coming tomorrow!

I Dub Thee...

https://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/05/i-dub-thee.html

Garage Sales

It is that time of year, my friends. I put it off as long as I could. Yesterday I went to some garage sales. It started out innocently enough. It was a beautiful day and Eva and I needed something to do in the morning. We also had a list of things to be on the lookout for.

What to look for:

1. sewing machine
2. twin bed frames
3. twin bed sheets
4. summer clothes for the kids
5. cool stuff that I can't live without.

Here is what I bought:

1. toilet seat--for real. We're thinking part of the problem with Caleb's not wanting to sit on the toilet is some sort of sensory issue. I've been thinking about buying a cushy seat (with Elmo on it) to stick on the toilet. But, my inner Carl was telling me not to spend $15 on such a thing. Good thing I heeded that wise inner voice because I found one at the first place I stopped for $1! It isn't Elmo but it has Blue's Clues on it. Good enough. Are you grossed out that I bought a potty seat at a garage sale? I was a little bit but then I realized that it isn't as bad as having him use a public restroom. At least I know I'm going to clean it well before he uses it. I hope it works. I had an IEP meeting at his school today and we added on some sensory integration into his therapy routine and also included more regular trips to sit on the potty.

2. summer clothes for Caleb--I found a few pairs of shorts for him and that was about it. I've noticed that most of the 5T clothes were pretty worn through.

3. summer clothes for Eva--I hit the jackpot here. I got Eva some of the cutest little shorts and sundresses. She got 4 pairs of shorts, 3 shirts, and 2 dresses.

4. Larry the Cucumber "potato" head toy--This is the funnest toy! The kids have been playing with it all day. Basically, it is Larry the cucumber and he has all sorts of accessories to put on (a hair brush and towel, his pirate patch, etc...).

5. a Hello Kitty twin reversible bedspread with sheets--this is going to look great in Eva's room! I also got another set of twin sheets. They aren't cute but will be good for company or when I'm behind on laundry.

6. an Old Navy maternity sweater--why? I got it for 50 cents and I am going to rip it apart for the yarn. It is white cotton.

7. two white wood tables--they are square end tables and I think they will be great as work tables for the kids. I'm so sick of that ugly Spongebob table. Now I just need to find some cute chairs to go with them.

I found a sewing machine for $5 but it needed to be fixed. I knew that even if the fix was an easy one I probably wouldn't get around to doing it. So, I passed it up. I also found a couple of over priced beds. So, I guess I'll have to go out garage saleing again soon.

Wanna guess how much money I spent? The closest one to the actual total from today will win my sincere congratulations, a shout out on this blog, AND will from here on out be known as (by me, at least) the QUEEN (or KING if you prefer) of GARAGE SALE PRICE GUESSING. I know, I know. I'm so generous.

Garage Sales

https://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/05/garage-sales.html

Ve Have a Veeeener!

I don't know what is up with my title. I hope you will all read it out loud in your best Eastern European accent.

Thanks to a handy dandy random number generator, ve have a veeeener from yesterday's giveaway. It's MAREN! Congratulations---send me your mailing address and I'll get that out to you in a jiffy.

My screen saver is a random sampling from the pictures in My Documents on my computer. Every once in a while I look at the picture and say...Oooh, I love that one! So, I thought today I would share some of those with you again.



With that, all the grandparents are happy!

Ve Have a Veeeener!

https://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/05/ve-have-veeeener.html

Goal Reached!!!

Over the past six weeks I think we've been able to do a lot to raise autism awareness. I'm so grateful for what all of you have done.

Did you check my sidebar? We hit $300 today! In the past two weeks I've been making a few more sales and a few more donations have been coming in. Today was the day I had enough to push us up to $300. I'm so excited that I've decided to have another giveaway.




These stationery packages were by far my best seller in April/May. There are eight assorted cards with envelopes inside the package. They really turned out nicely. They make a great gift.

Leave a comment and you're entered to win. You have until midnight tonight and I'll draw a winner tomorrow.

Goal Reached!!!

https://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/05/goal-reached.html

En español

Usually I burn through the dvr of the results show from Dancing With the Stars. Not the one from this week. It had two things that I absolutely love.

This.

And This. That's Joaquín Cortez---flamenco dancer.

But first, let me tell you about Enrique.

While I was on my mission in Mexico (1996-1997), Enrique was on tour in Mexico. I saw posters of him everywhere. I heard his music on the bus. He was the brand new thing and I bought his cassette before I came home (I also bought one of Shakira's early tapes). I loved that tape. Years later when I became a Spanish teacher, I made my students love Enrique. I was a working woman so I had upgraded to the CD but I made them learn how to sing Miente. It is actually an excellent lesson on commands. Miente. Díme que me amas. Júrame que nunca piensas alejarte de mi. Dude. I love this song.

It wasn't long before he hit it big with his English language album. My students were thinking they were all that when they told their friends they already knew who he was and were already quite proficient in singing his music en español. We started learning the spanish lyrics to his popular english hits. Ritmo Total. Heroe. Later came Escapar. Heroe provides an excellent lesson to all who are unfamiliar with the actual castellano (Spanish-from Spain) accent. Enrique is from Spain--although with his superstar father, Julio, he spent a lot of time in Miami. Escapar is also a good example of castellano and is good when teaching the future tense.

My students began to realize how much I love Enrique when one day I decided we should celebrate his birthday (May 8, 1975). I'm sorry to say that I think a lot of my students actually have that date etched in their brains because I used it as an extra credit question more than once. I missed noting Enrique's birthday this year on the blog...shame shame. I think this post is more than making up for it. One of my students actually gave me a framed picture of him for my desk. I still have it. I also gave extra points for any student that could bring in a photo of Enrique showing both ears at once. Now that he's had the mole removed (Why? Okay, why not?), it is a little easier to find them...but not much. Am I the only one that's noticed this? Yep. Pretty sure.

Carl went with me to an Enrique Iglesias concert (2004, I think) in Chicago. We had an excellent time. He appreciates Enrique but was quick to point out that he's not as good as Neil Diamond. Point taken. But, I don't exactly want a picture of Neil Diamond on my desk. I lie. I do want a picture of him on my desk. Why don't I have a picture of him on my desk? I guess because he doesn't speak Spanish. Pobre Neil.

And now, on to flamenco.

In 2001, I went to Spain. Several of my students went and my mom and sister even came along. It was a great trip and I've been wanting to go back ever since. One of the highlights of the trip was the flamenco dancing. We saw a basic flamenco show in Sevilla but the best dancing we saw was in Granada in the caves by the Alhambra. The gypsies would put on these dancing shows in narrow caves. I fell in love with the music and the dancing. I have several CDs of flamenco music and I had a couple of flamenco videos that I would have my students watch.

I haven't taught Spanish for 2 years now so I don't listen to Enrique as often (he's still on my ipod so he's not totally out of my life) and I most definitely don't watch or listen to flamenco much anymore. This DWTS episode just brought back a bunch of memories and I couldn't help but blog about it!

En español

https://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/05/en-espaol.html

Tote Bags

In response to Catherine's post on reusable grocery bags, I've been looking up some patterns and thought I'd share them with the masses.

I've never taken the time to make the tote bag made out of plastic bags. I've seen a few made and they can actually be pretty cute. They won't be winning any design awards but if you carefully select the bags you'll use you can make them stripey or semi-solid.

Here is a link to a tutorial by Carol Duvall on how to cut the strips. She gives three different methods.

Here is a link to a tutorial and pattern. It is a pdf file.

If you'd rather use yarn for a reusable grocery bag, here is a pattern from Lion Brand.

If you're planning on using these bags for carrying home groceries from the store, I'd definitely go with the plastic bag option.

Has anyone ever made these?

Tote Bags

https://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/05/tote-bags.html

Hoosiers

Some friends of ours that live in Indiana (the Cooks) are coming to stay at Hotel Nelson on their way to Utah. We are so excited for their visit. They are going to stay two nights on the way there and two nights on the way back. They keep asking me if there is anything from Indiana that I'd like them to bring.* I've been thinking for weeks on what I might want from there that I can't get here in Nebraska. We don't really need any Purdue memorabilia. The only thing I really want are tacos al carbon from Taco Rico but I'm pretty sure that they won't travel well. There are also things I know that are impossible to bring--like the Tippecanoe County Public Library (Hello? No late fees!!! Tons of DVDs!!! Free holds!!!).

I know a lot of my blog readers live or have lived in the greater Lafayette area so I'm asking you---what would you ask for if someone was offering to bring you something from there?


*It doesn't matter to me whether they bring anything or not--I'm just so flippin' excited for them to visit. Tara just keeps asking me and I think she doesn't want to come empty handed.

Hoosiers

https://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/05/hoosiers.html

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day

https://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/05/happy-mothers-day.html

I Have Returned My Flower...

You know that Nasonex commercial? I know it by heart because Caleb used to watch it over and over. Anyway, for days he would go around and say "I'm stuffed up and so congested". That's how I feel this morning. I don't know whether it is allergies or the start of something worse. I've been taking my allergy medicine and it allowed me to sleep okay but I am just really stopped up. It is kind of like how I felt back in March when it knocked me out for good and I couldn't hardly leave my bed. This scares me. At least it is the weekend and Carl will be home.

He's not home at the moment. He took Caleb on the Father/Son campout. Caleb loves sleeping in the tent and playing with flashlights. Carl loves that Caleb loves to camp. They'll be home later this morning. The weather was perfect last night...maybe even a little hot.

I was freezing. Our air conditioner was kind of putzing out on us so we had a repairman come over to fix it. It was fabulous service. We called. He came right away. All in all it took less than an hour from calling him to having cold air blowing through our vents. Love it. Our thermostat is a little off so if we have it set around 70 degrees--it really means more like 65. I forget this sometimes so I woke up freezing cold in the middle of the night. I turned the air off and now I can tell the house is really comfortable.

The craft fair went well. There weren't a lot of people there so they told us we didn't have to pay a booth fee. I actually did pretty well selling my cards. The gift packs (like I sent Anne and my mom) were definitely the best sellers. My best customers were the Juice Plus+ ladies at the booth next door. Two booths down was Beauticontrol. I got an awesome hand massage and booked a spa party (June 7th at 7pm...mark your calendarios!). Now, that's my kind of home party. She's going to come and give us hand and foot massages and a facial. Fabulous. So, the night wasn't a total bust for me. I didn't spend any money! This is usually my downfall when I go to craft fairs. I spend as much as I make. Not last night! Discovery Toys was there and it was all I could do not to buy Marble Works. Is that what it is called? Anyway, it is one of Caleb's favorite things to play with at school. But we don't have a birthday or anything coming up so I really couldn't justify getting it for him right now. I also found some really cute stacker rings from Silpada Jewelry. If you price them out per ring it is pretty reasonable but there was no way I could justify spending that much on rings for no good reason. So, I was also able to donate a good portion of my proceeds to Autism Family Network. They are going to do this again in the fall. I'll certainly be there!

I think I'm going to go and raid the medicine shelf and see what I can find. And, I need to put my chapstick in my pocket for easy access.

I Have Returned My Flower...

https://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/05/i-have-returned-my-flower.html

Autism Family Network Fair

Tonight is the Autism Family Network home business fair. I'll be participating and some of the proceeds of the sales will benefit AFN and the rest will go to Caleb's therapy fund. I'm a little nervous because I don't know how much this was advertised. If you can come, please do.

HOME BUSINESS FAIR

to benefit Autism Family Network of Lincoln

May 11^th, Friday evening from 5:30-9:00 PM

Christ Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall

(below the main church building)

44^th and Sumner, Lincoln

HOME BUSINESS FAIR VENDORS

ARBONNE

ADVOCARE

BEAUTICONTROL

DISCOVERY TOYS

JUICE PLUS

MANNATECH

MARY KAY

PAMPERED CHEF

PREMIER DESIGNS

SILPADA

STICKS & STAMPS

Christy Nelson

sra_nelson@yahoo.com

TASTEFULLY SIMPLE

USBORNE BOOKS

LOCAL VENDORS

Homemade jewelry

Karis Loos

karis_el_2000@yahoo.com

Homemade handiwork/bath items

Sabrina Sumsion

ssumsion@neb.rr.com

Author Janet Syas Nitsick “Seasons of the Soul” about autism

www.janetsyasnitsick.com

Contact Melinda Scheich at www.AFNLincoln@aol.com or call 617-2093

Autism Family Network Fair

https://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/05/autism-family-network-fair.html

Two Weeks' Notice

Two Weeks' Notice

https://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/05/two-weeks-notice.html

Knitting Update

It's about time I post about some of my knitting, don't you think?

1. Drunken Argyle for Carl. The back is finished. You can see how far along I am in the front. I believe I'll have this completed in time for the county and state fairs. Some things I'm loving about this: Addi Turbos (my first pair!) and my Knit Picks chart keeper. I don't know what I'd do with out those.

2. Marnie cardigan from Hot Knits.

I haven't worked on this for a while. I've got the back and both fronts finished. I'm working on the first sleeve at the moment. Here is a close up of the texture. I really like the all over small cables. The pattern calls for them all to twist the same way but I decided to alternate the twists on each row. I am planning on entering this in the county and state fairs as well.

3. Mountain Peaks Shawl.


This shawl is taking me a while to get into. It has a pattern on both the knit and purl sides so it isn't something that I've been able to memorize. This means that there is only a limited time during the day that I can work on this shawl (no kids or other distractions) and when I do have the time, this isn't at the top of my list. I have no doubt it is going to be fabulous and will make one of my blog readers very happy to receive it...I just don't know if it will be this year or the next.

4. State Fair Socks aka Game Day Socks.

This is the pattern I finally decided on for my State Fair sock entry. I have a lot to live up to since my socks from last year took top prize. It is a stranded pattern so I'm not going any more than 2 stitches before I twist the yarn so I don't have strands big enough for toes to get stuck in. Here's a look at the inside of the sock.

I am really enjoying working with this yarn. It's from Nebraska! I'm using Brown Sheep's Wildfoote in blue blood red and vanilla. This is the second time I've used Wildfoote.

And, just because I have enough to knit to keep me busy for a LONG time doesn't mean I'm not thinking about future projects.

My Charmed Knits book arrived and these are just a few of the things I'm putting on my list. I don't know if you can see the clock blanket picture all that well but it is based on the Weasley's clock. The arrow is pointed to Home. It lists work, mortal peril, etc... Cute stuff.

Knitting Update

https://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/05/knitting-update.html

Seven Random Things

Amy tagged me to do this and sometimes I do these and sometimes I don't. I didn't have anything else really to blog about today so I'm doing it!

Here are seven random facts about me.

1. This week I've already mentioned that even though I grew up on a horse ranch I'm afraid of horses (and goats). From the comments, I've realized that I'm not alone!

2. I love Neil Diamond. Did you read that post? You should. Then you'll really know how much I love Neil.

3. We went to see Blades of Glory this week and my favorite line from there was, "That was so Cirque de So LAME." I laugh every time I hear that. My sense of humor is not very refined.

4. This post is #717. That's random and has TWO sevens! That should be in this list. I've been blogging for since November 2004.

5. I've had a party every year since 01/01/01 on the date that repeats (02/02/02, 03/03/03, etc...). This year it will be on 07/07/07! I'm thinking Karaoke Revolution, Guitar Hero, Dance Dance Revolution. Wanna come?

6. I broke my butt in December and I'm still feeling the effects. Julie warned me but I thought it wouldn't bother me so much by now!

7. If I had a choice between eating a hershey bar or a cucumber, I'd pick the cucumber every time. I love them. If the choice was between a cucumber and pizza...I'd have to think about it for a while.

And now I tag seven people. If you decide to do this, I'd love to read what you write. I'm choosing people that I don't necessarily know a lot of random things about.

Kayli Deanna Julie
Ginger Joanne
Maren Christina

Seven Random Things

https://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/05/seven-random-things.html

Cute Stuff

I'm pretty sure I'm going to look really cute in this. It's reserved because she's custom making me another one and I'm going to buy them at the same time to save on shipping. The custom one is going to use fabric #36.

I think I may have to rethink my stance on sewing and maybe take it up as another hobby.

There are so many cute things I could make. I guess maybe I should find myself a sewing machine. While I'm at it I should probably find myself some time to use it. And, some time to finish projects I have going from my other hobbies.

Looks like I may just stick with getting my cute sewn items from etsy.

Cute Stuff

https://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/05/cute-stuff.html

Dreaming of Vegas

I had a dream last night about my upcoming Vegas trip. Here's what I remember about it.

Mary, Megan and I arrived at the Las Vegas Airport and took a shuttle to our hotel. The airport was really, really small and right in the middle of the Strip. Our shuttle driver got lost and was going around some loop over and over. Mary got him to give us our shuttle trip for free and he finally deposited us at our hotel. We were so excited to be on our girls weekend! At around 7pm that first night we started thinking about what we might want to do. Then, we realized we had tickets to Celine and we were going to be late! How could we forget about Celine?

Then, I woke up.

*I hope this doesn't happen for real*

18 more days.

Dreaming of Vegas

https://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/05/dreaming-of-vegas.html

Blog Worthy

There are so many things I could blog about today!

1. Last night's party

It was really fun although I had a mini-breakdown at about 5:15pm. The party started at 6pm. Carl still wasn't home by 5:15pm (this was expected) and I was trying to get some last minute stuff done (chopping onions, taking out the trash, etc...) and Caleb and Eva decided it was a good time to go outside. They "escaped" (I heard them go out and figured it was okay) but then Caleb turned on the water. I went down to shut it off but the area was so muddy! He was wearing my shoes so I had to go out there in my super cute new flats (I'm so trendy...actually I'm probably a season too late--I should be wearing wedges, right?). Back to the story. My shoes got muddy. Caleb flipped out. He pushed Eva down into the mud. Caleb fell into the mud. Luckily, my shoes were my only mud related casualty. This wouldn't have been too horrible if I hadn't just spent 45 minutes wrangling them to get them into clean clothes and fix Eva's hair.

Carl got home around 5:30pm and the first guests showed up at 5:45pm. This was okay because we had done about as much as we were going to be able to by that time and everything went well. The food got grilled. The weather was perfect.

We ate some great food and then played Karaoke Revolution. Four out of seven students sang. Fun times. Caleb performed, "I Got You Babe" and "Beat It".

I gave Kim, the graduate, a "N" sweater ornament. She's on her way to San Jose for the job of her dreams.

2. The Kentucky Derby

I've spent more time around horse racing than the average person, I would say. My dad and grandpa have been in the business for a long time. I grew up on a horse rance. I can see how some kids would have LOVED to live around all the animals and be on a ranch. I certainly enjoyed some of the perks..."riding" on the horse walker, biking down the ramp leading up to the dump truck, building forts in the hay. But I could definitely do without the smell, the dirt, and the scary horses. Yep, I'm scared of horses. I've been hurt too many times. We won't even go into my fear of goats.

You may be asking yourself why I would bother blogging about the Kentucky Derby if I don't even like horses?

I have a healthy respect for horses. I realize that it is because of horses that I had clothes on my back and food to eat. I have good memories of the race track. Our family had a box at Santa Anita (where we did most of our racing during the childhood years I remember most). It was right by Vic Tayback. He would always tell us to "Stow it!". Anyway, Lisa and I would pick our horses and bet on them (using pennies). Sometimes my grandma would get us a real ticket and we got to keep the money. My dad and grandpa never bet. I guess when your whole job is kind of a gamble, it isn't that exciting...or worth it (it never really is, though).

This is a lot of back story. I really just want to tell you about my scientific way of picking winners. Here is a link to the horses. First, I look at the odds. I rule out anyone with crazy odds (the biggest numbers). I usually rule out those with the best odds. Sometimes I'll look at their race history to see if they've had a lot of showings (top 3 finishes, mainly). From here I usually have a group of 2-3 horses that I'll choose from. The name of the horse is a factor. It has to be catchy. It should "speak" to you. Sometimes I would pick a horse based solely on the name. Then, I look at the silks. If they are good colors or have a nice design, they move up a notch in my mind. I also have to look at the horse. If the horse is a pretty color, I've made up my mind. That's the one.

Want my pick for today?

Hard Spun.


3. Cinco de mayo

I don't need another reason to celebrate my love for all things Mexican. However I feel it is my duty, as a former Spanish teacher and in my role as Sra. Nelson, to tell you that Cinco de mayo is NOT Mexico's Independence Day (Sept. 16th). In fact, in most parts of Mexico el cinco de mayo is just another day. It commemorates the Battle of Puebla where the Mexicans kicked butt over the French. I served my mission in Mexico (Guadalajara) and Carl served his in France (Paris). We find this mildly amusing (probably I do more than Carl).

4. Paris Hilton

Never mind. Not really blog worthy.

5. Knitting Group

I have knitting group today and I just wanted to let you all know of Hokie Healing. Here in Lincoln, Julie is organizing a mass mailing of squares but she lists the information so if there are other knitters that want to join in, you will be able to.

Have a happy weekend!

Blog Worthy

https://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/05/blog-worthy.html

Preparations

Tonight we are having an end of the year party for Carl's students. One of his students just got her Master's degree so it is pretty special. He's even dressing up in his formal Dr.-wear to attend graduation ceremonies tomorrow.

Party preparations take a lot out of me and considering the lack luster job I do most of the time, I don't know why. Wait. Yes, I do. It is because I always have grand visions of what to do, what I'd like to make, how I'd like to decorate, etc... and what ends up happening is we get the house barely acceptable and I make ready to bake cookies.

In preparation for tonight I have been cleaning up the downstairs. This gets avoided many times because if we have adults over we try to go upstairs in the more "civilized" part of our home. But, we are going to congregate downstairs tonight so it needed a little TLC. Last night Carl and I did a toy inventory. The toy box had been overflowing for some time now. We kept only the favorites. The toy box will close now. This morning I'm going to tackle the piles of yarn strewn about down there.

If I'm going to get the rest of the house clean and the food made before tonight I'm going to have to take the kids to the sitter's house for a few hours this afternoon. Guess I better get started.

What are you doing today?

Preparations

https://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/05/preparations.html

Boast Post

Dr. Carl is a genius. I know a lot of you already know this, but it is so true. He was a National Merit Scholar, he got straight A's all through high school AND undergrad AND grad school. I've only seen him stressed about school a few times. Now Carl is a professor. He works with a lot of other geniuses. I see him a little more concerned than normal. He is getting gray hair (which I think is totally attractive on him). Getting tenure is important and he's starting to feel the pressure. He's been here almost two years and has had little luck securing a noteworthy grant. Until this week. That's right, folks. Carl's trip to D.C last month paid off. He's still got a way to go toward getting tenure but I saw some weight taken off his shoulders this week. I couldn't be more proud.

Boast Post

https://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/05/boast-post.html

I CAN SEE!

I picked out some new frames and here they are! They are DKNY and weren't ones that I had chosen in my pre-shopping trip. It came down to these and the #2 frames from my previous post. I didn't go with the Adrienne Vittadini titanium frames because their sides were not hinged like these DKNY ones and that is what I have the most problem with when Caleb rips them off of my face. Hopefully these will keep their shape better and work for me for a while. They did bend back my other ones so I have a backup pair now.
While I was waiting for my pictures I had to browse the mall. I had a few bras that I bought for my birthday that I had to exchange at Lane Bryant, a friend to big girls everywhere. Underwire is not my friend. They were fine when I tried them on but when I wore them in real life and had to move and sit down and stuff, the underwire was digging into my side. So, I returned those (they were nice to take back the one that I wore for a few hours and ended up hating) and got a few other ones that are more comfy. I also took advantage of a sale and got some shorts and capris. These are the perfect length for me and I bought two pair (khaki and black).

I also bought two pair of these denim capris. The ones I got are a little darker denim and not so faded. I love these pictures on the mannequin legs because I can imagine my legs are just as white.

It was a perfect end to a kind of rotten day.

I CAN SEE!

https://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/05/i-can-see.html

Glasses

These past few days have been rough around here and my glasses have taken a beating from which they will not recover. I am preparing for an afternoon trip to my local LensCrafters for a replacement. Care to opine on which frames I should get?

I've included the descriptions from the website. The prices shouldn't be too big of a deal. We have really good eye insurance and this will be my first (and hopefully only) pair for the year.

1.

Adrienne Vittadini

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Check out these stylish frames I found at LensCrafters.com.

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Adrienne Vittadini AV6040" type="hidden">

Sleek metal, tailored styling and a fun silhouette make these Adrienne Vittadini eyeglasses great for work and play. The cat-eye shape helps balance a narrow jaw line so they're perfect for style mavens with heart-shaped faces.

Price: $149.95

2.

Adrienne Vittadini

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Adrienne Vittadini AV8006" type="hidden">

A sleek titanium profile, unique almond shape and subtle details combine to create a sophisticated frame by

Adrienne Vittadini.

Price: $179.95

3.

D&G

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D&G DD1105" type="hidden">

Featuring a smart rectangular shape and sleek D&G logo, these plastic frames are both hip and sophisticated.

Price: $179.95

4.

Prada

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Prada VPR61G" type="hidden">

With a sleek metal front and colorful plastic temples, this metal/plastic duo frame by Prada combines the best of both materials. The frame's striking rectangular shape is destined to get you some extra attention.

Price: $255.00

5.

Vogue

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Vogue VOGUE3505" type="hidden">

The slender lines and sleek metal of this Vogue frame will take you from the conference room to after-work cocktails in style. The rectangle shape adds angles and definition to round faces.

Price: $139.95

Glasses

https://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/05/glasses.html