Happy 15th Birthday, Tim!!!!!

My firstborn is now 15 years old!!!! (here he is at 5 years old) Can you believe it??? I can't believe it! It seems like we've been planning for his 15th birthday forever. (So much so that it seems like he should be turning 16 and not 15!)

I remember how scared I was when I went into labor with him. Only 19 years old and Ian and I were in college...pretty much poor....and walked miles and miles in downtown Worcester, MA just to get to the grocery store or doctor's office. I remember being so big and pregnant that, on one of our last trips to the store without a car, Ian had to carry ALL our weeks' groceries by himself because I could barely make it home. The day before Tim was born, I started having labor pains and (after talking to the doctor...who said I wasn't in labor at first, but had a bladder infection....what an idiot!) Ian and I spent some time at the library.

I kept thinking that, after today, everything will be different. I'll have a little baby to take care of and who will look to me for everything. (A truly frightening thought at the time.) After 29 hours of intensive back labor and no drugs (in which I seriously begged Ian to kill me or shoot me or something), Tim literally F-L-E-W out and was born. For all of you moms out there, you know what that moment feels like. When you look at the baby that's come out of you and think, "I can't believe he was inside me all this time!". And that wondrous, fantastic, beautiful moment when you hold that baby in your arms.

Unforgettable.

I remember holding Tim for hours and hours after that. Ian was sick and asleep in the hospital pull out bed and I just sat up all night long, never letting Tim go. The nurses gave me that look when I didn't want them to bring him away or put him down, but I'm glad I didn't care or listen to what they said. He was my baby. My first baby.



Now, he's still my baby, even though he's over 4 inches taller than me (here he is with Ben, showing off his new haircut) and I have to have him bend down to hug me. He's on the honor roll in high school almost every quarter and is taking sophomore classes as a freshman. He reads like the devil (just like Ian and I) and can usually be found in his bed reading in the semi-darkness. ("You'll ruin your eyes!!!", I always say, to no avail.)

I probably blabbed on and on about him last year on his bday, but I felt that I had to do it again. LOL!

I wish him so very much happiness today and for every wish of his to come true (within reason...believe me....he can think of some kooky things, he IS Ian's son, after all!)

I love you so much, Tim! Happy, Happy Birthday, sweet boy!

P.S. Look what I got last week!!! (Sorry I had to swipe your pic, Cayli!)



Cayli posted the winners of her contest and I won her beautiful handknit (!!!) stole. I could NOT believe it. It's even more impressive in person and I have to remember to look back and see what yarn she used. It is extremely soft. I'm looking right now for some pretty sundress to wear the stole with. Thank you so much, Cayli! I'm totally spoiled : )

Whew...Mittens Just in Time!

Mmmm......I spent most of the morning "ooh"ing and "ahh"ing with Ben while we watched the first snow of the season. There is NOTHING like sitting at the window with your warm, little child, drinking hot chocolate with mini marshmellows and watching the beautiful snowflakes dance to the ground. It was the best day I've had in I-don't-know-how long.

I've been spending the rest of my "free" time knitting mittens (no time for sweater right now....) for Ben and Tim.

Here is Ben's 1st pair of adorable mittens!! (Look at his c-r-a-z-y hair! He cut the front himself with his craft scissors....sigh)



DETAILS:

Yarn:1/2 skein of Malabrigo in Blue Surf (which looks like ice to me....)
Needle: Size 6 KP Interchangable Circ, 32" for Magic Loop
Pattern: Ann Budd's Handy Book of Patterns

These were extremely fun to knit and I can't tell you how soft and cushy they are! Oh, bliss...! Holding my favorite needles and one of my absolute favorite yarns in my hands was such a dream. I actually savored each and every stitch...if that sounds weird, well....it might be, but it's SO true. Have you ever had a project that you wanted to put off finishing because you loved the process of knitting it so much? If so, which one?

Ian held the mittens and said to me, "Hey, can you make me a pair of gloves out of that yarn?" How could I possibly say "no" to that??? He's actually one of the few people I will knit for because he definitely wears (and appreciates) my knitted items. He's worn his socks, hats, mittens and sweater that I've made him often.

For Tim's, I am using a basic mitten pattern, but adding my own colorwork and change to the design. I can't wait to see how these come out. I hope to finish them while in VT for Thanksgiving. I'll be calling them "Fire and Ice Mittens". I was shocked to see how large Tim's hands are getting and just assumed that they'd be close to my size. I'm making him a men's medium!! EEEK! (Moms of teens, you know what I'm talking about, right?)

So, like I said, we'll be visiting Ian's grandparents in VT for Thanksgiving this year....and I think we're really looking forward to it. They have a beautiful house on a dead end road with acres and acres of Christmas trees, veggie gardens and places to run around for the kids. Ian's sister, Felice, will be meeting us there, too, so it will be extra special. We only see her about once a year. I'm cleaning the house and getting it all set, so that when we get back, it will be nice and cozy for us. I keep thinking about sitting in front of the fireplace (or woodstove), drinking my cocoa, and either knitting or reading a favorite book. Can it get any better than that? (well, maybe getting a backrub, too...)

Hmmmm...what else have I been doing?? Well, working and working (Friday to Sunday this week) and cleaning and doing errands....and fixing a horrible banking "thing" we had going on....ugh....it was almost good timing because I was able to fix most of it in time before any MAJOR happenings, but it was still horribly stressful. I spent a good 4 hours straight on the laptop with my bank statements, Quicken, calculator and occasionally screaming. Poor Tim...he had to watch Ben all that time while I was freaking out. (I seem to be doing a lot of that lately....)

I'm giving myself permission to put some knitted items on hold until after Thanksgiving. It's the only sane thing to do or else....

I WILL GO MAD!!!!

Hope you all have a wonderful holiday and keep on knitting those mittens! Only 10 days left! (If you've linked me on your blog or are participating in the Month of Mittens contest, please remember to comment here, on the mitten post or email me so that I can put you in the drawing for PRIZES!!!

Happy Knitting! G ; )

Happy Halloween!!!

Happy Halloween, Knitters!

I don't know if you're as excited as I am, but I can't wait until tonight!! As you see above and below, I have all the yummy candy ready to hand out, my witch hat on, and the traditional "Halloween Tree" set up in the living room....a black tree with fiber optics lights in purple, orange and green...glowing ghosts, bats, and pumpkins hanging off of it. It's sooo cool and the boys love it...when you turn it on, it says, "Booooohhooooooo". (yes, I'm also a bit batty...)



Ben is going as Spiderman this year (although he originally wanted to go as Ben10...the costume is hanging around here somewhere...) and I was lucky to spend the morning with him at his very first school Halloween parade. Unlucky for me later, though, because in a rush to get everyone out of the house, I forgot my camera. Dammit. But, even without pictures, I loved watching Ben and his class sing a "spooky" song and walk around the playground, parading their adorable selves. Then, they were treated to a big table of goodies, freeze dance and stories. Oh, to be young again....



I was up late last night finishing up Tim's costume. Close to midnight, I was going over the checklist of everything he wanted to wear for school the next day (apparently, freshman are still "cool" if they wear costumes...thank goodness!). Green broadcloth tunic? Check. Sword? Check. Gloves with Triforce symbol? Check. Leather-like sling and belt to hold sword? Check. Brown leather elfish hat? Check. Yellow Triforce on upper left hand side of green tunic? Uh...no. Damn! (that's why I was up so late)

Can you guess what he is? (Ericka and Chris probably know this...)



He's Link from the Zelda video game. How do you like my handy work?

In honor of this occasion, I also managed to finish TWO knitted projects:



1. Plain Jane Socks....pattern and mini sock class pdf are soon to come to the blog....knitted using size 1 Knit Picks circs and the Magic Loop method...and Regia's Landscape Storm colorway by Kaffe Fassett. I'll be wearing these babies tonight!



2. Rocketry Cardigan....by Dream in Color for the soon-to-be-born baby boy of my pedicurist, Melissa. I used Knit Picks circular needles and KP Swish Superwash in 5 different colors - Baby Blue, Capri, Aloe, Deep Ocean and Dark Navy. I think it came out so cute...



I'm also starting to pack for Grand View....we're leaving on Friday evening (eee!) and we'll be back on Sunday evening (awwww, man!). To be honest, I am dying for a little time without the kids. This week has been torture with working and also doing a million things at home. Once this weekend is over, I think things will be calmer and less stressful. (At least until December rolls around! Shhhesh!

I'm making a promise to myself (and to the kids) that I will finish both of their sweaters while I'm at GV. Both are at least half done (or more) and I just have to get the motivation to finish them. It's getting colder and I'd really love to see all three of my guys in their hand knit sweaters....and hats and mittens.

I'll be posting about "The Month of Mittens" probably on Friday before I leave...or, in the semi-probable event that I'm WAY behind in packing, Monday. There will be a button to grab to place on your blog and, if you put the button on, link to me, and comment that you've added it, I'll put your name into a drawing to win some great yarn! Woo-hoo! Let's see how many mittens we can knit before the end of the November : )



Have a spooktacular night!!!!

Bags and Rags

Well, maybe not quite bag(s) with an "s". More like BAG...check out this hot mama of a bag!

I bought this new knitting bag from Knit Picks called the Total Tote and it is WONDERFUL! It's even better than the picture.

The outside is very soft, suede-like microfiber (mine is in the Chocolate colorway) and the inside has such great, fun print material. This picture shows one of the three pockets (this is the smallest in the front) that holds your dpns, straights and circulars. The circulars fit perfectly in the zipper, mesh pouch.



This pocket has the biggest space and features four inside smaller pockets....two mesh and two with elasticized tops.



The last pocket is medium sized and has a terrfic, vinyl accessories bag that snaps out so you can use it easily when needed. The opposite side has a stretchy elastic with places to hold yarn or other chunkier-than-needles things.



I LOVE IT!!! (I'm kissing it right now)

Oh, I forgot to mention that the middle is separated by a hard divider (one side has the elastic and the other has the 2 mesh pockets) that you can take out of the bag completely, making the center HUGE and room for more than a sweater's worth of yarn. AND it has feet at the bottom, so you can easily put it on the floor without worrying about it getting ruined.

Right now, I have all my knitting bag stuff (5 circ needles, 2 crochet hooks, tape measure, row counter, tapestry needle, scissors, etc), my address book, my Monster make up bag, my knitting notebook, my current sock project (see below), my current "rag" project (see below), a ball of yarn, 4 baby socks and THIS PROJECT in the bag as well:



I have been SUCH a good girl the past week. I have lots of FOs to show you! (Didn't have time to do it on Friday....whoops!)

First, my RAGS!!

(all knit in Lily's Sugar N Cream cotton with size 7/8 needle)

-Garterlac Dishcloth by Criminy Jickets....very awesome pattern:



-Knitability's No Holes Dishcloth:



-Maggie's Rags Chinese Waves Dishcloth...still in progress:



-Grandma's Favorite Dishcloth...done last week:



(see last post for the link to the Grandma's Favorite "rag" I made)

I'd like to have 7 total, so I can have a different one for each day of the week for the kitchen...I know...kinda lame, but there it is.

Second, my TASSLED EARFLAP HAT!!



-Yarn: 1 ball of Rowan Big Wool, 87 yards (though I had yarn left over) Colorway 24 (wine)
-Needle: Size 15 24" circ/dpns
-Pattern: Knit Simple Fall 2007, page 77 and cover
-Size: 22" Large (it's too big for me and I have a 21" head....there is the small size for a 19" head, too)

It's totally comfy and soft, so I might make another one, too. I love the earflaps and crochet ties, though the tassel didn't impress me too much.

Third, sock one of TIM'S SOCKS!!



-Yarn: 2 balls of Knit Picks Felici, colorway Clay
-Needle: Size 1, 2 24" circs
-Pattern: My Own
-Size: 10" long foot, 5" tall leg/cuff

This yarn is really one of my favorite sock yarns....not only is the superwash merino really soft, but I love the way it knits up so evenly. Only things I haven't liked about this yarn: it's tendency to knot/tangle easily and the white/undyed spots in the color.

And, finally, my favorite of all my FO's so far....

The LEARNING SOCKS!!



[These pictures are of sample socks that you knit as you read along with the book to get used to the new "pathways" of knitting socks on a smaller level. Super fun! Top: Little Skye Sock and Bottom: Little Coriolis]



Skye Sock:

-Knit cuff down
-No traditional heel flap or gusset
-Pyramid shape along instep
-Star Toe



Coriolis Sock:

-Knit toe up
-No traditional gusset
-Beautiful spiral pattern travels from top, side of toe across instep to the other side of the leg
-Whirlpool Toe



The fantastically genius Cat Bordhi (I have all her books...and I love them) has published a new book on socks with 8 completely new "pathways" of knitting socks...different from what you've ever seen before. Not only different, but beautiful, unique and fun to knit. This book, "New Pathways for Sock Knitters: Book One" is more than just a sock pattern book, it's like a workboook. I was drooling ove every single page.

The fact that she uses popular and wonderful sock yarn (including Socks that Rock, Trekking, Cascade Fixation and Mountain Colors, just to list a few) makes the book even better. I love seeing how the colorways I've always admired knitted up in a new way. I found myself tempted to grab the computer and start buying sock yarn then and there...especially STR. But, I restrained myself. At least for now.

So far, in the 6 years I've been knitting and the 5 years I've been knitting socks, this is the BEST sock book I've come across. The patterns are so inspiring and Cat continuously gives tips throughout the book (shown next to acorns) about knitting socks....things that I'd heard of, but never tried or tips that I've always known, but which are invaluable to a sock knitter.

There is a section in the back just for finding out the Master Number for yourself and others you knit socks for so that, once you know those numbers, knitted up the sock patterns are a breeze. The way that Cat organizes the book is very user friendly and I found the indexes of the sock patterns and tips/techniques to be extremely helpful. The print and style of the book is simple and easy to read...not a lot of squinting involved at all. LOL!

So now that you know how much I love this book...please go and buy it. One of the best features of it is you can use any method to knit them....she gives directions for not only 2 Circs, but dpns AND Magic Loop. Can it get any better than that???

So...have I been productive or WHAT??? LOL!

Burnt Out

The last few weeks have been much more than I have been able to handle. I've continued having daily migraines and/or regular headaches and, despite the awesome power of Sarah's massages (oh, man, she has magic in her fingers!), I'm still pretty tense. Sadly, even my daily yoga is not doing as much as I hope it would.

I feel like I'm behind on life. If only I could press a button and stop time for a few days. Or weeks.... Then, I'd be able to catch up on all the things I should be doing and finishing. Anyone else ever felt like that?

I've given up trying to get the podcast out until next month. This month has just too many things I need to accomplish and, though the podcast is pretty much done, it's no good if I don't record it and publish it to the web. I think if I give myself permission to delay the podcast until all my major August events are over, I will do a better job and have MUCH less stress.

I have made SOME PROGRESS on a couple of things:

- My mom's lace shawl is down to the short end (only 9 repeats) and I'll be working on that tonight until late-very late. I don't want to say that I hope to finish it because that will only cause me NOT to finish it. (Believe me...I know how statements like that always work against me...sigh.)

-Tim's first sock (using the KP Felici in Clay) is 3/4 done and I'm using this to bring around with me for some simple, mindless knitting...though I must say that I probably should have kept MORE of my mind on it because I knit the sock with 1 1/2 heel flaps....don't ask me how....just accept it and we'll pretend it was intentional...k?

I have made NO PROGRESS on a couple of things:

-Ben's sweater is still unfinished, though I have both arms finished and attatched to the body and will start on the final yoke-ing stage after the shawl is done.

-All of my other UFOs are still waiting patiently for me in their respective knitting bags or spinning baskets. (Thank god yarn and fiber can't mouth off!!!)

In other news, it was Ben's 1st day of Preschool last Monday and he actually did really well. I, on the other hand, cried all the way home that day and felt horrible without him. When I picked him up, he said, "Mommy, I cried for you!" and I crumbled all over again. It was horrible. This could be another reason for my feelings of stress....

But, here is he all dressed up and ready for school. Isn't he a cutie?



He picked this backpack out all by himself.




And here he is after school (Tim is in the background) looking pretty grumpy.



He's been doing so well potty training and I feel like he's growing up so quickly all at once. My baby boy!!!!

On Wednesday night, we celebrated both Sarah (The Fantastic Massage Therapist) and Lora's birthdays after knitting. It was a truly fun evening with lots of laughs, gifts and yummy cake....mmmmmm.....

Sonya, Lora's friend from her Kentucky knitting group sent her the most wonderful birthday gift. (It was actually a surprise and she mailed it to me and I brought it along to the group here on bday night.) She used my Radiance Lace Headband pattern (The "Amanda", named after Blogless Amanda) to create a large scarf/mini shawl out of it! I believe that she used a bulky or heavy worsted weight (extra soft) yarn and size 11 needles. We were all totally impressed and loved it so much that Lora didn't get to wear it at all that night...it was passed from Jackie to Mike to me to Heather and more. So lovely and warm!

Here is the birthday girl, Lora, wearing the Amanda Shawl:



And sexy Heather showing off the shawl AND her busty assests:



The pic that I wanted to show of Sarah came out so dark (as well as most of the other ones) that I'll just have to wait and take another one of her using her new drop spindle/fiber and becoming a newbie spinner! Bring it to Wed, Sarah!!

Happy Birthday to both Lora and Sarah!

A bit of sharing ahead....proceed with caution or turn back quickly!

[Before I go, I'll share a little TMI with you....since you've probably been waiting for some for, like, a week or more, right?? LOL! Last night was the first time Ian and I went skinny dipping in our pool! Jackie had mentioned it a few times but I didn't think I'd REALLY ever do it. Ian dragged me in last night and it was actually fun...for the little time we spent in it....I think it was a bit TOO exciting for both of us and we quickly got out to "dry"....if you know what I mean.....Oh, seeing Ian dive off the diving board in his "birthday suit" (let me just say it....buck *ss naked) was thrilling!]

Okay....Must go and get reaquainted with all the blogs that I missed the past week......happy knitting!

65 Degrees

Wow! Wasn't this weekend FANTASTIC???!!! Excepting late Friday night after I got home from a fun and hilarious Knitting Night at Donna's house, I had a great weekend. The weather was super, sunshine, warm and slightly breezy.

My parents came up on Sunday (after I taught my ladies yoga at the assisted living home) to celebrate my birthday late. We had a cookout, we sat by the pool, and SOME of my family went into the pool.

The pool water was 65 degrees.

(shiver)

It makes me cold just thinking about it!! (and no, I didn't go in....)

Tim said, "But, Mom....it's one degree warmer than yesterday! It's not cold at all!" (oh, my deluded teen....)

I want to show you some supertastic pictures I took (with my new camera...eeee!) over the past three days....

My Handsome Ian



My Handsome Tim and his Rocket/Ship



My Handsome Ben



My Dad and Ben



My Beautiful Mom



My lovely sister Kim and Ben



Mike...my OTHER son...and Ben



Ian and Grumpy Ben



I promise some knitting pics and progress reports soon. Next one should be a GREAT LACE REPORT! I'm doing really well and doing one repeat every day...it should be done in about a month, barring any unforeseen horrible incidents.

Hope you all had a fun-filled weekend as well. So, who's coming over next time it's HOT???

Happy Knitting!

A Loaf of Bread, a Robot and a Crazy Lady

What do all of these have in common? Very little. Nothing in fact. Except that I was involved in all three.

Here is a pic of my successful (finally!) attempt at making homemade bread:



I used the simple bread recipe from the fabulous book, "Home Cooking: A Writer in the Kitchen" by Laurie Colwin. You can get it here. It's not only recipes, but great, short stories on cooking and being in the kitchen. I loved it and want to buy her second book as well. My first attempt at making this bread was a dud owing to the fact that I am "yeast ignorant". I had no idea that you had to add the yeast to very warm (100 degrees or so) water with a tiny bit of sugar and wait 10 minutes before adding to the bread. Last time, there was no rising, but this time, I happily had the opportunity to punch down the dough....Ben liked putting his hand prints in it, too!

Jackie gave me the tip for the water, sugar and waiting. Boy, did it work! Thanks, J!

Not only did the bread come out wonderfully, smell good and taste yummy, but it has such a golden look and crunch to the crust. I changed Laurie's recipe slightly...

-added 3 cups white unbleached bread flour and 3/4 cup whole wheat flour (instead of half and half)
-used 3/4 cup of organic, lowfat milk and 3/4 cup of water/yeast
-let the bread cook for a bit less time at 450 degrees.....22 minutes instead of 30. (I think my stove cooks quickly)

YUMMY!

Now, onto the Robot! I used the Wee Wonderfuls Second Put Together book, "SpaceBoy and Robot" again to make, what Ben calls, DADDY ROBOT!!!

Here he is with Roger....who you can find out more about here:



Again, this Robot was all hand sewn and the fabric picked out by Ben himself. I now have a request for another Robot to be made for Tim. I really love making toys.

I had more fun making Daddy Robot, although I think Roger is cuter. The Robot has less pieces to cut out and sew and, now that I know how to flip the legs and arms around, I didn't make any of the mistakes I'd made last time. I enjoyed making the front panel on the Robot with all his "buttons and knobs"...sounds kinda kinky, doesn't it?....and this panel makes the Robot sparkly and very special. I'm addicted to making these dolls. I want to make the others now, too....I have two more of the Wee Wonderfuls books and also the MakeAlong Dolls, which I'll probably make next. Those are for ME!!

A pic of my little sweetheart, just off the potty (Good job, Benji!) and still quite sleepy...holding his new doll:



Finally, we have the story about the crazy lady at B&N. Huh. Where do I begin? I can barely get over the shock of it. The whole episode happened so fast, so no one had time to take a picture of her, but here is what she may have looked like as a baby:



We were all at B&N knitting at our usual table in the cafe.....talking, laughing, being loud, etc. And, just as Lora was bringing another small table to our group and Amanda was coming back to the table with a cupcake, this late 30ish lady with dark hair (and her mouth full of cupcake...pieces spewing as she talked) came up to our table screaming at us.....

(this is just what I remember...)

"What the f*uck are YOU laughing at??? [looking at Amanda, then Mike] F*ck you! Do you think it's funny, you f*ggot? F*ck you! F*ggot!"

So GiGi says very politely and calmly, "Excuse me, but have we offended you somehow?" and the lady screams at her, "Why don't you shove your hook up your *ss!" And then again, as she is walking away, keeps screaming, "F*ck you! F*ck you!"

We were all looking at each other like, "What the HELL was that????" and saying to each other, "Do you KNOW her?"

After 10 minutes of shock and bewilderment (poor Blogless Amanda missed the whole thing by only a minute or two), we finally came to the conclusion that it was some crazy lady who had mental problems (SERIOUS mental problems) and didn't realize what she was doing or saying. At least, that can be the only explanation. At least she brought some new stuff to talk about the entire night. But, I was a bit spooked...we kept saying, "If only Laurin or Ericka were here!!!!

I guess knitting really IS a dangerous hobby. Who knew??

Happy Birthday, Tim!!!!!

Today is my first born's birthday!!

Born: 6 pounds, 11 oz and 19 3/4 inches
Now: 135 pounds and 64 3/4 inches

Whoa!

Here is a collection of Baby Tim pictures....please disregard my weird early 90s hair. Please. (These are scanned in, so are a bit blurry.)



He is even more awesome now than he was as a baby (he didn't like to sleep then...and, now, well....he's making up for all that not sleeping!) and I am so proud of him!

Not only is he on the honor roll almost every single quarter in middle school, but he is such a sweet, (poor guy is somewhat shy, though), talented (you should SEE his sketches and the computer games he creates!) and funny...and the best big brother to Ben than I could ever ask for.

We spent Saturday at the Space Center in Hooksett (fun, but very loud, place where you can have parties, play arcade games, go on rides and play laser tag) and had lots of fun....here, I'll show you some pics....

Group Pic with Some of His Friends



On the Bumper Cars



Winning 250 tickets!!!



Many, many kisses (not in public) to my tall (he's way taller than me!), handsome and all around fantastic son, Tim! I love you, T!!!!